- February 6, 2025
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This year, three Port Orange City Council seats, each a four-year term, are up for election.
District 1 candidate Bob Ford
Bob Ford, who is in his eighth year on City Council, moved to Port Orange in the mid ‘80s when he was hired as the police chief. Ford said one of his first observations was how rapidly the community was growing and changing.
Ford said he decided to first run for a City Council seat because he wanted to create a more balanced approach to decision-making after having concerns about how previous community decisions had been made.
“One of my main motivations right now is to make sure nobody is left behind in Port Orange,” Ford said.
Ford said he also wants to ensure that the city retains some of the same qualities that were present when Port Orange was a smaller community. This includes getting traffic under control and working on beatification projects.
Ford said he also wants to continue focusing on the east side of the city with improvements around Riverwalk Park. This would include more pedestrian and bike friendly pathways and looking at ways to invest in redevelopment in order to use what the city already has.
“The vision is making this a nice city from one end to another,” Ford said, adding, "every year the community has gotten a little better.”
District 1 candidate Betty Ceribelli
Former city paralegal Betty Ceribelli will be running against Councilman Bob Ford for the District 1 seat. Ceribelli was a paralegal for U.S. Steal for 30 years before moving to Port Orange where she worked with the city attorney for 11 years.
“I miss being connected with the city,” Ceribelli said. “I'm just interested in trying to follow the law, follow the rules of the land development codes and listen to what the citizens have to say.”
The 73-year-old moved to Port Orange after getting married. She now has two children.
Ceribelli said when she was a paralegal for the city she worked with the various departments in Port Orange — something she feels could be beneficial in a city council seat. What she also feels would be beneficial is her experience reviewing agenda packets that would go to council members. She explained that because of this she knows what is supposed to be included.
“I want to do something good,” Ceribelli said. “I really feel like I have the experience even though I'm not a politician and am basically a concerned citizen who wants to use the experience I have to make the city a better place.”
District 2 candidate Chase Tramont
City Councilman and Spruce Creek High School teacher Chase Tramont has filed his paperwork to seek re-election for his District 2 seat on the Port Orange City Council.
Tramont, an ordained minister and Spruce Creek High boys basketball coach, won his open council seat in a landslide in 2016. “Coach Tramont” will now be running for his own four-year term.
“Next to being a husband and father, serving the great City of Port Orange has been the highlight of my life," Tramont said. "I am a life-long resident of Port Orange and am therefore a product of the investment that this city made into me since I was a little kid. It is a true honor to be in a position to give back to my community and make a return investment into the next generation.”
One of the first motions made by Councilman Tramont when he took office was to pass a resolution urging the state legislature to permit local cities to regulate smoking in public parks. The House and Senate took up a bill that would accomplish this goal but it did not make it to the House floor for a final vote.
“I will continue to lobby Tallahassee and fight for the health and safety of our children in our city-owned parks. This is just common sense,” Tramont said.
District 2 candidate Sarah Jones
Candidate Sarah Jones is a retired public health chemist who has lived in Port Orange for more than 21 years. She worked as a scientist for more than 20 years primarily in lead poisoning and workplace safety. Jones previously ran for office two years ago.
Jones has been active with her labor union and stated she is committed to making Port Orange "an even better place in which to live, work, visit and raise a family."
Jones stated that she believes transparency and accountability are essential for citizens to have confidence in the city’s leadership. She said she would like to see more transparency during city council meetings and for citizens to have a clear understanding of what is being voted on.
Jones would also like to see more attention to older residents living alone and to incorporate a volunteer program in order to check on homes. Additionally, she hopes to focus on homelessness and shelter programs.
Maintaining the city's trees is also a major concern for Jones who said the landscaping is what makes the city enjoyable.
She added that "people participate when they know what is going on," and that she "will foster and support access every day."
District 4 candidate Scott Stiltner
Vice Mayor Scott Stiltner was born and raised in Volusia County and has been a Port Orange resident for 28 years. He served 22 years in law enforcement with the City of Port Orange. He also held the position of youth athletics coach in the city and as a high school football coach for Spruce Creek High School.
Stiltner pointed out that Port Orange has an aging infrastructure and the city will need to plan and budget how it will be maintained while continuing to improve and resolve stormwater retention, drainage and flood-prone areas.
Maintaining and expanding the Parks and Recreation facilities and programs for residents is also a key focus area for Stiltner who explained that it is important for quality of life.
Stiltner noted that he also wants to focus on the Riverwalk area, adding that there is a need for "the private sector to see and embrace the vision and invest in the east side of the city."
Stiltner also wants to keep working on Dunlawton.
“As this is a state roadway, we must continue communications and efforts with the State Department of Transportation and Volusia County DOT to study and be continually working towards solutions that will improve traffic flow on Dunlawton Avenue for our residents and visitors,” Stiltner said.
