AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER OUTINGS ON VOLUSIA COUNTY CONSERVATION LANDS
Before the lazy days of summer end, outdoor enthusiasts are invited to get out and enjoy Volusia County's conservation lands during free outdoor adventures sponsored by Volusia County's Land Acquisition and Management Division Aug. 14, Sept. 5; and Sept 18.
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9 - 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14: Longleaf Pine Preserve eco-buggy tour
- Participants are invited to experience pine flatwoods, cypress domes and swamps on a riding tour with exploratory stops. For this outing, participants will meet at the service gate entrance on the north side of S.R. 44 (approximately 300 feet west of Pioneer Trail). Longleaf Pine Preserve consists of approximately 12,000 acres including several large land acquisitions purchased using funds from Volusia Forever and cooperative efforts with St. Johns River Water Management District, the Florida Department of Transportation, and the City of Port Orange.
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9 - 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 5: Hickory Bluff Preserve guided hike - Explore the jewel of Volusia County's conservation lands. Hikers will experience diverse Florida habitats including pine flatwoods, xeric oak hammock, cypress dome and swamp, plus walk the shoreline of a natural piece of the St. Johns River. Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen (off of Maytown Road), is 150 acres and was acquired by Volusia County Government using Volusia Forever funds, with the assistance of a grant from the Florida Communities Trust.
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9 - 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 18: Forestry tour of Lake George Wildlife Management Area - Take an eco-buggy tour and learn about land management and forestry practices of Lake George Wildlife Management Area. Stuart Jones, Volusia County Land Manager, will explain and demonstrate forestry and timbering goals, techniques and equipment, and the products produced from tree. Lake George flora and fauna also will be observed during this outing. The Lake George Forest and Wildlife Management area is 7,800 acres and was acquired in 1990 by Volusia County Government and the St. Johns Water Management District.
For all Land Acquisition and Management Division outings, space is limited and pre-registration is required as event locations may change due to weather or road conditions. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Bonnie Cary at (386) 736-5276 or bcary@co.volusia.fl.us. For more information about Land Acquisition and Management's Conservation Lands Outreach programs, please visit
Volusia County's Environmental Management Division is asking the public to help find a nesting loggerhead turtle that disappeared from the beach in Ponce Inlet early Monday morning.
According to sea turtle specialist Jennifer Winters, a loggerhead turtle crawled onto the beach to nest near the Beach Street ramp, possibly after low tide at 2:30 a.m. The turtle's tracks went up the ramp west of the gates and ended at the pavement.
"The area was searched extensively, but due to thick vegetation and private property, we couldn't find it," Winters said. "We want to find this turtle, even if it expired naturally."
Anyone who finds the turtle or saw anything suspicious should call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at (888) 404-3922 or the county's Environmental Management Division at (386) 238-4668 or (386) 238-4716.
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Pat Kuehn, APR Community Information Specialist Volusia County Government 123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 301 DeLand, FL 32720-4612 e-mail: pkuehn@co.volusia.fl.us From DeLand, call (386) 822-5062, ext. 2934 From Daytona Beach, call (386) 239-7756, ext. 2934 From New Smyrna Beach, call (386) 423-3868, ext. 2934 Cell: (386) 748-3989 Fax: (386) 822-5072
The Volusia County Environmental, Cultural, Historical and Outdoor Recreation (ECHO) advisory committee will meet from 3 - 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the Volusia County Council chambers of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
The committee will continue reviewing the existing ECHO grant application guides and associated applications. ECHO provides match funds through a competitive grant process.
These funds are restricted to the construction of environmental, cultural, historic and outdoor recreation projects built for general public use. Additionally, the board will discuss elements of a proposed program which, if approved by the Volusia County Council, would provide emergency funding for historic projects needing stabilization and/or acquisition.
Eligible applicants for ECHO grants are cities of Volusia County, nonprofits incorporated in Florida with a local office, and departments of Volusia County Government. Interested applicants should call the ECHO office at (386) 740-5210 in DeLand, (386) 424-6835 in New Smyrna Beach, or (386) 257-6086 in Daytona Beach and ask to be included on the notification list.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida Statutes, persons with disabilities who need special accommodation to participate in the proceedings should contact the ECHO office for assistance at least two business days before the meeting.
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Pat Kuehn, APR Community Information Specialist Volusia County Government 123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 301 DeLand, FL 32720-4612 e-mail: pkuehn@co.volusia.fl.us From DeLand, call (386) 822-5062, ext. 2934 From Daytona Beach, call (386) 239-7756, ext. 2934 From New Smyrna Beach, call (386) 423-3868, ext. 2934 Cell: (386) 748-3989 Fax: (386) 822-5072
Volusia County's Environmental Management Division will host a Green Ribbon Panel meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, in the training rooms of the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center, 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand.
The agenda includes discussions about habitat protection and specimen and historic trees. The Green Ribbon Panel is a committee of 15 individuals with varied backgrounds. The purpose of the panel is to examine the current environmental minimum standards for Volusia County Government and make recommendations regarding potential changes.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Florida statutes, persons with disabilities who need special accommodation to participate in the proceedings should request assistance at least two business days before the meeting.
For more information about the panel or to request accommodation, please contact Ginger Adair, Volusia County's natural resources director, at (386) 736-5927, ext. 2059, or visit www.volusia.org/environmental/greenribbon.
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Pat Kuehn, APR Community Information Specialist Volusia County Government 123 W. Indiana Ave., Room 301 DeLand, FL 32720-4612 e-mail: pkuehn@co.volusia.fl.us From DeLand, call (386) 822-5062, ext. 2934 From Daytona Beach, call (386) 239-7756, ext. 2934 From New Smyrna Beach, call (386) 423-3868, ext. 2934 Cell: (386) 748-3989 Fax: (386) 822-5072
It's time to breathe in the fresh summer air, don some sunglasses, lather on the high-SPF sunblock, and enjoy Volusia County's conservation lands during free outdoor adventures sponsored by Volusia County's Land Acquisition and Management Division. This June, county staff and biology experts will offer three activities that focus on surviving in the woods, mollusks and aquatic insects:
● 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, June 6: Survival in the woods - What do you need to know about surviving in the woods? What should you bring with you when you go hiking? Participants will learn survival basics with biologist and naturalist Gregg Thompson, who will lead an adventure to teach and explore the answers to these questions and more, through discussions, demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities. Participants should meet at Hickory Bluff Preserve, 598 Guise Road, Osteen. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
● 9 a.m. - noon Saturday, June 13: Aquatic critters - Learn about the fascinating aquatic insects and other small creatures that live in Longleaf Pin Preserve's wet habitats. Participants will collect and learn about the insects and more through dip-netting and trapping, led by retired Department of Environmental Protection Biologist and Rollins College Professor Jim Hulbert. Participants should meet at the east entrance of Longleaf Pine Preserve off Pioneer Trail, Port Orange. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
● noon - 3 p.m. Friday, June 19: "Mollusks and their beautiful shells" wading hike - Observe and learn about the fascinating and diverse world of mollusks and the beautiful shells they produce. Master naturalist and mollusk expert Joel Wooster will lead participants on a wading hike of Smyrna Dunes Park. And, participants can bring their shells for identification. Participants should meet at Smyrna Dunes Park, 2995 Peninsula Drive, New Smyrna Beach. Space is limited; pre-registration is required.
For the outdoor adventures, participants need to wear appropriate clothing and comfortable hiking or walking shoes and are encouraged to bring binoculars, a camera, insect spray and drinking water.
Pre-registrations is required as event locations may change due to weather or road conditions. For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Bonnie Cary at (386) 736-5276 or bcary@co.volusia.fl.us. For more information about Land Acquisition and Management's Conservation Lands Outreach programs, please visit www.volusia.org/growth/outreach.htm.
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Shelley Szafraniec, APR Community Information Specialist (386) 822-5062, ext. 2871
Volusia County's Pet Vet Cruiser offers free and low-cost spaying and neutering for pets. Residents in unincorporated Volusia County can catch the Pet Vet Cruiser, by appointment, around the county in June at the following locations.
- Monday, June 1; Thursday, June 18; Friday, June 26; and Tuesday, June 30: Volusia County Fire Station 23, 1850 Pioneer Trail, New Smyrna Beach.
- Tuesday, June 2 and Friday, June 12: DeLeon Springs United Methodist Church, 265 Ponce DeLeon Blvd., DeLeon Springs (off north U.S. 17, across from McInnis Elementary School).
- Wednesday, June 3; Thursday, June 11; Monday, June 15; and Wednesday, June 24: Rockin' Ranch, 801 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach.
- Thursday, June 4: City of DeBary City Hall, 16 Colomba Road, DeBary.
- Friday, June 5; Wednesday, June 10; Wednesday, June 17; and Monday, June 29: Volusia County Fire Station 31, 1970 S. Volusia Ave., Orange City.
- Monday, June 8; Tuesday, June 16; and Thursday, June 25: Oakbrook Professional Center, corner of Plymouth Avenue and Spring Garden Avenue (S.R. 15A), DeLand.
- Tuesday, June 9: Oak Hill Flea Market, 351 U.S. 1, Oak Hill
This Pet Vet Cruiser's spay and neuter program is based on income and has a sliding-fee scale. Residents seeking free or low-cost pet spaying and neutering must provide proof of income to qualify.
Appointments for service are required and can be made from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. Walk-ins are not accepted.
Each year, 15,000 cats, dogs, kittens and puppies face early deaths in Volusia County due to overpopulation. Others are left to fend for themselves against automobiles, the elements, animals and/or neglect by humans. In response to this overwhelming number of animals being euthanized, the Volusia County Council has adopted an ordinance requiring dogs and cats in the unincorporated area are spayed or neutered.
For more information about the ordinance and/or cost, qualifications or to schedule an appointment for the Pet Vet Cruiser, please call (386) 323-3575 (Daytona Beach), (386) 626-6643 (DeLand) or (386) 424-6875 (New Smyrna Beach). More information also can be found at www.volusia.org/animalcontrol/cruiser.htm.
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Shelley Szafraniec, APR Community Information Specialist (386) 822-5062, ext. 2871
STAR GAZING Astronomy with Tim Major Sponsored by the MARINE DISCOVERY CENTER Indian River Lagoon Preserve Park Saxon Drive - New Smyrna Beach Saturday Nights at 7:00 pm JUNE 6 JULY 4 AUGUST 1 OCTOBER 31 Plan to spend an hour or so gazing at the planets and stars. Bring binoculars. Telescope will be available.
VOLUSIA COUNTY JOINS EFFORTS FOR BEACH SAFETY WEEK MAY 18 - 25
With the Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, the Volusia County Beach Patrol is reminding beachgoers to use caution while enjoying the beautiful 47 miles of county beaches.
"The beach is a fun and economical way to relax and spend time with the family, but visitors to the beach need to be cautious as the beach environment has dangers," said Capt. Scott Petersohn with the Volusia County Beach Patrol. "Beachgoers should do everything possible to stay safe while enjoying the beach."
Below are tips to help beachgoers enjoy their visit to the beach and stay safe:
● Protect your valuables. ● Walk with your children, especially in the driving areas. ● Never swim alone. Always swim in front of a lifeguard. ● Never swim after consuming alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach. ● Use a leash with surf and boogie boards. ● Don't use a float, raft or boogie board if you can't swim. ● When boating, always have life jackets on board. ● Never dive headfirst into the water - always protect your neck.
Rip currents ● Rip currents in the open water are always a possibility. ● Always swim in front of a lifeguard. ● Check with the lifeguard and read the back of the lifeguard tower for important information about rip current activity and the rip threat level.
Parking / driving on the beach ● Visitors should arrive early; parking fills quickly. ● Access and driving on the beach probably will be restricted during high tide. ● Core parking areas will fill first, look for parking in less central locations. ● All vehicles must drive and park on the east side of the green conservation poles. ● Motorists need to pay attention when driving; there are many distractions at the beach. ● Motorists always should drive in the driving lanes and, when parking, pay special attention to sunbathers lying in the sand.
Visitors to the beaches will see the Florida uniform warning flags posted at all lifeguard stands and should learn their colors and meanings:
● Double red - Water closed to the public. ● Red - High hazard - High surf and / or strong currents. ● Yellow - Medium hazard - Moderate surf and / or currents. ● Green - Low hazard - Calm conditions; exercise caution. ● Purple - Dangerous marine life.
For more information regarding being safe at the beach or Volusia County beaches, please call Volusia County Beach Patrol at (386) 239-6414 or visit www.Volusia.org/beach.
Local Organization to Participate in Florida Folk Festival
Cinderic Documentaries Inc. has been invited to participate in the 2009 Florida Folk Festival to be held May 22-24. The 57th annual Florida Folk Festival is a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique.
Cinderic Documentaries will be exhibiting in the Environmental and Cultural Awareness area where people can discover the people and organizations that are devoted to conserving Florida's cultural heritage and natural resources.
"We're very excited about participating in this prestigious festival," said Eric Dusenbery, executive director for CDI. "This is a perfect fit for our organization and we're looking forward to the opportunity to bring awareness to Florida's history and culture. There are some great stories from Volusia County that we hope to share to visitors."
The Florida Folk Festival is held at the Stephen Foster Culture Center State Park in White Springs.
Photo attachment: Cinderic Documentaries Inc. will exhibit information on Florida's folklife occupations and culture, such as these commercial fishermen, at the Florida Folk Festival.
Go to our web site and sign up for our free e-zine; "Armchair Culture: Places to See and Stories to Hear in Volusia County."
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Eric Dusenbery Cinderic Documentaries, Inc.,a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 345 Westchester Dr. DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 822-5681 eric@cinderic.org www.cinderic.org blog: www.armchairculture.blogspot.com
Sophies Circle will hold its monthly Yappy Hour on Wednesday May 13th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Boomerangs in Port Orange.
Yappy Hour is open to the public and encourages you to bring your dog (on a leash, please) and business cards for this unique networking opportunity.
A $5 donation will be requested, as well as any dog food, toys, blankets and towels which will be distributed to local animal shelters.
Boomerangs is located in Gulfstream Village, corner of Clyde Morris and Herbert in Port Orange.
Yappy Hours are fundraisers that are held monthly at dog friendly locations to raise funds for Sophie's Circle, whose efforts directly benefit animals in need.
For more information, call Kathy Blackman 386-690-6771
