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Volunteers form nonprofit, seek partners to restore Pinewood Cemetery in downtown Daytona
Summary
Board members and local business owners reported formation of a 501(c)(3) to support preservation of Pinewood (historic) Cemetery and outlined early fundraising and maintenance plans; advisory members urged city assistance and outreach to commissioners for partnership.
Members of the public and several board members described ongoing volunteer efforts to preserve and restore Pinewood Cemetery near downtown Daytona. The speakers said a 501(c)(3) nonprofit had been formed by local stakeholders including Gary Libby and Al Woodstock and that the nonprofit's bylaws currently limit spending to interest from a fund; volunteers are pursuing additional fundraising and local partnerships.
Why it matters: Pinewood Cemetery contains historic headstones and features that volunteers said are deteriorating; local speakers said restoration would improve downtown appearance and potentially become a focal point for community outreach and tourism.
What volunteers reported: Speakers who identified themselves as participants in the cemetery nonprofit said they plan a "grand reopening" within six to 12 months, including north wall painting already completed and additional cleanup. They described existing modest funds and bylaws that limit spending to interest, and they said they intend to run fundraisers and solicit city and commissioner support.
City response and next steps: Board members suggested reaching out to commissioners and city departments to explore match funding or in‑kind city assistance for restoration and programming. Several board members said they had already met with city staff and found staff receptive. No formal city commitment was made at the meeting; volunteers were advised to provide a project plan and budget to the city for formal consideration.
Ending: Volunteers asked support from the advisory board and the commission; board members said they would help present the project to commissioners and explore funding and partnering options.
