- January 16, 2025
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Officials from the city of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, St. Johns River Water Management District and members of the Penland family celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Volusia County Community Information Director Kevin Captain speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
County Councilman Troy Kent speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
St. Johns River Water Management District Vice Chair Maryam Ghyabi during the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington speaks during the ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating a joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Officials from the city of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, St. Johns River Water Management District and members of the Penland family celebrate the ribbon cutting ceremony for the joint acquisition of a 19-acre parcel of land in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, Bob Pomerenke, City Commissioners Susan Persis and Harold Briley, Melissa Penland, County Councilman Troy Kent, City Commissioner Travis Sargent, County Councilman Matt Reinhart and City Commissioner Lori Tolland. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The city of Ormond Beach, Volusia County and the St. Johns River Water Management District celebrated the acquisition of 19 acres of environmentally sensitive land in Ormond Beach with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Feb. 15.
The purchase of the land, previously known as the Penland and Pomerenke property, is the city's first partnership with Volusia Forever.
The acquisition not only enhances the adjacent Riverbend Nature Park along the Tomoka River, where the ceremony was held, but creates an opportunity for the city to expand its trails system, Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington said during the ceremony.
"We're excited as a city to have the opportunity to manage this newly acquired land and expand the recreational opportunities for our residents," Partington said. "We understand the importance of preserving our natural resources, and this acquisition will help us continue our long legacy of environmental stewardship in the city."
Last year, the city, county and SJRWMD agreed to collaborate to purchase the property for $770,000, with the city putting forth $154,000 and SJRWMD contributing $462,000.
Volusia County contributed $161,000 toward the purchase using funds from Volusia Forever, a voter-approved tax program created in 2000 for the acquisition of environmentally-sensitive lands for outdoor recreation and conservation purposes.
Volusia Forever was renewed in 2020. According to the county, about 39,000 acres have been purchased since the program was created.
SJRWMD Vice Chair Maryam Ghyabi said partnerships such as this one allow for land purchases that preserve Florida's nature for future generations.
"I look forward to our continued conservation efforts in the future," she said.
Their commitment to ensuring that the land will be preserved for the public use, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come is not only honorable — it's selfless and greatly appreciated." — Troy Kent, Volusia County Councilman
The property will expand Riverbend Nature Park at 755 Airport Road and will remain protected thanks to a conservation easement, according to a county press release. The city plans to expand recreational activities at the park, which is home to a mountain bike trail.
"As many of you know, the Volusia County Council is fiercely dedicated to preserving our natural lands in this beautiful county that we call home," County Councilman Troy Kent said.
Kent, who represents District 4, said the partnership to acquire the property was particularly special to him as a former Ormond Beach city commissioner who had voted in favor of the purchase during his time on the Ormond Beach commission. Kent began serving on the County Council in January.
He also thanked the families who sold the property to the city, county and SJRWMD, despite having received a higher proposal from another prospective buyer.
"Their commitment to ensuring that the land will be preserved for the public use, so it can be enjoyed for generations to come, is not only honorable — it's selfless and greatly appreciated," Kent said.
Residents of Ormond Beach have been asking the city for initiatives such as this one, Partington said, referring to a recent parks and recreation master plan update that found that citizens want more trails and outdoor recreation areas.
"It truly takes a team effort to achieve something as significant as this, and we're grateful to be a part of it," Partington said. "I look forward to seeing our residents continue to enjoy this beautiful land for years to come."
