Mayor presents annual State of the City

Mayor Derrick L. Henry delivered his annual State of the City address Wednesday night in City Hall before the regular meeting of the City Commission. Daytona Beach has accelerated efforts to ensure it is the community of choice – a great place to live, learn, work, play and raise a family.

After a video highlighting the city’s unique strengths and important topics in 2021, Mayor Henry introduced each city commissioner and discussed several initiatives and accomplishments during the past year including hiring new City Manager Deric C. Feacher, prioritizing citizen engagement, increasing affordable housing, the city’s ambitious road resurfacing program and COVID-19 response. He also gave a preview of his priorities for the upcoming year, which include discussing mental health services, smart growth, bar closing hours, short-term rentals and revitalizing the Main Street area.

Multiple options available for residents to get free COVID-19 test

Free at-home COVID-19 test kits available
People can now request to receive four free at-home COVID-19 tests from www.COVIDtests.gov. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days.

Local COVID-19 testing moves to City Island
Curative’s mobile testing site has moved from the Daytona International Speedway to 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway (City Island). The site is in the parking lot between the Daytona Regional Library and Jackie Robinson Ballpark (closer to the ballpark). The mobile testing site is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are required can be made through Curative’s online portal or by calling (888)702-9042.

There is no charge for the test, but patients will be asked for health insurance information. Patients without health insurance will not be turned away. Curative will have trained workers on-site observing and directing patients to complete a self-collected, shallow nasal PCR test. The test is available for symptomatic and asymptomatic patients ages one year and older. Patients can expect results within 48 hours upon receipt at the lab. To ensure the safety of testing staff and community members, people should wear a mask while at the testing site.

For a listing of all testing sites available throughout Volusia County, visit this webpage.

Annual fire hydrant testing begins Monday

Starting Monday, Jan. 24, testing will begin on the city’s 2,646 fire hydrants and 7,607 valves. Each hydrant will be tested as part of a citywide annual maintenance program to ensure servable hydrants with adequate water pressure. Testing will be completed by September.

Hydromax USA is the company performing the annual maintenance and will be easily recognizable in uniforms and marked vehicles. Crews will begin on the beachside and work from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information or if you have questions about your water, call (386) 671-8815.

Public meeting at Midtown Community Center Jan. 27

Medical marijuana public meeting Jan. 27

There will be a community meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center for the public to learn about the use of medical marijuana and the consequences of the unlawful use of marijuana.

The meeting is hosted by the Florida A&M University Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative and will allow the public to ask questions and get answers from a diverse panel that includes a medical marijuana treatment physician, clergy, legal professionals and police. For more information, visit www.MMERI.FAMU.edu.

Tickets on sale for Chili & Brew

Tickets are on sale for Chili & Brew, which will be in downtown Daytona Beach from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29. During this progressive chili tasting event, attendees who purchase a Chili & Brew passport will visit each participating host site at their leisure and sample each host’s featured chili and then cast their vote for their favorites.

Tickets are limited! Advance tickets are $15 per person through 11:30 pm Friday, Jan. 28, and will be available the day of the event at registration points for $20 each until tickets are sold out. All attendees must register to receive their spoons and passports. Craft beer will be sold separately during the event.

Chili & Brew will have two check-in points (one on North Beach Street and one on South Beach Street) where attendees will receive their Chili Tasting Passport, spoons and chili sample tickets. Plenty of free parking is available behind the Riverfront Shops. It is recommended participants wear masks when they are in close contact with others.

Downtown Food Truck Rally Feb. 4

Head to downtown Daytona Beach Friday, Feb. 4, for a Food Truck Rally. From 5 to 9 p.m. enjoy music, fun and food trucks on Magnolia Avenue between Beach Street and Palmetto Avenue.

The Downtown Daytona Nights Food Truck Rally is sponsored by Downtown Development Authority and Riverfront Shops of Daytona Beach.

Little Feat taking song requests for Saturday performance at Peabody

As American as apple pie and rock ‘n roll itself, Little Feat’s music transcends boundaries; a freewheeling fusion of California rock and Dixie-inflected funk-boogie. In the mix as well are strains of folk, blues, rockabilly, country and jazz, inventing a hybrid sound that is truly Little Feat’s own. Bill Payne (keyboards, vocals), Kenny Gradney (bass), Sam Clayton (percussion and vocals), Fred Tackett (guitars and vocals), Scott Sharrard (guitars and vocals) and Tony Leone (drums) are Little Feat in 2022. Sharrard (Gregg Allman Band) and Leone (Olabelle, Chris Robinson Brotherhood, Midnight Ramble Band) will be new to most Feat fans.

Joining Little Feat Saturday, Jan. 22, in their performance at Peabody Auditorium will be special guest Jack Broadbent. Ticket prices are $63 and $73 plus applicable surcharges and can be purchased online or from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Peabody Box Office. The audience is invited to join the band and choose the setlist for the show. Song requests can be submitted online.