- April 23, 2024
-
-
Loading
Loading
Reclaimed water not used for irrigation is pumped into the Halifax River. Photo by Wayne Grant
Volusia County’s 13 public library branches will accept food for fines from Nov. 13 through 19.
Patrons with late fees will receive a $1 reduction of overdue fines up to $25 for each undamaged, unexpired boxed or canned nonperishable food item they bring to the library. Donated food will be used to refill local food banks.
Last year the Food for Fines program collected 9,672 pounds of food.
Santa’s making his list and checking it twice at Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division. As part of an annual tradition, recreation employees will send personalized postcards from Santa to children up to age 12. Parents can have their children added to Santa’s mailing list by sending the child’s full name and address to [email protected] by Dec. 12
The city signed off on the Bike Plan presented by the Planning Department at the Nov. 1 City Commission meeting. The plan, in the works since 2014, contains several proposed trails that would provide connectivity to destination points in the city.
In the comment portion, one speaker approached the dais to talk about the composition of the trails, but he was advised by the mayor that the plan was only a concept and he would have chances later to make his argument on the details.
The trail from Tomoka Park to Sanchez Park once again drew controversy as a resident said it went through a flood plain. At previous meetings, speakers said the residents of Northbrook subdivision were concerned about the proposed trail being close to their houses.
City Commissioner Bill Partington said he was not comfortable with that trail, but was voting in favor of the Bike Plan to move the project forward with the understanding that citizens concerns could be addressed later. Officials say there will be neighborhood meetings when each trail is designed.
The St. Johns River Water Management District has awarded a grant to the city to fund extension of the reclaimed water system on the beachside south of Granada Boulevard.
Reclaimed water is already available for irrigation north of Granada and south of the boulevard on Seton Trail, Ormond Parkway and Magnolia Drive. On the mainland, it’s used in some neighborhoods and golf courses.
The full cost associated with this project is estimated to be $4,409,630 and the grant amount is $1,455,177. The city's share of funding will be provided through a combination of bond proceeds and wastewater impact fees, according to city documents.
The use of reuse water can reduce fertilizer usage, as some nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous remain in reuse water after it’s treated, according to the city. It reduces stress on drinking water supplies and also reduces effluent disposal into waterways which can help reduce nutrient loads within the Halifax River.
The city produces about 32 million gallons of wastewater every week. About 27 million gallons are reused for irrigation, so five million gallons is released into the Halifax River after being treated to standards set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
