City Commission meets Wednesday, May 18

The City Commission will meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 18, at City Hall. Items on the agenda include a $1.1 million contract for improvements to the Dickerson Community Center, a resolution to declare 22 city-owned, vacant lots available for sale through a public auction and several rezoning requests.

Commission meetings are broadcast online and on Spectrum Channel 490. They are also recorded and available for viewing online. Residents can sign up to receive agendas via text or email.

Watch May 5 City Commission meeting online

DBPD offers vacation home checks

Residents planning to head out of town for a vacation this summer can request a vacation house check by the Daytona Beach Police Department. When available, an officer will periodically check the vacationer's home and have their contact information in case of an emergency. Vacation house checks include a physical and visual inspection of the perimeter and of the doors and windows of the home.

While the “checks” don’t guarantee a burglary or other crime won’t take place, they can provide additional peace of mind. This is a free service.

To request a check, call (386) 671-5364 and provide your address, dates you’ll be away and your contact information.

What else can you do to secure your home while you're away?

There are other preventative measures you can take to give your home the appearance of being occupied while you're away by:

Use timers on lights, a radio and even the TV to give the appearance that someone is home
Arrange for your lawn to be cared for in your absence
Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers, or have delivery suspended for the duration of your time away
Make sure that your doors are securely locked
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor, friend or relative
NEVER hide a key on your property; criminals are good at finding hiding spots
If you choose to have a neighbor care for your home while you're away, make sure they know how to contact you in case of an emergency

LaVon Rushing Band performs Saturday night

Enjoy a night of music at Daisy Stocking Park at 7:30 p.m. Saturday as the city-sponsored Midtown Music Concert Series continues with a performance by the LaVon Rushing Band.

Bassist LaVon Rushing has performed and worked with many artists including Natalie Cole, Ali Woodson (Temptations) Brian Littrell (Backstreet Boys), Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block), Hilary Duff, Marvin Sapp, Marvin Winans, Steve Cropper, Guitar Shorty, Kevin Cossom (Grammy nominated), 50 Cent and Disney (with The Tropicals, Cyber Groove, Joyful Gospel Chorus, and I4 Band). He also served several years as musical director for the B.B King All Star Band in Orlando.

The Midtown Music Concert Series showcases the best local bands from 7:30 to 9 p.m. on select Saturday nights through September. This year’s sponsors of the Midtown Music Concert Series include New York Life Insurance, VITAS, VyStar Credit Union and U-Store, Daytona Beach.

Community Shred Event is 9 a.m. to noon May 14

“Happy Together” tour at Peabody Auditorium in June

Tickets are on sale for the “Happy Together” tour performing at 8 p.m. Monday, June 6, at Peabody Auditorium. Tickets are available online or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office. Ticket prices range from $47 to $67 plus surcharges.

Presented by Elko Concerts, the “Happy Together” tour is a festive concert with chart-topping hits from the 1960s and 1970s. Headlined by The Turtles, the evening will include performances by The Association, The Buckinghams, The Classics IV, The Vogues and The Cowsills.

Veterans Museum and Education Center opening June 4

Join in a celebration at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 4, as the Veterans Museum and Education Center opens in its new location at 302 Vermont Ave. The renovated facility is filled with an impressive collection of military artifacts, photos, books, mannequins with full-dress uniforms representing all branches of the military, patches and medals, rifles and more. Parking is available across the street from the Center, which is on the corner of Peninsula Drive and Vermont Avenue. For more information, call (386) 256-7909.

Beer Fest Saturday, May 21, in downtown Daytona Beach