- November 26, 2024
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The measured words of Dr. Philip Shapiro can be heard as he directs the discussion of an issue as chairman of the Quality of Life Board or Historic Landmark Preservation Board; or as he talks with passion about the history of the area in his work with the Ormond Beach Historical Society, where he served as president in 2018.
At the 2018 State of the City luncheon, Shapiro was presented with the Mayor’s Award for Civic Engagement. In 2011, he received the Anderson-Price Memorial Award for outstanding service in historical preservation and restoration on behalf of the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
His has also served as chairman of the Preservation Committee for the Historical Society as well as vice-chair for the museum committee. He is currently on the board of Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens.
Other past involvement includes 2012 city of Ormond Beach Charter Review Committee; Community Council, PACE Center for Girls; Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce; Trails Kiwanis Club (past president); Advisory Council, Community Schools, School Board of Volusia County; and 2002 Ormond Beach Land Development Code Rewrite Committee.
IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY
Shapiro first developed an interest in history as a student at the former Seabreeze Jr. High School in Daytona Beach. He had an inspiring teacher and was fascinated by the Civil War, including the causes and the aftermath.
“I started to wake up to what history is all about,” he said recently. He retained the interest, even though it was not his life’s work. He became a podiatrist and had a practice in Ormond Beach from 1977 to 2010. He keeps his license current and stays involved with the field.
In 2004, he put his interest in history to work when he was chosen to serve on the board of the Ormond Beach Historical Society where he continues to volunteer today.
“Ormond Beach has quite a story to tell,” he said.
He points out that local history goes back 3,000 years, with artifacts of ancient people found along the waterways. The story continues through Colonial and Territorial periods and the settlement of Ormond Beach.
The Three Chimneys site on West Granada Boulevard is an important historic site dating from around 1803; it's owned by the state and managed by the Ormond Beach Historical Society. Shapiro has headed up the Preservation Committee for the past 10 years.
Currently, the historic site that needs to be watched is the MacDonald House on East Granada Boulevard, he said, which is operated as a welcome center by the Historical Society. The goal of the society is to restore the second floor so the building can be used as a museum. Grants would be needed for the cost; the building is owned by the city.
“It’s an ongoing and worthwhile project,” he said.
History is important, Shapiro said, because it offers a sense of culture and identity.
ADVISING THE CITY
“Dr. Shapiro has done so much for the preservation of the Three Chimneys. The site has been stabilized.”
Elysha Petschauer, executive director, Ormond Beach Historical Society
Shapiro said he serves on the advisory boards because he enjoys working with people and helping the city gain insight into ideas and issues to make proper decisions. He believes that the City Commission carefully studies the decisions of the advisory boards when they vote on a matter.
An example of an item before the Quality of Life Board was the development of Andy Romano Park. Other items include suggestions from citizens, such as having kiosks where people can borrow or leave books.
Shapiro said a coastal city in Florida, such as Ormond Beach, is bound to have growth, and maintaining quality of life is a balancing act.
He said all citizens should stay informed, whether it’s by media or attending government meetings.
“You should know what’s going on in the city,” he said.
