John Cox, Director of Economic Development, City of Deltona

April 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, John Cox, director of economic development for the city of Deltona, discussed how the city is capitalizing on Central Florida’s rapid population growth, expanding its healthcare and logistics sectors, and working toward the long-term goal of creating a downtown district. “Ultimately, success will depend on identifying our niche and pursuing it with determination,” Cox said.

What recent milestones have had the biggest impact on Deltona’s economic development, and how do they reflect broader trends across Central Florida?

The population growth we are seeing in Florida overall — and Central Florida in particular — is more like a boom. Deltona is benefiting from that because of our location. We are about the same distance from Daytona Beach as we are from Orlando, so we are effectively positioned within both metro areas.

We also have direct access to two major transportation corridors, Interstate 95 and Interstate 4. Those are extremely busy highways, and that connectivity makes the region attractive for logistics, warehousing, and distribution projects. We are also not far from Tampa, which strengthens our regional connectivity even further.

As a result, we are seeing a lot of investment in logistics and distribution facilities. Amazon has been a major player in that growth. About five years ago, Amazon opened its first million-square-foot facility in Deltona, and earlier this year it opened a second million-square-foot warehouse here as well. We are currently reviewing another proposal for a distribution facility of similar size.

Healthcare is another area experiencing strong growth. Halifax Health, which is affiliated with UF Health, is expanding its presence in Deltona. The organization is planning a $30 million investment that will add 19 emergency room beds and 31 inpatient beds while expanding the existing five-story facility and creating space for additional medical offices.

We are also seeing activity from other healthcare providers. Cora Physical Therapy recently selected Deltona for a new facility, and another company, Nu Health, is evaluating the city for a potential location. Healthcare is clearly becoming a key component of our local economy.

On the retail side, the growth in quick-service restaurants reflects both population growth and consumer demand. Over the past year we have added or attracted brands such as Starbucks, Dairy Queen, Dutch Bros, Jersey Mike’s, Wendy’s, and Culver’s. At the same time, we are actively recruiting a larger sit-down restaurant concept — something that can serve as a community gathering place and accommodate several hundred guests.

Residential development has also been significant. Both multifamily and single-family projects are expanding.

All of this growth puts pressure on transportation infrastructure, so we anticipate additional transportation projects will be needed to support the city’s continued expansion.

Another important milestone for Deltona is the city’s effort to create its first true downtown district. The city was incorporated in the mid-1990s, but it never developed a traditional downtown or central gathering area. The mayor and city commission are now exploring locations for a walkable mixed-use district where people can live, work, and socialize. That project will help bring a stronger sense of place and community to Deltona.

Beyond healthcare and residential development, what industries present the strongest opportunities for Deltona as it expands its economic base?

Our economic development targets align closely with those of Volusia County through our regional initiative, Team Volusia. One of our priorities is attracting corporate headquarters. We would love to see more companies base their operations in Deltona.

One example already here is Nutty Bavarian, a company known for its roasted nut products found in shopping malls around the country. The company’s headquarters is located right here in Deltona, and it’s a great example of the kind of business we want to continue attracting.

We also see opportunities connected to the aerospace and aviation industries. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is located nearby and plays a major role in aviation and aerospace innovation. Because of that ecosystem, we believe Deltona can attract companies that support those sectors.

Recently we spoke with a potential investor from Australia that operates in the space industry. They are exploring potential U.S. locations. While rocket launches happen along Florida’s Space Coast, there are many other functions — engineering, manufacturing, logistics, and support services — that could be located in a city like Deltona.

We regularly attend industry events such as SpaceCom in Orlando to connect with companies that might be interested in locating here. Those conversations help us showcase Deltona as a strategic location for companies connected to aerospace, aviation, and emerging technologies.

With rapid population growth across Central Florida, how is Deltona positioning itself to compete for investment in infrastructure and workforce development?

Volusia County has added roughly 100,000 residents over the past decade, and Deltona has certainly felt that growth. One statistic that highlights our workforce potential is that approximately 20% of Volusia County’s workforce lives in Deltona.

Many of those workers commute to other cities such as Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, or DeBary. That means we already have a strong workforce base — it simply works outside the city today. Our goal is to attract more employers so those residents can work closer to home.

Education and workforce training are key to that strategy. Right next to Deltona City Hall there is a campus of Daytona State College that offers programs in fields such as HVAC, welding, cosmetology, and other skilled trades. Those programs are producing a pipeline of talent for local employers.

We are also seeing a growing entrepreneurial culture across Volusia County. One example is a local entrepreneur who launched a healthy food and smoothie business called Healthy Haus. That type of grassroots entrepreneurship is extremely valuable for building a resilient local economy.

To support new ventures, the county hosts the Volusia Innovation Challenge. Entrepreneurs with early-stage business ideas compete in a pitch competition, and the winner receives $10,000 to help bring their concept to market. Initiatives like that help encourage innovation and keep new businesses rooted in the region.

How important is regional collaboration to Deltona’s economic development strategy?

Collaboration is essential. Much of our business recruitment work happens through our partnership with Team Volusia, which serves as the primary marketing and recruitment organization for economic development in the county. We travel with them to industry conferences such as SpaceCom and ICSC to promote the region to potential investors.

We also work closely with the county’s economic development office and its Volusia Business Resources portal. That online platform provides guidance for entrepreneurs on financing, site selection, and other aspects of starting or expanding a business.

Another important aspect of collaboration is business retention. We want the companies already located in Deltona to stay and grow here. If they expand elsewhere in the county, that is still beneficial, but our goal is to keep the economic base within Volusia County rather than losing it to another region.

Educational institutions are also key partners. We work with organizations such as Daytona State College, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Stetson University. In addition, our local school system plays a critical role in preparing the workforce of the future. As I often say, the future of economic development depends on excellence in education today.

Looking ahead five years, what are the top priorities shaping Deltona’s economic development strategy?

Investing in education will continue to be a top priority. One program we are particularly proud of is our summer internship initiative. High school students can work in various city departments — public information, finance, planning and zoning, and others — gaining real-world experience while learning how local government operates.

Technology will also remain a central focus. The pace of technological change is accelerating, and communities must keep up. Businesses are increasingly using advanced tools and automation to complete tasks faster and more efficiently, which is transforming the way industries operate.

Transportation and logistics will continue to be important as well. Deltona benefits from access to major highways and multiple nearby airports, including Orlando International Airport, Daytona Beach International Airport, and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Those connections make it easier for companies to move goods and services to market.

Ultimately, success will depend on identifying our niche and pursuing it with determination. By investing in education, embracing technology, and strengthening regional collaboration, Deltona can continue building a more diversified and resilient economy while maintaining the quality of life that attracts residents and businesses to the city.

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