The meeting commenced with a significant acknowledgment of Judge Terry Perkins, who was honored for his extensive contributions to the legal field and the community. The Mayor proclaimed October 2 as a day to honor Judge Perkins, highlighting his 30-year career, his role as Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and his involvement in local youth sports and church activities. Judge Perkins received a key to the city as a token of appreciation.

In a move to support Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the commission issued a proclamation addressing the pervasive issue of domestic violence. Emphasizing the importance of community support, residents were called to action to support initiatives aimed at combating domestic violence. Emma Sanders from the Domestic Abuse Council extended an invitation to the public for a 5K run and town hall discussion, promoting community engagement in addressing this issue.

A notable development during the meeting was the approval of a public art project, a mural planned for the western wall of a property near the Swillerbees doughnut shop. The proposal, reviewed and recommended by the Ormond Beach Art District Board, was introduced to authorize a license agreement for its installation. The mural, designed to reflect the city’s history, received enthusiastic support from several commissioners, who praised its aesthetic and historical value. The property owner, Dwight Selby, expressed gratitude for the collaboration that led to the mural’s approval, highlighting the communal effort involved in its conception. The artist, Sean Johnson, was set to begin work shortly, with expectations for the mural to become a popular backdrop for social media.

The meeting also addressed concerns raised by residents and commissioners. Transparency issues regarding the city’s financial dealings were brought to light, prompting calls for improved public access to financial information. Additionally, concerns about abandoned homes and road maintenance were discussed, with city staff assuring ongoing efforts to address these issues.

The commission unanimously approved Ordinance No. 2024-26, which amends regulations for houses of worship within the city. The importance of public input in governmental processes was emphasized during the discussions. Following this, a resolution for a public art project titled “Greetings from Ormond Beach” was introduced.

The session concluded with updates from the city manager, including the nearing completion of renovations at the Performing Arts Center and upcoming community events. An initiative led by Commissioner-elect Kristin Deaton for hurricane relief was highlighted, encouraging community donations to support affected areas in North Carolina and Tennessee.

Acknowledgments of the successful National Night Out event were reiterated, celebrating its growing community participation and engagement. The commission also discussed improvements to local sports facilities, with calls for enhanced tennis courts to support the increasing number of players and community engagement in sports activities.