Thank you, Veterans

As we remember Veterans Day, today we honor and thank the brave men, women and families for their service to our country.

COVID-19 and Flu vaccines available Saturday

Free COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 13, at the Midtown Cultural and Educational Center at 925 George W. Engram Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

The Florida Department of Health in Volusia County will offer first, second, third and booster COVID-19 vaccines in addition to flu shots. People who are vaccinated will receive a $25 gift card and the Pandemic Win initiative will be offering hot dogs, chips and drinks. No appointment is needed.

The vaccine clinic is sponsored by the City of Daytona Beach, Commissioner Paula R. Reed and the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County.

Strongman Games return to Ocean Center

This weekend the Ocean Center will host 300 athletes from more than 30 countries as they compete for the title of “World’s Strongest” in the Strongman Games.

Attendees will watch the strongest men and women across nine weight classes and age groups battle in events including the log press, car walk, deadlift, carry and drag, sandbag toss and atlas stones.

Single day passes are $20, three-day passes are $30 and VIP passes, including a meet and greet with athletes, are $80. Children 12 and under receive free admission. Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance at www.strongman.games.

Greek Festival this weekend

The popular annual Greek Festival is this weekend! This event is free, open to the public and offers traditional food, live music, dancing, art and fun for all ages. There will also be vendors with items available for purchase and festival goers can tour St. Demetrios Church, 129 N. Halifax Ave.

Free parking and shuttlebus rides are available from Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1014 N. Halifax Ave. The vans run every 10 minutes to shuttle guests to and from the festival.

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday.

Daytona Beach Fishing Pier Temporarily Closed

Due to damage sustained during last week’s nor'easter, the fishing section of the Daytona Beach Pier at 1200 Main St. has been closed until further notice. Once repairs are made to the decking and the condition of the wooden structure is determined to be safe, the pier will reopen. Joe's Crab Shack Restaurant and the section of the pier leading to it remain accessible.

Beach Street Streetscape designs being considered

Learn about proposed designs for Phase II of Beach Street Streetscape

The public will have an opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on different design options for the second phase of the Beach Street Streetscape, which includes the roadway from Bay Street to Fairview Avenue and a section of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard from Beach Street to Ridgewood Avenue.

An informational meeting is scheduled for 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 15, at City Hall, Room 149. City staff and the project’s designer Parker Mynchenberg will explain the different design options available for the streetscape.

New hours at aquatic centers

The city’s two aquatic centers have new hours for fall.

Campbell Aquatic Center
400 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Open noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Admission is $1 per person
Cypress Aquatic Center
981 George W. Engram Blvd.
Open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Admission is $3 per adult and $2 for children

Children 5 years and younger must be accompanied in the water by a parent or responsible supervisor who is at least 16 years old. For more information, call (386) 671-8392 or visit www.codb.us/Pools.

YSG Community Center activities

John Riddick’s Kung-fu and Tai-Chi
Channel your inner peace by learning the art of Kung-Fu and Tai-Chi. Classes are offered from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The fee is $40 per month.

Girl Scouts
Earn badges, participate in fun activities and find treasures by joining the Girl Scouts of the USA. The Girl Scouts meet from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. Meetings are free for girls grades K through 12.

Game Night
Come out and play the games you know and love. Game Night is hosted by Virginia Bell from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Open Gym
Residents can play basketball from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday, and from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

The Yvonne Scarlett-Golden Cultural and Educational Center is at 1000 Vine St. For more information, call (386) 671-5780.

Tickets on sale for Mannheim Steamroller Christmas concert

Experience the music that has become the hallmark of the holidays and a tradition for multi-generational families: Mannheim Steamroller Christmas in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 26, at Peabody Auditorium. This year’s show will feature all of your favorite original classic Christmas hits from the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album, along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

Ticket prices range from $43 to $63 (plus applicable fees) and can be purchased online or in person from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office.

Shopping and events in Downtown

This holiday season, support local businesses and enjoy several events at the Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach. With more than 60 businesses in this riverfront area, enjoy new flavors, treasures and events this holiday season in downtown Daytona Beach.

Food Truck Rally on Magnolia Avenue, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17
November Wine Walk, Nov. 20
Daytona Beach Christmas Boat Parade, Dec. 4
Bright Lights & Merry Nights Christmas Parade, Dec. 11
Downtown Farmers’ Market, 7 a.m. to noon every Saturday

Fire Department collecting toys for children in need

The Fire Department is collecting toys for children in need this holiday season. Residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of the city’s seven fire stations through Friday, Dec. 10. Fire stations are located at 301 S. Beach St., 126 Botefuhr Ave., 945 N. Halifax Ave., 1675 Mason Ave., 627 N. Nova Road, 2020 Beville Road and 2545 LPGA Blvd.