Daytona Beach mayor takes aim at Volusia County Council chairman over flooding fears

DAYTONA BEACH, FL. – It’s been a while since we’ve seen a big political fight on Facebook, but it’s happening in Daytona Beach.

The mayor of Daytona Beach criticized the chairman of the Volusia County Council, accusing him of playing politics instead of helping citizens.

More specifically, Mayor Derrick Henry said Chairman Jeff Brower “showed up in Dayton to politicize flood problems rather than try to solve them.”

“It really took me by surprise,” Brower told FOX 35. “I grew up in Daytona Beach. I like this place.”

The mayor said that in 12 years, Brower was the first council chairman with whom he had not worked well, and that, too, stunned Brower.

“I have no problem with the mayor of Daytona Beach. I always thought we were friendly.”

The mayor said Brower never called him to address his concerns. Brower said they have spoken in person in the past, but admits they have not called each other.

“I called Derick Ficher, the city manager of Daytona Beach, who I’m a big fan of.”

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Some of the allegations are specific, such as Mayor Henry alleging that Brower called Daytona Beach water “dirty water.”

Brower said he did push for a county ordinance that would prevent potable water reuse, also called “toilet-to-tap.” However, this would only apply to the unincorporated area of ​​Volusia County and not Daytona Beach.

Brower also made several statements about flooding that offended Mayor Henry.

“The issues I have throughout the county are what type of development we do and where we do it,” Brower explained.

However, the biggest accusation leveled at Henry is that Brower is “using (Daytona) for…election stunts” without a genuine desire to help.

After this blow, it was Brouwer’s turn to be offended.

“The destruction is incredible,” he said. “I’ve talked to people who have lost everything, all their earthly possessions, sitting on the side of the road waiting for the trash to be picked up. It’s heartbreaking. So I want to solve the problem.”

Brower said he tried to contact the mayor on Wednesday but did not receive a response.

FOX 35 also did not hear back from the mayor before publishing this story.

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