Storm debris collection nears completion

Curbside cleanup of debris generated from Hurricane Ian is winding down. Some areas along the edges of the city have been completely cleared. Nearly 7,000 loads totaling 310,000 cubic yards have been collected to date.

Residents in the hardest hit areas should place any remaining debris in the right of way no later than Friday, Dec. 9. This will allow FEMA monitors to plan for final collections and encompasses the area bordered by Ridgewood Avenue and Clyde Morris Boulevard to the east and west, between the northern and southern city limits.

Residents are reminded to create separate piles for vegetative and construction debris, and piles should be kept away from obstacles such as mailboxes, fences, utility meters or overhead power lines

Registration is open for Mayor’s Fitness Challenge

Registration is open for the annual Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, which begins Tuesday, Jan. 10. The healthy program features a schedule of fun indoor/outdoor activities for adults of all ages and fitness levels. Line dancing, strength training, walk/runs and yoga are some of the sessions offered biweekly during the program.

Registration is only $20 per participant. Classes will be at 5:30 p.m. every Tuesday and 8:30 a.m. every Saturday during the program. There will be a weigh-in at the beginning of the program and again at the end to track results. Prizes will be awarded to those who lose the highest percentage of weight.

Registration is online or at the first session/weigh-in at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center (being renamed the Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. Cultural and Educational Center). For more information, contact Sharonda Irvin at (386) 671-8250 or by email.

Police Department partners with Riverfront Esplanade for holiday event Saturday

The Daytona Beach Police Department Marine Unit is partnering with the Riverfront Esplanade to host a free, community event from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10. The Marine Unit has invited their friends from other public services teams from across Volusia County to offer exciting demonstrations and sights for all ages. Guests can visit with the various service team members, vendors and sponsors including the Jeep Beach Kids Zone.

Daytona Beach's Bells & Shells Christmas Parade is Saturday

Fire Department collecting toys for local children

The Fire Department is collecting toys that will be provided to children in the community. New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off to any Daytona Beach fire station through Saturday, Dec. 10. Fire station locations are throughout the city:

Station 1: 301 S. Beach St.
Station 2: 126 Botefuhr Ave.
Station 3: 945 N. Halifax Ave.
Station 4: 1675 Mason Ave.
Station 5: 627 N. Nova Road
Station 6: 2020 Beville Road
Station 7: 2545 LPGA Blvd.

Santa Run coming to neighborhoods Dec. 14

Police officers, firefighters and city leaders will escort Santa through Daytona Beach’s neighborhoods Wednesday, Dec. 14, for the city’s annual Santa Run. The moving vehicle parade will begin at 6 p.m. in the Derbyshire area and wind through residential streets until ending at the Midtown Cultural & Educational Center (being renamed the Julia T. and Charles W. Cherry Sr. Cultural and Educational Center), where Santa will pose for pictures and refreshments will be available. The route’s length is about four miles.

Ormond Baller presents The Nutcracker at Peabody Auditorium