- November 23, 2024
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Rashida Hakeem, Len Lessmiller and Robin Magleora hold signs on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge to protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Heather Guinaugh and Ann Marie Sikorski protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Jason Leslie and Joe Hannoush protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Norman Lane and Elaine Harwood protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Donna Craig holds a sign protesting the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ariel Kavanaugh, Liz Bonds, Laura Weast and Jill Bodine protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Jody Gibian-Miles (center) protests the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Suzanne Scheiber, founder of Dream Green Volusia, protests the paving project at Tomoka State Park on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
About 25 people waved signs on the Granada Bridge on Wednesday, Sept. 4, protesting a $1.5 million road paving project at Tomoka State Park.
The project, which aims to pave a 1.5-mile stretch of dirt road from north of the campground to the Chief Tomokie Statute parking area, was included in the 2012 Tomoka Basin State Parks Unit Management Plan. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection assigned a work plan for the project in January 2023, with it going out for bid in April. Bids closed on May 8.
The protest was organized by Ormond Beach resident and Dream Green Volusia Founder Suzanne Scheiber. She, along with other concerned residents, spoke before the City Commission at its meeting later that evening seeking a letter of support for their opposition to the project.
"All of us have the right to take a position as we all share a responsibility for our remaining green spaces and history," Scheiber said. "This includes our local government that supported the designation of the scenic highway."
Scheiber listed eight reasons as to why Dream Green Volusia opposes the paving project, including the park having more pressing maintenance needs, flooding concerns, a negative impact to wildlife and historic resources, and the possibility for more development after a road is built.
The state park has an official citizen support organization, the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks. But, Scheiber said, the organization is not allowed to take a position on the matter. They can only provide information.
Residents who voiced their concerns about the project before the commission spoke about their love of running on the park's dirt roads, a fear of losing its "Old Florida" feel and worries that a paved road may lead to speeding inside the park.
"A paved road is a human convenience, not a human necessity — and definitely, not a human necessity in a state park," Daytona Beach resident Catherine Pante said.
Ormond-by-the-Sea resident Donna Craig recalled the days her Brownie troop would hold cookouts and attend class field trips in the park. Part of the fun was being on a dirt road, she said.
"It's natural," Craig said. "It's what the park is supposed to be, and the idea of having a paved roadway through that park makes me very sad. I think we need to preserve what we can, as the natural environment here is precious, and it's what brings people here and it's what keeps people here."
The city doesn't have jurisdiction over Tomoka State Park, FDEP does. But, commissioners were split over the project.
City Commissioner Lori Tolland said she had several conversations with Scheiber and that she appreciated her passion, but that she also had conversations with FDEP representatives and park rangers.
She originally was going to ask the commission to send a letter to FDEP opposing the project, but changed her mind as it's been in the works since as early as 2008, prior to the creation of the 2012 Tomoka Basin State Parks Unit Management Plan.
"It was a visitor-driven initiative," Tolland said.
Visitors were reporting that their large RVs were getting stuck in potholes, she said. The park has tried regrading the dirt road, using shell and rock. She was told that the paving project would protect the land that's underneath; the proposed roadwork is located within the boundaries of the Nocoroco archaeological site, a Timicua Indian village listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and within the boundaries of the Mount Oswald Plantation.
"I think that paving the 1.5 miles does make sense," Tolland said. "... As far as the archaeological sensitive lands, I was told that the paving would protect that more and when they do the paving, they will have an archaeologist on site and he will be retained during that time to protect that property."
Tolland added that the paving project's funds can't be used to address other park needs, as they come from different FDEP funds.
Scheiber said that while $1.5 million are slated for the road project, the city could request FDEP consider a reallocation to go toward park needs, which include new roofs for buildings, septic system maintenance, park pavilion repairs, picnic table and bench replacements. The rangers are also driving 20-year-old trucks, she said, and the Friends recently replaced a transmission on one of the vehicles.
"The flooding on the Ormond Scenic Loop is a real issue and pavement creates more runoff," Scheiber said. "When we know about existing problems, we cannot turn a blind eye and accept what was approved 12 years earlier. Difficult conversations do not go away just because they are difficult. Times have changed."
At least two commissioners expressed some concern with the paving project. City Commissioner Susan Persis said she sees both sides, but was in favor of a letter. Commissioner Harold Briley said one of the things residents enjoy about visiting Tomoka State Park is that it feels like traveling back in time.
"It does take away from the scenic park-like setting," Briley said. "I agree with some of the comments that were made. I don't think it makes environmental sense. This park has been up there for, I don't know how long — A lot, a lot of years. And they've made it work this far."
Briley said he'd rather the funds be allocated to other park needs, such as the restoration of the park's Chief Tomokie statue or repairing the park docks.
"I think the priorities here are a little bit backwards with Tomoka State Park," Briley said. "I say, keep the road dirt and improve the amenities and protect our historic assets up there."
