- February 27, 2026
In celebration of the United State's 250th anniversary, a national nonprofit has been helping the Daughters of the American Revolution uncover — and memorialize — the stories of lesser-known patriots.
Ormond Beach's Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the DAR received a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for one of these markers: One for Francisco Xavier Sanchez, the namesake behind Sanchez Park at 329 Sanchez Ave.
"We wanted to bring recognition to the American Revolution to that area," said Stacey Simmons, a DAR member who serves on the historic preservation committee.
Sanchez was a Spanish soldier born in St. Augustine on Dec. 3, 1736, who aided American patriots during the Revolutionary War. His family ran a cattle ranch north of St. Augustine for 200 years, according to the foundation.
The DAR discovered his history when a member was doing research on her genealogy. She had looked more into his attributions and saw that there was no spotlight on his legacy. The DAR wanted to commemorate his impact.
During the American Revolution, many Americans were held in the prison by the British, and Sanchez helped supply them with food and clothing. He was one of the only Spanish residents who remained in St. Augustine after the Seven Years War, and sold meat to the British.
The DAR and the William F. Pomeroy Foundation dedicated the historical marker during a ceremony held on Nov. 15, 2025. It was one of the first markers in the state for the group's “Revolutionary America 1775–1783” partner program, and the 19th overall application.
The memorial service and dedication of the marker was attended by two of Sanchez's descendants, Rev. Dee Graham and Diana Sanchez Zimmerman, both members of the Los Floridanos Society.
“It’s so special to have an ancestor of honor and to hear you all speak so warmly about him and the things he did," Graham said.
The dedication ceremony was presided over by DAR Chapter Regent Sue Demorsky and featured the Daytona Ormond Sons of the American Revolution color guard.
"This is like what real revolutionary patriots dressed like," Demorsky said.
Future plans by the Daughters of the American Revolution include a “Patriots in the Park” event to further commemorate the area’s revolutionary history. The event will spotlight local soldiers who impacted history around Ormond Beach, giving locals the opportunity to meet reenactors and learn about the cities' patriots.
