Authorities from Florida, the Michoacán (Mexico) State Delegation, and the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando came together June 29 to discuss agreements that will benefit Mexico, the state of Florida, and communities in West Volusia. In attendance were DeLand Mayor Bob Apgar, Pierson Town Council Member Sergia Cardenas, and representatives of the DeLand Police Department and Volusia Sheriff’s Office.
“We hope to continue forging relationships between the Latino community and the City of DeLand,” Apgar said.
A “sister city” letter of intent was delivered by the Municipal President of Álvaro Obregón, Fernando Sánchez, to Apgar.
Álvaro Obregón is one of 113 municipalities that make up Michoacán, a state in Mexico known for its fusion of natural beauty, quaint towns, arts, and culture. Michoacán also serves as a refuge for millions of Monarch butterflies that travel there to escape the frigid autumn and winter seasons in southern Canada and the northern United States. Coincidentally, DeLand was the first city in the state of Florida designated as a Monarch City USA.
Speaking to the DeLand City Commission July 5, Apgar asked commissioners to consider potentially recognizing Álvaro Obregón as DeLand’s new sister city.
Additionally, the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando presented DeLand Police Department Sergeant Tony Tagle and Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood with certificates of recognition for their service to the migrant community. Captain Benyamin Yisrael of the Volusia Sheriff’s Office accepted the certificate on behalf of Sheriff Chitwood who had a prior engagement to attend. Sergeant Tagle, who is of Mexican descent, was joined by his parents to accept the award.
The City of DeLand sincerely appreciates the Michoacán State Delegation and Consulate of Mexico in Orlando for coming to visit us.
 State Delegation, and the Consulate of Mexico in Orlando came together June 29 to discuss agreements that will benefit Mexico, the state of Florida, and communities in West Volusia.){kind=link}