Technology

It’s not everyday that the President of the United States visits our hometown, the World’s Most Famous Beach and the Birthplace of Speed! Daytona Beach International Speedway is set to welcome President Donald Trump to enjoy five-hundred miles of exciting racing this Sunday for the Daytona 500. President Trump will be just the second sitting president to attend our cities annual namesake event, with the first being George W. Bush in 2004. Other US Presidents to partake in Daytona racing activities include Ronald Reagan in 1984 and George H.W. Bush in 1992. With Air Force One potentially landing and departing from Daytona International Airport, and a swarm of media coverage, President Trump’s visit will shine the national spotlight on our wonderful

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With the tremendous efforts of Freddy Kling at Simplicity Mortgage, Kevin Kling and 386RealEstate.com we have worked to gain VA loan eligibility for the Daytona Beach Shores condominium complex, Oceans Grand. There are only a handful of condo buildings in Central Florida that are currently authorized for VA loan purchases, but our team continues to go above and beyond for our customers, especially United States Veterans, as they pursue their perfect home or condo in the Daytona Beach area. Oceans Grand is a stunning, newer-built high rise with fantastic amenities and views. Are you considering using a VA loan? Have you encountered an issue qualifying? Contact Kevin Kling at (386) 527-8577 and let us go to work for you.

If you’ve been thinking of upgrading your home appliances to more energy efficient options then this weekend is the time! From Friday, September 19th through Sunday the 21st, Florida residents will enjoy tax-free purchases on select home appliances and devices. The tax-free holiday applies to items that meet the federal government’s Energy Star or Water Source designation and is applicable up to the first $1,500 spent on an item. 

Qualifying Energy Star products would be:

• Air conditioner
• Air purifier
• Ceiling fan
• Clothes washer
• Clothes dryer
• Dehumidifier
• Dishwasher
• Freezer
• Refrigerator
• Water heater
• Swimming pool pump
• Package of light bulbs that is designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and

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08-07-2013 Update: You may have noticed the large “Now Hiring” sign on Dunlawton Avenue in front of the newly constructed BJ’s Wholesale Club in Port Orange. The new store has not officially announced an opening date, but one of the developers suggests that BJ’s should be open by mid-November. The 90,000 square foot of shopping space will make the Port Orange location the largest BJ’s Club in the entire state of Florida. Many local residents are looking forward to the convenience this store will offer, including a 12-lane gas station. Also, BJ’s will bring over 100 new jobs to the Port Orange area. Memberships at BJ’s begin at $50 annually.

Additionally, construction of the LA Fitness that will anchor BJ’s in the Altamira Shopping Center is

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When: Saturday, January 19th
Where: Along Canal Street, Historic Downtown New Smyrna Beach
What: New Smyrna Beach continues to show why it is such a great area to call home as they host another community event this weekend. The New Smyrna Beach Home Show and Business Expo is a day-long event filled with food, vendors and fun that will appeal to all ages. There will be local business showcases, live entertainment, educational booths, retail sale displays and even a kid zone full of fun activities. Bring the family down to historic Canal Street this weekend, enjoy our beautiful Central Florida weather, and spend some quality time with your family and the community.

Local simulation company Raydon was just awarded a huge contract totalling $46,500,00.00 for Virtual Company Operations Trainer Upgrades for the U.S. Army National Guard. More info included in the press release provided by Raydon Corporation.

Port Orange, Fla. (September 28, 2012)- Raydon Corporation announced today that it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $46.5M from the U.S. Army National Guard (USARNG) to provide upgrades to the USARNGs existing fleet of Virtual Combat Operations Trainers (VCOT) over a 24 month period.
These upgrades will be applied to 68 VCOTs across the United States over a three year period. In addition to retaining all current VCOT capabilities, the latest upgrades will include Unstabilized Gunnery…

Last month I discussed some basic tips for hurricane preparedness this Summer, and though we have been lucky so far, the season is not over yet. It is now time to consider effective long-term safety options for your Central Florida home in the form of hurricane shutters and other window coverings. Hurricane shutters can be inexpensive and are invaluable protection for your home and family. These shutters can withstand hurricane winds as well as flying debris. This is important because once a window or door is breached by hurricane-force-winds, immense pressure is placed on the rest of your home’s walls and roof. This could lead to immense structural damage and even worse scenarios if you and your family are inside the home.

When it comes to hurricane

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According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the 113 million residences in the United States use approximately 22% of the total energy consumed in the country. The problem is, much of this is wasted in leaky ducts and windows, out-dated appliances, and other over-looked energy inefficiencies around the home. The average yearly household energy expenditures run around $2,000, but through a few simple steps, you can save 25% or $500. I don’t know about you, but I think I could find a better use for those savings. Here are some of the easy ways to decrease your home energy use and put a little extra money in your pocket.

• Install a programmable thermostat to lower utility bills and manage your heating and cooling systems efficiently.
• Air dry dishes

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Are you one of the many people who purchased a Kindle or Nook for Christmas? Millions of people own them today, so that means millions are just now learning how to use this new technology. The Volusia County Library is offering assistance to help new users learn how to use these devices correctly and easily!

Area library branches, including Port Orange, Edgewater, and New Smyrna Beach, are offering short classes that will teach you how to download books onto your Nook or Kindle device. They are free classes, but they do require reservations. Currently, a couple of classes are offered per month for free at the local libraries.

This is a great opportunity to get information about how to gain access to many free audio books and e-books through the

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You will find the information below very useful if you are about to close on a new home or condo in the Daytona Beach area. Listed below are details and contact information about local electric, water, cable, phone, and internet  providers. Please leave a comment below if there are additional companies you would like to add.

Local Utility Companies:

Electric:

Florida Power & Light

386-252-1541

www.fpl.com

Water:

City of Port Orange Utilities Dept.

386-506-5720
1000 City Center Cir.
Port Orange, FL 32127

www.port-orange.org

City of Ponce Inlet Utilities Dept.

386-236-2151
4300 S. Atlantic Ave.
Ponce Inlet, FL 32119

www.ponce-inlet.org

City of Ormond Beach Utilities Department.

386-676-3209
22 S. Beach St.
Ormond

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