- February 28, 2025
BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
Fred Costello, mayor of Ormond Beach from 2002 to 2010, has thrown his hat back into the political ring by entering this year’s race for a seat in the state legislature, District 25.
Costello served in the house from 2010 until 2012 when he ran for the U.S. House of Representatives and lost to Ron DeSantis.
“I came in second out of seven,” Costello said recently.
Costello said Rep. Dave Hood told him he has decided not to seek re-election. He said if Hood had decided to serve longer, he would not run again.
“I’ve always said that if Dave served two or four years I would run again,” Costello said. “He’s done an outstanding job.”
Costello said he “loved” being mayor of Ormond Beach, pointing out his involvement with the projects such as the sports complex, Granada Boulevard medians and Andy Romano Beachfront Park.
Costello believes in local control as opposed to mandates from the state in areas such as growth management. While in the legislature, he was one of three legislators out of 120 named “Defender of Home Rule” by the Florida League of Cities.
