Jul 1994

Daytona Beach is a city located in Volusia County, Florida, USA. As of 2004, the population estimates recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau is 64,422 [1]. It comprises a mainland and a peninsula separated by the Intracoastal Waterway, locally called the Halifax River. The peninsula comprises the world-famous beach along the Atlantic Ocean. In 1927, during the early days of racing on the beach, one of the city's founding father's created the slogan, "The World's Most Famous Beach." Currently, over eight million tourists flock to Daytona Beach each year to enjoy the beach and the city's events.

Daytona Beach's wide beach and smooth sands have been open to drivers for many years and were also used for the high-speed testing and racing of cars and motorcycles. This made the beach a mecca for racing enthusiasts and the city is now home to the Daytona International Speedway (a conventional racetrack founded by William France, which replaced the famous beach course in 1959). Close to the Speedway and adjacent to Daytona Beach International Airport is Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a world-class university for the training of pilots and aviation professionals.

The city is a popular vacation destination, especially for college students on spring break, a "special event" period. The city also is home to Daytona Beach Community College, Bethune-Cookman College and Keiser College. Today, motor vehicle driving and parking is still allowed on certain sections of the beach, which is fully lined with hotels, motels, condominiums and houses. There is a wide variety of accommodations in all price ranges. Hotel and motel rooms are typically plentiful except during special events, which also include winter Speed Weeks, summer NASCAR races, Bike Week, Biketoberfest and Black College Reunion (BCR). During the motorcycle events (Bike Week and Biketoberfest), several hundred thousand bikers from all over the world visit the greater Daytona Beach area.

Daytona Beach, named for its founder, Matthias Day, was incorporated in 1876. The towns of Daytona (originally a separate town) and Seabreeze were merged to form Daytona Beach in 1926.

Daytona Beach was the birthplace of musical theater writer Robert Wright.

On March 8, 1936, the first stock car race was held on the beach. The world-famous Daytona International Speedway complex is now the site of the International Motor Sports Hall of Fame and Daytona USA, a fan attraction.

The town is home to the Daytona Cubs minor league baseball team of the Florida State League.

The Daytona Beach area was the setting for the 2003 movie Monster, portraying the life and crimes of serial killer and Daytona Beach resident Aileen Wuornos. Its star, Charlize Theron, won the best actress Oscar) for her portrayal. Although set in Daytona Beach, it was actually shot in Orlando, Florida and Kissimmee, Florida.