DAYTONA BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 47
Are utility bills too high? Daytona Beach city commissioners support audit of utility billing system.
FOOTBALL PREVIEW PAGE 1B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY AUGUST 20, 2026
WILLIE WINS
Daytona Beach has a new Zone 5 representative. Zone 3 race will head to a runoff. PAGE 3A
PAGE 8A INSIDE AT-LARGE RACE
Nancy Miller, Mike Poniatowski to head to runoff for Volusia County Council at-large race. PAGE 4A
HEAD START
DeSantis announces two-year early start of $56M Clyde Morris road project. PAGE 9A
VCS CELEBRATION
Volusia County Schools celebrates being an “A” district for second year in a row. PAGE 4B
ALICE REPORT
44% of Volusia, Flagler working families under financial strain. PAGE 9A
Willie Williams and his wife, Dr. Tanya Williams, raise their hands in victory after Willie’s Zone 5 victory. Photo by Rachel Mills
RISK ASSESSMENT
Volusia’s coastline to receive Federal Interest Determination. PAGE 8A
BACK TO SCHOOL
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 9B Calendar..................... PAGE 5B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword...................PAGE 7B Letters.......................PAGE 10A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Schools....................... PAGE 6B Sports.......................... PAGE 1B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 8B
On a high note
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ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.
Bethune-Cookman University welcomed back new and returning Wildcats for the first day of the Fall 2026 Semester on Monday, Aug. 17. Following a week of orientation for first-year students, President Dr. Albert D. Mosley stood among the Class of 2030 around the statue of founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune – a reminder that her vision and legacy remain at the heart of the B-CU experience. Photo courtesy of B-CU
Mainland High School’s marching band returns to the field to continue the Buc tradition.
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