A True Hot Spot in Florida A True Hot Spot in Florida

by Kristopher Townsley

Daytona Beach

Where all walks of life can visit and enjoy more than just sunning on the beach.Visitors can enjoy the beach, major racing

events or a trip to an historic park.

Daytona Beach was settled in the 17th century by Spanish Fanciscans ( “Daytona Beach”).

According to the Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, Daytona was incorporated in 1876.

The city is located on the north east coast of Florida in Volusia County.

Although known for it’s beaches, Daytona is a popular racing venue. Daytona Beach is hometo the Superbowl of auto racing, the Daytona 500.

The time that any college student should enjoy while at school, spring break! the sun the fun, and freebies

bring the collegians to Florida (Garcia and Koepp 68).

The time that any college student should enjoy while at school, spring break! the sun the fun, and freebies

bring the collegians to Florida (Garcia and Koepp 68).

Post Secondary Education

• Daytona Beach is home to universities as well.

• Bethune-Cookman, founded by Mary McLeod Bethune is located in Daytona (“Bethune-Cookman College”).

• Not to far from the wealth of Black History at Bethune-Cookman is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Black HistoryThe city of Port Orange, also know as Freemanville, once housed 500 freed slaves (Allman-Baldwin, Wealth 24).

Daytona could be renamed “Bethune-Town” for the many entities that pay homage to Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune (one of the 20th century’s most prominent civil rights leaders (Allman-Baldwin, Wealth 24).

Black History It’s difficult to talk about black history in Daytona Beach without recognizing Jackie Robinson (Allman-Baldwin, Wealth 24).

Jackie, who broke the color barrier in professional sports, started his major league baseball career in Daytona starting for the Montreal Royals.

Native Americans visited De Leon Springs 6000

years ago similar to how spring breakers visit Daytona today (Allman-Baldwin, Nature 26).

Native Americans visited these springs for it’s healing properties.

Historic locations

Historic locationsCompleted in 1887, the Ponce de Leon Inlet

Lighthouse and Museum is located in Daytona. This lighthouse is

considered the tallest in Florida and the

second tallest masonry lighthouse in the nation (Allman-Baldwin, Nature

26).

Aside from the wide variety of historic locations, someone coming to

visit Daytona has the Daytona International Speed way to encounter.

As it can be seen, Daytona Beach brings in all walks of life.

Daytona Beach is a true hot spot in Florida.

• Allman-Baldwin, Lysa. “Nature, fishing, golf, spa, and culinary adventures in Daytona Beach.” New York Amsterdam News, 25 June 2009: 26.

• ---. “A wealth of Black history in Daytona Beach.” New York Amsterdam News, 02 July 2009: 24.

• “Bethune-Cookman College.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th Edition. 2011: 1.

• “Daytona Beach.” Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia. 6th Edition. 2011: 1

Works Cited

• Garcia, Gary D., and Stephen Koepp. “Where the Bucks Are?” Time 121.14 (1983): 68.