🚨 OSTEEN CALL TO ACTION: Community Pushback on Highway Dedication

Osteen, FL — November 18, 2025 Residents of Osteen are sounding the alarm ahead of today’s Volusia County Council meeting, where members will vote on a controversial proposal to designate the entire stretch of Osteen-Maytown Road—from SR 415 through Gobbler’s Lodge—as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.”

📣 Local Concerns

Community leaders argue the move strips Osteen of the opportunity to honor one of its own—an Osteenian, first responder, or veteran—whose decades of service have preserved the town’s identity and supported its residents.

• Funding Risks: Critics warn the designation may jeopardize FDOT funding due to mismatched criteria.

• Existing Dedication: The eastern portion of Osteen-Maytown Road is already dedicated to Charlie Clark, a respected Oak Hill/Maytown/Osteen rancher who advanced cattle ranching and community prosperity.

• Safety Issues: Residents and even Kirk supporters note the road is unlit, flood-prone, and notorious for vandalism, abandoned vehicles, and violent incidents. They argue placing Kirk’s name here is “insulting at best, reckless at worst.”

🌻 Alternative Recognition

Supporters of Charlie Kirk stress that his legacy—focused on youth civics, free speech, and public discourse—would be better honored at a site aligned with his mission, such as a park, amphitheater, or civic space. They urge the council to identify a location that reflects his work rather than imposing his name on a dangerous backroad disconnected from his life’s efforts.

🚨 Community Mobilization

Residents are calling for immediate action:

1. Email or call council members to voice opposition.

2. Attend the council meeting at the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center in DeLand.

   • 📍 123 W. Indiana Ave., DeLand, FL 32720

   • 🕓 Tuesday, November 18, 4:00 PM (Item 9 on agenda, likely after 5:00 PM)

📩 Key Contacts

• Jeff Brower, County Chair — jbrower@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• Jake Johansson, At-Large — jjohansson@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• Don Dempsey, District 1 — ddempsey@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• Matt Reinhart, District 2 — mreinhart@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• Danny Robins, District 3 — drobins@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• Troy Kent, District 4 (Vice Chair) — tkent@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• David Santiago, District 5 — dsantiago@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

• George Recktenwald, County Manager — grecktenwald@volusia.org | 386-736-5920

Residents are also encouraged to copy TinaSwiftinOsteen@gmail.com to keep local organizers informed.

📰 Closing Note

The debate underscores a larger struggle in Osteen: balancing respect for national figures with preserving the town’s unique identity and honoring those who have served locally. Tonight’s vote will determine whether Osteen-Maytown Road remains a symbol of community heritage—or becomes a flashpoint in Volusia County’s ongoing political battles.