Highlands community celebrates centennial with historic events

The Daytona Highlands Centennial celebration kicked off with a successful event on Monday morning, drawing a turnout of approximately 30 to 40 attendees. The celebration marks 100 years since the establishment of the Highlands Daytona Beach residency in 1924. A permanent marker has been installed to commemorate this milestone, and a banner has been placed at the arch on International Speedway, highlighting the centennial.

City officials are encouraging residents to participate in the next event scheduled for August 20 at the Museum of Arts and Sciences. This two-hour program will feature a static display of historical artifacts, a reception with hors d'oeuvres, and a panel discussion sharing experiences from long-time residents, including stories about notable visitors like Norman Rockwell. The event aims to deepen community understanding of local history and heritage.

In other discussions, city officials addressed ongoing matters, including an update on the 777 Main Street project. A meeting is planned in the coming weeks to review contract terms with representatives from Savage Craft. Additionally, the city is preparing recommendations regarding permitting fees, particularly in relation to affordable housing, which will be presented at an upcoming meeting.

Commissioner Strickland raised concerns about the lack of special rates for residents at the public golf course and requested further exploration of this issue. He also emphasized the need for proactive planning regarding new regulations for homelessness, urging legal counsel to begin formulating a strategy to address potential challenges ahead of time.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these community concerns and celebrating the rich history of the Daytona Highlands.