- February 25, 2025
Three citizens received awards for civic engagement at the annual luncheon.
Ormond Beach Mayor Ed Kelley said he had to trick the Rev. Willie Branch to come to the State of the City luncheon on Oct. 15.
“I told him I wanted him to give the benediction,” he said.
The mayor knew he would come to give a benediction, but might not come to receive an award, in this case an Award for Civic Engagement.
Branch was one of three people to receive awards, which are presented annually by the mayor during the State of the City event to people who have made notable contributions throughout the year.
Branch, a retired minister, is a volunteer chaplain for various organizations, including the Ormond Beach Police Department and Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and chairman of both the Neighborhood Improvement Board and Ormond Beach Housing Authority. Last year, he became commander of American Legion Post 267, where he also serves as chaplain.
Also receiving an ACE was Peggy Farmer for her work with the U.S. 1 coalition, a group of businesses and concerned citizens who are working to improve the development and appearance of the gateway to the city.
Kelley said in the future when people see improvements along the highway, they should realize she was one of the people who made it possible.
Also receiving an award was Rick Fraser, executive director of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, for his support and leadership. Kelley noted that the chamber luncheon was sold out, and he said a lot of the people in the room were involved in the business community because of Fraser.
“It shows you what an outstanding difference one person can make,” he said.
The State of the City luncheon is a joint production by the city of Ormond Beach and Chamber of Commerce, and the video shown at the luncheon revealed public/private partnerships throughout the year. The city provides monetary incentives to encourage existing businesses to grow and new businesses to locate to the area.
Incentives went to Duvasawko, which relocated to the city, Emergency Communications Network, which moved into larger quarters after renovating an existing building, and S.R. Perrott, which constructed a large building on North U.S. 1.
Kelley said these three companies invested $10.5 million, which resulted in 430 new jobs.
He also pointed out that the city sold eight acres in the business park to Padwell Holdings LLC for construction of a facility to make modular commercial buildings, and helped Ameritech Die and Mold South with its plans to add manufacturing capabilities.
Other accomplishments by the city included beautification of Granada Boulevard, the flood control project in Central Park which resulted in the connection of the lakes, the field house at the Sports Complex and reaccreditation of the police department.
Kelley said the state of the city is “bright and prosperous.”
