CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
BLACK HISTORY Celebrating
For the fifth year, the City of Daytona Beach, in partnership with the Midtown Community Development Corporation, will honor 12 individuals who shaped the cultural, educational and social landscape of the community. These remarkable men and women will be featured on double-sided, custom street banners displayed throughout February along International Speedway Boulevard, from Nova Road to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.
Together, these pioneers advanced diversity, founded programs to empower underserved communities and revitalized neighborhoods. Their unwavering commitment to education enriched schools, libraries and mentorship opportunities, while their artistic and athletic talents brought national recognition to the city. Others preserved local history, fostering pride in Daytona Beach’s cultural roots. Through their efforts, they promoted equality, unity and a lasting legacy of resilience and excellence.
THIS YEAR’S HONOREES INCLUDE:
Mickel Antonio Brown, Sr., recognized for his philanthropy and as “the Father of Tailgating” and support of Bethune-Cookman University. Harry Burney, III, a talented performer and director who brought the arts to Daytona Beach. Dr. Samuel Butts, Sr., a self-taught archaeologist and community developer who unearthed Daytona Beach’s historical treasures. Althea Beatrice Cato Lucas, a trailblazing educator and the first “Miss Bethune-Cookman College.” Ollye Eichelberger Collins, an educator dedicated to literacy and community enrichment. Patricia Hamilton Heard, a civil rights advocate and community leader.
Sarah Mother Hunt, founder of Florida’s first Black orphanage.
Larry Ruth James Hyde, a library pioneer who promoted education and unity.
Charles Wesley Moore, a renowned football coach and leader.
Reverend George Wesley Raney, III, transformed Tubman-King Community Church.
Eldredge Van Geter, worked to revitalize the Black Westside community.
Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele, a distinguished musician and educator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.CELEBRATINGBLACKHISTORY.COM
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
DAYTONA BEACH AMONG TOP 25 FASTEST-GROWING CITIES U-Haul tracked the net gain of one-way trucks arriving versus leaving a city or state to measure where people are moving. The study compiled data from over 2.5 million U-Haul transactions in the U.S. and Canada. ACCORDING TO U-HAUL’S REPORT, THE TOP 25 METRO AREAS IN 2024 WERE:
15. Sarasota, FL 16. Fort Myers, FL 17. Boise, ID 18. Richmond, VA 19. Bend, OR 20. Indianapolis, IN
1. Dallas, TX 2. Charlotte, NC 3. Phoenix, AZ 4. Lakeland, FL 5. Austin, TX 6. Nashville, TN 7. Raleigh, NC
8. Palm Bay, FL 9. Houston, TX 10. Greenville, SC 11. Jacksonville, FL 12. Tampa, FL 13. Charleston, SC 14. Wilmington, NC
21. Brownsville & McAllen, TX 22. Tyler, TX 23. DAYTONA BEACH, FL
24. Spokane, WA 25. Springdale, AR
OPEN HOUSE FOR PROPERTY/BUSINESS OWNERS, ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO RIDGEWOOD AVE. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting an open house Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the News-Journal Center at Daytona State College, 221 N. Beach St. about proposed maintenance and safety improvements for U.S. 1 (Ridgewood Avenue) in Daytona Beach. This $9.2 million project, expected to begin next year, aims to make U.S. 1, from Beville Road to Fairview Avenue, safer and more accessible for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Proposed Bu ered Bike Lane
Proposed Bu ered Bike Lane
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:
8-foot-wide buffered bike lanes for cyclist safety. Four new pedestrian hybrid beacons at key crossings, like Osceola and Live Oak avenues. Enhancements to improve safety and traffic flow. View presentations, speak with the project team and submit comments.
DIVE INTO CITY GOVERNMENT WITH “DAYTONA BEACH UNIVERSITY CITIZENS ACADEMY” Join Daytona Beach University Citizens Academy starting March 13 for a behind-the-scenes look at city operations. 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.
WHY JOIN?
DETAILS: COST: Free! It’s just a commitment of your time. CLASS SIZE: Limited to 25 participants for an interactive experience. Preference will be given to residents who are first-time participants. APPLICATION: available soon at WWW.DAYTONABEACH.GOV/CITIZENSACADEMY Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, Daytona Beach University Citizens Academy is your gateway to understanding how we build a better
GAIN INSIDER KNOWLEDGE: Learn directly from senior staff in key departments such as Police, Fire, Public Works, Growth Management and more. BE PART OF THE ACTION: Participate in hands-on activities and discussions highlighting how your city serves you. NETWORK WITH FELLOW RESIDENTS: Build relationships with other engaged citizens passionate about Daytona Beach.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
IN THE WORKS
DERBYSHIRE SIDEWALKS (UNDER CONSTRUCTION): We are building a safer, more walkable community. New sidewalks are being added to enhance accessibility and walkability around the popular Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Community Center on Vine Street from Mason Avenue and Brentwood Drive.
Completed sidewalks in the vicinity include: Brentwood Dr. (Nova Road to Berkshire Road) Fifth St. (Lewis Drive to Derbyshire Road) Fourth St. (Lewis Drive to Derbyshire Road) Third St. (Lewis Drive to Derbyshire Road)
Pedestrian signals will be installed at the intersection of Brentwood Drive and Derbyshire Road in February and new sidewalks will be added on Vine Street from Fourth to Sixth Street. Work is expected to be finished by the end of the year.
DAYTONA STADIUM CAMERA ROOF DECK (UPCOMING): The old roof system at Daytona Stadium will be replaced in the coming months by Oakland Park-based Atlas Apex Roofing. The $348,000 project will install a pedestal system on a durable walking tile roof. All railings around the perimeter of the camera roof deck will be modified to comply with building codes. Work is expected to be finished by spring.
HENRY LEE & SUBURBIA PARK BASKETBALL RESURFACING (FINISHED): Get ready to dribble, drive and drop dimes! Enjoy the city’s two freshly resurfaced outdoor basketball courts in these neighborhood parks. Residents can enjoy playing basketball from sunrise to sunset seven days a week. Other parks with newly surfaced courts are Schnebly Recreation Center and Sunnyland Park.
WATER TOWER DEMOLITION (UNDER CONSTRUCTION): Demolition of the water tower at Thames Avenue is
complete and crews have mobilized to the obsolete tower at Fire Station 3 on N. Halifax Avenue. They are currently staged around the 173-foot tower and have started the painstaking demolition process of the steel structure. A large crane is being used to remove sections of the tower piece by piece.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
UPCOMING EVENTS
MIDTOWN MUSIC CONCERT SERIES Details: Saturday, Jan. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park
Get ready to dance the night away under the stars at the Midtown Music Concert Series from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. Enjoy a performance by Amy Alysia & the Soul Operation. Food and drink vendors will be on site. Attendees can bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, but no coolers. DaytonaBeach.gov/MidtownMusic
BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECOGNITION Details: Thursday, Feb. 6 at noon Bethune Cookman Center for Civic Engagement *In collaboration with the Midtown Community Development Corp.
RIVERFRONT ESPLANADE MARKET Details: Saturday, Jan. 26 at 10 a.m. 179 S. Beach St. ORNITHOLOGY PRESENTATION Details: Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10 a.m. Breakers Environmental Learning Center
Celebrating BLACK HISTORY
2025 DB UNIVERSITY CITIZENS ACADEMY Details:
Kick-off in March 2025 Stay tuned for our 2025 academy details!
CHILDREN’S BUSINESS FAIR Details: Saturday, March 22 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Riverfront Esplanade
F.R.E.S.H. FILM & BOOK FESTIVAL Details: Feb. 20 - 22 www.FreshBookFestivals.net
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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