Ormond Beach Observer 8-17-23

“The

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin visits

sixth grade classroom at Hinson Middle School.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

CITY WATCH

Ormond Beach to stand against fuel farm project

It was standing room only at the Ormond Beach City Commission meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 15, as residents voiced their opposition to plans to build a fuel farm near Ormond.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

Planning Board to meet Monday

The Ormond Beach Planning Board will meet at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 21, to discuss the proposed 276-unit Tomoka Reserve development.

The meeting will be held at Tomoka Christian Church, at 1450 Hand Ave. The meeting is a continuation of a July 13 hearing about the development, which would be built on the former Tomoka Oaks golf course land at 20 Tomoka Oaks Blvd.

The property owner — Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I, LLC — is seeking the issuance of a development order.

Have issues with MetroNet?

Internet service provider MetroNet is working to install fiber-optic internet cables in Ormond Beach.

After receiving complaints from citizens about MetroNet workers, the city added a frequently asked questions page on its website. The city has asked residents to direct their complaints to MetroNet representatives by calling 877-386-3876.

To read the city’s FAQ, visit bit.ly/3OUO56q.

The fuel farm would be just outside of the city’s jurisdiction, at 874 Hull Road in unincorporated land overseen by the county, and the project wasn’t on the commission’s meeting agenda. Still, residents pleaded with city officials to help them stop the project by Belvedere Terminals Company, LLC, which received approval from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection on Aug. 1. An appeal must be filed within 30 days, leaving less than two weeks to file. Most residents found out about the development last week.

“This is a county matter, but you’re our voices in county government,” resident Ashley DuFrene said. “... You are what Florida will listen to. You are what the county will listen to. I’ve seen people speak and speak and speak, and nothing changes. You are the voices for us, so you need to make your voices heard as well.”

And the city will do just that.

In three unanimous votes, commissioners voted to appeal FDEP’s permit approval and send letters to the county, the Volusia legislative delegation and Belvedere Terminals opposing the project.

“Thirty, 40 years ago, when I was a little kid, it would have made sense to have an industrial zoning out there,” Mayor Bill Partington said. “But the way it’s developed doesn’t make sense anymore.”

THE FUEL FARM

The facility, to be known as the

Ormond Beach Terminal, would load gasoline, diesel, ethanol and biodiesel into trucks. It would consist of “multiple truck loading bays, an aboveground tank farm, an engine-driven emergency generator, and fire protection system which includes an enginedriven emergency fire water pump,” according to the FDEP permit.

The facility could load as many as 357.6 million gallons a year of gasoline and 36.1 million gallons a year of ethanol. It would have 16 storage tanks.

The project is part of an expansion by Belvedere Terminals, which is also adding new terminals in Jacksonville and Ft. Pierce, according to its website.

Belvedere Terminals representatives met with the city’s Site Plan Review Committee via Zoom on June 22, 2022. They said the terminal was for “storage and disbursement for rail fed gasoline and diesel fuel with the intention to fill trucks, offering an alternative way to get fuel expedited to the market, especially in emergency situations such as hurricanes,” according to the meeting’s minutes. The trucks — about seven per hour, for a total of over 160 in a 24-hour cycle — would use Harmony Road to Hull Road to reach U.S. 1.

Former Circuit Judge Joseph Will called the fuel farm an “incredibly stupid” idea at the commission meeting, and urged elected officials to find a way to stop the project.

“What I want to do is walk away from this thing a year from now and say, our City Commission fought hard for us,” Will said.

Residents at the meeting said they worried about environmental hazards, increased traffic on the narrow roads used by the trucks, safety risks for children playing at the nearby Ormond Beach Sports Complex and the potential for disaster should a tank catch fire.

Twenty-seven people spoke at the meeting, and all opposed the fuel terminal.

Bear Creek resident Nancy Bates said residents are scared. Their neighborhood is the closest to the proposed fuel tank property.

“This fuel farm scares the bejesus out of us,” Bates said. “Why? For all the reasons that all these other people have said, but more importantly, because ... we are in the direct line of fire. If something happens, we lose our homes, we lose our lives.”

The Ormond Beach Observer reached out to Belvedere Terminals Company Chief Operating Officer Michael Benedetto by email, but he

had not responded as of publication time.

‘WE DO HAVE A VOICE’

Commissioners thanked residents for coming to the meeting, “This is a project that lies in Volusia County,” Commissioner Harold Briley said. “However, their duty to you is public safety, as well as ours, and you all brought up a lot of the same issues in mind for me.”

Commissioner Travis Sargent said listening to residents is what’s great about representing them.

“While our hands might be tied, we do have a voice for you,” Sargent said.

Commissioner Lori Tolland called the turnout an “unbelievable representation” of local citizens.

“It was so heartwarming to hear each one of you have the same passion and disdain for this project that I feel,” she said.

Commissioner Susan Persis said residents’ concerns are valid, and that she shares them. She said the meeting was one she’ll never forget, and that it showed that locals want to preserve Ormond Beach.

“We don’t want our city to have a fuel farm — I don’t think anybody wants that,” she said.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

The

Circulation

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

More than 100 residents attended an Aug. 15 commission meeting to voice opposition to a proposed fuel terminal.

SENIOR EDITOR

“We don’t want our city to have a fuel farm — I don’t think anybody wants that.”

Susan Persis, city commissioner

School’s in session

Volusia County Schools

celebrates the first day of classes.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s first day of school began about an hour before dawn.

Surrounded by her cabinet members, Balgobin started her “Tour of Schools” on Monday, Aug. 14, at the district’s transportation hub in Daytona Beach, waving to bus drivers as they left on their school routes.

“We want to welcome all of our students and their families as they return to Volusia County Public Schools,” Balgobin said.

The district has two overriding commitments, Balgobin said. The district’s number one priority, she said, is the safety and security of every single student and staff member on campus. The second commitment, she said, is quality teaching and learning.

In 2022, VCS began the school year with 256 classroom vacancies. This year, Balgobin said, the district has 97.

“However, I do want to remind and let all of our parents know that every single classroom is covered by a certified teacher,” she said.

Last year, if classroom vacancies had been less than 100, that would have been cause for celebration, School Board member Carl Persis said. A total of 97 vacancies spread over 70 schools is manageable, he said.

“We want a qualified, certified teacher for every child in every classroom,” Persis said. “So we’re still working to achieve that goal, but it seems like we’re almost there.”

To fill classroom vacancies, the district hired 55 interns from its apprentice program with Daytona State College and brought in 60 teachers through an international exchange program while continuing recruitment.

“We’re so excited about that program, because it will provide our students not only the opportunity to

NEW YEAR, NEW POLICIES

Vaping penalties, transgender bathroom access, and policies for student cell phone use may all change in this year’s student code of conduct. The Volusia County School Board reviewed the proposed changes at a meeting on Aug. 8. Changes in cell phone and bathroom policies are the result of new state laws.

RESTROOMS

House Bill 1521, known as the “Safety in Private Spaces Act,” requires schools to limit bathroom and changing facility usage by biological sex at birth, or to offer a unisex option. The law bars transgender students, teachers, staff members and visitors from using bathrooms in line with their gender identity.

Students who violate the law in Volusia County Schools will be disciplined as follows, according a presentation by VCS:

„ First offense: warning and parent contact

„

CELL PHONES

Students, turn those cell phones off. HB 309, recently signed by the governor, prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, except when given permission by a teacher for educational purposes.

BUS DRIVERS NEEDED

Volusia County Schools needs 10 more bus drivers to cover all of the district’s routes. The district started the year with 159 bus drivers and over 111 bus attendants.

Bus driver Tonya Rone has been with VCS for 25 years, beginning as a bus attendant. This year, she has routes to Longstreet Elementary, Mainland High School and Campbell Middle School.

Her favorite part about being a bus driver? Knowing that the students have a way to get to school safely.

“I’m just looking for a safe, peaceful day,” Rone said. “The smiles — and to see my kids. ... I’m ready to see them this morning. I have new kids for my high school and for my middle school this year.”

Rone also runs a local nonprofit called T&R Helping Hands, which helps people in Volusia County through community initiatives.

Second offense: discipline referral

„ Additional offenses: Follows the progression of discipline as outlined in the student code of conduct.

VAPING

Students found with vapes could face a five-day suspension upon a first offense if the board approves proposed amendments to its policy on vapes.

Students seen using vapes could face 10 days of out-ofschool suspension for a first offense, plus a referral to the District Student Placement

This law applies to cell phones, smartwatches, tablets, earbuds and other devices that could be used to communicate.

The district has not yet determined disciplinary consequences for breaking this law.

Committee.

“There’s just no place on our campuses for this,” Patty Corr, assistant superintendent, said at the Aug. 8 workshop. “There’s just not. We’re not going to tolerate it. We don’t need it. People bring them voluntarily. They’re bringing them intentionally, and we need to get this off of our campuses.”

School Board members Carl Persis, Jessie Thompson and Hinson Middle School Principal William Dunnigan

receive quality instruction, because these are certified teachers, but also that culture exchange,” Balgobin said.

Persis said the school year is off to a safe start.

“That’s the most important thing,” he said. “And just seeing the excitement, seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces.”

He also hopes to see an improved achievement level in reading and math for students in kindergarten through third grade this year. Those students had some of the most significant learning losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s critical that they gain that foundation by the time they get to third grade,” he said. “So I’m really hoping that there’s a strong emphasis to help build that foundation that they didn’t have, so they can be successful after.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Volusia County Schools is starting the school year with:

„ Over 63,000 enrolled students across 87 schools, including 67 traditional schools.

„ Just under 6,000 students with an Ormond Beach address.

„ 4,576 instructional employees, including 4,017 classroom teachers and 418 new VCS teachers

„ 391 School Way Café workers, who provided 8,114 breakfasts (up 9.7% from last year) and 27,080 lunches (up 3.5% from last year) on the first day of school

Tonya Rone has driven buses for Volusia County Schools for 25 years.

VCS Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and Hinson Middle School Principal William Dunnigan visit a sixth grade classroom.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Striving for positivity: Meet Pine Trail Elementary’s new principal, Charles Bynum

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Charles Bynum said being a school principal is “the best job ever.”

This school year marks his ninth as a principal and his first year at the helm of Pine Trail Elementary. He was formerly the principal at Orange City Elementary, and he’s coming to Ormond Beach with a total of 32 years of working in education.

Bynum said he’ll always think fondly of his years at Orange City, his first principalship.

“I got a lot of the pats on the back that you don’t get all the time, in a very condensed amount of time,” he said. “It was a little overwhelming to feel that. I hope I can build that same community here, because that’s a good feeling.”

The Ormond Beach Observer recently spoke with Bynum about his excitement for school and love of education.

What’s your favorite thing about being a principal?

I get to see every part of school — the beginning, the middle, the end, every day. It’s not always the same thing every day, and it’s exciting. It’s rewarding, and I think it’s probably the best job I’ve ever had.

How did you get into education?

My parents are both educators, and they seemed pretty cool when I was growing up and I wanted to be a coach.

I didn’t want to be anything else.

I always wanted to be a teacher.

I wanted to coach a team, like baseball ... because it had been so good to me throughout high school and through baseball.

I ended up coaching baseball at DeLand High School and at Spruce Creek for a little while — for a couple years. It was fun.

What position did you play?

I was a pitcher. Not great (laughs). I did OK.

What motivates you?

I really want to have a positive impact on the people that I come in

contact with.

I think people search for the meaning of life all the time, whether it’s having more money or having a job or a big office or something like that. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that having a positive impact on somebody is much better than that. That’s more beneficial to me.

I know that sounds cheesy, but it’s true. I’ve found no more enjoyment in life than being able to help somebody else.

Do you have any short- or long-term goals for Pine Trail Elementary?

This school has a long-standing status in this county as being a high-performing school. I want to maintain that. I’m not here to change a system that’s working.

There’s a couple things I’m excited about: I’m excited about meeting the parents and the students, but I’m also excited to see the people here work — watch them work in the classrooms and see how they interact and teach the curriculum here, because I’m fascinated by that. I’m actually

fascinated by learning how kids learn and how human beings learn.

We know what the first day of school typically looks like from the student perspective. What do they look like from your perspective? The same — high level of excitement, anxieties, scared, nervous, extremely hot outside. It’s always hot in August. You want to have fun with it. You enjoy it. That’s why people do this, is to have fun with it and start building those relationships with

the families and the teachers here, and the staff and this community.

There’s almost 700 kids that go to school here. It’s about 1,400 parents, to put it in that context. There’s a lot of moving parts here.

There’s almost 100 people that work here. It’s a small little city, and it’s a lot of fun.

Any words you live by?

Act with knowledge, while doubting what you know.

Where does that come from?

I don’t know, I stole it from

somebody. It’s a quote — it keeps me humble. (Editor’s note: The quote comes from Jeffrey Pfeffer and Robert Sutton’s 2006 book “Hard Facts, Dangerous HalfTruths And Total Nonsense: Profiting From Evidence-Based Management.”)

I don’t know everything, even after this many years. I don’t pretend to know everything. What I don’t know, I’ll pick up the phone and call somebody and find out, and we’ll try to work through it.

Charles Bynum has worked in education for 32 years.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Q+A LEIGH PROKOP, BEACHSIDE ELEMENTARYS PRINCIPAL

Born for education: Meet Beachside Elementary’s new principal, Leigh Prokop

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

For Beachside Elementary Principal Leigh Prokop, education is about opportunities.

Education is the key to giving students the ability to choose their path, she said.

“There’s that old adage that goes, ‘Educators are not trained, they’re born,’” Prokop said. “... I just feel a passion for helping students and doing what’s best for them every day.”

Prokop has worked in education for 20 years, spending the last two years as principal of Coronado Beach Elementary in New Smyrna Beach. Now the new principal at Beachside, Prokop said she’s looking forward to the school year.

The Ormond Beach Observer spoke with Prokop about what it’s like being a principal and her goals for the newly opened school.

How are you liking Beachside

Elementary?

I am loving Beachside. Obviously the school is absolutely gorgeous, right? They just did an incredible job with it. I was fortunate and got to experience a rebuild when I was the assistant principal at Chisholm [Elementary], and so coming here, it’s just really wonderful to see the work that they’ve done and the quality in every single detail around the campus from the furniture selection to the murals that they have up everywhere.

Are you originally from this area?

I’m not. I grew up in Mount Dora, and then ended up over in Volusia County. I live down in New Smyrna Beach, but I’m a firm believer in principals being a part of the community and investing in the community, and although I don’t live up here, I very much so am excited about this community and the local businesses and newspapers and all of that. Everyone’s just been absolutely phenomenal. It’s a gem of a school and a gem of community.

What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?

We’ve onboarded about 20 new staff members and all of our new kids coming in, and I am just excited to see where we can take this. We have a number of new procedures and initiatives in place, and I really think Beachside can be the very best school in Volusia County — I really do. The potential here in the level of professionalism and expertise that we are seeing in our classrooms, combined with some new teachers we have coming in straight out of college and that new energy, I’m just excited about getting in there with them, doing the hard work and meeting the kids and families and seeing where we can take this.

What’s your favorite thing about being a principal?

Oh my goodness — the kids. Hanging out with the kids every day.

Did you ever see yourself as a principal?

No, not really. I didn’t. I thought I would be in the classroom forever, and then opportunities presented

Floors Alive Floors Alive

themselves, and as I moved into administration, I realized that I had the ability to impact more, and that was an exciting thing for me. I love working with teachers. I love serving teachers. I feel myself very much as a servant leader, and so I strive every single day to be serving the teachers, serving the parents, serving the community, and most of all, serving the students.

We know it’s a difficult time to be a teacher, so where do you see your role as a principal to support them?

I see my role as providing them the tools they need to be successful and working to remove barriers that are in front of them. People don’t go into education for the paychecks. They go into education because they really care about kids, and they believe in the power of education. I see very much so my role as making sure they have everything they need to find that success in the classroom, and if there’s something that’s stopping them from finding that success, working to remove that.

Any words you live by?

I tell my daughter, “Can’t stop, won’t stop” — like, we’re not going to quit.

[Our] last name is Prokop, so obviously, “Prokops never quit.” I guess that’s something that I will say about myself that, when we come up against hard things, we’re not going to give up.

And we might fail a couple of times along the way, but failure isn’t about how many times you don’t succeed, it’s about never ever giving up.

Charles Bynum has worked in education for 32 years.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

FARMER’S MARKET

A FEATHER

8:51 p.m. — First block of Burbank Drive, Palm Coast Burglary. A Palm Coast couple is missing a pet bird after someone ripped open their screen door.

The wife told a Sheriff’s Office deputy that they went to the grocery store at around 6 p.m. and returned at around 8:15 p.m. to find the back patio screen door unlocked and the door’s screen cut, according to the incident report.

Nothing was missing from their house except one of their two pet birds, she said.

The birds’ cage was on the back patio, and the cage door was open when the couple returned home.

The missing bird is white with some black feathers and is worth approximately $250, the report said.

The couple told the deputy that they had no idea if the bird flew away or was stolen. They also did not know who might have entered their

FOILED PLANS

7:39 p.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard,

Ormond Beach Possession of drugs. Police arrested a 52-year-old Ormond Beach man and a 36-year-old South Daytona woman after employees at a big box store reported that the pair were “snorting cocaine and cooking drugs in foil” in the parking lot, according to a police report.

The pair were inside a van and let arriving officers search it. The officers found drug residue and paraphernalia.

The man and the woman admitted to using cocaine, but denied that the paraphernalia was theirs, according to the police report. The woman said the items belonged to her sister, who later showed up at the scene and told police the items were not hers.

AUG. 1 PUPPY PROBLEM

8:30 a.m. — First block of Mayfield Circle, Ormond Beach Theft. An Ormond Beach resident was scammed out of $2,410 — and it all started with a puppy.

The resident was trying to buy a beagle puppy from a breeder, who at first told him to send $910 through a digital money transfer service, according to a police report.

About two weeks later, the alleged shipping company contacted the resident and said it needed a $1,500 “special crate” for the puppy and would

money upon delivery. Again, the resident sent the money. The next day, he received a text stating that his puppy was stuck in quarantine in Charlotte, and telling him to pay $1,200 for “dog insurance,” according to the report.

He replied that he couldn’t afford that. The scammer messaged back, saying that paperwork showed the resident as the dog’s rightful owner, and that if he didn’t pay, authorities would confiscate the puppy and sue the resident for pet abandonment.

The resident’s wife called the airport in Charlotte and spoke to airline representatives, who said there was no puppy in quarantine. The resident told officers that he wants to pursue charges.

AUG. 8

POOL-SIDE PICK UP

2:08 p.m. — First block of Kingswood Drive, Palm Coast Trespass. A 53-year-old man was picked up for trespassing at a hotel, where he was found sitting by the pool. Sheriff’s Office deputies had received a call from the hotel’s desk manager about a man who was not a guest of the hotel, but refused to leave a table at the pool, according to the man’s arrest report. Deputies discovered that the man had been trespassed from the hotel in July for loiter

Mayor reacts to arrests in investigation

Palm Coast Mayor

David Alfin’s son, an FBI agent, had been shot and killed while serving a warrant as part of the investigation in 2021.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Law enforcement officers have arrested 98 people in connection with the child sex trafficking ring Mayor David Alfin’s son, an FBI agent, was investigating when he was killed while serving a search warrant in 2021.

The FBI and the Australia Federal Police announced the arrests on Aug. 7. The global “Operation Bakis” was a continuation of the investigation FBI Spe

BRIEFS

Rollover crash closes I-95

A truck rolled over on Interstate 95 the morning of Aug. 11, closing all northbound lanes near mile marker 291. Rescuers took four victims to the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries, and the Florida Highway Patrol took over the crash investigation, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Restaurant fire shuts down A1A

An electrical box on the outside of the Next Door Beach Bistro in Flagler Beach caught fire on Aug. 10. No one was injured.

cial Agents Daniel Aflin and Laura Schwartzenberger were pursuing when a suspect shot and killed them both as they served a search warrant at a Sunrise, Florida home in February 2021. The suspect also shot and injured three other agents, then killed himself.

Authorities arrested 19 people in Australia, saving 13 children. FBI legal attaché for Australia Nitiana Mann said another 79 people were arrested in the United States throughout the investigation, resulting in 45 convictions. Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said he has been asked if the arrests bring him closure.

“I’m not sure there’s such a thing really as closure,” he said. “The pain and the tragic loss of family members that almost everyone has experienced … It’s not something that ever closes or disappears.”

The redeeming factor,

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office temporarily shut down State Road A1A near 509 N. Oceanshore Boulevard while firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, according to a Facebook post from the Flagler Beach Police Department.

The Flagler Beach Fire Department and Palm Coast Fire Department both responded to the scene.

The Next Door Beach Bistro opened in the spring and is the sister restaurant to the Golden Lion Cafe, owned by the Marlow family.

Daytona airport director elected to state board

Karen Feaster, the airport director at Daytona Beach International Airport, has been

Man, 85, charged in shooting

Alfin said, is the awareness the arrests bring to child and human trafficking.

Public awareness that trafficking and child abuse can happen anywhere, Alfin said, will help the FBI and other agencies stop those crimes.

“The arrests force citizens and governments from all over the world to acknowledge this heinous crime exists and goes on every single day, even though it is mostly invisible to the everyday person,” he said.

Alfin said Palm Coast and Flagler County residents can help support agencies and investigations by both thanking the people who work in and around law enforcement — officers, first responders, veterans — and staying vigilante.

“We have to look out for one another,” he said. “By creating awareness, you help the FBI gain additional resources.”

elected 2023-2024 chair of the Florida Airports Council.

The FAC is the official association of public airports in Florida.

“It’s an honor to be part of this leadership team,” said Feaster, who has been involved with the FAC since 1994. “The focus of FAC for the next year will be on the governance of the association and ensuring the needs of members are exceeded.”

Conservation Corridor earns local support

Local cities and organizations sent the Volusia County Council 10 letters supposing Dream Green Volusia’s proposal to expand the Volusia Conservation Corridor, a subset of the Florida Wildlife

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An 85-year-old Palm Coast man shot and killed another man at their Blare Drive house early in the morning of Aug. 14 after the two argued about an air conditioning unit.

Charles Kidd Jr. shot 36-year-old Mark Ruschmeier twice, killing him, according to Kidd’s arrest report. FCSO deputies arrested Kidd later that day and charged him with seconddegree murder. The FCSO received two 911 calls from the home just before 6 a.m. on Aug. 14 — one

Corridor.

The letters of support came from the following, according to the nonprofit Dream Green Volusia:

„ City of Ormond Beach

„ City of New Smyrna Beach

„ City of Edgewater

„ City of Oak Hill

„ City of Lake Helen

„ Indian River Lagoon National Estuary Program

„ 1000 Friends of Florida

„ Volusia Soil and Water

„ New Smyrna Beach Turnbull Conservation Committee

„ Save, Don’t Pave Spruce Creek

“Community support matters in moments such as this, when planning for the future,” Dream Green Volusia founder Suzanne Scheiber said, according to a press release.

“Dream Green Volusia works to protect our natural envi-

BIZ BUZZ

from Ruschmeier’s mother and the other from Kidd, who both lived in the house with the victim.

Ruschmeier’s mother told deputies that her son and Kidd were arguing about an air conditioner, the report said. She heard the two physically fighting and picked up her phone to call 911 when she heard two gunshots.

Kidd then walked past her and said, “He got what he deserved,” the report said.

Her son and Kidd have been hostile to each other for years, she told deputies, and Kidd told her multiple times that he was going to kill her son.

Kidd told deputies that while he did not remember exactly what happened or what was said, he believed Ruschmeier had tried to choke him.

ronment in Volusia County. We are so appreciative of resources and partnerships helping to make this achievable.”

The Volusia Forever Committee had voted unanimously June 16 to approve its annual goals, including expanding the Volusia Conservation Corridor project area to qualify for Florida Forever matching funds.

Volusia Forever was created as a result of a 2000 voter referendum to finance the acquisition and improvement of environmentally sensitive, water resource protection, and outdoor recreation lands.

Residents voted in 2020 to renew Volusia Forever for another 20 years.

HALIFAX HEALTH OPENS NEW OFFICE

Halifax Health – Primary Care has opened a new location in the Halifax Plantation and Plantation Bay area.

The office at 42 Caroline St., Suite A, in Bunnell, will be staffed by primary care physician Dr. Rebecca Peck and members of Halifax Health.

Peck has lived in the local community for the last 25 years and is a board-certified family physician. For more information, visit halifaxhealth.org/ primarycare.

BANK HIRES RELATIONSHIP MANAGER

Jacqueline Yantis will develop and service business banking relationships as Intracoastal Bank’s new senior vice president/business relationship manager.

“After working for larger banks, I am excited for the opportunity to work for a locally based financial institution that is committed to helping the community I grew up in and its clients succeed,” Yantis said. Before joining Intracoastal, Yantis served as Truist’s treasury sales consultant for North Florida.

Yantis, Mainland High School grad who earned her business degree from Stetson University, has more than 25 years of commercial lending and treasury management experience.

Jacqueline Yantis

Charles Kidd Jr. killed Mark Ruschmeier after the two argued about an air conditioner, according to the FCSO.

Volusia Flagler YMCA plans new southeast Palm Coast location

$1 million from a state grant will help start a Palm Coast location, while another $3.5 million will support renovations at the Ormond Beach YMCA.

The YMCA plans to open a new facility in Palm Coast and spend millions upgrading the Y in Ormond Beach. The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA will use $1 million of a $5 million state grant to plan a new Flagler County facility, while another $3.5 million will support the Ormond Beach renovations.

CEO Chris Seilkop said the money will help pay for architects and site planning. The location of the future facility must be a good fit, he said.

“Building a facility in the wrong spot is not really a good idea,” Seilkop said. “So, site selection is going to be the first priority to make sure it’s the best spot.”

Volusia Flagler Family YMCA is looking at areas in the southeast end of Palm Coast, Seilkop said.

Building a new, 25,000-squarefoot Y could cost $6 million, Seilkop said. What goes into the facility depends on the community’s needs, and he’s heard that Flagler needs basketball gyms, after-school care, summer camp programs and aquatic space.

“One of the things that have been stressed to us by the city and by the community is the pool — a competition pool, to be specific,” he said.

Down the line, he said, Volusia Flagler YMCA hopes to add a second facility in northern Flagler County. Flagler County’s last YMCA rented space from Florida Hospital Flagler and closed in 2011.

“The enthusiasm in the Flagler community for a YMCA is really energizing,” Seilkop said. “Everyone I talk to, they say, ‘Oh, yeah, we want a Y up here so bad.’ … It’s just really exciting.”

Palm Coast City Council member Nick Klufas is not a YMCA member — but only, he said, because there isn’t a location close enough.

“In order to become the Palm Coast that we want to become, we need a multi-generational sports facility like a YMCA,” Klufas said. Klufas said the county and city both need an indoor sports facility to free up space at existing facilities.

“There’s so many programs that ... we just don’t have the types of facilities to be able to satisfy everybody,” Klufas said.

The Ormond Beach Family YMCA is halfway through Phase 2 of a three-phase renovation pro-

cess, Seilkop said. The renovations — underway for about seven years so far — repurpose underused areas of the Y, such as the locker rooms.

“Back in the day, a lot of people would come to the Y and change at the Y to go to work,” Seilkop said.

“Nowadays … there isn’t as much locker room use now as it was, I’d say, 30 years ago.”

Instead, the Y has seen an increase in group exercises and people bringing their families, he said, so the Y is converting locker room space into more group exercise and kid-zone spaces in Phases 2 and 3.

Seilkop said he hopes grant will carry through Phase 3.

The remaining $500,000 in state grant money would fund projects at the Deltona, DeLand and Camp Winona YMCAs.

Rep. Chase Tramont and Sen. Tom Wright sponsored the project in the Florida House of Representatives and the Senate, respectively. Rep. Thomas Leek, who sits on the state appropriations committee, championed the project through the committee.

Tramont wrote in a text message

August

THURS.

September

to the Observer that getting projects like the Y funding into the budget is a team effort. He said he’s supported the local Y for decades and is proud to have sponsored the grant funding in the House.

“It is always important to support local organizations like the YMCA that invest in the community without any strings attached,” Tramont wrote. “They provide a tremendous benefit to local residents of all ages and abilities.”

Seilkop said the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA got the grant because Tramont, Wright and Leek believe in the YMCA’s impact on the community.

“So, kudos to our state representatives for recognizing that and in saying, ‘Yeah, you know, this is important, to build a strong community — to have a strong, strong Y.’”

“The enthusiasm in the Flagler community for a YMCA is really energizing.”

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Volusia Flagler Family YMCA

YMCA staff and volunteers with Sen. Tom Wright

Photo courtesy of the Ormond Beach Family YMCA

The state appropriate a $5 million grant to Volusia Flagler YMCA. From left to right: Ormond Beach Board member Charles Jaskiewicz, Barbara Manne, Kevin Noel, CEO Chris Seilkop, Sen. Tom Wright, Executive Director Martin Vollebregt, Corporate Board Chair Rafael Ramirez.

CHRIS SEILKOP, Volusia Flagler Family YMCA CEO

“There’s so many programs that ... we just don’t have the types of facilities to be able to satisfy everybody.”

NICK KLUFAS,

Palm Coast

City Council member

Chickening out? Palm Coast City Council wary of proposed pilot program for backyard chickens

Council members asked city staff to to look into surveying the public about the proposed program.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Is a backyard chicken program an egg-ceptional idea? The Palm Coast City Council doesn’t seem to think so, as council members failed to reach a consensus on a proposed two-year pilot program.

The council did agree to ask staff to come back with information on the cost and timeframe of providing a survey to gauge residents’ opinions on the program. But three council members are pretty certain that a survey would reveal that the majority of residents oppose allowing backyard chickens in Palm Coast.

“If it was put on the ballot, I think it loses 85-15,” Nick Klufas said at an Aug. 8 workshop.

Theresa Carli Pontieri said she is “100% in favor” of the pilot program that was presented by Barbara Grossman, the city’s code enforcement manager. The program would limit backyard chickens to 25 residents who would purchase $50 permits on a first-come, first-served basis. There would be a limit of four hens per homesteaded single-family home.

Participants would have to inform their neighbors of their involvement in the program. Coops no taller than 8 feet would be in backyards at least 10 feet from the rear property lines and could not exceed 100 feet. A

fire retardant bin for manure and a locked metal bin for food to keep out rodents would be required. Participants would also be required to take two certification classes on care and raising chickens and manure management.

Regulations would bar slaughtering or fighting chickens or selling eggs or fertilizer. Eggs would be for personal consumption only.

But Vice Mayor Ed Danko and council member Cathy Heighter do not feel it is enough for residents to simply inform their neighbors that they will be raising backyard chickens. They believe neighbors should have the right of consent.

In talking to his neighbors, Danko said, he couldn’t find a single person in favor of allowing backyard chickens within city limits.

“They were concerned about their home being devalued. They had a lot of concerns: the smell, the noise, whatever,” Danko said. “The reaction I got from all of them was this was not why we moved to Palm Coast; otherwise we can live out in the country.”

Pontieri said the pilot program is strict and limited to just 25 families in a city of 100,000.

“It’s very limited. Over two years we get to see what 25 permits for backyard chickens look like,” she said.

But Danko and Heighter said that if approved, the program would surely grow.

“Most of the time, if we give people an inch, they take a mile,” Heighter said. “So if we give 25 people permits to have chickens in their backyards, you’re going to end up with a hundred. How are we going to control that?”

With five families pushing the council to allow backyard chickens, Klufas suggested the city simply allow them to do so without changing the code or starting a pilot program.

“I think they have been here enough times and made enough of a kerfuffle,” he said. “My question

to them is, ‘Why don’t you have the chickens? Why does this need to become an issue?’”

Klufas said the city could see how five households raising chickens would work, but he said a pilot program would present a perception he wants to avoid.

“I’m afraid if we do any kind of pilot program, the headline is going to say, ‘Palm Coast allows chickens.’ I’ve had chickens, I know chickens won’t be a problem, but Palm Coast is not ready for that,” Klufas said.

In an effort to come up with a consensus, Mayor David Alfin asked the council members if they were willing to limit the pilot program to five households.

Danko said he was against any program without public feedback. Heighter said she would prefer a community program in which residents share an area to raise chickens.

“I would like to see this program allow some kind of education for children in the community, a program where children with special needs might benefit,” Heighter said.

Grossman prefaced her presentation by saying the city doesn’t have any plans that would accommodate community chickens at this time. In public comment, backyard chicken advocates said they were not interested in joining a community chicken program.

Klufas said even five permits would generate headlines proclaiming the city allows chickens. When Pontieri asked him why that matters, Klufas said he did not want to be associated with supporting a program allowing chickens when 85% of the public would be against it.

Pontieri, who called chicken keeping a property rights issue, said she believed residents would support the pilot program if they were educated about what it entails. Danko agreed that the council needs public feedback.

The council agreed to have staff present information about a survey.

“The reaction I got ... was this was not why we moved to Palm Coast; otherwise we can live out in the country.”

ED DANKO, City Council member

LETTERS

Development will add 600 cars

Dear Editor: This letter concerns the possible development of 276 new houses on the old Tomoka Oaks Golf Course in Ormond Beach.

LTG, a traffic firm hired by the developer (Mr. Rubin, Mr. Velie and Mr. Barshay), predicts that the new development will add only two times as many cars and trucks exiting via Tomoka Oaks Boulevard to Nova during peak morning travel. This seems too low, since the new houses will add 600 vehicles and more than 2,700 daily trips at a minimum. The development traffic will block Escondido Condo’s only entrance.

At the Granada and Main Trails intersection, LTG is predicting that after the development is built, there will only be 18 more peak morning cars exiting onto Granada. Only 18

YOUR TOWN

more cars. The development adds 600 more cars, and many will try to exit through the Trails to Granada to the new elementary school, Walmart, Lowes and other locations. Taking the Trails route versus Nova is about the same travel time and a lot more pleasant.

These predictions from LTG call into question their data and methodology. We could not hire a traffic expert because no one local wanted to oppose Mr. Rubin and his development.

None of our old narrow roads have sidewalks. When I walk, run or bike, I am in the street surrounded by cars and trucks whizzing around me. The curving, tree-lined streets and traffic islands obstruct driver views and put kids in danger.

Four houses down from our house, a woman pedestrian was killed by a driver. I have seen a city inspector almost get hit by a speeding car, and large delivery trucks speeding around blind curves and clipping overhead wires and trees.

I am asking the Ormond Beach

JUNIOR LEAGUE DONATES MORE THAN 11,000 DIAPERS

The Junior League of Daytona Beach distributed 11,283 diapers in July through its Diaper Bank.

The Diaper Bank received $3,500 in grants in July from the Rotary Club of DeBary-Deltona-Orange City, Walmart Daytona Beach, Walmart New Smyrna Beach and Walmart Ormond Beach.

The South Daytona Lions Club also helped by hosting a monthlong diaper drive, collecting more than 2,000 diapers and 45 packages of wipes.

Planning Board and commissioners to significantly limit the number of houses and finish the street work before house construction. Plan this possible development correctly to limit the injuries and deaths from 600 more cars and trucks.

TOM FITZGIBBON Ormond Beach

Tomoka Oaks hearing set for Aug. 21

Dear Editor:

The Ormond Beach Planning Board is holding its second hearing on Monday, Aug. 21, to continue the board’s hearing regarding building 276 homes on the Tomoka Oaks golf course property. Please plan to attend to demonstrate your concern regarding this proposed development. The location of the hearing is Tomoka Christian Church, located at 1450 Hand Ave. in Ormond Beach. Hearing starts at 6 p.m. (This

August hearing location is different from the July hearing location, so please be sure to write down the correct church address.)

We realize this is a busy time of the year with school starting and people taking end of summer vacations, but all Ormond Beach residents are encouraged to attend if possible to let our Planning Board members know we are opposed to the overdevelopment occurring in our city.

The Tomoka Oaks neighborhood entirely surrounds the golf course property. If development is ultimately approved for 276 homes (or any number of homes) on the current green space, whose green space will be swallowed up next?

CAROLYN DAVIS

Ormond Beach

Send letters up to 400 words to Jarleene@observerlocalnews.com. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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ORMOND BEACH Observer

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The SMA Healthcare Foundation will honor Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood at its annual dinner celebration and auction on Wednesday, Aug. 23, at the DAYTONA 500 Club.

Chitwood has been a longtime advocate for behavioral healthcare, ensuring law enforcement officers receive crisis training, building strategic partnerships with community organizations and providing financial support for prevention and treatment programs, according to a press release.

“We are so pleased to honor Sheriff Chitwood at this year’s dinner, and to recognize his support of SMA Healthcare and other organizations in his community

“It’s through support and donations like this that we are able to help families in need and have been able to donate more than 600,000 diapers since starting the Diaper Bank,” said Amie Story, Junior League of Daytona Beach president. Interested in hosting a diaper drive? Contact Aneesah Farris at diaperbank@jldb.org.

over the years.” said Andrew Gurtis, SMAHF board member and annual dinner co-chair.

The theme this year is Cruisin’

Into Victory Lane.

Past honorees have included Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip, the late Reverend Hal Marchman, Vince Carter, and most recently Mike Helton. The dinner will also feature former NASCAR Champion Michael

Waltrip as Emcee and steel drums by Ed Anderson. Sponsorship tables are available starting at $2,000 and individual seats are $250. For more information about sponsoring the event or to purchase seats, contact Jennifer Secor at jsecor@ smahealthcare.org or 386-2541139 or Cyndi Hines at chines@ smahealthcare.org.

VOLUSIA COUNTY: KIDS CAN DESIGN LIMITEDEDITION LIBRARY CARD

Kids, have you ever dreamed of having your artwork on a library card? Here’s your chance.

The Volusia County Public Library is holding a design contest for a limited-edition library card. The contest is open to kids 12 and under.

Entry forms will be available in the youth services section of the library branches and online at volusialibrary.org starting Sept. 1 .

Entries are limited to one per person.

Artwork must be original, previously unpublished and free of copyright restrictions.

Entry forms must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Entries must be received by 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30.

“We have so many creative, talented children, and we want to give them an opportunity to feature their artwork on these special limited-edition library cards that will reach thousands of library users and promote the love for reading and learning,” Library Services Director Lucinda Colee said.

A committee of library and community information staff, a Library Advisory Board member, and the community services director will select the top three designs based on their creativity, design and reflection of the library and community.

The public can vote for their favorite design between Oct. 30 and Nov. 9. The winner will be announced on Dec. 6.

DAYTONA STATE INVITES MUSICIANS TO JOIN ENSEMBLES

Daytona State College is seeking local musicians for its symphonic band, civic orchestra and jazz ensemble for the 2023-2024 performance season.

Sugar Mill Elementary School fifth graders will create specialty license plates as the first participants in the county’s Kids Tag Art program, coordinated by the Office of Will Roberts – Tax Collector.

The KTA program integrates fundraising with art and creative inspiration.

“We are excited to join forces with other Florida tax collectors in supporting arts education,” Roberts said, “This is an opportunity to raise

much-needed funding for arts education while also teaching students about the state’s specialty license plate program.”

In the art room, the program begins with a lesson about Florida’s specialty license plates, including how plate sales benefit specific organizations.

Art teachers work with students to design a vanity plate for a cause that interests the student.

For the KTA inaugural year, the

office is partnering with the art program at Sugar Mill Elementary School in Port Orange. Parents and community members can buy the student-created plates. All proceeds will go to the school’s art program. The Volusia County Tax Collector also has partnered with FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools to garner financial support from the community.

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

BRIEFS

Chitwood issues reminders for a safe school year

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies will conduct extra patrols and enforce speed limits near campuses as the school year begins.

“If you’re out driving at the start or end of the school day, the safety of our kids on their way to and from school starts with you,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said, according to a VSO news release. “We have all the personnel and technology in place to make this a safe school year, but we need everyone in our community to pay attention and help us out.”

Starting this school year, state law requires schools to report disruptive and criminal incidents on campus. Districts must report drug or alcohol possession, vandalism, threats and fighting as well as major crimes like homicide, sexual assault and battery, the Florida Department of Education has decided.

“Our ensembles are open to community involvement, and anyone who can play a musical instrument at the high school or advanced middle school level or better is welcome to participate,” said Peter Waidelich, director of instrumental music at DSC. “We have had musicians ranging in age from 13 to 80 and older,

and their common ground is that they love to make music together and enjoy each other’s company.” Symphonic band will begin the new season on Monday, Aug. 28, the orchestra will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 29, and jazz band will begin on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Each rehearsal begins at 7 p.m. at the main Daytona Beach Campus in the Jeanne M. Goddard Center (Building 230), Room 103.

For more information, contact Peter Waidelich at 386-506-4690 or Peter.Waidelich@ DaytonaState. edu.

CHITWOOD TO BE HONORED BY SMA HEALTHCARE

The Junior League of Daytona Beach distribute diapers to Childrens Home Society.

Courtesy photos

Volusia County Tax Collector Will Roberts and Sugar Mill Elementary School art teacher Faith Scrivano TAX COLLECTOR LAUNCHES ‘KIDS TAG ART’ TO SUPPORT SCHOOL ART

Sheriff Michael Chitwood

Ormond’s proposed tax hike to benefit rec projects

The reconstruction of baseball fields at Nova Rec is high on the priority list.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

City officials are eyeing a property tax hike to improve the city’s sports fields.

The city of Ormond Beach is pursuing a 4.16% tax rate increase to raise money for field improvements and maintenance at Nova Community Center and the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The proposed tentative millage rate of 4.0060 mills — or $4.0060 per $1,000 in taxable property value — would raise $500,000 for Leisure Services and $300,000 more for the city’s Facilities Renewal and Replacement fund.

The City Commission voted 4-1 on July 18 to pursue the millage rate increase, which is 13.71% above the rollback rate, or the rate that generates the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year.

Commissioners at an Aug. 15 meeting listened to an overview of how the extra 0.1650 mills would be used for the next four years if the council approves the tax rate

at budget hearings on Sept. 6 and 20.

High on the priority list?

The reconstruction of fields two through five at the Nova Community Center.

Those fields, according to the city, were last rehabilitated 15-20 years ago, and maintenance is becoming costlier.

The city estimates that each field will cost about $85,000 to refurbish, for a total of $340,000.

Leisure Services Director Robert Carolin said the fields hold water when it rains, so local teams don’t have a consistent playing surface. The fields also have “lips,” or a raised section between the infield and outfield.

“If you’ve been out there, if your children are currently out there, that’s what we’re up against now,” Carolin said. “The only real way to make that a level, safe, drainable playing surface is to remove the old clay, bring that down and redo the entire infield.”

Commissioners were also concerned with safety. Commissioner Travis Sargent cited a past incident where a child sustained a concussion due to the lips.

If the fields are unsafe, Mayor Bill Partington said, the city should shut them down.

“It just doesn’t make any

sense to me why we would allow them to be played on if they’re dangerous,” Partington said. “Who lets this happen? What kind of management allows this?”

City Manager Joyce Shanahan said the renovation and improvement projects have remained unfunded for a long time.

The second project the extra millage would fund next year would be an $800,000 quad lighting project at the softball quad at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Staff would leverage the $500,000 generated by the added millage for an ECHO grant or other grants.

“The staff does the very best job that they can with grading those fields,” Shanahan said. “But these fields, to the best of my knowledge, have not been reconstructed since they were created.”

Carolin added that the city closed fields last year because staff deemed them unsafe, and the city leveled them. But that wasn’t a permanent fix and didn’t help the fields shed water properly.

The commission also discussed the fate of field one at Nova Rec.

Initially, city staff proposed relocating the field, one of the oldest in the city, and converting the property to a pas-

sive recreation use.

But the field is one of the least used in the city, so the commission removed the relocation from the list of projects to be funded by the added millage.

Partington, the lone vote against the tentative millage rate at the July 18 meeting, reiterated that he opposes the tentative millage rate. He said it is too steep in a year when residents are facing other rising costs.

City Commission Lori Tolland said she supported the increase.

She noted that the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, updated in 2021, included a survey in which 69.5% of respondents said they would be willing to pay $12-$60 a year to fund Leisure Services programs; 41.9% said they would be willing to pay $61$120 to fund programs.

“It’s very appropriate,” she said. “It’s what we need. It’s long overdue.”

The extra $300,000 in tax revenue would also fund new playground equipment at Central Park, a roof replacement for the city’s engineering department and Performing Arts Center box office and a new HVAC system for Fire Station 93.

Three new communities planned

Two of the three developments would be in Hunter’s Ridge. The third would be in northeast Flagler.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Three proposed single-family-home developments in the south and northeast of Flagler County won the Planning Board’s support on Aug. 8. The County Commission will vote on the proposals next.

Two of the developments — Amberwoods and Woodside at Ormond Station — are

within the Hunter’s Ridge Development of Regional Impact, while the third is near Hammock Dunes Parkway.

The Flagler County Planning and Development Board voted 5-0 to approve the developments.

Two board members were absent.

AMBERWOODS A 14-acre development called Amberwoods would add 40 single-family homes to Hunter’s Ridge south of Airport Road and just east of Hunter’s Ridge Boulevard.

Several of the lots would be 5,500 square feet, or 0.13 acre, while the largest lot would be 11,054 square feet, or 0.25 acre.

The developer would set aside 6 acres of conservation land.

WOODSIDE AT ORMOND STATION Woodside at Ormond Station, a Planned Unit Development, would place single-family homes on 21 acres of land south of Airport Road and west of Hunter’s Ridge Boulevard.

The developer would build six to 10 single-family homes per acre, according to the development’s site plan.

Lots are at least 4,800 square feet, and the development would include a passive recreation space and dog walk area.

HAMMOCK PARK Hammock Park would consist of 19 single-family homes on a 7-acre parcel east of North Oceanshore Boulevard and west of Hammock Dunes Parkway.

The County Commission approved a Planned Unit Development application for the property on in March.

Kristen Gregory, president of landowner DbD Solutions, said she envisioned Hammock Park as a higher-end, gated community.

Several lots would be almost 10,000 square feet, and the largest two would exceed 13,000 square feet.

One lot would function as a well site for the Dunes Community Development District.

LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “MIXED USE: LOW INTENSITY” TO CITY OF BUNNELL “COMMERCIAL-MEDIUM (COM-M)”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 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 website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the proposed Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information this ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact 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)

PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 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 website for up-todate information on any changes to the manner

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)

OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news

Foundation Risk Partners to move company to Ormond

The insurance firm bought the Reflections One office building for $3.715 million.

SENIOR EDITOR

Foundation Risk Partners is moving its headquarters to Ormond Beach.

The insurance brokerage and consulting firm — now at 1540 Cornerstone Blvd., Suite 230, near the Tomoka Town Center in Daytona Beach — will relocate to the Reflections

One office building at 780 W. Granada Blvd. on Sept. 15.

This move, said Foundation Risk Partners Chairman and CEO Charlie Lydecker, will let the company create more of a “campus environment.”

“Almost doubling in size gives us the flexibility for

collaborative workspace,” Lydecker said. “You have a lot more flexibility in terms of our growth.”

Foundation Risk Partners’ current space is 18,000 square feet. The Reflections One office building measures 33,000 square feet.

The company bought the building in late May for $3.715 million, according to the Volusia County property appraiser. It last sold in 2013 for $1.66 million.

When the building came on the market, Lydecker said, he and his partners jumped on the opportunity.

“I’ve always admired the building and thought it was beautifully interfaced inside of Ormond Beach, with the appropriate landscaping,” Lydecker said. “... I’ve always thought it was an architecturally pleasing building from that standpoint — very

Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi opens in Flagler Beach

compatible with a residential community.”

Plus, he added, the company is excited to be close to all of Ormond Beach’s restaurants.

The move is also coming as Foundation Risk Partners, with its 115 local employees and 2,300 employees nationwide, outgrows its current building.

Florida Rep. Tom Leek, the chief legal officer for Foundation Risk Partners, said the company is “bursting at the seams.”

“The company has grown, really at a breakneck speed, over the last five years,” Leek said. “So, you project that out five years forward, we’re out of space here.”

Lydecker added that the company wants to enhance the landscaping for the new building and look into powering it with solar energy.

For Leek and Lydecker, both Ormond Beach residents, the move also marks a homecoming.

“I think for both of us, it gives us an opportunity to plant a stake in the ground in our hometown,” Leek said.

Feedback from employees on the new building, Lydecker said, has been “terrific.”

“There is a good deal of excitement about moving into Ormond Beach because it puts us in ... the core area of a beautiful community,” Lydecker said. “... This is a nice next chapter.”

The new restaurant offers an ocean view and specializes in seafood boils and other Cajun fare, with plans to add a variety of sushi rolls — some with a Cajun twist.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The name of the restaurant might prompt a pause. So will the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi, owned by Patrick McKinny and Linda MacDonald, replaces the former Life’s A Beach Sandbar and Grill at 1112 S. Oceanshore Blvd. in Flagler Beach.

Cajun Beach had a soft opening on Aug. 6 with limited seating. The restaurant added tables throughout the first week as the staff worked up to speed.

“We’ve had rave reviews. Everyone’s loving it,” McKinny said.

While the restaurant’s name may sound like an incongruous mix, boils and sushi both involve seafood, McKinny’s specialty through his many years as a restaurant owner — he’s owned 19 previous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. He grew up in Mississippi, where gumbo, jambalaya, seafood boils and sushi with a

Cajun twist were all common fare.

Sushi is also a specialty of Cajun Beach’s executive chef, Athena Reeves, who grew up in California. The restaurant is not offering sushi yet, but when it goes to a full menu, sushi roll selections will include the familiar — tuna, salmon and California rolls — and Cajun Beach’s specials, with names like Bayou Baby, Creole Cutie and Voodoo Queen, which are a fusion of Cajun (crawfish salad, andouille sausage, fried okra) and Japanese ingredients (unagi sauce and tobiko).

The menu includes McKinny’s Cajun favorites — gumbo, po’ boys and boils — as well as burgers, wings, salads, fried seafood, shrimp and grits, steak, lobster tails and crab legs. Appetizers include fried green tomatoes, panko fried prawns, chicken tenders, crab cakes and fresh-cut French fries.

Fresh-cut fries were a must, MacDonald said. There are also a variety of healthy

choices, including fresh salads, said Reeves, who is also a certified nutritionist.

“Our food has a healthy edge to it,” Reeves said, “because the people in this town are our family, and we’re going to serve them quality food.”

McKinny runs the restaurant and also cooks up the gumbo and the boils himself.

“My boils are special,” he says with pride. The Biloxi Blues Boil includes crab and shrimp. The Cajun Beach Boil contains lobster, crab legs and shrimp. A crawfish boil is served in season. All the boils are made with corn, sausage, potatoes and mushrooms.

Most of the seating is outdoors, with a full bar, picnic tables fitted with umbrellas and custom-built cabanas. There is also seating for 30 inside.

“We really did transform this place,” MacDonald said. Cajun Beach is open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The restaurant hopes to have a grand opening sometime in September, McKinny said.

Don’t lapse or surrender your life insurance policy before calling Bruce Davis, CLU, in Palm Coast for a quote to sell your policy for cash. We work with the life settlement industry leader, Coventry, to provide quick and legitimate quotes for your policy. To date, Coventry has provided more than $4.5 billion to policyowners.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

Photo by Jarleene Almenas Foundation Risk Partners will relocate to the Reflections One office building at 780 W. Granada Blvd. on Sept. 15.

Photo by Brent Woronoff

Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi’s Athena Reeves, Patrick McKinny and Linda MacDonald

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Summer sounds sizzle

NEFJA’s Summer Jazz Fest celebrates music, music education.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Locals took a break from the heat to listen to cool jazz at the Daytona State College amphitheater in Palm Coast. The North East Florida Jazz Association hosted its annual Summer Jazz Fest with headliner the Melvin Smith Jazz Ensemble at the shaded venue on Saturday, Aug. 12.

NEFJA president Muriel McCoy introduced opening band the Tyler Snell Collective by touting saxophonist Tyler Snell and drummer Ethan Grussgott, who received the organization’s 2023 music scholarships.

“I really appreciate this performance,” McCoy said. “It isn’t often we get to hear the students we give the scholarships to. This was a real treat.”

NEFJA’s first concert, in 1989, featured Stetson University musicians playing at the same amphitheater. Pianist Warren Williams received the first scholarship, which totaled $500. NEFJA now awards two $2,000 music scholarships to college or university students each year. The students must be registered in their school’s jazz studies program and have completed at least 30 semester hours by the time they submit their application, according to the NEFJA website.

Snell is entering his third year at UNF. He started playing the clarinet, but switched to the saxophone after listening to his brother Rhys Snell play the instrument in middle school. Both of them attended the Osceola County School of the Arts in Kissimmee.

“I wasn’t raised with it (jazz),” Snell said. “Honestly, it came out of nowhere. In the beginning of my life, there was no jazz, at all. I didn’t even really know what it was. I started hearing my brother play saxophone and I was like, ‘Huh, that kind of sounds bad.’ When I started fully getting into jazz, I realized that it

was actually beautiful. I then had a newfound appreciation for it.”

With fellow UNF students — drummer Grussgott, bassist Justin Archina and keyboardist Brian Little — he launched the Tyler Snell Collective. They’ve been performing together for two years.

“I’m happy to see that there is a lot of involvement with younger generations now with jazz,” Snell said. “Like with the John Lumpkin Institute in Jacksonville, he reaches out to elementary and middle schoolers and just gets them playing something — even if it’s a triangle — it gets them into that music.”

Snell said the group’s goal is to push each other to excel in music and be succeed in the music industry. Snell wants to become a professor of jazz studies or music in general.

Grussgott started playing drums in middle school and continued at Flagler Palm Coast High School, where he graduated in 2021. His mother, Jamie Perreault, said he began playing in band and marching band in high school and has loved it ever since.

“I learned about jazz through my son,” she said. “I was not a big jazz fan. I wouldn’t listen to it until he did it. He was so involved.”

Grussgott’s stepmother, Mydris Grussgott, has long loved jazz and loves Ella Fitzgerald, like her stepson. But she credits Ethan’s musical lifestyle to his father’s influence.

“It takes parents to nurture and invoke this love,” she said.

NEFJA also grants four high school students scholarships to attend the University of North Florida’s summer music camp, directed by Dr.

Michael Bovenzi. At the six-day overnight camp, UNF faculty teach campers in areas of musical interest from classical chamber music and jazz rhythm sections to symphonic bands and music theory.

This year’s camp scholarships went to Flagler Palm Coast High School students Emma Harris and Morgan Chafe and Matanzas High School students Chance Miraballes and Timothy Abruzzo.

“It works two ways,” McCoy said. “The University of North Florida has a fabulous jazz studies program, and they (campers) also are being introduced to what college life is like because they stay on campus for a week. We are getting good feedback on that.”

McCoy’s late husband, Jeep McCoy, introduced her to jazz, courting her with flowers and jazz records. She had the record player, and he had the vinyl.

“It (jazz) kind of grabbed me,” she said. “He turned me onto it, and it’s carried me through a lot.”

In 1985, the couple moved to Palm Coast. McCoy said they loved the city and loved their house. But it was a jazz desert. They sent letters to organizations in town asking if anyone was interested in starting a jazz organization. About 40 people showed up at their house, and the jazz association was born.

The organization continues to help young musicians further their education in music.

“There was one (high school) girl who said she never thought she would want to go to college or be able to,” McCoy said. “She got a scholarship, went to the camp and was sold on college. That was a good story.”

Jonah Pierre plays the keyboard with the Melvin Smith Jazz Ensemble.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Justin Archina plays bass with the Tyler Snell Collective.

Melvin Smith of the Melvin Smith Jazz Ensemble plays the saxophone.

NEFJA members and Palm Coast residents Mary McCrohan, Gail Palmer, Dee Cunningham and Tracey Rowell volunteer at the Summer Jazz Fest.

NEFJA president Muriel McCoy speaks before an intermission.

The hot weather did not deter people from attending the NEFJA Summer Jazz Fest in Palm Coast.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB

MEETING

When: 7 p.m.

TRIBUTES

Thomas J. Craig (Tommy) 1950-2023

Thomas J. Craig (Tommy) of Flagler Beach, Fl, passed away peacefully on August 8, 2023. Son of the late Arthur W. Craig and the late Elizabeth C. (Burns) Craig, Beloved brother of Clare M. Craig of Palm Coast, FL, Barbara Croteau of St. Augustine, Fl, Stephen Craig and his wife Patricia L. Craig of Mashpee, MA, and Arthur W. Craig of Onset, MA.

Born May 23, 1950 in Quincy, MA Tommy spent much of his life on the South Shore of Massachusetts from his earliest days in Squantum to growing up on Idlewell Blvd in Weymouth to his many years in Kingston. He loved sunny days at the beach, particularly spending time at Nantasket and Hyannis. An avid boater he enjoyed many years on the water with friends and family. Tommy continued to cheer his Boston Red Sox after moving to Florida 12 years ago. In the Sunshine state, Tommy enjoyed spending time with friends in his community of Surfside Estates, visiting the beautiful beaches on Florida’s northeast coast and enjoying the many local car shows in the area. Tommy was quick with a joke, and enjoyed making people laugh, especially his many nieces and nephews.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Area Democratic

Club for its August meeting. Check-in and social visiting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will focus on promoting awareness of local, state and national issues and responsive ways to put American democratic values into action. The meeting will also emphasize being ready to vote under new election laws. Like-minded nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

SUNSET CONCERT

When: 7-10

p.m.

Where: Daytona State College

Amphitheater, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: See the band Chillula perform at sunset and hear some rock, jazz, funk and oldies. Cool Beans BBQ will be available. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Presented by Flagler Broadcasting. Visit flaglerbroadcasting.com/events/achill-night-with-chillula.

FRIDAY, AUG. 18

ONE NIGHT CONCERT BY TREY

TAYLOR

When: 5:30 p.m.

VIP; 7 p.m. show

Where: Channel Side Flagler, 1 Yacht Club Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Help sup port United Way of Volusia and Flagler by attending this concert by Nashville country artist Trey Taylor. The concert will benefit the United Way EDGE Fund, an endowment that off sets operating costs so more dollars go to programs that help people in need. Tickets cost $150 for general admission; $250 for VIP meet and greet. Visit unitedwayvfc.org/ treytaylor.

Pauline “Betty” Elizabeth (née Chavannes) Bonnick

SATURDAY, AUG. 19

PAINT IT FORWARD

FUNDRAISER

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Fountain Square Village, 142 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Presented by Dear

God Are We There Yet, this fundraiser will benefit the nonprofit’s microgrant program, as well as The Children’s House Montessori School and the Reel Film Foundation for Teen Scholarships.

Tickets cost $40 for adults and $12 for children 3 and up. Tickets include swag, sweet treats, painting supplies with a live instructor and children’s activities. Call 954-804-6244.

MONDAY, AUG. 21

VOLUSIA-FLAGLER SIERRA CLUB GROUP MEETING

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Commu nity Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast This meeting will feature guest speaker Maeven Rogers, city of Palm Coast chief sustainability and resiliency officer. Meeting is free and open to the public.

5:30 p.m. on Thursdays, through the end of November

Where: Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: “The Chosen,” a TV series on the life of Jesus, will be aired at Central Baptist

Tommy was quick with a joke, and enjoyed making people laugh, especially his many nieces and nephews.

Tommy loved animals and they adored him right back recognizing his kind heart and gentle soul.

Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate Tommy’s love of animals with a donation to their local animal shelter and a good belly rub for any dog that needs one.

DONATIONS: Relatives and friends are welcome to celebrate Tommy’s love of animals with a donation to their local animal shelter and a good belly rub for any dog that needs one.

Our beloved Pauline “Betty” Elizabeth Chavannes Bonnick passed away July 31, 2023, at the age of 82 due to complications related to multiple myeloma. Born in Kingston, Jamaica to Zillah Louise (née Lawton) and Paul Alexander Chavannes, she was the eldest of seven children. She attended Immaculate Conception High School where she excelled in her studies and sport. She was recognized for her leadership by being named prefect, May Queen and captain of the Jamaica women’s netball team before going on to earn her Bachelor of the Arts in English, Spanish, and History, and certificate in Education at the University of the West Indies. She returned to Immaculate as a teacher before travelling abroad to teach in England and France in addition to working as a translator. Betty returned to teaching in Jamaica and married Gladstone Bonnick whose career relocated the couple to Washington, D.C. then later to Antigua. Betty again returned to Jamaica and carried on teaching through corporate training at the National Commercial Bank where she concurrently completed her Master of Arts in Psychology and Human Resource Development from the University of Cincinnati before becoming an administrator at the University of Technology where she restructured coursework to incorporate student-cen-

tered design.

Betty, a parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, had a true devotion to God and a zest for life that cast a warm light over those who knew her. She was active with church and community groups in pursuit of promoting understanding and advancement of social and Christian issues. Betty loved to entertain and loved dancing even more. She traveled extensively and was a favorite visitor among nieces and nephews who wanted to hear and see what she had done, where she had been, and more importantly what sweets she had brought.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Bonnick, his wife of 14 years, Elsey Bonnick and their son Duncan; step-daughters, Blanche Bonnick and her children C. J. and Camille; Caroline Wellington and her daughter Sydney; brothers, V. John Chavannes (wife, Regina); Philip Chavannes (wife, Louise); M. Louis Chavannes (wife, Margaret),; and countless nieces and nephews.

She is pre-deceased by her parents Paul & Zillah Chavannes, sister, Molly Chavannes; brothers Paul Alexander Chavannes, Jr.; Peter Addis Chavannes. Funeral Services will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, on Saturday August 19th, 2023 at 1pm.

Church every Thursday, beginning with Season 1. Free admission. Discussion and light refreshments will follow the episodes. Call 386-255-2588.

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 ongoInsurances that cover fitness accepted, or a donation for coverage. Visit SynergyseniorfitMOAS

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: “Unfolding the Universe: The James Webb Space Telescope” and “Visions of Visionaries: Beaux Arts of Central Florida.”

William (BJ) Wesley

1943-2023

William (BJ) Wesley Jones, Jr., was born on February 18, 1943, in Mt. Vernon NY and later resided in Cleveland, OH. He graduated from Tennessee State University and worked for many years as a software engineer.

After retirement, BJ and his wife Marva relocated to Palm Coast, FL. Numerous organizations benefitted from BJ’s leadership and service. He entered the sunset of life on July 14, 2023. A memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Palm Coast United Methodist Church. An on-line condolence option and full obituary are available at flaggserenitychapel.com

SERVICE: Saturday, August 19, 10AM Palm Coast United Methodist Church

Courtesy photo

Help support the United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties by attending a concert by Nashville country artist Trey Taylor on Aug. 18.

Jones, Jr.

After retirement, BJ and his wife Marva relocated to Palm Coast, FL. Numerous organizations benefitted from BJ’s leadership and service.

The Casements Camera Club presents

The third place winner

fifth place

Photo by Nancy Munier

Photo by Tom Silvey

Photo by Ans van Beek

Photo by Neala McCarten

THE FINE ARTS

“THE DANCER”

Ormond Beach artist Grace Senior Morandi likes to share her knowledge with others, “teaching them art in a form of abstraction, using touches of realism,” she said in a statement to the Observer

“Constantly, I try new ways to express my ideas with color and marks,” Morandi said.

“My paintings reflect many layers using gel mediums, gesso and other tools to create visual textures without previous conceived ideas. I fully enjoy art making and experimentation and wish it captures the viewers’ heart and mind as it does mine.”

Morandi’s works are on display at the Expressions Art Gallery at Grand Living Realty at 2298 Colbert Lane in Palm Coast in a shared exhibition with Ormond Beach artist Christine Broussard. The exhibit, titled “The World Unveiled Through Brushstrokes,” runs through Sept. 2. –JARLEENE ALMENAS

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JOB DESCRIPTIONS by Pam Amick Klawitter, 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.

Game changer

Pirates turn on the lights at their Blue and White Scrimmage.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Matanzas High School football team’s Blue and White Scrimmage was scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, on the practice field. But because of heat conditions, the players had to remain in the fieldhouse, and the scrimmage was rescheduled for 6 p.m. Then it was rescheduled again for 6:30 p.m.

In the past, the Pirates would have had to settle for a short scrimmage. But for the first time in school history, they were able to turn on the practice field lights and play on as the sun set.

The lights were installed a couple of weeks ago and passed final inspection on Aug. 9, athletic director Jordan Butler said. The scrimmage was the Pirates’ first opportunity to use them.

“It feels good to be able to have our end-of-camp scrimmage under the lights,” coach Matt Forrest said. “Otherwise, we would have had to quit 45 minutes or an hour ago. It would have been too dark to finish. It’s just great for our kids and our program. I feel like we’re on par with all the quality programs in Florida now. We got a great fieldhouse. We got a great stadium. And now we’ve got a lit practice field.”

In accordance with state statute and FHSAA protocols, athletic teams are using the wet bulb globe temperature that measures air temperature, humidity, wind speed, sun angle and cloud cover to decide when and how long athletes can participate in outdoor activities.

“If it gets hot enough, they can’t be outside at all,” athletic trainer Michael Doersch said. “When the wet bulb temperature gets up to 87, you get two hours (of outdoor activities). If it’s 92, you can’t be on the

field at all. So it’s following protocols, keeping everyone safe.”

To avoid the higher temperatures, as well as afternoon rainstorms, the Pirates now have the option of practicing as early as 6 a.m., nearly an hour before sunrise, and be finished, showered and dressed in time for school, Forrest said.

“It is absolutely huge,” Butler said of the new lights. “With the wet bulb and the FHSAA policies on heat, if we were trying to practice every day after school, we wouldn’t get a practice in until mid-September. Now we’re able to actually get out and practice when the sun starts to go down and the temperature goes down and that wet bulb reading goes down. We can get out here and turn the lights on and practice.”

Senior Cole Hash remembers the many afternoon practices that have been canceled over the past three years.

“We’ve had multiple weeks where it’s been way too hot to be outside, or it’s rained,” Hash said. “And now, we have the opportunity to practice, and even if it’s too hot, we can wait it out a little bit and get some good work in each day.”

SHO’MARION GAINES SPEAKS TO FRESHMAN CLASS Lineman Ahmad Louis-Charles said the Blue and White Scrimmage was a good reflection of how hard the Pirates have been working during preseason camp.

“We’ve been going at it hard the past couple of weeks,” he said. “We still have a lot to learn. We still have a lot to prove.”

The intensity was higher this year compared to last year’s Blue and White Scrimmage, Hash said.

“We have a lot of guys back now,” Hash said. “Ahmad is back; he had an injury last year. (Defensive back) Jordan Mills had an injury last year. (Quarterback) Dakwon Evans had an injury last year. All these guys are going to be back and be able to play. It’s going to be a great scenario for our team to have all these leaders

“It’s just great for our kids and our program. I feel like we’re on par with all the quality programs in Florida now. We got a great fieldhouse. We got a great stadium. And now we’ve got a lit practice field.”

back that can really help us win ball games.” One player who the entire team is happy to see return is defensive back/ running back/receiver Sho’Marion Gaines, who had moved to Texas last season. In the spring game against Nease, Gaines caught a 25-yard touchdown pass, returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and intercepted a pass.

“He’s very dynamic,” Forrest said. “He’s one of those guys that when he gets the ball in his hands, he can go score, and when he’s on the field on defense, he can make a play and get the ball back.”

But it’s what Gaines has accomplished off the field since he returned to Palm Coast last winter that has impressed his coaches, teachers, administrators and classmates the most.

“We’ve always known he was a great ball player, but I think he had a lot of stuff that he had to work out and figure out who he was and what he wanted to be,” Forrest said. “And I think he’s grown up a lot. I think he was heavily influenced when he was younger by the wrong people. And I think he figured out who he wanted to be as a man and what path he

wanted to take, and he started making his own way.”

He’s improved his grades and he’s become a leader on and off the field, Forrest said. His turnaround has been so impressive, Matanzas administrators asked him to speak to the entire incoming freshman class on the first day of school.

“I just told the freshmen to take advantage of the time you have,” Gaines said. “Because I’m a senior right now, and they’re going to be seniors sooner than they think. Just take advantage of everything you got now. Don’t fail your classes, just do everything right.

“I feel like I had a good message, and I really think they listened to me. I really think they’re going to do what they have to do,” Gaines said.

Forrest said he’s proud of the growth Gaines has shown. Now, colleges are looking at him. Mercer has shown some interest as well as a couple of Division II programs, Forrest said.

“I think if he continues to have his grades up where they were last semester, 3.0 and better, he can get some good looks. We feel like he’s definitely on that track,” Forrest said.

KICKOFF CLASSICS

FRIDAY, AUG. 18 „ FPC at Atlantic Coast, 7 p.m. „ Matanzas at Mainland (Municipal Stadium), 7 p.m. „ Seabreeze at New Smyrna Beach: vs. Viera, 5:30 p.m.; vs. NSB, 8 p.m.

The Matanzas football team used their new practice-field lights for the first time at the Blue and White Scrimmage on Aug. 11.

Matanzas players celebrate a touchdown at the Blue and White Scrimmage.

Matanzas running back/receiver/ defensive back Sho’Marion Gaines has been an inspiration to his coaches, teachers and classmates.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

“I just told the (freshman class) to take advantage of the time you have. ... Don’t fail your classes, just do everything right.”

SHO’MARION GAINES

MATT FORREST, Matanzas football coach

LINES

‘Stayin’ Alive’: Song’s beat can save a life

When two well-known athletes suffer cardiac arrest within seven months of each other, coaches take notice.

Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsed on the field in a nationally televised NFL game on Jan. 2. Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, collapsed during basketball practice last month.

Flagler Palm Coast High School head football coach Daniel Fish and assistant Jason Winkler felt the Bulldogs should be prepared for the worst scenarios, so they invited Flagler County Fire Rescue Community Paramedics Rob Errett and Tracy

NIKKI HAGSTROM TO LIFT FOR TEAM USA

Nikki Hagstrom, the wife of FPC weightlifting coach Duane Hagstrom, has been selected by the United States Powerlifting Association to become a member of Team USA at the International Powerlifting League’s world championships Nov. 16-19 in Eugene, Oregon.

Team USA will consist of six women and six men competing in the Open Class Raw FullPower category.

“This is a huge achievement,” Duane Hagstrom wrote on Facebook. “I’m a proud coach and husband.”

ROBINSON PICKED FOR IFL HONORS

Former Flagler Palm Coast football star Jimmie Robinson has had a stellar rookie season in the Indoor Football League.

Robinson, who played for the Massachusetts Pirates this season, was selected to the IFL’s All-Rookie team and was also named All-IFL Second-Team Offense as a kick returner.

The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Robinson led the league in rushing with 915 yards in 14 regular-season games. He returned 37 kickoffs for 783 yards (21.2 yards per return) with three touchdowns.

Robinson was a two-time Football Championship Subdivision All-American with Bethune-Cookman University.

Flagler’s Florida Warriors flag football program expands

Richard and Jennifer Viveiros wanted to start a traveling youth flag football team with a different take from most travel teams.

They didn’t want to choose the best players who always got picked first. They wanted a team for “boys and girls who never got picked for anything special,” Richard said.

They began the Florida Warriors with a coed 12U team in Flagler County and recently added a 10U all-girls flag football team. They plan to bring three teams, including a 13U coed team, to a tournament at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports in January.

“We didn’t know it was going to become what it is,” Jennifer said.

“We had seven kids when we started,

Farmer to teach their players handsonly cardiopulmonary resuscitation on Aug. 4 in the FPC cafeteria.

Firefighter-paramedics Ronald Titus and Jaevon Jones — a 2020 FPC alumni of the Fire Leadership Academy — helped with the training, according to a Flagler County press release.

“This emergency procedure can help save a life when breathing or the heart stops,” Farmer was quoted in the press release. “The American Red Cross has determined that chest compressions can be effective without breaths. You want to push hard and fast, 100 to 120 compressions a

minute, with a depth of 2 inches.”

Farmer showed a video of a possible scenario that emphasized that the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” is precisely the right rhythm for performing CPR, the press release stated.

According to the Center for Disease Control, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival if it is performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest.

No cause has been reported for the cardiac arrest suffered by 18-yearold Bronny James late last month.

According to the American Heart Association, 25-year-old Hamlin’s cardiac arrest was caused by “commotio cordis,” a rare event caused by a blow to the chest in which the impact induces a potentially lethal heart rhythm disturbance, or arrhythmia, called ventricular fibrillation.

According to the CDC, a special certification or formal training is not

LEARN CPR

Flagler County Fire Rescue teaches public CPR classes on the first Saturday of each month. There is nominal cost of $5. Preregistration is required and can be done by contacting Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz at 386-313-4251 or by emailing CPRtraining@flaglercounty. gov.

required to perform CPR, “but you do need education,” the CDC website states. “If cardiac arrest happens to someone near you, don’t be afraid — just be prepared!”

Errett also spoke to the football players about heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Service Real Estate Firm

and we’ll have 20 to 30 kids when we go to Disney. It’s exciting and scary at the same time.”

The Warriors’ 12U team has played in two leagues. They finished third in the St. Augustine Toros league and second at the Under Armour Under The Lights league in Lake Mary. They also competed in the Disney tournament last January and in a tournament at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. They won an Unk Sports tournament in Zephyrhills two weeks ago. It was their first tourney title.

The Viveiros say they have paid most of the expenses for the team, although a local business sponsored their two-day stay at Disney last January.

“We took kids that wanted to do something different, rather than playing the same kids all the time. We wanted to travel to different tournaments, so we could expand their level of play,” Jennifer said.

Courtesy photos FPC football player Jackson Fedun gets an A for proper compressions.

Tracy Farmer, left, teaches the students about defibrillators.

File photo

FPC’s Jimmie Robinson during a 2013 football game

The Florida Warriors’ 10U girls flag football team.

The Florida Warriors pose with Donald at a Disney tournament.

The Warriors relax at the Under Armour Under The Lights coed flag football league in Lake Mary.

REAL ESTATE

House in Northshore Estates sells for $1.61 million

Ahouse in Northshore Estates was the top real estate transaction for June 29 to July 5 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Richard and Patricia Goulding, of Palm Coast, sold 18 Northshore Drive to Daniel William Duwe and Deborah McConnell Duwe, of Palm Coast, for $1.61 million. Built in 2019, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 3,359 square feet of living space.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

Michelle Amico and Briana Licata, of Palm Coast, sold 9 Sherbury Court to John Bradley and Patricia McClintock, of Palm Coast, for $225,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $150,000.

Eugene and Sabrina McCoskey, of Palm Coast, sold 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 314, to Richard and Patricia Goulding, of Palm Coast, for $1,070,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 4/3 and has 2,179 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $752,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Fuquay John and Leslie Shier, of Ontario, Canada, sold 1440 South Flagler Ave. to Donald and Terryann Wallace, of Flagler Beach, for $433,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,139 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $230,000.

Laurie Jarrah, of Flagler Beach, sold 1911 South Palmetto Ave. to Matthew Brehm and Andrea FergusonBrehm, of Front Royal, Virginia, for $550,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and

1,360 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $250,000.

Unicorporated Nancy Bly and Evelyn Justesen, as trustees, sold 3531 North Ocean Shore Blvd., to Jason Michael Edmondson, of Palm Coast, for 1,100,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,202 square feet.

PALM COAST

Armand Beach East Dennis and Rudeana Kirk, as trustees, sold 16 Armand Beach Drive to Dana Gene Scheer, as trustee, for $566,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 2/3 and has a fireplace and 1,708 square feet.

Beach Haven Encore Homes of North Florida LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 43 Sandy Beach Way to Christopher and Rebecca Langan, of Palm Coast, for $779,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,317 square feet.

Cypress Knoll James Dale Welsh and Ruth Welsh, of Palm Coast, sold 26 Ebb Tide Drive to Gary Lee Cooper and Dawn Marie Cooper, of Palm Coast, for $410,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,051

square feet. It sold in 2008 for $190,000.

Grand Haven Anthony and Anne Sciuto, as trustees, sold 56 Jasmine Drive to Edmund Urban and Judithann O’Toole, of Palm Coast, for $860,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a hot tub and 2,868 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $430,000.

Grand Landings

Dana and Michael Tyler, of Palm Coast, sold 122 North Starling Drive to John and Luis Pantaleo, of Palm Coast, for $665,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 5/4 and has 3,174 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $347,600.

Hidden Lakes James and Joann Adams, of Palm Coast, sold 103 Arena Lake Drive to Robert Fleming Jr. and Karen Fleming, of North Grafton, Massachusetts, for $580,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and

1,845 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $308,600.

Michael and Maria Perogine, of Harbeson, Delaware, sold 44 New Leatherwood Drive to Joan Regina Dowling, as trustee, for $805,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,302 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $563,000.

Lake Forest Jorge Pugliese, of Palm Coast, sold 30 Cooper Lane to Kate Miller and Frederick Gary Miller, of Palm Coast, for $289,500. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,221 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $77,000.

Lehigh Woods Brite Properties of Florida LLC, of Orlando, sold 69 Randolph Drive to Paulo Dos Santos and Jusciene Rodrigues Ferreira, of Palm Coast, for $425,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.

Ocean Hammock

Cheryl Ann Romano and Nicholas Vincent Romano, of Palm Coast, sold 42 Kingfisher Lane to Susan Reuschel, of Palm Coast, for $1,125,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 2,903 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $705,000.

Palm Harbor

Dennis Rayner Dean, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey, sold 12 Chesney Court to Timothy and Deborah Hayden, of Palm Coast, for $631,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat house, a fireplace and 1,836 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $325,000.

Karen Mason, as trustee, sold 149 Florida Park Drive to Lee Ann Dunbar and William Lee Dunbar, of Palm Coast, for $555,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,385 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $375,000.

Pine Grove

Michael and Anne Commarford, of St. Augustine, sold 91 Port Royal Drive to Anais Crespo and Jaime Alberto Crespo Lopez, of Palm Coast, for $320,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,901 square feet It sold in 2012 for $110,000.

Pine Lakes Duval Home Buyers, LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 32 Westfalls Lane to GBY Projets LLC, of Orlando, for $220,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,501 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $153,000.

Whiteview Village KB Home Jacksonville LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 55 Waverly Lane to Patricia and Michael Fairbrother, of Crawfordville, for $362,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,618 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

Well maintained ICI-built home that exudes luxury and comfort. 3BR, 2BA, and a 2-CG. Spacious formal living room and dining room. Private master suite with private master bath. The large screened-in lanai has a summer kitchen, inground salt water pool, and heated spa make outdoor living a breeze. MLS#1108937 $589,000 Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

Welcome to this exquisite waterfront estate located on prestigious John Anderson Drive. Sellers brought the property to the slab and recreated this masterpiece, which offers a harmonious blend of elegance, functionality, and breathtaking water views. With 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, and 4400 sq ft of living space, this custom-built home provides an unparalleled living experience. $2,999,900 Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

OCEANFRONT PENTHOUSE

Extraordinary Hanger Home 4BR, 4BA, 2-CG at Spruce Creek Fly In. Beautiful kitchen with high-quality cabinetry and granite countertops. Large owner’s suite with luxurious bathroom and opens to the lanai. Stunning outdoor oasis with a lap pool, spa, waterfalls, fire bowls and gourmet outdoor kitchen. MLS#1109380 $1,975,000 Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

Stunning oceanfront penthouse located in Ormond Beach where the eclectic style and the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean are blended seamlessly. One-of-a-kind w 3,344 sq ft. 3 bed 3.1 bath. The interior boasts a mix of contemporary and vintage decor, creating a sophisticated and stylish ambiance that will leave you in awe. $1,250,000 Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991

WHERE

Winners selected 6/13, 7/11, 8/15 & 9/27

Updated 3BR, 3BA, 3rd floor unit. Large double unit, open split bedroom floor plan. Two balconies w/ oceanviews. Master suite w/ private bath. All baths have been updated including one with safe step walk in shower. Spacious kitchen has been updated w/ granite countertops and SS appliances. Automated hurricane shutters. MLS#1104068

$635,000 Call Buzzy Porter at 386-405-1000.

Welcome to your dream home on the most sought-after street in Ormond Beach! This riverfront house offers an unparalleled living experience with breathtaking views of the river from every room. 3 bed 3.2 bath. new dock, boathouse and lift. Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

HOMES ARE SELLING FAST! WE NEED MORE LISTINGS TO SELL!

Photo courtesy of Fred Ferrara III/Kokomo Realty

The house at 18 Northshore Drive has 3,359 square feet of living space.

REAL ESTATE

Coquina Key house tops sales list in

Ormond Beach

Ahouse in Coquina Key was the top real estate transaction for July 2-8 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea. Nealco Developments LLC, of Ormond Beach, sold 3811 Islamorada Drive to Gary and Denise Yezbick, of Ormond Beach, for $1,048,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool and 2,678 square feet.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

Robert Arietta, of Seaford, New York, sold 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 42, to Teresa Adkins, of Ormond Beach, for $158,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,252 square feet. It sold in 1997 for $58,500.

ORMOND BEACH

Hunters Ridge

Karen Norvell and William Kleiner Norvell Jr., of Ormond Beach, sold 11 Canterbury Woods to Chet Anthony and Amy Louise Anthony, of Ormond Beach, for $410,500. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,303 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $250,000.

Ormond Heights

Richard Dutton Kershaw, of Ormond Beach, sold 440 Division Ave. to James Byrne, of Port Saint Lucie, for $250,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,076 square feet. It sold in 1980 for $41,300.

Ormond Terrace

Abderrahmane Dehili, of Ormond Beach, sold 342 Warwick Ave. to David Canales Garcia, of Ormond Beach, for $400,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 3/1.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,164 square feet. It

sold in 2009 for $205,000.

Plantation Bay

Janet McNary, of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, sold 1413 Henlow Lane to Martin Christopher Hardesty and Kathy Murphy Hardesty, of Ormond Beach, for $465,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,001 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $175,000.

Reflection Village

Crislen Incorporated, of Ormond Beach, sold 23 Old Macon Drive to Jay Alexander Farrell and Diana Lauren Toledo, of Ormond Beach, for $282,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,960 square feet.

Riverbend Acres Michael and Yvonne Milton, of Ormond Beach, sold 288 Wildwood Lane to David Goosman and Kelli Larsen, of Ormond Beach, for $360,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,172 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $276,000.

River Oaks

Barbara Bagwell, as trustee, sold 462 River Square Lane to Hien Le and Vi Nguyen, of Ormond Beach, for $478,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,345 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $309,600.

The Trails Gregory Perpetua, of Ormond Beach, sold 208 Pine Cone Trail to Emily Wilson Dunn and Noah Dunn, of Daytona Beach, for $307,500. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/3 and has a hot tub and 2,063 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $252,000.

Susan Rousseau, of Ormond Beach, sold 18 Maplewood Trail to Empowering Pastors Inc., of Elmira, New York, for $235,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,096 square feet. It sold in 1994 for $63,000.

Village of Pine Run Stephen and Meghan Coltharp, of Ormond Beach, sold 77 Village Drive to Michael and Chelci Dineen, of Ormond Beach, for $865,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace and 3,339 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $381,600.

ORMOND BY THE SEA

Not in a subdivision Kelly Ann Riggle, LLC, of Port Orange, sold 63 Seacrest Drive to Richard Schofield, of Ormond

Beach, for $410,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,004 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $175,000.

Seabridge Roberto and Olga Rubio, as trustees, sold 3560 Ocean Shore Blvd. to Mark and Leslie Miller, of Moraine, Ohio, for $925,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 5/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub and 3,873 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $639,000.

PORT ORANGE

Big Tree Village Keith Nyegaard, of Pinellas Park, and Michael Nyegaard, of, Reading, Pennsylvania, sold 1980 Big Oak Drive to Maryke Guild, of South Daytona, for $178,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,066 square feet. It sold in 1994 for $18,000.

Cypress Head Edward and Patricia White, of Augusta, Georgia, sold 6281 Palm Vista Street to James and Marilyn Sturgill, of Port Orange, for $370,000. Built in 2000, the house

is a 3/2 and has 1,708 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $138,400.

Deep Forest Tyler and Rachel Johnson, of Port Orange, sold 916 Bentwood Lane to Stephen and Molly Ainger, of Port Orange, for $340,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,651 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $209,900.

Madeline Heights

Walter and Carla Hukel, of Patterson, Montana, sold 817 Hudson Lane to Mathew Scott Pagano and Ronald Pagano, of Oak Hill, for $310,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,148 square feet. It sold in 1994 for $78,000.

Pepper Hill

Michelle Hoffecker, of Port Orange, Lorraine Law, of Warminster, Pennsylvania, and JoAnne McDonnell, of Cape Coral, sold 820 Hudson Drive to Allen Smith Jr., of Port Orange, for $335,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,393 square feet. It sold in 1989 for $73,900.

Plantation Acres

Thomas and Brenda Brucker, of Butler, Pennsylvania, sold 668 Herbert Street to Anthony Liszkiewicz, of Port Orange, for $235,000. Built in 1946, the house is a 2/1 and has 696 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $170,000.

Summer Trees

Ralph Bundy, of Ormond Beach, sold 57 Cypress Pond Road to Harold Neil Fanning and Jana Estelle Taylor, of Port Orange, for $165,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 2/2 and has 968 square feet. It sold in 1977 for $25,900.

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

OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NO -

TICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, 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 August 17, 2023. /s/Mira Banker Mira Banker,

PUBLIC NOTICES

Additional Public Notices may be accessed on ObserverLocalNews.com and the statewide legal notice website, FloridaPublicNotices.com

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

In accordance with Chapters 190 and 120, Florida Statutes, the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) hereby gives notice of its intention to develop proposed amendments to the District’s Rules, Policies and Fees for All Amenity Facilities and including policies and procedures related to automatic suspension of privileges for certain violations.

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 (2020).

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 September 21, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast,

955-8770, which can aid you in contacting the District Office. District Manager Grand Haven Community Development District August 17, 2023 23-00204F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Sole Custody/Termination of Fathers Parental Rights IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE Seventh JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR Flagler COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2023DR00754 Division: 47 Gerda Korneev, Petitioner and Ahmed Alobaidi, Respondent.

TO: Ahmed Alobaidi 1053 S Zeno Way Aurora CO 80017 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for termination of parental rights has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Gerda Korneev, whose address is 16 Preston ln Palm Coast Fl 32164, on or before 10 days after the last 4th consecutive weekly post, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E Moody Blvd building #1 Bunnell Fl 32110, before service

on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office.

WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.

Dated: 8/7/2023. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ {Deputy Clerk} Aug. 17, 24, 31; Sept. 7,

The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the proposed Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information this ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604

E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact 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)

August 17, 2023 23-00185F

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 Tryssaia’s Designs located at 33 Angela Drive, 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.

Dated this 8th day of August, 2023.

Nicole Schultz August 17, 2023 23-00203F

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT,

Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Flagler County Courthouse, Kim C. Hammond Justice, Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Blvd, #1, Ctrm. 301, Bunnell, FL 32110. 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 OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS

AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, 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 August 10, 2023. John E. Brady, Personal Representative FRED B. SHARE, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 256765 1092 Ridgewood Avenue Holly Hill, FL 32117

Telephone: (386) 253-1030

Fax: (386) 248-2425

E-Mail: fredshare@cfl.rr.com

2nd E-Mail: brobins@cfl.rr.com

Attorney for Personal Representative August 10, 17, 2023 23-00117G

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2022-CA-000136 AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-F, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021-F, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST COSTA LASHLEY (DECEASED); et. al., Defendants.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the In Rem Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on July 22, 2023, in this cause, The Clerk of Courts, Tom Bexley, will sell the property situated in Flagler County, Florida, described as: LOT 16 OF BLOCK 64, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS SECTION 31, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 52, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. a/k/a 18 RIVERVIEW DRIVE, PALM COAST, FL 32165 at public sale, to the highest and best bid-

der, for cash, via online auction at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com beginning at 11:00 a.m., on September 8, 2023. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DIS-

ABILITIES: IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS ANY ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. PLEASE CONTACT THE ADA COORDINATOR, 101 N. ALABAMA AVE., STE. B-206, DELAND, FL 32724, 386-257-6096, AT LEAST 7 DAYS BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED COURT APPEARANCE, OR IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIVING THIS NOTIFICATION IF THE TIME BEFORE THE SCHEDULED APPEARANCE IS LESS THAN 7 DAYS; IF YOU ARE HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 711. Dated this 2nd day of August, 2023. LAMCHICK LAW GROUP, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 6910 N. Kendall Drive

Florida 33156

670-4455 Phone

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No: 2023 DR 000750 JOSEPH B. BRANNON, Petitioner, and ELIZABETH ANN BURGESS, Respondent. TO: ELIZABETH ANN BURGESS

7205 Fillyaw Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28303 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JOSEPH B. BRANNON, whose address is 65 Flamingo Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 on or before 10 days after the last 4th consecutive weekly post, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s

RED PAGES

INFORMATION & RATES: 386-447-9723

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The Palm Coast Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only.

*All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.

*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Palm Coast Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property.

Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

washer, 2500 PSI, looks & runs good $90 386-449-9225

LIV ROOM furniture Blue Fabric chair $50 Country dropleaf table $50 Ottoman $20 (386) 302-8900 PRO FORM Cross Trainer 970, no weights, look up on internet, $173 386-225-6356

TOOL BOX with tools $25, miscellaneous tools $1 or less 386-672-5545

TWIN BOX springs, $15 for both or $10 each 386-283-9782

WHEELBARROW $35, new crockpot $7, elephant ears

Furnishings

GREY

CONSTRUCTION Framers needed in Flagler County. Good Pay. Need transportation and tools. Call 386-931-2272.

PARISH BUSINESS Manager (part-time) Position responsible for accounts payable, payroll, nancial statements, parish inventory and bulk mailings. Successful candidate will be experienced with Microsoft Of ce 365 software. Experience with ACS church software a plus. 18 hrs/week. $14-$16/hr based on experience. Send resume to: info@stechurch.org www.stechurch.org

REAL LOCAL STUFF HERE!

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