Opponents of a proposed homeless shelter in Daytona Beach protested outside the Volusia County Building on Thursday.

  • Some residents are against proposed homeless shelter in Daytona Beach
  • 3 city council members want to give $4 million, 10 acres to the shelter
  • County is waiting for city presentation

Protesters attempted to sway council members from voting yes to the shelter.

Thomas Rebman, who has been fighting for about three years against the shelter, spoke during the council meeting.

“Those of us who know it is a bad model are going to continue to fight,” said Rebman. 

At times, the meeting got heated.

"Please tell me from someone who has voted for this plan, what are we getting for this $7 million?" asked Rebman.

However, his answers could not be questioned by the council during public comment.

The shelter wasn’t even addressed at the meeting, but protesters still wanted to discuss the issue.

Three council members are in favor of giving $4 million and 10 acres of land to the shelter.

"This has affected our business community, our merchants as well as our convention and other hotels and motels on our beach side and we feel this is the first stage of addressing this issue," said Jim Cameron of the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Even though a decision wasn’t reached at the meeting, Rebman said he will continue to fight.  
 
He feels the shelter is a short-term solution for the homeless.

“Here’s the thing, the more time that goes by, the better for a good solution, because we have had so many national groups come to us,” said Rebman. 

The county is waiting on the city of Daytona Beach to give a presentation, which should have more detailed information.

Council members could be voting sometime in June.