DAYTONA BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 36
Volusia would lose $92.8M in state tax plan If passed, this will be a ‘government service reform,’ county manager said. PAGE 6A INSIDE TOLL BOOTH DEATH
Ormond woman kills toll booth attendant in fatal Daytona Beach Shores crash. PAGE 2A
ECONOMIC STRATEGY Daytona Beach looks to sharpen economic development strategy with updated vision, targeted growth plans. PAGE 7A
What does the Spirit of America mean to you?
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, we are asking our readers to submit a short essay, anything from 10 words to 400 words, to answer this question: What does the Spirit of America mean to you? Responses may be published online or in print, including in the Observer’s annual Spirit of America section.
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 8A Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters........................ PAGE 9A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Schools....................... PAGE 3B Sports......................... PAGE 6B Real Estate................. PAGE 5B
MAINLAND’S CLASS OF 2026 3A
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY JUNE 4, 2026
‘Our historic home’ The $27 million facility at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave. replaces the state’s oldest operating fire station. ABE MILLS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
It was a unique ribbon cutting: Seven uniformed firefighters stood with Daytona Beach city officials and used fire rescue cutters to cut through a metal ribbon, all while fireworks sparkled behind them. Hundreds of firefighters, city officials, community partners and local residents were on hand for the grand opening of the new Daytona Beach firehouse on June 2. The partially solar powered, $27 million facility located at 420 S. Ridgewood Ave in Daytona Beach replaced Daytona’s historic Fire Station 1, the oldest continuously operating fire station in Florida. The ribbon cutting ceremony included speeches by Fire Chief Dru Driscoll, Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and Chaplain D’Arthur Wilcox Jr., along with Lt. Raymond Hackett and his wife, Margorie, pose with their children in front of a classic fire truck. Photos by Rachel Mills
Fire Chief Dru Driscoll and Daytona Fire Fighter Leadership salute at the ribbon cutting event in Daytona Beach.
a rousing version of the national anthem sung by Allyson Brown. “It fills my heart to bring in a facility that is equal to our historic home,” Driscoll said. “It’s a little bitter sweet for us because we love
that building, but I think it’s the time and I think we’re doing it an honor by building this facility.” Driscoll also said that a $15.2 million grant from the state of Florida was crucial to the success of the project, which he also said came in under budget. “This facility will give us 20 years of growth and then some,” he said. Henry said he is happy about the future. “I am humbled and grateful for where we’ve come from, but I’m also grateful for where we are going,” he said. Henry especially is impressed by the cutting edge technology for the fire fighters and what that means for Daytona residents. “It just sends a message to the community
that says that Daytona Beach values public safety.” He added that in his 15 years of service, this event was one of the great milestones. “This makes my heart feel very nice,” Wilcox said. “This is a new beginning for the Daytona Fire Department.” One of the features that affects Daytona residents most directly is the 90-seat community room. It will also serve as Daytona Beach’s primary Emergency Operations Center during disasters and emergencies. Multiple TV monitors in the room can show cameras around the city which will help locate where there is flooding and other needs for help during disasters.
Smooth sailing Hang 8 Dog Surfing Extravaganza makes its way to Daytona Beach.
Taking charge
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Reed Ridder ‘hits the air flying’ as new men’s basketball coach at Daytona State College.
Photo by Stephen Matteo
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