- February 3, 2025
-
-
Loading
Loading
Volusia County Councilwoman Billie Wheeler, Moderator Danny Robins and Councilwoman Deb Denys. Photo by Tanya Russo
Volusia County firefighters Matt Smitherman, Nick Castelli, VCSO Deputies Don Taylor Bryan Bernard, George Maddox and Sherrif Mike Chitwood. Photo by Tanya Russo
Spruce Creek Baptist Church Pastor Steve Loy and Danny Robins. Photo by Tanya Russo
A Community Service Award is presented to resident Bruce Apploff. Photo by Tanya Russo
A Community Service Award is presented to resident Bob Bittner. Photo by Tanya Russo
Paul Meeks goes back to his seat after receiving a Community Service Award. Photo by Tanya Russo
Bridging gaps and opening communication brought the Tomoka Farms Village Community together at Spruce Creek Baptist Church to meet with Volusia County law enforcement, fire service and government officials on Tuesday, April 23.
The meeting educated the unincorporated Port Orange residents about ways to protect themselves. Residents also shared concerns. They worried about traffic on Tomoka Farms Road, drainage on Halifax Drive and the safety of children being able to ride horses on streets around their homes.
The need for unity was the main theme presented at the meeting by former law enforcement officer, resident and meeting coordinator Danny Robins.
“For us, unity means having hard work, taking initiative, having integrity, and maintaining the highest standards,” Robins said. “I also think it means people being people in a community of action, all by having each others’ backs.”
Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood attended the meeting and said residents need to be vigilant about not leaving valuables in cars. Thieves are going car to car looking in windows, he explained. If they see something of value, they break the windows and grab items.
Residents were cautioned to always take valuables out of their vehicles, lock their cars and take their keys.
The Volusia County Sheriff's Office, Daytona Beach Police Department, Port Orange Police Department and Volusia County Fire Services were invited to the meeting. District 2 Volusia County Councilwoman Deb Denys and District 4 Councilwoman Billie Wheeler were present to answer questions.
The Tomoka Farms Village Community meeting recognized several individuals for Community Service and Partnership Awards.
Community Service Awards went to residents:
Community Partnership Awards went to:
“Our community and county are growing,” Robins said. “The reasons why we all chose to live here have not changed. When the meetings started we made a commitment to start the transition together.”
