Fostering Community Wellness

Week 5 of the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge is here! The community continues to come together through movement, wellness and connection. This week, participants are encouraged to honor the sacrifices of our veterans while staying active and engaged.

Theme: Bridge the Past and Present
Attire: Patriotic colors, military-inspired clothing, or workout gear honoring veterans
Location: Veterans Memorial Plaza, 125 E. Orange Ave.

Week 5 offers a meaningful way to recognize our history while investing in a healthier future. Join us in celebrating those who served as you focus on fitness, strength and overall well-being.

Instructor Bio

City Commissioner Quanita May

City commissioner Quanita May was first elected into office in 2018 to represent Zone 3, which spans the beachside and mainland.

Commissioner May, who has lived in the Daytona Beach area for more than 18 years, is a downtown business owner specializing in fitness training, dance lessons, personal development and business plan coaching. As a fitness expert, she is passionate about bringing wellness to children at our local schools and universities and seniors in housing facilities. She is also a registered Marriage and Family Therapist with the State of Florida.

Instructor Bio

Eddra Way-Martin, Certified Group Fitness Instructor

Eddra Way-Martin is a highly experienced fitness professional with over 20 years of expertise in teaching Line Dancing. She specializes in leading high-energy, engaging group fitness classes that cater to a wide range of fitness levels.

Eddra is committed to fostering a positive and motivating environment for individuals of all ages, helping them stay active and achieve their fitness goals.

Currently holding 10 different certifications, Eddra’s qualifications include SilverSneakers Classic, SilverSneakers Splash, SilverSneakers Exercise for Parkinson's Disease, SilverSneakers Brain Health for Group Exercise and SilverSneakers Osteoporosis and Exercise. This extensive range of certifications enables her to work with diverse populations, including individuals with special limitations, to promote both physical and mental well-being.

instructor bio

Julian Jamison-Sissle

Semi-professional distance runner and coach. Founder of the Daytona Speed Run Club, a free fitness community that hosts weekly meetups, primarily on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. The club also organizes a different sport each month, including soccer, flag football and kickball. All activities are free.

The program supports participants of all fitness levels, offering guidance on running, strength training and healthy habits while fostering community and encouraging lifelong fitness.

celebrate our history

Bridge the Past and Present

This week, the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge invites participants to bridge the past and present by honoring the brave men and women who have served our country. Two sessions will take place at Veterans Memorial Plaza, a scenic site where the community can remember Volusia County residents who gave their lives in military service and celebrate the contributions of local veterans.

Daytona Beach residents have a long tradition of military service. During World War I, many local men enlisted to serve overseas. In World War II, the city played a vital role in the nation’s defense. The U.S. Navy operated an air base at the local airport, and the U.S. Army maintained a convalescent hospital. At the same time, Daytona Beach hosted one of the first training centers for the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, later the Women’s Army Corps. Women trained in noncombat roles in hotels and temporary facilities throughout the city, helping support military operations at home and abroad.

In the decades after the war, Daytona Beach continued to contribute to national defense. General Electric facilities in the city supported the Apollo program, and local veterans remained active in civic life, shaping the city’s growth and culture.

As participants stay active this week, they honor that legacy of service. By remembering generations of veterans and WAC members who trained and served in Daytona Beach, residents celebrate the people who helped shape the city and the nation, past and present.

decorative image of army guys on the beach

Look Ahead: Week 6

Birthplace of Speed – Racing Toward Wellness

*Participants who dress according to the weekly theme will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win prizes at the end of the program.

Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 5:30 p.m.

Strength Training with Stephanie

Attire: NASCAR or Race-theme (bring your own weights)

Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 p.m.

Strength Training with Stephanie

Attire: NASCAR or Race-theme (bring your own weights)

Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

We’re inviting participants to share their favorite healthy recipes for a chance to be featured in an upcoming city promotion. Whether it’s a quick breakfast, a family favorite or a nutritious snack, your recipe could help inspire others to eat well.

Submit your recipe with a brief description and photo, if available, to Ingrid Laas, food and beverage assistant, at LaasIngrid@DaytonaBeach.gov.