CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
DAYTONA BEACH’S NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION TRENDS IN 2024
Much of the new home construction activity remains concentrated along the LPGA Boulevard corridor. March saw the highest number of permits issued in a single month, with 181 approvals. Of these, 78 were for homes in The Preserve at LPGA, a Lennar Homes subdivision located just south of Daytona Stadium. Approved in 2019, The Preserve is about 85% built out. In addition to single-family homes, Daytona Beach saw construction activity on several multi-family housing developments. The city issued 21 permits for apartment complexes, representing 872 residential units with a construction value of $140.1 million. This highlights a steady demand for apartment living in the area. Building permits for 400 Beach were issued in August. The six-story apartment development with 296 units is being developed by Framework on a 3.5-acre site in downtown Daytona Beach. Once completed, 400 Beach will contribute to the city’s housing options, offering modern apartment living in the heart of the community.
400 BEACH
Daytona Beach’s residential construction industry showed signs of a slight slowdown in 2024, with 918 new single- family home permits issued. While this marks a significant investment in local housing, it represents the fewest permits issued in three years and a nearly 30% decline from the peak in 2022, when 1,282 permits were issued. Despite fewer starts, the total construction value of these new homes reached $389 million, the highest value recorded in a single year. The reduced number of starts is primarily attributed to the significant completion of subdivisions. For example, Margaritaville, a planned development with 3,900 homes, is 95% built out, while Mosaic and Eagle Crest are 70% and 99% built out, respectively, according to Chief Building Official Glen Urquhart.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
CITY AUDITOR RECRUITMENT UPDATE Colin Baenziger & Associates is actively recruiting a City Auditor, a position that will report directly to the City Commission. Ideal candidates must have: • a CPA or CIA license • a minimum of 5 years of financial auditing experience • strong leadership, problem-solving and communications skills
CITY HOSTS COMMUNITY MEETING ON PROPOSED BIKE WEEK CHANGES On Monday evening, the city’s Economic and Strategic Opportunity division met with more than 100 residents and business owners to discuss potential updates to the Bike Week Master Plan Guidelines. Key topics included proposed changes to parking regulations on residential lots, adjustments to itinerant vendor policies and revisions to fees. Attendees had the opportunity to share feedback and ask questions. Next, city staff will hold a workshop with the City Commission to review these proposed changes and the public’s input gathered from the meeting. The Commission will then provide direction on how to proceed before taking official action at a later date. FLORIDA CHAMBER’S 2025 LEGISLATIVE FLY-IN Earlier this month, City Manager Deric C. Feacher attended the Florida Chamber’s 2025 Legislative Fly-In, bringing together CEOs and executives across Florida’s business community. This annual gathering provided an opportunity to connect with state lawmakers, elected leaders and some of Florida’s most influential business voices. Presentations were provided by Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President Ben Albritton, House Speaker Daniel Perez and Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. While in Tallahassee, Feacher also met with FDOT’s deputy secretary to discuss a potential truck stop on city-owned land and the FDOT’s interest in improving key roads such as LPGA Boulevard, Atlantic Avenue and Mason Avenue. In addition, the manager spoke with Senator Wright, Representative Partington and Senator Burton of Polk County. “Opportunities like this remind us of the importance of collaboration in shaping a prosperous future for Daytona Beach and the entire state of Florida. I am eager to see how the discussions and strategies from this event translate into action during the 2025 Legislative Session,” added Feacher.
The application deadline is March 7. Interested applicants should contact Steve Sorrell at (513) 317-0678, Colin Baenziger at (561) 707-3537, or Recruit24@cb-asso.com .
SENIOR STAFF PARTICIPATE IN CYBERSECURITY TABLETOP EXERCISE Cyber threats are on the rise, with an astonishing one billion phishing emails sent worldwide each day. In 2024 alone, the average cost of a data breach soared to $4.88 million. Senior staff recently participated in a cybersecurity tabletop exercise to stay ahead of these evolving threats. Led by third-party cybersecurity expert Brandy Vargas, the exercise simulated a worst-case scenario— a full-scale cyberattack compromising all city departments and systems, from accounts payable to wastewater. The training exercise allowed staff to assess possible vulnerabilities, define response roles and strengthen their ability to mitigate potential threats. By proactively preparing for cyber incidents, the city reinforces its commitment to protecting its operations and data from ever-growing digital risks.
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
FIRE STATION NO. 1 The foundation for the new two-story, 28,000-square-foot fire headquarters has been poured, and tilt walls are being formed. Once crews finish forming tilt walls, they will fill panels with concrete and let them cure. The walls are anticipated to be raised at the end of the month or early March. SUNNYLAND PRESS BOX TOWER Work has started on Sunnyland’s press box tower. Crews are extending utilities and forming the foundation. The concrete block walls are expected to be laid next week. The new press box is significantly larger and will be repositioned behind home plate, correcting the previous misalignment. Additionally, the first floor of the press tower will feature a concession stand and a storage room. The two story tower is anticipated to be finished within two months.
JACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK UPGRADES Demolition is underway to the City Island tennis courts, which is the site for the player development facility, multi-purpose community room, museum and offices. Following the demolition, workers will begin construction of a new batter’s eye, foul poles, electrical and utilities. Phase 1 is expected to be finished early 2026.
LIVE OAK PARK Due to the construction of Fire Station No. 1, Live Oak Park, at 505 Live Oak Ave., has been closed to the public but is expected to reopen in the near future. Residents will be able to enjoy new sidewalk paths and pond when it reopens.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING CONCERT
MIDTOWN MUSIC CONCERT SERIES Details: Saturday, Feb. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. Line Dancing with Eddra at 6:30 p.m. DaytonaBeach.gov/MidtownMusic
Get ready to dance the night away at this year’s Midtown Music Concert Series in Daytona Beach! The event returns to the stage at the renovated Daisy Stocking Park, located at 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. February 22 - BlueMoon Jazz Fusion/Funk & Soul Concerts are FREE to attend!
F.R.E.S.H. FILM & BOOK FESTIVAL Details: Feb. 20 - 22 www.FreshBookFestivals.net
MELANIN TOO RICH FESTIVAL Details: Saturday, Feb. 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park Sponsored by Commissioner Dannette Henry
REGISTRATION OPEN CITIZENS ACADEMY Details: Academy kicks off in March. DaytonaBeach.gov/CitizensAcademy
84TH DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK Details:
Friday, Feb. 28 to Sunday, March 9
REGISTRATION OPEN EASTER BEACH RUN Details: April 19 at 7:30 a.m.
CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL FOOD | VENDORS | LIVE MUSIC Details: April 26 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard DaytonaBeach.gov/CrabandSeafood
Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell DaytonaBeach.gov/EasterBeachRun
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
FEBRUARY 19, 2025 ON THE MOVE WITH PARKS & REC
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Congratulations to Andrew Powell for being promoted from recreation specialist to recreation coordinator. In his new position, he will oversee all community centers, programs and employee staffing for events. Powell has been with the Parks & Recreation department for over 25 years and looks forward to establishing more programs and events for the community.
BETHUNE POINT PARK PLAYGROUND Designed for youth 5 to 12, The new playground at Bethune Point Park is near completion. Landscaping is finished and crews are making finishing touches. Once finished the park will be open to the public from sunrise to sunset seven days a week.
JACQUELINE WILLIAMS SINGS AT DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY
Parks & Recreation employee Jacqueline Williams’ dream came true when she sang “God Bless America” before The 2025 Duel at Daytona last Thursday. Williams started singing as a child and has previously performed at events and venues but never in front of a crowd this large. Jacqueline is the daughter of city employee Robin Williams and former DBPD detective Nate Williams. Jacqueline is a casual worker at the Schnebly Recreation Center and has been with the Parks & Recreation department for two years.
FREE CONCERT AT DAISY STOCKING PARK FEB. 22 This Saturday, Midtown Music Concert Series will feature BlueMoon, performing a blend of jazz, R&B, funk and soul. The free concert is from 7 to 9 p.m. at the renovated Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy the outdoor performance. The Midtown Music Concert Series offers a lineup of monthly concerts. For more information, visit www.DaytonaBeach.gov/MidtownMusic
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
SUMMER CAMP RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER Registration for the city’s summer camp is now open. This popular camp is offering activities for kids 5-16 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. June 2 to Aug. 1 at the following locations:
• Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd.
• Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave.
• YSG Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine St.
• Sunnyland Recreation Center, 825 Washington St.
Families can choose from full or half-session options, with fees starting at $140 for the first four weeks. Payment must be made in full at registration. Volusia County Scholarship recipients must contact the Parks & Recreation office before registering and provide a valid voucher. For more information or to register, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities or call (386) 671-8337.
DAYTONA BEACH GYMNASTICS The Daytona Beach Gymnastics GymStars shined at their first AAU Qualifier this month! These youth athletes hit the competition floor for their first AAU qualifier of the spring season and did not disappoint. With athletes competing in Levels 3, Xcel Silver, Gold and Platinum, the team racked up 17 scores of 9.0 or higher across individual events and took home 15 podium finishes.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR YOUTH BASEBALL LEAGUE Youth athletes 7 to 12 are invited to join the Daytona Beach Youth Baseball League to develop their skills and enjoy America’s pastime. Free baseball clinics will be held at Derbyshire Sports Complex and Bethune Point Park to help players improve their hitting, fielding and pitching before the season begins. The co-ed league draft is set for March 17 (ages 7-10) and March 18 (ages 11-12). The season runs from April 5 to May 17, with a $40 registration fee. Registration closes March 15.
For more details, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/YouthBaseball or call (386) 671-3448. To register, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
FREE TO ATTEND
CITY GOVERNMENT DAYTONA BEACH UNIVERSITY 2025 CITIZENS ACADEMY
REGISTRATION OPEN
NINE-WEEK PROGRAM
CLASS SIZE LIMITED TO 25 CLASSES BEGIN MARCH 13
This nine-week program offers hands-on, interactive sessions on municipal services, from water delivery to Parks & Recreation, with the final session at May 7’s City Commission meeting.
DAYTONABEACH.GOV/CITIZENSACADEMY
SATURDAY, APRIL 26 FROM 11 A.M. TO 9 P.M. 554 DR. MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE BOULEVARD BETWEEN DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. BOULEVARD & CHARLES STREET
KIDS ZONE & FACE PAINTING at DAISY STOCKING PARK FOOD | VENDORS | LIVE MUSIC
LIVE CONCERT IN THE PARK AT 7 P.M. FEATURING LA ROBINSON
FOR DETAILS AND VENDOR INFORMATION, CONTACT BRITTANY YISRAEL AT (386) 366-0599 OR BRITTANY@DIVINEDESIGNSEVENTS.CO
PRESENTED BY ZONE 6 CITY COMMISSIONER PAULA R. REED & DIVINE DESIGNS
56TH ANNUAL EASTER BEACH RUN
BEACH RUN
SAT. APRIL 19
2-MILE & 4-MILE & KIDS RACES
DAYTONA BEACH OCEANFRONT BANDSHELL DAYTONA BEACH
DAYTONABEACH.GOV/EASTERBEACHRUN
MEDALS AWARDED FOR FINISHER CATEGORIES
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10Powered by FlippingBook