Volusia County

Fourth of July celebrations bring stress to pets. Here’s how to keep them safe

Marian Summerall

Volusia County Animal Services is reminding people to keep a close eye on pets during this Fourth of July Weekend.

Lindsey Briones and Stephanie Burks proudly show their support for City of Deltona’s Ordinance No. 29-2025, which proposes a nine-month moratorium on new development. The new mandate passed the commission with a split 4-to-3 vote.

Deltona approves 9-month moratorium on new development

Proponents said they are giving residents what they’ve been asking for years, but critics said the ordinance goes against new state law.

A conservation team unloads biodegradable wave breaks from a boat on May 27, 2025. The cement jute wave breaks designed for erosion protection are part of a living shoreline project in the Mosquito Lagoon.

Environment & Climate

Shorebirds in Florida are losing habitat. Living shorelines are part of the solution

Molly Duerig

American oystercatchers at-large are making gains. But in Florida, the state-threatened shorebird is struggling to hold onto habitat.

The Environmental Protection Agency recently announced utilities will have two more years to comply with federal limits on certain toxic “forever chemicals” or PFAS found in drinking water for millions of Americans.

Environment & Climate

More time, fewer regulations for water utilities on PFAS

Molly Duerig

The agency’s announced changes will offer water utilities more flexibility to comply with regulations, but could come at a cost to public and environmental health.

April and May recorded above average heat this year, meanwhile the rest of the summer faces a similar forecast.

Health

Early heat in Central Florida sparked more heat-illness emergency calls

Joe Mario Pedersen

If you think it was hotter than normal in Central Florida, you’re right. Summer heat got off to an early start in April and May, and heat-illness reports climbed too.

Hurricane Milton left Orange City with several roads washed out, flooded, and impacted by downed power lines and trees.

Housing & Homelessness

Volusia County homeowners sue over stormwater mismanagement, floods

Lillian Hernández Caraballo

A group of 23 households in the Miller Lake area filed a lawsuit against 10 real estate developers over flooding concerns.

Local rules in many parts of Florida, including five Central Florida counties, prohibit the use of fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorus during the Sunshine State's rainy season.

Environment & Climate

Fertilizer restrictions to begin along with rainy season in Central Florida

Molly Duerig

Seasonal fertilizer restrictions start Sunday for Brevard, Lake, Orange, Seminole and Volusia counties.

A federal judge ordered steps to protect manatees in the northern Indian River Lagoon.

Judge orders steps to protect manatees in Indian River Lagoon

The order comes after the federal judge found that Florida violated the Endangered Species Act in the northern Indian River Lagoon in Brevard County and southern Volusia County.

The Volusia County Council is set to vote Tuesday on the proposed Volusia Values Veterans Program.

County Council set to approve Volusia Values Veterans Program

Joe Byrnes

V3P attempts to show the county's commitment to its more than 50,000 veterans and address some of their critical needs.

Volusia County works on ditch and canal cleanings and openings to ensure stormwater flows out of roads and homes. “The American Society of Civil Engineers recommends inspections every three to six years. We actually inspect all of our canals three times a year,” Public Information Officer Clay Jackson said.

Housing & Homelessness

Volusia approves $133.5 million flood mitigation HUD grant, includes buyouts

Lillian Hernández Caraballo

$100 million will go to stormwater infrastructure, remaining funds to help with home damages.