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OPINION

🌿 Protecting Ormond’s Greenery: The Tomoka Commerce Park Controversy

The proposed Tomoka Commerce Park — a 12.48‑acre project on U.S. 1 — is drawing criticism from concerned residents. According to city officials, the design was not meant as a “Low Impact Development,” and the few environmentally friendly features included merely meet minimum standards.

Critics warn that clear‑cutting this wetland‑rich corridor — which drains toward the Tomoka River and Tomoka Marsh Aquatic Preserve — could disrupt natural water flow, harm nearby wetlands, and worsen local flood behavior. They argue that, instead of razing the entire parcel, the development could be redesigned to preserve existing tree canopy, concentrate buildings on one portion of the site, and maintain broader natural buffers.

As advocates point out, Ormond Beach is a flood‑prone and environmentally sensitive area, and higher development standards are not too much to ask. For them, this is about long-term impact, not short-term profit. The City Commission has the power — and some say, the duty — to reject the project if clear‑cutting remains part of the plan.

From Elena Krafft - Project Volusia - November 19. 2025

READ FULL POST: Project Volusia

⚖️ Justice delivered: Nurse sentenced for abuse of disabled patient

In a disturbing case of elder abuse, 69‑year-old John Jenkins — a home nurse based in Daytona Beach — was sentenced to seven years in prison this week after pleading guilty to four counts of abuse of a disabled adult.

The victim, a man who couldn’t walk or speak, was under Jenkins’ care in Palm Coast. A family member installed a surveillance camera after witnessing concerning behavior and soon uncovered repeated physical assaults. Jenkins was seen on video kicking the victim, hitting him with an iPad, sitting on him, and shoving his head into the floor.

In total, 25 separate incidents of abuse were recorded. Investigators moved quickly, and Jenkins was arrested in Daytona just days after the report. With the conclusion of this case, authorities hope the sentence sends a clear message: abuse of vulnerable or disabled adults will not be tolerated.

Source: NewsDaytonaBeach

🇺🇸 Honoring our veterans: Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution invites you to wreath‑laying Dec. 13

The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host its 10th annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, December 13, at Hillside Cemetery (143 Seton Trail, Ormond Beach). The event begins at 9 a.m., with volunteers asked to arrive by 8:45 a.m.

This heartfelt ceremony honors deceased veterans of all service branches by placing live balsam wreaths on their graves. The local DAR chapter aims to lay wreaths at all 250 veteran graves in the cemetery.

Community members are invited to sponsor wreaths or participate in the event. The ceremony will take place at the flagpole in the center of the cemetery and offers a moment of remembrance and gratitude as the holiday season begins.

Source: Ormond Observer

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