FREE SWIMMING LESSONS FOR AUTISTIC CHILDREN 

Water safety is a vital skill for all children, but it is especially important for children with autism. Drowning is the most common cause of death in autistic children, and Florida leads the nation in child drownings.

To help change those alarming statistics, the City of Daytona Beach is offering free water safety lessons for autistic children ages four and older at Cypress Aquatic Center, March 17-21, from 10:15 to 11 a.m.

Parents are required to join their children, creating a bonding experience to foster confidence and security. This unique opportunity helps children become more comfortable in aquatic settings and provides families with valuable tools to reinforce water safety beyond the lessons. To register, visit this webpage.

Building permit fees waived through march 1

Building permit and inspection fees are being waived for commercial and residential properties in Daytona Beach through March 1, 2025. Since the six-month initiative began in September, $2.8 million in building permit and inspection fees have been waived. Eligible projects include new construction, interior renovations, roof replacements, electrical and fire suppression system upgrades and new fences, doors, windows, driveways and air conditioners. 

Permit applications are available online and can be picked up at the Permits and Licensing office at City Hall at 301 S. Ridgewood Ave. For more information, call Permits and Licensing at (386) 671-8140.

public meeting to review proposed changes to biker event master plan guidelines

The city is hosting a community meeting to review proposed changes to the guidelines for biker events at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 17 at the Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd. Join staff members Jeff Brown and Rose Askew as they discuss permit procedures, parking, fees and the appeal process. 

YOUTH BASEBALL CLINICS & LEAGUE INFO

Are you ready to hit home runs and make memories? Daytona Beach is calling all athletes ages 7 to 12 to join the Youth Baseball League to develop their skills, have fun and enjoy America’s favorite pastime.

Free Clinics to Get Game-Ready!
Before the season starts, youth can take advantage of free baseball clinics at Derbyshire Sports Complex, 849 Derbyshire Road and Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. These sessions will help young players sharpen their hitting, fielding and pitching skills. Whether you're new to the game or looking to improve, these clinics are a great way to get ready for the upcoming season. Click to view clinic schedule.

Team selections

Participants will be drafted into teams, ensuring fair competition and an opportunity to grow as players. The drafts are:  

• March 17 (Ages 7-10) at Derbyshire Sports Complex, 849 Derbyshire Road 
• March 18 (Ages 11-12) at Bethune Point Park, 11 Bellevue Ave. 

Season Details

• April 5 - May 17
• Co-Ed ages 7-12
• $40 registration fee
• Registration closes March 15

How to Register
Signing up is easy! Visit www.DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities to secure your spot.

Questions?
For more information, contact:

• Charles Bethune: (386) 671-3448
• Admin Office: (386) 671-8337

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH

In celebration of February’s Black History Month, the City of Daytona Beach, in partnership with the Midtown Community Development Corporation, honored 12 individuals who shaped the community's cultural, educational and social landscape. These remarkable men and women are featured on double-sided, custom street banners along International Speedway Boulevard, from Nova Road to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. 

Honorees are:

• Mickel Antonio Brown, Sr. 
• Harry Burney, III 
• Dr. Samuel Butts, Sr. 
• Althea Beatrice Cato Lucas 
• Ollye Eichelberger Collins 
• Patricia Hamilton Heard 
• Sarah Mother Hunt 
• Larry Ruth James Hyde 
• Charles Wesley Moore 
• Reverend George Wesley Raney, III 
• Eldredge Van Geter 
• Dr. Rebecca Walker Steele

For details on each person, visit www.CelebratingBlackHistory.com.