- April 19, 2024
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Dwight Selby, Ormond Beach City Commissioner, presented a check for $1,000 from his unused election campaign funds to First Step Shelter.
"I understand that overcoming our area’s homeless issues is a priority for my constituents and our community,” said Selby, who is a board member of the shelter.
Mark Geallis, executive director for the shelter, said he is raising funds to equip, furnish and staff the shelter now being constructed in a Daytona Beach/Volusia County partnership.
“Our nonprofit will then lease the building and we need support from local individuals, businesses and organizations,” he said.
Visit www.FirstStepShelter.org.
Real estate market eyed
Median price gains across the greater Daytona Beach area were higher in 2018 than expected, according to an analysis of Multiple Listing Service data by Realtor Ron Wysocarski, broker and CEO of Wyse Home Team Realty in Port Orange.
Single family home sales and median prices were both up last year, compared to 2017. MLS data shows that 5,132 single-family homes were sold in the greater Daytona Beach area in 2018, with a median sales price of $229,000. In 2017, single-family home sales totaled 4,937 and median sales prices were $215,000.
According to realtor.com, Daytona Beach metro area home prices could continue to climb this year, even as sales fall and interest rates rise. According to the website’s 2019 Housing Forecast, Volusia County could see an estimated 6.3 percent increase in home prices, while local home sales are expected to fall by 1.3 percent during 2019.
At the national level, realtor.com predicts a 2 percent decline in sales and a 2.2 percent rise in median prices during 2019. Mortgage rates are expected to climb to 5.5 percent by year end.
Wyse reported here were 1,555 condo sales across the area in 2018 with a median sales price of $209,000. Compared to 2017, that’s a 3.5 percent increase in sales and a 10 percent increase in median sales prices, Wyse reported.
Another positive outcome in 2018 was a rise in the number of available condos around the Daytona Beach area after inventory levels became critically low in 2017.
Lohmans to get award
The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced two awards it will present at its annual dinner Feb. 4 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Resort.
Lowell and Nancy Lohman have been selected to receive the Lou Fuchs Award, which is presented to individuals that personify integrity, dedication and hard work and have made a consistent long-term impact in their community through board service and volunteer work, a press release stated. The Lohmans previously owned funeral homes and now own apartments.
The Enterprise Award, for a business that has made a significant impact in the community, will go to DME Holdings. In 1984, DME Delivers was started in Daytona Beach with three employees. DME now resides on an 11-acre, 140,000 square foot campus employing over 300 people. The company is involved in direct marketing as well as DME Sports with athletic and academic training.
For information on the dinner, call Ken Phelps at 386-523-3675.
Top ten attorney
The American Institute of Legal Counsel has named attorney Erum S. Kistemaker to the annual 10 Best Real Estate Law Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in 2018.
The institute is an attorney-rating organization that publishes a top 10 in each state, focusing on client satisfaction. Contact Kistemaker at 386-310-7997 or www.legalteamforlife.com.
Hospital names lawyer
Kelly Parsons Kwiatek has been named senior vice president and general counsel for Halifax Health.
Kwiatek was as a partner for the past 15 years at the law firm Cobb Cole. She currently serves as legal counsel for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Daisy awards presented
AdventHealth Daytona Beach recognized registered nurses Angela Crocker and Danielle Dragone in January with the DAISY award, which rewards clinical skill and compassionate care.
“This nurse (Crocker) went above and beyond for us,” a patient wrote. “She brought comfort to my wife, myself and the rest of our family during this difficult time … This nurse took the extra time with my wife’s elderly mother.”
Another patient wrote: “This nurse (Dragone) took extra time for me, explained everything and helped me understand what my doctors had set for my recovery. She held my hand when I was upset and encouraged me during my many walks around the unit on the days after my surgery.”
Margaritaville lauded
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach has been named by 55places.com as Best 55+ Community of 2018. The website, a resource for adult communities, listed website traffic, sales and amenities as factors.
The community opened in early 2018 and the 500th home was sold last October. The community is still in development, but by April plans to open a town square, fitness center, restaurant, spa, dog park, pool and other amenities.
Visit 55places.com
