Headline Surfer photo illustration / Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry is shown above, along with pics of the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway and of the World's Most Famous Beach in Daytona where cars are allowed on certain stretches of the hard sands, both key tourism destinations.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. -- Fresh off the recount that re-iterated his outright win for a thirds term as mayor of this tourism-driven ocean-front city of 68,000 residents and 10 million annual visitors, Derrick Henry posted "A Letter to all who love Daytona Beach" on his Facebook page thanking the voters for giving him the opportunity to serve them for another four years in public office.
Here is Mayor Derrick Henry's letter in its entirety posted 5 hours ago:
Each election is humbling because there is always a large percentage of voters who choose other platforms, reminding you of just how challenging it is to build an appealing agenda that attracts one person much less a majority of the electorate. More importantly, I am humbled by the work that is ahead and honored that the residents have chosen me to lead the way during the most stressful event in modern history. While much is being made that the election will not go on to a general election, it should be noted that primary voters are the most informed and the most difficult to convince.
When one candidate reaches the 50 percent threshold in a primary, it is considered an electoral shellacking. The election is legally over in the primary when one of three or more candidates receive above 50% of the votes.
I have been mayor for eight years, and the gross majority of those who have opposed me have never reached out to work with me. None of my opponents following any election have ever called me following their defeat. Today as always, I welcome them to the table for a candid discussion about how we can move our city forward.
The few residents who have supported others' campaigns and later reached out to me (following my victory) usually have helped shape my work. I welcome the opportunity to talk with all who stood with others and all who have been courageous enough to seek the post that I have retained.
I reject the idea that I was the development candidate; that my opponents were successful in branding me to be. However, the reality that they were able to achieve this is what I most learned from this election. I am convinced of how much work remains to be done in this and other areas.
I most pride myself on the many infrastructure projects that I illustrated, the 16 significant park improvements, and two new community centers that have been constructed and funded since I was first elected. These reflect the hallmark of change and investing in our city. I am proud that we were the first city in Florida to universally outfit our police with body cameras and proactively respond to the pandemic.
By casting me in this dim light, they resurrected an old community argument pitting residents against development. I opposed that divide eight years ago as the grassroots underdog, and I will continue to do so as the three-term incumbent. There is room at the table for residents and businesses, but the fact that residents feel more slighted reveals the need for severe adjustments that I am willing to make.
I think an accurate accounting of city resources indicates that I have embraced both. I am committed to higher engagement, community education, and increased funding for housing to illustrate the balance that we crave. This cycle I will make a more significant effort to engage younger constituents and grow an increased understanding of how municipal government works.
My campaign was well funded many times that of my opponents, both by residents and the business community. This reflects the broad base that I have worked hard to build and sustain. As a three-time grassroots candidate, I am most comfortable in that terrain. However, as the incumbent during a pandemic, I could not operate in that familiar territory. How I chose to respect COVID-19 was profoundly impactful during this season, and as we emerge from the crisis, I promise to get better acquainted with new residents and reacquainted with natives and transplants.
The outright falsities that emerged this season can not be overstated or unchecked. I will take some time to address them and the adverse impact that they might have on our community soon. Three fictional postulations expressed during this election include:
1, I was a part of the commission's decision to move public comments to the meeting's end. The truth is that I always opposed this on record and during discussions. I continue to believe that the public should be afforded time during the meeting.
2. I supported the reduction of time for public comments. I always have and continue to oppose this and remain supportive of the three minute allotment.
3. The most pronounced of all falsities was the idea that our water is compromised. I will address that in detail soon. Residents must have confidence in our water source, and there is no reason to fear that it is in jeopardy. The fact that our community's trusted members would promulgate such a gross untruth was an act of desperation that ultimately failed.
In light of the complexities of campaigning, the bitterness that arises, and the frustration and jubilation associated with the outcome, I cherish our electoral process and welcome the work that I have been elected to do. I respect those who voted for others and will, as I have said, work equally as hard for all. I only ask that reasonable minds not be entrenched in the corner of those who opposed me. If you do, you will miss the opportunity to work with a leader who truly listens to and works for all. There is a need for every hand to be engaged and entrenched in making our city better.
Henry Frederick is publisher of Headline Surfer, the award-winning 24/7 internet news outlet launched 12 years ago that serves greater Daytona Beach, Sanford & Orlando, Florida via HeadlineSurfer.com. Frederick has amassed more than a hundred journalism industry awards in print & online -- more than all other members of the working press combined in Central Florida since the mid-1990s. He earned his Master of Arts in New Media Journalism with academic honors from Full Sail University in 2019. Having witnessed the execution of serial killer Aileen Wuornos in Florida's death chamber and other high profile cases, Frederick has appeared on national crime documentary programs on Discovery ID and Reelz for his investigative reporting and cops & courts breaking news stories.