Daytona Beach Fire Department Faces Scrutiny Over Credit Card Spending

Audit reveals over $50,000 spent on food and beverages, raising concerns about misuse of taxpayer funds.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 12:07am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a city-issued credit card against a pitch-black background, capturing the texture and details of the plastic and metal in a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A city-issued credit card under scrutiny as an audit reveals questionable spending practices within the Daytona Beach Fire Department.Daytona Beach Today

An audit of the Daytona Beach Fire Department has uncovered questionable spending practices, including more than $50,000 spent on food and beverages using city-issued credit cards. The audit also found issues with the department's vehicle maintenance charges and take-home car policy, sparking calls for accountability from city leaders.

Why it matters

The findings raise concerns about the responsible use of taxpayer funds and the need for stronger financial controls and oversight within the Daytona Beach Fire Department. As a public service agency, the department is expected to demonstrate transparency and prudent management of public resources.

The details

The 51-page audit report details numerous instances where fire department staff purchased individual meals and beverages from local restaurants using city credit cards, often without providing itemized receipts to justify the expenses. The audit also uncovered $500,000 in vehicle maintenance charges, with concerns that some staff were driving vehicles without city logos or tags, making it difficult to determine if the expenses were for official business or personal use.

  • The audit was conducted in direct response to a Channel 9 investigation into the city's finances, which began in November 2025.
  • The city auditor will present the findings to city commissioners on Wednesday, March 31, 2026.

The players

Daytona Beach Fire Department

The municipal fire department responsible for providing emergency services to the city of Daytona Beach, Florida.

Stacy Cantu

A Daytona Beach city commissioner who was informed by firefighters about their concerns regarding senior staff's spending practices.

Daytona Beach City Manager

The top administrative official responsible for overseeing the city's operations, including the fire department.

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What they’re saying

“They do not have p cards, the rank in file, and they do not get money for food.”

— Stacy Cantu, Daytona Beach City Commissioner

“Firefighters do not receive city-paid meals as a standard practice. The food-related purchases identified in the audit were associated with specific operational or departmental purposes, such as emergency deployment activations, extended incidents, for assessors during promotional testing periods, and the department's annual hosting of the Volusia County Fire Chiefs Association's luncheon. Cakes are also purchased for official ceremonial events, including promotions, retirements and graduations.”

— Daytona Beach City Manager's Office

What’s next

The city auditor will present the full findings of the audit to Daytona Beach city commissioners on Wednesday, March 31, 2026, where they will determine if any further action is warranted regarding the fire department's spending practices.

The takeaway

This audit highlights the importance of strong financial controls and oversight within public agencies to ensure the responsible use of taxpayer funds. The Daytona Beach Fire Department must now work to address the issues identified and regain the trust of the community it serves.