DeBary Daily Brief: Parks Upgrades, Storm Prep, and Business Grants

Today in DeBary

DeBary heads into the weekend with a focus on safety, park upgrades, and fresh opportunities for local businesses and families to get involved.

Schools and county hold tornado drill

On Friday, Volusia County emergency managers joined schools across the county for a coordinated tornado drill as part of Florida Severe Weather Awareness Week. Students and staff practiced sheltering in interior spaces away from windows while officials reviewed how quickly drills can be activated and how well procedures are followed.

For DeBary families, the drill is a reminder to double‑check your own severe weather plan at home, know your safest room, and make sure everyone understands where to go if a warning is issued. Local officials also encourage residents to sign up for emergency alerts and keep a basic storm kit stocked with water, medications, flashlights, and important documents.

Park courts closed; youth sports sign-ups open

The city’s Parks and Recreation team continues a round of upgrades at Bill Keller Park. Pickleball courts there are closed for reconstruction through March 9, part of a project aimed at improving surfaces and adding capacity for one of the city’s fastest‑growing sports.

Basketball and tennis courts at the same park are scheduled to close for resurfacing from February 23 through March 9, so residents who rely on those courts may want to plan around the temporary shutdowns or explore other nearby facilities.

At the same time, registration remains open for youth flag football, cheerleading, and sports clinics for children ages three to five. The programs are designed to introduce kids to basic skills, teamwork, and safe play while making it easier for parents to register and pay online.

Business façade grants and upcoming cleanup event

City staff are also reminding business owners that a matching Business Façade Grant program is underway, offering help with projects that improve the appearance and curb appeal of commercial properties. The goal is to support private investment in visible upgrades that make DeBary’s business corridors more attractive to customers and visitors.

Looking ahead, a county-run Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is scheduled to come to DeBary on March 28, giving residents a chance to safely dispose of items like leftover paint, automotive fluids, and certain household chemicals. Space is limited to the capacity of the collection trucks, so officials suggest arriving early during the morning collection window.

Regular community gatherings continue as well, including the recurring farmers market at Gateway Park on the second and fourth Sunday of each month, offering produce, food vendors, and small local businesses a place to connect with neighbors.

Staying informed

Residents can stay on top of these updates by checking the city’s website, signing up for email or text notifications, and keeping an eye on county emergency channels during severe weather season.

Sources

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