- April 24, 2024
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Our MainStreet stands out from other cities because of the way it works for its citizens, said Julia Truilo, Ormond Beach MainStreet executive director, at the 22nd-annual Ormond Beach MainStreet Celebration on Monday, Oct. 16.
The 31 Supper Club was full of people celebrating MainStreet's success for the past year. Ormond Beach's downtown district has been a topic of interest in Volusia's beachside redevelopment committee since one of their goals is to improve Main Street in Daytona Beach. Truilo attributed Ormond MainStreet's accomplishments to the dedicated people on its board and the community that supports the organization.
“We have people that are really engaged in what the process is," Truilo said. "People who are super engaged in forward-motion.”
As they looked to what other cities where doing with their Main Streets, Truilo said they determined Ormond needed to be a more walkable city. This includes adding more restaurants in the downtown district as well as residences.
Commissioner Rick Boehm, who serves as the representative of the City Commission on the Ormond MainStreet board, said the non-profit has a focus on developing the downtown.
Though this might seem a bit too big of a change at first, Truilo said they're focusing on the concept of taking small steps toward that end goal.
“Know where you’re going," Truilo said. "But go there in little bitty bites.”
She added that Ormond MainStreet has been fortunate so far in receiving support for some of their "difficult ideas."
Looking ahead to the next year, Truilo said Ormond MainStreet will be focusing on two specific projects. The first is the dock at Cassen Park, which was heavily damaged due to Hurricane Irma. Plans for the dock's remodel where already underway before the storm, but now the city has a clean slate.
Ormond MainStreet is also hoping to launch their mural program, with the aim of promoting the downtown arts district in the city. At least one City Commissioner believes this is a good idea.
“I would like to see murals in the downtown," Boehm said. "[Truilo] proposed three in the first year.”
At the celebration, Planning Director Ric Goss and Economic Development Director Joe Mannarino were recognized for their work in the city. Chuck Spano was also awarded as Ormond MainStreet's "Volunteer of the Year" due to his work in putting together the Ormond Beach Celtic Festival.
