MAYOR'S COLUMN

Published and Mailed to the Residents of South Daytona as a Citizens' Participation Program December 2010/ January 2011

Editor: John Wisniewski, P.O. Box 214960, South Daytona, FL 32121

T he holiday season is a time for both reflection and celebration. Despite the continued economic challenges felt at

home and globally, we have a lot for which to be thankful.

South Daytona is a resilient city with outstanding staff members who have worked diligently to maintain essential ser-

vices under challenging conditions. We have made great strides in becoming a green community, have continued to

make much needed stormwater improvements and enhanced our parks. Thanks to a federally funded program, we will

soon see an attractive streetscape transformation along Ridgewood Avenue.

We are pleased to welcome our newest council members; Brandon Young and Lisa O’Neal. Both Brandon and Lisa have

excellent qualifications and, with young children, bring a strong family perspective to our council. We look forward to

working with them in the coming year. Let me also congratulate Nancy Long on her recent appointment as vice-mayor.

More than anything else though, what defines our city is our people. We are all grateful and thankful for the many resi-

dents and businesses who have contributed their time and ideas to help make this city unique. One very visible example

is the success of the South Daytona Community Trust Fund. Through private donations, the fund has assisted many

struggling homeowners with basic shelter needs. Next year, South Daytona will celebrate its 60th anniversary ─ a mile-

stone for which we can all be proud.

Material things come and go. What is truly important is our family, friends and community. Time is one of the most pre-

cious gifts of the season so be sure and create special memories with those important to you.

Brandon Young

Councilman Seat 1

453-5645

Nancy Long

Vice-Mayor Seat 2

299-4974

George F. Locke, III

Mayor

761-5969

WWW.SOUTHDAYTONA.ORG

Wishing everyone in our wonderful community

a safe & delightful holiday season.

SOUTH DAYTONA CITY COUNCIL

Lisa O’Neal

Councilwoman Seat 3

852-5747

Ron Clifton

Councilman Seat 4

767-0936

2

GRANT FUNDING UPDATE

Florida Inland Navigation District

Commissioner Nancy Freeman and

Volusia County Council Chairman

Frank Bruno recently presented the

City Council with a pair of $42,500

checks representing full funding of

the Riverfront Veterans Memorial

Park Parking Expansion Project.

Application for a federally-funded,

$330,000 Florida Pre-Disaster Miti-

gation 75% matching grant, mean-

while, has been submitted by the

City to facilitate construction of a

stormwater retention pond to prevent

flooding in the Lantern Park subdivi-

sion.

A second Florida Pre-Disaster Miti-

gation 75% matching grant applica-

tion approved by the Council seeks

$14,850 for replacement of worn-out

Fire Station bay doors with heavy-

duty, wind-and-water-resistant doors.

GENERAL ELECTION OATHS OF OFFICE

CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS

By resolution, the City Council has taken strong action in regard to a pair of

controversial issues affecting all area communities.

For starters, the Council joined with sister cities in a joint resolution supporting

municipalities wishing to provide contingency ambulance service to their resi-

dents. Contingency transport status is the next step to provide the most efficient

service and would not require additional personnel costs to the existing system,

Fire Chief Tad Derr reported to the Council.

By resolution as well, the Council declared the City “greatly opposed” to po-

tential transference of mail processing operations from the United States Postal

Service’s Daytona Beach facility to a mid-Florida center in Lake Mary. Local

business and charitable and other organization dependence on current next-day

delivery service for a variety of essential mailings is cited in the resolution,

along with the potential loss of jobs that could result from a transfer.

In other action, the Council has approved an application from Elevate Church

Worship Ministries/Pastor Joseph Deveneaux to establish a house of worship

for religious services and classes in a unit at Sunshine Park Mall.

KENNETH MCMILLEN HONORED

The title of Councilman Emeritus has been bestowed on Kenneth McMillen,

who left office last month after serving his fellow residents for 22 years as a

member of the City Council, the longest service of any Council member in the

history of the City.

McMillen was saluted for his many accomplishments in regard to his unwaver-

ing support of water and sewer system improve-

ments, upgraded sidewalks and roadways, and youth

sports programs, a new City Hall, Community Cen-

ter and Fire Station, and his tireless championship of

people with disabilities.

Mayor George Locke presented McMillen with a

proclamation recognizing his dedication and merito-

rious service and a special Councilman Emeritus

badge at the City Council’s Oct. 26 meeting. “He’s

been a mentor, an accomplished council member, a

friend, and he loves this community,” Locke said.

Councilman Emeritus Kenneth McMil-

len displays the proclamation honoring

his longtime City Council service,

flanked by City Manager Joe Yarbrough

(left), Mayor George Locke and City

Newsletter Editor John Wisniewski.

Re-elected Seat 2 Councilwoman Nancy Long

and newly-elected Councilwoman Lisa O’Neal

were sworn into office by City Attorney Scott

Simpson at the Nov. 9 City Council meeting.

Long was first elected in 2005 and was unop-

posed for re-election to a second term. O’Neal,

who temporarily served as a member of the

Council by appointment in the wake of the

April death of her husband, Mayor Blaine

O’Neal, won her bid for Seat 3 in the Nov. 2

election.

APPLY NOW FOR CITY BOARD SERVICE

The City Council soon will be considering appointments in regard to

voluntary service on the City’s regulatory and advisory boards. If you

wish to be considered, please contact Deputy City Clerk Debbie Fitz-

Gerald at City Hall.

3

WHITE CANE SAFETY DAY OBSERVED

The City, in coordination with other local entities,

promoted White Cane Safety Day in October to edu-

cate motorists regarding the need to exercise special

care in regard to the blind and to reduce pedestrian

injuries.

Mayor George Locke proclaimed the observance as

“Pedestrian Awareness Day,” then accompanied

visually impaired volunteers attempting to safely

cross the intersection of Ridgewood Avenue and

Big Tree Road.

City police officers were on hand to cite infractions by both motorists and pe-

destrians.

“It made me realize how challenging it is for the visually handicapped to navi-

gate a busy intersection,” Mayor Locke said, adding: “Events such as this help

remind motorists to slow down for all pedestrians.”

30-YEAR-OLD CITIZENS PATROL SEEKING ADDITIONAL MEMBERS

Many law enforcement agencies in this area now sponsor similar efforts, but

South Daytona’s Citizens Patrol was the first, begun many years ago with vol-

unteers driving their own cars and supplying the gas.

That effort has evolved into the program we have today - our volunteers drive

marked Citizens Patrol cars and assist the Police Department by providing ex-

tra eyes and ears throughout the community.

In 2010, Citizens Patrol members logged over 1,000 hours and drove over

7,750 miles. Their volunteer duties include directing traffic, assisting at ele-

mentary school events and providing visible safety during the 5K run, Kids’

Fishing Tournament, Kailynne Quartier Memorial Ride, Light Up The Night

and Halloween events.

As strong and active as these volunteers are, additional ones are always needed

and welcomed. Citizens Patrol meets the first Thursday of each month.

Additional information can be obtained by calling the Crime Prevention Line

at 322-3044. Residents, meanwhile, may report suspicious activities by calling

the Police Department at 322-3030.

WINTER BRINGS FIRE HAZARDS

The days are shorter, the weather cooler

and holiday celebrations are in full

swing, but winter also brings unique fire

hazards to our homes. The Fire/Rescue

Department offers residents the follow-

ing fire safety tips for a safe and enjoy-

able season.

● Smoke Detectors - Change the batter-

ies in smoke detectors and be sure units

are working. The department has a pro-

gram to assist residents with smoke de-

tectors. If you need help to change the

battery or even a new smoke detector,

call 322-3033 for assistance.

● Heating Systems - Have your heating

system checked and serviced. Dirty fil-

ters and dust accumulation are the pri-

mary reasons smoke or a burning odor

is emitted from a previously idle heating

system. Fuel-fired heating systems

should be serviced to insure the exhaust

systems are not leaking. Also with these

types of heating systems, consideration

should be given to having a carbon mon-

oxide detector installed.

● Fireplaces - Make sure the fireplace

flue is open before lighting a fire and

check that the chimney and roof are free

from limbs and leaves. Use a fireplace

screen to prevent children and animals

from getting too close to the fire. Chim-

neys should be cleaned on a regular

basis.

● Portable Heaters - If using a portable

heater, always follow manufacturer’s

instructions, make sure there is adequate

clear space around the heater and never

use extension cords.

● Christmas Trees - Always keep the

tree stand filled with water. Never use

candles with open flames as decorations

on a tree. Keep in mind that overloaded

extension cords and faulty lighting are a

sure bet to ruin a holiday season.

● Open Burning Is Prohibited - The

National Weather Service is predicting a

very dry winter. Open burning is prohib-

ited in the City due to the danger of

blowing embers starting unwanted fires

and to prevent unwanted smoke and

fumes in the community. The city has

yard trash pick up to safely dispose of

materials.

If you have any questions about these

tips or any other fire safety issues,

please feel free to contact the Depart-

ment 322-3033.

From left: Mayor George Locke and his

wife Martha Jo walked a busy intersec-

tion with other volunteers recently to

raise awareness of safety concerns for

visually handicapped pedestrians.

Christmas trees will be

collected on Monday, your

regular yard waste collec-

tion day. Please be sure to

remove all tinsel, tree trim-

mings, etc. from the tree

and place it to the curb by

7 a.m.

Cardboard boxes and gift

boxes are recyclable and

should be flattened to fit in

recycling bin for regular

recycling collection day.

Extra large cardboard

boxes that do not fit in recy-

cling truck hopper will be

collected by garbage truck.

Wrapping paper is not

recyclable and should be

disposed of with your gar-

bage.

Please call the South Day-

tona Public Works De-

partment at 322-3080 for

further information.

HOLIDAY GARBAGE COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Waste Pro has notified the City there are no changes scheduled for the collection of

garbage, recycling or yard waste during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

4

SIDEWALKS ARE IMPORTANT AMENITIES

There are many benefits that sidewalks provide, ranging from opportunities to walk for personal

fitness and enjoyment, to safety and a better sense of community. Where there are sidewalks,

people are encouraged to walk.

Whether property owner or tenant, we all need to do our part to keep sidewalks safe. Please

keep sidewalks edged and clear of grass clippings, leaves, and debris (your vigilance is

especially important if you live along a school walk route). Please be mindful not to park

on or block sidewalks or permit delivery or construction vehicles to do so on or at your

property. If walking with pets or cycling on the pathway, always yield to pedestrians.

GOLF CART RULES EXPANDED

In 2009, South Daytona was one of the first communities in Volusia County to adopt regulations to allow golf carts to be

driven on designated City streets. Due to the success of the program, the City has expanded the hours and locations

where carts may be driven.

Phase II of the program will allow golf carts to be operated between sunrise and 9 p.m., or until 10 p.m. during Daylight

Savings Time. The extension of hours allows families to return home by golf cart fol-

lowing sporting events at City parks.

The areas that golf carts may be driven also have been extended to include public parks,

public park sidewalks and the eight-foot sidewalk on the south-east side of Big Tree

Road between U.S.1 and Nova Road -- provided pedestrians are given the right-of-way.

Golf cart crossings are encouraged at official traffic-controlled intersections.

Requirements for registration and inspection for headlights, brake lights, turn signals,

windshields and seatbelts remain the same and carts are restricted to the area east of

Nova Road, west of U.S. 1 and south of Beville Road. Golf carts may not travel on

Reed Canal Road, Nova Road, U.S.1 and Beville Road. Call 322-3030 for more infor-

mation or to make an appointment for a golf cart inspection.

PORTION OF SEGRAVE STREET TO REMAIN CLOSED THROUGH MID DECEMBER

Residents may have noticed a portion of Segrave Street has been closed to through traffic since

Nov. 11. The closure, from Olive Street to Orange Blossom Drive, is due to sanitary sewer

main construction. It’s expected to continue through the second week in December. All resi-

dents and employees of businesses located in the closed stretch will have access to and from

their homes or places of employment.

We ask that all other motorists utilize the designated detour. The project is part of the

City’s Capital Improvement Program and will provide sewer service to businesses along

Segrave Street who currently utilize septic tanks. Please call the Public Works Department

at 322-3080 if you have any questions.

DETOUR

5

CONSUMER COMPLAINT ASSISTANCE

The Division of Consumer Services is Florida’s clearinghouse for consumer complaints, protection and information, and

investigates reports of unfair and deceptive trade practices. The division also aids the U.S. Consumer Product Safety

Commission in regard to product recalls, inspections and investigations.

The division’s Bureau of Compliance has regulatory responsibility for businesses such as motor vehicle repair shops,

charitable organizations, pawnbrokers, sweepstakes/game promotions and telemarketing, handles Lemon Law issues and

is the Florida Do Not Call Program administrator.

The Bureau of Mediation and Enforcement mediates complaints filed by consumers regarding

goods and services provided by businesses.

The Bureau of Investigations investigates alleged violations of Florida law that fall within the

jurisdiction of the division’s regulated programs as well as complaints of price gouging during

a declared state of emergency.

The Bureau of Consumer Assistance is comprised of the Consumer Assistance Center and

the Lemon Law program. The Consumer Assistance Center answers the state's toll-free Con-

sumer Assistance Hotline, 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). Lemon Law assistance is available

by calling 1-800-321-5366.

LATE BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT RENEWAL PENALTIES

City Business tax receipts (formerly known as Occupational Licenses) were required to be renewed by September 30

and penalty fees for late renewal have been accruing since Oct. 1.

The 10% late renewal penalty fee in October increased to 15% in November and

increases to 20% in December and 25% in January.

If not renewed by January 31, the owner of a business could incur a $250 fine in

addition to the late penalty fees.

Courtesy renewal notices were mailed on July 1st, 2010. Keep in mind that fail-

ure to receive a renewal notice does not relieve a business owner of responsibility

to renew on time. There are three convenient ways to renew:

By Mail - Before submitting payment, please be sure to review the renewal notice

in its entirety with special attention to the right side of the form next to the date

with “Total Amount Due”.

By Phone – Renewal via Visa or Master Card can be accomplished by calling

322-3020. Phone renewals and payments are accepted Monday through Friday

between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

In Person – At the Community Development Department office at City Hall

Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check, Visa Card, Mater Card and debit card payments are accepted.

If any information printed on your renewal form is incorrect, or you have any questions, contact Community Develop-

ment at 322-3020. Note: a new application is required for any changes to business name, business address or ownership

type.

Changes may be made by downloading an application at www.southdaytona.org. Complete and return to our office as

soon as possible. If the business is closed or has relocated outside the city limits, please notify our office so we can up-

date our records.

City Hall offices will be closed

on December 24th

, December 27th

, and January 1st.

6

STEVE FRYSON TO RETIRE

Steve Fryson has been overseeing the City’s utilities for 28 years. He’s put his heart into this

community and, after a meritorious career, is retiring in December to spend more time with

his family.

Steve started with the City in September 1982. Having previously worked for a local utility

contractor on various city-related projects, he was quickly recruited when a Public Works

Department position became available.

Starting out as an equipment operator, he advanced rapidly through the ranks to Utilities Su-

pervisor, along the way memorizing the Utilities Map in order to know the size, type, and

location of every one of the City’s utility lines.

Long one of the City’s most dedicated employees, he’ll now be able to enjoy spending more

time with his wife, Evangeline, son, Steve Jr. and two grandsons.

ENERGY CONSERVATION WORKSHOPS TO BEGIN

The City has received Florida Energy & Climate Commission Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Block Grant (EECBG) funding to conduct a series of monthly educational workshops during

2011. Classes will be held at the Piggotte Community Center. Education courses will serve to encour-

age energy efficiency, water conservation and other sustainable measures. For the complete list of

classes, please visit the Recreation Page on the City’s website. Initial sessions are set as follows:

CULTURE CLASS PRESENTATION

SET

An interactive presentation on

“Louisiana and the Bayou,” spon-

sored by the Parks & Recreation De-

partment is set for Wednesday, Jan.

19 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

Piggotte Community Center. The

presentation includes a slide show,

guest speaker, music, regional food

samples and more. Cost is $5.00 per

person. Call 1-888-316-7177 to reg-

ister for the presentation or to obtain

additional information.

SPECIAL GUESTS DINE WITH FIRE CHIEF

Many youngsters dream of becoming firefight-

ers when they grow up, but Dylan and Hunter

Simpson recently were treated to something

more – a unique fire station experience that in-

cluded dinner with Fire Chief Tad Derr.

For Dylan and Hunter, students at Warner

Christian Academy, the occasion was made pos-

sible by their grandfather, Gene Rogers, who

purchased an auction item donated by the Fire

Department at Warner’s annual fundraiser that

included dinner for six and a tour of the station.

Dylan, 3, and Hunter, 7, along with their par-

ents, Billy and Angie Simpson, and grandpar-

ents Gene and Diane Rogers, enjoyed Lt. Adam

Huth’s culinary skills during a station house

dinner. The boys said they enjoyed sitting in the

fire engine and trying on firefighter gear, but

their favorite activity was manning a fire hose.

Program Date Time Program Title Speakers

January 5, 2011 10:00 am Landscaping to conserve energy Howard Jefferies, UF IFAS Extension Master Gardener

February 1, 2011 10:00 am Lighting your landscape David Griffis, UF IFAS Extension Natural Resource Agent

7

The Piggotte Community Center may be

rented for events such as wedding receptions,

baby showers, birthday parties and retire-

ment parties. Please call 322-3070 for infor-

mation on availability and costs.

Adult Programs

Pilates Jan. 3

Belly Dance Jan. 3, 5, & 6

Hatha Yoga Jan. 4

Cardio Fusion Jan. 6

Falun Dafa Jan. 7

Meditation Jan. 10

Tai Chi Jan. 11

Line Dancing Jan. 13

Tennis Lessons 290-6344

Children’s Programs

Tap, Jazz, & Ballet Jan. 3, 4, 5, & 6

Gymnastics Jan. 3

Gymnastics Fitness Jan. 3

Parent/Tot Gymnastics Jan. 4

Isshin Ryu Karate Jan. 4

Tennis Lessons Call 290-6344

PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAM INFORMATION Piggotte Community Center

504 Big Tree Road - 322-3070

Adult Programs

Falun Dafa December 3

Pilates December 6

Tai Chi December 7

Belly Dance In Session

Hatha Yoga In Session

Meditation In Session

Card & Game Play Ongoing

Tennis Lessons Call 290-6344

Children’s Programs

Isshin Ryu Karate December 7

Self Defense December 7

Tap, Jazz, Ballet In Session

Gymnastics In Session

Parent/Tot Gym In Session

Tennis Lessons Call 290-6344

Special Events/Programs

Culture Class (Louisiana/Bayou Jan. 19

Adult & Senior Dance Jan. 29

December/January Sports Programs

Special Events/Programs

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony December 3

Holiday Lighting Awards December 16

Program

Registration

Season

Cost

Babe Ruth Baseball Jan. 1 - Feb. 16 Feb. - May $75.00

Mens & Coed Softball Through Dec. 20 Jan. - Feb. $550.00

Baseball Lessons

Call 322-3075 to schedule

Instructors Norm Yelverton /

Nick Regillo / J.R. House

Year Round $20.00

per ½-hour

Smile!

Attendance at one of our pro-

grams or events constitutes

consent to be photographed

for possible use on our web-

site, newsletter or other pro-

motional material. If you do

not wish your image to be

published, please notify a

member of the staff before

the program begins.

8

CITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

DECEMBER 3

This newsletter is scheduled to be delivered by the first of every other month. If you do not receive your copy

in a reasonable amount of time, please contact City Hall or the Post Office.

Calendar of Events

Dec. 1 6:00 pm Adjustment & Appeals Bd.

9 9:00 am Special Magistrate Code

Enforcement Hearing

14 6:00 pm City Council Meeting

15 6:00 pm Land Dev. Reg. Board

16 6:00 pm Parks & Recreation Board

24th

- 27th

CITY HALL CLOSED

Jan. 1st CITY HALL CLOSED

5 6:00 pm Adjustment & Appeals Bd.

11 6:00 pm City Council Meeting

13 9:00 am Special Magistrate Code

Enforcement Hearing

19 6:00 pm Land Dev. Reg. Board

20 6:00 pm Parks & Recreation Board

25 6:00 pm City Council Meeting

City of South Daytona

P.O. Box 214960

South Daytona, FL 32121-4960

"Presorted"

Standard

U.S. Postage

Paid

Permit #357

"Daytona Beach, FL"

Postal Customer

South Daytona, FL 32119

Join with neighbors and friends to celebrate the holiday season

at the annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6:30 p.m.

at City Hall. The program includes a message

of welcome from Mayor George Locke, a visit from Santa Claus,

entertainment and refreshments.

CITY CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY

DECEMBER 3