Volunteers clear Historic Pinewood Cemetery; organizers estimate $90,000–$110,000 in donated cleanup value

Volunteers and local sponsors completed a large cleanup at Historic Pinewood Cemetery over the weekend, restoring headstones and removing debris the association says would have cost roughly $90,000 to $110,000 in contracted labor and equipment.

Tom Caffrey, who identified himself as the secretary‑treasurer of the Historic Pinewood Cemetery Association, told the Beachside Redevelopment Board the effort drew “over 200 people, probably close to 250” and that volunteers reset about 20 headstones and uncovered several markers that had been buried. "We probably had over 200 people, probably close to 250 people show up... you're probably looking at somewhere between $90,000 and a $110,000 worth of debris removal," Caffrey said.

Caffrey thanked local lawn crews and sponsors by name and said the cemetery has between 1,700 and 1,900 documented graves on about 5 acres. He said the city of Daytona provides patrols during the association's hours (noon to 5 p.m. daily) and that the association expects to conduct two more cleanups and repairs before July 4, and to participate in the city's quincentennial events on July 26.

The association has been operating for decades, Caffrey said, and works with local historic organizations and volunteers to maintain the site. Officials at the meeting did not propose new city funding at this session; participants emphasized continued volunteer and sponsor support and coordination with public works for patrols.