Nov. 19, 2025

In today’s City Manager’s Update newsletter, the following topics are highlighted:

City set to receive nearly $55 million in forgivable loans for water and sewer resiliency projects
The city has been allocated more than $54 million in 100% forgivable state loans to harden and modernize our water and wastewater systems. Funding comes through FDEP’s Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds under the SAHM disaster appropriation. 

 Main Street Streetscape concepts
About 75 residents, business owners and stakeholders attended last night’s community meeting to review design concepts for the Main Street streetscape from the Halifax River to the ocean. Proposed improvements include sidewalks, lighting, parking, landscaping and pedestrian areas. Feedback will refine a preferred design before it is presented to the Community Redevelopment Agency. 

 New Government Relations Coordinator
Please welcome Michael Chambliss to the City Manager’s Office. He will serve as Government Relations Coordinator, supporting key initiatives and serving as a liaison with lobbyists, elected officials and community groups. He comes to us from Warner Christian Academy, where he led a multi-year turnaround of the organization.

 FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease) program reminder
Our FOG program, required by EPA and the Land Development Code, regulates grease discharges from food service businesses to prevent blockages and sewer overflows. With the upcoming holidays, residents are reminded to properly dispose of grease by putting it in the trash, not down the drain.

 Capital projects “In the Works”

• Fire Station No. 1 – One year after groundbreaking, construction of the new HQ station on S. Ridgewood Avenue is on schedule and within budget, with exterior work nearing completion and systems installation underway.
• City Island seawall – Phase one reconstruction begins this week between Orange and Magnolia. Power to City Island will be off for about 36 hours Nov. 22–23.
• Orange Avenue Rec Center – Environmental testing confirmed asbestos; demolition and remediation are moving forward, with work expected to begin in mid- to late December, pending final clearances.

 Upcoming events & holiday schedule
The update includes information on upcoming holiday events (Turkey Run, Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Peabody, Daytona Nights 60+ dinner and dance, Dashing Through Daytona’s Children’s Christmas Party and Parade, Holiday Midtown Sundayz, and a reminder that there will be no garbage collection on Thanksgiving Day, with Thursday and Friday routes pushed to Friday and Saturday. City offices will be closed Thursday and Friday and reopen Monday, Dec. 1.