Derrick L. Henry

Derrick L. Henry
Mayor of Daytona Beach
In office 2012–Present
Preceded by	Glenn Ritchey
Daytona Beach Zone 5 Commissioner
In office 2009–2011
Personal details
Born	Daytona Beach, Florida
Spouse	Stephanie Henry
Children	3
Education	Rollins College (BA), Stetson University (MEd)

Derrick L. Henry is an American politician and educator currently serving as the Mayor of Daytona Beach, Florida. He has served as Mayor since 2012 and is currently serving his 4th term in office. Upon his election he became Daytona Beach's second African American Mayor.

Early Life and Education

Derrick Henry was born and raised in Daytona Beach. He attended Mainland High School where he was elected class president his junior and senior year. He later attended Rollins College, earning a bachelors degree in philosophy and psychology, before later graduating from Stetson University with a masters in educational leadership. Henry served in several educational and administrative positions throughout his career and time as mayor.

Political career

Henry was first elected to the Daytona Beach City Commission, before running for mayor in 2012. He campaigned on the slogan “One City, One Vision,” where he argued in favor of business development aimed at improving the city's quality of life. Upon his election he transitioned from previous administrations and aimed to increase the number of visitors and tourists to the area. He has also aimed at improving the city's economy. Since taking office he has presided over a significant increase in the city's population. Infrastructure policies and urban projects has been a central piece of the mayors goals as has park renovations. During the COVID-19 pandemic he pushed for mask mandates throughout Daytona Beach. During his time as mayor it was learned that his grandfather was cousins with Arthur Henry, an African American man who was lynched in Orlando, Florida in 1925. Derrick Henry's maternal grandfather, a civil rights activists, had also been lynched in the 1950's.

Family

Derrick Henry is married to Stephanie Henry and has 3 kids. In 2017 it was reported that Stephanie Henry had been charged for petit theft from a beauty parlor following an altercation over the stores return policy. However the State Attorney declined to prosecute the case. Derrick Henry's brother Patrick Henry has previously served as a member of the Florida House of Representatives. His sister, Dannette Henry, currently serves as a member of the Daytona Beach City Commission.