Almost 15 years in the making: Security First breaks ground in Ormond Crossings

Ormond Beach Observer
News

Security First Insurance held a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, March 7, for its new $30 million headquarters in Ormond Crossings, which will allow the family-owned company to almost triple their current staffing.

Security First began clearing 13 out of the 48 acres for the construction site in early January. The new four-story headquarters will span 133,000 square feet complete with a large cafeteria, fitness center, extra break rooms as well as outdoor walking trails in the remaining acreage. It will be able to house an estimated total of 750 full-time employees.

Security First Insurance's new headquarters in Ormond Crossings will have four floors and measure 133,000 square feet. Photo Courtesy of Security First Insurance.

County Council Chair Ed Kelley called the new headquarters "one of the greatest historic moments in economical development" in Volusia County in front of a crowd of about 450 people, including county and Ormond Beach city officials, Security First board members, employees and their families. He said that Security First is an example that "world-class" companies can start, grow and expand in Volusia.

“This shows what happens when you can work together with the county, and the city and the private sector and arrive at this point today," Kelley said.

When the headquarters open in 2019, Security First will have been in business in Ormond Beach for 60 years, said Security First Chairman and President Locke Burt. He said it is the hometown insurance company for Volusia and Flagler County, insuring one out five homes.

Security First board members break ground during Security First's groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters on March 7. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

“This is the heart of our business and we really wanted to stay here and be a part of Ormond Beach — continue to be a part of Ormond Beach," Burt said.

The biggest change for the company will be crossing the Halifax River, Burt added, since Security First has always operated from the beachside. The company has been in its current location on 140 S. Atlantic Ave. for almost 45 years.

“We hope that we’ll be in this location for at least another 60 years,” Burt said.

Aside from putting Volusia on the map, Kelley also said the new headquarters will have jobs available for future generations. Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington also touched on this point, bringing the crowd's attention to the kids playing in the dirt with yellow toy bulldozers as the ceremony went on.

Henry DeVriese looks on as Security First board members break ground during Security First's groundbreaking ceremony for its new headquarters on March 7. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

“Seeing the kids here tonight is fantastic," Partington said. "[Former Mayor] Fred Costello talked about 15 or 20 years ago, Ormond Beach needs to retain its talent and make jobs for our young people. This is the type of business that’ll make sure that happens.”

He said that keeping this family-owned business in Ormond Beach was a tremendous accomplishment for all, and that the new Security First headquarters at Ormond Crossings will be the gateway into Volusia County.