DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Bob Davis, a longtime leader of Volusia County’s hotel and tourism industry, died Sunday, according to social media posts by Volusia County leaders and the Daytona Beach News-Journal.
Davis was the president and CEO of the Lodging and Hospitality Association of Volusia County, and a hotel manager, for decades.
News 6 reporter Molly Reed often went to Bob Davis for her stories for his insight into an important business sector in Volusia County.
[VIDEO: Bob Davis talks about plans to expand beach driving (April 2025)]
He was also known for his philanthropy. Volusia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin called him a champion of public education, noting his work in partnership initiatives like the Adopt-a-School program.
“He never went long without picking up the phone to call about an opportunity to contribute to our schools or sending an email with the latest articles on education news,” she said in a Facebook post.
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry said his knowledge and impact in the hospitality industry will never be duplicated.
“Bob brought keen insights rooted in an unrivaled historical understanding of our community. Yet he was able to remain current, innovative, and adaptable always blending his experience with fresh perspective. It will take all of us to fill the gaping void that the community will experience as a result of his well-earned ascention and heavenly reward,” Henry said in a Facebook post.
Davis also raised money to help law enforcement, according to Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood.
“Bob was one of the first people I met when I came to Daytona Beach. He helped form the Daytona Beach Police Foundation, which raised money from private donors to fund technology and education for our officers. Beyond all of his contributions to hospitality and tourism in our region, Bob understood that prosperity starts with public safety,” Chitwood said in a Facebook post.
The News Journal reports Davis was fighting a long battle with cancer when he died Sunday at age 87.