- August 6, 2026
When I first moved into my current neighborhood, I baked cookies and brought them to my neighbors. One neighbor was surprised and said, “People don’t do this much anymore.”
My response was simple: “Well, I do.”
That moment has stayed with me because community is not something that happens by accident. It’s created by people who choose to care. It is a neighbor checking in on one another, volunteers picking up trash in our parks and along our roads, families supporting local events, and residents taking pride in the places we all share.
If there is one lesson I have learned over the last few years, it is that choosing just one issue is almost impossible. We all experience Ormond Beach differently. Some residents are more focused on traffic, others on flooding, development, public safety, education, parks, or protecting our natural environment. Not every issue affects every resident the same way, but every voice really does matter.
That is why I believe one of our city’s greatest strengths is an engaged community.
Civic engagement starts long before a public meeting. It starts by asking questions, then attending meetings, emailing elected officials and staff, serving on advisory boards, and speaking during public hearings. Social media can be a valuable tool for sharing information and raising awareness, but it should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end. The best decisions are made when residents are informed, involved, and willing to engage respectfully.
Serving on the Planning Board this past year has reinforced my belief that our Land\ Development Code and Comprehensive Plan must reflect the values of the community they serve. Whether the issue is growth, infrastructure, or protecting the natural resources that define our quality of life, thoughtful decisions require participation.
I don’t expect residents to become an expert on every issue. My hope is for each of us to care and get involved, volunteer, serve on a board, speak at a meeting. And if you believe you can make a difference, consider filing to run for office yourself.
The best communities are not built by one elected official. They are built by neighbors who care enough to participate. Many of them never seek recognition, thank you to those for leading in the community, as I have quietly learned from your service.
Community starts with us.
Amber Bobak
Candidate for Ormond Beach City Commission, Zone 4
