DELAND -- The power brokers are here from several municipalities in the Volusia County Council chambers either because they want a CRA or because they want to continue receiving the millions in taxpayer dollars supposedly for "blighted areas."
I'll go out on a limb to predict none of these power brokers will mention the millions currently being spent on street parties where alcohol is the main draw.
Nowhere is that use more pronounced than on Flagler Avenue in New Smyrna Beach and on Main Street in Daytona Beach -- both lined with bars.
There are 15 Community Redevelopment Agency districts in Volusia County; five of them alone in Daytona Beach. DeLand, Ormond Beach and Port Orange each have two CRAs. With one CRA each are Daytona Beach Shores, Holly Hill, and South Daytona as well as the previously mentioned New Smyrna Beach.
New Smyrna Beach has one of the oldest, dating back to 1985, and set to sunset in 2015. The city is seeking yet another CRA. Edgewater and Orange City are looking for CRAs for the first time.
Among the city representatives in attendance are New Smyrna Beach Mayor Adam Barringer and CRA Director Tony Otte. Daytona Beach City Manager Jim Chisholm is here, too.
County officials are reviewing the history of CRAs, policies and changes under way. This will lead to public participation later in today's workshop session.
