News Flash

The City of Daytona Beach has been awarded a $5.2 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program to support the construction of the new Fire Station No. 1, which is currently under construction on a 3.6-acre site in the 400 block of South Ridgewood Avenue.

This funding builds on a separate $10 million state grant awarded in 2024 for the relocation and construction of the new station, bringing total state support for this critical public safety project to $15.2 million. 

The $27-million project constructs and relocates a new Fire Station No. 1, enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities and protecting its first responders. The existing station, located at 301 S. Beach St. along the frequently inundated Halifax River, is Volusia County’s busiest, responding to more than 4,800 calls for service in 2024. The historic facility has served the community since 1925 and is Florida’s second-oldest continuously operating fire station. This strategic relocation will help ensure uninterrupted fire and rescue services, even during severe weather events.

Project Location: 420 S. Ridgewood Ave.

Anticipated Completion: Spring 2026 

Project Value: $27,222,806 

Historic Fire Station No. 1 RFP: Due by 3 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026 on DaytonaBeach.gov/Purchasing

Construction of the new Fire Station No. 1 continues to progress steadily at its future home at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave., replacing the long-serving station at 301 S. Beach St., which operated for nearly a century.

Designed to improve emergency response times and enhance operational efficiency, the modern facility will bring administrative personnel under one roof and ensure continuity of service during severe weather. Key features include an 80-seat community room, which will double as the city’s primary Emergency Operations Center, and a higher-elevation site to reduce flooding risks.

A major milestone was recently reached with the installation of all 62 concrete wall panels. Additional significant progress includes the roof being poured and interior framing nearing completion on the first floor, with work underway on the second floor. Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are also in progress. In the coming weeks, crews will pour the slab in the apparatus bay and south building, complete the roof, and begin installing water lines and stormwater piping. 

Nov. 19 marks the one-year anniversary of the station’s groundbreaking. Construction remains on schedule and within budget. The 31,000-square-foot facility’s exterior and roof are nearly complete, windows have been installed and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system work is ongoing. Upcoming site work includes grading for the retention pond and parking lot. Project status: 60% complete 

Project value: $27,222,806 Anticipated completion: Spring 2026

The Fire Department has named Battalion Chief Richard Williams as the city’s new Emergency Manager. Chief Williams has served with the department since 2006 and brings extensive experience in emergency management and incident command.

He holds a master’s degree in management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on healthcare management. He has also served as a reserve law enforcement officer and teaches EMT and paramedic courses at Daytona State College. Chief Williams is actively involved in specialized teams, including the Motor Medic Team, SWAT paramedic unit, drone aviation unit and Critical Incident Stress Management Team. His expertise equips him to lead the city’s emergency management operations and enhance public safety.

Daytona Beach firefighters visited schools across the city to teach students about fire safety and prevention. Crews shared hands-on demonstrations and important lessons on how to stay safe at home and in the classroom.

The Fire Department also promoted fire safety on their social media accounts, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety.

Through education and community engagement, the Daytona Beach Fire Department continues its mission to keep residents informed, prepared and fire safe.

More than 100 people accepted assistance offered during the Daytona Beach Drug Abuse Response Team’s (DART) Streetwalk last week, which focused on combating drug abuse and the mental health crisis along the Ridgewood corridor. Community Paramedicine Officer Travis Anderson coordinated the outreach effort, which coincided with a Resource Fair at 316 North St., offering health screenings, recovery programs, basic necessities and mental health support. Dozens of people representing more than 15 community partners canvased Ridgewood Avenue from Beville Road to Mason Avenue.

Community partners included the Daytona Beach Fire and Police departments, SMA Healthcare, Halifax Health, Volusia-Flagler Homeless Coalition, ReNew Recovery Café, Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, Foundations 2 Freedom, Volusia Recovery Alliance, One Voice for Volusia, Flagler Cares, Oxford House, Flagler OARS, Helping Hands (Our Lady of Lourdes), CAN Community Health, White Sands and Speak Up Tomorrow Needs You.

Daytona Beach Fire Department Deputy Chief Matthews recently completed the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Daytona Program, an 11-week leadership development experience that connects participants with local leaders and community operations through interactive sessions and presentations.

As part of the program, participants collaborated on a capstone community project to showcase their leadership growth and teamwork. We are proud of Deputy Chief Matthews for her dedication to professional excellence and her commitment to serving the Daytona Beach community.

Water safety remains a top priority in Daytona Beach, and local first responders are leading the effort to help residents of all ages stay safe in and around the water.

Last week, Daytona Lagoon hosted Swim With a First Responder, a community event where safety and fun went hand in hand. Organized by Every Kid Swims, 2 Walk on Water, No Longer Fatherless, Daytona Board Store, the Daytona Beach Fire Department, Daytona Beach Professional Firefighters Local 1162 and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the event gave participants a chance to swim alongside first responders. It was a great opportunity for children to ask questions, hear safety tips and have fun with the heroes who serve the community.

Fifteen off-duty Daytona Beach firefighters, along with deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, volunteered their time to help local children build confidence in the water, equipping families with knowledge that could one day save lives.

Water safety training isn’t just for kids. Daytona Beach Police Department recruits are also sharpening their rescue skills. Last week, new recruits participated in water rescue and defensive tactics training at Daytona State College.

With summer in full swing, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s public aquatic centers, which offer a safe way to stay cool:

• Cypress Aquatic Center: Open Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Campbell Aquatic Center: Open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Later this month, participants in the city’s summer camps will take part in a special Beach and Pool Safety class. The program covers first aid, CPR, recognizing distressed swimmers and basic swim techniques. It also includes educational visits to Volusia County Beach Safety and the Daytona Aquarium.

Whether through community events, first responder training or hands-on safety programs, the city of Daytona Beach remains committed to promoting water safety and equipping residents with the skills they need to stay safe all summer long.

A big thank-you goes out to the city’s first responders for their continued dedication to protecting and educating the community.

The City of Daytona Beach has been awarded a $5.2 million grant from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Resilient Florida Program to support the construction of the new Fire Station No. 1, which is currently under construction on a 3.6-acre site in the 400 block of South Ridgewood Avenue.

This funding builds on a separate $10 million state grant awarded in 2024 for the relocation and construction of the new station, bringing total state support for this critical public safety project to $15.2 million. 

The $27-million project constructs and relocates a new Fire Station No. 1, enhancing the city’s emergency response capabilities and protecting its first responders. The existing station, located at 301 S. Beach St. along the frequently inundated Halifax River, is Volusia County’s busiest, responding to more than 4,800 calls for service in 2024. The historic facility has served the community since 1925 and is Florida’s second-oldest continuously operating fire station. This strategic relocation will help ensure uninterrupted fire and rescue services, even during severe weather events.

Project Location: 420 S. Ridgewood Ave.

Anticipated Completion: Spring 2026 

Project Value: $27,222,806 

Historic Fire Station No. 1 RFP: Due by 3 p.m. Feb. 10, 2026 on DaytonaBeach.gov/Purchasing

Construction of the new Fire Station No. 1 continues to progress steadily at its future home at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave., replacing the long-serving station at 301 S. Beach St., which operated for nearly a century.

Designed to improve emergency response times and enhance operational efficiency, the modern facility will bring administrative personnel under one roof and ensure continuity of service during severe weather. Key features include an 80-seat community room, which will double as the city’s primary Emergency Operations Center, and a higher-elevation site to reduce flooding risks.

A major milestone was recently reached with the installation of all 62 concrete wall panels. Additional significant progress includes the roof being poured and interior framing nearing completion on the first floor, with work underway on the second floor. Electrical and plumbing rough-ins are also in progress. In the coming weeks, crews will pour the slab in the apparatus bay and south building, complete the roof, and begin installing water lines and stormwater piping. 

Nov. 19 marks the one-year anniversary of the station’s groundbreaking. Construction remains on schedule and within budget. The 31,000-square-foot facility’s exterior and roof are nearly complete, windows have been installed and mechanical, electrical and plumbing system work is ongoing. Upcoming site work includes grading for the retention pond and parking lot. Project status: 60% complete 

Project value: $27,222,806 Anticipated completion: Spring 2026

The Fire Department has named Battalion Chief Richard Williams as the city’s new Emergency Manager. Chief Williams has served with the department since 2006 and brings extensive experience in emergency management and incident command.

He holds a master’s degree in management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus on healthcare management. He has also served as a reserve law enforcement officer and teaches EMT and paramedic courses at Daytona State College. Chief Williams is actively involved in specialized teams, including the Motor Medic Team, SWAT paramedic unit, drone aviation unit and Critical Incident Stress Management Team. His expertise equips him to lead the city’s emergency management operations and enhance public safety.

Daytona Beach firefighters visited schools across the city to teach students about fire safety and prevention. Crews shared hands-on demonstrations and important lessons on how to stay safe at home and in the classroom.

The Fire Department also promoted fire safety on their social media accounts, focusing on lithium-ion battery safety.

Through education and community engagement, the Daytona Beach Fire Department continues its mission to keep residents informed, prepared and fire safe.

More than 100 people accepted assistance offered during the Daytona Beach Drug Abuse Response Team’s (DART) Streetwalk last week, which focused on combating drug abuse and the mental health crisis along the Ridgewood corridor. Community Paramedicine Officer Travis Anderson coordinated the outreach effort, which coincided with a Resource Fair at 316 North St., offering health screenings, recovery programs, basic necessities and mental health support. Dozens of people representing more than 15 community partners canvased Ridgewood Avenue from Beville Road to Mason Avenue.

Community partners included the Daytona Beach Fire and Police departments, SMA Healthcare, Halifax Health, Volusia-Flagler Homeless Coalition, ReNew Recovery Café, Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, Foundations 2 Freedom, Volusia Recovery Alliance, One Voice for Volusia, Flagler Cares, Oxford House, Flagler OARS, Helping Hands (Our Lady of Lourdes), CAN Community Health, White Sands and Speak Up Tomorrow Needs You.

Daytona Beach Fire Department Deputy Chief Matthews recently completed the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Daytona Program, an 11-week leadership development experience that connects participants with local leaders and community operations through interactive sessions and presentations.

As part of the program, participants collaborated on a capstone community project to showcase their leadership growth and teamwork. We are proud of Deputy Chief Matthews for her dedication to professional excellence and her commitment to serving the Daytona Beach community.

What is a rip current? 

Rip currents are channels of water moving away from the shoreline. They are often found where waves are not breaking. They can form around breaks in sandbars and structures such as piers. The weather does not have to be bad for rip currents to form. They can exist on clear, calm, sunny days on any beach with breaking waves. 

Rip currents can travel as fast as 8 feet per second (around 5 miles per hour), faster than an Olympic swimmer. They can roughly be 50-100 feet wide and stretch 300 feet from shore. 

To spot a rip current, look for seaweed, foam or other debris moving away from shore. The current might look darker or murkier than the surrounding water. These currents are found where waves are not breaking or crashing. 

Rip current safety: 

• If you find yourself caught in a rip current, do not attempt to swim against the current toward the beach. If you have good swimming skills, swim parallel to the shoreline until you have escaped the current. Once you have escaped the current’s pull, swim toward the shore at an angle away from the current. 
• If you cannot escape the current, remember to remain calm. Float while waving your hands and yelling to grab the attention of a lifeguard. Rip currents will not pull you underwater but will pull you away from shore. Drowning can occur from the struggle against the current. Do not underestimate the power of water – even the strongest swimmers can drown in rip currents. 
• If you see someone caught in a rip current, the best thing to do is get help by notifying a lifeguard or calling 911 if no lifeguard is present. You can yell instructions to the person caught in the current on how to escape. It is not recommended to enter the water, as many have died in an attempt to rescue someone else. 

Remember to always swim near lifeguards and heed warning flags.

Water safety remains a top priority in Daytona Beach, and local first responders are leading the effort to help residents of all ages stay safe in and around the water.

Last week, Daytona Lagoon hosted Swim With a First Responder, a community event where safety and fun went hand in hand. Organized by Every Kid Swims, 2 Walk on Water, No Longer Fatherless, Daytona Board Store, the Daytona Beach Fire Department, Daytona Beach Professional Firefighters Local 1162 and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, the event gave participants a chance to swim alongside first responders. It was a great opportunity for children to ask questions, hear safety tips and have fun with the heroes who serve the community.

Fifteen off-duty Daytona Beach firefighters, along with deputies from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, volunteered their time to help local children build confidence in the water, equipping families with knowledge that could one day save lives.

Water safety training isn’t just for kids. Daytona Beach Police Department recruits are also sharpening their rescue skills. Last week, new recruits participated in water rescue and defensive tactics training at Daytona State College.

With summer in full swing, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the city’s public aquatic centers, which offer a safe way to stay cool:

• Cypress Aquatic Center: Open Monday through Saturday, noon to 7 p.m.
• Campbell Aquatic Center: Open Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m.

Later this month, participants in the city’s summer camps will take part in a special Beach and Pool Safety class. The program covers first aid, CPR, recognizing distressed swimmers and basic swim techniques. It also includes educational visits to Volusia County Beach Safety and the Daytona Aquarium.

Whether through community events, first responder training or hands-on safety programs, the city of Daytona Beach remains committed to promoting water safety and equipping residents with the skills they need to stay safe all summer long.

A big thank-you goes out to the city’s first responders for their continued dedication to protecting and educating the community.

As proud pet parents, it's our responsibility to ensure our furry friends stay safe, happy and respectful of others in the community. Here are a few important reminders from the City of Daytona Beach’s Animal Services Unit:

• Never allow your pet to roam free
• Clean up after your pet
• Annual rabies vaccinations are required for dogs and cats over six months of age
• An annual dog or cat license is required
• Pets over six months of age must be spayed or neutered unless an unaltered animal permit is obtained
• Tethering pets outdoors is prohibited
• Microchipping is encouraged! It’s invaluable in reuniting lost pets with their owners

Details on the city’s ordinances regarding pet owners' responsibilities can be found here.

For more information, contact the city’s Animal Services Unit at (386) 318-3302, (386) 318-3303, email animalservices@DaytonaBeach.gov or visit their webpage.

Let’s all do our part to keep Daytona Beach a pet-friendly community!

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has begun, and early forecasts indicate now is the time to prepare. According to experts, Florida is likely to face an active season. In fact, there's a 92% chance that our state will experience at least one named storm this year. To help you and your families stay safe, the City of Daytona Beach created a 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide. The 22-page booklet includes information on receiving emergency notifications, safety tips, evacuation zone information, a removable supply checklist with important phone numbers and more. A limited number of guides will be printed and distributed to residents. Please take time to review it and begin making any necessary preparations.

To see the 2025 Hurricane Preparedness Guide: www.DaytonaBeach.gov/StormGuide

Thank you for your attention and commitment to safety.