To protect and serve ice cream 

Daytona Beach Police added a new custom vehicle to their fleet. Named the “Drip Patrol,” the unique van offers ice cream treats to youngsters as part of the department’s latest initiative to build positive relationships in the community. 

“It’s about talking and listening to our young residents and building relationships with them and their families,” said Police Chief Jakari Young.

Connecting with the public in a positive way is the ultimate goal of the initiative, which has already visited Champion and Westside elementary schools. The department plans to take the truck to more schools, neighborhoods, parks and special events.

The ice cream truck, outfitted with freezer equipment and specialized wrapping, was funded with a $53,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant.

The Drip Patrol will offer sweet treats again when the Daytona Beach Police Department hosts National Night Out Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.

November 5 General Election 

Although the November 5 General Election features a high-profile presidential race and consequential state constitutional amendments, Daytona Beach residents will also face several local ballot questions. 

Daytona Beach voters will be asked to consider two amendments to the city’s charter.

THE QUESTIONS ARE: 

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE 

Shall Subpart A of the City of Daytona Beach Charter be amended to require candidates for the office of City Commission to be qualified electors in the zone represented by such office continuously for at least six months immediately prior to the first day of the qualifying period, and require Mayoral candidates to be qualified electors of the city continuously for at least six months immediately prior to the first day of the qualifying period?   

QUALIFICATIONS OF ELECTORS 

Shall Subpart A of the City of Daytona Beach Charter be amended to eliminate the existing requirement, applicable to municipal elections relating to the issuance of city bonds, that only those qualified electors who are “freeholders” (i.e., property owners) are eligible to vote?  

In addition to these amendments, residents of Zone 2 will be asked to decide between incumbent Ken Strickland and challenger Nicholas Edgar for their representative on the City Commission. Zone 2 covers the beachside from the northern city limits down to International Speedway Boulevard and the north-central mainland area east of Nova Road. The winner will be sworn in Wednesday, Nov. 20, along with Mayor Derrick L. Henry and Commissioners Stacy Cantu (Zone 4) and Paula R. Reed (Zone 6), who qualified earlier this summer and faced no opposition.

The deadline to register to vote in this year’s election is Oct. 7. Eligible voters can register at RegisterToVoteFlorida.gov or through the Volusia County Supervisor of Elections office.

Bethune Point Park Playground 
(under construction):  

Work to prepare the site for new playground equipment is finished, and installation is scheduled for the end of the month. Funded partially by a $187,406 grant from Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District, the $200,000 project will feature equipment for youth ages 5 to 12, a new rubber surface for a safer playing experience, connecting sidewalks and seat wall.