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Celebrating history, baseball and Jackie Robinson’s legacy Groundbreaking ceremony kicks off $30 million renovations to city-owned ballpark Wearing matching baseball jerseys and hardhats, city and team officials turned ceremonial dirt with custom shovels at last week’s groundbreaking ceremony at city-owned Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The specialized jerseys, complete with the number 9, paid homage to the number Jackie Robinson wore when he took the field at the then-named City Island Park March 17, 1946. The groundbreaking ceremony marked a milestone in the city’s efforts to upgrade the historic venue to MLB standards for minor league facilities. It signified the start of a $30 million renovation project to build a 30,000-square-foot multi-story player development facility with modern amenities such as home and visiting clubhouses, batting cages, umpire facilities, fitness and training spaces, fully equipped dining facilities, a multi-purpose community room and office space. The project's vision is to create a premier destination for baseball fans and players, ensuring Jackie Robinson's legacy continues to inspire future generations. “On behalf of the citizens of Daytona Beach, this is a magnificent day in our city's history. We are proud to make this investment of $30 million, which is a lot for a city of our size, but we strongly believe that baseball belongs in this facility,”
Mayor Derrick L. Henry told the crowd gathered for the pregame festivities. Construction will start in late 2024 and be completed in early 2026. Phase 2, expected to begin after the 2026 season, includes improving fan amenities such as concessions, the plaza area and restroom facilities. Barton Malow and MSA Sport are the project's design-build team. |
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Renewal notices mailed with volunteer support “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in.” ~Author Unknown Five volunteers mailed over 2,000 rental renewal notices in an amazing display of community spirit. This team of civic-minded individuals gave the Code Compliance department a helping hand in mailing annual license renewal notices to rental property owners. A special thanks goes to Timothy Blowers Jr., Sandy Murphy, Eyvette Presley, Anne Ruby and Betty Williams, who generously volunteered their time on a weekday from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m., taking only a short lunch break. Their commitment to supporting their local government made a difference in the timely delivery of these important notices. Future volunteer opportunities will be available for those interested in contributing to similar initiatives. Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved and help make a difference in our community. |
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New oceanfront park opens The new Sun & Surf Park, 726 N. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach, offers free off-beach parking. The oceanfront park opened last month with 75 parking spots, a new beach access ramp, showers and bike racks. Parking is available daily from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Funded in part by the ECHO Grant Program, the park is named after the former 1940s-era Sun & Surf Motel, which the county purchased in 2015 for $2.7 million. |
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Beach driving free for Volusia County residents starting Oct. 1
Residents of Volusia County can drive and park on the beach without paying a fee starting Oct. 1. Eligibility for the beach driving fee exemption includes full-time residents with a valid Volusia County driver’s license; property owners on the latest tax rolls; and students from Bethune-Cookman University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Stetson University who possess a valid parking pass. The county is working with a vendor to develop an online registration portal, which will be available soon. For the latest updates, please visit www.volusia.org. |
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New Training Room for Permits & Licensing (under construction): Renovations to the former Auxillary Coast Guard building at the Halifax Harbor Marina are wrapping up. The exterior of the building was repainted and a new roof, windows, doors and siding were installed. The second-floor meeting room has new air conditioning, ceiling, carpet, furniture, lighting and technological infrastructure. Work is expected to be complete by the first week of September. The building will serve as a training room for the Permits & Licensing division’s aviation and marine units. |
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Welcome Signs (under construction): To welcome visitors coming from I-4 and I-95, new branded Daytona Beach signs have been installed on the medians of Beville Road and International Speedway Boulevard west of LPGA Boulevard. New landscaping will be placed around the signs in the near future. |
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Sunnyland Park Renovations (ongoing): Sunnyland Park's outdoor basketball court has been resurfaced and reopened to the public. In addition to resurfacing, the basketball poles were repainted, and a new press box tower will be installed at the softball field before the start of Bethune-Cookman University's softball season. The basketball courts at Henry Lee Park and Suburbia Park are scheduled to be resurfaced next. |
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Bethune Point Park Playground Equipment (under construction): New playground equipment, specifically designed for youth ages 5 to 12, will be installed at this riverfront park in November. The $200,000 project will include a concrete seat wall and connecting sidewalks. Site prep is expected to begin next week. The new playground will have a maintenance-free rubber surface. The project is funded in part by a $187,406 grant from the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District. |
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Sign up for International Coastal Cleanup Date: Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. Registration is open for the International Coastal Cleanup, which will be Saturday, Sept. 21 from 8 to 11 a.m. The first 1,000 registered participants will receive a promotional item featuring the logo for 2024’s event. There are 25 cleanup locations throughout Volusia County. Daytona Beach's cleanup sites: City Island Park, 113 Jackie Robinson Parkway
Sun & Surf Beach Park, 726 S. Atlantic Ave.
Sunsplash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave. |
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Daytona Beach Police Department presents National Night Out Date: Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. Celebrate National Night Out with the Daytona Beach Police Department at Jackie Robinson Ballpark, 105 E. Orange Ave., on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. The annual National Night Out event is a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances. Enjoy free refreshments, police vehicle tours, music, dancing, games and children’s activities. |
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