Ormond Beach considers $2.5M purchase of former elementary school site

Ormond Beach could soon transform a vacant school property into a public park — and city officials say acting quickly is the only way to keep it out of developers’ hands.City commissioners are considering purchasing the former Osceola Elementary School site, a move that would preserve the 11.6-acre property for public use. The school closed in 2021, and preliminary plans showed the possibility of 30 to 40 homes being built on the site if it were sold for residential development.Neighbors near the former school say they are relieved the city is stepping in.“I absolutely think it’s worth 2.5 million to the city to spend,” said Larry, a neighbor who lives just down the street.Larry and his aunt, who live nearby, have been among those hoping the land would be kept out of development for years. He says the community deserves more than an empty lot.“Not an empty school sitting there — it’d be nice to have some places for our kids to go and play,” he said.City commissioners directed staff to