Living in Florida, we get to enjoy outdoor activities like bike-riding all year.  Of course you may want to go early morning or late evening during the summer, so that it’s a bit cooler. DeLand is great for taking bike rides, and there are some nice paved trails that you can use. The good thing is that you don’t have to live near the paved trails in order to get the family out on them, because there are plenty to choose from. Just invest in a bike carrier for your vehicle, load up the bikes, and head to the trail. 

Commercially, DeLand has seen much growth over the past few years, but there is potentially more on the horizon. There is a proposed project at the intersection of I-4 and SR 44 called Gateway DeLand. Currently, most motorists driving past the Interstate 4/State Road 44 interchange see mostly large swaths of trees and undeveloped land. In the next few years, we could see hotels, a grocery store, apartments and other retail shops.  

Back in February, DeLand received its first major roundabout on west State Road 44. The highway has been rated one of the most dangerous highways in the state of Florida, and the intersection at Grand Ave. has caused fatalities in recent years. The roundabout received a lot of criticism, as other residents and frequent travelers of the road said that a traffic light was necessary instead. However, now that it has been completed, motorists have become used to it.  

We have a few more commercial updates for the month of September. On North Woodland Blvd, a new Subway restaurant is being built next to the current location. According to the West Volusia Beacon, the new restaurant is expected to be completed and open by this fall.