Ormond BeachTop story
Ormond Beach pauses its $2.5 million plan to buy the old Osceola Elementary site
Amendment 3 puts the park purchase on hold
- $2.5 million
- planned price for the former school site
- 62%
- of voters backed Amendment 3 on Nov. 3
- Over $5M
- Ormond Beach could lose in 2027-28
- Almost $9M
- possible loss the following fiscal year
Sources: WFTV, Miramar News
If you've passed the empty Osceola Elementary campus off Osceola Avenue, know that the city's plan to turn it into a park is on hold. Ormond Beach commissioners tabled the purchase at their Nov. 4 meeting, citing what Amendment 3 could mean for city budgets.
Amendment 3, which will cut property taxes for homeowners, passed with 62% of the vote Nov. 3. A July state revenue estimate predicts Ormond Beach could lose over $5 million in the 2027-28 fiscal year and almost $9 million the following year.
- Site: 100 Osceola Ave., 11.6 acres
- Seller: Volusia County Schools
- Planned funding: recreation impact fees, with a pooled-cash advance if needed
Neighbor John Roy says he voted for the tax cut but hopes the property doesn't become housing. The city has asked the school district for an extension while it explores other funding options. Zone 2 Commissioner Travis Sargent, who did not win reelection, hopes incoming commissioners make the site a top priority.
The school closed in 2021, and the purchase stalled this month
- 2021Osceola Elementary closes and merges with Ortona Elementary.
- Jan. 2023Beachside Elementary opens.
- Nov. 3Amendment 3 passes with 62% of the vote.
- Nov. 4Ormond Beach commissioners table the $2.5 million purchase.
Source: Miramar News
