DAYTONA BEACH When job stress has him frazzled, Deric Feacher will grab the old trumpet he keeps in his office, head to the nearest park and re-center himself with the smooth melodies flowing out of the brass instrument s bell.
Other times he ll crack open a book he s reading for fun, or lob a basketball toward the first hoop he can find. I have a good jump shot if anyone ever wants to challenge me to a free throw contest, Feacher said.
On June 1 Feacher will begin his job as Daytona Beach s new city manager. And everyone s about to find out he s not going to be one of those stodgy leaders who look like they never take off their suit and tie and read city charters for fun.
Feacher could not immediately be reached Tuesday.
The hiring takes Feacher to the city where he spent his college years. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach.
“I wish him the best,” Haines City Mayor Morris West said. “I’m thankful for the time he was here to serve the city of Haines City. I’m wishing he does a great job in the city of Daytona Beach.”
Feacher, 44, was hired in Haines City in October 2017. He had previously spent nearly four years as city manager in Winter Haven.
Feacher came to Haines City at a time of turmoil. Rick Sloan, the fourth city manager in six years, had just resigned, and four department heads had recently departed. West said Feacher helped bring stability to the city with only one department head leaving during his tenure.