CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
Four Daytona Beach property owners will soon move into brand-new homes thanks to the city’s home rehab/ reconstruction program. Administered by the Redevelopment and Neighborhood Services Department and funded through a mix of federal and state housing programs, the initiative helps very low to moderate income homeowners replace unsafe houses with safe, modern residences. “The city is investing in the health, safety and stability of its residents by replacing condemned structures with accessible, energy-efficient homes,” said Redevelopment Director Ken Thomas. “ BUILDING HOPE: CITY RECONSTRUCTS HOMES FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS
To qualify, homeowners must earn less than 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Volusia County, adjusted for family size. While the program typically focuses on rehabilitating existing homes, full demolition and reconstruction are pursued when repairs would exceed 65% of a property’s assessed value. Four properties—622 Marion St., 322 North Keech St., 351 Garden St. and 831 Madison St.—were recently approved for reconstruction. Work is already underway at 622 Marion St., where the original 1950 structure has been demolished. A new 1,254-square- foot, two-bedroom, two-bath concrete block home with a garage is being built by Wise Construction. Valued at $242,885, the house will feature accessibility upgrades, including ramps and shower railings, and is expected to be completed by year’s end. The program, which has a lengthy waiting list, requires a 15-year affordability period to ensure the homes remain available to qualifying residents. If the property is sold or refinanced before the end of the period, funds invested in the rehab/reconstruction must be repaid. Recipients are responsible for paying property taxes and homeowners’ insurance, including flood insurance, if applicable.
APPROVED & UNDERWAY
Work Started: 622 Marion St.
Work Started: 322 N. Keech St.
// Elevation for Marion, Garden and Keech homes.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH AWARDED $150,000 GRANT FOR JACKIE ROBINSON BALLPARK DUGOUT PROJECT The City of Daytona Beach was recently awarded $150,000, the full requested grant amount, by the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District to support the Jackie Robinson Ballpark dugout project. The total cost is $353,892. A new dugout is needed and is part of the overall $30 million in improvements to enhance the facilities at the historic ballpark, ensuring the venue continues to meet professional standards while honoring its legacy as a landmark in baseball history and the Daytona Beach community.
Welcome to the team
INTRODUCING CITY AUDITOR ABINET Y. BELACHEW
INTRODUCING JAMES LLOYD, SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY OFFICER The City of Daytona Beach welcomes James Lloyd as
Abinet Y. Belachew will begin his employment as the new City Auditor Sept. 1. He will report
its new Sustainability and Resiliency Officer. Reporting directly to Utilities Director Shannon Ponitz, Lloyd will play a key role in advancing Daytona Beach’s long-term environmental stewardship and climate resilience goals. He will lead the city’s efforts to protect natural resources, prepare for climate challenges and expand water conservation programs. With over a decade of experience in environmental engineering and project management, Lloyd has worked on major projects for the U.S. Air Force, NASA and local communities to protect water resources, clean up the environment and build stronger, more resilient infrastructure.
directly to the City Commission. Belachew brings a distinguished career in government auditing and fiscal oversight, most recently serving as Director of the Office of Financial Management for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In this role, he managed a $1.2 billion budget and led a team responsible for financial reporting, internal controls and compliance in high-risk international environments. As City Auditor, Belachew will oversee fiscal performance, compliance and financial audits across city departments. Belachew holds a Master of Science in accounting from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Addis Ababa University.
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IN THE WORKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
MAIN STREET ARCH: Crews have been hard at work enhancing the decorative fountain area and stairway on the north side, and progress is moving right on schedule. The installation of the new front sign has now been completed, giving the project a major milestone and a refreshed look. Next, crews will apply an epoxy coating to the handrails on the top walkway and complete stucco and painting on the lower level. Completion is targeted at the end of this month, keeping the project on track.
SUNNYLAND PRESS BOX TOWER: The Sunnyland Press Box Tower is on track for
completion next month. Crews have finished block and structural work. Focus has now shifted to the building’s interior. Over the next few weeks, both interior and exterior finishes and details will be put into place to bring the project across the finish line. Once complete, the new press box tower will enhance the Sunnyland Softball Field and be ready for use this fall.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
BOARDWALK BEACH ACCESS STAIRS: Progress continues on the boardwalk stairs and ADA beach access ramps, with several milestones already achieved. The contractor has completed the pile installation for 3 of the 4 ADA access ramps and 11 of the 14 beach access stairs, moving the project closer to completion. Crews are in a holding phase as they wait on a few important items and conditions. Work on one staircase is paused until turtle hatchings are complete in the project area. Permits are being issued to move forward with the ramp and seawall replacement at Breakers Oceanfront Park. In addition, aluminum stringers and grate decking are scheduled to arrive next month.
CHERRY CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL CENTER GENERATOR: The Cherry Cultural & Educational Center is now equipped with a brand-new 275 KW generator. The $266,891 project included installing a concrete foundation pad, two new automatic transfer switches and routing new underground conduits and wiring to connect the generator to the facility. In addition, TECO Gas installed a 250-foot underground natural gas line to fuel the generator, giving the center an uninterrupted power source. This is the only generator installed at the Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, marking a major improvement for the facility. The installation is complete, with testing scheduled for mid-September.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
ACADEMIC ALL-STARS PARADE Celebrate an “Academic All-Stars” parade at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, along Beach Street in downtown Daytona Beach. The parade will honor students, teachers, principals, staff and families whose efforts helped the school district earn an overall “A” from the Florida Department of Education. Parade Details: • Date: Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 • Time: 6 p.m. • Location: Beach Street, Downtown Daytona Beach • Who Can Participate: All public schools in Daytona Beach, businesses and community organizations Cheer for local scholars and be part of a tradition that celebrates excellence in education. Students, schools and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to complete the participant registration form by Friday, September 5. For more information about participation, contact Katie Prestwood (386) 671-8268. Bring your school spirit, cheer for local scholars and be part of a tradition that celebrates excellence in education.
FREE TO ATTEND ARTISAN MARKET
FREE TO ATTEND MIDTOWN SUNDAYZ Sunday, Sept. 14 | 3 - 8 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
Saturday, Sept. 20 at 9 a.m. Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Center 1000 Vine St. Presented by Zone 5 City Commissioner Dannette Henry
TICKETS REQUIRED ADULT GAME NIGHT Saturday, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. 925 George W. Engram Blvd. Presented by Zone 6 City Commissioner Paula R. Reed and Divine Nine @dbanphc
FREE TO ATTEND VOLUSIA COUNTY 40TH INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP! Saturday, Sept. 20 at 8 a.m. www.volusia.org/cleanup
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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