- July 9, 2026
The Daytona Beach City Commission recognized one of the city's most respected educators and coaches on July 1, honoring Mainland High School Athletic Director Terrence "T.A." Anthony after he was named Florida's Male Educator of the Year by the Florida High School Athletic Association during its inaugural FLASHYS awards.
Mayor Derrick Henry presented Anthony with a proclamation declaring July 1 as "Terrence T.A. Anthony Day" in Daytona Beach and surprised him with the Key to the City, praising his decades of service to Mainland High School and the Daytona Beach community.
Henry, who has known Anthony since they were students together, described him as more than an accomplished coach or administrator.
The mayor reflected on Anthony's lifelong connection to Mainland High School, noting he graduated from the school in 1986 after an accomplished athletic career in football, basketball and track before playing football at Florida State University and later reaching the National Football League. Instead of pursuing opportunities elsewhere, Anthony returned home to Daytona Beach to invest in the next generation of student-athletes.
According to the proclamation, Anthony has spent more than three decades serving his alma mater as a teacher, coach, mentor and athletic director. During that time, he has coached multiple sports while helping guide student-athletes on and off the field and contributing to numerous district, regional and state championship teams.
Anthony recently received statewide recognition when the FHSAA named him its inaugural Male Educator of the Year during the organization's first FLASHYS awards ceremony, which celebrates leadership and excellence in high school athletics across Florida.
During the City Commission meeting, Henry said the award also recognized the unique challenges educators face at Mainland High School.
The mayor said the school serves students who often face obstacles beyond the classroom, making Anthony's work especially meaningful. He praised Anthony for remaining committed to Mainland throughout his career and continuing to mentor generations of young people.
Henry also defended the city's continued financial support of Mainland athletics, noting the commission recently approved a $25,000 contribution to the school's athletic department. He said fundraising can be more difficult for Mainland than at many other schools, making community support especially important.
The mayor highlighted the school's recent academic progress as well, telling commissioners Mainland has earned an "A" school grade for the second consecutive year. He credited athletics as one factor that helps students remain engaged and accountable.
"I always tell people, I don't care what your kid does," Henry said. "Have them do something. A sport, be engaged in the band, be engaged in something, because those are the things that keep kids propped up and push them to their destiny."
After presenting the proclamation, Henry surprised Anthony by presenting him with the Key to the City, calling him a "hometown hero" whose impact extends far beyond wins and championships.
Anthony received a standing ovation from those in attendance as family members, colleagues and community supporters joined him for photographs following the presentation.
