Each week, the Daytona Regional Chamber meets with elected officials and attends numerous City, County and School Board meetings. Below is a recap of our recent activity along with information for upcoming events. The Chamber is constantly working to build relations with our state agencies and Volusia County.
To learn more about the Chamber’s Government Relations activities,
call Jim Cameron at 566-2140.
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FY 2018-19 Volusia County Property Values Presented
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On June 1, attendees at the Volusia County Real Estate Values Forum heard
County Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett
tout that property values increased in each city in Volusia County for the fifth consecutive year. The 'just value' increased 8.1% countywide. Daytona Beach's taxable value increased 4.4%, Port Orange increased 7.4% and Ormond Beach increased 7.1%.
Other data showed:
- Current median price of existing single-family homes in Volusia County is $203,250 (a 12% over $182,000 median price - May 2017).
- April 2018 - 803 single family homes were sold vs. 783 in April 2017 (a 3.1% increase).
- 2018 countywide new construction taxable value was $618.3 million (a 17% increase over 2017).
2017 new construction is:
- 67.9 % residential
- 23.0 % commercial
- 8.8 % government/institutional
- .3 % industrial
Volusia County Top 5 Commercial Construction projects in 2018:
- Daytona Beach Convention Hotel (Daytona Beach) $203.8 million
- B Braun Medical (Daytona Beach) $61.8 million
- Security First Insurance Bldg (Ormond Beach) $22.9 million
- MREIC Daytona FL LLC (Daytona Beach) $18.3 million
- Stetson Unv Housing (Deland) $15.0 million
Click here
for the Slide Show presentation at the VCARD Real Estate Values Forum.
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Governor Rick Scott Cuts Ribbon at Hard Rock Hotel
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On May 4,
Governor Rick Scott
cut the Chamber's ribbon for the new
Hard Rock Hotel
, and congratulated hotel staff, the local business community as well as city and county officials.
Chamber Chair Skip Lilly
told the Governor, “We appreciate your support of our community and your dedication to serve in Florida and your leadership."
Scott stressed the value of the Daytona Beach CVB working with Visit Florida whereby the Daytona Beach area hosted approximately 10 million visitors last year. He also stated the majority of people who move to Florida were initially attracted by the beaches, amusement parks, or Daytona International Speedway. Once here, Scott said they see the community and want to come back.
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Legislative Delegation Discusses Session at Chamber Breakfast
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On April 10, members of the Volusia County Legislative Delegation discussed the recent session at the Chamber’s 35th-Annual “Welcome Back” Eggs & Issues breakfast program.
The delegation was comprised of
Sen. Dorothy Hukill, Sen. David Simmons, Rep. Tom Leek, Rep. Paul Renner, Rep. Patrick Henry and Rep. David Santiago. Sen. Travis Hutson
was out of town. Some of the issues the delegation discussed.
Comprehensive Tax Package
An addition to the tax package (HB 7087) added new restrictions to cities and counties to coordinate with Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability an audit by a CPA firm to be posted online for public viewing 60 days before the referendum reaches ballot.
Finance & Tax Committee Chair Rep Renner
said the intent was to increase transparency. “If an agency is doing this for the right reasons, there should be no reason it shouldn't pass a CPA audit”.
Click here
for additional issues to be discussed.d county officials.
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Major Candidates for Congressional, State, Local Elections
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For more candidate and amendment information,
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State of Florida
Governor
Attorney General
Agriculture Commissioner
CFO
Florida Senate
District 14
Florida House
District 24
District 25
District 26
District 27
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US Senate
- Nelson, Bill (DEM)*
- Scott, Rick (REP)
House, District 6
Volusia County Council
At Large
District 1
District 3
District 5
-
Dan Hunt
-
Fred Lowry
Volusia School Board
District 1
-
Bill Kelly
-Leslie LaRue
District 3
-
Linda Cuthbert
District 5
-Ruben Colon
-Melody Johnson
-Robert Mann
City of Daytona Beach
Zone 1
Zone 3
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City of Daytona Beach Shores
Mayor
Council, Seat 1
-Richard Frizalone
Council, Seat 3
Council, Seat 4
City of Holly Hill
Mayor
District 1
District 2
District 3
City of Port Orange
District 1
District 2
District 4
City of Ormond Beach
Mayor
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Zone 4
City of South Daytona
to be announced
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Important Election Dates!!
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Qualifying Dates:
Statewide, Multi-county, County District Candidates -
June 18 – June 22
Primary Election - August 28
Dead
line to Register to V
ote for this Election:
July 30
Early Voting Dates:
August 18 - August 26 8 am - 5 pm
C
lick here
for
a list of Early Voting Locations
Election Day
:
Polls are open 7am - 7pm ONLY
General Election: November 6
Deadline to Register to Vote for this Election:
October 9
Early Voting Dates:
October 27 - November 4 7 am - 7 pm
C
lick here
for a listing of Early Voting Locations.
Mail Ballot.
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The Daytona Regional Chamber is working with the Florida Chamber to promote Employee Voter Registration Week...
September 24-28.
More details forthcoming.
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Chamber Hob Nob / Meet the Candidates Night
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The
Chamber will be hosting its
14
th
Hob Nob/Meet the Candidates Event on October 9, 4-7 pm at the Ocean Center.
This is a non-partisan event with 30-plus candidates for state and local office to meet one-to-one to discuss their viewpoint approximately 300 attendees. We'll also have information booths regarding the 13 proposed Constitutional amendments to Florida's constitution. It’s all done in a reception type setting with food, drinks and music.
WNDB’s Marc Bernier
will do a live-remote broadcast. More details will be forthcoming.
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District 5 Transportation Secretary Outlines Road Plans
for Volusia County
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On May 10,
District 5 Transportation Secretary Mike Shannon
said one way to expedite the East International Speedway Blvd improvement’s completion date would be for Daytona Beach officials to obtain the right-of-way themselves.
He called for a “partnership” regarding the planned improvements for East ISB (restructuring and redesign of the corridor with improved signalized inter-sections at Halifax Avenue, Peninsula Drive and Grandview Avenue with a new roundabout at the intersection of A1A and East ISB). Daytona Beach has already contributed $750,000 for the FDOT project and construction costs are estimated to be $6.3 million with right-of-way acquisition estimated at $17 million.
If local officials can contribute more funds for right-of-way, it would help fast-track the project.
He also stated, “FDOT spent $460 million for infrastructure in Volusia County from 2013-2017, and plan to spend $206 million in the 2018-2023 cycle."
Ongoing projects include widening I-95 from SR 44 to US 92 which is expected to be completed in 2019. He also mentioned FDOT has allocated $2 million to widening Williamson Blvd. from Hand Ave. to LPGA Blvd.
He said FDOT is addressing increased traffic on roads Granada Blvd. and Dunlawton Ave.
The Chamber will continue to work with District 5 staff in Deland.
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County Council Postpones
Half-Cent Sales / Infrastructure Funding Referendum
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On May 1, the County Council asked for additional discussion of impact fees before further consideration is given to the half-cent.
At the May 14 Elected Officials Roundtable meeting,
County Chair Ed Kelley, Deland Mayor Bob Apgar
and
City Manager Joe Yarbrough
discussed next steps for the proposed Half-Cent Sales Tax.
Yarbrough stated the proposed referendum is being delayed to 2019.
Elections Supervisor Lisa Lewis
stated “a special election next Spring (maybe?) could cost between $588,000 (mail ballot) to $791,000 (countywide poll stations).”
Ed Kelley
stated, "the County Council will have a June 5 workshop regarding impact fees. These fees alone can’t fix the issue, and developers DO NOT impact fees...they’re passed on to the new building owner.” He’d like to see a referendum next March or April. He’s considering a “citizens committee from all sectors of the community to further explore the issue.” “Remember, 40% of the sales tax comes from visitors.”
Next meeting is June 11...
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Legislative Action Committee to Study
Proposed State Constitutional Amendment
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The Florida Legislature will have five proposed amendments and the Constitutional Revision Commission has proposed eight amendments that will appear on the November 6 ballot.
Over the next 3 months, the Chamber's Legislative Action Committee will research, review and deliberate these amendments and will be drafting Chamber recommendations on 3-4-5 amendments that will likely impact the business community.
Click here
for a list of the proposed Constitutional amendments.
Want to learn more about the 13 proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution?
Chamber Sr Vice President Jim Cameron
will outline the finer details of the 13 proposed amendments to Florida’s Constitution beginning June 11, 8:30-9 am on
WSBB 1230 AM radio.
Additional information regarding the proposed amendments will be provided at the
Chamber's October 9 Hob Nob event.
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NOTE:
The Chamber will host a
Tallahassee Speaker Series
in August to review the
13 proposed amendments to the State Constitution
(both from the Legislature and the Commission including...Supermajority Approval of Tax/Fee Increases; additional $25,000 Homestead Exemption, Voter Control of Gambling and others. Look for more information to come!
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First Step Shelter Board Update
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The First Step Shelter Board voted to hire
Mark Geallis
as Executive Director of the First Step Shelter.
City Attorney Robert Jagger
will prepare a contract which will come back before the board next month.
The Board moved forward with an agreement with Solider-On which will work in conjunction with First Step Shelter to construct permanent housing for “qualified” homeless veterans working stabilize their lives.
Click here
for more details regarding First Step Shelter.
Click here
to see May 30 balance sheet for First Step Shelter.
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Chamber Hosts Elected Officials/Staff Visits
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As part of its role keeping the Daytona Beach/Volusia County business community in touch with our government officials, the Chamber hosts elected officials and staff members each month to hear concerns and discuss issues.
On April 10, the Chamber welcomed
Robert Mons, Regional Director for Congressman Ron Desantis
.
Meetings were held with
Volusia County’s Arlene Smith
to discuss ERAU Aeronautical Research Park, workforce housing needs, Indian River Lagoon and other issues;
DME’s Mike Pannagio, GermFree’s Kevin Kyle, Katherine Lo
, and
Mid-Fla Sportswear’s John Koberg
to discuss tariffs, tax reform, healthcare, workers compensation and other Issues.
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On April 12,
Anna Taylor, local government liaison with the Florida Department of Trans-portation, District 5
attended the Chamber’s Eggs & Issues Breakfast for the Volusia County Legislative delegation and afterwards, met with Rep. David Santiago to discuss a state road projects,
Ormond Beach City Manager Joyce Shanahan
and staff,
Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte
and staff,
South Daytona City Joe Yarbrough
and staff. The focus of the day was to hear of local transportation priority projects-roads, intersections, crosswalks, trails, medians...
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On May 17, the Chamber hosted
Daytona Beach City Commissioner Dannette Henry.
Meetings were held with the
Hard Rock Hotel’s Abbas Abduhlhuesein, Efrain Silva
, and
Kathy Masterson; Halifax Hospital’s Edith Shelley; International Speedway Corp’s Cheryl Coxwell; Waste Pro’s Susie Dolan; Charles Wayne Company’s Charles Lichtigman
and
Florida Hospital’s Ed Noseworthy
and
Kelly Ferguson
. The focus of these was the City’s budget, addressing the homeless, thoroughfares, and other issues.
May we schedule an appointment with your office?
Contact Jim Cameron at 566-2140.
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Does Your Company have Unclaimed Money?
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The Florida Department of Financial Services holds unclaimed property accounts valued at more than $1 billion, mostly from dormant accounts in banks, insurance and utilities, etc. There is, however, no statute of limitations, and citizens have the right to claim their property any time at no cost.
The Daytona Regional Chamber wants to help you, our Chamber members, claim these funds. Besides, it's your money!
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Commission on Homelessness 2018 Point-In-Time Count Report
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The Homeless Coalition defines "homeless" as someone who lacks a regular, adequate nighttime residence, whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as regular sleeping accommodations i.e living in cars, public places, abandoned buildings, etc.
This count was taken January 23-24, 2018. Your Chamber volunteers every year in the count.
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Chamber Tallahassee Speaker Series
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This program will focus on how to expand Volusia County’s economy in terms of job growth i.e. new employers as well as assisting our current local businesses.
Topics to be discussed include Florida’s economic development incentives including workforce housing for areas affected by Hurricane Irma, building materials redevelopment tax refund, capital investment tax credit, community contribution tax credit, urban crime area job tax credit, small business technology growth program, high-impact performance incentive grants, as well as other programs.
A 5:15 Social Hour will follow the event...
Costs:
$10 for Chamber members (24-hour advance RSVP), $15 day of event, $20 for non-members.
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How Florida's Dept of Economic Opportunity can help grow Volusia's economy
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LOCATION
Daytona Intl Airport - Dennis McGee Room
DATE AND TIME
06/05/18
3:30pm -
06/05/18
5:00pm
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Eggs & Issues
Tourism Attractions and their Impact on the Local Economy
Thursday, June 14, 7:30 - 9 am
Guest Speakers:
Ryan Keur:
Daytona Tortugas
Tracy Marino:
Daytona Beach Symphony Society
Ginger Adair:
Environmental Management (County of Volusia)
T
his program will focus on those “other outlets” that our 10 million visitors can enjoy during their stay…sports, entertainment and cultural venues. We also want to discuss what “draws our visitors to Daytona Beach” and what are the “leisure options” that they might enjoy during their stay.
Location: LPGA International,
1000 Champions Drive in Daytona Beach.
Cost:
$15 for Chamber members (with 24-hour advance RSVP) $20 day of event, $30 non-members.
Click
here
to RSVP. For questions, contact Ken Phelps.
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Is Your Business Prepared for the Worst?
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Today begins the 2018 Hurricane season.
June 1-7 is the Disaster Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for Florida.
To assist businesses prepare for the “unexpected” the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety is offering toolkits. These kits are designed to help businesses do the advance work regarding property, employees, computers, customer records. The focus is business continuity.
Click here
for a Severe Weather: Emergency Preparedness & Response Planning Toolkit.
If and when “the big one” comes near, Chamber Staff will be stationed at the Volusia County Emergency Operations Center (ESF 18). We MIGHT be calling different businesses to assist in the recovery effort with products or services.
We’re also updating our list of hotels/motels to participate in the Emergency Lodging Assistance (ELA) program. It serves to house LOCAL individuals who were displaced from their homes or apartments. Upon receiving a designated FEMA number, these individuals’ lodging tab is paid by FEMA. Any hotels/motels interested in becoming an ELA property should contact Jim Cameron at 566-2140.
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Key Upcoming Meeting Dates
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Your Chamber staff already attends many of these meetings. For more information of the key agenda items to be discussed at these meetings, please call Jim Cameron, 566-2140.
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Upcoming Meetings
- First Step Shelter Board: tba
4:30 pm,
Daytona Beach City Hall, Rm 149
- Daytona Beach City Commission:
June 6 & 20, 6:00 pm City Hall
- Volusia County Council: June 5 & 19,
- 10:00 am, Deland
- Chamber Eggs & Issues Breakfast: June 14, 7:30 am, LPGA Clubhouse
- Elected Officials Roundtable: June 11, 12 noon, Daytona International Airport
- Volusia School Board: June 12, 5:30 pm Deland Admin Complex (4 pm Budget Workshop)
- South Daytona City Council: June 12,
- 6:00 pm, City Hall
- Port Orange City Council: June 5 & 19, 6:30 pm, City Hall
- Ormond Beach City Commission: June 5 & 26, 7:00 pm, City Hall
- Holly Hill City Commission: June 12 & 26, 7:00 pm, City Hall
- Daytona Beach Shores - tba
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The Chamber would like to thank Charter-Spectrum for sponsoring our Government Relations E-Newsletters.
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Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce
126 E. Orange Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386.255.0981 | info@daytonachamber.com
DaytonaChamber.com
Your Chamber of Influence
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