Daytona Beach renewed its manager after audit found $500,000 in fire card policy breaches
Daytona Beach city auditor Abinet Belachew presented a purchasing-card audit of the fire department to the City Commission in March 2026. Covering 2021 to 2025, it flagged 11 issues, including more than $500,000 in vehicle-maintenance charges that violated the city's card policy and more than $50,000 in food and drink purchases. The Florida Attorney General's office opened what it described as an active criminal investigation, subpoenaing Driscoll, his deputy chief and other staff and ordering the mayor, city manager and commissioners to turn over city devices. On May 6 a motion to give City Manager Deric Feacher notice of termination failed and commissioners voted 4-3 to renew his contract for three years. Feacher said internal controls have since been tightened. Driscoll announced his retirement in June with no discipline reported. No charges or findings have been announced.
The move comes after recent audits surrounding city spending found numerous issues.
We did not identify the deficiencies until the auditor arrived.
Strengthening internal controls is not optional, it is a fundamental responsibility of management.
State investigators have not announced any findings related to Driscoll, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Not yet contacted for this story.
"Strengthening internal controls is not optional, it is a fundamental responsibility of management."
Not yet contacted for this story.
No outcome recorded yet.