The City of DeBary council voted unanimously to award the construction contract for the Alexander Island Park entrance project (RFP 08-26) to JBI Contractors LLC of New Smyrna Beach and approved associated construction management services during a December 2025 special meeting.

Richard Vilsenor, city engineer, told the council the scope includes underground utility work and a realignment of Fort Florida Road to create a three-way stop at the park entrance. He reported the procurement process included a mandatory pre-bid conference and a public bid opening; 15 contractors attended the pre-bid and six sealed bids were opened. "JBI Contractors was the lowest at 372,905," he said, and staff recommended awarding to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.

Council voted to accept JBI’s low bid of $372,905.80 and to include a 6 percent contingency ($22,374) for a total allocated budget of $395,279.80. Council also approved a task work order with Cahir Construction Services for construction management and inspection not to exceed $33,640. The city manager said the project is budgeted in the Alexander Island Park Fund and is partially reimbursable by a Volusia County ECHO grant. The project is expected to be completed by March 31, 2026.

Vice Mayor Butlin made the motion to award the contract; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously. Council members expressed support and optimism about moving the project forward.

Meeting minutes show the city will manage traffic impacts while construction is underway, noting Fort Florida Road work will begin roughly concurrent with the Alexander Island work.