Watch replay of City Commission meeting

City commissioners met Wednesday night and people who were not able to attend can watch a replay of the meeting from the convenience of their personal computer or mobile device.

At the meeting, commissioners approved several rezonings, Bike Week Master Plans, appointments to several advisory boards and a contract to design and permit beach access stairs from the Boardwalk and evaluate a nearby seawall. They also had a discussion regarding the 2023 Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund programming plan.

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Local Black pioneers honored with banners

The city partnered with the Midtown Community Development Corporation for the third year to recognize local Black pioneers with street banners, which are displayed on International Speedway Boulevard from Nova Road to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Residents being recognized this month include:

Rev. Carl F. Brinkley
Julia Mae Troutman Cherry
James F. Daniels
Vernon L. Echols
Jennie Mae Fudge
James Griffen Greene
Josie Queen James
Earl C. McCrary II
Jack "Cy" McClairen
Fannie H. Counts McNorton
Andrew J. Moore Sr.
Cardy Moten Sr.
Ralph A. Singleton Sr.
Daisy Hardy Stocking
Robert K. Wright
Rufus "Buddy" Young, Jr.

For information on past honorees and the city's Black Heritage Trail, visit www.CelebratingBlackHistory.com.

Photography exhibit featuring local residents on display

Make sure to visit the free photography exhibit, "Cultuvue," on display at the Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural & Educational Center, 1000 Vine Street. "Cultuvue," under the creative direction of Kenneth Grant Inzpirations, features an artistic, creative expression of Black culture, utilizing photographic, interactive and educational components. On display is the 2022 collection for those who missed it last year or want to see it again. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

A new series of local residents will be featured in a “Cultuvue” exhibit on display starting Saturday, Feb. 4, at International Speedway Square. Exhibit hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. This exhibit will be on display through March 24. “Cultuvue” is free to the public thanks to the generous support of sponsors.

Overall crime drops in 2022

Preliminary end-of-year crime statistics released by the Daytona Beach Police Department show a 3% decrease in overall crime when comparing 2021 to 2022.

Property crime – auto theft, burglary and larceny – comprised nearly 75% of reported crimes and violent crime – homicide, robbery, aggravated assault and sexual assault – made up 25% of Part 1 offenses. In 2022, 5,771 arrests were made and there were 148,343 calls for service.

“Our goal as we begin this new year is to continue to see crime drop throughout our community and maintain our proactive policing approaches year round,” said Police Chief Jakari Young.

New road signs encourage donations

New signs giving motorists an alternative for their donations versus money to panhandlers are being installed at 30 high-traffic areas in Daytona Beach. Signs include the First Step Shelter’s website and a hotline phone number to request the dispatch of an outreach team to visit panhandlers who may be candidates for First Step Shelter or other resources. The number is (386) 999-HELP and calls are answered Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The bottom portion of the sign features a QR code, which provides a link for making donations directly to First Step Shelter.

Registration open for youth baseball

Free baseball clinics for youth ages 4 to 12 are offered at the Derbyshire Park & Sports Complex at 849 Derbyshire Road. Athletes can learn baseball skills including hitting, catching, throwing and pitching. Clinics are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Wednesday, March 15. The city will begin its youth baseball league in April. Teams will be selected at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at Derbyshire Park & Sports Complex. Registration for the league is $40.

Please visit the city’s website to register for the youth baseball clinics and league.

CVB hosts listening session; has online survey for feedback

The Daytona Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), the organization responsible for promoting visitation to the Daytona Beach area, will continue with its series of Community Tourism Listening Sessions at noon Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 126 E. Orange Ave.

The CVB is hosting these listening sessions with area residents, sharing information on how the CVB markets the destination and the importance of the tourism industry in the community. Residents are encouraged to provide their input and learn how they can participate and get involved. A light lunch will be provided to attendees.

Space is limited to attend the session. Attendees should RSVP no later than Monday, Feb. 20, to info@daytonabeach.com or by calling (386) 255-0415 ext. 110. Those unable to attend the session are encouraged to email their input to Lori Campbell Baker, at lcb@daytonabeach.com or call (386) 255-0415 ext. 120.

Resident sentiment survey
The CVB is seeking resident’s feedback through an online survey. The survey will take 8-10 minutes and help with the planning and determining priorities for Daytona Beach area tourism. Survey participants can opt-in to win a $100 gift card.

Food Trucks in downtown Daytona Beach Friday