CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
BEFORE THE BADGE: DAYTONA BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT DEBUTS “ACADEMY 06” DOCUMENTARY
vetted employee of the department, having passed a demanding hiring process, including a polygraph exam; psychological, physical and medical evaluations; drug screening and a written assessment. The documentary offers a raw, unfiltered look into real- life training scenarios and high-stress situations, preparing recruits for the realities of police work. “We want to make sure that every recruit here, number one, has grit. They have to be able to persevere through adversity. That’s why our academy is set up the way it is, because once you roll out of the academy and onto the streets, if you’re not prepared, you’re going to get slapped in the face,” said Police Chief Jakari Young in the documentary’s introduction. During the training process, recruits must complete at least 770 hours of Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) academy coursework, along with an additional 240 hours of DBPD-specific instruction. After graduation, new officers enter a field training program where they’re paired with experienced officers and evaluated daily by supervisors. The first episode was released this week on DBPD’s YouTube channel @DaytonaBeachPoliceDepartment , and a new episode will be released each month.
AN UNPRECEDENTED LOOK INTO THE INTENSE PREPARATION REQUIRED TO PROTECT AND SERVE A new behind-the-scenes documentary offers residents an exclusive glimpse into the training of Daytona Beach’s next generation of police officers. Titled Academy 06 , the program follows 22 recruits as they navigate the rigorous journey to becoming sworn officers. The class, which includes three women, is taught by members of DBPD’s highly skilled training division led by Sergeant Monica Lee and Officers Jason Dungan, Sean Walker, Chad Alvesteffer and Brian Milligan in partnership with Daytona State College’s Law Enforcement Academy. Academy 06 captures the physical, mental and emotional challenges recruits face throughout the training process. Each participant is already a fully
// Sergeant Monica Lee
// Officer Sean Walker
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
TELL US YOUR PRIORITIES WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK
The City of Daytona Beach is seeking community input to help guide how federal grant funds are used. Each year, the city receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds to support housing, improve living conditions and expand economic opportunities for low- and very-low income residents. To ensure funding aligns with community needs, we’re asking residents to complete a brief, nine-question survey. It takes just a few minutes and asks you to prioritize local needs, identify housing challenges and share what services are most important in your neighborhood. The survey also includes a few general, confidential questions about your age range, household size, housing or business status and race/ethnicity (optional). Your responses will help shape the city’s Annual Action Plan for 2025-26 fiscal year and ensure federal resources are directed where they’re needed most. Take the survey now: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/XXYPKTF
TRANSFORMING THE CITY’S CYBERSECURITY CULTURE
Under the leadership of Chief Information Officer Hossam Reziqa, the city implemented cutting-edge training tools and proactive strategies to strengthen its defenses against cyber threats. Their work is being recognized for improving technical security and creating a culture of vigilance and accountability across all departments. Using the KnowBe4 platform, the city reduced staff’s vulnerability to phishing attacks from over 12% to just 2%, while also achieving 100% security policy acceptance. We applaud the IT department for their leadership in keeping our systems — and our community — secure.
KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE AND HAPPY
As proud pet parents, it’s our responsibility to keep our furry friends safe, happy and respectful of others. The City of Daytona Beach’s Animal Services Unit reminds pet owners: • Never allow pets to roam freely • Clean up after them • Rabies vaccinations are required annually for pets over six months of age • A city license is required for dogs and cats • Pets must be spayed or neutered unless permitted otherwise • Tethering pets outdoors is prohibited • Microchipping is strongly encouraged View full pet ownership ordinances at DaytonaBeach.gov or contact Animal Services at (386) 318-3302 or animalservices@DaytonaBeach.gov .
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IN THE WORKS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION BEACH ACCESS STAIRS
UNDER CONSTRUCTION FIRE STATION NO.1
Significant progress continues at the new Fire Station headquarters on Ridgewood Avenue. The roof has been poured, and interior framing is nearing completion on the first floor, with framing underway on the second floor. Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are also in progress throughout the building. In the coming weeks, crews will pour the slab in the apparatus bay and south building, complete the roof, and begin installing water lines and stormwater piping.
Construction began recently on the replacement of 14 nine-foot-wide staircases and four ADA-accessible ramps at the boardwalk and Breakers Oceanfront Park. Currently, crews have finished demo of old footers and are building the template to construct the pilings. Next week, they will start forming the pilings heading north to south. The project is expected to take one year, with staircases opening as they are completed. The total cost is $1.5 million, with 85% funded by FEMA and state disaster grants.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION SUNNYLAND PRESS BOX TOWER
UPCOMING DAYTONA BEACH PIER REPAIRS
Progress continues at the Sunnyland Recreation Center press box tower. Blockwork is nearly complete, marking a major milestone in the construction phase. Roof and floor framing are scheduled to begin next week. Once that work is complete, crews will proceed with the interior buildout. The two-story press box tower is being constructed by Saboungi Construction. It has been repositioned behind home plate for a better view with the first floor will featuring a concession stand and a storage room. The total project cost is $292,000. The project’s completion date is late August.
Repairs are planned for the section of the pier between Joe’s Crab Shack and the old Space Needle ride. A deteriorated concrete vault beneath the pier will be removed and replaced with a new support structure and decking. The bases of the old Space Needle and former chair lift ride will remain. Crews will remove damaged plywood siding between the boardwalk and Joe’s, replacing it with open-style wooden railings to reduce storm wind load and reflect the pier’s historic look. Turtle-friendly lighting will also be added. The project will be put out to bid later this year, pending permitting and seasonal conditions.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN DAYTONA BEACH
Join us Friday, July 4, for a full day of patriotic festivities, including a veterans ceremony at 9 a.m. near the Boardwalk’s Clock Tower and the Main Street parade at 10 a.m. Enjoy free evening concerts at the Oceanfront Bandshell with the Alter Eagles July 4 and Southern Cross with Bad Moon Rising July 5. Concerts begin at 7:15 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9:45 p.m. Free public parking is available until noon near the Ocean Center. Expect traffic delays near Main Street during the parade. Special thanks to our sponsor, Daytona Fun Rentals.
CYPRESS AQUATIC CENTER July 4 981 GEORGE W. ENGRAM BLVD. WILL BE OPEN FROM NOON TO 6 P.M. GARBAGE COLLECTION IS NOT AFFECTED. HOLIDAY HOURS
INDEPENDENCE DAY July 4 CITY OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED CLOSURE NOTICE
UPCOMING EVENTS
FREE COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
FREE TO ATTEND MIDTOWN SUNDAYZ AT DAISY STOCKING PARK Sunday, July 13 | 3 to 8 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. DJ entertainment, food, board games and fun for all ages!
Saturday, July 12 | Noon to 3 p.m. Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. Free hot dogs & Water slide Sponsored by Zone 1 Commissioner Monica Paris and supported by Daytona Beach Fire Department Local 1162. FREE TO ATTEND SUN SOAKED SOCIAL Saturday, July 26 | 2 to 10 p.m. Main Street Food Trucks | Retail Vendors Live Entertainment | Kid Zone
FREE TO ATTEND DR. MARY MCLEOD
BETHUNE’S BIRTHDAY Thursday, July 10 | 6:30 p.m. Riverfront Esplanade at the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Statue at the intersection of Dr. MMB Boulevard and North Beach Street
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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