- May 16, 2024
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The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved another mural in the downtown at its meeting on April 16.
The mural, to be completed by Ormond Beach artist Beth O’Connor on the western wall of the Fern and Fable Books building at 51 W. Granada Blvd., came to the City Commission with an unanimous recommendation to approve by the Ormond Beach Arts District Board.
The mural at Fern and Fable will be the second in the city’s downtown mural program, which was created in 2019. The first mural was installed at Ormond Garage, located at 48 W. Granada Blvd.
“When all these murals came about, we were all so excited to see art in our downtown,” City Commissioner Susan Persis said at the meeting. “I just want to commend the Ormond Beach Arts District Board for getting this here. I think it’s beautiful.”
City Commissioner Lori Tolland agreed.
“It really will add some excitement downtown,” she said.
According to a city staff report, the mural program’s purpose is to “create cultural identity, address blight, promote diversity, encourage annd foster community engagement, develop an appreciation of art and contribute to long-term community planning.”
The mural proposal also came before the commission with the support of the building owner, Bill Jones, and Fern and Fable owner Rayna Dunlop. Fern and Fable relocated to the downtown in early December 2023 from its first location on South Yonge Street.
“A large part of moving our business to 51 W Granada was not only for the prime and busy location, but ultimately to join the incredible spirit of the downtown Arts District,” Dunlop wrote in her mural application to the city. “We love how this area serves as a hub for locals to experience connection, art and creativity in an ever growing variety of ways. ... My hope for the proposed mural is that it would be a celebration of our hometown and the naturally beautiful place we live.”
Annual sea turtle lighting rules have resumed
Sea turtle nesting season began on Wednesday, May 1, and as such, the county’s sea turtle lighting regulations are now in effect through Oct. 31.
Property owners and renters along the coastline must ensure their lighting complies with county regulations, according to a press release. They should also close blinds in the evenings and minimize unnecessary outdoor lighting. Beachgoers are advised to restrict the use of flashlights and cell phones at night.
A “Roots & Blossoms Native Flora Fiesta” and native plant sale will be held at the Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 4.
The free event, part of the ReGrow the Loop initiative, will feature vendors, exhibits and educational presentations.
Florida Legislature allocated $783,059 to the city of Ormond Beach for the design of a downtown community center, a grant that was accepted by the commission at its April 16 meeting.
The funds will be used for the design and pre-development activities for the center, estimated to cost over $1.5 million. The remaining funds are slated to come from the city’s general revenue or CRA fund.
A May 7 commission workshop will discuss the future of the city property at 56 N. Beach St., a location initially proposed for a community center.
