Ormond Beach Observer 5-18-23

CITY WATCH

Apartments get reluctant approval

Opting for the “lesser evil,” the Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved a rezoning and development order for the proposed Tymber Creek Apartments at its meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

FDOT asks for city feedback for North A1A project

No sidewalks on the east side of A1A from Granada Boulevard to Standish Drive?

The Florida Department of Transportation, as it finalizes plans for its proposed improvements for a 3.61mile stretch of A1A from East Granada Boulevard to Sandra Drive, asked the City Commission to weigh in on some proposed changes.

FDOT conducted a community meeting on March 22 to discuss the project.

Residents overwhelmingly opposed a proposed 6-foot sidewalk and three crosswalks beginning north of East Granada Boulevard to Standish Drive. The residents stated that the sidewalk on the east side could impact driveways, and that the crosswalks were not needed because there is no beach access until Neptune Avenue.

The commissioners split 3-2 on whether they favored the sidewalk or not.

Commissioners Harold Briley and Susan Persis were in the minority, citing pedestrian safety concerns as the reason to have the sidewalks.

The remainder of the commission felt the proposed 10-foot sidewalk on the west side was sufficient.

Due to the recently signed Live Local Act, previously known as Florida Senate Bill 102, the commission faced a dilemma concerning density. Commissioners were not fully in favor of the 270-unit apartment complex proposal. But the other alternative on the table made possible by the new law — which would let developers build multifamily or mixed-use residential buildings on land zoned commercial, industrial or mixed-use at the highest allowed density without going through the commission’s review process for approval, as long as at least 40% of units are dedicated for affordable housing — created too much uncertainty for the surrounding neighborhoods.

City Planning Director Steven Spraker said the developer, VCP Ormond Beach II, LLC, could likely build up to 525 units on the 19-acre property once the law goes into effect on July 1.

Residents of both the Indian Springs and Moss Point neighborhoods were in favor of the apartments over the alternative, and the commission reluctantly approved the project, weeks after tabling it at an April 18 meeting.

“I appreciate the quality of the project presented with the upgrades to the property, but I do want to go on the record that I too am not happy with the density on this corner, as we discussed ad nauseam,” City Commissioner Lori Tolland said. “The Live Local Act definitely changes the outlook on all our future projects, at least for the next 13 years, and I do understand that it’s an effort

to address a deficiency in workforce and affordable housing in the state of Florida, but it has taken away our overall advantage — and that is what we need to make those decisions that are best for our community.”

The approved proposal for the property, located at 36 N. Tymber Creek Road, doesn’t include affordable or workforce housing.

Representatives of both impacted neighborhoods had discussed the project with the developer in the past and were able to negotiate a reduction of units from 300 to 270 as well as increased setbacks and buffers.

Present at the commission meeting to speak on the Live Local Act was lobbyist Jeff Sharkey, CEO and president of Capitol Alliance Group, Inc. Sharkey said the law was an “experiment” aimed at addressing the need for affordable housing, and that Ormond is likely among the first municipal governments impacted by the law.

“This was a big piece of legislation — very bold,” Sharkey said. “[Legislators] knew that there were going to be some issues that people were

Mayor Bill Partington on increasing access to Narcan at schools. See Page 5A

going to push back on. It may not work in Community X, but it will in Community Y.”

One development aspect not bypassed by the Live Local Act is the requirement to meet concurrency standards.

Commissioner Travis Sargent said he remained troubled by the density of the proposed apartments. He voted yes for the rezoning for the project, but no for the development order.

“Our hospitals are overloaded, our roads, schools, and here we are making a decision on an experiment,” he said.

Commissioner Susan Persis said she would vote no at the April 18 commission meeting due to density, traffic and safety concerns, but said she changed her vote on May 16 after speaking with the residents of Indian Springs and Moss Point.

“I think we’ve all probably had a couple of sleepless nights ... so we just trust you, the developer, to treat Ormond Beach special, and that’s what we would really hope, and think about our residents,” Persis said.

Leisure Services board positions reduced to 11

The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved an amendment to its code of ordinances to eliminate two positions on the Leisure Services Advisory Board, reducing the board’s membership from 13 to 11.

The commission made the change because the board was having issues meeting quorum. Previously, the commission was interested in reducing the board to seven members, including two alternates.

The advisory board counterproposed eliminating the positions representing the girls’ softball and the Ormond Beach Friends of Recreation, Inc.

RidgeHaven development approved

The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved the 286-unit RidgeHaven single-family development proposal at its meeting on Tuesday, May 16.

The development is slated to be built on a 103.45-acre property located south of Plantation Oaks Boulevard, east of Addison Drive and north of the Village of Pine Run subdivision. Of the 286 units, 84 are proposed to be duplex townhomes. The rest will be single-family units.

The commission commented on the developer’s plan to add over 1,500 native trees to the subdivision, in addition to keeping 25% of the property in its natural state.

“I really like that the neighboring residents are at least 250 feet away from this development,” Commissioner Susan Persis said.

Email Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas at Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

Rendering courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach

The Tymber Creek Apartments will have 270 units.

“If you had the opportunity to save a child’s life before something terrible happened, wouldn’t you take every opportunity to do so?”

Top bun

The winning burger? Pumphouse BBQ’s rendition of a Cuban burger.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

The votes are in, and Ormond Beach has picked Pumphouse BBQ as the 2023 winner of the first Ormond Burger Week. And needless to say, owner Rob West and chef Bryan Brymer are pumped to have won, especially since they’ve been open for less than a year.

“We’re excited to make our mark on this town and bring good food,” West said.

“Let them know we’re here to stay,” Brymer added.

Ormond Burger Week ran from April 30 to May 7. A total of 14 restaurants participated in the inaugural competition, organized by a committee of local businesswomen from Realty Pros Assured and Realty Pro Title. Based on feedback received from the participating restaurants, committee member Carly Krajewski, of Realty Pros Assured, estimated that at least 1,400 burgers were sold.

Pumphouse BBQ sold about 250 burgers during Burger Week — about five times the average number of burgers they sell weekly. The restaurant has had burgers on its menu for about six months.

“When they told me it was a competition, I was like, ‘Oh we’re in. For sure,’” West recalled. “We love creating new things. Bryan is amazing at what he does back there, so I was like, ‘We can win this.’”

On Friday, May 12, the committee, along with community supporters, presented Pumphouse BBQ with a burger-themed trophy, now on display inside the restaurant.

In second place for the competition was 31 Supper Club, with its “Brie Berry Burger.” In third place was Fletcher’s Irish Pub’s “The Stuffed Irishman” burger.

A FUN CHALLENGE

The competition ran smoothly, Krajewski said.

“The owners, the chefs who created the [burgers], and some of them to begin with weren’t 100% sure they were competing, and when they figured out they were competing against other burgers, that made them more excited in what they were going to do,” Krajewski said. “Everybody’s talking about what burger they’re going to do next year.”

Committee member Billie Jo Kaler, of Realty Pro Title, said she was surprised to see not only how wellreceived the initiative was in the community, but how many people were talking about how fun it was.

“To have this idea that Carly’s been thinking of, and we’ve been listening to her talk about it ... and then to actually do it and come to fruition and see how the community

embraced it and had fun with it, was really rewarding,” Kaler said.

Next year’s competition will have some changes. Committee member Skye Russell, of Realty Pros Assured, said all restaurants entering the competition will need to come up with an original off-menu burger. There will also be more restaurants competing.

“Think of it as a challenge,” Russell said. “... It’s a fun thing, so next year, if there’s more, that’s going to be hard — in a week.”

That’s one thing the committee won’t change: the length of the competition. Kaler said part of the excitement comes from the limited time to try as many burgers as possible. The goal was to introduce people to restaurants they’d never tried before.

“And it seems that’s what hap pened,” Kaler said.

ON THE MENU

The winning burger? Pumphouse BBQ’s rendition of a Cuban burger — an 8-ounce beef burger topped with slow-smoked pulled pork, applewood smoked bacon, housemade pickles, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, Pumphouse BBQ’s Carolina Gold sauce and garlic pep per mayo served on a toasted brioche bun.

It was inspired by the restaurant’s Cuban sandwich, which Brymer said was a “hit on the menu.”

“I think Rob and I split the first one [Cuban burger], and the look on both of our faces — we knew it right there,” Brymer said. “This is a winner.”

“We’re excited to make our mark on this town and bring good food.”

ROB WEST, owner of Pumphouse BBQ

Though the burger was created solely for the competition, Pumphouse BBQ plans to keep it on the menu.

Burger Week also brought new customers to Pumphouse BBQ, West said. The contest was a great concept for the local restaurants, he added, and he and Brymer are already thinking of ideas for next year’s burger.

West and Brymer thanked the community for its support and votes.

The win came at an opportune time: Pumphouse BBQ is expanding to occupy the entire build

rendition of a Cuban burger.

Chef Bryan Brymer and Pumphouse BBQ owner Rob West

The ladies behind Ormond Burger Week: Skye Russell, Billie Jo Kaler, Chelsea French, Carly Krajewski and Yana Marchenko

The winning burger? Pumphouse BBQ’s

“I think Rob and I split the first one, and the look on both of our faces, we knew it right there. This is a winner.”

BRYAN BRYMER Pumphouse BBQ chef and pitmaster

Billie Jo Kaler presents Pumphouse BBQ Chef Bryan Brymer with the Burger Week trophy.

Board votes to keep Belle Terre Swim Club open to members for now

The district will try to market the facility, and the board will assess progress in upcoming months.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A parade of Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club members marched before the Flagler County School Board on Tuesday, May 16, imploring board members to give their club another chance.

Hours later, after getting what they wanted, they walked away quietly, pondering what had just taken place.

The meeting was supposed to finally decide the fate of the school district’s facility. But it didn’t do that. In the end, board members voted 3-2 to hold onto the club’s current membership model with the promise that assessments will be made in the months ahead.

Will Furry and Sally Hunt voted against the motion.

After Colleen Conklin made the motion to continue the club’s operations as a membership facility, Christy Chong said she would be willing to give the club a year and see if it could attract new members through renewed marketing

“I honestly believe that is what’s cannibalizing our membership. Unless we start getting more revenue out of the insurance numbers, I just don’t see a path to success here.” WILL FURRY

to cut down an operating loss that the district estimates to be as high as $177,803. Chong suggested setting an expiration date. If the losses weren’t reined in by that date, the board would shift to a student-focused facility for the pool, shutting down the gym and ending memberships.

Furry, who has argued that it’s time for the school district to get out of the membership business, said he would support a deadline if he could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Ultimately, if we’re going to do something, I want it to succeed, right?” he said.

In addition to marketing the facility and raising rates, Furry suggested adding a fee for those who have access to the club through health and fitness plans such as Silver Sneakers or other insurance plans.

“I honestly believe that is what’s cannibalizing our membership,” he said. “Unless we start getting more revenue out of the insurance numbers, I just don’t see a path to success here.”

Conklin made several suggestions, including returning the club under the Flagler Technical College umbrella where its losses could be absorbed.

“I worry we’re throwing the baby out with the bath water,” she said. “I truly believe it can break even.”

During public comment at both the board’s workshop and business meeting, several senior citizens who are club members shared how they rely on the club for health reasons.

County Commissioner Leann Pennington was among the speakers, reproaching the new board members for not coming up with a plan to sat-

isfy members.

“We all ran together for these seats,” she said. “I told people who voted for me to vote for you because I told them we are the people of change. Now I’m trying to figure out what’s changed, because this is a community issue.”

She said they shouldn’t close the pool to individual use until a plan is in place.

Hunt worried that the board is spending too much time discussing an aquatic facility, taking time away from issues that directly affect schools such as safety, graduation rates or an alternative school model.

“We’re not in the recreation business,” she said.

Yet, later she floated the possibility of tabling the issue so the new superintendent, whom the board hopes to hire by Jan. 1, can weigh in.

Board Chair Cheryl Massaro suggested a deadline of September 2024 for increasing memberships and decreasing losses. The date was changed to December 2024.

“I don’t love December 2024,” Hunt said noting that profits from the extended day program are offsetting the club’s losses, and they could be used instead to pay for improvements to extended day. She suggested July of next year to review progress.

Furry was also not happy with a December 2024 date. He said he thought they were discussing December 2023.

He recommended voting on Conklin’s motion to continue Belle Terre as a membership facility with assessments to be made in upcoming months. Massaro and Chong joined Conklin in supporting the motion.

LaShakia Moore will begin serving as Flagler’s interim superintendent June 1

new superintendent in place on Jan. 1, so Moore’s final month in the interim role will also be a transition period.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Schools will have a superintendent under contract at least until Jan. 31.

The School Board voted 5-0 on Tuesday, May 16, to approve a contract that will make LaShakia Moore, the district’s assistant superintendent for academic services, the interim superintendent while the board searches for a replacement for Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt’s three-year contract runs out June 30. In a contentious 3-2 vote on April 4, the board opted not to renew Mittelstadt’s contract.

At its May 16 meeting, the board also agreed to a contract with the Florida School Board Association to assist in

BRIEFS

School district earns Cognia accreditation

Flagler Schools has earned system accreditation by Cognia, according to a district press release. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for school districts and education service providers, the press release said.

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning envi-

the search for a new superintendent. The board will pay the FSBA a fee of $35,000 for it services.

Moore’s interim contract begins on June 1, overlapping Mittelstadt’s final month with the district as a transition period. It ends Jan. 31, 2024. The board intends to have a

ronments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners, and effective leadership.

Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the schools are accredited and the district is recognized as a school system that meets Cognia Standards of Quality and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Simply put, this provides us with a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system and each school within our system,” Superintendent Cathy Mittel-

Moore will be allowed to apply for the permanent position if she decides to do so, but the contract also guarantees that she can go back to her current position as assistant superintendent if another superintendent is hired. The contract calls for Moore’s compensation as interim superintendent to be $12,500 a month, which would project to $150,000 a year.

At the board’s information workshop earlier in the day, Board Attorney Kristy Gavin said the salary for a superintendent in a county of Flagler’s size and demographics is in the $140,000 to $160,000 range.

The board will not be filling the assistant superintendent’s position while Moore is serving as superintendent. She plans to divide those duties up among district staff.

stadt said. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve. It shows our strategic plan is moving us in the right direction.”

To earn accreditation from Cognia, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement and submit to internal and external review. School systems in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a fiveyear term.

The Palm Coast Observer meets the legal requirements to publish legal notices in Flagler County, per F.S. 50.011. The Ormond Beach Observer meets the legal requirements to publish legal notices in Volusia County, per F.S.50.011.

Circulation Verification Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road Suite 210 | Kirkwood, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 966-7711 | www.cvcaudit.com

The assistant superintendent will serve in the interim role through Jan. 31.

LaShakia Moore File photo

Opioid abatement board asks School Board to increase Narcan access

The advisory board’s proposal includes having elementary school guardians and other staff members, such as nurses, carry the opioid overdose medication.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

School resource officers and deputies at all Volusia County middle and high schools carry Narcan today. But should other key staff members — and school resource officers at elementary schools — also have access to the emergency opioid overdose medication?

The Volusia County Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board thinks so.

The board, made up of 13 representatives from Volusia County’s municipalities and the County Council, aims to help the county determine how to best use the money received in the settlement from a nationwide classaction suit against major opioid pharmaceutical distributors.

In a letter sent to the Volusia County School Board on April 21, the advisory board expressed its support for the development and implementation of a Narcan policy in public schools that would make the medication accessible to school guardians and nurses. “We understand that liability factors have been a concern for the School Board,” the letter states. “However, opioids including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications continue to invade communities and pose a grave danger to people of all ages, rapidly increasing in schoolage youth.”

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who represents the city of Deltona on the advisory board, said that it’s only a matter of time before fentanyl impacts public schools.

When serving warrants in some Volusia County homes, deputies sometimes find fentanyl and related drug paraphernalia on the kitchen table, in proximity to children’s backpacks and school books, he said.

“I just don’t understand the pushback,” Chitwood said. “Narcan is being sold over the counter in Walmart and CVS. Narcan is being given away. Why would we risk an accident of a young person coming into contact with this and losing their life when we can just have it? Our plan is really simple.”

VSO has offered to prepare a policy and train school guardians and key staff members on how to administer Narcan for free.

DISTRICT’S RESPONSE

In a statement, Volusia County Schools said that the School Board doesn’t have any plans to require school nurses or other staff to take on the responsibility for administering Narcan.

“Thus far, only one school district in Florida has chosen to equip its school nurses with Narcan, which must be kept under lock and key in the nurses’ offices,” the statement reads.

That school district is Flagler.

On April 18, the Flagler County School Board adopted a policy — becoming the first in the state — directing the superintendent to administer guidelines on where Narcan can be stored, which staff members can administer it and what training must be completed.

Last year, the governor signed a bill that allowed public schools to store Narcan in secure locations.

School guardians are already trained to use Narcan, the district said.

However, they are not equipped with it, “as the job description for guardians

does not include the level of responsibility for administering Narcan,” according to its statement.

“At this time, district administration does not perceive that there is the degree of need in our elementary schools to justify the risk exposure to add responsibility on our elementary school employees for Narcan,” the statement continued. “All of our elementary schools are within close proximity to emergency services to address any medical emergencies on campuses.”

SECONDS MATTER

A recent incident at Ormond Beach Middle School has highlighted the need for increased access to Narcan at Volusia County Schools, said Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, who serves as the vice chair on the advisory board.

A parent, while inside the school lobby, allegedly dropped a packet of fentanyl on the ground. It was quickly spotted by a school staff member, but Partington said there was a chance a child could have easily grabbed it themselves and become exposed to the opioid.

“I think that it really falls into the no-brainer category,” Partington said. “If you had the opportunity to save a child’s life before something terrible happened, wouldn’t you take every opportunity to do so?”

He added that there shouldn’t be concerns regard-

“When you have an overdose with fentanyl, seconds matter. Not minutes. Seconds. If you have to wait for a seven-minute response or an eight-minute response from EVAC, that person is probably not going to make it.”

MIKE CHITWOOD, Volusia County sheriff

ing liability for administering Narcan, also known as Naloxone, since state law protects “a person acting in good faith” who assists someone believed to be going through a drug overdose.

“Honestly, even beyond that, a child’s life should be more important than a liability concern, and that’s the whole point here — is trying to prevent overdose deaths, intentional or unintentional,” Partington said.

The Florida Department of Education is also willing to purchase the medication for any school district that wants to store Narcan in its schools, Chitwood said. This, he added, should not be a political issue.

“You may never use it — that’s great,” he said. “You may use it once and save a life. That’s great. ... When you have an overdose with fentanyl, seconds matter. Not minutes. Seconds. If you have to wait for a seven-minute response or an eight-minute response from EVAC, that person is probably not going to make it.”

STATE BRIEF

DeSantis shelves cell phones, TikTok in schools

Saying that social media does “more harm than good,”

Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 9 signed education changes that include prohibiting students from using cell phones during class time and curtailing use of the social-media platform TikTok on school grounds.

Also, DeSantis signed bills creating a “Teachers’ Bill of Rights” and imposing eightyear term limits on schoolboard members.

The social-media measure (HB 379) prohibits the use of TikTok on devices owned by school districts and through internet access provided by districts.

The governor signed another bill Monday that, in part, bars access to TikTok on state-owned wireless networks. The new laws come amid a national debate about security concerns over the widely popular app because of its Chinese ownership.

The law, which will take effect in July, also seeks to prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless devices during “instructional time.” Under the measure, cell phones could not be used during lessons unless “expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.”

Teachers also will be directed to designate areas for the devices during class. DeSantis described the socialmedia measure as “reining in the use” of the technology in schools.

— Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida

COPS CORNER

APRIL 20 TRUCK STOP 10:04 p.m. — County Road 304 and Highway U.S. 1, Bunnell Stolen vehicle. Deputies used stop sticks on a stolen truck only to find that the man driving it was actually an unsuspecting trucking company employee.

Deputies used stop sticks to deflate the truck’s rear tires, according to a Sheriff’s Office report about the incident.

But the driver — a North Carolina man — was not a suspect listed on the stolen vehicle report.

He told deputies he had just started work at a commercial trucking company as an independent contractor. His paperwork proved that he began work at the company two weeks after the truck had been reported stolen, the report said. The Sheriff’s Office had the truck towed and released the driver.

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MAY 5

SHOP-

rested a 50-year-old Daytona Beach man who entered a local retail pharmacy and began yelling profanities at the front of the store.

A store employee told police that the man caused several customers to stop shopping and leave, according to a police report.

The man then went outside to the store’s drive-thru and began to shout through the window and pace between both lanes, preventing cars from accessing the drivethru.

Police arrested the man, who continuously interrupted them as they tried to read him his rights.

He was taken to jail.

MAY 7

STEAK MISTAKE

3 p.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Petit theft. A 28-yearold Daytona Beach woman was issued a notice to appear in court after she failed to scan $160 worth of merchandise at a local big box store.

The store’s loss prevention employee spotted her on a security camera failing to scan items at checkout, according to a police report.

When confronted by

on purpose: a $38 steak. The rest, she told police, were accidental.

MAY 11

MAKING A STINK

10:08 p.m. — State Road

100 and Old Kings Road, Palm Coast DUI. A Bunnell man charged with a DUI ended his trip to jail by urinating and defecating in the back of a patrol car according to a police report.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was investigating a minor crash in which a pickup truck rear-ended an SUV, according to the man’s arrest report.

The two cars had been stopped at a red light when the truck suddenly accelerated into the back of the SUV.

When the FHP trooper spoke to the Bunnell man in the truck, the man twice denied having even been in a crash and asked to leave.

The trooper wrote in his report that he smelled alcohol on the man and asked him to perform a field sobriety test, but the man refused. The trooper arrested him.

On the way to the county jail, the man urinated and defecated in the back of the patrol car, according to the report.

After refusing to give a breath sample, the man was turned over to jail personnel.

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BUSINESS OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news

VMA celebrates first graduating FAME class of manufacturing workers

All four grads are moving on to work full time at their sponsor companies.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

With the need for skilled manufacturing workers increasing at local companies, the Volusia Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the Toyota FAME program and Daytona State College, has crafted a solution: Providing the training themselves.

On May 12, the graduating Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education class was celebrated in a ceremony at the DSC Advanced Technology College. All four members of the graduating class — the first of the Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter, which is the first in the state — are moving on to work full time at their sponsor companies. The graduates and their sponsor com-

panies were: Brian Mateo, B. Braun; Tyler Cheatham, Dougherty Manufacturing; James Giesinger, Hudson Technologies; and Tanner Thacker, Germfre

All four graduated with associate degrees in engineering technology, an advanced manufacturing technician certificate and two years of work experience at their sponsor companies, and have done so debt-free, according to a news release.

“The accomplishments of the FAME program provides proud moments in the history of the college, and one that I could not be more excited and thankful for to be here to witness,” Erik D’Aquino, vice president of Daytona State College, said at the ceremony.

He also thanked the companies that have partnered with the program.

“You don’t find that often — companies that have the mindset that, ‘We’re going to strengthen our community in order to strengthen our company,” D’Aquino said.

In addition to the four graduates, the seven members of the junior class were also present at the ceremony. Their sponsor companies included SCCY, Sparton, ABB, Germfree and Everglades Boats. ABB, Germfree and Hudson Technologies are all manufacturers based in Ormond Beach.

Cory McAndrew, general manager of By Light and a Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter Board member, said the local companies are invested in the program because they need the workers.

“We need bodies,” he said. “We need skilled labor to accomplish making a difference and to keep things made in America.”

When asked what their favorite part of the program was, Thacker said it was the opportunities it afforded him.

“You get thrown into a manufacturing plant and you’re around a bunch of people who have a lot of knowledge,” Thacker said. “It’s best to soak it up as much as you can.”

Junior class members Chase LeBlanc, Jacob Harding, Jonathan Hanson, Jonathan Sosa, Frederick Faulkner and Victor Bowling

Tanner Thacker will work at Germfree.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Cory McAndrew, general manager of By Light and Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter Board member, and James Giesinger, who will be moving on to work full time at Hudson Technologies.

Tyler Cheatham will work at Dougherty Manufacturing.

CRIME REPORT

Matanzas suspect to be evaluated for competency

A Matanzas High School student who attacked his paraprofessional in February will undergo a competency hearing to determine whether he is capable of standing trial.

Brendan Depa, 17, had a second pretrial hearing on May 10 before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins.

Depa’s lawyer asked that the court hold a competency hearing.

The competency hearing date has not yet been set, but Perkins tentatively scheduled another pretrial hearing for July 12, and the pretrial will occur after the competency hearing.

Perkins also asked the attorneys to coordinate and have the psychologists and experts on the case send each other their data for review.

Depa has been charged with aggravated battery on an education employee for attacking his paraprofessional at MHS in February.

He was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation in March. He faces up to 30 years in prison.

Man charged with videotaping girl in bathroom

A 31-year-old Ormond Beach man has been arrested after allegedly video recording a 12-year-old girl in the bathroom.

The man, Tyler Habdas, was arrested on May 10. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been investigating Habdas since late January, when a woman told deputies that he had recorded her daughter in the shower, according to Habdas’ arrest report.

Habdas has been charged with six counts of unlawful use of a communication device, one count of child abuse and three counts of video voyeurism of a child under 16.

The woman, who lives in Flagler County, called deputies on Jan. 30. She told deputies her daughter found Habdas’ phone in a bathrobe, recording her while she showered.

Deputies served a search warrant for Habdas’ phone in February, the arrest report said.

The phone was sent to the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office for analysis.

On the phone, deputies found multiple videos of the child in the bathroom, with multiple thumbnail images created from the videos.

Deputies believe the recordings were taken between June 2022 and the end of January.

Habdas was booked at the Flagler County jail and released on bond the same day.

Woman tries to stab FCSO deputy during traffic stop

A Palm Coast woman was arrested May 11 after allegedly attempting to stab a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy with a Fix-A-Flat tool during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred on East State Road 100 near Aviation Drive in Palm Coast.

The woman, 42, did not manage to harm the deputy with the tool, but has been charged with aggravated battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence, two counts of criminal mischief over $1,000, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers.

The FCSO had received multiple calls about a woman riding her bike against the flow of traffic on S.R. 100 westbound, almost hitting several cars and keying multiple others, the report said.

The woman fled the first deputy on the scene, running into a grassy field.

The deputy grabbed the woman’s arms and took her to the ground, where she tucked her arms under her stomach to avoid being handcuffed, the report said.

In the struggle, the woman tried to stab the deputy in the leg with a screwdriverlike Fix-A-Flat tool, the report said, and kicked the deputy in the chest twice.

The woman continued to struggle as more deputies arrived, and another deputy used a stun gun on the woman’s right shoulder so she could be secured, the report said.

Man convicted of felonies for dogfighting ring

Volusia County resident

Noble Geathers has been convicted of multiple felonies for presiding over a dogfighting ring.

Geathers was convicted May 15 of 12 counts of Principal to Felony Cruelty to Animals, nine counts of Principal to Animal Fighting and one count of Animal FightingProperty Promoting after a five-day trial, according to a news release from the Halifax Humane Society.

Forty-two dogs had been seized from a vacant lot and an adjoining residence on Reva Street in Daytona Beach with help from Volusia County Animal Services on Feb. 22, 2021.

Detectives discovered that the dogs were being bred and used in a dogfighting ring.

All of the dogs were chained or caged and had wounds in different stages of healing.

Several items of evidence were collected during a search of the Reva Street residence, including dog supplements and injectable medication often used in dogfighting.

“HHS supports the efforts by the State Attorney’s Office, Volusia County Animal Services and the Daytona Beach Police Department to hold those responsible for animal abuse accountable for their actions,” said Adam Leath, CEO of the Halifax Humane Society. “If you see animal abuse in our community, please report your concerns to the nearest law enforcement authority.”

Judge Leah Case presided over the case and will pronounce a sentence on Friday, May 19.

Flagler County organizations to partner

Flagler County Assist REACT has discontinued its affiliation with REACT International to develop a partnership with Flagler Volunteer Services.

FCA volunteers have responded to events and emergencies in Flagler County for four decades, supporting special event weather monitoring, traffic control assistance, missing person search support, Fire Flight landing zone security and logistical support for emergencies.

Flagler County Assist has provided support during emergencies including the 1985 and 1998 wildfires and recent hurricanes and has supported reccurring events such as Flagler Beach’s Fourth of July and Christmas parades as well as city of Bunnell celebrations.

To learn more or to become a member, email FlaglerCountyAssist@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook at Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyAssist.

BRIEFS BIZ

BUZZ

TOURNAMENT RAISES $36,500 FOR HEALTHCARE

Two seriously injured in crash at CR 302, CR 305

Two Bunnell residents were hospitalized after a SUV struck the side of a pickup truck on May 9.

The T-bone crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 302 and County Road 305, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Life Flight airlifted the driver of the pickup truck — a 62-year-old man — to Halifax Health in critical condition.

The driver of the SUV — a 48-year-old woman — was in serious condition and transported to a hospital by Flagler County Fire Rescue, the report said.

The intersection has flashing traffic signals, with red flashing for the C.R. 302 lanes and yellow for the C.R. 305 lanes.

C.R. 302 also has stop signs.

The SUV had been driving south on C.R. 305 while the pickup truck was traveling west on C.R. 302.

Both cars were crossing the intersection when the SUV T-boned the right side of the

junior, shot a final round 75 to finish with an even-par 288, one stroke better than Morgan Ketchum, a freshman at Virginia Tech. Clemente, who shot 69 to carry a two-stroke margin into the final, secured the win by tapping in for par on the 18th and a one-shot victory.

The event featured A Taste of Oceanside Country Club and Friends, featuring Rosevilla, 31 Supper Club, Grind, Oceanside Country Club, SoNapa, Oil and Vinegar, Chicken Salad Chick, Huey Magoo’s, Billy’s Taproom and Krispy Kreme.

pickup truck, spinning the truck 180 degrees.

The left rear of the truck struck the concrete traffic signal post at the southwest corner of the intersection, according to the report.

Palm Coast man, 60, dies in singlecar crash

A 60-year-old Palm Coast man found unresponsive in his car was pronounced dead at the hospital on May 12.

An anonymous citizen had called the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after finding the man’s car at about 5:30 p.m., the report said.

The front of the man’s sedan was in the hedges in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 400 block of Landing Boulevard, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. No other cars were involved in the incident.

Flagler County Fire Rescue took the victim to the hospital.

He was later pronounced dead and the scene was turned over to the FHP.

new owner on May 12, according to a press release from Quantum Cowboys. The restaurant was open under its previous owners, Flagler Tailwinds, Inc., through May 6, then closed for the changeover.

Quantum Cowboys is coowned by Jamie Bourdeau and Joe Wright, local Flagler County business owners. Bourdeau owns Beach Front Grill and Loopers Par and Grille. Wright is the owner and operator of multiple businesses, including Anthony’s Pizza in Palm Coast and St. Augustine.

The 97th South Atlantic Women’s Amateur Championship, also known as the SALLY, held in January, raised $36,500 for the Halifax Health Chuck and Miki Grant Cancer Center for Hope and the Halifax Health Center for Women and Infant Health.

The money will be used to support new oncology treatment technology and care for over 2,000 new moms and infants this year. In the golf action, Gianna Clemente, the nation’s top-ranked

“Halifax Health is thankful for the Ormond Beach community’s overwhelming support for cancer and child care among other service lines throughout our 95-year history,” said Joe Petrock, Halifax Health Foundation executive director.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for Jan. 2-6.

The 2024 Taste of Oceanside and Friends is slated for Oct. 8, 2024.

HIGH JACKERS TO REOPEN MAY 23

High Jackers Restaurant’s new owners hope to reopen the restaurant on May 23.

Quantum Cowboys, LLC officially became High Jackers’

“Not only are we excited to get the doors back open, we are eager to make this establishment even better than it was before,” Bourdeau said. Bourdeau and Wright intend to hire new staff before the doors reopen on May 23, the press release said.

The restaurant will close for two weeks in mid-August for major renovations but will reopen in time for the start of the NFL season.

High Jackers was originally opened Aug. 17, 2001, by Flagler Tailwinds, Inc.

“We are so proud to be part of the High Jackers legacy and continue to provide quality food services in Flagler County,” Wright said.

Photo by Sierra Williams Brendan Depa, 17, has been charged with aggravated battery on an education employee and could face 30 years in prison.

Courtesy photo David Main, Chuck Grant, Kathryn Nagib and Joe Petrock

Flagler Beach seeks joint meeting with local governments

The meeting would be to address quality of life issues facing the county in light of its continued growth, the Flagler Beach interim city manager said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler Beach City Commission is hoping to host a joint meeting with the governments in Flagler County to discuss issues facing the city and county.

The City Commission decided at a May 11 meeting to send letters requesting the meeting to representatives from each government: Flagler County, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Palm Coast and Beverly Beach.

Flagler Beach interim City Manager Mike Abels said the meeting would be focus on quality of life in the county. If the other governing bodies agree to meet, two representatives from each would sit at the meeting and bring a single issue to the table for discussion, he said.

Abels said he tentatively reached out to the other city managers and the county administrator to see if there was any interest in a meeting. They encouraged him to move forward, he said.

“At this point … we have a receptive audience on all the governmental institutions in Flagler County,” Abels said.

A date for the meeting will be set after the city sends out the official letters and hears back from the other governments, Abels said. At that time, the Flagler Beach City Commission will also pick its representatives.

Flagler Beach is looking for discussion on cooperation between the municipalities about the potential negative impact of tourism in the city. The idea came was raised at a previous City Commission budget meeting.

Because two elected officials from

each governing body would be present, the meeting would be subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law, Flagler Beach City Attorney Drew Smith said.

Commissioner Scott Spradley said that everyone who moves to Flagler County wants to go to the beach at some point.

This meeting, he said, will let the city address concerns about shared funding to support the continued increase in traffic.

“We all know how much growth has happened and we suspect will happen,” Spradley said. “So, this is a good opportunity to lay our concerns out before the other bodies.”

Commission Chair Eric Cooley said the city’s concern is about infrastructure as well as funding. Adding 10,000-15,000 people every year, while having one main “choke point” into a city of 5,000 is not sustainable, he said — especially since most people come to Flagler County for the beach, he said.

“There has to be an alternative to the pinch point of just [State Road] 100,” Cooley said. “We need to be able to get county citizens to the beach.”

County Administrator Heidi Petito brought up the city’s request to to county commissioners during a May 15 Flagler County Commission meeting before receiving the official meeting request.

Petito said an initial email about the meeting offered some potential dates for the meeting and requested a response by May 23.

The date that works best with the county’s schedule would be June 21, she said.

County Commissioners David Sullivan — who represents the Flagler Beach area — and Leann Pennington volunteered as representatives for the county.

The county commissioners added the topic to their June 5 workshop to brainstorm potential ideas to bring to the meeting.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An international business has opened in Bunnell and committed to creating 100 new jobs over the next several years.

Vidya Herbs U.S.A. held a ribboncutting ceremony on May 15, celebrating the grand opening of its new facility in Bunnell.

The facility is on Otis Stone Hunter Road at U.S. 1 and is the company’s first United States-based manufacturing plant.

The plant will also function as the company’s Florida headquarters, according to a press release from Vidya Herbs.

The ribbon cutting ceremony included key Vidya Herbs executives — including founder and President Shyam Prasad Kodimule and his brother, Vice President Chandra

Sekhar Kodimule — Bunnell

Mayor

Catherine Robinson and Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Laura DiBella.

“We deal with a lot of projects here in the state of Florida,” DiBella said. “But there’s some that really hit home and you’re just like, ‘This is good.’ … This is one of those projects.”

Vidya Herbs is an international company that makes sustainably produced plant-based ingredients for vitamins, dietary supplements, functional food and personal care products, according to the business’ website.

The Bunnell facility is a carbon dioxide extraction plant featuring a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction system.

Prasad Kodimule said the machine will extract oils from the plant material in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Saw palmetto — native to the southeastern U.S. — is one of Vidya’s top extracts, and saw palmetto berries are among the materials that will be processed at the new facility.

The company was the first business to make use of Bunnell’s business incentive program.

Vidya’s application met all of the criteria for the program, qualifying for several years of grant money — $276,000 over seven years, Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson Jr. said. Robinson said that she had been in talks with Vidya since 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed bringing the business to Bunnell. “We’re looking forward to what they’re going to do, and how they’re going to grow and in expand,” she said.

The program is for current and new businesses in Bunnell and is intended to create local jobs and diversify the tax base, Jackson said. Through the incentive program, Vidya is committed to creating 100 new jobs over the next several years, with an average salary of $42,000.

Jackson said the program is performance-based, meaning that a business that has been approved in the program must demonstrate that it is meeting milestones to get the full amount of annual city funding. Each year, companies must provide proof of success, including the number of employees they have and the average salaries of their employees.

The Bunnell facility is the company’s first manufacturing plant in the United States and will serve as its Florida headquarters.

“At this point … we have a receptive audience on all the governmental institutions in Flagler County.”

MIKE ABELS, Flagler Beach interim city manager

“There has to be an alternate to the pinch point of just [State Road] 100. ... We need to be able to get county citizens to the beach.”

ERIC COOLEY, Flagler Beach City Commission chair

Photo by Sierra Williams

From left to right: Steve Geiger, Vidya Herb’s vice president of sales and operations for the U.S.; Vidya Herbs founder and president Shyam Prasad Kodimule; Vice President Chandra Sekhar Kodimule; Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella and Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson

YOUR TOWN

ART SPOTLIGHT PRESENTS ‘FOR THE LOVE OF ORMOND’

Art Spotlight’s May exhibit, “For the Love of Ormond,” celebrates the city’s 143 years of history.

The exhibit features the work of 19 artists and 32 pieces of art depicting what each artist loves about the city, according to a news release.

The idea was a result of gallery owners Thays França and Teri Althouse’s desire to show Ormond Beach through the eyes of an artist.

The winners of the show were:

„ Best in show: “View of the Halifax,” by Barbara Perrotti

„ First place: “American Speed,” by Wally Osteen

„ Second place: “Ice Cream at the Beach,” by Kirsten Lahmann

„ Third place: “The Riverbridge Stroll,” by Donna Lovelace-Flora

„ People’s Choice Award: “The Or-

mond Garage,” by Amber Lester

The show will run through May 27.

The gallery is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and by appointment Sunday through Tuesday.

In addition to the winners, the following artists’ works are also in the show:

„ Amber Bortz – Acrylic on canvas

„ Stephen Sparacino – Photography

„ Shannon Stack – Acrylic on canvas

„ Angel Lowden – Mixed media, acrylics, plasters, pen

„ Robert Turley – Acrylic on canvas

„ Lois Berardi – Watercolor

„ LC Tobey – 3D kiln formed glass

„ Carol Baker – Hand-painted silk

scarf

„ George Guadiane – 3D woodturning

„ John Bria – Photography

„ Frank Valenta – Scroll saw wood

„ Thays Franca – Acrylic on canvas

„ Jon Benjamin – Oil on canvas

„ Teri Althouse – Oil on canvas

Send community news to Jarleene Almenas at Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

THE CHILDREN’S HOUSE RAISES $1,700 FOR ORMOND BEACH POLICE

The Children’s House of Ormond Beach presented the Ormond Beach Police Department’s Community Outreach division with a $1,700 check on Thursday, May 4. The Children’s House, located

at 55 N. Washington St., raised the funds during a recent walk-a-thon event.

Bozard Ford Lincoln of St. Augustine was the Montessori School’s top sponsor. Ameris Bank also contrib-

uted to the walk-a-thon.

The three students who collected the most pledges were:

„ Finley Thornton „ Brielle Jaquish „ Layla Ayers.

BOAT SUPER CENTER

Robert Turley with his acrylic paintings, “Marsh Blues and Golds on the Loop” and “Tomoka River Beach Path.”

TRIBUTES

Victor Keiser, Jr.

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. of Palm Coast, Florida, died in his home on March 12, 2023, at the age of 96.

Vic was born in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Armilda (Brome) Keiser on November 18, 1926. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Keiser; his daughter, Nina; his stepson, Mike Hanson; as well as his brothers, David and John “Jack” Keiser; and his stepbrothers David and Philip Martin.

He is survived by his brothers, Lincoln (Julé Crawford) and Jeffrey (Deborah) Keiser; grandchildren Daniel and Mindy Thomas; his stepchildren, Julie and David Hanson; his stepsister, Rebecca Fralick; nieces, Nancy and Lael Keiser, and nephews Jon, Luke and Nate Keiser, and Drew Martin; good friend, Marie Wolf, as well as many other relatives and friends of all ages.

Throughout his life, Vic was an adventurer, loving a good time and a sweet dessert. Though his family was scattered across the country, for years they gathered in Michigan for summer reunions, a summer tradition begun by his parents in the late 40s. As a young man, Vic spent his time in Michigan chopping wood, laying flooring, building sheds, painting, hanging light fixtures, and joining in any task needing his various skills. Later, he rode his bike for miles, stopping to rest at the local ice cream shop

for his vanilla cone. He and Betty also rode their bicycle built for two around Onekama, stopping for ice cream to recharge. He loved playing word games like Botticelli around a fire on the beaches of Lake Michigan, using his sharp mind to stump young and old as they tried to guess the answers to his riddles or the mystery of his magic tricks. Finding Vic’s keys in the sands of the beach at Lake Michigan after a night around the fire was often the Grand Finale of a summer well spent, surrounded by his family and friends.

He also loved music, tv, old movies and Bridge, which he played at the master’s level until the end of his life. He was a skilled woodworker who for years had a backyard studio, creating furniture for Whitman College and his loved ones.

Vic attended Oberlin College where he met his future wife, Betty Detweiler, until his education was interrupted by World War II, when he left school and enlisted in the US Navy. After the war ended, he participated as a radio man for the Navy testing atom bombs at the Bikini Atoll. Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Oberlin, and later transferred to Lawrence College (now Lawrence University), where he

was awarded his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He taught mathematics at military service dependent high schools in Japan and Germany. He later attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Master’s degree in physics and mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. in mathematics.

He taught at the university level at Idaho State University and then at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he taught for many years until his retirement.

Following his retirement, he continued teaching at military dependent high schools in Iceland, Great Britain, and Austria. He also taught advanced mathematics courses at the high school level in Palm Coast as a volunteer.

Vic was a mentor to his younger brothers and younger relatives and friends. His kindness, love of life, and unassuming manner is his legacy to all who knew him. The world is emptier without him.

Photo courtesy of Sara Price/Upwell Photography

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey receives a check from top fundraiser Finley Thornton on behalf of the Children’s House.

Shannon Stack stands by her acrylic paintings, “Artifacts on the Halifax” and “Tiny Turtle Cove.”

Courtesy photos

Artists Donna Lovelace-Flora, Barbara Perrotti and Kirsten Lahmann Amber Bortz with her acrylic painting, “Welcome to Ormond.”

Sowing seeds: Tillandsia Garden Club celebrates 75th anniversary

The Tillandsia Garden club was founded in May 1948.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

On May 11, 1998, the Tillandsia Garden Club celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Twenty-five years later on the same date, about 50 people gathered at the Palmetto Club in Daytona Beach to celebrate the club’s 75th anniversary.

“We have planned and worked all year for this day, and it’s finally here,” said Carolyn Bacci, second vice president of the club and anniversary chairwoman. “Seventy-five years — what an impressive number.”

Today, the club has 34 active members.

It all started in 1948 with seven Ormond Beach women who combined their love of plants and their desire for camaraderie to form Tillandsia, which is one of the oldest garden clubs in Volusia County,

Bacci said.

Named after a type of moss that grows on native trees such as the live oak, the club has anchored itself in the community for more than seven decades through its support for local school gardens, youth education, Habitat for Humanity and other community service projects. The founders of Tillandsia paved the way.

“These seven ladies just didn’t want to dig dirt and plant plants,” Bacci said. “They had a mission — to

GARDEN CLUB PAST PRESIDENTS

In attendance at the anniversary event were five past presidents of the club:

„ Marty Borkosky (1978-1979, 2009-2011) „ Dr. Barbara Houpt (20112012)

„ Nancy Hersey (2012-2014

„ Elizabeth Strong (1990-1991

„ Pat Crowley (2005-2007)

maintain the beauty of their community through various civic beautification projects and promote the education and understanding of horticulture and conservation in our schools and throughout our community. Basically, to instill a love of gardening in others.”

First Vice President Miki Dowst and Recording Secretary Julie Johnson helped Bacci organize the event.

75 YEARS OF SERVICE

Some of the club’s early accomplishments include helping to create the gardens at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum, enhancing the gardens around the former Ormond Memorial Hospital on Sterthaus Drive and planting seeds in the median strip along I-95.

“I don’t think I’d be doing that today,” Bacci joked.

In 2003, members helped students plant seeds at Ormond Beach Elementary and eventually helped develop school gardens at Tomoka Elementary, Pine Trail Elementary and Ortona Elementary.

AWARDS

The Tillandsia Garden Club’s executive board presented memorial bricks to three of its members for exemplary service.

A brick engraved with their name will be placed at the FFGC’s headquarters in Winter Park. The members were:

„ Marty Borkosky

„ Pat Crowley Midge Lee

(whose brick was presented to her son, as the longtime Garden Club member died in April)

A lifetime membership award, honoring a minimum of 20 years of dedication to the club. was also presented to:

„ Marty Borkosky

„ Pat Crowley

„ Midge Lee

„ Patty Teeters

For three years, members developed and assisted with a “Farm to Table” gardening program at Westside Elementary, leading the club to win second place in the Deep South Garden Club Association Special Achievement Award in 2018.

This year, the club donated $2,000 to Beachside Elementary to establish a garden program.

“They’ve already sent us pictures of their early harvest of vegetables — big smiles on their faces, of course,” Bacci said.

Over the years, members planted trees at Tuscaloosa Park, the Casements, the Museum of Arts and Sciences, Ames Park, Holly Hill City Hall and others. The club has hosted its own judged flower shows and participated in the “Everybody’s Flower Show” at both Oceanside Country Club and the Ocean Center.

Members started “Garden Therapy” programs for seniors in Ormond Beach at The Sarah House, Grand Villa, Brookdale and Seaside Manor assisted living facilities.

And each year, Tillandsia sponsors

a student’s participation in the Florida Federation of Garden Club’s “Save the Earth’s Environment through Knowledge” high school conference.

“As you can see, connections with our community are diverse, widespread and cover so many areas,” Bacci said. “Seventy-five years is a very long time, and there is so much more that could be mentioned, but this would go on and on and on.”

‘SPIRIT OF HOPE’

Since 2004, the club has sponsored the landscaping for 13 homes through its partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The most recent home was completed on Saturday, May 6. Tillandsia has won the FFGC’s Habitat for Humanity landscaping award all three times the club has vied for it.

Lori Gillooly, CEO for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Volusia County, said the club’s contribution to the community has been outstanding. The greatest strength of Habitat for Humanity is its supporters, its donors and its volunteers, she said.

Not only do supporters provide tangible work to help the organization build homes for families in need, they also provide what she called a “spirit of hope.”

“You have been not only a tremendous partner who has brought life and your love there and great beauty to what we do, but you have become friends to us, and we are so grateful for that,” Gillooly said.

Keep planting, she encouraged.

“The seeds you have sown have made a tremendous difference in this community, and a tremendous difference for Habitat for Humanity,” she said.

THEN AND NOW

Back in 1977-1978, Joan Slaven was president of the Tillandsia Garden Club. Marty Borkosky was first vice president.

Now, 55 years later, Slaven’s daughter Jane Eddy is president, and Borkosky’s daughter Miki Dowst is first vice president.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas City Commissioner Lori Tolland presents the Tillandsia Garden Club with a proclamation. Pictured are First Vice President Miki Dowst, President Jane Eddy, Treasurer Patti Wood, Second Vice President Carolyn Bacci and Recording Secretary Julie Johnson.

ORMOND BEACH

LETTERS

Do we need more apartments?

Dear Editor: Since moving to Ormond Beach two years ago, I have been surprised at the numbers of apartment complexes under construction around Williamson, Clyde Morris, Hand

and what’s being planned for the west of I-95 and State Road 40. Did someone say, “We need more apartments” and the developers jumped on it? The intersection of SR 40 and I-95 is already a hazard.

Putting even more traffic going west is going to be critically over populated with cars from apartment complexes that are already under construction, not to mention those still trying to obtain permits

Make yourself at home

to start. Is there anything the residents of Ormond Beach can do to postpone or reverse decisions to stop newer projects until infrastructure can catch up to accommodate more traffic, water needs, etc?

We already have lots of wild animals invading our neighborhoods because they are being run out of their forever homes because of the Avalon Park development off S.R.

40. There’s nothing like walking out your backyard and running into a cougar, bear or wild boar! Who can help us?

CATHY BABER Ormond Beach

Send letters up to 400 words to Jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity

Universal experience: field trip

The

sweet girl had lost her mind. You’ve been up for two hours? On a Saturday?!?

She was pacing in the kitchen.

“How many Propel packets should I take?” she asked, holding up the little sleeves of drink powder.

“I have seven.” I yawned. “There is zero chance that you will drink seven bottles of Propel at Universal.”

“How much money should I take?” she asked.

“How much money do you have?” I asked.

BRIAN MCMILLAN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When my 13-year-old daughter, Ellie, signed up for the class field trip to Universal Studios this year, I was happy to pay for her ticket.

When we learned that the buses were leaving the school at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, my wife, Hailey, was happy to volunteer me to be the one to give her a ride to the bus loop.

I dutifully woke up at about 6:30 a.m. and figured I would have to drag Ellie out of bed to make sure we left on time.

But Ellie was already awake and preparing her snack bag. In fact, she informed me that she had been up since 4:30 a.m., just to make sure she didn’t sleep in.

I worried for a moment that my

YOUR TOWN

She half frowned, and I surmised that I had not given the correct response. The idea is, Dad, that you are supposed to give me your money.

Hailey had coached me on this, knowing my Scrooge-like tendencies, when we stopped by an ATM the night before.

“It could cost $15 for lunch, plus another $10 for a snack, and $5 for a drink,” Hailey had said as I hesitated at the ATM screen, “so let’s send her with $40 just in case.”

I did some rough math in my mind and determined that $40 could buy approximately 5,779.3 peanut butter sandwiches. But I nodded. I withdrew.

“I’m going to give you $40,” I told Ellie at about 6:35 a.m.

ORGANIZATIONS HOLD INAUGURAL PONCE INLET NONPROFIT FAIR

The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties held its first nonprofit fair at the Ponce Inlet Community Center on Thursday, April 27. Nonprofits provided information about their impact on the community at the event.

The Community Foundation granted Easterseals $10,000 from the HELP Fund of Southeast Volusia.

The grant will fund Easterseals’ educational trainings about autism to assist with early identification.

At the fair, the Community Foundation showcased a variety of charitable organizations, including:

nAtlantic Center for the Arts

nVolusia County Women Who Care

nDaytona Beach CVB (Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau)

nFUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools

nPonce Inlet Lighthouse and Mu-

STUDENT ATHLETE OF THE MONTH: AVERY DELLINGER

The Ormond Beach Lions Club honored Seabreeze High School senior Avery Dellinger as its Student Athlete of the Month for April.

Dellinger, a standout in three sports, was honored at the Lions Club’s meeting on April 27.

She was the varsity soccer team’s goalie for four years and also was on the swim team and played flag football.

In soccer, she received the Defensive MVP award and Leadership Award and was named All-Area First Team.

She was a regional qualifier in swimming in each of the past two seasons and was the swim team’s MVP.

She was the flag football team’s Defensive MVP.

Dellinger received her AICE diploma in January with a 4.18 GPA.

She is a member of the National Honor Society.

During the summer, she will work at a children’s golf camp and a STEM camp. She will also volunteer at Seabreeze’s girls soccer camp.

She plans to major in environmental chemistry at Florida State University.

Her smile was a little too quick for comfort, though, a little too indicative of a desire to spend, so I quickly gave her a little lecture, one that Hailey never needed to know about.

“But,” I said, clutching the two 20s, “I expect change. I really do.”

The money disappeared into her change purse like that wiggly little reptile into the mouth of Jabba the Hutt in “Return of the Jedi.” Maybe it was the low light in the kitchen, or maybe it was the early hour, but as she finished getting ready, I suddenly saw Ellie not as a kid but as a near-adult. She gets impeccable grades in school with little parental prodding and spends her free time reading and writing. I can see her as a future force for good in the world, someone who will be trusted to make choices of consequences.

Those moments are a parent’s privilege, a reward for the worry and sacrifice of raising a child. They are also tinged with sadness, a knowledge that she will one day be gone, doing marvelous things without me.

“Can you open this?” she then asked me, handing me a bottle of medicine.

“Yes,” I said, but then I asked, “Can you not open a childproof

bottle?”

“I can’t manage to open it,” she said. Her expression revealed zero embarrassment, which, oddly, made me even more confident that she was well on her way to being an independent adult.

I also knew that I needed to write about this experience. “Do you mind if I include that in my column?”

“Sure, if you want,” she said. Then she added, “I’ll be able to read about myself in art class. We use the newspaper for projects.”

It was time to leave. We drove to the school and pulled up in front of signs on the posts of the bus loop overhang, presumably listing the students in each group for the bus trip.

I hesitated, unsure whether she’d want to be seen with her dad walking her up to the drop-off area. Did she want to appear independent and cool in front of her friends?

“Do you want me to help you find your sign?” I asked.

“Yes I’m scared,” she said, all in one breath.

Again, that smile, that disarming honesty, that comfortable vulnerability. That’s Ellie.

Go on, be a grown up, if you must, if you aren’t already.

Observer

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@observerlocalnews.com

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Locally Owned / Publishers of The Palm Coast Observer Palm Coast Observer, LLC P.O. Box 353850 Palm Coast, 32135

PALMETTO CLUB PRESENTS SCHOLARSHIPS

Palmetto Club President Diane Lessard and Scholarship Chair Victoria Teel presented the club’s annual high school scholarship awards during the club’s May meeting.

The following five seniors received an award of $1,000 each:

nAngel Methas, New Smyrna Beach High School. She will attend New College of Florida. The award was funded by Diane Rogers and Jan Schmeider.

nElla Moore, Spruce Creek High School. She will attend Dartmouth. The award was funded by The Palmetto Club Past Presidents’ Scholarship.

seum

nCommunity Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties

nPonce Inlet Lions Club

nMarine Science Center.

The Community Foundation helps steward charitable giving by work-

ing with donors to create funds that support a variety of causes.

Through its grant-making, the Community Foundation supports a wide range of nonprofits, helping them achieve their missions.

ORMOND BEACH ELKS AWARD $12,000 IN SCHOLARSHIPS

The Ormond Beach Elks Lodge held its annual scholarship banquet on May 5 in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo to honor some of the area’s high school seniors with scholarships.

This year, the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge awarded a total of $4,000, plus an additional $8,000 on behalf of the Elks National Foundation, bringing this year’s scholarship total

to $12,000. Guests included students, parents, grandparents, principals, school administrators, East Central District ENF Scholarship Chairman Paul Leonard and Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington. The scholars and their families were treated to dinner, and each scholarship recipient received a certificate.

The following students received $1,000 Ormond Beach Elks Lodge

Scholarships:

n Caroline Klayer, Seabreeze High School

n Annabelle Abrantes, Father Lopez Catholic High School

n Isabella Najduch, Spruce Creek High School

n Trevor Lagarde, Monroe-Woodbury High School in Central Valley, New

nGinikachi Okoh, Mainland High School. She will attend Daytona State College. The award was funded by a Palmetto Club member. nVivien Sallai, Seabreeze High School. She will attend the University of South Florida. The award was funded by The Palmetto Club.

nJasmin Washington, Atlantic High School. She will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. The award was funded by The Palmetto Club.

York.

The Lodge also presented two Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarships in the amount of $4,000 each to Seabreeze High School student Alyssa Capel and Father Lopez Catholic High School student Annabelle Abrantes.

The Elks National Foundation awards a total of 500 Most Valuable Student Scholarships annually nationwide, totaling over $2 million.

idea is, Dad, that you are supposed to give me your money.

Courtesy photos

Avery Dellinger receives a plaque from Ormond Beach Lions Club President Hank Lunsford, honoring her as the Ormond Beach Lions Club April Student Athlete of the Month.

Ormond Beach Elks Lodge Scholarship Chairman Erika Barger, East Central District Scholarship Chairman Paul Leonard, Caroline Klayer; Alyssa Capel, Trevor Lagarde, Annabelle Abrantes, Isabella Najduch, Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington and Exalted Ruler Mike Chandler.

The Community Foundation granted Easterseals $10,000 from the HELP Fund of Southeast Volusia.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Take a pitcher

Fourth annual Ormond Beach Beer Festival offers hops for a cause.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

People flooded to the fourth annual Ormond Beach Beer Festival as “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” emanated from the Rockefeller Gardens stage, where The Click was playing a variety of 80s tunes on Saturday, May 13. The Rotary Club of Ormond Beach organizes the event to generate funds for its ongoing mission to help local community families and children in need and support local charities,

according to the club’s website. This has been the club’s mission for 68 years.

Patrons had the opportunity to sample over 100 beers provided by 35 breweries as well as purchase food from a variety of vendors.

This was the Hinds family’s first time at the festival. They lived in Ormond Beach 25 years ago and returned in 2020 after living in Atlanta. Mom Kerri Hinds has fond memories of their time in Ormond. They currently live half a mile from the first house they bought.

“I don’t know why we ever left Ormond Beach,” mom Kerri Hinds said. “It’s the best. Every time I drive over that bridge to go home, I can’t believe I’m back. I’m so happy.”

Jack Elston (top), Andrew Elston and Matthew Wells play during the Ormond Beach Beer Festival.

Jacqueline-Samantha Coppin-Melson serves Persimmon Hollow’s ale to Ormond Beach Beer Festival patrons.

Retired Pine Trail Elementary School teacher Katherine Grindle and retired Champion Elementary School teacher Carlene Russell welcome people to the Ormond Beach Beer Festival.

Jason Devriese, Rod Armstrong and Richard Wilson

Ormond Beach residents Jackson Hinds, Kerri Hinds, Ryan Welch and Lance Hinds

Jim Sinex performs with The Click

Heather Anest, Devon Anest, Jeromy Close, Daniel Glenn, Reghan Anest and Joshua Paine pose for a photo together at the fourth annual Ormond Beahc Beer Festival.

Clementine Stutts plays during the Ormond Beach Beer Festival.

“I don’t know why we ever left Ormond Beach. It’s the best. Every time I drive over that bridge to go home, I can’t believe I’m back. I’m so happy.”

KERRI HINDS, Ormond

Beach

resident

Photos by Michele Meyers

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 18

VOLUSIA-FLAGLER SIERRA CLUB

SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Hidden Treasure Rose Bay Grill, 5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange

Details: Join the Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club for conversation, food, and drink at Hidden Treasure in Port Orange. Visit sierraclub.org/florida/ volusia-flagler.

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the May meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Social visiting and check-in will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be updates for presentation and discussion to promote informed activism such as voting registration and changes in election law. Likeminded nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

SECOND HANG 8 DOG SURFING

EXTRAVAGANZA

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: South 5th Street walkover, Flagler Beach

Details: Hang 8’s second annual dog surfing competition in Flagler Beach will raise money and awareness for local animal charities and dogs in need. There will also be a costume contest, children’s activities, vendors and more. Funds raised will benefit K9s for Warriors, Flagler County Humane Society, and Saving Missing Animals Response Team of Flagler County. Visit Hang8DogSurfing.com.

MARCIA JO ZERIVITZ — JEWS OF FLORIDA: CENTURIES OF STORIES

When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center and Park, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Learn about the comprehensive history of Jews in Florida, from colonial times to the present. Program is presented by the Palm Coast Historical Society. Free. Call 386-283-5929.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

FAMILY RENEW COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Family Renew Community’s annual Ice Cream Social and silent auction is back, and all proceeds help families lift themselves out of homelessness. Admission is $5 per person, free to children 10 and younger. Admission includes unlimited ice cream, homemade cake and cookies, family entertainment, children’s activities and a basket auction. Visit familyrenew.org/ IceCream2023.

HISTORY/NATURE WALK AT BULOW PLANTATION

RUINS STATE PARK

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Road S., Flagler Beach

Details: Join Dream Green Volusia and explore Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle, snack or sack lunch. Admission into the state park costs $4 per car.

THURSDAY, 25

SPRING BIRD WALKS WITH JOAN

TAGUE

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Master Natural ist Joan Tague, of Halifax River Audubon, for a casual bird walk along the trails in Central Park. Bring water. Walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended.

CHAT WITH A COMMISSIONER

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: David Hood Plaza at Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Ormond Beach Zone 1 City Commissioner Lori Tolland will be at the Farmers Market at City Hall, and she encourages residents to come and share their thoughts about Ormond Beach.

ONGOING THE CASEMENTS CAMERA CLUB’S 10TH-ANNUAL SPRING

The Casements, 25 RiverCome out to The Casesee the club’s annual spring exhibit, featuring both black and white images and colored photographs, and vote for your favorite. The image with the

most votes will win a “public choice” ribbon. The Casements is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

EXERCISES FOR THE MATURING

BODY

When: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Attend upbeat classes presented by Synergy Senior Fitness and taught by Senior Fitness Specialist Artie Gardella. Classes are ongoing. Insurances that cover fitness accepted, or a donation for those with no coverage. Visit Synergyseniorfitness.com.

MOAS EXHIBITIONS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Museum of Arts

and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach

Details: Want to spend a day looking at fine art? The Museum of Arts and Sciences has the following shows on display: “It’s a Kite Thing: Florida Women’s Arts Association,” and “Caribbean Indigenous Resistance.”

File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Carol and David Sheperd serve ice cream to Owen and Jessica Blumenfield during the 30th annual Family Renew Ice Cream Social.

“He ended up being the yardstick that I measured all of my other teachers by. He was a phenomenal teacher, and he loved all the kids — even the ones that were a challenge."

Composing a coda

Mainland High School at the time.

“We were part of the band life probably as soon as we were born,” Erin Bailey said.

Decades later, the roles reversed when Bailey played in Waidelich’s community band at DSC.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

EDITOR

SENIOR

In 1997, Walter Bailey laid down his baton as the Ormond Beach Middle School Band director, a position he held for 31 years.

Though 26 years have passed, Bailey’s impact has not been forgotten: On Wednesday, May 17, the OBMS band played a concert in his honor.

Bailey, 81, was a legend in his day, said OBMS Director Sonya Shearer. Though she was never a student of his, having gone to Campbell Middle School, Bailey’s influence on his students went beyond the walls of his band room.

“When I got to Mainland [High School], all of the first chair, best players in the whole county were pretty much from Ormond Beach Junior High,” Shearer recalled.

Shearer is finishing her first year as band director at OBMS, and the more she thought about Bailey’s legacy, the more she wondered if there were people in the community who would like to see him again.

“I thought it’d be great to honor him as being the main person who represents the band here at Ormond Middle School, and we’ve had a good year, so it’d be a good year to do it,” Shearer said.

This year, the OBMS symphonic and jazz bands won superiors at MPA, their music performance assessments. The jazz band’s rhythm section also won the Best Overall Rhythm Section award at Lakeside Jazz Festival in Port Orange this past April.

PUTTING STUDENTS FIRST

Bailey, originally of Waycross, Georgia, moved to Volusia County in the 1960s. He graduated from Stetson University with a bachelor of music education, obtained a master’s degree from East Carolina University and started working at Ormond Beach Junior High, now known as OBMS, in 1966.

After that, he never taught at any other school. He loved OBMS, said his daughter Erin Bailey, who spoke on his behalf.

“It was always about the student,” Erin Bailey said. “It was never about him being out front — his name in lights. It was always about the kids and them being the best that they could be, and that was all he really expected. Some of us had talent, some of us practiced a lot, some of us were somewhere in between.”

Erin Bailey was her father’s student too, as was her sister Kristen. She played the bassoon. Her sister played the oboe. Both started as clarinet players in the after-school band program Bailey held in the 1980s at Tomoka Elementary with Earl Williams, the band director at

And band life with Walter Bailey was fun, recalled former student Marianne Burley, who has been president of the OBMS band board for the past four years.

“He was silly,” Burley said. “He had a tuft of hair that he would blow on. He was a trumpet player, and so he would purposely mess up because he’s teaching beginners how to play trumpet ... He would just do silly things to get our attention and try to make it fun.”

That move of blowing his thinning hair out of his face earned him a nickname — Uncle Fuzzy. The nickname reveals the kind of bond Bailey shared with his students, said Peter Waidelich, assistant chair and director of instrumental music at Daytona State College, who is also a former student of Bailey’s.

“He was just a fun-loving guy — always had a smile on his face and always had loads and loads of time with kids,” Waidelich said.

He wasn’t known as Uncle Fuzzy when Dallas Tucker had him as a band director in the mid-to-late 1960s, making him one of Bailey’s earliest students at OBMS. Anyone who spends five minutes talking to Bailey, Tucker said, can see the type of person he is: warm and embracing.

“He ended up being the yardstick that I measured all of my other teachers by,” Tucker said. “He was a phenomenal teacher, and he loved all the kids — even the ones that were a challenge.”

‘HE DEVELOPED PLAYERS’

Before he became a band director, Bailey was, and still is, a trumpet player.

“He was a very, very early influence on me of what a trumpet should sound like,” Waidelich said.

Before Bailey became Waidelich’s band director, he used to give Waidelich private lessons.

At OBMS, Waidelich recalled, Bailey would pick up his instrument and play with the trumpet section if they had an intern or guest conductor for the day. The students would just marvel at his sound, he said.

“We shared our dad with over a thousand kids. Thousands and thousands of kids, and we were happy to do that, and I hope that each of them has a really fond memory of his class."

ERIN

And like doctors are often said to be the worst patients, band directors can often be the worst band players, he joked.

“They sometimes are cutting up and doing what they’re not supposed to be doing more than anyone else in the band,” Waidelich said. “That’s kind of like Mr. Bailey, but then again, it’s not unusual for him because he’s always like that. Mr. Bailey always had a twinkle in his eye and a sort of little bit of a devilish grin on his face. He was always up to something.”

Tucker, a trumpet player who played gigs with Bailey even as his student, recalled one time during his second year of middle school when Bailey asked him to play with a brass choir at a local Ormond Beach church.

The choir was composed of two trumpets and two trombones, and when Tucker got there, he asked for music.

Bailey placed a choral hymnal sheet in front of him and told him they would be playing the alto and soprano parts.

“I’m going, ‘But a trumpet is a B flat instrument; how’s that going to work? We’re going to be a step off.’” Tucker recalled. “He goes, ‘Oh, it’s easy. Just read it up a step and add two sharps. I looked at him and I went, ‘What?’”

Bailey pushed his students, Tucker said. He made them leave their comfort zones, and it’s a lesson that followed Tucker throughout his playing career.

“He didn’t teach music,” Tucker said. “He developed players.”

Bailey even played at Tucker’s wedding. (The piece? Johann Pachelbel’s Canon in D, commonly called Pachelbel’s Canon.)

UNCLE FUZZY’S LEGACY Bailey may have been a band director, but he never stopped being a dad, too.

“We shared our dad with over a thousand kids,” Erin Bailey said. “Thousands and thousands of kids, and we were happy to do that, and I hope that each of them has a really fond memory of his class.

It’s overwhelming to think about the number of families her father interacted with during his time at OBMS, Erin Bailey said.

The interest in the concert to be held in his honor — that people want to come out and see him almost 30 years later — is a tribute to him all on its own, she added.

Burley played percussion in Walter Bailey’s band, and her son is a percussionist in the band today.

“I was really happy that this is coming full circle for me — to be able to see my old band director and have him see my son, it’s very exciting,” she said.

Shearer may never have had him as

her director, but she does remember the first time she met him. She was in high school and they were playing in a church orchestra together for a Christmas concert. Shearer remembers feeling a sense of pride at being in the same band as Bailey.

“To me, he’s a legend in the community, and to think I’m getting to even just be a part of that, getting to put my little piece of it, is kind of nice,” Shearer said.

Bailey, who now lives in Charleston, North Carolina, was a major building block for the band program at OBMS, Waidelich said.

But one can’t talk about Bailey without mentioning two of his friends: Mainland High School’s former band director Earl Williams and Seabreeze High School’s former director Dave Smith.

Daytona Beach had some of the strongest music programs in the state when they were leading their school bands, Waidelich said.

“The three of those guys were really important in this area in regards to music and music education,” he said.

When Tucker heard OBMS was holding a concert in Bailey’s honor, his first thought was: “I’ll be there.”

The pair have kept in touch over the decades, on the phone and through email.

“Talking to him on the phone, he’s the same guy that he was back then,” Tucker said. “The kids all loved him because they knew that he cared about him.”

STOP AND SAY HI

What: Panther Band alumni event

When: 5-7 p.m. Thursday, May 18

Where: Houligan’s, 1110 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Stop by the “Original” Houligans to say hi to former Ormond Beach Middle School band director Walter Bailey.

OBMS holds concert in honor of longtime band director Walter Bailey.

Walter Bailey presents his band in a 1983 performance.

BAILEY, Walter Bailey's daughter

DALLAS TUCKER, former student

Courtesy photos

Erin Bailey and her father, Walter Bailey

HUGE step

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze’s four-game win streak and drive toward the Class 5A state championship final was halted by Sebring High School in a regional semifinal game on May 12 at Sebring.

The Blue Streaks won 6-1. Center fielder Zachary Banks scored the Sandcrabs’ lone run at Fireman’s Field, where locals claim Lou Gherig once hit a home run.

Banks also scored two runs in the first round of regionals in a 2-1 win against Wesley Chapel.

“Going into regionals, we were confident,” Seabreeze head coach Jeff Lemon said. “The guys knew they had accomplished something that had not been done in a while (district championship). This team enjoyed that district championship trophy for the 30 minutes after the last out, cooler dumps and photos. After that, it was business as usual. You could see a change in the program from content to wanting more.”

Evan Miller, Dylan Cavanaugh and Ethan Gilbert split pitching responsibilities in the regional games.

Miller pitched seven innings against Wesley Chapel, giving up five hits and one run with one strike-

out. Cavanaugh pitched four innings against Sebring with Gilbert wrapping up the last inning of the game. Lemon said there were a lot of unknowns going into this season. He was not sure who would step into each position, but as the season evolved, so did his players’ development. He discovered Evan Miller and Cavanaugh were top two on the mound, and Zane Barron stepped into the role as catcher, where he was skilled at controlling the opponents’ running game. Cavanaugh said this season was something the seniors had been talking about since their freshman year on the team.

“We wanted to go all the way to states,” he said. “We tried talking it into existence, but we ended up falling short. We did do something for the program that hasn’t happened for a while, and that’s a district championship.”

In 2019, seniors Banks, Mason Boice, Cavanaugh, Gilbert and Miller were freshmen and came into a program that had finished 2-24 the previous season. Conditioning was also conducted in the faculty parking lot due to new track construction at Seabreeze High School. The seniors made a promise to their peers and the coaches that they would “leave the program better than they found it,” and they did.

“This season was a huge step for Seabreeze baseball as a whole,” Cavanaugh said. “I’m ecstatic to say that I was part of it, but I know the next up will keep it rolling and go even deeper in the tournament.”

“This season was a huge step for Seabreeze baseball as a whole. I’m ecstatic to say that I was part of it, but I know the next up will keep it rolling and go even deeper in the tournament.”

After winning its first 5A regional game against Wesley Chapel, the Seabreeze baseball team lost 6-1 to the Sebring Streaks on Friday, May 12.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Seabreeze coaches Ben Williams and Cory Flickinger

Seabreeze baseball team seniors Evan Miller, Scott Treur, Zachary Banks, Mason Boice, Dylan Cavanaugh and Ethan Gilbert

Seabreeze pitcher Dylan Cavanaugh lets the ball rip during the regional game.

Seabreeze first baseman Cole Snowden attempts to thwart Beny Bikar Jr.’s (7) attempt to steal during the regional game.

Seabreeze’s Ethan Gilbert pitches the last two innings of the regional playoff game.

DYLAN CAVANAUGH, Seabreeze pitcher

Mainland flag football team runs into juggernaut in state semifinal Bucs boast strong defense, offensive line

The Bucs’ magical season ended in the Class 1A final four with a loss to seven-time state champ.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The one constant about Class 1A flag football is this: If you keep winning, eventually you will run into Tampa Robinson. And that’s when your playoff run will probably end.

Robinson won its seventh consecutive state championship on May 13 with a 32-13 victory against Fort Walton Beach Choctawhatchee.

On May 12, Robinson defeated Mainland 32-7 in a state semifinal. It was the farthest the Bucs have ever advanced.

“When you think about flag football in Florida, you think about Robinson and (Tampa) Alonso,” Mainland coach Ethan Simpson said. “We told the girls to ‘give it your best fight. We deserve to be here,’ and we came out and fought. I’m very proud of the girls. They never gave up.”

The Bucs finished the season with a 14-6 record. They won three straight playoff games to get to Robinson, which finished its season at 21-2. One of the Knights’ two losses was to Alonso, which won the Class 2A title.

Robinson has won eight of the past nine 1A championships. The Knights’ only blemish over that span was in 2015, when they lost in the title game.

Coming into the season, the Bucs probably didn’t expect to advance to the final four

for the first time in program history. They had lost several starters from last year’s 12-5 team, including quarterback Alexa Wilson, who is now a college starter at Thomas University.

Former receiver Ava Colubiale moved behind center and finished the season ranked sixth in the state in both passing yards, with 3,609; and total yards, with 4,278.

Kassie Stoner, meanwhile, finished ninth in receiving with 1,156 yards. Colubiale is also ranked 19th in the state with 13 interceptions.

“We had a very talented team last year, and a lot of new starters this season,” Simp-

son said. “But we had good leadership with our senior captains. They taught the younger players how we play flag football at Mainland, and it really showed when we got to the playoffs.

“I don’t think a lot of people thought we’d get to the state semifinals, but these girls worked their butts off.”

The Bucs’ flag football team became the fourth Mainland team to advance to the final four in 2022-23. The football team and the boys basketball team were state runners-up, and the girls basketball team won its first state championship.

With several top college prospects returning and the addition of some newcomers, Mainland’ could match last season’s success.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

What can Mainland’s football team do as an encore? Perhaps, go one step further than last year.

The Buccaneers advanced to the Class 3S championship game last season, falling to Lake Wales, 32-30. With their returning players along with some newcomers, the Bucs could wind up in the state title game again, led by a strong defense and a big offensive line.

“We’ve got a great linebacker corps,” Mainland coach Travis Roland said. “I think we’ve got one of the best linebacker corps in the state, one of the best defenses in the state.”

And yet, the Bucs’ offense has been ahead of the defense in spring practice so far.

“The offense is kicking our butt,” Roland said. “Coach Snap Wood (the Bucs’ offensive coordinator) is doing a great job. Our offensive line is amazing. We’ve got people movers up front. We’re excited that we can have a Miami

“We’ve got a great linebacker corps. I think we’ve got one of the best linebacker corps in the state, one of the best defenses in the state.”

TRAVIS ROLAND, Mainland football coach

Central-size O-line like they had in those (2012-2014) seasons where they can just move people.”

The Bucs will get a preview of their 2023 team on May 25 in their spring game against West Orange.

Mainland lost its leader on its offensive line in Malcolm Curry but return Jaelin Long, Christian Hudson and Madden Santiago. They also have Spruce Creek transfers Colin Wilson and Elijah Walker, who were both at Mainland when they were freshmen.

Their linebacker corps includes Dennis King, Myron Shafer, Malik Daniels and Flagler Palm Coast transfer Rodney Hill.

“R.J. (Hill) is adjusting well,” Roland said. “Tank (King) is doing an amazing job stepping into the middle linebacker role and being a leader. Myron is one of the strongest kids on our football team. And Malik Daniels is our most versatile linebacker that we have here right now. Adding R.J. to that makes them one of the best linebacker corps in the state.”

The Bucs also have top 100 prospects Zavier Mincey at safety and LJ McCray at defensive end, as well as defensive lineman Ramon McCollough returning.

They’ve added FPC transfer Ely Gilyard and E’zaiah Shine to the defensive backfield. Shine returns to Mainland after spending last season at Spruce Creek.

They also have added former Seabreeze players Khamani Robinson and Marquis McCants. McCants played for Mainland as a freshman and sophomore and is now back with the Bucs for his senior season, Roland said.

“These kids have all played together for the Daytona Beach Cowboys and the Daytona Beach Bucs (Pop War-

ner team), and now we have all those kids back together,” Roland said. “The kids that left Daytona to play for the Ormond Beach Pride, all of them are back here. About 85% of our team are kids that played in our feeder programs.”

The Bucs lost running back Jackie Bowdry, whose family moved to Atlanta, Roland said.

“Our running back room is fluid,” Roland said. “Corey Hill is back. We lost him to injury (last year), and we have some other guys in the fold.”

The Bucs will try to make the playoffs for the 30th straight season, and once there, they could take care of some unfinished business, but the team won’t be resting on past success.

“We got a lot of guys that came back from last year’s team, and we have a couple of additions that put you in a real good category,” Roland said. “But we got to play the games. We can’t look past anybody. We’ve got to work hard. We’re working hard this spring.

“Our offense is kind of having some success against (the defense), so that’s a good thing for us to see that we aren’t invincible.”

WINDING WOODS

3 bed/3 bath Penthouse. Panoramic views can be enjoyed throughout, 2 tiled balconies with retractable screens and tinting on 10’ sliding door in living room. Matching tiles adorn hallway, living/dining rooms & kitchen of this unparalleled Skyhome, 10’ ceilings throughout with ceiling fans in each room & 2 skylights. MLS#1104821 $479,900 Call V. Ann Alexander 386-503-7220.

Move in ready 2 bed/ 2 bath Ormond Beach home close to the popular OB Historical District & only 3 miles to the Ocean. This concrete block single family home was recently painted on the exterior & interior. Located on a beautiful corner lot entering a quiet cul-de-sac in the centrally located Winding Woods neighborhood. MLS#1108986 $299,000 Call Renata Rosander 386-316-8041.

HUNTERS RIDGE

This meticulously kept one owner beachside home is ready for you to move in. It is just steps to the beach., and offers 3 bedrooms all with their own bathrooms, a beautiful kitchen, gorgeous granite countertops, SS appliances, a fireplace, and easy beach access. The roof was replaced May 2022. MLS#1108785 $575,000 Call Donna Dosch 386-235-3385.

Remarkable corner unit in the exclusive 55+ community of Huntington Villas. This unit features a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath with an oversized 2 car garage. The open floor plan of the living room and dining room greet you when you walk in. From the screened in lanai, you can watch wildlife in and around your almost private pond. MLS#1109171 $391,000 Call Kelly Margison 386-299-0738.

Priced to sell! Beautifully maintained spacious pool home, 4 generously sized bedrooms allow plenty of space to spread out. Granite countertops in kitchen. Beautiful wood floors throughout. Hurricane shutters 2020. Newer roof and freshly resurfaced pool. Inviting, private and well kept, this home is a must see.

MLS#1108769 $529,000

Call David Lisicki 386-795-1544.

Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Nice living space, dining area and galley kitchen. Office or den area, large pantry and laundry space with a half bath. The backyard features a beautiful garden space and outdoor shower. Roof is 2017 and also has a new hot water heater. Bright new paint and stucco job.

MLS#1109038 $378,000

Call Karen Dillard 386-451-8320.

Photo by Brent Woronoff

Mainland’s Ava Colubiale stretches for yards in the Bucs’ 7-0 win over Somerset Canyons on May 8 in the Region 1-1A final.

Photo by Michele Meyers Mainland’s Ramon McCollough (66) and LJ McCray (11) celebrate a defensive stop against University last season.

SIDE LINES

FPC’s Mackenzie Gennaro will cheer at Coastal Carolina

Flagler Palm Coast senior Mackenzie

Gennaro wasn’t handed a spot on the Coastal Carolina University cheerleading team. She had to try out.

She said she was one of 96 prospects competing on April 13-15 for a spot on the Chanticleers’ team, and she was one of 15 incoming students selected for a coveted place on the roster.

“It was one of if not the hardest experiences of my life,” Gennaro said.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS

AdventHealth physicians and care teams will provide free physicals for Flagler County students at Flagler Palm Coast High School on May 23 and 24 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The annual event is open to Flagler County public school student athletes. The physicals include heart screenings, which are essential as sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among high school athletes. Preregistration is available at FSSportsPhysicals.com.

POWERLIFTER BREAKS RECORD

National champion powerlifter Kelly Schlobohm of Bunnell competed in the 2023 Women’s ProAm in Cincinnati last month and totaled 1,190.5 pounds, including a 474-pound squat — a world record in the Masters 2 (ages 50-59) 149-pound single ply division — a bench press of 259 pounds and a deadlift of 457.4 pounds. She is ranked third in the world in her division, where she is the world record holder in squat and deadlift.

FPC held a signing ceremony for Gennaro on May 10. She received a Presidential Scholarship at Coastal Carolina and will be on the school’s competitive and sideline cheer teams.

Gennaro was a member of the Bulldogs’ competitive and sideline cheer teams and also competes and coaches at Cheer Force All Stars in Ormond Beach.

She watched Coastal Carolina compete in the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals at the Daytona Beach Bandshell last year.

“I knew it was where I wanted to

LPGA AMATEUR CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP

The LPGA Amateur Daytona Chapter had its chapter championship on May 7 at The Club at Venetian Bay.

It was a Low Gross/Low Net stroke play tournament. There were 55 participants and five flights. Brygitte Lusinski was the low gross club champion. Teresa Sanders was the low net club champion.

Flight winners: Championship flight, Deb Crowley, low gross; Shauna Federico, low net. First flight, Ann Bowman, low gross; Gloria Payne, low net. Second flight, Terry McFarland, low gross; Joan Mansour, low net. Third flight, Pat Westbrook, low gross; Kathleen McKay, low net. Fourth flight, Joan DeCarlo, low gross; Pat Albers, low net.

go the second I saw them,” she said. Gennaro has been a cheerleader for eight years. Competitive cheerleading, she said, is a sport like no other, combining the skills of acrobatics, gymnastics and dance.

ABA TEAM COMING TO DAYTONA

Basketball fans of a certain age will remember watching the high-flying, 3-point-shooting stars of the old American Basketball Association.

Former Mainland High basketball player Keith McClenny plans to form a team in Daytona Beach in the semipro version of the ABA, joining nearby franchises in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Brevard County and Clermont.

Like the original ABA, the semipro league uses the iconic red-white and blue basketball and has innovative rules to generate more offense. The original ABA brought the 3-point shot to the NBA when the leagues merged in 1976. The current ABA has a 4-point shot from behind halfcourt and a 3D light that adds a point to all baskets when it’s turned on after

Tumbling from gymnastics includes backflips, handsprings and somersaults, among other skills.

Elite stunts include pyramids and basket tosses.

“I really like stunting,” she said,

violations.

McClenny, who graduated from Mainland in 1990, operates the Red Devils Basketball Academy. He has reserved the Daytona Beach market for the league and hopes the Daytona Beach team can play its first game in November.

“(ABA CEO) Joe Newman really wants a team in Daytona Beach. He loves this market,” McClenny said. “We need basketball in this town. There are still some good basketball players here.”

McClenny would love for his team to be able to play its games in the Ocean Center, but has a plan B at the Cherry Cultural and Educational Center at 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

McClenny is looking for team sponsors. Call 386 846 8394 or email kmcclennyO@ gmail.com.

noting that she doesn’t get thrown in the air.

“I throw people in the air,” she said. And catches them?

“Yes, that’s the most important part,” she said.

Gennaro helped lead FPC to a ninth-place finish in the Class 2A small division non-tumbling at the state cheerleading championships in February.

Earlier this month, her Cheer Force All Stars Eclip5e team finished eighth in the Level Five Senior Open Coed Division 2 competition at the Summit Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Gennaro has been coaching a Tiny Novice 1 team for Cheer Force during the past two years.

“The young kids say they want to be just like me, and that makes me want to be the best as possible,” she said.

Gennaro plans to major in psychology with a concentration in forensics, with a goal of one day joining the FBI or CIA.

PALM COAST TENNIS CLINICS

May is National Tennis Month, and the city of Palm Coast is celebrating with a series of free clinics for players ages 11 and up of all skill levels. The clinics will be on Saturday, May 20, and Saturday, May 27, from noon to 2 p.m. on the clay courts at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. Each day will feature two one-hour sessions.

Participants are encouraged to register at palmcoast.gov/Events/ Home/Details/tennismonth-clinics and click on the register button at the bottom.

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FPC senior Mackenzie Gennaro will be a competitive and sideline cheerleader at Coastal Carolina University.

GREEN GROCERIES by Alex Eaton-Salners, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

REAL ESTATE

Condo in Hammock Dunes tops sales list in Flagler County

Acondo in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for March 29 to April 4 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Fore You Capital LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 28 Porto Mar, Unit 504, to Everett and Kirsten Kliphouse, of Palm Coast, for $2,900,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/4.5 and has a stacked stone gas fireplace and 4,948 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $1,975,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Arlington Shelva McPhatter, of Palm Coast, sold 3 Fairfax Court to Johnny Mark and Whitney Wisniewski, of Palm Coast, for $378,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,219 square feet. It sold in 1996 for $149,200.

Belle Terre Angelo Alberty, of Palm Coast, sold 11 Palmyra Lane to Lazaro and Tania Salvia Caceres, of Palm Coast, for $420,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,068 square feet.

Grand Landings

Raji David Corey, Kayla Rebecca Corey, and Elias Roger Corey, of Flagler Beach, sold 487 Grand Landings Parkway to Mark and Michelle Vella, of Palm Coast, for $509,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,533 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $385,900.

Dream Finders Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 494 Grand Landings Parkway to Steve Brooks, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 5/2 and has 2,213 square feet.

Hammock Dunes Marc and Ann Messer, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, sold 2 Marbella Court to Marvin Grady and Hortensia Stewart, of Palm Coast, for $850,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/4.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,971 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $418,000.

Indian Trails Brittany Eggum and Peter Vischio, of Rockville, Maryland, sold 3 Buffalo Meadow Lane to Joanne Wood, John Wood, and Timothy Wood, of Palm Coast, for $305,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,625 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $80,100.

Dominique Breitenbach, of Cortlandt Manor, New York, sold 26 Brickford Drive to Jean and Dale Clement, of Palm Coast, for $525,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,537 square feet.

Lehigh Woods Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 19 Reynolds Place to Phillip and Ashley DeAlmeida, of Palm Coast, for $313,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,806 square feet.

Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 11 Red Birch Lane to Nashalee Garcia Rodriguez and DeAndre’ Avery Hayden, of Palm Coast, for $317,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,806 square feet.

Diane Setter, of Palm Coast, sold 6 Reybury Lane to Elie and Taria Farhat, of Palm Coast, for $410,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 3,007 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $137,500.

Matanzas Woods Seagate Homes, LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 72 Leaver Drive to Antonio and Alda Marques, of Palm Coast, for $445,600. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,208 square feet.

Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 39 La Mancha Drive to Phillip and Susanne DeMottie, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,338 square feet.

Not in a subdivision Jacek and Alina Kowalik, of Palm Coast, sold 96 Ryan Drive to Lyubov Nikitina, of Wanaque, New Jersey, for $369,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,723 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $320,000.

Palm Harbor

Mario Martino, Jr., as trustee, sold 24 Collingdale Court to Michael Hansen, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,616 square feet.

Margaret Petrov, of Coussac Bonneval, France, sold 127 Cimmaron Drive to Liat and David Phillipson, of Alpharetta, Georgia, for $560,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift and 2,131 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $285,000.

Pine Lakes Jose and Leticia Defigueiredo, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, sold 12 Vanderbilt Place to George

Matthew Pokopac, of Palm Coast, for $525,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool and 2,073 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $220,000.

Seminole Woods

Kevin and Paige Freedman, of Palm Coast, sold 83 Ulaturn Trail to Tyler Eric Allesee, of Palm Coast, for $249,900. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,112 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $75,000.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 6 Ulysses Trail to Jeffrey and Alexis Harris, of Palm Coast, for $325,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 14 Sea Trail to Gregory Rodgers, Debra Rodgers, and Christopher Rodgers, of Palm Coast, for $413,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,363 square feet.

Southwest Quadrant

Michael and Shana Papadakos, of Stuart, sold 32 Palermo Lane to Shane David Walker, of Palm Coast, for $305,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,457 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $149,000. Ralph Edward Shear, of Port Orange, sold 1 Pershing Lane to Arnaldo Caballero Corona, of Palm Coast, for $285,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,247 square feet. It sold in 1999 for $76,000.

Whiteview Village

KB Home Jacksonville LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 11 Windsor Terrace to Gregory and Susan Michel, of Palm Coast, for $390,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,016 square feet.

John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report

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Photo courtesy of Krista Libby/Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group

The condo has 4,948 square feet of living space.

Beach house tops sales list in Ormond Beach

ORMOND BEACH

Ahouse in Ormond Beach was the top real estate transaction for April 2-8 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. Paul Terzani and Linda Bammann, as trustees, sold 301 Ocean Shore Blvd. to Matthew Adler, as a trustee, for $5,525,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a gas fireplace, pool, hot tub, media room, outdoor kitchen, private beach walkover and 5,998 square feet of living space. It sold in 2022 for $4,468,800.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

Craig Uttley, of Winter Park, sold 1575 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 706, to Kim Ferris Bull, of Ormond Beach, for $468,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,315 square feet. it sold in 2003 for $199,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Breakaway Trails

Sarah Nash Edwards, of Ormond Beach, sold 43 Black Pine Way to Heather Jade Thomas, of Ormond Beach, for $535,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,464 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $362,000.

BRIEFS

Agents named RE/MAX Torchbearers

Stephanie Cathey and Mike Gagliardi, both real estate agents with RE/MAX Signature in Port Orange have been named a 2023 RE/ MAX Torchbearer, according to a news release.

Northbrook Luis and Diana Moscoso, of Homestead, sold 118 Northbrook Lane to Jennifer Hart, of Ormond Beach, for $245,500. Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,333 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $154,000.

Ocean Village John Trumpy and Susan Midkiff, of Ponce Inlet, sold 21 Oriole Circle, Unit B, to Betty Sims, of Ormond Beach, and Lee Sims, of Silver Spring, Maryland, for $234,900. Built in 1947, the house is a 2/1 and has 913 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $134,000.

Ortona

Robert Eisenbart, of Union Grove, Wisconsin, sold 872 Marvin Road

Cathey and Gagliardi were named to this group for their impressive sales performance in 2022.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a RE/MAX Torchbearer this year,” Cathey said. “Being a RE/MAX agent is not just about buying and selling homes, it’s about building relationships and helping clients achieve their dreams. Earning this recognition and standing alongside other top-performing

to Shashikant and Indiraben Patel, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, for $470,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,185 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $80,000.

Park Place Paul and Theresa Nachtigal, of Ormond Beach, sold 39 Park Place to Charles and Carol Case, of Ormond Beach, for $289,000. Built in 1981, the townhouse is a 3/2 and has 1,477 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $57,300.

Plantation Bay

Ralph and Harriett Franco, as trustees, sold 1292 Royal Pointe Lane to David Weston and Lori Jenean Maxwell, of Ormond Beach, for $575,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,150 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $247,000.

John and Marleen Schrieber, of Rockford, Illinois, sold 1156 Kilkenny Lane to Richard Hyland, of Ormond Beach, for $425,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,910 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $244,900.

Rio Vista

Douglas Giffen Brandow, of Crawfordville; Kirk Brandow, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Bryon Brandow, of Kingstom, Massachusetts; and Susan Brandow, of Sarasota, sold 920 Buena Vista Ave. to Steven Carcaba, of Ormond Beach, for $550,000. Built in 1932, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, an in-law suite and 2,275 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $395,000.

Springleaf

Lindsay and Jeremy Thiess, of Ormond Beach, sold 1505 Springleaf Drive to Derrick Pine, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for $357,000.

RE/MAX agents is a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into every transaction. I am humbled to be part of such a remarkable group of professionals and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives.”

Torchbearers are the RE/ MAX network’s top-producing agents and team leaders under the age of 40. Only a few from each state are honored, based on their number

Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,556 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $199,000.

The Trails Brendan Roberson and Karen Blendick, of Ormond Beach, sold 5 Cobblestone Trail to Didier and Susan Lamour, of Ormond Beach, for $470,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,928 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $237,500.

Winding Woods David and Maria Smith, of Green Cove Springs, sold 3 Alicen Court to William and Susan Wintjen, of Ocala, for $240,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,122 square feet. it sold in 1986 for $59,600.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Thomas and Wilma Potter, of Ormond Beach, sold 42 River Drive to Matthew Jason Ruedlinger, of Ormond Beach, for $379,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,108 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $349,000.

William Melle, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, sold 49 Hibiscus Drive to John McEntee, of Ormond Beach, for $241,600. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 700 square feet. It sold in 1990 for $52,000.

PORT ORANGE

Kathleen Muellenberg, of Clearwater, and Samantha Kopala, of Blacklick, Ohio, sold 5248 Isabelle Ave. to Jessica Chacon, of Port Orange, for $67,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 2/1 and has 588 square feet. It sold in 1991 for $30,900.

CC Brown’s Landing, LLC, of Day-

of closed transaction sides for the year.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the talented agents who have earned the distinction of being a RE/MAX Torchbearer,” said RE/MAX President and CEO Nick Bailey. “These remarkable individuals represent the very best of the RE/MAX network and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their clients and communities. As our industry contin-

ues to evolve, these agents are leading the charge with their innovative strategies and exceptional service. It’s an honor to have them as part of the RE/MAX network and we look forward to celebrating their continued success with the brand.”

For more information about RE/MAX Signature, please visit topdaytonaagents.com or contact 386236-0760.

tona Beach, sold 2402 Hyatt Creek Lane to Paul and Karen Paprocki, of Port Orange, for $865,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,512 square feet.

Laura Livingston, Pamela Livingston, and Ralph Livingston, of The Villages, sold 6154 Sequoia Drive to Suzanne Ronneau, of Port Orange, for $215,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,277 square feet. It sold in 2001 for $76,000.

Margo McQuillan Lind and Michael Hannapel, of Port Orange, sold 2473 Karl Drive to Nicholas and Elena Gonzalez, of Port Orange, for $585,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,359 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $275,000.

Freddy and Teresita Guerrero, of Miami Springs, sold 6771 Calistoga Circle to Josephine Check, of Port Orange, for $400,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,620 square feet. it sold in 2005 for $256,100.

Michael Hinton, of Orlando, sold 5574 Estero Loop to Donald Yates, of Port Orange, for $410,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and 2 half baths and has 1,626 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $257,500.

John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.

United Way fights for the Education, Financial Stability, and Health of every person in our

The purpose and effect of the amendment is to provide for efficient and effective District facility operations. Specific legal authority for the proposed amendment includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 120.54 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2022).

A copy of the proposed amendments may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, FL 32746, (321) 263-0132 ext. 193, or by email at dmcinnes@dpfgmc.com (“District Office”). A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) on June 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the District’s Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person is required to have a verbatim record of the proceedings including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based and should ensure that such a record is made accordingly.

Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the District Office at least 48 hours before the meetings. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1 (800) 955-8770, which can aid you in contacting the District Office.

District Manager Grand Haven Community Development District

May 15, 2023

23-00110F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF RULE MAKING BY THE GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO AMENITY RULES

A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) on June 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to address proposed amendments to the District’s Chapter VI rules governing the District’s surface water management systems, drainage easements, and encroachment on District-owned property. Specific legal authority for the rule includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 120.54 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2022).

Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by section 120.541(1), F.S., must do so in writing within twenty-one (21) days after publication of this notice. The public hearing may be continued to a date, time and place to be specified on the record at the hearing.

If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the District’s Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person is required to have a verbatim record of the proceedings including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based and should ensure that such a record is made accordingly. Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager at the address and number below.

A copy of the proposed rule may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, FL 32746, (321) 263-0132 ext. 193, or by email at dmcinnes@dpfgmc.com.

May 15, 2023

23-00111F

ZMA 2023-10

LAND, OWNED BY JAM 2018 LLC, LOCATED AT 379 COUNTY ROAD 200 FROM “AG, AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT” TO THE “L-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT”. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s

(AG)” TO “INDUSTRIAL (IND)” FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION.

NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

May 25, 2023

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Go Store It 4601 E Moody Blvd A7 Bunnell, FL 32110 hereby gives NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the storage space(s) listed below, Paul Stout #270, Sarah Zirkle #171 containing household and other goods will be sold for cash on 6/9/23 at 2:00pm. With the contents being sold to the highest bidder. Owner reserves the right to bid. The sale is being held to satisfy a landlord’s lien, in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 83.801-83.809, and will be held online at www.storagetreasures.com

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Garrett Internal Medicine located at 50 Leanni Way, A3-4, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County,

The administration of the

and the date of the Will is August 31st, 2018.

That any interested person on whom the notice is served who challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objections with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules within the time required by law or those objections are forever barred;

That interested persons are required to file with the court any objection by an interested person on whom the notice was served that challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court within 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the objecting person.

That any person entitled to exempt property is required to file a petition for determination of exempt property within the time provided by law or the right to exempt property is deemed waived;

That a surviving spouse seeking an elective share must file an election to take elective share within the time provided by law.

tice

23-00118F

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law

According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

of Mouse Solution Store

at 1 Zerington Ct, in the City of Palm Coast,

Flagler

May 18, 25, 2023

23-00115F

FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 14th day of May, 2023 Patrick Garrett May 18, 2023 23-000116F

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Environmental Health Consulting located at 20 Woodston Lane, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32164 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Monica Baigorri May 18, 2023 23-000113F

FIRST INSERTION

The

is May 11th,

lowing described property located in Volusia County, Florida: UNIT 80, OF HOLLY SQUARE CONDOMINIUM, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1752, PAGE 315, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 2434, PAGE 1978, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in the Business Observer, on or before JUN 26 2023, otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the

Complaint.

accordance with the Americans with Disabilities

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023 CP 161 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF ALBERT JOHN BROGAN Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Albert John Brogan, deceased, File Number 2023 CP 161, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was September 15, 2022; that the total value of the estate is $33,458.93 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Elizabeth B. Lake, Trustee of the Albert John Brogan and Margaret Brogan Joint Living Trust dated March 6, 1997; Address 48 St. Andrews St. Palm Coast, Florida 32137 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is May 11, 2023. Person Giving Notice: /s/ Elizabeth B. Lake Elizabeth B. Lake 48 St Andrews Ct Palm Coast, Florida 32164 Attorney for Person Giving Notice /s/ Diane A. Vidal Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com May 11, 18, 2023 23-00069G SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2022 CP 000717 IN RE: ESTATE OF DENNIS LEE ST. LAWRENCE Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that on 6/2/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1971 BROA HS 16J0P2S3506 .

FIRST INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-10941-PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESATE OF MYRON GREENBERG Deceased. The administration of the estate of Myron Greenberg, deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023 10975 PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF HARLAN PALMER HOVE, aka HARLAN HOVE Deceased. The administration of the estate of HARLAN PALMER HOVE, also known as HARLAN HOVE, deceased, whose date of death was February 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on 6/2/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1973 HACI HS FH25924PKD3108A & FH25924PKD3108B . Last Tenants: BRUCE KRUEGER, ESTATE OF BRUCE KRUEGER AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, BENEFICIARIES, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS OF BRUCE KRUERGER. Sale to be at CS1031 MAPLEWOOD ESTATES MHC DST DBA MAPLEWOOD ESTATES, 1000 CHAMBERLIN BLVD, PORT ORANGE, FL 32127. 813-241-8269.

May 18, 25, 2023 23-00065V

SION. Sale to be at LEGACY HCE LLC DBA HIGHLAND COUNTRY ESTATES MHC, 830 NORTH HIGHWAY, DEBARY, FL 32713. 813-241-8269.

May 11, 18, 2023 23-00062V

the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes May 25, 2023 23-00119F FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORFEITURE $1,568.00 USD was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on March 27, 2023. The item(s) was seized at or near US Highway 1 / Karat Path, Palm Coast, FL. The Flagler County Sheriff is holding the property for purposes of a current forfeiture action 2023 CA 0000575 in the 7th Circuit Court. May 18, 25, 2023 23-00108F SUBSCRIBE TODAY The Observer delivered to your driveway Call 386.447.9723 SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com