Local News in Volusia County

The unkillable, illegal grass (that may be in your backyard)

Cogon grass, an illegal, invasive plant recognized by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, has recently been found to be a “tick haven” in an October 2025 University of Florida [UF] study. Five years ago marked the first recorded instance of the weed in DeLand,…

Prep roundup: Peniel outlasts Calvary Christian for first victory

Tuesday night turned into a strong night for county volleyball teams. The team that thrived the most was the one that won its first match of the season. Peniel Baptist Academy, on the road the entire season without a home match, outlasted Ormond Beach Calvary Christian, 25-18,…

‘This isn’t a lake’: Inside one battle for better stormwater management in Volusia County

Landowners near so-called ‘Miller Lake’ blame ‘chronic,’ ‘ongoing’ flooding on irresponsible and unlawful stormwater management.

The U.S. is a democratic republic

Editor, The Beacon: In an earlier opinion piece, I shared thoughts about how our nation has never been a true democracy. Apparently, I struck a sore spot with some readers. I understand that there could be some confusion between calling our nation a democracy or republic. Ever…

A democracy and a republic

Editor, The Beacon: A recent letter from James Clayton urged us all to research “democracy” and “republic.” The American Heritage Dictionary’s definition of democracy is “Government by the people, exercised either directly or through elected representatives.” A republic is…

My many minds on immigration

Editor, The Beacon: Immigration is complex, complicated by economic, religious, political, logistical and emotional factors. My many minds may help simplistically to scope the issues. Mind 1. Individually immigrants should have respect and justice and support as possible. I…

All eligible voters should take part in our elections

Editor, The Beacon: Upon reading Michael Wright’s letter in the Sept. 3 Beacon, it appears we have more in common than he might think. I thank him for his military service and applaud his patriotism. I, too, served honorably in the U.S. Air Force and declare myself to be a…

Make Old Jail site into attractive public space

Editor, The Beacon: I was surprised to learn from Sidney Johnston’s guest commentary in The Beacon that nearly a dozen buildings in DeLand’s Downtown Historic District have been demolished since the district was established in 1987. I assumed DeLand prided itself on its historic…

What were they thinking?: Once more, warming up to it

As I write this, it is still August. It was hot all week. You may have noticed. I certainly noticed, because I walk around a lot. You may occasionally see me with a large to-go full of coffee. They say that it actually helps your body cope with the heat. When I am out walking, I…

Citizens vent as Trump declares 364 days of the year ‘unbirthdays’

The following is satirical column written by Beacon intern Pearson Richards President Donald Trump, acting on the advice of the Mad Hatter, has asked all days that are not a person’s birthday to be celebrated as “unbirthdays.” The Mad Hatter worked closely with Elon Musk on the…

Canaveral National Seashore invites public feedback on plans to strengthen storm resilience

Utility Line Improvement Project Begins Sept. 9

The City is replacing a major utility line that runs under the Halifax River from the beachside to Causeway Park and then to the west bank near Herbert Street.