- December 4, 2025
Ormond Beach City Commissioner Lori Tolland has filed to run for mayor.
Tolland, who has represented Zone 1 on the commission since she was first elected in 2022, filed for the mayoral seat on Wednesday, Oct. 1. A retired registered nurse, Tolland previously served on the city's Planning Board and Leisure Services Advisory Board, the latter of which she did for over 20 years. She has lived in the city since 1989.
Tolland said she first thought about running for mayor in 2024, after her first term in office, but reconsidered due to timing.
"I realized that another term as commissioner might better prepare me for for the position of of mayor," she said. "Running as a mayor candidate shouldn't be taken lightly, and requires one to be prepared for the daily challenges. I decided to run for mayor because I'm 100% invested in our community. I have the willingness and the time it takes to know the issues and concerns and the desire to provide strong leadership through listening and consensus building."
Now on her second term as commissioner, Tolland said this has prepared her for the mayoral seat by providing experience in dealing with contracts, budgets, residents' issues and working with staff.
"I think the more time that you do serve as commissioner, you get more comfortable and you understand how to navigate a little bit better and easier," she said. "I think being a commissioner first certainly prepares you for the middle seat."
The next commission may face possible property tax reform, should the state head in that direction, Tolland said, and that will be one of the biggest future challenges for municipalities, in addition to stormwater management and flooding. Tolland also serves on the storm mitigation committee for Volusia County's Transform 386 program.
If elected, Tolland said she'd like focus on balancing growth and natural resources, protecting parks and recreation and furthering economic development.
"I would love to continue that discussion on how to support Ormond Beach, balancing our growth and the growth around us, while protecting our natural resources and working together to ensure a thriving, sustainable future for all," Tolland said.
