- January 20, 2026
Dear Editor:
There has been discussion at the Volusia County Council meetings about Volusia Forever. Specifically concerning perpetuity and why we have partners.
In the year 2020, an impressive 75.6% of voters expressed strong support for the land conservation program, a percentage that exceeds the approval ratings of any current County Council elected official and likely any of those in the past or future. In 2000, the initiative received 61.6%, still very high. With percentages this high, a reasonable assumption would be that many of you reading right now voted to tax yourselves in support of land conservation. The title “Volusia Forever” suggests it represents forever or permanence. It is worth noting that this is a willing seller program, providing landowners with options.
There is a 25-year precedent of Volusia County never selling land acquired through the program, coupled with a proven track record of establishing strong partnerships, always with the participation of county attorneys in these discussions. The benefits of land conservation are many — water quality improvement, flooding prevention, biodiversity, recreational opportunities, cultural preservation, agriculture, and more.
Volusia County has been a leader for 25 years in land conservation. The discussions could jeopardize our future partnerships and achievements. Today, we are calling on all elected officials to provide their unwavering support for perpetuity and partnerships, the 25-year Volusia Forever tradition.
Suzanne Scheiber
Ormond Beach
Editor's note: Suzanne Scheiber is the founder of Dream Green Volusia.
Dear Editor:
As a legal immigrant who came to the United States the right way — following every rule, waiting in line, and respecting the laws of this great country — I feel compelled to speak out about the recent protests against ICE and the deportation of illegal aliens.
I arrived in Florida years ago with dreams of building a better life through hard work and adherence to our immigration system. I served the military for 20 years, paid taxes, learned English, and contributed to our community without shortcuts. Seeing crowds protesting deportations — often with little understanding of the legal processes involved — frustrates me deeply. Many of these demonstrators seem uneducated on the realities of immigration law, border security, and the fairness owed to those who play by the rules.
Illegal immigration burdens our state in tangible ways: straining schools, hospitals, and public services while undercutting wages for legal workers like myself and American citizens. Florida’s economy thrives in part because of lawful immigrants who fill essential roles responsibly, but unchecked illegal entries create unfair competition and instability.
Recent enforcement efforts, including operations that removed thousands of individuals here unlawfully in 2025, are not about cruelty — they’re about upholding the rule of law that protects everyone. Protesters chanting against ICE often ignore how mass illegal immigration has contributed to labor market pressures and resource strains, even as net unauthorized migration has turned negative in recent years amid stricter policies.
I support humane, secure borders and legal pathways, but protesting deportations without grasping why they matter disrespects those of us who immigrated legally. True compassion includes fairness for law-abiding immigrants and citizens alike. People that are getting deported are murderers, rapists, drunks, you name it. They have broken many, many laws and make our country unsafe.
While freedom of speech and assembly are cornerstones of our democracy, it’s disheartening to see crowds chanting slogans without grasping the legal and economic implications. Illegal immigration strains public resources, from schools and hospitals to welfare systems, and undermines the rule of law that protects all citizens. ICE’s role in enforcing these laws is not about targeting individuals arbitrarily but about maintaining order and fairness for those who follow the proper channels to enter and stay in our country.
Education on this topic is crucial. Many protesters appear unaware of the pathways available for legal immigration, or the dangers posed by unchecked borders, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. Instead of vilifying law enforcement, we should encourage informed dialogue that respects both humanitarian concerns and national sovereignty.
Let’s encourage informed debate instead of emotional demonstrations. Knowledge of our laws would foster better solutions for everyone.
Luz Gomez
Ormond Beach
