Much was requested. Far fewer asks were granted.
Here’s a look at seven of the local projects Volusia and Flagler county lawmakers sponsored that made it into the 2025-26 state budget approved by the Florida Legislature late on June 16.
All of these appropriations are subject to Gov. Ron DeSantis’ veto pen, which must come before July 1.
Daytona State College is planning to build a new 40,623 square-foot facility to house programs in aviation airframe and powerplant mechanics, in partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. DSC will train students in an associate of science program for two years, and the students will be allowed to transfer to ERAU to complete bachelor’s of science degrees in aviation maintenance.
Daytona State College lands $17.3 million for new building
Daytona State College received nearly $17.3 million to construct a new facility allowing the school to start programs in aviation airframe and powerplant maintenance. Under the project, students will be trained for an “FAA-approved, program that fills a huge demand for aircraft mechanics” in the 41,000 square-foot building, according to the request made by Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, and Rep. Chase Tramont, R-Port Orange. DSC will offer two-year associate of science degrees in these fields. An agreement with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will allow students to transfer for their bachelor’s of science degrees, as well.
Brittany Barhoo and her son pose in front of the house that Barhoo purchased with help through Homes Bring Hope, part of the Food Brings Hope community. They enjoyed their first Christmas inside their first home in 2024.
Homes Bring Hope to buy, renovate more houses
Nonprofit Homes Bring Hope landed a $1.4 million appropriation to buy and renovate existing homes in “the highest poverty area” of Volusia County to help “break the cycle of generational poverty,” according to the request submitted by Tramont. The homes will be sold at or below cost to Homes Bring Hope clients, some 100-200 renters who will become homeowners for an estimated $5 million to $10 million more in home equity. Homes Bring Hope is spearheaded by Forough Hosseini and her organization FBH Community, Inc.
The Ponce Inlet Town Council wants to build a new fire rescue station. Lawmakers included $500,000 in the 2025-26 state budget approved on June 16 to help fund plans to replace the old one, which the town says is vulnerable to storm surge.
New Ponce Inlet Fire Station design
The peninsula town of Ponce Inlet is planning to build a new fire station, as the current one is outdated and flood-prone. “Situated in a hurricane Category 1 storm surge zone, the building is vulnerable to flood damage during severe weather events,” a request form submitted by Tramont reads. “With the ongoing threat of sea-level rise, these risks are projected to intensify, further compromising the safety of our operations and the reliability of emergency services.” The town is expecting the plans for the new fire station to cost $1 million. Ponce Inlet requested and got a 50% match − or $500,000 in the state budget.
Lake Helen City Hall, first built as a school in 1916, is slated for repairs and the Florida Legislature included $375,000 in the 2025-26 budget to cover half of the project’s cost.
Lake Helen City Hall upgrades
Leaky roofs, mold, poor air quality, and rat infestation. These are some of the issues with the aging Lake Helen City Hall. The state budgeted $375,000 − a 50% match of the total cost of repairs − for the structure first built as a schoolhouse in 1916. The project is estimated to be complete by the end of 2027.
Daytona Beach Shores public works building expansion
Limited space has left Daytona Beach Shores unable to purchase and store something called the Vac-Tron, a vacuum excavator used to maintain sewer line and stormwater infrastructure before and after storms. The city plans to build onto its existing public works facility, adding 5,300 square feet, enough space to include three large vehicle or equipment bays, a workshop, four offices, and a detached storage facility for equipment. Lawmakers, including Sen. Tom Wright, R-New Smyrna Beach, asked for $1 million and got $900,000. The total project cost is just shy of $2.1 million and would be complete by the end of 2027, according to the city’s plan.
Volusia County officials work in the operations room at the Emergency Operations Center in Daytona Beach, Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, as Tropical Storm Ian hits the area.
Volusia County Emergency Operations Center expansion
Volusia County asked for and got $400,000 to expand its Emergency Operations Center after a new federal requirement for generator enclosures was enacted. The county must acquire a new generator, a transfer switch, and appropriate protective enclosures for the building where more than 200 staff will work during disasters such as hurricanes.
Volusia Flagler Family YMCA accessibility projects
The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA will get $500,000, or half of its request, for accessibility projects. It’s unclear how the funds will be used, but the proposal, brought by Leek and Rep. Bill Partington, R-Ormond Beach, proposed to use $250,000 to create Americans With Disabilities Act access for two bathhouses and 16 cabins at Camp Winona in DeLeon Springs, $250,000 for noise-reduction installation at the new sports gym at the Ormond Beach YMCA to accommodate a special-needs population sensitive to overstimulation, plus $500,000 for a new Olympic-sized pool in Palm Coast to add a “zero-entry section to accommodate easy access.”
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Lawmakers OK money for DSC, Volusia Flagler YMCA, Daytona Beach Shores