Mayor delivers annual State of the City

Watch the video presentation online
Mayor Derrick L. Henry, joined by members of the City Commission, presented the annual State of the City address Wednesday evening at City Hall. "Better Together" was the theme for a supporting video highlighting a multitude of ways the city connected with residents through diverse community events, programs, initiatives and capital projects throughout 2022. Also featured was how the city celebrated its unique history with events like unveiling Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune's statue, renaming the Midtown Community Center in honor of Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. and other remembrance ceremonies to publicly recognize military veterans, distinguished residents and historic places and structures.

Preparations, storm damage and the city's response following hurricanes Ian and Nicole were addressed in Mayor Henry's brief comments, which followed the showing of the video, as well as new ways the city improved customer service and access to local government.

The State of the City preceded the 6 p.m. City Commission meeting.

Cultuvue opens at city’s YSG Community Center

Make sure to visit the new photography exhibit, "Cultuvue," now on display at the city’s Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center (YSG). Cultuvue, Viewing Culture Through a New Lens, is produced by Kenneth Grant Inzpirations and features an artistic, creative expression of black culture, utilizing photographic, interactive and educational components. The exhibit is on display through April 28. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. YSG is at 1000 Vine St.

Volusia County offers free trees to celebrate Arbor Day

Volusia County Environmental Management is encouraging residents to try out their green thumbs and plant native food trees this January to celebrate Central Florida Arbor Day. The county is sponsoring a tree giveaway, and each Volusia County household is eligible to receive two free trees.

Trees will be available from 1 to 4 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20 and from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Jan. 21 at five pickup locations across the county. All locations will carry Darrow’s blueberry, highbush blueberry, persimmon, and yaupon holly trees, while additional species are available by location. In Daytona Beach, trees will be available at:

Tiger Bay, 4316 W. International Speedway Blvd.
Live oak and southern crabapple

Proof of Volusia County residency is required. There is a limit of two trees per household and trees are available while supplies last.

Mayor and City Manager tipoff in youth basketball game

This year’s city recreational basketball program is off and running with about 200 youth participating. This season, Mayor Derrick Henry and City Manager Deric Feacher are coaching teams of youth ages 9-11. The two city leaders will tipoff in a game against each other’s teams at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Cherry Community Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd. The game is open to the public.

Road repaving continues in neighborhoods

The Citywide Resurfacing Program is underway this week in the area of Executive Circle and in the Indigo Lakes Golf Club subdivision. Residents and businesses were notified via doorhangers and electronic message boards in advance of work beginning. Crews work between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and there may be temporary lane/road closures during paving operations. The work is anticipated to last about three weeks.

I Love Daytona Beach sign has new lighting

The new I Love Daytona Beach sign at City Hall now has lighting, making it the perfect location for photos in the day or night. Residents and Daytona Beach lovers are encouraged to take photos with the sign and post them on social media with the hashtag: #ILoveDaytonaBeach. The city will be sharing some of the photos on its social media pages. Additional sign locations will be announced soon.

Resident survey underway

The city is asking residents for their valuable feedback on an array of topics regarding quality of life issues and city services. A 150-question survey was mailed to 2,400 randomly selected residents this week. The questionnaire takes an average of 15 minutes to complete. Questions start on a broader spectrum, asking respondents to rate Daytona Beach as a place to live, raise kids, work, visit and retire. The questionnaire allows residents to rate Daytona Beach’s economic health, community building, traffic flow, service by city department….even the “neighborliness of Daytona Beach residents.” Survey responses are confidential and no identifying information will be shared. Resident input will aid in strategic planning and help policy makers determine priorities for government action. A final report of responses will be ready by late March.

Tickets on sale for Summer Dance Party by the Beach

Christomeli Productions presents an ‘80s Summer Dance Party by the Beach featuring pop artists Taylor Dayne, Tiffany and Information Society performing Saturday, May 6, at the Daytona Beach Oceanfront Bandshell. DJ Sets by Tim Spinnin’ Schommer and DJ Smiley will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are available online and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Auditorium Box Office. Ticket prices range from $40 to $150 plus applicable surcharges.

Tickets on sale for Bee Gees tribute

Stayin’ Alive – the worlds #1 tribute to the Bee Gees returns to Peabody Auditorium for a performance at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. Tickets are available online or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office. Ticket prices are $39, $49, $59 and $69 plus applicable surcharges.

Stayin’ Alive is the largest and most definitive production of its kind, offering big screen video clips, photos and dazzling imagery. Stayin’ Alive has played intimate settings as a six-piece band and huge venues with a 62-piece orchestra. Stayin’ Alive is the quintessential tribute band to the Bee Gees, capturing the excitement of live performance and the tender subtleties of the human voice. Attendees should be prepared to hear the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees play list, singing blockbusters including "Night Fever," "Jive Talkin'," "How Deep Is Your Love," "You Should Be Dancing," and "Stayin' Alive." In addition, they will perform softer poetic ballads including "I Started a Joke," "Massachusetts," "Words" and "To Love Somebody" among other great hits.