EVOLVE Business and Professional Magazine November 2018 | Page 34

Traffic at the intersection of International Speedway Boulevard and A1A
by requests from local governments.
Nancy Keefer, president and CEO of the Daytona Regional
Chamber of Commerce credits the partnerships between the
River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization, Florida
Department of Transportation and elected officials like State
Representative Tom Leek for keeping the projects in the forefront.
“It’s understood that improving aesthetics comes with a price
tag and there is an opportunity to leverage grants and incentives
and open up communications with the public sector on current
plans that are in place that require a commitment from businesses
and residents to embrace improvements and be a part of the
enhancements,” said Keefer. “The most important part of the plan
is to get a champion, whether that be someone within the cities
or the county who will spearhead improvements and own the
advancement of the project.”
Keefer stresses the long-term benefits of the public-private
partnerships that will have a positive impact on residents, visitors
and local businesses as revitalization takes place
and community pride enhances quality of life.
“When you have the number of visitors we
have coming to our area, the word of mouth,
both positive and negative, will greatly impact
the future of an area as a destination for visitors
and corporate business,” said Keefer. “As people
can start to see improvements; better sidewalks,
lighting, bike paths, updated and improved
storefronts and pride in the homes that comprise
the beachside, the word will spread quickly that
something exciting is happening in our area,”
she said.
Tremendous progress in Volusia County
along International Speedway Boulevard west
of the Intracoastal Waterway has been swift with
an expansive overhaul at Daytona International
Speedway, home of NASCAR and the creation
of the One Daytona properties, but east along
the ISB corridor progress has been slow, if non-
existent, frustrating residents like Amy Pyle,
who stepped up
to run for Daytona Beach City Council in an effort to see
change implemented.
Moving to Daytona Beach in 2010, the New York native left
Central Florida, deciding to purchase her historic 20th century
home in Volusia County, a block from the beach. Restoring
the home and surveying the surrounding neighborhood, she’s
become a staunch advocate for the Beachside Neighborhood
Watch and a powerhouse for helping cleanup the area alongside
fellow residents.
“I’m trying to represent the people who are actually here,”
said Pyle. “I started right here in the community – small
businesses, build up the neighborhoods, get people moving in,
make it a nice place to live and places like this will thrive,” she
said. “Tourists love seeing happy neighbors. They love to come in
and say maybe we could move here sometime.”
Residents like Rick Gehris, who grew up in Daytona Beach,
recall the vibrant and bustling community of their youth.
At Florida Power & Light Company
we are working together with the communities
we serve to make Florida an even better place
to raise a family and do business.
#FPLCares
| 34 | EVOLVE BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL MAGAZINE