- September 13, 2024
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Construction on the Cassen Park redesign project could start as early as January 2025.
The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved an intent to bid the estimated $2.8 million project at its meeting on Aug. 20, via the consent agenda. The project will increase parking spots from 39 to 53, with 48 slated for boat trailers. It will construct a new building for Granada Bait and Tackle shop, owned and operated by Ormond Beach resident Ike Leary. The new bait shop will include public restrooms.
City Commissioner Lori Tolland praised the design put forth by engineering firm Zev Cohen and Associates and landscape architect Marquis Latimer + Halback last fall, noting the inclusion of saltwater tolerant plants, and Ormond’s signature Medjool palm tree.
“The commission later asked Zev Cohen to increase the percentage of native plants as to showcase Cassen Park as a jewel of natives in public places, and that came after they had their direction,” Tolland said.
She asked if redesign project would be delayed if some of the plant materials were swapped to favor natives. She also put forth an idea to create a pollinator planting area to attract butterflies.
Dwight Durant, principal of Zev Cohen, said changes can be made until the project is constructed, and the costs may go up or down depending on the changes.
Tolland said the redesign proposal has gone beyond what she imagined for the park, and praised the inclusion of native plants.
“I’m proud that we’re moving in this direction,” Tolland said. “It is a trend across the whole United States and I think Ormond Beach is at the forefront of this trend.”
City Commission Travis Sargent said the redesign is an awesome project, but had one request.
“My only ask is that we can strive to get this completed before July 4th of 2025, so we can have a Fourth of July celebration in our new park,” Sargent said.
The city aims to bring a bid for approval to the commission at its Nov. 6 meeting.
When construction begins, portions of the park will be closed to the public, but the bait shop and at least one boat ramp will remain open, according to a city staff report.
The Ormond Beach Police Department announced its Citizen Appreciation Award winners in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
The award winners were: Catherine McCoy and the Falls Community, and Toni and Jeff Wright.
McCoy and her team hosted a “Hot Dog and Hot Red” event, raising over $3,000 for OBPD’s Stop the Bleed kits.
The Wrights were selected for their continuous support of the agency, including helping to raise over $6,000 for the 2024 Volusia County Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.
“We’re proud to recognize some incredible community members who go above and beyond in supporting the Ormond Beach Police Department,” OBPD wrote in its Facebook post. “These outstanding individuals were nominated by our officers and selected by our Awards Committee. Their dedication makes our community stronger and reminds us why we do what we do!”
Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent will host a community meeting from 5-6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, at Holly Hill City Hall, located at 1065 S. Ridgewood Ave.
Kent represents District 4, which includes Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea, on the council. Residents may ask questions and voice concerns during the meeting.
This is part of the quarterly District Dialogue 4 Residents series.
The Volusia County School Board approved an agreement with the city of Ormond Beach to place a school resource officer at Ormond Beach Middle School.
The agreement, approved via the School Board’s consent agenda for its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27, will last one year, with additional one-year renewals, through June 30, 2029. The district is paying 50% of the officer’s salary — $27,113.80 — and the city will pay the remaining 50%. All middle and high schools must have have an SRO. As Ormond doesn’t have any high schools within its city limits, the OBMS position is the only one the city helps fund.
Ormond Beach City Hall and all non-emergency facilities will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday.
Facilities will reopen during regular operating hours on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
