CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
BUILDING A CULTURE OF “YES” SENIOR STAFF ENGAGE IN TEAM-BUILDING DAY
Since his arrival in Daytona Beach, City Manager Deric C. Feacher has championed a culture of innovation and collaboration with a simple but powerful message—”How do we get to YES.” To reinforce this mindset, Feacher recently organized a dynamic team- building day designed to inspire creativity, problem- solving and teamwork among senior staff. Participants engaged in a series of strategic exercises, working in carefully selected groups to strengthen communication and leadership skills. From solving puzzles and tackling interactive challenges to playing games that encouraged out-of-the-box thinking, each activity emphasized the importance of collaboration and adaptability.
The off-site event also allowed staff to reflect on the city’s guiding principles by crafting core values, mission and vision statements. These exercises reinforced a shared commitment to service and ensured alignment with the city’s goals for growth and progress.
Staff left the retreat energized and ready to tackle challenges with a fresh perspective— one that embraces the power of “YES.”
IN LOVING MEMORY OF FIREFIGHTER RICHARD CRAPPS
With profound sadness, we share the passing of Daytona Beach Firefighter Richard Crapps in an off-duty motor vehicle accident. Known for his soulful and quiet nature, Richard was a dedicated firefighter and a beloved friend to many within the Daytona Beach Fire Department family. Richard’s commitment to serving the community he grew up in will forever be a part of his legacy. In this difficult time, let us remember Richard for the incredible person and firefighter he was.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
CITY SECURES GRANT FUNDING FOR TWO PLAYGROUND PROJECTS
Daytona Beach will continue to invest in community spaces thanks to recently awarded grant funds for two key projects: the Midtown Recreation Complex ($375,028) and Lenox Park Playground ($49,500) . These grants, provided by the Racing & Recreational Facilities District, will support enhancements that promote active lifestyles and family-friendly environments.
The funding will purchase new playground and fitness equipment at the Midtown Recreation Complex, 981 George W. Engram Blvd. Meanwhile, the Lenox Park Playground grant will fund a protective “fall zone,” a rubber safety surface, under the existing playground equipment. The beachside park is located at 825 S. Grandview Ave.
BUILDING PERMIT FEES Building permit fees for residential and commercial construction projects were waived from Sept. 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025. During the six-month period, $3.5 million in fees were waived, representing more than 2,000 projects. This was the fifth time building permit fees were waived since 2020.
BLAZING THE WATERWAYS: DAYTONA BEACH FIRE DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES MARINE UNIT The Daytona Beach Fire Department is making waves with its newest addition—Marine 1, a state-of-the-art firefighting boat docked at historic Fire Station No. 1 on Beach Street. Built by Lake Assault Boats in Wisconsin, this 26-foot Landing Craft enhances emergency response and fire protection along the city’s waterways. To operate Marine 1, crew members must earn a Florida Safe Boater card, complete a 40-hour training program and demonstrate critical skills, assessed annually.
While its primary mission is emergency response, Marine 1 also ensures safety along the Halifax River. Its presence coincides with training exercises, increasing oversight as the city expands water activities. The boat will also help reinstate the Dive Team once training is completed. The acquisition was funded through allocated ARPA funds from Zone 4 Commissioner Stacy Cantu ($250,000), Zone 3 Commissioner Quanita May ($50,000), former Zone 1 Commissioner Ruth Trager ($10,000) and a $75,000 grant from the Florida Inland Navigation District.
This vessel strengthens Daytona Beach’s ability to protect residents and marine assets, ensuring a safer, more prepared city.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
IN THE WORKS
WATER TANK DEMO Demolition to both beachside water tank towers is complete. The obsolete steel tanks were built in the 1950s and ‘60s and haven’t been used since the early 2000s.
Both towers were removed by carefully cutting and dismantling them.
MAIN STREET ARCH Crews are pouring concrete on the east side of the arch. Once finished, workers will shift to the west side. Other work being done includes installing supports, fabricating rebar and building formwork for the west portion of the arch.
Work is still on schedule to be completed this summer.
MAIN STREET SECURITY CAMERAS High-tech security cameras have been installed at four locations on Main Street, with additional locations selected for future installation. City staff utilized existing infrastructure to install and configure the cameras at the following intersections:
- Halifax Avenue - Atlantic Avenue
- Peninsula Drive - Main Street Bridge
The camera feeds are streamed to the beachside police substation located on Grandview Avenue.
The future camera placements along Main Street are planned for the following locations:
- Oleander Avenue - Grandview Avenue
- Wild Olive Avenue
Zone 2 City Commissioner Ken Strickland allocated ARPA funds to cover the project’s $68,000 cost.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
UPCOMING EVENTS
REGISTRATION OPEN
EASTER BEACH RUN 2025 Details: Saturday, April 19 Oceanfront Bandshell DaytonaBeach.gov/EasterBeachRun
Participants will enjoy a scenic run on the beach while traveling out and back for the 4-mile race, 2-mile fun run or health walk. Kids are also welcome to participate in the 1/4-mile race, 100 and 50-yard dash. Thank you to our sponsors Advent Health, The Vitamin Shoppe, Brown & Brown, Paul Culver Construction, Florida Health Care Plans and Tom Cook Jeweler.
ST. PADDY’S DAY BLOCK PARTY FOOD | VENDORS | LIVE MUSIC Details: March 17 from 1 to 9 p.m. Dog parade at 5 p.m. Beach Street
84TH DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK CONTINUES Details:
Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 9
ISLAND FEST DAYTONA BEACH Details:
35TH ANNUAL TURKEY RUN CAR SHOW, VENDORS, FOOD Date: March 21 to 23 Turkeyrun.com
Friday, March 29 from 1 to 9 p.m. Manatee Island TICKETS REQUIRED
CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FOOD, VENDORS, LIVE MUSIC Details: April 26 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. DaytonaBeach.gov/CrabandSeafood
MIDTOWN MUSIC CONCERT THE GROOV SMOOTH JAZZ Details: March 29 from 7 to 9 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park DaytonaBeach.gov/MidtownMusic
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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