Good morning, Daytona Beach! In today’s edition: Beloved pier enters new era, a candlelit Coldplay concert, a century-old fire station becoming a restaurant, and more. Let’s get to it!

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Beloved landmark enters new era: Sunglow Pier in Daytona Beach Shores has new owners from Orlando, Florida. Gissy Family Investments bought the landmark in November and has begun making improvements to service and the property — get details on the improvements.

Gentle giants take centerstage: Manatee Season is in full swing at Florida State Parks, including Blue Spring and Crystal River Preserve. Festivities include a Jan. 18 Manatea Festival and the 41st Annual Blue Springs Manathen — check out the full lineup.

New hotel brand arrives: Demolition is underway at the former Havertys Furniture and Miller’s Ale House sites near Daytona Speedway to make way for a seven-story Drury Plaza Hotel with 180 rooms — get all the details.

A community icon’s next chapter: Daytona Beach is seeking proposals to turn century-old Fire Station 1 into a sit-down restaurant. Plans aim to preserve the historic exterior while allowing flexible changes inside — get all the details.

County finances at a crossroads: Volusia Council will hold a goal-setting session on Jan. 8 to discuss proposed property tax reforms as Florida considers eliminating some state property taxes, including potential impacts — read the full story.

A lifeline to stability: A Port Orange woman moved into a mobile home through the Transform386 Homeowner Recovery Program. It can pay up to 100% of a replacement and has helped over 220 families — read the full story.

Are you overpaying? The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. I was paying over $300 for ONE car until I checked out various quotes, switched providers, and ultimately cut my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably losing money too — this free comparison tool makes it easy.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had it’s best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

A new haircare solution: My hair’s been thinning and I’ve been quietly ignoring it, hoping it’ll fix itself. Plot twist… it hasn’t. When I finally started looking into what I should do, there were so many options I didn’t know where to start. I stumbled on Keranique, and its simplicity really sold me. One kit, no pills, no choosing products, and no confusion whatsoever. It’s also on sale with a money-back guarantee (although I doubt you’ll need it).

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🕺 Eastbound Getdown @ Destination Daytona Complex | Monday (1/12) at 9:00 AM – Whether you spent your twenties rattling trunks or just appreciate pristine builds, Eastbound Getdown brings Bass Wars to sunny Florida for a warm January weekend. Expect chest-thumping demos, shiny rides, and sun-soaked people-watching. Gate is $60, earplugs optional, bragging rights guaranteed.

🏺 Soapbox History: Myths & Tales of Ancient Egypt @ Museum of Arts & Sciences | Tuesday (1/13) at 2:00 PM – Caitlyn Montgomery is stepping on her soapbox in Root Hall to spill Ancient Egypt’s best myths, divine feuds, and Sekhmet’s famous rage. It’s at The Brown, formerly MOAS. Free for members, $10 for non-members, plus museum admission, and pre-registration is smart since space is tight.

🎨 Stained Glass Class for Beginner and Intermediate Students @ Pelican Bay Sports Club | Wednesday (1/14) at 5:30 PM – Whether you’re starting from scratch or polishing your technique, Sawubona Stained Glass and Art Works are hosting classes with hands-on guidance, all tools provided, and a piece you’ll actually want to display. Spots are scarce, so call or text Peter at 386-214-1330 to grab yours.

💉 Donate Blood at Roar Before the Rolex @ Daytona International Speedway | Friday (1/16) at 8:00 AM – Daytona’s warming up the engines with a blood drive at the Speedway, and your pit stop comes with perks. Donate a pint, score a limited-edition tee, a $20 eGift card, and a ticket to the 2026 Fresh From Florida 250, then enjoy the roar guilt-free.

🥾 Martin’s Dairy Hike @ Doris Leeper Spruce Creek Preserve | Friday (1/16) at 8:30 AM – If your idea of cardio comes with birdsong and local lore, join Environmental Specialist Tommy Nordmann for a three-mile guided hike on the Old King’s Road Loop at Martin’s Dairy. Expect shifting terrain, old-road history, and a surprisingly scenic workout, minus the gym mirrors.

🍷 Visions & Vino @ The Spread | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – Friday night calls for wine, good company, and finally gluing those 2026 goals to a board. Expect proper pours, stacked charcuterie, and creative accountability at The Spread, where big dreams play nicely with brie. Spots are limited, bring your scissors.

🕯 Coldplay and more @ Brannon Center | Friday (1/16) at 6:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to hear Coldplay and Imagine Dragons without a subwoofer, this is it. A string quartet in a candlelit Daytona space turns radio anthems into goosebumps, date-night points, and the rare evening you can actually hear yourself think.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

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📻 Daytona Beach report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 78°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 7%

Areas of fog before 9am. Mostly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 0 to 10 mph. Later: Patchy fog after 4am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South southwest wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 73°F – Low: 52°F – Precip: 24%

Patchy fog before 7am, then patchy fog and a slight chance of rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 73. West northwest wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 7pm. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 52. North wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Most popular house this week

Coconut pool home in Phase 1 of Latitude Margaritaville on a corner lot with pond views. The chef’s kitchen brings 42 inch white uppers with pullouts, GE Profile appliances, cooktop and wall oven, and Cambria quartz. The island opens to living and dining with a tray ceiling and lanai views. Over $100K in upgrades and south exposure.

Floor plan features 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, and a den with double doors that can flex to a third bedroom. Bose surround sound is included. The screened lanai encloses a 20×36 heated pool on a travertine deck. 8 foot doors and garage racks, golf cart negotiable.

Take a peek inside →