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Ponce Inlet | 1 Posts
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March
27

More than 50 years after the end of the Vietnam War, Volusia County celebrated the unveiling of a monument to make sure their legacy is never forgotten - and that they receive the honor and respect many didn't see when they came home.

The Vietnam Memorial Wall, an effort led by U.S. Army veteran Robert "Bob" Adkins, of Ormond-by-the-Sea, was presented to the community during a ceremony on Friday, March 27. The memorial wall is located at Veterans Memorial Plaza, at 125 E. Orange Ave. near the Volusia County Courthouse at City Island in Daytona Beach.

It's a gray granite monument etched with scenes from the Vietnam Memorial Wall and Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. It measures 8.5 feet wide and 5 feet high. It now stands on the north side of the plaza, with an inscription welcoming Vietnam veterans home.

Bringing the monument to fruition has been a nine-month project, said Adkins, a past president of the Vietnam Veterans of America Daytona Beach Chapter 1048 who spearheaded the chapter's $35,000 donation.

How did it start? With talks about legacy with his wife Cathy and family. Adkins was getting ready to turn over leadership of VVA Chapter, following 11 years of service as its president.

"I said, 'You know, this monument needs to be in Volusia County," Adkins recalled. "We got a beautiful plaza that we're going to put one in, and we sat down and we talked it out about how to go about this, and of course - everything that we talked about was wrong."

They ran into challenge after challenge. Until he met Scott Olson, Volusia County Veterans Services director.

"He took this journey on with me and Cathy to make sure that this happened," Adkins said. "He thought it was the greatest thing for this county that he could think of was having that monument placed here."

The monument will serve as a "dignified and lasting tribute to all of our Vietnam veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy today," Olson said. It will also provide an educational opportunity in the community, he added.

"The Memorial Wall will contribute to preserving the historical legacy of the Vietnam War and ensuring that future generations understand its significance," he said.

Volusia County Council at-large member Jake Johansson, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, said that the Memorial Wall is a permanent reminder of the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans. And, he said, that their stories have a place in Volusia County.

"This wall will ensure that future generations understand what the Vietnam generation endured and what they gave in service to our nation," Johansson said. "It will stand here, not just as a monument of granite and stone, but as a place of reflection, remembrance and education for our entire community. Recognizing service also means ensuring veterans receive the support they deserve."

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower was also among the speakers at the ceremony, which included Florida Rep. Chase Tramont, Florida Sen. Tom Wright and Gen. James Hartsell, executive director of the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. The unveiling ceremony, Brower said, is a "much needed celebration" for Volusia County.

"It's a much needed time to say you weren't given a proper homecoming," Brower said. "Today, you get that homecoming."

He talked about growing up during the Vietnam War years - how fear and distrust of the U.S. government resulted in war veterans coming home to protests and public disdain.

"I want you to know today in Volusia County, that's not how we think," Brower said. "And I think that most of America, through the lens of history, have come to terms with that, and they respect you Vietnam veterans as much as every other veteran that sits in this beautiful place do. You earned that.

"You stood between bullets and liberty for us," Brower continued. "You stood between bombs and napalm and freedom because you love this country. Because you love the families that you left behind and were willing to lay everything on the battlefield. You are America's heroes."

#AdamsCameron #Since1963

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March
25

People are turning to AI for just about anything you can think of: Trying to figure out if a strange symptom is worth a doctor’s visit Drafting a text they’ve been overthinking for three days Deciding whether that noise coming from their car is “normal” or “you should probably pull over immediately” Even asking how to handle awkward conversations, negotiate a salary, or plan out major life decisions So of course, it makes sense that people buying or selling a home would turn to AI at different stages of the process. And to be fair, it can be incredibly useful. It can give you a general sense of how the process works, help you understand terminology, and prepare you to ask better questions. Ideally, it helps make things smoother. More efficient. More informed. But that really hinges on whether it’s actually giving you accurate information, and whether that information is being interpreted correctly. That’s not to say that AI always gives wrong or even bad advice. But one thing it always gives is…confident advice. And sometimes, that confidence can be misplaced. When Everyone’s AI Answer Is “Right”… Things Can Go Wrong A recent story making the rounds is a perfect example of how this can play out in real life. According to NewsNation , well-known celebrity agent Ryan Serhant shared how a major deal nearly fell apart because both sides were turning to AI for guidance during negotiations. Basically, the seller asked if they were accepting too low of an offer, and AI confidently said yes. On the other hand, the buyer asked if they were paying too much. And, wouldn’t you know it, they were confidently told that they were in fact overpaying. That led to both sides wanting to cancel the contract. The agents involved were able to step in, help their respective clients understand the market data, and ultimately bring the parties back together to salvage the deal. And that’s becoming a more common role in today’s market. Agents are having to help people navigate situations where the challenge isn’t a lack of information… but rather being too certain about the information they are receiving. Very Few People Actually Trust AI, Yet Many Still Follow Its Advice A recent survey found that while only 16% of people say they trust AI “a great deal,” yet many still rely on its answers when making decisions. Even more interesting: 58% of people admit AI has influenced their opinions 32% don’t fully understand how it generates answers And despite all of these things, many people still rely on the confident-sounding answer from AI over a trusted, verified source That’s a tricky combination. Because if you don’t fully understand how something works, it becomes very hard to recognize when it might be wrong. And when the answer is delivered in a way that sounds authoritative, it’s easy to accept it at face value. AI Is the New Dad in the Room In a way, none of this is entirely new. Real estate agents have been navigating this dynamic for years, it just typically comes from different sources. For instance: The well-meaning buyer’s dad at the home inspection. A relative who “sold a lot of houses” in their life. (It was two. And they were in the 80s and 90s.) Their hair stylist who knows every house on the market in town. That’s just to name a few examples. There are plenty of other people with thoughts and opinions they want to share with someone who is in the middle of buying or selling a home. And, while they come in all shapes and sizes, the one thing they all have in common is that they are absolutely, 100% confident in the advice they give. Unfortunately, their perspective and advice is often wrong or outdated, which puts the agent in a tough spot because they have to gently untangle advice that sounds logical, but isn’t actually good advice. People are often speculating how many jobs AI will replace in the near future. Will it replace the well-meaning friend or family member soliciting advice to home buyers and sellers? Probably not. Most likely AI will just be added to the list of outside advice agents have to help their clients assess and decide whether it’s accurate or not. And that’s really what this all comes down to. By all means, use AI. Ask it questions. Get a feel for things. Explore different angles. And while you’re at it, hear out the thoughts and advice of friends, family, and even that random person who sounds incredibly confident in what they’re saying. There’s nothing wrong with gathering input. But at the end of the day, just make sure you have an agent you trust helping you weigh the confident-sounding advice… so you can make a confident decision of your own. The Takeaway: More and more people are turning to AI for advice, and when it comes to buying or selling a home, that’s no exception. It can be a helpful starting point, giving you a general understanding of the process and helping you feel more prepared. The challenge is that AI often delivers confident answers that can sound right… even when they don’t fully apply. That’s why having a trusted agent matters. Not just to provide information, but to help you interpret what you’re hearing from AI (or even a well-meaning friend or relative), filter out what doesn’t apply, and guide you toward decisions that actually work in your specific situation. The post Is AI the New “Well-Meaning Dad” for Real Estate Buyers and Sellers? appeared first on Lighter Side of Real Estate . #AdamsCameron #Since1963

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February
5

The DeLand area, nestled in the heart of Volusia County, Florida, continues to evolve as a prime destination for commercial real estate investments. With its blend of historic charm, growing population, and strategic proximity to major corridors, properties within a 15-mile radius offer diverse opportunities for investors seeking stable returns. This article explores key emerging sectors, market drivers, and strategic considerations for commercial ventures in this dynamic region.

Retail and Mixed-Use Developments

Retail spaces are experiencing renewed interest, particularly in mixed-use projects that integrate shopping, dining, and residential elements. Downtown DeLand's revitalization has spurred demand for ground-floor retail in adaptive reuse buildings, where historic structures are converted into vibrant commercial hubs. Investors should note the influx of boutique shops and eateries catering to the area's affluent residents and tourists. Within 15 m...

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February
2

Ponce Inlet, with its pristine beaches and serene waterway views, stands out as a prime destination for waterfront property investments in Volusia County, Florida. Nestled along the Halifax River and Atlantic Ocean, this coastal gem attracts luxury buyers seeking both personal retreats and high-yield opportunities. As a veteran real estate professional serving the Ponce Inlet area, understanding the nuances of this market is essential for informed decision-making.

Why Ponce Inlet Waterfront Properties Appeal to Investors

Waterfront holdings in Ponce Inlet offer a blend of lifestyle allure and financial upside. Properties here often feature direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway, ideal for boating enthusiasts, and commanding ocean vistas that enhance desirability. Recent market data shows steady appreciation, with median waterfront home prices hovering around $1.2 million, driven by limited inventory and growing demand from out-of-state buyers relocating to Flor...

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January
31

Understanding the Ormond Beach Waterfront Market

Ormond Beach's waterfront properties command premium prices due to their direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, appealing to luxury buyers seeking coastal lifestyles. With rising demand from high-net-worth individuals, sellers can capitalize on features like private docks, expansive views, and proximity to upscale amenities. However, to maximize value, strategic preparation and targeted marketing are essential in this competitive segment.

Prepare Your Property for Top-Dollar Offers

Enhance curb appeal with manicured landscaping that highlights waterfront vistas, and consider minor updates like fresh exterior paint or dock repairs to underscore the property's nautical allure. Inside, focus on neutral, sophisticated staging that emphasizes open floor plans and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. For waterfront specifics, ensure bulkheads and seawalls...

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