Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and his agency honored employees for their work in the first quarter of the year on Tuesday, July 9.
Among the honorees was Crime Scene Investigator
Cole Biter, who was the lead in the unit that executed a search warrant in February for Autumn McClure, an Ormond Beach teen who went missing in 2004. Her remains were found underneath a trailer in the Shady Oaks mobile home park. Bitner was named the VSO “Employee of the 1st Quarter.”
“Bitner was vital to recovering Autumn, demonstrating exceptional knowledge of equipment and heavy machinery,” VSO wrote on Facebook. “His professionalism ensured proper handling of the crime scene. His tenacity and work ethic make him a great model for his peers.”
Other honorees included:
Haley Spooner, Telecommunicator of the 1st Quarter
Detective Jayson Richardson, Detective of the 1st Quarter
Deputy Zakariah Bacon, Deputy of the 1st Quarter
Jim Greene, Volunteer of the 1st Quarter
The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the Ormond Beach Historical Society are among the 32 nonprofit organizations that are applying for funding from the Cultural Council of Volusia County’s Community Cultural Grant program.
The Cultural Council will review applications for the 2024-2025 discal year from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 19, in the County Council chambers.
Each organization, according to a press release, will be given a chance to update the nine Cultural Council members about their programs and respond to questions.
Historically, the program has provided community cultural and heritage organizations with about $611,000 in funding, collectively.
The Ormond Beach Historical Society has received between $13,000 and just over $15,000 for the past six fiscal years. OMAM has received between $25,000 and $27,000.
In June 2023 — following public outcry by local arts organizations over the County Council altering the Cultural Council, and subsequently impacting its grant program — the County Council voted 6-0 to keep the Cultural Council active. (Councilman David Santiago was absent from the meeting).
Grant scores will be announced at the July 19 meeting, but recommended award amounts will be determined after the County’s budgeting process is completed later this year, the county press release states.
Funding for the grant program comes from the Volusia County general fund allocation for cultural and heritage programs, and final approval for its distribution will be a County Council’s decision.
The organizations applying for
funding this year are:
African American Museum of the Arts
ArtHaus
Artists’ Workshop of New Smyrna Beach
Atlantic Center for the Arts
Bel Canto Singers of Daytona
Cinematique of Daytona
Daytona Beach Choral Society
Daytona Beach Symphony Soci-
ety
Daytona Playhouse
DeLand Naval Air Station
Fall Festival of the Arts, DeLand
Florida Surf Film Festival
Florida Wing, Commemorative Air Force
Gateway Center for the Arts
Halifax Historical Society
Heritage Preservation Trust
Hub on Canal
“The more they see the expansiveness of the dance possibilities and the dance techniques, the better chance they have of continuing within their journey of dance.”
IMAGES: A Festival of the Arts
Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach
Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum
Museum of Art, DeLand
Museum of Arts & Sciences
Ormond Beach Historical Society
Ormond Memorial Art Museum
Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts
Sands Theater Center
Shoestring Theatre
Southeast Volusia Historical Society
USA Dance — Greater Daytona Chapter #6026
Volusia Community Arts
West Volusia Historical Society
Stephen Wynne, guest artist of Ormond Ballet on summer intensive. See Page 4A
Summer Sounds concert series to begin Friday
The city of Ormond Beach’s Summer Sounds free concert series will begin on Friday, July 12, with a performance from the Cool Breeze band.
All concerts will take place from 6-8 p.m. at the north lawn of The Casements, located at 25 Riverside Drive.
Bring a lawn chair or a blanket. The concert series is presented by the city’s Department of Leisure Services.
The performance dates are:
July 12: Cool Breeze
July 19: Blu Highway July 26: Stealing Vanity
Volusia County Fire Rescue now on social media
Want to keep up with Volusia County Fire Rescue?
The agency is now active on Facebook. Follow the page for updates, safety tips and behind-the-scenes looks at the county’s firefighterss in action. Visit https://www. facebook.com/ VolusiaCountyFireRescue.
School crossing guards needed
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office is looking for school crossing guards for next school year. According to a post from the VSO Facebook page, the agency is looking for guards in Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Holly Hill and South Daytona. The job pays $12 an hour, as posted on the VSO website. To apply, visit https:// tinyurl.com/bduaetk4.
Email Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas at Jarleene@observerlocalnews. com
Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter holds signing day event for its fourth cohort
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter celebrated the placement of its fourth cohort of students into local manufacturing companies with a signing day event on Tuesday, July 9.
A total of nine students signed to work for eight sponsor companies to receive onthe-job training for the next two years as part of the FAME program, which stands for the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education. Ormond Beach companies
ABB Installation Products and Germfree were among the eight participating businesses. Sparton, B.Braun, By Light, Thompson Pump, Alleima and Teledyne Marine are also taking on students.
Victor Nadeau, who works at Thompson Pump and serves as part of the Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter, said local manufacturing companies are looking for talent.
“Companies in this room ... and the students make this program a success,” Nadeau said. “And we want it to be successful. We want to get the word out.”
The Sunshine Chapter, Nadeau said, is the only FAME chapter in the state of Florida. Students that participate in the program attend classes to graduate with an associate degree in engineering technology while working at local manufacturing companies for hands-on training.
The fourth cohort is made up of:
Jaymes Knight: ABB Installation Products
Fane DaCosta Jr: ABB Installation Products
Hting Naung: Alleima
Tyrone McAffee: B. Braun Medical
Shih Shen, By Light
T’Seanna Owens: Germfree
Timothy Herrera: Sparton
Brandon Perez: Teledyne Marine
Brian Ford: Thompson Pump
Owens is the second woman to go through the FAME pro-
gram, and both female participants have been sponsored by Germfree, a laboratory and cleanroom manufacturing company. She said she opted to go through the program because she likes working with her hands.
“It gives me the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and also earn money,” Owens said.
This is the fourth year that Germfree is hosting FAME students, said Emilie Schmitz, director of People Operations.
“We have a 100% placement rate — just like all the other businesses that have come up here — in hiring our students after this program,” she said. “Our first student that graduated the program actually got recruited out of our company and is now traveling the world, so as sad as we at Germfree are, we are super excited for him and that shows the success of this program.”
Daytona State College President Thomas LoBasso said in a statement to the Observer that the college, as the home of the state’s first FAME chapter, has had “incredible success.”
“This collaboration between the college, local manufacturers and the Volusia Manufacturing Association is creating a pipeline of highly skilled workers ready to fill in-demand jobs throughout the region,” LoBasso said.
“FAME plays a key role in our mission to meet the educational needs of our community and the employment demands of local businesses.”
Northwest Arkansas Ballet Theatre’s Stephen and Britta Wynne bring decades of dance experience.
Choreographer Stephen Wynne and Associate Artistic Director and Company Wellness Director Britta Wynne, a total of 17 students at the intermediate and advance levels will spend the workshop taking technique classes, modern and ballet classes,
dance studies and participating in rehearsals. After the workshop concludes at 4 p.m. some continue dancing in the school’s evening program.
“They’re very motivated,” Ormond Ballet Artistic Director Michelle Boutros said. “This is such a special bunch because how many preteens and teenagers are giving up their summer to work really hard? This is not easy.”
When Boutros opened Ormond Ballet in 2022, her goal was to create art in the community through dance. To help with that this summer, she brought in the Wynnes, both of whom were her teachers in the past. She’s known them since 2006 and the three have worked together many times over the years in different cities.
Two years ago, Britta Wynne helped with Ormond Ballet’s summer worshop. This is the first year the school has both of them as guest artists. Stephen Wynne, who
worked as a professional dancer in Europe for almost 20 years, said his focus for the intensive is to give the students another “flavor of technique.”
“The more they see the expansiveness of the dance possibilities and the dance techniques, the better chance they have of continuing within their journey of dance,” he said.
And developing their curiosity is key, he said. Having guest artists helps students deepen and broaden their understanding of dance, he added. What they learn during the two-week workshop this summer will be carried through by Boutros to be performed in Ormond Ballet’s spring production.
Britta Wynne was a professional dancer in Germany for 11 years before continuing her career in the U.S. She said she wants all the students to feel individually seen and appreciated. The ballet world can be
tough, but they seek to strike a balance between emphasizing the students’ abilities and teaching them to dance. She said she has seen a lot of improvement in the dancers she taught two summers ago.
“When you say something, there’s an understanding,” Britta Wynne said. “It’s not like, ‘blank.’ They do listen. I feel that’s that soil where you can continue to plant the seeds — and that’s definitely growing.”
Boutros likened the learning process to making bread from crumbs, but first you have to find instructors that can break a subject down into its core. That’s what the Wynnes were able to do with her when she was in training, she said. It’s all going full circle.
“It’s been a part of my legacy that will then go into these kids and beyond,” Boutros said. “So it’s like this beautiful dance family tree.”
Kailei and Thomas Renick have spent the last few years loving their time on sets — from jobs with Ron Jon Surf Shop to Disney.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Kailei Renick was only 6 months old when she was signed as a model. Her mom, Stephanie Renick, said she didn’t know where it would all lead. When Kailei was born, she looked like “a little doll baby,” Stephanie said, and people told her she should look into having her model. So she did.
Now, six-and-a-half years later, it’s not just Kailei in the spotlight — her 10-year-old brother Thomas is now acting and modeling, and so are their parents from time to time.
“I like to do it because it’s fun,” 7-year-old Kailei said.
She loves going into hair and makeup and trying on clothes when she does commercials. Her brother Thomas loves being on set, he said. His goal is to star in a movie one day.
“I love doing the scenes,” he said. At first, it was just the kids who were modeling and acting, but when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, agents started to hire within the household for bookings. Stephanie said she and her husband Tyler were asked if they would be interested in doing jobs alongside their kids.
“We were like, ‘Sure,’” Stephanie said. “‘We’re not shy. We’ll do it.’ ... We’ve done several family jobs together that’s taken us really cool places.”
They’ve modeled for L3Harris Technologies, Disney, Ron Jon Surf Shop and Burger King. Kailei’s first big job was for Tire Kingdom.
Last year, one of Stephanie’s friends sent her a message on Facebook. She had just seen Kailei and Thomas on a billboard for Ron Jon. It came as a surprise to Stephanie and the family drove 40 minutes to go see it on I-4.
Kailei said she was amazed to see herself on a billboard. Thomas thought it was pretty big too — he asked Ron Jon representatives if he could have it.
“They’re like, ‘I don’t think it’ll fit in your house,’” Stephanie said.
CORPORATE OFFICE - 386-677-SOLD (7653)
This upcoming year will be a new venture for the family, as the kids were recently licensed to work in Georgia. Hoping to book movie jobs in the future, the Renicks are home-
900 West Granada Blvd., Ste. 3, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
BEACHSIDE OFFICE - 386-441-SOLD (7653) 2110 Oceanshore Blvd., Ste. B, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
PORT ORANGE OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653)
840 Dunlawton Ave., Ste. D, Port Orange, FL 32127
COMMERCIAL OFFICE - 386-253-8565
140 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 102, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES OFFICE - 386-766-SOLD (7653) 3118 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
schooling their kids, who were previously students at Riverbend Academy.
Stephanie said it makes her “heart happy” to see the kids experience the industry — something she never thought they would get into as a family.
When the kids book a job, Stephanie said she reminds them to be thankful, humble and polite. They won’t get every job, and sometimes they’ll get upset because they’ll have their heart set on something, but she said she reminds them better opportunities are coming.
“What I always tell them is, ‘You’re interviewing against hundreds of kids,’” she said. “... So be you and have fun.”
If the name Renick sounds familiar to you, it might be because of Tom Renick Park in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
The park is named after former Volusia County Beach Director Tom Renick, who died from cancer in 2001.
It’s who Thomas, his grandson, is named after. Thomas does love modeling and acting — but he also wants to be a lifeguard one day, just like his grandfather. He recently participated in the county’s Junior Lifeguard Program.
“It brought [his grandmother] to tears when he made it,” Stephanie said. “Because they were very close with the lifeguards. We love anything to support them.” Thomas said he swam every day to try to make it into the program.
“Junior lifeguard actually made me a really fast swimmer,” Thomas said.
Ocean Art Gallery to host exhibit by international artist Flavio Galvan
Artist Flavio Galvan’s “Interstellar Collection” opened on Saturday, July 6, at Ocean Art Gallery during Ormond’s Art Walk.
Flavio Galvan, formerly from Argentina where he received both a bachelor of fine arts and a bachelor of graphics arts, emigrated to the United States, became a U.S. citizen and settled in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. For over 30 years, he has explored and mastered his unique approach to contemporary painting. His artwork is now known by collectors far and wide, throughout Florida and west to Los Angeles Tokyo and Dubai.
The artist statement about the Interstellar Collection says that “the work is an exploration of new techniques, materials, methods and unexpected outcomes. As a midcareer artist of more than 30 years, it’s gratifying to experiment and allow time-tested techniques to push the boundaries. This series includes work with varnish, oil, ink, resin, acrylic, and fire.”
Each image has between 20 and 30 layers of materials.
“Having Flavio Galvan’s art in the gallery further expands our outreach to the top local, national and international artists who bring Ormond Beach the best of the best for everyone to enjoy,” said Frank Gromling, owner-director of Ocean Art Gallery. “This has been our mission for over 12 years and will remain so as we progress forward into new and exciting art endeavors.”
Ocean Art Gallery, located at 197 E. Granada Blvd., represents 20 contemporary artists, most of whom are major award-winners throughout Florida and the country. Mediums represented include oil, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, mixed media, photography and sterling silver and gold jewelry. The 3,000-square-foot gallery is located in Granada Plaza at the intersection of Granada Boulevard and SR A1A.
Rockefeller Drive beach ramp closure delayed to July 15
The closure of the beach ramp for repairs at Rockefeller Drive will now start on Monday, July 15, Volusia County reported Friday. Previously, the county stated that the beach ramp closure would start on Monday, July 8, alongside the closure of Riverview Boulevard.
The Rockefeller Drive beach ramp will close temporarily for about two weeks to rebuild the vehicular ramp. This ramp is the northern access point of the dog beach. Beachgoers can instead use the River Beach Drive access for pedestrian access and the Cardinal Drive ramp for vehicular access.
The Riverview Boulevard beach access and parking area in Daytona Beach will close to facilitate permanent storm damage repairs. This work is expected to take approximately three months. During this period, beachgoers can use the recently opened Sun & Surf Park,
JULY 4 PAYING THE PIPER
9:51 p.m. — 500 block of East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell
Trespassing, possession. A Bunnell woman arrested for trespassing at a gas station told police that the cocaine pipe found in her pocket belonged to “a drunk guy” and she was planning to return it to him.
Police officers were called to a gas station to remove the woman, who had been trespassed from the store just a week before. When the officers got to the gas station, the woman was trying to buy drinks, according to her arrest report.
When the officers arrested her, they searched her pockets and found a glass pipe with burn residue from cocaine on it. The officers asked her about the pipe, and the
which features ADA-accessible facilities. Restrooms are available at Glenview Boulevard beach access, located one block south of Riverview Boulevard.
Volusia, Flagler health organizations are conducting a new Community Health Needs Assessment
The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County, the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County, AdventHealth, Halifax Health, Flagler Cares Inc., One Voice for Volusia and the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida Inc. have joined forces to conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment for Flagler and Volusia counties for 2024. This health assessment is the second collaborative effort across both counties, according to a press release. Every three years, taxexempt hospitals and county health departments in Florida are required to conduct CHNAs and develop improvement plans to address specific opportunities for improved commu-
woman said it belonged to a drunk guy, the report said.
She was arrested and charged with trespassing and possession of drug paraphernalia.
JULY 5 JUST KEEP ROLLING
12:36 p.m. — the intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Boulder Rock Drive, Palm Coast Possession, obstruction, child neglect. A Sheriff’s Office deputy pulled over a car that ran a stop light, only to find the driver drove through a stoplight because he was rolling a marijuana joint.
Two of three men in the car were arrested after Sheriff’s Office deputies found 20 grams of marijuana and 0.9 grams of cocaine, according to arrest reports. When the deputy walked up to the driver window after pulling the sedan over, he both smelled marijuana and saw residue from it on the driver’s shirt.
The driver said the residue on his shirt was from a cigarette, the
nity health. The last cross-county CHNA was conducted in 2022.
Susan Grich, president and CEO of the Health Planning Council of Northeast Florida. said: “We hope that all Flagler and Volusia residents will take advantage of this opportunity to have their voices heard.”
Residents who live in Flagler County or Volusia County are encouraged to complete the survey.
The survey will remain open until July 31. Survey responses are confidential and anonymous
VSO arrests Ormond Beach 18-year-old for Fourth of July shooting
Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested an 18-year-old Ormond Beach man after he fired several shots at an occupied vehicle on the Fourth of July.
Dylan Preis was arrested the following day on Friday, July 5, after detectives identified him as the shooter of the incident, which took place in the 1000 block of George
report said. The deputy asked the three men to step out of the car so he could search it and called for backup.
A second deputy arrived on the scene and both deputies searched the car, finding the 20 grams of marijuana and 0.9 grams of cocaine. The driver and one of the passengers admitted to having the marijuana and cocaine.
Because a child was also in the car, child neglect was added to the two men’s charges.
JUNE 25 MAIL THIEF
4:02 p.m. — 200 block of Williamson Boulevard, Ormond Beach Larceny. A post office employee was returning to work from her break when she spotted a man in the loading area. She didn’t recognize him, so the employee asked the man what he was doing, according to a police incident report. The man then took two buckets full of mail and emptied
Anderson Street in Ormond Beach.
VSO reported on its Facebook page that the “bullet holes in the vehicle indicated the occupants narrowly missed being struck at head or chest level.”
Preis, according to VSO, had a recent falling out with the driver of the vehicle. He initially denied involvement, but deputies report he later said he used his grandmother’s 9-millimeter handgun to shoot at the car. Detectives recovered the gun, ammunition and shell casings at the scene.
Preis was charged with one count of attempted first-degree murder, three counts of aggravated assault with a firearm, four counts of firing into a vehicle and one count of criminal mischief. He was also charged with a violation of his juvenile probation. He was transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail, where he is being held without bond.
Flagler County wants its residents, businesses, and visitors to be in the know about the community and has
them into his white Lexus before leaving.
The employee video taped the suspect as he left, but she and police were unable to decipher the license plate.
JUNE 30 STUCK IN A DITCH
6:06 p.m. — 700 block of Arroyo Parkway, Ormond Beach DUI. Police arrested a 27-year-old Daytona Beach man who backed his Mustang into a drainage ditch while driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to the man’s arrest report, police received a call regarding a vehicle stuck in a drainage ditch with its driver attempting to get out. However, the report states, the car’s tires were just spinning in the mud. The reporting officer believed the man had attempted to reverse, or turn around, and backed straight into the ditch.
When the officer approached the vehicle, the man was passed out at
How does Flagler Habitat for Humanity impact local families?
At Flagler Habitat for Humanity, we give local families the opportunity to achieve homeownership and build a brighter future. In the past thirty years, we've built over 120 homes for families in need, but our impact goes beyond just building houses. We’ve made investments in our neighborhoods, especially in South Bunnell, that focus on improving the overall quality of life for the whole community. This includes addressing critical needs such as infrastructure, education, mail services, community space improvements and so much more.
How has Flagler Habitat for Humanity contributed to enhancing its financial stability and future growth?
Earlier this year, we launched an endowment with the Community Foundation of Volusia-Flagler Counties, thanks to the generous support of an anonymous local benefactor. Our endowment funds are invested to grow over time, providing Flagler Habitat with an annual distribution to support our programs. This endowment serves as a financial backbone, enabling us to continue our mission of providing affordable homes and uplifting local neighborhoods. Why did we partner with the Community Foundation?
We chose the Community Foundation because as a non-profit fiduciary, we knew they would provide responsible
management and stewardship of our funds. Their performance is in the top 8% of Foundations nationally and they have a direct connection to our local community. This year alone, their organization will distribute more than $2 million in grants to their partners in our community including the Flagler Education Foundation, Washington Oaks Gardens State Park and hundreds of other local non-profits.
Why should I consider supporting Flagler Habitat for Humanity's endowment?
Your support for the endowment will help more families achieve their dream of homeownership. When you donate to the Flagler Habitat for Humanity Endowment Fund through the Community Foundation, every dollar you give goes directly to the Endowment and becomes part of the fund that will generate new revenue for our mission every single year
What can I do if I want to help?
You can contribute directly to the Flagler Habitat Endowment Fund by check. Make it payable to the Community Foundation of Volusia-Flagler County and put Flagler Habitat Endowment on the memo line. If you want to contribute stock, cryptocurrency or another asset to the endowment or you want to learn more about how the Community Foundation can help support your philanthropic passions, please call (386) 366-0927.
launched an audio podcast called “Flagler in Focus.” The episodes are insightful discussions with local experts, community leaders, and others with stories to tell about all things Flagler.
The inaugural podcast is a conversation about “Preparing for the Storm” between Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord and Communications and Engagement Manager Karen Callahan, the show’s host.
“This is a very timely episode given what is happening in the Caribbean with Hurricane Beryl,” Callahan said. “It is Flagler County’s goal to make each episode pertinent what is happening in our community.”
A new podcast will be released each month. In addition to flaglercounty.gov/podcast and the county YouTube channel @FlaglerCounty, the podcast can be found on these platforms by searching “Flagler in Focus” on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Sound Cloud, Stitcher, Pandora, and Amazon Music and Audible.
For breaking news, visit www. obseverlocalnews.com.
the wheel and breathing so heavily, the officer called for paramedics. After a couple of attempts to get the man to wake up, he eventually rolled his head upward and nodded when the officer asked him if he was OK, according to the report.
Police asked him to turn off the car, which he did after being asked twice. When the man stepped out of the vehicle, he was unsteady on his feet and almost fell forward on the ground. He had to hold on to his car for support, but refused medical attention once paramedics arrived on the scene. He thought he was on LPGA Boulevard and as he spoke to police, his speech was slurred and he was having a hard time saying a complete sentence, the report states.
The man agreed to perform field sobriety exercises, but couldn’t successfully complete them. He was taken to jail.
Dear Editor: Jason Leslie misrepresents himself and the facts when he claims the fuel farm relocation is an ongoing Ormond Beach issue worthy of inclusion in his campaign platform. It’s disappointing that any candidate would politicize the fuel terminal crisis, now resolved, for self-promotion and political gain.
This complete timeline fills in the blanks in Mr. Leslie’s account:
In early July 2023, resident Tim Grigsby spotted an obscure legal advertisement in the Hometown News seeking a state “air” permit to release traces of toxic petroleum fumes into the environment. Mr. Grigsby alerted his Zone 1 Commissioner Lori Tolland, who raised questions about the proposed fuel terminal location on the public record.
At the Aug. 1 and Aug. 15 City Commission meetings, Ormond Beach citizens packed the chamber and over two dozen spoke.
A unanimous City Commission took the following subsequent actions: Official correspondence appealing to the fuel terminal corporation, a request to County Council to schedule a special public meeting, a decision to not provide city water and sewer services to the fuel terminal (on county land), and a vote to commit more than $100,000 to legal costs to fight the fuel farm location in court.
Mayor Bill Partington urged citizens to attend the Aug. 23, 2023, special County Council meeting in DeLand, and over 400 did so, filling the council chamber and two overflow rooms. None of the residents were confused about the issue, as Mr. Leslie asserts. During the meeting, Ormond’s County Council representative Troy Kent showed great
leadership and statesmanship. Commissioner Travis Sargent’s research revealed county planning staff had signed off on the fuel terminal site in May 2023; Commissioner Susan Persis wrote a timely opinion piece in the Observer, “Not here, Belvedere”; Commissioner Harold Briley referenced the close proximity of the homes of 5,000 residents, our world class recreation complex, and the Tomoka River.
On the state level, Rep. Tom Leek began work on the problem immediately, and the $10 million allocated for fuel terminal relocations has been in the state budget for months, recently approved over the governor’s signature. We can thank Rep. Leek and his good offices in working with the Department of Commerce and state officials in resolving the fuel terminal crisis.
Jason Leslie’s Tallahassee communications occurred long after the fact. Ormond Beach residents have never been more unified, the City Commission never more responsive in rallying our community to protect the city we love.
JEFF BOYLE
ORMOND BEACH
Editor’s note: The Observer gave mayoral candidate Jason Leslie a chance to respond in 200 words or less.
Jason Leslie: The fuel farm issue is not resolved. Mr. Boyle is as wrong about that issue now, as he was when he and Carl Persis served together on the Ormond Beach City Commission, where they both did nothing on the zone change that led to this debacle.
Last August, I was one of more than 400 residents who attended the special County Council meeting. Susan Persis did not attend. She was busy at another event where she hoped to polish her new Republican credentials. Her response to residents was to blame the county for this mess that her
husband Carl was part of in 2006 as a County Councilman in our district.
Some residents have wondered why I recommended relocation instead of abandoning the project. I elaborated, specifically referencing property rights. Susan Persis’s opinion piece was too little, too late.
As I speak with voters, the concerns about the lack of leadership includes the fuel farm, but it doesn’t stop there. Mr. Boyle’s letter attempts to rewrite history and gaslight voters, presumably to distract from the legacy left to Ormond’s residents by him, and by both Carl and Susan Persis in their service to the City.
Editor’s note: Susan Persis and Jeff Boyle were each given a chance to respond in 200 words or less.
Susan Persis: For decades, my husband Carl and I have respectfully served Volusia County adults and children. Whether as educators or elected officials, we have never criticized anyone publicly. During political campaigns, we have positive messages and talk about our records, service, and vision to make the school system and the city even better.
Imagine our shock to read the hateful attack lashed at us from newcomer Jason Leslie who moved to Ormond Beach three years ago. He does not know Carl or me. Unlike us, he has never served the public, nor did he grow up in Volusia County.
During Leslie’s three years in Ormond Beach, he never volunteered to help the city, asked to serve on an advisory board or attended a commission meeting until he decided to run for office.
My roots run deep in Ormond Beach. When I was the principal of Pine Trail Elementary School, my door was always open. I loved engaging with children, parents, and grandparents. As your city commissioner, I have always been
available and listened to the public. As your mayor, I will continue to be open, honest, positive and energetic. Most importantly, I will be prepared to make you proud.
Jeff Boyle: My letter responding to Mr. Leslie’s claims offered a documented, factual chronology of the Belvedere fuel terminal crisis, which has now passed.
The company is working with the Florida Department of Commerce to find another fuel terminal site, thanks to the hard work of city, county, and state elected officials, and hundreds of Ormond Beach residents who stood up for our community’s safe quality of life.
Their victory was always about citizenship, not politics.
Dear Editor, I am writing this letter to state my endorsement of Jason Leslie as our next mayor of Ormond Beach. Our city government and the people of Ormond Beach would benefit from Jason’s leadership. His prompt response to push for a relocation of the fuel farm away from the proposed Hull Road location demonstrates the kind of leadership Ormond Beach needs as our new mayor in November 2024.
As a former candidate for Ormond Beach City Commission Zone 1 in 2022, I ran on a platform to promote development that protected our old growth trees and wetlands, reasonable housing density, properly designed storm water runoff, and improved roads that minimized traffic congestion.
I campaigned for fiscal responsibility to taxpayers but saw the need for needed wage and benefit increases for law enforcement and firefighters.
Like the majority of the citizens of Ormond Beach, including Jason, I am against the proposed develop-
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The first verse of the national anthem poses a question. July 4 celebrations suggest an answer. Make yourself at home
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
I don’t get too excited about fireworks. Seen one, seen them all. What I love is watching my children watching fireworks: the wonder, the flashes of light on their angelic
Meet OMAM’s featured art night family for July
The Dover family — Kevin, Caytlin and their daughters, 9-year-old Kesslea and 11-year-old Ammaleah — were selected as Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s featured family from
faces, the patriotic —
“How long does this last?” 9-year-old Kennedy moaned as the bombs were bursting in air.
“Is this the end?” 6-year-old Luke asked hopefully.
“What do you mean?” I said. “We came here for you!”
“It’s too hot,” Kennedy said. Their older sister Ellie, 14, pulled out her phone, the helpful factchecker. “Actually, it’s 82 degrees,” she said, holding up her weather app as proof that it was actually not too hot to enjoy the festivities. Undeterred, Kennedy moved on
the museum’s July 5 Free Family Art Night event.
The family was visiting Ormond Beach from north Georgia, according to a statement from the museum. Caytlin Dover is a medical technician and performs in community theatre with the Pumphouse Players in Cartersville, Georgia. Kevin Dover enjoys being a dad who teaches his girls soccer moves and helps them learn cheer students. Kesslea will play “The Book Fairy” in an upcoming production of “Enchanted Book-
to her next complaint: “Too many bugs.”
In their defense, this particular Fourth of July experience featured a vehicle about 100 feet in front of us that inexplicably had left its headlights on, shining right in our eyes. When the driver finally turned them off, halfway through the show, I sarcastically clapped a few times. No one joined me. It was too hot to expend that kind of energy.
“How do you know it’s over?” Luke asked, lying flat on his back to escape the cloud of mosquitoes hovering over us.
All things considered, it was an underwhelming night for the children. But during the drive home, I thought about how blessed we are
shop”, and Ammaleah competes with her all-star cheer team.
“Mom Caytlin loves taking the family to an art destination in every new city they visit,” the statement from OMAM reads. “The family feels fortunate to have found the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens and to have become the featured family for our July 5 Family Art Night”
The museum’s Family Art Night takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. on most first Fridays of the month. All art supplies are provided, and the program is sponsored in part by the Women United Volusia Chapter. The next program is scheduled for Aug. 2.
Ormond Beach resident Virginia Fluke celebrates 100th birthday
Ormond Beach resident Virginia Fluke celebrated her 100th birthday on Sunday, July 7 in Bear Creek Village. Fluke was born in 1924 in Wooster, Ohio, and is the youngest of her siblings — she had three brothers and three sisters. One of her sisters, according to a statement to the Observer, lived to be 102 years old.
While growing up on her family’s farm, she used to drive the twohorse wagon to make and unload hay. She worked as a secretary and then as a pet sitter until she was 90 years old.
Fluke was married for 47 years and had one daughter, Barbara
to live in this nation, under these circumstances, enjoying the luxury of skies lighting up for pure entertainment.
In other parts of the world, the skies light up with real bombs.
Every mortar that explodes into a smiley face emoji is a reminder that we are safe and sound in our little Florida towns, far from the terrors of war. We are free to drive to the middle of town with our families, complain about mosquitoes and heat, and not for a second worry about whether our home will still be standing when we return.
Is the United States perfect? No, but it is a land of liberty, a symbol of idealism, and soldiers risk their lives every day — for us.
Earlier in the day on July 4, I took a few minutes to talk to Kennedy about the national anthem, the poem by Francis Scott Key, writ-
ten at a time of uncertainty after a battle. He asked himself then, and he asks us now, centuries later, after a long night, whether we can still see the star-spangled banner waving? Or has the warfare of the night taken down our flag?
The final stanza of the poem, provides Key’s answer to his own question, and they seem to me a challenge, an invitation, a prophecy, to be pondered with every firework screaming across the sky:
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust,” And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
crafts, pet sitting and a lot of walking — which kept her from needing any bone replacements.
Over 40 people attended her birthday celebration in Clubhouse 1, including City Commissioners Harold Briley and Lori Tolland, who presented her with a proclamation from the mayor.
“As on the proclamation from the city, this occasion stands as a symbol of the love and admiration that surrounds her,” friend Virginia Cady said to the Observer. “She reminds some people of their mother.”
Last week’s edition reported that Mainland
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Collectibles FOR SALE Patriotic Deal 154 Silver Peace Coins.
Ormond Beach celebrated the United State’s 248th anniversary of its independence with its annual fanfare of fireworks and music at Rockefeller Gardens on Thursday, July 4. The city’s Independence Day Celebration featured music by the Cool Breeze band, food vendors and and a firework show by Fireworks by Santore.
As the night sky darkened, the water of the Halifax River reflected the red, white and blue hues of the fireworks bursting overhead.
–OBSERVER STAFF
THURSDAY, JULY 11
PALM COAST TOWN HALL
When: 4 p.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Attend this free town hall event with acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo. The event will focus on the city budget process. Attendees are welcome to ask questions and discuss issues in an open forum. Complimentary coffee.
FRIDAY, JULY 12
SUMMER CLASSES FOR KIDS
When: 12-2 p.m.
4422 N. U.S. 1, Palm Coast
Details: Attend the grand opening of the Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition, “Taino Vive! Caribbean Indigenous Resistance,” hosted by the African American Cultural Society. Refreshments, a cash bar and entertainment. The bilingual exhibition will be on display through Sept. 29.
TUESDAY, JULY 16
IDENTITY THEFT
WORKSHOP
When: 10-11:30 a.m.
Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach Details: Cmdr. Lutz of the Flagler Sheriff’s Office will be the featured speaker. Call 386-569-7813 to reserve spot.
FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
tions website) to review and prepare for voting. A guest speaker will address Amendment 4 for the Nov. 5 election, and other election-related topics can be discussed. Likeminded non-members are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 19
SUMMER CLASSES FOR KIDS When: 12-2 p.m.
Where: Art Among the Flowers, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A114, Palm Coast Details: See listing on July 12 on this page.
‘42ND STREET’
When: 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 19, 20, 26 and 27; 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 21 and 28
Where: Davidson Theatre at the News Journal Center, 221 N. Beach
-1
Where: Art Among the Flowers, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A114, Palm Coast Details: Ages 7-16. All classes will include a tour of the flower shop, exploring and learning about the different plants and flowers, and then hands-on learning a different technique with a professional instructor. Children also get to take their creations home. $25. Visit artamongtheflowers.com.
COMEDY DINNER SHOW
When: 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Join Redefined Food Co. for its July comedy diner show featuring local comedian Doug Canney as the emcee and Johnny Mac as the headliner. Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Dinner will be served at 6 p.m. and the show will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $26.50 to $41.80. Visit www.redefinedfoodco.com/.
SATURDAY, JULY 13
GRAND OPENING OF THE TAINO VIVE! EXHIBITION
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: African American Cultural Center and Museum,
Details: Food Truck Tuesday is back. Appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Registration not required. Presented in partnership with the Observer.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17
BRIDGE AND GAMES
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach
Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to play bridge (progressive and non-progressive) and other games. Men and women both are welcome. A $4 donation is requested. Call Susanne at 386-503-1893.
THURSDAY, JULY 18
ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Check-in and socializing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Included on the agenda will be a focus on the Aug. 20 election. Attendees are asked to bring a copy of their sample ballot (available on the Volusia County Supervisor of Elec-
SATURDAY,
•Increased
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Check out our blog for informative articles: ormondhearingcenter.com/blog
Unhappy
–JARLEENE
Ahouse at 29 San Gabriel Lane in the Hammock Dunes subdivision was the top real estate transaction for May 16-22 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on May 20 for $1,442,500. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/4 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,692 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $1,390,000.
square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $512,000.
Ocean Hammock
The home at 64 Oak View Circle W. sold on May 22 for $1,147,500. Built in 2015, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, pool and 3,209 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1,075,000.
Seascape
The home 32 Seascape Drive sold on May 21 for $1,100,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a fireplace, fire pit and 2,628 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $900,000.
Tidelands
The home at 1 Pavilion Court sold on May 17 for $1,045,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 3,028 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $165,000.
Hammock Dunes
The home at 13 San Marco Court sold on May 17 for $880,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,283
Plantation Bay The home at 190 Heron Drive sold on May 16 for $833,800. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,818 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $47,500.
Forest Park Estates The home at 28 Clementina Court sold on May 17 for $675,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, pool and 2,651 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $430,000.
Grand Haven
The home at 22 Oasis Circle sold on May 16 for $675,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,518 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $57,000.
Palm Harbor The home at 33 Collingdale Court sold on May 17 for $650,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,895 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $60,000.
Hammock Beach
The home at 627 Mahogany
Run sold on May 20 for $635,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,526 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $429,000.
Hidden Lakes
The home at 180 Arena Lake Drive sold on May 22 for $590,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, pool and 2,013 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $357,500.
The home at 18 Arena Lake Drive sold on May 20 for $539,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,837 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $307,500.
Matanzas Shores
The home at 28 San Carlos Drive sold on May 20 for $490,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,812 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $310,000.
Indian Trails
The home at 126 Boulder
Rock Drive sold on May 22 for $410,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,006 square feet.
FLAGLER
Oakview Acres
The home at 6 Magnolia St. sold on May 21 for $730,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 plus two half baths and has a fireplace, pool and 1,795 square feet.
BUNNELL
Daytona North
The home at 2416 Bayberry St. sold on May 16 for $585,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2.5 and has two fireplaces and 1,912 square feet.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
house in The Trails at 20 Twelve Oaks Trail was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach for May 16-22 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The home sold on May 17 for $1,550,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 4/3.5, has one fireplace, a threecar garage, pool, heated spa and 5,464 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $835,000.
GRANT MCMILLAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
The condo at 89 S. Atlantic Ave., Unit 904, sold on May 16 for $310,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,200 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $84,000.
The condo at 2800 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 140, sold on May 17 for $200,000. Built in 1972, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,216 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $74,100.
The condo at 1415 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 302, sold on May 21 for $494,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,300 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $340,000
Ellinor Village
The home at 386 S. Halifax Drive sold on May 21 for $299,000. Built in 1949, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,951 square feet. It last sold in 1978 for $38,900.
Fountain View
The home at 1435 Fountain View St. sold on May 21 for $447,490. Built in 2024, the 4/2 house has 2,441 square feet.
The home at 1426 Fountain View St. sold on May 17 for $444,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,601 square feet.
Halifax Plantation
The home at 3612 Christa Court sold on May 17 for $625,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,889 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $325,000.
The home at 1412 Lilly Anne Lane sold on May 20 for $819,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,572 square feet.
The home at 3165 Kailani Court sold on May 21 for $352,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,167 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $190,000
Ormond Beach Manors The home at 20 Essex Drive
sold on May 20 for $295,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,272 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $109,500.
Ormond Lakes The home at 11 Wild Cat Lane sold on May 17 for $392,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,217 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $259,900.
Plantation Bay The home at 21 Landings Lane sold on May 16 for $290,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,358 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $215,000.
The home at 568 Aldenham Lane sold on May 17 for $550,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, heated spa and 2,122 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $344,900.
Sylvania The home at 76 Sylvania Place sold on May 16 for $315,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,476 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $214,000.
The Crossings The home at 4 Crossings Trail sold on May 17 for $510,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/2.5 and has one fireplace and 2,955 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $155,000.
Tomoka Oaks The home at 59 N. Saint Andrews Drive sold on May 17 for $400,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 has one fireplace, a pool and 1,706 square feet. It last sold in 1990 for $93,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
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Da’Veon Brown awarded a full scholarship to Jones College after overcoming family’s housing struggles.
MICHELE MEYERS
WRITER
CONTRIBUTING
Recent Seabreeze graduate Da’Veon Brown received an invitation to attend the Jones College cheerleading tryouts one week before the 17-year-old was supposed to be there.
The clinic was being held Friday, May 3. After sorting out the logistics with his former cheer coach Megan Lambert, he boarded an airplane for the first time in his life and headed to Ellisville, Mississippi.
Jones head cheerleading coach Kate Ewing, associate head coach Kayla Hankins and assistant coach Hanna Burnett watched Brown during the tryouts. They approached him afterward to ask him if he would like to join their team, which has taken home a Universal Cheerleaders Association championship three out of the past four years. This year, the Bobcats became the UCA National Champions in the open coed division.
“I really like Jones,” Brown said. “The first day I felt very welcome. The cheer coaches were excited to
have me there. I felt it was an overall good experience.”
Even though he also had interest from the University of Central Florida and the University of North Florida, Brown accepted Jones’ offer of a full cheerleading scholarship. Following his decision, he said he stayed on campus and ate a lot of Raising Canes — a fast-food place known for their chicken tenders and sweet tea.
“Without coach Megan, I wouldn’t be able to have this,” Brown said.
“But everybody helped me, really. Anybody that did even the littlest thing, they still helped me because all the little things make the bigger picture.”
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Brown was not always involved in sports as a student at Seabreeze High School. Most of his freshman, sophomore and half of his junior year were spent in survival mode.
From June 2020 until the end of 2023, his family struggled with housing. Brown, his mother Latoya Mulligan and younger siblings — brother Keamar and sister Neavah — were displaced by a family member from their home, which began a cycle of seeking shelter. At one point, Mulligan had no choice but to split the family up between available housing.
Brown watched as his mom worked to keep her children in school and
to keep the family together. Every morning, she drove the kids to different bus stops before driving to her job at an assisted living facility on Port Orange. When he was 15 years old, he said he got a job to pay for his food and necessities so his mom could focus on his younger siblings and her job.
“I was trying to let her take care of everything and try not to ask for anything,” he said. “It was kind of overwhelming, but I just knew I had to keep my head up. My mom kept telling me to keep my head up: ‘It will get better over time.’”
Throughout their struggles, Brown always attended school and maintained at least passing grades, but beginning with his time at Creekside Middle School, not all of his friends were a positive influence. He would succumb to random drama and occasional fights.
Midway through his junior year, he said he got tired of getting in trouble.
“It was on my consciousness while I was sleeping,” he said. “When I woke up, [I told myself], ‘I can’t do this and be in this mess right now. I have to just pick one. I can’t let that be the reason why I do bad things. I can’t be going from house to house and getting in trouble at the same time.’ I just woke up, and I changed.”
Right after he made a decision to change, Seabreeze football coach Pepper Johnson asked him to tryout
for the team. He played running back during the spring game in May 2023. Due to his inexperience, he did not get a lot of playing time, but still ran for 32 yards while he was in.
His mother, Mulligan, said she is not athletic, but she has had Brown in sports since he was 6 years old — baseball, flag football, basketball and track, which has contributed to his athleticism. His uncle Lamar Cason began taking him to the Hagler Boxing Club when he was 12 years old in order to hone his fitness and discipline.
TRYING OUT FOR CHEER
During his senior year, Brown decided to continue playing football and also tryout for the cheerleading team for the first time. With a little encouragement from Office Aid classmate Isabelle Wurtz, he showed up to a practice in September and Lambert informed him he was on the team.
“We had a class together so we would talk and grew a really close bond,” Wurtz said. “My coach was asking football players to join the team, and he said, ‘I don’t think I’m going to do it.’ I told him he should and he went to practice that day. Ever
since then, it is history. He lights up any room he’s in. He’s like a brother to this team.”
Seabreeze head cheerleading coach Amie MacDonald said Brown approached them last year and said he just wanted to cheer with them, no matter what. He worked out with them all week and was so sore, he could barely walk.
“He said, ‘It’s cool, I can do this,’” she said. “So he worked out with us all week long. Next week he went to football practice and his coach asked him what he was doing because he could hardly walk. He said, ‘Coach, that cheer just hits different.’” Rising Seabreeze sophomore Lily Futch said she was forced to stunt with him in the beginning when he did not even know the basics of competitive cheerleading. She said all the cheerleaders came together to teach him.
“I really respect his work ethic,” she said. “He really tried. He knew nothing coming into the season. It was good toward the end. I can’t believe he’s going to school for cheer.”
Mulligan said that, not only is Brown leading his brother and sister, but he has inspired her to go back to school.
“The scholarship is a blessing,” she said. “He worked hard for it. He achieved it and he deserves it. Is it the stuff that we’ve been through that’s makes him want to work hard? Sometimes children see things in their parents and they want to do better. I’m glad that he chose the right way and I’m glad he is the way he is. He’s blessed. I thank God for it. Words can’t explain how proud I am.”
Brown said everything happened so quickly that it is going to take time to “soak in.”
“What I can really say — just never give up,” he said. “If you got a dream or you have a vision or something, no matter what happens, no matter what life throws at you, just keep going. There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.”
Brennan Gravley competed professionally in the 2023 Pan American Games, where he took home a gold medal after winning the men’s 10 km.
OBSERVER STAFF
Beach club in July, according to a press release. He is a graduate of
the University of Florida and competed professionally in the 2023 Pan American Games, where he took home a gold medal after winning the men’s 10 km.
“The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA is thrilled to welcome Coach Brennan to our Hydro4 and YMCA family,” Chief Operating Officer Katie Lyle said. “Swimming and the YMCA have a long history together, with swim lessons starting at the YMCA in 1909 and competitive swimming soon after that. Coach Brennan comes to us with a long history of swimming accolades, knowledge and enthusiasm. His energy level and love for the sport were exactly what
we were looking for when we started this search. Hydro4 is a strong, highly competitive team, and we know that Coach Brennan will be able to take these kids to the next level.”
In addition to his success at the U.S. National Championship in 2022 and 2023 in the 5km and 10km events, Gravley has also competed in the World Aquatics Championships. At UF, he earned a bronze medal in the men’s 1650-meter freestyle at the SEC Championships and was a finalist in the men’s 1500- meter freestyle at the 2021 U.S. Olympics Trials. Gravley, who earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management, said
in the press release that “the diverse culture and beautiful weather of Volusia County made accepting the position an easy choice.”
“Besides the environment where Hydro4 is based, I quickly grew fond of the community that runs strong within the team,” he said. “Between the parents, coaches and athletes, I felt that the positive energy was something I wanted to be a part of. There is also a great deal of passion for the sport from all the members, and that excited me quite a bit.”
Send story ideas to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.
MELISSA HAMILTON A/K/A MELISSA LEIGH HAMILTON, DECEASED; THE UNKNOWN SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF FERN J. HAMILTON A/K/A FERN JEANNIE HAMILTON F/K/A FERN J. WILSON, DECEASED; THE CITY OF EDGEWATER, FLORIDA; BRITTANY SUE KEARNS F/K/A BRITTANY SUE IDLE F/K/A BRITTANY S. IDLE; DEREK LEE IDLE; THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE
A/K/A SUSAN JEAN COY A/K/A SUSAN COY F/K/A SUSAN JEAN CINTRA F/K/A SUSAN CINTRA; 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). TO: SUSAN JEAN NELSON A/K/A SUSAN J. NELSON A/K/A SUSAN NELSON A/K/A SUSAN JEAN COY A/K/A SUSAN COY F/K/A SUSAN JEAN CINTRA F/K/A SUSAN CINTRA Last Known Address 2721 Royal Palm Dr. Edgewater, FL 32141 Current Residence is Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: LOTS 10480 AND 10481, BLOCK 335, FLORIDA SHORES NO. 12, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 19, PAGE 213, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., Plaintiff’s attorneys, whose address is P.O. BOX 19519, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318, (954) 564-0071, answers@ dallegal.com, on or before 8/19/2024, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are
J. NELSON A/K/A SUSAN
be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1979 CAPE HS GAM120E2497854A . Last Tenants: JULIA DZIAK and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at PARKWOOD MOBILE HOME PARK LLC AKA PARKWOOD MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY, AKA PARKWOOD MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY, 4000 SOUTH NOVA ROAD, PORT ORANGE, FL 32127. 386-761-0411. Jul. 11/18/2024 24-00103V
sell vehicle pursuant to subsection 713.585 of the Florida Statutes. Date of Sale: 8/2/2024 @ 10:30 AM TO TAKE PLACE AT: LOCATION OF SALE: 460 S WOODLAND BLVD, DELAND, FL 32720 CURRENT LOCATION OF VEHICLE: 460 S WOODLAND BLVD, DELAND, FL 32720 2014 HYUN SANTA FE #KM8SN4HF0EU056218 AMOUNT TO REDEEM $2260.33 The lien claimed by the lienor is subject to enforcement pursuant to Section 713.585, F.S., and the vehicle may be sold to satisfy the lien. The lien is claimed for labor, services performed, and storage charges, if any, and the amount due in cash on the day of the sale, if paid to the lienor, would redeem the motor vehicle. At any time before the date of the sale or proposed sale the owner or any person claiming an interest or a lien on the vehicle may file a demand for hearing with the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the vehicle is held to determine whether the vehicle has been wrongfully taken or withheld from him or her. At any time before the date of the sale or proposed sale a customer or a person of record claiming a lien on the vehicle may post a cash or surety bond in the amount stated on the invoice with the Clerk of the Circuit Court where the disputed transaction occurred. Notice that the owner of the motor vehicle has a right to recover possession of the motor vehicle without instituting judicial proceedings by posting a bond in accordance with the provisions of Florida Statute 559.917.
Notice that any proceeds from the sale of the motor vehicle remaining after payment of the amount claimed to be due and owing to the lienor will be deposited with the Clerk of the Circuit Court for disposition upon court order pursuant to subsection (6) of Florida Statute 713.585. Notice that the lienor will make the vehicle available for inspection during regular business hours within 3 business days after receiving a written request to inspect the vehicle from a notice recipient, whom may present either a copy of an electronic title or a paper title as evidence of his or her interest in and right to inspect the vehicle.
entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptacin para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comunquese con la Oficina de Administracin Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 das de antelacin de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificacin si la cita de comparecencia est dentro de un plazo menos de 7 das; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del odo, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL DATED on July 3, 2024.
LAURA E ROTH
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith Deputy Clerk Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Plaintiff’s attorneys P.O. BOX 19519 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318 (954) 564-0071 answers@dallegal.com 1446-176698 / VP2 July 11, 18, 2024 24-00347I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 11663 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHRYN D. HEATH A.K.A. KATHRYN DODGE HEATH, KATHY HEATH, KATHRYN ANN DODGE HEATH Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Kathryn D. Heath a.k.a. Kathryn Dodge Heath, Kathy Heath, Kathryn Ann Dodge Heath, deceased, whose date of death was December 20, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is July 11, 2024.
Personal Representative: Ann E. Heath 209 Garden Street # 1 Hoboken, NJ 07030
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Wendy A. Mara Wendy A. Mara, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69872 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste.D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 672-8081
Fax: (386) 265-5995
E-Mail: wamara@maralawpa.com
Secondary E-Mail: pmflynt@maralawpa.com July 11, 18, 2024 24-00344I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 12162 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF REBECCA A. STEFANCIK Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Rebecca A. Stefancik, deceased, whose date of death was August 4, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is July 11, 2024.
Personal Representative: /s/ Edward Stefancik 184 Stone Row Road Hopewell, Pennsylvania 16650
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324
CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900
Fax: (386) 445-6702
E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com
Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com July 11, 18, 2024 24-00345I
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 32346 CICI NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. MARISSA JOANN WAGNER, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered May 08, 2024 in Civil Case No. 2023 32346 CICI of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Volusia County, Deland, Florida, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is Plaintiff and Marissa Joann Wagner, et al., are Defendants, the Clerk of Court, LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ., will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www. volusia.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 7th day of August, 2024 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: Lot 25, Block 23, Rio Vista, Section A, according to the map or plot thereof, as recorded in Map Book 6, page 25, 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.
If you are a person with a 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 in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770.
By: /s/Robyn Katz
Robyn Katz, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney for Plaintiff 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420
Email: MRService@mccalla.com Fla. Bar No.: 146803 23-06900FL July 11, 18, 2024 24-00349I
FIRST INSERTION RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2022 30680 CICI
COLONIAL SAVINGS, F.A., Plaintiff, vs. KYLE ROBERTSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF KYLE ROBERTSON; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendant(s) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale filed June 19, 2024 and entered in Case No. 2022 30680 CICI, of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for VOLUSIA County, Florida, wherein COLONIAL SAVINGS, F.A. is Plaintiff and KYLE ROBERTSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF KYLE ROBERTSON; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; are defendants. LAURA E. ROTH, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash BY ELECTRONIC SALE AT: WWW.VOLUSIA.REALFORECLOSE. COM, at 11:00 A.M., on July 26, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 64, LONE OAK - UNIT II, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 41, PAGE(S) 196, 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. This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No.2.065. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to provisions of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator at Suite 300, Courthouse Annex, 125 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114; call (386)257-6096 within two (2) working days of your receipt of this notice or pleading; if you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD);
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2022-31626-CICI FUGH, LLC, as Trustee of the 278 Williams Avenue Land Trust, Plaintiff, v. NIK LEE SERVICES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Agreed Final Judgment Granting Partition, Scheduling Judicial Sale of the Property entered in Case No. 2022-31626-CICI of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida wherein FUGH, LLC, as Trustee of the 278 Williams Avenue Land Trust is the Plaintiff and NIK LEE SERVICES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, is the Defendant, that Laura E. Roth, Clerk of Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash at www. volusia.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m. on July 26, 2024 the following described property, as set forth in the Final Judgment: Lot 11 and easterly 12.5 feet of Lot 12, Block 9, of Ortona North Addition No. 1, according to the Map in Map Book 9, at Page 144, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida aka 278 Williams Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32218 The Notice shall be published once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks in the Business
