Derrick L. Henry is an American politician who has served as the mayor of Daytona Beach, Florida, since 2012. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously served as a member of the Daytona Beach City Commission from 2009 to 2012. He is the second African American mayor of Daytona Beach.[1]
Derrick Henry | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2021 | |
| Mayor of Daytona Beach | |
| Assumed office 2012 | |
| Preceded by | Glenn Ritchey |
| Member of the Daytona Beach City Commission from Zone 5 | |
| In office 2009–2012 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Daytona Beach, Florida |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Stephanie Henry |
| Children | 3 |
| Relatives | Patrick Henry (brother) |
| Education | Rollins College (BA) Stetson University (MEd) |
Early life and education
editDerrick Henry was born and raised in Daytona Beach. He attended Mainland High School where he was elected class president his junior and senior year. He later attended Rollins College, earning a bachelor's degree in philosophy and psychology, before later graduating from Stetson University with a masters in educational leadership.[2] Henry served in several educational and administrative positions throughout his career and time as mayor.[3]
Political career
editHenry was first elected to the Daytona Beach City Commission, before running for mayor in 2012.[1] He campaigned on the slogan "One City, One Vision," where he argued in favor of business development aimed at improving the city's quality of life.[4] Upon his election he transitioned from previous administrations and aimed to increase the number of visitors and tourists to the area. He has also aimed at improving the city's economy.[5] Since taking office he has presided over a significant increase in the city's population.[6] Infrastructure policies and urban projects has been a central piece of the mayors goals as has park renovations.[7] During the COVID-19 pandemic he pushed for mask mandates throughout Daytona Beach.[8] During his time as mayor it was learned that his grandfather was cousins with Arthur Henry, an African American man who was lynched in Orlando, Florida, in 1925. Derrick Henry's maternal grandfather, a civil rights activists, had also been lynched in the 1950's.[9]
Personal life
editDerrick Henry is married to Stephanie Henry and has 3 kids.[2] In 2017 it was reported that Stephanie Henry had been charged for petit theft from a beauty parlor following an altercation over the stores return policy. However the state attorney declined to prosecute the case.[10] Derrick Henry's brother Patrick Henry has previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives.[11] His sister, Dannette Henry, currently serves as a member of the Daytona Beach City Commission.[12]
References
edit- ^ a b "HISTORIC WIN FOR HENRY". Daytona Times. 2012-11-08. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ a b "Mayor Derrick Henry's bio". www.daytonabeach.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Breunlin, Erica. "Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry returns to Volusia schools". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Frederick, Henry (13 April 2014). "Volusia County Movers & Shakers Snapshot: Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry". www.headlinesurfer.com. Retrieved 2025-01-28.
- ^ WRITER, EILEEN ZAFFIRO-KEAN STAFF. "Derrick Henry takes office as Daytona mayor". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Brumley, Cecil G. (2024-05-23). "Volusia Business News: Daytona population continues to boom". Hometown News Volusia. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Daytona Beach TV (2023-10-27). Meet your Mayor Derrick L. Henry. Retrieved 2024-10-05 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Mayor Derrick Henry pushing for mask mandate". 95.7 The Hog. 2020-06-25. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
- ^ "Daytona Beach mayor discovers personal tie to a 1925 Orlando lynching". mynews13.com. Retrieved 2024-10-04.
- ^ Holt, Tony. "Daytona mayor's wife denies allegations made by beauty store owner". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
- ^ "Patrick Henry 2016–2018 (Speaker Corcoran)". www.myfloridahouse.gov. 2022-08-10. Archived from the original on 2022-08-10. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ "City Commission | Daytona Beach, FL - Official Website". www.daytonabeach.gov. Retrieved 2024-10-05.