"A Money Pit": Volusia County's Motocross Facility Plan Faces Growing Pushback

Volusia County's yearslong effort to build a public motocross facility is inching forward, but not without a fight. County Council Chairman Jeff Brower recently called the project a "money pit," warning that the county could be locking itself into a long-term financial obligation, even as the rest of the council continues moving the plan ahead.

From Port Orange to a new site

The idea for a county-run motocross facility has been in the works for several years, championed early on by District 1 Councilman Don Dempsey, whose son competes in the sport. An initial 65-acre site proposed in Port Orange was scrapped after nearby residents raised concerns about proximity to housing and the infrastructure costs of paving new road access.

The county has since shifted focus to a 356-acre property near the Volusia County Gun & Hunt Club, at the corner of Orange Ranch Road and State Road 44 close to DeLand. County officials have described the site as strategically better suited to the project, citing lighter residential density nearby and existing infrastructure. The council approved purchasing the land in April 2025.

The financial debate

At a Jan. 8 meeting, the council voted 5-1 to spend $195,795 in Volusia ECHO funds — money generated through a dedicated countywide tax for environmental, cultural, historical and outdoor recreation projects — to hire RebelGroup Americas to help structure a public-private partnership for the facility. Brower cast the lone dissenting vote, saying he worries about ongoing maintenance costs and other obligations the county could be signing up for indefinitely.

Assistant County Manager Gus Zambrano has told the council the county intends to pursue a ground lease structure lasting 30 to 40 years with a private operator, an approach he said would limit the county's direct financial exposure while still allowing oversight. Zambrano said bringing in a private partner could also provide an infusion of outside capital for the project. The county has already committed roughly $4.62 million combined toward acquiring and preparing the land.

What happens next

The next step in the process involves the county council reviewing a proposed contract structure with an operating partner, with applications from interested firms expected to be part of that process. No firm construction timeline has been announced.

The project has also drawn attention from local environmental advocacy groups, some of which have raised concerns about the facility's footprint and long-term costs alongside the financial questions raised by Brower.

The Volusia Voice will continue following the motocross facility discussion as the county moves toward selecting an operating partner.