Daytona Beach, FL — The Lewis for Mayor campaign is calling for full transparency, accountability, and immediate public communication after reports that state prosecutors have added additional subpoenas in connection with an ongoing investigation involving Daytona Beach city officials and possible financial discrepancies.
According to the information now circulating publicly, the subpoenas require certain city officials and employees to turn over electronic devices, including cell phones, laptops, and tablets, as part of the state investigation. The matter reportedly involves high-level city officials, including the City Manager, Mayor, department heads, commissioners, financial staff, and former purchasing personnel.
Dr. Kerry B. Lewis, candidate for Mayor of Daytona Beach in 2028, said the public deserves answers without delay.
“This is not a small matter. When state prosecutors are asking for city devices from top officials, the people of Daytona Beach have a right to know what happened, who knew what, and whether taxpayer money was protected. No one should be treated as guilty before the facts are proven, but City Hall must stop hiding behind silence. The public deserves transparency now.”
The Lewis for Mayor campaign emphasized that subpoenas do not automatically mean wrongdoing has been proven. However, the campaign said the scope of the investigation raises serious questions about internal controls, procurement oversight, credit card use, public records, and financial accountability inside Daytona Beach City Hall.
Lewis stated that if elected mayor, he would push for immediate reforms to restore public confidence, including:
1. A Public Transparency Briefing
The city should provide residents with a clear public update explaining what can legally be disclosed, what departments are involved, and how taxpayer operations are being protected during the investigation.
2. Independent Financial and Procurement Review
The city should authorize an outside review of purchasing, travel, credit cards, vendor payments, and internal financial controls.
3. Protection of Public Records
All relevant emails, texts, invoices, contracts, purchase orders, and city communications must be preserved and made available through lawful public-records processes.
4. Stronger Oversight of City Management
The Mayor and City Commission should not act like spectators when serious questions arise. Leadership means asking hard questions, demanding documentation, and protecting the taxpayers.
5. No Retaliation Against Whistleblowers or Staff
Any city employee who reported concerns or cooperated with investigators must be protected from retaliation.
Lewis said Daytona Beach residents are tired of hearing about investigations, subpoenas, missing accountability, and questionable spending while basic neighborhood issues remain unresolved.
“Residents are paying higher bills, dealing with flooding, broken infrastructure, unsafe areas, and a lack of trust in City Hall. Meanwhile, the people are reading about subpoenas and financial discrepancies. That is exactly why Daytona Beach needs new leadership, stronger oversight, and a mayor who will put the people first.”
The campaign said this issue is larger than politics. It is about whether Daytona Beach residents can trust that their tax dollars, utility fees, contracts, and public resources are being handled properly.
“Daytona Beach deserves better than secrecy, excuses, and political protection,” Lewis said. “We need accountability. We need transparency. And we need a City Hall that works for the people — not behind the people.”
The Lewis for Mayor campaign is calling on city leadership to cooperate fully with investigators, preserve all records, and provide the public with as much information as legally possible.
Lewis for Mayor 2028
Leadership. Integrity. Community.
City Hall & The People — Working Together
Website: lewisformayor.com
Media Contact:
Lewis for Mayor Campaign
Daytona Beach, Florida
lewisformayor.com
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