Deltona commission declines immediate participation in Best Foot Forward pedestrian safety program

The Deltona City Commission on May 19 voted 4‑3 to deny participation in the Best Foot Forward pedestrian safety program after commissioners said they needed more information on costs, funding sources and coordination with Volusia County, the sheriff’s office and school authorities.

Discussion points: The program presentation had proposed possible street‑level safety measures and pilot interventions; Commissioner Stephen Santiago and others objected that the item was not budgeted and that the city lacked sufficient data on priority intersections and grant eligibility. Santiago said he wanted further coordination with the sheriff’s office and the school board and asked staff to investigate existing Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and sheriff programs.

Funding concerns: Commissioner Santiago emphasized the proposal ‘‘is not budgeted’’ and asked staff to return with grant opportunities and a clearer scope; Commissioner Avilla Vasquez said she also wanted more time to explore local sheriff and TPO resources rather than authorizing a $54,000 expenditure without fuller analysis. Vice Mayor Harriott and some commissioners indicated support for the program’s goals but agreed additional interagency coordination was needed.

Outcome: A motion to deny the request passed 4‑3. Commissioners who voted to deny said the decision does not close off future participation — it reflects a desire to return with more detailed cost estimates, grant options and coordinated plans for which intersections or corridors should be prioritized.

Next steps: Staff was asked to coordinate with Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, the TPO and the school board and to return with recommendations and cost estimates for the commission’s budget deliberations.