DAYTONA BEACH As a young man at the dawn of the 1970s, Allan Brewer had dreams of traveling the world as a commercial airline pilot, a goal that inspired him to move from his family’s home in Baltimore to study at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Instead, he fell in love with Daytona Beach.
In 1975, Brewer helped his family move their successful jewelry business to the World’s Most Famous Beach. More than 45 years later, Brewer and his mother, Chris Evans, still showcase diamonds, gold, antique and period treasures at Evans & Son Fine Jewelers, a Beach Street fixture for decades.
“I always believed in Daytona Beach, for over 50 years now,” said Brewer, 68, seated behind a glass display case filled with gleaming bracelets, rings and other unique trinkets. “I always loved downtown. I always felt that it was an iconic place waiting to happen.”