Ormond Beach Observer 04-11-24

Tomoka Oaks golf course hearing set for Tuesday

After two delays, the City Commission will review developers’ rezoning request.

Shalom, Ormond Beach!

Eighth biennial festival celebrates Jewish culture.

CITY WATCH

Sex offender distance rule increased

The Volusia County Council has increased the residency distance requirements for sexual offenders and sexual predators in Ormond-by-theSea and other unincorporated areas.

On April 2, the County Council voted 5-2 to pass an ordinance that increased the residency requirements from 1,000 feet to 1,500 feet from schools, daycares, parks and playgrounds. County Council Chair Jeff Brower and Councilman Don Dempsey voted against, concerned about eliminating available housing for offenders. Dempsey, a former prosecutor, worried that the new requirements would result in more homeless sexual offenders and predators, which are harder for the sheriff’s office to monitor. The ordinance was spearheaded by Councilman Danny Robins, who said that communities with increased residency requirements reported less repeat offenses by sexual offenders or predators. In Ormond, they cannot live within 2,500 feet of churches, schools, parks, daycares, playgrounds, the library, recreational facilities, bus stops and the beach.

Golf course rezoning hearing set for Tuesday Planning Board to review plats for Plantation

After two postponements, the Ormond Beach City Commission will review the proposed rezoning request for the former Tomoka Oaks golf course at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16.

The meeting will be held at the City Commission chambers at City Hall.

In anticipation of a large turnout, the city will set up overflow rooms with screens to livestream the meeting.

The Tomoka Reserve developers — Carl Velie, Ray Barshay, Sheldon Rubin and Emily Rubin — are pursuing zoning map amendment from Planned Residential Development to R-2 “Single-family low density” for the 147.94-acre parcel within the Tomoka Oaks neighborhood. This request comes after the developers’

previous development order request to build 272 homes on the property was turned down by the City Commission in November 2023.

The developers are seeking to rezone the property to R-2 because that was its original zoning before 2006, when it was rezoned to PRD to allow a developer to build 35 townhomes and six condo buildings on 30 acres of the golf course. This development was never built due to the recession.

A rezoning could allow the developers to build more homes on the property compared to the previous 272-home proposal.

In January, the Ormond Beach Planning Board reviewed the proposed rezoning request and recom-

mended the City Commission deny it. The board felt that, just because the property was zoned R-2 in the past, doesn’t mean it should be zoned as such today.

In addition to the Planning Board’s recommendation of denial, city planning staff is also recommending the commission deny the rezoning request. The City Commission was originally scheduled to hold a public hearing for the rezoning request in January, but the meeting was postponed due to an advertising error. Then, in March, the meeting was postponed a second time due to the fire at the Ormond beach Performing Arts Center, where the city originally planned to hold the public meeting.

“There’s a saying that goes, ‘Whenever you go somewhere, you leave it better than when you got there,’ and I’d like to say that I did that here.”

Ormond Beach Police Officer Robert Pearson on his retirement. See Page 5A

The Tomoka Oaks golf course spans 147.94 acres within the Tomoka Oaks neighborhood. File photo

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

One festival, one people

The Jewish Heritage Festival featured camel rides, matzah making and roaming biblical characters.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Master of ceremonies Rabbi Rob Lennick stood on the Jerusalem Stage in Rockefeller Gardens and welcomed everyone to the eighth biennial Jewish Heritage Festival on Sunday, April 7.

In 2007, Murray Steinberg and his wife, Dr. Barbara Steinberg, went to a Jewish festival in Richmond, Virginia, and one in Melbourne, Florida. During his tenure as president of Temple Israel in 2006 and 2007, he formed a group named the Council of Temple Presidents with all of the synagogues in Volusia and Flagler Counties. He presented the idea of having a Jewish festival in the area and the members liked the idea.

“We decided it would instill a sense of pride in all of our children and families and bring us all together,” he said. “That was the miracle. We didn’t think we could get all of the synagogues together in one place and at one time. There were certain ones that wouldn’t go to ‘that synagogue’ or with ‘those people.’ It brought us all together.”

Ormond Beach resident and local trial attorney Jeff Bigman, is the current chair and has held the position since 2008 when it was started. The president of Temple BethEl, at the time, asked him to attend the first official festival meeting.

Following the meeting, he began to do research about festivals held nationwide. He discovered Chicago had a large Jewish festival and it was spearheaded by a lawyer. Bigman was able to order the paperwork used for that festival.

“My son and I went to the Atlanta Jewish Festival then I talked with the organizers of the Boulder Jewish Festival,” he said. “I came up with an action plan, not intending to lead this thing. I sent Murray all my notes because I couldn’t make the next meeting and Murray said, ‘No, no, no. You have to make the next meeting.’ Then, they put me in charge.”

Bigman said it takes a massive amount of people to engineer a successful festival. A group of 30-40 people consisting of board members and subcommittees plan it a year in advance. The week of the event, there are approximately 160 volunteers between the Friday night setup and the Sunday breakdown following the festival.

“As long as you have enough people pulling on the oars, you can pull it off,” Bigman said. “And we have been very blessed with great weather. As a kid, I used to call this Jewish holiday weather because it would never rain on Rosh Hashana or Yom Kippur.”

This year’s celebration was held as the Israel-Hamas war continues. According to the event schedule, this year’s festival was dedicated to all

hostages around the world. Bigman said that, even with the addition of the war and worldwide antisemitism, the festival brings all aspects of Judaism together in one place — under one tent.

“Whether you are Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative or Orthodox, we are all here together and we’re one people,” he said. “That to me is the most important message that we can send. Hamas thinks of us as one people — they have a different goal in mind for us but, at the same time, we need to think of ourselves as one people.”

Young and old alike came together for a day to celebrate the Jewish heritage while honoring those affected by the war. Bigman said there was something for everyone at the festival, for thoe 2 years old to 98 years old. Biblical characters roamed between Rockefeller Gardens and The Casements while kids tried their hands at making matzah bread, taking a jump in a bounce house or riding a very friendly camel named Newton.

Shayne Rigden, owner of Rigden Ranch, was leading Newton as he gave festival goers rides on his back. They drove from Franskville, Wisconsin, to participate.

“We normally don’t drive an hour or two past home, but we’ve been doing this gig for a very long time,” he said. “The festival is one of the things we kept on doing. It’s a very nice event.”

Speakers and exhibits were also available throughout the day. Holocaust survivors Bea Schemer and Suzanne Schneider talked about the rise of Nazism and their experiences. People could also view The Holocaust exhibit, the Jewish Hall of Fame —highlighting accomplishments of Israel — and the “Life in the Shtetl” photography exhibition by photojournalist Karen Sandvick.

Debbie Kruck-Forrester, founder of Ormond Strong, created a display with the names and photographs of the hostages taken during the Israel-Hamas war. She offered blue and white roses with their names attached to those that stopped by the “Bring Them Home” exhibit. “We did this because we were angry and we can’t go over there and fight,” she said. “It took a long time to put together. It connects everyone with the people. We came up with putting their names with a rose so the people (hostages) are not just seen as a name on a board. People that stop by and get a rose can take them home and look up that person. They will be connected to that person. I felt connected just by doing this.”

Ormond Strong fouder Debbie Kruck-Forrester stands with blue and white flowers that each have a name of a hostage taken during the Israel-Hamas war. She created a “Bring them Home” exhibit to raise awareness and support for the hostages. Rigden Ranch owner Shayne Rigden (right) leads his camel Newton as he gives London Jenerette and Violet Hamm a ride. Photos by Michele Meyers

Rabbi Asher Farkash (right) helps a group of young “bakers” make handmade matzah bread.

Photojournalist Karen Sandvick stands with her “Life in the Shtetl” exhibition

The Barber’s pose at the eighth biennial Jewish Heritage Festival following Steve Barber’s (right) speech about “The Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean.”

Robert Mendez blows the shofar on the Jerusalem stage.

Biblical characters Moses and Aaron meet at the Jewish Heritage Festival. Moses is played by Chris Jessup and Aaron is played by Michael LeRoy.

Robyn and Avi Solomon

School Board to hire an in-house attorney County Council increases stormwater fees

The current contract with the Doran Sims Wolfe and Yoon firm is set to end on June 30.

Rather than put a contract out for bid, the Volusia County School Board is leaning toward hiring an in-house school board attorney.

The board discussed its options for legal representation at its workshop on Tuesday, April 9. The current contract with the Doran Sims Wolfe and Yoon firm is set to end on June 30. Aaron Wolfe, the current school board attorney, has represented the board since September 2022. He replaced former school board attorney Ted Doran. Volusia County has historically retained outside counsel to represent the board. School District Attorney Kevin Pendley, an in-house position, and the Office of General Counsel, handle internal matters of the district administration and report to the superintendent.

“For me, it’s a matter of dollars and cents,” School Board member Ruben Colon said. “I think for us, we’re fortunate that Mr. Pendley has been able to carry a lot of these areas,

but at what point ... are we going to have to add someone anyways?” Colon said he viewed the in-house model as one that can alleviate the stress from some of the work under the Office of General Counsel, while still giving the district the opportunity to seek outside representation if needed for a specific legal case.

School Board member Carl Persis was interested in putting out both a request for proposals and a job opening. He said the benefits of hiring outside counsel include access to additional legal expertise, if the attorney is part of a firm, and that the attorney’s time is solely focused on the board.

“I think it would be a little different if a person that’s supposed to be the attorney for us is in the district, and Kevin or someone is assigning work to that person,” Persis said. “Unless it was specifically stated in the contract that this person would expect that to be part of his or her job.” He then wondered what kind of salary an applicant would ask to represent the board and work on the district’s legal cases. Persis said he wasn’t sure how many people would be willing to do that. He also questioned whether having an in-house attorney represent the board if or when it’s at odds with the superintendent would be in their best interest. “I’m just not convinced totally that the internal route would be the best way, and when I say the best way, I’m not looking at it just from the money side of it,” Persis said. “I’m trying to look at it like what would be in the best interest of the board, because there could be a time when the board and the superintendent are not on the same page, and

the superintendent, he or she needs her counsel and we need ours.”

Pendley said a quasi judicial situation — such as an impasse or student expulsion hearing — could mean hiring outside counsel, if the board has an in-house attorney, to avoid a legal conflict. While rare, it’s a situation that could happen, Pendley said.

“They happen, and they happen frequently if the board and the superintendent are at odds,” Pendley said. Pendley said he wouldn’t assign cases to a new in-house attorney in the legal areas of workers compensation, fleet, or general liability — the areas the district does typically hire outside counsel for.

An in-house attorney, however, could help with updating the school board’s policies, an effort Pendley and his office have been working on. In the last four years, Pendley estimated about 100 policies have been updated. Nineteen were on the agenda for the board’s meeting that afternoon to be advertised for proposed amendments.

School Board Chair Jamie Haynes said the board should look at the legal representation model Brevard County uses. Brevard has an assistant general counsel that answers to the superintendent, and a general counsel that answers to the board.

The board will vote and approve the job description at its April 23 meeting. At its May 14 workshop, the board will review applicants and narrow them down to a few to interview.

“I am not going to push this decision to June 25,” Haynes said. “This decision will have to be made by at least the June 11 board meeting. We’re not going to the end of the wire on this one.”

Stormwater fees for residents in unincorporated areas will rise from $6.50 to $8 a month.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Stormwater utility fees are going up again this year for residents of Ormond-by-theSea and other unincorporated areas.

In 2005, a rate study recommended Volusia County increase its monthly stormwater fees from $2.50 to $8 by 2009. The County Council at the time set the fee at $6, and it remained stagnant until 2023 when the council increased it by 50 cents.

On Tuesday, April 2, the County Council voted 5-2 to increase the fees to $8 — the highest it could set it without a noticed public hearing. A stormwater utility program study completed in March recommended an increase to $8.25 to maintain the current level of service for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. But, the increase would not sustain the program due to forecasted increases of operating expenditures starting next fiscal year.

“We’re looking at fiscal year [2026-2027] where we’re basically running a deficit in the stormwater utility plan,” County Public Works Director Ben Bartlett said at the recent council meeting. The expenditures were forecasted to be 114% over the program’s operating revenue in fiscal year 2026-2027. Bartlett attributed that to rising personnel costs — salaries and insurance benefits — as well as increased construction and maintenance costs.

Councilman Jake Johansson said one of the most common complaints he hears from residents is flooding. He was supportive of a “stair step approach” to increase the program’s level of service.

“I think people will give up a six-pack or three of beer a month to help put a dent in the flooding issues that we’re seeing, regardless of the reason — sea level rise, climate change, development,” Johansson said. “It’s all probably coming anyhow, right? We have a flood of water. We have a flood of sea level rise and we have a flood of people coming. We have to balance all those.”

But fee increases tend to hurt the most needy, said Councilman Troy Kent, who voted against the increase. “That doesn’t escape me when we’re making heavy decisions like this,” Kent said. “But it also doesn’t escape me that prior elected bodies will sometimes go years or decades without making small incremental increases, and then you’re hit with, ‘Hey we’re in a crisis situation and we’re going to increase everybody’s rate to an astronomical number.’ That doesn’t feel good.”

While also supportive of small incremental fee increases, Kent felt the $1.50 increase to $8 was too high. He made a motion to increase the stormwater fee to $7.50 a month, but it failed 5-2, with only Councilman Don Dempsey voting in favor of it with Kent.

Council Chair Jeff Brower said he would support an increase only if county staff used the funds to complete two watershed analysis studies a year, to either update or create existing water quality basin management action plans. Volusia has 16 watersheds; 11 have had a study performed since 1994. The

Halifax River watershed plan was last updated in 2015.

The only reason, County Manager George Recktenwald said, that the county hasn’t been facing a forecasted deficit in the stormwater utility fund in recent years is because of the federal coronavirus relief dollars.

“What you’re looking at and what [Bartlett] is trying to say is you need some extra money — because you can’t afford to do the studies because we’re using up all the money now on the operation and maintenance just to keep our heads above water,” Recktenwald said.

Councilman David Santiago, who voted against an increase to $7.50, thought $8 was too small of an increase to address issues, but that it was a start.

“Let’s tell Volusia that we’re serious about flooding and it costs money to do the projects,” Santiago said.

Councilman Danny Robins brought up a sales tax as another funding mechanism. Santiago asked if he was suggested exploring a referendum for an stormwater sales tax.

“Is it better for our visitors to pay for a portion of it to alleviate this, instead of putting 100% of the burden on our residents?” Robin said.

Santiago said he was open to the conversation.

“If we go there, it has to be very narrowly defined because of the failures in the past to do things like that,” Santiago said.

In 2019, Volusia County held a special election for a half-cent sales tax referendum to fund infrastructure projects; it failed by 55% of the vote.

Before the council vies for a sales tax, Brower said, the body should concentrate on what can be done now.

School Board Chair Jamie Haynes. File photo

Hinson students view solar eclipse

Eighth grade science teacher Akrisza Kemp-Brown used the eclipse as a teaching opportunity to reinforce the space unit curriculum for her students.

In 2017, Hinson Middle School eighth grader George Mijalli tried to see the total solar eclipse using a cereal box. It didn’t work, he said. So this time, he was prepared with his solar eclipse glasses.

“I failed,” Mijalli said. “This is redemption.”

Mijalli was one of eighth grade science teacher Akrisza Kemp-Brown’s students who took part in viewing the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Though Florida was not in the eclipse’s path of totality, residents were still able to see a partial eclipse. For Kemp-Brown, the eclipse provided a learning opportunity for her students. “This was a part of the space unit for the eighth graders, so it’s so much different than just showing them a Powerpoint or showing them a video,” she said. “For them to be able to

“For them to be able to go home and talk to their family about the experience that they had, I feel like that’s a big takeaway.”

AKRISZA KEMP-BROWN, teacher

come out here and truly see what I was saying is true ... is so amazing for them.”

Eighth grader Rohan Kasturi said the eclipse helped reinforce how important the atmosphere is. He also said he looked forward to seeing the sun — through his glasses, of course.

“I wonder what color it looks,” Kasturi said.

Fellow classmate Teagan Erwin said he was looking forward to seeing the sky darken a bit.

“That’s the only time you can see the corona,” Erwin said. The corona is the outermost part of the sun’s atmosphere.

Mijalli said he looked forward to experiencing the eclipse.

“It seems like a once-in-alifetime thing,” he said.

Being in the path of totality, Kemp-Brown said, would be amazing. But even seeing a partial eclipse is a bonus for her and her students.

“A lot of times, the question that so many of them ask is, ‘Why are we learning this? When are we ever going to use this?’” she said. “’... For them to be able to go home and talk to their family about the experience that they had, I feel like that’s a big takeaway.”

celebrates officer’s retirement

Rob Pearson had been with the Ormond Beach Police Department for almost 20 years.

Don’t

it to the finish

and

And Officer Rob Pearson just crossed his. Members of the police and fire departments and city officials celebrated his retirement with a ceremony on Friday, April 5. Pearson, a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, had been with the police department for almost 20 years.

Pearson first joined OBPD in 2004 as a community service officer, and was sworn in as a police officer in 2005 after graduating from the police academy. His career in law enforcement came after 13 years in the Marine Corps. “Ever since then, it’s just been a great career,” Godfrey said. “We’re so blessed and honored to have you here.”

Among his accomplishments in OBPD are being one of the beginning members of the department’s Police Explorer program, serving on numerous task forces such as the methamphetamine response team, acting as both a breath test operator and agency inspector for the machine, and a previous nomination to the local Crimestoppers Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award.

In 2016, he also saved a woman’s life in an attempted suicide.

During the ceremony, God-

frey presented the ceremony attendees with past forms showing Pearson had donated personal leave time to fellow employees.

“The man has a big heart,” he said. “I pulled these out of his file because I was actually taken aback — I hadn’t seen that many.”

Capt. DW Smith said he knew Pearson would be a great addition to the police department from the beginning, having worked with his late father, Royden, who was OBPD’s evidence custodian. His father, Smith joked, was funnier than Pearson though.

“Some things didn’t carry over,” Pearson joked.

But some things, Smith replied, did — like his work ethic and dedication to the police department.

“You know how people say 20% of people do 80% of the work around here? ... I’m here to tell you Rob was one of those guys,” Smith said. “He took on every external ancillary task that nobody else wanted to do.”

This included advocating for police as a union representative and being an agency inspector. He was also a field training officer, which Smith said was one of his most important roles.

In his last evaluation, Pearson was commended for his efforts in acquiring boonie hats for police officers to stave off the sun, as well as pro -

viding input on new equipment and uniforms. He also attempted to help the department acquire its first emotional support dog, but after some time, it became clear to officers that she was better off as a lapdog.The dog, Lucy, now lives with Capt. Chris Roos’ parents.

“Rob is a bulldog but he got things done, and we appreciate that,” Roos said. Assistant City Manager Claire Whitley shared her three favorite things about Pearson: His passion, his kindness and their shared love of Starbucks. They used to run into each other every morning at Starbucks before work, and Pearson was always the same genuine person in those moments and while in union negotiations.

On his passion and kindness, Whitley said it’s not easy to hold both qualities at the same time.

“You hold your convictions closely and fight for them tirelessly,” she said. “And you do so with a humanity that cannot be questioned, but only admired.”

Pearson said “all grace goes to God.” Without him, Pearson said, he wouldn’t be here.

“There’s a saying that goes, ‘Whenever you go somewhere, you leave it better than when you got there,’ and I’d like to say that I did that here,” Pearson said.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Hinson Middle School science teacher Akrisza Kemp-Brown hands her student a pair of glasses.

Hinson Middle School science teacher Akrisza Kemp-Brown and her students were ready to see the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8.

Hinson Middle School eighth graders look up for the solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Hinson Middle School eighth graders George Mijalli, Rohan Kasturi and Teagan Erwin said they were excited about the solar eclipse.

Hinson Middle School eighth graders use their solar eclipse glasses to catch a glimpse of the solar eclipse.

Ormond Beach Police Capt. Chris Roos, Officer Rob Pearson and Chief Jesse Godfrey. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

CRIME REPORT

but found that the passenger, Derrick Davidson, 42, had a warrant for his arrest from Hillsborough County for unpaid child support, the press release said. Additional FCSO deputies arrived and Davidson was arrested and taken to the county jail.

BRIEFS

Volusia County Council Chair is head of rail commission

Palm Coast’s P Section, a Flagler Sheriff’s Office press release said.

On April 6 just after 11 a.m., the victim told deputies that a man who had driven by the for-sale home multiple times in a gold SUV pulled up to the residence and followed her inside the home.

She told him the open house was not open yet but the suspect did not leave instead asking questions about the home and then telling the woman it was dangerous for a woman to be on her own. She asked him to leave and offered a handshake on his way out and the suspect grabbed her hand and pulled her into a kiss.

The woman struggled to get free and told him to stop. The suspect let her go, taking one of her business cards on the way out.

FCSO deputies identified the suspect, Carlos Da Silva, 78, from his license plate. Da Silva initially denied being in the area but eventually admitted to following the woman into the home and hugging her before leaving, the press release said.

Deputies arrested Da Silva and he has been charged with burglary and assault.

Flagler Sheriff arrests Hillsborough fugitive while driving home

Sheriff Rick Staly arrested a Hillsborough County fugitive on his way home from an event on Sunday, April 7.

Staly had just pulled into his neighborhood when he heard over dispatch of a possible drunk driver in a U-Haul truck nearby on State Road 100. After returning to S.R. 100, Staly found the U-Haul and stopped the truck for a traffic violation, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said.

During his investigation, Staly found the driver was not impaired

Ormond Beach man arrested for setting shed on fire

Ormond Beach Police arrested a 43-year-old man on Tuesday, April 2, for setting a shed on fire on two different days.

Police report that Joseph Bartlett was seen at around 9:25 a.m. coming out of a shed on fire in the 500 block of Collins Street. and when police approached him, he claimed he owned the manufactured home property and could “burn down the trailer if he wants to,” according to his arrest report.

Barlett, who was trespassed from the property on March 4, is homeless, police noted. Bartlett told police that he started the fire because it was his property.

There was a previous fire in the shed on March 30, and another fire in the first block of Collins Street as well. Police asked Bartlett if he had lit fires in the area previously, and he said he had lit one a few days prior in the same location of the shed. Bartlett was charged with arson and trespassing.

On Tuesday, April 2, Ormond Beach Police responded to a call about a shed on fire in the 500 block of Collins Street. Courtesy photo

Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower has been elected chair of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, which is composed of five local SunRail partners: Volusia, Seminole, Orange, and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando. SunRail, a weekday commuter rail system that runs from DeBary

COPS CORNER

MARCH 23

SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS

11:27 p.m. — 1200 block of Scottsdale Drive, Ormond Beach

Resisting officer without violence. A 39-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after causing a disturbance in his neighborhood while drunk.

Upon arriving, police report the man told them he had drunk “three, four or five shots” hours before, but was unable to stand straight, had glassy eyes and slurred speech, according to his arrest report. He became argumentative when officers asked if there was someone who could take care of him until the alcohol was out of his system.

The man told them he would not be leaving his house, nor would he be going to jail.

Police responded that they just wanted him to call a trusted adult, and that they would leave once the person arrived. Because the man was not willing to call anyone, officers decided to take him into custody under the Marchman Act, at which point the man resisted.

As they walked him to the patrol car, the man began to yell racial slurs and profanity at the officers. He was taken to jail.

APRIL 3

THIRD TIME IS NOT THE CHARM 3:35 p.m. — 1500 block of West

to Poinciana, spans 49 miles and services 16 stations. This summer, a station will open in DeLand, adding 12.2 miles to the SunRail corridor. Brower has served on the commission since 2021, most recently as vice chair. “This is a critical time for Volusia County’s involvement with the Rail Commission as we negotiate and vote on the transition from FDOT funding to the partners funding operations and maintenance,” Brower said. “It will also be helpful as we prepare to open the DeLand SunRail

Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Petit theft. A 38-year-old Deltona man apologized and said he would not steal again after he was caught trying to leave with over $260 worth of groceries by a big box store loss prevention employee.

The employee told police he watched the man due to the large number of items in is cart, according to a police report. After the man passed all the registers, the employee asked to see his receipt. The man replied, “I’m sorry, please let me go, I will not do it again,” the report states.

Police detained the man, at which point he declined to answer questions. He said he was on probation for petit theft, and had two prior convictions.

He was taken to jail.

APRIL 5

“BIKE”-TRACKING

10:19 p.m. — 2600 block of East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell Loitering. A police officer was patrolling when he noticed a light flickering in a parking lot near an auto parts shop.

The light turned out to be a man peering into locked cars with his cell phone’s flashlight, but the man began to walk away once he noticed the officer’s unmarked police car, according to an arrest report.

The officer immediately flashed his emergency lights and walked up to the man.

When asked what he was doing, the man first said he was looking for a place to get warm and then said he was looking for his lost bicycle that

Station which stands to be a beautiful addition to the system. As chair I will be able to plan the agenda with FDOT District 5 Secretary of Transportation John Tyler.”

The Florida Department of Transportation, which has operated SunRail and paid its expenses since 2014, will continue to do so through Dec. 31.

At that time, the local partners will take over operations and costs in phases.

he had left in the area a few days prior, the report said.

He could not explain to the officer why he chose to look for the bike at 10 p.m. instead of during the day. The man was arrested for loitering or prowling, the report said.

APRIL 7

CRYING OVER SPILLED ALCOHOL

1:37 a.m. — 100 block of North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach Disorderly conduct. A police officer on patrol received a call about a brawl happening in the parking lot of a bar, only to find the argument started over a spilled drink.

The fight started when two men who were hanging out together at the bar began to leave, an arrest report said.

One man reached out to give the other a handshake and the other man knocked a woman’s drink out of her hand. The suspect then began shouting that the first man was picking fights with women, so the first man left and got into his car. That’s when the second man punched the first, the report said.

Employees separated the second man from the first, who did not fight back.

Although the victim did not wish to press charges, the first man would not stop yelling or causing a scene, so the deputy placed him under arrest for disorderly conduct, the report said.

YOUR TOWN BUSINESS OBSERVER Rockefeller’s aims to be Ormond’s new hotspot

the library will host Adult Knowledge Trivia at 1-2 p.m. Participate in a group of five or less or as a team of one. No signup is necessary. To learn about other library events, go to www.flaglercounty.gov/ departments/library

TEMPLE

Karen Tashman performed her first Sabbath service as the new rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom Palm Coast on Friday, April 5. Rabbi Tashman replaces Rabbi Rose Eberle who has relocated to Kentucky.

In a message on Temple Beth Shalom’s website, Tashman said, “I have worked in Jewish communal service for over 40 years. ... With a background in Jewish education prior to my rabbinic training, I have been honored to offer Jewish education through a variety of modalities for all ages. ... Over these many years I have been privileged to provide leadership to Jewish communities in New York, Georgia and Florida in congregational, summer camp, day school and senior services settings.”

Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, is an unaffiliated egalitarian congregation.

Rockefeller’s, located at 142 E. Granada Blvd., has hosted almost 100 events and themed nights since opening in December 2023.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Since opening in late December, owner Slate Gray’s vision for Rockefeller’s in Ormond Beach has been to create a place for locals to hangout.

The restaurant, located at 142 E. Granada Blvd. in Fountain Square Village, has hosted almost 100 events and themed nights already, he said, ranging from networking opportunities to EDM dance nights.

“We’ve pretty much had three, four, five events a week since we’ve opened up,” Gray said. “... It always feels like we’re either finishing or in the middle of, or starting a new event. We’re all about the community.”

Prior to becoming Rockefeller’s, a name Gray chose to pay tribute to Ormond’s history, Gray used to own a smoothie bar in the same space. When he decided to close the smoothie bar, he thought he’d have Rockefeller’s up and running in about three months.

It took a year instead. Gray spent a portion of that time visiting different restaurants and bars in Orlando to find inspiration. Ormond has never had a lot of nightlife, Gray said.

“If the city is going to keep growing, then why not have a place where we can go and spend a night late at — a safe place,” Gray said.

Rockefeller’s serves beer and wine, as well sangria, wine-based cocktails and mocktails. As for food, Rockefeller’s offers tacos on Tuesdays for Taco Tuesday, and other small plates. A full kitchen is coming soon,

and the restaurant will offer pizza, burgers, chicken sandwiches and other street eats. An outdoor deck is also in the works for Rockefeller’s, and once that’s built, the business will be open for lunch and dinner.

Gray co-owns Rockefeller’s with his father, Kevin Gray. He said people come to Rockefeller’s to socialize — whether they’re his son’s age, or his.

“We’re catering to both crowds,” Kevin Gray said. “We’re catering to my crowd and catering to his crowd.”

Rockefeller’s.

Slate Gray said he liked that Rockefeller’s is providing people with a place to go to after frequenting a local restaurant.

“I like people not having to leave Ormond Beach to have a good time,” Slate Gray said. Once the deck and kitchen are in place, Rockefeller’s will give people a place to go to both day and night, Kevin Gray said.

The live music has been “killing it,” he added. On April 16 at 7 p.m., local musician Tim Rivers will perform at

“This is really what Ormond Beach needed,” Kevin Gray said. “... There’s just been a ton of people that just come in and then they’ll come back the next night.”

Slate and Kevin Gray, the father-son duo behind Rockefeller’s in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Karen Tashman is the new rabbi at Temple Beth Shalom Palm Coast. Courtesy photo

Mike Cavaliere, who wrote “The Humorist, Adventures in Adulting & Horror Movies”, was one of the local authors who participated in Book Fest 2024 at the Flagler County Public Library in Palm Coast. Photo by Brent Woronoff

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Beachfront home is Flagler County’s top sale

Ahouse in the Sunrise beach subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 15-21 in Palm Coast and Flagler County.

Ira Mitchell Work and Onetha Elaine Work, of Nashville, Tennessee, sold 1915 North Ocean Shore Blvd. to Richard and Lydia Wurz, of Flagler Beach, for $1,035,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,246 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $660,000.

to Margretta and Michael Franklin, of

for $318,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,927 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $390,000.

Indian Trails Yelena Sharapova, of Los Angeles, California, sold 123 Burroughs Drive to Richard Tapia, of Palm Coast, for $370,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,958 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $155,000.

Matanzas Woods Anibal Arrascue and Patricia Quiroz Ugaz, of Palm Coast, sold 224 London Drive to Laura and Richard Riccardi, of Palm Coast, for $355,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,734 square feet.

INB Fund 1 LLC, of Orlando, sold 30 Lynbrook Drive to Judit Harvath and Richard Douglas, of Palm Coast, for $374,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,753 square feet.

Not in a subdivision Nikola and Suzana Dodic,

of Orlando, sold 25 Ryecroft Lane to Grace Elizabeth Stehle, of Sanford, and Mary Boyles, of Divide, Colorado, for $272,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,264 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $253,000.

Ocean Hammock Thomas Generazio, Jr., a trustee, sold 7 Driftwood Lane to James Foster and Nancy Bustos, of Palm Coast, for $865,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, an outdoor kitchen and 2,465 square feet.

Palm Coast Country Club Cove

Howell Ross Bennett and Johnnie Bennett, of Palm Coast, sold 5 Clark Lane to Michael Edward Lemay and Susan Catherine Lemay, of Palm Coast, for $269,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,216 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $215,000.

Pine Grove

Opendoor Property Trust I, of Tempe, Arizona, sold 42 Primrose Lane to Thomas McGarry and Patricia Joyce McLaughlin, of Fort Worth, Texas, for $380,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub and 2,470 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $416,500.

Sea Colony David and Teresa Cox, of Palm Coast, sold 26 Bedford Drive to Sandra Jo Thompson and Ronald Wayne Thompson, of Alachua, for $330,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,200 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $180,000.

Plantation Bay home in Ormond sells for $1.6M

Ahouse in Plantation Bay was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 25 to March 2 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea.

Jose Lago and Gloria Toro, as trustees, sold 1217 Castlehawk Lane to Karyn Matthies and Walter Adams, III, as trustees, for $1,675,000. Built in 2014, the 4/4 house is has a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 4,216 square feet.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos Michael and Anna Boyle, as trustees, sold 2700 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 216, to Arthur Cullen Hammond and Elenora Hammond, of Atlanta, Georgia, for $244,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,025 square feet. It sold in 1986 for $69,900.

ORMOND BEACH Breakaway Trails Venkata Ram Prasad Thota and Swathi Kumari Peddisetti, of Leander, Texas, sold 215 Black Hickory Way to Jonathan and Melissa Stoddard, of Ormond Beach, for $650,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 4/4.5 and has 3,025 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $348,700.

Halifax Plantation Bruce Benedict, as trustee, sold 3178 Connemara Drive to Ronald Vedova, as trustee, for $490,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,918 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $312,000.

Salvatore Tardibuono Jr. and Kathleen Denise Tardibuono, of Daytona Beach, sold 2868 Monaghan Drive to Steven Mootin and Gabrielle Emard, of Ormond Beach, for $620,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,339 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $495,000.

Ormond Shores

Nancy and Joshua Perdue, of Ormond Beach, sold 117 Ormond Shores Drive to Amy Cirelli and Daniel Gagne, of Ormond beach, for $400,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, an in-law suite and 2,371 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $320,000.

Standish Shores Gloria LaFontaine, of Holly Hill, sold 194 Standish Drive to Tara Passoni, of Ormond Beach, for $455,000. Built in 1970, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,893 square feet. It sold in 1999 for $104,500.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Coquina Key Eugene and Kim Long, of Ormond Beach, sold 108 Coquina Key Drive to Douglas and Jean Schreiber, of Ormond Beach, for $740,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,968 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $360,000.

Ormond Beach Plaza Kelly and Rafael Perez, of Ormond Beach, sold 4 Bass Drive to Joshua Paul Bruner and Shawna Lee Bruner, as trustees, for $895,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,781 square feet.

Maria Coroneos, of Ormond Beach, sold 10 Spanish Pine Way to Keith Daniel Webster and Katherine Brill Webster, of Ormond Beach, for $770,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/5.5 and has a pool and 4,000 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $535,000.

Hickory Village Michael and Kathleen Haddican, of Pearl River, New York, sold 3 Thomas St. to Nancy Perdue, of Ormond Beach, for $300,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,164 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $260,000.

Oak Forest Daniel and Geraldine Curtis, of Parker, Colorado, sold 1410 Overbrook Drive to Lance and Kristine Tucker, of Ormond beach,

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

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report for $450,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,028 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $470,000.

LETTERS

course was designed to accommodate perhaps 50 cars, except for special events, at any one time. The Tomoka Reserve development will add 600+ cars, all piling through one road, Tomoka Oaks Boulevard, a traffic nightmare created by the developer. The developers (Mr. Rubin, Mr. Barshay and Mr. Velie) have indicated no changes are necessary to their entranceway to accommodate the increase to the current traffic. Ormond Beach had scheduled speed tables on South St. Andrews Drive over a year ago, but has since cancelled the installation for unknown reasons.Volusia County has been reported to be the deadliest county in Florida with 648 deaths, 11.19 per 10000 people (see Daytona NewsJournal, April 2: “Volusia Tops US Traffic Fatality”)A woman pedestrian was killed by a speeding driver on South St. Andrews Drive in Tomoka Oaks.Tomoka Oaks has no

YOUR TOWN

RIVERBEND CHURCH HAS NEW TEACHING PASTOR

Josh Brown, who grew up in Ormond Beach and attended the youth program at Riverbend Community Church, has been affirmed as the new teaching pastor at Riverbend, effective April 14. He will become the ninth full-time teaching pastor/elder in Riverbend’s 68-year history.

He replaces Scott Menez, who is returning to missions work in western USA after more than eight years at Riverbend. Brown will be ordained and installed in a special ceremony at Riverbend on April 14.

“I am humbled and honored to be able to serve in this capacity in my home church,” Brown said. “This place is so dear to my heart. I pray that Riverbend will continue its legacy of being known as a Christ-centered church. The Gospel doctrine that we teach and preach — may it lead us deeper into an everstrengthening Gospel culture that magnifies and exalts our Savior.” Brown, 30, was age 7 when his family moved to Ormond Beach. He graduated from Riverbend Academy in 2011 and served on the church staff before leaving in 2015 to attend New Covenant School of Theology in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated from New Covenant in 2019 with a Master of Divinity degree. He has since served on the Riverbend staff for four-plus years as director of Family Ministries and has also led a Sunday morning Bible

Fellowship Group. Brown met his wife Victoria while both were members of Riverbend’s youth program. They have two sons — Grayson (who died in 2022) and Wesley, now 3.

BLUES ARTIST TO PERFORM AT 31 SUPPER CLUB

Grammy-nominated blues artist Victor Wainwright is on tour, and will perform at 31 Supper Club in Ormond Beach on Thursday, April 11. Wainwright, who also a seven-times Blues Music Award winner and a past recipient of the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award, is on the heels of his newest album, “Memphis Loud.” Victor Wainwright and Friends will perform at 6 p.m. at 31 Supper Club, located at 31 W. Granada Blvd. Tickets cost $100. Visit 31supperclub.com

DAYTONA SOLISTI TO PRESENT ‘MOZARTIANA’

Pianist Michael Rickman and the Daytona Solisti Classical Players will perform a concerto that one music historian called “one of the greatest wonders of the world” — Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 in E-flat Major, KV 271 “Jeunehomme.” Solisti will perform the concerto as part of its “Mozartiana – Music of Mozart” concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, 1035 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach. A $15 donation is

sidewalks or safe places for walkers, bicycles, strollers, kids playing, golf carts, etc.

Trucks and cars parked in the street make drivers and pedestrians play a deadly game of dodgeball.Tomoka Oaks and the Trails do have blind curves, hills, narrow streets and many traffic islands.I saw two trucks racing side by side Northeast up South St. Andrews Drive two months ago over the blind hill at 35 S. St. Andrews Drive.

Distracted drivers regularly speed through Tomoka Oaks, The Trails, Escondido and Talaquah.Only one of two newly installed radar speed signs is working and it is not slowing down speeders; they ignore the signs.This is strictly a neighborhood

safety issue and I suggest that Ormond Beach: Limit the number of cars/ trucks by restricting the number of houses built in Tomoka Reserve. The 2006 approved PRD had a limit of 122 units.Consistently enforce speed limits with speed tables and police patrols.Help us limit the number of additional deaths and injuries that will result from building too many houses in the Tomoka Oaks Golf Course. Or, buy the property and use it for open space in our increasingly crowded beautiful Ormond Beach. Current property owners have rights too.

TOM FITZGIBBON Ormond Beach

The musical collaboration between Acree and Rickman has spanned 18 years. Rickman has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at New York’s Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and at venues in London, Paris, Toronto, Chile, Latvia and across the United States.

He retired from Stetson University in April 2017 after 34 years as professor of piano at the DeLand school, where he has been named professor emeritus. He also is a Steinway Artist, an honor bestowed by the prestigious piano maker, and is the Daytona Solisti Artist in Residence. “Mozartiana – Music of Mozart” concludes Solisti’s 2023-2024 concert season. For more information go online at daytonasolisti.com or call 386-562-5423.

Editor’s note: Regarding speed tables on South St. Andrews Drive, the city of Ormond Beach said that “a critical component of our traffic calming program is public support. A public meeting and neighborhood vote for a speed table in Tomoka Oaks had not yet been scheduled when the traffic calming program was put on hold to review our procedures, including the criteria for determining public support.” The city added it is working to reinitiate the traffic calming program in the near future.

holding you back,” she wrote on her website. “I want my life story to offer you hope as you discover ways you might be able to heal. And I want it to offer you inspiration to find the courage to live your most authentic life. Reading this book will help you know you’re not alone.”

requested at the door. The piano concerto referred to as “Jeunehomme,” which Mozart composed in 1777 when he was 21 years old, will feature pianist and Solisti Artist in Residence Dr. Michael Rickman. The all-Mozart concert also will include Divertimento in D Major, KV 136, and Grand Sestetto Concertante in E-flat Major, KV 364/320d, an 1808 arrangement for strings of his beloved Sinfonia Concertante for Violin and Viola with symphony orchestra.

Daytona Solisti was founded in 2005 by violinist Susan Pitard Acree after she moved to Daytona Beach from Atlanta. She previously played violin in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 22 years, performing in New York (Carnegie Hall), London, Chicago, Paris and other major musical centers.

Daytona Solisti presents an annual concert series featuring performances by the Daytona Solisti Classical Players and the Rickman-AcreeCorporon Piano Trio, plus occasional solo recitals by pianist Michael Rickman. The ensembles are composed of professional musicians from throughout Central Florida and Northeast Florida.

Call today to begin your custom home journey.

LOCAL AUTHOR, YOGA INSTRUCTOR LAUNCHES BOOK

Local author Krista Oaks celebrated her first book, “Shedding Shame: Finding Freedom to Live an Authentic Life,” with a book signing and launch party at Copperline Coffee and Cafe on March 26.

Oakes, a certified yoga and meditation teacher, writes about the shame she felt as a child growing up with gay parents, and the death of her father due to AIDS. She also writes about mental illness, divorce, and her journey to live her authentic life, according to her website, sheddingshame.com.

“Ultimately, I hope my heartwarming and personal stories will help you reflect on the secrets you’ve been holding onto in your own life and the patterns that might be

OBMS STUDENTS TALK WITH ASTRONAUTS

Almost 200 students from Volusia County middle schools gathered at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University on Wednesday, April 3, to speak with an astronaut in space — Matthew Dominick, commander of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission, who is currently serving aboard the International Space Station.

Organized as part of the global Amateur Radio on the International Space Station program, the event aimed to inspire young learners to pursue careers in STEM-related fields, according to a press release. “This was a once-in-alifetime opportunity, and the students’ excitement was infectious,” said Dr. Jim Gregory,

FOURTH GRADER SPREADS KINDNESS

A St. Brendan Catholic School fourth grader is on a mission to spread messages of inclusion and kindness. Ormond Beach’s Gianna Capri, who is also Florida International United Miss Jr. Preteen 2024, visited Morning Star School in Jacksonville on March 26, to speak with her brother’s classmates and teachers about her charity work with Michael’s ‘Ohana, a nonprofit established in 2021 after the death of Gianna’s uncle Michael Alberico. “Gianna shared the story of Liho, a dolphin befriended by her uncle that made a lasting impression of kindness,” Morning Star School ninth grade teacher Laura Brock said in a press release. “As a reminder of what simple kindness can do, Gianna gifted ev-

eryone with a stuffed dolphin. She encouraged all of us to be kind to one another, never fear mistakes, and remember we are all loved precisely as we are, for that’s how God made us.” Gianna spoke to her own classmates at St. Brendan on the same day. She read a book titled, “We Don’t Eat Our Classmates,” by Ryan T. Higgins. Gianna also distributed small dinosaur toys to her fourth grade class.

In addition, the press release states, Gianna spoke to the students at both schools about being “HEROIC,” an acronym by the International United Miss Scholarship Pageant that stands for honesty, empathy, respect, optimism, integrity and community.

dean of the College of Engineering on the Embry-Riddle Daytona Beach campus. “They asked thoughtful questions and received fascinating answers from the astronauts, and I’m so glad that EmbryRiddle was able to play a part in introducing so many to the wonders of engineering and space science.”

Students from Deltona Middle School, Heritage Middle School, Ormond Beach Middle School and River Springs Middle School attended the event, and about 20 students got the opportunity to with members of the ISS crew and ask what life is really like in space.

After the students’ call to the ISS, they met EmbryRiddle alumna Nicole Stott, who joined the event via video call to speak about how she became an astronaut and answer questions about the 104 days she spent in space.

Embry-Riddle was approved to participate in the ARISS program last year. As part of the university’s push to achieve this goal, students set up and operated an amateur radio station, operated by the Amateur Radio Club, which installed the antenna array on campus that was used to make contact with the space station. The ARISS project “offers us a unique opportunity to make a two-way contact with the ISS, something that only a select few can claim to have completed,” Amateur Radio Club president Paul Bartolemea said. “It’s also a spectacular opportunity for learning, experience and teaching.”

Josh Brown

Victor Wainwright. Photo courtesy of Jim Hartzell

Rebecca Goeke’s fourth grade class. Gianna Capri is pictured in the top rop, fourth from left. Courtesy photos

The Daytona Solisti Classical Players, featuring violinist Susan Pitard Acree and pianist Dr. Michael Rickman, will present “Mozartiana – Music of Mozart” on April 21 at Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church in Ormond Beach. Photo courtesy of Daytona Solisti

Krista Oakes holds a copy of her book, “Shedding Shame,” during her launch party at Copperline Coffee and Cafe in Daytona on Tuesday, March 26.

Aerospace Engineering senior Paul Bartolemea smiles as Makenzee Hall, of Ormond Beach Middle School, talks via radio to astronaut Matthew Dominic, aboard the International Space Station, in the ICI Center at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, April 3. Photo courtesy of Embry-Riddle/ David Massey

YOUR NEIGHBORS

years, artists

Ormond Beach Art Guild hosts Spring art exhibit at The Casements.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Members of the Ormond Beach Art Guild come together twice a year to hold art exhibits at The Casements — one in the spring and one in the fall.

An opening reception on Saturday, April 6, introduced this year’s spring exhibit to the public. The exhibit includes 38 pieces, painted by 19 different artists, and is available to view until April 28.

The reception offered food and refreshments and live music from Guild member and pianist Marian Devore. Every artist showcased two paintings in the exhibit; the majority of them are for sale with a diverse range of images.

“The exhibit has everything you can imagine: landscapes, portraits, still-life, and in various mediums, more watercolor than anything but some acrylic and pastel pieces as well,” said Maureen Bridger, co-chair of the Guild.

The Guild started in 1983 when a group of artists met at the former Ormond Beach Senior Center off North Nova Road. After six years of painting together, they decided to ask other senior artists to join their

club, creating the Ormond Beach Art Guild.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Guild held weekly meetings at the Ormond Beach Senior Center off Andrews Street. to paint, but due to the pandemic shutdowns, they were forced to halt their meetings. Members briefly returned to the Senior Center after it reopened, but decided to go a different route and started having their meetings at the Trails’ Clubhouse on Tuesdays to paint as it “suited their needs better,” said Marilyn Dorinson, co-chair of the Guild. Ormond Beach Art Guild membersKay BotetMaureen BridgerJoe CostanzoJudy DavisMarian DevoreMarilyn DorisonVicki FahertyTerrie GraySue HidalgoLorelei HoslerJack leeCarol LemieuxCheryl MatzKaren MatzSusan MesnerPatricia MonaghanCarrie SuttonDonna ThorpLaura WallinBridger and Dorinson found art again with the Guild after retiring from their lifelong careers.

Bridger became a member of the Guild around 10 years ago after retiring from her job as a nurse and finding her passion for art again. She painted back in high school, but never took an art class. Then, she said, she became too occupied with a career and family and didn’t have much time for hobbies.

Bridger has experimented with oil paints, watercolors and pastels, but tends to stick with watercolors now. The pieces she has showcased in this

exhibit are “Thatched Cottage with Garden” and “Eze, France” based off a small town in France that she and her husband visited. Dorinson invited Bridger to join her at the Guild one day and shortly after, Bridger became a member. Dorinson began taking art classes at 11 years old and continued taking them through high school and college. She also became occupied with a family and career as a French teacher, and stopped painting until her retirement. She focuses primarily on watercolors. The pieces she showcased in this exhibit depict a small medieval town in France, the piece of which is titled “Tourettes-Sur-Loup,” and a festival in France. The latter is titled “Festival Goers,” which is based off a photograph she had taken.

“I want people to appreciate the place, the event, the colors and the different styles in my paintings,” Dorinson said.

Watercolors are something Guild member Joe Costanzo knows a lot about, as he has been painting with them since his early 20s.

Costanzo started his painting journey at a young age with watercolors and moved on to be a sign painter in his mid-20s. But due to the reposition of his work, he said painting for fun slowly came to a halt. After moving on to corporate work and retiring, he rediscovered working with watercolors again.

Costanzo joined the Guild around

eight years ago after painting with them for the summer. He now teaches watercolor classes during the meetings. He is showcasing “Wildflowers,” a painting of a stone wall behind a flower field, and “Overcast,” a landscape painting.

“I want people to take away a feeling like they’ve been there or would like to be there,” Costanzo said “I usually start with a photograph or place that I’ve been but this time, I just invoked the pictures out of my imagination, which is kind of unusual for me.”

The Casements is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. The exhibit is also available to view on The Casements’ website via a slideshow.

Embry‑Riddle students volunteer in elementary classrooms

Jackson Radzimski, of Ormond Beach, said the experience has ‘most definitely had a lasting impact.’

MICHAELA JARVIS

AERONAUTICAL UNIVERSITY

Jackson Radzimski, a junior in Aviation Business Administration at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, never thought of himself as “a kid person,” but he says his recent experience of volunteering to teach life skills in underserved elementary schools affected him deeply.

“Whenever I would wrap up my lesson for the day and get in the car back to Embry-Riddle, I would sit and process how being at the school that day made me feel,” the Ormond Beach resident said. “I found that every week, the net positives of the experience would grow exponentially.”

Radzimski’s experience came about through his enrollment in a class taught by Dr. Jennifer Hinebaugh, associate professor and undergraduate program coordinator in the David B. O’Maley College of Business, who collaborated with Junior Achievement and its effort to teach young students the basics of financial literacy and academic and career planning.

Radzimski said that when he and a few of his peers first visited a classroom, it was “rowdy and chaotic.” But once the program was underway, “the kids were all super excited to see us, learn and share stories.”

“The experience has most definitely had a lasting impact on me. One little girl talked about getting money from ‘strangers putting money in my dad’s hat,’ and many others were amazed seeing an iPhone for the first time,” Radzimski said. “The mix of innocence and poverty I saw humbled me a lot, and it taught me so much about being grateful for everything.”

Sophia Fleeger, a junior in Supply Chain Management of Aviation and Aerospace, also said the experience had a huge impact on her.

“Now I see how important it is for us, as young aspiring professionals, to talk to young kids,” Fleeger said. “They look up to us, and we show them that their aspirations can become a reality. Because of this experience, I aim to involve myself more with the Volusia County elementary schools because I think it is so important for these kids to know what is out there so they can dream big.”

Business Marketing junior Stevie Albright said the experience helped her to polish her communication skills and improve her ability to inspire and motivate groups of people. Zane Zeagler, who is a senior in Business Administration, Management, agreed that the program

sharpened the volunteers’ skills.

“This program provides invaluable help to the teachers at the schools, as well as priceless life skills to the volunteers,” Zeagler said. “I would be happy to watch this program grow, morph and-or expand around Embry- Riddle to provide similar opportunities to students from all colleges.”

Aviation Business junior Callum Mann said he thought the program was very successful in reaching the kids in the classroom.

“The young students showed an incredible attentiveness to learn the concepts we presented,” he said. “I have no doubt that the concepts we taught will leave a lasting impression on them.”

Dr. Lin Zhao, professor and senior associate dean of the College of Business, called Hinebaugh’s collaboration with Junior Achievement an illustration of “how our faculty consistently strive to go above and beyond the classroom, and their dedication to enriching student learning experiences and better preparing students for successful futures.”

“I’m grateful,” Hinebaugh said, “that my students had this opportunity to partner with Junior Achievement. It’s a pleasure to see my students impact our local community through service learning.”

For Radzimski, the experience was “a fantastic way to broaden my horizons.

“I think that a lot of us

Embry-Rid-

Jackson Radzimski said once the program was underway, “the kids were all super excited to see us, learn and share stories.” Courtesy photo

dle students tend to live inside of bubbles. We go to a state-of-the-art school and often come from more privileged backgrounds. By going into these lower-income elementary schools, it really forced me and my peers to reevaluate how we perceive our local area and to understand how important it is to give back whenever possible.”

“By going into these lower-income elementary schools, it really forced me and my peers to reevaluate how we perceive our local area and to understand how important it is to give back whenever possible.”

Marian Devore, a member of the Art Guild plays the piano.

Ormond Beach Art Guild’s co-chairs Marilyn Dorinson and Maureen Bridger. Photos by Alexis Miller

Joe Costanzo and Vicki Faherty, members of the Guild.

EMBRY-RIDDLE

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 11

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY APRIL MONTHLY MEETING AND PROGRAM

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Linda Vivian will present, “Who Will Tell Your Story?” Free guest registration. Visit halifaxgensociety.org.

VICTOR WAINWRIGHT AND FRIENDS

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 31 Supper Club, 31 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Grammy-nominated blues artist Victor Wainwright will perform at 31 Supper Club. Tickets cost $100. Visit www.31supperclub.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

YOGA OUTDOORS

When: 10 a.m.

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

Details: The Environmental Discovery Center is hosting a free outdoor beginner level yoga class by Kim Latford. Chairs available. Mats recommended. Space is limited. Call 386-615-7081.

SATURDAY, APRIL 13

YARD SALE

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

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

Details: Peruse a large selection of items: Clothes, tools, books, music, linens, kitchen items, decorative items, small furniture, toys and more. The sale will be held inside the church.

SPRING SIP ‘N STROLL

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society for an afternoon of sipping cocktails and visiting area restaurants and shops. Play in

the poker walk and draw cards at participating businesses for prizes. Tickets cost $25 in advance; $30 at the door. Proceeds will benefit OBHS children’s projects, educational programs and community events. Visit https://www.ormondhistory. org/sip-n-stroll.

‘GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY’

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: The Halifax Genealogical Society is hosting a free, one-on-one research assistance program for anyone interested in researching family history. The volunteers convene in the Sandpiper Room in the library. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.

DAYBREAK: ‘THE MUSIC AND PASSION OF BARRY MANILOW’

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast

Details: This show is led by veteran musician and pianist Joe Hite, who will bring to life classics like “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You,” and “Copacabana.” Tickets start at $54. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

SUNDAY, APRIL 14

FOUNDERS ART SHOW

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: The Founders Club at Plantation Bay, 301 Plantation Bay Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See Plantation Bay artists showcase their talents during this art show. No reservations necessary. Admission is complimentary to Plantation Bay residents and members.

MONDAY, APRIL 15

NARFE CHAPTER MEETING

When: 11:30 a.m.

Where: Houligan’s, 1653 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2247 of Ormond Beach will meet for lunch. The program will be from Assisted Living Made Simple, which assists you in finding a full range of professional services, for at home or in facilities, to meet your assisted living needs. For more information, email billdenny105@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, APRIL 18

TURTLE TALK: A SEA

TURTLE’S JOURNEY

When: 1-2 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Learn about the important role sea turtles and how actions can help preserve these turtles for generations to come. All ages are welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Entrance into the park costs $5 per vehicle.

MIMI’S ORIGINAL ART GALLERY

EVENT

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Mimi’s Original Art, 1385 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Join Mimi’s Original Art, and the Ormond Beach Living, Paradise Living, Plantation Living and Coastal Neighbors magazines for a celebration of local art, community and culture. There will be live music by Jay Regan, artwork by 35 artists and food by Big Tuna’s Beach Bar and Grill.

FRIDAY, APRIL 19

YOGA OUTDOORS

When: 10 a.m.

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

Details: The Environmental Discovery Center is hosting a free outdoor beginner level yoga class by Kim Latford. Chairs available. Mats recommended. Space is limited. Call 386-615-7081.

PALMETTO CLUB’S ANNUAL

HORSE RACE LUNCHEON

When: 11 a.m.

Where: The Palmetto Club, 1000 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: Attend the Palmetto Club’s Horse Race Luncheon and be a “horse owner” and/or bet on a horse. Winning tickets will be entered for prizes in the Chinese Auction drawing. Lunch will be presented by GEI Catering &Events.; A $30 donation is requested. Call 386334-9304 before the RSVP deadline of April 12.

SATURDAY, APRIL 20

FLAGLER SPORTFISHING CLUB

28TH ANNUAL SPRING CLASSIC TOURNAMENT

When: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Where: Bing’s Landing, 5900 N.

Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Flagler Sportfishing Club is hosting its annual spring classic tournament, benefiting Disabled American Veterans. There is a mandatory captains meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 18. The tournament check-out will take place from 7-8 a.m. under the 100 bridge, and weigh-ins from 3-4:30 p.m. at the South Pavilion of Bing’s Landing. Entry fee is $75 per angler and includes one raffle ticket. Visit flaglersportfishingclub.com.

SPRING BIRD WALKS

WITH JOAN TAGUE

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 801 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Master Naturalist Joan Tague, of the Halifax River Audubon, will lead participants on a casual bird walk along the trails of Central Park. Bring water. Walking shoes and sunscreen recommended. Free.

HISTORY OF THE CAPE AND SPACE PROGRAM

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Museum of Arts and Sciences Curator of Science Seth Mayo will speak about Florida’s space program and the history of Cape Canaveral in this free program hosted by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

EARTH DAY AT THE EDC

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

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

Details: The city is presenting a Earth Day celebration featuring environmental exhibitors, native plant vendors and guest presentations. There will also be guided nature walks, games and crafts. The tree giveaway starts at 9 a.m.

13TH ANNUAL ORMOND

BEACH CELTIC FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Ormond MainStreet’s Celtic Festival is returning to Ormond’s two

downtown parks along the Halifax River. There will be live music, Highland Games, clans and Celtic societies. Admission costs $12 each day for adults in advance; $15 at the festival gate. Children 12 and under are free. Two-day passes are available for $18. Free parking. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com.

CELEBRATE EARTH DAY

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Garden State Park, 6400 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Celebrate Earth Day with Washington Oaks. There will be a DJ, live entertainment, arts and crafts, vendors, kids activities, environmental education, plant sales and more. Entrance into the park costs $5 per car.

FLAGLER VEGFEST

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell Details: Join Jacksonville Business Connections for the Flagler VegFest, an event committed to educating the community about plant-based lifestyles. Free event and parking. There will be vegan vendors, food, as well as music, a bounce house and face painting. This event takes place alongside the Flagler Spring Market. Contact jaxbizconnections@ gmail.com to volunteer, speak or organize demonstrations. To be a vendor or sponsor, visit https://bit. ly/3U6Plq9.

FLAGLER SPRING MARKET

When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell Details: Attend the Flagler Spring Market, presented by 4-H and FFA Livestock. Features several local vendors, food, a bounce house and face painting. Free admission and parking.

SUNDAY, MAY 5

PATHWAYS 5K AND COLOR FUN RUN

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Pathways Elementary School, 2100 Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Join this 5K Color Run or 1-mile Color Fun Run. The early bird deadline to register is April 15. Visit pathwayspta.org/color-run.

Art on the wall

One Daytona hosts fifth edition of art festival.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

More than 130 artists and vendors, from as close as Ormond Beach and far away as California, participated in the fifth edition of the One Daytona Art Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 6-7.

Headlined by marine wildlife artist Guy Harvey, this year’s festival also featured a live mural competition between six artists, Bob Ross Painting workshops and live music by Classern Quartet.

“The One Daytona Art Festival is celebrating its fifth anniversary and we’re proud to have such a great lineup of local, national and international artists joining us for this important milestone event,” said Roxanne Ribakoff, president of One Daytona, in a press release.

One Daytona also donated $8,000 to both the Volusia County Schools and the Daytona State College Foundation.

An awards ceremony was held in the afternoon of the festival’s first day.

„ Deborah Berry, of Daytona Beach (Medium: Photography)

„ Lauren Cowen, of Port Orange (Medium: Mixed Media)

„ Brittany Fowler, of Melrose (Medium: Watercolor)

Digital Art Competition (For Daytona State College students)

„ First place: “Connected”

Turtle Fest 2024 releases 90-pound rescued loggerhead

The turtle, named Snoqualmie, was critically anemic and emaciated when she was found in St. Johns County.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

The 2024 Volusia-Flagler Turtle Fest celebrated the release of a rescued, 90-pound loggerhead sea turtle.

The 16th annual Turtle Fest took place in Veteran’s Park in Flagler Beach on April 6. Sea turtle enthusiasts celebrated with local artists, bounce houses, live performances, educational booths and turtle and tortoise exhibits.

It took four Turtle Patrol volunteers to carry the rescued turtle, named “Snoqualmie,” down the beach to the water’s edge.

Snoqualmie — called “Sno” by the volunteers — was found in St. Johns County on Dec. 2, weighing just 51 pounds, according to Turtle Patrol Volusia’s Facebook page. She was extremely anemic and emaciated and received IV nutritions and multiple blood transfusions at the Marine Science Center.

The Turtle Fest is the VolusiaFlagler Turtle Patrol’s primary fundraiser each year and serves as an education outreach opportunity for

It was an amazing experience, she said.

“I would be back every year if they will have me,” King said.

Mary Wentzel, of Ormondby-the-Sea, showcases her watercolor art.

Nahea Hands, of Ormond Beach, had her clay pottery on display. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Katie Granis Belton and Jennifer Granis, of Flagler Beach, man the booth for Jennifer Granis’ art.

Mary Ellen, of Ormond Beach, showcases her mixed media art. Turtle Patrol volunteers bring the rehabilitated sea turtle down the beach. Photos by Sierra Williams

Turtle Patrol volunteer Murph Borno holds up a sign about the rehabilitated sea turtle release.

One tortoise “raced” around an enclosure. Turtle Patrol volunteers Jean Rust, Ginger Pinholster, Caszandra Brooks and Ginny McLeod.

Joy King is a local artist who only recently began to showcase her artwork. The Turtle Fest was her second showing.

Carolyn Kovacs, with a local branch of University of Florida’s Institute Of Food And Agricultural Sciences, educates attendees about sea turtles.

Logan Williams, 5, pets a turtle.

local environmental organizations, according to the Turtle Patrol’s website.

Joy King was one of several local artists to set up tables at the Turtle Fest and showcase their work. King said the Turtle Fest was only her second event as an artist and she was glad to be a part of something that supports an important cause.

Mother Goose

In

Power meets speed

FIVE STAR STANDINGS

4.

Mainland’s Emmanuel Yisrael, FPC’s Colby Cronk and FPC’s 4x100 girls relay runners were among standouts at the Five Star Conference track meet.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mainland won the boys championship at the Five Star Conference track and field championships on April 5, while the host team, Flagler Palm Coast, finished second in both the boys and girls team standings.

“Any time we come to Five Star, it’s a challenge for us, because a majority of the schools are in a bigger classification that us,” Mainland coach Terry Anthony said. “So we gauge ourselves against ourselves.”

Following are highlights from the meet:

YISRAEL DOUBLES UP ON

HURDLES

After winning the 400-meter hurdles, Mainland senior Emmanuel Yisrael collapsed onto the grass and crawled halfway across the infield toward his backpack, which he then used as a pillow.

“This race (the 400 hurdles) is excruciating,” he said while still lying on his back.

Yisrael had won the 110 hurdles earlier with a personal record of 14.67 seconds, almost a full second ahead of his teammate, Marquis MaCants, who placed second in 15.57.

But this was the first time Yisrael had run the 400 hurdles all season. He finished in 59.20 seconds. FPC’s Corinthian Watson was second in 1:02.26.

“I don’t really practice the 400 hurdles a lot,” Yisrael said. “I was chasing 58 (seconds), but my main goal with the 400 is to get a time, so I can show college coaches both of my times (for the two events).”

Normally, Yisrael focuses on his own lane, but he said he was motivated in the 110 race when McCants

Summer

Gabrielle Lett

Jada Dotson

beat him to the first hurdle. “That pushed me, because I know he’s been trying really hard to catch me,” Yisrael said. “It caught me by complete surprise. When I felt that pressure, it started clicking.” His 14.67 is tied for the sixth fastest time in Class 3A, and it is just just .14 of a second behind the third fastest. McCants had a big day of his own. He won both the long jump (20 feet, 10 inches) and the triple jump (43 feet, 10 inches). His 110 hurdles time was a PR. Two days later at the Spruce Creek Last Chance Meet on April 6, McCants posted a PR in his triple jump with a winning leap of 44 feet, 1.25 inches. FPC’s Watson placed second in triple jump at the Five Star (41 feet, 8 inches), while FPC’s Cody Newton placed second in the long jump with a PR leap of 20 feet, 9 inches.

SEE TRACK PAGE 6B

SPRUCE CREEK MEET

Matanzas’ Evanne Miller and Jordan Youngman each won three events at the Spruce Creek Last Chance Meet on April 6 to lead the Pirates to the girls team title.

Mainland won the boys title and finished second in the girls standings. The Matanzas boys placed third. Miller won the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races. Youngman won the 100 and 400 hurdles and the high jump.

Also placing first in girls events were:

Mainland’s Taliyah Nixon (1,600), Seabreeze’s Kirsten Glaenzer (800), Matanzas’ Lupita Galeano (3,200) and Bryonna Bowdry (discus) and Mainland’s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams.

First-place winners for the Mainland boys included: Kajuan Curry (800), Marquis McCants (triple jump), Emmanuel Yisrael (long jump), Zion Noralus (high jump), Madden Santiago (shot put), Demon Nolien (discus) and the 4x400 relay of Khalil Wilmore, Curry, Drayden Wood and E’Zaiah Shine. Seabreeze’s Chandler Mitzo won javelin, while Hunter Shuler won the 1,600 and the 3,200.

Sandcrab Arianna Tilley competes in girls shot put.

competes

Mainland’s Marquis McCants walks on air to a first-place finish in the boys long jump.

FPC’s Arianna Slaughter (right) hands off to Jayden Wright (left) in the girls 4x400 meter relay.

BOYS 1. Mainland 165

Mainland’s

(left), FPC’s

Barnes (second from left), FPC’s

and Spruce Creek’s Sanaii Gaines (right) sprint in the first heat of the girls 100 dash.

Flagler Palm Coast junior Colby Cronk used the spin technique for the first time in throwing the shot put. The result, he said, was a gamechanger.

Cronk threw a personal-best 17.56 meters (57 feet, 7.5 inches) to win the event by nearly eight feet.

“I was pretty happy with it,” said Cronk whose previous best was 16.54 meters, using the glide technique at FPC’s East Coast Classic on Feb. 23. He broke his own school record by almost four and a half feet.

“I had been splitting reps between the glide and the spin (in practice),” he said. “The spin is more of a technique thing. You don’t have to power it. It’s pretty nice. My goal was to try to hit 17 (meters).”

The junior has the top mark in the state among Class 4A shot putters by more than four feet, and he is second overall among all state shot putters.

“I want to win the (Class 4A state championship),” he said. “but I’m going to try to get No. 1 in the state.”

Cronk was not as happy with his performance in discus, where he finished third behind Mainland’s Demond Noelien, who threw a PR 48.92 meters (160 feet, 6 inches). Cronk fouled three times after throwing 48.14 (157 feet, 11 inches).

He threw 52 meters but stepped over the circle. He has the fourth-best throw in Class 4A at 49.20 meters.

“I really want 50,” he said.

FACE PLANT AND A WIN

Jada Dotson’s lip was hurting after the girls 4x100 race, but the FPC senior was still smiling as her relay team won its second race of the season.

Dotson fell face first on the track as she was handing the baton to anchor runner Summer Barnes. Barnes never paused and finished the race with a winning time of 49.20 seconds, crossing the finish line by more than two seconds ahead of second-place Pine Ridge.

“I felt her fall, but I just had to keep running,” Barnes said.

Dotson said she just lost her balance on the handoff.

“I was trying to reach, and it was pulling me forward,” she said. “But we got the handoff, that’s the most important part. I knew Summer wasn’t going to look back.”

It was a big day for the Bulldogs’ 4x100 runners. Olivia Gaines, who ran the second leg, also won the long jump with a school-record 17 feet, 9 inches.

“My steps were a little rocky at the beginning, but coach (Alex) Giorgi-

was 5 or 6 (years old),” her father Sherman Barnes said.

PR FOR MAINLAND SPRINTER

anni told me how to adjust my steps on the runway and helped me to a PR.”

Aun’Yale Howard, who ran the first leg in the 4x100, also won the triple jump with a leap of 35 feet, 8 inches, a personal record by more than three feet. Gaines placed second behind Howard at 35 feet, 4 inches. Seabreeze’s Emma Uneda was third at 35 feet, 3.25 inches.

“Something clicked,” Howard said. “I PR’d by almost a whole meter. I’m excited.”

Barnes, meanwhile, won the 200 meters with a time of 26.23 seconds and finished second in the 100 meters (12.39 seconds), one spot ahead of Gaines (12.68).

Barnes also earned another second-place finish, running anchor on the 4x400 relay. The Bulldogs ran a personal-record 4:18.02 with Jayden Wright running the first leg, followed by Cassidy De Young, Arianna Slaughter and Barnes.

Barnes’ parents said she has loved to run since she was little.

“She was running 5Ks when she

Mainland senior E’Zaiah Shine won the boys 100 meters with a personalrecord time of 11.07 seconds.

He also helped the Bucs’ 4x100 relay team (with Jontrell Edwards, Corey Hill and D.J. Murray) and the 4x400 relay (with Khalil Wilmore, Kajuan Curry and Drayden Wood) win their races. And Shine placed third in the 200 meters with a time of 22.03 seconds.

“I wanted to PR in the 100,” he said. “I want to get faster every time I go out.”

The 4x400, which the Bucs ran in 3:34.60, was the last race of the day, just two events after the 200 meters.

“The 4x4 is obviously tough after the 200,” Shine said. “I don’t know how I do it, but I do it.”

OTHER TOP PERFORMERS

Also winning events were FPC sophomore Ayden Peterson in the 800 (2:01.53), Mainland senior Zion Noralus with a PR in the high jump (6 feet, 3.5 inches) and FPC junior Maya Tyson in girls shot put (26 feet, 1.5 inches) and discus with a PR of 110 feet, 5 inches.

Mainland’s boys 4x800 relay of Curry, Wilmore, Jack Mathis and Seth Rose placed second in 8:20.07. For FPC, Tanner Cauley-Bennett placed second in pole vault (PR, 12 feet, 5.5 inches), Kamron Davis was second in the 400 (PR, 50.89), Elijah Thero was second in javelin (168 feet, 8 inches) and Zoey Gotera was second in girls javelin (PR, 94 feet, 9 inches).

Seabreeze sophomore Hunter Shuler placed second in the 3,200 with a time of 10:29.66 and third in the 1,600 with a 4:41.74.

A year ago at Five Star, he set personal records in both events (4:38.08 in the 1,600 and 10:03.26 in the 3,200).

“Cross country was such a big disappointment. I was sick the whole time,” Shuler said. “Track has definitely been a big step up, but I’ve kind of been a little stuck lately. I need to be sub-10 (in the 3,200) before districts. I need to get my 1,600 time under 4:30, because I want to go to states this year.”

Two days later, Shuler won both events at the Spruce Creek meet, running 4:39.91 in the 1,600 and 10:33.44 in the 3,200.

GAME-CHANGER FOR CRONK

LINES

Bucs’ Walker leads state lifters

Mainland’s Elijah Walker is the top seed in the unlimited weight class heading into the Class 2A state weightlifting championships April 20 in Lakeland. Walker won the Region 2-2A traditional championship with a 715-pound total.

Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas each qualified three lifters for state. FPC’s Nick Groth won both the traditional and Olympic titles at 169 pounds in the Region 1-3A meet. His 545-pound Olympic total ranks first heading into the Class 3A championships April 19. His 580-pound traditional total ranks third.

FPC’s Cody Strawser (119 pounds) qualified in the traditional (370 total), and Dylan Bennett (169 pounds) qualified in Olympic (460 total). Matanzas senior Cody Hash, the reigning Class 2A state traditional champ at 199 pounds, placed second in traditional (635 total) and third in Olympic (515) at the Region 2-2A meet. Matanzas 119-pounder Maison Leanard placed third in region in both Olympic (260 total) and traditional (320). Jaden Sao placed second in traditional (410 total) and third in Olympic (345) in the 129-pound class to advance.

Mills, Borgmann win national wrestling titles

A year ago, Mariah Mills wrote down a couple of wrestling goals and then put the book away. “Wrestling state champ 2024” and “national champ 2024,” she wrote.

Now she has accomplished both.

Mills, a Matanzas High School wrestler, and Christina Borgmann, a Flagler Palm Coast High school wrestler, each won national titles on Sunday, Aug. 7, at the NHSCA High School Nationals in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Borgmann won six matches to win the girls 126-pound championship, while Mills, who received a bye as the top seed, won five matches to win the girls 107-pound championship.

“High school Nationals is the biggest folkstyle wrestling tournament there is for high school kids,” said David Bossardet, FPC and the Flagler Wrestling club’s head coach.

Mills was one of three wrestlers representing coach Mike Fries’ Legend Athletics club to win All-America honors. The others were her brother Jordan and Fries’ daughter Tiana.

Jordan Mills placed third in the senior 182-pound class to become an All-American for the first time.

Tiana Fries placed seventh in the girls 145-pound class to become an All-American for the third straight year.

Last month, Mariah and Jordan Mills became the first brother and sister duo to win FHSAA state wrestling championships in the same year. Mariah, who lost in the “blood round” last year at High School

Fries.

Borgmann did not show as much emotion after winning her final, 4-0 over Ella Hughes, a Georgia state champion.

“She didn’t celebrate. That’s the kind of girl she is,” Bossardet said. “She was happy she won, but I think she expects to win. She’s a true student of the sport. She watches a lot of film and asks a lot of questions. After practice, she works on the things she isn’t comfortable with.”

Borgmann also won a state championship last month and placed third at the USA Wrestling Folkstyle Nationals on March 17 in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

“I think she’s getting stronger, maturing as a wrestler,” Bossardet said. “She’s competing in more high-level competitions.”

Both Borgmann and Mariah Mills are returning next year for their senior seasons.

FPC holds on vs. Seabreeze

Seabreeze scored four runs in the top of the seventh but came up short in a 5-4 baseball loss at Flagler Palm Coast on April 8. Jordan Gonzalez got the win to improve to 3-3. Gonzalez gave up one hit and no runs in five innings. Mason Sanders and Zane Barron each drove in two runs in the seventh for the Sandcrabs (8-11). Cody Clymer and Nole Hemmerle each had two RBIs for the Bulldogs (8-10).

Nationals — falling one win short of achieving All-America status — checked her final box.

“I never placed at a national tournament like this,” she said. “I’m so excited.”

She defeated Maddie Ripley of Maine — a runner-up last year’s High School Nationals — by a 5-4 decision in the semifinals. She then decisioned Alicia Serratos of Santa Ana, California, 4-1 in the final.

“There were a lot of good girls in my bracket,” Mills said, “Girls who had beaten me before.”

After winning the final, she jumped up, raised both her arms in the air and ran over to hug Coach

Jordan Mills reinjured his shoulder at the end of his quarterfinal match and then lost in the semifinals. With his shoulder hurting, he was unsure whether he would continue in the consolation bracket, but when his name was called he answered and gutted out his final two matches, his father, Abe Mills, said.

He won a 5-4 decision over Tayshaun Glover of Greensboro, North Carolina, in the third-place match. Tiana Fries won an 8-7 decision over Ciyanna Okocha of Louis, Virginia, in the seventh-place match.

Autumn Jarvis, Ani Brown and Jazzy Golder also competed with the Legend Athletics team. Jarvis went 2-2 in the 120-pound class.

Alexa Calidonio, Joslyn Johnson, Trey Twilley, T.J. McLean and Kevin McLean also competed with Flagler Wrestling. Calidonio advanced to the blood round in the girls 165-pound class. Johnson went 1-2 in the girls 100-pound match. Twilley went 3-2 in the boys freshman 126-pound class. T.J. McLean went 1-2 in the junior 113 pound class, and Kevin McLean went 3-2 in the middle school 105-pound class.

FPC and Seabreeze were scheduled to play each other two more times before the end of the week — at Seabreeze on April 10 and at Spruce Creek in the first round of the Five Star Conference tournament at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 13. Seabreeze is also scheduled to play at Matanzas at 7 p.m. April 12.

Kelley shuts down Matanzas softball

University of Kentucky signee Julie Kelley silenced Matanzas’ bats in Spruce Creek’s 8-1 softball win on April 8 at the Pirates’ field. Kelley, of Ormond Beach, allowed two hits and one earned run in seven innings to lower her earned run average to a minuscule 0.13. The Hawks improved to 123, while Matanzas fell to 11-2.

Flag football districts

FPC defeated Matanzas 25-6 in a District 5-2A flag football quarterfinal on April 8 to advance to the semifinals where they were knocked out by Spruce Creek 12-0. The District 11-1A semifinals were scheduled for April 10 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex with Seabreeze and Mainland on opposite sides of the draw. The championship game is scheduled for April 11.

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Christina Borgmann with coach David Bossardet. Borgmann won the 126-pound girls championship at the NHSCA High School Nationals wrestling championships. Courtesy photo

Mariah Mills shows off her national championship bracket and plaque and AllAmerican certificate. Photo by Rachel and Abe Mills

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