New Interpretive Signage Unveiled Along Black Heritage Trail

New interpretive signage has been installed at locations along Daytona Beach’s Black Heritage Trail. The project was made possible by a $50,000 grant from the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources. 

“We are excited to see this vision become reality. These signs not only preserve and honor our city’s rich history, but they also invite residents and visitors to learn more about the lasting contributions of Daytona Beach’s Black community,” said City Manager Deric C. Feacher. 

The interpretive signs mark 18 existing sites of historical significance and add a 19th stop at the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune statue at the Riverfront Esplanade. Each sign highlights important people, places and events that shaped Daytona Beach and the nation over the last 150 years. 

The sites include: 

• Five National Register listings 
• Two historic buildings 
• A local and a national historic district 
• A National Commemorative Site 
• The only national historic landmark in the city 
• An archaeological park where Timucuan Indian artifacts and mastodon remains were found 
• Several historic Black churches 
• A former hotel, a park and community centers central to the city’s Black heritage 

The project was originally identified in the Midtown Master Plan created by Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture. The plan called for themed signage, lighting, pavement colors and displays to better connect the historic sites. 

Each new sign features a QR code linking to additional digital content, offering an even deeper look into the history of each site. The signs were designed for durability and minimal long-term maintenance, ensuring they will educate and inspire for generations to come.

For information on the city’s Black Heritage Trail, visit DaytonaBeach.gov/BlackHeritageTrail.

New Hope Animal Shelter Becomes Daytona Beach’s Sheltering Provider Oct. 1

Since Oct. 1, New Hope Animal Shelter in DeLand is providing sheltering services for animals brought in through the city’s animal control operations. This change ends the city’s contract with Halifax Humane Society following a review of rising costs. 

What residents need to know: 

• Stray animals: To report a stray, call Volusia County’s non-emergency line at (386) 248-1777. Depending on the day and time, either a Daytona Beach animal control officer or on-duty police officer will respond.  
• Owner surrenders: Contact private shelters or rescue groups. A list is available at DaytonaBeach.gov/AnimalServices. 

Questions? Call (386) 318-3303 or visit DaytonaBeach.gov/AnimalServices.

BREAKING BARRIERS

Kim Flaherty is Florida’s only woman Master Code Enforcement Professional

The City of Daytona Beach proudly celebrates Kim Flaherty, who has earned certification as a Master Code Enforcement Professional (MCEP) from the State of Florida. 

Kim is one of only three people statewide to hold the designation and the only woman with this elite certification. 

A Volusia County native, Kim joined the city in 2017 after more than 20 years as a paralegal and real estate closing agent. As Permits & Licensing Project Manager, she embraced the city’s professional development program, which encourages advanced training and certifications. While helping manage Daytona Beach’s building boom, she completed the rigorous requirements for this certification. 

Please join us in congratulating Kim on this outstanding achievement.

Join the Beautification & Tree Advisory Board

We’re looking for new members to join the Beautification and Tree Advisory Board, a volunteer group of residents dedicated to enhancing the beauty of residential and commercial properties in Daytona Beach. The board meets at 4 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month at the Public Works Department, 950 Bellevue Ave., Suite 500, and the meetings are open to the public. 

As a board member, you’ll help promote landscaping and tree planting, recognize properties through monthly beautification awards and inspire pride and curb appeal throughout our community. 

If you’re interested in joining or learning more, call (386) 671-8554.

Fire Station No. 1 Construction Update

Construction of the new two-story Fire Station No. 1 at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave. is on schedule and within budget. The 31,000-square-foot facility now has exterior walls, and crews are finishing the roof while also working on exterior details and beginning interior tasks such as wall framing and window installation. 

When finished, the station will serve as the Fire Department’s administrative headquarters, an emergency operations center during crises and a training facility for first responders.

 The project is expected to be completed by March 2026.

Jackie Robinson Ballpark

Upgrades to Jackie Robinson Ballpark are moving forward, with the second-floor metal framing complete, giving the building a more closed-in look. Crews are applying exterior foam and split-face block, while stormwater structures and piping along Jackie Robinson Parkway are near completion. Walls and metal stud framing are nearly finished inside, allowing mechanical and electrical work to begin, and roofing is making sections of the building watertight. 

The project is now more than 60% complete.

Main Street Arch celebration

Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the completion of the Main Street Arch restoration. The nearly 90-year-old landmark has been beautifully renewed through a $934,000 project that included stonework repairs, new stucco and paint, sign installation and other improvements to preserve its historic charm while strengthening it for future generations. 

We appreciate the skilled workers whose attention to detail helped restore this iconic piece of Daytona Beach history. 

View more photos from the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/cityofdaytonabeach/albums/72177720329435337/

Midtown Sundayz at Daisy Stocking Park

Join us for Midtown Sundayz, a vibrant community event with DJ entertainment, food, board games and fun for all ages! 

Taking place the second Sunday of each month, located at Daisy Stocking Park, in the heart of Midtown Daytona Beach. 

• Location: Daisy Stocking Park, 555 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd. 
• Time: 3 to 8 p.m. 2025
• Event Dates: Sunday, Oct. 12, Sunday, Nov. 9, Sunday, Dec. 14 
• What to Expect: Live DJ Entertainment Food available for purchase Board games and activities for all ages A relaxing atmosphere with great vibes and community spirit! Bring your lawn chairs, your friends and your dancing shoes!

Fire Prevention rescheduled for nov. 7 in Downtown Daytona Beach

The Daytona Beach Fire Department will host Fire Prevention Night from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 7, at Beach Street and Magnolia Avenue. This free, family-friendly event is designed to educate the community about fire safety while offering a fun evening in downtown Daytona Beach. 

Attendees can enjoy interactive activities including a bounce house maze, games, a scavenger hunt, fire extinguisher training and emergency planning demonstrations. Firefighters will be on hand to share safety tips, answer questions and showcase fire equipment up close. 

Whether you want to engage your children in fire safety lessons, learn how to better prepare your home for emergencies, or simply enjoy an evening of community fun, Fire Prevention Night has something for everyone.

Jo Koy Returns to Daytona Beach

Comedian Jo Koy brings his Just Being Koy Tour to Daytona Beach Friday, Nov. 14, at 8 p.m. Known as one of today’s premier stand-up performers, Koy has grown from his early days performing in a Las Vegas coffee house to selling out arenas around the world. His comedy, often inspired by his colorful family, resonates with audiences everywhere. Koy has broken sales records at major venues including Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, The Forum in Los Angeles, Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, ICC Theatre in Sydney and Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Tickets are going fast! Secure your seats now at www.PeabodyAuditorium.org.

DB Unscripted With Justin Vallejo Podcast

DB Unscripted with Justin Vallejo is the official podcast of the City of Daytona Beach, designed to keep residents informed about what's happening in their local government.

Hosted by Justin Vallejo, this unscripted podcast features authentic and transparent conversations with employees from all departments, covering everything from city projects and public safety to community events and services. Recent episodes include discussions on the city's cybersecurity culture and the transformation of Daisy Stocking Park.

Listeners can subscribe to DB Unscripted on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube to stay updated on the latest news and behind-the-scenes insights from the City of Daytona Beach.

Be Ready Before the Storm: Download the 2025 Preparedness Guide

Hurricane season is here, and preparation is key to staying safe. The City of Daytona Beach has created a 22-page Hurricane Preparedness Guide to help residents get storm-ready.

Inside the guide, you’ll find:

• How to sign up for emergency alerts
• Evacuation zone details
• Safety tips
• A removable supply checklist
• Important phone numbers and more

Printed copies are limited, but the guide is available online at https://tinyurl.com/bdh4j4z2. 

Don’t wait until a storm is approaching, download your copy today and prepare your household for the season ahead.