Volusia ECHO and Volusia Forever Renewal on November 3 Ballot.

Written by Kristen Schmutz

Belden Communications News

According to a release from the city of Daytona Beach, the renewal of Volusia County’s ECHO grant funding program is up for renewal on the November 3 Ballot.

In the past 20 years, the Volusia ECHO program has provided more than $95 Million to improve the quality of life for residents by supporting the acquisition, restoration, construction, or improvement of environmental, cultural, historical, and outdoor recreational facilities.

Daytona Beach itself has received $5.5 Million from Volusia ECHO; the highest amount received by any city in the county.

Last month, Daytona Beach’s City Commission unanimously voted to support placing the renewal for another 20 years for the Volusia ECHO and Volusia Forever programs on the General Election ballot.

City projects made possible by Volusia ECHO funding:

• Stabilization of the historic Bandshell 
• Bethune Point Park Skateboard Park 
• Breakers Oceanfront Park 
• Cypress Aquatic Center 
• Renovation of Daytona Beach Clocktower 
• Jackie Robinson Ballpark & Museum upgrades
• Midtown Cultural & Educational Center 
• Municipal Stadium turf project
• Peabody Auditorium renovations
• Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center 

Daytona Beach-based organizations have also benefitted by receiving Volusia ECHO funds:

• Art League of Daytona Beach
• Bethune-Cookman University’s Performing Arts Center and Visual Art Gallery
• Bethune-Cookman University’s Foundation restoration
• Daytona Playhouse
• Daytona State College’s News-Journal Center
• Daytona State College’s Echo Plaza
• Halifax Humane Society’s public dog park
• Museum of Arts and Sciences
• Southeast Museum of Photography