Ormond Beach Observer 04-25-24

CITY WATCH

Citizens Academy begins with ‘Government 101’

The city of Ormond Beach launched its first Citizens Academy, with 20 residents enrolled, with an introductory “Government 101” session.

The first meeting was held on April 18 in the City Commission Chambers at City Hall on Beach Street.

The Ormond Beach Citizens Academy is a free six-week program held on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. that will give participants a chance to learn how the city operates and about the local Police and Fire departments and city departments.

Participants will graduate from the academy at the June 4 City Commission meeting. Ormond Beach Public Information Officer Jenn Elston wrote over email that all 20 seats for the academy were filled in just a few days.

“Feedback has been extremely positive,” she wrote. Enrollment has not yet opened for the next course, she said, but the city is happy to take applications from anyone that wants to be on the waiting list.

Residents can enroll on the city’s website.

OBPD leaders ride 75 miles to honor fallen officers

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey and Cpl. Rhett Summerlot road the last 75.8 miles of the Florida Tour de Force. The Tour de Force is a memorial bike ride honoring fallen law enforcement officers. The 270-mile marathon left North Miami Beach on April 8 and ended in Daytona Beach Shores on April 12. Godfrey and Summerlot joined the group in Titusville, in Brevard County, and biked the remaining miles to Daytona Beach Shores. Godfrey said, in a statement submitted to the Observer , why they participated.

“We participate in the Florida Tour de Force ride first and foremost to honor the fallen Florida officers. We ride on Day 5, from Titusville to Daytona Beach Shores.

“Having recently lost Cpl. Michael Bakaysa, it makes this ride extremely meaningful to us as an agency,” Godfrey said. Bakaysa died on Dec. 1 after a medical incident following a training session two weeks prior. He was 54 years old and had worked for the OBPD for over 27 years.

Godfrey said the Tour de Force also serves as good training for cyclists participating in May in the Police Unity Tour, a three-day, 250-mile ride from Virginia to Washington

D.C. The Unity Tour raises awareness for officers who died in the line of duty and money for the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, according to the Unity Tour’s website.

The Tour first began in 1997 with just 18 riders but has since grown to annual include 2,600 riders nationwide, across nine local chapters, the website said. Summerlot said he trains for the Unity Tour throughout the year and he could tell in the Tour de Force leg he completed that the training had paid off. Godfrey was the one who got Summerlot to join in the first time, Summerlot said.

The principle of the two rides, he said in the statement, is to honor fallen officers.

“The Unity Tour’s motto for the [Florida] Chapter 8 is ‘We ride for those who died,’” he said. “That’s why we ride, and that’s why I wanted to do it.”

Pulling into the memorial ceremony in Washington, D.C., at the end of the ride, alongside all the other officers is “breathtaking,” Summerlot said.

The Unity Tour begins on May 9 in Norfolk, Virginia, according to the event website. Cyclists will arrive in Washington, D.C., for the ceremony at around 2 p.m. May 12.

Circle K planned for former bank site on Nova Road

A Circle K convenience store and gas station may be replacing the old Bank of American building at 699 S. Nova Road.

The Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee reviewed an early draft of the application at its April 10 meeting. It was the board’s second review of the application and several members had concerns about the traffic congestion and entrances to the lot.

The building is located at the corner of South Nova Road and Hand Avenue. The site has two entrances, one on Hand Avenue and one on

Nova Road.

The applicant originally requested left-hand turn lanes be added going out onto Hand Avenue and into the lot from Hand Avenue, according to committee meeting minutes. The lot already allows left turns leaving the site on that road, but the committee members and staff agreed that adding a turn lane from Hand’s eastbound lane would not work because of the traffic at the intersection. As the application progresses, staff will require a traffic study. Email Sierra Williams at sierra@ observerlocalnews.com.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

OBPD Cpl. Rhett Summerlot and Chief Jesse Godfrey in the Florida Tour de Force. Courtesy photo

The old Bank of American building at 699 S. Nova Road. Google Maps image

Fun for the whole clan

Ormond Beach MainStreet organizers offered more Highland Games, more kids’ activities and more fun at 13th annual Celtic Festival.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ormond Beach MainStreet gifted two days of Highland Games with spectator seating, more activities for the kids, a plethora of Celtic musicians and vendors and a commemorative for purchase at the 13th annual Ormond Beach Celtic Festival held the weekend of April 20-21 at The Casements north lawn in Rockefeller Gardens and Fortunato Park.

Eighteen clans and societies graced the grounds north of The Casements including the honored clan — Clan MacLaren. Clan member Corey Patterson said at the end of the festival the previous year, they were asked to be the honored clan.

“As the honored clan, we get a choice of spots,” he said. “Other than that, it is mainly, be here — be friendly. We welcome everybody. If you want to come hang out — come hang out. If you want to join — join.”

The Parade of the Tartans was led by Daytona Beach Pipe and Drums on Saturday and by the City of Mount Dora Pipe Band on Sunday. New World Celts and Nauti Pets hosted the annual dog parade held on The Casements stage. Donations were given to local shelters.

This was the first festival of its kind where the athletes competed on both Saturday and Sunday. Men and women had the opportunity to compete in open divisions, elite men and the men’s 40+ on Saturday. Senior men and women and lightweight men competed on Sunday.

Approximately 80 athletes took to the fields throughout the weekend battling in nine events each day— Braemar stone, open stone, heavy and light weight for distance, heavy and light hammer throw, weight over bar, sheaf and caber toss.

Dawn Schull, President of the Foundation for Scottish Athletics, said Becky Parker, Ormond Beach MainStreet Executive Director, has been asking for the additional day.

“The crowd for both days was phenomenal as they cheered on the athletes,” Schull said. “We were so excited how well the whole event was run and we can’t wait for next year.”

Festival-goers meandered through four designated villages — Clan Village, Celtic Village, Highland Village and Lowland Village. They hosted

five stages offering a variety of musical and dance entertainment. The Marty Groody Memorial Jam Tent was home to multiple workshops including a mandolin workshop with Ennis Pruitt, a Celtic fiddle workshop with Martha Delaney-Hotz and a Bodhran workshop with Chuck Spano, to name a few. The Highland Village was home to most of the athletic events and kids’ activities. They included a bounce castle and obstacle course, the Pop-up Ponies and Petting Pals Zoo, a craft area, Florida Face Painting, glitter tattooing, balloon artistry by Diamond Jim and a Pirate’s Cove putting green.

Revelers of all ages joined the Friends of the Tomoka Basin State Park to create fish paintings and learn about the nonprofit’s mission to support the Tomoka Basin State Parks — Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, Bulow Creek State Park, Dummett Mill Ruins, Addison Blockhouse Historic State Park and Haw Creek Preserve State Park and Tomoka State Park. Setup across the way was the blacksmithing demonstration. Florida Artist Blacksmith Association volunteers, Mike Johnson and Joe Naylor, demonstrated how to forge

and hammer a split cross. Johnson said it was important to keep the traditions alive and the Celtic Festival was the perfect platform.

“The purpose of FABA and what I enjoy about it, is we try to focus on teaching and keeping some of the traditions alive,” he said. “Blacksmithing is a dying art — everything is machine and mass-produced. If old-world blacksmiths had access to some of the tools we have now like a belt grinder or a power hammer, they would be all over using it to be more efficient.

“But we want to keep the spirit alive in some of the traditions. So we do the hand forge. People really love it.”

Highland Games athlete Cole Wildey placed first overall in the Men’s B division. He tossed the sheaf 28 feet over the bar.

Honored Clan MacLaren members Lori MacLaren, Corey Patterson, Frank Flowers and Dawn Garan hang out

Chris Collins (right) plays the hammered dulcimer and her husband Phil Pittenger plays the guitar as they lead a session at the Marty Groody Memorial Jam Tent.

Rotary Club of Downtown Ormond Beach founding president Joyce Pepin (right) and new member Claire Hiller (left) man the entrance.

Highland Games athlete Roxy Finamore throws in the weight-for distance-event.

Gravy takes a water break with her best friend Victoria Mullins.

Sophia Caffrey colors a turtle in the kid zone.

Ormond Beach city employees take part in county-wide crisis simulation

The simulation provided a chance for emergency response to practice a crisis scenario involving agency cooperation across Volusia.

Ormond first responders and city employees recently participated in a county-wide, multi-agency training that simulated what would happen if a building collapsed in the Daytona Beach Shores area.

“Its so rare that we get to collaborate with other counterparts [ahead of a crisis],” said Pauline Dulang, a city of Ormond Beach public information officer.

The training was held in conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency from April 15-18 at the Volusia County Emergency Operations Center with training presentations, collaborative, problem-solving discussions and a crisis simulation, a Volusia County press release said. The simulated crisis scenario was based on condominium building that collapsed in the Miami Surfside suburb in 2021, Dulang said.

BRIEFS

Daytona Dream Center hosts trafficking awareness initiative through ‘Shining A Light’

Daytona Dream Center hosted an educational, human trafficking awareness event on April 18 through the Center’s “Shine A Light” program. The nonprofit, attached to and based out of the Calvary Christian Center church, focuses on community outreach through its various

The Surfside building — called the Champlain Towers — collapse killed 98 people and is still under investigation, even three years later, according to an NPR report. The initial findings of the investigation point to a weakness in the concrete used to build and support the pool deck, the report said.

Dulang said the FEMA team leaders organizing the training based the simulation on a similar, fabricated

programs, said Jamie Hartsgrove, a pastor with Calvary and the director of the Dream Center. Shine A Light focuses on educating children and parents about the ways children can be taken advantage of online.

Hartsgrove said the Dream Center partnered with the nonprofits Paving the Way an United Abolitionists — both anti-human trafficking organizations — and the Daytona Beach Police Department to host the educational event. Guest speakers detailed the dangers children can see online from predators. “Paving the Way does a lot of prevention, Abolitionists does a lot of intervention,” he said. “So we kind of merged the two.”

condominium at a fake address.

The teams picked a real street in the Daytona area to base the logistical information off of, like emergency response time, population and organizational efforts.

From Ormond Beach, Dulang said, herself and seven others attended: Ormond Beach Police Department Lt. Tom Larsen, Lt. John Borzner, Public Works Utility Engineer Mike Stephenson, Stormwater Supervi -

Multiple local organizations with resources hosted tables at the event. Hartsgrove said around 100 people attended, including a few school officials, parents and children.

The Dream Center is already planning to have another educational event in the fall, he said.

Hartsgrove said he even wants to work with the local schools, if possible, to host a presentation for the middle and high school students on how to keep themselves safe online.

“Our goal is we’re really to uncover all those hidden [online dangers],” he said.

sor Bobby Dudzin Ormond Beach Fire Chief Howard Bailey, Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier and Building Maintenance Supervisor John Fowler.

Quartier said his biggest takeaway was the opportunity they had to work with the interlocal partners that would come together for a crisis like this.

“Developing those relationships is key to an effective response and recovery,” he said.

Participants in the program assumed roles aligned with their real-life positions during emergencies, in order to enhance preparedness and collaborative response efforts across the community, the press release said. Dulang said she was in a Joint Information Center with other PIOs, sharing and collating information on the response.

Dulang said it was a great networking experience, a chance to know her counterparts and work out communication kinks before an emergency actually happens.

“It’s really great that we get to come together and prepare on a scenario that isn’t real,” she said. “We don’t want the first time that we’re meeting somebody during an emergency.”

It also gave her new perspective, she said, on all the things that need to

“Every opportunity we have to come together as a group, countywide, to exercise our skills and abilities, and to plan for future incidents is key into having a successful, mitigation of any incident.”

HOWARD BAILEY, Fire Chief

be considered in such an emergency situation — including, handling the recovery process of a mass fatality event, what the community is like and if any specific religious figures should be present as fatalities are recovered.

“It’s just also thinking ahead, like who are the populations that are affected and how can we best, you know, make this less traumatic for them ... while keeping in mind all the logistics,” Dulang said.

Fire Chief Howard Bailey said any training opportunity between municipalities and the county pays dividends in the future.

“Every opportunity we have to come together as a group, countywide, to exercise our skills and abilities, and to plan for future incidents is key into having a successful, mitigation of any incident,” Bailey said.

The Daytona Dream Center team with a local DCF representatives and members of the Paving the Way and United Abolitionists nonprofits. Courtesy of Daytona Dream Center

Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier at the training simulation. Photo courtesy of Ormond Beach

‘We have to be fiscally prudent’

Volusia County superintendent said 284 teachers are likely to be displaced in the new school year.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

After listening to students and parents from across Volusia County respond to the future displacement of 284 teachers, Volusia County Superintendent Carmen Balgobin reminded everyone present that any cuts will be made closer to the new fiscal year.

“We have to be fiscally prudent,” Balgobin said in the April 9 meeting.

Some 284 teachers in Volusia County could be displaced in the upcoming school year after four years of the Volusia School Board using federallyfunded COVID relief funding for reoccurring costs, such as new job positions.

Cuts will be made at the school and district levels, as the School Board begins planning for the next school year after exams and closer to the new fiscal year, on June 1, Balgobin said. No decisions can be made until the VCS has a better idea of how many personnel are leaving or retiring, she said.

“It’s fluid, what’s taking place,” she said. “So the best time to do this is to wait more towards the ending of the [school fiscal year].”

The federal government passed a coronavirus relief fund in 2020, a subset of which were the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds. Balgobin said when the VSC began receiving the ESSER funds, the board made it clear the funds were not to be used for

reoccurring positions.

Despite board direction, Balgobin said, the funds were used for those positions. Balgobin was not the superintendent at that time. She joined the school district in May 2022. Afterward, an audit of the budget showed the ESSER funding was being used to bolster the school system’s budget, instead of just adding to it. Without the funding, which will expire in September, the VSC was at a $50 million deficit in 2022.

The Daytona Beach NewsJournal wrote in March that Volusia County teachers were notified of the upcoming changes, where teachers will be moved to other schools and possibly other subjects to teach. Many students from schools whose choir or other arts programs are either being cut or consolidated showed up at the April 9 meeting in protest.

School Board member Ruben Colón pointed out that many choral programs only have a handful of students across multiple classes while simultaneously, as board member Jamie Haynes said, other schools do not enough

teachers for the number of students.

“You don’t give a high school that has 1,000 students, the same number of assistant principals as you give a high school with 3,000 students,” Haynes said.

Haynes said the ESSER funds were ideally supposed to have been used for additional tutoring opportunities for students. Instead, they were used to hire teachers at a rate that did not follow any formula based on school populations.

“Units were handed out like Santa Claus was handing out presents,” she said. “... You can’t say, ‘I want every one of these programs on my campus,’ if the kids aren’t there to support the programs.”

Haynes and Balgobin both said there will be cuts at the district level. Not only, Balgobin said, is the Volusia district the second-lowest staffed districts when compared to eight other Florida school districts, there will be additional cuts on top of that.

“In every district that I’ve worked,” she said, “when you’re making district cards, it’s closer towards the end of the year.”

“It’s fluid, what’s taking place. So the best time to do this is to wait more towards the ending of the [school fiscal year].”

CARMEN BALGOBIN, Volusia County Superintendent

The repeal will not impact background check requirements imposed on licensed firearm retailers.

The Volusia County Council, at its April 16 meeting, unanimously repealed a county ordinance mandating a threeday waiting period and criminal background checks for firearms purchased in public places. The ordinance, Chapter 78-1 in the Volusia County Code of Ordinances, was originally adopted in 1999. The repeal will allow the purchase of firearms on all property generally accessible by the public, if the seller is not a federally licensed firearm retailer, Assistant County Attorney Christopher Ryan said.

County Councilman Danny Robins asked the repeal proposal be brought forward at the council’s March 19 meeting. Robins owns a sporting goods store that is licensed to sell firearms. “[This repeal] does not impact the background check

requirements imposed on licensed retailers under federal or state statutes,” Ryan said.

Florida’s constitution in Section 5 Article VII gives counties the right to impose its own waiting period of three to five days after the purchase of a firearm and a background check. The new ordinance repealing the waiting period and background checks said the “county believes such a restriction on the private sale of handguns is an unnecessary infringement on Second Amendment rights.”

The repeal followed just days after the federal government closed a loophole on gun purchases in public places like gun shows. The new Department of Justice ruling will require background checks and licenses for anyone who selling private firearms predominately for profits, Ryan said, including online, by mail, at flea markets and gun shows.

Several residents plead -

“This has more holes in it than Swiss cheese. It’s a joke.”

DANNY ROBINS, County Councilman

ed with the council to take caution and not re-open the loophole that the federal government was trying to close through its ruling.

Deltona City Commissioner Dana McCool, who originally protested the decision at the March 19 meeting, said on April 16 that a three-day waiting period is not infringing on anyone’s rights.

“In essence, what this council is going to be saying is that you know better than federal authorities and experts,” McCool said. “And although you might fancy guns, I don’t consider anyone sitting up here an actual expert.”

Council member Jake Johansson pointed out that the county only has about nine gun shows in a year. So while the waiting period may prevent bad choices nine times in a year, he said, the rest of the year anyone can get a gun from a friend or family member without pause.

“I’m trying to figure out why being in the public is different than being in the private,” Johansson said, “as far as the argument that unstable people can buy weapons.”

Robins said the federal legislation does nothing.

“This has more holes in it than Swiss cheese,” he said. “It’s a joke.”

Volusia County Superintendent Carmen Balgobin. Image from School Board live stream

Over 18,000 people have moved to Flagler County and are new voters in Florida since the last Presidential election. If you are a new resident, you probably have many questions about the elections this year!

•Am I registered to vote?

•Where do I vote in person?

•How do I vote by mail?

•How do I update my address or name?

• What is my party affiliation?

• Who are my elected officials?

•Are elections in Flagler County secure?

BRIEFS

FDOT begins construction on secant seawall in Flagler, Volusia

Construction of the first wall is anticipated to be finished in fall 2024, and all work is expected to be done by fall 2025. The project cost, including design, is about $117 million and will use state and federal funds.

For video and updates, visit www.CFLRoads.com/project/452444-1.

Daytona State program to allow school employees to earn teaching degrees

Daytona State College is launching a new apprenticeship program in Fall 2024 that will allow select school district employees in Volusia, Flagler and Brevard counties to pursue a career in teaching while continuing in their fulltime positions.

The program is supported through a $5 million statewide Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant aimed at designing a Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program intended to open the teaching profession to individuals who are involved in the field but otherwise might not consider becoming credentialed.

“Florida is dealing with a shortage of teaching professionals and this program gives qualified school employees a flexible, free option

The Florida Department of Transportation has started construction on the first of two buried secant seawalls to protect State Road A1A in southern Flagler and northern Volusia counties. Work on the first of two seawalls is proceeding south from South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach to one-half mile north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County, a FDOT press release said. Later this summer, crews will start work on the second wall, which stretches from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea. Each wall is about 1.3 miles long. Some dune walkovers will be temporarily removed as part of the project, though the walkovers across from the water tower, near Gamble Rogers State Park, and near Highbridge Road will remain open throughout the project to provide beach access, the press release said. The beach area in front of the walls will also be open for public use. FDOT and the other A1A Resiliency Project partners remind everyone to stay off the dunes and be mindful of construction activities. FDOT will be replacing walkovers in the construction area as each wall section is completed, the press release said. FDOT will have a table at Flagler Beach First Friday from 6-8 p.m. on May 3, at Veterans Park in downtown Flagler Beach, to answer questions about the project.

COPS CORNER

100, Flagler County Trespass. A man called in a trespass on himself, telling deputies he did not want to go home.

Deputies received a call from the suspect that he was at a gas station and wanted to be trespassed and arrested, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The man told deputies the address where he could be found, and hung up.

When deputies got there, the man had left the gas station, only to go to another gas station a few doors down and called to tell the deputies where he was.

When the deputies found him at the second gas station, the suspect said he couldn’t go home. As he had previously been trespassed from the second gas station, deputies did arrest him for trespassing.

APRIL 15

BELT IT OUT

2:20 a.m. — 100 block of Washington Street, New

Smyrna Beach Property damage. An Ormond Beach man was arrested after he and his friend were caught stumbling around, completely drunk, in the middle of a roadway.

The friends were fighting, but told the police officer they did not know what they were arguing about, according to the man’s arrest report. A third car drove by, only for the driver to say one of the two people had damaged his car earlier, by throwing a belt at it.

The belt left about $300 in damage, the arrest report said. The suspect was arrested and taken to the county jail. The other suspect was charged with resisting arrest.

APRIL 16

MOVING DAY

2:48 p.m. — 100 block of Red Mill Drive, Palm Coast Burglary, criminal mischief. A Palm Coast man wanted to move out of his father’s house so badly that he broke into a neighbor’s home and began to move in.

Deputies arrived at the home to investigate a residential alarm going off, according to the suspect’s arrest report. Deputies found the man sitting in the home’s back porch, waiting for them.

to become fully certified teachers in as little as two years,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “The program is designed to allow employees to balance work, life and school, and graduates will have the exact same degree, certifications and endorsements as those earned by graduates of Daytona State’s School of Education.”

Graduates receive either a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education or a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education, depending on the degree path they select.

DSC School of Education alumni: Madison Miller, Volusia County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year and current assistant principal at New Smyrna Beach’s Read-Pattillo Elementary School; and Shari Goodenough, the kindergarten through fifth grade mathematics specialist for Volusia County, are consulting as content matter experts on the program.

Each school district will select candidates for the teacher apprenticeship program. Selected candidates will train alongside a mentor teacher, gaining hands-on experience while maintaining full time employment and receiving full pay.

School district employees interested in participating in the program should contact their Human Resources office.

To learn more about Daytona State’s education programs, visit https://bit.ly/DSC_Education.

The suspect said he needed to move out from his father’s home and this, the neighbor’s home, was the closest place. The homeowners lived out of state. The man was arrested and taken to jail.

APRIL 17 TWO BEER PROBLEMS

9 p.m. — 700 block of Nova Road, Ormond Beach Petit theft. An Ormond Beach man wound up in jail after stealing $5.22 worth of beer.

The suspect walked into the store one evening, went into the cooler and took two beers, according to the man’s arrest report, without paying. The store manager said they have had to turn the man away before because he came into the store extremely drunk, and the associates would not sell to him.

The Sheriff’s Office deputies only had the witnesses’ description and surveillance footage of the man, but began an investigation.

Ten days later, the deputies found the man at his home, intoxicated, and he was arrested for the theft.

The suspect told the deputies that he knew breaking the window of the home would bring deputies to the scene. Inside the home, the drawers had been rifled through, and a large suitcase belonging to the suspect was also inside.

Josh Crews Writing Project book launch celebrates 100 student-authors

The 13th annual anthology of Flagler students contains more than 200 stories, poems and essays.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The student-authors sat at long tables in the back and along one side of the Buddy Taylor Middle School cafeteria. They flipped through their books, listened as selected students read their stories and poems and then signed their selections for classmates and parents.

The Flagler County Education Foundation celebrated the 13th annual Josh Crews Writing Project Book Launch on Wednesday, April 17. Over 200 selections by Flagler Schools’ second through 12th graders were included in the 2024 edition of “Write On.” The project was established in the memory of Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate Josh Crews, an avid reader and writer who tragically died in an automobile accident in 2010. Florida writing standards mostly focus on argumentative or informational writing, Ed Foundation Executive Director Teresa Rizzo said. The project gives students a chance to write creatively, she said.

April Adams (elementary schools) and Julie Hald (secondary schools) coordinate the project. Each of the district’s nine schools has a Josh Crews Writing Project club with a teacher/sponsor. The Ed Foundation hosts a gala in the fall to raise money for the book printing and to pay the sponsors.

This year’s anthology lists 115 authors. The selections include essays, stories and poems ranging from whimsical to autobiographical, fantasy to heartbreak.

“It’s so neat to flip through the book and see the progression from elementary to middle school to high school and whatthey’re thinking about in that time of their life,” Rizzo said.

This year’s book is dedicated to Melanie H. Crews, Josh Crews’ mother, who died on Jan. 29.

To order an anthology, go to flagleredfoundation.org/how-tohelp/ and click

2024 JDC Book.

“It’s so neat to flip through the book and see the progression from elementary to middle school to high school and what they’re thinking about in that time of their life.”

TWO SELECTIONS FROM THIS YEAR’S ANTHOLOGY:

STARRY NIGHT

Mia Fae Hyder, 5th grade, Wadsworth Elementary School In the night sky, Little white lights twinkle.

So bright even from light years away.

As the wind blows through my hair, And the trees shake and ruffle.

The moon pops out brighter than the sky.

LIQUID CLAY

Spencer Stokes, 4th grade, Rymfire Elementary School Molded into a perfect statue, formed to be a perfectionist all the time. Taking time to be molded together, taking time to actually shape.

I’m trying my hardest don’t you see?

Why aren’t you proud of me?

The sounds of your disappointed sigh is enough to make me cry.

I wish I could, I wish I could try, try and be perfect for you.

Because what you say can change my point of view.

I stand there being molded again, hoping this time I can be perfect.

I can be more than unique.

I just hope that you’re proud of me.

See more on ObserverLocalNews.com

on

Wadsworth Elementary School fifth graders Emiline Morden and Madison Mott collaborated on two stories: “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and “The Shape War.” They read “Rock, Paper, Scissors” from the stage at the book launch.

Rymfire Elementary School’s Ryleigh Jeffries, Hayden Proulx-Barton and Skylar Mathson look through their books and listen to the student readers.

Matanzas High School freshman Lupita Galeano with Matanzas teacher and Josh Crews Writing Project sponsor Olivia McLean. Galeano, a runner on the Pirates’ track team read her story, “At The Starting Blocks,” on stage at the book launch.

Bunnell Elementary School fourth grader Noelle Iglesias with club sponsor Danielle Houser. Noelle wrote a who done it called, “Who Did It?”

TERESA RIZZO

Flagler Palm Coast High School sophomore Tessa Cauley wrote seven poems for the Josh Crews Writing Project anthology. Photos by Brent Woronoff

The application in Plantation Bay was originally approved by the commission in March 2022.

The commission approved the plat in a 5-0 vote at is April 15 meeting.

Commission Chair Andy Dance reminded members of the public that a final plat is not an approval of a new development, but rather the last step in a previously approved development’s application. A final plat is the final administrative step before a property owner can sell individual lots in a development, he said. The Unit 9B phase is on 61 acres of attached townhomes that will be a mix of duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes and sixplexes, totaling the 81 residences. There will be two

duplexes, seven triplexes, two quadplexes and eight sixplexes, which have six residential units.

The County Commission previously approved the application for the Unit 9B phase in March 2022, according to commission meeting documents.

The residential area will be linked to U.S. 1 by an extension of Bay Drive, Plantation Bay’s main entrance, and will have two roads within the neighborhood: Brighton Lane and Regency Road.

The development is owned by WL Residential Land LLC. The Plantation Bay DRI still has multiple phases under development.

DeSantis OKs chaplains in schools

Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed a measure that will authorize school districts to allow volunteer school chaplains to provide services to students, amid opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Speaking at a high school in Osceola County alongside Republican allies and a local pastor, the governor touted the measure (HB 931) as bolstering existing resources that could help students with their mental health.

“It used to be, I mean, when education in the United States first started, every school was a religious school. That was just part of it. Public schools were religious schools. There’s been things that have been done over the years that veered away from that original intent,” DeSantis said. “But the reality is, I think what we’re doing is really re-

storing the sense of purpose that our founding fathers wanted to see in education,” the governor added. Under the measure, school districts and charter schools could choose to craft policies allowing chaplains to provide “support, services, and programs” as long as certain requirements are met.

For example, written parental consent would be required for students to participate and the policies would have to describe the services that would be provided. School districts that participate would have to publish on their web sites lists of the volunteer chaplains and their religious affiliations.

“Parents must be permitted to select a volunteer school chaplain from the list provided by the school district, which must include the chaplain’s religious affiliation, if any,” the bill says.

The ACLU last month posted a statement on its website saying the organization has “vigorously opposed”

efforts to bring chaplains into schools.

“Allowing chaplains in public schools violates students’ and families’ right to religious freedom. And, because chaplains are typically not trained or certified to provide educational or counseling services to youth, students are likely to receive inadequate mental health support that, in some cases, may be harmful,” the ACLU said, echoing other critics of the measure who spoke out against it during the legislative session.

The ACLU also urged school boards to reject school chaplain proposals.

DeSantis said he expects the measure to be challenged in court. The new law is set to go into effect in July.

DeSantis also signed HB 1317 that will allow certain “patriotic organizations” to visit schools, including Boy Scouts of America; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Civil Air Patrol; Future Farmers of America; Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

The Donut Dash was the final race of the Daytona Running Series 2023-2024 season.

Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,471 square feet. It sold in 1990 for $26,900.

Carrollwood

Jessica Dougherty and Shamus Michael Dougherty, of Ormond Beach, sold 1312 Golf Ave. to Nathan Gile and Jodi Edmunds, of Ormond Beach, for $280,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,400 square feet. It sold in 1978 for $42,500.

Halifax Plantation

Daniel and Lynnann Carlson, of Harriman, Tennessee, sold 1304 Mandan Lane to 109 Bleeker, LLC, of Dorado, Puerto Rico, for $760,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,850 square feet. It

sold in 2017 for $392,500.

Hunters Ridge Michael Evans and Cynthia Coleman, as personal representatives, sold 12 Westland Run to Cynthia Robin Roberts, of Ormond Beach, for $375,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,854 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $245,000.

Northbrook Cynthia McNamara, James Gawenda, Mary Thompson and Patrice Fitzgerald, of Ormond Beach, sold 1110 Wandering Oaks Drive to Mark Brian Rockower and Christy Jo Rockower, of Carmel, New York, for $300,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,469 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $165,000.

Not in a subdivision Brian Nelson and Jennifer Nelson Poorbaugh, of Ormond Beach, sold 240

Landmark Circle to Dirk and Denise Maisel, of Ormond Beach, for $640,000. Built in 1967, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace and 2,700 square feet. It sold in 1967 for $45,000.

Pineland Allison Anne Rodawold and Cody Alan Grosse,

of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to

Kayla Sen and Savannah Jenkins with Volusia Recovery Alliance. Runners get ready to start the seventh annual Donut Dash 5K.

Kim Torres, Mia Remigio and Emma Wise with Delta Life Fitness

Matt Barron and Kelley Broen getting ready for the 5K

Al Legg, a PAL board director gives Robert Durden a donut. Julian Jamison-Sissle pumped up for the race

Make yourself at home

Do I have to run this bottle to the bus stop?

“Oh, great!” 9-year-old Kennedy said in anguish. “I forgot my water bottle!”

My wife and I were walking Kennedy and Luke, 6, to the bus stop, and it was too late for her to turn around and fetch her bottle, the last “straw” in a stressful morning.

Fortunately, I thought to myself, drinking fountains are plentiful at Kennedy’s school. Think of the care and the cost of designing and installing them — in every hallway — to accomplish the miracle of clean, cold drinking water, available for all, literally at the push of a button. But we had been through this

before. A teacher once told Kennedy that drinking fountains had germs, and that was that.

I’m old enough to remember when drinking fountains were not only wall decorations in public buildings — they were used for actually drinking water. That was before the water bottle industry fooled us into buying tumbler after tumbler, insulated to keep water cool for weeks on end. These days, it’s a given that your quality of life depends on built-in environmentally responsible straws and ergonomically pleasing handles. And, of course, as evidence of our devotion to this new reality, we have a kitchen cabinet full of perfectly sound but rejected water bottles of the past, a graveyard of thirst.

And so, I dutifully jogged back home, in my shirt and tie and dress shoes. I rushed around the kitchen, then her bedroom, and finally found her insulated tumbler — covered with stickers — and filled it with ice, then water.

As I did so, I grew more and more annoyed at having to jog down the street, carrying this bottle, just

because of the industry’s manipulative cleverness.

But as I was jogging back to the bus stop with the water bottle, I had an epiphany of gratitude. Several true statements came to my mind: I have shoes on my feet.

I had enough money to buy this bottle for my daughter.

I have the physical strength to jog down the street.

I have a beautiful wife and son and daughter waiting for me at the bus stop.

I thought of the life I aspire to lead, one that should be full of moments like this: giving drink to the thirsty.

And as I expected, with my heart softened, when I arrived, just in time for the bus, Kennedy accepted the bottle with a big smile, bursting with her own gratitude, with relief, and with the sensation of being loved by her dad.

What are you grateful for? And be honest: How many water bottles do you own? Email brian@observerlocalnews.com.

PUBLISHER’S SHOUT-OUTS

In my role as publisher, I meet so many people who are making a difference in the community. Here are two I’d like to highlight this week: Danielle Geiger and Leah Putting are the area directors for Flagler and East Volusia, respectively, for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In the past school year, Geiger helped increase program participation from 50 to

Remembering Ormond Beach’s Historic Union Church

The loss of such a unique local historic landmark makes many people realize that historic preservation has many challenges.

Built in 1960-61, and located at 56 North Beach St., Ormond Beach, the Union Church was a scarce local example of Mid-Century Modern Architecture. This architectural style was a prominent design movement that remained active for only a brief period, from around 1945 to 1969.

Mid-Century Modern Architecture is a minimalist style that is noted for being in harmony with natural surroundings. The style used clean lines, geometric shapes, and multiple materials including concrete, glass, various metals and different types of wood. Buildings of the style were typically space efficient, functional and aesthetically pleasing.

In 2018, the Union Church was purchased by the city of Ormond Beach for $729,000. Several repurposing ideas for the structure were discussed by city officials, including a community center or some other public use building. Unfortunately, no repurposing ideas progressed further than the drawing board. There was at least one private offer to purchase the structure, made during a City Commission meeting, but it was rejected by the City Commission.

In May 2021, just as many suspected since the city first purchased the structure, the Ormond Beach city commissioners voted 3-2 in favor of demolishing the historic Union Church landmark.

Despite many objections from residents and community activists the Ormond Beach city commissioners ordered the Ormond Beach Riverside Church (Union Church) to be demolished during the summer of

$500,000 DONATED TO SMA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

Local philanthropists have donated $500,000 to the SMA Healthcare Foundation.

Hyatt and CiCI Brown’s donation is to support the SMA’s new, state-of-the-art integrated healthcare facility in west Volusia County, according to a press release. The facility is being built on Stone Street in DeLand. Between the Brown’s donation and other funding sources, 60% of the funds to build the facility have been secured, the press release said. The new center will consolidate SMA services provided in the west

2021. Most of the internal materials, including the stained glass, were all destroyed during the demolition.

A time capsule placed in the building during its initial construction was salvaged and donated to the Ormond Beach Historical Society. During an opening ceremony, many artifacts were discovered including photographs and architectural drawings. Many of these artifacts are on display in the Anderson-Price building.

The scarce historic landmark was quickly replaced with a public parking lot that only has 26 spaces.

The loss of such a unique local historic landmark makes many people realize that historic preservation has many challenges. The demolition of the Union Church proves the point that once an historical structure is razed it is actually gone forever, and only survives in people’s memories,

side of the county and expand the services to include primary care and a pharmacy. The University of Florida will also have an office on site, the press release said.

photographs and other artifacts containing its image.

The U.S. National Park Service defines historic preservation as, “a conversation with our past about our future. It provides us with opportunities to ask, ‘What is important in our history?’ and ‘What parts of our past can we preserve for the future?’

Through historic preservation, we look at history in different ways, ask different questions of the past, and learn new things about our history and ourselves. Historic preservation is an important way for us to transmit our understanding of the past to future generations.”

The preservation of historic structures can benefit communities as they typically attract locals and visitors, maintain a community’s culture and history, contain unique, scarce and higher-quality materials,

VOLUSIA’S FIRST SEA TURTLE NEST IN 2024 FOUND IN ORMOND

Volusia County discovered its first sea turtle nest of 2024 in Ormond Beach on April 13, signaling an early start to the nesting season

Sea turtle nesting season officially begins on May 1 and runs through Oct. 31. This early nesting could signal a bustling few months ahead as hundreds of sea turtles are expected to visit the county’s shores to lay their eggs, a Volusia press release said.

Around 580 nest are typically laid each season, it said, and Volusia County had a record peak of 1,516 nests in 2023. Baby sea turtles incubate in the sand for two months before digging their way out and crawling to the ocean. Only about one in 1,000 to 10,000 hatchlings will survive to adulthood, which can take 10 to 25

and can actually add appeal and local character to their surroundings.

The recognition of a structure as being historic can be at the local, state and national levels. Locally, many communities can include structures on local historic landmark lists. Statewide, structures can be recorded as a state historical landmark, and can be nominated for a state historical marker. Nationally, a structure can be nominated for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.

However, none of these designations can actually guarantee that any historic structure will remain standing.

No matter how historically important any structure is there are many challenges to maintaining its structural integrity and keeping it standing. There are actually many valid

years, depending on the species, the press release said.

Jaymie Reneker, manager of the County’s Sea Turtle Habitat Conservation Plan is spearheading efforts to improve these odds with the community’s assistance.

“Our goal is to make Volusia County beaches safe and inviting for humans and sea turtles alike,” Reneker said. “We encourage everyone to let the night provide light on our coastline, minimizing the use of artificial lighting.”

During the nesting season, it is crucial to shield, redirect, or turn off lights that could shine on the beach in accordance with local sea turtle lighting ordinances. The HCP program provides free educational materials to property owners, who can order these resources through the program’s website.

Residents and visitors should also adhere to guidelines such as not touching or disturbing the turtles

reasons to demolish an historic structure including the beneficial repurposing of the land on which it is located; if it becomes decrepit and beyond economical repair; if it becomes dangerous or hazardous to the community; and if it becomes associated with a dreadful event where many communities would rather demolish it rather than allow it to stand as a reminder of a notorious past.

The decision to preserve or demolish a historic structure can be complicated and can become very emotional for both owners and communities. The owners are usually in a position to make the final decision. If a structure is owned by a government their elected officials must decide if it will be preserved.

Like many things today the bottom line decision usually boils down to money. If an historic structure has the potential to be economically profitable it usually will be preserved.

On the other hand, if an historic structure is deemed a liability and has no feasible economic potential or benefit to its owner or community it will most likely meet the wrecking ball sooner rather than later.

In the case of the demolition of the Union Church, the clear winners are the Granada Boulevard business owners, and the losers are the people who cherish culture and the preservation of local historic landmarks.

Ironically, the Ormond Beach Historical Society, with practically all if its members adamantly against the church’s demolition, and who owns the Anderson-Price building next to where the Union Church once stood, actually benefited from the demolition as more close by public parking spaces are now available for the organization’s events.

Randy Jaye is the author of several books of local history, including “Florida Prohibition: Corruption, Defiance & Tragedy,” in 2024.

or their nests, using designated beach access points, driving only in designated areas, avoiding flash photography and cellphone lights at night, and using red LED flashlights, the press release said. For more about Volusia County’s sea turtle program or questions about sea turtle-friendly lighting, call 386-238-4773 or 386-238-4668 or visit www.volusiaseaturtles.org.

Union Church in Ormond Beach was organized in 1883 and rebuilt in 1961. This postcard is from the 1990s. Collection of Randy Jaye.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

It’s easy being green

The Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center at Central Park kicked off its annual Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 20, with a tree giveaway.

Residents had the opportunity to select a free tree and enjoyed the exhibitions and events at the EDC. Exhibitors, including the City Arborist, Native Florida Landscapes, Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, Petal Pushers Native Plant Nursery, and Halifax River Audubon, were on hand to meet residents and share environmental information.

Visitors to the event participated in guided nature tours through Central Park, presentations discussing environmental issues and activities for kids, including a scavenger hunt.

Located at 601 Division Ave., the Environmental Discovery Center is a 2,000-square-foot educational facility designed to be a self-guided experience, giving visitors a close-up look at the diverse ecosystems of Ormond Beach.

The center is free and open to

Joanna Bernhardt Voss, committee chair of Boy Scout Troop 468, distributed free trees to Ormond Beach residents on Earth Day.

Karen Pillar, community relations representative of the Ormond Beach Scenic Loop and Trail, chats with Sara Divine and Jessica Foreman at the Ormond Beach Leisure Services table

Four-year-old Aiden from Ormond Beach works on his scavenger hunt list

Ormond Beach resident Alice Hossfeld (left) joins Katie Tripp at the Native Florida Landscape booth.

Dee Hackett, Kate Muldoon and Ormond Beach resident Susie Shaeffer of the PawPaw Chapter of the Petal Pushers Native Plant Nursery arrange a display of native plants. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Four-year-old Alfie and his cousin Jack, 5, of Ormond Beach, work on their scavenger hunt lists

Seven-year-old Jacob and his dad Jonathan of Ormond Beach enjoy the Environmental Discovery Center

Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center celebrates Earth Day.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

PROGRAM

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Library Auditorium, 30 South Beach Street

Details: Officer Danielle Henderson and Officer Andy Rossi of the Ormond Beach Police Department will present a free Community Safety Program titled “Protect Yourself Against Crime.” This event will focus on personal safety, home security and fraud prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns about safety and crime in our neighborhood.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

2024 HOUSING FAIR & FINANCIAL CLINIC

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

Where: Allen Chapel AME Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd. Daytona Beach,

Details: HUD counselors, realtors, lenders, insurance agents, home inspectors and title companies will be available to provide answers to all your questions. For more information contact Lydia Gregg at MFHP 386-274-4441 ext 304 or by email at lydia. gregg@mfhp.org. Attendees should reserve their spot.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

PALM COAST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

When: Hours vary, first performances begin 5 p.m. May 2-4, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Where: Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater, 545 Colbert Lane

Details: Over 40 songwriters are expected to perform with over 150 hits. Single Day (reserved and general admission) tickets are available for purchase, along with a very limited number of Four Day Reserved Seat Passes. Between May 3-5, the Festival will host other shows earlier in the day at local restaurants. For more information including the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival website at www.palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 LAW ENFORCEMENT

TORCH RUN

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 South Beach Street

Observations.”

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 https:// www.pathwayspta.org/colorrun. Knights of Columbus blood donation event 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 1-mile run will start and finish in the breezeway at Ormond Beach City Hall. The run starts at the breezeway, goes west down Corbin Avenue, to Eileen Butts Street, Tomoka Avenue, South Yonge Street, then north on South Yonge Street, east onto West Granada Boulevard to City Hall’s rear sidewalk. The event will also include a Touch-A-Truck event, a DJ and food vendors. Contact Sgt. Michael Garner for more vendor information at pdoutreach@OrmondBeach.org 386-559-0622.

Details: Share your power and donate blood to save a life at a blood donation event sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 13018. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be on site to accept blood donations. OneBlood offers a free gift, and a $20 eGift card in addition to a complimentary wellness checkup. All donors receive a free pass to the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast in the social hall to enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage and all the pancakes you can eat, along with coffee and orange juice. Breakfast for non-donors is only $6, kids under 12 eat free.

MONDAY, MAY 6

PALM COAST ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway

Details: The month’s meeting is “Astronomy Club Eclipse

Anyone interested in astronomy is welcome. Meeting room is located im mediately to the right after entering the library.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY

MEETING

When: 1:30-3:45 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Li brary Auditorium, 30 South Beach Street

Details: Genealogist Ann Osisek will give a presentation titled, “Calico & Cornbread – How to Find Your Female Ancestors” for the club’s May meeting. The presentation is meant to help with faster researching of the women in a genealogist’s family trees. Guest registration is free.

TRADEWINDS EXHIBIT 2024

When: 5-7 p.m.

com/halifax-fashion-fest and the show is also viewable virtually at https://halifaxpilotsclub.ticketspice.com/ halifax-fashion-fest for those unable to attend in person. The virtual attendees will be eligible for cash prizes.

ONGOING

BAM SENIOR FITNESS CLASS

When: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 East Granada Blvd.

Details: Join us to celebrate the opening of “Tradewinds 2024,” an exhibit featuring artwork by Seabreeze High School students. Meet many of the exhibiting artists and enjoy light refreshments.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

PILOT CLUB OF THE HALIFAX AREA’S ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

When: Door opens at 11:00 a.m. Show starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Where: Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: The annual fashion show is a fundraiser to benefit the local youth and charities. Tickets are $36 each, and the show will include a luncheon, the latest fashions from JCPenney, basket raffles and a 360 photo booth. Tickets can be purchased at halifaxpilotsclub.ticketspice.

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

Details: Join this Balance and Motion class and develop strength and endurance, core stability and balance. Taught by senior fitness specialist

Artie G, the class is open to all fitness levels and free with most insurances. A donation is accepted for those without coverage. See full schedule at synergyseniorfitness.com or call 386-931-3485.

ART LEAGUE OF DAYTONA BEACH PRESENTS ‘ART

NUANCE’

When: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, through April 26

Where: Art League of Daytona Beach,433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: See this exhibit featuring the artwork of George Stuart, Toni Slick, Mary Wentzel and Mike Nelson. The exhibit will run through April 26. Visit artleague.org.

WOMEN’S BOOK

to Chapter 125.66, Florida Statutes, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners hereby gives notice of a proposal to adopt an Ordinance affecting the actual list of permitted, conditional, or prohibited uses within the unincorporated area of Flagler County and titled similar to:

1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to planningdept@flaglercounty.gov. Copies of the proposed ordinance, supporting data and analysis, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning and Zoning

DECISION

BOARD

BY

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE NEEDED AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSES, THE PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AT (386) 3134001 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. April 25,

club will meet in the Marchman Building, room 117. Contact Sylvia Meincke at 386-451-5223. MOMS OF PRE SCHOOLERS When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month Where: Central Baptist Church,

Brice Long and Wynn Varble. Photo by Brian McMillan

Who is Black Guy White Violin? Streets come alive with music

Have you ever searched Google to find someone only based on their appearance or what they were doing? Violinist Marcus Mckinnon based his whole brand around that idea and now goes by “Black Guy White Violin.”

“After I began playing on the street, I thought it’s going to be weird for people to see a Black guy playing a white violin, until I realized, it has a nice ring to it, and it’ll make it easier for people to find me and

my music online,” Mckinnon said. “So, I decided to state the obvious and call myself Black Guy White Violin.”

Mckinnon plays from St. Augustine to Port Orange and in his hometown of Tampa when he goes back to visit family. Residents often see him

playing around Palm Coast on the side of the street with a speaker and sign with information for tips and donations, as Mckinnon said he plans to go full time with his music. Ormond Beach resident Josie Fitzgerald often sees him on her way to work.

“I see him playing on the corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Palm Coast Parkway Southwest often when I’m driving around, and his music is phenomenal,” Fitzgerald said. “I never thought I would hear popular songs from the radio on the violin, and I love it.”

Mckinnon began playing the viola and trumpet at the age of 11, practicing daily in hopes of music being his career one day. In the summer of eighth

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grade, he was accepted to the performing arts program at Howard W. Blake High School in Tampa, where he played the trumpet.

Mckinnon visited Palm Coast a lot when he was younger to see his grandparents, and decided to move to the city in 2018. He was still working in Tampa International Airport at Burger King when he first moved to Palm Coast, and brought his viola to play in his free time. One day, he missed the bus to work, and decided to start playing at the bus stop. He played for hours and made money doing so, which gave him the idea to start playing on the street. He bought a violin, as it is similar to a viola, but smaller and easier to travel with. He then began

Sponsored by:

Hearing is a complex process that involves transforming vibrations from our environment into meaningful sound. Exposure to sounds that are too loud for too long can damage this delicate system, which results in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

While immediate hearing damage can result from sudden loud noises (acoustic trauma), NIHL is also caused by repeated and extended exposure to louder sounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing your average leisure noise exposure to 70dB over a 24-hour period. As sounds get louder, your exposure time should decrease. According to health survey data collected from hearing tests, nearly 24% of adults aged 20 to 69 show signs that suggest NIHL. Exposure to noise is part of our everyday lives. From mowing the lawn, to listening to music, we are putting a strain on our ears.

PREVENTING NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS

Most noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. By taking precautions to minimize your exposure to loud noise, you can significantly reduce your risk.

• Be aware of sources of harmful noise.

playing on street corners daily, and eventually started booking gigs at private events and public festivals.

He recently performed at Palm Coast’s Springfest on March 2.

“I’m inspired by everything around me,” Mckinnon said. “There’s different bands, artists, and people in my life that inspire my music and inspire me to be a better person. Personally, that’s my grandparents and my parents; they prioritize love over everything, which makes more sense to me in this world.”

Mckinnon comes from a long line of musicians, which has helped him grow and develop his own voice in the music world. His father, Jermane Mckinnon, is a DJ, also

known as DJ Money Mello; and his grandmother, Beverly Mckinnon, was a singer and grew up with brothers who all played instruments.

Marcus Mckinnon plans to get into the production side of music and create his own independent recording studio. He’d also like to open a company to help upcoming artists find their own voice as musicians.

“If I created my own label, I would want people to have their own liberty and be their selves rather than being under the wing of a big corporation and not having any rights to their own music,” Mckinnon said.

In the meantime, Black Guy White Violin will continue what he’s best known for: playing on the street corners of Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, St. Augustine and Port Orange. Find him on Facebook.

•Wear ear protection when exposed to harmful noise.

• Distance yourself from the source of the noise.

• Reduce the volume and length of time spent using personal listening devices.

• Give your ears a break in quiet spaces whenever possible.

SIGNS OF NIHL

Noise-induced hearing loss

(NIHL) can be difficult to detect early on as it often happens gradually. In some cases, the damage to our ears from noise exposure is temporary. However, left unaddressed, noise exposure can lead to more serious and permanent hearing loss.

Signs of NIHL Include:

• Ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus.

• Difficulty understanding someone who is talking from 3 feet away.

• Difficulty understanding speech in background noise.

• Speech sounding muffled after leaving a noisy area.

• A feeling of pain or fullness in your ears.

If you are concerned you may have

noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), call our office! We specialize in evaluating and managing a broad range of hearing and balance disorders for

Marcus Mckinnon hopes to make music his full-time career.

Marcus McKinnon Photo by Alexis Miller

Mainland’s Walker crushes competition to win state weightlifting title

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mainland High’s Elijah Walker knew he was going to win a state weightlifting championship on April 20. So did his coach. So did his family. But that didn’t stop the tears from flowing when the medal was draped around his neck.

“My family was not shocked because they knew I was going to win. I’ve been saying that since last year before I hurt my knee,” Walker said. “But my mom was crying because she knew what I went through.”

The 342-pound Walker lifted a total of 755 pounds in the traditional competition in the Class 2A unlimited weight class. He won the title by 25 pounds, putting an exclamation point on his day at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland with a personal-record 440-pound bench press. He broke school records in both the bench and total lift.

He did not miss a lift all day. Walker clinched the title after his second bench press of 420 pounds. With nothing to lose, he had 20 more pounds added to the bar. “His previous best was 425,” Mainland coach Chris Fricke said. “He already had first place locked up at that point, so why not try 440? He just smashed it out. He probably could have gone higher if he needed to.”

Walker was still not where he was in the clean and jerk last season before he underwent knee surgery on June 6. But while he was limited on that lift, he built up his bench press. A year ago, he clean and jerked 365

pounds. When he resumed that lift after his surgery he struggled with 135 pounds.

At state, he clean and jerked 300, then 310, then 315, which was good enough for fourth place heading into the bench press. But he knew none of the top challengers were going to come close to him on the bench.

“As soon as I clean and jerked 315, I knew what I had to do, and I just blew it out of the water,” Walker said.

When he locked up the title he looked up in the stands to his parents.

“He started getting giddy,” Fricke said. “He was hopping around. You could see the smile on his face.”

Walker, an offensive lineman who will play football for Alabama State next year, transferred back to Mainland from Spruce Creek before his junior football season. At that point, he knew he would only have one chance to win a state weightlifting title because Mainland was just starting up the program again and was not eligible to compete in the postseason.

Then in Mainland’s intrasquad spring football scrimmage in May, he tore his his MCL and meniscus. He missed the first three games of the football season, but he was back in plenty of time to help the Bucs win a state championship.

At the state weightlifting meet, Walker became the second Mainland athlete to win two state championships in the same school year.

On Monday, April 22, the school celebrated Walker’s championship.

“Between third and fourth period in the big courtyard we have, they set up a podium, and I got up on it. It was pretty cool,” he said.

But now that weightlifting is over, Walker already has football on his mind.

“I leave for Alabama State in a month,” he said. “Right as we graduate high school I’m leaving, and I’m

ready to go to my new home.”

HASH, SAO, GROTH PLACE AT STATE

A year after winning the Class 2A traditional title, Matanzas lifter Cole Hash placed fifth in both the traditional and Olympic competitions in the 199-pound weight class.

Hash became the Pirates’ first lifter to win a medal in the Olympic category. He totaled 520 pounds in Olympic competition and 635 pounds in the traditional competition with a 290-pound clean and jerk and a 345-pound bench press.

Matanzas 129-pound lifter, Jayden Sao, also won a fifth-place medal with a 425-pound total in the traditional competition.

“We thought Jayden could medal (top six) if things went right, and he had a really good day,” Pirates coach Matt Forrest said.

Hash finished his weightlifting career with a total of four medals. He also placed third in the 183-pound class as a sophomore.

“Once you get to that strength level it’s tough,” Forrest said. “At end of the day I know he was disappointed, but no one can take that state championship away that he won last year. He’s been a star for us. He’s got a lot to be proud of.”

Flagler Palm Coast’s Nick Groth finished his weightlifting career with five medals. Groth placed third in both the traditional and Olympic categories in the 169-pound class at the Class 3A championships on April 19.

Groth lifted a 585-pound traditional total and a 540-pound Olympic total. He placed fifth in Olympic and sixth in traditional last year and placed third in the snatch lift in his sophomore year when the Bulldogs won the Class 3A state championship. Mainland’s Elijah Walker won the Class 2A state weightlifting championship in the unlimited weight class with a school-record 755-pound total. Courtesy photo

Bringing home the hardware: FPC wins Five Star baseball championship

The Bulldogs rallied past Pine Ridge for their seventh consecutive victory.

The Bucs’ senior benched 440 pounds for a 755-pound total to win the Class 2A unlimited weight class by 25 pounds. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flager Palm Coast’s baseball players swarmed the field and hoisted the Five Star Conference championship trophy high into the air. The Bulldogs defeated Pine Ridge 9-6 on April 18 at Spruce Creek High School to win their first Five Star tournament title. The way they have been playing lately, there could be more championships to come this year. FPC (12-10) won its seventh game in a row, and coach Kyle Marsh said the players are buying in.

“We just found our identity as a team and understood the things that we’re good at and not good at,” Marsh said. “And sometimes that’s

OK to accept that, hey, we got to still figure out ways to win games. If A is not working, we got to go to B. And I think that’s what kind of turned our season around.”

A year ago in the Five Star championship game, the Bulldogs’ seventh-inning rally fell just short in a 4-3 loss to Spruce Creek. This year, they broke open a 3-3 tie against Pine Ridge with a four-run fourth inning. Just like last season, when FPC won its first district championship in eight years, the Bulldogs have shown that they’re never really out of a game. During their win streak they’ve scored 21 runs in the fifth inning or later. They scored six runs in the sixth, seventh and ninth innings to rally past Bishop Snyder 9-8 on April 5.

They are playing within themselves and they’re treating every game the same, Marsh said.

“I always preach to them, ‘Do your job, and then pass to the next guy. Do

your job, whether it’s hit and run, bunt, steal.’ So I think they actually bought in on that since our little win streak has happened and understood that if we just do our job, we’ll be all right.”

FPC came back from deficits in both the Five Star semifinal (a 5-3 win over Spruce Creek) and the final. The Bulldogs trailed Pine Ridge 3-1 after two innings. They tied the score in the third on Marion Clayton’s runscoring double to right field and Nole Hemmerle’s sacrifice bunt.

In the fourth, Connor May drove in a run with a sacifice fly, Cody Clymer drove in two runs with a single to right and Carson Flis added an RBI single.

Relievers Dalton Roberts and Adam Kleinfelder did their job on the mound. Roberts allowed two runs in 2.2 innings and got the win to improve his record to 4-0. The senior retired the side after the Panthers’ Chris Kable led off the third with a

double. Kleinfelder allowed one run pitching the final three innings. “My two-seamer was working on the outside corner and my slider was working away,” said Kleinfelder, who allowed one run on one hit and two walks. “I’ve been wanting to close,” he said. “I like coming in and getting the save in a big moment. I thrive under pressure.”

The Bulldogs have three home games on consecutive nights to end the season: Fleming Island on April 23, Pine Ridge on April 24 and Delto-

na on April 25. District tournaments are scheduled to begin on April 29. The Bulldogs won’t be doing anything different once the postseason arrives.

“I preach to them every day, this is another game. Because the more I try to do certain things, it’s just more pressure for them,” Marsh said. “So my thing with them is, it’s another game, it’s another game. Go out there, play the same way we’ve been playing other games, and we’ll be fine.”

The Flagler Palm Coast baseball team poses with the championship trophy after winning the Five Star Conference title with a 9-6 victory over Pine Ridge at the Spruce Creek High School field. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC reliever Adam Kleinfelder allowed one run in three innings.

Mitzo will join the FIU track and field team; Smith will play football at Aurora University.

Lester Davis’ last act as the Seabreeze head football coach was to hold a college signing on Tuesday, April 16, for two of his players — Chandler

Mitzo and Landon Smith.

Mitzo heads to Division I Florida International University to throw the javelin on the Panthers’ track and field team, and he will walk on to play football. Smith, a wide

receiver, chose Division III Aurora University in Illinois after making a perfunctory visit to the school.

“(In my time at Seabreeze) I’m most proud of the mindstate of these kids,” Davis said. “I feel like they took on some of my moxie — my thought process. They were as dedicated as I was. We started to think alike. I’m most proud of the relationships I built with my players.”

Davis said both players will be great representatives of the Sandcrabs.

“Congratulations to both of these young men,” he said. “I love them and will continue to pray for them.”

Smith said he went with his family to Illinois to check out two other colleges and decid-

ed to stop at Aurora because it was on his way. Logistically, it made sense to him. He had 15 to 17 offers and was not considering the private school as his future home.

Aurora football coach Don Beebe welcomed the Smith family into his office even though the visit was not scheduled. Instead of talking football film and schemes, Beebe, a former NFL wide receiver, talked about God and Smith’s faith.

Beebe asked him what his favorite Bible verse is and Smith replied Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Smith said he felt an instant

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connection.

“He (Beebe) was trying to get to know more of the person I am and the person he was bringing into this program and what I can offer from my character side,” Smith said. “He already knows what I can bring as a football player.” Beebe was a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills and the Green Bay Packers. He won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 1997. The Packers just happen to be Smith’s favorite NFL team. He said everything fell into place for him at Aurora. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Smith has maintained above a 3.5 GPA all four years at Seabreeze. This qualified him to apply for Aurora’s Dunham Scholarship which is the school’s honors program. One hundred fifty students apply for the scholarship with 100 selected to debate during a Zoom call. Smith was one of six chosen for the scholarship which cut his tuition down to $8,000 from the approximately $46,000 annual fee.

“From the moment I

stepped on campus, Landon Smith has been the ideal leader and student-athlete,” Davis said. “He will be an immediate asset to the school and team. I am so happy for this young man as I can’t think of anyone that deserves this opportunity more.”

Both Smith and Mitzo maintained a 4.0 GPA their senior year. Smith plans on taking advantage of Aurora’s plus-one program which will allow him to get his master’s in business administration in five years instead of six via a sports management program. Mitzo plans to major in biomedical sciences at FIU.

Mitzo was Deltona’s quarterback as a junior. He passed for 361 yards in 2022. Following Deltona coach Jeff Smothers’ resignation, he transferred to Seabreeze where his former coach Blake Hillman was the offensive coordinator and running backs coach. “It was definitely hard work,” Mitzo said. “I’ve always been known for having sneaky athleticism. Once I got to Seabreeze, I realized

these coaches could use it and we could use it in our offense.

After spring, I told the coaches I just wanted to play. They said, “that’s good” and had me play tons of positions.”

He played H-back and wide receiver, and he punted. He said his favorite position was H-back where enjoyed hitting and getting a lot of opportunities to touch the ball.

“Chandler Mitzo took a chance and came to Seabreeze,” Davis said. “This guy is tough as nails which he showed in our Red and White game last spring. He will tackle this next challenge like all the others before — head on.”

He transferred after his junior football season and joined the Sandcrabs’ track team last spring. He won the District 6-3A javelin title and placed third at the Class 3A state championships. His senior postseason begins on April 26 with the district meet at East River High School.

“I have made a lot of friends on the Seabreeze track team,” Mitzo said. “I’ve even got people to start doing javelin (including Landon’s younger brother Logan Smith). “(Logan) is only a sophomore so his junior and senior year I won’t be able to help him at all,” Mitzo lamented. “He’s pretty good.”

Part of Mitzo’s decision to go to FIU was based on his connections at the university. Fellow thrower and friend Vincent Jackson is graduating from Ponte Vedra High School and will attend FIU in the fall with Mitzo.

“I felt like going to a school where I knew people and already knowing people on the track team would benefit me a lot,” Mitzo said. “The facilities were really nice and the coach welcomed me with open arms. I just love the school.”

Chandler Mitzo (left) and Landon Smith (right) pose with former Seabreeze football coach Lester Davis at their college signing event held in the Seabreeze auditorium. Courtesy photo

LINES

FPC, SEABREEZE TENNIS TEAMS ADVANCE

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys tennis team defeated Nease 4-1 in the Class 4A regional semifinals on Tuesday, April 23. The Bulldogs travel to Gainesville Buchholz on Thursday April 25 in the Region 1 final. Seabreeze also won its boys regional semfinal, 4-0 over Orlando Edgewater and will meet Auburndale in the Region 3-3A final on April 25.

TWO PIRATES MAKE COLLEGE CHOICES

Matanzas football kicker and soccer player Landon Grover has committed to play football at Division II Kentucky State.

Previously, Grover had planned to play both sports at a Divison III school, but the opportunity to be able to kick for a Division II football team outweighed playing two sports, Pirates football coach Matt Forrest said.

Another Matanzas football player, lineman Ahmad Louis-Charles signed with Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a Division III football program.

FPC rocks DeLand on softball senior night

Flagler Palm Coast’s senior softball players were able to celebrate a victory on their night.

The Bulldogs shut out DeLand 10-0 in six innings on senior night, Wednesday, April 17, at FPC’s field.

Before the game, FPC honored seniors Lexi Laura, Gabriella Stevens and Aliya Buckles. “It was a great way to finish out their senior night, but we were saying we don’t want to get too emotional yet,” coach Brooklynn Jimeson said.

The Bulldogs followed the senior night win with four tournament victories to improve to 13-8 on the season. They have three regularseason games remaining, including a home contest against Fleming Island on April 24, before the postseason begins on April 29 with district tournament play.

DeLand rocked FPC 10-2 on April 13 in the Five Star Conference Tournament. Four days later, Laura pitched a two-hit shutout and FPC smacked 10 hits, including home runs by Ashleigh Pigeon and Skylar Ludovici. Pigeon led off the bottom of the first with her first career homer. Ludovici had three hits and scored three runs. Aubree Garofolo and Sadie Schell added two hits apiece. Buckles got on base four times via a walk, hit-by-pitch, base on error and a fielder’s choice. FPC was also stellar on defense with Garofolo making two great catches in left field and Anna Gimbel catching a foul pop from her second base position and throwing home to get the runner tagging up from third base for the double play.

“We practiced two hours straight on Monday and Tuesday and all we worked on was defense,” Jimeson said.

Laura, who will play softball for Florida State College at Jacksonville next season, struck out 10 batters and walked one, allowing just three DeLand base runners all game. She lowered her earned run average to 1.99.

“Lexi threw an awesome game, one of the best games she’s pitched this year,” Jimeson said.

Send your sports news to Brent Woronoff at Brent@observerlocalnews.com

SEABREEZE NAMES COACH

Mike Klein has been named the new head football coach at Seabreeze High School. Klein, who was the defensive coordinator at DeLand last year, has little time to prepare for his first practice.

The first day of spring practice non-contact drills is Monday, April 29. Klein replaces Lester Davis who left after one season to take a more lucrative assistant coaching job at Camden County High School in Kingsland, Georgia.

SAMPSELLE HOMERS IN PIRATES’ WIN

Matanzas’ softball team improved to 16-3 with a 6-4 victory at Palatka on Tuesday, April 24. Ashley Sampselle hit a home run and picked up the victory in the circle. Freshmen Ava Henige and Alondra Vincenty drove in a combined five runs. Henige had a pair of hits and three RBIs, while Vincenty had a two-run double.

The Pirates host Pine Ridge in their final regular-season game at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. They will be back home on Tuesday, April 30, for a District 4-5A semifinal. The top-seeded Pirates will play the Mainland-Pine Ridge winner.

PICTONA HOSTS SUPER SENIORS

The MetroHealth Super Seniors Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for May 3-5 at Pictona at Holly Hill. MetroHealth is awarding $5,000 in prize money each day of the three-day tournament.

Flagler Palm Coast honors softball seniors Lexi Laura, Gabriella Stevens and Aliya Buckles. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Lexi Laura struck out 10 and allowed just three base runners on FPC’s senior night.