EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine November 2018 | Page 33

P
oised to overcome a challenging
reputation and years of neglect,
Daytona Beach is on the brink
of revitalization.
Long gone are the days of MTV spring
breakers and wild parties as Volusia County
ushers in what they hope will be a more
family-friendly atmosphere sparking growth
among area businesses and a reemergence of
the residential communities.
Bringing together a team of area thought
leaders comprised of business executives,
transportation experts and community
advocates, the Volusia County Council
formed the Beachside Revitalization
Committee in May 2017. Staging a series of
public meetings and workshops, the think
tank developed a set of recommendations
that can be deemed nothing short of
extraordinary – seeking a way to bring
back to life one of Florida’s most well-
known destinations.
Amy Pyle and Rick Gehris stand near the well-know “World’s Most Famous Beach” sign in
Tony Grippa chaired the BRC’s efforts
Daytona Beach.
and brought to the table more than business
experience. His motivation and passion to
the committee cites potential examples of funding sources as
see the community he has been a part of for more than a decade
grants, fund transfers, inclusion in the capital programs budget
recover from a recession that devalued some of the most sought
and use of sales tax for strategic improvements. The study’s
after properties along the A1A corridor in Volusia County and left
recommendations provide estimated costs for each sector to help
once vibrant communities blighted and abandoned, is contagious.
prioritize projects, starting with East International Speedway
“It’s actually the most diverse group that’s gotten together
Boulevard at $23,200,000, Main Street at $4,678,750 (with bridge
on an issue like this, I believe,” said Grippa. “Everyone’s
replacement costs estimated at $55,000,000) – both of which are
interest is represented and we’re proud of the fact that there
in CRA or Community Redevelopment Agencies and SR A1A
was compromise on each and every issue and every vote was
improvements from Granada Boulevard to Dunlawton Avenue
unanimous,” he said.
around $55,000,000.
“The input we got from the neighborhoods was phenomenal
Dedicated funding for design has already been allocated by
– their dedication to come to every meeting and speak to us,
the Florida Department of Transportation as a first step along the
there were terrific ideas that came forward and a lot of them we
way to revamping East ISB.
adopted,” said Grippa.
With transportation and infrastructure funding a hot topic
Recommendations for the comprehensive projects to
among administration officials in Washington D.C., Volusia area
revitalize the area will require local, state and federal dollars and
leaders hope federal dollars will be dedicated to the projects, led
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NOVEMBER 2018 | 33 |