- March 6, 2025
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The Volusia County Council unanimously approved the creation of a Commercial Space Industry Opportunity Overlay at its meeting on Tuesday, June 2, an action meant to attract manufacturers in the aerospace industry to set up shop in the county.
The overlay is an amendment to the future land use element of the county's comprehensive plan, and will help to expedite requests for development. The amendment was first presented to the council on May 5, but was tabled to allow for more public input and to addreess questions by residents. Clay Ervin, county director of Growth and Resource Management, said this overlay will allow the county to shorten the review period of these requests while maintaining county standards.
“This is the first of one of many tools that we have," Ervin said.
The council was presented with two options: adopt the original ordinance as presented on May 5, or adopt a revised ordinance with changes recommended by participants from a public outreach meeting held on May 12 by the county planning and development services staff. The council voted for the revised ordinance, which amended a policy to require new development connect to central water and sanitary sewer systems as soon as possible, and clarify language regarding a subsector associated with aerospace and aeronautical manufacturers, according to the agenda item documents.
“It’s a great day in Volusia County for air, sea and land with what this council has just done," Volusia County Councilwoman Deb Denys said.
This has been years in the making, she explained, and asked cities to consider creating their own overlay zones to further expedite the development process for these industries. The amendment doesn't encourage the paving of wetlands or weakening of environmental protections, Denys said. It's about economic development and job creation.
“It’s market driven," Denys said. "It’s not government driven.”
State Sen. Tom Wright, who is also the chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs and Space Committee, attended the meeting, and said that it was important for Volusia to understand the "golden opportunity" that lies ahead. He recalled the jobs that were lost in 2011 when the space shuttle program shuttered.
“How many time do we have in our lives for another second chance?” he said.
Not everyone who spoke at the meeting was in favor of the overlay. Ormond Beach resident Suzanne Scheiber said the county should focus on working with its existing assets instead of chasing "future costly ventures."
“We are a coastal community that has not come close to maximizing the value of our natural environment with eco-friendly jobs, economics, local business support and environmental stewardship all combined," she said. "This is possible and profitable.”
Volusia County Councilman Ben Johnson said if Volusia doesn't lead, the county will be the "first place losers." This is the best opportunity he's seen in his lifetime to promote economic growth.
“It’s about the jobs — good, clean jobs," Johnson said. "Keeping our students and our children here in our area.”
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