City Manager updates leaders at Chamber meeting

“Your City Government” was the message shared by City Manager Deric C. Feacher Thursday morning as he served as the featured speaker for Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce's Eggs & Issues meeting. Speaking to a crowded room of local business and higher education professionals, the energetic leader shared his vision for continuing to accelerate positive improvements in Daytona Beach. Since taking the helm at the city two years ago, City Manager Feacher has focused on removing bureaucratic barriers, strengthening relationships with neighborhoods and other local governments, investing in infrastructure and programs, improving the business environment through grants for small businesses and overseeing new development and businesses calling Daytona Beach home.

Watch replay of commission meeting

City commissioners met Wednesday night and people who were not able to attend can watch a replay of the meeting. At the meeting, items approved by the commission include:

Construction contract to repair the multiuse trail under the ISB Bridge
Resolution awarding six city-owned lots to New Birth Corp.
Resolution approving seven Florida Department of Environmental Protection grant agreements for stormwater and wastewater assistance totaling more than $3.9 million
An ordinance authorizing a loan not to exceed $6.5 million and an interlocal agreement between the Midtown CRA and City
Several rezoning requests

In addition, the FY 2023/24 property tax rate and budget for the city passed on first reading. The final public hearing for the items will be at the Sept. 20 City Commission meeting.

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Public invited to community listening session

The city’s Growth Management & Planning Department is hosting a listening session to provide an opportunity for residents to meet with Planning, Permits & Licensing, Redevelopment and Code Compliance staff. The meeting will allow for staff to listen to and, to the extent possible, address issues and concerns from residents and stakeholders. The meeting is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 14, at City Hall in room 149B.

Volunteers needed for Salary Review Committee

The City of Daytona Beach is recruiting volunteers to serve on a Salary Review Committee (SRC), which will be tasked with evaluating the compensation and benefits of the members of the City Commission.

The SRC will be an independent committee with the goal of setting salaries of the mayor and six zone commissioners. In addition to reviewing existing salaries and duties of Daytona Beach’s elected officials, SRC members are expected to conduct research of elected officials’ compensation in comparable municipalities and make a final recommendation to the City Commission.

Interested participants, who must be Daytona Beach residents, should send their resume and a letter of intent via email to the City Clerk’s Office. Submissions can also be delivered in person or mailed to City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114.

New police substation opens on beachside

The Daytona Beach Police Department’s new beachside substation at 654 N. Grandview Ave. has opened. The 2,900-square-foot substation is located just a block away from Seabreeze Boulevard, which is known for its busy nightlife.

“The city is committed to addressing safety concerns of its residents and business owners. The facility is strategically located to improve response times, community engagement and overall public safety,” said Mayor Derrick L. Henry at last Friday’s ribbon cutting ceremony for the substation.

The visible, modern substation houses two shifts in District 2, which is the area between the railroad tracks and the beach, allowing more space at the overcrowded Beachside Precinct on Harvey Avenue for the other two shifts. Hours of operation are 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. seven days a week. The substation’s phone number is (386) 671-5720.

Adult computer classes offered

Free adult computer classes are available for residents. Beginner and intermediate classes are offered weekly at these community centers:

Tuesday
Yvonne Scarlett Golden Cultural & Educational Center
1000 Vine St.
6 to 6:50 p.m. (Beginner)
7 to 7:50 p.m. (Intermediate)

Wednesday
Cherry Cultural & Educational Center
925 George W. Engram Blvd.
3 to 3:50 p.m. (Beginner)
4 to 4:50 p.m. (Intermediate)

For more information or to register, call (386) 671-8266.

Free Black Bear presentation

Learn the facts about Florida Black Bears during a presentation at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the city’s Breakers Environmental Learning Center, 13 S. Atlantic Ave. The presentation is free; however, attendees are asked to register online. For more information, call (386) 671-3566 or (386) 671-8250.

Pictured: Adults and children learned about Florida Black Bears in March during a free presentation by biologist Janelle Musser.

Improvements completed at Oleander Park

Oleander Park, a pocket park on beachside, received a makeover with a new irrigation system, refreshed landscaping, sidewalk connectivity, benches, tables and walkway railings. Oleander Park is at 14. S. Oleander Ave. It is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

Tickets on sale to see Gladys Knight at Peabody

Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” is performing at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 6, at Peabody Auditorium. Tickets are available online or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office. Tickets start at $44.50 plus applicable surcharges. For information, call (386) 671-3472.