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Good morning, Deltona! In today’s edition: Sonesta expands upscale hotels, a manatee festival makes a splash, a Highwaymen exhibit, and more. Let’s get to it!
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Footprint widens across markets: Sonesta announced agreements to add six upscale hotels to the MOD Collection, including in Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, part of an expansion by the nation’s eighth-largest hotel company — see where hotels are planned.
Events for gentle giants: Manatee season is in full swing at select Florida State Parks, with upcoming celebrations like a Manatea Festival on Jan. 18 and the 41st Annual Blue Springs Manathen — get all the details.
Celebrating classroom excellence: Volusia County Schools will name its 2027 Teacher of the Year at a Jan. 10 dinner. The district has five finalists, including Matthew Pellegrino of Galaxy Middle in Deltona — see who’s in the running.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Protect your nest egg: Savvy investors are turning to gold amidst today’s inflation, national debt, and market uncertainty for a reason. It holds its value when everything else feels shaky. Case in point: it’s up ~62% since this month last year. If you’re curious about adding it and other precious metals to your portfolio, American Hartford has a super helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free, and definitely worth a read — check it out here.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
Navigating uncertain tax policy: Volusia County Council will hold a goal-setting workshop on Jan. 8 to review proposed state property tax reforms that could eliminate some state property taxes. The session will cover potential impacts on local budgets and residents, with state plans still under consideration. See what leaders will discuss.
A cider-friendly hangout: At Celery City Craft, the rotating tap list reliably features several ciders, alongside a laid-back beer garden and Sushi & Seoul bites. Whether your fridge holds a lone seltzer or you just want something crisp, it’s an easy, zero-fuss weeknight meetup.
Upgrade your cozy corners: Whether you’re after a standout chair or the perfect finishing touch, Nikki’s Furniture & Décor rotates fresh furniture, lighting, rugs, and art, plus custom fabric and leather options for a made-for-you look. Local, eclectic, and genuinely helpful when inspiration runs low.
Thinning hair? Same: I’ve been shedding a lot, and recently noticed my ponytail feeling thinner. After way too much panic-Googling, I discovered Keranique’s hair regrowth system. Everything with them is surprisingly easy: no quizzes, no pills, no choosing between dozens of products. Just grab the kit and follow the instructions. The best part? It’s $75 off right now, you’ll get three free gifts, AND you’ll get your money back if you don’t love the results.
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📆 Around town this week
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
This week
✂ Ribbon Cutting: Expansion Opening for African American Museum of the Arts @ African American Museum of The Arts | Tuesday (1/6) at 5:00 PM – Nothing says hometown pride like a giant pair of scissors, familiar faces, and a museum leveling up. Come toast the African American Museum of the Arts expansion, rub elbows with Chamber folks, and knock out your photo-op, civic duty, and good conversation in one stop.
📚 Book Counter @ Hammer And Stain Workshop | Friday (1/9) at 6:00 PM – If your New Year pep talk needs a practical prop, make a book counter to track those reads. Pick your paint or stain, swap stories, and leave with something solid, useful, and nice. Consider it accountability you can dust, not an app you ignore.
😂 Bonkerz Comedy Show @ The Center At Deltona | Friday (1/9) at 8:00 PM – Bonkerz Comedy Show brings sharp stand-up and the kind of belly laughs you only get in a room full of locals. Leave the news, the group chat, and your to-do list at the door, then let pros roast everyday life while you sip something decent.
This weekend
🛍 25th Annual Dollhouse & Flea Market @ Volusia County Fairgrounds | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Feeling nosy about tiny neighbors? The 25th Annual Dollhouse & Miniature Flea Market takes over Talton Hall at the Volusia County Fairgrounds with loads of vendors, door prizes, and delightfully small temptations. It’s affordable nostalgia, zero HOA, and plenty of AC.
🧭 Navigation & Compass Skills Workshop @ Deleon Springs State Park | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Trade the “where’s the boat” panic for real bearings at this scuba navigation and compass skills workshop. Open to certified divers, you’ll practice swim patterns, set accurate headings, and book it with a $20 reservation through ARock Scuba, CFL Scuba Reepair, or Neptune’s Splendor Scuba.
📷 Beginner’s Photography: Learn and Hike @ Lyonia Environmental Center | Saturday (1/10) at 9:00 AM – Trade the couch for a hike in the preserve and finally figure out what that AV button does. Guides walk you through outdoor photography basics, composition, and easy tricks as you go. All ages, all skill levels, no ego, just good shots and fresh air.
📸 Free Professional Headshots @ Skydive DeLand | Sunday (1/11) at 9:00 AM – Still rocking that 2012 LinkedIn headshot? One-day-only free pro sessions with studio lighting, a 15-minute slot, and one fully edited high-res image, perfect for resumes, portfolios, and credibility. Grab a spot before they vanish: https://www.clperspective.com/booking-calendar/free-pro-headshot-s-jan-11th-only
Live music & entertainment:
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Deltona report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 79°F – Low: 56°F – Precip: 3%
Areas of fog before 9am. Sunny, with a high near 79. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 56. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 3%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. West southwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. West wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
This 3-bed, 2-bath in Deltona’s Treeshore community pairs classic frame-and-brick construction with a corner lot just over half an acre. The living room features recessed lighting and crisp two-tone paint. A modern kitchen adds white cabinetry, an island bar with sink, and a casual dining nook for morning coffee or everyday meals. Ceiling fans in all bedrooms boost comfort. The enclosed porch extends the living area, and a portable system heats and cools it for flexible use.
Minutes to I-4, Daytona State College Deltona Campus, AdventHealth Fish Memorial, and Gemini Springs Park, plus plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Take a peek inside →
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