Disclaimer: This article includes facts reported by multiple outlets and firsthand union statements. It also highlights omissions and framing choices made by the Daytona Beach News-Journal, which we believe deserve scrutiny.
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As New Smyrna Beach’s firefighter contract approaches its Sept. 30 expiration, the department faces a staffing crisis: 32% of its firefighters have applied to other agencies, according to union president Stephen “Bubba” Jones. That’s 15 out of 50 frontline responders—many of whom say they’re exhausted, underpaid, and unsupported.
At the Aug. 12 City Commission meeting, firefighters and their families spoke out. They described working 2,912 hours a year, answering nearly 8,000 calls—up 35% from last year—and protecting a population that swells past 100,000 on weekends. Starting pay? Just $15.33 an hour.
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What the Daytona Beach News-Journal Doesn’t Tell You
While the News-Journal reported the contract’s expiration and quoted city officials promising “competitive pay,” it downplayed the urgency and failed to challenge the city’s delay tactics. Here’s what they left out:
- The city has had the union’s pay proposal since December, but offered “nothing” in response, citing a compensation study that still hasn’t materialized.
- Two firefighters have already left, and union leaders warn more will follow if the city doesn’t act before the budget is finalized.
- The department had only three applicants in its last hiring round, raising fears of brownouts—temporary station closures due to understaffing.
- Firefighters are asking for just $18/hour starting pay, still below neighboring cities like Ormond Beach and Volusia County.
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“We’re Not Asking for Luxury—Just Dignity”
Firefighter Josh Powers, a seven-year veteran, said it plainly: “We love our jobs. But we’re tired of living paycheck to paycheck while answering calls at 3 a.m. for a city that treats us like a line item.”
His wife Ashley added, “One-third of our department is ready to walk. And I don’t blame them.”
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Editorial Note
When local media soft-pedals a staffing crisis that could affect emergency response times, it’s not just bad journalism—it’s a public safety risk. The Daytona Beach News-Journal owes its readers more than polite quotes and city press releases. It owes them truth, urgency, and accountability.
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