Storm debris removal continues in neighborhoods

Crews are now on day 16 of hurricane debris removal in Daytona Beach neighborhoods. To date, approximately 40% of city roads have had a first pass of vegetation removal. As of Tuesday, 2,500 loads have been picked up totaling more than 120,000 cubic yards. To give a visual perspective of the amount of debris collected, if it was lined up in a single line, 9’ high by 9’ wide, the pile would stretch about 8 miles.

Ten trucks are working seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with four trucks dedicated to picking up construction and demolition (C&D) debris like furniture, carpeting, drywall, etc. Daily operations fluctuate depending on the amount of debris picked up on the prior day. Due to long wait times at the landfill, C&D is collected in the mornings.

Storm debris should be placed in the public right of way and not in roadways, near storm drains or mailboxes, under powerlines or blocking fire hydrants. Debris is required to be placed into separate piles for vegetation, construction and demolition materials and appliances. Leaves, branches and limbs should be loose and not bagged or in containers.

Early voting starts today

Early voting starts today for this year’s General Election. Early voting hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Saturday, Nov. 5. Early voting in Daytona Beach is at the following locations:

Midtown Cultural & Educational Center
925 George W. Engram Blvd.
Daytona Beach Regional Library
105 Jackie Robinson Parkway

The deadline to request a Vote-by-Mail Ballot is Saturday, Oct. 29, and can be made online. will have an opportunity to select three zone representatives – Zones 1, 3 and 5, in this year’s General Election. More information about Daytona Beach’s commissioner elections is online.

Schedule virtual meetings with city staff

Thanks to a new technology-based initiative, residents can schedule virtual meetings with specific departments. Residents can reserve a date and 15-, 20- or 30-minute time slot for a one-on-one virtual meeting with staff, similar to making an online reservation at a restaurant. Participating departments include Growth Management and Planning, Parks and Recreation, Permits and Licensing, Trespass Arrest Site and Utility Billing. Residents don’t need a specialized app or software, and they can connect with staff using a desktop computer or a smartphone with a web browser.

City offers landscaping grants

The City of Daytona Beach is offering landscaping grants to qualifying residential property owners located within the city’s redevelopment areas. Up to $1,000 will be awarded for landscaping improvements including:

Installing new or repairing existing irrigation systems
Laying new sod and mulch
Planting of trees, shrubs and flowers
Pruning hedges or trees
Removing weeds, debris, trees and limbs

Successful grant recipients must provide proof of home ownership, occupancy and income for the last three months for all members of the household. In addition, applicants must provide bank statements for the past two months and copies of government-issued identification for all people living in the household who are ages 18 and older.

Once a homeowner is approved, a city-selected contractor will meet directly with the homeowner to discuss their needs and schedule the work. Money for landscaping improvements will be paid directly to the contractor providing the service to the homeowner. The new grant program, offered on a first-come, first-served basis, is funded through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds derived from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Applications can be found online or at City Hall, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach. For more information, call (386) 671-8124.

Volunteers needed for Public Arts Advisory Board

The city is looking for qualified volunteers to serve on its Public Arts Advisory Board. The board will make recommendations to the City Commission regarding the creation and implementation of policies to promote public art in the city. Interested board members should live, work or own property or a business in Daytona Beach and at least four members must be a professional artist, architect, landscape architect, urban planner, engineer or have advanced training/education in the arts. Application forms are available online.

City hosts Trunk or Treat Monday at City Hall

The City of Daytona Beach is hosting its second annual Halloween Trunk or Treat event Monday, Oct. 31, at City Hall. From 6 to 8 p.m. kids can safely trick or treat around decorated vehicles and enjoy free games, a pumpkin patch, face painting and more. There will be a costume contest at 7 p.m. Free parking is available on Orange Avenue and Palmetto Avenue and behind the shops on Beach Street. Hot dogs, snacks and drinks will be available for purchase and each item is priced at $1. For more information, contact Katie Prestwood, the city’s event specialist, at (386) 671-8268.

Tickets on sale Friday for “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” at Peabody Auditorium

Single tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28, to see “Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, at Peabody Auditorium. Tickets will be available for purchase online or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Peabody Box Office. Tickets prices range from $35 to $55 plus applicable surcharges.

“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas” brings a momentous homecoming to life with an electrifying tale of family, nostalgia, faith, humor, heartbreak and revelry. Journey through a story of Christmas past, present and future, jam packed with unforgettable performances of classic holiday hits and favorite chart toppers including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Blue Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Comin’ To Town,” “Ring of Fire,” “Santa Baby,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” and “Run Run Rudolph.”

City plans Bells & Shells Christmas Parade on Beach Street