DAYTONA BEACH, FL — Kerry B. Lewis, a former Republican congressional candidate from California, has turned his political sights eastward, launching a scathing critique of Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry and the city’s economic landscape.
Lewis, who ran unsuccessfully against a Democratic incumbent in California’s 2022 congressional race, appeared at a community forum Tuesday where he blasted the mayor’s leadership, citing visible signs of decline along Beach Street.
“We need better leadership—period,” Lewis declared. “Just walk down Beach Street. Look at the empty stores, the shuttered businesses, the silence where there used to be life. This isn’t progress. It’s neglect.”
The remarks sparked immediate reaction from local residents and business owners, many of whom have long voiced concerns about the city’s downtown revitalization efforts. While some praised Lewis for speaking out, others questioned his motives and familiarity with local issues.
Lewis didn’t hold back, calling Mayor Henry’s administration “a blueprint for stagnation” and suggesting that Daytona Beach’s potential was being squandered. “This city could be a jewel on Florida’s coast,” he said. “Instead, it’s being run like a forgotten strip mall.”
Mayor Henry’s office responded with a brief statement defending ongoing redevelopment initiatives and pointing to recent investments in infrastructure and tourism. “We remain committed to restoring Beach Street and supporting local businesses,” the statement read.
Political observers say Lewis’s comments may signal a deeper interest in Florida politics, though he has not formally announced any plans to run for office in the state. “He’s clearly testing the waters,” said a political analyst at the University of Central Florida. “Whether voters take him seriously is another matter.”
For now, Lewis’s words have reignited debate over Daytona Beach’s future—and whether its leadership is up to the challenge.
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