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CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
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DAYTONA BEACH HOUSING MARKET SHIFTS TOWARD BALANCED GROWTH
The surge between 2020 and 2022 was driven by a combination of historically low interest rates, strong in-migration and heightened demand for larger living spaces. Builders responded aggressively, accelerating production to meet demand. However, the conditions supporting that expansion have since changed. One of the key reasons for this change is many of the community’s newer subdivisions are now largely built out. The rapid development over the past few years successfully delivered a significant amount of new housing, helping meet demand and expand available inventory. With those major phases reaching completion, the pace of new starts is adjusting accordingly. At the same time, the current environment presents new opportunities. The shift can lead to more diverse housing options and continued investment in established areas.
After several years of exceptional growth in new construction, Daytona Beach’s single-family housing market is transitioning into a more balanced and sustainable phase. New housing starts climbed from 762 in 2020 to a peak of more than 1,200 in 2022, reflecting one of the strongest building cycles in the city’s history. Since then, activity has moderated to 945 starts in 2023, 918 in 2024 and 532 in 2025. While this represents a slowdown from the peak, it also signals a natural shift following an unprecedented surge in construction.
PERMIT FEES WAIVED To support ongoing property improvements and construction projects, building permit and inspection fees have been waived through Sept. 10, 2026 for commercial and residential projects. Eligible projects include new construction, interior renovations, roof replacements and upgrades to electrical and fire suppression systems, as well as improvements such as fences, doors, windows, driveways and air conditioning units. This initiative marks the sixth time since 2020 the city has waived building permit fees.A previous fee waiver program, held from Sept. 1, 2024, to March 1, 2025, waived $3.5 million in fees across more than 2,000 projects.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
CLERK’S OFFICE MARKS MUNICIPAL CLERKS WEEK WITH BEACH CLEANUP In recognition of the 57th Annual Professional Municipal Clerks Week, celebrated May 3–9, 2026, teammates in the City Clerk’s Office took their commitment to service from City Hall to the shoreline. Last Saturday, they participated in a beach cleanup in partnership with Beach Squad at Sun Splash Park. The team spent two hours cleaning the coastline between Sun Splash Park and the Daytona Beach Pier. By the end of the morning, they had collected an impressive 32.5 pounds of trash. Among the items gathered, cigarette and cigar butts were unfortunately the most common. Participants were Letitia LaMagna, City Clerk; Jennifer Marquart, Deputy City Clerk; Jennifer Lynch, Research Specialist; Mackenzie Thibault, Office Specialist III; and Madeline Mendez Velez, Research Specialist. The productive, team-building event reflected the Clerk’s Office’s dedication to community involvement and environmental stewardship. Beach Squad hosts free public beach cleanups every Sunday from March through September. For more information, visit BeachSquad.com.
SHAPE THE FUTURE OF OUR COMMUNITY Your feedback helps prioritize HUD funding The City of Daytona Beach receives grant funding each year from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through two programs: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME). Every five years, HUD requires the city to create a Consolidated Plan to identify housing and community development needs, focusing on low- and moderate-income residents. Each year, an Annual Action Plan outlines how that year’s funding will be spent. For Program Year 2026– 2027, the city expects to receive $675,779 in CDBG funds and $353,670.54 in HOME funds. From 2026-2030, the city estimates receiving about $3.38 million in CDBG funds and $1.77 million in HOME funds. Share your input by May 25 on the city’s housing and community development needs and how best to use federal grants from HUD from 2026 to 2030.
TURNING WASTE INTO OPPORTUNITY The City of Daytona Beach’s Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) program is demonstrating how teamwork and innovation can create cost-effective solutions that protect the environment and city infrastructure. Staff from multiple departments recently collaborated to build four reusable 250-gallon grease collection tanks using recycled materials. Constructed for less than $200, the tanks help vendors properly dispose of cooking grease during large community events and reduce fats, oils and grease entering the sanitary sewer system. The receptacles were recently used during the Crab and Seafood Festival, where 45 gallons of waste grease were collected. Learn more about the city’s FOG program DaytonaBeach.gov/FOG.
IN THE WORKS
NATIONAL RECOGNITION: MAIN STREET ARCH The City of Daytona Beach’s Main Street Arch restoration project has received national recognition from the American Public Works Association (APWA), earning an award for projects under $5 million. An iconic Daytona Beach landmark since 1936, the Main Street Arch has long served as a gateway connecting the boardwalk and pier. Originally constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration, the historic structure underwent a comprehensive restoration after city staff identified significant structural deterioration, including damage to the steel and concrete components. The national award recognizes the dedication and expertise of Daytona Beach’s Public Works team, city project manager Mark Veenstra, and the project’s partners whose efforts helped restore a cherished community symbol.
LIFT STATION NO.34 Project Status: Complete
The replacement of Lift Station 34, a major city-owned master lift station serving a large portion of Daytona Beach’s northern beachside, has been successfully completed. Located at 510 Ora Street, the original station was built in 1986. It has been fully replaced as part of a $10.9 million project to modernize critical wastewater infrastructure and improve reliability during high-flow conditions. The lift station’s design blends seamlessly with the surrounding neighborhood.
COMPLETE
SESQUICENTENNIAL LOGO WINDOW CLINGS Project Status: Complete
The city has ordered 20 branded 18-by-18-inch sesquicentennial window clings that have been installed at city facilities and community centers as part of the city’s 150th anniversary celebration. Residents are encouraged to look for the commemorative displays while visiting city locations, snap a photo and share it on social media using the hashtags #DB150 or #150WorldFamousDB. The initiative promotes community engagement and celebrates Daytona Beach’s 150-year history.
COMPLETE
ON THE move WITH PARKS & RECREATION
JOIN THE PARKS & RECREATION TEAM! We’re currently hiring summer casual lifeguards. Lifeguards are responsible for maintaining safety at public swimming facilities, enforcing pool rules and assisting with rescues and first aid. Applicants should have a high school diploma or GED and possess, or be able to obtain, lifeguard, CPR and first aid certifications before hire. Nationally recognized “Learn to Swim” certification (such as Red Cross WSI or USA Swimming Instructor/Coach) is preferred. The application deadline has been extended to May 31. For more information or to apply, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/Jobs . GYMNASTICS SPRING B SESSIONS Spring B gymnastics classes at Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave., run May 18–June 19 for boys and girls ages 5–12. Beginner and advanced sessions focus on developing gross and fine motor skills,
coordination, balance and body awareness. Register at DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities .
PICKLEBALL SKILLS CLINIC OFFERED MAY 15 Join us Friday, May 15, for a pickleball clinic at Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. A beginner session runs from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by an intermediate session from 10 to 11 a.m. The cost is $10 (cash only). All skill levels are welcome, and no partner is needed. Space is limited and RSVP is required by calling (386) 671-3560. Instruction will be provided by certified coach Joyce Plaatjies. More information is available at DaytonaBeach.gov .
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
PROGRAMS & EVENTS facility
PAWS & PLAY DOG FESTIVAL SET FOR MAY 9 Paws & Play Dog Festival will be Saturday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to noon at Lenox Park, 825 S. Grandview Ave. The event will feature a costume parade, agility course and fastest fetch contest. Residents are invited to bring their dogs and connect with fellow dog lovers in the community.
Sponsored by Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May
Paws & Play Dog Festival
Costume Parade | Agility Course Fastest Fetch Contest
Bring your pup and connect with fellow dog lovers in the community.
The event is sponsored by Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May.
MAY 9 | 9 A.M. TO NOON Lenox Park, 825 S. Grandview Ave. Accepting Dog-Related Vendors Scan the QR Code:
MULTICULTURAL EVENT & VENDOR REGISTRATION Steps Across Cultures, a multicultural celebration featuring food, music and dance, will be Saturday, July 11, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. The event will include cultural goods and apparel, international cuisine, dance and wellness activities. Community members are invited to share and celebrate their cultures in a family-friendly setting. Vendors can register at https://tinyurl.com/4khzxjst . This event is sponsored by Zone 3 City Commissioner Quanita May. MIDTOWN SUNDAYZ MOTHER’S DAY EVENT ON MAY 10 Join us for Midtown Sundayz, returning Sunday, May 10, at Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd., from 3 to 8 p.m. In celebration of Mother’s Day, we’re adding a special treat: free mini meals for moms catered by Greg’s Seafood. The menu is chicken, beans, rolls, macaroni and cheese and dessert. Meals are available while supplies last, on a first- come, first-served basis.
CALLING ALL CALLING ALL Vendors! Vendors! Steps Across Cultures: A Multicultural Event SATURDAY, JULY 11 FROM 6 TO 9 P.M.
Cultural Goods & Apparel
A Taste of Every Culture
Showcase Your Culture
Tinyurl.com/4khzxjst
Mini Meals for Mom for Mom Midtown Sundayz Presents We’re offering a special Mother’s Day treat: FREE meals for moms, catered by Greg’s Seafood. Available while supplies last on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sunday, May 10 Daisy Stocking Park 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. 3 to 8 p.m.
PEACE POLE DEDICATION IN HONOR OF SHIRLEY BROWDER
The Rotary Club of Daytona Beach West dedicated a Peace Pole at the north entrance of Samuel Butts Youth Archaeological Park, 750 Bellevue Ave., in memory of educator and longtime Rotarian Shirley Browder. Zone 1 City Commissioner Monica Paris provided remarks. A retired school principal, Browder was known for her service at Turie T. Small Elementary School, where she helped develop the Children’s Rotary Club and supported the Rotary Four- Way Test of truth, fairness, goodwill and friendship.
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FIRE STATION NO. 1 HEADQUARTERS GRAND OPENING
The public is invited to attend the grand opening of the new Fire Station No. 1 at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 2 . This state-of-the-art station, located at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave., will enhance emergency response capabilities, improve operational efficiency and better serve residents across the city.
TICKETS REQUIRED WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE May 7-10 Daytona International Speedway WelcomeToRockville.com
FREE TO ATTEND PAWS & PLAY DOG FESTIVAL May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon Lenox Park, 825 S. Grandview Ave.
This event is sponsored by Zone 3 Commissioner Quanita May.
FREE TO ATTEND SCHNEBLY COMMUNITY YARD SALE May 9 from 8 to 1:30 p.m. Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave.
RSVP REQUIRED DADDY DAUGHTER DANCE May 16 from 6 to 9 p.m. Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd. RSVP: CJBryant1951@gmail.com FREE TO ATTEND MIDTOWN SUNDAYZ MINI-MEALS FOR MOM May 10 from 3 to 8 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
FREE TO ATTEND MIDTOWN CONCERT JAI’ EAGLE May 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
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