- May 19, 2026
Highbridge Park in Ormond-by-the-Sea will expand by 14 acres, following a unanimous vote by the Volusia County Council to acquire a $2.705 million riverfront property.
The parcel, located at 4310 John Anderson Drive, fronts the Halifax River and is adjacent to the current 1-acre Highbridge Park. It also borders North Peninsula State Park to the east and south, and according to a county staff report, the property is the final privately owned parcel within the state park's optimum boundary.
"This is exactly what Volusia County residents want," County Councilman Troy Kent said. "They want this type of project in their backyards and when you talk about the right location, this is the perfect location."
According to the county staff report, Highbridge Park regularly reaches capacity on weekends as well as during peak fishing and boating seasons, leading visitors to park alongside the road shoulders, creating safety concerns.
The county will fund the initial acquisition of the property using countywide park impact fee funds. Then, it will use $150,000 of impact fees for design and engineering.
The expansion would allow more parking. A draft concept included in the agenda packet for the acquisition outlined using the property as a dedicated kayak/watercraft area, with amenities to enjoy the park, including pavilions, swing seating, and community gathering and birdwatching areas. A public meeting will be held at a later date to discuss a concept plan. The acquisition will also preserve estuarine marsh and Red Cedar upland habitat.
"It is a beautiful, tranquil experience, and I just can't say enough about how positive this is going to be for Volusia County," Kent said.
County staff also recommended applying for a Florida Communities Trust grant for an up to $1.082 million reimbursement; if awarded, the state would contribute to the acquisition, but the county would retain ownership.
