SunRail is coming to DeLand. Here's what we know about the future station's development

Katie Kustura, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
·2 min read
Guests board the SunRail train during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new SunRail expansion station in DeLand, Monday, May 22, 2023.
Guests board the SunRail train during a groundbreaking ceremony for the new SunRail expansion station in DeLand, Monday, May 22, 2023.

For the first time ever, a SunRail train pulled into DeLand with a plethora of people onboard.

Though it will be more than a year before that happens again, local leaders are hoping the response to Monday morning's groundbreaking, attended by about 300 people, on the northernmost SunRail station is a sign of things to come.

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SunRail growing: Officials break ground on DeLand station, part of a $42.8 million expansion

Here's what we know:

When will the DeLand SunRail station open?

Barring any unforeseen delays, the newest station in Volusia County is expected to open during the summer of 2024, according to project officials.

Where is the DeLand SunRail station?

The future stop, adjacent to the Amtrak Station, will be located at 2491 Old New York Ave., a couple of miles east of Ed Stone Park and Boat Ramp.

What food and drink options are nearby?

Currently, options are limited, but Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald said he expects the transportation expansion will result in an investment in new businesses and residential development, as has occurred around other stations.

Here are restaurants and bars located within an approximately 2-mile radius of the station:

  • St. Johns River Grille, 2997 FL-44

  • Shady Oak Restaurant, 2984 New York Ave. West

  • Emmy's Time Out Tavern, 2069 Old New York Ave.

  • The DeLand Stockyard, 1915 Old New York Ave.

  • The Inn Between Bar, 2486 Old New York Ave.

  • So-Hoss Bar DeLand, 2724 FL-44

Downtown DeLand is about 3.5 miles east of the station.

What local leaders are saying?

"My excitement was through the roof riding from DeBary here," DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman said. "That trip I think highlights the natural beauty of West Volusia more than anything could."

Cloudman, who has used SunRail on multiple occasions, called the ride from DeBary to DeLand "the most beautiful section" he's ever seen.

DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman address a crowd of nearly 300 during the groundbreaking of the newest SunRail station on Monday, May 22.
DeLand Mayor Chris Cloudman address a crowd of nearly 300 during the groundbreaking of the newest SunRail station on Monday, May 22.

Jared Perdue, secretary of the Florida Department of Transportation, called the DeLand station a huge accomplishment.

"Transportation is more than just moving cars, it's more even than just moving goods," Perdue said. "It's about providing as many desirable choices to every individual as we can possibly provide because that has a huge impact on the quality of life, the quality of your community and the economic growth and job opportunities that exist."

Perdue said the cities where stations have been built have seen significant economic growth, and he doesn't expect DeLand will be an exception.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: SunRail slated to operate out of DeLand come summer 2024