Amber Bobak for City Commission – Zone 4
About
Amber Bobak
Focus Areas
Environmental Concerns with Current Legilation
Standing Up for Home Rule
As our community continues to grow, I am concerned that current state legislation limits local governments' ability to strengthen development standards and environmental protections. Protecting our water quality, preserving natural recharge areas, and ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with growth are critical to Ormond Beach's future. I believe local communities should have the ability to address their unique environmental challenges and make responsible decisions that protect our natural resources for generations to come.
The people who live, work, and invest in Ormond Beach know our community best. While state laws provide a framework for growth and governance, local leaders should have the ability to address the unique needs and concerns of our residents. I believe in protecting Home Rule and advocating for local decision-making whenever possible, ensuring that the future of Ormond Beach is shaped by the people who call it home, not by one-size-fits-all policies from Tallahassee.
Defining a Better Quality of Life
Ensuring All Residents Are Considered
Quality of life is about more than meeting minimum infrastructure requirements. It is about ensuring new development is truly compatible with the neighborhoods and community it joins. Traffic impacts, water resources, environmental protections, public safety, neighborhood character, and the everyday experience of residents should all be part of the conversation. I believe Ormond Beach should strengthen how we define compatibility within our codes so growth enhances our community rather than simply meeting the minimum standards required by law.
A strong community is one that considers all of its residents, including our most vulnerable populations and individuals with special needs. While it is not the role of local government to create employment, we should encourage and support opportunities for meaningful inclusion when positions and partnerships are compatible. By fostering accessibility, awareness, and collaboration with local employers and organizations, Ormond Beach can be a community where everyone has the opportunity to participate and contribute in a way that respects their abilities and circumstances.
Protecting Existing Neighborhoods
When a proposed gas station was brought forward for 699 S. Nova Rd in Ormond Beach, I raised concerns about its compatibility with surrounding residential areas, traffic impacts, and long-term neighborhood character. I formally challenged the decision through the appropriate review process, which resulted in a DOAH hearing being triggered, and I also pursued an appeal to the City to ensure the project received full and proper scrutiny under our land development code. Although I was not able to stop the project, the concerns raised remain very real for the residents who will live with the day-to-day impacts.
In addition to traffic and zoning issues, I also raised concerns about stormwater runoff and potential impacts to local water quality, including how fuel-related development and increased impervious surface can affect drainage systems, adjacent properties, and downstream waterways. This process highlighted not only gaps in zoning protections, but also weaknesses in how environmental and public health considerations are weighed during development review. My focus remains on strengthening these standards so future decisions better protect both our neighborhoods and our natural resources before approvals are made.
My Philosophy
Small actions make a big difference. Whether it’s cleaning up a canal ditch, removing debris, or simply showing up in our community spaces, I believe we all share responsibility for keeping Ormond Beach clean, safe, and healthy for future generations.
This photo reflects my commitment to being hands-on in protecting our local waterways and natural areas, not just talking about it, but doing the work alongside our community.