Bike Week starts today

Thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts are expected for the 81st anniversary of Bike Week that officially starts today and continues through Sunday, March 13.

We expect large crowds near the Daytona International Speedway, Main Street, Beach Street and Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard. Motorists need to be on the lookout for motorcyclists, give them extra space, don’t cut them off and look twice, save a life.

Traffic will be restricted to only motorcycles on Main Street from Peninsula Drive to Atlantic Avenue during the 10-day event. For tips on traveling in Daytona Beach during Bike Week, visit the Police Department’s website.

City Commission approves purchase of Main Street property

At Wednesday's Community Redevelopment Agency and Commission meetings, the agenda items to purchase the property at 777 Main St. in Daytona Beach for $3.1 million passed unanimously 7-0.

If all goes well during the 30-day due diligence period (survey, structural review and environmental study), the city plans to close on the building. A request for proposals would then be publicized seeking someone to redevelop and operate an indoor market and food court on the property.

People can watch the discussion at the Community Redevelopment Agency meeting to learn more.

Commissioners vote to amend bar closing times

After much deliberation and public comment at their meeting this week, city commissioners had a vote of 4-3 to amend bar closing times from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m. effective June 1, 2022. There are exceptions to the revised ordinance allowing bars to remain open until 3 a.m. during certain holidays and special events including Race Week, Bike Week, Biketoberfest, Jeep Beach, New Year’s Eve, July 4 and Labor Day.

Tickets on sale for Blood, Sweat & Tears

Tickets are on sale for Blood, Sweat & Tears, who will be bringing their fusion of rock, jazz and blues to Peabody Auditorium for a show at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 16.

From the first ensemble in the late sixties practicing in a loft on Bleeker Street in New York’s Greenwich Village and having crowds clapping on the street below between songs, founding member and drummer Bobby Colomby knew they were on the right course. Since then, the band has never stopped touring for more than 50 years. Enjoy Blood, Sweat & Tears as they perform your favorite songs with their new lead singer Keith Paluso, an Americana singer/songwriter. After appearing on NBC's “The Voice,” Paluso’s southern soul and folk background landed him his latest gig as the lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Tickets prices range from $35 to $65 and are available for purchase online or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office at 600 Auditorium Blvd.

Register youth for swim lessons

Registration is open for swim lessons that will start Monday, April 4, at Cypress Aquatic Center (981 George W. Engram Blvd.) The lessons are for youth ages 4 and older, as well as adults.

Classes are based on age and skill level. Class lasts 30 minutes with two classes per week, totaling eight classes for $30.

Classes are Monday and Wednesday at the following times:

Level 1 & 2: Starts at 4:30 p.m.
Level 3: Starts at 5 p.m.
Adults: Start at 5:30 p.m.

Registration is at the Cypress Aquatic Center, which is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Financial scholarships are available for qualifying youth. The lessons are sponsored in part by Vystar Credit Union. For more information, call (386) 671-8392.

Florida Black Bear presentation, March 23

Learn about Florida Black Bears during a presentation at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 23, at the city’s Breakers Environmental Learning Center (13 S. Atlantic Ave.) The presentation is free; however, attendees are asked to register. For more information, call (386) 671-3566 or (386) 671-8250.

Downtown Daytona Beach Wine & Cheese Walk March 19