Development News for Port Orange, Florida

Golf Advisory Board Recommends Pathway Signage, Discusses E-bikes and Rate Increases

The Golf Advisory Board met and discussed several items. They recommended improving signage for pathways between holes 9 and 10, and 10 and 1. Issues with fishing trespassers and e-bikes damaging greens were raised, with the board suggesting further discussion with the police department on handling e-bike incidents. The board reviewed a proposal for rate changes, agreeing that a 7% increase across the board for the upcoming year is reasonable, provided it remains a consistent percentage increase annually. They noted that the provided rate information initially only showed beginning and end points, causing confusion.

New Public Works Director Introduced to City Council

The City Manager introduced Sean [__], the new Public Works Director, who comes from New Simra and has prior experience with the county. He has lived in Port Orange since 2010 and previously served on the Code Enforcement Board and Parks and Recreation Board. He expressed enthusiasm for his new role and the opportunity to contribute to his community.

City Council Views Demonstration of New Cardiac Life Monitors for Fire Department

The City Council received a demonstration of the new Life Pack 35 cardiac monitor. EMS Chief Colleen Fitch and Fire Chief Joe Wolf explained the capabilities of the monitor, highlighting its advanced technology, interoperability with other devices, and ability to transmit data directly to hospitals. They emphasized that these monitors are the same as those used in hospitals and that the technology allows paramedics to provide a higher level of care on scene, reducing time to critical interventions and improving patient outcomes. The cost per unit is approximately \$47,000, and a total of nine units have been acquired to equip all ALS fire trucks, a battalion chief's vehicle, the chief's vehicle, and a spare for special events.

Stormwater Projects Advance, FEMA Home Elevations to Begin

The City Manager provided updates on several stormwater projects. The Transform 386 projects, managed by the county with HUD funding, are progressing, with the Port 'Ona project design starting this month. This project is nearly fully funded through Transform 386 money and legislative appropriations. A lift station on Charles Street in the same area also received legislative appropriation funding. The Sugar Forest project has 75% plans completed. Design for P Avenue has begun, with a meeting scheduled for June 9th. Sleepy Hollow is moving forward with county-led design, but has a significant funding gap that will rely on grants like Resilient Florida. FEMA projects for elevating and demolishing homes are beginning, with 13 elevations and 1 demolition/reconstruction planned for the June 16th council meeting. The Cambridge pump project bids are coming in, with construction starting this summer. Increased maintenance efforts, including using private firms for specialized equipment, have been implemented.