The council meeting’s most focus was on the commendation of Deborah Joy, an employee at a Circle K store, who played a role in averting a substantial financial loss for an elderly couple. Joy’s actions came into the spotlight when she noticed the couple’s distress as they attempted to use a Bitcoin machine. Realizing something was amiss, Joy contacted the police department, which confirmed that the transaction was a scam. Her timely intervention not only saved the couple from losing an amount of money but also highlighted the issue of scams targeting vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.

During the meeting, the police chief emphasized the growing problem of fraud in the area, citing 2.6 million fraud reports filed last year with losses exceeding $12 billion. Joy’s vigilance was praised, with the chief expressing gratitude for her actions and underscoring the importance of community involvement in such matters. Council members echoed these sentiments, with one noting that her actions were “a shining example of what good stewardship is.” Another council member shared a personal connection to the issue, remarking on the pervasive nature of fraudulent schemes.

In addition to honoring Joy, the council recognized several local officers for their achievements. Officer Jordan Snipes was commended for his outstanding academic performance and induction into the Daytona State College Hall of Fame, notably for providing life-saving first aid during an accident. Officer Cody Rhett was acknowledged as the Valuchia League of Cities employee of the year in public safety. These recognitions underscored the dedication and professionalism of the local police force.

The meeting also included a presentation from the Academy of Law and Government (ALAG) at Atlantic High School. Students from the academy shared insights into their program, which focuses on public service and legal careers. They highlighted hands-on activities such as mock trials and crime scene investigations, which help prepare them for future careers. The council commended the involvement of these young individuals, appreciating their engagement in local governance.

Several ordinances concerning community development were discussed and approved during the meeting. One notable ordinance involved the rezoning of approximately 1.23 acres from planned commercial development to professional office space. This change is part of a broader initiative to update outdated planned commercial developments that pose developmental challenges due to restrictive regulations. Another ordinance sought to rezone 5.38 acres from planned commercial development to community commercial, addressing similar issues with outdated requirements. Both ordinances passed unanimously.

The meeting also touched on community events, including a city-wide Easter celebration involving hidden bunnies and the upcoming Jazz Festival at Lakeside. Additionally, the reopening of Memorial Park was celebrated, with the docks now accessible for public use. A meeting regarding long-range paving and bridge projects for Volusia and Flagler counties was announced, highlighting the city’s ongoing infrastructure efforts.

In other business, the council addressed a budget item concerning lime disposal, which could potentially save the city an estimated $800,000. The staff’s initiative to convert the byproduct of lime disposal into sand, particularly useful during storm preparations, was praised for its cost-effectiveness.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on the First Step Shelter, a facility that provides support for individuals seeking to transition from homelessness to permanent housing. Despite only two individuals from Port Orange using the shelter last year, the council recognized its importance for the broader Volusia County region. The shelter’s success rate of helping nearly 90% of individuals transition to permanent housing was highlighted.