- March 30, 2026
Now that it has been a week since the commission’s final vote on Tomoka Oaks, I want to take a minute to further explain my rationale for my final vote. I have heard from hundreds of residents, many of whom are friends, expressing their disappointment.
Most importantly, I want to make it clear that I have never been and will never be thrilled with 254 new homes on the golf course property. My track record shows my passion for protecting our city’s neighborhoods and green spaces that make Ormond Beach so special.
I appreciate the input and feedback I’ve received on this issue and respect every opinion you have shared with me. I certainly understand your frustration and anger, so let me explain.
We were making our decision as a commission with a virtual gun to our heads. The looming state and federal lawsuits were not going Ormond Beach’s way. We were limited in time due to a pending settlement date. Prior to the meeting, I did do my due diligence regarding the federal case and the ability for the developer to indeed place over three hundred homes in the butterfly space. I confirmed that the developer will be required to perform extensive soil testing and “clean up” if needed, which is part of the permitting process from the Department of Environmental Protection. I confirmed that the traffic study will be updated accordingly. We approved the settlement of 254 homes to avoid a disastrous outcome for all. Anyone who reads the federal court file, was briefed on the depositions, and reads the judge’s rulings to date realizes that defeat was likely. And the outcome would have affected all Ormond residents, not just those in Tomoka Oaks.
Our legal defeat would cost all our residents, doubling most property tax bills. You read that correctly — the average property tax bill in our city JUST for your city tax portion — would increase by an average of over $500 according to our finance department. I was not willing to jeopardize the finances of all residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes, in what I considered a lose-lose situation.
Then, on top of that, the outcome would have still allowed this developer to build, only with even more homes and an alarming 6-foot setback on each property, including the perimeter. These outcomes, unfortunately, left me with no other logical choice. I care deeply about Tomoka Oaks, but for the reasons above, I could not in good conscience take the high risk “gamble.”
On a personal note, I have served our community for over 35 years. I serve with integrity, accountability, and honesty and at times must make the hard, unpopular decision on the dais. I have lost friendships and have had threats made against my campaign for mayor over this vote.
I’ve read every comment that’s been sent to me, for better or for worse. I will continue to appreciate you, regardless of how you felt about the issue and whether you’ll continue to support me. Before he was president, Ronald Reagan often said, “The person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally, not a 20% traitor.”
Whether you continue to support or not, I will always value your input and hope that together we can continue to work to make Ormond Beach the wonderful place it is to live, work, and raise our families. I love our city and always will.
