Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Asshole           Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry

There is a difference between correcting behavior and punishment – seeking compliance rather than crushing a violator under the full weight of government – using harsh laws, arbitrarily interpreted by a closed system, in a symbolic gibbeting of otherwise law-abiding citizens and businesses as an example to others. 

A means of extracting vengeance whenever the Monarchial rule-makers feel disrespected by a member of the servile class. 

This time last year, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick “Il Duce” Henry got his name in the newspaper by enacting a sweeping Royal Decree in the waning hours of Bike Week 2020 which “revoked” lawfully obtained permits, effectively shutting down small businesses and entertainment venues, hindering commerce and totally disrupting the remaining 24-hours of a special event vital to our local economy. 

You may remember that during this same time, Mayor Henry fought desperately to have Volusia County “fence off” public beaches, imposed an asinine curfew, closed community amenities, and sought to enact other cockamamie executive orders and mandates under the COVID-19 “emergency declaration” with no apparent concern for the financial impact his nanny state impulses would have on struggling small businesses. 

He did it to flex his muscles under the expanded “emergency” powers.  

He did it because no one on the Daytona Beach City Commission had the courage to question it.

And any other explanation that relies on “safety” or the “public interest” simply does not hold water – because last December, Derrick Henry exposed his “do as I say, not as I do” self-serving nature – and, in my view, no longer possesses the moral authority to lead. 

I believe Mayor Henry forfeited the right to Lord over his subject’s the exact second that he – and his wife – exercised political privilege and accepted the COVID-19 vaccine in violation of Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order – arrogantly waltzing past his elderly and infirm constituents whose access to the highly-sought inoculation was a matter of life and death.

I realize Mayor Henry was not alone.  Many cowardly politicians on both sides of the isle cut the over-the-horizon line – the moral equivalent of throwing our most vulnerable off a lifeboat to make room for the civic and political elite. 

It was wrong.

I know some of you are tired of me dredging up this embarrassment time-and-again – but I think most would agree that the rules apply to everyone – or they should apply to no one. 

I was reminded of that this week. 

On Tuesday, the outstanding tag team of Clayton Park and Eileen Zaffiro-Keen reported in The Daytona Beach News-Journal on the on-going saga of Main Street Station – a beleaguered year-round bar and music venue currently struggling for its life on the horribly neglected Main Street.

Apparently, Main Street Station had the terminal misfortune to run afoul of the Mayor’s wrath during the Edict of Derrick the Great 2020, which declared that anyone who dared ply their wares or – god forbid – try and earn a living on the last day of Bike Week, would be branded Outlaws of the Realm to be dealt with accordingly.

As I understand it, and I am not sure I do, Main Street Station is accused of failing to comply with the Mayor’s diktat – which resulted in a fine (reasonable) – coupled with an asinine, business-killing prohibition on any outdoor activities for the next three Bike Weeks (unreasonable). 

The owner of Main Street Station, Phaedra Lee, gave a brief explanation in the News-Journal report:

“She (Lee) said she received it at 5:45 p.m. that day. The notice stated that she had one hour to comply.

“We complied with the request as diligently and quickly as possible,” she said. “We closed the backstage, vendors left, beer tub girls cancelled, bars closed. We had 400 people on (that) Saturday night and we charged them $10 to come inside. … We never had a chance to share our story (with city officials).”

Instead, the business was hit with code violations, a fine and a ban from taking part in outdoor Bike Week activities in 2021, 2022 and 2023.”

Ultimately, the fine was reduced to $5,000 and Main Street Station was “banned” from outdoor activities this year only – but when they tried to establish their normal outside set-up this week the business was sanctioned yet again for failing to have the proper permits in place.  

In my view, the city’s order prohibiting open-air activities at Main Street Station is counter to the stated goal of preventing the spread of COVID-19 – forcing patrons to congregate inside the venue.

It also has a direct and devastating financial impact on a small business who relies on special events for its very survival – like kinking the oxygen tube on a patient struggling to breathe.

If members of the City Commission have been given marching orders by their political benefactors to kill special events, they are doing a masterful job of it.

I was a little surprised by the lukewarm nonresponse of the Daytona Beach Regional Chamber of Commerce, who deftly sidestepped the well-advertised trials of Main Street Station – but I guess now small business owners know where they stand when they get sideways with mayoral decrees, eh?   

Look, I’ve heard people chiding the cops, attempting to place blame on code enforcement officers for doing their job – that’s wrong – because this is not a law enforcement issue.

Police and code enforcement officers are dutybound to aggressively enforce the laws and ordinances as enacted by elected officials with uniform fairness and firmness – and my hat is off to Captain Scott Lee and the officers and staff of the Daytona Beach Police Department for doing a damn difficult job with consistent professionalism.   

This embarrassing brouhaha is the result of bad public policy – set by a power-hungry autocrat flexing his new-found muscles under the guise of an “emergency declaration” – a pattern that has given rise to the emerging belief that the city’s special magistrate process is being used as the City Commission’s own Uncle Gunnysack. 

Don’t take my word for it. 

Regardless of which side you fall on the short-term rental debate, most agree that levying $15,000 fines for advertising a peer-to-peer rental outside an arbitrary line in the sand is excessive.

Because it is.    

In over thirty years in law enforcement, I learned that people are rightfully wary of subjective “emergency” orders and arbitrary mandates. 

Once they suspect that some tin-pot politician’s Draconian fiats have crossed into the realm of the ridiculous – or catch a whiff of punitive politics at play – they rightfully begin to question the motive.   

When that happens, the people’s desire for personal liberty – and a level playing field for everyone – will make itself known at the ballot box.   

Angel               Filmmaker Jared Thompson  

The purpose of art, regardless of medium, is to move our emotions – to challenge our senses, test our perceptions and make us feel – a process that allows us to view our shared experience and environment differently.

They say the new enlightenment is authenticity, and when I finished watching the phenomenal work of filmmaker Jared Thompson entitled “Daytona Beach: The other side of the bridge,” I was left repeating one word:

Powerful. 

Because this short film is as genuine and real as it gets. 

In fact, the jarring visuals captured by Thompson, who grew up in Daytona Beach, were so forceful – simultaneously moving and disturbing – that I immediately recommended it to friends, all of whom were equally impressed. 

This extraordinary documentary lays bare the challenges of those living and surviving in Daytona Beach’s historic Midtown – which is a million miles from the gated subdivisions of Ormond Beach – and a place rarely seen by those arguing over expensive property rights in tony beach enclaves.  

According to an excellent treatment by the News-Journal’s Erica Van Buren:

“The documentary shows scenes of crime, poverty, drug use, murder and citizens coping with the loss of loved ones due to gun violence as the backdrop to some of the poorest streets in Daytona Beach.

“I was inspired to shoot this documentary because I grew up here,” said Thompson, 28, who now lives in Texas. “I feel like we are voiceless on this side of the bridge, away from the tourist attractions and what the city is known for globally. I feel like we don’t matter. And I want to change that.”

In my view, Jared Thompson is clearly an emerging artist at the top of his craft, and his unique perspective on our areas social, cultural, economic, and civic contrasts is incredibly provocative.

A brilliant accomplishment by a gifted young man who tells a compelling story through beautiful – yet intensely graphic – images.

This is important work – not the glazed over Chamber of Commerce version of the Daytona Beach Resort Area we are accustomed to.

It deserves your attention.   

You can find Mr. Thompson’s extraordinary documentary here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-x7JOBJwDo

Angel               Dream Green Volusia

Last week I brought you an overview of the grassroots effort of Dream Green Volusia and the wildly popular Defend the Loop campaign which is bringing community awareness to this increasingly threatened scenic byway – one highlighted this time of year when thousands of motorcyclists cruise the beautifully canopied roadway. 

As the Volusia County Council works to purchase a 36-acre conservation buffer at the planned 1,577 home Plantation Oaks development along Old Dixie Highway, Dream Green Volusia continues the fight to bring attention to the importance of protecting and preserving this beloved and environmentally sensitive thoroughfare for generations to come.   

This afternoon from 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Dream Green Volusia will host a 50/50 raffle on Main Street Daytona Beach!

Participating locations include The Pallet Pub, Dirty Harry’s, Froggy’s Saloon, Neptune’s Sports Pub, Boot Hill Saloon, Peanut and George’s Pub and Main Street Station. 

Tickets are $5.00.

The winner will be announced at Main Street Station at 6:00pm – and you need not be present to win (address and phone number are required for each ticket purchased). 

In addition, a second raffle will be held tomorrow, Saturday, March 13, at Iron Horse Saloon on US-1 in Ormond Beach. 

Tickets will be available between 2:00pm and 5:00pm with the drawing at 5:30pm. 

The winner takes 50% of the total collected with the other half going to Dream Green Volusia for land conservation along the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail. 

For more information on how you can help, please go to www.dreamgreenvolusia.com    

Quote of the Week

“Much of what happened with VOL (Volusia Online Learning) this school year could have been avoided if district administration would have listened and provided TRUE and COMPREHENSIVE support,” Peterson wrote. “The current leadership does NOT accept any responsibility for being ignorant of virtual school operations or legislation, for not providing comprehensive support, and for not supporting the VOL admin team.”

— J. Susy Peterson, former Volusia County online learning principal, as quoted in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Ex-principal: Volusia virtual school in need of support,” Friday, March 5, 2021

There you have it, folks. 

From the horse’s mouth to your ears: 

“The current leadership does NOT accept any responsibility for being ignorant of (insert any contemporary educational issue here) . . .”

This week – for reasons known only to their personal conscience – members of the Volusia County School Board refused to pass a routine resolution declaring March 22-26 as “LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week.”

The same resolution was unanimously passed last year without controversy. 

What gives?

According to a disturbing report by News-Journal education reporter Cassidy Alexander, “…after hearing from three parents who compared the resolution to supporting pedophilia or teaching students about masturbation, and who said it’s not the school’s role to teach their children about “politics,” the motion failed.”

It didn’t do any of those things. 

The resolution stated, in part, that Volusia County Schools are “…committed to bringing awareness to the effects of the devastating cycle of discrimination on LGBTQ+ health and the resulting disparities,” and assured students who identify as LGBTQ+ that adults within the school system support them.

The symbolic resolution did not come with some weird curriculum – and no announcement was required – as students will be on Spring Break during the period during the designated awareness week.

According to Superintendent Scott Fritz, “It was simply saying that every child that walks across our stage and in our schools, will be treated fairly, equally and with equity,” explained Superintendent Scott Fritz, adding that it’s a common resolution for school districts.”

The resolution was supported by board member Carl Persis, whose motion failed for a lack of a second and he pulled no punches in rightfully lambasting his colleagues, “You’re either discriminatory or you’re not. You can’t justify discrimination,” he said. “You either are homophobic, or you’re not. That’s where we are with this.”

Frankly, that is the strongest, most decisive, statement I have ever heard from Mr. Persis. 

Like all of you, I have several lifelong friends who are gay. 

That isn’t some virtue signaling horseshit – it’s a fact. We all have friends, family, and professional colleagues who identify as LGBTQ+.

One of my closest friends experienced serious difficulties when we were growing up simply because of his sexual orientation – and, despite these challenges, I watched him grow into an incredibly successful man who spent his working life developing high-rise condominiums in downtown San Francisco – a person of great character and a true role model for what skill, smarts, and hard work can accomplish.   

Whenever I read something like this, I immediately equate it to my dear friends and former colleagues in the LGBTQ+ community – and I question how anyone could deny or discriminate against these wonderful human beings? 

How could anyone not support a child or refuse to advocate for their health and wellness during this incredibly challenging time in their lives?   

According to the report, “Students who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or aren’t sure of their sexuality face significant health risks compared to their heterosexual or cisgender peers, according to the resolution that didn’t pass. They’re far more likely to have considered or attempted suicide or have persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, according to data collected by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

At the end of the day, School Board Chairwoman Linda Cuthbert (who said she would have seconded Mr. Persis’ motion but was prohibited by parliamentary rules) wants to continue the discussion and asked staff to return with a resolution supporting some watered-down version of “diversity.” 

Let’s hope something positive results from this latest spectacle of stupidity at Volusia County Schools.

My God. 

Ignorant, indeed. 

And Another Thing!

I don’t know about you, but I get a kick out of how things work around here. 

Former longtime South Daytona City Manager Joe Yarborough is a man with many valuable skills, and a deep tool chest acquired over years in the political trenches, who possesses an innate gift for professional survival that kept him at the helm of the municipality for an astonishing 33-years. 

That’s like 132 in ‘city manager years’. . .

In a profession where many managers are little more than itinerant labor – plying their trade until the political winds change, then moving on to their next performance wherever elected officials are impressed by a nice suit and a shoeshine – Joe’s longevity was something I always admired.

Then, things got weird.   

Following his retirement from South Daytona, Mr. Yarborough mysteriously assumed the unusual role as cheerleader for the failed half-cent sales tax push – a shameless money grab that our uber-wealthy oligarchs attempted to shove down our throats so forcefully one would have thought they stood to personally benefit from the enormous pot of cash the tax would produce. . . 

With Joe serving as the initiative’s chief mouthpiece, and Dr. Kent Sharples, president of the shadowy Volusia CEO Business Alliance (who knows something about second acts) as his slack-jawed sidekick, they toured the countryside with a canned dog-and-pony show. 

The embarrassing debacle fell flat on its face in an expensive special election.

To our collective credit, Volusia County voters rejected the hype and scary stories, and everyone involved scattered to the four winds – no doubt hunkering down to determine how best to improve their place in the suckling order at the public tit when the question is called again. . .

Just between you and me, I never understood why Mr. Yarborough put 45-years of hard-earned professional credibility on the line to convince a skeptical public to trust a group of fatuous politicians – who long-ago lost the confidence of their constituents – by shamelessly shilling for a controversial effort that threatened to saddle every man, woman, and child with a sales tax increase ostensibly to fund an unstructured and ill-strategized wish list of transportation infrastructure projects. 

It seemed beneath him – humiliating in a fashion – and the ploy never made sense to me.    

Then, Joe resurfaced last year in a News-Journal article announcing his new role as a ‘gentleman farmer’ hoeing hemp plants on a plot of land near the Alabama-Mississippi border.  According to reports, the Martin & Yarbrough Hemp Company produces CBD infused ointments and unguents for humans and their pets. 

On Monday, during this month’s Barker’s View appearance on the civic affairs forum GovStuff Live! with Big John, we learned that King J. Hyatt Brown personally appeared at a local Rotary Club meeting where he formally introduced Mr. Yarborough as the new manager of his Esplanade in Downtown Daytona! 

Suddenly, everything came into perfect clarity. . .

If a veteran City Manager knows anything it is – always be looking for your next job.

Well played, sir.    

The $23 million transformation of the once public riverfront park into an eternal shrine to the Halifax areas Benevolent King and Savior J. Hyatt Brown is well underway, with crews actively planting majestic oaks, constructing a scenic overlook behind the hulking News-Journal Center, preparing space for the lush gardens, excavating expansive ponds, and laying the mile-long raised walkway that will meander through the park.   

The renovation is being graciously funded by J. Hyatt and CiCi Brown through a $26 million pledge – which, according to reports, includes some $3 million to cover salaries for park employees, including the manager and an assistant that will be hired by the governing foundation. 

Because I’m a cantankerous asshole, I take perverse pleasure in poking fun at serious things – but I honestly believe the Esplanade will be a showpiece for Daytona Beach’s downtrodden downtown – a civic jewel that we all hope will work symbiotically with the recently completed Brown & Brown headquarters to breathe new life into the historic shopping and entertainment area.  

Others are not so optimistic about the park’s ultimate economic impact – and given the city’s penchant for throwing massive amounts of public money into dubious streetscapes, a bridge that was years in the making, public investments in odd “economic development” follies involving all the right last names, corporate welfare, and consistently pulling defeat from the jaws of victory – they have every right to their well-founded suspicions. 

Especially since the taxpayers of Daytona Beach are now on the hook for an estimated $800,000 annually for perpetual maintenance and upkeep of Mr. Brown’s 22.5-acre Enchanted Kingdom.    

Congratulations, Joe.  Well earned.    

That’s all for me!  Have a happy and safe final weekend of Bike Week 2021!    

On Friday, The Daytona Beach News-Journal placed the latest civic mystery surrounding Russian developer Protogroup front page/above the fold. 

It has occupied that important space a lot over the past few years. . .

In an interesting article by reporter Jim Abbott entitled, “Beach access closed at Daytona Protogroup site: Closure comes as visitors arrive for Bike Week,” we learned that, once again, the pre-construction rules at the Protogroup site were apparently ignored when public beach access was mysteriously blocked earlier this week.

According to reports, guests at the beleaguered Sea Dunes hotel, which sits defiantly at the base of the project’s south tower, reported that the sandy path on the northside of the property was closed to pedestrian traffic, leaving Perry Schafer, a repeat visitor from Nebraska, feeling like a long-time local:

“There’s holes, barricades; it’s like an obstacle course on a public sidewalk,” Schafer said. “It’s about public safety. I can’t believe nobody’s paying attention to that.”

Welcome to the World’s Most Famous Beach, Mr. Schafer. . . 

In exchange for years of inconveniencing motorists and disrupting the lives of area residents with heavy construction activity on the Oakridge Boulevard approach, Volusia County entered a “Use, Easement and Access” agreement with Protogroup which required that Protogroup maintain a temporary walkway and beach access point.

Apparently, early last week, the owner of the Sea Dunes noticed that the required access point was closed. 

When she mentioned it to those who should be monitoring things – everyone from the county’s inspector to Volusia County Councilwoman Billie Wheeler were taken by surprise.

Say what?

A massive high-visibility project – the tallest twin-spired skyscraper in Daytona Beach – with an ugly history of controversy and a string of violations and unexplained delays is found in open violation of a formal agreement by blocking public beach access during Bike Week and absolutely no one in a position of regulatory authority noticed? 

Bullshit. 

“None of us knew,” Wheeler said of the closure of the walkway. “I don’t know what else to say other than I’m completely frustrated.”

Well, Ms. Wheeler, you could say you’re a clueless hack who has once again dropped the ball and failed your constituents – but that would require a smidgeon of introspection – something she clearly does not possess. . . 

To add insult, when the City of Daytona Beach was asked about the situation by the News-Journal, City Manager Jim Chisholm’s mouthpiece, Susan Cerbone, figuratively ducked her head out of the fortified portcullis at City Hall and reported that the city’s chief building official ordered the closure due to “construction activity on the site of the project’s North Tower,” although when exactly the walkway was shutdown remains fuzzy:

When Cerbone was asked how long the access has been closed, she quibbled – “for some time.”

I guess the City of Daytona Beach’s building officials cannot be bothered keeping records of such trivialities. . .   

No public notice.  No specificity.  No transparency. 

And no enforcement of the established rules. . . 

Apparently, there is no phone, email, or pony express service connecting Daytona Beach City Hall and the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building in DeLand – as evidenced by the slack-jawed incognizance exhibited by everyone at Volusia County – from Councilwoman Wheeler on down.

How embarrassing.

What gives? 

One would think that someone at the City of Daytona Beach would have picked up the phone and advised Volusia County that they shutdown public beach access at the Oakridge approach – or that someone, anyone, at Volusia County Beach Management would have noticed that fact before now, right? 

 Right.

According to Councilwoman Wheeler, “They push the limits,” she said of the developer. “It’s just gone on for years and years and years. They have completely abused the relationship of being good partners.”

So why hasn’t anyone done anything about it, dammit? 

I find it interesting that when Protogroup blocked the beach access point in 2018, Susan Cerbone – who accepts public funds ostensibly to act in the public interest – told us that the City of Daytona Beach had closed the walkway for “safety reasons.” 

With city officials running interference – authorizing the violation of an established use agreement with Volusia County – without notifying anyone (including the public), absolutely no one can be held responsible.  

In my view, this on-going insult serves as the perfect example of the Fun Coast Double-Standard. 

If you own a short-term rental property in Daytona Beach that is located anywhere outside a few thin slivers of arbitrary zoning districts – the City Commission has directed that you be hauled before the special magistrate, prostrated in front of the Bar of Justice, and subjected to Draconian fines of up to $15,000 simply for managing and maintaining a peer-to-peer rental.

Or, God forbid, you own a bar, restaurant, or small business in Daytona Beach and fail to maintain lockstep conformity with the confusing mishmash of rules and regulations governing special events – because, according to Mayor Derrick “Il Duce” Henry (no doubt in his best Kommandant Wilhelm Klink accent) – “There will be CON-SE-QUENC-ES!”

But if you are a member of our influential “Do you know who I am?” set and openly violate Governor Ron DeSantis’ executive order limiting COVID-19 vaccinations to the elderly and infirm by arrogantly waltzing your wife past a queue of senior citizens so the both of you can jump the line and receive a life-saving vaccination in a gross display of political privilege – then no harm, no foul – because who you know in this town is infinitely more important than the rules – or the needs of those most vulnerable.   

Want to dredge sensitive environmental lands, churn wetlands into a muddy sludge, or destroy wildlife habitat to build another strip center or “theme” community?  No problem! We’ve got a patented “hurt here/help there” strategy that’s tailormade to pull the wool over John Q’s eyes and let you do everything you want to do – where you want to do it!

But just try and stand up for clean water, environmental protection, conservation of our wild places, or speak out against unchecked development in a meaningful way and watch your life become a series of misunderstandings as you are maligned and marginalized by powerful insiders who reside in the dank corners of the Halls of Power.

If you are a megadeveloper who promises a colossal “game changer” beachfront condominium and convention center – then hang a seemingly permanent “Under Construction” sign out – block traffic, construct an unpermitted “contra-lane” on Oakridge Boulevard, mysteriously swap contractors mid-stream, ignore deadlines, refuse to respond to the legitimate questions of the working press – like reports of the developer borrowing the money from uber-wealthy foreign nationals seeking resident alien status in the United States – and other mysteries surrounding the project’s financing, etc., etc. – then everyone in a regulatory position coddles you with kid gloves – careful not to upset the applecart. 

Are their two sets of rules in Volusia County?

You bet there is. 

In my view, the reason Protogroup, and other developers, can do as they wish while city and county officials act like a distracted professional wrestling referee is because there is nothing anyone can do about it now! 

Our elected and appointed officials castrated themselves the very minute they allowed a project of this enormity and magnitude to proceed with only “loose” agreements and a malleable performance assurance plan in place – and they cemented this impotence by failing to maintain constant oversight, inspection, and monitoring – which has clearly fostered a “do what cha wanna” laissez faire regulatory environment at the construction site – and in the executive suite.  

Of course, no one can independently confirm anything – leaving it to speculation and theories – because no one associated with this debacle will return the phone calls of the working press.     

Tragically, there is no going back.

In an October 2018 piece in The Daytona Beach News-Journal by reporter Jim Abbott, the former chairman of the ill-fated Beachside Redevelopment Committee, Tony Grippa, said:

“The city still lacks an overall strategy as it relates to A1A and the beachside corridor, and this is what happens when you put all your eggs in one basket.”

At this point, however, completion of the project is imperative, Grippa said.

“It would be absolutely devastating to have, in addition to all the old boarded-up buildings, now a new partially completed building,” Grippa said. “That sitting vacant and empty would really hurt the beachside, optically, economically and emotionally.”

Tragic, indeed. 

Photo Credit: The Daytona Beach News-Journal

________________________________

Please join Barker’s View tomorrow, Monday, March 8, 2021, as I join GovStuff Live! with Big John beginning at 4:00pm!

We’ll be discussing local issues and taking your calls on the Fastest Two-Hours in Radio!

Please find us locally at 1380am “The CAT” – or online at www.govstuff.org (Listen Live button). 

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Angel               Deltona’s Brandy Lee White

I have always viewed Deltona politics as a bad Twilight Zone episode, a weird theater of the absurd – a hyper-dramatic cautionary tale full of bizarre plot twists – a wholly dysfunctional spectacle that has drained any sense of civic trust or respectability from the local government and pitted citizens against their elected representatives. 

When long-suffering taxpayers lose faith in their government, they have a right and obligation to speak out, to get involved, and work to return a sense of fairness and accountability to City Hall.

In fact, the rights of citizens to petition their government for redress of grievances is enshrined as a sacred element of our First Amendment – which also guarantees our essential right to free speech and peaceable assembly. 

But what happens when elected and appointed officials use the full might of government to suppress free and open expression, intimidate whistleblowers, and seek to incarcerate law-abiding citizens as a means of political revenge?

I’m not talking about some oppressive regime in a backwater of the Pakistani tribal region – I’m talking about the City of Deltona. . .    

In 2018, the Captain of the Deltona Hindenburg, former City Manager Jane Shang, ordered the city’s finance director, Tracy Hooper, to sign a formal affidavit charging Brandy Lee White, a civic activist who had worked tirelessly to expose the abject dysfunction and ineptitude of Shang’s administration with a serious crime.

According to reports, Ms. White went to City Hall to obtain the results of a public records request regarding the city’s controversial civic center, and to document the encounter with public officials, White used her cellular phone to record her interaction with Hooper in a public area of the building.

In turn, Shang – apparently with the full knowledge and acquiescence of Deltona’s then horribly broken City Commission – directed that Hooper provide a sworn complaint to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office alleging intentional interception of oral communications.

That’s a felony in the State of Florida. 

When this serious accusation had the desired effect of silencing Ms. White – Shang used the same appalling tactic against another critic – Patricia Gibson – when she rightfully pointed out state licensing issues with a caterer hired by the City of Deltona.

In the words of Rod Serling, “Imagine if you will” the horrific personal, psychological, and professional damage that results from being maliciously charged with a high crime – one punishable with heavy fines and long-term incarceration – and the detrimental impact of having a lifetime criminal record attached to your personal identifiers – merely for having the courage to seek public information and speak out on issues of civic concern.

Imagine what the next six-months would be like for your family as you wait to be swallowed whole by the “criminal justice system” for having the temerity to participate in your local government. . .

Ultimately, State Attorney R. J. Larizza – who is often called to sort the wheat from the chaff at the nexus of political vengeance and criminal allegations – rightfully put an end to what many felt was Ms. Shang’s gross misuse of law enforcement – and dismissed her mean-spirited, spurious, and retaliatory accusation – one clearly designed to suppress lawful citizen dissent.

In turn, Ms. White sought compensatory relief from the City of Deltona as a means of restoring her good name and ensuring that other citizens would be free from similar treatment.

But wringing a cash payment from the citizens of Deltona was not Ms. White’s goal – she wanted to return a semblance of good governance to her community. 

In my view, under the circumstances, Brandy White deserves a monetary settlement – and I can assure you that had I been victimized in this manner my attorneys would be working overtime.

In the spirit of reconciling with the community she clearly loves, Ms. White showed the compassion, restraint, and maturity to enter good faith negotiations with Interim City Manager John Peters and City Attorney Skip Fowler to seek an amicable solution that would result in positive change within the municipal government.

Among other things, the agreement included a formal apology from the City of Deltona, acknowledging the mental and physical toll this outrage has taken on Ms. White and her family, a request that the city develop sound policies that provide a clear process for how complaints against charter officers are investigated – and a prohibition on criminal charges being levied against citizens without their knowledge – one year of mental health counseling for Ms. White’s family and assistance with having her record expunged of the felony charge.

That’s reasonable.

Oddly, after Interim City Manager Peters and City Attorney Fowler placed an item on the City Commission’s agenda calling for discussion of a “settlement agreement” with Ms. White – one that was advertised as having been agreed to in principle – a mysterious item was shoehorned into the peace treaty which would effectively prevent Ms. White from filing a lawsuit against those in the halls of power that she feels violated her civil rights.

In my view, that’s not fair to Ms. White – or the City Commission. 

Now, Mr. Peters may have taken the fall in the newspaper for the last-minute addition – but the responsibility for writing legally binding agreements between the City of Deltona and a third party – ensuring the document and all provisions are legally sufficient and understood by everyone involved – lies with the City Attorney. 

At least it should.

In my view, Mr. Fowler embarrassed the Interim City Manager and elected officials – adding confusion, muddling the process, and prolonging a painful chapter in Deltona’s history – and that should be unacceptable to every conscientious representative of the people.   

Any covenant not to sue – as thinly veiled as it may be – should have been presented well before the meeting to let the elected officials know where they stand with Ms. White.    

After being blindsided, Deltona elected officials agreed to send the matter back to Peters and Fowler with direction to reopen negotiations with Ms. White. 

In my view, that is going to be tough duty, considering the surprise addendum to Ms. White’s previous agreement with these gentlemen.  Now, what reasonable assurance does she have that they will negotiate in good faith and comply with the spirit and letter of the agreement?   

It is called a loss of trust – something almost impossible to overcome. 

My God.  

After having publicly admitted fault with an offered apology – how much longer will the City of Deltona continue to victimize Ms. White with these sneaky eleventh-hour maneuverings as those officials involved with Shang’s decision continue to cover their asses? 

As I have said before, I write this blog to bring attention to shit like this – a wholly dysfunctional and completely compromised pseudo-government that was allowed to run roughshod over citizens – public officials (in the loosest sense of the term) who set upon an outspoken critic like a pack of rabid wolves to crush opposition under the iron boot of an incestuous system intent on preserving the status quo regardless of who or what they had to destroy in the process.

Frightening. 

This one bears watching, folks.     

Angel               Ormond Beach Historical Society

My family moved to Ormond Beach when I was just two-years-old – when our community was a much different place than it is today.

It has been the only home I have ever known. 

During my lifetime, I knew the original Ormond Garage – and saw the smoke from my backyard the day it went up in flames – I have sat on the veranda at the old Ormond Hotel and played in The Casements back when it was a damp and dilapidated haunted house, and I have camped along The Loop before it was reduced to an access road for a hodge-podge of subdivisions.   

I attended elementary school at St. James Episcopal on Halifax Drive where our playground was an unimproved lot behind the historic Billy’s Tap Room – and when we kicked a ball onto the roof of the restaurant – we would stand at the fence and yell for Mr. McDonald, who would come out with his high-tied apron and hat to retrieve our ball and good-naturedly throw it back into play.

A different place indeed.

I do not always agree with our developer-friendly City Commission – an elected body that seems intent on churning every available slice of greenspace into another godawful strip center or stick-and-glue apartment complex – even as the specter of Avalon Park and unchecked development along the Daytona Beach border threatens to destroy our quality of life.

But sometimes they get it right. 

This week, I was proud to see the Ormond Beach Historical Society reach their decadelong goal of restoring the McDonald House on Granada Boulevard.   

After receiving some $100,000 in private donations, with the help of a Volusia ECHO grant and matching city funds, in December 2020 a Daytona Beach contractor was awarded $448,650 to restore the east and west side of the historic home – one of the oldest structures in Ormond Beach – which was purchased by the City of Ormond Beach in 1979.

If approved by the City Commission, the second phase of the renovation is expected to be completed by December.

In time, the Society hopes to place a state-of-the-art museum that uses advanced technology to tell the unique story of the “Birthplace of Speed.” 

Kudos to the Ormond Beach Historical Society – and the City of Ormond Beach – for their good efforts to protect and preserve the heritage of our beautiful community. 

Quote of the Week

“Derek Lamontagne, a Port Orange conservationist and chemist, said his passion for the environment led him to advocate for Volusia Forever and apply for the board.

“I realized that the biggest need we have as a planet is to protect more lands before they’re built on. Our planet is facing an extinction crisis,” Lamontagne said. “Habitat loss caused by humans is the main driver of that.”

Lamontagne said he’s excited to listen to residents and experts in the coming weeks and months.

“What they want is what I want,” he said. “We’re facing a lot of rapid development in the area so time is of the essence.”

–Derek Lamontagne, Port Orange, a newly appointed member of the Volusia Forever advisory committee, as quoted in a piece by reporter Mary Helen Moore writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Volusia Forever panel talks priorities,” Thursday, March 4, 2021

How refreshing. 

A member of the critically important and politically influential Volusia Forever advisory panel who is excited about listening to those of us who pay the bills is a welcome addition to county government.   

I do not know Mr. Lamontagne personally, but we clearly think alike on matters of development and environmental protection. 

After nearly a decade in mothballs, on Tuesday the County Council dusted off the Volusia Forever committee after the tax-supported conservation program was enthusiastically extended by voters last year. 

While Mr. Lamontagne received his appointment to the board from Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower – I was also happy to see that Ormond Beach’s own Suzanne Scheiber, an intrepid environmental activist and founder of Dream Green Volusia, was appointed by Councilwoman Heather Post. 

As you may know, the Volusia Forever program acquires, conserves, and manages environmentally sensitive lands and ensures public access to our diminishing wild places for generations to come. 

The program compliments the Volusia ECHO initiative which supports and preserves our environmental, cultural, historic and outdoors resources.

I like these important programs, and, judging from the groundswell of public support during the 2020 election, you do too. 

We were promised greater oversight of how our tax dollars would be used and managed – and it appears our elected officials are living up to that commitment as evidenced by their thoughtful appointments to the Forever board. 

In my view, if our “new” Volusia County Council keeps messing around and appointing the likes of Lamontagne and Scheiber to advisory roles, before you know it, they are going to have an effective, efficient, transparent, and responsive government on their hands. 

And Another Thing!

Well, that should just about do it for the emotionally charged, off-the-agenda, knee-jerk reactions of the Volusia County Council. . . 

At least I hope it does.

During a raucous meeting on Tuesday, one that at times looked more like an angry hornet’s nest than a public hearing, our elected officials got an earful from a very vocal contingent of highly pissed-off residents who oppose changes to the county’s short-term rental ordinance – including surly shouts and obscenities from the gallery – underscored with horror stories from residents demanding that the recently enacted code enforcement moratorium be lifted.

Conversely, about half of the speakers were steadfast owners of vacation rentals lobbying hard to preserve their properties and livelihoods.

It was disturbing – with horrific anecdotes of neighbor versus neighbor warfare in idyllic Bethune Beach and beyond.     

In fact, it was the first time I ever heard the word “investor” used as an epithet. 

Like many, I was thunderstruck by the incredible emotion and depth of concern on both sides of the issue – the anxiety evident in the quavering voices of speakers – as they vividly described their experiences and how much they care about preserving their neighborhoods and our collective quality of life. 

Owners of short-term rentals spoke eloquently of the benefits their properties bring to our economy in increased tax revenues and supplemental income – and their sincere wish to be good neighbors – as they invest to improve the aesthetics of the area and open hospitality options for visitors seeking a more local experience than one finds in a beachfront high-rise motel.

One impassioned vacation rental owner, a widow facing bankruptcy, asked – if Airbnb can operate successfully in Egypt – then why can’t it work here? 

Tough call.  One that veteran Volusia County Councilman Ben Johnson called one of the most contentious issues he has seen.

There is clearly no easy answer.   

Normally, I am not a fan of political insulation committees – putting a group of people together that toss a hot potato around until it cools, putting time and distance between a controversial issue and the elected officials who will ultimately need to make an unpopular decision – but I like Chairman Brower’s idea to put both sides of this controversial issue in a room and see if consensus on the highpoints is even possible. 

I doubt the two sides are ever going to see eye-to-eye on what many see as the commercialization of residential neighborhoods – while owners argue they should be allowed to advertise their properties and participate in the lucrative and increasingly popular peer-to-peer rental market. 

The fact is, for all the stomach acid expended this week, the point may be moot. 

The Florida Legislature will take up the issue of short-term rentals during the current session – something that may take control of the issue out of local government’s hands.

Last month, the Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved a measure that would require online platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to collect taxes on vacation rental properties, ensure that only properly licensed rentals are advertised and provide the state with specific information regarding vacation rentals. 

In a February article by Dara Kam of the News Service of Florida, we learned, “In exchange, regulation would be “preempted” to the state, largely preventing local governments from licensing or inspecting the rentals.  Local governments could only regulate the rentals in the same way as other properties in neighborhoods, a restriction that cities and counties strenuously oppose.”

A great deal can (and will) happen between now and the end of the legislative session on April 30, so the Volusia County Council is wise to kick this dented-up can a little further down the road before making sweeping changes to the current ordinance.  

I hope our “new” Volusia County Council learned the valuable lesson that it is impossible to pick up a turd by the clean end. . . 

In the future, our elected officials should think twice before upending a can of worms without exploring all facets of an issue (because half-assed spontaneous reactions by an elective body rarely solve anything) and avoid telegraphing their intentions until the established legislative process can work – laborious as it may be.   

That’s all for me.  Stay safe and have a great Bike Week, y’all!

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Angel               Kevin Para & Ashley’s Ride  

Ancient wisdom says, “The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.”

It’s true. 

In my view, action – no matter the effort – beats the hell out of hope, handwringing, and political posturing. 

One month has passed since the tragic death of Ashley Baker, the young mother and client of First Step Shelter who tragically lost her life while crossing a dark and foggy section of US-92.

In the aftermath, there was much finger-pointing as our elected officials on the Volusia County Council dodged responsibility for their place in the accident chain – as a representative from Votran, our tax supported public transportation service, explained (with a straight face) that driving a pole in the ground and bolting a bus stop sign to it would cost $10,000. 

Seriously. 

Everyone on the dais of power was visibly comforted as County Manager George Recktenwald covered their exposed backsides and explained he was on top of things – working diligently with local and state bureaucrats to seek a resolution (solutions that could not be discussed in an open meeting) – and time marched on.    

Then someone with a clear vision for correcting a glaring oversight that should have been part of First Step’s initial design stepped forward with a simple plan to save lives.  

Last week, it was reported that Kevin Para, a local realtor and member of the New Smyrna Beach Rotary Club, approached the administration of the homeless assistance center and proposed the common-sense idea of Ashley’s Ride – a program that uses private donations to cover the cost of on-demand Uber and Lyft rides for First Step residents.    

Now an anonymous donor has agreed to match all donations to the Ashely’s Ride program up to $5,000 – an incredibly generous deed performed without recognition – and an outstanding example of how, like a stone dropped in a still lake sends ripples radiating outward, one good turn can stimulate a movement that fills a void – and brings hope. 

Donations to the program can be made via the First Step website at www.firststepshelter.org – or by texting the word “Give” to: 386-603-9207.

Please add a note designating your donation for Ashley’s Ride.

Angel              Volusia Teacher of the Year Frank Garaitonandia

To borrow a thought from Joseph Conrad, there are some who are hard to lead but easy to inspire. 

I’ll bet that applies to third graders. . .

The 2022 Volusia Teacher of the Year Frank Garaitonandia – or ‘Mr. G’ as he is affectionately known to his students – is an art teacher at Citrus Grove Elementary who educates from the simple premise that “there is no greater creative act than sparking a child’s mind.”

Prior to becoming a teacher sixteen years ago, Mr. G – who fled Cuba with his family as an 8-year-old boy – was a professional artist and someone who clearly epitomizes the spirit of artistic exploration and creativity as a means of stimulating young minds. 

In a release from Volusia County Schools, Mr. Garaitonandia said, “It is those students with a language barrier, academic difficulties, or a discipline problem who most need the arts. The act of self-expression and self-discovery materializes a path toward their futures. It is those students who inspire me to be there for them, the ones who cannot see their next steps.”

According to reports, Garaitonandia was chosen from among 71 nominees representing schools countywide and will now represent the Volusia School District in the state Teacher of the Year program.  

Kudos to Mr. G on this well-deserved honor – and congratulations to all those inspirational educators who were nominated for the prize.    

There are many challenges facing Volusia County Schools, but the quality of those wonderful teachers, paraprofessionals, and staff members who deliver in the classroom under difficult and multifaceted circumstances are true superstars who I count among my personal heroes. 

Well done, Mr. G! 

Asshole           Volusia County School Board

Parents of Osceola Elementary students in Ormond Beach are on the warpath (pun intended) – and rightfully so.

Look, I don’t have a dog in this fight – other than a sentimental attachment to the Osceola campus.  

I attended first grade there – learned to read with the help of Ms. Vaughn using Dick and Jane primers while sitting in those unairconditioned classrooms with the wide jalousie windows, the morning smell of fresh baked yeast rolls wafting from the lunchroom’s kitchen – and my mom retired from Osceola after serving as the principal’s administrative assistant (and Chief of the Headlice Detection Bureau) for decades. 

But I disagree with the manner and means by which our elected representatives on the Volusia County School Board ham-handedly reached the decision to consolidate Osceola with Ortona Elementary by building a larger campus on Ortona’s Daytona Beach campus – completely ignoring the generous incentives offered by the Ormond Beach City Commission – and refusing to allow Osceola supporters a fair and open hearing before handing down their Monarchial decree.

Perhaps most disturbing, observers of an August school board meeting report that the published agenda stated the elected officials would only be deciding which grades would be incorporated into the proposed hybrid – instead, the board voted 4-1 to cement Ortona as the site for the new school. 

Bullshit.

Then, at a January workshop, board members waffled – signaling that they might be willing to change tack and establish the new school on the Osceola campus, adding to the confusion and anxiety.

At that time, Daytona Beach News-Journal education reporter Cassidy Alexander wrote an excellent article entitled, “Volusia School Board wavers again on plan for consolidating Osceola, Ortona schools,” wherein she quoted board member Carl Persis:

“I’m totally opposed to the Ortona site,” said Carl Persis, who has been particularly passionate about this issue and was the only one to vote no in August. “It’s just unfathomable to me that we’re going to take all these students and shoe-horn them in that tiny little postage stamp of a site.”

In addition, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick “Il Duce” Henry attended the workshop to lobby the board for the Ortona site, citing “equity” and an apparent demographic disparity between Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach.

(For the record, both Osceola and Ortona are Title 1 schools that receive supplemental funding from the state due to the large number of disadvantaged students each school serves.)

Understanding the importance of schools to the health and vitality of the community, the City of Ormond Beach seized the initiative and rallied around Osceola, determined to reverse the board’s hasty decision, and save the school by providing a $1,950,000 economic incentive package to cover upgrades and infrastructure. 

Earlier this month, Ormond Beach officials were prepared to attend a scheduled School Board workshop and present a well-thought plan to keep Osceola Elementary – only to have the rug pulled out from under them when the meeting was inexplicably cancelled.

The reason:  Holding the workshop would be “unfair” to the City of Daytona Beach. . .

My ass.  

Then, the Volusia County School Board announced it would be holding firm to its original decision – and Osceola was doomed.    

“That ends that,” said School Board Chairwoman Linda Cuthbert.

Not so fast, Linda. 

Now, a group of angry parents of Osceola students are considering legal action against the School Board – a bold move supported by Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington and members of the City Commission.

Good for them.

In my view, it was a slap in the face to area taxpayers, parents, students, and staff who were arbitrarily denied input in a controversial issue that will have serious, long-term consequences for Ormond residents. 

But why?

Given that the Volusia County School Board has been crying the “Poor Mouth Blues” for years – including ominous internal warnings of an imminent financial crisis – why wouldn’t those we have elected to steward our tax dollars at least consider nearly $2 million in direct assistance.

Or simply scrap the proposal altogether. . .

Why not chalk it up as a piss-poor idea – save the $24+ million in construction costs – and leave the 600 students at Osceola and Ortona where they are.   

Quote of the Week

“Before writing this letter, I searched Google for information about the Loop. Everything was written to entice me to come to visit the most beautiful place on the earth. Winding peaceful roads with trees create a cathedral ceiling called a canopy. Google urged me to stop on the roadside when possible to drink in the quiet beauty and listen to the birds sing. Perhaps I might take along some gear to fish in the water along the roadside, or just sit and watch blue heron, eagles, or an occasional alligator.

Nowhere did Google entice me to look at all the new developments lining the roadway, displacing wildlife and interfering with watershed. I looked at photos published on local websites with trees reported to be as old as the ages, small parks along the way to stop and picnic, a drawbridge operating over the Intracoastal Waterway, a state park. That 32-mile Loop could take an entire day of exploring if you have the time.

The Loop is the very first place I take my out-of-town visitors. I drive it every weekend just for the peace. Don’t let intensive over-building along the Loop destroy our way of life here. Defend the Loop!

–Janet Nutt, Ormond by the Sea, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Letters to the Editor, “Defend the Loop,” Monday, February 22, 2021

What seems like hundreds of yard signs went up near my neighborhood in north Ormond Beach this week announcing – “Defend the Loop” – a very visible campaign that has all of Volusia County talking. 

The movement is the brainchild of the intrepid Suzanne Scheiber, whose grassroots organization Dream Green Volusia is actively working to gain public support for Volusia County’s proposed purchase of conservation land along our beautiful – and environmentally sensitive – Scenic Loop and Trial.

Speaking in the Ormond Beach Observer, Ms. Scheiber said, “Anytime that the county is going to be voting to spend taxpayer money, they need to know that the public wants it.”

She’s right. 

Public support for protecting and preserving this local gem is important to driving a political solution – and the Volusia County Council is working to allocate funds on a very tight time schedule.   

Recently, Dream Green Volusia partnered with the North Florida Land Trust – a 501(c)3 organization focused on protecting lands of ecological, agricultural, and historic significance in Northeast Florida.

Since Monday, the “Defend the Loop” public awareness campaign has collected over $5,500 through the NFLT website at https://www.nflt.org/ormond-scenic-loop-trail/

I hope you will consider a donation to this most worthwhile effort. Contributions must be received no later than April 19.

For more information on how you can help, please visit www.dreamgreenvolusia.com

And Another Thing

It is hard to say goodbye. 

Preparing to bring “closure” – distilling a long friendship into a moment of love and admiration – something especially difficult in a time when we cannot even be in the same room with those who may need our support and comfort most. 

If you will indulge me for a moment, I want to tell you about a true angel in my life.

It is likely that you have never heard of my friend Pat Zuegg, because she is one of the unsung heroes of the civil service who work hard, in virtual anonymity, serving the public without accolades or recognition.   

For over 30-years, Pat served as my strong right arm – guide, mentor, friend, confidant, and loyal administrative assistant – a true and faithful public servant in the best traditions of that special calling.  

While I preened and peacocked under various haughty titles with the Holly Hill Police Department – trying to be a big fish in a little pond – getting my name in the newspaper by taking credit for the deeds and daring of others – someone else was working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to make it all appear effortless.   

In the spring of 1983, Pat was there to greet me that first day as a snotnosed kid walked in the front door of the police department – and she was still by my side, propping me up physically and emotionally, as she walked me out for the last time when I retired 31-years later.

A steady, ever-present source of support – my rock – helping steer the trajectory of my life and career, always putting me and the needs of our agency, before her own – a steady hand who knew everything there was to know about the administration and operation of a police department, yet she never made an arrest or wrote a traffic ticket.

No badges, brass buttons, and braggadocio – just quietly tending to a hundred details that made it all work.

There is an old management idiom that says no one person in an organization is indispensable.

Whoever came up with that tripe never met the incomparable Pat Zuegg.   

There was not one nook or cranny in that great coquina building on Ridgewood Avenue that she did not know like the back of her hand, but most important, she instinctively understood when an officer or coworker needed a word of encouragement, a shoulder to cry on – or a swift kick in the ass – and she offered each with all the devotion of a doting mother.

And she has the work ethic of the Amish. 

Once, just before she was forced to take a few weeks off for a long-delayed major surgery, I noticed Pat rearranging the furniture in her office and asked why? 

She quickly responded that she would be confined to a wheelchair for several weeks – and wanted to make sure she could navigate to her desk and keep working.

And she did. 

With no time to convalesce, Pat was right back to work, struggling through the pain, indignity, and inconvenience – only taking leave when I pleaded with her to go home and rest.

After that, whenever she took time off for a medical procedure, I always made the smartass comment – “Do you think you could fit in a half-day after surgery?”    

The City of Holly Hill has always been blessed with exceedingly dedicated public servants who contribute more than they receive – who truly give of themselves to assist that wonderful community – and Pat set the example of selfless service.

Earlier this week, a former coworker remarked that Pat’s desk was always the epicenter of life at HHPD – the place you came to catch up on the gossip, get advice, and have a laugh. 

To her great credit, Pat made the job easier with her wonderful sense of humor – and an unflappability that was the perfect counterpoint to my manic rants and raves – a good nature that allowed her to take a thousand interoffice practical jokes in stride.    

I watched as her daughters grew into beautiful young ladies – and saw her love for Scott, Pat’s husband and soulmate, blossom into an enduring love affair for the ages – and I came to know the absolute joy her grandchildren brought to her life.     

This week my friend Pat was placed in the care of Port Orange Hospice following her well-fought battle with a long and horribly debilitating illness. 

Time to rest.  Time to reflect.  Time to say goodbye. 

There are a million good memories going through my mind’s eye this week – recollections of happiness and pain, triumph and tragedy – but they all return to the incredible love and loyalty this beautiful person so willingly and unselfishly bestowed on me.

When the time comes to say goodbye, I will not forget to include in my prayers – as I have so often in the last few days – Thank you, my dear Pat – for being such a wonderful source of goodness in my life – and for the profound gift of your knowledge, service, and friendship.   

A few weeks ago, Pat shared a prayer that brought her comfort – it said, in part:

“Please be with me on my journey, Lord. You will serve as my guide and refuge.  Lord, though I am a sinner, fragile in temptation and often my faith is weak, I pray that you will not let go of me but hold me in your loving arms.”

Rest comfortably, my old friend.  The good Lord would never let go of a soul as beautiful as yours. . .    

Thanks for reading.  Have a great weekend, y’all.   

It is said that no single person holds the whole truth on any given issue or situation – because, subconsciously, everyone seeks the “truth” that works for them.

It is the same in religion as it is in politics. 

In my family, the statement “You have your thoughts on the issue, and I have mine,” rarely results in the fuzzy-wuzzy notion that those holding differing opinions can ‘agree to disagree.’  In fact, it usually precedes a knock-down-drag-out argument to prove who is right and who is wrong. 

So, how many conflicting versions of the “truth” can there be?

The fact is an individual’s understanding of an issue is filtered through their unique experiences, observations, and beliefs – and perception quickly becomes reality. 

For instance, having spent the bulk of my adult life in municipal government, I equate my point-of-view to that of a veteran proctologist – we’ve both seen our share of suppurating assholes – and it has skewed my interpretation of most aspects of local governance. . .

But, I must admit, on rare occasions government works hard to level the playing field and permit options that enhance the marketplace.

Last week, I wrote a piece critical of Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower’s rush to help the owners of short-term rental properties in Bethune Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea avoid code enforcement sanctions until amended regulations can be established for all unincorporated areas of the county.   

I didn’t disagree with the action taken – I took exception to the fact that our elected officials moved on a controversial issue that was not on the agenda. 

But the decision was not mine to make, and Chairman Brower has stood firm – logically defending his choice and judgement to his constituents and his colleagues. 

Look, I wholeheartedly support the rights of short-term rental owners to enjoy the benefits of this incredibly popular industry while contributing to our economy in many important ways – and I understand Chairman Brower’s desire to move this important issue forward, bringing it out of the molasses-like bureaucratic sludge to provide property owners with clarity – and hope.      

Some loyal readers of this blogsite saw Mr. Brower’s entreaty on behalf of property owners as the right thing to do, while others have expressed differing opinions on the controversial practice that is, in some areas, dividing neighborhoods.   

Property owners trying desperately to save their vacation rental business, private property rights versus community standards, “quality of life” issues at the nexus of a notorious ‘party house’ and the peace and quiet of someone’s retirement dream, some following the rules while others flaunt them, absentee owners versus professionally managed properties, neighbor against neighbor.      

Different perceptions – different realities – literally depending upon which side of the street you are on.

When done right, short-term rentals can improve the experience of visitors and increase property values – something desperately needed in our core tourist area.

In fact, most vacation rentals are the most well-maintained homes on the block.      

Many owners have put considerable time, money, and effort into renovating dilapidated properties – turning eyesores into prosperous jewels that enhance the visual aesthetics of our community, and the benefits to Volusia County and the municipalities in an era of dwindling tourist tax revenues is self-evident. 

In my view, it is right and fair that Volusia County (and the City of Daytona Beach) join the rest of the free world in embracing peer-to-peer rentals – and to hell with the empty protestations of the dispirited hotel/motel cabal – many of whom have allowed their beachside product to wither and rot, contributing to the blight and sense of hopelessness that pervades much of our core tourist area.

Now, Bob Davis, president and CEO of the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County has launched an urgent appeal to area hoteliers under the battle flag “This is a blow to ya business” (seriously, I didn’t make that up), asking his membership to turn out in force at the March 2, 2021 Volusia County Council meeting to oppose allowing short-term rentals outside arbitrarily defined “tourist zones.”

In my view, if Daytona Beach area hotels cannot be successful in this new age of vacation options – perhaps they should rethink how best to compete in a changing tourist economy and understand that a free and open marketplace begins with creating a demand – a product or service that consumers want – that creates competition leading to innovation and constant improvement across the industry.

In my view, that begins when government, and their friends in the hotel/motel industry, stop the strong-arm tactics and permit a level playing field.

When my wife and I travel, we invariably use vacation rentals, because even recognized chain hotels can be hit or miss these days – and we enjoy seeing new places like a local.    

Last fall, Patti and I rented a quaint cottage on a beautiful lake near Thomasville, Georgia.

The very first communication we had with the owner said, “Be aware that sound travels across the water, and you will be asked to immediately vacate the property if we receive ONE noise complaint.”

The ground rules were that simple.  Be a good neighbor – or get out.  Now.   

And therein lies the solution – fair but firm regulations that clearly define the rights and obligations of owners, booking platforms, and guests of vacation rentals – including strong provisions for protecting the quality of life in neighborhoods where short-terms rentals are located.   

These ordinances should include a mandatory code of conduct preventing nuisance conditions, such as excessive noise, damage to property, parking, number of occupants, violent or threatening behavior, and an assurance that property owners or managers are readily available to ensure that complaints are dealt with quickly. 

Perhaps in Florida, where tourism is such a vitally important part of our economy, uniform regulations that ensure consistency and set reasonable standards for owners and guests should be developed by the state legislature with enforcement responsibility delegated to local governments? 

In my view, it is time for local governments to repeal Draconian regulations that effectively limit vacation rentals to “tourist districts” and other subjective geographical boundaries – legislation that is contrary to the notion of fair trade – and stop the onerous enforcement actions and crippling fines that crush small business owners and limit vacation options for families who chose to spend their disposable income in the Daytona Beach Resort Area and beyond.

If you feel strongly, as I do, that short-term vacation rentals deserve a place in our community and economy, please consider making your voice heard – and attend the March 2 Volusia County Council meeting at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Building in DeLand beginning at 10:00am.   

Photo Credit: The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Angel              Retired Motorsports Editor Godwin Kelly

I have a natural affinity for anyone who stands out from the rest.

Masters of their craft, who, through hard work, loyalty, persistence, and dedication, reach the summit of their profession and thrive in that rarified air where passion and skill become art.

I know nothing of journalism – and even less about sports writing – but I enjoy both when done right.  Those of us who came up reading The Daytona Beach News-Journal in its prime were fortunate to have Godwin Kelly reporting. 

For 44 years, Mr. Kelly served as a staff sportswriter and motorsports editor for the News-Journal, covering four decades of Daytona 500’s during his stellar career.  Most important, both current and former News-Journal reporters have praised his innate willingness to assist and mentor up-and-coming colleagues on the intricacies of racing and reportage. 

In my view, mentorship – reaching down and lending a helping hand to those who are building their skills and climbing the ladder is the mark of a true professional – and clearly Godwin Kelly was an outstanding ambassador for his profession.

And his product was second-to-none.  

To the collective loss of readers and race fans everywhere, Mr. Kelly took up the rocking chair last November. 

Last week, the France family appropriately honored Mr. Kelly’s contributions to NASCAR and the iconic Daytona International Speedway by dedicating the work room inside the Speedway’s infield media center as the “Godwin Kelly Deadline Room.”

During a short ceremony at DIS, Speedway President Chip Wile said:

“For 40 years you have been an incredible ambassador for Daytona International Speedway and NASCAR,” said Wile, who credited NASCAR’s ruling France family for deciding on the honor. “You’ve been an incredible journalist and mentor to a lot of folks, including myself.”

A fitting tribute to the extraordinary legacy of a legend. 

Angel               Beachside Residents & Merchants

“It’s not Daytona.  It’s Dirtona,” said Enrique Zahn, an east International Speedway Boulevard property owner since the early 1990s who has grown weary waiting for things to improve on the road.”

“We are nobody,” Zahn said.  “It’s controlled by the powerfuls.”

–Enrique Zahn, Daytona Beach, speaking in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Daytona’s east ISB overhaul 3 years away,” Monday, January 27, 2020

I recently wrote a piece regarding the good efforts of Duane Winjum, general manager of The Plaza Resort, who is partnering with the hotel’s owners and management company to stimulate positive change on Seabreeze Boulevard.

As loyal readers of these screeds know, I tend to take a polemical view of our situation here on the Fun Coast, often playing devils advocate on proposed solutions, and challenging the motivations of those who seek to save us from ourselves.

But a very smart friend of mine made perhaps the most cogent summation of our decades old issue of beachside blight and neglect when he blamed the persistent stupidity of our “movers and shakers” and those redevelopment officials who serve them – those who we have placed our money and trust in – who have fallen into a habitual, entrenched way of “doing things” that has gotten us so off track that there is no logical path back.

I agree. 

We have lost our way – and it is evident that there is no one in a position of influence who seems interested in trying anything other than the failed “that’s the way we have always done it” strategy. 

I have long held the belief that any substantive change to our decomposing core tourist area will come from entrepreneurial investment – like the efforts of Dr. Charles Duva to improve the look and feel of our disastrous East International Speedway Boulevard – individuals who are willing to bring their talent, vision, and money to transforming the current paradigm.

That requires a high level of support from local government and the community to establish an attractive environment for private investors – innovators with the right set of eyes – who see beyond the blight and dilapidation to the beauty and potential of our beleaguered beachside.

Unfortunately, beachside merchants from the Seabreeze Entertainment District to Main Street and the East ISB Gateway, have been ignored and maligned by City and County officials – victimized by reverse blame and made to feel like an afterthought – while millions in public funds are lavished on all the right last names in places like Beach Street, or on Boomtown Boulevard off the LPGA corridor. 

Don’t take my word for it.   

Anyone remember the wasted time and effort of the Halifax area’s greatest thinkers who served admirably on the ill-fated Beachside Redevelopment Committee?  

Please don’t be too hard on yourself – no one else does either. . . 

That’s because it has been almost three-years since the committee, which was formed in the aftermath of The Daytona Beach News-Journal’s scathing exposé on the deplorable condition of our core tourist area, presented its bureaucratically neutered findings to the Volusia County Council.

In the view of many, the BRC – comprised of heavy hitters with names like Albright, Bowler, Ghyabi, Lichtigman, Sharples, Grippa, and Henry – represented our last/best hope for substantive change.

Unfortunately, when the group’s report was rolled out, Volusia County Councilwoman Billie Wheeler brought a cruel false hope when she enthusiastically vowed that the recommendations (of what turned out to be little more than a time-buying political insulation committee) would not be put on a shelf:

“I am fighting with you on this,” Wheeler said. “This is my district, and we do have a plan of action but I want to make sure it is not one of those plans of actions that goes on the shelf, and I can tell you I am 100% committed to doing whatever I need to do in collaborating with this group on getting things moving.”

Bullshit.

Where is that “plan of action” you promised, Ms. Wheeler? 

Beachside residents and businessowners are desperate – and still waiting. . .

I’ll bet the BRC report is yellowing on a dusty shelf in a dead records morgue in DeLand – right next to the 2011 tourism study – wherein the Volusia County Council paid $100,000 to an out-of-state consultant to conduct a review which concluded that our beachside “tourism product” was a serious impediment to attracting visitors and economic development, citing, “…there is no “plan” for who is leading the effort and how these challenges can be improved.”

 “Without resources – leadership and economic – the overall tourism experience in Volusia County will decline.  An overall collaborative strategy is needed.”  

 Ah, ten years on and that “Leadership and Vision” thing is still biting us on the ass. . . 

Let’s face it, the list of those who have accepted public funds then dashed our hopes on the rocks of incompetency, crushed the dreams of entrepreneurial investors, erected bureaucratic obstructions, regulated anything fun out of business, or turned their backs when small business needed help is long and distinguished.

My hope is that visionaries like Duane Winjum, and long-suffering residents and businessowners who have staked their financial future on returning our beachside to its former (and potential) glory, are given the tools necessary to see their dreams become a reality. 

Perhaps that takes the form of government simply getting out of their way – assuming a support role – and removing the entrenched bureaucratic impediments, the use of strategic rot, and the anti-business philosophy that have resulted in economic stagnation and a pervasive sense of hopelessness. 

In my view, beachside residents and merchants deserve better. 

Asshole           Volusia County Councilwoman Billie Wheeler

I like to say that the Volusia County Council put the “fun” in dysfunctional.

You can bet whenever that group gets together to plot our future, there will be buffoonery afoot.  

Fortunately, under the fledgling stewardship of Chairman Jeff Brower, change is coming – slowly but surely.      

Make no mistake, the entrenched status quo is alive and thriving at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center – and it does not appear that mindset is going away anytime soon. 

Volusia County voters spoke loud and clear – screaming in unison our fervent demand for substantive change in the manner and means by which our elected officials serve our interests – returning power to the citizens who pay the bills over the wants of an entrenched oligarchy that has steamrolled their personal agenda for far too long.   

The difficulty of that transformation was evident during Tuesday’s “priorities session” when several of Mr. Brower’s colleagues gave him a good old-fashioned locksocking for having the temerity to speak out and work towards returning beach driving behind the Hard Rock Daytona. 

You know, like he said he would during his hard-fought campaign?

Councilwoman Billie Wheeler – clearly the most disingenuous of the seven on the dais of power – caviled and screeched about Chairman Brower’s plain-talk on the toxic poles used to block vehicular access on 410’ of the strand that was given away by Ms. Wheeler and others as a cheap “inducement” to the developer. 

As everyone paying attention knows, Mr. Brower has vehemently condemned the use of these “poison poles” since they were driven into the sand three-years ago – but Ms. Wheeler saw the need to raise the specter of legal action and yammer about the potential fallout of insulting the beneficiary of the traffic free beach – suggesting that Mr. Brower’s meeting with the Hard Rock’s owner and management was somehow out of line. 

In response to Chairman Brower’s February 4 meeting with Abbas Abdulhussein, Ms. Wheeler hemmed and hawed – dancing around the issue with her typical histrionics – dramatically asking counsel if the individual comments of council members could place the county in legal peril because they speak their mind on an issue.   

Finally, Chairman Brower asked Wheeler to get to the point.

“It was the Hard Rock, because I know there was lawsuit threats going everywhere,” Wheeler explained. “I just wanted to make it clear that when we’re out there and we’re making statements we need to make sure that they understand that this is my opinion and not the council’s.”

My ass. 

There were no “lawsuit threats going everywhere” (Did you hear of any threats?  Did the county receive any?) – it was a ham-handed attempt by Wheeler to muzzle Chairman Brower as a means of protecting the status quo – while deflecting from the embarrassing issue of how a group of elected sneakthieves stole our public beach access in the first place. 

It was never about poles or speaking out of turn – it was about Councilwoman Wheelers desire to publicly humiliate Chairman Brower for going against the grain. 

After taking it on the chin for doing what the others would not in working to solve a controversial issue to the benefit of his long-suffering constituents – Chairman Brower rightfully responded, “If I embarrassed anybody on here, I apologize. But I don’t apologize for my principles.” 

Stay in your lane, Councilwoman Wheeler.  Your abject stupidity is staggering.

The long-suffering citizens of Volusia County will no longer tolerate the foot-dragging stagnation, fawning reverence for the “Rich & Powerful” insiders, and the sycophantic defense of the indefensible that compromised lickspittles like Billie Wheeler seek to perpetuate.  

It is no secret that Jeff Brower supports beach driving – or that he promised to get out of the gilded council chamber and work in the best interests of everyone – not just the well-heeled few who so generously donate to the political campaigns of Ms. Wheeler and other political marionettes to ensure access to the public trough.      

I have no doubt Chairman Brower will continue his outstanding efforts to return cars to that stolen section of beach – just as he promised during his successful campaign – regardless of what the wholly out-of-touch and horribly meanspirited Billie Wheeler thinks. 

Whatever. 

In my view, the “priorities” workshop (what little I could stomach of it) was a bad joke – something I and others found terribly disappointing.

Absent Councilwoman Heather Post’s futile demand for time-certain movement on defined action items – the council’s “priorities” seem tailormade for the kind of watered-down bureaucratic nonsense that allows a few do-nothing department heads to ramble on in governmentese – putting everyone under the ether until their babble lulls the elected officials and spectators into a coma – carefully crafting their message to ensure that nothing changes – and no one is held accountable.

The broad stroke list included a jumble of ill-defined and imprecise buzzwords like “affordable/workforce housing,” “social justice/Infrastructure (?),” “economic development,” “Permitting process; Code enforcement; Staff retention,” and the ever popular, “future growth.”

No who, what, when, where, why and how – nothing that could be construed as remotely actionable. 

Just more non-specific horseshit – with no performance metrics or delegation of individual responsibility – just the timewasting drone of more presentations, workshops, and interminable gum-bumping. . . 

More “staff input needed.”  No thinking required.  No one held to account. 

Ever.

Perhaps it is time for our elected officials to get off their collective ass, provide clear direction, and demand that County Manager Recktenwald and his senior staff do more than force-feed them PowerPoint sedatives that accomplish nothing. 

What a damnable disappointment.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. . .

Angel              Coach George Butts, Atlantic High School

From the Barker’s View Sports Desk:

High School coaches are a special breed. 

Through blood, sweat, and tears they give their all to mold their impressionable young players into better people – challenging them, expanding their limitations, positively impacting their academic and athletic performance – and inspiring them to become winners in life. 

In Volusia County, we have been extraordinarily blessed to have one of the best in service to our children.  

Here’s a heartfelt congratulations to Atlantic High School’s Girls Basketball Coach George Butts on the culmination of an incredibly successful 25-year coaching career and 36-years with Volusia County Schools!

During Coach Butt’s legendary career, he led the Sharks to four district championships and three Final Fours – celebrating his 500^th win early last year – earning his place among fewer than 20 coaches in state history to reach that milestone.  

In addition, Coach Butt’s holds the distinction of fostering the college and professional careers of many standout players, to include ten-time Volusia County Player of the Year Ronni Williams, 2004 Olympian Athena Ghristoforakis, McDonald’s All-American Kimberly Manning, and All State players Jermisha McCrae, D’Asia Smalls, and Abedemi Agboola. 

Kudos to Coach Butts on his stellar 505-171 career record – and for serving as an incredibly positive role model, mentor, and counsellor to his players – both on and off the court. 

All best wishes for a healthy and happy retirement, Coach! 

Quote of the Week

“Daytona Beach, Port Orange and St. Augustine’s ordinances are not blanket panhandling bans. They target zones where there are real health and safety concerns. Port Orange officials estimate that only 4% of the city is impacted — places like the doorways of commercial establishments, restaurant drive-ins, bus stops, automated teller machines, daycare centers, schools and especially intersections where drivers are trapped at stoplights. And no street begging after dark.

These ordinances speak for themselves, both in the careful documentation of the public complaints leading up to their enactment and the dramatic street-level effects after they went into effect.”

–Columnist Mark Lane, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Daytona Beach’s successful panhandling law forcing neighbors to do the same,” Tuesday, February 16, 2021

And Another Thing!

No one supports the concept of short-term rentals more than me. 

In fact, I have written, cajoled, and lobbied extensively for the rights of property owners to market and enjoy the benefits of private peer-to-peer rentals without facing Draconian enforcement actions, exorbitant fines, and business-crushing penalties on the whim of craven elected officials who are totally beholden to special interests in our failing, but politically influential, hospitality industry. 

I was also a vocal champion of the candidacy of Volusia County Council Chairman Jeff Brower – using this space to promote his platform, urging friends to donate money to his campaign, and asking family members to wave signs and generate community support – I even spoke on his behalf at a political rally – something I rarely do. 

I believed in Jeff Brower.  I still do. 

But when he takes official action that I disagree with – I am going call him out – because anything less would be dishonest and unfair.   

In my view, on Tuesday, we witnessed Chairman Brower fall victim to political inexperience and engage in a political tactic many have railed against for years: The establishment of public policy by ambush.

The spur-of-the-moment adoption of controversial ‘surprise party’ resolutions – off-the-agenda legislation that eliminates citizen input and strategically inhibits an open and honest review of all sides of an issue.

That is wrong – regardless of whose ox is being gored.

Anyone remember the righteous outcry over the surprise maneuvering that led to the Hard Rock beach driving ban?

I know Chairman Brower does. . . 

This week, the Volusia County Council heard impassioned pleas from owners of vacation rentals in Bethune Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea – all lamenting enforcement action for violating short term rental regulations – including tales of code enforcement officers interrogating children, and fears of losing their livelihoods during the approaching special events season.

It was clear from the outset that the owners had the full support of the council.

The bold handwriting was on the wall – and seasoned members understood (without saying it) that the County Manager was savvy enough to ensure that the prosecution of short-term rental regulations was put on the backburner until the legal department could work their magic.

Everyone except Chairman Brower, that is. . . 

During discussion, Chairman Brower took the unusual step of ignoring the very ground rules recently established by our “new” council and called for a “short circuit” of the legislative process – asking for a “voluntary” halt to enforcement action (an off-the-cuff “moratorium” that Billie Wheeler giddily endorsed) – and calling for the county attorney to fast track an amended short term rental ordinance for discussion and official action in two weeks.   

His return to the ‘bad old days’ of political sleight-of-hand – unannounced votes taken after hearing only one side of a controversial issue, with no opportunity for everyone affected by the decision to be heard – shocked some of his colleagues on the dais of power.

It blindsided me as well.

To their credit, Councilmen Ben Johnson and Danny Robins spoke eloquently about the concept of taking the time to “do it right” – the need to hear all sides of the issue – rejecting a knee-jerk reaction and ensuring the integrity of the legislative process. 

It was also heartening to hear Councilwoman Heather Post urge her colleagues to follow the rules and preserve the public trust by allowing council members the opportunity to have all available information before a vote is taken – a call to “step back and do the right thing.” 

In keeping with her position as the intellectual superior on the dais, Councilwoman Barbara Girtman spoke eloquently about the importance of due diligence – a holistic conversation on the issue – citing the fact that the impact of this legislation will affect all areas of unincorporated Volusia County. 

She’s right.

In turn, Chairman Brower balled up his fists and stomped his feet like a recalcitrant child – his cheese slowly slipping off the cracker – as he launched into a weird wide-eyed political rant, essentially screaming “I don’t care what anybody says, I want it today!” while embarrassing himself, his colleagues, and his constituents. 

In my view, it showed a level of political immaturity and an unwillingness to conform to the very rules he advocated whenever violating them becomes politically expedient.

He had a supportive audience – so to hell with the concept of basic fairness and established protocol – make political hay while the sun shines, right?

It was testy, confusing, and ugly. 

At the end of the day, Chairman Brower got his way and the council voted to stop enforcement action for now – to the rousing applause of the special interests in attendance.   

We were promised this asininity was going to stop. 

So, what gives? 

And don’t give us any of that “time sensitive” sense of urgency bullshit, Ms. Wheeler – this issue has been talked to death – repeatedly kicked down the road – with plenty of time to have placed it on an agenda. 

Special thanks to those members of the Volusia County Council who took a stand for good governance over involuntary political impulse when making an important decision that affects everyone in Volusia County.

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

The Greek philosopher Heraclitus is quoted as saying “change is the only constant in life.”

Clearly, Heraclitus never called the Halifax area home. . . 

The Daytona Beach Resort Area has long suffered from a lack of civic vision – a decades old identity crisis framed by competing images of a free-for-all honky-tonk beer bash and an idyllic family friendly beachside vacation spot. 

It’s neither.

The fact is, beyond “special events” or a day at our overregulated beach, there simply isn’t much to do here.   

For instance, a cursory internet search for “Things to do in Daytona Beach with Kids,” includes fun excursions like, The Daytona Beach Flea and Farmers Market, Tanger Outlets, “Beach Street,” the Volusia Mall, and Ritchey Plaza. . . 

How about taking the kids to the world-famous Boardwalk (#8 on the list)? 

Been down there lately?  Me neither. . . 

Last week, the age-old debate of how to resuscitate our decomposing core tourist area was rekindled – this time by Duane Winjum, the latest general manager of The Plaza Resort – the 110-year-old Grande Dame of Daytona Beach hotels at the intersection of Seabreeze Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

I always find it bittersweet when a newcomer to our area sees the malignant blight and dilapidation, fetid byproducts of the economic stagnation that has plagued areas of our community for decades, and announce they are going to “do something” about it.  

Their hearts are in the right place – and those who come here from areas where things are ‘happening’ – naturally question why that same civic exuberance and pride in place cannot catch here.

And we hope against hope that things will be different this time.    

That something – anything – will change. . .

Recently, the owners and management of The Plaza scored a small, but significant, victory when they successfully got Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry off his ass and on the street to meet some folks that he was totally unfamiliar with – his constituents. 

In December, Mayor Henry joined Bob Davis, president of the Lodging & Hospitality Association, and Jonathan Abraham Eid, CEO of Vienna Capital, the Los Angeles based investment group that owns The Plaza, to get some dust on the wingtips during a walking tour of “Party Central” on Seabreeze Boulevard. 

According to an excellent article by reporter Jim Abbott in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, “Envisioning a Renaissance,” some Seabreeze business owners were excited to meet Mayor Henry for the first time and seized the rare opportunity to share their thoughts on how to improve things – while another felt like an afterthought “…we’re forgotten over here a lot.  We don’t seem to get any of the attention.”

Astute observations by long-suffering beachside merchants who stand like street urchins, gazing across the filthy Seabreeze bridge at the millions-of-dollars in public funds being lavished on all the right last names for the “revitalization” of Beach Street, as they lament, “What are we, chopped liver?”

On Sunday, News-Journal editor Pat Rice used his weekly column to tout Mr. Winjum’s enthusiasm – while quelling persistent rumors that strategic rot has been used to drive beachside property values into the basement bargain bin (like the tactic employed in Downtown Daytona) making local waterfront properties among the cheapest (yet least desirable) anywhere on the east coast of the United States.  

According to Mr. Rice, “Unfortunately, there is no conspiracy. The core beachside’s sorry state is largely a result of local government neglect.”   

That is true – but why?

To whose benefit?

I mean, what kind of person would force their neighbors to live in squalor to pull off a profit?   

I happen to agree with Mr. Rice’s assessment that both the City of Daytona Beach and Volusia County have failed to put the necessary effort into establishing a blueprint for the revitalization of our challenged beachside and beyond.

I also agree that “revitalizing Seabreeze Boulevard could be a catalyst for Daytona’s struggling core beachside.”

So could a wrecking ball and bulldozer. . .

But that is going to take more than idle chat – it will require a complete transformation at City Hall – redevelopment efforts that reclaim empty windows, focus on infill, and build vibrant streetscapes that attract and retain businesses and residents. 

Let’s face it, the list of those who have accepted public funds then dashed our hopes on the rocks of incompetency, crushed the dreams of entrepreneurial investors, erected bureaucratic obstructions, regulated anything fun out of business, or turned their backs when small business needed help is long and distinguished. 

So please excuse me if I do not share Mr. Winjum’s high expectations for the rebirth of Seabreeze Boulevard. 

It is a noble effort, but we have seen it all before. . . 

Change comes slow in these parts – and sometimes it never comes at all.

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Asshole           The Downtown Daytona Development Cabal

If you want proof positive that our ‘powers that be’ – you know, those uber-wealthy and politically connected few who The Daytona Beach News-Journal once called our “Rich and Powerful” – could give two-shits about the quality of life of Halifax area residents, just reread Eileen Zaffiro-Kean’s March 2019 article, “Daytona Beach looks to clear way for private development on City Island.”

In that informative piece we learned that City “leaders” were, “quietly working behind the scenes” to have long-standing deed restrictions removed on downtown riverfront property “…so they can ink deals with private developers interested in the public land.”

Apparently, the scheme was so quiet that even “plugged-in community leaders” were left in the dark. . . 

The deed restrictions on these beautiful spoil islands are over a century old now and require that the land be held for the exclusive use of the public – forever.

Yeah, right.  

In late 2018, Governor Ron DeSantis and his Cabinet agreed to lift all deed restrictions on 97 acres east of Beach Street – including City Island – so long as the City of Daytona Beach agreed to pony up $8.77 million to the State of Florida.

At the time, state Rep. Elizabeth Fetterhoff and other local legislators vowed to have the public use mandate removed without requiring Daytona Beach to pay anything.

Then, last week we learned that the Florida Cabinet unanimously voted to lift the deed restrictions on a small parcel of publicly owned waterfront land near Halifax Harbor Marina – no strings attached (beyond a paltry $100,000 donation to something called the state’s Internal Improvement Trust Fund.)

Everything else about the change is clear as river mud – and no one who should seems to know anything about the future of the .41-acre slice of heaven on the banks of the Halifax – a parcel which sits just south of the controversial (and highly desired) City Island property which (I think) is still governed by the public use deed restrictions. 

In fact, when the News-Journal questioned members of what I affectionately refer to as The Downtown Daytona Development Cabal – a shadowy confederation of self-serving political insiders with all the right last names and a chip in the game – they collectively sounded like Sergeant Hans Schultz:

“I see nothing!  I hear nothing!  I know nothing!”

Weird. 

“A few people heavily involved with downtown development, including Brown & Brown chairman J. Hyatt Brown, said they’re not aware of any current ideas or active proposals.”

My ass.

It is no secret that the Grand Plan for the private development of City Island and adjacent public lands has been in place for years – so don’t expect anyone to ask for your input in the planning or design – because it’s a done deal. . . 

That became evident way back in 2017 when Jim Chisholm said publicly, “There is a project looking at land around the ball field.  The city owns a lot of land around it. They’re looking at condos, hotels, dining, mixed use. People come in with big ideas all the time.”

“Chisholm said he’s been “in discussions” for seven or eight months on ideas for city-owned City Island property, but there’s “nothing in writing” yet.”

Then, two years later, the News-Journal reported, “…the City Island courthouse site was stirring investor interest, and that Chisholm was talking with county officials about what could become of that courthouse property.”

Apparently, those same “county officials” had no idea what Mr. Chisholm was talking about. . . 

At that time, our hapless elected and appointed officials at Volusia County claimed they were ambushed – kept totally out of the loop by Mr. Chisholm – which prompted a terse letter to Governor DeSantis reminding him that the County of Volusia owns City Island – not the City of Daytona Beach. 

Whatever.

In my view, it is this complete lack of transparency – or any reasonable oversight by the Daytona Beach City Commission – that allows Mr. Chisholm to run roughshod over everyone.    

“Attempts to gather more information about the property on the western bank of the riverfront with phone calls and emails late last week to the city manager, city spokeswoman and city attorney were unsuccessful. None of them responded.”

Wow. 

How can anyone – including Mayor Derrick ‘Il Duce’ Henry and his fellow marionettes on the Daytona Beach City Commission – find this abject arrogance by a recipient of public funds remotely appropriate? 

Within hours of learning that state deed restrictions had been mysteriously lifted by the governor’s cabinet, City Manager Jim Chisholm and his public disinformation staff pulled the shade and locked the door, sequestering themselves in the inner sanctum at City Hall – refusing to return calls and correspondence from the working press – adding to the confusion and speculation. 

This is what happens when a city manager is permitted to give the figurative middle finger to his feckless “bosses” on the dais of power – and ignore taxpaying residents and the local media with no political accountability or external oversight.

Unfortunately, nothing is going to change for the immediate future. 

In my view, this latest revelation adds to the speculation as to why Mr. Chisholm’s services have been retained for another 90-days (at least) as the elected officials continue to drag their clay feet on finding his replacement. 

Angel               Palm Coast City Councilman Eddie Branquinho

To say Palm Coast City Manager Matt Morton’s tenure has been an unmitigated shit show is an understatement.

From rumors of a federal investigation into the loosey-goosey relationship between city government and the private sector – to the very real spectacle of Mr. Morton publicly butchering the careers of any civil servant who raises their head to challenge the status quo – his tyrannical antics continue to erode public trust in City Hall.   

In my view, Mr. Morton has now exposed himself as either a weak-kneed Caspar Milquetoast, afraid of his own shadow, or he is actively exploiting our current social and political discord to further alienate the local government from those it ostensibly exists to serve. 

Throwing the normal prerequisite of a clear and present threat aside, Mr. Morton has unilaterally authorized the allocation of taxpayer funds to place armed guards on the Palm Coast City Hall campus – and order that all citizens pass through a metal detector before conducting their business inside the publicly owned building. 

According to an excellent article in FlaglerLive.com, Mr. Morton mewled, “…the national, political landscape and the climate unfortunately has impacts across the country. We’ve had a few incidents in city hall that seem to have been escalating over the last year, I would call them confrontations. Traditionally we’ve asked staff to de-escalate those confrontations. They’ve gotten to the point where it’s inappropriate for staff to be put in that position of de-escalating. . .”

Say what? 

The January “confrontation” cited by Morton involved a middle-aged man wearing a “Don’t tread on me” t-shirt, who refused to wear a facemask upon entering the building – then stomped around, full of bluster, indignation, and hot air – disobeying a receptionist and bullying a few cowed “supervisors” until two sheriff’s deputies confronted him.

The man was disobedient – not dangerous.

After a brief discussion with the law enforcement officers, he left without incident. 

No arrest.  No trespass warning.  No request for identification. 

He just walked off. 

How would an armed security guard have ended that “confrontation” any differently – with a double-tap to the head? 

Apparently, the dustup – which Morton affectedly called a “situational moment” – occurred just before the start of a Palm Coast City Council meeting – a forum where we have witnessed far worse bullying and bluster. . .

As a result of this chilling act of civil disobedience by some unidentified malcontent with his proverbial knickers in a twist – the good citizens of Palm Coast can now expect their city hall complex to take on all the earmarks of an armed encampment. 

Fortunately, Palm Coast City Councilman Eddie Branquinho, a former Newark, N.J. police officer, sees Morton’s gross overreaction as bad policy, one that “…sends the wrong message to the public at large.”

He’s right. 

According to the FlaglerLive report, Councilman Branquinho “said he recently got a call from a resident asking him “why do we need security at the door of City Hall. I couldn’t answer the question,” he said.”

Rather than have a reasonable safety and security plan in place for City Hall – one that incorporates appropriate physical security postures and response protocols while balancing the rights of citizens trying to conduct business and participate in their government – for the next 90-days, Morton plans to turn the complex  into a super-maximum-security citadel where he and his subordinate bureaucrats can effectively hide behind a phalanx of armed agents, far removed from the pesky annoyance of agitated citizens.

After this three-month “trial,” Morton anticipates the Palm Coast City Council will rubberstamp his expensive and overreaching safety plan – making armed security a permanent part of the city hall experience. . . 

Bullshit.

Kudos to Palm Coast Councilman Eddie Branquinho for having the guts to stand against Mayor Melissa Holland and other acquiescent elected representatives who immediately rolled over for Morton’s draconian measures.

We need more representatives like Mr. Branquinho – men and women who are not afraid to question the oppressive motivations of tin-pot autocrats who use public funds and fearmongering to insulate themselves from legitimate discourse and debate.    

We live in a time when the subjects of the realm are increasingly willing to trade their God-given freedom for a false sense of government supplied “security” – giving over their liberties to the likes of frightened little men like Matt Morton – spineless martinets who exploit political tumult to further drive a wedge between elected and appointed officials and those they serve. 

In the meantime, it appears the tail will continue to wag the dog in Palm Coast. . . 

Quote of the Week

“It is a sad commentary when the only major concession requested was not by our own (Ormond Beach) commission, but rather by the outside citizens group Dream Green Volusia. Such requests could have included enlarging the buffer along the byway, decreased density/increased lot sizes (which would help save trees, reduce traffic, and increase property values, bringing in more city revenue), reduction of the speed limit, and employing Low-Impact Development methods to land not yet cleared. The commission’s inaction in bargaining was a missed opportunity.

Yet — the city still has the option to chip in a percentage of the funds needed to purchase the land. Compared to previous expenditures – such as $730,000 purchase of the Riverside Church, $1.3 million on a floating dock, and $900,000 for a bait shop — a fraction of the total purchase price of $1.3 million purchase price would be nominal.

Preserving the Loop is an overwhelmingly public mandate, and the 36 acres would provide a nice corridor within this very treasured place in Ormond Beach.  Our hope is that the county is able to procure the funds for the land purchase, and we hope the city will seize the opportunity to provide additional assistance.”  

–Ken and Julie Sipes, Ormond Beach, writing in the Ormond Beach Observer, Letters to the Editor, “City has ‘skin in the game,” Monday, February 8, 2021

And Another Thing!

They say one man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. 

In today’s grim coronavirus-wracked economy, there are a lot of predators and prey out there. . .

This week it was announced that Hard Rock Daytona owner Abbas Abdulhussein recently acquired the beachfront Nautilus Inn for a reported $8 million through his Asante Asset Management, LLC. 

For decades, the Nautilus Inn was owned, operated, and meticulously cared for by the DeNure family of Ontario, Canada, who used the property as a base for their successful touring company.

The hotel served as an excellent example of how a well-maintained oceanfront resort hotel with a sustainable business model can build a loyal clientele, and significantly contribute to our local economy, without expecting publicly funded corporate welfare and other “inducements” that negatively impact the quality of life of area residents.   

According to reports, international border closures associated with the pandemic have had a devastating impact on the DeNure’s travel enterprise, and “…virtually eliminated the influx of Canadian snowbirds to Volusia County. . .” 

Unfortunately, it appears the DeNure’s were forced to get out from under the hotel while the getting was good. . .

It is no secret that Mr. Abdulhussein’s extended transformation of the notorious Desert Inn was not without controversy – primarily surrounding the loss of 410’ of beach driving behind the hotel – a public amenity that was given away by a previous iteration of the Volusia County Council.   

The who and why of that regretful public policy decision remains open to speculation – but the issue was recently resurrected when our new Chairman Jeff Brower met with Mr. Abdulhussein – apparently to discuss returning beach driving and access to the strand behind the Hard Rock Daytona.

During a recent discussion with some long-time locals (none of whom have patronized or recommended the Hard Rock as a form of protest), most told me that if the traffic-ban were repealed they would consider it a gesture of good faith by Mr. Abdulhussein, something that would positively change their attitude toward the hotel. 

In my view, having the support and word-of-mouth endorsement of Halifax area residents in this challenged hospitality market is good for business.

My sincere hope is that with the acquisition of the Nautilus Inn, Mr. Abdulhussein will refrain from returning for another drink at the well as he sets about rebranding the property. 

In the eyes of many Volusia County taxpayers – any attempt to secure additional “inducements” should be met with a vastly different answer from our current county council members.   

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!

The unique vantage point that forms my weird opinions on the issues of the day comes from over thirty years surviving and observing the machinations of local bureaucracies – learning the prestidigitations of small-town politics as I clawed my way to middle management and hung on by my fingernails.

I certainly do not have any preternatural insight – I simply know the tricks and illusions of the bureaucratic magician – an art always performed with more misdirection than abracadabra. . .

It is this polished sleight-of-hand that leaves taxpayers (and newly elected politicians) standing outside the fortified portcullis of government – trying in vain to wipe away the grease and grime from the opaque window – desperately clamoring for a glimpse inside. 

The fact is, it is not that hard to figure out the maneuvering and intrigues when you apply the principle of Occam’s razor to any analysis of local government, a scientific problem-solving technique which says the simplest explanation is usually the right one. 

Trust me.  Most government administrators are not that sophisticated – but they have an incredible survival instinct.

Normally, government slugs along at a snail’s pace – not very nimble and with far too many moving parts to spool-up quickly.  Even simple actions can take months of deliberation and study, the hiring of consultants, commissioning studies, forming political insulation committees, and holding meetings to weigh options – buying time until the final “solution” bears no resemblance to the original goal.

In fact, so much of the mechanics of government are just busywork formalities, a bureaucratic corn maze, designed by upper-level shovel leaners and highly paid contractors who speak in acronyms and complicate most issues far beyond acceptable reason.

I was reminded of that strategy last week when I listened to Volusia County Manager George “The Wreck” Rectenwald put the ether to his gullible bosses on the dais of power – lulling them into an almost paralytic stupor on the issue of simply moving a Votran stop to the First Step Shelter following the tragic death of a client who was killed crossing a dark and foggy stretch of International Speedway Boulevard. 

You could tell Recktenwald’s hypnosis prank had the desired effect on his audience when all seven of our elected representatives began figuratively nodding in unison, like a synod of dashboard bobblehead dogs. . .

Then, on Thursday, Mr. Rectenwald chaperoned a meeting between Chairman Jeff Brower and Abbas Abdulhussein, who owns the controversial Hard Rock Daytona, to discuss the traffic-free beach behind the hotel that Mr. Abdulhussein was gifted by Volusia County back in 2015. 

From the beginning of his campaign, Mr. Brower has stated he wants the poles removed and beach driving restored behind the hotel – and it appears he means it.

Clearly, Mr. Rectenwald was not going to let his newest charge get too far afield without adult supervision. 

After all, we cannot have ungoverned progress breaking out, right?

That might disturb the delicate sensibilities of some uber-wealthy political insider with ulterior motivations. . .

Whatever.

In an excellent piece by reporter Jim Abbott writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Mr. Recktenwald was quoted:

“To decide anything would require a public meeting and policy decision of the entire County Council, as well as the state and federal permitting agencies,” he said. “No decision could be made without all that being legislated.”

Nevertheless, Recktenwald said it was important for the hotel’s owner and management to meet the new County Council Chair. He also said that the exchange was productive.

“It’s always productive when people get to meet and get to know each other,” Recktenwald said. “This is the first time they have met, so it’s important to get together.”

Priming the crowd for more hoops, hurdles, and obstructions. . .    

In 2015, the ordinances that allowed a past iteration of the Volusia County Council to giveaway something that did not belong to them were crafted with the full support of the ultimate political insider, King J. Hyatt Brown – who patted his loyal minions on their pointy heads and said, “It is a positive step. It is one that we will never regret, and it is a step that in the future we will look back and say, ‘Good job you all.’”

In keeping with tradition, J. Hyatt’s mere presence in the Council Chamber was all it took and the ordinances passed on a 6-1 vote. . .

Of course, the beach driving ban was couched as an “inducement” for the developer to complete the infamous hotel’s renovation to exacting performance standards by a date certain.

In the eyes of many, that didn’t happen.

But after a series of off-the-agenda ambushes, extensions, and a rush to “completion” everything went swimmingly for Mr. Abdulhussein.

By and large, beach driving supporters believe that progress, and the revitalization of our beleaguered core tourist area, can be enhanced when investors and developers embrace and incorporate this unique aspect of our rich heritage.

Others are on the public record stating that a traffic-free beach is the panacea for all our social and economic woes – and that the removal of beach driving represents the only viable way forward in terms of “economic development.”

The difference being that those who have a direct financial interest in opposing beach driving are infinitely more politically influential than us helot’s whose role in this godforsaken artificial economy is to fill menial service jobs and provide a steady flow of tax dollars.

I don’t often agree with Pat Rice of The Daytona Beach News-Journal, but at least some of his Sunday editorial rang true:

“A variety of issues have led to our beach — and especially Daytona Beach’s core beach side area — being one of the most underdeveloped and least prosperous stretches along the East Coast. It will take a LOT more than adding beach driving or decreasing it to cure what ails our beach’s economy.”

It is abundantly clear that further limiting beach driving and access isn’t the answer.

This lack of civic vision, stagnation, blight, and bureaucratic impediments to entrepreneurial investment simply cannot continue.

To his credit, Chairman Brower seems intent on stopping the effective privatization of our beach and returning the draw of beach driving to the strand – and that transformation can begin the minute he realizes that there is no obligation to toe the line and conform to the existing state of affairs.    

In my view, like most tenderfoot politicians, Mr. Brower must find a way around the bureaucratic flypaper that puts time and distance between pressing civic issues and any substantive progress – always ensuring that a diluted version of the original intent can be crafted so that no one in government can ever be held accountable for any conceivable outcome.

(Anyone remember the results of the Beachside Redevelopment Committee?  Me neither. . .)

Make no mistake, Mr. Recktenwald is a master of the bureaucratic arts – with the unique ability to maintain the status quo regardless of who We, The People may elect to represent our interests. 

Because that is how the system works.

My sincere hope is that Mr. Brower, and his fellow elected officials who reached their seats on a promise of returning power to the citizens of Volusia County, will develop the political savvy to recognize when they are being manipulated and patronized – or when their initiatives are being neutered by the sloth-like nature of a massive bureaucracy that feeds on public funds and excretes inefficiency – one desperately in need of reform. 

Photo Credit: The Daytona Beach News-Journal

_________________________________

Join Barker’s View this afternoon on GovStuff Live! with Big John beginning at 4:00pm!

We’ll be talking local issues and taking your calls on the fastest two hours in radio!

Join us locally at 1380am “The CAT” or online at www.govstuff.org (Listen Live button).

If you would like to join the forum, please call in at 386-523-1380 – I look forward to hearing from you! 

Hi, kids!

It’s time once again to turn a jaundiced eye toward the newsmakers of the day – the winners and losers – who, in my cynical opinion, either contributed to our quality of life, or detracted from it, in some significant way.

Let’s look at who tried to screw us – and who tried to save us – during the week that was.

Angel               Daytona Beach Deputy Police Chief Jennifer Whittet

After three decades in the business, I have developed a theory that you can tell everything you need to know about a law enforcement agency by examining its leadership. 

The character of the leader defines the organization. 

In my view, the Daytona Beach Police Department has been blessed with a series of transformational servant/leaders who have consistently advanced the agency – developing innovative protocols, connecting with the community, selecting a diversity of talent, and adapting advanced technology for more effective and efficient service delivery – always remaining on the cutting edge – never losing focus on the needs of those it serves. 

At just 42 years old, newly appointed Police Chief Jakari Young has proved himself, both operationally and administratively, and has now rightfully reached the pinnacle of a stellar career with the Daytona Beach Police Department.

From my vantagepoint, Chief Young possesses a strategic mind and sharp intellect, honed by a wealth of practical leadership experience, and, most important, he embodies the strength of character and quiet professionalism that instills confidence in those around him. 

Fortunately, Chief Young’s good instincts have elevated Jennifer Whittet to the Deputy Chief position.

A 20-year veteran of the Daytona Beach Police Department, Deputy Chief Whittet has proven herself an outstanding community asset by excelling in positions of increasing trust – gaining knowledge, setting the pace, and earning her way through the ranks.     

Now, the Halifax area is recognizing Deputy Chief Whittet’s wealth of experience, leadership skills, and her inherent willingness to serve others.    

In a wonderful exposé by Eileen Zaffiro-Kean writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, we caught a glimpse of the unique challenges faced by Deputy Chief Whittet during her incredibly successful career – and the depth of love and commitment she has for the citizens of Daytona Beach, her subordinates, and the diverse community she serves. 

I can tell you that no one achieves command responsibility in a large, full-service law enforcement agency like DBPD without standing on their own merit, demonstrating honesty and integrity, earning the confidence of others, and embodying the humility, emotional intelligence, adaptive thinking, and creativity required to move the agency to new heights – and Deputy Chief Whittet can take pride in this important career accomplishment. 

She’s a damn good cop, too.

“In 2003, Whittet appeared on “America’s Most Wanted” for the capture of an armed suspect wanted in connection with bank robberies and other felony charges.

A year earlier, in 2002, Whittet was awarded the Medal of Valor. She was recognized for her response to a horrific car accident in December 2001, less than three months after she began working for the Daytona Beach Police Department.”

Impressive.

Deputy Chief Whittet is married to the legendary Volusia County Sheriff’s Sergeant and waterman Jim Whittet – both consummate professionals whose family legacy of selfless service is inspirational.

It is heartening to know that my beloved police service – and the good citizens of Daytona Beach – are in such skilled and capable hands, well situated to meet the challenges of tomorrow.   

Congratulations to Deputy Chief Whittet on this well-deserved promotion!

Asshole           Volusia County Council & Votran

Talk is cheap.  

That’s abundantly true here on Florida’s Fun Coast.    

And that age-old idiom describes me to a tee.  

If I had the courage of my oh-so-haughty convictions, I would volunteer, donate to a charitable cause, or work for positive change, getting my hands dirty, down in the trenches with those intrepid civic activists who selflessly put their time, money, and effort into improving our quality of life.

I don’t.

Like the sluggish bureaucracies and apathetic politicians that I complain about, my hypocrisy knows no bounds. . .

However, sometimes the callous indifference of government shocks even my limited moral awareness.

On Tuesday, the Volusia County Council failed to demand substantive action on an issue of life and death – choosing instead to play politics with the City of Daytona Beach – while a representative of our public transportation service explained all the reasons why adding or moving a bus stop following the tragic death of a First Step Shelter client was too cumbersome and expensive to accomplish with reasonable speed and efficiency.   

Then, County Manager George “The Wreck” Recktenwald mumbled something about talking to Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm, the Florida Department of Transportation, and a few First Step board members about “solutions” to “mitigate an unsafe situation” at First Step – of course, he assured the elected officials that everyone is working “diligently.”

Of course they are because time is of the essence, right?

When it came down to getting answers, Mr. Recktenwald felt it would not be “productive” to discuss what those “solutions” were – choosing instead to let these sloth-like bureaucracies develop individual “plans.”

Whatever.   

Then, a manager with Votran, had the unmitigated balls to tell the Volusia County Council that it would cost $10,000 to construct a simple bus stop at FSS. 

Bullshit.

Considering that most Votran stops are little more than a post in the ground with a sign attached, I found that hard to believe – especially when the estimate came from the same public transportation company that once told us it would cost $900,000 to place a stop at Tanger Outlets. . .   

When Chairman Jeff Brower asked what could be done to correct the problem today – his question was met with more gibberish about how much time it takes the molasses-like agility of Votran to get up to speed (on anything) – and why FSS residents might not qualify for their “Gold Service” for disabled persons, blah, blah, blah. 

Jesus.  

After kicking it around with a liberal application of governmentese, it was essentially agreed that it was the First Step Shelter’s problem to resolve. . .

According to a report in The Daytona Beach News-Journal:

“Councilmembers Billie Wheeler and Ben Johnson said working with First Step was the clear answer.

“Daytona chose the site,” Wheeler said. “I don’t think it’s for us to shift Votran around because that’s not going to solve the problem.”

“We just keep throwing money out and we can’t do that. Sometimes people have to solve their own problems,” Johnson said.”

I suppose they are right – the $10,000 Votran estimates it would cost to make a quick stop at FSS far outweighs the price of protecting the flotsam and jetsam of society that find their way to a homeless assistance center. . .

I mean, we have important things to consider, like spending our way deeper into the SunRail debacle and implementing Amendment 10, right? 

Right. . .  

Anyone see a pattern here?

At the end of the day, no one on the dais of power demanded action – and absolutely nothing of substance happened – as our elected representatives sat on their thumbs and lectured the City of Daytona Beach, and the First Step Shelter, on their obligations.

So, until First Step Shelter can get its shit together and find a timely solution to its limited in-house transportation service, residents will be required to dodge four lanes of heavy traffic on dark and foggy mornings to get to the Red John Road bus stop on the opposite side of busy US-92.

Fortunately, program participants are not without options.

They can hike the half-mile east, through the weeds, and rain, and muck on the shoulder of the highway – literally to the middle of nowhere – where the closest Votran stop on the south side of ISB is located.    

And that, gentle readers, is how government and its ancillary “services” use hot air, foot-dragging, and finger pointing to effectively shrug off a rapid response to a compound tragedy.

It is an effective strategy that puts time and distance between controversial issues and the various government entities responsible, deferring conclusive action until no one gives two-shits. 

Do you think anyone other than her grieving 10-year-old daughter will remember the death of Ashly Baker in six-weeks?

How about two-years from now at election time? 

The fact is, Volusia County has coldheartedly sidestepped the issue of homelessness for decades – choosing instead to throw our hard-earned tax dollars at others with the courage to do something to help.

Tragic. 

There is another adage I’m fond of: The more things change, the more they stay the same.  

Asshole           State of Florida/County of Volusia    

When I was a young police officer, I worked for a prickly chief who would restore my bearing by screaming, “Barker, get your head out of your ass!”

I never forgot the message he was trying to convey:

Confusion results from mixed-messages – visual, aural, sensory inputs, and external information that does not line up with expectations – a condition that disorients and degrades our situational awareness, resulting in misperceptions, something that can prove deadly in critical circumstances.

We saw that principle in action on Monday afternoon when Volusia County Councilwoman Heather Post took to social media in an attempt to assist frustrated constituents still competing for an elusive COVID-19 vaccination appointment, encouraging them to use the State of Florida’s new www.myvaccine.fl.gov online preregistration platform. 

Then, on Tuesday, The Daytona Beach News-Journal reported just the opposite – in a front page/above the fold piece entitled, “Volusia not adopting COVID-19 registration system yet.”

The article by reporter Nikki Ross clearly stated that “Volusia County isn’t yet using the state’s new coronavirus vaccine preregistration system, causing tension with residents who used the new system and thought they were finally on the waiting list for the highly coveted vaccine.”

By Wednesday, the News-Journal’s Mary Helen Moore published a front-page explanatory piece under the headline, “Volusia: Start using state site to get vaccine.” 

“Volusia County residents qualifying for the coronavirus vaccine are encouraged to sign up now on the statewide COVID-19 registration system, even though it won’t be used locally for another two weeks.

“You’re in line the moment you complete your application,” Volusia County’s public protection director Joe Pozzo said.

The state of Florida launched the preregistration system Friday, but Volusia County will use Eventbrite for all currently planned vaccination events until it can train staff and get the necessary hardware.”

The article contained a quasi-explanation from some heavy hitters, including Volusia County’s public protection director Joe Pozzo, chief mouthpiece Kevin Captain, and Councilwoman Post.

“They (the state) just posted it,” Post said. “I think it was a surprise to many counties. It is what it is. This is where we’re at.”

Wow. 

Look, I’m sure this will all work out – and I know Councilwoman Post has our best interests at heart (although I am not sure she, or the county’s public information apparatus, has grasped the concept of information coordination during a declared emergency) – but given the abject dysfunction of the vaccine rollout at all levels of government, this latest snafu does not inspire confidence. . .

With tens-of-millions in CARES Act funds being spent on everything under the sun by local governments statewide, one would expect that a few bucks could be allocated to develop and communicate an effective system for registering citizens for this potentially lifesaving vaccine.

Right?

Instead, we have been subjected to recurring misinformation, half-truths, excuses, and official apologies – resulting in quibbling and finger pointing as one level of bureaucracy starts feeling sorry for itself and blames the one above it.

For those seeking the vaccine, that means more frustrating double-talk.

And confusion reigns supreme. . .    

According to Wednesday’s News-Journal report:

“Some of Florida’s 67 counties are already using the system.

“Our understanding was they rolled it out to those counties that had no other method of registration,” according to Randa Matusiak, who coordinates special projects for the county’s public protection department. “They were rolling it out to those smaller counties.”

“We already had something in place, so they went to those counties that have a greater need,” county spokesman Kevin Captain added.”

So, sign up on Florida’s MyVaccine site now, I guess? 

Even though it will not be used by Volusia County for another two-weeks (?) – or something like that? 

For a better explanation, call the Volusia County Citizen Information Center at 866-345-0345 and demand clarification – if you can get anything other than a busy signal. . .   

Whatever. 

For now, it appears the scavenger hunt for appointments continues.

That’s disappointing news for Volusia County’s most vulnerable residents desperate for a chance at life outside lockdown.

Quote of the Week

“I’ve seen some messed up stuff in my 87 years, but trying to get a COVID-19 shot in Florida takes the cake. I’m supposed to head to ball fields, fairgrounds, and heavens knows where else, to wait in the cold for 3-4 hours only to be told there’s no room at the inn. I’m guessing 90% of those over 65 are on Medicare and have a primary physician. Doesn’t it make more sense to provide these physicians the vaccine and have their staff notify their patients in an orderly fashion to make an appointment to come in for their shot?”

–George F. Ritchie, Daytona Beach, writing in The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Letters to the Editor, “Make it easier,” Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Amen, Mr. Ritchie.  Well said.

And Another Thing!

They say cold is the great equalizer.

Hypothermia kills indiscriminately when the human body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

When the temperatures dipped into the 30’s and 40’s this week, my wife and I built a roaring fire, drank hot toddies, and slept comfortably under a pile of warm blankets.

Others in Volusia County were not so fortunate. 

Hundreds of homeless people huddled in the palmetto scrub, the doorways of vacant businesses, and miserable makeshift campsites trying desperately to get out of the biting wind – to escape the merciless cold – fighting hard to retain heat faster than the frigid temperature could take it away. 

Wait a minute, Barker.  Stow that maudlin crap. 

Don’t you remember that area taxpayers spent millions-of-dollars for a homeless assistance center out in the boondocks off International Speedway Boulevard? 

It’s a big deal.  A giant, heated building that could accommodate all comers – you know, if it weren’t for this damn Coronavirus. . .       

Why, just a few weeks back, the multilevel management of the First Step Shelter set up a rudimentary “cold weather option” at its outdoor “safe zone” – complete with portable heaters on loan from Daytona International Speedway so a whopping 24 homeless people wouldn’t suffer the deadly effects of exposure.

What more do you want?

Well, that option did not work out so well this week.

Apparently, Daytona International Speedway examined their priorities and determined that they needed their portable heaters back – I mean, screw the homeless – especially when the baked brie canapés need to be maintained at room temperature for the Taste of the 24 crowd, right? 

Hell, anything less would be, well, gauche.

My God. . .

Look, it is not Daytona International Speedway’s fault – they generously loaned the shelter the heaters – and that comes with the expectation that, at some point, DIS was going to need them back.

Normally, that is where the concept of strategic planning comes into play. 

Which begs the question – with just 38 cold weather beds available countywide this week – why didn’t the First Step Shelter purchase its own portable heaters when it had the buffer?  

You know, take some of that $1.1 million in CARES Act funds they were gifted and spend it on something that would benefit those they exist to serve – couch it as a means of separating potential Coronavirus victims from full-time shelter residents, get creative, its play money, no one cares – just show some consistency and common human compassion when it comes to sheltering and protecting the homeless population. 

Yeah, right. . .

The fact is, First Step Shelter isn’t about serving the needs of those living on the street – it’s as far from a low-barrier, come-as-you-are “shelter” (you know, like we were promised) as one can get. 

On the GovStuf Live! public affairs radio program yesterday, the First Step Shelter Board’s Vice-Chair Dwight Selby spoke of the horrors the facility experienced during the last cold snap when it accepted a bus load of homeless persons into the outdoor “safe zone.”

He said weapons were found in some backpacks during the obligatory search of all who enter – and many were so intoxicated they could not stand – while others urinated and defecated on the concrete pad upon which they slept. 

Where was the tight security we pay for?

Whatever.

I’m not sure what Mr. Selby expected – a group of socialites on an overnight from the Jacqueline Whitmore School of Etiquette?

I didn’t get the impression from the sound of Mr. Selby’s voice that street people would be welcomed back to First Step anytime soon.

What a damnable, and continuing, disservice. 

That’s all for me.  Have a great weekend, y’all!