Ormond Beach Observer 05-30-24

ORMOND BEACH

Brower’s beach driving plea fails 4-2

Troy Kent, knowing the vote would fail, voted against having the discussion — just so he can bring it back up at a future meeting.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

In a play he described as a “chess move,” Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent voted against a request by the County Council chair to discuss reinstating driving on the beach on a stretch from International Speedway Boulevard to Auditorium Boulevard in Daytona Beach.

Kent, who said he was in favor of having the discussion, was met with three nays from his fellow council members — Danny Robins, Jake Johansson and Matt Reinhart. With one council member absent at the May 21 meeting, David Santiago, if Kent had voted in favor, the motion would have died.

“I’m going to vote no on this so that I have an opportunity to bring this back up when Mr. Santiago is here,” Kent said. “This needs a full discussion of the entire council. It puts a lot of weight on Mr. Santiago, but hey — that’s part of the job.”

SEE BEACH DRIVING PAGE 4A

Seabreeze seniors Imani Victory and Olivia Bell.

Photo by Michele Meyers Mainland Valedictorian Mateo Antonio Castillo.

Photo by Michele Meyers

CITY WATCH

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

County Council funds water safety programs

The Volusia County Council allocated $73,409 to water safety programs at its meeting on May 21.

The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA and the Daytona Beach Parks and Recreation Department will each receive $20,000 to provide free, or reduced-rate, swim lessons to income-eligible children this summer, a county press release announced. The program was spearheaded by Councilman Danny Robins. What will happen with the remaining $33,409?

Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will purchase 350 four-pack door and window alarms and 150 pool alarms that detect when someone falls into a body of water. One of each will be available per household, and they will be available for free beginning in June at the county libraries in Ormond Beach and elsewhere in Volusia.

“I’m really excited about this,” Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent said at the meeting. “It’s the right thing to do, and I recommend that all parents get their children swim lessons.”

City awards contract for public art master plan

A Downtown Public Art Master Plan is in the works.

The Ormond Beach City Commission awarded the $80,000 project to Designing Local, a company based in Columbus, Ohio, at its meeting on May 21. The company was one of three who submitted a proposal to the city, and was recommended for the project by a staff evaluation team of composed of the Leisure Services, Planning and Economic Development departments, according to a city staff report.

The Downtown Public Art Master Plan is aimed at giving the city an action plan for types of public art, as well as a five-year work plan, the

report states. This includes identifying opportunities and venues for public art, typical project costs, funding options, maintenance costs, a permitting summary and a process for public input.

“As the first arts Public Art Master Plan for the city, we are excited to explore Ormond Beach’s creative assets and develop suitable and realistic goals and objectives, policies and procedures, financial strategies, and deliver a plan that will encourage and tailor installations and programs to the needs of current and prospective visitors, residents, and business owners,” representatives with Designing Local wrote in their letter

“These are the kind of educational experiences that often trigger life-long interest and careers in science.”

of interest to the city regarding the project.

The city created its mural program in 2019, with the first mural being installed at Ormond Garage, located at 48 W. Granada Blvd.

The second mural in the program was recently completed at Fern and Fable, located at 51 W. Granada Blvd.

According to its proposal, Designing Local has completed master plans for communities across the U.S. In Florida, the company has worked with the cities of Clearwater, Hiawassee, Mount Dora, Pinellas Park and Port St. Lucie. Email Jarleene@observerlocal news.com.

Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis on Lohman Field Study program.

See Page 7A

Ormond opens applications for banner program

The city’s applications for its 2024 Hometown Heroes banner program. The banner program honors Ormond Beach residents and family members who are in active military service, have been honorably discharged, or died in the line of duty. The city places their photo on a banner, to be displayed on the Granada Bridge for the month of November. Honorees also receive a replica keepsake for themselves or their family. This is a free program, but space is limited to 96 honorees. The deadline to apply is Aug. 31. Visit ormondbeach. org/925/Hometown-Heroes.

Ormond

Crossings takes step forward

Meritage Homes and the developer of Ormond Crossings are aiming to submit a site plan for the first phase of the 2,550-home subdivision in July. Representatives with Meritage Homes met with the Ormond Beach Site Plan Review Committee on Wednesday, May 22, to discuss the project. Phase 1 will include 444 single-family homes, composed of 40-, 50and 60-foot lots, as discussed with the SPRC. The land for Ormond Crossings was annexed by the city in 2004. At the time, the plannned community was approved to have a

sides of I-95 and south of U.S. 1.

This mural in the downtown — created by artist Thays França — was painted at Ormond Garage in 2020. It was the first in the city’s public art initiative. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

“When anyone says you can’t do something in this great land of my country — ’tis of thee, sweet land of liberty — you remember that you are an American, and Americans can do.”

‘Freedom has a sound’

Long, the director of the Daytona Beach Concert Band, and Rev. Willie Branch Jr., of Ormond Beach.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The first U.S. Marine Pierre Louis ever saw in uniform was his uncle, Pfc. William McCaskill, who was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.

Louis, a retired U.S. Marine Corps chief warrant officer, said it was he who inspired him to live a life of service. Last month, when he visited Washington, D.C., and read his uncle’s name on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, he said he could feel “the energy of freedom” emitting from the names engraved on the wall.

“It was as though these Americans screamed out to me, and they screamed out for all of us to never forget that freedom has a sound,” Louis said.

Louis delivered the city of Ormond Beach’s Memorial Day Remembrance Service address at the annual ceremony at Rockefeller Gardens on Monday, May 27. The service — presented by Leisure Services, the Memorial Remembrance Committee, American Legion Post 267 and American Legion Unit 267 — featured music by the Daytona Beach Concert Band, the presentation of colors, a fly over by Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight and a wreath laying ceremony. The service also included the tolling of the eight bells, which honors a sailor’s end of watch, and a rifle salute.

Two men were recognized by the Memorial Day Remembrance Committee for their service: Charles

Long is stepping down from his role as director; Branch, while he is remaining involved in the committee, will no longer serve as chaplain. This year’s service was his last performing the benediction.

“I’ve enjoyed coming up here every year and giving you a piece of my heart,” Branch said.

Before delivering his last benediction, Branch called for better treatment of veterans. His uncle, he said, was the first Black officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.

“He taught me how to just do what is right in the eyes of God,” Branch said. “I’ve dedicated my life to that endeavor.”

Freedom has a voice, Louis said. He listed military ranks, acknowledging those who he said answered the call to serve.

Louis enlisted in the Marine Corps when he was 17 years old and served for over 20 years. Born and raised in Daytona Beach, Louis’ path to the military began when he was 9.

He recalled a story of a cub scout who came home from a Memorial Day parade and was told his uncle’s story by his father.

That scout, Louis said, was him.

“When anyone says you can’t do something in this great land of my country — tis of thee, sweet land of liberty — you remember that you are an American and Americans can do,” Louis said. “... This day, we honor and memorialize men and women who died of military service, who died believing in America. Their sacrifices are not for his America or her America. Their sacrifices are for our America.”

Ormond Beach honors fallen vets during annual Memorial Day Service.

Charles Long, director of the Daytona Beach Concert Band, is recogized by Jim Bowers.

Boy Scouts of America Troop 65 help present the colors.

Rev. Willie Branch Jr. was recognized at the service.

Chaplain Terry Moné delivers the invocation.

The Spruce Creek Gaggle Flight performs a fly over.

Retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Pierre Louis delivers the remembrance address.

Cmmdr. John Higgins performs the tolling of the eight bells.

People lay flowers in honor of fallen veterans.

PIERRE LOUIS, U.S. Marine

U.S. 1/I-95 Interchange design underway

The interchange redesign is part of the governor’s $4 billion Moving Florida Forward initiative.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Design for the I-95 interchange at U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach is well underway, and the Florida Department of Transportation expects the $12.8 million phase of the project to be completed in fall 2026.

FDOT held a public meeting to gather feedback for the project at The Chapel in Ormond Beach on Wednesday, May 22. The interchange — which is part of the governor’s $4 billion Moving Florida Forward infrastructure initiative, aimed at advancing construction on transportation projects — will be redesigned to a “diverging

diamond,” which FDOT stated in its video presentation will minimize the number of potential crash locations and the severity of crashes.

“The design of the diverging diamond interchange, or DDI, provides many operational and safety benefits for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists,” FDOT stated. “The large number of left turns, coupled with the high percentage of trucks, makes the DDI a perfect fit for this location.”

The existing U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange was designed in the 1960s and no longer meets current FDOT standards, largely in part due to its tight loop ramps, vertical clearance underneath the bridges and lack of connectivity of bicycle and pedestrian features.

FDOT is planning to widen U.S. 1 from four to six lanes between Plantation Oaks Boulevard and Destination Daytona Lane. Each lane will measure 12 feet. The current median will be reduced from

40 feet to 31 feet and FDOT will eliminate the existing 5-foot bike lanes and construct 10- to 14-foot shared use paths to replace them.

The state agency will also need to acquire 9.7 acres of additional right of way to reconstruct the interchange. This includes the relocation of two businesses — the Sunoco and Florida Citrus World at 1576 N. U.S. 1.

The median openings at Rosemary Street and Benton Street will be removed.

A median opening will be placed between the McDonald’s at 1530 N. U.S. 1 and Dollar General at 1545 N. U.S. 1. A new frontage road will be added to provide access to the businesses northwest of the interchange.

The right of way phase of the project is expected to cost $38.4 million and slated to start in spring 2025; Construction is expected to cost $204 million and estimated to begin in fall 2027.

The U.S 1 and I-95 interchange will be redesigned to a “diverging diamond.” Rendering courtesy of FDOT

Beach driving

County Council Chair Jeff Brower and Councilman Don Dempsey voted in favor of the discussion.

The request to reopen the stretch of beach surrounding Main Street in Daytona was placed on the agenda after staff received direction to do so by Brower, who announced this as a goal of his during his 2024 State of the County address.

Beach driving was removed from that portion of beach in 2000 after a 1996 ordinance was passed by the County Council, according to the county staff agenda item summary. The 1996 agenda item stated that the ordinance supported the city’s redevelopment efforts at Main Street and that the Volusia Vision Beach Committee “recognized the need for traffic free areas adjacent to redevelopment areas.” Beach driving was removed four years after the approval of the ordinance when the Ocean Center parking area opened with 1,500 public parking spaces, as the ordinance was contingent on the addition of at least 1,000 parking spaces.

Brower said he is asking for the discussion after hearing from the public and the Main Street Merchants Association who are asking for help to attract people to the area.

“Since we removed vehicular access on the beach, we’ve lost ... a lot of what used to be mom-and-pop owners of establishments up and down that section of beach,” Brower said. “There’s many storefronts that are empty. There’s restaurants that have gone out of business. The boardwalk is empty.”

the matter — would need seek a change to Florida law, and likely amend its federal permit. A proposed special law would need to be approved by the Volusia County Legislative Delegation prior to the start of the next session on March 4, 2025.

“The reason this was done was for economic development and the belief that it would bring a flock of people in,” Brower said. “The exact opposite has happened. It’s been devastating to the beachside community, to the businesses that are there and it took away a favorite part of the beach from people like me that grew up and worked on the beach.”

Representatives from the Main Street Merchants Association spoke in favor of the discussion at the meeting. Ormond Beach resident Thomas Caffrey, who owns a business in the corridor and serves as the vice president of the association, said no revitalization has occurred since the beach driving was taken away. The businesses that once thrived, he said, started leaving after 2000.

“On behalf of the Main Street Merchants Association, we really want this back,” he said. “We want it to be a discussion. We want it to be better for the area.”

However, Beach rental concessions operator Derek Green, of Ormond Beach, said the area does see crowds. He and his family have been in business in the traffic free beach for 43 years, and he said he remembers when the proposal was made to remove cars for beachgoers to have a “traditional beach experience” and revitalizing the area.

off-beach parking in the core and it is popular and it does get crowded.”

Tom Garrett, president of the Main Street Merchants Association, said he’s owned businesses and rental properties in the corridor since 1985. In the first year driving was taken away, he said, merchants suffered a 50% loss of business.

Kent said it was “gutwrenching” to hear that.

“There’s no doubt in my mind that this decision back in 2000 created essentially a private beach and I can see why certain business owners who make money from the people that stay in the hotels don’t want anything to change, but you have a Main Street that’s starving,” he said. Johansson said he wasn’t opposed to the discussion, but that it wasn’t an identified council goal and would take away from other issues.

“Up until this point, I haven’t heard people clamoring to put driving back on the beach in this area,” he said.

“Although again, I’m ready to discuss it. But, they are talking about flooding and they are talking about other things.”

Robins said he didn’t believe the removal of beach driving was the sole issue, or catalyst, behind the blight in the corridor. He called the discussion request a demonstration of “political theater.” He said a council member doesn’t need to get the council’s permission to gather information

“This isn’t our first rodeo,” Robins said. “Are we doing this for just politically symbolic [sic]? I want to be effective and efficient with our time. There’s a way to do this and a process.”

Because the state allows for the removal of beach driving, but doesn’t allow for its restoration, the county — if the council does wish to pursue

“I’ve been there these last 25 years and I’m here to say that these statements, as I remembered them, have worked,” Green said. “It is a different type of beach experience from a traffic beach ... But there are people who seek out and intend to park in the

Brower said he spoke with the county attorney prior to bringing the request forward; he was told the request had to be brought before the council for approval.

Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1A

Cinderella on stage: European Performing Arts Conservatory to present first major show

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

This Cinderella doesn’t wear glass slippers.

Alivia Kabanuk, a local Daytona State College student, will star as the lead in European Performing Arts Conservatory’s first major production, to be presented at the Seabreeze High School theatre at 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 2. The ballet, “Cinderella,” will feature all of the Ormond Beach studio’s students, along with professional guest artists and actors from the Daytona Playhouse.

Kabanuk, who has been dancing since she was a toddler, said she was really excited when she found out she would be playing Cinderella in the ballet.

“It could have been a few other girls in the studio,” Kabanuk said. “ ... There’s a video of me jumping up and down.”

Studio owner and Artistic Director Kaley Marshall said she knew Kabanuk would be a perfect fit as Cinderella after watching her perform in their Christmas show. Kabanuk was playing the Christmas fairy.

“I saw her on stage and I’m like, ‘I can see her as Cinderella,” Marshall said. “She’s really portraying the part just as I want, or even better than I expected.”

And Marshall is pretty familiar with the ballet, seeing as she performed her first dance solo at 8 years old to “A Dream is a Wish,” and then at 13, played Cinderella herself. Marshall, who has danced her whole life, took over the studio last summer after she was approached and given the opportunity. It was an easy yes, she said. Since then, the Palm Coast native has relocated European Performing Arts Conservatory to its new home at 128 N. Nova Road.

“You see a lot of things differently as a studio owner, compared to just teaching at a studio or anything like that,” she said. “But it is pretty amazing just because you get to make everything your own and you get to make the decisions. I’ve been learning along the way too and just trying to make the best of it, and what we’ve been doing this past year has been really incredible.”

One of her first thoughts after taking over the studio? Cinderella would be a great ballet to produce.

Playing the role of the prince is Gracyn Thomas, a junior at Atlantic High School. “Cinderella” will be his first show with the studio, having joined in January. He’s been dancing for a year and a half, and he’s part of the Nautica Dance Company at his school.

“Doing a big show that’s just ballet — it’s a lot,” Thomas said.

Though Thomas started dance later than others in the studio, Marshall said, he is working really hard.

“He has a gift,” she said. “He definitely has some amazing talent.”

Kabanuk has danced with a lot of different studios throughout her life. She said she loves dancing with the European Performing Arts Conservatory.

IF YOU GO: CINDERELLA

When: 5 p.m. Saturday, June 1, and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 2

Where: Seabreeze High School Theatre, 2700 N. Oleander Ave., Daytona Beach, Details: The European Performing Arts Conservatory will present “Cinderella,” starring Alivia Kabanuk and Gracyn Thomas. This will be the studio’s first major production. Tickets cost $30 per person. Visit https://www.epaconservatory.com/cinderellatickets.

“Joining dance there, it’s really opened up my options and just made me better as a person,” Thomas said.

He’s used to putting on big shows, but “Cinderella” is a bit different.

“Our environment is very loving,” Kabanuk said. “We’re very close and you just don’t find that in other places.” That was one of Marshall’s big goals when taking over the studio. She wanted to make sure the students were happy while receiving good dance training.

“The studio is starting to really grow, so that’s making me really happy,” Marshall said. Visit epaconservatory.com.

Alivia Kabanuk and Gracyn Thomas as Cinderella and her prince. Photo courtesy of Jen Sabatini Photography

Patricia Santamarina as the fairy godmother.

Eva Lehnertz and Hannah Mayall as the stepsisters.

COPS CORNER

the police. When officers arrived, the man was still in the bushes in front of the residence, according to a police report. The man told them he couldn’t speak English, so one of the officers spoke to him in Spanish, and the man complied with their commands.

the medians. The man’s pants were below his waist, and his zipper was unzipped, but he was not exposed, according to a police report. The man, a 60-year-old from Deltona, told the officer that he was sleeping when he approached. The officer asked if he had been at the bar in the plaza and the man initially didn’t know what bar the officer was referring to; then, he saw the bar’s sign and said, “Oh yeah, I was there.”

The man told them that he was not from the neighborhood and that he had walked from Jacksonville to Kissimmee. He told officers he used methamphetamines about four hours before getting to Ormond Beach. After police found the drugs on his person, the man told them that he uses meth because “he is crazy and it’s the only way he can properly function,” according to the report.

He was taken to jail.

MAY 19

QUICK TURNAROUND

possession charge — police identified the suspect and came to his residence.

The suspect’s roommate told police the man was already in jail, as the roommate had driven the suspect to the jail to turn himself in. The officer then went to the jail to interview the suspect, where he admitted to stealing the teas.

MAY 24

NO EXPIRATION DATE

The man was unable to remember anyone’s address, other than his own, and couldn’t remember any phone numbers for family members. He didn’t know what date, day or year it was, and couldn’t answer who the president of the U.S. was correctly, the report notes. He was also unable to find his wallet or phone.

He was placed into protective custody under the Marchman Act; police later found his wallet in his back pocket.

MAY 18

THE WALKER

7:19

a.m. — 100 block of Bo nita Place, Ormond Beach Drugs. When a woman looked out of her mother’s window while visiting, she spotted a man crouched down in the bushes. He smiled at her and then nodded. She, in turn, called

8:53 p.m. — 1100 block of County Road 305, Bunnell Retail theft. A Bunnell man stole two 12-packs of alcoholic teas just two days before he was sentenced for a drug possession charge.

This was the man’s second time stealing the same drink from the same general store in two months, according to his arrest records. A police officer was called out to the general store after a man walked into the store’s receiving area and stole the two 12-packs, totaling $38.

6:56 p.m. — 200 block of South Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach Trespassing. A Flagler Beach man was arrested after he was caught drinking along the pier boardwalk, but not because of the open container of alcohol.

A police officer saw the man drinking a beer as he walked along the boardwalk and pulled over to tell him that was not allowed, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The suspect chugged the remains of the beer and threw the can away before continuing along his walk.

The officer, though, recognized the man and ran a background check — only to find out the suspect had been trespassed from the pier and boardwalk area last August. The officer caught up to him and asked him why he was near the pier when he was trespassed.

The suspect said the trespassed had expired because it “was over a year ago.” The officer told him it was, in fact, not expired and placed the suspect under arrest.

Lowell Lohman and Carl Persis greet elementary students in spacesuits

The spacesuits are part of the MOAS Planetarium 2.0 exhibit, the grand reveal of the Lohman Planetarium transformation.

OBSERVER STAFF

Ormond Beach philanthropist and businessman Lowell Lohman and Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis were astronauts for a day at the Museum of Arts and Sciences on Tuesday, May 21.

Lohman and Persis greeted first graders from Spruce Creek Elementary, who were on a field trip, while wearing the museum’s new hifidelity replica astronaut spacesuits. The spacesuits, according to a press release, are part of the museum’s upcoming Planetarium 2.0 exhibit, the grand reveal of a transformation

of the Lohman Planetarium.

Modeled after real designs from NASA, one spacesuit represents a Space Shuttle era EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit), and the other represents a conceptual suit known as the xEMU (Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit) — a similar version will be worn during NASA’s Artemis program that will bring astronauts back to the moon.

When not in use, the spacesuits will be on display in the planetarium lobby for photo ops.

Lowell and Nancy Lohman’s support has allowed for upgrades to the planetarium, including a lobby overhaul, a new projection and cove light system, a video wall display, telescopes for monthly “Night Sky Festivals,” and a portable planetarium for the museum’s outreach programs.

Planetarium 2.0 will launch on June 29 and run through Sept. 1.

“Thanks to the annual donation

from Nancy and Lowell Lohman, thousands of students are able to explore an exceptional museum and learn about the wonders of the galaxy in the first-class Lohman Planetarium,” Persis said in the press release.

“These are the kind of educational experiences that often trigger lifelong interest and careers in science.”

Spruce Creek Elementary was one of 59 schools that will visit the plan-

etarium this year. Every fifth and eighth grade class in Volusia County takes part in the Lohman Field Study program each year, and the Lohmans have committed to funding this student experience for a minimum of six years

Each year, between 6,000 and 10,000 Volusia County Schools students take part in the free program, which originated from an idea by Persis, who brought the concept to the Lohmans four years ago. To date, 30,000 students have visited MOAS and the Lohman Planetarium.

The Lohmans hope to inspire students through their visits to the museum and the planetarium to pursue STEAM — science, techology, engineering, art and mathematics — and instill a lifelong love of learning, the press release states.

Nicole Messervy, youth and family programs manager at MOAS; John Herman, adult programs manager at MOAS; Ormond Beach City Commissioner Susan Persis; Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis; Lowell Lohman; Nancy Lohman; MOAS CEO Tabitha Schmidt; Seth Mayo, curator of science at MOAS; and Christian Traverson, planetarium manager and assistant curator of science. Photos courtesy of Claire Mitchell/MOAS

Volusia County School Board member Carl Persis, Lowell Lohman and Spruce Creek Elementary students.

Lowell Lohman greets Spruce Creek Elementary students at MOAS.

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Swillerbees to open in Ormond

Co-owner Dakota

Wehde said he and his family hope to open the new store sometime in July.

Here’s the latest buzz on the beachside: Swillerbees Craft Donuts is coming to Ormond.

The Flagler Beach doughnut and coffee shop is opening a third location in the former Donnie’s Donuts space at 200 E. Granada Blvd., which has been vacant since January. Palm Coast resident Dakota Wehde — who co-owns Swillerbees with his parents, Mike and Holly Wehde — said the expansion into Ormond Beach felt like a “God thing.” Soon after the owners of Donnie’s Donuts closed their Ormond location and consolidated operations at One Daytona, Wehde said they were approached by the landlords, who thought Swillerbees would be a good fit for the space.

“We felt like that was a partnership that really made sense,” Wehde said. “If we were ever going to move into Ormond, it seemed like that would be the time and place for us to do it.”

The Wehdes took over Swillerbees three years ago.

Last year, they opened a second location at 85 Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast. It’s been an exciting venture, Wehde said. He and his parents also own the Waffle Cone ice cream shop in Flagler Beach, which has a second location in Jacksonville.

Prior to taking over Swillerbees, Wehde worked for Germfree Laboratories in Ormond Beach. However, as he and his wife started their family — they now have two sons — and the job demanded more travel out of state, Wehde decided to head in a different direction, career wise.

And that direction led him to a “hole” lot of doughnuts. Since taking over Swillerbees, the shop has gone from producing about 200 doughnuts a day to 1,800 to 2,000 daily, he said. Any leftover doughnuts are regularly donated to local businesses, police and fire departments, hospitals and shelters.

Swillerbees’ arrival in Ormond Beach is being met with “overwhelming support and excitement,” Wehde said. They recently participated in Taste of Ormond and received positive reactions from attendees.

“Obviously, Donnie’s was very loved in the community

“If we were ever going to move into Ormond, it seemed like that would be the time and place for us to do it.”

DAKOTA WEHDE, Palm Coast resident

and it seemed like everyone knew who they were and where they were,” Wehde said. “... It definitely seems like we’re filling a gap that was left by Donnie’s there, in a good way.”

Wehde said he and his parents are hoping to open the Ormond location in July.

“When we come into a community, we want you to feel like when you come into our business, you’re part of our family,” Wehde said. “We want you feeling loved, valued and known when you leave. We’re here to bring light to the community and love people and show the love of Christ to people.”

The Island Grille in Flagler has new owner

Flagler Beach local Karen Dion said she plans to add a new martini lounge and update the menu.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Flagler Beach’s fine dining restaurant The Island Grille at the Topaz Motel in Flagler Beach has a new owner — the second in less than a year.

The restaurant, located at 1224 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., has changed hands multiple times over the years, new owner and local resident Karen Dion said. She said she has spent 30 years dining at the many iterations of The Island Grille and now plans to embrace the restaurant’s character that locals love.

Dion said she remembers when the restaurant was called the Topaz, back in the mid-1990s.

“It was the first time I was

ever introduced to fine dining,” she said. “And I fell instantly in love with it.”

Dion said the previous owners bought The Island Grille in November and changed the name to Rise at the Island.

Dion was then hired in the new year to help with the restaurant’s marketing.

She pitched the idea of adding a brunch menu, which she began to run in April. That’s when she heard the owners were looking to sell; they asked Dion if she would be interested. After all the time she had committed to the restaurant over the years, she said it was a good fit for her.

The Island Grille is a unique, historic and eclectic spot, Dion said, and she wants to embrace that.

But that doesn’t mean Dion won’t be adding anything new to The Island Grille. First, to bridge the gap between all the name and ownership changes, she is going to change the name to “Rise at Island Grille.”

Down the line, Dion also plans to add a martini lounge

at the back of the restaurant, to be named “Before and After.” She plans to market one of the larger dining room spaces for events, like rehearsal dinners and other celebrations, she said.

Dion also wants to reach out to hotel guests. Because The Island Grille has been a fine dining restaurant, she said, often, the tourists who stay at the hotel don’t eat there. To connect with them, Dion said she plans to put together a hotel-guest-only menu that will be available for takeout only.

The restaurant will be open from Thursday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for brunch, and from 5-9 p.m. on Tuesday to Saturday for dinner service. But if someone has a special event planned, she said, Dion is willing to work with the customer and open outside of those hours. But none of this would be possible without the staff, Dion said, and especially the chefs. Chef Chris Maacks has worked at the restaurant for over 12 years, on and off since 2002. He and Dion said they will be working together to update to the dinner menu, too.

Maacks said he’s looking forward to putting his own twist on the food.

“I’ve never really had a chance to do that before,” he said. “Our menu right now is really not what it should be. We’re going to be changing the whole thing.”

Dion said she also could not do this without Chef Pina, who runs the brunch hours and helped created its menu. “I couldn’t do it without her and the staff and everybody,” Dion said.

Dakota Wehde said opening a location in Ormond Beach felt like what he and his family were meant to do. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Owner Karen Dion said she could not be successful without her staff. From left to right: Emily Pitcole, owner Karen Dion, Olivia Franco, Greg Prompovitch and Antionette Allen. Photo by Sierra Williams

Vietnam veteran, family found comfort through Seniors Helping Seniors

Up until his death, Vietnam War veteran Joe Munsch and his partner Maddie found support from a local service provider.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The last two months have been a nightmare for Maddie Munsch and her 81-year-old partner, U.S. Army

Veteran Joe Munsch.

He was first hospitalized in April and then sent to a rehab facility in Palm Coast where he was neglected, Maddie Munsch said. His fiveday stay left him essentially nonresponsive, she said, and he ended up being hospitalized again after falling overnight.

After the second hospitalization, Maddie Munsch said he was sent to another facility, this time in St. Augustine, where he was once again neglected. She said she was finally able to bring him home on May 5. Joe Munsch’s health took a downturn over the May 19 weekend and he died on May 21. But helping her through it all, Maddie Munsch said, was Seniors Helping Seniors.

Seniors Helping Seniors is an at-

BRIEFS

Volusia County Animal Services plans vaccination clinic

The Animal Services Mobile Clinic is on the move and headed to Ormond Beach.

On Monday, June 3, from 8 a.m. to noon, the mobile clinic will be at Cardinal Drive Beach Park, 650 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, offering a range of services to ensure the health and safety of pets to Volusia County residents. Services for domestic pets will include vaccinations for rabies, DAPP (distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, and parvo), and FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, feline calicivirus, or feline panleukopenia), alongside microchipping.

home senior-care services provider, offering a range of services from simple companionship and socialization to respite and specialized care. The company helps seniors across Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia Counties through its caregivers, who are able-bodied seniors themselves.

Mike Walters, owner of Seniors Helping Seniors for Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia Counties, said he just wants to ensure people know what their options are.

“A lot of times we do everything that you would do for your own mom or dad or spouse or loved one,” Walters said.

Walters said he sees a lot of stories like Maddie Munsch’s, where a family member orients their life around taking care of their sick loved one.

And Seniors Helping Seniors is one of multiple companies that works with Veterans Affairs to aid the nation’s 16.5 million veterans. Over 8 million veterans are over 65 years old, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Joe Munsch served in the Vietnam War in 1967 and 1968 as a door gunner. While there he was exposed to Agent Orange, a herbicide used in the war to kill foliage. Agent Orange has been connected to multiple illnesses and diseases over the years, according to the VA website.

Among Munsch’s illnesses, he was

Microchipping, which will be provided for free, offers pet owners peace of mind by providing a reliable means of identification. About the size of a grain of rice, the microchips are implanted just under the skin, and with the wave of a handheld wand over the ID code on the microchip Animal Services will have access to the owner’s name and contact information.

“Microchipping is the best way to ensure that your pets always find their way back home,” Volusia County Animal Services Director Angela Miedema said. “Offering this service free of charge is a huge opportunity for our community and for the wellbeing of our pets. We have already seen so many happy reunions and want to see that number continue to grow. Microchips are the perfect way to do that, especially as hurricane season approaches.”

diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and, more recently, congestive heart failure. Maddie Munsch said she was her partner’s sole caregiver for years, sleeping or doing housework when he sleeps.

Maddie Munsch said she heard about Seniors Helping Seniors through a friend who is an attorney. Originally, she said, the VA would only pay for someone to come by for several hours, one day a week.

That began in March and the company sent over caregiver Scott Tucker to be Joe Munsch’s companion and to offer some respite for Maddie Munsch.

Right away, the two clicked, she said.

Tucker said Seniors Helping Seniors has a thorough survey process and connects senior patients with senior caregivers through their

Services are available for Volusia County residents on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is required. Pet owners are required to provide identification to verify residency and are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot. Vaccinations will cost $10; however, microchipping is free of charge for dogs and domestic cats.

For more information about the mobile clinic and services offered by Volusia County Animal Services, please visit www.volusia.org/animalservices.

Two men arrested in Ormond Beach due to motorcycle theft

Two men suspected of stealing a motorcycle were arrested by Ormond Beach Police on Wednes-

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Hammock Beach condo tops sales list in Flagler

Acondo in Hammock Beach was the top real estate transaction for April 4-10 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Timothy and Kimberly McKendry, of Hinckley, Ohio, sold 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 743, to Hanes Property Holdings, LLC, of Orlando, for $1,180,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,246 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $923,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos Steven Berger and Laura Tedesco, of Ormond Beach, sold 500 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 525, to Robert John Pritchet and Kerri Pritchet, of Hopewell Junction, New York, for $545,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,712 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $297,000.

Peter Wrobel, of Waycross, Georgia, sold 102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 179, to George and Patricia Casimates, of Rockville, Maryland, for $625,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,918 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $619,000.

Robert Parnell Jr. and Beverly Parnell, of Palm Coast, sold 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 802, to Stephen and Kathryn Ballou, as trustees, for $615,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $343,000.

Robert and Jane Mead, of Palm Coast, sold 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 516, to RSW Clear Water LP, of Montreal, Canada, for $725,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $581,000.

Todd and Lynna Rooks, of Celebration, sold 3600 S. Ocean Shore Drive, Unit 415, to Linda Schwall, of Flagler Beach, for $310,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 1/1 and has 715 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $299,000.

Stacey Doolin, of Palm Coast, sold 35 Ocean Crest Way, Unit 1125, to Brian Rivotto, of Long Boat Key, for $550,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,696 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $565,000.

PALM COAST

Hammock Dunes

Renee Alter, of Dover, sold 13 Montilla Place to Monte Engler and Joan Mannion, of

shared likes.

“I just can’t believe how perfectly it worked out,” he said. “He’s more my friend and pal than he is a patient.”

Tucker said he’d been watching Joe Munsch’s ups and downs over the months, offering comfort and help to Maddie Munsch wherever he can and visiting Joe Munsch in the hospital and rehabilitation facility.

After Joe Munsch’s multiple hospitalizations and rehabilitation stints, the VA paid for Tucker to be there for up to 36 hours each week.

Just as importantly, Walters said, Tucker’s presence was safe and reliable and allowed Maddie Munsch to feel comfortable leaving the house

day, May 22. One of them was bit by a K-9 after he fled the scene and resisted arrest, according to a press release.

OBPD reports that 29-year-old Cooley Buford, of DeLand, and 26-year-old Dylan Thomas, were confronted by officers at approximately 2:16 p.m. in a residential driveway on Sauls Street after the department received notification of the stolen motorcycle, identified by a license plate reader. While Thomas was apprehended immediately, police report, Buford fled the scene, leading the Volusia Sheriff’s Office Aviation Unit and two K-9s to be dispatched. The K-9s located Buford in a residential backyard, according to the press release. Buford refused to comply with police and a Volusia County Sheriff’s Office K-9 was deployed, which then bit Buford. He

for the time he’s there.

“That’s a big part of what people like Scott do,” Walters said. “Just to have that what they call respite — that relief — to just sit out on the front porch and breathe for a second.”

“The only relief that I had before [Seniors Helping Seniors] came in was taking my dog out,” Maddie Munsch said.

Having Tucker and the staff at Seniors Helping Seniors around has been a comfort, she said. They’ve all been remarkable to her.

“They’ve done a fantastic job,” she said. “They’re all angels.”

sustained a laceration to his right arm and an Ormond Beach Police officer administered a tourniquet and placed him under arrest.

He was transported to the hospital for treatment.

Buford faces multiple felony charges, including grand theft of a motor vehicle, occupied burglary, and resisting arrest.

Thomas was arrested for possession of narcotics.

“Outstanding work by the men and women of the Ormond Beach Police Department,” Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey stated in the press release. “Thank you to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for their support. While incidents like this are rare in Ormond Beach, we are prepared to respond quickly and ensure the safety of our community.”

Palm Coast, for $1,410,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 2,671 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $515,000.

Indian Trails Palm Coast Communities, LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 27 Barrington Drive to Ashley Nakano and Regina Tente, of Palm Coast, for $369,900. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,900 square feet.

Ocean HammockGregory and Christine Federline, of Palm Coast, sold 26 Kingfisher Lane to Gary and Sharon DeCet, of San Antonio, Texas, for $1,100,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 4,731 square feet.

Pine Grove Joshua Rogers and Susan Diane Rogers, of Hoschton, Georgia, sold 82 Pilgrim Drive to Scott and aSheri Aiosa, of Palm Coast, for $410,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 1,811 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $369,000.

Pine Lakes Gary and Christine Jones, of Ormond Beach, sold 5 Village Lane to Cindy Orlando, of Palm Coast, for $419,900. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,021 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $189,000.

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

Plantation Bay pool home sells for $689K

Ahouse in Plantation Bay was the top real estate transaction for April 14-20 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. Daniel Walker Jr. and Sherry Walker, of Athens, Alabama, sold 1325 Sunningdale Lane to Ryan Whidden and Li Min Teng, of Ormond Beach, for $689,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, hot tub, fireplace and 2,360 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $303,000.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ORMOND BEACH

Fiesta Heights

Michael Kelton as court appointed Special Magistrate for Christine Betancourt and Brandon Robertson, of Deland, sold 107 Pinion Circle to Matilda Khairallah and Dory Mattar, of Ormond Beach, for $230,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,486 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $180,000.

Lake Walden Cove

Lynn Marie Koller, of Citrus Heights, California, sold 10 Lake Walden Trail to Ryan jack Sebra and Shianne Patricia Frank, of Ormond Beach, for $388,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,815 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $262,500.

Not in a subdivision Annette Phillips, of Winder,

Georgia, sold 28 Sterling Circle to Lynde Sue Voet and Christopher Voet, of Ormond beach, for 4390,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,861 square feet. It sold in 1975 for $59,500.

Unja Schmit and Mark Gabriel, of Ormond Beach, sold 588 North Halifax Drive to John Egeli III and Molly Grande, of Ormond Beach, for $595,000. Built in 1967, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,072 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $320,000.

Pineland

Glen Clayton Donahoo and Fjola Karen Donahoo, of Ormond beach, sold 207 Sunset Point Drive to Jonathan Jackson and Ashley Allen, of Ormond Beach, for $410,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,334 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $311,500.

Southern Pines Mark Simpson, of Ormond

Beach, sold 50 Chrysanthemum Drive to Matthew and Haley Locurto, of Ormond Beach, for $405,000. Built in 2010, the house is a 4/2 and has a hot tub and 1,963 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $232,500.

Village of Pine Run Richard Dupon, of Ormond Beach, sold 3 Magnolia Lane to Louis Martinez, of North Kingstown, Rhode Island, for $535,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,050 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $350,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Fairwinds Estate

Tawnie and Christopher Froman, of Ormond Beach, sold 14 Julie Drive to Phillip and Trudy Baron, as trustees, for $640,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,647 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $290,000.

Lynhurst Robin Robbins, of Littleton, Colorado, sold 210 Lynnhurst Drive to Stewart Whipple Jr. and Judith Whipple, of Lake Oswego, Oregon, for $318,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/1 and has 996 square feet. It sold in 2001 for $77,000.

Ocean Shores Harold and Angela Smith, of Williamsport, Pennsylvania, sold 19 River Shore Drive to Chad Thomas Adams and Tristian Bryn Rawlins Adams, of Deland, for $334,500. Built in 1957, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 924 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $145,000.

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

Vietnam veteran Joe Munsch. Courtesy photo

Local Seniors Helping Seniors owner Mike Walters, with Maddie Munsch and caregiver Scott Tucker. Photo by Sierra Williams

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Make yourself at home

Bedtimes, they are a-changing

The routine continues, but it’s about to end, and I don’t fight it anymore.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

When they were small, each of my children “needed” a parent to sit with them in their bedrooms to “help them” fall asleep. I would usually sit in a chair and wait. And wait some more.

“It’s OK,” I would say. “Just keep your eyes closed, and you’ll fall asleep.”

YOUR TOWN

Seabreeze High School

senior receives PEO STAR scholarship

Delaney Kimble, a senior at Seabreeze High School, was selected to receive a $2,500 STAR Scholarship from the PEO Sisterhood, which stands for Philanthropic Educational Organization. She was recommended by PEO Chapter BD of Daytona Beach. The PEO STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide scholarships for exceptional women in their final year of high school to attend an accredited post-secondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year. The competitive STAR Scholarship is for women who exhibit excellence in leadership, academics, extracurricular activities, community service and potential for future success.

Kimble is on student council, varsity swim team, has numerous rowing competition titles, is a certified medical administrative assistant and has accumulated many volunteer hours with various community projects. She will attend Florida State University in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s biomedical sciences with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician’s assistant.

Chapter BD has been a part of the Daytona Beach community since it was organized in 1955. Since its inception in 1869, the nonprofit organization has helped more than 125,000 women pursue educational goals by providing approximately $432 million in grants, scholarships, awards and loans. The Sisterhood also owns and supports Cottey College. Through membership, the PEO Sisterhood has brought together more than half a million women in the United States and Canada who are passionate about helping women advance through education while supporting and motivating them. In addition to the educational philanthropies, the PEO Sisterhood provides a framework of support and community for all members.

When they weren’t paying attention, I would stand up and back away slowly, trying to not make any sudden movements, as if I were escaping from a wild beast in a forest.

Before they knew it, I was next to the door, ready to sneak out into the hallway — until the child would call out something like this: “Dad! Do you think I don’t see you? We’re going to have to start this process all over again, young man!”

So I would obediently return to my original position and wait for the next opportunity.

Didn’t these children know that I have my own life? My own hobbies and interests?

The tradition has continued with my youngest child, 6-year-old Luke. Except now, after doing this routine with his four older siblings, I don’t fight it.

Just about every night, Luke asks me not just to sit next to him, but to lie next to him in his twin bed as he winds down and tries to fall asleep.

As we listen to a story, I wait for him to stop tossing and turning. The best part is that I often get to doze for 10 minutes myself, a sort of appetizer nap before the entree of a good night’s sleep to come.

Sometimes, we talk.

“I was thinking,” Luke said one night. “You’re always touching something.”

“Meaning what?” I asked, yawning in the dark.

“If you’re eating, you’re touching food,” he said. “If you’re sitting there, you’re touching your clothes. Even if you’re swimming, you’re touching water.”

We were quiet for a long while, before I responded with a fatherly grunt: “Huh.”

‘Saddle up for St. Jude’ event raises over $78,000

Rue & Ziffra, the World Famous Iron Horse Saloon, special guest Rusty Wallace and other local sponsors partnered on April 6 for the Saddle Up for St. Jude Poker Run, raising a total of $78,105.

The event fundraisers featured silent auctions, T-shirt sales and 50/50 raffles.

“We love working with our community and raising money with them for this special organization that helps children in our community with cancer,” said Sherry Fletcher, the lead organizer of the event.

Dawn Barrick, principal advisor and field development for St. Jude, receive the donation in person on April 29.

“On behalf of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, we are so grateful for all that the Iron Horse Saloon and the local community did to raise funds to support the kids of St. Jude

Community Foundation, United Way, create fund with local nonprofit

The Community Foundation and

It was a moment when I was hyper aware that Luke, despite his bony knees and little high-pitched voice, is not a little kid anymore. He’s a big kid.

The toddler Luke who whined when I tried to escape from his room a few years ago has dissolved into this larger, deep-thinking Luke who doesn’t really need me to help him fall asleep.

This Luke is now humoring me, sensing my eagerness to spend time with him, just the two of us, as we let the day unpack itself in our minds. Now, with Luke being the last of our five children, I realize that I’m hanging onto this tradition even more fiercely than he is, holding onto the balm of being invited into the bedtime routine a few more times.

What are bedtime routines like with your children or grandchildren?

Email brian@observerlocalnews. com

multiple partners for more impactful grant-making,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.

Another Community Foundation advisor, Cydney Reagan, decided to partake in the impact by matching the $1,000 donation from her donor advised fund. Reagan, a local real estate broker and philanthropist, uses her Donor Advised Fund to support Volusia County and the surrounding areas and currently has her own nonprofit called Community For A Cause, specializing in helping locals in emergency situations.

“When I realized that the minigrants were coming directly from the new fund, I immediately looked at my philanthropic advisor, Tiffany Joubert, for confirmation that I could match the mini-grant from my own DAF — the Reagan Family Fund,” Reagan said. “This is the whole purpose of the community coming together, right? So, we can support one another and make a difference.”

Singer/songwriter to perform at Unity Church of Daytona Beach

through their first annual kick-off of ‘Saddle Up for St. Jude’ event,” Barrick said. “Thanks to our amazing supporters, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Over the past two years the Iron Horse Saloon has raised a total of $120,000 for the kids of St. Jude. The funds raised could help cover the cost of 70 days of chemotherapy for St. Jude Leukemia patients.”

The other local sponsors who participated were Hot Action sportswear, John Walker taxidermy, Southern Country Custom, Barton & Barton Feed and Supply, Veterans Support Fund, Red White and Blue Heating and Air Conditioning, Boot Hill Saloon, OB’s Restaurant & Lounge, Jeep Beach, Twisted Tea, AOK Guns, United Rentals, Hard Rock Hotel and American Poly Furniture.

United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties have partnered with Volusia County Women Who Care to establish a donor-advised fund.

Teresa Smith founded Volusia County Women Who Care in 2017 to create a community where women come together to impact the lives of those in need by streamlining fundraising for local charities. Each quarter, VCWWC invites three nonprofits to present their organization’s mission and the membership selects one recipient of the evening’s donations.

“The VCWWC Community Partner Impact Grants aim to further our mission of positively impacting Volusia County by supporting the nonprofit community,” Smith said. “This fund will help amplify the collective impact of our membership — and provide more support in our community.”

Thanks to the establishment of the new fund, all organizations that present at the quarterly meetings will now receive a grant. The Volusia County Women Who Care Community Impact Fund will provide mini-grants to both organizations not selected for the major award.

“We are thrilled to be working with Volusia County Women Who Care because this partnership exemplifies the power of women in philanthropy and the opportunity to leverage

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com

Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com

Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com

Director of Engagement Kaitlyn Stier, kstier@observerlocalnews.com

Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com

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attend the University of Florida and will begin training as an emergency medical technician.

Scholarship Chair Lion Melinda Uebel presented DiPietro with his award at the Seabreeze High School Awards Presentation Ceremony on May 13.

“The Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club wishes Dante much success as he begins this new chapter of his life and we were happy to be able to support this deserving local graduate,” a press release stated. For information on the OBTS Lions, call 386-441-4421.

An inspirational speaker and singer/ songwriter will perform at Unity Church of Daytona Beach on Sunday, June 2.

Charley Thweatt began touring churches full time in the early 1980s after leaving a career in architecture, according to a press release. He’s been a presenter for spiritual organizations and conferences for 35 years on six continents.

The press release states that Thweatt “brings his gifts of warmth, humor and ease to any gathering. He has a talent for turning a room full of strangers into connected family, by sharing his original music, angelic voice and spiritual insights.”

Thweatt will perform during the church’s morning services, beginning at 11 a.m. Unity Church of Daytona Beach is located at 908 N. Ridgewood Drive in Holly Hill.

Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club awards its Al Weeks Scholarship

The Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club awarded this year’s Al Weeks, Sr. Memorial $1,000 scholarship to Seabreeze High School Graduating Senior Dante DiPietro. DiPietro and his mom attended the club’s May meeting to thank the Club for the scholarship. DiPietro graduated fifth out of 368 students and was the Volusia County 2023 Lifeguard of the Year. He is going to

a sugar

and “Firecracker,” a s’mores

Cookie Plug now open at the Tomoka Town Center

A new cookie spot opened at the Tomoka Town Center on Saturday, May 25.

Cookie Plug, which is headquartered in California, draws its inspiration for its cookies from graffiti, street art and hip hop culture. The cookies are made with part cake, part brownie and part cookie, according to a press release. The new store at Tomoka Town Center is located at 1307 Cornerstone Blvd., Unit G, next door to Serenity Nail Spa.

“We’re here to flip the script and take the cookie game to a whole new level,” the press release stated. “Cookie Plug realized the cookie scene was getting mad ‘cookie cutter,’ so we decided to switch it up.”

Cookie Plug’s menu includes “Pixie Junkie,” a sugar cookie, and “Firecracker,” a s’mores cookie. The store also offers keto cookies.

Saturday’s grand opening event included a ribbon-cutting ceremony, DJ entertainment and opening day offers.

The first 50 customers received free merchandise, the press release stated. Visit cookieplug.com.

Send your community news to Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas at Jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Mary Jo Sheppard, Gator Ken, Lisa Viccaro, Sally Stevens, Dawn Barrack, Sherry Fletcher, Don and Lisa Overfelt. Courtesy photos

Joni Kroll, STAR Scholarship chairman; Seabreeze High School student Delaney Kimble; and Janet Miller, P.E.O. Chapter BD President. Courtesy photo

Cookie Plug’s menu includes “Pixie Junkie,”

cookie,

cookie.

Lion Melinda Uebel and Dante DiPietro at Seabreeze High School Awards Ceremony.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Claws up

Seabreeze’s Class of 2024 boasts a 97% graduation rate with over 32,000 community service hours accrued and over $8 million in scholarships awarded.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In his second consecutive year at the helm, Seabreeze High School Principal Tucker Harris donned his robe and master-of-ceremonies voice to officiate the Sandcrabs’ Class of 2024 commencement, held at at the Ocean Center on Friday, May 24. As the Seabreeze symphonic band played “Pomp and Circumstance”, the seniors filed in to take their seats amid the cheers and clapping from family, friends and alumni who packed the seats in the audito-

rium. Tucker asked the students to acknowledge them.

“Students, please rise and make some noise for those who have supported you through your educational journey,” he said.

Also in attendance were Carmen Balgobin, the superintendent for Volusia County Schools, with select cabinet members, Volusia County School Board members and Harris’ administrative team.

Before the pledge of allegiance was led by Brooke Elston, Harris asked for a moment of silence to remember the life of a Sugar Mill Elementary student who had died that morning.

Seabreeze Teacher of the Year

Tanner Norvell introduced the student speakers: Akshay Gupta, valedictorian; Caya Asbille and Wesley Tankersley, both summa cum laude graduates.

In his speech, Gupta stressed the importance of appreciating the little things in life. He highlighted conversations he had while walking to class,

Buc pride

Mainland’s principal and this year’s graduating class began their journey together during a global pandemic.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Principal Dr. Joseph Castelli started his career at Mainland High School in 2020 during COVID with the Class of 2024. He said he will remember those four years, and the seniors that graduated Friday, May 24, at the Ocean Center, for the rest of his life.

“My hope is that Mainland has given you as much Buc pride as each of you have provided me,” he said. Before the commencement began, Castelli asked for a moment of silence to remember the life of a Sugar Mill Wlementary student who had died

that morning.

The Buccaneer symphonic band performed “Pomp and Circumstance” followed by the pledge of allegiance, led by Cadet Landon Baliles. The Mainland concert choir then sang the “Star-Spangled Banner” and later the alma mater, led by Mainland Director of Bands Gregory Dukes.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 31

CALVARY CHRISTIAN CENTER FOOD DROP

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Calvary Christian Center will hold a free community food drop for people in need.

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

ORMOND BEACH HISTORICAL

SOCIETY BUS TOUR

When: 10 a.m. to noon

the camaraderie shared on bus rides home after sports games and the simple fact that Seabreeze is located two minutes away from the beach.

“We often tend to focus on the significant achievements and milestones that we have accomplished,” he said. “However, today, I urge you to take a look to appreciate the little things that have shaped our experiences.”

A total of 365 students crossed the stage to accept their diplomas and shake hands with Harris. After four years, Harris said his seniors amassed 32,054 hours of community service and were awarded $8,078,017 in scholarship funds. Forty-seven percent of the graduating class had a 3.5 GPA or higher while 199 students received industry scholar designations. This year’s graduation rate approached 97%.

Graduate Da’Veon Brown recently received a competitive cheerleading scholarship for Jones College. He said he cannot believe it has already been four years of high school.

“It just went by so quick,” he said. “It is also mind-blowing that I’m going to college for a sport. I didn’t even know what I was going to do at first. It just changed my path. I’m super excited for the future.”

Harris said it was officially time for the graduates to leave the sandbar of Seabreeze High School.

“It is now time to head to deeper waters,” he said. “As your school dad or king crab, as some of you say, I know each of you will navigate the waters safely, intentionally and with your claws up. Remember, work hard, be nice and don’t forget — once a Sandcrab, always a Sandcrab. Boom.”

In attendance were Carmen Balgobin, the superintendent for Volusia County Schools, with select cabinet members, Volusia County School Board members and Castelli’s administrative team.

Assistant Principal Julian Gutierrez announced the student speakers: Valedictorian Mateo Antonio Castillo and Salutatorian Camille Pereira Baniqued.

Castillo earned an associate degree from Daytona State College and will be attending the University of Central Florida in the fall, where he will either major in engineering or the medical field.

“Let us take forth the lessons we have learned at Mainland High School,” Castillo said. “Let us embrace the unknown with the knowledge that each challenge we

face is an opportunity for growth. Finally, let us make the most out of every second life has to offer.”

Castelli said that when it comes to accomplishments, this class has left quite a mark for the underclassmen to attain.

“Each individual member has made a special contribution to Mainland High School during his or her career,” he said. “Their accomplishments have been remarkable.”

Fifty-three percent of the class graduated with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and 30% graduated with a 3.5 GPA or higher. Graduates accumulated over 10,000 hours of community service and earned $2.5 million in total scholarship funds.

Castelli asked the Mainland alumni to stand and be recognized by the Class of 2024. As the crowd remained standing, he asked everyone to say the Buccaneer motto together

“Buc pride never dies,” he said.

The crowd cheered as Castelli stood before the podium.

“Class of 2024, congratulations to all of you,” he said. “I am truly honored and proud of your accomplishments. Please never forget when you go forth and challenges come your way that the knowledge and experience you have gained at Mainland High School has prepared you for what lies ahead. Thank you, Class of 2024.”

Where: Ormond Beach Historical Society, 38 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society on a two-hour tour of the scenic Ormond Loop. See The Casements, the 500-year-old Fairchild Oak at Bulow Creek State Park, the Ormond Yacht Club, the Anderson-Price Memorial Building, Pilgrim’s Rest Church, the Ormond Timucua Burial Mound, the Three Chimneys Sugar Mill ruins, historic homes and more. Tickets cost $30 per person. Visit ormondhistory.org/ historic-bus-tours.

ORMOND ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.

DISCO PARTY

When: 5:30-9:30 p.m.

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

Details: The Palmetto Club of Daytona Beach is hosting its annual Disco Party and encouraging all to put on their funky threads ad boogie shoes. There will be music, dancing, a cash bar and free parking. A buffet diner will be presented by GEI Catering and Events. A $40 donation per person is requested, which will benefit the Palmetto Club and its local charities. RSVP by Friday, May 24. Call 404-626-66558.

SUNDAY, JUNE 2

CELEBRATE RECOVERY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

When: 4-7 p.m.

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

Details: Join First Baptist Church of Palm Coast as it celebrates the first anniversary of Celebrate Recovery, a Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program. Enjoy food, fun and fellowship with a cook-out, worship, speakers, bounce houses and more. All are welcome.

FRIDAY, JUNE 7

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “Men in Black: International,” rated PG-13. Movies are weather-sensitive. Call 386-6763216 for rainout information.

SATURDAY, JUNE 8

LOW-COST PET SHOT CLINIC

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

Where: Astro Skate, 251 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Get your pet vaccinated at a lower cost. Rabies shots will cost $5 for 1-year vaccinations. Other shots offered include dog distemper/ parvo combo, dog flu, cat distemper combo, feline leukemia and more. Heartworm prevention and flea control products will be available for purchase. No appointment needed. Clinic is open to everyone. Proceeds benefit abused animals. Call or text 748-8993 or visit spcavolusia.org

ONGOING

‘THE JOY OF COLOR’

When: Through Friday, May 31

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See this exhibit by the Florida Women’s Arts Association, featuring almost 50 local artists. Free. Visit flwaa.com.

Seabreeze seniors Margaret Williams, Adriana Schargen, Lexi Patten, Olivia Bell and Emily Talley prepare to lineup for the graduation ceremony.

Leilani Figueroa and Zariah Ferguson

Seabreeze valedictorian Akshay Dewan Gupta talks to his fellow students, family and friends at the graduation ceremony held at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland Class of 2024 graduates Dakota Bess, Kaitlin Barba and prom king Eric Bell

Seabreeze seniors Natalie Gilbert, Austin Gartrell, Shamar Durham and John Dunlap

Mainland seniors rest their feet before heading into the Ocean Center auditorium to graduate. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland senior Alexandria Key

Seabreeze graduation Mainland graduation

DOUBLE TALK by Paul Coulter, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Shane Benton stands with his friend Carly McNerney, who graduated summa cum laude.

Seabreeze baseball player Sam Donlick, golfer Amelia Cobb and Aice Cambridge International candidate Sloan Clark line up before the graduation ceremony.

Miss Seabreeze Anna Larson sings the “Star-Spangled Banner.”

Seabreeze Student Council Ambassador Caya Asbille talks to her fellow students, family and friends.

The Seabreeze class of 2024 celebrates its commencement.

Seabreeze graduate Da’Veon Brown received a scholarship to attend Jones College for competitive cheerleading.

Graduates stand to acknowledge their associate degree from Daytona State College.

Lawrence Campbell, Chaythen Davis, Antonio Davis, Malik Daniels and Jeremiah Davis.

Mainland senior Justice Ammon graudates with an industry scholar designation.

Nygel Allen, Joshua Ambrose, Jaden Allmon and Darren Brown

Mainland salutatorian Camille Pereira Baniqued talks to the graduates, families and friends.

SPORTS

Fresh look

After three weeks of practice and a spring game, Seabreeze coach Mike Klein commends his players for their heart and mentality.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Fleming Island dominated Seabreeze 41-7 in a spring football game on Thursday, May 23, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

Mike Klein has been the Sandcrabs’ football coach for just over one month. He took the position about four days before the start of spring practicel, went to a staff meeting on Saturday, April 27, and held his first practice with the team two days later.

“I told the guys it is a process,” he said. “When you’re putting in a new offense and putting in a new defense and you only have three weeks to prepare, it’s not going to be a finished

product. We really wanted to focus on us. We really wanted to run our stuff and focus on our base offense and base defense. So that hurt us a little bit (against Fleming Island) because we didn’t take a whole week to scout these guys.”

Golden Eagles quarterback Cibastian Broughton ran for a 75-yard touchdown in the first 10 seconds of the game. It set the tone with Fleming Island scoring all of its points in the first half. The majority of the Golden Eagles’ scores were on runs that were longer than 50 yards.

In the second half, Seabreeze quarterback Hayden Hayes tossed a 41-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brody Boda. Drew McNerny kicked the extra point.

Hayes said it is a dream to play football with his teammates who he grew up with — no matter the outcome of the spring game.

“On the field, obviously, it’s not the result we wanted, but on the sideline, the team didn’t fall apart,” Hayes said. “As poorly as we per-

“I’m proud of these guys. They didn’t pout — they didn’t hang their heads in the locker room. They came back out and they played. They showed who they are. With that kind of mentality and that kind of heart, I know where we’re going to be.”

MIKE KLEIN, Seabreeze head football coach

formed, we still didn’t shy away. Not the result we wanted but next page — next chapter. (We are) going to work on everything. Back to square one — back to the lab.”

The Hayes-Boda duo had multiple connections in tight coverage by Fleming Island.

Boda said Coach Klein has brought them together as a team.

“A lot of the players really support Coach Klein,” Boda said. “He has only been with us three weeks and he has brought us together. As a team, we never stop until the game is over.”

Boda launched his 6-foot-4 frame into the air to block an extra point following Fleming Island’s first touchdown. Moving forward, he said he is going to work on getting bigger, faster and stronger.

“I want to work on my routes especially, and pass rush too,” he said. “My mom, (Martha Castra) did hurdles in high school, so maybe that’s where I got my (vertical jump).”

Klein said wanted to see what his team would be when things went

positively and when things went negatively.

“I’m proud of these guys,” he said. “They didn’t pout — they didn’t hang their heads in the locker room. They came back out and they played. They showed who they are. With that kind of mentality and that kind of heart, I know where we’re going to be.”

Coming in as a defensive coordinator, Klein said he has been focusing on his team’s tackling technique and teaching his players the defense.

“We play a defense that’s based on movement and based on attacking,” he said. “It was just a lot of little things for us tonight. These guys have only been doing this for three weeks.

“We’ll continue to work on tackling and learning the defense. It takes just one little mistake for us that ends up in a score for them — things that get fixed through repetition.”

Mainland wins one, loses one spring in football jamboree

Spruce Creek scored a late touchdown to topple the Bucs 6-0 after Mainland blanked Booker 12-0 in its first half of action.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Beating the defending state champ is a big deal. Even if the game doesn’t count.

Spruce Creek scored with 1:05 left in its half against Mainland to defeat the Buccaneers 6-0 in a spring football jamboree on May 22 at the Hawks’ stadium.

The Hawks celebrated Anthony

Hayden’s 1-yard touchdown run and then celebrated again when Kamron Chamble intercepted a Sebastian Johnson pass with eight seconds left to secure the victory.

Sarasota Booker also participated in the jamboree. Creek defeated Booker 20-0 in the first half of action. Mainland followed with a 12-0 win over Booker, with the Bucs and Hawks meeting in the final two quarters.

Mainland won the Class 3A state championship last season. That might have helped ramp up Creek’s celebration, but any time the Hawks and Bucs meet, pride is on the line, even in an exhibition game.

“Creek, Mainland, Seabreeze. These kids all grew up together, played together, so they’re all friends,” said Mainland’s new head coach, Jerrime “Squatty” Bell. While the Bucs’ defense was solid, penalties hurt them on both offense and defense.

“We couldn’t get out of our own way with selfish penalties,” Bell said. “The kids were giving into the moment. Too much hype, too much talk with their friends (on Spruce Creek), because they’re all friends. There was too much talking on both sides, but ours cost us more because they came at timely downs where we could have been getting off the field.”

Mainland defensive tackle Christian Hudson batted down a pass by Spruce Creek’s P.J. Miller on thirdand-one at the Mainland 37 with 1:53 left. But the Hawks converted on fourth down, and Tony Kinsler caught a 35-yard pass from Miller on the next play to set up Hayden’s short scoring run.

“We probably had more penalty yards than they had offense,” Bell said. “But I’m proud of my defense, the way they stood up. Our defense is going to play lights out at all times.”

Bell said Hudson, linebackers Dennis “Tank” King and Tamaj Woodard and defensive back Phillip Moore all had great games.

“There are a lot of things we have to fix,” Bell said. “I like what I saw as far as flying around. The execution was there. It’s the post-snap penalties. It’s the deadball penalties that we got to fix.” Running back Edward Williams, a

transfer from Appling County, Georgia, scored both touchdowns for the Bucs against Booker. Bell said Johnson, who is slated to be the Bucs’ starting quarterback, managed the offense well.

Bell said the loss should help Mainland focus through summer workouts. King agreed.

“This game will make us work harder in the weight room and outside of school,” King said. “We just have to come together more as a team. We’re going to get it back right, though. Mainland is still Mainland.”

“He had a couple of shaky throws (including an early interception against Booker), but I thought he was the field general,” Bell said. “He got us in the right settings, in the right pass protections. We just failed him with penalties.”

Mike Klein, Seabreeze’s new head football coach, talks to his team during a water break in the spring football game against Fleming Island. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland’s Jontrell Edwards tries to get around the corner against Sarasota Booker. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Seabreeze Jeremias George (11) outruns the Fleming Island defense.

Jontrell Edwards greets Spruce Creek’s Chad Cannon (99) in the handshake line after the game.

Seabreeze quarterback Harden Hayes runs a keeper for the Sandcrabs

RODEO

POSSESSION OF

ORMOND

32174,

GIVEN

2023, and the Order Granting Motion to Reset Foreclosure Sale entered on May 17, 2024, in that certain cause pending in the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein AMERIS BANK, a Georgia banking corporation, is Plaintiff, and KELLY GROSS, an individual, BRIAN GROSS, an individual, and UNKNOWN PARTY IN POSSESSION OF 3630 RODEO ACRES, are Defendants, in Case No. 2022 31516 CICI, the Clerk of the aforesaid Court will at 11:00 a.m. on June 28, 2024, offer for sale and sell to the highest bidder for cash on Volusia County Clerk’s Public Auction website: www.volusia.realforeclose.com, in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes, the following described property, situated and being in Volusia County, Florida, towit: LOT 6, RODEO ACRES, AS PER AN UNRECORDED PLAT MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: AS A POINT OR REFERENCE COMMENCE AT THE CONCRETE MONUMENT MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE SOUTH 89°07’19” WEST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26, 421.05 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THIS DESCRIPTION; THENCE SOUTH 01°16’08” EAST, 658 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89°07’19” EAST 352.5 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01°16’05” EAST 669.92 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°16’47” WEST 532.52 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01 °16’08” WEST 1326.45 FEET; THENCE NORTH 89°07’19” EAST 180 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. BEING SUBJECT TO A ROAD, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT OVER THE NORTHERLY 30 FEET THEREOF TOGETHER WITH A NON EXCLUSIVE EASEMENT DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: A PORTION OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST AND A PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ALL IN VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: THE NORTHERLY 30 FEET OF THE SAID NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 25, EXCEPTING THE EASTERLY 676 FEET THEREOF; THE NORTHERLY 30 FEET OF THE EASTERLY 1,011.05 FEET OF SAID SECTION 26. ALSO, THE EASTERLY 12 1/2 FEET OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL: A PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: AS A POINT OF REFERENCE COMMENCE AT THE CONCRETE MONUMENT MARKING THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 26, THENCE SOUTH 89°07’19” WEST 48.55 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 10520 PRDL Division 10

IN RE: ESTATE OF GLORIA J. ABAD Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE

ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Gloria J. Abad, deceased, File Number 2024 10520 PRDL, by the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721; that the decedent’s date of death was August 18, 2023; that the total value of the estate is $68,000.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name, Address Glenn Felipe Abad, as Trustee of the Gregorio N. and Gloria J. Abad Trust Agreement dated April 23, 2001, c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE

NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is May 30, 2024. Person Giving Notice: Gretel Abad Ostrowski c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Attorney for Person Giving Notice Edward A. Dimayuga, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 50634 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 252-2531 Fax: (386) 258-0392 E-Mail: ed@legacylaw313.com

Secondary E-Mail: paralegal@legacylaw313.com May 30; June 6, 2024 24-00261I

01°16’08” EAST, 658 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°07’19” WEST 165.5 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01°16’08” WEST 658 FEET THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE NORTH 89°07’19” EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26, 165.5 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. BEING SUBJECT TO A ROAD DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT OVER THE NORTHERLY 30 FEET THEREOF AND BEING SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER THE EASTERLY 12.5’ THEREOF. ALSO THE WEST 12’ OF THE FOLLOWING DESCRIBED PARCEL: A PORTION OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 25, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST AND A PORTION OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 26, TOWNSHIP 14 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGIN AT THE CONCRETE MONUMENT MARKING THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 25; THENCE NORTH 88°58’51” EAST ALONG THE NORTH LINE SAID SECTION 25, 128.95 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 01°12’ 11” EAST, 605 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 88°58’51” WEST, 125.61 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°07’19” WEST, 51.20 FEET; THENCE NORTH 01°16’08” WEST, 605 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE NORTH 89°07’19” EAST, 48.55 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. BEING SUBJECT TO A ROAD, DRAINAGE AND UTILITY EASEMENT OVER THE NORTHERLY 30 FEET THEREOF AND BEING SUBJECT TO AN EASEMENT FOR INGRESS AND EGRESS OVER THE WESTERLY 12.5 FEET THEREOF. ALSO LESS THAT PORTION CONTAINED IN THAT CERTAIN WAR-

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 2023-CA-12838 JMBA GROUP, LLP, Plaintiff, vs. DEANNA RAE FLOWERS, DAVID P. CROFT, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-styled cause on May 17, 2024 in the Circuit Court of Volusia County, Florida, Laura E. Roth, the Clerk of Court of Volusia County, Florida will sell the property situated in Volusia County, Florida, described as: 9 14 28 N 1⁄2 OF SE 1⁄4 OF SE 1⁄4 EXC. N. 492.6 FT & EXC. RD. PER OR 1813 PG 585 PER OR 7359 PG 4827, of the Public Records of Volusia County, FL. Property address: 1126 Cowart Road, Pierson FL 32180 at public sale, to the highest bidder, for cash, on July 18, 2024 at 11:00am. The judicial sale will be conducted electronically online at the following website: www.volusia.realforeclose.com

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of lis pendens, must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031.

RANTY DEED RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 7104, PAGE 4491, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. (hereinafter referred to as the “Real Property”) except as herein before set forth, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes. The “highest bidder” for purposes of this Notice of Sale is defined as the party who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Real Property, and who completes the sale in a timely fashion, as hereinafter set out. The one who bids the largest amount of money to purchase the Real Property shall be permitted to complete the sale by delivering to the Clerk the balance of such bid, over and above the deposit, by 10:00 a.m. ET of the next business day following the sale.

ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED.

Dated: May 28, 2024 AKERMAN LLP

By: /s/ Raye C. Elliott

Raye C. Elliott, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 018732

Primary Email: raye.elliott@akerman.com

Secondary Email: ava.hill@akerman.com

401 East Jackson Street, Suite 1700 Tampa, Florida 33602

Telephone: (813) 223-7333

Facsimile: (813) 223-2837 and Christian P. George Florida Bar No. 41055

Primary Email: christian.george@akerman.com

Secondary Email: susan.scott@akerman.com

Secondary Email: jennifer.meehan@akerman.com 50 North Laura Street, Suite 3100 Jacksonville, Florida 32202

Telephone: (904) 798-3700

Facsimile: (904) 798-3730

Attorneys for Ameris Bank 76481871;1 May 30; June 6, 2024 24-00266I

NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 12009 CIDL NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. CARMEN R. IGLESIAS A/K/A CARMEN IGLESIAS; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Summary Final Judgment of foreclosure dated May 16, 2024, and entered in Case No. 2023 12009 CIDL of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is Plaintiff and CARMEN R. IGLESIAS A/K/A CARMEN IGLESIAS; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, LAURA E. ROTH, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.volusia. realforeclose.com, 11:00 a.m., on July 18, 2024 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 163, DELTONA LAKES UNIT EIGHT, AS PER PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGE(S) 165 THROUGH 177, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE

advertised notice. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this meeting is asked to advise the District Office at (407) 723-5900, at least 48 hours before the meetings. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office. Any person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that the person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. Jane Gaarlandt District Manager

May 30, 2024

24-00079V

If you are a person with disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration at Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland FL 32724. Ivanov Wolf PLLC 3310 W. Cypress Street, Suite 206 Tampa FL 33607 Attorney for Plaintiff 813-563-6646 May 30; June 6, 2024 24-00262I