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Daytona Beach staff outline Midtown streetscape, Campbell Hotel options and warn of bills that could cut CRA funding
Summary
City redevelopment staff briefed the Midtown board on a proposed streetscape for Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, the uncertain future of the former Campbell Hotel, and two state bills that would redirect tax increment funds from CRAs if passed before July 1, 2025.
Michelle Tolliver, the City of Daytona Beach project manager for Midtown, briefed the Midtown Redevelopment Advisory Board on April 8 about several redevelopment items: a proposed high‑level streetscape for Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard, the status of the city‑owned former Campbell Hotel, code‑compliance activity and a pair of Florida legislative bills that could change how CRA revenue is distributed.
Tolliver said the city purchased the former Campbell Hotel (building, parking lot and a small adjacent strip of land) in 2024 and has since received a structural analysis and a code inspection. "It does not look like the building is gonna be saved unless there is somebody listening ... who can come up with some quick money to keep this building," Tolliver said, adding that any final decision about preservation or demolition rests with elected officials.
On streetscape work, Tolliver said the city has engaged Catalyst Design Group to develop a streetscape design for Mary McLeod Bethune Boulevard (MMB) from Nova Road to Charles Street. The planned improvements include decorative lighting, larger trees and planters, widened sidewalks, underground electrical work to support street events, and a proposed roundabout at the approach to the university campus. Tolliver said the design aims to create a walkable corridor that can support more regular street festivals and connect multiple CRA areas.
Tolliver and board members discussed enforcement and property conditions. Sarah Kirk, a city code inspector, reported 11 code cases in March within the Midtown redevelopment area and invited residents to submit addresses for follow‑up; a resident raised a specific property complaint and Kirk agreed to investigate and follow up by email.
Tolliver also warned the board about House Bill 991 and Senate Bill 1242, which, if enacted as described in the meeting, would redirect tax revenue that currently funds CRA projects to the municipal general fund starting July 1, 2025. "If this bill passes, all of this excitement we're doing... it kinda fizzles out," Tolliver said, explaining that the CRA relies on tax increment financing to pay for capital projects and improvements. She reported both bills had passed some committee steps but were not listed on the immediate calendars for each chamber at the time of the meeting; she said the last committee cutoff was April 22.
Board members and members of the public urged infill and affordable housing strategies for Midtown, discussed historic preservation options for Campbell Hotel (including preserving signage), and asked staff to pursue funding and partnerships. Tolliver said staff will continue design work and coordinate across public‑works, police and code‑enforcement divisions to advance improvements in Midtown.
