Dear Volusia citizens, 

As you know, America is bitterly divided these days; Volusia County has been breathlessly dealing with the fallout of recent flooding. Fortunately, there’s a bright spot in our future. The once-in-a-lifetime American milestone, the 250th Independence Day, is fast approaching on July 4, 2026.

Since 2020, I have been respectfully suggesting to the Volusia County Council of doing something special for the semiquincentennial.

In the meantime, I have been honored with an appointment to the Cultural Council of Volusia County. Since being on the Cultural Council, I have been made aware of the Arts in Public Places program. I closely followed the process when there was a project at Daytona Beach International Airport.

I suggested statues for that project, so I want to adapt that idea for an unveiling on July Fourth 2026. I will be going to staff in my role as Cultural Council member to work on an appropriate project to bring to the Volusia County Council for their approval.

Now, what I would like from my Volusia County friends is suggestions of two historical figures from any era and significance for use in the celebration. Please email desertreptilellc@yahoo.com with ideas.

God bless Volusia County, and God bless America!

Paul “Gator” Richardson

DeLand