Development News for South Daytona, Florida

City Council Approves Purchase of 2111 Bryan Avenue for Stormwater Pond Construction

Resolution 2026-12 was approved, authorizing the purchase and transfer of property at 2111 Bryan Avenue for the construction of a stormwater pond. This is part of a larger plan to resolve flooding issues on Bryan and Green streets, utilizing a $1.75 million legislative appropriation from the state. The city has already approved the purchase of the adjacent property at 2101 Bryan Avenue. Once acquired, the properties at 2101 and 2111 Bryan Avenue, along with the municipal storage building at 2107 Bryan Avenue, will be cleared to build the stormwater pond and pump station. The property at 2111 Bryan Avenue was appraised at $194,000, which staff deemed reasonable and equitable, aligning with the recent acquisition to the north.

Residents Voice Concerns on Flooding, Business Tax Process, and Neighborhood Safety

During the Citizens to Be Heard segment, Jessica Englitt from Sherwood Subdivision reported experiencing knee-deep water in her driveway during a recent storm, preventing her from driving. She emphasized the urgency of the flooding issue, especially before hurricane season, and the need for a generator for the lift station. Victoria Maxwell provided formal legal notice regarding the city's business tax receipt (BTR) process, stating it is unlawful and not a tool for zoning enforcement, citing Florida law (Chapter 205 and 559.955) that governs BTRs as a revenue system. She highlighted potential legal exposure for the city due to inconsistent BTRs and selective restrictions, particularly for home-based businesses, and presented a case of a homeowner facing over $10,000 in fines for a $66 BTR, exceeding the statutory maximum of $250. Ann England reported a tragic incident where her small dog was killed by a pit bull that reportedly came through a window in her home in Big Tree Village, questioning neighborhood safety measures. Rick Levinsky, a neighbor, corroborated the dog issue in Big Tree Village and mentioned having to draw his pistol on two pit bulls, reporting the incidents to the police. He urged the council to address the serious dog problem in the neighborhood.

South Daytona Community Trust Awards $1,500 Scholarship to Local Student Carolina Hill

The South Daytona Community Trust awarded Carolina Hill the Annual Community Trust Academic Scholarship of $1,500. Ms. Hill, a senior at Spruce Creek High School with a 4.5454 weighted GPA, plans to attend Stetson University. Her scholarship essay highlighted her commitment to volunteerism and environmental stewardship through participation in Students for Environmental Action and Creek for Cleans Oceans. She is also involved in the National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, and National French Honor Society. The scholarship is paid to the university on her behalf, from the South Daytona Annual Community Trust fund, to support residents with educational needs. This is the sixth year the award has been given since 2020.

City Council Approves Mid-Year Budget Amendment of $3.24 Million, Largely Driven by Stormwater Grants

Resolution 2026-13 was presented for the first and only reading, amending budget appropriations for the fiscal year beginning October 1st, 2025, and ending September 30th, 2026. This mid-year budget adjustment increases the amended budget by $3,243,111. The majority of this increase recognizes revenues and expenditures from grants received for stormwater system improvements, including projects in Lantern Park, Big Tree Village, Aspen Pond, Sherwood Forest, and Stevens Canal. Specifically, it incorporates funds for the Park of Honor stormwater pumping station, hazard mitigation grant for Sherwood Forest, Melody Park stormwater pond construction, and the police department's evidence room renovation. Staff recommended approval to recognize additional revenues and associated expenditures for the remainder of the fiscal year. Council members expressed appreciation for the grant writing efforts and the city's strong financial standing.