Ormond Beach Observer 9-28-23

Density, traffic concerns and incompatible

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

The Tomoka Reserve development will be reviewed by the Ormond Beach City Commission on Tuesday, Nov. 7 — and it will arrive with a unanimous recommendation to deny by the Planning Board.

The advisory board reached a decision on the development at the third hearing held on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at Calvary Christian Church. Board members echoed the same concerns they had voiced at prior meetings regarding the development of the Tomoka Oaks golf course: The proposed 272-home development’s

SEE TOMOKA PAGE 4A

lot sizes with Tomoka Oaks were among the reasons cited for Planning board’s denial of Tomoka Reserve.

Seabreeze wins in sea breeze

Seabreeze boys cross country runner Hunter Shuler places first, while teammate Riley

TURTLE TRACKS

Total nests: 1,514

New nests: 0

Hatched eggs: 70.9K

Green nests: 259

Loggerhead nests: 1.2K

Leatherback nests: 4

Kemp's Ridley nests:4

Nests in Ormond: 173

Nests in Ormond-by-the-Sea: 531

Hale and Buccaneer Kiera Williams tie for first at the annual Seabreeze beach run meet. PAGE 5B

Photo by Michele Meyers

Cross country runners Sandcrab Riley Hale and Buccaneer Kiera Williams charge the finish line in the rain and tie for first at the beach run in Ormond Beach.

CITY WATCH

Airport obstruction study raises concerns

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

City raises its property tax rate

The Ormond Beach City Commission voted 4-1 to adopt a 4.16% tax rate increase at the final budget hearing on Sept. 20.

The total millage rate of 4.0060 mills (or $4.0060 per $1,000 in taxable property value) is 13.71% above the rollback rate, or the rate that generates the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year. Mayor Bill Partington voted against. He previously said he believed the tax rate increase to be too high for residents.

The tax rate increase accounts for additional funds for Leisure Services and the city’s Facilities Renewal and Replacement fund. The city states the millage rate will generate $500,000 more funding for Leisure Services and $300,000 more for the R&R fund.

The additional dollars will help with field improvements and maintenance projects at Nova Community Center and the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, such as the reconstruction of fields two through five at Nova Rec and a softball quad lighting project at the sports complex.

No one spoke in favor of, or against, the increase at the hearing.

In February, the Florida Department of Transportation conducted an inspection at the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport that identified obstructions at the ends of the end of each runway.

FDOT then asked the city to conduct an aeronautical survey and prepare an obstacle action plan. The Federal Aviation Administration has advised the city to prioritize the project, according to a summary in the City Commission’s Sept. 20 consent agenda.

But commissioners are opting to wait — at least until the project can go through an official bidding process.

“I’m not overly impressed with Hoyle and Tanner,” Mayor Bill Partington said. “I think there’s been some big concerns raised about their work.”

City staff had requested the commission approve a $118,700 work authorization for engineering con-

sultant firm Hoyle, Tanner and Associates, Inc. for the survey. The firm has worked on several airport projects for decades.

Resident Sharon Trescott, whose property in unincorporated Volusia County abuts the airport, spoke before the commission at its Sept. 20 meeting and asked commissioners to delay awarding the work authorization until they learned more about the project. She said that she and other residents who live by the airport have been going back and forth with the FAA regarding obstructions as documents presented by Hoyle, Tanner and Associates show discrepancies about the boundaries of their properties.

She presented the commission with the original 1942 airport survey.

“I don’t think you all have really realized what we’ve been through out there,” Trescott said.

Partington said he wanted to hear more about what Trescott had to say

regarding inconsistencies.

Two other speakers at the meeting — Lindsey Pate and Rebecca Mangali — urged the city to bid out the project to grant opportunities to other firms.

Airport Manager Steven Lichliter said the city primarily uses Hoyle, Tanner and Associates because it specializes in smaller general aviation airports.

Most of the cost of the project — 98% — would be funded thanks to two grants, one from the FAA and the other from FDOT. The city’s contribution would have been $2,374.

Though identified as a high-priority item, city Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher said that typically, FDOT’s expectation for addressing issues raised during an inspection is that the issues will be resolved prior to the next inspection.

The city’s next inspection is in February.

County to hold tree planting

Volusia County’s Tree Replacement Trust will hold a tree planting event at Tymber Creek from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 30.

The planting will take place at the community’s retention pond, located north of the Tymber Creek Subdivision entrance on North Tymber Creek Road.

The county will be planting 30 trees to help create shade and canopy around the pond, according to an event flyer. Volunteers are needed and should bring sunscreen, a hat, water and bug spray. The county will provide garden tools.

To sign up, call Anna Copeland at 386-7365927 ext. 12728, or email acopeland@volusia.org.

Detective is city’s Officer of the Year

Ormond Beach Police

Detective Jessica Fowler was recognized as the department’s nominee for Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida’s Officer of the Year on Thursday, Sept. 14.

Firefighter is now a lead paramedic

Ormond Beach Firefighter Mikayla Laks was recently granted lead paramedic status after passing the Volusia County Medical Director’s paramedic clearing process.

Board meetings canceled

The city’s Board of Adjustment and Appeals and Planning Board meetings in October have been canceled due to no applications.

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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

AUDITOR INFORMATION

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

File photo

The city’s Ormond Beach Municipal Airport is located at 770 Airport Road.

“Something is going to get built. It’s either going to get built based on a custom zoning that’s before you right now, or a straight zoning — whatever that might be.”

Attorney Rob Merrell, on behalf of Tomoka Reserve

‘Not no, but heck no’

Ormond Beach won’t provide utilities — or annexation — to Belvedere Terminals’ proposed fuel farm.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The city of Ormond Beach is saying no to Belvedere Terminals. No utilities. No annexation.

“Not no, but heck no,” Mayor Bill Partington said at the City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 20. “This city will not provide utilities for a project that is so adverse to our residents’ quality of life.”

The commission unanimously approved two motions at its meeting stating that the city has no desire or intention to provide utilities and annexation to Belvedere Terminals, which is pursuing the construction of a 16-tank fuel storage terminal at 874 Hull Road.

“I don’t know if that will stop the project, but I think it’s important that this company knows that we’re going to battle them at every level, at every angle, at every possible time and opportunity to make sure that this project never happens, and we’ll drag it out for years and spend as much money as you have to spend,” Partington said.

The St. Petersburg-based company is planning to invest about $750 million in the state by constructing a total of 10 fuel terminals within the next five years, it announced on Sept. 19. Belvedere states the first of three sites to be developed will be in Jacksonville, followed by spurs in Ormond Beach and Ft. Pierce.

“As a sixth generation Floridians myself, we are beyond excited to begin working to develop Belvedere Terminal’s locations in Florida and bring more than $750 million in capital investment with more than 200 jobs to the state,” said Belvedere Terminals President Edwin Cothron in a recent press release. “Our Belvedere Terminals system will use state-of-the-art railcars and sites that will set new industry standards for operational safety. This new system for fuel delivery will help lower gas prices for consumers and offer a safer and more dependable method for getting fuel into the state that is not subject to port shutdowns when a hurricane forms.”

Belvedere Terminals Chief Operating Officer Mike Benedetto told the Observer in a statement that his company is reviewing the city’s actions.

Though the property is located in unincorporated Volusia County, Ormond Beach would typically be

the utility provider.

City Attorney Randy Hayes said that, after numerous conversations with county staff, it was determined that Ormond Beach has the legal right to deny utilities because the property is not part of an existing interlocal boundary agreement with the county for the provision of utilities, and, it’s not within an established utility service area.

Additionally, Hayes said that the city will be filing an amended petition to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in the name of local company SR Perrott — whose headquarters abut the property at Hull Road — regarding the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the Aug. 1 air construction permit. The city aims to do that by Monday.

“We feel pretty confident in that individual issue, so that’s what we intend to do,” Hayes said.

The city stated in a press release Thursday that factors influencing the decision not to provide utilities or annex include “the project’s close proximity to crucial community assets such as the City’s Youth Sports Complex, residential zones, and critical watersheds like the Tomoka River. The potential strain on local infrastructure, traffic, and the increased demand for emergency services have also been a part of these concerns.”

Nobody wants to be sued, but if it comes down to that, the liability of having a fuel farm in town is higher than a lawsuit, City Commissioner Lori Tolland said at the meeting.

“This is just something that we all know we don’t want,” she said.

“We’ve never wanted it, and ... I do think we just need to continue this battle and fight in every way.”

Prior to the commission meeting, a group of about 20 residents stood at the base of the Granada Bridge with signs protesting Belvedere Terminals.

One resident, Tony Iorlano, called the company’s fuel farm proposal “a Stephen King novel in the making.” The location — so close to schools, the Ormond Beach Sports Complex and the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport — is terrible, he said.

“I will fight this thing all the way,” Iorlano said.

Ormond Beach resident Robin Magleora, who organized the protest at the bridge and helped distribute signs, said the citizens are ready to

mobilize whenever it’s needed.

“If you need us to do anything, you let us know — we’ll be there,” Magleora said. “We’ll hold signs on bridges. We’ll hold rallies. We’ll do whatever you need to help us get this stopped, because you have the power to do it. We reminded you of that, and I hope that in the future, that this never happens again.”

City Commissioner Travis Sargent said the city’s response to the citizen outcry shows the process is working, and that the city manager has taken steps to increase transparency and communication regarding projects coming before the city’s Site Plan Review Committee. Included in the budget, he added, is a website redesign and streaming services to make commission meetings more accessible to the public.

“These are all things that we need to bring transparency back to the public,” Sargent said.

City Commissioner Harold Briley said the city has always backed its citizens’ opposition to the proposal — it just took a while to determine what legal steps could be taken. He also spoke about how the shipments by train could delay, and endanger, the children utilizing the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, as well as any emergency response in that area.

“That’s a public safety issue and we have to look out for the people,” Briley said.

Commissioner Susan Persis said Belvedere Terminals needs to go someplace else — and nowhere near Ormond Beach.

“I think we’re all against it,” Persis said. “We’ve been against it. It’s not right for our city. It’s unsafe for our residents, for our children. It’s not the right place.”

And finding a place in Volusia County may prove to be a challenge.

Port Orange Mayor Don Burnette, representing the Volusia League of Cities, spoke before the commission at its meeting, reporting that Partington came before the league’s executive board asking for support fighting the fuel farm issue. The board of the Volusia League of Cities — of which all 16 Volusia municipalities are members — unanimously approved a resolution of support to fight Belvedere’s proposal. After speaking with several other elected officials in other cities, many have added the resolution to their agendas to support Ormond Beach.

“There’s nobody outside of this city that isn’t with you,” Burnette said. “... This is not an Ormond Beach problem. This is a Volusia problem. We don’t want it, not in your city, but in this county.”

During the meeting, Partington received an email of support from Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower, thanking the commissioners for their “bold action.”

“This indeed sends a strong message to Belvedere and your residents,” Brower’s email read. “Please know you have my full support.”

Ormond Beach resident Robin Magleora organized the protest at the bridge and helped distribute signs.

Kathleen Lowery protests Belvedere Terminals’ proposed fuel farm.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Terry Heston (right) and Susan Wood (left) protest Belvedere Terminals’ proposed fuel farm.

"I think we're all against it. We've been against it. It's not right for our city. It's unsafe for our residents, for our children. It's not the right place."

SUSAN PERSIS, city commissioner

Golf course development

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

density is too high. The lot widths are incompatible with the existing Tomoka Oaks neighborhood. The developer’s planting plan for the 50-foot buffer was insufficient. The traffic generated would negatively impact residents’ quality of life.

“I see density as being a severe issue,” Board member Al Jorczak said. “I see traffic and safety as being real concerns, and I look at the diversity of what will go there relative to the surrounding area as being something that can be improved upon.”

Developers Carl Velie, Ray Barshay, Sheldon Rubin and Emily Rubin submitted a new site plan to the city on Sept. 6. They are seeking approval for a development order under the property’s current Planned Residential Development zoning. The developers had previously proposed plans to build 276 units with a density of 1.87 units per acre. The new site plan proposed 272 homes with a density of 1.84 units per acre.

The developers are proposing two types of lots: 60-foot by 120-foot lots in the interior of the subdivision, and 80-foot by 125-foot lots along the perimeter of the property.

Since the beginning, the Tomoka Oaks volunteer Homeowners Association has requested the developers build 100-foot-wide lots on the 147acre property to be compatible with their existing neighborhood.

Dennis Bayer, the attorney representing the HOA, said the issues

mentioned by the board (architectural standards, traffic impact, the buffer) are all issues the HOA has brought up since 2021.

“So these have been issues that we in good faith have been trying to negotiate over two years, and it’s kind of disappointing that we haven’t made more progress,” Bayer said.

COMPROMISES MADE

Rob Merrell, the attorney representing the developers, said developers have been negotiating since the beginning. He said that the city’s comprehensive plan would have allowed for 632 units for the property. They initially proposed 300.

“The guys could have asked for more,” Merrell said. “I said, ‘Let’s start at a reasonable place and be respectful, and we did.”

The developers, he added, have reached an agreement with city staff on virtually all issues, save for two: The lot sizes (the city also wants 100-foot-wide lots) and the 50-foot buffer.

City planning staff recommended the Planning Board deny the project based on these two issues. The buffer’s lack of a permanent irrigation system and reduced planting plan, even with a two-year maintenance bond, raised concerns for staff.

The developers, and their landscaping expert, believe the city’s requirement of a “type six” buffer, the kind typically put in for industrial and commercial developments, was inappropriate.

Master Arborist Don Spence, who has been working with the developer on the buffer planting plan, said he was perplexed on the city’s requirement for an irrigation plan, as the developers seek to use native plants matching the existing vegetation on the property, which is not being watered today.

“There is no standing for a type six buffer being applied in a residential setting,” Spence said. “That’s one the biggest pushbacks we have.”

Planning Director Steven Spraker said staff is requiring a type six buffer — composed of seven trees, 70 shrubs and 70 ground cover plants — because the development of the golf course is a unique case.

“Basically, you’re taking a former golf course and you’re developing it into residential — it should have a buffer,” Spraker said. “That’s what we heard through the neighborhood meetings. That’s what we heard through the comments.”

THE ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’

About 20 people spoke at the meeting, most of whom were against the proposed development.

Tomoka Oaks resident Michelle Zirkelbach said she found it offensive that, when asked to reduce lots within the proposal, developers came back to the city with a site plan showing four less lots.

“I find it unacceptable,” she said. “As I stated last time, there was a previous proposal that was approved, keeping partial greenspace, the golf course and having less homes. Nothing has improved in terms of traffic.”

Only one of the speakers said he was in favor of the development. New Ormond Beach resident Tyler

Chavez said that, as a current renter, he is interested in buying a home in the near future and smaller lots are more affordable.

“Larger lot sizes or even I think someone mentioned estates would certainly price me out of that area,” he said.

At the meeting, Merrell also referenced a pending application to develop the property under an R-2 “Single-Family Low Density” zoning, which the property had before it was rezoned to a PRD in 2006. Under this zoning, the developers could build around 300 homes on 100-foot-wide lots, but the added improvements — the 50-foot buffer, a stoplight at Nova Road, a five-foot sidewalk along both sides of the subdivision, outdoor recreation areas, and improvements to the current diamond intersection at St. Andrews Drive and Tomoka Oaks Boulevard — would not be required.

“Something is going to get built,” Merrell said. “It’s either going to get built based on a custom zoning that’s before you right now, or a straight zoning — whatever that might be.”

Bayer said he was surprised to hear Merrell bring up the “nuclear option” of R-2 zoning as he called it during the first Planning Board hearing. He cited case law stating that local elected officials have the discretion to decide that maximum development density shouldn’t be allowed provided some development is approved that is consistent with the city’s comprehensive plan. Merrell said the case cited has nothing to do with rezoning a property to have the same zoning as the surrounding area.

TRIBUTES

Charles McCray 1939-2023

Charles McCray born Sept. 19, 1939, departed this life suddenly on Saturday, Sept.16, 2023, at home surrounded by his wife Marie and other family members. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023, at Trinity Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends at the African American Cultural Society following the service. Arrangements are under the direction of Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society.

‘SHOCKED AND DISAPPOINTED’

During the first Planning Board meeting for Tomoka Reserve, Board Chair Doug Thomas called it one of the top five most important issues he’d reviewed. At the Sept. 26 meeting, he said it jumped to the top two. The top spot remains for the demolition of the Ormond Hotel, a decision he said he regrets to this day.

If built according to the current proposal, Tomoka Reserve would cause a “major nightmare” with traffic, regardless what the studies show, he said.

“I’ve lived in Ormond Beach for 50 years this year,” Thomas said. “And I can tell you that I’ve gone through a lot of studies. It’s not reality. It totally is not reality.”

Planning Board members said they wished the developers came back with a site plan showing 220 or 230 homes, and the majority were in agreement with staff and the HOA on the need for 100-foot-wide lots.

Only one board member, GG Galloway, said he’d like to give the developers some leeway and allow a mixture to include some 80-foot-wide lots. His main issue was density. He also thought that the developer would have presented a significant reduction of lots in the new site plan.

“I’m a little shocked and a little disappointed,” he said.

He challenged residents to see if the developers would sell the property as well, and consider pursuing a community development bond through the HOA to do so.

“When somebody says something is not for sale, it is for sale at the right price,” he said. “I will tell you, keep going to the developer to find out that magic price.”

State funds $340 million U.S. 1 and I-95 Interchange redesign project

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach will start construction in the fall of 2027, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue announced at City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 26.

“I look forward to bringing the renderings that you see here today to fruition and making this updated, modern interchange a reality for the city of Ormond Beach and for Volusia County,” Perdue said.

The interchange is part of the governor’s $4 billion Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative, which aims to advance construction on transportation projects to address congestion, safety and resiliency on critical state-owned roadways. The $4 billion comes from the state’s general revenue surplus, according to FDOT.

“What we saw the opportunity to

do is — in times that are good times — take the money that we have left over and use it for the advancement of projects that are in the benefit of the entire public,” Florida Rep. Tom Leek said.

With these funds in play, FDOT’s total budget for the next five years includes over $68 billion in transportation investments.

The I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 is one of 20 projects included in the initiative.

“That interchange is one of the last original construction interchanges in the state of Florida,” Perdue said, adding that the redesign is “tremendously needed for, not only efficiency, but also safety.”

The interchange was designed in the early 1960s and still retains some of the original elements, such as median openings, tight loop ramps

and driveway connections. These no longer meet current spacing standards, according to FDOT.

FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler said he can personally attest to how important the interchange redesign project is for the community.

“As fast as the area is growing, the interchange has not been able to keep pace with increasing traffic, and the upgraded design needs to be modernized to improve safety and connectivity for this community, its residents and identified travelers,”

Tyler said.

During public hearings in March, the state department announced it would be pursuing a “diverging diamond” design. This design would mean vehicles turning left would not have to cross opposing traffic and drivers would be less likely to enter

“I look forward to bringing the renderings that you see here today to fruition and making this updated, modern interchange a reality for the city of Ormond Beach and for Volusia County.”

JARED PERDUE, Florida Department of

secretary

ramps going in the wrong direction. The redesign — expected to cost $340 million — would also include widening a 1-mile segment of U.S. 1 between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona Lane from two lanes to three lanes in both directions.

The project would also add shared-use paths for bicyclists and pedestrians.

“We are so grateful in Ormond Beach to see this project finally come to fruition,” Mayor Bill Partington said. “... We’re grateful for the governor’s vision on the Moving Florida Forward initiative and we’re grateful for the legislature having run a fiscally responsible state year after year, which resulted in surpluses that allow us to complete this particular project.”

Photo courtesy of FDOT

FDOT is pursuing a “diverging diamond” design for the I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach.

The Ormond project is part of the governor’s $4 billion Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

FDOT District 5 Secretary John Tyler is joined by Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington (left) and Florida Rep. Tom Leek (right) during the Moving Florida Forward announcement.

FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue speaks during the Moving Florida Forward announcement.

Transportation

COPS CORNER

SEPT. 12 THE WATCHER 8:13 a.m. — 200 block of Carabelle Court, Ormond Beach Stalking. After months of harassment from his neighbor, a 35-year-old Ormond Beach man decided he’d had enough: It was time to get the police involved.

The man told officers of problems he’d been having with his 43-year-old neighbor, dating back to March. In one incident, the neighbor placed a camera facing the man’s side yard, only taking it down when the man put up his own camera, according to a police report.

In another, when Amazon confused their packages, the man put his neighbor’s items by his front door and was “aggressively” told by the neighbor to ring his doorbell or knock the next time he came onto his property.

The man told police his neighbor “constantly watches him and his family” and speaks to them through his doorbell camera, according to the police report.

The man also claimed the neighbor told him in March that he needed to sell his house, stating, “I have people who will buy your house. I want you to sell it.”

Police spoke with the neighbor and issued him a trespass warning, telling him not to go on the man’s property. An officer also warned him that he could be charged with stalking if he didn’t stay away from the man and his family.

SEPT. 19

CASHING IN 10 a.m. — 1700 block of East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell Counterfeit check, grand theft. A Palm Coast man has been charged with grand theft and a felony fraud charge

after allegedly cashing a fraudulent check for his girlfriend at a bar.

The incident happened in May, but the bar owner did not go to the police until September because she said she’d known the family for a long time. She said the 32-year-old suspect and his parents have gone to the bar for years and even had open bar tabs they were behind on.

In May, the suspect asked the owner to cash what she thought was a legitimate cashier’s check for $1,800.26. She gave him the money at the bar and later went to the bank to cash the check.

The bank told the woman the check was fraudulent, and when months went by without the suspect paying her back, the bar owner finally filed charges.

Both the suspect and his parents admitted to knowing the check was fake, though the parents said they had nothing to do with the situation, according to the report.

When police officers spoke to the suspect, he admitted that his girlfriend said he’d receive a check in the mail he needed to cash on behalf of her uncle, and he did.

SEPT. 20

HOT WHEELS 4:39 p.m. — 100 block of Cypress Edge Drive, Palm Coast Grand theft, criminal mischief. A Leesburg man was arrested and charged with shoplifting after he allegedly stole a bike at a big box store by riding it out of the store.

The 43-year-old first tried to leave the build ing with the bicycle and a stolen duffle bag full of mer chandise by going through an emergency exit door, according to his arrest report.

The door

had a three-second delay while its alarm sounded, so the suspect tried to force the door open.

When that failed, he jumped on the bike and rode it out the store’s front doors, according to the report.

Sheriff’s Office deputies found the suspect at a nearby gas station, though he had changed clothes.

He ran into the woods, but deputies caught him and arrested him.

A store manager estimated that the suspect caused $3,300 worth of damage to the emergency door and had stolen $995 in merchandise.

Deputies charged the man with felony grand theft, felony criminal mischief and resisting an officer.

SEPT. 21

NO ENTRY

2:58 a.m. — Ormond Beach Battery touch/strike. Police arrested a 21-year-old Ormond Beach man who broke a hurricane shutter and shattered a window at his mother’s house.

The victim told police that her son arrived at the house and asked to come inside for the night, but she noted he was acting aggressive, so she refused him entry, according to a police report.

That’s when her son began to rip off the hurricane shutter of a window at the front of the house, then use them to break the window.

Some of the glass hit his mother’s arm, causing minor

She wished to press charges.

BRIEFS

Business

Local small business owner and Army veteran Mike Norris has filed

to run for mayor of Palm Coast. Norris — who owns Palm Coast Pressure Washing and Paint and a pet service business called Aloha Critters of Palm Coast — has been a Palm Coast resident since 2006. He is “committed to leading Palm Coast towards a sustainable, prosperous future” and intends to hold community events as his campaign unfolds to connect with residents, according to his campaign announcement.

Norris outlined his key priorities as revitalizing the city’s infrastructure; increasing public safety; focusing on sustainable, smart growth;

CRIME REPORT

Montessori school founder arrested in neighbor dispute

The founder of The Element Montessori School in Bunnell was arrested on Sept. 11 after allegedly throwing rocks at her neighbor’s home and kicking two Flagler Beach police officers.

Kerri Huckabee, 54, was charged with misdemeanor criminal mischief and three felonies: throwing a deadly missile into an occupied home and two counts of resisting an officer with violence. Flagler Beach police had responded to the home in the 600 block of South 23rd Street multiple times over the last several months because of calls stating that Huckabee was lashing out at her neighbors, according to Huckabee’s arrest report.

Huckabee admitted to throwing items at her neighbor’s home and security cameras, and some security camera footage shows her yelling and throwing rocks at the cameras, damaging one camera’s lens.

Huckabee was belligerent and erratic when FPBD officers spoke to her, according to the report.

The two FBPD officers tried to restrain Huckabee, and she began fighting them. She kicked one officer in the thigh twice and kicked the other officer in the shin before they placed her in a police cruiser. She posted bond on Sept. 12.

Huckabee is the founder of The Element Montessori School at 207

N. Chapel St. in Bunnell, formerly called the Flagler Beach Montessori School.

FPC student charged with bomb threat over Instagram post

A 14-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student was arrested on Sept. 17 after he allegedly threatened to bomb the school if he couldn’t retake his school pictures.

The 14-year-old posted the threat on Instagram along with a picture of his school photos, but later deleted the post. Another student at FPC who took a screenshot of the Instagram post reported it to school administrators, who contacted Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, according to the 14-year-old’s arrest report.

Later that evening, after school hours, deputies spoke to the boy

and empowering commercial development.

“Together we can build a stronger community, one that promotes business and empowers the residents to enjoy all of what Palm Coast has to offer,” Norris said.

Norris spent 24 years in the U.S. Army in various leadership positions, then continued to serve as a federal civil servant with the U.S. Marine Corps. He has a master’s degree from Webster University in human resource management and management and leadership, he said.

and his parents at their home. The boy admitted to posting the threat but said he took the post down after about three minutes because he realized what he had said, according to the report.

The boy told deputies he never intended to actually bomb the school and that he “wasn’t thinking” when he made the Instagram post. He has been charged with written threats to conduct a mass shooting or an act of terrorism.

Woman arrested, drugs seized at Bunnell home

A check on two probationers at a home in Bunnell ended with one arrest and 38 grams of drugs seized. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Flagler County Probation and Parole officers conducted a check on two probationers at a home in the 2600 block of Redwood Street on Sept. 21. The two probationers ran from the home, and

To learn more about his campaign, visit his website at Norris4mayor. com.

Motorcyclist dies in S.R. A1A crash

A 26-year-old motorcyclist died on Sept. 24 after crashing into a car driven by a Palm Coast man on State Road A1A in St. Augustine.

The crash happened at 8:02 p.m. at the intersection of Harbor Drive and S.R. A1A. The motorcyclist, a Jacksonville resident, was riding east on State Road A1A and crossed

deputies found and seized 30.97 grams of meth, 1.43 grams of fentanyl, 5.56 grams of cannabis, and drug paraphernalia, according to a press release from the FCSO.

Deputies also discovered that the two individuals were not living in the home legally: The property owner had no idea that people were living there, according to the press release.

Deputies caught one of the two probationers and charged her with violation of probation and felony possession of drug paraphernalia, with additional charges pending.

Matanzas attack suspect fights fellow inmate at jail

The former Matanzas High School student arrested for attacking a paraprofessional last February spit at and fought with another inmate on Sept. 9.

Brendan Depa is being held at the Flagler County jail since he turned 18 on Aug. 22. Depa allegedly began the fight because the other inmate told Depa that Depa would be going to prison for beating up a white woman, according to an incident report.

In security camera footage, the other inmate begins to walk away from Depa, who spits at him. The other man then goes back to Depa, who spits in the other inmate’s face, according to the report. The two began to fight as Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived Deputies separated the two, and Depa was transferred to another cell block for being the aggressor in

the double-yellow center lines into the westbound lanes to pass a sedan that was in the left turn lane preparing to turn onto Harbor Drive, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

The sedan, driven by a 30-year-old Palm Coast man, began turning left onto Harbor Drive, and the motorcyclist collided with the front of the sedan.

The impact threw the 26-year-old off of the motorcycle, according to the report.

the confrontation, according to the report.

Man arrested after two-hour standoff with FCSO deputies

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 57-year-old man after a two-hour standoff on Brunswick Lane on Monday, Sept. 18.

Suspect Michael Wells has been charged with four felonies — domestic strangulation, false imprisonment, resisting arrest with violence and aggravated assault on an officer — and two misdemeanors, domestic battery and domestic assault.

Deputies were called to the scene when a resident in Wells’ home called 911, according to a press release from FCSO.

The family member told deputies that Wells hit her and choked her, but she managed to escape the home and call for help. She told deputies there was at least one firearm inside the home and that Wells was intoxicated, according to Wells’ arrest report.

When FCSO deputies arrived, Wells told them he “wouldn’t go down without a fight,” the press release said. It took the Crisis Negotiations Team 1.5 hours to convince Wells to leave the home.

He surrendered one firearm to deputies but later came outside with a second one — brandishing the weapon and yelling — but did not point it at the deputies, according to the press release.

It took another 30 minutes for Wells to surrender to the FCSO.

owner files for mayoral race

Photo courtesy of the FCSO

FCSO deputies seized almost 38 grams of drugs from a Bunnell home Sept. 21. 410499-1

DON BURNETTE, PORT ORANGE

Challenging times for school unions

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Elisabeth Dias became the president of the Flagler County Educators Association last year, taking over for longtime president Katie Hansen.

Brun Hudson is in his third term as president of the Flagler Educational Support Professionals Association.

But they are not only union leaders. Dias is a fulltime teacher at Matanzas High School, and Hudson is a technology support specialist for the school district. So they understand the difficulties that teachers and support staff face. And besides negotiating with the district on new contracts, they also have new challenges to deal with every year.

They recently spoke to the Observer about the new contracts the School Board approved this month, Senate Bill 256, paraprofessionals’ safety and other issues.

Elisabeth, what led you to become the FCEA president?

DIAS: I’ve been in the district, this is going on year 10. I’ve taught middle school science, the agriculture program, at Indian Trails, and now I’m teaching biology at Matanzas. My involvement in the union came from my background with my parents. They’re immigrants from Portugal and always had a strong union following, so, “You need to join your union or else.” For job protection. So I really started becoming involved when I was teaching side by side with Katie Hansen. She’s definitely a mentor of mine. She’s led the way in my involvement. Eventually I became the vice president. And then when she became an administrator, I took over her position as president.”

Brun, how did you wind up leading the support union?

HUDSON: The previous union president was Roxy Deluca. She brought me along. We need a building rep at (Flagler Palm Coast), so I became the building rep FPC in 2011 or 12. After about a year, she said we need somebody on bargaining. “Do you want to learn?” I said, “Sure, I’ll come and watch and observe.” So I get there, and she’s like, “Oh, no, you’re not sitting in the gallery, you’re sitting at the table. You’re on the bargaining team. You’re going to argue.” So I sat down and that was the first time I got a taste of collective bargaining. And it wasn’t about six months or so later, she said, “By the way, we need a vice president.” And I was like, OK, I’ll run, and I ran unopposed and became the vice president. And it wasn’t more than maybe six months to a year after that, that Roxy was like, “Oh by the way, I entered DROP. I’m retiring. So you’re going to be the new president.” And I became president. It was like a domino effect.

What are some highlights of the new contracts?

DIAS: Last year, we were in full book negotiations, where we went through the entire contract and changed all the articles of the contract. This year, we were able to open two articles of the contract for salaries and insurance. We highlighted just changing the contract to make sure that it was beneficial to all teachers, clarifying some language that we had addressed in our full book year and just focusing on what’s the betterment for the workforce for teachers. Unlike some districts and their unions, Flagler Schools and the unions seem to have an amicable relationship.

DIAS: It’s very collaborative. You start every meeting with, “Tell me something good,” where we go around the table

and share good news that has happened throughout the day, throughout our week. If there’s a point where, “This is what our proposal is, this is what the district’s proposal is,” let’s come together to make it make sense for both sides. I brag on the proceedings that we have in Flagler County. It really is a good environment. ... Katie Hansen did an amazing job of building that relationship. And I was just able to piggyback on that. Teacher shortages have been a problem nationwide. Why are teachers leaving the profession?

DIAS: I think Flagler is a little more lucky than other districts. We have 7,000 teacher vacancies in Florida. So it does affect all of us where young people are not going into the teaching profession anymore. So, I think that is an opportunity for us to pair up with some of the universities and really capture those that could be coming to Flagler.

What were some of the highlights of the recent FESPA contract?

HUDSON: I would say the MOU for bonus money is definitely a highlight. We were able to convince the district to reallocate some ESSER grant funds, which is federal grant money, to allow for some bonuses for all support and teachers. But the other highlight was the ESE language that we changed for our paras. It’s targeted towards supplemental pay for our paras that do oneon-one, or in self-contained classrooms. So they’re going to get a supplement to their salary of $500 per semester if they elect to take on those extra responsibilities as an ESE para. ... So it was a big, big bump for our paras, which has been a shortage area for

A

the school district. I think we started the school year with over 40 vacancies, and that’s dwindled.

In light of the wellpublicized attack on a paraprofessional by an ESE student, has the union been looking for some safeguards against a future incident from occurring?

HUDSON: When the incident happened, there was some fear and some doubt. The district’s done really well about offering trainings, and we’ve come in with our (Florida Education Association) trainers and as officers we’ve come in and tried to do some extra trainings to get the people that are working with these kids to have better deescalation.

DIAS: I think it highlights an unfortunate reality that we face that there are students that pose a safety risk to both teachers and support staff, that we need to be fully trained on how to deescalate and how to handle situations like that, and that the district backs us 100% in any situation like that. We did see that in meeting with our leadership at the time. We did feel a sense of urgency that they were taking their proper steps to ensure that this didn’t happen again.

What are some of the specific challenges that Senate Bill 256 poses?

DIAS: I think its intended purpose is to distract us from the union goals that are supporting our members. And it is the idea that we are so deep into the clerical work of the union that we shift our focus from the activism to the clerical work of maintaining membership ... so that we shy away from activism, which is doing what’s best for our teachers, doing what’s best for our students. We don’t need to be in the situation. We are strong and we’re going to maintain our certification.

So has maintaining certification become touchy?

DIAS: It’s always touchy. With our current legislation being against teacher unions and support staff unions, I think we do feel targeted. But we are going to maintain our certification, whether it’s through the 60% membership threshold or by other routes to safeguard our certification. So you need to be at 60% membership. Where are you now?

DIAS: We’re currently at 47% but increasing our membership daily. We have 430 members and we have 915 potentials. But we will maintain our certification through an election process in which at least 30% of the entire bargaining unit has to elect that they have interest in maintaining FCEA or FESPA as their bargaining representative. A ballot goes out to every instructional staff member where they vote. And at least 50% plus one has to show that they have interest in keeping our union. Is FESPA in a similar situation?

HUDSON: Our permanent renewal doesn’t happen until March of next year. So we have more time to build membership. To get to 60% we need 498 members and we’re currently at 324. We lost 106 members because Senate Bill 256 also outlaws payroll deduction for union dues. People have their choice to pay union dues, and that choice has now been taken from them because there were too many people I guess that wanted to pay their union dues, so the state decided to target that section and say we’re just going to outlaw payroll deduction. So now, you figure out how to pay your union dues.

DIAS: So every member is dropped essentially. They have to reelect and rejoin. So now we have an electronic funds transfer. We don’t see any members’ financial information. It’s just a method of paying your dues on time.

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Flagler County Educators Association President Elisabeth Dias and Flagler Educational Support Professional Association President Brun Hudson.

A collection of collectors: Ormond Beach Historical Society holds new event

The Collector’s Day event in Ormond featured over 13 different collections.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From artifacts of World War II and Indian tribes, to handmade gnomes, mosaics, banana peel labels and matchbox cars: The Ormond Beach Historical Society’s Collector’s Day event on Saturday, Sept. 23, had something for everyone to enjoy.

The event took place at the Anderson-Price Memorial building located at 42 N. Beach St. Each booth had different collections of items, some of them being over 100 years old.

One of the members of Ormond Beach Historical Society’s board of directors, Randy Jaye, also had a booth containing his collection of watches, pipes and black Americana dolls.

Over 210 people attended the event. The Historical Society offered complimentary food and beverages and also had a cash donation wine bar for all of the attendees.

StJohns.UFHealth.org

Flagler Health+ is excited to share we are now UF Health St. Johns. Building on a 130-year legacy of caring for the community, our dedication to delivering high-quality and patientcentered care has never wavered. With enhanced access to the latest medical breakthroughs, expanded treatment options, clinical trials and world-renowned comprehensive care through UF Health, this change marks the dawn of a bright new beginning for health care in St. Johns County.

Gaye Zarek with her fused glass mosaic pieces

Ryan Lowry with his World War II artifacts booth

Phil Trimarchi with his collection of Goofy merchandise, matchbox and hot wheel cars, and ceramic swans

Iluminada and Joey Karei Kumaha’manigua and their Indigenous Taino Indian artifacts

Vallie Wardlaw with her handcrafted gnomes

Photos by Alexis Miller

Retired

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A former lobbyist is running in the 2024 elections to represent District 4 on the Volusia County School Board.

Donna Brosemer, of Daytona Beach, filed to run on June 29. Brosemer has 30 years of experience working in public policy and has served on higher education state boards, such as the Daytona State College Board of Trustees. She also previously worked as a community relations specialist for Embrace Families, a foster care nonprofit. She said she decided to run for School Board because she’s passionate about education, and she knows about the relationship between economic development and higher education, which begins with the

K-12 system.

“Education is the great equalizer,” Brosemer said. “It doesn’t matter where you come from or what your background is, and in some respects, it doesn’t even matter what your particular talents are. Everyone benefits from having the opportunity to expand their world, and that’s what education does. It also provides the foundation for success.” If elected, Brosemer said, one of the issues she hopes to work on is student discipline and how it impacts classroom instruction.

“Students can’t learn and teachers can’t teach when the

class is disrupted,” she said.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s two students or everyone.”

She’s also interested in ensuring current policies, such as dress code, are followed in schools. Since she has a background in land use, zoning and the development of comprehensive plans, she would like to look at concurrency, the size of schools and the school district’s role in the development process in regard to growth.

Brosemer said she feels her public policy experience will benefit the School Board.

“I was successful on the boards where I served in resolving issues that came up at those times, and I would like to bring that to K-12 because I think they need it more than anybody,” she said.

Brosemer is running against incumbent School Board member Carl Persis and Merrick Brunker, of Ormond-bythe-Sea.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Incumbent Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis, who represents District 4, is running for reelection.

Persis filed to run for his third term on the School Board on Sept. 8. A Seabreeze High School alumnus, he is a former teacher and was a school principal for 27 years, 13 of which were spent at the helm of Tomoka Elementary.

Persis is also a former Ormond Beach City Commissioner and mayor, as well as former Volusia County Council District 4 representative. Serving in public office, Persis said, is in his DNA.

“Being an educator, this

is what I do,” he said. “This is what I’ve been doing my whole adult life, and I still have that burning fire in my belly to want to do it again.”

Persis was first elected to the School Board in 2016. He was reelected in 2020, having run with no opposition.

Persis said he’s excited about the direction the school district is headed, and that includes the performance of Superintendent Carmen Balgobin and the new staff members hired since she came on board.

One of the achievements he’s proud of is the district’s career technical education program, which is now offered at every Volusia high school. The program provides an alternate career pathway for students not interested in a college education.

If reelected, Persis said, he would like to emphasize the importance of education in the early learning years.

“Reading is the number

one skill that children need to learn, and I am concerned that children are coming into our kindergarten programs not ready to learn,” Persis said.

The district, he added, also continues to face the reality that many students have issues with social and emotional learning and mental health, which is then compounded by the effects of social media.

When it comes to teacher shortages, Persis said, the district is “turning over every stone” to recruit new teachers.

“We’re just doing everything that we can to find people with the talent and the skills, and again, most importantly, the love to want to help a student,” he said.

Persis is running against running against Merrick Brunker, of Ormond-by-theSea, and Donna Brosemer, of Daytona Beach.

Givebacks Shop to Give program aims to raise $100,000 for Ormond Beach schools

Eat local? With

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Can the Ormond Beach community raise $100,000 for local schools during the current academic year?

Ormond-by-the-Sea resident Dillon Kalkhurst hopes so. Givebacks Inc., Kiwanis READS! and the city of Ormond Beach have partnered with local restaurants to launch a new donation initiative called Givebacks Shop

to Give. Through the program, participating merchants make donations based on purchases made by Giveback “backers.”

“This is really without fundraising,” Kalkhurst said. “It’s just connecting their supporters, connecting their parents and their parents’ friends and family, and getting them to link up and support the school when they go out to eat.”

By downloading the free Givebacks Shop to Give app, or signing up at givebacks. com, a portion of purchases made at eligible restaurants and retailers will be donated to schools or other nonprofit organizations. Backers will

need to link their credit cards, and from that point on, every purchase made using that card at eligible businesses will benefit the initiative. The app, according to a press release, has a network of over 10,000 restaurants and 15,000 online retailers.

Locally, several Ormond Beach restaurants have committed to donating 5% of their purchases: Rose Villa, Grind and Kona Tiki Bar, Ormond Garage, 31 Super Club, Fugu Sushi, Pump House BBQ, Lulu’s, Larry’s Giant Subs, Fletcher’s Irish Pub, Sunrise Grill, Absolutely Cheezee, Simply Gina’s, Beachside Cafe

and Donuts, Blues and Brews Bistro, SoNapa Grille, Fysh Bar and Grill, Woody’s Bar-BQ, Tortugas Kitchen and Bar, Madeline’s Wine Bar, Super Maris Pizza, Neighborhood Scoop, and Surfin’ Scoops.

“We’ve got a great foundation with some really good Ormond Beach local restaurants on board, and we’re hoping to double that number within the next month or so,” Kalkhurst said.

Some of the national retailers included in the initiative are Walmart, Office Depot, Lowe’s, Chewy and Kohl’s. Several stores in Tanger Outlets are also participating.

Mayor Bill Partington said that the most attractive part of the initiative is that the donations are being generated by ordinary day-to-day purchases, similar to the Amazon Smile program, which was discontinued by the company in February.

“It’s a great way for everybody to do their part in a small way,” Partington said. “But when you add up all those small contributions, it ends up being a significant donation or contribution to the overall cause, which is pretty cool.”

The average backer, according to the press release, generates about $100 in donations

a year.

To reach the $100,000 fundraising goal in Ormond, each of the participating schools — Beachside Elementary, Ormond Beach Elementary, Pathways Elementary, Pine Trail Elementary, Tomoka Elementary, Ormond Beach Middle School, Hinson Middle School and Seabreeze High School — would need 125 backers. This would bring over $10,000 to the school. “It’s local residents supporting local businesses that are supporting local causes and schools,” Kalkhurst said. Visit givebacksfored.org.

Donna Brosemer worked in public policy for 30 years.

Carl Persis is running for his third term on the Volusia County School Board.

a new app, you can also give back to local schools.

Donna Brosemer

LETTERS

Stopping Belvedere

Dear Editor:

Former City Commissioner Jeff Boyle was correct when he wrote that certain citizens of Ormond Beach should stand down on their criticism of the current City Commissioners for seemingly missing the threat that has become the disruptive Belvedere fuel farm proposal. To her credit in another recent letter, City Commissioner Susan Persis raised further awareness of just how dangerous this fuel farm would be for Ormond Beach.

But both letters left me with the impression that our city and Volusia County were the leads in staving off the crisis. I respectfully offer that this may not be enough to stop it.

Concurrently, Ormond Beach resident and State Representative

Tom Leek should be using the full weight of his office, and accompanying influence his candidacy for the State Senate strongly suggests.

That is that Representative Leek is very influential in Tallahassee. In a recent Facebook posting, Leek said, “As a vehement opponent of the proposed fuel terminal project, I am working every angle to derail this project.”

I hope that one angle is to take the matter up directly with Gov. Ron DeSantis. Our governor knows this area quite well, as he used to represent our community in the U.S. House of Representatives.

And we know our governor is not shy when it comes to reversing decisions made by state agencies, in this case Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection which provided the air construction permit to Belvedere back on Aug. 1.

BOB BAUMER Ormond Beach

Volusia Forever is worth it

Dear Editor:

The Observer article “County adopts maximum Volusia Forever millage” covering the final Volusia County budget hearing cited the concerns Councilman David Santiago had about the tax rate impacts on the cost of living. The dollar amount cited in the article by Councilman Santiago was that “going to rollback would have meant a $5 monthly tax cut for the average citizen.” However, by my math that is incorrect.

Going to rollback would have cut the tax on the average home by $2.73 a year, or a 23 cent per month tax cut, not $5 per month. I am not sure where the $5 per month figure came from. Keeping the millage flat at 0.2 will cost the average homeowner in Volusia County about $30 a year, or $2.50 per month.

Going to the rollback millage of 0.1818 would cost the average homeowner $27.27 a year, a savings of $2.73 a year. To get to the $5 per month tax cut cited, you would have to own a home worth over $3 million.

I appreciate the council’s concerns about raising taxes, but 23 cents a year is not much of a tax cut, and yet by voting to keep the millage flat at 0.2 the council went a long way in funding programs vital to protecting our water quality and our quality of life. I am grateful the council did not cut the millage for the Volusia Forever or ECHO programs.

PATTIE GERTENBACH

Ormond by the Sea

Editor’s note: According to a county spokesperson, Councilman David Santiago’s statement was incorrect. For a home with a $250,000 taxable value, had Volusia Forever gone to rollback, the estimated savings

would have been $4.55 annually, not monthly.

Betrayed by Ormond

Dear Editor:

Watching Ormond Beach develop and grow over 45 years (some good, some not so good), I am stunned by the pace in past several years and specifically paving the way for Belvedere Fuel Terminals. There is no explanation for the absurdity of this project going from zero to “Wecan’t do anything for fear of lawsuit” says Volusia County Attorney Paolo Soria in only a year and a half. Belvedere in news comments mid-August estimated their project at $250 million, now mid September and that value is $750 million; maybe they are setting themselves up for that lawsuit. Although County Council appears not to receive detailed weekly reports on staff activity, namely planning projects and inquiries, Ormond Beach City Commissioners do.

This is evidenced in the City Manager’s Weekly Report to Mayor Partington and Commissioners of June 24, 2022, when Planning Director Steven Spraker reported his meeting with Belvedere Fuel Terminals. It is also important to mention that County Councilman Troy Kent was an Ormond Beach commissioner at the time of this report and Lori Tolland, although not a commissioner, was indeed on the Planning Board.

Belvedere Fuel Terminals’ proposed project from County Planning first landed on City Senior Planner Robin Gawel’s desk on May 16, 2022, and in five short weeks, Belvedere has a meeting with SPRC and is reported to mayor and commissioners.

I am confident the proposal of 16 fuel terminals is an unusual Land

Use in little Ormond Beach not to mention the location shoehorned into residents, Sports Complex, local businesses and airport...Red Flag!

Yet not a peep at a time when city could have “stirred the pot” and maybe Ormond Beach would not be fighting for their beautiful community now.

On July 18, (first reading) and Aug. 1 (second reading) the City Commission authorized definitions of Land Use Amendments in Ordinance No. 2023-41 to actually include Oil Storage and Distribution Facility (shall not be closer than 50 feet to any property line...wow).

Unanimous yes vote!

In the private sector, such illjudgement would cost me my Job. Sadly our elected officials have indeed made ill judgement in protecting the residents for which they were elected to protect.

CELIA LIST Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: In a Volusia County Growth Management pre-application meeting summary regarding Belvedere Terminals, county records indicate that Ormond Beach Senior Planner Robin Gawel received information on the fuel farm.

However, Planning Director Steven Spraker said in an email that city staff didn’t receive this notification via email or other communication, and that no access to the Volusia County permitting system was made. Spraker said city staff received a request to meet after Belvedere met with county staff and was directed to the Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee.

SMA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION DINNER AND AUCTION RAISES $215,000

The SMA Healthcare Foundation raised $215,000 at its annual dinner celebration and auction, held Aug. 23 at the Daytona 500 Club.

PILOT CLUB MAKES DONATION TO CHILDREN’S CENTER

The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area made a quarterly donation of $500 to the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center.

The funds are earmarked to supply weekend meals to children of the community — over 2,800 meals are supplied to children each year, according to a press release.

Along with the $2,000 annual donation, the PCHA also sponsors a Book Drive and BrainMinder TM events for the center’s children.

The Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center is the oldest after-school program in the Daytona Beach area, serving the community since 1948. Programs are available for children from 5-18 years of age. The Center is open for school holidays, springbreak, winter-break, and summer camp.

The Center is staffed solely by volunteers and is critically needed for the low-income families, the press release states. Its programs and activities include tutoring; FCAT Skill computer training 4 Kids Program; communication/speech

The annual fundraising event honored Volusia County Sheriff Michael Chitwood, featured two-time Daytona 500 Champion Mike Waltrip as emcee, and Ed Anderson on steel drums as entertainment.

“The evening was filled with an amazing show of support from our community with guests hearing in-

class; a drugs, tobacco, and alcohol program; garden club, chess club, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Good News Club, arts and crafts, summer lunches, after-school snacks, cooking lessons, sewing lessons, field trips and more.

FPL OFFERING A $50,000 CLASSROOM MAKEOVER GRANT

Florida Power and Light Company is offering $50,000 classroom makeovers for five eligible Florida schools as part of its continued commitment to STEM education.

“At FPL, we believe that knowledge is power and that by enriching students’ experiences in STEM, we can help break down barriers to opportunity and drive interest in furthering their education and future opportunities in STEM fields,” said

spiring stories of recovery shining a light on the reasons for the support of mental health and addiction services” said Jennifer Secor, executive director of SMA Healthcare Foundation. With nearly 400 guests in attendance, the funds raised will go to SMA services and programs and the Kelly Scholarship Fund. Presentations included $25,000 from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, $15,000 from 71MVP (and Race

Kate Cotner, director of community engagement for FPL.

The Classroom Makeover Grants are part of a $2 million, four-year commitment from the company’s charitable arm, the NextEra Energy Foundation, to increase the exposure of under-represented students in STEM and jumpstart students’ interest in STEM careers.

Funds are available to update STEM classrooms with new infrastructure, technology, or resources, including software, equipment, books and training for teachers.

Grant applications will be accepted through Oct. 15. Visit FPL.com/ ClassroomGrant.

PENINSULA WOMEN’S CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIP

The Peninsula Women’s Club of

to Stop Suicide), as well as a Kelly family donation of $10,000 which was then matched and exceeded by guests.

“The Foundation and Dinner Committee are thrilled to have surpassed the $200,000 mark for the second year in a row,” dinner co-chair Andrew Gurtis said. “We are proud this event annually rings the bell for awareness and support of SMA Healthcare and its programs.”

Daytona Beach awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Daytona College for a student in need in the nursing program.

Daytona College is a private college located in Ormond Beach. It offers a range of diploma and degree programs in the healthcare and beauty and wellness fields designed to prepare students to enter new careers in their chosen path. Daytona College offers an outcome focused education to get students trained and ready to start a new career.

Peninsula Women’s Club meets every Thursday at the Schnebly Center in Daytona Beach at 11 a.m. to play cards (which includes bridge, hand and foot and samba) and plan fundraisers to support local charities.

For information on joining, contact Betsy Patton at 386-843-1061.

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

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Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com

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DAYTONA SOLISTI TO OPEN CONCERT SEASON WITH PIANO TRIO

The Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra will open its 2023-24 season with a celebration of the music of Beethoven — including the composer’s Piano Trio No. 5 “Ghost” — performed by the RickmanAcree-Corporon Piano Trio.

The trio will present “Beethovenfest,” an all-Beethoven concert, at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, located at 1035 W. Granada Blvd., where Solisti is in residence again this concert season. A $20 donation is requested at the door. For more information call 386-562-5423 or go online at daytonasolisti.com.

The piano trio is composed of pianist Michael Rickman, violinist and Solisti founder Susan Pitard Acree, and cellist Joseph Corporon.

The program will include Beethoven’s Sonata No. 5 in F Major for Piano and Violin, Op. 24 “Spring”; Duet No. 1 in C Major for Violin and Cello; and Piano Trio No. 5 in D Major, Op. 70, No.1 “Ghost.”

Below is the remainder of Solisti’s 2023-24 season schedule. All concerts will be at 3:30 p.m. Sundays at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach. Admission for each concert is a requested $20 donation.

Jan. 14, 2024 – The RickmanAcree-Corporon Piano Trio performs “Romantic Realms – Music of Schubert.” Feb. 11, 2024 – The Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra performs its annual “Romancing the Strings” concert. April 21, 2024 – The Daytona Solisti Chamber Orchestra performs “Mozartiana –Music of Mozart.”

Courtesy photos Laurie Kaye, president of the Pilot Club of the Halifax Area, with Janet Byrant, of the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center.

Sheriff Mike Chitwood presents a check to SMA. Pictured are Ivan Cosimi, Rhonda Harvey and SMA team members.

After 70 years, Ormond woman learns she has a brother

Ormond’s Rosalie Bernstein sent her DNA to 23andMe and made a discovery that has changed her life: She has a brother, Paul Brown, living in Tennessee.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It was the gift of a lifetime.

In February, the Ormond Beach woman purchased a 23andMe DNA kit after being convinced by her niece, Kim Donnelly. The first test did not work, but the company gave her another opportunity to submit her information. She received an email from them in March.

“When I opened up that thing (email) and I saw Paul’s name there, I said, ‘What?’” she said. “I realized I had no knowledge of him at all.”

The DNA was close to an exact match. That is when she discovered Paul Brown — her younger brother.

Meanwhile, hundreds of miles away, in December 2022, Brown’s two sons gifted him 23andMe kit for Christmas. He always knew he was adopted. It was not a big deal to him — just something that he knew. He sent in his DNA and started getting emails from 23andMe.

“Part of me felt like I was just going to get worked — end up buying more reports,” he said. “What I do for a

living is I get records on the radio. You don’t want to try and sell me something. You are in the deep end of the pool if you’re trying to convince me of doing something I don’t want to do. So I kind of stopped paying attention.”

Brown then received two more emails from 23andMe — an overall health history and a request for family names. He submitted his biological mother’s maiden name Dunn and her married name Donnelly.

Two weeks later, he was contacted by David Yabsley, a second cousin from Devon, United Kingdom, who is also a genealogy buff. He flooded Brown’s email with family information he had been working on for 20 plus years: Pictures of great grandparents and a family tree. Nestled amidst the names of his half brothers and sisters was Rosalie Donnelly (Bernstein’s maiden name).

He reached out to Bernstein and left a voicemail. She has it saved on her mobile phone to this day.

“Good morning, Rosalie,” he said in the message. “It’s your half brother Paul Brown calling from Nashville … I’m just blown away by all of this. I’m so thrilled of the prospect of speaking with you so call when you can.”

Shortly after they talked, Brown and his wife Hillary flew to Ormond Beach to spend the weekend with Bernstein. He said they had an instantaneous connection the moment they looked at each other.

Bernstein was born on Aug. 25, 1941, at the French Hospital in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen and lived in Staten Island until 1966. She and her husband Paul Bernstein moved to Ft. Lauderdale in the mid-1980s and, after two transfers for work, ended up in Ormond Beach in 2008. Bernstein is currently retired from the staffing service business. She volunteers at AdventHealth once a week and is part of WOLA — writers of the lost art of writing who meet monthly.

Brown was born in Oct. 3, 1952, raised in Rosedale in Queens and moved to Auburndale when he was nine years old. He stayed in New York

and returned to New York City where he worked from 1974 until 2010. He currently owns a music promotion and marketing business named Red Hat 22 in Nashville, Tennessee. Even though the two were not raised by the same parents or in the same household, the similarities are undeniable. Networking with people

in business and in their every day lives has been a part their genetics from an early age. They both have boundless energy and defy societies’ definition of age.

Brown said he had no frame-ofreference before meeting Bernstein. He now has a sense of where he is going health wise and a greater sense

of family.

Bernstein feels she was gifted a younger brother after four of her brothers died. “I lost four brothers, and I found Paul,” she said. “She’s made my life fuller,” Brown said. “I love having someone to care about and someone I want to take care of and protect.”

The Optimal Energy Environment for the Body to Heal Itself

As a society, we are accustomed to taking pills to make us better when various states of ‘dis-ease’ present themselves but what if you could recharge your body’s energy at a cellular level to increase its own healing abilities?

Quantum Leap, a new state-of- the-art wellness center in Palm Coast, utilizes the technologically advanced Energy Enhancement System (EESystem) to provide a source of wireless energy for the body to recharge and heal itself. Using scalar wave technology and biophotonic light, the EESystem combines mind, body, spirit, and science to activate balance in the human body on all levels. According to Quantum Leap clients, some of the benefits they’ve experienced after EESystem sessions include pain relief, improved immune function, increased energy levels, mood elevation, lower stress levels, emotional stability and so much more.

Strength, Vitality, and Energy to Thrive

After losing her mother to MS and cancer over 20 years ago and her father to cancer and lung failure in 2022, Quantum Leap co-owner Sara Stewart was determined to find a way to help people heal themselves and live a better, longer, healthier life.

With this goal in mind, she researched alternative health and healing techniques and discovered the EESystem. Soon, her husband, Todd got on board too, impressed with the overwhelming number of miracle stories and testimonials countless individuals had shared.

Through their research, Sara and Todd were reminded that the human body can be quite proficient at healing itself when properly charged. A classic exam-

ple is a cut on your finger. Yes, the cut may require stitches, but ultimately the body heals itself. And to perform this marvelous act, the body requires optimally charged, healthy cells.

The Future of Wellness TechnologyToday

Every day, we rely on battery- powered devices— mobile phones, laptops, tablets, hearing aids, cars and so on. And when they run low on power, we simply plug them in and charge them back up because without energy, they would be useless. Similarly, the human body requires energy to function, too, and would be rendered useless without it. In fact, our cells carry an electrical charge, which is measured in millivolts. Healthy cells carry a charge of 70-90 mV and help the body maintain a state of ‘ease.’ Unhealthy cells on the other hand carry a much lower charge of around 20 mV which can introduce states of disease. Disease can present itself in many forms, affecting our physical and/or mental well-being. And the aging process is one factor that can cause our cells to lose vital energy.

Relax. Recharge. Restore.

Now, wouldn’t it be great if we could just recharge ourselves like we do our electronic devices? At Quantum Leap Wellness Center that is exactly what you can experience in The Energy Room. During a session typically lasting from one to four hours, clients can simply lie back and relax in one of 16 luxurious leather power-reclining chairs. Soft, spa-like music enhances the space lit only by ambient light emanating from the 24-unit EESystem which is comprised of four towers of color monitors emitting wireless energy in the form of scalar waves which move at 3 times the speed of light. These elements combine to help the mind, body, and spirit come back into balance. This technology, originally called the scalar light chamber, was created by Dr. Sandra Rose Michael, Ph.D., DNM, DCSJl,

over 30 years ago for individual use. It wasn’t until more recently that she developed a way to adapt the technology so it could serve multiple participants simultaneously via the Energy Enhancement System.

And Quantum Leap is not just for humans! There are many testimonials about dogs and cats who have experienced amazing results from sessions, too. Well-behaved dogs and cats are welcome with their owners on Tuesdays, Saturdays and for night sessions.

“I have suffered from severe lower back pain for years brought on mostly from work and had simply learned to live with it. I had the opportunity to try the EESystem when Quantum Leap opened and I’ve been a total of 7 times for roughly 2 hours per visit. The pain went from 9+ down to a 2! I’ve also had trouble sleeping and when I enter the Energy Room, within minutes I’m sound asleep and not just a nap kind of sleep but a truly deep sleep. No more yawning throughout the day which I used to do constantly. It’s truly enhanced my quality of life!”

– Bonnie M, Palm Coast resident.

In March 2023, Rosalie Bernstein discovered she had a younger brother through 23andMe, a DNA genetic testing company. They followed up their phone calls with a family gathering in New York.

Photo by Michele Meyers

“She’s made my life fuller. I love having someone to care about and someone I want to take care of and protect.”

PAUL BROWN

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news

Steel Oak Coffee celebrates grand opening Don Giovanni to open new location in town

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Steel Oak Coffee isn’t your typical coffee shop.

Only open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the space at 187 S. Yonge St. is used as a roastery to craft specialty bags of coffee the rest of the week.

Steel Oak was founded in 2016 by husband and wife

Carl and Michele Dupper.

The company started in their garage after the family moved back to Ormond Beach from Raleigh, North Carolina, and “realized there was no good coffee here,” Carl Dupper said.

All they had was a platform and a coffee roaster, which they still use to this day. They roasted coffee every night in order to perfect their recipe, causing smoke to form under the tree line in their neighborhood.

“Eventually, I started to fig-

ure out exactly how to interpret what I wanted coffee to present itself as,” Carl Dupper said. “I could give the same coffee to 10 different roasters, and it would all taste different. A lot of it comes down to the development and what we wanted our coffee to taste like.”

During the experimental process of roasting coffee, friends and family of the Duppers received samples in exchange for feedback. The Duppers began to sell bags of their coffee at a farmer’s market every Saturday until they started receiving wholesale accounts and had to expand their workspace beyond their garage.

They moved into a 600-square-foot space and worked from there for almost seven years.

Steel Oak Coffee’s new space opens the Dupper family up to more opportunities and gives the public a larger space to enjoy their coffee. The lobby offers a large sitting area, a coffee bar and windows looking into the roasting area, so people can watch the process and see the equipment.

“It’s cool to see the effect of coffee on people’s lives, how it brings people together, and the conversations that start over a cup of coffee,” Michele Dupper said.

The shop has between nine and 12 different coffee options at a time, all of them roasted in-house. The flavor of each coffee comes from the bean itself, as the Duppers don’t use additives to enhance or incorporate more flavors. They’re currently offering bags of coffee from various regions of Ethiopia, Kenya,

Nicaragua, Brazil, Guatemala and Colombia. They plan on adding two new coffee options in the next few weeks from Mexico and Costa Rica.

“There’s a lot that goes into a good cup of coffee, from the farm to roasting to brewing it,” Michele Dupper said. “Every single one of those things can change how the coffee tastes.”

Carl Dupper said his primary focus is working on wholesale accounts with small coffee shops around Ormond Beach to help them present specialty coffee to their customers. He is a coowner of Gold Leaf Coffee Co. in Ormond Beach, which is one of Steel Oaks’ wholesale accounts. They also provide coffee to Yes Coffee Co. and Soraya Mediterranean Cafe.

Event Coordinator and barista trainer Cici Sassano has worked with Carl Dupper for over two years at Gold Leaf Coffee Co. as a team lead. For the past 6 months, she has been planning and organizing the grand opening for Steel Oak; the company held one just for industry workers the day before the public opening.

“Their old space was very tight, very small, and it overheated quite often, so them having this new space and being able to expand — not just with square footage but with buying a third roaster — is exciting,” Sassano said. “Seeing how many people were able to be in the new space on Saturday definitely exciting and shows how much they are growing.”

The Duppers plan to offer future events to teach more about their coffee and how to make better coffee at home.

ABBIE PACE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Giovanni Spinosa, co-owner of two restaurants in Port Orange alongside his wife Shana, is preparing to introduce a blend of Italian traditions and culinary innovations to the Ormond Beach community.

The Spinosas plan to open their new restaurant, called Don Giovanni, by Sunday, Oct. 1. The restaurant is located at 1930 W. Granada Blvd. It is the second restaurant by that name the couple has opened. The original Don Giovanni is located at 1633 Taylor Road, Suite 5, and their second restaurant, Pizza Pazza, is located at 3761 S. Nova Road, Suite 224, both in Port Orange.

“The concept of Don Giovanni was for me to bring my family tradition, family feelings every time you sit at the table on Sunday when you eat with your family,” Giovanni Spinosa said. Giovanni Spinosa’s grandfather went by “Don Giovanni,” so the restaurant’s name acts as a nod to his family roots.

A CULINARY JOURNEY

Giovanni Spinosa’s culinary adventure began in Italy. He migrated to Florida 12 years ago this October.

After some initial experiences in New Jersey, Giovan-

Three Habits for Better Hearing Today

Your habits may be sabotaging your hearing. In this article, discover how implementing exercise, hearing protection, and social interaction can help maintain your hearing even as you age.

Exercise

The pandemic has caused several of us to forsake the gym and exercise in general. Have you heard of the “quarantine 15”? Obviously, several factors contribute to gaining 15 pounds during quarantine, but the greatest of these is lack of exercise. This spring, let’s commit to get out there and enjoy the beautiful spring weather and in doing so, lessen our risk of hearing loss. Data on risk factors related to hearing loss are limited, but several reputable studies suggest that changing our daily habits can affect our hearing. One of those studies, published by the American Journal of Medicine, states that people who participate in physical activity reduce their risk of developing hearing loss. According to the article, this reduced risk is especially true of women who walk more than 2 hours per week.

Interestingly, hearing loss is not caused by strenuous exercise, but exercise can help main-

tain healthy hearing despite one’s age. As an audiologist, I counsel patients regarding the common stigmas associated with hearing loss, such as aging. These studies affirm that hearing loss isn’t always directly caused by age.

Hearing Protection

During the pandemic, a record number of people made improvements to their homes. Did you hear all the power tools running in your neighborhood?

Everything from in-home offices to backyard decks were and still are being constructed as the pandemic sparked various home-improvement projects.

Tools such as table saws, drills, and sanders can cause hearing loss, especially if the sounds they make are long, repeated, or reach at or above 85 dBA. Before you start that new home improvement project, make sure to purchase over-the-counter hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs; we carry several

options at our hearing center! If the over-the-counter

ni made his way to Florida, eventually settling in New Smyrna Beach. He worked in various restaurants and honed his skills in the kitchen, starting from the ground up.

He recalled his first job as a dishwasher, where he would work late into the night, earning around $50. The experience was an eye-opener for Giovanni, who said he realized that hard work could yield financial rewards in the United States.

“I kind of worked a little bit around family restaurants and all that kind of stuff, so I finally got to understand a little bit how people interact and everything like that,” he said.

Reflecting on the journey that brought them to where they are today, Shana Spinosa recalled their initial challenge: Opening their first restaurant in Port Orange four years ago, with limited savings and two young children.

Giovanni Spinosa had just returned from a year-long truck driving job during

social isolation. My patients have told me they hadn’t interacted in-person with loved ones or friends for weeks, if not months.

As humans, we thrive on healthy social interactions. Without them, your physical, mental, and cognitive health can suffer. According to a 2019 study led by Kassandra Alcaraz, Ph.D., MPH, a public health researcher with the American Cancer Society: “Our research really shows that the magnitude of risk presented by social isolation is very similar in magnitude to that of obesity, smoking, lack of access to care and physical inactivity.”

You might be thinking, “How can a lack of social interaction worsen my hearing?” While social isolation may not affect the level at which you can hear, it can affect your brain’s ability to process the information. Hearing is not just about your ears. Your brain plays a big role in how you process and understand sound.

As we age, our cognition can be affected by decreased social interaction. As our cognitive function declines, so does our ability to process information.

which he obtained his commercial driver’s license. He was then encouraged by a friend to open up a restaurant.

“It’s amazing how we will be celebrating two years of being open [at] the first location [of]

Don Giovanni Oct. 18, and I’ve only known our regulars for less than two years — these amazing and lovely people of the community have become my friends and family,” Shana Spinosa said. “We are blessed to be able to call so many friends.”

WHAT’S ON THE MENU?

Don Giovanni specializes in New York-style pizza.

“We have the same pizza as in Italy, but we also have New York style,” Giovanni Spinosa said. “It’s kind of like when you go to Detroit, when you go to Chicago, you find all different kinds of styles of pizza.”

The menu features classic Italian dishes like risotto, pork osso bucco, and spaghetti and meatballs as well as Mediterranean-inspired salads. Don Giovanni also uses imported mozzarella from Italy.

Don Giovanni’s menu also includes Montanare, which is like a fried pizza. Giovanni Spinosa said it was something he used to enjoy during his school days.

Shana Spinosa said she strives to create a sense of community in their restaurants, where people don’t need to be celebrating a special occasion to enjoy their food.

“I love owning our restaurants; our customers become our friends and family,” she said. “We create a ‘Cheers’like environment.”

caused, let’s focus on rebuilding those connections with our friends, neighbors and our community. Not only does engaging with our loved ones strengthen our psychological health, it also helps strengthen our brain and our ability to process what we hear.

At Palm Coast Hearing Center, our mission is to not only provide the best quality hearing care possible, but also to educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health?

options are not suitable, visit us to obtain custom hearing protection. You will be surprised by the functionality and durability of professionally made hearing protection.

Social Interaction

During this pandemic, you may have personally experienced

For many, this change may seem like hearing loss, but what is actually happening is the loss of the ability to process the information while the function of hearing remains the same.

As we emerge from the isolation that this pandemic has

Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com.

Steel Oak Coffee’s new space is located at 187 S. Yonge St.

Owners Giovanni and Shana Spinosa plan to open a location at 1930 W. Granada Blvd. open by Sunday, Oct. 1.

Photo courtesy of Don Giovanni Giovanni and Shana Spinosa

Photo by Alexis Miller Carl and Michele Dupper, owners and founders of Steel Oak Coffee.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Sing your HRT out

Halifax Repertory Theatre

to host ‘I HRT Broadway’ revue show this weekend.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Halifax Repertory Theatre is bringing Broadway to the News-Journal Center.

The theater company’s “I HRT Broadway” revue — featuring 32 numbers from 27 musicals including “42nd Street,” “Guys & Dolls,” “Les Miserables,” “Hairspray” and “Mean Girls” — has three shows this weekend. The show will open at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29, with additional shows at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. The cast is made up of 12 adults, 10 teens and five children ages 10 and under.

“We tried to really make it a variety so that it gives you a taste of what’s to come,” Halifax Repertory Theatre Executive Director Sandra Cook said. “A lot of the shows that we selected songs from are shows that we’re looking to potentially do in the future.”

Some of her favorite numbers from the show include “Brush up your Shakespeare” from “Kiss Me, Kate!”; “Meet the Plastics” from “Mean Girls” ; “Mama, I’m a Big Girl Now” from “Hairspray” ; and “One Day More” from “Les Miserables.”

Cook started Halifax Repertory Theatre with her husband Jack in 2021. The Ormond Beach couple, both of whom graduated from Seabreeze High School, sought to rejuvenate the arts in the community at the time, but soon after their first performance, the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact forced them to put their company on hold.

The timing now seems right for

Halifax Repertory Theatre, Cook said. “I HRT Broadway” will be the first of many shows lined up for the next year, she said. Their goal is to put on four shows a year, both at the News-Journal Center and the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center once it reopens.

The Cooks are also renovating a space in Ormond Beach where they plan to hold master classes, auditions, workshops, dance classes and private lessons.

“What we’d like to do is bring some elite instruction over to the area of Volusia County,” Cook said.

“The arts used to be much more prevalent here in the past, and a lot of those different groups and people who were doing classes and performances have disappeared.”

In addition, Cook said, she and her husband would love to open a murder mystery dinner theater show. When they lived in Orlando, both of them worked as actors at MurderWatch Mystery Theatre, which closed in 2018. The Cooks have purchased the rights to the show to take over the production.

“We want to try to give people an opportunity to say, ‘Hey, live entertainment is back and better than ever,’” Cook said.

The cast of “I HRT Broadway” includes: Chelsea Turbin, Jack Tobias Cook, Sandy Cook, Steven Simmons, Kelly Parsons Kwiatek, Jenny Gibbens, Crisi Simmons, Skylar Dowman, Chad Boothman, Jill Kachanouskaya, Mikey Huth, Michael Funaro, Sophie Hodges, Olivia Giaconi, Ysa Boothman, Ziva Boothman, Jordanny Hiciano Rivera, Chase Cook, Bree Johnson, Brooke Johnson, Laura Isabel Ortiz, Miah Haymes, Lorelei Cook, Annabelle Kocher, Olivia Grace Kwiatek, Eva Murphy and Maya Rice.

IF YOU GO

‘I HRT BROADWAY’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29; 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1. Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St. Details: Enjoy this Broadway revue by Halifax Repertory Theatre. Featuring 32 numbers from 27 musicals, this show aims to give the community a taste of performances to come. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for children under 18. Visit halifaxrep.com.

Jack Cook sings “I Hate Shakespeare.”

The cast of “I HRT Broadway” performs “Moses.”

Jordan Rivera and Olivia Giaconi dance to “It’s De-Lovely.”

Chelsea Turbin sings “The Girl in 14G.”

Bree Johnson and Skylar Dowman sing “Meet the Plastics.”

Michael Funaro performs “Lily’s Eyes.”

Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Fall season brings festivals to Daytona Beach area

Coming up on Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 is the Ormond Beach Live Original Music and Art Festival.

OBSERVER STAFF

Looking for something to do this fall? Here’s a list of upcoming festivals, as compiled by Daytona Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

ORMOND BEACH LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC & ART

FESTIVAL

Organized by the Songwriters Showcases of America, more than 100 original music acts on 12 stages will take part in the

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, SEPT. 29

‘I HRT BROADWAY: A

MUSICAL REVUE’

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 and Saturday, Sept. 30; and 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1

Where: The News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St.,

Daytona Beach

Details: Head to the NewsJournal Center to see the Halifax Repertory Theatre’s “I HRT

Broadway: A Musical Revue.”

Featuring guest artist Chelsea Turbin. Tickets $30 for adults; $25 for children under 18. Buy tickets at halifaxrep.com/tickets/index.

FLAGLER COUNTY PRO RODEO

When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Come watch professionals compete in the Flagler County Pro Rodeo. Tickets $20 for adults; $10 for kids 5-12. Gates open at 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 30

WONDERFUL WOOD WARBLERS

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

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

Details: Celebrate birds with Joan Tague, president of Halifax River Audubon. There will be a guided bird walk through Central Park at 8 a.m. and a talk on wood warblers at 2 p.m. All ages welcome. Call 386-615-7081 to sign up.

HEALTH FAIR

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend this free event designed to encourage healthy lifestyles. Free blood pressure and blood sugar screenings. Email firemary@bellsouth.net or call 386-441-4421.

5th annual Ormond Beach Live Original Music & Art Festival at the Rockefeller Gardens, The Casements and Fortunato Park on Sept. 30 to Oct. 1. More than 70 artist and trade show booths, a youth art contest, vendors, beer and wine garden and a kid zone will be available.

BIKETOBERFEST

Motorcycling enthusiasts will descend upon the Daytona Beach area on Oct. 19-22 for the 31st annual Biketoberfest.

The four-day rally attracts motorcycle enthusiasts to the Daytona Beach area and neighboring communities with beautiful Florida weather, live music, the industry’s top vendors, bike shows,

ORMOND BEACH LIVE ORIGINAL MUSIC AND ART

FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 30; and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: The largest music festival in Ormond is returning with over 125 acts at Rockefeller Gardens, The Casements and Fortunato Park. There will be more than 70 artist and trade show booths. A two-day pass is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. Single-day tickets are $10 in advance; $15 at the gate. Visit ssa.cc/ ormond.html.

MATANZAS CHORUS MATTRESS FUNDRAISER

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Matanzas High School cafeteria, 3535 Pirate Nation Way, Palm Coast

Details: Each purchase at Matanzas High School’s second annual mattress fundraiser helps support the Matanzas chorus’ planned January trip to sing at Carnegie Hall. For details, text “Pirates” to 321521-2327.

FLAGLER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE 2023 SAFETY EXPO

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Learn vital safety information at the FCSO’s free Safety Expo. Visit bit. ly/3PuAFNr.

SEMINAR SATURDAYS

When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Healthier Wealthier Wiser, Inc. is hosting this event featuring guest speaker and RN Donna Edwards and Keiana Long Hargrett of the Levi Long Sickle Cell Association. Free lunch and learn event. Free health screenings. RSVP to Investinhealth2022@ gmail.com or call 386-4054106 and leave a message.

motorcycle racing at Daytona International Speedway and miles of scenic rides along A1A, historic Main Street and the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop.

HALIFAX ART FESTIVAL

Set in historic downtown Daytona Beach on the scenic Halifax River, the 61st annual Halifax Art Festival on Nov. 5-6 is a two-day professionally juried and judged art show that attracts more than 200 artists. It also features music, food, entertainment and special activities for children.

GREEK FESTIVAL

The Greek Festival at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox

AACS ’60S AND ’70S

DANCE PARTY

When: 6 p.m.

Where: African American Cultural Museum of Florida, 4422 N. U.S. 1, Palm Coast

Details: The African American Cultural Society invites the community to a themed ’60s/’70s dance party to celebrate the AACS’ inaugural internship program and the closing of its studentproduced Summer of 1969 exhibition.

SUNDAY, OCT. 1

BLOOD DRIVE AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond

Beach

Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 are hosting the OneBlood Big Red Bus for blood donations. All donors will receive a free pass to the council’s pancake breakfast. Breakfast for nondonors is $6. Kids under 12 eat free.

TUESDAY, OCT. 3

ORMOND BEACH POLICE’S

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Police Department for this event featuring bounce houses, a petting zoo and free hot dogs.

FRIDAY, OCT. 6

10TH ANNUAL MAZE DAYZ

When: 5-10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays; and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, Oct.

6-29

Where: Cowart Ranch and Farms, 8185 State Route 100, Bunnell

Details: Cowart Ranch and Farms’ annual Maze Dayz are back. Get lost in the farm’s maze, enjoy a pumpkin patch and hayrides and buy local produce. Tickets cost $15. Children 2 and under are free. Visit MazeDays.com.

Church in Daytona Beach on Nov. 9-12 has been a popular favorite for more than 40 years. The festival offers the opportunity to live like a Greek for the day. From costumed Greek dances and fresh-from-theoven foods to traditional Greek music, this festival showcases all things Greek. The event also features a Greek marketplace with handcrafted souvenirs and Greek-themed gifts.

RIVERFEST SEAFOOD

FESTIVAL

Located between The Casements and the Halifax River in Ormond Beach, Rockefeller Gardens will celebrate the

‘BLUE’ OPENING ART RECEPTION

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Galerie Elan, 230 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: The Florida Women’s Arts Association’s latest exhibition, titled “Blue,” will run through Oct. 28.

HOOK, LINE AND SINKER COMEDY NIGHT

When: 6:30-10:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7

Where: VFW Riders Post 8696, 47 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast,

Details: Hookin’ Veterans will host two comedy nights featuring comedians Bobby Henline and Adam Keys. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Contact hookinveterans@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, OCT. 7

REEL IN THE FUN

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, 1 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Register for this free catch-and-release kids’ fishing tournament by Wednesday, Oct. 4. Open to Ormond residents only, ages 4-12. Call 386-676-3250.

PLAYING ON THE PORCHES: A FAMILYFRIENDLY CELEBRATION OF HALLOWEEN TRADITIONS

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Barberville Pioneer Settlement, 1776 Lightfoot Lane, Barberville

Details: Attend this celebration featuring live music performances, storytelling, trick-or-treating and more. Costumes encouraged. Tickets cost $25 for a one-day family pass; $10 for general admission; $9 for seniors, veterans and groups of five or more; $4 for children 6-12. Children 5 and under are free. Visit pioneersettlement.org.

POTTERY CLASSES

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Pineapple Art Gallery, 208 South Central Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: Pineapple Art Gallery

coastal lifestyle and all things water at the 13th Annual Riverfest Seafood Festival on Nov. 18-19.

Guests can enjoy freshly caught fried fish, sip on a craft beer and enjoy live music and more. Kids can even get in on the fun with the annual kids fishing clinic.

30TH ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS Woodland Boulevard in DeLand will transform into an artists garden of colors with the 30th annual Fall Festival of the Arts on Nov. 18-19. The event will feature works from 170 national artists in a wide variety of mediums, including paintings, sculpture, glass, jewelry, leather,

is hosting a series of pottery classes for all skill levels. Classes will be held Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28. Costs $145. Sign up in person, call Don Davis at 386-241-2815 or email Audrey Scherr at audrey.scherr@ gmail.com.

18TH ANNUAL CREEKSIDE

FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Princess Place Preserve, 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy bluegrass and country music, arts and crafts, food and family fun at this annual festival. Presented by Flagler Broadcasting. Tickets cost $10 per adult. Kids 12 and under are free.

SUNDAY, OCT. 8

29TH ANNUAL BRUCE

ROSSMEYER RIDE FOR CHILDREN

When: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Destination Daytona, 1637 N. US 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Take part in this annual ride to fundraise for Camp Boggy Creek. Motorcyclists will be escorted by the Sheriff’s Office from Destination Daytona to Camp Boggy Creek, which provides free camps for children with serious illnesses. Registration required. Visit hyperspheresnail-dtbd.squarespace.com/.

PINK ON PARADE 5K RUN/ WALK

When: 7:45 a.m.

Where: Advent Health Palm Coast, 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Help raise money for breast cancer awareness, education and screening. All proceeds will go to supporting mammograms and other diagnostic services. Registration starts at 6:30 a.m. Costs $40. Visit runsignup.com/ Race/FL/PalmCoast/pink5k

ONGOING

“HELLO, DOLLY!”

When: Weekends of FridaySunday Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, and Oct. 6-8. Friday and Saturday shows start at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday shows start at 2 p.m.

photography, printmaking, wood, ceramics and fiber.

DAYTONA TURKEY RUN

The largest combined car show and swap meet in the United States is celebrating its golden anniversary in 2023 with the 50th Annual Daytona Turkey Run on Nov. 23-26 at Daytona International Speedway. Car enthusiasts will gather to view show-quality cars from around the county and discover beautifully restored classics and foreign cars. From accessories to hardto-find parts to classic cars, there’s something for everyone at the Turkey Run.

Where: Flagler Playhouse, 301 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell

Details: The romantic and comic exploits of Dolly Gallagher-Levi, turn-of-the-century matchmaker, will thrill and entertain you in “Hello, Dolly!”, a musical adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s hit play “The Matchmaker.” The show features some of musical theater’s greatest songs. Buy tickets at flaglerplayhouse. org/hello-dolly.

‘I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE PERFECT, NOW CHANGE’

When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 29 and 30; and 3 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 1

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: City Repertory Theatre will present this offBroadway musical on modern love illustrated through a series of vignettes. Tickets cost $30; student tickets cost $15. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

MOMS OF PRE SCHOOLERS

When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month

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

Details: Moms of Pre Schoolers is a free faith-based program for moms, moms-tobe and their preschoolers for support and encouragement. Breakfast is provided, as well as a video with discussion and crafts. Playtime offered for children, with adult supervision. 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 ongoing. Insurances that cover fitness accepted, or a donation for those with no coverage. Visit Synergyseniorfitness.com.

THE FINE ARTS

THIS IS NOT ART

Daytona Beach artist

Andrew Balint will be unveiling his new collection, “This is not Art,” at the Art Spotlight Gallery in Ormond Beach on Saturday, Oct. 7. Balint has a unique perspective on the world of art, according to a gallery statement.

“His work is a fusion of influences, from street art to abstract expressionism, resulting in a style that defies conventional definitions. Balint’s art has garnered recognition for its ability to challenge preconceived notions and stimulate thought,” the statement reads.

Art Spotlight adds that the “This is Not Art” show will offer a fresh perspective on the “ever-evolving world of contemporary art.”

The grand opening ceremony for the show will coincide with the Ormond Beach Art Walk event from 3-7 p.m. The gallery is located at located at 67 W. Granada Blvd.

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MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland kicker Jacob Gettman clinched the win with a field goal in the fourth quarter followed up with a touchback by punter Gavin Greathouse, which put Lake Minneola on the 20-yard line. The Buccaneers finished with a 31-28 win and a five-game winning

streak on Sept. 22 at Daytona Stadium.

“We took it to them early, like we were supposed to,” Mainland head coach Travis Roland said. “Mistakes got them back in it. Football sucks when the momentum gets rolling and you’re on the other end of it. It’s not a fun deal. Our kids are resilient and did a great job and came out on top. That’s always better than the other result.”

Starting with a 40-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marquis McCants and a touchdown run by Khamani Robinson, Mainland dominated the first quarter. Clarence McCloud and Rodney Hill brought the score to 28-6 by mid-second quarter.

“I mean, I was supposed to be running like a climb down the field then I (saw) D.J. Murray rolling out,” McCants said. “He (saw) me and we made eye contact. He made a good throw — got to catch it. The opening touchdown, you know that always feels good.

“I got to give it all to the big boys because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t score. It (the touchdown) felt good

You got to set the tone.”

The Hawks made it difficult for the Bucs with two touchdowns with two-point conversion in the second and third quarters. The score was tied until Gettman kicked a field goal with 8:26 left.

McCants attributes energy and focus to Mainland’s ability to overcome in the end.

“This team right here never gave up,” Mainland coach and athletic director Terry Anthony said. “They are going to fight to the end. But we are champions. We are going to have to win games like that.”

After recovering from a torn ACL and meniscus over the summer, running back Robinson proved he was back and healthy with a 72-yard touchdown run early in the game. He also had 23 carries and rushed for 157 yards. As the season progresses, Robinson said he is going to work harder, pick his knees up and put up more touchdowns.

“I got to give it all to the big boys because if it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t score,” he said “It (the touchdown) felt good because I felt like we were down and we needed it, so I had to pull through for the team. Definitely boost the ego.” Roland said his receivers and quarterback Murray got into rhythm. Murray was the MaxPreps player of the game with 149-yards passing and two touchdowns.

Mainland will play Pine

Ridge on Friday, Sep. 29, has a bye week and then faces Deltona on Oct. 12. Pine Ridge is currently 3-1 for the season.

“Could be for a district championship with Pine Ridge, which you don’t say every day,” Roland said.

“Coach Eric Poyner has done a great job. Those kids are going to come battle. We are excited.”

Mainland and Lake Minneola captains watch the coin toss before the start of the football game.

Khamani Robinson gets the big lift after his 72-yard touchdown run against Lake Minneola.

Mainland quarterback D.J. Murray rushes for more yardage as Lake Minneola’s Jonah Cali (11) and Jason Wiggins (6) go for the tackle.

The Mainland-Lake Minneola game got rough at Daytona Stadium.

Mainland’s Marquis McCants scores the first touchdown of the game.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Buccaneer cheerleaders Kyra Berry and Tianna Hamilton.

Jai’herr Bennett (8), Jaiden Billings (10) and Donte’on McCoy (0) salute the flag on youth football and cheer night.

Home on the beach: Sandcrabs scurry to first-place finishes

Seabreeze boys cross country runner Hunter Shuler places first while teammate Riley Hale and Mainland’s Kiera Williams tie for first at the annual Seabreeze beach run meet.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Local high school cross country runners waited as the Bobcat compact tractor was unloaded at the Harvard beach approach. It churned up the sand as it was driven away from the start-finish line of the Seabreeze beach run meet on the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 20.

“It’s just part of it,” Seabreeze athletic director and cross country coach Brad Montgomery said. “Things happen, you just adapt and move on. That’s what the kids do when they run cross country. It’s all flat and then there’s a hill in front of them—they just take the challenge and move on.”

The disruption did not phase the Seabreeze boys and girls cross coun-

try teams who train at the beach once a week. Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler placed first for the boys while Riley Hale and Mainland’s Kiera Williams crossed the finish line simultaneously in 23:50 for the girls.

“Riley Hale competed well all the way to the end,” Montgomery said. “Those two kids battled each other the whole way. At the finish line, it looked like they came across at the same time. They were smiling and looked like they were having a great time.”

Hale and Williams are the top runners for their teams. They met at the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Asics Classic meet the previous weekend. At that time, they knew they would be opponents throughout the season which was proven at the beach run.

“As soon as we started out, we were keeping the same pace and time as we were running,” Williams said. “We would cheer each other on. It was really good. Now we know who we’re supposed to go against. We are each other’s person. It’s a friendly rivalry. At the end, we are going to put everything into it.”

Williams’ goal for the season is to run in the 20’s or beat 20 minutes.

“Personally, I always look forward

to setting a new (personal record), but you can’t really set a new PR without the competition so I feel like with having that competition (with Hale) we will just push each other to even better and even faster than what we planned to begin with so it’s great,” she said. Hale started the season at 23:17 and dropped to 22 at the ERAU meet. Following the transfer of Arianna and Mackenzie Roy to Spruce Creek, she has changed her perspective.

“I am happy for them,” she said. “But I just needed to step up and run harder. I just did it to do it my first two years, but this year I actually enjoy it and want to get better.”

Shuler, a sophomore, said his father Paul Shuler, a Seabreeze math teacher and coach, has been helpful with reaching his goals along with running track last year which has been instrumental in improving his times. He would like to finish the season under 16 minutes.

“I’ve been running super fluid and I’m not tired when I run these races,” he said. “I’ve been feeling strong. I feel that is a sign that I’m going to

be strong in these difficult races in these places where it’s going to be very hard to beat teams.”

Shuler placed 21st out of 182 runners with a 17:06.08 at the Tohopekaliga XC Invitational at Austin Tindal Park in Kissimmee on Sept. 23. His PR is 16:58.5.

He attributes a shift in his attitude toward running to the Spanish word “ganas” which is used in the movie “Stand and Deliver.”

“The word ‘ganas’ means ‘desire’ in Spanish,” he said. “I learned a lot from that movie because it taught me that all of these races I’m running now, they are hurting like hell but I didn’t have the ganas to push to the next level (last season). I feel like now is the time to push to the next level no matter how bad it’s going to hurt and no matter how my legs are tiring. I feel like I have the desire now.”.

“Personally, I always look forward to setting a new PR, but you can’t really set a new PR without the competition. So I feel like with having that competition (with Hale) we will just push each other to even better and even faster than what we planned to begin with, so it’s great.”

KIERA WILLIAMS, Mainland cross country runner

Seabreeze cheerleaders and students stand together at the start-finish line at the beach run. They are part of the high school’s program, Sandcrabs Supporting Sandcrabs, that promotes different sports teams supporting each other.

Mainland cross country runners compete in the Seabreeze beach run.

Seabreeze, Mainland, Taylor and Pine Ridge high schools’ boys cross country teams battle at the start of the beach run held at the Harvard approach in Ormond Beach.

Seabreeze’s Riley Hale and Mainland’s Kiera Williams tie for first place at the beach run

Seabreeze Hunter Shuler finishes first in the boys cross country race.

Sandcrabs Zeno Louizes, Jack Slater and Thomas Davis run in tandem as the cheerleaders yell encouragement.

Seabreeze and Mainland girls cross country runners battle on the beach.

More opportunities have been good for Good and Matanzas’ volleyball team

Middle blocker Frankie Good has been knocking down more kills, and the Pirates have been winning.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Getting 6-foot middle blocker Francesca “Frankie” Good more involved in the Matanzas volleyball team’s offense has been a major factor in the Pirates’ recent success.

Good had a team-high 10 kills in Matanzas’ 25-8, 25-6, 25-7 sweep of Flagler Palm Coast on Sept. 20 at the Bulldogs’ gym. She was one of four Pirates with seven or more kills — Senna Thayer and Faith Purvis each had eight, and Keri Petro had seven. The Pirates have won 11 of their

“We had a rocky start, because we were still learning each other. ... Now I’m getting more involved with the game. I’m doing more with hitting stats, hitting percentage, blocking.”

FRANKIE GOOD

last 12 matches to improve to 13-3 heading into a home match with St. Augustine on Tuesday night, Sept. 26. Their only loss during that stretch was to St. Johns Beachside, the fourth-ranked team in Class 5A. Before falling to the Barracudas on Sept. 19, Matanzas had won 10 straight, including five in a row at the River City Classic in Jacksonville to win the Coastal Division title.

“We’re starting to jell as a team,” Matanzas coach Dawn Moses said after the Pirates’ win at FPC. “With a freshman setter (Grace Taylor), it’s taken us a little bit to learn to run our offense. Tonight, we had four kids with seven kills, and it’s nice because it’s usually Senna and Keri (with most of the kills). So we’re starting to spread out the wealth.”

It was the second match in a row that Good has led in kills. She had a team-high seven against Beachside. That’s a good sign for Matanzas, which is now ranked 27th in the state in Class 6A. Good, who has 89 kills, can be an intimidating presence when she gets her opportunities.

“We had a rocky start, because we

were still learning each other,” Good said. “There were a lot of new players. At first there was no mental connection (with a new setter), which is just normal, because it’s somebody that’s new. Now I’m getting more involved with the game. I’m doing more with hitting stats, hitting percentage, blocking.”

Good has been working to expand her toolset, Moses said.

“We’re trying to run her with more than one set. She has to have more than one set,” Moses said. “She’s doing a nice job on that though, getting some high sets and getting some low sets.”

Thayer, who is second on the team in kills with 134 behind Petro, a freshman with 142, said the team has worked to expand the offense.

“We’ve been working a lot in practice to make sure that we can run different stuff and run them consistently,” Thayer said. “We came together against a really tough team (Bartram Trail in the River City final). After losing the first set, we came back and won, and I think that was a big building block for our team. This is one of

500 ASSISTS FOR DAILEY

Flagler Palm Coast sophomore setter Faith Dailey thinks Bulldogs coach Nicole Puritis happened to watch her filling in at setter one day with her DME Academy club team, and that’s how she became a setter.

Dailey was honored before FPC’s match with Matanzas on Sept. 20 after getting her 500th assist on Sept. 19 in a five-set win at Deltona.

“For me it’s huge,” she said of the milestone, “because I was never a setter. But then I came to high school, and I became a setter. So coming into this new position,

the best records we’ve ever had as a program, so I think we’re feeling very confident.”

Sophomore libero Rylan Miller, who is headed to Colorado Springs for USA Volleyball’s National Team Development Program Fall Training Series on Sept. 29-Oct. 1, said the Pirates are gaining more confidence every day.

“I think we’ve gotten a lot better,” Miller said. “I know personally I’ve had to overcome a lot with my hamstring and everything, but I know Frankie’s had a huge improvement

it’s a big accomplishment for me.”

Dailey had been an outside hitter for her club team and also filled in at libero.

“She can play any position,” Puritis said. “She’s got great potential. She’s the best setter to come our way in a long time. She’s humble, hard-working and she’s a great teammate.”

Heading into a Sept. 26 home match with Menendez, Dailey had 314 assists this season and 556 in less than two seasons.

She said she hopes to surpass 1,000 assists before she graduates.

from last year. I know Senna’s gotten a lot better. I think we’re all pretty positive and having a lot of fun.”

Miller is the first libero from Florida to ever be invited to the National Team Development Program Training Series, Moses said. She is also on the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Phenom Watch List.

“I’m really excited about it,” Miller said of the Training Series weekend. “I think it will be a good experience. I just want to play my hardest, have fun, make more friends, meet new people and do my best.”

By Luis Campos

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78 ___ gin fizz

79 Musical Greek god

80 Way out there, and how

82 “Thirtysomething” star

83 Commanders on the front line?

85 Inside scans (Abbr.)

86 Missy in the Songwriters Hall of Fame

87 Arms for Force-ful people?

89 Apt rhyme for “pitch”

93 Instrument in a jazz combo

95 Emperor of India known as “the Great”

96 Attach, as a corsage

97 Pursue, as a lead

98 Fusses

99 Worker that fills in gaps, for short

100 Water, for a Super Soaker

102 Workplace watchdog (Abbr.)

105 “Delicious!”

106 Pacific tuna

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Puzzle One Clue: Y equals G Puzzle Two Clue: E equals U Puzzle Three Clue: P equals D

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

FPC’s Marina Carlisi hits over the net.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

STRIKE THAT! by Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

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

REAL ESTATE

House in Rima Ridge Ranchettes tops sales list

Ahouse in Rima Ridge Ranchettes was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 13-19 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. Walter and Susan Lewis, of Flagler Beach, sold 29 Pinto Lane to Travis Medley III and Michelle Medley, as trustees, for $1,750,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, 5 acres, a barn and 4,515 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $385,000.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER ORMOND BEACH

Halifax Plantation

Clifford Stern, of Boca Raton, and Barbara Kreisberg, of New York, New York, sold 1467 Carlow

Circle to Jay McGowan, of Ormond Beach, for $339,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,658 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $213,000.

Hunters Ridge

Garrett and Kailee Morgan, of Ormond Beach, sold 25 Canterbury Woods to Robert and Stacy Young, of Ormond Beach, for $580,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,181 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $525,000.

Matthew Rodriguez and Kimberly Stewart, of Ormond Beach, sold 109 Pergola Place to Timothy Christopher Harris, of Ormond Beach, for $421,500. Built in 2016, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace and 1,983 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $259,700.

Hilltop Haven

Elijah and Amanda Keen, of Win-

field, Missouri, sold 1801 Carolina Ave. to Christian Maynard and Hanna Jacob, of Ormond Beach, for $205,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 2/1 and has 990 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $174,000.

Ormond Terrace

NNTA Corp., of Daytona Beach, sold 376 North Ridgewood Ave. to Wensley Esteva and Cherisma Bhagwandin, of Lake Worth, for $428,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,430 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $240,000.

Not in a subdivision

Tonya Burnside Griffin and John Wayne Griffin, of Ormond Beach, sold 2499 Durrance Lane to Serendipity Stables LLC, of Ormond Beach, for $1,700,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has 4 other buildings on the property, 4 barns and 1,104 square feet. It sold in 1997 for $450,000.

Ormond Lakes

Jason and Pamela Bukowski, of Seabrook, New Hampshire, sold 18 Indianhead Drive to David MacDonald Schmelz and Christine Ann Taylor-Schmelz, of Ormond Beach, for $610,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool and

2,435 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $390,000.

Pineland

Jason Edward Seibel, as trustee, sold 229 Sunset Point Drive to Nick Shivers, of Tualatin, Oregon, for $438,800. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,332 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $316,000.

Plantation Bay

George and Wendy Bigelow, of Ormond Beach, sold 1343 Redbourne Lane to Maria Jose Velasco Acuna and Joseph Gay, of Ormond Beach, for $1,287,500. Built in 2014, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 3,958 square feet.

Christine Carla Troianello, of Ormond Beach, sold 1225 Sunningdale Lane to Robert and Kelli Steele, of Huntington, West Virginia, for $645,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,161 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $584,000.

Roberta Heights

Gretchen Estrada, of St. Augustine, sold 1772 John Anderson Drive to Sean and Christine New, of Oviedo, for $620,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 2/2 and has a dock and 1,256 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $370,000.

Twin River Estates

Lloyd LaLonde, of Maryville, Ten-

15th Annual Feed Flagler Thanksgiving Event

manda Drive to Theresa Marshall, of Ormond Beach, for $305,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 844 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $169,900.

Gail Stewart, of Orlando, sold 53 River Shore Drive to Patricia Ann Faunt, of Jacksonville, for $260,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 756 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $66,900.

Seabridge

nessee, sold 34 Twin River Drive to Majestic Mountain Investments, LLC, of Davenport, for $245,000. Built in 1974, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,725 square feet. It sold in 1974 for $54,800.

Village of Pine Run

George Frick, III and Frances Frick, of Ormond Beach, sold 125 Oak Lane to Gina Sweringen and William Brock Lawson, of Ormond Beach, for $437,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,402 square feet. It sold in 1988 for $130,000.

Woodmere Joe and Barbara Shanton, of Chillicothe, Ohio, sold 997 Parkwood Drive to James Dyke, Jr. and Jo Dyke, of Ormond Beach, for $307,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,460 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $99,000.

ORMOND BY THE SEA

Beau Rivage Shores David MacDonald Schmelz and Christine Ann Taylor-Schmelz, of Ormond Beach, sold 107 Beau Rivage Drive to Gary and Susan Masselle, of Ormond Beach, for $585,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,905 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $230,000.

Not in a subdivision Debbie Osborne and Joseph Hoffman, of Flagler Beach, sold 47 Ala-

Gary and Susan Masselle, of Ormond Beach, sold 3 Sea Turtle Terrace to James Dunham, of Ormond Beach, for $582,500. Built in 1985, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,899 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $186,500.

PORT ORANGE

Hamlet Take Action Investments, LLC, of Orlando, sold 984 Whiporwill Drive to Merria Rayjean Norris, of Port Orange, for $356,900. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,388 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $195,000.

Oakbrook Michael and Laura Stegall, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, sold 3885 Bourbon Street to Xing Hang Dong and Tong Shun Dong, of Port Orange, for $435,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,104 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $294,000.

Sugar Forest

Paul Czajkowski, as trustee, sold 813 Sugar House Drive to Shoreline Remodel Group LLC, of Ormond Beach, for $244,600. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,633 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $120,000.

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

ACREAGE DREAM HOME! 6-BR, 4-BA, 2-CG open floor plan home. Close to town. Private airplane runway, detached barn/workshop over 5,000 sq ft. Breathtaking lake views with a floating dock. Home also includes an in-ground pool with a summer kitchen and pool bath. This home isn’t just a property; it’s an embodiment of a luxurious lifestyle.

MLS#1112704 $1,650,000 Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

Remarkable waterfront estate currently owned by an awardwinning musician offers a harmonious blend of opulence and functionality. Presently used as a second home and a music studio, this property presents a unique opportunity to own a truly exceptional residence. 4-bedroom, 4-bath, 2 half-bath . $2,200,000 Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

4-BR, 2-BA, 2-CG Home. Serene oasis on 2.34 acres. Kitchen has been updated with new countertops and has an abundance of cabinet and countertop space. Split bedroom plan. Master bedroom features trey ceiling, private bath and spacious closet. Home also features enclosed Florida room and a screened-in patio with a hot tub. MLS#1112983

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Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

Remarkable riverfront estate in Ormond Beach. Designed by renowned architect Ben Butera and executed by Forever Homes, this property showcases the pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. 5BR, 5BA, and 2 half bathrooms, provides ample space for family and guests. An impressive living area of over 7,500 sq ft, and sitting on almost an acre lot.

$5,500,000

Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

Completely remodeled condo from floor to ceiling with highend upgrades! 16th floor with direct ocean views. New AC unit (2019) and water heater (2016). The community offers access to their 20th-floor penthouse/clubhouse, game room, exercise room, indoor jacuzzi, tranquil sauna, in-ground pool and grilling area. MLS#1110461 $475,000 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!

OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: September 28, 2023 THOMAS FOLEY Personal Representative 2728 Hanover Street Dallas, TX 75225 S. LaRue Williams, Esq. Florida Bar No 130159 KINSEY VINCENT PYLE P.L. 150 S. Palmetto Ave., Suite 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 252-1561 Facsimile: (386) 254-8157 Attorneys for Personal Representative Primary E-mail: SLW@KVPlaw.com Secondary E-mail: anne.dahms@kvplaw.com Sept. 28; Oct. 5, 2023 23-00158G

FIRST INSERTION AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

continued in progress without additional notice to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when Staff and/or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.

Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the meeting is asked to advise the District Manager’s office at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting by contacting the District Manager at (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 711, for assistance in contacting the District Manager’s office.

A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting, with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, is advised that a record of the proceedings is needed and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

Grand Haven Community Development District David McInnes, District Manager (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193

September 28, 2023

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that

23-00242F

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 November 2, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside

Relay Service at 1 (800) 955-8770, which can aid you in contacting the District

death was October 26, 2022 and is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1, 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 THIS FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE No. 2023 CA 000597 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MYRA J. COLE, DECEASED, et al.,, et al.,

Defendants TO: UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MYRA

ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, PAGES 32 THROUGH 42, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in BUSINESS OBSERVER, otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

IMPORTANT

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this proceeding should, no later than seven (7) days prior, contact the Clerk of the Court’s disability coordinator at COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E ORANGE AVENUE, SUITE 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, 386-257-6096. If hearing or voice impaired, contact (TDD) (800)955-8771 via Florida Relay System. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT on this day of 9/19/2023.

5356 BENT OAK DRIVE SARSOTA, FL 34232

225 COGGINS DRIVE #171 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in Flagler County, Florida: LOT 10, BLOCK 7, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF WYNNFIELD, SECTION 20,

Road