 New Year’s Eve is a great time to be in Central Florida. There is plenty to do, and the weather is usually perfect. Whether you want to ring in the New Year at our world-famous theme parks, prefer a laid-back evening with family and friends, or want to be part of a big crowd when the ball drops, there are plenty of options for your perfect celebration on Dec. 31.
 The future is here, and even if it isn't quite like the Jetsons, there lots of ways technology can make our lives better. One of those ways is turning your home into a smart home. A smart home is simply a way of automating several of the things in your home to make your life better. This can be as simple as having a digital assistant to play music, restock on household supplies, or help you keep track of your calendar. Or as complicated as fully automating lights, thermostats, and even your kitchen appliances.
 Recently, the Downtown Community Redevelopment Agency met to rank three plans to give new life to the old Volusia County Jail that sits on the block between W. New York Ave. and Georgia Ave. The project is expected to enhance the area near the Artisan Alley area, a popular area off Woodland Blvd.
 The wait is finally over. Local fans can finally rejoice. Chipotle is open! The Mexican grill chain with a DeLand location at 2335 S. Woodland Blvd, prides itself on sourcing high quality ingredients and responsible farming. Those amazing burritos are complemented perfectly with their one-of-a-kind tortilla chips, perfect for dipping in salsa or guacamole. Chipotle in DeLand is open 10:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. seven days a week.
 As your calendar fills with exciting Christmas events this year, be sure to check out the Candlelight Processional at EPCOT. Each night, a celebrity narrator tells the biblical tale of a savior born to a virgin in Bethlehem. All the while, gorgeous choral pieces are woven into the production as a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir provides an inspirational backdrop with songs of hope and joy.
 Looking for some downtown entertainment or a fresh, new idea for a date night? Skip a night at the movies or a round of golf and challenge your mind at Mindquest Escape Rooms.
 If you’ve been watching Stetson University Football over the past five seasons since the reboot of the program, it has been difficult to watch at times. But, it looks like the program has finally turned a corner with its first winning season. On November 17, the Hats closed out the season in style with a record-setting 45-31 victory over visiting Valparaiso at Spec Martin Stadium to close out an 8-2 campaign.
 The holiday season is officially here and so is peak travel season. Living in Central Florida, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know will be traveling throughout the next month by air. But air travel doesn’t have to be expensive if you plan well.
 The fall season is finally underway in DeLand. Central Florida has already received it's first "cold front" and the holidays are right around corner. It is a great time to live in Central Florida and an even greater time to visit. Thankfully, visitors now have an amazing new place to stay in Downtown DeLand. After several updates, we are proud to say the Courtyard Marriott is now open!
 Recently, Swann Real Estate's own Turner Swann received the highest designation in commercial real estate, a Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). The CCIM Institute awarded the designation during the organization's global conference in Chicago on Oct. 10.
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