Mayor Cleveland outlines stormwater funding, infrastructure plans and new mobility directorate in State of the City address

Mayor Fred Cleveland delivered the 2025 State of the City address at the Bridal Center, citing recent investments and long-term priorities for New Smyrna Beach. He said the city is pursuing coordinated stormwater work, infrastructure projects and improved public participation as part of five strategic pillars guiding planning.

Cleveland told the audience the city and county have secured substantial public funds for water management and environmental projects. "Over $7,000,000 in state funding has been obtained to eliminate septic tanks in Silver Sands," he said, and he reported "state grants have been received in the amount of $3,500,000 to match city funding to clean out and stabilize" several canals. He added that he and the city manager had sought an additional $2,000,000 in Tallahassee for historic west-side stormwater mitigation and noted the county had obtained $35,000,000 for related projects.

Why it matters: the mayor framed these investments as part of a multi-year effort to reduce flood risk, repair storm-damaged infrastructure and protect coastal and lagoon environments that affect property, public safety and quality of life.

Cleveland reviewed other near-term projects, including the Washington Street streetscape (sidewalks, lighting, trees and underground utilities) pending final right-of-way agreements, and previewed upgrades to Flagler Avenue and new playgrounds. He said the city is deliberately updating land-development regulations and moving ahead with a master stormwater plan whose first phase is due to complete soon.

The address also highlighted changes in mobility governance: Cleveland said the city has appointed a new directorate for parking and mobility following recommendations from a citizen-led task force and transportation engineers, and he welcomed consultant Steve Mangrelli to assist on relief solutions. "We have high hope and great expectations that you will generate the relief solutions our diversely challenging mobility issues provide," the mayor said.

The mayor framed citizen engagement and transparency as central to the work of the commission. Commissioner Brian Ashley and other commissioners emphasized how residents can use public participation to raise concerns; Ashley explained the three-minute public-comment monologue format and the onstage time-limit signal system. Several residents and civic leaders were recognized for local conservation, volunteerism and business development.

Cleveland closed by saying the city’s state is "solid," stressing that infrastructure and environmental work will take time and cooperation with regional and state partners. "The results will take time," he said, "and our future relies on the partnerships across the state and the relationships we are building now that will be our legacy for generations to come."