 It’s been almost two years since DeLand lost one of its beloved residents. Rufus Pinkney was an icon for years because of his shoe shine business in the parking lot between Pizza Hut and the Denim Dive and Boutique, off East New York Avenue. Since Rufus passed away on Sept. 13, 2016, the city’s locals and shoes have not shined quite as bright.
 If you grew up on the north side of DeLand and went to public elementary school, there is a good chance you went to George Marks Elementary School. The school on Amelia Ave. near Stetson University since it was built 63 years ago has been an icon for many. However, it is about to get a complete makeover.
 If you are new to DeLand, you may be unaware of some of the major league talent our city has produced. The area has a rich history of musicians, artists, and designers, but recently several athletes have shown a spotlight on DeLand in a big way. Below are just a few along with recent notoriety they've received.
 Several new businesses are opening and commercial construction projects are coming to completion in the DeLand area. We thought we would give you a quick update.
 It’s almost fall and football season is here, and for hometown college football fans, that means that the Stetson Hatter Football program is about to get underway for another season. Fans will gather at Spec Martin stadium as they will gather all across the across the country on Saturdays to witness their teams compete for college football supremacy on the gridiron. Football brings out passionate fans and encourages excitement like no other sport. However, there are other great competitive sports to watch our hometown student-athletes compete in.
 It’s late summer in Florida, and if you have children, you are likely running out of things to do to keep them entertained without melting in the heat and humidity. No one wants to go outside in the heat, and the options are limited … until now.
 Those that miss DeLand having a Cuban restaurant won’t have to wait much longer. Ileana and Isidro Castro are eager to open the doors of Chica’s Cuban Cafe in newly renovated space inside a charming old cottage on Howry Avenue, across from the DeLand Police Department and fire station. The couple was born in Cuba and immigrated to Miami, however they’ve lived in DeLand for the last 14 years.
 Chipotle fans can rejoice! If you haven’t heard by now, DeLand is getting a Chipotle restaurant, quick-serve, fast-casual Mexican restaurant that is famous for fresh ingredients that are sourced locally.
 Baseball fever came to DeLand for a short period of time. For the first time in school history, the Stetson University baseball team hosted and won an NCAA Regional Championship. The team went on to the Super Regional tournament against University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, NC where Stetson's cinderella season came to an end, but it lit a spark in a town that is hungry to see their hometown university be national competitors.
 Ask any DeLandite his or her opinions on the housing development boom of South DeLand or the newest roundabout just south of downtown and you’ll get a variety of opinions and probably start some heated arguments. However, you ask the same residents about the improvements made to Georgia Avenue in Downtown DeLand, and you’re likely to hear a chorus of approving responses.
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