In a momentous gathering at the City of DeLand Commission Chambers, Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew stood shoulder to shoulder with City Manager Mr. Mahoney to address the 2025 Volusia County Legislative Delegation. The event, held on January 7, marked a pivotal opportunity for municipal leaders, nonprofit advocates, and concerned citizens to voice their priorities ahead of Florida’s upcoming 60-day legislative session.
Mayor Depew’s presence was both symbolic and strategic. Representing a city still rebounding from the devastating floods of 2024, Depew opened his remarks with heartfelt appreciation for the delegation’s role in securing a historic $1 million appropriation last year. That funding, which supported canal revitalization, stormwater infrastructure, and emergency mitigation efforts, was a lifeline for Edgewater’s most vulnerable neighborhoods.
“We’re here not just to say thank you,” Depew began, his voice steady and resolute, “but to build on the trust and momentum we’ve created. Edgewater is ready to grow, and we’re asking for your partnership to make that happen.”
The mayor’s message was clear: gratitude for past support, tempered with a call for continued investment. He previewed a slate of upcoming proposals, including expanded recreational facilities, small business incubators, and environmental resilience projects. These initiatives, Depew emphasized, are designed not only to improve quality of life but to position Edgewater as a model for sustainable, community-driven development.
City Manager Mahoney reinforced the mayor’s appeal, highlighting the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with state legislators. “The responsiveness we’ve seen from this delegation has been extraordinary,” Mahoney said. “It’s allowed us to move quickly on critical repairs and to plan boldly for the future.”
Throughout the five-hour session, which featured over 100 speakers, Depew’s remarks stood out for their blend of optimism and realism. He acknowledged the concerns shared by other municipalities regarding recent and pending senate bills—particularly those affecting local governance, housing affordability, and environmental protections.
“Edgewater is not alone in its concerns,” Depew noted. “We’re hearing from our neighbors in DeBary, Deltona, and Ormond Beach. There’s a shared anxiety about how new legislation might limit our ability to respond to local needs. We urge this delegation to keep the dialogue open and to advocate for flexibility and fairness.”
The delegation, composed of Senators Tom Wright and Tom Leek, and Representatives Webster Barnaby, Chase Tramont, Bill Partington, and Richard Gentry, listened attentively. While no immediate commitments were made, several legislators nodded in agreement as Depew spoke, signaling a willingness to engage further.
Beyond the policy discussions, Depew’s appearance carried emotional weight. For many in Edgewater, the mayor has become a symbol of resilience and renewal. His leadership during the 2024 flood crisis, which included coordinating emergency shelters, securing state aid, and launching community clean-up efforts, earned him widespread respect.
Now, as Edgewater looks to the future, Depew is focused on building coalitions—between cities, between sectors, and between generations. “We’re not just asking for dollars,” he concluded. “We’re asking for belief. Belief in our people, in our vision, and in the power of partnership.”
The delegation meeting closed with a sense of cautious optimism. For Edgewater, the road ahead is still steep—but with leaders like Depew and Mahoney at the helm, and with continued support from Tallahassee, the city’s next chapter may be its most transformative yet.
Sources: Daytona Beach News-Journal – 5 Takeaways from 2025 Volusia Delegation Meeting 1000 Friends of Florida – Volusia County Legislative Delegation Meeting MSN – Edgewater Gets $1M in State Funds
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