- December 4, 2025
Sen. Tom Wright presented Volusia County with a $400,000 check on Wednesday, Aug. 13, to support the expansion and enhancement of its Emergency Operations Center, which plays a critical role in coordinating the County's response to hurricanes, wildfires, and other large-scale emergencies.
The funds are part of a recent state appropriation and contribute to the state's total investment of roughly half the project's cost — more than $2.5 million — through multiple funding avenues. The overall cost of the expansion is just over $5 million.
During the presentation at the EOC, located at 3825 Tiger Bay Road in Daytona Beach, county officials thanked Sen. Wright and the State of Florida for their ongoing support of local emergency management operations.
"We're grateful for the support that has made this expansion possible," said Volusia County Emergency Management Director Clint Mecham. "This project builds on the strong capabilities we already have by increasing our capacity and bringing more partners together under one roof, ensuring that when our residents face their most challenging moments, we have the space, resources, and coordination needed to respond effectively."
The expansion project will add approximately 5,000 square feet to the facility, significantly increasing the community's capacity during major crisis events such as hurricanes, wildfires, and other large-scale emergencies. The additional space will allow more emergency personnel, agency partners, and support staff to work together under one roof, improving coordination and response capabilities. When not activated for emergency operations, the expansion will serve as a flexible, multi-purpose area for training, planning sessions, and conferences involving local and regional first responders, emergency management officials, and community partners.
Construction has already begun, and the expansion is on track to be operational by spring 2026.
