Planning board backs Chip Shot indoor pickleball and sports bar at Valuchia Marketplace

The Daytona Beach Planning & Zoning Board voted 6-0 on May 28 to recommend a second amendment to the Valuchia Marketplace planned commercial development that would allow an indoor pickleball facility and an associated restaurant and entertainment uses at a former Big Lots storefront.

Staff presented the request as an amendment to the existing PD to add uses listed as specialty eating and drinking establishments, entertainment and amusement centers, and other indoor recreation/entertainment uses. Staff concluded the requested rezoning meets the zoning criteria of the land development code and recommended forwarding the amendment to the City Commission for consideration; staff said the item is slated for a first reading on June 17 and a second reading on July 1, 2026.

Alana Smith, an attorney with Cobb Cole representing the applicant, described the tenant as "Chip Shot," an indoor facility that will include pickleball courts, golf simulators and a restaurant/sports bar. "The facility is known as Chip Shot and it will feature indoor pickle ball courts, golf simulators as well as a sort of restaurant sports bar component," Smith said, adding that the concept has already opened a location in Jacksonville Beach. Smith told the board the applicant is targeting a mid-to-end July opening and that the planned changes are limited to interior buildout; no exterior modifications or additional signage beyond what the PD allows are being requested.

Board members asked whether alcohol would be served and about hours of operation. Smith said an alcohol license application will be submitted through the standard process and that any extended-hours alcohol permits would require an additional review. On signage and exterior work, she said the applicant will follow existing PD and land development code rules and is not seeking new exterior changes.

A resident who lives behind the shopping center, identified as Sharon during public comment, said flooding from an uncleared drainage ditch and retention pond has repeatedly affected her property and asked how that issue would be addressed if the site changes use. "I've been flooded several times from lack of maintenance," Sharon said, and raised concerns about homeless people accessing the rear of the shopping center through unsecured gates. Staff responded that the PD amendment does not propose site modifications and advised the resident to pursue code enforcement or police for trespass or maintenance complaints; staff also noted multiple ownership interests in stormwater infrastructure and said city staff (including Justin Barton) and property owners are coordinating on stormwater maintenance.

The motion to approve the PD amendment was made, seconded and passed by a 6-0 vote to forward the amendment to the City Commission.

Next steps: The Planning & Zoning Board’s recommendation will go to the City Commission for formal consideration, with the first reading scheduled for June 17 and the second reading on July 1, 2026. If the applicant proceeds, separate alcohol licensing and any extended-hours permits will follow the city's licensing processes.