- May 15, 2024
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Bob Gray, of Strategic Planning Group, discusses the economic status of Ormond Beach. Photo by Wayne Grant
Thirty-three citizens attended a workshop Aug. 27 to help the city update its Strategic Economic Development Plan, a process which happens every three years.
The plan is focused on retaining and expanding existing businesses; recruiting jobs and capital investment; and redeveloping the downtown area.
While many of the audience members were prominent members of the business community, there were some newcomers, such as Jonathan Bowers. He said he came to the workshop because he is interested in the economic plans in the areas and wants to be part of the community.
As the owner of a business, Clean Environmental Solutions LLC, he likes seeing the development in the city and surrounding areas.
“This will be a great place to own property in the next few years,” he said.
Bob Gray, of Strategic Planning Group, Jacksonville, started the workshop by giving an overview of local economics. He explained that the public sector does not create business, it only creates a framework that encourages and helps businesses.
Gray said the future of growth for the city is Ormond Crossings, which is awaiting development. Gray said it was slowed by the recession, but still holds promise. In addition to a business park, it has a residential area which has a potential for 3,000 residential units, which could add 7,500 residents, figuring 2.5 residents per house.
The population growth of Ormond Beach was 4.9% over the past five years, compared to Flagler County, which was 5.9%. Port Orange had 4.7% increase in population and New Smyrna Beach had an 8.1% increase.
Studies show, he said, that retail growth has opportunity in Ormond Beach in four areas, gas stations with convenience store, grocery stores, lawn and garden and building supply.
Using a Growth Assistance Program, which is incentive based, the city has been successful in helping several local companies expand or relocate in recent years. They are ECN, S.R. Perrott, Valient Equipment, Ameritech Die and Mold, Edgewell, Concentrated Aloe and Germ Free Labs.
The city successfully recruited Duva Sawko, Prime Global Group, SKYO Industries and Super Petrel.
For the employment picture, Gray told the audience that there are 2,567 people who live and work in Ormond Beach. There are 13,376 Ormond Beach residents who leave the city to work, and there are 11,118 people who work in Ormond Beach but do not live in the city.
Gray noted that The Casements is an important facility, and the city should promote the fact that the richest man in the world, John D. Rockefeller, chose the city as a place to live. One of the results of the workshop was a strategy to look into having a “historic district” designation with identifying signs.
Gray also said there is a perceived parking problem, but it’s because people don’t know of available parking. Workshop members agreed steps should be taken to educate the public.
Dwight Selby, a local businessman who is running for the City Commission, said the city should take steps to retain the “millennial generation.” They often leave there area for work, he said.
Longtime area Realtor Marvin Miller said State Road A1A on the west side looks like a “ghost area” and needs to be revitalized.
The attendees then broke into groups to come with their suggestions for the plan. A sample of components in the updated plan includes expediting the permitting process, assisting businesses with hiring programs, developing the Municipal Airport, promoting visitation downtown, encouraging retail development and identifying sites for development.
The next step will be for the updated economic plan to be approved by the City Commission. It will be available on ormondbeach.org.
