Commission approves Tomoka Commerce Park development at 890 N. U.S. 1 after debate over uses

The Ormond Beach City Commission at its Feb. 3 meeting approved Ordinance No. 2026-01, authorizing a development order for Tomoka Commerce Park, a planned business development at 890 North U.S. Highway 1.

Planning Director Steven Spreaker summarized the project as a 12.48-acre site divided into four lots — two commercial frontage lots and two rear lots intended for warehouse, light industrial or business-storage uses — with 11 buildings totaling about 110,000 square feet. He said the project holds a St. Johns River Water Management District permit, preserves wetland A (about 1.2 acres) and exceeds the city's natural-preservation requirement (20% preserved vs. the 15% minimum). Spreaker also described required US Highway 1 improvements from a traffic impact analysis, a center drive aisle entry and a bidirectional median.

Public comment was mixed: Patrick Opelouski and Jim Cameron spoke in support of the project for economic development and small-business opportunities, while a resident-submitted email read into the record asked the commission to table the final vote to allow more research on market need and occupancy for storage-type uses. Commissioner discussion focused on clarifying that the rear lots are planned for light industrial uses that can support small businesses (offices with attached warehouse spaces) rather than traditional self-storage mini-warehouses.

Why it matters: The ordinance changes how the 890 N. U.S. 1 parcel may be developed, allowing uses intended to attract small business operations and vehicle/equipment storage that would otherwise be operated from residential driveways. Supporters said the development broadens local commercial options and taxable property; opponents or concerned residents asked for more data on market need.

Vote and next steps: After deliberation, the commission voted to approve the second reading of Ordinance No. 2026-01 (roll-call vote recorded in the meeting), authorizing the planned business development subject to the conditions listed in the development order and resolution of outstanding site-review comments. The development will proceed through the city's permitting and site-review processes as required by ordinance conditions.

Representative quote: "There are 4 proposed lots... Lots 3 and 4 are in the rear site and those are intended to be a warehouse inside RV, boat storage and light industrial uses," Planning Director Steven Spreaker said during his presentation.

The commission took up other items after this vote, including an affordable-housing code amendment and multiple appointments.