5th Annual SEV Regional Economic Summit

The City of New Smyrna Beach hosted the 5th Annual Southeast Volusia (SEV) Regional Economic Summit on October 24, 2025, focusing on regional economic development, infrastructure, and stormwater management. Key discussions involved collaboration among the cities of New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, and Volusia County to advance economic growth, particularly in aerospace, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Officials highlighted ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, including road improvements, stormwater system upgrades, and utility expansions to support new industrial developments such as Daring Park and the Port Orange industrial area. The meeting emphasized the need for streamlined permitting processes, expedited development approvals, and coordinated regional planning to attract and retain high-value industries. Funding challenges for transportation and stormwater projects were noted, with suggestions to pursue federal grants like the EDA disaster supplemental grant. The importance of public communication and marketing to address community concerns about flooding and growth was also stressed. Action items included surveying developers on permitting barriers, engaging industries for infrastructure planning, and establishing more frequent regional coordination meetings to sustain momentum on economic and infrastructure initiatives.