Daytona, FL February 2026

Connecting the Heart of Daytona

“Love Local” isn't just a seasonal theme for us—it’s our North Star.

When I arrived in the Daytona region, I had a simple goal: live authentically by supporting local. However, I quickly discovered that finding these businesses was harder than it should be. In the world of marketing, there is no “one-size-fitsall” solution, and many of our best local shops were getting lost in the noise.

I started Daytona City Lifestyle to fix that “hide and seek” dynamic. We built this platform to meet you wherever you are—in print, online, and across social media. By combining high-tech tools like AI reputation management with high-touch storytelling, we’ve made it our mission to ensure that when you look for the best of Daytona, you actually find it.

The most rewarding part of this journey is introducing you to the neighbors who run these companies. This February, we celebrate the innovators and the dreamers who make our region thrive.

We invite you to join us in supporting them. When you choose to shop local this month, let them know you’re a part of the Daytona City Lifestyle family. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community.

THOMAS JOHN (TJ) FILLEY, PUBLISHER @DAYTONACITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Thomas John (TJ) Filley tj.filley@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Oksana Zingman Filley oksana.filley@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Deb Lovett deb.lovett@citylifestyle.com

PHOTO EDITOR

Christophe Hanckowiak christophe@christophephotography.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Deb Lovett, Marnie Van der Burgt

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Christophe Hanckowiak, Daytona International Speedway, Frank Kelleher, Nancy Cortez, Dr. Itzel Harriott, Halifax Humane Society, Deb Lovett, Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, Daytona Beach Symphony Society, Paula Deignan Reynolds, AdventHealth Daytona Beach, Volusia County Women Who Care February 2026

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Zach Miller

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas

DISCOVER A NEW WAY TO LEARN AT ACADEMIC OASIS

Looking for flexible, engaging, and high-quality education options for your child? At Academic Oasis, we meet students where they are—whether they’re just starting their learning journey or preparing for high school success. Whether you’re homeschooling, supplementing, or accelerating, we’re here to support your child’s academic journey.

K–6 Homeschool Academy

A nurturing, hands-on learning environment that covers math, language arts, science, social studies, and art. Small class sizes. Big imagination.

Virtual Reality Courses (Grades 6–12)

Through our partnership with OptimaEd, middle and high school students can explore history, science, and more in fully immersive, self-paced or teacher-led VR experiences.

Tutoring (Grades K–12)

Customized one-on-one or small group tutoring in all core subjects—because every student deserves to succeed with confidence.

city scene

WHERE

NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Daytona City Lifestyle publisher TJ Filley and wife Oksana enjoy a dance at The Furball 2: Kim Short of Toyota Daytona Beach showing off the new showroom 3: The Danneher family, Southeast Toyota, chambers of commerce, and friends celebrate Daytona Toyota's new showroom 4: Andy Watts, Cici and Hyatt Brown, announce plans for The Brown, formerly MOAS 5: Special guest and cancer survivor, Corinne Graczewski with AdventHealth Daytona Beach's VP, Kevin Carrington 6: Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and Ormond Beach Police Department PALS collect toys at SeacoastBank 7: Nichol and Dan Cox (Dent Wizard) and David Simoni (BMW) at Dents & Wheels charity

8: Michael Leonard

Board President), award-winner Sheriff

Nancy

Chair), Ginger

of the Year Dr. Kwane Stewart, Nancy Lohman with family Hailey, Kevin, Bourbon 10: Nanette Petrella with Delilah+Mac+Samson+Mia+Dutchie at Daytona's new beach dog park (~834 N Atlantic Ave) 11: ELC launched two new children’s trails with AdventHealth, FastSigns, and local chambers of commerce 12: K9 Officer Argo and Austin Long, recipient of the K9 Officer of the Year Award 13: Courtney Lewis, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra conductor, with soloists and orchestra at Handel's Messiah performance 14: Dwain Carryl of Bank of America kicking off the Daytona Chamber's Market Watch Economic Forecast

business monthly

Celebrating Eight Years of Giving

Eight years ago, a small circle of about 30 women gathered with a simple idea: give a little, give it together, and do a lot. Today, Volusia County Women Who Care (VCWWC) has grown to a community of 300+ members with quarterly grants to nonprofits of over $30,000. That’s the power of coming together around a common cause.

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Daytona Regional Chamber's 106th Annual Meeting

The Daytona Regional Chamber's 106th Annual Meeting presented by Halifax Health is scheduled for Monday, February 2, at the News-Journal Center. The featured speaker will be John O'Leary, subject of the major motion picture Soul on Fire  starring Emmy and Golden Globe winner John Corbett as well as Emmy and Screen Actors Guild winner William H. Macy.

AdventHealth Daytona Beach Welcomes New Colorectal Surgeon

Dr. Mark Heimberger, a colorectal surgeon with advanced training in robotic and minimally invasive techniques, has joined AdventHealth Medical Group and is caring for patients at AdventHealth Daytona Beach. Dr. Heimberger is a native Floridian who completed his general surgery residency at Mayo Clinic Florida, and pursued fellowship training in colon and rectal surgery at Stony Brook University in New York. His research on surgical techniques and outcomes has been published in multiple peer-reviewed journals.

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ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

Building the Perfect Bouquet

Valentine’s Day can be celebrated in many ways. Some people choose to go out for dinner and a movie, others hire a private chef for a romantic meal at home, some buy chocolates and find a fun activity in town, and some couples go out of town for an exciting getaway! One Valentine’s Day staple is giving a bouquet of flowers to someone special. Flowers are the gift that say I love you and can be given to your spouse, children, and mom. As a child, my father always got me roses on Valentine’s Day until I met my husband and he took over the tradition. A bouquet of flowers can say many things as each flower has a different meaning. If you’re wanting to say something special to the ones you love this Valentine’s Day, take a look at our list of three popular flowers, what they mean, and what flowers to pair them with.

USE THIS GUIDE WHEN ORDERING VALENTINE’S DAY BOUQUETS

Roses

LOVE & ROMANCE

Roses are by far the most popular flower to give on Valentine’s Day. They are beautiful by themselves or you can add Baby’s Breath to enhance the bouquet. These two make a romantic bouquet and are the perfect flowers to give to someone special.

Lilies

PURITY & FERTILITY

Lilies come in a variety of colors and are eye-catching! For a softer looking bouquet, pair your lilies with carnations. These two combined are fun and heartwarming and are a great gift for anyone.

Tulips

PERFECT FOR DEEP LOVE

A bouquet of tulips will brighten any space! Adding some Ranunculus, also known as buttercup, will complement the tulips wonderfully. These flowers have a refreshing look that will decorate any home beautifully in a crystal vase.

ALL THE REASONS WHY NANCY CORTEZ LOVES THE DAYTONA BEACH AREA

GIVING BACK EVERY DAY

Nancy Cortez arrived in the Daytona area 31 years ago, settling in for all the right reasons.

“I immediately fell in love with the vibrant coastal lifestyle,” Cortez says. “The weather is ideal — just enough of a seasonal change, and then you’re right back to the beach and the pool. It’s a friendly community, small enough that you always run into someone you know. City officials and economic development leaders are very accessible. Our location also makes it easy to explore the rest of Florida.”

She stayed not only because of the easy-going lifestyle, but also because she had a vision for pitching in to help build a civically engaged community.

The Rotary Club of Downtown Ormond Beach, which Cortez founded with two friends, was instrumental in creating the Four Corners Park and Fit Loop near the Granada Bridge — a thoughtfully designed public space with miles of walking paths beneath and alongside the bridge, framed by sweeping views of the Intercoastal Waterway.

“We partnered with AdventHealth to install exercise equipment on each corner of the park,” Cortez explains. “I love that there’s a ribbon of coastline to walk every day, and now an equally beautiful ribbon of trails along the Intercoastal.”

There are now so many initiatives that benefit from Nancy’s civic engagement that she literally gives something back to the community every single day. Cortez is a member of both the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach Chambers of Commerce, serves as a docent with the Ormond Beach Historical Society, and is a driving force behind Ormond Beach MainStreet. Through MainStreet, she helps bring beloved community events to life, including Riverfest, the Celtic Festival, Taste of Ormond, Granada Grand, Shop Small Saturday, and Christmas in July.

Behind the scenes, Cortez manages as many as 150 volunteers per event — a feat that requires equal parts organization, leadership, and enthusiasm. Riverfest alone draws an average of 15,000 attendees, bringing a celebration of fresh seafood, fun, and entertainment to the community.

“We’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” she says with a laugh. “It’s a pretty well-known joke that I work to support my volunteer addiction.”

Through Ormond Beach MainStreet, Cortez also plays a hands-on role in strengthening the area’s economic vitality and visual appeal by working closely with local businesses and government officials. The group is also a member of the national MainStreet program which provides business owners access to CRA matching grants to improve building facades. Current efforts focus on expanding green spaces and enhancing landscaping throughout downtown.

Cortez is now a top realtor with Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors and notes that the low cost of living in the Daytona area makes it a very attractive landing spot. “Even though prices have gone up recently, you can’t find another coastal town in Florida that has a vibrant lifestyle at our home prices,” according to Nancy.

While she is centered in Ormond Beach, the drive into Daytona Beach along Jimmy Buffett Memorial Highway happens in the blink of an eye. She’s well known for her community tours and is often called upon when major employers recruit key talent. It’s also rumored that she occasionally tests the “land speed record” while driving her Jeep down the beach — dog and future Floridian on board.

Cortez reflects on the area’s long-recognized appeal. “John D. Rockefeller famously chose Ormond Beach after being advised it was one of the healthiest places to live,” she says. “A century later, I still believe that’s true.”

With a favorable lifestyle and strong sense of community, Cortez believes the region’s best chapters are still ahead – “I’ve definitely drank the koolaid.”

Full Throttle LIFE AT

The World Comes to Daytona for Thrills, Chills, and Glory

ARTICLE BY DEB LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHE HANCKOWIAK, DIS, FRANK KELLEHER

Five years ago, when Frank Kelleher was named President of Daytona International Speedway (DIS), he knew from his deep roots in the area that many of his fellow soccer dads hadn’t experienced the magic inside the larger-than-life grandstand.

“We have visitors from 70+ countries and every state in America coming to Daytona to enjoy world-class sports. We’re recognized as the leader and flag-bearer of motorsports.

We have so many exciting things happening here and we want residents to join us in experiencing a true slice of Americana,” said Kelleher in an exclusive talk with Daytona City Lifestyle.

“We’re your neighbors,” he says. “We’re on the beach with our kids, but when we step through these gates, we’re representing Daytona to the world. We take that very seriously. It’s beyond belief to go to work every day at the birthplace of speed. It never gets old, especially watching fans experience this track like I did the first time I set foot on it twenty years ago.”

It’s an experience that transcends racing.

WHAT THE WORLD LOVES ABOUT DAYTONA

You don’t have to be a gearhead to fall in love with the Speedway.

Kelleher relates the night he was assessing the day’s success while listening as fans exited the gates. One young fan, crossing the track after a concert, burst into tears when she realized she was standing on legendary asphalt. “She said her grandfather would never believe she was actually standing on the Speedway,” he reported.

Even artists who have performed in nearly every venue across the world are awestruck. When the Foo Fighters arrived ahead of their concert, they all wanted the “official” Speedway tour, hats, t-shirts, and selfies like any other lifelong fan. The magic touches everyone.

THE VIP TREATMENT

Whether you’re new to Daytona or racing or a car aficionado, the Speedway’s events can be tailor-made with VIP service in mind. Whether it’s a VIP race lounge, trackside hospitality, behindthe-scenes access, or simply standing where legends stood, a day or weekend at the Speedway is a bucket list item.

Experiences created with a discerning crowd in mind are carefully curated and can include VIP packages for the upcoming Daytona 500 on February 15, the Daytona 200 motorcycle race on March 7, Welcome to Rockville May 7-10 featuring Guns N’ Roses, Foo Fighters, and The Offspring, or even a solo racing experience behind the wheel of a NASCAR race car. The track and associated facilities can also be rented out for private events.

WHERE GLOBAL DECISION-MAKERS START THEIR ENGINES

One of the premier experiences at the Speedway just wrapped up as the Rolex 24 came to a close January 24th. Race weekend once again brought together the world’s most influential motorsport leaders. On race morning, executives from Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche, Toyota, Chevrolet, Lexus, and more gathered for Jim France’s Chairman’s Breakfast — a uniquely Daytona moment.

“It’s the largest annual gathering of global motorsports decision-makers in one room,” he explains. “These are people with big dreams. Their companies are shaped by people who push boundaries. They have a passion to drive their vehicles to be what they are today. These are the moments when you reflect on how far the sport has come – from racing on the beaches here to today’s economic powerhouse. An entire industry has grown up alongside Daytona.”

Moments later, the execs all walked together to Pit Road — chasing a win – at Daytona.

Beyond the thrills and chills, Daytona International Speedway – along with One Daytona and International Motorsports Center – delivers an annual economic impact of $800 million to the state.

…AND SOMETIMES PRESIDENTS ARRIVE TRACKSIDE

When asked if he’d heard whether President Trump would be returning for the Daytona 500 over President’s Day Weekend, he related that they’ll be ready should he be back again this year. “You don’t get much notice that the President is coming. While we already have a very high level of security, when the Secret Service is involved, they completely take over for obvious reasons.”

“We have a brotherhood of hard-working people here in Daytona and at the track who look out for each other and treat everyone the same.”

A HOLLYWOOD MOMENT ON VICTORY LANE

One of the Speedway’s most surreal chapters arrived when Brad Pitt came to the track to film the opening scenes of F1: The Movie. Filming of the movie’s critical opening shots would happen while both the ROAR before the 24 and the Rolex 24 races were live. With 61 cars and associated teams, the Speedway’s infield would already be at capacity. The film’s production team arrived to build a movie set with space requirements equal to an entire football field within the infield. The film crew planned to have a fictional team embedded into the actual 24-hour race.  Minutes before the Rolex 24 starts, the movie’s director approaches Kelleher and politely asks to shut down the Speedway’s Victory Lane. Calling on years of experience handling high-powered negotiations, Kelleher and his staff were able to create a workable solution without skipping a beat during the actual race.

Pitt later found Kelleher to thank him personally.

“He said to me, ‘I’ve been around the world and nothing compares to this place.’ The next thing I know we’re doing selfies with my wife and kids. It really hit me – that moment. I started here as an intern, grew up blue-collar, and I’m having this authentic, amazing moment with people who are at the top of their field. My job as steward of Daytona International Speedway is to protect it so all of our guests feel that same awe -  that the promise of Daytona was delivered.”

“There’s something honest and timeless about Daytona Beach. This place isn’t chasing trends — it stands proudly on who it is,” says Kelleher as he muses about the cultural significance of the area. “People come from all around the world and all 50 states to feel the history, the energy, and that uniquely American spirit. We want our area residents — especially those who haven’t yet visited— to experience it too.”

the BENEFITS OF PLANT-BASED EATING

ARTICLE BY CLAUDIA MARTIN AYOADE

BY

JANIE JONES

Most people think a plant-based diet is strictly for those vegan and vegetarian types, but there is no debating the overwhelming evidence showing the benefits of improved health for those who make that diet choice. Plant-based eating is more of a lifestyle than a diet. You are simply eating more foods that are closer to their harvested state with minimal processing.

Meatless diets have been shown to improve health outcomes by lowering the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, inflammation, and some cancers. It also improves gut health because of added fiber to your diet.

A plant-based diet still allows to you consume the carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals and vitamins that are necessary for good health, with the added benefits of being higher in fiber and phytonutrients.

You do not have to give up meat entirely and there are labels to identify where you fall in your plant eating journey. Do what is comfortable for you so you will stick with it.

You can choose to be a flexitarian which mean you occasionally eat meat but you choose plants as the primary foods you eat. You have some flexibility with your diet. If you choose to be a vegetarian, then you do not eat meats but you still eat eggs and dairy products as opposed to being a vegan who eats no animal products.

There is also another reason to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily food intake; It is better for the environment. The industries that produce our dairy and meats is said to account for a third of the world’s water usage in addition to producing greenhouse gas emissions. Eat your greens and save the planet!

TIPS TO GET STARTED ON YOUR PLANT-BASED JOURNEY:

1. Make small changes to test your comfort level when reducing meat intake. There is a risk of being overwhelmed if you suddenly stop eating meat altogether, and it will be harder stick to your choice long term. Increase consumption of plant foods you already like.

2. A plant-based diet does not mean boring! You can create a variety of dishes, including ethnic meals that are meat free and delicious. This is a great time to try new spices to add a punch to your vegetables and add green leafy vegetables to your smoothies.

3. Use the whole plant because there are nutrients in every part of the plant, including the stems and leaves. Use the leaves from celery, radishes, beets and carrots and use the stems from spinach. Don’t throw away vital nutrients like potassium, vitamin C and fiber. You are also reducing waste.

4. Eat the rainbow! Choose different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of nutrients. The color of plant-based foods is often an indicator of the vitamins and minerals they contain. So, more colors mean more nutrients. Example: Orange foods contain beta carotene, the precursor for vitamin A.

5. If you do not eat animal products, you will need to take a B12 and possibly an iron supplement. Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin available only in animal products. Low B12 can cause anemia and damage to the nervous system. Some vegan foods are fortified with vitamin B12.

6. A meat-free diet does not automatically mean healthy if you replace the meat with highly processed junk food and meat substitutes. You need to eat fresh quality fruits, vegetables and grains to get the health benefits that can add years to your life.

Claudia Martin-Ayoade, is a registered dietitian, writer and public speaker who is passionate about educating people on nutrition and addressing food insecurity. AgeSmartNutrition.com

CULTIVATING INNER JOY

Dr. Itzel Harriott and the pursuit of mindful living along Daytona’s sun-soaked shores.

ARTICLE

BY DEB LOVETT PHOTOGRAPHY BY DR. ITZEL HARRIOTT

When Dr. Itzel Harriott considered where to relocate her family during COVID, she chose Daytona Beach for its small-town vibe and the feeling of openness and welcome they experienced. “I knew that this move might mean a difficult transition from college life to adulting for my son since we moved away from where he had grown up,” shared Dr. Harriott. “Even though I had joined the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce to facilitate business connections, those connections led to finding friends, love, and friendships for both myself and my son. We both found our tribes and enjoy the beach culture as well as NASCAR .”

Dr. Harriott is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) with a Doctorate degree in Pharmacology at Indiego Clinical Consultants (ICC) Counseling Center in Daytona Beach. She provides evidence-based behavioral therapy, psychopharmacology education, and holistic wellness coaching.

As a Navy veteran, she is actively involved in the veterans community as well as health and elder care initiatives. Given her training in mental health and counseling, she has become a valuable resource for many local groups including Healthier, Wealthier, and Wiser and serves on the

Recovery Alliance board. The Healthier, Wealthier, and Wiser group focuses on elder care education. She provides support to the group on health topics as varied as diabetes and grief counseling.

“While the holidays are often thought of as the most difficult time of year for those who are grieving, it is quickly followed by Valentine’s Day which can also be really tough,” according to Dr. Harriott. “I find it helpful to remember that grief is an expression of love. Accepting love means accepting that one will eventually grieve. Reframing involves finding a way to honor what you are grieving and to try to flip that abiding grief into an attitude of gratitude for the love you experienced.”

When mundane tasks like picking up dropped toys, doing laundry, or washing dishes start to get us down, it’s helpful to remember what may be the genesis of the term, “labor of love.” Dr. Harriott recommends reminding yourself that love is not passive – it’s active – and daily labor is the price of love, especially with children and grandchildren. Reframing daily interactions with kindness and service will shift our focus to recognize how much love we have in our lives.

Is it joy, love, or happiness that can boost our mood? Dr. Harriott clarifies

that these are three distinct concepts. “First, we really don’t have control over love – we don’t really think about it when we are expressing it or experiencing it. Happiness is temporary and can be tied to things like chocolate or cake, while joy is deep-seated and anchored to something lasting like the birth of a child. If you have joy,” according to Dr. Harriott, “then you can generate love and happiness, so cultivating inner joy is the most important concept.”

Dr. Harriott shares an exercise for finding joy if living by the beach has become just a part of the scenery, because sometimes we can lose our anchor even if joy is tied to something permanent like our beautiful surroundings.

“THERE IS A LOT TO LOVE ABOUT DAYTONA.”

“There is a lot to love about Daytona and there are lots of organizations that have been built with that love in mind,” says Dr. Harriott. “If you look for it, there is something for everyone to do every weekend.”

Dr. Harriott remembers her surprise when she won a raffle ticket through her volunteer work with the chamber to help promote a job services event for veterans. She was awarded a pit pass to the Daytona 500 through a generous donation from NASCAR . “First, I was already a huge fan of NASCAR. While I would entice my sons with tickets to races, honestly, it was all about me,” she says with a laugh. “That I was rewarded for my volunteer work with something I truly love was such a shock because we all know volunteering is its own reward - but you’re looking at someone who bought a 5-speed Porsche back when I first joined the military. Years later, I have found myself at a number of functions where NASCAR has organized events to honor veterans.”

In addition to race week, Dr. Harriott finds joy, love, and happiness just getting out on the hard sand in the off-season gleefully tossing pieces of bread out the sunroof of her car to the flock of seagulls following her down the beach. “I guess I’m spreading as much joy as I’m pursuing because it’s a sight to see – there are always folks on the beach with their arms outstretched recording my drive on their phones.”

DR. ITZEL HARRIOTT

Dr. Harriott is RMHCI-certified with a Doctorate in Pharmacology with expertise in pharmacology, psychology, pastoral counseling, and functional medicine. She provides evidence-based behavioral therapy and coaching at ICC Counseling Center.

Rediscovering Home

The Art of Florida Staycations

ARTICLE BY MARNIE VAN DER BURGT

Remember when “vacation” meant packing a passport and boarding a long-haul flight? The past few years have taught us that sometimes the most extraordinary experiences are right

North Florida

Starting in North Florida, the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island offers a pristine Atlantic coastline and Southern charm in Fernandina Beach . This Virtuoso haven features spectacular dining at Salt restaurant and a spa that incorporates local healing traditions. The historic Ponte Vedra Inn & Club stands as a testament to timeless Florida luxury, with its iconic oceanfront location, championship golf courses, and renowned spa. The highly anticipated Four Seasons Jacksonville will bring additional luxury to the area when it opens in 2027.

In Palm Beach , the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa , a distinguished Virtuoso property, reimagines luxury with a playful twist. While enjoying Jonathan Adler-designed rooms, guests can explore the area’s local boutiques and galleries, contributing to the vibrant Palm Beach economy.

South Florida

South Florida's luxury scene continues to evolve with the Mediterranean-inspired Acqualina Resort & Residences, a Virtuoso property in Sunny Isles Beach, featuring three oceanfront swimming pools and the legendary ESPA spa. In March 2026, the iconic Delano Miami Beach will make its grand return as a Virtuoso Preview Property, promising a sophisticated South Beach experience with its legendary pool scene, luxurious rooms with ocean views, and world-class dining options. Both properties are easily accessible via Brightline's modern rail service from Central Florida.

Down in the Keys, Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a Virtuoso property, offers an ultra-exclusive, adults-only tropical escape that rivals any Caribbean destination – no passport required. This sophisticated sanctuary welcomes guests age 18+ only, and is accessible only by boat or seaplane. It provides an intimate setting where couples and adult travelers can truly unwind. Their partnerships with local eco-tours and water sports operators help sustain the Keys' unique ecosystem and economy.

in our own backyard. Enter the "staycation" – a chance to explore local treasures while supporting Florida's vibrant tourism economy.

From the Daytona area, a world of luxury unfolds in every direction with most destinations reachable within a few hours' drive.

Florida’s Panhandle

In the pristine Panhandle, two exceptional properties await: The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa , a Virtuoso property in Destin , captures the area's natural beauty, working closely with local fishing boats and tour operators. Meanwhile, the WaterColor Inn in Santa Rosa Beach offers a sophisticated retreat with stunning architecture, private beach access, and multiple dining venues showcasing local seafood.

Florida’s

West Coast

Along the West Coast, LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, a Virtuoso property, perfectly captures the area’s sophisticated charm. With its beachfront location, world-class golf course, and SpaTerre, it offers an elegant escape that embodies Naples’ luxury. The resort’s signature restaurant BALEEN serves exquisite cuisine with stunning views of the Gulf.

In the heart of Florida, the Four Seasons Orlando elevates the Central Florida experience with adults-only pools, spectacular rooftop dining at Capa, and sumptuous spa. While the property offers easy access to theme parks, it’s a sophisticated retreat that stands on its own merits.

When you choose a Florida staycation, you’re not just treating yourself to luxury – you’re contributing to our state’s economic vitality. From the valets and housekeepers to the local tour guides and artisans, your vacation spending helps support thousands of Florida families.

Sometimes the most extraordinary stories unfold closest to home.

2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 5TH

Blossom Dental & Facial Aesthetics Offers Free Consultation Day

Blossom Dental & Facial Aesthetics, 900 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 5, Ormond Beach FL 32174 | 8:30 AM

Discover your best skin at Blossom Dental & Facial Aesthetics’ Open House! Enjoy a complimentary 30-minute consultation with a facial scan analysis between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Learn how our advanced treatments can refresh dull skin, smooth texture, tighten and lift, minimize pores, and enhance muscle tone. Call 386-947-7603 to reserve your spot and to enjoy exclusive event-only specials.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Love Among the Stars

The Brown, 352 S Nova Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | 5:30 PM

The Brown, formerly MOAS, is hosting an evening celebrating love and the universe in the Lohman Planetarium. Tickets are available online or by calling the museum at (386) 255-0285 and include appetizers, desserts, one glass of champagne, a planetarium show, and telescope viewing age 21+. Advanced purchase is required. https://bit.ly/LoveAmongtheStars_0214

FEBRUARY 26TH

Manhattan Chamber Players Performance

News-Journal Center, 221 N Beach St, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 | 7:00 PM

The Daytona Beach Symphony Society presents the Manhattan Chamber Players in a performance of Dvorak's "Serenade for Strings" and Tchaichovsky's "Serenade for Strings. Tickets available at DBSS.org or in person at the News-Journal Center box office.

Dr Jillian Morrison specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery offering a full range of surgical and non-surgical procedures including, Botox, Filler, Microneedling, in office eyelid lift, and liposuction.

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