By Dominic Welling

Ormond Beach Municipal Airport is seeking a private investor or partnership to develop and manage 87 acres of land around the airport for commercial purposes.

City officials at Ormond Beach are set to launch a request for proposals from private investors or partnerships who might be interested in developing the airport's wooded southwest quadrant for aviation-related businesses.

Joe Mannarino, the city's economic development director said: "We're pretty much built out on what we have already and we're optimistic there is still a market and demand out there.

"Aviation is different than a strip mall - there is only so much airport land available and we are fortunate to have this section."

The entire 87-acre commercial development site will have airport access and also adjoins an existing business park.

According to Mannarino, the city is hoping to attract businesses involved in light manufacturing, aviation services and corporate aviation operations.

Developers interested in building the aviation park will have 120 days to file proposals once the City Commission issues its request for bids.

At the moment, the businesses at Ormond Beach Airport provide 512 jobs with an economic impact of more than $49 million.

However, there is no more available room for businesses and therefore the airport needs to clear the extra 87 acres for development.