- April 23, 2024
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Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington speaks during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach City Commissioners Rob Littleton, Rick Boehm, Mayor Bill Partington, Troy Kent and Dwight Selby. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
City Commissioner Rick Boehm speaks during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mayor Bill Partington shakes Security First's Melissa Burt DeVriese's hand as Locke Burt watches during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Dr. Phillip Shapiro of the Historical Society speaks during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Mayor Bill Partington shakes John Adam's hand during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Marty and Rita Press accept a 2018 Civic Excellence award during the 2018 State of the City luncheon at the Oceanside Country Club on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
The state of the city is strong, said Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington at the city's annual State of the City luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 9.
The address, presented by the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and the city, outlined what has transpired over the last year in Ormond Beach in a video format featuring the City Commission. In the video, Partington said employment in the city is now 19,004 people, a 3.2% increase from last year, with 460 new jobs added. The unemployment rate in the second quarter was 4%, he added.
“We’re blessed to have great management, a great staff and years of experience and knowledge that make our city run like clockwork," Partington said. "It takes a lot of hard work behind the scenes, but our staff is dedicated an committed, just like our commission.”
He said there are "many great things" happening in the city in regards to jobs, the community and
partnerships. Of those, the video listed the redevelopment of the former Food Lion at 101 E. Granada Blvd. into a Lucky's Market, to open in the city next spring. The city has also brought in a new manufacturing plant, Concentrated Aloe Corporation.
The city is using $10 million of FEMA funding from Hurricane Matthew for stormwater enhancement projects. The city used FEMA funding this year for $1.2 million in LED lighting at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. In terms of Hurricane Irma, the city will use $14 million of FEMA reimbursements, which are pending, for more stormwater projects as well as facility hardening, the video explained.
Pedestrian safety was also addressed, as City Commissioner Troy Kent said in the State of the City video that staff is working with the Florida Department of Transportation and the River to Sea Transportation Planning Organization to increase crosswalks along A1A.
“I’m proud to tell you that we are securing our future," Partington said.
City Commissioner Rick Boehm also spoke at the State of the City luncheon, as it was the last time he would attend one as a commissioner. He is retiring after this term.
Boehm thanked all who attended and said he appreciated them. He said he is proud to retire knowing Ormond Beach will remain "a special place" for years to come.
"You are what make Ormond Beach special," Boehm said. "You are the people who truly care. You are the ones who truly try to make this the best community it can be.”
