'It all starts here': Ormond Beach mayor delivers 2025 State of the City address

The annual address, held in conjunction with the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, celebrated recent civic successes and recognized community advocates.

  • Ormond Beach Observer
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Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie delivered his first State of the City address on Tuesday, Oct. 14, an annual event that celebrates civic successes and community partnerships. 

"This year's theme, 'It all starts here,' captures the heart of what makes Ormond Beach thrive," Leslie said. "Every project, every new idea and every success begins right here with people who care deeply about their community and take action to make it stronger."

Held in conjunction with the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce at the Oceanside Country Club, the State of the City address was attended by members of the business community, elected officials and community organizations. 

Ormond Beach's success, Leslie said, starts when residents help their neighbors, business owners invest in local opportunities and city staff serves the public. 

"That is who we are in Ormond Beach," Leslie said. "We take initiative, we work together and we turn good ideas into lasting results."


RECENT SUCCESSES

Economic growth, public safety, infrastructure and the revitalization of the city's downtown district were some of the topics highlighted during Ormond Beach's State of the City address, which always includes a video featuring each of the City Commissioners speaking on recent accomplishments.

The city highlighted the completion of Runway Drive at the Airport Business Park, a project largely funded by the governor's Florida Job Growth grant program. This project, Leslie said in the video, will create opportunities for expansion and attraction of new businesses, while supporting existing ones. Additionally, Leslie spoke about the upcoming Ormond Crossings development, which has been in the works since 2002. At build-out, the development will include another business park, a town center and up to 2,550 residential units.

"These projects are laying the groundwork for Ormond Beach's economic future," Leslie said in the video address. "Bold investments are only part of the story, just as important as our commitment to nurturing innovation, supporting the people and ideas that will shape Ormond Beach's future."

A new water main and force main along Airport Road was also spotlighted. Commissioner Harold Briley said that, by extending this line, the city is preparing its system to handle future demand, adding capacity and improving system redundancy. 

The city, he added, is also moving forward with its $2.1 million Fleming Avenue stormwater pump project, which will interconnect drainage systems on the south side of Fleming Avenue for more local flood control. The project is slated to be funded through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation grant. 

In terms of public safety, Commissioner Kristin Deaton mentioned the addition of several new officers to the Ormond Beach Police Department, which received 57,265 calls for service over the past year. The city also launched a real-time call streaming platform called Live 911 to allow officers to hear emergency calls as they come into dispatch. 

Cassen Park's completion was also celebrated in the video. In late July, the city celebrated the reopening of the waterfront park, which now includes a new bait and tackle shop, native landscaping and new restroom facilities. 

"These improvements highlight the city's commitment to preserving Cassen Park's natural beauty while expanding its amenities for modern use," Commissioner Travis Sargent said in the video. "With these updates, Cassen Park is poised to remain the love landlord for generations to come, blending its historic charm with thoughtful enhancements that reflect the evolving needs of our community."

Lastly, the video touted the city's inclusion of arts in the downtown through its mural program and the recent Seward Johnson sculpture tour, brought in by the Ormond Beach Arts District. In April, the city also introduced its Downtown Master Arts Plan.

"This plan ensures that as our downtown continues to grow, it does so with intention, celebrating our identity, supporting local artists and enriching the everyday experience of residents and visitors alike," Commissioner Lori Tolland said in the video.


MAYOR'S ACE AWARDS

Five people received the mayor's Award of Civic Engagement at the State of the City Address. The award is given out every year to recognize individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the city, Leslie said. 

"These individuals have gone above and beyond in their own efforts to improve and strengthen our community," he said.

The recipients were:

  • Becky Parker, executive director of Ormond MainStreet. Parker was recognized for her 10 years of work with Ormond MainStreet to help revitalize the downtown. 
  • Dwight Durant, principal with Zev Cohen & Associates. Durant was recognized for his service to Ormond Beach youth sports and recreation.
  • Judith Stein, vice president of the Ormond Beach Arts District. Stein was recognized for her role in promoting the arts and helping bring the Seward Johnson sculpture tour to the city.
  • Kevin Wakefield, owner of Ormond Garage, 31 Supper Club and The Grind Gastropub and Kona Tiki Bar. Wakefield was recognized for his entrepreneurship in the downtown and his philanthropic efforts.
  • Lewis Heaster, president of Heaster Family Properties. Heaster was recognized for his community investments and nonprofit advocacy. 

In speaking about the State of the City's theme, "It all starts here," Leslie said it means collaboration, service and taking pride in "doing things the right way together." 

"Every project you'll see in today's program began with an idea, conversation or shared vision, and it grew into something real because people believed in Ormond Beach and worked to make it happen," Leslie said. "This is a spirit that defines us. We honor our history. We protect our environment. We support our local businesses, and we plan for a future that will continue to make Ormond Beach a wonderful place to call home."

 

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