⭕ Volusia County Proposes Fare Hikes

Issue #193

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Ormond Local Pulse
09 May

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Today’s Forecast

7 Day Forecast

Volusia County Proposes Fare Hikes for Votran Services Amid Financial Strains

Volusia County plans to increase fares for its Votran transit services to boost annual revenue and maintain service quality. The County Council approved moving forward with the fare hike proposal, which could raise additional funds of approximately $370,000, bringing the total projected revenue to $2.9 million. The proposed adjustments include increases in both standard and reduced fares, with the most significant revenue increase expected from the Paratransit Gold Service. Public discussions on these changes are scheduled before the expected implementation in January 2025.

Ormond Beach Sidewalk Project at New Hotel Faces Hurdles Over Maintenance and Liability

Photo: City of Ormond Beach

The Ormond Beach City Commission has delayed a decision on a proposal to build a sidewalk at a new hotel on South Atlantic Avenue, following Volusia County's refusal to maintain or insure it. The county suggested transferring the sidewalk to their control, which the hotel developers are open to if responsibilities are clarified. The project, initially approved for enhancing public beach access, has sparked safety concerns among local officials. The matter might resolve soon as the County Manager plans to assess the site personally.

REMINDER - Volusia County Implements Sea Turtle Protection Measures as Nesting Season Begins

Beachside residents are reminded that as of May 1, the official sea turtle nesting season is underway, triggering the enforcement of lighting regulations along coastal areas until October 31. Local authorities are urging both residents and visitors to comply with specific guidelines aimed at improving the survival odds of sea turtle hatchlings as they journey to the sea. Sea turtles, which rely on the glow of the night sky and the natural shadows of dunes and vegetation for navigation, can be severely impacted by artificial lighting. This misdirection can lead to decreased nesting by female turtles and cause hatchlings to wander towards danger instead of the ocean.

The misguidance from artificial lights often leaves hatchlings vulnerable to predators, wastes their critical energy reserves, and can direct them towards perilous areas like roadways and stormwater drains. To combat this, property owners and tenants on the shoreline are required to adjust their lighting practices. Measures include closing blinds at night, reducing unnecessary outdoor lighting, and using turtle-safe fixtures.

Nighttime beachgoers are also advised to limit their use of flashlights and mobile phones to avoid disturbing the turtles. Those who encounter nesting turtles or hatchlings are encouraged to keep a respectful distance and minimize noise.

Supporting these efforts, the Volusia County Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP) is actively providing educational resources to beachfront property owners. The HCP makes available free educational materials and offers complimentary lighting surveys, consultations, and reviews of lighting plans to ensure compliance with habitat-friendly practices. Residents seeking guidance on proper lighting or wishing to schedule a survey are encouraged to contact the county’s Sea Turtle Lighting Specialist, Tom Hamilton at 386-238- 4773 or [email protected]/content

FBI Highlights Rising Threat from North Korean Hackers in Targeting Email Accocunts

U.S. federal agencies have warned of ongoing cyber threats from North Korean hackers targeting U.S. and South Korean experts to gain sensitive geopolitical insights. These hackers, linked to North Korea's military intelligence, use sophisticated email spoofing to impersonate trusted professionals and steal data. The FBI, State Department, and NSA have urged stronger email defenses and highlighted the broader context of global cyber threats from China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, with China posing significant concern over its cyber espionage activities.

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