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Cut your own Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

Enjoy a green Christmas by cutting your own tree at Lyonia Preserve in Deltona. You’ll not only get a unique tree, you’ll help maintain habitat for Florida scrub jays.

Residents can select their favorite sand pines from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Bring loppers, a hand saw, and gloves to remove sand pines from the scrub habitat of Lyonia Preserve. On this day only, you can take a sand pine home and have your own Charlie Brown tree. You will be helping the scrub jays by removing a tree that can become overgrown and provide perches for predators.

While they are not traditional Christmas trees, sand pines have been popular among Floridians for decades. These native trees have been likened to Charlie Brown Christmas trees because they’re sparse and sometimes lopsided. Two or three can be tied together to make a fuller tree, and many people decorate them and leave them outside for wildlife. Most of the trees are 4 to 5 feet tall, but they can grow up to 20 feet.

Reservations are required; call 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. Meet at Lyonia Environmental Center, 2150 Eustace Ave., Deltona.

Lyonia Preserve, adjacent to the Deltona Regional Library at 2150 Eustace Ave., is a 360-acre scrub habitat that has three nature trails. Staff and volunteers routinely remove overgrown sand pines to create bare sand areas with low-growing vegetation preferred by the Florida scrub jays and gopher tortoises that live at Lyonia Preserve.

Source: Volusia County

Celebrate the Holidays at The Casements’ 40th Annual Christmas Gala

The Casements, Ormond Beach’s historic gem, invites you to its Annual Christmas Gala: "Hollywood Holiday" from Friday, December 6, through Sunday, December 8, 2024. This cherished tradition promises festive fun for the whole family, with free admission and a weekend filled with seasonal cheer.

The celebration kicks off Friday evening from 5 PM to 9 PM with Santa’s arrival at 6 PM, followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony. Enjoy live music, food trucks, train rides, and a variety of holiday crafts. Be sure to explore the Gift Shoppe, Gourmet Shop, and the stunning Tree Gallery, featuring over 16 themed Christmas trees, including a grand 15-foot tree in the Atrium.

The festivities continue on Saturday, December 7, and Sunday, December 8, from 12 PM to 5 PM, with more entertainment, crafts, and visits with Santa. For a special treat, reserve a seat at the Holiday Tea, offered Saturday at 1 PM and Sunday at 12:30 PM and 3 PM. Tickets are $40 per person and can be reserved by calling (386) 673-5312.

Don’t miss this magical weekend that transforms The Casements into a holiday wonderland! Visit The Casements website or call (386) 676-3216 for details. Celebrate the season in true Ormond Beach style!

Source: The Casements

Volusia County Council Takes Step Toward Six-Hour Meeting Limit

The Volusia County Council is advancing a proposal to cap its meetings at six hours, following a unanimous vote on Nov. 20 after a nine-hour session. The initiative, introduced by Councilman Danny Robins, seeks to prevent late-night deliberations on critical issues, citing the toll on council members, staff, and the public.

The proposed rule would require a majority vote to extend meetings beyond the limit, potentially cutting off closing comments if the cap is reached. Councilman Troy Kent supported the move as long as evening meetings continue, while Councilman David Santiago proposed reducing public speaking time for efficiency during high-interest discussions.

The council aims to address concerns about productivity and decision-making during extended sessions. The proposal will be considered in future meetings before implementation.

Source: Volusia County

Votran and VoRide Service Adjustments for Thanksgiving Day

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, Votran fixed-route service will operate on a regular Sunday schedule. Routes 1, 3, 4, 10, 15, and 17 will run from the Intermodal Transit Facility at the Ocean Center’s parking garage. All other routes and services, including the New Smyrna Beach Flex, VoRide, and the DeLand SunRail Circulator, will not be in operation. Votran Gold Service will offer limited service in East Volusia only.

Regular service and administrative operations, including customer service, will resume on Friday, Nov. 29. Riders seeking detailed route and service information can visit www.votran.org or use the myStop mobile app. For questions about the holiday schedule, contact Votran customer service at 386-761-7700. VoRide-specific inquiries can be directed to 386-210-9861.

Source: Volusia County

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