- November 17, 2024
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After eight years as mayor and 21 years serving on the Ormond Beach Commission, Mayor Bill Partington said his tearful goodbyes at his final City Commission meeting on Oct. 15.
“It's been an incredible time of service," Partington said. "...There's cities throughout the country that you would not want to be mayor of, but Ormond Beach, it's always been a pleasure."
The next City Commission meeting is on Wednesday, Nov. 6, after the new mayor will be elected.
Residents, staff and fellow commissioners all wished Partington good luck as he leaves his post. Partington was initially elected as Ormond Beach’s Zone 4 representative in 2003. In 2016, he was elected to his first of four consecutive terms as the city’s mayor.
Earlier on Oct. 15 at the city’s annual State of the City address, Deputy Mayor Harold Briley said Partington is “Ormond Beach through and through.”
“He's not just a leader,” Briley said, “he's a hometown advocate who cares deeply about preserving the unique spirit of Ormond Beach while always striving to make it better for future generations.”
Briley presented Partington an award at the annual address to recognize his service. Later at the commission meeting, Briley, on behalf of the commission, gave Partington a gavel and clock, meant to symbolize the legacy he leaves behind.
“The gavel represents your leadership, your ability to guide this city through both opportunities and challenges with fairness and sound judgment,” Briley said. “The clock serves as a reminder of the time and tireless dedication you've given to Ormond Beach always working to make it better for future generations.”
In March, Partington announced he would be running for the Florida House of Representatives District 28 seat, which is an open election as current Rep. Tom Leek is running for Florida Senate District 7. Partington is the Republican candidate and faces Democrat John Navarra and Libertarian Joseph “Joe” Hannoush.
He's not just a leader. He's a hometown advocate."
— HAROLD BRILEY, Ormond Beach deputy mayor
If elected, Partington will be the fourth consecutive Ormond Beach resident to hold the House seat for the district. District 28 includes Ormond Beach, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Holly Hill, Daytona Beach, South Daytona and Daytona Beach Shores.
The commissioners also wished Partington luck on his journey in Tallahassee.
"I'm sure you won't forget Ormond Beach when we contact you with with all our needs and our wish lists," Commissioner Lori Tolland said.
In one of his final acts as mayor, Partington gave each commissioner a key to the city and thanked them for being an amazing commission to work with.
"We haven't always agreed on everything, but we were never disagreeable," he said.
Partington also presented a key to City Manager Joyce Shanahan and Attorney Randal Hayes.
"It's been a special time," he said. "Thank you all for making it extra special."
Partington’s fellow commissioners reminisced on his advocacy in Ormond Beach: his commitment to protecting home rule in the city, championing projects like the Environmental Discovery Center, his support of first responders and his dedication to preserving the natural beauty of Ormond Beach for future generations.
[Leadership is] about serving people, and you've done that with the utmost care and respect."
— HAROLD BRILEY, Ormond Beach deputy mayor
"You've heard all of us say, we've all learned from you," Commissioner Susan Persis said. "You take all the good things and you use them in whatever comes up in your life."
Briley said Partington always understood that leadership wasn't just about making decisions, but about the people.
“[Leadership is] about serving people, and you've done that with the utmost care and respect,” Briley said. “On behalf of this the commission and the people you've served so well: Thank you, Bill.”
