- February 26, 2025
City codes caused the market to leave their location at the Moose Lodge.
When Moose Lodge 1263 members opened up a farmer’s market in their parking lot, they imagined it to be a benefit for the city of Ormond Beach. But four months after they opened, they were shut down by city officials for violating property zoning codes.
“I think it was a good thing for the city of Ormond,” Market Vendor Dean Riggs said. “I understand the rules but I think they should have at least made an exception or helped us find another place.”
The market did eventually find another location at the City Center Municipal Complex in Port Orange. The name of the market was changed to City Center Market and opened May 22. Kelly Marks, Moose Lodge member and market manager, said they chose this spot because unlike Port Orange welcomed them with open arms.
“With Ormond Beach we just couldn’t come up with a solution,” Marks said. “It had to be in a city, church or school property and there is not frontage on a main road with that. There’s also an issue with code enforcement on signs. So if you can’t put up signs and you can’t be seen then you can’t be busy.”
Marks heard that Port Orange was looking for a Thursday market and set up a meeting with their city manager. The rest is history.
“Ormond can’t change their rules,” Marks said. “I just wish we could have worked something out. It’s my city. I wanted to do it there but this has been awesome. Maybe someday.”
The City Center Market currently has 33 vendors and is opened 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday.
