- February 24, 2025
Proposals need OK from FDOT
Having gateway signs at the entry points to Ormond Beach has been an ongoing project for many years, but finally passed an important hurdle at the March 3 City Commission meeting. The officials approved a design that will be sent to the Florida Department of Transportation for a Community Aesthetic Features review and approval.
“This is a big deal,” said Commissioner Troy Kent. He said the commission had talked about gateways signs for as long as he has been in office. He recalled early proposals that were too expensive and had “creatures jumping out of the water.”
He likes the new design because it incorporates architectural components of Andy Romano Beachfront Park and the new Sunoco gas station on West Granada Boulevard.
“I’m pleased after all these years we did it at an extremely reasonable cost,” he said.
In 1999, the city wanted to construct a sign on Ormond Towne Square property at Williamson Boulevard, but an agreement was never reached with the landowner.
The new proposed vertical monument sign will go in the median at that location and most other entry points to the city. Staff is continuing to work on finding suitable locations for gateway features on North State Road A1A near Plaza Drive and North U.S. 1 at I-95.
The signs will be 15-feet tall with stucco architectural finishes and a decorative cupola. The city seal will be on opposing faces, along with “Welcome to Ormond Beach.” They must follow FDOT specifications for clearance, etc.
Also, at the Interstate 95 and Granada Boulevard intersection, two wall signs are proposed to be mounted to the wing walls of the overpass, one on the northeast wall, and one on the southwest wall. The signs will be up-lighted from the ground and annual flowers will be installed to provide seasonal color.
The cost of the signs is estimated to be $98,860. A private donor has promised $50,000, according to the supporting documents.
