Commission approves Seward Johnson sculpture tour in downtown Ormond Beach
October 22, 2025 | Ormond Beach , Volusia County, Florida
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The Ormond Beach City Commission voted unanimously to permit Ormond Beach Arts District Inc. to display Seward Johnson sculptures within the downtown overlay district as part of a sculpture tour planned from January through June next year.
The city's approval (Resolution No. 2025-166) authorizes the public display under conditions, requires a hold-harmless and indemnity agreement and was supported by staff and the Arts District board. Planning Director Steven Spraker told commissioners the request followed the city's public art ordinance for the downtown redevelopment area and that the Art District board had recommended approval.
Judy Stein, vice president of the Ormond Beach Arts District, said the tour drew thousands of residents and visitors during its prior run and generated more than 6,000 printed brochures and over 10,000 brochure webpage views. She said sponsorship covered the sculptures' rental, insurance and installation costs, and that the city had sponsored two sculptures last year at a discounted rate.
Commissioners expressed support for the public-private partnership, noting the event's ecotourism and downtown-activation benefits. Commissioner Howard Bridal said the sculptures brought visitors and media attention; Commissioner Travis Sargent and others urged exploring more private funding in future years to reduce use of public funds.
Formal action and vote
- Resolution No. 2025-166: Authorize Ormond Beach Arts District Inc. to display Seward Johnson sculptures in downtown overlay district and execute a hold-harmless and indemnity agreement. Vote: unanimous approval (Commissioners Howard Bridal, Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Kristen Deaton and Mayor Jason Leslie all voted yes). Outcome: approved.
Funding and logistics
Stein said private sponsors and the Arts District raised about $41,000 toward rental, insurance and placement; the city sponsored two sculptures for $8,000 last year using CRA funds. Staff noted sculptures weigh 400'600 pounds and require coordination for placement and signage.
Commissioners asked staff and the Arts District to pursue additional private fundraising in future years and to continue coordinating logistics with public works and planning staff.
The city's approval (Resolution No. 2025-166) authorizes the public display under conditions, requires a hold-harmless and indemnity agreement and was supported by staff and the Arts District board. Planning Director Steven Spraker told commissioners the request followed the city's public art ordinance for the downtown redevelopment area and that the Art District board had recommended approval.
Judy Stein, vice president of the Ormond Beach Arts District, said the tour drew thousands of residents and visitors during its prior run and generated more than 6,000 printed brochures and over 10,000 brochure webpage views. She said sponsorship covered the sculptures' rental, insurance and installation costs, and that the city had sponsored two sculptures last year at a discounted rate.
Commissioners expressed support for the public-private partnership, noting the event's ecotourism and downtown-activation benefits. Commissioner Howard Bridal said the sculptures brought visitors and media attention; Commissioner Travis Sargent and others urged exploring more private funding in future years to reduce use of public funds.
Formal action and vote
- Resolution No. 2025-166: Authorize Ormond Beach Arts District Inc. to display Seward Johnson sculptures in downtown overlay district and execute a hold-harmless and indemnity agreement. Vote: unanimous approval (Commissioners Howard Bridal, Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Kristen Deaton and Mayor Jason Leslie all voted yes). Outcome: approved.
Funding and logistics
Stein said private sponsors and the Arts District raised about $41,000 toward rental, insurance and placement; the city sponsored two sculptures for $8,000 last year using CRA funds. Staff noted sculptures weigh 400'600 pounds and require coordination for placement and signage.
Commissioners asked staff and the Arts District to pursue additional private fundraising in future years and to continue coordinating logistics with public works and planning staff.
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