⭐ FL Minimum Wage, OBFD Capt. Carrie Davis, New Votran App

Issue #793

05 Jan

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💵 Florida’s Minimum Wage Set to Hit $15 in 2026

Florida’s minimum wage is on its final stretch to $15 per hour, with the last scheduled $1 bump taking place on September 30, 2026. This comes thanks to the “Fair Wage” constitutional amendment passed by voters in 2020. Currently sitting at $14, Florida’s rate is nearly double the stagnant federal minimum of $7.25, which hasn’t changed since 2009.

Tipped employees will also see a change, with their base wage rising to $11.98, accounting for the federal $3.02 tip credit. After 2026, further increases will be based on inflation data, ensuring a more flexible approach going forward.

Business groups, particularly those representing small retailers, have voiced concerns about rising labor costs. But supporters argue the phased approach gives companies time to adapt while improving worker retention. Living wage estimates, however, remain well above the minimum—at $23.41 for a single adult and over $59 for one supporting three children.

So while the $15 milestone is big, it’s just one piece of Florida’s broader cost-of-living puzzle.

🚒 Lighting the Way: Fire Captain Carrie Davis’ Enduring Impact

For Ormond Beach Fire Department Capt. Carrie Davis, fire service wasn’t just a job—it was a calling that sparked into life the moment she rode with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue as a student EMT. Now in her 27th year, Davis has become a cornerstone of local firefighting, mentorship, and community outreach.

Throughout her career, she’s worked not only as a firefighter and paramedic but also as a leader and educator—mentoring new firefighters at Daytona State College and shaping careers with a servant-leader mindset. Fellow firefighter Nicholas Nates says Davis “leads by example—with compassion, integrity, and genuine care.”

Davis co-founded Ormond Beach Firefighter Charities in 2013 to fill service gaps and assist families during emergencies. She also holds an executive fire officer degree and is currently working on her doctorate.

Her influence is felt across OBFD, where she’s trained at least ten current members. “My grandma always says, ‘Do the best that you can for the most amount of people,’” Davis recalls. That simple mantra continues to fuel a career built on service, education, and heart.

🚍 New VoTran App Makes Public Transit in Volusia Easier

Getting around Volusia County just got a lot simpler, thanks to the new VoTran On Demand mobile app. This all-in-one tool offers real-time trip planning, bus tracking, and reservation features for both regular and paratransit riders.

For fixed-route users, the app shows schedules, nearby stops, and live bus locations, making it easier to avoid the guessing game that often comes with public transit. It also serves as a one-stop shop for paratransit users in the VoAccess program—enabling ride booking, tracking, and notifications directly through their smartphones.

Though the VoRide feature is not yet integrated, future updates will bring more seamless scheduling capabilities. For now, those users should continue using the original VoRide app.

VoTran On Demand is available on Apple and Android devices, and traditional phone reservation methods remain in place for those without smartphones. The app aims to improve convenience without cutting off accessibility for those who prefer more traditional options. For more information go to www.votran.org

This Day In Florida History

  • 1909 — Albert W. Gilchrist was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 1909 — Gov. Napoleon B. Broward’s term as Florida governor ended.

  • 1923 — Violence escalated during the Rosewood massacre in Levy County.

  • 1925 — The first meeting of the City of Haines City was held, marking its reincorporation as a city.

  • 1937 — Frederick Preston Cone was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 1962 — A tornado struck in Okaloosa County near Crestview, causing injuries and damage.

  • 1965 — W. Haydon Burns was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 1965 — Louis “Lou” Ritter was sworn in as mayor of Jacksonville.

  • 1965 — Gov. C. Farris Bryant’s term as Florida governor ended.

  • 1971 — Reubin O’Donovan Askew was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 1999 — Jeb Bush was inaugurated as Governor of Florida in Tallahassee.

  • 2003 — Gov. Jeb Bush began his second term after reelection.

  • 2011 — Rick Scott was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 2019 — Ron DeSantis was inaugurated as Governor of Florida.

  • 2023 — Florida extended a state of emergency tied to Hurricane Nicole recovery efforts.

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NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info:


Monday, Jan 5, 2026

🎒 School Status

  • Student Holiday (No School)

    • Volusia County students have one more day of Winter Break while teachers report for a planning day. Classes resume tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan 6.

🏛️ Historic Holiday Tours

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Spectacular

    • The "Christmas Mansion" tours continue through mid-January. With the holiday rush over, Monday is a fantastic time to tour Florida’s most historic home (in DeLand) to see the elaborate designer decorations before they are taken down.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, DeLand (approx. 25 min drive)

🎲 Community & Recreation

  • Card Games & Active Rec

    • The Daytona Shores Community Center hosts open activities for residents and visitors. Join in for a game of Euchre or get moving with Chair Volleyball.

    • Time: Euchre at 12:00 PM | Chair Volleyball at 1:00 PM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center (3000 Bellemead Dr)

🍽️ Locals' Dining Specials

  • Grind Gastropub: All-Day Happy Hour

    • Ease back into the work week with "The Happiest Hours." Happy Hour pricing is available from open to close every Monday, making it a favorite spot for locals to gather.

    • Time: 11:30 AM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

💼 Professional Development

  • 2026 Tax Season: All Aboard!

    • A full-day professional seminar for tax professionals to prepare for the upcoming filing season. Hosted by the FL National Association of Tax Professionals.

    • Time: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

    • Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites (Daytona Beach Speedway/Airport)

Tuesday, Jan 6, 2026

🎒 Back to School

  • Volusia County Schools: Classes Resume

    • After the winter break and yesterday's teacher planning day, all students report back to class today. Please be mindful of active school zones and increased morning traffic.

🏛️ Civic Meetings

  • Ormond Beach City Commission Meeting

    • The first City Commission meeting of 2026. Agendas are typically published the Friday prior, but this is the scheduled time for the commission to reconvene for regular business.

    • Time: 7:00 PM

    • Location: City Commission Chambers, 22 S. Beach St.

  • Daytona Beach Shores City Commission

    • The neighboring city of Daytona Beach Shores also holds its first council meeting of the year.

    • Time: 6:00 PM

    • Location: Shores Community Center

🍽️ Dining & Nightlife

  • 31 Supper Club: Taco Tuesday

    • A local favorite for easing back into the weekday routine. Enjoy gourmet tacos and drink specials on the patio.

    • Time: Evening

    • Location: 31 Supper Club, Ormond Beach

  • Grind Gastropub: Burger Night

    • Tuesday is traditionally Burger Night at the Grind, featuring special pricing on their signature burgers. A great spot for a casual dinner after the first day back at school/work.

    • Time: 4:00 PM – Close

    • Location: Grind Gastropub, Ormond Beach

🧘 Wellness & Community

  • SilverSneakers Classic

    • A low-impact fitness class designed to increase muscle strength and range of movement. Open to eligible seniors.

    • Time: 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM

    • Location: Daytona Shores Community Center

🕯️ Last Chance Holiday History

  • Stetson Mansion Christmas Tours

    • Tours of the historic "House That Hats Built" in DeLand continue for just a little longer. It's a great opportunity to see the decorations without the December crowds.

    • Time: Tours vary (Reservations Required)

    • Location: Stetson Mansion, DeLand

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

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