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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
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NEW HOME, NEW BEGINNING: CITY’S RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM CHANGES LIVES ONE FAMILY AT A TIME After years of waiting, Daytona Beach resident Janice Dukes received the keys to her brand-new home, marking another milestone in the city’s commitment to preserving homeownership and strengthening neighborhoods. Constructed by JJ Pro Management LLC., and valued at $260,700, the home was celebrated Friday as city staff, project contractors and family members gathered for the completion of the third of four reconstruction projects approved in the past 12 months through the city’s Home Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program. Administered by the Redevelopment and Neighborhood Services Department, the program helps income-qualified homeowners replace unsafe, deteriorated homes with modern residences. The program is funded through the State Housing Initiatives Partnership (SHIP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships program (HOME), leveraging federal and state resources to expand safe, affordable housing opportunities for Daytona Beach residents. The original 1942 home at 831 Madison St. had deteriorated beyond the point where rehabilitation was financially feasible. Under program guidelines, reconstruction is considered when rehabilitation costs exceed 65% of a property’s assessed value, making demolition and rebuilding the safest and most cost-effective solution. Dukes first applied for assistance through the city’s Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation Program in 2015. Construction on the replacement home began in May 2025.
City staff, contractors and family members.
8 31 Madison St., Daytona Beach reconstruction.
Resident Janice Dukes emotionally admiring the completion of her new home.
SEE PAGE 2 FOR THE CONTINUATION OF THIS STORY.
831 Madison St., Daytona Beach prior to reconstruction.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
NEW HOME, NEW BEGINNING: CITY’S RECONSTRUCTION PROGRAM CHANGES LIVES ONE FAMILY AT A TIME CONTINUED
The new 1,430-square-foot home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms and accessibility improvements tailored to Dukes’ mobility needs. A Daytona Beach resident for the past 75 years, Dukes said receiving the keys to her new home was both emotional and bittersweet. “I was sad my husband, Joe, could not walk across the threshold with me,” she said. “He passed away in January of this year. He would have been so pleased that everything was set up to accommodate me and my chair.” Now surrounded by space for her growing family, Dukes is looking forward to making new memories in a home built with her future in mind. The mother of six, grandmother of 15 and great-grandmother of 33, with another great-
grandchild on the way, said she is especially excited to host family gatherings. “This house has plenty of wheelchair room,” Dukes said. “My family is so excited at all the room there is for family gatherings. I am grateful knowing that this is my last house, and it is brand new. My first ever brand-new home.” Following the completion of 831 Madison St., the Redevelopment and Neighborhood Services Department continues work on additional housing projects throughout Daytona Beach. For more information about the Home Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program, visit DaytonaBeach.gov or contact the Redevelopment and Neighborhood Services Department.
BEACHSIDE UTILITY BOX WRAPS The city has completed the installation of custom vinyl wraps on five city-maintained beachside utility boxes as part of an ongoing beautification initiative. Designed to enhance the areas aesthetics, the wraps feature photography of native plants and are printed on durable, outdoor-rated vinyl with a protective UV- and weather-resistant laminate for long-term performance. Each utility box received a full wrap on all visible sides with a matte, non-glare finish. The wraps are located at the intersections of Peninsula Drive and International Speedway Boulevard, Peninsula Drive and Main Street, A1A and International Speedway Boulevard, Grandview Avenue and Main Street, and Halifax Avenue and Main Street.
IN THE WORKS
BREAKERS OCEANFRONT SEAWALL IN PROGRESS
Construction continues on the Breakers Oceanfront Park seawall as part of the Boardwalk access improvements. Three of the four beach access ramps are open to the public, with 14 stairways complete. At Ramp 4, the old seawall has been removed, new concrete sheet piling and helical anchors have been installed, and construction of the seawall cap is underway. CITY ISLAND SEAWALL IN PROGRESS Construction continues on the City Island Seawall project, with work now progressing in the library section. The existing seawall cap has been removed, sheet pile installation is complete and stormwater outfalls have been installed. Crews are relocating electrical and fiber utilities, while construction of the new seawall cap has begun.
HALIFAX HARBOR BOAT SLIPS NEARING COMPLETION
Work continues on the new three-slip covered boat dock at Halifax Harbor Marina. Structural work, including the frame, roof, electrical and water lines, utility pedestals, grading and sidewalk installation, has been completed. Installation of the boat lifts and security fencing is scheduled to begin, with utility connections following to prepare the facility for service.
MANATEE ISLAND BOAT DOCK 100% COMPLETE
Repairs to the floating dock on the east side of Manatee Island have been completed. The project included replacing damaged piles and the gangway following 2024 hurricane impacts, restoring safe public access to the dock.
DAYTONA BEACH Inside
APPLY NOW
WE’RE HIRING: FIRE CHIEF The City of Daytona Beach is seeking an experienced and visionary Fire Chief to lead a department with more than 125 years of service, innovation and excellence. Reporting directly to the City Manager, the Fire Chief will oversee all fire rescue operations, emergency medical services, emergency management, personnel, budgeting and strategic planning while guiding a team committed to protecting residents and the millions of visitors who come to Daytona Beach each year. The annual salary range is $113,361 to $196,873, with a competitive executive benefits package that includes the Police & Fire Pension Plan, executive deferred compensation, paid leave and comprehensive insurance benefits. If you’re passionate about public service and ready to shape the future of emergency services in a dynamic coastal community, we encourage you to apply. Learn more by visiting DaytonaBeach.gov/ChiefBrochure .
IT DEPARTMENT EARNS STATEWIDE INNOVATION AWARD FOR TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION SYSTEM The City of Daytona Beach’s Information Technology Department has earned statewide recognition for innovation, receiving the 2026 Best Innovative Use of Technology Award from the Florida Local Government Information Systems Association (FLGISA). This marks the second consecutive time the department has received the biennial honor. IT Solutions Manager Charles Smarr and Senior Systems Engineer Mustafa Isa attended the FLGISA conference to accept the award on behalf of the city. The award recognized the city’s Travel Authorization Form, an in-house solution developed to modernize and streamline the employee travel approval process. Work on the project began in 2024 to replace manual processes with a more efficient digital workflow that improves automation, tracking and internal controls. Following the city’s travel audit, the application was further refined using feedback from the internal auditor. Congratulations to Daniel Gurczynski, Mustafa Isa, Mark Murray and Charles Smarr for their outstanding work!
KATRINA POWELL NAMED ECONOMIC & STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES DIRECTOR
City Manager Deric C. Feacher has selected Katrina Powell as the City of Daytona Beach’s new Economic & Strategic Opportunities Director. Beginning Aug. 24, Powell will lead the city’s efforts to attract, retain and expand businesses, foster strategic partnerships and advance initiatives that support long-term economic growth. She will oversee the Redevelopment, Community Development & Neighborhood Services and Business Enterprise Management departments
Powell brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in local government and economic development. Her background includes business recruitment and retention, downtown revitalization, strategic planning, grant funding and public-private partnerships. She is a retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant with 20 years of military experience. “Katrina’s extensive background in local government and economic development makes her an outstanding addition to our leadership team,” said Feacher. “She has a solid track record of building strong partnerships, attracting investment and developing innovative strategies.” Powell also has extensive municipal leadership experience, having served as city manager for Longwood, Fort Meade and Hamtramck, Michigan, as well as Assistant to the City Manager and Public Information Officer for the City of Deltona.
WEBEOC TRAINING ENHANCES EMERGENCY RESPONSE COORDINATION City staff assigned to support the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) participated in WebEOC training led by Richard Williams, Battalion Chief/Emergency Manager, at the city’s new Emergency Operations Center in Fire Station No. 1 Headquarters. The training strengthened staff proficiency with WebEOC, the incident management system used during emergency activations. Following the session, system enhancements were implemented, including a new Call Taker Log that allows requests to be assigned to the appropriate Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) and enables ESF representatives to filter and monitor requests specific to their responsibilities. These improvements help streamline communication and support more effective emergency response operations.
NOW HIRING: GYMNASTICS RECREATION LEADER The City of Daytona Beach is seeking a Recreation Leader to join the Parks & Recreation Department’s Community Centers & Gymnastics Division . This position offers a weekly salary range of $680 to $869.91 and provides an opportunity to make a positive impact by leading recreational programs, supporting after-school activities and engaging with youth in the community. Qualified candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and six to nine months of experience working with a targeted age group or recreational activity. Interested applicants can learn more and apply through the City of Daytona Beach Career Portal at DaytonaBeach.gov/Jobs .
ON THE move WITH PARKS & RECREATION SUMMER CAMP WRAPS UP
Thank you to all the campers, families and staff who made this year’s summer camp season one to remember. From hands-on learning and field trips to swimming, games and new friendships, it was a summer filled with fun and lasting memories. As summer comes to a close, we’re excited to welcome everyone back for another season of Parks & Recreation programs. Registration Open for After School Program Registration is now open for the After School Program at Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. The program is available for students in kindergarten through fifth grade and runs Monday through Friday, Aug. 10 through May 26, from school dismissal until 5:30 p.m. Participants will enjoy homework assistance, recreation, games, crafts and more in a safe, supervised environment. Register online at DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities .
HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF DERBYSHIRE PARK The City of Daytona Beach is inviting residents to help shape the future of one of its most active parks by participating in the Derbyshire Park Master Plan process. The master plan will provide a long-term vision for Derbyshire Park, identifying opportunities to enhance recreation, amenities, accessibility and overall park experiences based on community priorities. Attend a public meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, or Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine St., to share your ideas for the 32-acre park at 849 Derbyshire Road. Learn more, follow the project and submit feedback at DerbyshireParkPlan.com .
PROGRAMS & EVENTS facility
BACK-TO-SCHOOL POOL PARTY, AUG. 7 Celebrate the start of the school year at our annual Back-to-School Pool Party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, at Campbell Aquatic Center, 400 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Families are invited to enjoy one last summer outing with free admission, swimming, music, games, activities, free food and refreshments. The Daytona Beach Fire Department will also be on-site with a fire truck and interactive activities, giving children the opportunity to meet firefighters, explore the apparatus and learn more about fire safety.
The event is sponsored by Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May.
PILATES PROGRAM LAUNCHING AUG. 26 Schnebly Recreation Center is introducing a new Pilates program beginning Wednesday, Aug. 26. Classes will be held from 11:15 a.m. to noon each Wednesday and are designed for adults and seniors looking to improve strength, flexibility, balance and overall wellness. Classes are $10 each and are led by instructor Dianna Fornaro, who brings more than 14 years of experience teaching Pilates to adults and seniors.
For more information, contact Schnebly Recreation Center at (386) 671-3560.
CHAIR FITNESS RETURNED TO SUNNYLAND AUG. 3
Stay active and improve your overall wellness with Chair Fitness at Sunnyland Recreation Center, 825 Washington St. Designed for participants of all fitness levels, this low-impact program helps improve strength, flexibility and mobility in a fun, welcoming environment. Classes are held every Monday from 5:15 to 6 p.m. beginning Aug. 3. The cost is $2 per class.
Participants are encouraged to bring a towel and water bottle.
SEEKING ENTERTAINMENT VENDORS FOR BIKETOBERFEST 2026
The City of Daytona Beach is seeking proposals from qualified entertainment vendors to provide event production and entertainment services for the 2026 Biketoberfest celebration, Oct. 15-17, at Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Walnut Street, and Daisy Stocking Park. The selected vendor will coordinate sound and stage production, DJ services, live entertainment, stage support and digital event marketing. Vendors are encouraged to develop culturally relevant programming that reflects the community’s heritage and the spirit of Biketoberfest.
Proposals are due Friday, Aug. 14, and should be emailed to Vincent Terry at terryvincent@daytonabeach.gov. For more information, call 386-671-5830.
Upcoming Events
FREE TO ATTEND Back-to-School Pool Party Friday, Aug. 7 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Campbell Aquatic Center 400 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
FREE TO ATTEND First Friday Art Walk Friday, Aug. 7 5 to 9 p.m. Beach Street, Daytona Beach An evening dedicated to creativity, community and culture FREE TO ATTEND Tacos & Margaritas Street Party Saturday, Aug. 8 5 to 10 p.m. Main Street, Daytona Beach An evening of food, refreshments, live entertainment and tropical fun! SEPTEMBER CITY COMMISSION MEETINGS Schedule Notice 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23 City Commission Chambers 301 S. Ridgewood Ave.
Sponsored by Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May
FREE TO ATTEND First Fridays Downtown Daytona Nights Friday, Aug. 7 5 to 9 p.m. Downtown, Daytona Beach An evening of food, refreshments and entertainment.
FREE TO ATTEND Midtown Sundayz:
Family Fun Day Sunday, Aug. 9 3 to 8 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
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