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Rise and shine, DeLand!

In today’s planning-your-week edition: On-demand transit expansion, a St. Patrick’s Day street party, and Shark Fest + all our favorite events happening over the next seven days.

From today’s sponsor, FinanceBuzz: Many Florida drivers end up paying higher auto insurance premiums because they don’t shop around enough. The same driver with the same car can get wildly different quotes from different insurers, so it truly pays to compare. Their free tool makes it easy.*

📰 In the news

Countywide connectivity gets boost: VoRide expanded earlier this month to North Ormond and Southeast Volusia, adding night service in mainland Daytona Beach and aiming to make on-demand transit connections easier for riders from DeLand — learn more about the expansion.

Author draws on local lore: Dr. Michelle Lee has released a new children’s novel inspired by DeLand and Bongoland, set in a fictional Florida town and following Teddy’s mission to save Fossil Gardens — learn more about the book.

New environmental incentive announced: DeLeon Springs property owners can get rebates up to $14,000 to upgrade septic systems. Volusia County Council approved $375,000 on March 3 to cut nitrogen and protect local springs — get all the details.

Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*

Gold & silver are hot: Last year was gold’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150%… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. Curious about precious metal investing? American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.*

Highlights this week:

• Pick up free meals for all
• Stetson hosts Florida State baseball showdown
• Stetson softball hosts Florida Gators

💎 Local business spotlight

Ramen + boba fix: When the craving hits, Yumi Kitchen & Boba has soul-warming bowls of ramen (think silky tonkotsu and chewy noodles) and a lineup of milk teas to match. Low-key, satisfying, and perfect for those I’m-not-cooking nights.

Arcade fix, Deltona‑style: Bring your competitive energy—and your inner prize-hunter—to Sk8tona, where the arcade delivers those big-ticket redemption moments and instant‑brag wins. It’s a low‑stress, high‑fun escape for a rainy afternoon or a quick after‑work reset this week.

Need a hometown win: Stetson University Athletics brings big-game energy to small-town DeLand, turning couch nights into real cheers. Any sport works, and that inside voice… won’t get used, as weeknights feel like championships with the Hatters. Local pride, loud fun, zero regrets.

These aren’t ads or sponsored placements, just some cool nearby spots we think are worth a visit.

🫶 We got your back

What doctors wish every 65+ adult had at home: Physicians call it “long-lie,” and it’s the real reason falls are so dangerous for older adults. It’s not a broken bone… it’s lying on the floor for hours waiting for someone to notice. We dug into the options that actually solve this problem, and one stood out. See which one →

Six figures you can’t spend: Most homeowners over 50 have spent years dutifully paying their mortgage, assuming the only time it’ll pay off is when they sell. I thought the same thing until I discovered you can tap into the equity you’ve earned whenever you want (without leaving your home). Overdue for a new roof? Want to build your dream bathroom? There are two ways to turn equity into usable cash →

Paying full price is officially optional: Blu Dot just marked down dozens of their best sofas, beds, dining tables, outdoor pieces, and lighting by as much as 60%. Not because something’s wrong with them, but because every great design eventually has to make room for the next one. The deals change daily, so it’s always a new adventure. *See what’s on sale today →

Most people have no idea what’s happening inside their body: Not because the data doesn’t exist, but because no one’s collecting it. Routine annual checkups miss things like body composition, biological age, and the biomarkers that can help predict long-term patterns. The good news? HumeHealth offers tools to help you track all of that at home for less than the cost of a specialist visit. *Use code NEW20 to save 20% →

Something in your house is about to break: It might be your AC, your water heater, your fridge… doesn’t matter. Every major appliance has an expiration date, and when it goes, you’ll be staring down a repair bill that can climb into the thousands fast. An AHS home warranty covers these types of surprises + *select plans are $150 off right now →

📆 Our favorite events this week

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

☘ 19th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Street Party @ The Elusive Grape | Tuesday (3/17) at 5:00 PM – St. Patrick’s Day calls for a street party, and the Elusive Grape is hosting its 19th in downtown DeLand to benefit the Childhood Cancer Foundation. For $35 you get corned beef and cabbage, plus two beers or wine, kids are $20. Charity, carbs, and chaos.

🦈 Shark Fest! @ Gillespie Museum | Wednesday (3/18) at 10:00 AM – Whether your spring break involves sun, sand, or supervising the grandkids, pop into the museum for a pre-beach primer on sharks. Hunt for teeth, craft a necklace, and stock up on facts that impress at dinner, not just terrify at the pier. No registration required.

🎨 Artist Showcase @ Chronic Guru Dispensary & Lounge – Deland | Wednesday (3/18) at 6:00 PM – Skip the crowded chains and wander DeLand’s Artist Showcase, a lively blend of art, live music, and unlimited wine and sangria from local creatives. It is equal parts culture and buzz, with real talent, real people, and zero pretense.

🛍 2026 Annual Vendors Showcase @ Earl Brown Park | Friday (3/20) at 10:00 AM – DeLand’s annual vendor showcase is basically a hometown treasure hunt, minus the lawn mower parts. Shop local makers, snag quirky gifts, and graze your way through tasty bites. Bring a tote, comfortable shoes, and that friend who barters like a pro.

🌱 Build Your Own Pizza Container Garden Class @ Abbey Bar | Saturday (3/21) at 11:00 AM – Growing your own pizza toppings is the move, with a hands-on container garden class that sends you home with tomato, pepper, and herb plants, all potted. Twenty-five bucks covers plants, container, soil, gloves, and instruction, just RSVP, bring your charm, and skip the pineapple debate.

🎭 Steel Magnolias @ Athens Theatre | Sunday (3/22) at 11:45 AM – Hop a comfy bus from Port St. Lucie or Vero, let someone else wrangle I-95, and spend the afternoon at DeLand’s Athens Theatre for Steel Magnolias with preferred seats. Big hair, bigger hearts, and the finest laughter through tears, served sweet as Southern tea.

🌱 2026 Spring Plant Swap @ Deltona Regional Library | Sunday (3/22) at 12:30 PM – Trade cuttings with folks who can tell a pothos from a philodendron, RSVP required, space limited, and yes, you have to label everything. Ask before you take, swap care tips, skip the invasives, use your library voice, then quarantine your green roommates, just in case.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/17 St. Patrick’s Day @ City Wine & Cigar – 4:00 PM
• 3/18 Forever ABBA @ Athens Theatre – 5:00 PM
• 3/20 Jasmine Cain @ OB’s Restaurant & Lounge – 7:00 PM
• 3/21 90s Music Bingo @ Orange Social (Orange City) – 6:00 PM
• 3/21 33 Years @ Airport Restaurant & Gin Mill – 6:00 PM
• 3/21 Stealing Vanity @ Cafe DaVinci – 9:30 PM
• 3/22 Hansel and Gretel @ DeLand High School – 3:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 DeLand report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 81°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 74%

A chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9am and 1pm, then showers and thunderstorms likely between 1pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. West northwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

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Tomorrow – High: 59°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 4%

Sunny, with a high near 59. North northwest wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 44. North wind 5 to 10 mph.

This house is wild

This 3-bed, 2.5-bath pool home spans 5 acres in Glenwood, 15 minutes to Downtown DeLand. French doors link kitchen, dining, and family spaces to the pool, with tongue and groove ceilings for charm. An oversized garage with workshop, a carport, and RV or boat parking keep gear sorted. Updates include roof 2023 and well and pool equipment 2024 to 2025.

Take a peek inside →