Public Initiatives

I. Public Initiatives

Objectives

• Provide financial relief to veterans accessing county recreational facilities.
• Honor veterans in public spaces throughout Volusia County.
• Support entrepreneurship in the veteran community.
• Enhance veterans' access to recreational and civic resources.
• Recognize veterans making significant contributions to the community.
• Establish sustainable, long-term funding for Veterans Stand Down.
   

Activities
 

1. County-Wide Discounts:

• Implement 10% discounts at county parks for pavilions, camping, and building/community center rentals.
• In alignment with Veteran’s Day, offer veteran’s free primitive camping in November at county preserve camping sites.
• Free admission to the Marine Science Center.
• 10% discount on a building permit fee for the veteran property owner.

2. Expand Operation Outdoor Freedom

Currently provides recreational and rehabilitative opportunities to wounded veterans

• Increase current program from two (2) annual hunts to four (4) annual hunts on county-owned conservation lands.

3. Designated “Reserved Parking for Veterans” Parking Spaces:

Install designated parking at 14 county-owned public access facilities including:

• Historic Courthouse
• Henderson Judicial Center
• Foxman Justice Center
• Beach Safety HQ
• Four Regional Libraries

4. Veteran's “Patriot Pass” Library Card:

• Specially designed library cards for veteran cardholders.
• 10 pages of complimentary copies or computer print outs per visit.

5. Honoring Veterans at Council:

• Establish biannual recognition via proclamation for an individual veteran who continues to serve veterans or the broader community.

6. Veterans Stand Down:

• Created a new Stand Down website with sponsorships and donation options.
• Sponsorship program administered by Pay it Forward Packs.
• Partnership and sponsored transportation by the Florida Veterans' Foundation.
• Implement a volunteer program to assist at the event.

7. Volusia Veterans Support Endowment:

• Propose the creation of an endowment fund through partnership with United Way ($50,000 to initiate and 4%+ spendable for Stand Down in perpetuity).
• $10,000 raised at the Stand Down in 2025.

8. Support Veteran Entrepreneurs:

• Train Veterans Services Officers on the services provided by Economic Development Division.
• Referred two entrepreneurs in FY25 and continue to refer to the Acceleration Program and Startup Incubation Program.
• Create networking opportunities specifically for veteran entrepreneurs.

9. VetTix Program:

• Partner with VetTix Organization and recruit live entertainment venues to contribute discount tickets for local vets.
• If possible, donate tickets to veterans for Ocean Center events and venues across the county.