Volunteers needed for Salary Review Committee

The City of Daytona Beach is recruiting volunteers to serve on a Salary Review Committee (SRC), which will be tasked with evaluating the compensation and benefits of the members of the City Commission.

The SRC will be an independent committee with the goal of setting salaries of the mayor and six zone commissioners. In addition to reviewing existing salaries and duties of Daytona Beach’s elected officials, SRC members are expected to conduct research of elected officials’ compensation in comparable municipalities and make a final recommendation to the City Commission. Currently, the mayor’s annual salary is $41,059 and commissioners are paid $23,650 each year. The last time the commission’s salary was adjusted was 2006.

City Code Section 2-56 provides that committee membership must consist of no less than five members of the community including at least two former elected city officials.

Interested participants, who must be Daytona Beach residents, should send their resume and a letter of intent by Sept. 1 via email to the City Clerk’s Office. Submissions can also be delivered in person or mailed to City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, 301 S. Ridgewood Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114. The City Commission will select SRC members at their Oct. 4 public meeting.

Selected SRC members are expected to meet at least twice in October and present their final report to the City Commission by Jan. 1, 2024.

If the SRC recommends a salary adjustment, the earliest date for it to be effective would be after the November 2024 general election.

FDOT hosts public meeting about Mason Avenue roadway improvements

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is hosting a public meeting about improvements to Mason Avenue, from N. Clyde Morris Boulevard to N. Beach Street, at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22, at the Cherry Cultural & Educational Center, 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

The purpose of this project is to enhance operations on this section of Mason Avenue and improve pedestrian safety and connectivity along the corridor.

FDOT is offering multiple ways for the community to participate in the meeting. All participants, regardless of which platform they choose, will receive the same information on the proposed project.

Be a tutor for youth in Daytona Beach

The city’s after-school program is seeking volunteers to help elementary-aged students improve their math and reading skills. The after-school program meets 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the school year and meets at the Schnebly Recreation Center, 1101 N. Atlantic Ave. For more information or to apply, call (386) 671-8266.

City starts new competitive swim league

Dive into a new competitive youth swim league at Cypress Aquatic Center, 981 George W. Engram Blvd. This city-sponsored, free swim league is offered for youth ages 7 to 15. Tryouts are 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, and participants must be able to swim the length of the pool with a front and back stroke. As part of the swim league, athletes will compete in time trials and intersquad competitions. Prizes and refreshments will be provided at tryouts. For more information, call (386) 671-8392. Additional sponsors include Advent Health, Humana and The Vitamin Shoppe.

Tickets on sale for play set in 1970s Midtown

A professionally produced play titled “A Chance for Redemption” will premiere Aug. 26-27 at the Gillespy Theatre in the News-Journal Center on Beach Street. The enthralling theatrical production takes place in a Black-owned barber shop in 1977, within Midtown in Daytona Beach’s core. Tickets are $10 and available online or by calling (386) 226-1888.

Produced by Sheila Kay Davis, written by Lynn Thompson and directed by Tai Thompson – all with direct ties to our Daytona Beach community – "A Chance for Redemption" delves into the lives and struggles of residents during that period in history, highlighting their resilience, community spirit and pursuit of redemption. It explores themes of hope, love and the power of second chances, resonating with audiences of diverse backgrounds. Following each performance, there will be a talkback session with audience members to discuss ideas for redevelopment of the Midtown area.

Sign up for International Coastal Cleanup

Registration is open for the International Coastal Cleanup, which is 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 16. Sites in Daytona Beach are:

Sun Splash Park, 611 S. Atlantic Ave.
City Island Park, 113 Jackie Robinson Parkway