Daytona Beach Pier reopens

The fishing section of the Daytona Beach Pier has reopened! The iconic structure was damaged in last year’s hurricanes. More than 30 pilings had to either fixed or replaced and portions of the substructure and decking were rebuilt. Enjoy this landmark seven days a week. Hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. While at the pier, visit Joe's Crab Shack, which is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Dickerson Recreation Complex set to reopen

A three-year project to improve amenities and functionality of the John H. Dickerson Center, James Huger Park and Campbell Aquatic Center has been completed, creating the Dickerson Recreation Complex. Residents are invited to a grand reopening community event from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 5, where they can tour the facility and enjoy free swimming, games, music and refreshments. Coinciding with the festivities, Pay it 4ward, a Daytona Beach nonprofit, will be giving away 2,500 backpacks to school-age children.

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 the following:

Agreement with the Downtown Development Authority to terminate the farmers’ market license agreement
Bus purchase for the city’s Senior Oasis Program
Distribution of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery funds
July Beautification Award winners
Manatee Island and Riverfront Park dock repairs
New playground for Sunnyland Park
Several rezoning requests
Tentative FY 2023/24 Millage Rate

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City seeks public input in Annual Action Plan

The city’s Redevelopment and Neighborhood Services Department drafted an Annual Action Plan outlining programs and activities using Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Grant (HOME) funds. These funds support programs that principally benefit low to moderate income households in Daytona Beach. A draft summary of the Annual Action Plan is available for citizens, public agencies and other interested parties to review at City Hall during business hours. The public is encouraged to provide feedback on the plan. Comments should be submitted by Aug. 2 at the close of business. Written comments can be submitted in person or via email.

Police Department offers vacation home checks

Summer is the perfect time to head out of town for a vacation. When you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period of time, as a resident of Daytona Beach, you can request a vacation house check by the Daytona Beach Police Department.

When available, an officer with the Citizen on Patrol program will periodically check your home and have your contact information in case of an emergency. Vacation house checks include a physical and visual inspection of the perimeter, doors and windows of the home.

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

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

New camp teaches youth to debate

The city's summer camp hosted a debate club for campers to strengthen communication and debate skills. Directed by Dr. Claudette McFadden from Bethune-Cookman University, classes were held three days a week for 45 minutes where campers learned to disagree in a polite way, practice public speaking and research their opinion.

The public is invited to the final debate at 9:30 a.m. Friday, July 28, at the Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd. Debate topics include electric cars versus gasoline cars and uniforms in schools. For more information about the final debate, call (386) 671-8266 or email.

Tickets on sale to see Pattie LaBelle

Tickets are on sale to see Patti LaBelle in concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at Peabody Auditorium. Tickets can be purchase online or between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office. Tickets prices range from $49.50 to $124.50 plus applicable surcharges.

Youth can enjoy Summer Fun on the Run Thursday

Youth can enjoy summer camp activities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 27, at Palmetto Park, 450 Whitney St. Activities include music, arts and crafts, basketball lessons, food and drinks. Youth do not need to register for Summer Fun on the Run. For more information, call (386) 671-5821.