VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A controversial proposal to build a new motocross facility in rural Volusia County was approved by county council Tuesday afternoon.
The project involves the $4.6 million purchase of 350 acres of land off State Road 44, next to the Volusia County Gun and Hunt Club. County leaders say the site would serve a dual purpose — providing both a publicly owned motocross facility and a conservation area bordering the Longleaf Pine Preserve.
The county still needs to identify funding for the construction of the track itself. Renderings from the county’s consultant show both long and short courses, RV parking and event space that could bring in sports tourism dollars over time.
Last year, the plan drew criticism when the proposed site was closer to Port Orange and surrounded by residential neighborhoods. Since then, the county has relocated the proposal to what it describes as a more compatible area already designated for recreational use that produces noise.
“There’s not one single place in this county where a parent can take their child or grandchild and go ride their bikes,” District 1 Commissioner Don Dempsey said in a previous interview with News 6. Dempsey, whose son races dirt bikes, has championed the project since it was first proposed.
Funding for the land purchase would come from the voter-approved Volusia Forever and ECHO programs, which support environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. County officials said the site hits both marks, pledging to conserve an acre of land for every acre developed.
But not everyone is on board. Critics argued the county is overpaying for the property — purchasing it above the average appraised value — and question whether building a motocross track is the best use of taxpayer money.
Still, supporters said the project could provide a safe and constructive outlet for local families and young riders.
“If you don’t give kids something that they can go do that’s productive with their time and energy, they’re going to put that into things that are not productive,” said Joseph Maddox, a volunteer at the nearby gun range. “This could be a positive space for families.”
