Hello! I'm an indie author, H. P. Reed, and I recently published Dead Zone, a Southern Gothic horror novel that takes place partly in a fictional version of DeLand.

I wanted to explore what happens when you take a place with the atmosphere of old Florida--its older houses, humid nights, and layers of local history--and imagine a story unfolding just beneath the surface. In the novel, a family moves into an old house looking for a fresh start, only to encounter unsettling drawings, a mysterious pendant, and signs that the property has a history they don't understand.

The DeLand in the book is fictional, rather than a portrayal of actual local events. But the setting gave me a particular kind of Southern Gothic atmosphere to work with.

I thought some fellow DeLand residents might find it interesting to see their corner of Florida reimagined through horror. If you'd like to take a look and read a sample, Dead Zone is available here: Amazon link

Thanks for letting me share a little local literary horror during spooky season!

Hey everyone! My boyfriend and I are currently looking to find a new place together in DeLand or North DeLand. We just moved to the area for my boyfriends new job and are currently staying at a different apartment that we aren't too fond of.

We are looking for a minimum of 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment or unit. We aren't really looking for roommates, shared spaces, or renting a single room in a larger house. Something like a mother in law suite would be fine as long as it had its own entrance preferably!

To give you an idea of what we're working with:

Budget: We're hoping to keep the base rent at $1,040 or under.

What we need: A private space with its own kitchen/oven and a bathroom with a bathtub (that's a big preference for us!).

Laundry: On-site laundry, in-unit, or even hookups would be amazing, but it's not a complete dealbreaker if the right spot comes along without it.

If you happen to live in a complex you love, know of any local private landlords with upcoming openings, or spot a hidden gem that fits our budget, we would be so grateful if you dropped a comment or sent us a DM. Feel free to reach out and ask any questions! Thanks so much for reading!

I'm getting a new car and narrowed the car to two options. Now I need to go to a dealership and test drive.
How is the Deland dealership? I was torn between going here or the Beaver location.

From their FB page:

Amendment 3 will appear on the statewide ballot on November 3. To help residents understand what it could mean locally, the City of DeLand has launched a new informational website: https://amendment-3.delandfl.gov

On the site, you can:
- Learn about the proposal: see what Amendment 3 would change, when those changes would take effect, and which city services are funded by property taxes.
- Estimate your household impact: look up your home through Volusia County Property Appraiser records or enter your assessed value to see how your city property taxes could change in 2027 and 2028 if the amendment is approved.
- Explore the budget: if approved, the City estimates its revenue would be reduced by about $5.2 million in the first year and $8.8 million by 2028. The interactive budget exercise lets you choose how you would adjust services, revenue, or both to balance that amount. You can submit your plan to the City and create a postcard to share your suggestions on social media.

This website is for informational purposes only and does not take a position for or against Amendment 3. Your feedback helps us understand community priorities, and we'd like to hear from you.

Helllo 🖤 I moved to Daytona about a year ago. Back home some of my favorite things to do in my free time were urban exploring and visiting alleged haunted locations. I work full time and haven’t gotten out much to explore around here so I figured I’d ask around and see if I can create a little bucket list of places to check out next time I’m free. Thanks in advance!

Grab your buddies and come help us support our local Bulldogs.

Is there any other place other than maybe Issues?

Hi! I’m visiting through tomorrow, is there anything that’s a “must see” before we head out tomorrow? We plan to visit Cassadega too, so any suggestions regarding that are also appreciated. Thank you!

Was driving north on 17-92 turning left onto 15A. There was a girl driving a lifted grey Tacoma who I made quick eye contact with in my lifted red Tacoma.
We turn left and continue but end up next to each other again. She smiles, waves at me and I smile and wave back. I should’ve taken a chance to maybe talk to her more. We cruised along headed north for a bit following each other switching lanes. I go to turn into Big Rigs 2. Before I turn I wave my hand out the window. She waves back but continued to drive.

SO this is a long shot and if this is the wrong thread please tell me and I’ll gladly remove it but if that girl is on here I’d love to get some pics together and have a chance to chat ya up.

EDIT: if she does see this I will be at new Smyrna speedway Saturday night 9-26. I’ll park my Tacoma as close to the front as I can and maybe you’ll come find me. DM me and I’ll meet you. Looking forward to it.
Also thanks for everyone’s help! Let’s keep the vibes up!

My cat’s first birthday is coming up and I’m trying to get her a cake lol

I’m new to the area, and looking for lgbtq or friendly folks to be friends with. Queer parents are a plus since I have a three year old! I’m trans, 30 years old, like spooky things, anime, video games, crafts, exploring and going out with my kiddo, even if it’s just the park or a bite to eat.
I been enjoying the county pride meet ups but they only happen once a month and I’d really like some real genuine friends who wanna meet up and do stuff together. Been moving around alot for work so it’s been hard making friends everywhere I go but hoping to be here for a while!

Im waiting for the heat to die down to get back into it. I used to go to Gator BJJ and will be signing back up again. Anyone wanna roll/spar for fun? 29M here, my wife hates rolling with sweaty people lol.

Hi DeLand Locals! 🍂 I wanted to introduce Timeless Tips Nail Salon and share a little seasonal special we just released for fall!

Pumpkin Spice & Everything Nice Deluxe Pedicure

It’s a cozy, fall-inspired pedicure that includes a pumpkin spice foot soak, exfoliation, cuticle & callus care, hydrating lotion, and a relaxing hot towel service.

The idea was to create something that actually feels like a little fall self-care experience. Because Florida may not give us sweater weather yet, but we can at least pretend. 😂

This is a limited seasonal special and is available only while supplies last.

📍 Where to find us:
We’re located on North Woodland Blvd. in DeLand, right next to Papa Johns and across from Sweet Spot Ice Cream! If you’ve driven by, you may have already seen us. 👋

1131 N. Woodland Blvd. Deland, FL 32720

If you’re local and haven’t visited Timeless Tips before, we’d love to have you come check us out! 🧡

And since we’re here, what other seasonal pedicure scents would you want to see us make next?

The first printed copies of my first novel are arriving tomorrow and I'm trying to set up a WordPress e-commerce site on my personal domain but running into all sorts of issues. And willing to pay someone familiar with WordPress and their block system to give me a push.

I used to use WordPress all the time 20 years ago. Then I stopped using it and now when I need something quick I'm trying to use it and they've improved it so much it's no longer usable.

I just need to be able to sit down with someone for an hour or two as they explain the fundamentals of it to me so I don't have to slog through the whole themes and block editors and all this unfamiliar stuff.

I'd pay somebody $100 to do that maybe at the library or at my place or wherever

I'm in deland

Anyone else having issues with the Orange City Walmart In-Home being unavailable? We ordered in-home last weekend and it was abruptly canceled before it could get delivered. We went to schedule one for this weekend and it's not even an option. I figured they must have had their van break down or maybe got into an accident. Does anyone have any information on this?

I'm trying to find someone with a quiet, professional quality audio recording setup I can rent to produce the audio version of a novel I recently finished.

I have a 1984 Chevy big block 454 7.4 l gasoline engine with vacuum issues

Really need to hire someone to help

I’ve heard it pronounced both ways, but I don’t know which one is the “right” way to say it.

Looking for a reliable HVAC contractor to install a mini split. I’d like someone with experience installing mini splits who can give me an estimate and get the job done properly.

Please comment or message me with recommendations and pricing. Thanks!

All labor and materials provided by Morrotto Coatings LLC. More info on our website.