Introduction to Ormond Beach, Florida
Ormond Beach, Florida, in Volusia county, is 5 miles NW of Daytona Beach, Florida (center to center) and 80 miles SE of Jacksonville, Florida. It's part of the Greater Daytona Beach area and is situated along the Halifax River lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean. Ormond Beach Business Park and Airpark is designated a foreign trade zone and includes numerous companies.
Education, health care and government are the region's major employers. Command Medical Products, The Tanning Research Laboratories of Hawaiian Tropic, Hudson Tool and Die Company and Homac Manufacturing Company are located in the city. The climate is humid subtropical and includes dry, mild weather during the winter.
Ormond Beach History
The Timucuan Indians lived in the area, but over time, war and disease decimated the Indians. The city is named in tribute to James Ormond, a sea captain who transported Franciscan settlers to the region on behalf of Ferninand VII of Spain. The Second Seminole War postponed the establishing of settlements until 1842. The city was incorporated in 1880. Ormond Beach and other parts of Florida became popular destinations for the wealthy who desired to escape the harsh northern winters. Numerous Gilded Age hotels were constructed to accommodate the visitors.
The well known John D. Rockefeller purchased a winter home known as "The Casements." In 1902 some of the initial automobile races occurred on the hard packed sand from Ormond south to Daytona Beach. Timing equipment was utilized and the region was given the nickname "The Birthplace of Speed." In 1949 the municipality was renamed Ormond Beach.
Ormond Beach Historic Sites
- The Casements was formerly the winter home of John D. Rockefeller and is now used as a cultural center.
- Dix House.
- Rowallan is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Anderson-Price Memorial Library.
- Lippincott Mansion.
- The Hammocks is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Talahloka.
- Ormond Yacht Club.
- Nocoroco is an historic Timucuan village located in Tomoka State Park.
- John Anderson Lodge is included in the National Register of Historic Places.
- Ormond Hotel.
Ormond Beach Activities
The notable Tomoka State Park is situated along the Tomoka River and features manatee, peregrine falcons, bald eagles, egrets, herons and other species of wildlife. Activities at the park include canoeing, fishing, boating, picnicking, hiking and camping. Bulow Creek State Park, situated near the Atlantic Ocean, is a short drive away from Ormond Beach. Bulow Plantations Ruins Historic State Park, Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, Ocala National Forest and North Peninsula State Park are notable nearby locations for recreational activities.
Bonnet, Banks and Scogin lakes are close by. Atlantic Avenue is the primary tourist area. The city includes the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The Halifax Plantation Golf Club features a large number of attractive old oak trees, tall pines and has a high rolling terrain. River Bend Golf Club, Riviera Country Club and Tomoka Oaks Golf Club & Country Club are other popular golf courses.
Ormond Beach Transportation
Air travel is provided at the Daytona Beach International Airport.