[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6151501,"mediaKeyId","5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8","parentId",5502181,"title","Local youth nonprofit asks commissioners for funding for literacy and leadership academy","audioSeconds",195,"startMs",3850000,"endMs",4045000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8&start=3850&end=4045","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8/thumbnail_3850000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6151501/Daytona-Beach-City/Volusia-County/Florida/Local-youth-nonprofit-asks-commissioners-for-funding-for-literacy-and-leadership-academy","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151501-4d707533965de2dccb1a05417137b79b/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614327&Signature=gcRfrQLuOoExmofeHGo5Gudh4cWfyk-LrPc~h4dCx2QINfnqo9tt~zQDI~1A5NNwdv1vzksRv~gc4UdU4WMOccPN3ZAkvHn3XAzY-tOsHF2GxRaAIgAw6zyQUA~BHG-SOHGa5BeCogsmJFssTJvGBiLg~uMiYvBbOrWLLwSSOvsxqd-QMSzywpxorkmWChGS4m9ggFJNAfrFlg8DtQbL6X13KAZvqDsbT9KgMFGjt2Rg8aoLiO~rDSdp9fH3iMPCxPYHDkABd8YyFB7HvzEh71qwr1m-eMWIyrkifhxC3yx2EyMdK4TtSX3A30PVavPeGZ0YrsyLusGqvIkYCOIPzA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Daytona Beach","date","2025-07-30T04:36:17.497Z","article","A representative of Catalyst Global Youth Initiatives told the Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board the organization needs financial support to run its literacy and leadership academy, which the speaker said has operated for 10 years and serves roughly 173 students across Daytona, Deland and Deltona.

Felicia Benzo, speaking for Catalyst Global Youth Initiatives, described a six-week program that provides daily reading time, leadership sessions with college volunteers and field trips to local colleges, hospitals, NASA and marine science sites. She said the program orders books for participants — “We ordered 990 books,” she said — and that staffing and transportation costs require additional funding.

Benzo told the board, “I need financial help,” and asked for direction on how to approach city funding. Staff and board members directed her to seek funding at the next City Commission meeting and said staff would help arrange board appearances and invitations for students and parents to attend future meetings. No city funding decision was made at the Midtown board meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Midtown Redevelopment Board - May 13 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Catalyst Global Youth Initiatives requested financial support for its 10-year literacy and leadership academy serving about 173 students across three school areas; program leaders said they need funds for books, tours and stipends and were advised to seek city-commission support at next week’s meeting.","taxTitle","Daytona Beach City, Volusia County, Florida","taxId",4832,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":79,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151506,"Redevelopment staff: Urban Chamber has not submitted application; streetscape plan will use digital kiosks",0,3516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8&start=3516&end=3516","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8/thumbnail_3516000.jpg","/articles/6151506/Daytona-Beach-City/Volusia-County/Florida/Redevelopment-staff-Urban-Chamber-has-not-submitted-application-streetscape-plan-will-use-digital-kiosks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151506-a3d739491e854cb0461bda5c229d6a2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614327&Signature=JWZBJbiJaWGL87nJagfLxUMwDr34fuSRjkoUV7WKOxCNudIxSz71c9WuZI-usTvqXEUOCuVjLAOug07x7FJwBZfxVPKAZNJEjyCm1XIQBNuCQnTzuEDF3G7dqUf~BP-DPw0RZ3e54eKvmKM-LCuNfcapQ4pQeGJQYtLhrSN760lMAm3cYkyXO7D3n3MB7qucyYhS5Dm5~umWJ5ocXUvfrdvy0XNBAXWhxwa3IgzLm79Grxghoi6mOKZu7mzaXaqc9lcgcfBNFqjRH5obDIU-7ftfze6craWZyxVwh6a4rdsLjvIIM3hVN62IjOmqj3PiXxpa9YRU5gNFqVRO3Go~fg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Michelle Tolliver, a redevelopment project staff member, told the Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board the Urban Chamber that presented last month has not submitted an application and that the staff has no additional progress to report on that item. “They have not sent me an application, and that's the honest truth,” Tolliver said.

Tolliver also addressed streetscape planning and signage maintenance. She told the board that the streetscape project will include digital kiosks and that staff intend to avoid static signage that quickly becomes out of date. “I will guarantee you there will be no static sign,” Tolliver said, describing efforts to build real-time updates into pedestrian directories.

Board members asked about next steps, public engagement and licensing of the Midtown brand to protect local businesses. Lynn Thompson urged legal protections and benefits for Midtown merchants, saying the board must ensure businesses capture the value of any successful branding: “it would be robbery if Midtown, the business district, does not benefit from that,” he said.

Tolliver and other staff said the communications office intends to carry the draft brand materials into a formal community rollout, and that the board will have opportunities to review revised concepts before public release. No formal redevelopment contract or grant action was recorded at the meeting.","Redevelopment staff reported no application from the Urban Chamber after last month’s presentation and said streetscape planning includes digital kiosks and real-time directories rather than static signs; board members pressed for community review and brand licensing protections.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151510,"City inspector reports 42 active code cases in Midtown; staff says follow-up under way",333,3397000,3730000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8&start=3397&end=3730","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8/thumbnail_3397000.jpg","/articles/6151510/Daytona-Beach-City/Volusia-County/Florida/City-inspector-reports-42-active-code-cases-in-Midtown-staff-says-follow-up-under-way","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151510-ac4ca225f60c50faff191ef069d3d462/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614327&Signature=ohO6EUjCxAuaHQB4vmU8gknNrhqTU-5fFFMAVlCi3x6PGqmlpV0im2tMCcwnlSWA-EIcF3mhsnYUACRneqe0KYj0RbRjKpQ56EkMu7-AqavTZe89CyBX5I1sANiPi1hpj6FEqbX2Wvv6PdtvVQMsJ65iz6BVLduPn8CON64JlLiB06MG5FRLsOGCOkGBqH~QtCPgQDnCqGnclZvCXC8X5zrcDLN8emlS5DcmeBd-5jB4s9AUT5sRghT1Z4KgS260LvMaeHGwtzwvN0plIVe6JADyzCGSUgQ-ag5NsDx1X6LjRWDqNNI4Q3xPPYQIFVfjtbJxAe7t5tqcPRWPhE8Ppw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City code compliance staff told the Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board that inspectors handled 42 active cases in April, of which 24 were code enforcement cases and 18 were vacant-lot matters. Sarah Kirk, identified as an inspector for the city, reported that 13 cases were closed or brought into compliance during the month.

Kirk also updated the board on a March case that was raised previously; she said the inspector moved that matter forward and the property was found in noncompliance before the code board. “For the month of April, I would have 42, active cases. 24 were code cases, and 18 were vacant lot cases. 13 of which were either in compliance in the month of April or closed,” Kirk said.

Residents at the meeting pressed staff on assistance programs for roof repairs and home rehabilitation. Michelle Tolliver, a redevelopment staff member, said the Transform 386 program has a backlog and that waiting lists remain substantial; she said some residents remain on lists established in 2024 and that there are not currently alternative funding sources available for large repairs that exceed program caps.

Kirk encouraged residents to continue contacting code enforcement for active cases and to follow up with the inspector assigned to any open matters. No formal enforcement votes were taken at the board meeting; the report was delivered for board information and follow-up.","City inspector Sarah Kirk reported 42 active cases for April — 24 code cases and 18 vacant-lot cases — and said inspectors moved another March case to noncompliance; residents raised questions about housing repair programs and long waiting lists.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6151515,"Midtown board hears branding plan as residents and members press for brighter colors, clearer rollout",3124,199000,3323000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8&start=199&end=3323","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5502181-2edbc582f4023ebebbca7dfe45306ed8/thumbnail_199000.jpg","/articles/6151515/Daytona-Beach-City/Volusia-County/Florida/Midtown-board-hears-branding-plan-as-residents-and-members-press-for-brighter-colors-clearer-rollout","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6151515-eb42b9cdcf37cc6f311fee33d627fcf4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773614327&Signature=k6JdqshKVxVU7hjL8YH2i0fX3jW8ROpy~yH09DX-ShX8zdp6nokX6Y7x-Xv5p6wo0giVRoU~weSTZf8SR5fjBEnAkg4uBsv~WplCdqETyh3vH1eczM4tgx6jO2Zc839ZzIxsz4Oa8h-EPoepi0Xrm3jeN4C78Sm7K07RT-4Rd2W779i-t2OoFPRfhb0H77SdaZUi~OaaXUjTc2Yp~BgYhilmu3QOhUGr0DgHlfoIUZI2MijItK~QCsmcqhw3KgQn3EvD-JQqdRWmJ2Ie06nas18gcBblBbsKLVhJwLPzlhgqg-ec85oI2O-cfxKELbdKlyi8VaVrMJgfQ93wTgkiLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board on an informational presentation heard a place-branding proposal from Planning Solutions Corp. aimed at creating a Midtown district identity within the City of Daytona Beach. Beth Gibson of Planning Solutions Corp. presented the plan, describing a three-part approach of visual identity, branded places and communications to “shape perceptions” of Midtown and to connect residents and visitors to cultural, historic and recreational destinations.

Gibson said the proposal builds on the city’s existing “World Famous Daytona Beach” work and would make Midtown the first district to get a distinct brand, signage, banners and pedestrian-level wayfinding. “So what do you think of when you think of world famous Daytona Beach?” Gibson asked the board as she summarized the strategy of using design, places and stories to create layered destinations and arrival points.

Board members and several public commenters welcomed the idea but repeatedly pushed consultants and staff to change the concept art’s color palette and to clarify rollout and maintenance. Artist and board member Lynn Thompson said the visual choices matter beyond aesthetics: “the colors also tell a story,” he said, advising that the community refine meanings attached to color and to ensure the brand reflects Midtown’s history and future.

Several speakers objected to the proposal’s darker, maroon-heavy presentation and urged brighter, more “sunny” colors tied to Florida’s beach identity. Longtime Midtown resident Pierre Lewis told the board, “the color scheme is just kind of blah to me,” and urged a more vibrant palette to attract visitors and signal progress.

Consultants showed a Midtown logo concept and mock-ups of district gateway signage, corridor banners, pedestrian directories and a “Made in Midtown” merchant program that could be used on merchandise and goods. Gibson and designer Chris Colasante said the visual concept shown is a starting point; Gibson noted the city commission had approved the broader city brand in November and consultants are bringing district concepts forward for feedback.

Board members also raised practical questions about signage upkeep and accuracy of kiosk or directory content. Michelle Tolliver, a redevelopment project staff member, told the board the streetscape project will include a digital kiosk element and said staff will avoid static, hard-to-update directories: “I will guarantee you there will be no static sign,” Tolliver said, noting real-time updates are part of the streetscape planning.

Members also discussed brand licensing and local economic benefit. Thompson warned that if the brand is widely used without controls, Midtown businesses should still capture the financial benefits: “it would be robbery if Midtown, the business district, does not benefit from that,” he said.

Gibson and staff said the presentation was informational; staff will collect the feedback, revise concepts and take a proposal through the city manager and communications office for further review before a public rollout. No formal board action or vote was taken at the meeting.

The consultants and staff agreed to return with revisions and to provide the board and public additional opportunities for review before materials are finalized.","Consultants presented a Midtown place-branding proposal that would create a district logo, branded destinations and merchandise; board members and public commenters praised the effort but raised concerns about color choices, rollout, licensing and accuracy of business directories.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Local youth nonprofit asks commissioners for funding for literacy and leadership academy

Redevelopment staff: Urban Chamber has not submitted application; streetscape plan will use digital kiosks

City inspector reports 42 active code cases in Midtown; staff says follow-up under way

Midtown board hears branding plan as residents and members press for brighter colors, clearer rollout