Spring 2016 newsletter

City of DeLand
Spring newsletter — January through March
A message from Mayor Bob Apgar
Thank you for reading our newsletter. At the City it is our pleasure and
goal to keep you updated on the exciting news and events going on in
“The Athens of Florida.”
Some of the highlights of this newsletter include a much anticipated
launch of the City’s social media websites, the annual Mardi Gras on
MainStreet Dog Parade and much more! You will also find a list of
events in the coming months that you surely don’t want to miss!
If you have any suggestions, questions or comments about our
newsletter, please contact Community Information Specialist Chris
Graham at 386-626-7117 or by email at [email protected]
On behalf of the City of DeLand, thank you again for your interest and
we hope your year is off to a great start!
Sincerely,
Inside this
issue:
 Dale Arrington
 Social media
 MLK Jr. Day
 Mardi Gras on MainStreet Dog
Parade
 Tree planting
 Employee accomplishments
 DeLand Bike Rally
 Upcoming events
Dale Arrington retires from the city, takes over in Orange City
After 14 years of service to the community, the City of DeLand had to say goodbye to
longtime Assistant City Manager Dale Arrington after she was appointed to lead Orange
City.
Arrington was first hired by the city in 2002 as the community development director and
promoted six years later to the role of assistant city manager.
City employees celebrated Arrington’s career with a party at the Sanborn Center.
City Manager Michael Pleus said Arrington’s presence will be missed in City Hall.
“You don’t replace someone like Dale,” he said. “She has become an enormous part of
our community. She will be missed by many.”
Mike Grebosz was promoted to Assistant City Manager and someone will be hired as
community development director.
While Arrington will be missed in City Hall, she won’t be far away. Best of luck in
Orange City, Dale!
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
Top photo: City
Manager Michael
Pleus
presents
photos of Hotel
Putnam to Dale
Arrington. Bottom
left:
Mary
Swiderski, Larry
Arrington and Dale
Arrington know
where life is the
best. Bottom right:
Employees wrote
down thoughts and
well wishes for
Dale
Arrington
who took over as
City Manager in
Orange City.
Mike Grebosz named Assistant City Manager
Mike Grebosz has been named Assistant City Manager for the City of
DeLand.
“We are very excited about Mike’s promotion,” said City Manager
Michael Pleus. “He is energetic, creative and has a passion for public
service. We look forward to seeing great things from him.”
Grebosz has been employed by the city for the last 13 years, working his
way up through the ranks. After joining the city as a human resources
intern, he was hired as special projects coordinator, a position he held for
three years.
In 2008, he was elevated to the role of Assistant to the City Manager, a
role in which he helped administer the city’s budget and oversaw the city
risk management department as well as external and internal
communications.
Grebosz attended Stetson University where he obtained his Bachelor of
Science in 2005 and received his Masters in Business Administration in
2007. He takes over for Dale Arrington, who left to become the city
manager in Orange City.
Congratulations and good luck in your position Mike!
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
DeLand takes on social media
The city of DeLand is embracing the digital age—finally– with the launch of
social networking accounts in the coming months.
“It is an exciting time for the city of DeLand,” said Community Information
Specialist Chris Graham. “The goal is to engage with citizens and area
stakeholders as well as keep every one informed about what’s going on around
town.”
Graham will help launch the city’s Facebook and Twitter accounts, which are
expected to be up and running by the beginning of April.
On both accounts, people will be able to find updates regarding upcoming
events, important news and photos from around town. It will also be a way for
the city to quickly communicate to the public and organizations in the event of
an emergency.
Over time, the city hopes to implement other sites including a Youtube channel
and possibly others.
For more information contact Graham at 386-626-7117.
Students go to ‘School of Government’
Students from DeLand and Taylor High Schools have been learning about what it takes to run a municipal government as part of
DeLand’s annual “School of Government” program, which is a
partnership between the city, Volusia County Schools and the DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce.
Throughout the program high school students learn about the
various departments in the City and other governments.
In January, the group learned about Public Works as well as how
to make a street sign. The students also made a trip to Tallahassee
and will soon run their own meeting from the City Commission
chambers at DeLand City Hall.
This is a program the city continually is striving to improve as
we value the future generation of leaders.
Top left, Addison
Caldwell shows a
student how to make
a street sign. Far
left, Wastewater
Treatment Plant
Superintendent Jody
Harrison talks to
students about the
site. On the right,
Larissa Malik talks
about bacteria used
in the treatment
process.
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
SPECIAL EVENTS
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Joining with others across the nation, the City of DeLand honored the life and legacy of heralded civil rights leader Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Festivities included a production of Prodigal Child 2 and a performance by the MLK Gospel Choir.
The celebration culminated in a breakfast at Stetson University headlined by keynote speaker Deforest “Buster” Soaries.
From there, dozens marched from the university grounds through town to Earl Brown Park, where families gathered for
a rally to pay special tribute to the man who inspired a nation.
City of DeLand
DeLand Bike Rally
The City of DeLand welcomed bikers back for the
annual Bike Rally as part of the festivities for the
75th annual Bike Week. As is tradition, DeLand
ushered in Bike Week with a huge event that shut
down Woodland Boulevard to traffic in downtown.
The area was a hive of activity with a number of
live music venues as bikers enjoyed the shops
throughout downtown DeLand.
Shamrocks & Shenanigans
The City of DeLand’s second annual Shamrocks &
Shenanigans was a smashing success. People enjoyed
Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, a Leprechaun
made an appearance and two pianos dueled at the
amphitheater at Earl Brown Park. We’re excited about the
future of this event and thanks to everybody who helped
make it a perfect day at the park!
Spring 2016
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
Mardi Gras on MainStreet Dog Parade
Beautiful weather helped usher in another successful Mardi Gras on MainStreet Dog Parade and Festival. Thousands of
people lined Woodland Boulevard as dogs and their owners took a stroll down the road, many of them donning patriotic
themed garb as part of this year’s theme, which was “Patriotic Pups.” Proceeds from the event, organized by the non-profit
group Krewe of Amalee, go toward various charities and projects through the area.
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
City of DeLand
Employees of the Quarter
Spring 2016
Employee
spotlight
Mariellen
Calabro
There were so many exemplary employees that the city couldn’t just
name one. The Employees of the Quarter for October-December 2015
were: Randy Richardson, City Hall; Nick Pugliese; Parks and Recreation;
Juan Millan, Rod Hancock and Latisha Pasley, Police Department; Jon
Hollman, Travis Sawyer, Sean Langford, Adam Bruce and Brad Cory,
Fire Department; John Carson, Shawn Wahrenberger and Larissa Malik,
Utilities; Addison Caldwell, Public Works and Aaron Schmoyer, Public
Services
City of DeLand Forestry Superintendent
Mariellen Calabro has been awarded the
highest designation in her field, recently
being recognized as a Board Certified
Master Arborist.
Calabro, who has served as an urban
forester for the past 10 years for DeLand,
received the recognition from the
International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA) based on her achievements in the
field and after passing a written exam.
Fewer than two percent of ISA certified
arborists hold this certification including
16 out of more than 1,800 arborists in the
state of Florida.
Wastewater Superintendent receives
Creative Genius Award
Wastewater Superintendent Jody Harrison was given the
Creative Genius Award for reducing the amount of alum the
City uses in its treatment process. In the first year of
implementation, he saved city taxpayers more than $130,000.
Harrison received a plaque from the City as well as a $1,000,
the maximum amount an employee can receive from the
Creative Genius program.
Detective Richard Rockburn retires after 28 years with the police department
Police Detective Richard Rockburn was honored following his retirement
after nearly three decades of service to the community.
“Detective Rockburn’s wealth of experience, commitment to serve the
community, and calm demeanor will be missed,” said Police Chief Bill
Ridgway. “He was a good employee that was well liked by his peers,
supervisors, and the citizens that he interacted with. I wish him the best on a
well deserved retirement.”
Rockburn, 66, retired from the force in January after 28 years of service with
the department. He began his career as an officer on January 1, 1988. From
there he was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Drug Unit in 1990 and
three years later became an evidence/property technician.
In 1994, he was reassigned as a detective, a position he held until his
retirement this month. During his time in the Criminal Investigations
Division, Rockburn oversaw cases involving missing and exploited children
as well as elderly abuse.
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
Garden Club of DeLand leaving its mark
Some of us at the City noticed the wonderful job
the Garden Club of DeLand has been doing with
the flower pots in downtown.
We asked them to share a few words about why
they do it.
“Helping to keep DeLand beautiful is one of the
joys of belonging to the Garden Club,” wrote
Diana Bitler, a member of the Club’s
“Streetwalkers” group. “The club is dedicated to
giving back to DeLand. Twice a year in early
May and November, annuals are replaced
through select growers and funded by the City
to bring smiles to the faces of passers-by and the
Streetwalkers keep the plants looking beautiful
with monthly maintenance.”
“We encourage you to find out more about the
many activities and programs our Club has to
offer by visiting our website at
www.gardenclubofdeland.org,” Bitler wrote.
Earl Brown Park Gateway project
In an effort to beautify Hubbard Street, city workers planted dozens of crepe myrtle trees as well as magnolia trees to
serve as a gateway to all of our recreational facilities including Earl Brown Park and the Sanborn Events and Activities
Center.
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
AROUND TOWN
Grand Villa ribbon cutting
After years of languishing, the old Clarion Hotel on International
Speedway Boulevard was transformed into a luxurious assisted living
facility, Grand Villa of DeLand. Mayor Bob Apgar, City Manager
Michael Pleus and other community leaders were on hand to christen the
refurbished building. In addition to 136 efficiency and one-bedroom
apartments, Grand Villa features a private dining room, a secured
courtyard and a state-of-the-art media room with recliners. It also
features a Main Street-like stretch with a general store and beauty salon.
Centenarian luncheon at The Cloisters
Mayor Bob Apgar went to The Cloisters of DeLand retirement
community to congratulate more than a dozen area residents who have
lived past the century mark. Apgar presented the honorees with
certificates and then lunch and a birthday cake were served to the 100year-old VIPs.
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS
The 51st Annual DeLand Outdoor Art Festival
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 2
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 3
Earl Brown Park
Free
A festival celebrating fine art, fine craft and traditional crafts.
386-717-1888
www.delandoutdoorartfest.com
Florida Wildlife and Garden Festival
9 a.m.-3 p.m. April 2
West Indiana Avenue, Downtown DeLand
Vendors lining downtown's West Indiana Avenue will offer garden- and nature-related items, including
wildflower seeds, plants, honey, yard art and planters, photos and books. The festival will also feature zoo
animals, children's activities, and presentations and demonstrations by wildflower and gardening experts.
Free parking and admission
738-0649
http://mainstreetdeland.org/flwildflowerfest
The 5th Annual DeLandapalooza Original Music Festival
1-11 p.m. April 9
Various locations in Downtown DeLand
Over 150 acts on 28 stages featured in a 12 hour Original Music and Art Festival consisting of Rock, Folk,
Blues, Americana, Jazz, Country, Metal and more. In addition there will be more than 40 art displays and
various vendors.
386-308-2694
http://www.ssa.cc/delandapalooza.html
Mayor’s Golf Tournament
8:30 a.m. April 15
Victoria Hills Golf Club, 300 Spalding Way, DeLand
$90 per person
Play a round with the Mayor and others in an event that benefits the MainStreet DeLand Association and Faith
Hope & Charity.
386-738-0649
Florida Cheese Festival
10 a.m.-6 p.m. April 16
East Indiana Avenue from Woodland Boulevard to Alabama Avenue
Don’t miss out on a chance to taste unique, delectable cheeses with beer and wine gardens by Stella Artois and
The Elusive Grape. Celebrate everything cheese with the whole family and enjoy live music, food classes and
much more.
$10 per person for unlimited cheese samples
http://floridacheesefestival.com/
Anything that Floats Captain’s Block Party
6-8 p.m. April 29
West Indiana Avenue, Downtown DeLand
Join us for a block party the night before the big race! Check out the boats and enjoy some interactive games.
Free
Anything That Floats
10 a.m. April 30
Lake Beresford Yacht Club, 1961 Hontoon Road, DeLand
The DeLand Area Chamber of Commerce and MainStreet DeLand Association present a fun, community event
called, ANYTHING THAT FLOATS.
The race will launch and end at the Lake Beresford Yacht Club. Teams may push, pull, paddle, shimmy or
even sway their vessel to the finish line!
City of DeLand
Spring 2016
Safety Zone
Quick and Fun Facts
Because of El Nino conditions this year, most upcoming storms have the potential to become
dangerous and form tornadoes, so it is important to be prepared and be able to react quickly.
Volusia County Emergency Management offers all citizens an opportunity to sign up for
their Code Red alerts. You can sign up for various ways to be alerted (phone, text, email) and
the service is especially important this time of year when storms can hit so rapidly. Just go
on Volusia.org and look for Emergency Management. The page will open and invite you to
sign up for alerts. Any information furnished for the purpose of emergency notification is
exempt from public records requirements.
Another timely reminder is the Move Over Law in Florida. Many people aren’t aware of this
law and the consequences of breaking the law. The Move Over Law requires you to move
over a lane or slow down to 20 MPH below the speed limit. If you are on a road where the
speed limit is 20 MPH or less, you are required to slow down to 5 MPH.
The purpose of the Move Over Law is to protect law enforcement and emergency vehicle
workers from being hit by vehicles passing them at high speed. If you are not in the lane
closest to the stopped emergency vehicle you should be prepared to allow other drivers to
move over.
If you fail to move over you can be issued a ticket, can receive 3 points on your license,
and have to pay a fine.

Founded: 1882

Population: 30,500

Budget: $63.4 million

Number of employees:
384

The city’s first budget
was for $5,604.

In 1966, the city banned
left turns from Woodland
Boulevard to New York
Avenue.
Connect with DeLand
Www.deland.org
Www.discoverdeland.org
Www.facebook.com/cityofdeland
Mayor Robert F. Apgar
386-851-0674
[email protected]
Www.twitter.com/cityofdeland
Commissioner Charles Paiva
386-738-9690
[email protected]
Commissioner Jessica Davis
386-675-5071
[email protected]
Commissioner Chris Cloudman
386-624-1086
[email protected]
Vice Mayor Leigh Matusick
386-738-4556
[email protected]