Summer Fun on the Run returns

July 9

Daytona Beach’s popular mobile summer camp series is back! “Summer Fun on the Run” brings free games, food, music and activities to neighborhoods across the city. The next stop is from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 9, at Lakeside Villages, 155 Ontario Court. The event is open to the public and fun for all ages.

 Upcoming dates and locations:

• July 9: Lakeside Villages, 155 Ontario Court
• July 16: Daytona Gardens, 437 Jean St.

Presented by the City of Daytona Beach in partnership with ROSS, the Daytona Beach Housing Authority, Wellness Shoppe, AdventHealth Daytona Dream Center, Early Learning Coalition and Simply Healthcare.

Celebrate Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune’s 150th Birthday 

July 10

Join the City of Daytona Beach for a commemorative celebration honoring the 150th birthday of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, one of the community’s most beloved and influential figures. The free event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the bronze statue in the Riverfront Esplanade, located near the intersection of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard and Beach Street. Remarks will be given by Bethune-Cookman University President Dr. Albert Mosley, Mayor Derrick L. Henry, City Manager Deric C. Feacher, City Commissioner Quanita May and community philanthropist Nancy Lohman. City Commissioner Paula R. Reed will serve as the emcee.

Discover Bethune Point Park

July 12

Join Zone 1 City Commissioner Monica Paris for a community celebration at Bethune Point Park from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 12. Enjoy a fun-filled afternoon with free hot dogs, an inflatable water slide, games and family activities.

Residents can explore park features including:

• A new playground for ages 5 to 12
• Scenic picnic areas and fishing pier
• Baseball fields and the popular Bethune Point Skateboard Park

Staff from the Halifax Sailing Association will be on hand to share information about their youth and adult sailing programs. Additional park upgrades include new landscaping, curbing, sidewalks, rubber safety surfacing and fresh paint at the skate park.

The event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by Zone 1 City Commissioner Monica Paris and supported by Daytona Beach Fire Department Local 1162.

Midtown Sundayz 

July 13

Mark your calendar for Midtown Sundayz, a monthly community event held the second Sunday of each month at Daisy Stocking Park. Enjoy music from C-Style Entertainment DJ, games, food and family-friendly fun.

Upcoming dates:

• Sunday, July 13
• Sunday, Aug. 10
• Sunday, Sept. 14

Bring a lawn chair, grab your friends and join the fun in Midtown!

Before the Badge: Academy 06 

Episode 1 Now Streaming

Ever wondered what it takes to earn a DBPD badge? Episode 1 of the Daytona Beach Police Department’s new docuseries, Academy 06, is now live. The series follows 22 recruits as they undergo more than 1,000 hours of intense physical, mental and classroom training.

Watch Episode 1 and subscribe for future episodes:

YouTube.com/@DaytonaBeachPoliceDepartment

Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the grit and determination shaping Daytona Beach’s next generation of officers.

Transforming the city’s cybersecurity culture

Under the leadership of Chief Information Officer Hossam Reziqa, the city implemented cutting-edge training tools and proactive strategies to strengthen its defenses against cyber threats. Their work is being recognized for improving technical security and creating a culture of vigilance and accountability across all departments.

Using the KnowBe4 platform, the city reduced staff’s vulnerability to phishing attacks from over 12% to just 2%, while also achieving 100% security policy acceptance. We applaud the IT department for their leadership in keeping our systems — and our community — secure.

Halifax Harbor Marinia mural 

Upcoming

A new mural is near completion on the south side of the Halifax Harbor Marina. Created by artist Tiff Urquhart, the vibrant mural features a sea turtle swimming through the ocean, adding color and character to the marina. Final touches are underway on the mural, which is expected to be completed soon. 

Beach access stairs 

Under Construction

Construction began recently on the replacement of 14 nine-foot-wide staircases and four ADA-accessible ramps at the boardwalk and Breakers Oceanfront Park. Currently, crews have finished demo of old footers and are building the template to construct the pilings. This week, they will start forming the pilings heading north to south. The project is expected to take one year, with staircases opening as they are completed. The total cost is $1.5 million, with 85% funded by FEMA and state disaster grants. 

Midtown Recreation Complex playground 

Upcoming 

New playground and outdoor fitness equipment, which includes a decline bench, leg lift and flex wheel, have been ordered, with installation targeted for late August. These upgrades will provide a refreshed space for children and families to play, stay active and enjoy the Midtown Recreation Complex.

Daytona Beach Pier repairs 

Upcoming

Repairs are planned for the section of the pier between Joe’s Crab Shack and the old Space Needle ride. A deteriorated concrete vault beneath the pier will be removed and replaced with a new support structure and decking. Crews will also remove damaged plywood siding between the boardwalk and Joe’s, replacing it with open-style wooden railings to reduce storm wind load and reflect the pier’s historic look. Turtle-friendly lighting will be added. 

The project will be put out to bid later this year, pending permitting and seasonal conditions.

Storm season safety starts with preparation

Now is the time to prepare. The City of Daytona Beach encourages all residents to review their emergency plans, stock up on supplies and sign up for City Alerts, the city’s emergency notification system, at DaytonaBeach.gov/Alerts.

To help you get ready, the city has created a 22-page Hurricane Preparedness Guide with evacuation tips, emergency contacts and a removable supply checklist. Printed guides are available in limited quantities.

Download your copy at: DaytonaBeach.gov/StormGuide

Being informed and prepared is your best defense.