T
CITY MANAGER’S UPDATE
T
MODERNIZING TRAVEL PROCEDURES AND POLICY THROUGH TRAINING, TRANSPARENCY AND TECHNOLOGY The city has taken a major step forward in strengthening
accountability, efficiency and the employee experience in travel. Following training across departments, a modernized travel policy has been introduced to reflect operational needs and responsible stewardship of public resources. The policy establishes clear guidelines for authorization, reimbursement and documentation while aligning with national standards, including IRS regulations, Government Finance Officers Association recommendations and federal General Services Administration benchmarks.
City-related travel supports high-quality service delivery, including professional development, conferences, training and intergovernmental coordination. With many employees traveling each year, consistent and transparent policies are essential. A Collaborative, Citywide Effort The policy was developed under City Manager leadership with Commission support. Departments collaborated with other local governments to ensure best practices. After review and testing, the policy took effect in February 2026.
Training and Key Policy Updates Training included real-world scenarios and step-by-step guidance. A key change replaces meal reimbursements with per diem allowances based on federal GSA rates, eliminating receipts and improving consistency. Travel must be approved in advance through a digital form outlining purpose, costs and documentation, with additional approvals required based on scope.
Standardized and Cost-Effective Practice The policy emphasizes cost-effective decisions and expectations for expenses, including mileage, lodging and airfare. Digital Process and Accountability A digital system manages approvals, documentation and reporting. Expense reports must be submitted within 10 business days.
For more information, to view the training presentation and review the updated policy, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/TravelProcedures.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
CITY’S IT LEADERSHIP SHOWCASED AT KEY INDUSTRY CONFERENCES The City of Daytona Beach will be well represented at two upcoming Information Technology conferences where three of its IT leaders will serve as panelists for discussions about the future of government technology and cybersecurity. Hossam Reziqa, Chief Information Officer, and Charles Smarr, IT Solutions Manager, will join regional peers at the upcoming Central Florida Digital Government Summit for a session exploring how agencies can navigate workforce challenges such as retirements, shifting roles and skills gaps while strengthening their internal capabilities. Attendees will hear practical strategies for upskilling staff, improving digital literacy across departments and capturing institutional knowledge to ensure continuity.
A BOND BEYOND SERVICE: SUPPORTING A HOMELESS VETERAN AND HIS LOYAL COMPANION For many experiencing homelessness, pets provide emotional support and a sense of purpose. David, a local homeless veteran, has found comfort and companionship in his dog, Baby Girl. The loyal pitbull mix stands faithfully by David’s side through every challenge. Daytona Beach Animal Control Officer James Lee, also a veteran, recently connected with David through the common bond of military service. Officer Lee built rapport with David, recognizing both his circumstances and the importance of Baby Girl in his life.
Officer Lee provided David with a care package for Baby Girl. The package included: • New dog collar and leash
Hossam Reziqa Nathan Boyles Charles Smarr
• Collapsible dog bowl • Dog food and snacks • Dog waste bags • Animal care materials The city’s Animal Services Unit is expanding the initiative by distributing care packages to other individuals experiencing homelessness who have dogs. Special thanks to the Halifax Humane Society and residents for the generous contributions in making these care packages possible.
Reziqa and Nathan Boyles, the city’s Cybersecurity Engineer, will serve as panelists at the KB4-CON: The premiere human risk management event, next month. They will discuss the city’s initiatives to prepare coworkers against AI threats utilizing the KnowBe4 platform. Reziqa, Smarr and Boyles’s participation at these conferences underscore Daytona Beach’s commitment to forward-thinking IT leadership and its role in shaping digital government in Central Florida.
HURRICANE EXPO Daytona Beach Emergency Management is participating in Saturday’s Hurricane Expo at the Daytona International Speedway, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family-friendly event is open to the community, and admission is free. The Hurricane Expo is hosted by the Volusia County Organizations Active in Disasters (COAD) in partnership with Volusia County Emergency Management.
IN THE WORKS
BOARDWALK ACCESS STAIRS AND RAMP REPAIRS Project Status: Under Construction Project Cost: $86,264 (Engineering) | $1,451,378 (Construction) Work on the Boardwalk beach access project continues, focusing on the replacement of stair and ramp access from the boardwalk to the beach, along with approximately 110 linear feet of seawall at Breakers Park. The $1.45 million construction project, with $86,264 in engineering costs, was approved by the City Commission on Jan. 8, 2025. The project includes four parallel ramps and 14 stairways. Ramps 1, 2 and 3 are open to the public. To date, 11 stairways have been completed, with three additional stairways about 85% complete. FIRE STATION NO. 8 Two companies were recently selected to advance the development of the new Fire Station No. 8, with Wharton-Smith, Inc. providing construction management services and JL2 Architecture, LLC handling design and engineering. Fire Station No. 8 will be located at N. Clyde Morris Blvd. and Cornerstone Blvd. and is strategically positioned to improve emergency response in the LPGA area, east of I-95. Once plans are sufficiently complete and a Guaranteed Maximum Price is established, it will be presented to the City Commission for approval. MAIN STREET STREETSCAPE At the April 1 Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) meeting, staff were directed to gather additional input from Main Street merchants on the proposed streetscape improvements, with several business owners expressing support for increased lighting and parking. A meeting with the merchants is planned for next month, and staff will present the feedback at an upcoming CRA workshop. The project, designed by Catalyst Design Group, aims to enhance sidewalks, lighting, parking, landscaping and pedestrian amenities to create a vibrant, event-ready corridor while preserving Main Street’s character.
UNDER CONSTRUCTION
UPCOMING
UPCOMING
ON THE move WITH PARKS & RECREATION BABY & ME SWIM CLASS $30 PER PARTICIPANT Baby & Me swim lessons at Campbell Aquatic Center will begin in May, offering parents or caregivers the opportunity to join their child in the water to build trust, strengthen bonding and support developmental milestones. Classes are designed for babies ages 6 months to 3 years old and will be held Saturdays from 11 to 11:45 a.m. The fee is $30. Sessions will take place at Campbell Aquatic Center, 400 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Registration details are available at DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities.
AQUATIC CENTER HOURS Dive into summer fun at Daytona Beach’s aquatic centers! Cypress Aquatic Center, located at 981 George W. Engram Blvd. in Daytona Beach, is open year-round and ready for swimmers of all ages from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Admission is $2 for youth and $3 for adults. Campbell Aquatic Center, at 400 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Blvd. in Daytona Beach, opens June 1 for the summer season. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $1 for all ages, making it an affordable way to cool off and enjoy the water.
REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP IS STILL OPEN Registration for summer camp is now open. Limited spots remain at Sunnyland Recreation Center, Cherry Cultural & Educational Center and Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Center. The program is available for children ages 5 to 14 and includes breakfast and lunch, weekly swimming lessons, field trips and a variety of sports activities. Families can register online at DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities.
City of Daytona Beach www.DaytonaBeach.gov 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
PROGRAMS & EVENTS facility
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP The Daytona Beach Writing Group meets every Monday from 9 a.m. to noon at Schnebly Recreation Center, offering a free, supportive space for writers of all ages, backgrounds and skill levels. All writing styles are welcome, giving participants the opportunity to develop their craft, share ideas and connect with other writers in the community. Meetings are held at 1101 N. Atlantic Ave.
For more information, call 386-671-3560.
GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE Registration is also open for the Girls Flag Football League for ages 9–14, offering participants the opportunity to learn football fundamentals, build teamwork skills and compete in a supportive environment. All clinics, drafts, practices and games will take place at Derbyshire Complex, 849 Derbyshire Road. Registration is open through April 30. Clinics will be held May 4 and May 6, followed by the draft May 11. Practices begin May 12, and the season runs May 20–June 20.
Additional details are available at DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities.
RECAP OF THE EASTER BEACH RUN
The 57th Easter Beach Run brought energy, excitement and community spirit to the shoreline, drawing more than 800 participants of all ages. From youth sprinting along the sand to families continuing long-standing traditions, the event created memorable moments for runners and spectators alike. Top finishers were Seth Augustynowski, men’s 4-mile run/walk; Shannon Jones, women’s 4-mile run/walk; Emmett Buffington, men’s 2-mile run/walk; and A. Biege, women’s 2-mile run/walk.
Medals are available for pickup at the following locations, Monday through Friday: • John H. Dickerson Community Center, 308 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine St., 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. • Parks & Recreation Office, City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Medals may also be mailed to participants upon request.
CCi tiyt yoof fDDaayyt ot onnaaBBeeaacchh || wwwwww. D. Daayyt ot onnaaBBeeaacchh. g. goovv || 330011SS. .RRi di dggeewwooooddAAvvee. ,. ,DDaayyt ot onnaaBBeeaacchh
PAWS & PLAY DOG FESTIVAL Vendors are invited to participate in the upcoming Paws & Play Dog Festival in Daytona Beach. This community event offers an opportunity for dog-related businesses to connect with local pet owners and showcase products or services in a fun, family- friendly environment. The festival will take place May 9 from 9 a.m. to noon at Lenox Park, 825 S. Grandview Ave. There is no participation fee; however, vendors must be dog-related businesses and provide proof of liability insurance. Those interested in participating can contact Vincent Terry, Parks & Recreation manager, at 386-671-5830. Vendor space is limited, and early inquiries are encouraged.
FREE TO ATTEND NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS WITH COMMISSIONER MAY Thursday, April 16, from 4:30 to 6:20 p.m. at 415 S. Peninsula Dr. and Saturday, April 18, from 9 to 11 a.m. at 11 Bellevue Ave.
JEEP BEACH 2026 April 17-26 JeepBeach.com
FREE TO ATTEND ZONE 5 COMMUNITY MEETING & DINNER Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center 1000 Vine St.
FREE TO ATTEND COMMUNITY SHRED DAY Saturday, April 18 9 a.m. to noon
Mainland High School’s gym parking lot, 1255 W. ISB Blvd.
FREE TO ATTEND COMMUNITY HOUSING FAIR Saturday, April 25 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
FREE TO ATTEND CRAB & SEAFOOD FESTIVAL Saturday, April 25 at 11 a.m. Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. DaytonaBeach.gov/SeafoodFestival
Allen Chapel A.M.E Church 580 George W. Engram Blvd.
This event is presented by Zone 6 Commissioner Paula R. Reed & Divine Designs and is sponsored by A.I.B. Roofing and Construction LLC.
City of Daytona Beach | www.DaytonaBeach.gov | 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Powered by FlippingBook