• Ormond Local Pulse
  • Posts
  • ⭐Highbridge Park Expansion, Holly Hill Manager Retires, OB #20 In Florida, Tomoka Oaks HOA Files Suit

⭐Highbridge Park Expansion, Holly Hill Manager Retires, OB #20 In Florida, Tomoka Oaks HOA Files Suit

Issue #929

21 May

Note: 👉👉👉 You can always READ ONLINE

+

Today’s Forecast

Tropical Update
The Tropical Update Has Been Suspended For The Season Unless Something Develops

Swipe image left for more daily forecasts

Courtesy Volusia County

🌿 Highbridge Park Set for 14-Acre Expansion

The Volusia County Council unanimously approved a $2.705 million purchase of 14 riverfront acres at 4310 John Anderson Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea, paving the way for a significant expansion of the popular park. The parcel sits along the Halifax River, borders North Peninsula State Park, and represents the final privately owned property within the park’s optimal boundary.

Councilman Troy Kent called it “the perfect location,” noting that the current 1-acre park often reaches capacity on weekends, forcing visitors to park along road shoulders.

Early concepts include expanded parking, a dedicated kayak and watercraft area, pavilions, swing seating, birdwatching areas and additional gathering spaces. The county will fund the purchase with park impact fees and pursue a Florida Communities Trust grant for possible reimbursement.

A public meeting will be scheduled to help shape the final design — giving residents a voice in how this tranquil space evolves.

🏛️ Holly Hill’s Longtime Manager to Retire

After nearly three decades with the city, Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte is preparing to step down in August, closing a 36-year government career marked by steady growth and major projects.

Forte, 62, began as a firefighter in 1990 and rose to fire chief before becoming city manager. After a stint in Seminole County, he returned to Holly Hill in 2014, guiding the city through post-recession recovery and overseeing transformative projects like the Pictona pickleball complex and MetroHealth Championship Stadium.

Commissioners credit him with careful financial planning, transparent leadership and keeping large-scale projects on time and on budget — including the $3.1 million Fire Station 96.

Forte plans to remain through Aug. 14 to ensure a smooth transition. City leaders are expected to discuss whether Assistant City Manager Brian Walker will step in on an interim basis.

As one resident put it, replacing Forte will mean filling “big shoes” in a city that has steadily climbed, one rung at a time.

🏖️ Ormond Beach Ranks Among Florida’s Top 20

Ormond Beach has earned statewide recognition. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2026–2027 rankings of the best places to live, Ormond Beach landed at No. 20 in Florida — making it the top-ranked city in Volusia County. The study weighed housing affordability, cost of living, education, healthcare quality, crime rates and overall desirability.

While Parkland claimed the state’s top spot, Ormond Beach’s strong showing reflects its blend of coastal lifestyle, community amenities and relative affordability compared to other beachside markets.

For residents, the ranking may simply confirm what they already know: a combination of riverfront parks, ocean access and growing infrastructure makes this slice of Volusia County an appealing place to call home.

Source: ClickOrlando

⚖️ Tomoka Oaks HOA Appeals 254-Home Approval

The Tomoka Oaks Homeowners Association, joined by 14 residents, has filed an appeal challenging the Ormond Beach City Commission’s 3–2 approval of a 254-home subdivision on the former golf course property.

The appeal argues the decision was influenced by pressure from pending federal litigation filed by the developers, Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach. HOA leaders claim the threat of a multimillion-dollar lawsuit “tainted” the process and allege the revised proposal differed significantly from earlier versions reviewed by staff and the Planning Board.

Concerns cited include traffic, buffers, stormwater management and neighborhood compatibility. While residents say they are not opposed to development entirely, they insist the city’s land development code must be followed.

With litigation ongoing and strong feelings on both sides, the future of the 147-acre property remains a defining issue for the neighborhood — and for City Hall.

NEW!!

Check out Ormond Pulse TV!! Stream movies, documentaries, TV Series. Buy or rent from Amazon.

Fire and EMS Calls

All transcripts, headlines, and summaries are automatically generated by AI from live dispatch audio. These alerts are not an official report. Alerts are based on unconfirmed dispatch communications that may change as situations develop. Review the original audio and verify details with official sources before relying on this information

GET YOUR VIP PASS

Receive Special News Notifications, Special Community Events, etc.

BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS
Get your on VIP pass for your group.
 Click here for more information

⭐⭐Local Business Directory⭐⭐
Please Patronize Your Local Businesses!

Check out these proven AI prompts for Local Businesses

Looking for a Great Place To Eat?

Click Image

⭐ Today's Meme ⭐

Great Voucher Dealz

Digital coupons & vouchers for local businesses and their services.
Visit the Dealz page and get a great deal.

Ormond Beach 180 Degree Cam

Ormond by the Sea 180 degree Cam

Ponce Inlet 180 degree Cam

Events for Thursday, May 21, 2026

Ormond Beach

  • Event: 🛍️Downtown Ormond Farmers Market, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM Ormond Beach Regional Library Parking Lot, 30 S Beach St, Ormond Beach A great Thursday morning tradition. Browse booths from local farmers and artisans featuring fresh produce, raw honey, fresh-baked goods, and unique handmade crafts.

Holly Hill

  • Event: 🏓Open Play Pickleball, 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM Pictona at Holly Hill, 1060 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill Thursday open play is active all day on the premier campus. All skill levels are welcome to drop in, sync up with other players, and enjoy the 49 professional courts.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: 🎭Beetlejuice - The Musical (Touring), 7:30 PM Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd, Daytona Beach The ghost with the most continues his hilarious haunting in Downtown Daytona! Catch this spectacular, high-production Broadway national tour packed with edgy comedy, wild practical effects, and show-stopping musical numbers.

  • Event: 🏃Thursday Night Run Club, 6:30 PM ONE DAYTONA (Victory Circle), 1 Daytona Blvd, Daytona Beach A fun, social community run open to all paces and skill levels. Meet up in the center of the entertainment district for a structured loop followed by social hour at nearby restaurants.

  • Event: 🎸Joey Grillo Acoustic Live, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Hard Rock Hotel (Sessions Stage), 918 N Atlantic Ave, Daytona Beach Unwind with great music and ocean views. Singer-songwriter Joey Grillo takes the stage at Sessions to deliver a diverse set of acoustic rock covers and melodic originals.

Events for Friday, May 22

Ormond Beach

  • Event: Wellness Paint Party - 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
    The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
    Artist Gina Bickish leads a painting session focused on a Tomoka River scene. Cost is $40 and supplies are included.

  • Event: Cyanotype: An Alternative Photography Immersion - 12–3 p.m.
    Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ormond Beach
    Workshop on cyanotype printing with Catherine Cross. Fees: $75 for OMAM members, $95 for future members.

  • Event: Self-Care City Scavenger Hunt - 1 p.m.
    55 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
    Wellness-themed city scavenger hunt listed for May 22.

Holly Hill

  • Event: Dueling Pianos Extravaganza - 7–9 p.m.
    MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona, 1060 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill
    Free general-admission bleacher seating; box and floor seats available for purchase.

Daytona Beach

  • Event: Daytona Fresh Market - 10 a.m.–12 p.m.
    AdventHealth Well 65+, 1700 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
    Fresh market event at AdventHealth Well 65+.

  • Event: Meet the Artist — Sayre Berman - 5–6:30 p.m.
    Gallery500, Daytona Beach
    Meet-the-artist reception featuring Sayre Berman.

  • Event: The Cat. 4 Band at Caribbean Jack’s - 5–9 p.m.
    Caribbean Jack’s, 721 Ballough Road, Daytona Beach
    Live music performance at Caribbean Jack’s.

  • Event: Friday Night Live: Velvet Stone - 6–8:30 p.m.
    Victory Circle at ONE DAYTONA, One Daytona Blvd., Daytona Beach
    Live pop/rock favorites for Memorial Day weekend.

  • Event: Rock The Beach — A Tribute to Aerosmith - 7 p.m.
    Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
    Aerosmith tribute concert.

  • Event: Hall of the Elders, Royal Hearts, Coraline’s Collapse, Oriena & May We Cross In Dreams - 7 p.m.
    Punk Rock Pizza Daytona, Daytona Beach
    Live music lineup featuring multiple bands.

  • Event: Guardians of the Jukebox — Sunset Concert - 7:30 p.m.
    Riverfront Esplanade, 355 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach
    1980s tribute show. Advance tickets listed at $20, gate tickets at $25, with other seating options available.

NOTE: Event information is gathered from online sources without verification. Readers are advised to check with the venue or other sources to confirm info.

Do you have an event you’d like to have posted? Submit Your Event Here. OR scan the QR Code below

Scan for event form

Our goal is to provide Ormond Beach readers with news that's relevant to our area. The BIG news sources don't always reach to the "micro-level", so we need your help! We welcome your input for news of local happenings that would be of interest to Ormond readers. Neighborhood news, events, etc., are all welcome. Got photos? Great! If you fancy yourself a writer we'd welcome your participation.

You can enter event information on this form, or for important, urgent news items feel free to text us at 386-444-2002 or email [email protected] with information about your news. We will get back to you for details.

We Want To Spotlight Your Business!

We ❤️ Local Businesses!


Our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "Ormond Local Pulse" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Ormond Beach together!

⭐ Own a local business? ⭐
⭐ We WANT to spotlight YOUR business!! ⭐

❤️ Love a local business? Nominate them.

We could use your help!

We’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!
One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us.
Know somebody who lives in the Ormond Beach, Ormond-By-The-Sea, or Holly Hill areas that would benefit from being kept in the know?

Do you fancy yourself a writer? We’d love to feature articles from our neighbors and readers. If you’d like to contribute let us know HERE

Please share Ormond Local Pulse with your friends! Have them scan the QR code or send them the link below.. 👇👇👇👇

😊😊😊😊😊 Have A Great Day

TECH NOTE: Some readers using the Edge browser have reported getting warning messages that they are attempting to access an unsafe site. This is a glitch in the Edge browser. If you switch to Chrome, Firefox or Safari you should have no problems. Rest assured our site IS SAFE
OUR NEWS POLICY: Our goal is to provide synopses of locally relevant news and articles for Ormond residents. This may include local issues, county and state news affecting Ormond Beach, and other matters such as health, technology, pets, etc.. We hope to provide something of interest to all readers. We welcome your feedback here

Reply

or to participate.