PORT ORANGE
Observer
POETRY WINNER PAGE 3
YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
FREE • OCTOBER 2020
VOLUME 3, NO. 14
Fixes coming to Volusia Live School district to overhaul ‘hybrid’ classes. Story at WWW.ORMONDBEACHOBSERVER.COM
Chamber opposes two amendments How will the upcoming election impact businesses? JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Florida Chamber of Commerce recently gave a rundown of how the upcoming election could impact businesses with issues at the local, state and federal level, including the state chamber’s stances on the amendments. Andrew Wiggins, senior director of political affairs and coalitions advocacy, said one of the amendments the Florida Chamber opposes is Amendment 2, which aims to raise the minimum wage to $10 per hour, effective Sept. 30, 2021, and then increases it annually until it reaches $15 in 2026. The chamber feels that the mandate would “negatively impact job growth, limit opportunities for entry-level workers, increase prices and increase financial pressures on Florida seniors,” according its website. The Florida Chamber also opposes Amendment 3, which, if enacted, would allow all registered voters to vote in primary elections for state Legislature, governor and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation.
150 cyclists take part in 9/11 ride
Riding for remembrance PAGE 4
Photos by Jarleene Almenas
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Can the bike rally be held safely in Volusia?
Local Postal Customer
The County Council will explore the creation of a safety plan for Biketoberfest.
JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Volusia County Council will outline a COVID-19 safety plan for Biketoberfest at its next meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 29. County staff asked the council for direction on how to proceed in regard to special event permitting, an issue several cities in Volusia have tackled in recent weeks. Ormond Beach and Holly Hill have decided to issue permits with restrictions and safety measures in place; Daytona Beach, Port
Orange and New Smyrna Beach will not be issuing permits at all. Clay Ervin, county director for growth and resource management, said the county is looking to address traffic control, public health and safety as it pertains to Biketoberfest participants. Some of the businesses in unincorporated areas that have obtained a permit for this event in the past include Hanky Panky’s lounge in Ormond-by-the-Sea and the Daytona Flea Market. “We are facing the fact that we know folks will be coming down to this area for Biketoberfest, and whether we issue permits or not,
there still will be people here,” Ervin said. The county could place a temporary moratorium on special event permits, but several council members expressed that, since people will be arriving for the Oct. 15-18 motorcycle rally anyway, they would feel more comfortable with event guidelines in place. County Councilwoman Barb Girtman said without a safety plan in place, the county won’t be able to prepare for their arrival. “I just don’t think that’s a responsible approach,” she said.