Ormond resident starts petition to save River Bend Golf Club

Also in City Watch: Kayaker rescued by Beach Safety.


River Bend Golf Club closed in December 2020 after 29 years of operation. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
River Bend Golf Club closed in December 2020 after 29 years of operation. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
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While the city of Ormond Beach has not decided what it will do with the River Bend Golf Club property on Airport Road, a petition has emerged with one suggestion: It should be run as a municipal course. 

The petition, started on Change.org by Ormond Beach resident Chris Higgs, has 468 signatures as of Monday, Feb. 15. It states that it isn’t unusual for cities to run golf courses, and Higgs, who has played golf at River Bend since it opened 29 years ago, said it would a be a nice service for the city to provide. 

“I think a lot of people do want River Bend to stay open and would love to see the city run it,” he said.

River Bend closed in late December 2020, and the former operator filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy soon thereafter. According to the bankruptcy filing, River Bend’s assets are valued at just over $53,000, while its liabilities surpass $830,000. 

Higgs said he believes, if the city is able to restore the golf course to good conditions, it would do fairly well in the community. There aren’t many options for public golf courses in the area, he said. Tomoka Oaks Golf Club is currently being sold, and will likely be demolished for residential housing. 

River Bend is unique for its proximity to nature, and was enjoyed by visitors and residents alike, Higgs said. 

“It would be a shame to see it close down for good,” Higgs said.

To see the petition, visit http://chng.it/YJfk4mJ2

Beach safety rescues kayaker

A 67-year-old Ormond-by-the-Sea woman was rescued by Volusia County Beach Safety on Friday, Feb. 12, after she got lost in the Halifax River.

Beach Safety reported that the woman was able to be located using their drone. Two rescuers brought her safely back to shore. The woman was familiar with the area, according to Beach Safety, but couldn’t find her way back after the tide dropped.

Affordable housing meeting

Volusia County’s Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, where members will explore the topic of community land trusts with guest speakers.

 The meeting will take place in the Hope Place conference room at 1340 Wright St. The public is invited to attend. For more information, visit volusia.org/ahac

Ormond Gateway preliminary plat

The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved a preliminary plat for a new commercial property at 1670 N. U.S. 1.

There is no submitted site plan for the proposed Ormond Gateway project, but according to a city memo, the 18.17 acre site could include uses such as retail and restaurant. It is zoned B-7, or highway tourist commercial.

 

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