Nov. 5, 2025

The latest City Manager’s Update newsletter highlights several key projects, recognitions and upcoming events. Here’s a quick summary of its contents:  

Preliminary survey results indicate downtown’s customers and merchants feel safer 
A new survey of customers and merchants in the Beach Street area shows a big jump in perceived safety: 70% of consumers say they feel safe downtown, up from 32% last year. The report credits ongoing investments in safety, cleanliness and vibrancy. 

New Emergency Manager named
Battalion Chief Richard Williams has been selected as the city’s new Emergency Manager. With nearly two decades of service, advanced degrees in management and leadership and experience on multiple specialized teams, he will lead the city’s emergency management operations.

Main Street streetscape input requested
Residents, businesses and community stakeholders are invited to review proposed streetscape concepts for historic Main Street at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Peabody Auditorium. Concepts include potential improvements to sidewalks, lighting, parking, landscaping and pedestrian areas from the Halifax River to the Atlantic Ocean.

Seabreeze High named Florida School of Excellence
The Florida Department of Education has recognized Seabreeze High School as a Florida School of Excellence for being in the top 20% statewide for sustained academic achievement—the only Volusia County high school to receive this honor for 2024–2025.

Major projects in progress and completed

• Phase 1 of Jackie Robinson Ballpark’s $32.3 million renovation is more than 60% complete and on schedule for completion early next year. 
• City Island seawall replacement (Orange Ave. to Magnolia Ave.) is expected to begin at the end of this month, with temporary lighting impacts during construction.
• The $8.7 million rebuild and upgrade of Lift Station 5 at 647 Shady Place is now 100% complete, increasing reliability and capacity. 

Upcoming community events

• Fire Prevention Night – Nov. 7, 5–8 p.m., Beach Street & Magnolia Ave.
• Artisan Market – Nov. 8, 9 a.m.–1 p.m., YSG Cultural & Educational Center
• Midtown Sundayz – Nov. 9, 3–8 p.m., Daisy Stocking Park
• P.E.A.C.E. Panel Discussion – Nov. 13, 5:30 p.m., B-CU’s Center for Civic Engagement

Holiday Toy Drive kicks off next week
The Daytona Beach Fire Department’s 14th annual Holiday Toy Drive, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition, runs Nov. 10 through Dec. 6. All seven DBFD stations will accept new, unwrapped toys for children of all ages.