INFRASTRUCTURE & FLOODING CLAIM:

“Nothing has been done about flooding.”

FACT:

Under Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr.’s administration:

• The weir was opened for the first time in over 15 years to improve stormwater control

• Millions in state and federal infrastructure funding were secured

• The Elkcam Boulevard elevation project moved forward

• Multiple stormwater improvement projects were initiated and expanded

• Regional partnerships were strengthened to address long term flooding concerns

Flood mitigation is not solved overnight, but Deltona is making meaningful progress through long term infrastructure investment and planning.

PROPERTY TAXES & BUDGET CLAIM:

“Taxes went up.”

FACT:

During Mayor Avila’s administration:

• The property tax rate was lowered every year in office

• City budgets were balanced without increasing the millage rate

• A dedicated line item was added to help pay down city debt

• Deltona’s credit rating improved from A+ to AA-

The administration has focused on responsible budgeting while continuing to invest in infrastructure, parks, and community services.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CLAIM:

“Deltona has no vision for economic growth.”

FACT:

Mayor Avila’s administration has focused on:

• advancing the vision for Uptown Deltona

• increasing commercial investment

• strengthening business partnerships

• supporting job creating projects

• improving Deltona’s economic competitiveness

The goal is clear:
build a stronger economy that creates opportunity for Deltona families and future generations.

PUBLIC SAFETY CLAIM:

“Public safety partnerships have weakened.”

FACT:

Mayor Avila has consistently supported strong partnerships with:

• law enforcement

• firefighters

• emergency services

• schools

• public safety agencies

The administration continues working alongside public safety professionals to protect Deltona residents and strengthen community safety initiatives.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CLAIM:

“The Mayor is disconnected from the community.”

FACT:

Mayor Avila regularly hosts:

• town halls

• community events

• youth mentorship opportunities

• school visits

• fitness initiatives

• food drives

• business outreach events

• resident engagement meetings

Community engagement has remained a central focus of the administration.

RESPONSIBLE GROWTH CLAIM:

“The administration supports uncontrolled growth.”

FACT:

Mayor Avila has consistently advocated for:

• responsible infrastructure planning

• economic development

• balanced commercial growth

• protecting neighborhoods

• improving long term city planning

The administration has also emphasized the importance of securing infrastructure funding and updating policies that help Deltona grow responsibly and sustainably.

WASHINGTON D.C. TRIP CLAIM:

“The Mayor’s trip to Washington D.C. was a personal family trip or primarily to attend the presidential inauguration.”

FACT:

Mayor Santiago Avila, Jr. traveled to Washington D.C. primarily to attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors 93rd Winter Meeting, a bipartisan national gathering of mayors from across the country focused on issues impacting cities and local governments.

The conference included discussions and meetings regarding:

• infrastructure funding

• stormwater and flood mitigation

• economic development

• public safety

• housing

• long term federal investment opportunities for cities

The United States Conference of Mayors serves as an opportunity for city leaders to collaborate directly with federal officials, agencies, and other mayors to advocate for the needs of their communities.

While in Washington D.C., Mayor Avila also took part in meetings and discussions focused on advocating for Deltona and strengthening relationships that can help bring future opportunities and resources to the city.

While Mayor Avila was invited to attend the Presidential Non Partisan Inauguration, he chose not to attend.

Additionally, Mayor Avila’s daughters remained in Florida with their grandparents during the trip. While his wife traveled with him, the City of Deltona did not pay any of her expenses, including food, additional hotel costs, or additional travel related expenses.

The trip was conducted in service to the residents of Deltona and focused on representing the city at the national level while advocating for Deltona’s future.