 The COVID-19 pandemic caused many parents to take a hard look at the education of their children in ways the've never thought about. Most children were forced to attend virtual school in some capacity. While virtual school isn't for everyone, there are some benefits for parents whose children learn from home. The main benefit is flexibility.
 It is no surprise the real estate market in Central Florida is one in like we've not seen many years. The supply is low and the demand is high. Houses are on the market for only days or hours before selling. It has many thinking, when is it going to slow down?
 In 2020, the professional baseball season was abbreviated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, there was no minor league season altogether. Thankfully, in 2021, local minor league baseball is back for fans of all ages to enjoy an evening at the ballpark.
 The charm and quaintness of downtown DeLand expanded again in April thanks to the opening of The Create Space at 112 E New York Ave (located in the Dreka Building). Ginny-Beth Joiner, born and raised DeLand resident, renovated the space and unleashed her creative expertise on the empty space. For decades, she has crafted, painted, created, and designed under the name “Martha MacGyver”; a nod to the craftiness of Martha Stewart and the creative abilities of fictional character and 80’s TV icon “MacGyver”.
 The wait is finally over! The long-awaited Daytona Beach location of Buc-ee’s gas station and convenience store opened on March 22, 2021. The location is at 2330 Gateway North Drive, on the northeast side of the Interstate 95/LPGA Boulevard interchange, and had packed-out crowds on opening day.
 People give up homes for various reasons. Sometimes the circumstances are in their control (such as making the choice to sell a house and move to a new one) and sometimes they aren’t (like in the case of a foreclosure, house fire, natural disaster, or death of the primary resident). Leaving a home can be very sad and emotional regardless of the reason.
 Why would DeLand need another ice cream shop? People come from miles to visit places like Sweat Spot and Rodeo Whip. Are two new ones really going to make a big difference? To fans of these new institutions, the answer is yes!
 The Covid Grinch trotted into December and tried to snatch Christmas joy from Volusia County. He figured it would be easy, but Volusia County is still filled with holiday merriment. This the first year in recent memory the Downtown Christmas Parade was cancelled. It may look a little different (and aren’t we getting used to that at this point), but it's still jolly!
 The DeLand and Stetson University community were saddened to learn that former Stetson Basketball coach, Glenn Wilkes passed away last November. Known as the Godfather of Florida Basketball, Wilkes put the Hatter Basketball program on the map in the 60's and 70's.
 It’s been six years since the dreams of two DeLand locals became a reality. In 2014, Robbie Carelli and Andy Sistrunk began Persimmon Hollow, the now-beloved craft brewery in Downtown DeLand. It is considered to be an anchor in the Artisan Alley district of businesses that are west of Woodland Blvd.
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