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A Year of Change and Challenge-Ormond Beach’s 2024 in Review

The story of Ormond Beach in 2024 was marked by contentious development battles, institutional changes, and community milestones, reflecting a city in transition.

The year began with Belvedere Terminals' legal confrontation with Volusia County over a proposed fuel farm, setting the stage for months of debate about industrial development. Despite the company's lawsuit and failed attempt at securing an injunction, the County Council's decisions throughout the year left the project's future uncertain.

Spring brought both progress and setbacks. The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center's triumphant reopening after an $1.7 million renovation was cut short by an unexpected fire. Meanwhile, AdventHealth expanded its presence with a new $45.7 million surgical center, while the community decisively rejected the proposed residential development of the Tomoka Oaks golf course.

Summer saw educational shifts, with Volusia County Schools eliminating AVID programs but later celebrating academic success as five Ormond Beach area schools earned "A" grades. The community's environmental consciousness was highlighted by the Oysters for Ormond initiative, where volunteers constructed hundreds of vertical oyster gardens to improve water quality.

The autumn months brought significant political change. Hurricane Milton's October landfall coincided with Mayor Bill Partington's departure after nearly two decades of service to pursue a successful bid for the Florida House. The community then elected Jason Leslie as its new mayor in November, marking a new chapter in city leadership.

December closed the year on a positive note, with the Halifax Humane Society's Paws & Pearls Fur Ball breaking fundraising records. However, controversy emerged in the educational sphere as School Board leadership faced scrutiny over remarks made at a national summit.

Throughout the year, development and infrastructure remained central themes, from FDOT's Granada Boulevard safety project to ongoing debates about airport landing fees and flooding concerns. The most substantial private sector development came through Embry-Riddle's partnership with Boeing, promising 400 high-paying jobs for the region.

The year's events painted a picture of a community attempting to balance growth with preservation, while navigating political transitions and environmental challenges. As 2024 drew to a close, Ormond Beach emerged as a city actively shaping its future while grappling with the complexities of modern urban development.

"Every Student Has a Gift": A Teacher's Mission to Unlock Hidden Potential

David Bell, recently named Teacher of the Year at Hinson Middle School, brings an innovative approach to his theater and journalism classrooms. Drawing from 16 years of teaching experience and early influences at his sister's preschool, Bell has developed a teaching philosophy centered on the belief that every student possesses unique talents waiting to be discovered. His creative teaching methods have helped struggling students find their path to success, with one former student recently making their Broadway debut in "Sunset Boulevard." Bell's approach was particularly shaped by his own high school mentors and an early experience with a struggling theater student who ultimately graduated thanks to his involvement in the arts. His recent Teacher of the Year recognition by colleagues at Hinson Middle School acknowledges his ongoing commitment to making a positive impact in students' lives through innovative teaching methods and unwavering support.

Source:  See Full Story at Ormond Observer

Six Months In, Holly Hill's Police Chief Charts New Course

Holly Hill Police Chief Byron Williams marks six months of progressive leadership, implementing significant changes to rebuild the department following a period of controversy. After taking the helm in July 2024, following the resignation of three top officials amid sexual misconduct allegations, Williams has focused on departmental transformation through collaborative leadership. His initiatives include extensive staff consultations, the launch of a K-9 program, and equipment modernization. The department has invested in new Taser systems, criminal investigation tools, and enhanced training programs. Looking ahead to 2025, the department plans to incorporate drone technology for improved search and rescue operations. These changes, including the rebranding of police vehicles, symbolize a broader departmental renewal, coming after an October grand jury decision that declined to file charges in the previous administration's misconduct case.

Source:  See Story at MyNews13.com

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