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The
Importance of
Commercial Truck Insurance in De Land, FL
- Let's face it - truckers in America have always been the backbone of our great country. They still are in modern times. On any given day, thousands of trucks traverse our highways and local roads, delivering goods and products on time so that businesses and consumers have what they need to live life. And while commercial trucking can be an incredibly lucrative way to make a living and put food on the table, it can also be risky and expensive.
- Whether you're the owner of a fleet, an independent trucker, or have a business that uses big rigs to transport goods, you need commercial trucking insurance to protect you and your client's investments, shield you from liability, and more.
- That's where working with a reliable truck insurance agency comes into play. Unfortunately, for many commercial truck insurance providers, serving the needs of truckers is low on the proverbial totem pole. At Independence Insurance Agency, nothing could be further from the truth.
Service Areas
The Commercial Truck
Insurance Agency in De Land, FL You Can Trust
Much like you pride yourself on running a successful trucking business, Independence Insurance Agency prides itself on its years of experience providing truck insurance for hardworking men and women across the country. And in our experience, insurance rates for truckers are just too high - so high, in fact, that they eat away at their bottom line, making it more difficult to run a business and make a profit. Fortunately, at Independence Insurance Agency, we provide truckers the freedom they need from astronomically high insurance rates so they can stay on the road and keep driving America forward.
As one of the most trusted commercial trucking insurance agencies in the U.S., we understand the challenges that you face daily as a trucker. We also know how important it is to protect your business. That's why we go above and beyond to find you the best-priced coverage available, whether you're an operator, own a small fleet, a large fleet, or something in between.
We Put Truckers First Because Others Don't
Truckers across the country choose to work with Independence Insurance Agency because we put their needs first before anything else. As experts in transportation insurance, we proudly offer a range of quality insurance products that are both practical and affordable for them. Our industry-leading carriers provide coverage that caters to the unique challenges faced by the trucking industry, ensuring that your business is protected at all times.
At our core, we are committed to finding the best possible price for your coverage without compromising the quality of service you deserve. The truth is, we understand how essential truckers are to the United States and take pride in making their insurance experience more streamlined and affordable.
One way we do so is by simplifying the insurance process. Our transportation specialists take the time to understand your specific needs and budget to tailor a comprehensive plan that works for you. You won't ever have to worry about cookie-cutter plans or uninterested agents when you work with our commercial trucking insurance agency. We take an educational approach to ensure that the entire big rig insurance process is quick, painless, and easy to understand. If there's something you don't understand, we're happy to take the time to explain. After all, the success and safety of your business are on the line.
Looking to the future, we are committed to providing innovative new products that cater to the ever-changing needs of truck drivers. As your one-stop shop for commercial trucking insurance, we are dedicated to your success, one policy at a time.
If you're a commercial trucker looking to ensure your rig, you can rest easy knowing that Independence Insurance Agency provides:
- Affordable Trucking Insurance Plans for Any Budget
- Exemplary Customer Service
- Seasoned Transportation Specialists Who Customize Plans to Your Needs
- A+ Carriers Across the Country
- Simple, Easy Quote and Bind Process
- Multiple Insurance Carriers Quoted to Find You the Best Rates
- Truck Insurance for New Ventures
Call us or send us a message today to learn more about the best 18-wheeler insurance options for your trucking business.
The Commercial Truck
Common Types of Big Rig Truck Insurance in De Land, FL
At Independence Insurance Agency, we offer several types of insurance coverage for local, intermediate, and long-haul trucking needs. Here are just a few categories of trucking insurance coverage that our agency offers.
As the foundation of your insurance policy, liability coverage is required by law in most states in the U.S. It provides coverage for damage or injuries caused to properties or other people if your 18-wheeler is responsible for the crash. Without liability coverage, it's almost impossible to drive a truck or run a trucking business without major legal consequences.
Having physical damage coverage is an essential component that shouldn't be overlooked. This insurance is responsible for covering the expenses related to repairing or replacing your truck in situations such as accidents, theft, vandalism, and other damaging events. By having this coverage, you can rest assured that your business won't be affected significantly by unexpected incidents, and you can continue running your operations smoothly even in challenging times.
For trucking companies, the goods they transport are crucial to their operations. To protect these goods from damage, loss, or theft while in transit, cargo insurance is essential. This coverage provides much-needed peace of mind for both you and your clients, allowing you to reimburse clients for any losses sustained while protecting your reputation and brand identity.
Non-Trucking Liability Insurance is designed to cover property damage or bodily injury that may occur during personal time when the driver/truck is not under dispatch. This coverage can be applied with or without a trailer and is added to a commercial policy as an endorsement.
While Independence Insurance Agency has built a reputation of excellence in serving the needs of truckers, we also offer general liability. Also known as Truckers General Liability, this coverage insures for bodily injuries or property damage that happen due to business activities that are NOT the cause of operating a truck. It covers accidents that occur in parking lots, rest stops, also while loading or unloading. General liability can also cover losses related to theft and vandalism. Most brokers and shippers will require this coverage to work with you.
Bobtail insurance is a type of coverage that is comparable to non-trucking liability, which is designed to offer protection when driving a truck without a trailer attached. This is commonly referred to as "bobtailing." With bobtail insurance, the tractor is covered at all times, even when it is not attached to a trailer, regardless of whether or not the truck is under dispatch.
Trailer interchange insurance is a must-have if you're involved in a trailer interchange agreement. This essential coverage offers protection for trailers owned by other parties that you're using under a contractual agreement. It covers damages caused by collisions, fire, theft, and vandalism, providing assurance to all parties involved.
Curious whether our commercial truck insurance agency in cityname, state offers additional coverage? The following options can be bound in your insurance policy:
- Business Interruption Insurance
- Reefer Breakdown Insurance
- Occupational Accident with Contract Liability Insurance
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
- Underinsured or Uninsured Motorist Insurance
- Towing Insurance
- Electronics Insurance
- Much More
3 Safe Driving Tips to
Lower the Cost of Truck Insurance in De Land, FL
Keeping your drivers safe on the road is crucial not only for their own well-being but also for the safety of other motorists and the financial stability of your business. The Department of Labor has identified the trucking industry as one of the most hazardous sectors in the U.S. In fact, trucking and logistics fleets are known for their high injury and fatality rates. By improving how safely your truckers drive, you can help reduce expenses related to claim payouts, accidents, and insurance premium hikes.
Whether you own a large fleet or you're the owner and operator of a single rig, keep these safe driving tips in mind to help lower your insurance costs.
Implement Preventative Maintenance Plans
Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
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Practice Defensive Driving
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
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Find Ways to Prevent Distracted Driving
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
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Ensuring the safety of your drivers begins with the safety of their vehicles. Trucks and tractor-trailers that do not receive regular maintenance, such as oil and brake pad changes, are more likely to experience breakdowns while on the road. Telematics devices provide real-time insight into engine and odometer data, including fault codes.
This information enables your mechanics to create comprehensive preventative maintenance schedules based on mileage, history of previous breakdowns, days, and more. Additionally, they can receive immediate notifications for critical fault codes. By implementing routine maintenance and proactive repair schedules, you can ensure that your vehicles are in top condition, minimizing the likelihood of breakdowns, which can help reduce the cost of trucker insurance.
Call Now
This approach aims to mitigate the risk of fatal crashes and injuries by proactively identifying and responding to potentially dangerous situations and making informed decisions while driving. By adopting defensive driving techniques, drivers can reduce their likelihood of accidents, thereby minimizing the need for expensive repairs, claim payouts, and increased insurance premiums.
Some of the easiest ways for you or your drivers to practice safe driving include:
- Be Wary of Blind Spots: Operating a reefer or tractor-trailer means driving high off of the ground, which can make visibility limited, especially in blind spots. To check your blind spot, look over your shoulder and out of your windows while changing lanes.
- Be Ready for Emergencies on the Road: It's important for drivers to be ready for unexpected situations when driving, especially during long trips. They should be equipped to handle emergencies such as poor driving conditions or big rig breakdowns.
- Use the Three-Second Rule: Truck drivers should try to maintain a three-second gap between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This means that the truck driver should reach a certain point on the road three seconds after the car in front of them has passed that same point.
- Always Use Right and Left Turn Indicators: It's important for drivers to always use their turn signals when changing lanes or exiting highways, even if they don't see any other cars around. This is not only required by law, but it also reduces the chances of accidents occurring on the road.
Call Now
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), distracted driving is the primary reason behind truck driver accidents. Any activity that takes a driver's attention away from the road or the steering wheel is considered distracted driving. Distractions can come in various forms, such as eating while driving or gazing at a billboard outside the window. However, the most frequent form of distracted driving is the use of cellphones, specifically texting while driving.
Assuming you or your driver's rigs are equipped with dual-facing cameras, try reviewing footage of an unsafe driving incident. Coach your drivers on ways to correct their unsafe behaviors or look up ways to do so yourself if you're the one operating the big rig. The bottom line is that when your drivers aren't distracted, they drive safer. And when they drive safer, the cost of 18-wheeler insurance in cityname, state can be reduced.
Call Now
FAQs About
Independence Insurance Agency
If you're looking for a commercial trucking insurance agency for your business, chances are you have some questions - and we've got answers. Keep reading to learn more about some of the most commonly asked questions we hear from truckers like you.
Why go with a "jack of all trades" when you can work with specialists who focus exclusively on transportation insurance? We have excellent relationships with major trucking insurance carriers and, as such, can provide the best assistance and reasonable rates.
Typically, companies will look at claims that date back three years or less.
We proudly work with more than 20 carriers to provide our clients with the most advantageous options at competitive prices, catering to the needs of owner-operators and big fleets alike.
Permit filings are typically done by insurance companies on the next business day. Federal (FMCSA) filings are completed online and updated immediately, while some states may take up to three weeks to process.
Independence Insurance Agency: Committed to the Trucking Industry
There's no question about it - you've got to protect your staff, your rig, and your trucking business with insurance. But choosing the right insurance partner isn't always easy. Thankfully, with Independence Insurance Agency by your side, you can rest easy knowing you're covered no matter where the road takes you. If you're in need of a commercial truck insurance agency in De Land, FL that caters to truckers like you, pick up the phone and contact one of our transportation specialists today. That way, you can get back on the road with confidence tomorrow.
Latest News in De Land, FL
Venice (Florida) steamrolls DeLand in 4S state semifinal
Andy Villamarzohttps://highschool.si.com/florida/2023/12/02/venice-florida-steamrolls-deland-in-4s-state-semifinal
VENICE, FLORIDA- All the talk heading into the week was the impressive movement at DeLand High School behind second-year head coach Rick Darlington.The former Apopka head coach made waves bringing his vaunted rushing attack back to the Sunshine State and leading the Bulldogs to states in just his second year.It seems like Venice's backfield might've taken all that talk a little personal. The Indians' backfield duo of Alvin Johnson III and Jamarice Wilder combined to rush for 286 yards in a 51-21 rout of DeLand ...
VENICE, FLORIDA- All the talk heading into the week was the impressive movement at DeLand High School behind second-year head coach Rick Darlington.
The former Apopka head coach made waves bringing his vaunted rushing attack back to the Sunshine State and leading the Bulldogs to states in just his second year.
It seems like Venice's backfield might've taken all that talk a little personal. The Indians' backfield duo of Alvin Johnson III and Jamarice Wilder combined to rush for 286 yards in a 51-21 rout of DeLand in a Class 4S state semifinal at Powell Davis Stadium.
With the victory, it sets up a rematch of last year's Class 4S state championship between Venice and Lakeland, a 21-20 winner over Buchholz. The two teams will meet on Dec. 9 at 8 p.m. at Bragg Memorial Stadium.
Everything looked very promising for the Bulldogs (11-3) on their first possession of the game. DeLand quarterback Tyron 'TJ' Moore guided the offense right down the field, finishing the drive with a 11-yard Javon Ross touchdown run to put the Bulldogs up 7-0 in the first period.
It would take less than two minutes for Venice (14-0) to answer DeLand's opening drive score as Wilder capped the Indians' first possession on a 20-yard touchdown run. After a Bulldogs' punt on their next possession, the Indians took over with designs on putting another touchdown on the board and taking control of the game.
Mission accomplished and then some.
Venice got the ball back and on the second play, Johnson III scampered 80 yards to pay dirt, giving the Indians a 15-7 lead. On the following kickoff, Indians head coach John Peacock rolled the dice and went for the onside kick and Venice ended up recovering.
With the ball and the lead, the Indians began to add on to their advantage. Wilder (nine carries, 104 yards) scored for the second time on the night, this time from 30 yards out. Up with a commanding 22-7 lead in the first quarter, Peacock's team would never look back or ever feel threatened by DeLand the rest of the way.
Central Michigan commitment Jadyn Glasser barreled his way into the endzone early in the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown plunge. The rout was on from there by the Indians as they held Venice out of the endzone the rest of the opening half, though allowing 243 first half offensive yards.
Glasser added another touchdown run just before halftime, building Venice's lead to 36-7. Knowing they would get the ball right out of halftime, the Indians wasted no time in getting to the running clock for the fourth time in a row this postseason. Johnson III (eight carries, 182 yards) scored on a 3-yard run, putting Venice ahead 44-7 and putting into effect the running clock for the remainder of the game.
The Indians are back in the state championship game looking for redemption against a Dreadnaughts team that defeated them a year ago at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. Now Venice looks to pay back the favor with a state title victory themselves this time over Lakeland.
FHSAA 2023 CHAMPIONSHIPS BRACKETS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 4S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 3S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 2S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1M STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1S STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
2023 FHSAA CLASS 1R STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS
(Photo courtesy of Venice Indian Football)
-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl
New SunRail station set to open this year in DeLand
Jerry Humehttps://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2024/01/03/new-sunrail-station-opens-this-year-in-deland
DELAND, Fla. — The new year means a new SunRail station is one step closer to opening, as work continues to connect the commuter rail line to DeLand.What You Need To Know But some worry that getting to the new station from downtown DeLand won’t be easy for many, especially for cyclists.“It’s definitely not a very safe route to get out to the train station currently," said Ryan Gaylord, who owns an electric bike store and repair shop in downtown DeLand. "There’s no...
DELAND, Fla. — The new year means a new SunRail station is one step closer to opening, as work continues to connect the commuter rail line to DeLand.
What You Need To Know
But some worry that getting to the new station from downtown DeLand won’t be easy for many, especially for cyclists.
“It’s definitely not a very safe route to get out to the train station currently," said Ryan Gaylord, who owns an electric bike store and repair shop in downtown DeLand. "There’s no shoulder on the side of the road, no sidewalk and it is 40 mile per hour speed limit, pretty curvy road, also.”
When the new station opens this summer, passengers will be able to travel by train from Poinciana all the way up to DeLand.
Volusia County is teaming up with the Florida Department of Transportation and the city of DeLand to figure out how to get to the station, which is west of downtown, off Old New York Avenue.
They’ve got a plan in place to connect the station to the local springs, but as far as the 3.5 mile distance between the station and downtown, a Volusia County spokesperson said the hope is that State Road 44 would be the primary path.
“The county has had very preliminary discussions with the city of DeLand and FDOT about looking at different options for that future connection, with the hope that State Road 44 would be the primary path and serve as the gateway into DeLand,” said Volusia County spokesperson Heather Belden. “Until that is in place, trail users would use one of the many local roads or State Road 44 to get from downtown DeLand to the DeLand SunRail station.”
However, Gaylord said that some spots on State Road 44 have narrow shoulders and no sidewalk at all.
“I travel to Altamonte once or twice a week, so if I had an option to not drive and I could hop on the train, I would absolutely be interested in that,” he said.
The city of DeLand is also testing a trolley system that would take people from the SunRail station to downtown.
City officials say they are working with the same company that provides rides from Sanford’s SunRail station to its downtown.
Stetson University basketball is in March Madness! Where is it? 8 things to know about the school
Dan Rorabaughhttps://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/2024/03/10/stetson-university-things-know-deland-florida/72902630007/
The Hatters are going dancing!The Stetson University men's basketball team beat Austin Peay on Sunday to claim the Atlantic Sun Conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. It's the first time since the team rose to Division I status in 1971 that Stetson will be a part of March Madness....
The Hatters are going dancing!
The Stetson University men's basketball team beat Austin Peay on Sunday to claim the Atlantic Sun Conference's automatic berth in the NCAA Tournament. It's the first time since the team rose to Division I status in 1971 that Stetson will be a part of March Madness.
The small private university in DeLand, Florida, now gets its turn in the spotlight. Stetson is primarily known for its prestigious law school and a couple of ace pitchers in Major League Baseball, not to mention the famous hat made by the school's namesake.
Last year, Florida Atlantic rose to prominence after its team made its unlikely run all the way to the Final Four. Though its stay in "The Big Dance" is not expected to be nearly that long, Stetson is ready for its chance to shine. Here's what you need to know about the university:
Where is Stetson University?
Stetson University is a private university in DeLand, Florida. It is on the I-4 corridor, about 22 miles southwest of Daytona Beach and roughly 40 miles north of Orlando.
One of the oldest universities in Florida, Stetson was founded in 1883. For the spring 2024 semester, Stetson reported 2,158 undergraduate students and 1,320 grad students.
What is Stetson University famous for? Is Stetson a good school?
Stetson is known for its academics, especially its law school, which was the first in Florida. The Stetson College of Law is considered among the best in the country in legal writing and trial advocacy.
Stetson is featured among the Best Colleges of the South by The Princeton Review and is the No. 4 regional university in the South according to U.S. News & World Report.
What is the tuition for Stetson University?
The 2023-24 tuition for Stetson is $54,820, according to the university.
How did Stetson University get its name? Why are they called the Hatters?
When it was founded in 1883, the university was known as DeLand Academy after Henry DeLand, founder of the town and the school. In 1889, it was renamed after John B. Stetson, the inventor of the iconic cowboy hat, who was a major donor to the university.
"After a disastrous freeze affecting the citrus industry left DeLand in financial distress, Stetson, who had a winter home in DeLand, became interested in the school," according to the Stetson athletics website. "At Deland's request, Stetson was made chairman of the Board of Trustees in 1889 and the university was renamed in his honor."
Stetson began its football team, the first in Florida, in 1901 and went by the Hatters as a nod to the university's namesake.
Is Stetson a Division 1 school? Does it have football?
Stetson has 19 sports teams, competing in NCAA Division I. Its football team plays in the Football Championship Subdivision, though it's had just two winning records since 2013.
What sport is Stetson University known for?
Stetson has seen the most success in baseball, which has made the NCAA Tournament 19 times. The Hatters made it as far as the Super Regionals in 2018. The team's most successful pro athletes are pitchers Corey Kluber, who won two Cy Young awards with Cleveland over his 13-year career, and Jacob deGrom, won won two Cy Youngs with the New York Mets and is currently on the World Series champion Texas Rangers.
The women's basketball team has made the NCAA Tournament three times, most recently in 2013. They have yet to win a game in the tournament.
Who are famous Stetson University alumni?
Here's a sampling of notable Stetson alumni:
How far is Stetson University from the beach?
Stetson is about 25 miles inland off Florida's Atlantic coast. To get to the closest beach, you would have to drive about 35-40 minutes down Route 44 to New Smyrna Beach, or up U.S. 92 to Daytona Beach.
Residents in newly built DeLand development share concerns about sinking near sewer infrastructure
Massiel Leyvahttps://www.mynews13.com/fl/orlando/news/2023/10/11/neighbors-in-newly-built-development-in-deland-share-concerns-about-sinking-near-sewer-infrastructure
DELAND, Fla. — Some homeowners in a newly built community in DeLand say they are concerned after finding several areas where sinking has been found by the sewers.What You Need To Know “We have noticed that our property right here has been sinking," resident Marissa Johnston said. "And my husband, he takes very good care of his lawn with a lawn mower, and he always inspects the sprinkler heads as well. And he started to realize that there is a little bit of dipping.”Marissa an...
DELAND, Fla. — Some homeowners in a newly built community in DeLand say they are concerned after finding several areas where sinking has been found by the sewers.
What You Need To Know
“We have noticed that our property right here has been sinking," resident Marissa Johnston said. "And my husband, he takes very good care of his lawn with a lawn mower, and he always inspects the sprinkler heads as well. And he started to realize that there is a little bit of dipping.”
Marissa and Vincent Johnston moved to DeLand in 2020 after buying their home in the brand new Victoria Oaks development. The couple first noticed the sinking in October of 2022.
“If I would have known, I would not have bought a new house. You buy a new house to avoid issues,” Marissa said.
When her husband Vincent saw the dipping by the sewer, he noticed it was deep and was able to put his foot inside and almost half his leg fit in the hole.
Marissa decided to make their neighbors aware of the situation by posting the pictures on their community Facebook page. Several neighbors responded to her post expressing safety concerns.
Resident Clint Duty says he hopes the city takes action.
“It's about safety and public safety," he said. "They have a responsibility to protect me and my family. And I don't feel they are doing that right now."
Looking for a solution, Marissa said she started to send emails and make calls to the city.
“They just came by, inspected it — they dig a little bit of the area," she said. "They took out these sidewalks and they said there seemed to be nothing wrong at the time, 'We're going to fill it up with dirt and see if it happens again.'"
Marissa says it’s not only in front of her home where this is an issue. She and her husband love walking their two dogs around the neighborhood, but say they no longer feel safe after discovering more places where this is happening.
“You're paying attention to your surroundings, you're paying attention to people around you, you're paying attention to dogs," Marissa said. "You're not paying attention to a place where you can fall."
Marissa said that when she drives around the neighborhood, she notices there are several other areas where the city has placed cones indicating there’s a hole. So far, she has found 10 areas where there is sinking. Every time she finds one, she says she calls the city, and they proceed to place a cone as a temporary measure.
“It’s amazing to see what they’ve built here, and it’s making me really upset what is happening now,” she said. “And that's not healthy for us to breathe in and it's not safe for us to walk around out here.”
Marissa said the sinking is not only issue — there is also a terrible sewer smell at night.
She said when she told the city about the smell, they said it could be coming from the water in the sprinkler system.
Marissa says that cannot be what’s causing the smell because it doesn't smell everywhere in the neighborhood. It only smells at a specific location because there is a vent located behind one of the houses in the development.
She says she has been monitoring the times the smell is stronger and she noticed the vent is not on a programmed schedule since it happens at random times during the day and also at night.
“And with the lack of urgency from the city coming out here, like I've been telling them to fix it, their only fix to the issues is just cones and soil replacement," she said. "I've been keeping track more because this is not going away."
In front of one of the homes in her neighborhood, Marissa measured the hole and noted that it was about 18 inches deep.
“It’s frustrating," she said. "I go to bed at night wondering, 'Am I going to get this resolved? Where’s this going to go? Am I wasting my time?' It’s not going to be a waste because I am going to bring it down with me as much as this soil has been going down the drain."
Marissa said she is bringing attention to this issue because she wants to protect the children as well as people walking, exercising, and walking their dogs around the neighborhood from falling into one of these holes and potentially getting injured. She said she wants to see the city fix the problem and find a permanent solution.
“I am excited to get it back to normal, but correctly, not just a Band-Aid fix," she said. "I want something done correctly."
Spectrum News 13 reached out to the city of DeLand, which released the following statement:
“The city is working with residents and the developer to determine what may be causing sinking to occur near stormwater and sewer infrastructure in the Victoria Oaks neighborhood. In the meantime, the city is inspecting each area of concern to ensure they remain safe for residents and will be making necessary repairs as needed.”
Cold weather shelter opens in DeLand amid dropping temperatures
Gail Paschall-Brownhttps://www.wesh.com/article/cold-weather-shelter-opens-deland/46170319
DELAND, Fla. —A dip in the mercury has cold weather shelters opening up all across the state tonight.When there's a major drop in the temperature, not everyone has shelter from the cold.Jimmy Bryant is from Louisville, Kentucky and like many of the people, he sought refuge at the Neighborhood Center's "The Bridge" on Palmetto Avenue in DeLand."I been out here sleeping in the grass. Here is one of the best night sleeps I've ever had in my life because you don't have to worry ab...
DELAND, Fla. —
A dip in the mercury has cold weather shelters opening up all across the state tonight.
When there's a major drop in the temperature, not everyone has shelter from the cold.
Jimmy Bryant is from Louisville, Kentucky and like many of the people, he sought refuge at the Neighborhood Center's "The Bridge" on Palmetto Avenue in DeLand.
"I been out here sleeping in the grass. Here is one of the best night sleeps I've ever had in my life because you don't have to worry about anyone hurting you and you're safe,” Bryant said.
Known as "The Place With a Heart," The Bridge serves lunch and dinner daily, Monday:
"We fed them ham and green beans and potato salad and they appreciate it so much. It's cold, and we fed 80 people,” volunteer Jetsy Murray said.
“When the weather looks like it's going to drop below 40 degrees, we open up, and for sure we're going to be open tonight. We're watching weather for sure. We're (opening) up tomorrow night as well, which is likely," Savannah-Jane Griffin said.
Griffin is The Neighborhood Center’s chief executive officer.
After dinner, the chairs and tables came down, and then the cots, pillows and blankets came out.
The dining room transformed into a place where 31 people will be able to sleep safely from the cold.
"If it wasn't a place like The Bridge, I'd probably be sleeping in a tent or on the streets. And I've been homeless for (a) year, so I understand the experience, and it’s pretty — it's pretty rough," resident Kenneth McBride said.
“If this place wasn't open, I don't know where I'd go, like he said, I might be on the streets or sleeping on the sidewalks,” resident Seth Anderson said.
The Bridge is the primary location on the west side of Volusia County for a cold weather shelter.
The Bridge works collaboratively with Volusia County and Halifax Urban Ministries on the east side, another cold-weather location.
"We opened for the storm — the storm that happened this past weekend — and we were almost at capacity, but we were grateful to have a place for people to go when the weather was not good to be outside," Griffin added.
Leaders at The Neighborhood Center say monetary donations are always welcomed to help their clients.
They're also in need of deodorant, socks and foot powder, too.
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