Wreath-laying ceremony held to honor fallen Police Officer Jason Raynor

In a moving tribute to fallen Police Officer Jason Raynor, hundreds gathered Thursday to honor the hero who passed away Tuesday evening at Halifax Health Medical Center with his family by his side. The 26-year old officer succumbed to his injuries from a shooting in June.

The vehicle being used as part of the memorial was the vehicle Officer Raynor used regularly on his patrols. It was also the one he used the night he was severely injured and is parked in front of the Police Department’s headquarters at 129 Valor Blvd. We encourage everyone who wants to leave flowers, cards or anything else in Officer Raynor’s memory to do so on or near that vehicle, which will remain in place until after the funeral. Services for Officer Raynor will be held Sunday and Monday, and at the family’s request, are not open to the public.

From prayer vigils, blood drives and yard signs to organized drive-bys at the hospital and a GoFundMe account that was created in the days following the tragic event, the community has rallied behind Officer Raynor’s family and the Police Department.

“On behalf of the family, thank you to everyone who has shown love and support,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young. “We are now asking for the public to respect the family’s desire for privacy while they grieve for their loved one.”

People are able to send condolences, donations and other sentiments for the officer to the Police Department instead of the family in an effort to ease some of their burden. Those who wish to do so, can contact Heather Jasminski at (386) 671-5364 or JasminskiHeather@dbpd.us.

Welcome banners installed on ISB

As thousands of incoming students return to the area to attend one of the six colleges and universities in Daytona Beach, they will see a warm welcome along International Speedway Boulevard. This week 164 double-sided welcome banners were installed along the busy thoroughfare. With a goal to welcome this diverse group of future leaders, the banner program was developed to show appreciation to this vital part of our community.

COVID-19 vaccines available Sunday at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church

Florida is seeing a record number of new COVID-19 cases. Those who have not been vaccinated are encouraged to get their vaccine as soon as possible to protect themselves and others.

Free COVID-19 vaccines will be available from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 22, and Wednesday, Sept. 15, at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church located at 540 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. No appointments are required.

The Florida Department of Health also offers free vaccines weekly:

421 Keech St.
Monday & Wednesday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1845 Holsonback Drive
Tuesday & Thursday
8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information and to make an appointment for a vaccine from the health department, call (386) 274-0500, press #.

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Head downtown tonight for a Food Truck Rally

Enjoy music and food at the Downtown Daytona Nights Food Truck Rally from 5 to 9 p.m. tonight on Magnolia Avenue between Beach Street and Palmetto Avenue.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of dishes from participating food trucks including Bells Kitchen and Smokehouse, Carte Blanche Mobile Cuisine, Fat Boi Gourmet Potatoes, Grateful Cow, Ida Jeans Kettle Corn, Jersey Family Grill, Lee's Famous Cheesesteaks, Ritter’s Ice Frozen Custard, Slapped Kitchen, Stoked Poké, Sweet Shelia's Funnel Cake, Taco’s Land, Tainted Fruit & Treats The Adult Snack, The Big Cheese, Treena's Tasty Treats, Wicked Good Mini Donuts and Willy Ts Crab Shack.

Free parking is available behind the Riverfront Shops on Beach Street. The Downtown Daytona Nights Food Truck Rally is sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach.