CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
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21 GRADUATE FROM DB UNIVERSITY: CITIZENS ACADEMY The City of Daytona Beach is celebrating the graduation of 21 engaged residents from its 2025 class of DB University: Citizens Academy. These community members completed a dynamic nine-week program designed to ignite civic engagement by giving a behind-the-scenes look at how their local government works. Kicking off in mid-March, weekly sessions offered an insider’s view into the departments that keep the city running—from the City Manager’s Office and Utilities Department to Police, Fire, Public Works, Parks & Recreation and more. Each Thursday morning, students participated in interactive tours, hands-on demonstrations and discussions led by senior staff. The final session is Wednesday, May 7, with a recognition ceremony during the City Commission meeting.
“I have enjoyed each department’s presentation. Everyone is so professional, knowledgeable and well spoken,” said one participant in his survey, which was provided following each session. This year and for the first time, Hossam Reziqa, chief information officer, and his Information Technology Systems teammates gave a comprehensive presentation about the department’s responsibilities, emerging technology and cybersecurity. With tips given to keep people safe while online, it was one of the most popular presentations, with participants providing feedback such as “best session, so far,” “very relevant” and “great information…who knew all that IT does?”
Congratulations to the 2025 graduates!
Interested in joining the next class? Stay tuned — applications will reopen in early 2026!
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
MEET THE CITY’S NEW BUDGET MANAGER KYLIE CHIAVUZZI
The City of Daytona Beach welcomes Kylie Chiavuzzi as its new Budget Manager. With more than eight years of experience in governmental finance and accounting, Kylie brings a wealth of expertise and a forward-thinking approach to public service.
HONORING OUR HEROES: THE OPENING OF THE VETERANS MEMORIAL PLAZA The Veterans Memorial Plaza officially opened April 26, drawing hundreds of residents, veterans and community leaders for a grand-opening celebration. The event featured heartfelt tributes honoring the brave men and women who served our country. Located on the northwest corner of the Tom Staed Veterans Memorial Bridge in Daytona Beach, this newly dedicated space features flags representing each military branch, memorial plaques and engraved bricks available for purchase to honor individual veterans. The plaza also offers a scenic setting with amphitheater-style seating, providing visitors with a peaceful and reflective space. Photos from the celebration are available at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCaZiW
She most recently served as the Budget and Finance Director for the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, where she oversaw a $153 million annual operating budget. Her responsibilities spanned
general accounting, payroll, procurement,
inventory control, facilities management and strategic financial planning. Kylie
also previously served as a grants accountant for the City of Sanford and staff auditor at Carr Riggs & Ingram. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Stetson University. Please join us in welcoming Kylie to the city’s team!
PLANNING ADOPTS SECTION OF VINE STREET FOR ONGOING CLEAN-UP EFFORTS
Team building met community service last week as the city’s Planning Division rolled up their sleeves and got to work beautifying a local street. Looking for a meaningful group outing that would also give back to the community, Senior Planner Emilio O’Brien, suggested “adopting” a stretch of Vine Street just north of the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Center. The six-member team spent half a day cleaning up litter and doing their part to help improve the neighborhood’s appearance. While the work was physically demanding, the group’s enthusiasm and camaraderie made it a rewarding experience. “This was a great opportunity for us to get outside the office, work together in a different setting and make a visible impact on the community we serve,” said Planning Director Dennis Mrozek. The Planning Division plans to return to Vine Street several times a year to continue their clean-up efforts and maintain the area.
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IN THE WORKS
HALIFAX HARBOR PLAZA BUILDING: The fresh new look of the Halifax Harbor Plaza Building, 125 Basin Street, is nearing completion! Located near the Halifax Harbor Marina, this city-owned, two-story stucco structure is undergoing a stunning repainting makeover, and it’s about 90% complete. The transformation brings an updated energy and curb appeal to the scenic waterfront area. A final walkthrough is set for early May. SUNNYLAND PRESS BOX TOWER: Construction is moving along on the Sunnyland Press Box. Crews have made progress, with concrete- block walls now reaching the second floor. A major milestone was hit this week with the successful installation of the staircase — a crucial step in bringing the project together. Next on deck: wrapping up the blockwork and beginning the installation of floor and roof framing. There’s still plenty of work to go including roofing, doors and windows, interior finishes and painting. The new press box is on track for a July completion. DAYTONA STADIUM CAMERA ROOF DECK: Work is nearly complete on the new camera roof deck on the fourth floor at Daytona Stadium. Crews are installing an epoxy roof coating system on the 2,350 square foot deck. The system, designed for high-traffic concrete surfaces, includes multiple layers to ensure a waterproof and slip resistant surface. A net extending three feet from three sides of the deck is being added to catch small objects and protect spectators below. Net installation is expected to begin by the end of May, with full completion of the roof deck to follow shortly after. BOARDWALK STAIRS: With all necessary permits secured from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Volusia County, reconstruction of the staircases in the boardwalk area is set to begin next month. Originally damaged during Hurricane Nicole, the $902,202 project will build 14 nine-foot-wide staircases and four ramps. Each staircase will be constructed using timber piles, aluminum cap boards and stringers with fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) decking. The project is expected to take one year to complete. MAIN STREET ARCH: We’re approaching the finish line on Main Street Arch repairs! Crews are now installing native coquina stone on the historic structure’s east side, and about 80% of the walkway’s walls are done. A major milestone was recently hit with all concrete work completed and formwork removed. Next up is reinstalling the iconic sign, fresh paint, new lights and cameras and railing and interior repairs.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
UPCOMING EVENTS
As we approach the start of hurricane season—June 1 through November 30—now is the time to prepare. Throughout the week, Emergency Management will be sharing important tips and resources to help you safeguard your family, home and property. From building a disaster supply kit to knowing your evacuation zone, a little preparation now can make a big difference later. HURRICANE PREPAREDNESS WEEK MAY 4-10
Follow along with our Emergency Management social media page for vital information and preparedness tools.
Instagram.com/DaytonaBeachEM/ Facebook.com/DaytonaBeachEM
PUBLIC MEETING MASTER PLAN GUIDELINES WORKSHOP Details: May 14 at 6 p.m. Peabody Auditorium
SUNSET CONCERT Details: May 9 Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Riverfront Esplanade Tickets Available
FREE TO ATTEND MIDTOWN MUSIC CONCERT CACIQUE AND THE SHAMANIC ROOTZ Details: May 31 from 7 to 9 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park DaytonaBeach.gov/MidtownMusic CONCERT SERIES Rushour & KISS America Details: Saturday, May 24 7:15 p.m. Ocean Front Bandshell Fireworks over the ocean 9:45 p.m. FREE TO ATTEND STAR SPANGLED SUMMER
WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE Details: May 15-18 Tickets Available welcometorockville.com
MEMORIAL DAY May 26 CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED CLOSURE NOTICE
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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