Bookland Bridge Reconstruction 

• Project Status: 100% Complete
• Project Value: Engineering completed in-house; construction cost $277,063.41

The Bookland Bridge reconstruction project, which connects City Island to the Riverfront Esplanade, is now complete. The project included repairs to approximately 164 linear feet of wooden boardwalk damaged during Hurricane Milton. Additional improvements included replacing 12 deck boards with 4-foot-by-12-foot micro-mesh grates to improve drainage and durability, repairing handrails and installing new light fixtures. All work complies with Americans with Disabilities Act standards.

Midtown Recreation Center

• Project Status: Final stages
• Project Value: $419,028.30

The city has completed major upgrades to the Midtown Recreation Complex Playground at Cypress Park, 981 George W. Engram Blvd., a project supported by a $375,028 grant from the Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District. New playground equipment for children ages 2 to 12 and outdoor fitness features have been installed south of the Cypress Aquatic Center, along with drainage improvements, ribbon curbing and pour-in-place safety surfacing. The final phase will include installation of an ADA-compliant sidewalk to improve access to the playground.

Drop Savers Poster Contest

Accepting Applications Now

The city invites students in grades K–5 to participate in the inaugural Drop Savers Poster Contest, designed to teach the importance of water conservation through creative artwork and slogans. 

Students may enter individually, using crayons, markers, colored pencils or paint on 8½-by-11-inch paper. Highlighters, photographs and computer graphics are not permitted.

📄 Learn more and submit entries by Feb. 20: DaytonaBeach.gov/DropSavers

Youth Baseball & T-Ball 

Registration Open

Registration is now open for the 2026 Youth Baseball and T-Ball programs, sponsored by AdventHealth. Designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of the game, the programs emphasize teamwork, sportsmanship and fun in a supportive environment.

Youth Baseball is available for children ages 7–12 with age-appropriate divisions, while T-Ball is offered for younger players learning the basics of baseball. Clinics, practices and games will be held at Derbyshire Park and Bethune Point Park throughout the season. The registration fee for both programs is $40, and the registration deadline is March 16, 2026. 

Families are encouraged to visit DaytonaBeach.gov/Activities for complete program details, schedules and online registration.

Now Accepting Applications

DB University – 2026 Citizens Academy

This is your chance to discover how the city operates behind the scenes. The next session of Daytona Beach University Citizens Academy kicks off Thursday, March 19, offering an in-depth look at how municipal services are delivered in our community. 

From understanding how water flows from the plant into homes to seeing how Parks & Recreation plans our green spaces, you can connect with the people who make our city thrive. This engaging ten-week program features weekly hands-on and interactive sessions from 9 a.m. to noon on Thursdays. The final session will be at 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, at a City Commission meeting.

• Start Date: Thursday, March 19
• Schedule: Thursdays, 9 a.m.–noon (10 weeks)
• Cost: Free
• Class Size: Limited to 30 participants
• 📝 Apply online: DaytonaBeach.gov/CitizensAcademy

Easter Beach Run Returns!

Saturday, April 4

Established in 1967, the Easter Beach Run is the oldest consecutive footrace in Florida. Participants enjoy a scenic run along Daytona Beach with race options for all ages. This Easter tradition is perfect for all ages, whether you're running, walking or cheering on your little ones! Don't miss out on the fun and the chance to make memories on the beach!

Race Day Schedule:

• 6:15 a.m. – Packet pickup opens
• 6:45 a.m. – Line dance warm-up
• 7:30 a.m. – 4-mile & 2-mile races
• 8:30 a.m. – Kids races

Location: Bandshell, 70 Boardwalk, Daytona Beach

Parking: Ocean Walk Garage ($5/hour or $15/day)

Register Online: DaytonaBeach.gov/EasterBeachRun

Custom finisher medals will be awarded to the first 800 finishers. All races are professionally chip-timed.