 There is something that kids of all ages appreciate, and that is ice cream, especially good ice cream. DeLand certainly has several places to choose from, but one of the favorites is The Sweet Spot. It is a down right staple! Every flavor is homemade with creativity and love. Some of the favorites include Maple Bacon, Key Lime Pie and Salted Chocolate Toffee.
 Cemeteries are a place to memorialize loved ones that have passed on before us. They provide a rich history of our past and help shape stories to tell future generations. Cemeteries, like any property, require maintenance, that if left unattended will let those stories fade. That has been the recent case at Union Cemetery, a traditionally African American cemetery that has been in disrepair until now.
 New Construction in DeLandDeLand is experiencing a new construction housing boom. Victoria Park is slated for over 1,500 new homes alone, not to mention the other communities that are building out. In the current market, it may make sense to build a new home over purchasing an existing one. However, what many don’t realize is that a qualified real estate agent can help you navigate the building process, helping you score some extras you may not have known about. The best part is you won’t pay a dime.
 Smartphones and tablets have streamlined nearly every facet of life, and the real estate industry in no exception. Buyers can browse listings via tablets and brokers can upload photos and videos directly from a smartphone to the MLS. But until recently, one integral transaction piece needed to be done the old fashion way: the signature. But that is no longer the case.
 Our founding father, Alexander Hamilton, once said, “Look around. Look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.” Okay. He didn’t say it, but his character in the Tony Award winning show Hamilton did. And he was right when one looks at the epic line-up coming to 2018-2019 Fairwinds Broadway Across America series at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando.
 It is a great time to build a home in DeLand. The city is entering in what is expected to become the Golden Age of residential construction. The most obvious part of the boom is in Southeast DeLand.
 Old jail from Georgia Ave. The Georgia Avenue streetscape renovations are nearing the home stretch. There is not much work left to do other then paving the street and installing decorative pavers. The project is the foundation to the continued revitalization of the area and is expected to attract new businesses that fit the vibrant SoNy (South of New York) district. One key component to the revitalization may come from a property swap between the city of DeLand and Volusia County, according to the West Volusia Beacon.
 "Reptiles" by M.C. Escher DeLand is evolving into a cultural hub in many ways. One way is through the arts thanks to organizations such as the Athens Theater, Stetson University and the DeLand Museum of Art. We are blessed to have quality talent come through our small town. An example of that talent is the works of artist M.C. Escher, now on display at the DeLand Museum of Art.
 If you attended George Marks Elementary as a kid, raise your hand. Okay, you probably look ridiculous, so you can put it down. If you grew up in DeLand and went to George Marks, you aren’t alone with several other longtime residents who proudly state they are a GME Bulldog.
 Pictured: Our own Todd Swann with VIP guest and Amy Kuenkele Jones and Teresa Logsdon from Love Like Lindsey Loved. Prom season kicked off early in DeLand this year. Leading up to the big night, dresses were fluffed and makeup applied, suits dusted off and shoes shined. Then on the evening of February 9, 170 teenagers and adults with special needs gathered for Night to Shine, the annual Prom sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation. This year, Stetson Baptist Church had the privilege of hosting the event for the first time.
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