Common-Sense Solutions

Environmental Protection & Flood Mitigation

Supported the removal of 33,986 tons of buried debris at the Daytona International Airport.

Supported adding ENRAC committee to enhance citizen review and participation in environmental issues.

Supported Volunteer Environmental Labor Utilization.

Supported Re-Grow the Loop and Re-Grow Volusia programs which funded and added trees along environmentally sensitive areas and scenic roadways.

Supported Fully Funding Marine Science Center.

Supported consolidation of Pollution Control Services.

Supported paperless reporting transition which reduced the amount of paper Volusia County Government uses.

Supported Southeast storm water management system at the landfill.

-Supported updated reclaimed water meters to reduce water usage.

Supported over $124 million in grants for regional water quality projects.

Supported septic to sewer program and funding allocations for septic tank conversions in environmentally sensitive areas including the mosquito lagoon.

Serve and support on the East Central Florida Regional Planning Board to protect / manage growth around our natural resources.

Supported the partnership with the National Coastal Resilience Fund which helped restore over 13 miles of natural sand dunes along our coastline.

Supported over $20 million dollars in Resilient Florida Implementation grant for the acquisition and restoration of 5,578 acre property around Lake Harney.

Supported Green Volusia Program which collaborates with private groups, Solid Waste companies, chambers of commerce.

Supported additional requirements from FEMA for properties within the Special Flood Plane and Hazard area.

Supported the Indian River Lagoon Overlay Minimum Standards consistent with state and federal law.

Supported policy to preserve at least 35% of natural environment while developing land.

Supported capturing of storm water on the entire site.

Supported transitioning from private package plants to sewer conversions when available.

Supported single family septics at least 200ft away from any water body or canal.

Supported additional minimum standards to be implement on new developments in unincorporated Volusia County.

Supported requiring pre-development storm water conditions remain the same post development as to not affect surrounding residents.

Supported the continued coordination with SJWMD and FDEP when development occurs within Unincorporated Volusia.

Supported the Completion of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System to ensure Volusia County complies with the Municipal Storm water system permits issued by the FDEP.

Supported the completion of the annual Mosquito Lagoon Reasonable assurance plan reporting system which is a 15 year plan restoration schedule to meet water quality projects and achieving regional goals.

Supported the completion of Lake be restored / lakeside Drive Stormwater improvement project to enhance water quality and storm water infrastructure to prevent pollutants entering body of water.

Supported the completion of Gabordy Canal and 10th street stormwater facility with a cost of $3.2 Million dollars which prevents pollutants from entering the Mosquito Lagoon and adds stormwater capacity for the area.

Supported the completion of the North Peninsula Exfiltration system which replaced old piping to reduce contaminates and reduces stormwater pollutants flowing into the Halifax River.

Supported the Arial Canal Water Quality Project which was a $2.4 million dollar investment within Riverbreeze Park in Oak hill which reduced pollutants from entering into the mosquito lagoon.

Supported the First cycle of Stormwater and Wastewater Needs Analysis for House Bill 53 which established a long term planning process for stormwater and wastewater needs.

Supported ARPA funds allocation towards Pooser Pond Stormwater Improvement project ($2.69 Million) in west Volusia.

Supported North Beach St. resiliency project which redesigned the roadway and drainage system to protect Ormond Beach and the Tomoka River Basin. It also protects North Beach Street which is subject to flooding in intense rain events.

Supported the Buckingham Exfiltration System in Ormond Beach which is a $732,000 project within the North Peninsula. It addresses Stormwater Outfall that historically drains into the Halifax River.

Supported the completion of the South Clyde Morris Blvd. Stormwater System rehabilitation. $1.2 Million dollar project to rehab old stormwater infrastructure along Clyde morris blvd along Dunlawton Ave. and WIllow Run in Port Orange.

Supported the B-19 Canal Box Culvert project. $1.6 million dollar project in Port Orange which addresses underperforming sea walls installed in 2006.

Supported the Lake Monroe water quality project, a $1.3 million dollar project to address outfall into the St. John’s River and comforted with the states best management practices.

Supported over $1.2 million to complete a comprehensive stormwater management master plan for each watershed basin county wide. Spruce Creek, Little Haw creek, Deep Creek and DeLand Ridge.

Supported the purchase 237 Miller Lake Rd. For adding additional storm water capacity.

Supported the purchase of 3070 Grand Ave. for adding additional stormwater capacity.

Supported the allocation of an additional $500,000 within budget for land purchases to facilitate or add stormwater capacity in targeted areas.

Supported the budget request for $600,000 for additional Flood Mitigation Capital Projects throughout the County.

Supported the budget request of $200,000 to update additional basin studies.

Supported pipe lining of drainage assets county wide to restore aging or failing stormwater systems.

Supported $376,000 in stormwater incorporated assets.

Supported an additional $243,000 in unincorporated stormwater assets.

Supported Capital Outlay of $809,000 to purchase additional equipment to support drainage task team operations.

Supported the Southwest Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion for advanced treatment capacity. Project increased stormwater capacity. State and Federal Grants totaled over $54 million dollars.

Supported the Blue Springs Feasibility Analysis in Partnership with the FDEP.

Supported the Gemini Springs Sanitary Sewer Master Plan and Conversion Phase 1 project which converted over 2,300 septic systems within the Gemini Springs Basin.

Supported ALL Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades which added wastewater flow from Debary, Orange City and the I-4 activity Center to include adding a new master lift station.

Supported a new Wastewater force main system 1.2 miles along Donald Smith Rd.from Highbanks to the Southwest Regional Water reclamation system.

Supported Water and Wastewater Extension projects along US Highway 17 corridor from State Road15A to McInnis Elementary School.

Supported the Southeast Regional Water Reclamation Facility Expansion which included the conversion to advanced wastewater treatment to support the BMAP long term strategy protection of the Mosquito Lagoon. Increased treatment from 600,000 gallons per day to 1.2 million per day. Grants captured $31.3 million dollars.

Supported Indian Harbor estates sanitary sewer retrofit which resulted in 280 septic conversions along the mosquito lagoon.

Supported Debary Hall Historic Site Stormwater Improvements.

Supported planting additional natural vegetation along Gemini Springs Park Shoreline.

Supported the Marine Discovery Centers $550,000 shoreline restoration project.

Supported the Spring Hill Resource Center Green Roof Project for $380,000.

Supported West Volusia Regional Trail pervious trail project to allow 90% water infiltration for $750,000.

Supported 27 projects through ECHO program incorporating sustainable design elements.

Supported the first stand alone green infrastructure project category in 2022.

Supported the Lake George to Indian River Regional Conservation Partnership program.

Supported over $25 million in USDA Grants.

Supported ALL Agricultural Land acquisitions and management practices to improve climate resiliency.

Supported the Alachua Conservation Trust in partnership with Stetson Water Environmental resilience program.

Supported ALL acquisitions inside the Volusia Conservation Corridor.

Supported the acquisition of ALL lands in our working lands program to support agriculture and farming.

Voted in favor of protecting wetland buffers and doubled the distance from 25’-50’

In every instance I apposed wetland encroachment and kept it low and consistent with State and Federal Laws. (You cannot deny access to someone’s land by state statute.)

Supported over $120 million in local, state, and federal funding to protect and enhance the mosquito lagoon.

Supported EVERY conservation, environmental protection land purchase presented. Volusia County is ranked #2 in the State for land acquisition and protection out of 67 counties.

Helped Reduce wetland impacts in un-incorporated Volusia by keeping consistency with FDEP standards while approving any project in unincorporated Volusia.

Helped achieve Volusia County receive the “Youth Hunting Program Land Owner of the year” award for our conservation efforts.

Supported ALL local, state, and federal funding opportunities for stormwater infrastructure upgrades and retention.

Helped implement and allocate Transform 386 Federal Funds for County wide Stormwater infrastructure upgrades and provide relief funds to those affected by Natural disasters. (Over $120 Million from Transform 386 and $130 million from Hurricane Milton.)

Supported ALL partnerships and grant funding for the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach.

Land Conservation & Beach Access

Supported the acquisition of 6,826 acres of environmentally sensitive lands.

Supported adopting strategic conservation corridors connecting existing preserved lands.

Supported protecting critical watershed areas, springs, and wildlife habitats county wide.

Supported additional ADA parking and off beach parking at Sun & Surf Park.

Supported Boylston beach Ramp Public Access improvements.

Supported Plaza Beach ramp public access improvements.

Supported Edwin Peck Park design, permitting and construction of beachfront park.

Supported Dahlia Ave. Park which included additional ADA spaces, restrooms, playground, picnic, showers, bike racks, and ADA dune walkover.

Supported International Speedway Blvd. Beach ramp improvements with new hard scape, lighting, landscaping, and restroom upgrades.

Supported Silver Beach approach design, permitting and upgrades.

Supported coastal reconstruction, dune restoration and armoring ONLY where needed.

Helped achieve the acquisition of 40% of total lands in Volusia County remain in permanent conservation. 60% of those lands are within the wildlife corridor.

Supported the expansion of beach driving and beach access. (State Controlled)

Supported the expansion of dog friendly areas of our beaches.

Public Safety & Law Enforcement

Created the Water Safety Child program and the AED program.

Fully funded our Law Enforcement, Fire Services, EMS transport services.

Supported retention, longevity, facility upgrades and pay increases for ALL of our first responders.

Developed the “Safer Volusia” initiative which included adopting the “Stupid Motorist Law” which allows law enforcement take enforcement action towards vehicles who push a wake /water from flooded streets into homes during State of Emergencies.

Developed “Subsistence Fee” policy that is applied to Volusia County Inmates by charging them a fee which helps offset the tax burden on our citizens. Funds collected since inception is well over $1,000,000 to date.

Developed policy that Protects Children from Sexual Predators & Sexual Offenders by increasing the distance in which they are allowed to occupy by 50% above state statute requirements. New policy restricts offenders and also reduced their housing availability near school, parks, playgrounds and where children are known to congregate.

Eliminated over reaching local gun ordinance that prohibited purchasing a firearm at gun show / public property.

Instrumental in finding local funding to create the Regional Volusia County Juvenile Assessment Center.

Tax Cuts & Government Efficiency

Eliminated Business Tax Receipts.

Eliminated Communication Service Tax. (Tax on Cell Phone Bills)

Transportation License Requirement Fee.

Supported additional cuts and savings through DOGE in partnership with Governor DeSantis.

Supported additional cuts and savings through the Department of Fiscal Efficiency. Reporting system which delineates previous, current, and future cuts and savings.

2020 General Fund (Property tax) rate was 5.59 to date in 2025 the Millage is 3.2007.

2020 to present fully funded ECHO and Forever Volusia at 2.0 Mills.

2020 to present fully funded our Law Enforcement.

2020 to present fully funded Fire Services at 3.84 Mills.

2020 to present fully funded our Library Services at .38 mills to .5520 Mills.

Eliminated Business Tax Receipts.

Eliminated Communication Service Tax. (Tax on Cell Phone Bills)

Transportation License Requirement Fee.

Supported a 25% staff reduction in legal services with the County Attorney.

Supported the reduction and changing of the Attorney Staff ratio.

Supported Legal Digital Services which resulted in a $35,000 savings annually.

Supported Job Consolidation in Human Resources department by adopting paperless services, online evaluation system, safety data analysis, and utilizing third party services.

Supported a new preventative maintenance system which demonstrates a proactive approach and greater efficiency throughout our facilities.

Supported energy conservation projects which is a 34.5% increase from previous years.

Supported greater efficiency in our Court Unit with a 20.4% budget reduction ($1,676,000) in savings.

Supported Capital Improvement Study which resulted in a 41.6% reduction ($1.6 million) reduction in the budget.

Supported over $500,000 in annual savings in Transit services while increasing ridership by 25%.

Supported the allocation of $106 million in Coronavirus Funds which allowed reductions across the boards in Property Tax Millage rates.

Kept our taxes and Millage Rates LOW in Unincorporated Volusia. When he took office, millage rates were 5.45 and is currently at 3.39 in the general fund. Danny has also ensured fiscal responsibly by keeping 18% reserves in the general fund for emergencies. No other County in Florida has accomplished this.

Successfully supported eliminating the Communication Tax.

Supported eliminating tax payer money give-a-aways through charitable means.

Recommended Utility Tax reduction to offer relief to citizens due to rising energy costs.

Supported better efficiency within our growth management department and in overall Volusia County Operations.

Opposed ALL policies that would add unnecessary red tape, bureaucracy, infringed / encroached on your property rights, or created un necessary hardships.

Successfully captured over $5 million dollars in local funds for road safety improvement projects and supported dedicating funds specifically for road improvement projects annually (General fund and within Budget).

Growth Management & Responsible Development

Supported responsible growth in Unincorporated Volusia keeping the growth rate low at approximately .05% compared to the cities.

Stayed consistent with the zoning, land use, and comprehensive plan while reviewing development applications.

Ensured our Local Plans and rural areas were protected with ZERO enclave creations and ZERO cases of urban sprawl while in office.

Helped reduce wetland impacts in un-incorporated Volusia by keeping consistency with FDEP standards while approving any project in unincorporated Volusia.

Supported maintaining local control in all instances.

Government Effectiveness

Initiated and supported the overhaul of Volusia County permitting services offering businesses and residents personalized support.

Supported updating the GIS / Mapping services to develop updated dashboards that addressed zoning, land use, questions from applicants and residents.

Supported a new Plan Review Automation system to help process permits and applications reducing the need for physical positions.

Supported the implementation of Text Inspection Scheduling which gives customers a virtual option for permits, inspections, and reduce phone call, emails, and travel time by employees.

Supported digital code books which reduced paper books.

Supported the Outsourcing of staff which showed a reduction in using contracted or assigned staff members.

Supported fleet downsizing by code inspectors and code compliance officers.

Supported cross training office specialists with permit processing functions and Building Department staff.

Supported Ordinance Reclassification System which reducing processing costs by reclassifying 60 special exemptions and making them by right requiring no public hearings and 32 special exemptions only requiring one public hearing.

Supported Paperless Transition Program.

Supported the implementation of Hospital Direct Payment Program which resulted in $70 million in Federal Funds not requiring local tax support from residents.

Supported Volusia County local Investment program which allowed “Short Term” options resulting in over $100,000 savings annually.

Supported the Consolidation of Administration Staffing which reduced divisional staffing levels and eliminating positions.

Supported the implementation of Upfront Recurring Savings Credit program which resulted in a $5 million dollar annual savings line in the general fund budget.

Supported the EMS billing Compliance Performance system which resulted in a 0% error rate with Medicare contractors and Medicare Services.

Supported a new enhanced tax collection system which resulted in the identifying 750 tax evaders and collecting $595,000 over an 18 month period.

Supported implementing Library Material Cataloging service and server consolidation which resulted in approximately $100,000 in savings within the library budget.

Supported partnering with Friends of the Library group which resulted in approximately $200,000 in additional private funds to offset tax payer burden.

Supported LED lighting Conversion in county wide facilities which will reduce short and long term energy costs and provide long term savings.

Supported the reduction of beach ramp personnel and streamlining contract labor / workflow optimization.

Helped develop and implement a more efficient transportation system (Vo-ride) with Votran saving 2 million dollars from the general fund by eliminating unused routes and buses.

Supported local control ALL instances while in office.

Protected Unincorporated neighborhoods from Short Term rentals.

Opposed SB1118 with legislature which stripped Volusia’s voice when in terms of zoning.

Parks, Recreation, Trails, & Culture

Supported adopting the Interactive Trail Enhancement Mapping System for

trail users in Volusia County.

Supported Cultural Grant Streamlining to help recruit, diversify and enhance

culture grant programs.

Supported $600,000 from the general fund every year to date for Cultural Funding in Volusia County.

Supported enhanced Vehicle Tracking system.

Supported Task Efficiency review for Department Supervisors.

Supported the Summer Transportation Cost reduction program by lowering overall unused routes.

Supported adding an additional 3 miles of trails in conservation lands.

Supported Improved Public access to new trailhead inside Hickory Bluff Preserve.

Supported all enhancements to trails within the Florida Wildlife Corridor to improve connectivity.

Supporting the implementation of online conservation land camping reservation system resulting in an 87% increase in usage.

Supported adding new primitive campsites and expanding access to county managed conservation lands.

Supported adding additional WMA areas for hunting on County owned lands.

Supported EVERY outdoor recreational facility and facility upgrades proposed.

Supported bike trail expansion and addition funding for amenities from the general fund.

Supported the Arts Programs and Local Funding when the State eliminated it

from their budget.

Spearhead the initiative to expand ADA mobility, and we are the first county in the state of Florida to have all terrain tracked wheelchairs for some of our parks and trails.

Help conserve property in partnership with Oak Hill to establish the Oak Hill community garden through the ECHO program.

Workforce Initiatives

Voted against $1,000,000 revenue guarantee for Avelo Airlines.

1,000 Jobs created with partnership with French Electric. This program was Volusia Counties first performance based workforce initiative.

400 Jobs created by supporting the recruitment of Boeing Company with an average wage of $115,000 annually.

Daytona Beach Airport named 2024 Commercial Airport of the Year.

Supported FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) grants to expand the airport and runways. Grants totaled over $9,418,928

468 jobs created by supporting the issuance of $342,000 in grant funds via Qualified Target Industry workforce program for small businesses.

Supported the Correction Division to enhance and increase the work-force re-entry program to reintegrate individual Al’s back into the workforce.

Supported Grow Volusia Volusia Counties new job creation program for small businesses.1,223 new businesses in the new database to date.

Supported business incubator program in partnership with UCF which created over 800 jobs to date.

Supported over $400,000 in grant incentive funds which created over 1,016 new jobs in 2023 alone.