Ormond Beach Observer 08-08-24

CITY WATCH

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Historic tree to come down

A 37-inch live oak tree will be removed at 1510 N. U.S. 1, following a unanimous vote by the commission to grant a developer’s request at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6. Vanacore Residential Properties LLC, is seeking to construct a fast food restaurant at the 1.36-acre property, formerly a golf cart business, located southeast of the U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange, near McDonald’s. Staff initially recommended the commission deny the request, concerned about the conceptual nature of the site plan and wanting a redesign prior to removing the historic tree, which shares roots with a 26-inch live oak and is in the middle of the property. Both trees will be removed.

Nobody wants to see a historic tree removed, commissioners said.

“But you have to be reasonable,” Commissioner Lori Tolland said. “You have to look at where these trees are, and what you want to envision at the end. Right now we have a dilapidated lot.”

To mitigate the loss, the developer agreed to plant 11 new trees, or donate $4,343 to the city’s tree fund. A 44inch historic live oak will be preserved.

City settles Hunter’s Ridge lawsuit

The lawsuit between the city of Ormond Beach, Flagler County, and the developer of Hunter’s Ridge has officially come to a conclusion.

The Ormond Beach City Commission approved a settlement with Flagler County and U.S. Capital Alliance, LLC, via its consent agenda at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6. According to a memo by City Attorney Randy Hayes, the “parties have mutually agreed to resolve the issues that are the subject of the pending litigation matters and the non-compliance determination.”

In May 16, the Ormond Beach City Commission, the Flagler County Board of Commissioners and the developer held a meeting to discuss settling the lawsuit, which was filed

“For

on Oct. 27, 2023, after the Ormond Beach City Commission found the developer to be in noncompliance with the 1991 Hunter’s Ridge Development of Regional Impact because a road easement was granted to Flagler County in 2017 for a logging road known as the 40 Grade, and, because the city had yet to receive almost 300 acres of conservation lands, as dictated in the DRI.

The 40 Grade is located within the conservation lands.

At the meeting, the three parties agreed to the following conditions to settle the lawsuit:

„ Flagler had to convey the road easement back to the developer.

„ The developer will then convey the conservation lands to the city.

„ The city and Flagler County will enter into an interlocal agreement allowing the county to use the 40 Grade for limited purposes, including emergency access for Flagler County residents, managing or combatting forestry lands for wildfires, and accessing Flagler’s conservation lands within its own DRI with the developer.

“Following the full and complete performance by all parties, the pending litigation matters will be dismissed, and the parties will be released from all claims,” the city attorney’s memo reads.

A resolution rescinding the developer’s noncompliance determination will come before the City Commission at its meeting on Aug. 20.

us to do something impactful that showed immediate results and got our residents actively involved in something that they so care about, is a huge win.”

County Councilman Troy Kent on Regrow the Loop. See Page 4A

Christmas parade theme chosen

Your votes are in — the theme for the 33rd annual Ormond Beach Home for the Holidays is “Santa’s Toyland.”

The parade will be held on Saturday, Dec. 14. A tree lighting will take place at City Hall at 6 p.m., with the parade starting at 6:30 p.m. Applications to participate in the parade will be made available in October.

City to hold community meeting

The city is working on its 2045 Comprehensive Plan update — and ice cream is involved.

On Monday, Aug. 26, from 5:30-7 p.m., the city will host a Community Engagement meeting where residents are invited to share their ideas for the future of the community, all while enjoying ice cream from Neighborhood Scoop. The 2045 update is a staterequired report. The last one was completed in 2010. To learn more, and complete a survey, visit https://bit.ly/3LTdT0i.

CDD established for Ormond Crossings West

The commission also unanimously approved the establishment of a Community Development District for “Ormond Crossings West,” the residential portion of the 3,000-acre development to be built south of U.S. 1 and west of I-95. Ormond Crossings West spans about 1,800 acres and may have 2,500 homes. A CDD, according to a city staff report, helps to plan and finance infrastructure. Email Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

A settlement has been reached between the city, Flagler County, and the developer of Hunter’s Ridge. File photo

Supplying hope

First back-to-school event held at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Tina Carlyle was told she would never get 400 backpacks to give away to the community.

At the first Carrying Hope Back 2 School event held on Saturday, Aug. 3, she proved the naysayers wrong by reaching her goal — 400 backpacks, which included a donation from the Zone 2 City Commissioner Travis Sargent. Carlyle said the event was a big success.

“We’ve got to bring the Ormond community together — bigger and better,” she said. “I see Daytona Beach do so much and we’re not there. I’m going to make us get there by the help of God. I’ve got to have the support of the community. I’ve go to have support from our government and city officials. Without their support, it’s not going to happen.”

Carlyle’s consulting business, Access Senior Resources & Consulting, LLC, hosted the event at the city-owned South Ormond Neighborhood Center. The city did not charge for use of the facility.

Carlyle is an advanced practice clinician with a master’s degree in nursing, so for her, education is key. She said the goal for the event was to educate and enlighten the public before they sat down for a meal, got a backpack or won prizes.

“For me, it’s very important and vital that anything I touch or do always has an educational component,” she said. “It was very important for me to be able to share with the kids how to keep safe from an infection or just how to wash their hands or cover their mouths properly. I wanted them to know how to keep safe from bullying. It was so important that we kicked it off that way.”

Parents, guardians and their children gathered in a classroom when they arrived, where nurse Mary Davis Johnson talked to them about hygiene, Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey emphasized specific safety tips and Ormond Beach Elementary teacher Robinn Hammonds-Durden went over resources that are available to families in Volusia County.

“Let’s talk about social media — if you don’t have it, I’m sure one day you will,” Godfrey said. “Once you post something on the internet, it’s there forever. Don’t ever give out personal information on social media. Don’t ever meet anyone from online. Stranger danger, right? Same thing on the internet. That’s the one takeaway you have here today — be super safe when you’re walking, on your bikes and on social media” Godfrey said.

He said it is important for kids to know who their school resource officer is and to report incidences of bullying or questionable issues to them. They are there to keep them safe.

“This is not your standard backpack giveaway—this is an educational piece created by Miss Tina,” he said. “This is probably one of the best backpack giveaways I’ve ever seen in the 35 years I’ve been doing this.”

Ormond Beach Police Capt. Christopher Roos, Capt. D.W. Smith and Officer Allie Anderegg volunteered with Godfrey at the event. They spent their time filling backpacks with supplies and handing them out to the kids.

Kale Cafe owner Camille HolderBrown and her sons Judah and Zion Brown attended the event. She said they had been to backpack giveaways in the past, but the educational component differentiated the event from others.

“I wish all of the giveaways had that part,” Holder-Brown said. “Even if you homeschool like we

“This is probably one of the best backpack giveaways I’ve ever seen in the 35 years I’ve been doing this.”

JESSE GODFREY, Ormond Beach Police chief

do or your children go to school, it’s really valid information that everyone needs to hear. I applaud them.” Roos emphasized the significance of attentive driving when in a school zone.

“This is a great, great event for the kids in our community,” Roos said. “We also want to remind parents that next week when school starts, make sure you’re attentive when you’re driving. Put your phones down — pay attention to the road. ... We don’t need you distracted. We want to make sure we make it a safe year for everybody.”

Carlyle said, first and foremost, the backpacks should go to kids who need them. But in the future, she said, she would like to give backpacks to kids who don’t need them too. They can pay it forward and give them to kids in need themselves.

“The other thing we have to teach our kids is how to be loving, how to be giving and how to be grateful for their fortunes because not everybody is fortunate,” she said.

Carrying Hope Back 2 School organizer Tina Carlyle announces the next speaker during the educational part of the event.

Ormond Beach Police Capt. D.W. Smith, Capt. Chris Roos and Officer Allie Anderegg organize backpacks.

Grillmaster Jeff Layne and Gordon Food Service representative Brandi McLeod volunteer at the event.

Ormond Beach Elementary teacher Robbin Hammonds-Durden talks to parents and kids about the East Volusia informational booklet.

Stacey Reynolds (left), Copper Reynolds (front), Kable Reynolds (center) and Chancey Reynolds (right) stop by the Carrying Hope Back 2 School event to grab a bite to eat and some backpacks.

Carrying Hope Back 2 School event volunteers Sharon James, Shelia Wiley, Belinda Davis, Helen Azma, Randy Carlyle, organizer Tina Carlyle and Donna Edwards take a moment for a photo op in the kitchen at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center.

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey and his wife Janice.

Florida Health educator Carrie Johnson distributes information about establishing healthy habits.

Ormond Beach Middle School sixth grader Karlee Eansemer shows off her backpack and school supplies.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Volusia’s Regrow the Loop initiative to go countywide after successful pilot program

The council will consider options to convert Regrow the Loop into a countywide program, driven through a $10,000 grant process.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Regrow the Loop? How about Regrow Volusia?

The Volusia County Council voted unanimously on Tuesday, Aug. 6, to explore continuing the Regrow the Loop initiative, this time with a countywide scope.

Volusia County launched its Regrow the Loop initiative in June 2023. The initiative acted as a oneyear pilot program aimed at restoring and enhancing the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, a coastal byway in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea that includes A1A, North Beach Street, John Anderson Drive and Old Dixie Highway. Regrow the Loop’s mission was to remove invasive plant species, increase native vegetation and promote environmentally sustainable practices.

“I think we had a wildly successful program in Regrow the Loop,” said Brad Burbaugh, county director of resource stewardship.

The initiative was sparked thanks to Ormond-by-the-Sea resident

Alan Burton, who has lived on the Loop for almost 30 years. Last year, he ran into County Councilman Troy Kent at the local Outback Steakhouse and proposed the county start planting trees again on the coastal byway.

Then in April 2023, Kent proposed the idea to the council, which approved it 5-1.

In the 12 months of the program, the county reported 542 people participated in the 21 Regrow the Loop educational events. A total of 86 trees were planted on private property and 49 trees were planted on public property.

Scott and Todd Vanacore and Vanacore Homes also donated $30,000 to plant new vegetation

along the Loop. “I would like to express my deep gratitude for the past year,” Burton said to the council Tuesday. “Their values run deep. Their roots for their environmental ethos is really great.”

A portion of the program also included a pledge for residents to sign, committing to adopting practices to sustain the Loop, which was signed by 221 people. According to the county’s presentation, 98% pledged to avoid planting or spreading native species, 96% pledged to

“fertilize like a Floridian,” and 98% pledged to adopt Florida-friendly landscaping principles, to name a few intentions.

To extend the program countywide, Volusia will pursue a $10,000 allocation — with funds not originating from the general fund — to regenerate plant coverage, elevate public awareness and provide educational activities for the public. The county will also fund projects through a grants process, with the private sector taking the lead. Non-

PARTNERSHIPS FORGED

All of the partners that participated in the county’s ReGrow the Loop initiative shared environmental goals, according to data provided to the council.

The partners included:

„ The Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society

„ Florida Department of Transportation

„ Florida Department of Environmental Protection

„ City of Ormond Beach

„ Halifax River AudubonDream Green Volusia

„ Vanacore Homes

„ Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail

„ The Florida State Parks system

„ University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

REGROW THE LOOP OUTCOMES

According to Volusia County... „ 81% of participants avoided the planting of invasive species.

„ 58% were able to identify an invasive species on their property after participating in Regrow the Loop.

„ 49% removed and/or prevented the spread of invasive species from their property.

„ 81% planted a tree, shrub, or flowers using the Floridafriendly landscaping principle.

„ 43% indicated participating in Regrow the Loop “significantly helped them achieve their personal goal(s).

profits, government agencies and community groups are eligible to apply, and an evaluation committee will select the winning proposal.

Kent thanked Burton for bringing the original idea forward.

“This is a good thing,” Kent said.

“In fact, I would dare to say this is a great thing. For us to do something impactful that showed immediate results and got our residents actively involved in something that they so care about, is a huge win.”

Burbaugh also presented the council with an option to fund a county position to coordinate the program, but Kent said he favored the grant process instead.

He wants this program to be countywide, Kent told the council.

“I want you gentlemen to come forward and say, ‘Hey, let’s do “Regrow the Loop” but in DeLand, or in New Smyrna or in Daytona, or in Deltona,” Kent said.

Though Councilman Jake Johansson said he liked the program, he was concerned that opening it countywide would incite a precedent to fund other future programs in a similar way.

“If we do it countywide then 50 passionate people are going to come to the table and then ask for $10,000

after a successful pilot program — which I love — but I don’t want to be ten-granded to death,” Johansson said.

Councilman David Santiago said he shared similar concerns, but Burbaugh said this would not be a “giveaway” of $10,000, but a competitive process. Santiago said he understood that, but, that the council had “some very difficult debates” about programs created years prior.

“Sometimes we have to make tough decisions and not necessarily follow the mob rule, because it’s not always the good decision for the public,” Santiago said.

At the Ormond Beach City Commission Tuesday evening, Kent celebrated the unanimous support for Regrow Volusia.

“The wheel’s been created, so now we know what to do,” Kent said.

He also recognized the commission for its support of the program.

“In my opinion, you helped set the tone for the rest of the county on how this should be implemented,” Kent said.

City Commissioner Lori Tolland said staff was helpful in hosting the Regrow the Loop meetings, which were all well attende, and that the relationships built between the partners in the program have resulted in more communication and teamwork.

“All of this wouldn’t have happened unless Alan Burton talked to Troy Kent and Troy Kent did his thing at the county level that he did,” Tolland said. “It took one meeting, bringing a bunch of people together, and it took off.”

Additionally, the Kiwanis Club of Ormond Beach, with which Burton is involved, has donated $10,000 to the city for a dedicated tree fund. He asked the city use the funds to establish a tree fund that will accept private donations for the plantings of native oak trees on the Loop. Burton also asked for one tree to be planted at Rockefeller Gardens and for an outdoor education classroom component to be part of the planting.

The fund will be named the “Peggy Johnette Kent Tree Fund,” in honor of Kent’s late mother, who died in June.

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The Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail. File photo

Volusia County to eliminate beach toll costs for residents

Soon, locals won’t have to pay to drive on the beach. But, the toll costs for non-residents will be going up.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

EDITOR

MANAGING

Volusia County residents,

starting Oct. 1, you won’t have to pay to drive on the beach.

The County Council voted 5-2 on Tuesday, Aug. 6, to approve changes to Volusia’s beach tolls. In addition to residents being able to get a free annual pass for vehicular beach access (which currently costs $25 for residents), the changes also includes raising the day pass cost from $20 to $30, and the cost for a nonresident annual pass, from $100 to $150.

Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent, who has been pushing to eliminate beach toll costs for residents since he was elected in 2022, said on his Facebook page that residents have received “a longoverdue win.”

“The taxpayers spend millions of dollars to fund our great local beaches and by a 5-2 vote of the council, Volusia residents will soon have the ability to drive on it, park on it, and enjoy it the same way generations prior to us did for nearly 100 years, without having to pay for a pass to do so,” Kent wrote.

The free annual pass for residents will expire on Jan. 31, 2026, and revert back to $25, unless authorized by the County Council to continue.

Property owners and fulltime college students with a parking pass from BethuneCookman University, EmbryRiddle Aeronautical University, or Stetson University are also eligible.

Residents will need to register their vehicles online to have their fees waived, and an online registration portal will be made available.

Existing beach driving annual pass holders will automatically transition into the new

system until their current passes expire, a county press release states. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased annual passes, and parking fees at inlet parks will remain unchanged.

The county added in its press release that disabled individuals and veterans will continue to enjoy free access to beach driving, off-beach parking and inlet parks, regardless of their residency status.

Tuesday’s approval, however, came with a caveat: Staff must bring back an analysis of the financial effects of the ordinance by the council’s first meeting in November 2025.

The beach toll changes came as the council approved a new five-year almost $4.2 million contract with PCI Municipal Services, LLC. On July 16, the council previously awarded a $1.5 million contract to the Michigan-based company for off-beach automated paid parking services. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, visitors will need to pay $20 for an off-beach parking day pass or $100 for an annual pass to park at Volusia County’s coastal parks and approaches. The county estimates this will bring in about $6 million in revenue.

The county also reported it is saving $450,000 a year by contracting PCI Municipal Services for both the onbeach and off-beach parking contracts.

Beach toll booths will look a little different — License Plate Recognition technology will be utilized for automated vehicular access to the beach, with the ability to switch ramps from an automated status to one staffed with an attendant. The county plans to keep all of its current toll attendants.

All beach ramps will be equipped for automation by February 2025.

“I’m seeing this as a pilot program,” County Councilman Don Dempsey said. “I would probably be against this if it wasn’t going to sunset ... I’m hoping that this new structuring of fees will not result in an increased tax

“I’m seeing this as a pilot program. I would probably be against this if it wasn’t going to sunset.”

Don Dempsey, councilman

burden on the Volusia County taxpayers who don’t even use the beach.”

County Councilman Matt Reinhart and Danny Robins both voted against amending the beach tolls. Both were concerned about the financial impact of eliminating the user fee for residents to drive on the beach.

Robins wanted to wait until after the elections to make a decision, citing unknowns in the economy. He also suggested waiting until the county has data on how much revenue the off-beach parking fees are bringing in after they’re implemented in January.

“I don’t think anyone of us, fiscally conservative as we are would risk our paychecks or our salaries to take that kind of gamble with our money, so my thought process is, ‘Why do it with the taxpayers?’” Robins said.

This is a trial period, Brower said. And it’s not free access — residents already pay for this in their property taxes.

“People are hurting and anything that we can do to make sure that they don’t get double-taxed and pay twice for the same service, I’m going to be for and support,” said Brower, who has been advocating for residents to drive on the beach at no extra cost since 2021.

During his closing comments at the meeting, Kent thanked the council to “take a leap” on eliminating beach toll fees for residents.

“I think that it’s going to pay dividends in the future and we did a wonderful thing for our residents,” Kent said.

Reinhart said he wanted to see the program succeed.

“This idea has passed,” he said. “We will reevaluate in November (2025), and I hope that it will pass and you’ll have my support. I’ll never talk negative about it.”

Lowered enrollment results in $5M loss

Less students enrolled means less state funding for Volusia County Schools.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County Schools had to return almost $5 million in state funds due to decreased enrollment numbers for the 2023-2024 school year.

As the district proceeds with planning its $1.2 billion budget for the upcoming academic year, School Board Chair Jamie Haynes said those funds could have helped with teacher and faculty salary increases.

“There are consequences sometimes to the actions that we choose to have,” Haynes said at the board’s meeting on Tuesday, July 30. “There is not a single state, district, county, area ... in this entire United States that is perfect, just as there’s not a business out there that’s perfect. Every day, there are great teachers here in Volusia County Schools teaching our kids.”

The pandemic brought about “keyboard warriors,” she said — people that are using social media to bash the district and administration. Haynes said she believes this has contributed to the student enrollment decline.

“What you’re doing is you’re actually saying to parents that are watching and listening, ‘That’s not where I should keep my child,’” Haynes said.

The school district ended the 2023-2024 school year with an enrollment of 57,172 students. Pre-pandemic, VCS had an enrollment county of about 64,000 students.

“Every child we lose to one

of the other choices impacts our budget,” Haynes said.

Though she said she supports School Choice, she wants to make sure children who are homeschooled are prepared for the workforce.

“We have got to make sure that we don’t have students that turn 18 and they can’t read because somebody took the money,” Haynes said.

Last year, parents and guardians received about $8,200 per child to homeschool their student, she said.

What do we know so far about the district’s preliminary budget for the 2024-2025 school year?

The district is moving forward with a property tax rate of 5.285 mills — or $5.285 per $1,000 in taxable property value — which is less than last year’s rate of 5.409. The reduction is largely a result of a decrease in the required local effort, the amount districts are required by law to contribute toward the Florida Education Finance Program.

But, the proposed millage rate is still a tax increase because it is 3.87% above the rollback rate, or the rate that would generate the same amount of tax revenues as last year’s millage rate.

The board will hold a public hearing to adopt the final millage rate and budget on Sept. 10.

EMPLOYEES GET 3% RAISE

Some Volusia County Schools non-bargaining employees — including bus drivers, bus attendants, School Way Cafe employees, guardians and custodians formerly part the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees union — will see a 3% raise for the 20242025 school year. District-based employees “at Level 9 and below” will see the raise take effect on their Aug. 30 paycheck, according to a press release. Those eligible for retroactive payment will receive it in a future check.

“Any opportunity to independently enhance compensation for our personnel is a significant achievement,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said in the district press release.

As the budget process continues, the district said, information about salary increases for other employee groups will follow.

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Students walk the halls at Hinson Middle School during the first day of school in 2023. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

JULY 29

TROUBLE IN TURQUOISE

4:39 p.m. — Palm Harbor Center Drive, Palm Coast

Breach of peace, improper exhibition of firearm. A Palm Coast woman decided to brandish her turquoise gun holster at restaurant staff after an argument over disruptive customers.

The suspect and her husband were eating and drinking at the restaurant when the volume of other customers at the bar became disruptive to them, according to an arrest report. The husband went over to a waitress and told her to get them to be quiet.

The husband began to “ramble on” about his problems with the restaurant, eventually going outside to smoke. An employee tried to deescalate the situation, but the husband began yelling at the employee and insulting the restaurant, causing the wife to come outside too, the report said.When neither would calm down, the employees asked them to leave and then went back inside.

The couple stayed outside, and the suspect then decided to lift her shirt and threateningly show off her turquoise gun and holster, the report said. She was arrested.

AUG. 1

BATTERY CHARGES

7:27 p.m. — 4900 block of Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Grand theft. An employee at a store stole over $1,800 in merchandise and cash, only to hand it over to someone else.

Over the course of two and a half weeks, the employee would sell a car battery to a customer and, after the

YOUR TOWN

Volusia County EMS recognized for heart attack and stroke care

Volusia County Emergency Medical Services has received a 2024 Mission: Lifeline bronze achievement award for its commitment to offering rapid, research-based care to people experiencing severe heart attacks and strokes.

The honor is awarded by the American Heart Association to a select group of prehospital providers for their commitment and success in implementing a higher standard of care for their heart attack and stroke patients.

The program helps reduce barriers to prompt treatment — starting from when 911 is called, to EMS transport, and continuing through hospital treatment and discharge.

The AHA notes that EMS employees can begin treatment when they arrive — up to an hour sooner than if someone goes to the hospital by car – and are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone

customer left the store, then refund the purchase in cash, according to the employee’s arrest report. He did this five times for car batteries ranging from $130-$240, each time with the same customer.

The employee stole a total of $943 in cash from the registers for the five “returned” car batteries. Because the batteries were not actually returned, the store was short an additional $943 worth of inventory, making the total stolen amount $1,886.

But, the employee did not keep any of it for himself. After performing the refund, he would take the money outside and give the cash to the customer who had “purchased” the battery, the report said.

The employee was arrested.

JULY 11

UNBOXING

7:17 p.m. — First block of Southern Pine Trail, Ormond Beach Information. A vintage luxury item reseller’s merchandise — valued at over $91,000 — was sent to the wrong address. Where did it go?

According to a police report, the reseller, who now resides in Port Orange, had her business partner mail her four purses, but they were accidentally sent to her former Ormond Beach address. She sent her parents to pick up the package, but the current homeowners said they had never received, nor seen, the package.

Police then met with the homeowners, who consented to police searching their vehicle and home for the purses. They were not found, nor did police find any packaging material that would indicate the purses had been in the home.

The next day, the homeowners contacted police: The purses had been found.

The police reports state that the packages were removed from their porch by one of their children,

whose heart has stopped.

The recognition program focuses on transforming quality of care by connecting all heart attack and stroke care components into a seamless integrated care system. It focuses on agencies’ on-scene care, bringing to the forefront the collaboration and contributions of prehospital providers.

“Volusia County EMS is honored to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our dedication to providing optimal care for heart attack and stroke patients,” Emergency Services Director Jim Judge said. “We combine the latest advances in patient transportation and medical care with the tried-and-true traditions of compassion, service, and integrity. We provide a high level of care using an experienced and dedicated staff along with the latest innovations in EMS technology available today.”

Volusia County EMS is a countyoperated emergency transportation agency that receives 70,000 calls for service each year and transports 54,000 patients to area hospitals. Its team includes highly trained paramedics, emergency medical technicians, ambulance supply technicians, and support staff.

believing it to be an unpacked box from their recent move. The original packaging, the homeowner said, was being colored on and was found underneath one of their couch.

The purses, untouched, were in a box within a pile in their garage. No charges were filed.

JULY 16

‘HELPLESS’ LIKE TRUMP

7:30 p.m. — 100 block of North Center Street, Ormond Beach Suspicious incident. Police responded to a local assisted living facility after one of its directors received a threatening text message from one of the residents’ son, a 64-year-old Ponce Inlet man.

A staff member showed police a screenshot of the text, which was “difficult to decipher,” according to a police report. But, the text stated that he was displeased with the facility and that if his mother’s condition had not improved by the following day, he would seek legal action.

The text message also included a “garbled and unclear” statement that implied the man would do something that “made the Trump assassination look like nothing,” according to the police report. Police spoke with the victim, who wished to pursue charges.

Ponce Inlet Police made contact with the man, and found him to be “highly intoxicated but cooperative.” Officers met with both parties, during which the man said he was very unhappy with the level of care his mother is receiving at the facility. When asked about the statements in the text message, the man said the reference to the Trump assassination attempt was “intended to be an analogy as to how helpless his mother is in the facility, similar to ‘how helpless Trump was on that stage,’” according to the police report. He said the message was garbled because he had been using talk-to-text and had been drinking.

Local pastor forms conservative coalition

The Conservative Citizens of Ormond Beach coalition aims to inform voters of which candidates hold conservative values in local nonpartisan races.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A new political coalition aimed at helping residents identify conservative candidates running for local office has been formed in Ormond Beach.

The Conservative Citizens of Ormond Beach coalition was founded by resident Al Stewart about three weeks ago. Stewart, a pastor at Greater Grace Chapel in Holly Hill, said he believes politics were always meant to be about ideology.

“What we believe is what we believe, then people go in and they’re able to make a choice,” Stewart said. “Now obviously, today, we’ve gotten so far away from that.”

Since candidates are able to change political parties to get elected, Stewart said the coalition’s aim, which is co-chaired by Pamela Jordan, is to inform voters of which local candidates hold conservative values, particularly for nonpartisan races.

The Ormond Beach City Commission, Volusia County Council and Volusia County School Board are all nonpartisan.

And while this may be so, Stewart said liberal candidates bring with them such values to local issues — from environmental ordinances to

Eight Mainland High cheerleaders named UCA All-Americans

Eight members of Mainland High School’s cheer team have been named Universal Cheerleaders Association All-Americans, Bucs cheer coach Jenece Giddens announced. Sophomore G’lia Foster, senior Kelsi Jenkins, freshman Amari Langford, senior Amyah Watlington, junior Aysia Thompson, senior Kamya Sampson, sophomore Terrianha Williams and senior Aniyah Ray all received UCA All- American honors and have an opportunity to perform in Philadelphia, Orlando, London, Rome or Hawaii, Giddens said.

Athletes at UCA camps can try out to be named an All-American. Athletes selected to be All-Americans

are invited to perform at special events such as Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day parades.

Volusia County Teacher of the Year receives statewide award

Emily Fagerstrom, Volusia County Schools Teacher of the Year, received statewide recognition and an award of $2,000 from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations and Florida Power & Light Company at the Florida Department of Education Teacher of the Year Gala in Orlando on July 25.

Fagerstrom was chosen from among 67 Teacher of the Year honorees as the Consortium’s annual “Invested in Excellence” recipient for seeking additional resources

views on property tax hikes.

The coalition will hold a candidate’s forum on Thursday, Aug. 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Grace Community Church, located at 1060 W. Granada Blvd. Three candidates — which have already been endorsed by the coalition — will participate: Kristin Deaton, who is running to represent Zone 3 on the City Commission; Jason Leslie, who is running for Ormond Beach Mayor; and Donna Brosemer, who is running to represent District 4 on the School Board. Their opponents — Daniel Dragone and Barbara Bonarrigo, for Zone 3; Susan Persis for mayor; and Sarah Marzilli and Carl Persis for School Board — were not invited to participate.

The endorsed candidates are Republicans, but Stewart said the coalition itself is not a strictly Republican organization.

“If there was a Democrat running, and they were more conservative, then we would support that because it’s about the values,” Stewart said.

“That’s what we’re interested in.”

This isn’t Stewart’s first brush with local government. For three years, he served on a town council in his home state of Connecticut, where he also ran for the state House.

His hope is that the coalition, which is working on forming its board, will grow and eventually be able to provide the community with a voter’s guide. The mission, he said, is to “unclothe the wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

“If you have a party affiliation, you shouldn’t hide from it,” Stewart said. “You should be able to say, ‘This is who I am. This what I’m about.’”

and developing new strategies to innovate learning. She began her career in Volusia County Schools as a substitute teacher and was named the “First Year Teacher of the Year” at Port Orange Elementary in 2015. She was named math instructional coach at Champion Elementary in 2021, where her principal credits her for leading “seismic shifts” in improving students’ mathematical understanding and performance. Fagerstrom was nominated for the statewide award by the FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools, a member of the Consortium.

In their nomination, FUTURES noted the significant impact Fagerstrom had from a classroom grant she was awarded by the foundation this past school year. They also lauded her initiative in organizing her school’s inaugural Math Night at her local Publix Supermarket where students and their families demonstrated the practical use of math skills in reallife contexts.

“We sponsor this award with our business partner FPL to celebrate a local district teacher of the year who facilitates over-and-above resources and experiences for students,” said Mary Chance, president of the Consortium. “Ms. Fagerstrom clearly epitomizes a teacher leader who does just that and is deeply invested in excellence.”

Dr. Julio Nazario-Valle, chief academic officer; Jamie Haynes, Volusia County School Board Chair; Emily Fagerstrom, Volusia County Schools 2025 Teacher of the Year; Angie Polite, principal at Champion Elementary School; Stephanie C. Parks, assistant director at FUTURES Foundation; Shimene Shepard, executive director at FUTURES Foundation; and Carl Persis, Volusia County School Board member.

Shauna Beres and James Nixon. Courtesy photos

Mainland cheer All-Americans: G’lia Foster, Kelsi Jenkins, Amari Langford, Amyah Watlington, Aysia Thompson, Kamya Sampson, Terrianha Williams and Aniyah Ray.

LETTERS

Removing zoning restrictions will need careful consideration

Dear Editor:

I attended (virtually) Volusia County Council’s Permitting and Zoning Workshop on July 23 and am concerned about council’s apparent rush to abandon current safeguards against problematic uses of land, and to reduce civic participation.

Eliminating unneeded regulations is a good thing. It reduces unnecessary burdens, costs, and frustration. However, some regulations are necessary.

Someone who purchases a tract of land doesn’t, and shouldn’t, have the right to ignore the zoning

restrictions for that land. Likewise, when someone purchases land for which code requires a special exception for certain uses, the buyer understands (or should understand) that limitation at the time of purchase. Property rights are clearly not absolute. They are closely tied to the zoning and approval process in place when the property was purchased.

County Council has the right to remove some of those restrictions. However, there are several reasons that they should be very careful about doing so.

First, neighbors also have property rights. Removing restrictions for one tract of land can infringe on the property rights of neighbors. Say we have neighbors, A and B, and that when B purchased their land, code prevented A from putting a hog

farm on their property, or at least required a special exception. It’s not fair to B (and their property rights) for council to later reduce or drop the requirements for establishing a hog farm, and even eliminate B’s right to offer input. (B might even consider a lawsuit.)

It’s good to champion property rights, but it’s essential to also consider the property (and other) rights of others who might also be affected.

Second, there are often unforeseen circumstances and unexpected consequences. Changing from “Special Exception Required” to “By Right” forfeits the ability to address unanticipated situations, sets the county up for problems similar to what it’s experiencing with the Belvedere Terminals fuel farm, and suggests that council

hasn’t learned well from that experience.

Finally, County Council should be very slow to adopt any rule changes which reduce citizen involvement. There are almost certainly cases where it is reasonable and safe to relax the requirements. But there are many where it isn’t. At the very least, council needs to carefully consider each individual proposed change with an eye to how it might impact the property rights of others, what dangers it creates for the county in the future, and whether the change infringes on the public’s right to participate.

STEVE WONDERLY

Daytona Beach

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

Marketing Consultants Ashley Lowry, ashley@observerlocalnews.com; April Koehler, akoehler@observerlocalnews.com; Jacob Boyd, jacob@observerlocalnews. com

Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com

Endless summer? Far from it, thankfully

School is almost back in session. That means the house might stay clean. Make yourself at home

to start?” I asked my elementaryaged children.

“No!” said 6-year-old Luke. But in the space of those two letters, he had second thoughts. “I’m kind of excited.”

After another two seconds’ thought, he added, “I’m not very excited, though.”

The end of summer break comes with mixed emotions.

“Are you guys excited for school

YOUR TOWN

Salty Family Services to celebrate over 1,900 local families served

Salty Family Services will host its annual celebration on Sep. 5, from 6-8 p.m. at 221 Vining Court in Ormond Beach. This event aims to raise awareness and critical funds through donations to continue to prove services to the community. Since 2016, Salty Family Services as helped over 3,372 children and over 1,977 families, according to a press release.

Going back to school was always stressful for me as a child. I would lie awake at night, nursing my fears of missing the bus home from school. My father tried to calm me down by asking, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” I’m sure he intended me to think rationally and say something like, “If I miss the bus, I can go back inside

the school and ask an adult to call home so I can get a ride.” Instead, my mind raced further: The worst thing that could happen is a nuclear warhead could land on me as I’m panicking about missing the bus.

Now, as a parent, the return of school does not bring mixed emotions — only pure relief. No more will my children be couch potatoes, playing video games and leaving messes on every countertop, end table, ottoman, kitchen chair, arm chair, coffee table and couch cushion in the house. They’ll be too busy at school to make messes at home, at least for several hours a day. The messes have gotten so bad that ants have noticed them. We

called the bug guy, and he left some globs of ant poison in plain sight near the sink. Apparently ants aren’t too bright.

Meanwhile, my children were couch potatoing in the other room, so I got their attention by talking very loudly to the bug guy.

“So can you tell me,” I shouted, “whether you think it’s a good idea to do the dishes?! I mean, DOES IT HELP KEEP ANTS AWAY IF WE KEEP THE KITCHEN A LITTLE BIT CLEANER?”

He assured me that, yes, doing the dishes was a splendid idea, when it comes to sugar ant control. From their groans, I could tell that my children are coming around to

“With your support, we can continue to provide vital services that keep families together and prevent unnecessary hardship,” said Jeff Chaisson, director of Salty Family Services. At the celebration, guests will enjoy dinner and hear from families who have benefitted from the organization’s programs. Donations are welcomed and tax deductible.

Tickets for the Salty Family Services Annual Celebration cost $75. Visit https://bit.ly/3YAky7n.

Meet OMAM’s featured art night family for August 2024

The Robinson family was selected as Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s featured family from the museum’s Aug. 2 Free Family Art Night event. The family chose to attend the museum’s event for its annual family reunion, according to a statement from OMAM. Attendees included: Brendette, 54; Mitchell, 53; Patrick, 24; Crystal, 66; Jerry, 60; Veronica, 70; Joellen, 61; Joshua, 17; Abigail, 14; Marley, 9; Leewayne, 54; and Conleah, 45.

“They were looking to find a fun family activity that was cultural as well as entertaining,” the museum statement reads. “This walk-in experience was a great opportunity for the family to express themselves and to see each individual personality shine in the form of art.”

The family came from North

Carolina, Texas and Florida.

OMAM’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 Sept. 6.

Unable to attend but would still like to donate? Visit www.saltyfamilyservices.org.

Volusia County shifts focus to pet microchipping

In a prior meeting, the Volusia County Council unanimously agreed to remove animal licensing requirements for unincorporated areas of the county, along with the associated licensing fees.

In place of this ordinance, the county has shifted its focus to promoting pet microchipping. Microchipping provides a reliable method of identifying and reuniting lost pets with their owners. This proactive measure is designed to strengthen pet retention and help them find their way back home.

To support this initiative, the Animal Services mobile clinic will offer free microchipping and low-cost vaccinations at several locations.

The next event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on Aug. 5 at Chuck Lennon Park, 5000 Greenfield Dairy Road, DeLeon Springs. Additional clinics are scheduled for Sept. 2 in Oak Hill and Oct. 7 in Deltona, with specific details to be announced closer to the dates.

Furthermore, the council has also approved guidelines for outdoor feeding practices in unincorporated areas. All outdoor feeding is limited to a daily quantity of food in an appropriate container for the animal being fed at the property of the individual directly caring for the animal.

Municipalities within Volusia County may still require licensing of animals within their jurisdiction. For more information about the mobile

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the idea, just in time for school to start.

What are your family’s back-toschool traditions? Email Brian McMillan at brian@observerlocal news.com.

clinic and services offered by Volusia County Animal Services, please visit www.volusia.org/animalservices.

Tammy Malphurs named new Volusia County Beach Safety director

Volusia County Beach Safety has a new director — and it’s a familiar face.

Interim Director Tammy Malphurs, a 27-year veteran of the Beach Safety Division, appointment to director was unanimously approved by the Volusia County Council on Tuesday, Aug. 6.

Malphurs joined the division as a part-time lifeguard in 1997 and went on to become a triple-trained lifeguard, emergency medical technician, law enforcement officer, and public information officer, according to a press release. She was promoted to deputy chief in 2022 and interim director in 2024.

“Tammy has consistently demonstrated leadership and dedication to public safety,” County Manager George Recktenwald said. “She’s skilled in search and rescue, swift water rescue, high angle rescue, and confined space rescue. She has been deployed to every natural disaster activation since the massive wildfires of 1998. Notably, she was deployed to Mississippi during Hurricane Katrina, providing critical support in a time of need.”

Malphurs has an associate degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of Daytona State College’s Law Enforcement Academy. She also earned a trilogy certificate from the FBI’s leadership series and completed advanced PIO training through FEMA and the FBI. Additionally, Malphurs has been the president of the Volusia Surf Lifesaving Association since 2020.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

This event aims to raise awareness and critical funds through donations to continue to prove services to the community. Courtesy of Salty Family Services

The Robinson family. Courtesy photos

Tammy Malphurs

YOUR NEIGHBORS

‘They deserve a spot’

Seabreeze High School alumnus with special needs opens a cat cafe.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Since opening its doors on May 25, Pure Joy Cat Cafe has celebrated 27 adoptions.

And while helping cats find their forever home is the ultimate goal, it’s not the only mission in mind for the owners, father-son duo Frank Lund and Isaac Morden. The mission is also about giving people with special needs an opportunity for employment.

“Just because you have a disability does not mean that they need to be excluded from the general population,” Lund said. “Because here were are — we’ve got an individual who is a business owner.”

Morden, 22, has Down syndrome and recently aged out of the Exceptional Student Education program at Seabreeze High School. His family was trying to help him find a job in the community, but it was a challenging process. Not many people want to hire workers with special needs, Lund said.

They were working with Vocational Rehab while Morden was still in school to get him placed in a job, but were unsuccessful. This solidified the idea that the family needed to take a different approach.

“We heard about a cat cafe, and thought this would be a great opportunity for him,” Lund said. “He loves animals,

stimuli.”

On Tuesday, July 30, Morden received donations for his nonprofit cat cafe from his friends who are part of Project Squad, a Special Populations program by the city of Ormond Beach that helps with volunteer efforts to teach self-determination skills while helping the community.

Five members of Project Squad delivered the donations, which included cat food, litter and toys, and spent time with Morden — and the cats, of course — inside the cafe.

“They thought the cats were cute and they liked playing with them,” said Lori Koplin, Special Populations coordinator for the city of Ormond Beach. “... They spent a good half an hour in the back trying to coax the kittens out, so that was really fun to watch.”

Koplin said she can see how much Morden loves the cat cafe. He’s been participating in the city’s Special Populations programs for two years.

Because he is a friend to many in the programs, Project Squad decided to give back to Morden’s business.

Many special needs individuals do have a hard time finding employment, Koplin said. Most businesses only offer them cleaning positions.

Which is why the cat cafe stands out — it gives Morden, and any other special needs individuals hired in the future, a chance to do something different.

“I think people need to learn they’re a value to the community,” Koplin said. “They deserve a spot.”

Pure Joy Cat Cafe has been in contact with EasterSeals to try to provide work experience for other special needs individuals in the

Lund said he often hears his laughter.

“These kittens that may be a little skittish come up to him,” he said. “He does have a gift where cats, all animals, just absolutely love him.”

It’s because Morden has a “huge heart for everything,” Lund added, saying it’s always a great feeling to see Morden be included with his friends. Morden is very social.

“He’s super proud of the cat cafe and to have his friends show up here, that was just the ultimate for him,” Lund said. “He loves it. He watches out the window and then says, ‘Oh, friends are coming.’”

Pure Joy Cat Cafe is located at 1120 Beville Road, Suite C, in Daytona Beach. Visit purejoycatcafe.com. To learn more about the special populations programs offered by the city of Ormond Beach, visit https:// www.ormondbeach.org/736/Special-Populations-Programming.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, AUG. 9

COMEDY DINNER SHOW

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Second floor of the Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: A comedy and dinner theater show, hosted by Redefined Food Co. The headliner act is Mike Lee. Tickets to see the show are $25, not including dinner. Dinner prices vary.

SATURDAY, AUG. 10

ANNUAL STUFF THE BUS

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug 10-11

Where: Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach, between H&M; and Polo, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Help “Stuff the Bus” for a good cause. Tanger Outlets is partnering with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler Counties for this collection drive aimed at helping local children in need. United Way will be onsite, collecting new clothing, shoes, backpacks, accessories, school supplies and gift cards. The first 50 to make a donation will receive a free backpack.

DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS FOR FLORIDA GARDENS

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Learn about drought-tolerant plantings from library staff.

TUESDAY, AUG. 12

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Paint along with awardwinning artist Stewart Jones. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee and no drawing is required. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve your seat.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 14

ORMOND AARP MEETING

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Paul Zimmerman, historian and beach expert, will discuss the various forces impacting Volusia’s beaches. An optional $5 light lunch will follow. For more information, call Jeff Boyle, president of AARP Chapter 1057, at 386-341-9013.

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Social Club of Palm Coast, 51 N. Old Kings Road, Palm Coast

Details: This is a social club for retired and semiretired people that meets monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest, with other social events taking place during the month. This month’s guest speakers are Christine McGrath, Memory Care; Kathy Kavala, Senior Transition; and Kimberly Puntillo, Visiting Angels. All welcome. For more information contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com.

TOUCH A TRUCK

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Parkview Church, 5435 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

“I think people need to learn they’re a value to the community. They deserve a spot.”

LORI KOPLIN, Special Populations coordinator for the city of Ormond Beach

Details: Come to Parkview Church for a free event for kids of all ages. There will be emergency vehicles, construction apparatus and other large “trucks” for kids to explore.

Quiet hour — during which there will be no horns or flashing lights — will take place from 5-6 p.m. From 6-8 p.m., the trucks will blast their horns and flash their lights. There will also be food trucks.

THURSDAY, AUG. 15

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club for its August meeting. Check-in and socializing will begin at 6:30 p.m. Included on the agenda is the finalization of the Aug. 20 primary election activities,

Frank Lund, Lori Koplin, Chad Russell, Kira Lyman, Rilea Jackson, Isaac Morden, Leah Cassner, Emily Spottiswood, Mary Merris, and Coral Long smile along Project Squad’s donation to Pure Joy Cat Cafe. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Kira Lyman pets Zander.

A total of 27 cats have been adopted at Pure Joy Cat Cafe. Pepper is still available.

BUSINESS OBSERVER

The restaurant celebrated its opening with promotions and a $1,200 donation to the Ed Foundation.

Ale House in Palm Coast is open for business, and Palm Coast residents lined up outside for hours ahead of the opening for a chance at the restaurant’s giveaway to the first 100 customers.

Palm Coast resident Halle Bernard was the first customer inside the new restaurant on Aug. 5. She said she showed up for the free Miller’s Ale House promotion around 6:15 a.m. alongside several others, despite the tropical storm weather.

“I’m a real Floridian,” Bernard said. “I will go through any weather for some food, honestly, especially if it’s free.” Bernard said she was most looking forward to Miller’s calamari and mozzarella sticks. The first 100 customers — including Bernard — received a gift bag with a magnet and beer Koozie with the Palm Coast Miller’s Ale House logo and a coupon booklet for their free Miller’s Ale House promotion.

Miller’s Ale House staff, Palm

Coast Mayor David Alfin and members of the Flagler County Education Foundation celebrated the grand opening on Aug. 5 with a ribbon cutting. Miller’s Ale House also celebrated its new location by donating over $1,200 to the Ed Foundation.

“I am very excited about not only 115 new jobs, but the spirit and the enthusiasm amongst the staff that I heard just before the ribbon cutting,” Alfin said. “They are offering unreasonable hospitality.”

Divisional Vice President of Operations Paul Livrieri said this is the first time Miller’s has handed out a promotion with its grand opening.

“We wanted to do something a little differently,” he said. “Usually we just open up in our communities

and we just let it flow. We figured we’d create some excitement moving forward with our opening so many locations.”

Director of Operations Christ Bates said the excitement for a Palm Coast location began at Miller’s Daytona location. Many customers there were coming from Palm Coast, he said, and constantly asked when a restaurant would open in Palm Coast.

“We started looking in this area and found it and just the welcoming we’ve had since we’ve been here — people have been calling, ‘When are you opening,’” he said. “The excitement of this town has been [great]. They’re ready for us.”

Palm Coast’s tax base is primarily made of property taxes, and, Alfin said, the Ale House opening is just the first step in growing local business the city’s economy.

“Let this be the beginning of all of the entrepreneurial spirit that folks have been waiting here for a long time,” he said. “We’re here. We’re rolling forward.”

The store will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight Sunday-Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on FridaySaturday. The restaurant is located at 5861 State Road 100 and is opening just weeks ahead of Palm Coast’s new BJ’s Wholesale store.

BIZ BUZZ

ADVENTHEALTH EAST FLORIDA DIVISION NAMES NEW VP

The AdventHealth East Florida Division has selected Joni Hunt to serve as the vice president of Strategic Partnerships and Foundation.

In this role, Hunt will spearhead AdventHealth’s philanthropic initiatives and help strengthen the organization’s relationships with business and community leaders in each local market.

Encompassing seven hospitals with a total of 1,407 beds in Daytona Beach, DeLand, Orange City, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast and Tavares, the AdventHealth East Florida Division employs over 11,000 team members, including nearly 400 physicians and practitioners across 30 medical specialties in 70 practice locations.

“Joni’s extensive experience, coupled with her strong community ties, makes her a natural fit for this role,” said Audrey Gregory, executive vice president and CEO for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “I am thrilled to welcome her back.”

From 2011 to 2018, Hunt served as the government affairs leader for the AdventHealth facilities in Flagler, Lake and Volusia counties.

ADAMS, CAMERON & CO. REALTORS

WELCOME NEW AGENT

Adams, Cameron & Co., Realtors has recently welcomed Emily Mort to its

office in Ormond Beach.

Born and raised in Ormond Beach, Mort attended Father Lopez Catholic High School before moving to North Carolina. She graduated from High Point University with a focus in marketing and consumer behavior while also serving on the Kappa Delta Sorority executive council. Prior to joining Adams, Cameron & Co., Mort specialized in North Carolina’s Lake Norman market, helping her clients navigate waterfront property sales and facilitating multi-million-dollar transactions, according to a press release.

SMA HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION TO HONOR RICK ALLEN

Rick Allen, lead race announcer for NASCAR on NBC, will be the honoree at the 2024 Annual Dinner Celebration and Auction by the SMA Healthcare Foundation.

This event will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the DAYTONA 500 Club at Daytona International Speedway. Rick Allen is being recognized for his notable contributions to NASCAR broadcasting and his commitment to community engagement.

“His contributions to NASCAR broadcasting and dedication to fan engagement make him a fitting honoree for our event,” said Jennifer Secor, executive director of the SMA Healthcare Foundation.

Michael Waltrip, a two-time Daytona 500 winner and television personality, will host the evening. Attendees will also enjoy live music from Jackson Snelling, who has appeared on “American Idol” and “The Voice.” The event theme is “Wild Wild West. Proceeds will benefit SMA Healthcare’s new stateof-the-art West Volusia Outpatient Center.

Email jsecor@smahealthcare.org or call 386-254-1139. Send business press releases to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.

Miller’s Ale House donated $1,267 to Flagler County’s Education Foundation.

Halle Bernard (center) was the first to line up at the new Palm Coast

Miller’s Ale House. Photos by Sierra Williams

Joni Hunt

Emily Mort

Rick Allen

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Flagler Beach home sells for $1.8 million

Ahouse at 3310 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in the Kanaha subdivision was the top real estate transaction for July 25-31 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on July 31 for $1,800,000. Built in 1991, the home is a 5/4 and has a five-car garage, boat dock and lift, one fireplace and 3,397 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1,150,000.

2002, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,113 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $125,000.

PALM COAST

Armand Beach Estates

The house at 3 Ulmacea Place sold on July 26 for $730,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,157 square feet.

condo at 115 Riverview Bend S., Unit 2135, sold on July 25 for $350,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,575 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $305,000.

The condo at 3580 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 910, sold on July 26 for $348,000. Built in 1982, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $102,500.

The condo at 90 San Juan Drive, Unit B202, sold on July 31 for $235,000. Built in

Bonn Terra The house at 10 Valencia St. sold on July 25 for $1,300,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock, boat lift, pool, heated spa and 2,714 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $955,000.

Deerwood The house at 42 Westmill Lane sold on July 26 for $500,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,469 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $290,000.

Grand Haven

The house at 50 Osprey Circle sold on July 31 for $860,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, one fireplace and 2,866

square feet.

Indian Trails

The house at 2 Big Horn Place sold on July 26 for $435,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.

The house at 10 Birchbark Lane sold on July 26 for $435,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.

The house at 37 Bickshire Lane sold on July 29 for $489,900. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,668 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $223,500.

Matanzas Woods

The house at 44 Londonderry Drive sold on July 31 for $460,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/2.5 and has 2,943 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $300,000.

The house at 38 Longfellow Drive sold on July 29 for $439,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,604 square feet.

The house at 3 Louisiana Drive sold on July 31 for $459,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 1,789 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $205,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Venice Park

The house at 124 Avalon Ave. sold on July 26 for $630,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock, a pool and is 1,714 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $334,500.

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

Pool home is Ormond’s top sale at $1.11 million

APlantation Bay home at 524 Wingspan Drive was the top real estate action for July 25-31 in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea. The home sold on July 29 for $1,110,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,663 square feet.

GRANT MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

The condo at 2898 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 6010, sold on July 30 for $360,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,480 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $230,800.

ORMOND BEACH

Ann Rustin Estates

The home at 950 Ginger Circle sold on July 26 for $385,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,002 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $325,000.

Golf Ridge Estates

The home at 72 Broadmoor Circle sold on July 30 for $325,000. Built in 1975, the house is a 3/2 and has a shed and 1,659 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $339,000.

Halifax Plantation

The home at 1446 Dolph Circle sold on July 31 for $520,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,040 square feet.

The home at 2772 Portadown St. sold on July 29 for

$319,115. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,504 square feet.

Ormond Beach Manors

The home at 5 Essex Drive sold on July 26 for $375,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool, one fireplace, a shed and 918 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $215,000.

Ormond Heights

The home at 282 Pine St. sold on July 26 for $301,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,268 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $135,000.

Ormond Terrace

The home at 214 Wilmette Ave. sold on August 1 for $355,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has a shed and 1,171 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $122,500.

The home at 140 Cumberland Ave. sold on July 26 for $350,000 Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,910 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $139,000.

Plantation Bay

The home at 1029 Stone Lake Drive sold on July 31 for $580,000. Built in 2004, the

house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,575 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $415,000.

The home at 1024 Kilkenny Lane sold on July 29 for $365,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,081 square feet.

Plantation Pines The home at 3656 Jack Pine Lane sold on July 26 for $600,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 2/2 and has a shed and 1,610 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $140,000.

The Trails The home at 30 Choctaw Trail sold on July 31 for $635,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 5/2.5 and has one fireplace and 3,261 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $86,667.

Tymber Creek The home at 158 Inglewood Court sold on July 30 for $275,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has one fireplace and 1,688 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $109,900.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Triton Beach The home at 453 Idlewood Drive sold on July 30 for $600,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,005 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $283,322.

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

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ORMOND BEACH

Non Sequitur

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Mother Goose and Grimm

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In the Bleachers

Cornered

Ziggy

The Fusco Brothers

SIDELINES

JIU JITSU COMPETITORS HEAD TO YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS

Jesse Wellen Jr. and Ayub Umar have been taking classes in Brazilian jiu jitsu at Spartan Academy Palm Coast Martial Arts School Pasince they were 4 years old. The two Palm Coast boys, now both 9, have been selected to compete in the first Abu Dhabi Combat Club Youth Championships on Aug. 16 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Youth Championships will feature 192 advanced competitors from 5 to 17 years old with just 16 boys and 16 girls competing in each age group. Jesse and Ayub will be competing in the 9-10 boys age group. The competitors were selected based on their results in U.S. and Brazil opens. Jesse and

Surfing USA

makes USA Surfing’s Junior

Flagler Palm Coast High School sophomore Benji Lacy was in the Olympic Development Program for soccer when he broke his leg while surfing two and a half years ago. Ironically, Lacy never resumed his soccer career. Instead, he got into surfing more seriously. Last month, Lacy, 16, was named to the USA Surfing Junior National Boys U18

Lacy is one of 12 members on the team and one of only three from the East Coast — all three are from Florida. According to USA Surfing’s website, several Olympic and pro surfers honed their competitive skills through USA Surfing’s Prime Series and championship events. That includes Caroline Marks, who, on Aug. 5, won the Paris Olympic Games’ women’s surfing

In June, Lacy placed fourth in the U16 USA Surfing Prime Series Nationals at Lower Trestles near San Clemente, California. Lacy accumulat-

Ayub won competitions in different states over the past year, securing their invitations. Each age group at the championships will be split into two

ed enough points in the East Coast competitions and at nationals to secure his spot on the U18 Junior National team. He finished the season ranked third on the East Coast.

“I’m super stoked,” he said about making the team. “I’m really happy my hard work is paying off. I was a late starter in surfing. I’ve been working hard these last couple of years, and it’s working out pretty well.”

His father, Dr. Ben Lacy, is Benji’s coach. Ben Lacy once considered becoming a pro surfer, Benji said.

“Most of the time people are pushed into surfing, but my dad let me do what I wanted to do,” Benji said. “I started surfing when I was about 8 but I wasn’t doing that many competitions. After I broke my leg (in February, 2022), I was able to surf before I was able to play soccer again, and I ended up liking surfing better and I never went back to soccer.”

His mother, Charlotte Lacy, said the family was shocked by the switch.

“He was really committed to soccer and switched gears,” she said.

This was Lacy’s first year competing in the Prime Series. He won’t turn 17 until next May, so he will have a chance to make the team again next year.

“It’s really cool, now that I’m on the team I will be able to do the trainings with them,” during the competitions, he said. He will be going to trainings in California as well.

After being named to the team, Lacy competed for Sweden in the Euro Juniors in Portugal. He just returned home on July 29. He was able to surf with the Swedish team because Charlotte is from Sweden. But from now on, he will be competing for the U.S.

“We had already booked our

brackets based on weight. Jesse and Ayub have been training six days a week with coach Igor Mancebo to prepare for the championships.

O’KEEFE TO COMPETE IN LIFESAVING WORLD

CHAMPIONSHIPS

Mackenzie O’Keefe, 17, of Ormond Beach has been selected by the United States Lifesaving Association to represent the United States and Volusia County in the 2024 Lifesaving World Championships Aug. 20-Sept. 8 in Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia, south of Brisbane.

The Seabreeze senior qualified in this event for the U19 team by competing over the past year in local, regional (Delray Beach, Florida), national (Virginia Beach, Virginia) and International (South Padre Island) Lifesaving Championships in the United States.

flights, so we just went out there,” he said. “I made it to the quarters. The Europeans are good surfers. Portugal was really cool. The weather was kind of like California. There were good waves.”

Surfers on the East Coast don’t see a lot of good waves, which sometimes puts them at a disadvantage.

Lacy and Satellite Beach’s Beckham McCart, who won the U16 Nationals, were the first two East Coast surfers to make the U16 final round at Nationals in 10 years, Lacy said. As a National Team member, Lacy’s schedule just got busier. He is in the demanding International Baccalaureate program at FPC and already has to juggle his competition schedule around his school work.

“You just got to make good bonds with the teachers and try to get them to understand you have a surf contest. And you have to work real hard,” he said. “But surfing helps me relax. It doesn’t hurt me for school. It helps me get my mind straight.”

FPC HIRES NEW BOYS GOLF COACH

Dale Cook is the new boys golf coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Cook coached golf at Belleview High the past two seasons.

A standout golfer at Jacksonville Wolfson High, Cook went on to play golf for Flagler College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Flagler and a master’s in theology from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary.

O’Keefe will compete with the U19 U.S. Lifesaving Association team at the World Championships in Australia later this

“Not only is he an accomplished player in his own right, he is a true teacher of the game and is building a great vision for the future of Bulldog Golf,” FPC athletic director Scott Drabczyk said. Cook has been hired to be a fulltime social studies teacher at FPC.

Email Brent Woronoff at brent@ observerlocalnews.com

much

Benji Lacy surfing in a competition. Courtesy photo by Tony Caruso

Flagler County surfer

Benji Lacy.

Courtesy photo

Palm Coast’s Jesse Wellen Jr. and Ayub Umar will compete in the ADCC Youth Championships in Las Vegas. Courtesy photos

Mackenzie

month.

Dale Cook, FPC boys golf coach.

By Luis Campos

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WAITING IN THE WINGS by Adam Simpson, edited by Jeff Chen

‘The Godfather’ walks away from coaching football after 29 years

Mainland’s Terry Anthony steps down from coaching football to be a better athletic director.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland High School athletic director Terry Anthony, also known by some as “The Godfather”, is stepping down from his duties as the “head assistant football coach.” He said he will use the time in the fall to focus on his AD duties and will continue to be the head track and field coach in spring.

“I still love football,” he said. “I want to be a better AD for all of the sports on the campus and, quite frankly, I can’t be that for those fall sports because I’m so embroiled in being a football coach. For the past 15 years, I was the head assistant coach and handled all the logistics. For me to do all that and be the athletic director, it was tough. I didn’t think I was giving the other sports enough attention.”

Last school year, he said it was a

stretch for him to do it all since the Buccaneers extended their football season, winning the state championship in Tallahassee in December and both boys and girls basketball teams advanced to the state final four in Lakeland in March.

“Football is a year-around sport and with me being the athletic director and the head track coach, even though track is a spring sport, it was still being affected by me being a football coach and that’s not fair to my track kids,” he said. “They deserve the best. I love my kids and they are just as successful as my football kids.”

Twenty-nine years ago, Anthony returned to Daytona Beach when his mother died. Anthony, a Mainland graduate, was a star receiver at Florida State and played in 10 games in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Bucs. His plan was to stay in Daytona for two years so his younger sisters could get established.

He said he remembered that Dick Toth, his former basketball coach and the Mainland athletic director at the time, had offered him a job during a previous visit. Anthony reached out and Toth got him a job as an assistant

“Coach T.A. might not coach football anymore but his coaching style, knowledge of the game and love for these kids will live on in the Mainland football program, not just through me but our staff. Right now, there are eight other coaches who were coached and loved by T.A. We all bring a little of Coach TA to the field every day.”

A.J. MALLORY, Mainland assistant athletic director and head baseball coach

football coach.

“Dick Toth has always been a man who has looked out for me,” Anthony said. “He is probably the man most responsible for me being at Mainland High School. I owe him a debt of gratitude that I can never repay. To me, still to this day, he is a figure in my life that I will always cherish.

Former Mainland head football coach Scott Wilson said he had the pleasure of working by Anthony’s side for 20-plus years. They were both assistant coaches when John Maronto was the head football coach. In 2010, Maronto resigned and Wilson took his position, then quickly made Anthony the head assistant coach. They coached together until Wilson resigned in 2021 to pursue an administrative position.

“T.A. is an unprecedented and rare life coach, teacher, mentor, athletics coach and a surrogate father to so many people,” Wilson said. “Though he’s a former NFL player and a legend at FSU, he is so humble in his mannerisms that you would never know. T.A. is an elite coach that has always given up more of himself towards those he coaches that can ever be realized.”

Throughout his tenure at Mainland, Anthony has held a variety of administrative and coaching positions. Mainland assistant athletic director and head baseball coach

A.J. Mallory said he has known Anthony since 1998 when Anthony was his junior varsity baseball coach his freshman year. In Mallory’s last three years of high school, Anthony

was Mallory’s football coach.

“Coach T.A. was one of the hardest and most demanding coaches I’ve ever had but I learned he was coaching me to the potential he saw in me,” Mallory said. “His coaching took me to college where I was able to succeed in athletics, academics and life.”

Mallory returned to work at Mainland in 2011 and began to coach wide receivers. He said their relationship has grown from one of a player and coach to being one of friendship and a big brother figure who he can count on for practically anything.

“Coach T.A. might not coach football anymore but his coaching style,

knowledge of the game and love for these kids will live on in the Mainland football program,” Mallory said. “Right now, there are eight other coaches who were coached and loved by T.A. We all bring a little of Coach TA to the field every day.”

In 2021, Anthony received the first Volusia County Mentor of the Year award. He said leaving football may give him the opportunity to be a part of more mentorship groups. In the meantime, he said he will continue to live by these words, “Success is not determined by the number of games won but by the number of lives changed in the process.”

Boys basketball coach Henry Robinson leaves Matanzas for Pine Ridge

Henry Robinson Jr., the No. 2 ranked sophomore basketball prospect in Florida, will be joining his dad at the Deltona school.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas High School is looking for a new boys basketball coach.

Henry Robinson has left the Pirates after three seasons to become the head boys coach at Pine Ridge High in Deltona.

The Pirates are also losing Robinson’s son, Henry Robinson Jr., who is ranked as Florida’s No. 2 college basketball prospect in the 2027 high school class by Prep Hoops. Robinson Jr., an athletic 6-foot-7 forward, averaged 20.8 points and 9.5 rebounds in his freshman season for Matanzas.

Robinson Sr. was the head coach at Westside High in Jacksonville for 12 years before he was hired at Matanzas in 2021. He and his family have lived in Deltona, where his wife is from, since moving from Jacksonville.

“Being closer to home that was the

main thing,” Robinson Sr. said about taking the Pine Ridge job. Robinson Jr. played basketball at Deltona Middle School for two years before joining his father at Matanzas last year.

“He’s really excited,” Robinson Sr. said. “He gets to come home and play.”

Robinson Jr. played injured during the second half of the high school season and during three Nike Youth Basketball League sessions with his AAU team, the Nightrydas Elite, before an MRI showed he had a dislocated kneecap, his father said.

“He finished physical therapy two weeks ago, and he’s back to 100%

now,” Robinson Sr. said.

The Pirates were 23-55 in three seasons under Robinson including 11-15 last season. The Pirates won 10 of their last 19 games after starting the season at 1-7.

Matanzas Principal Kristin Bozeman said on Saturday, Aug. 3, that the Pirates began advertising for the position after Robinson resigned on July 31 and already had some strong interest.

Assistant Eric Guerrero will be leading offseason workouts until a new coach is on board.

Matanzas coach Henry Robinson watches his team. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Mainland High School sthletic director Terrence Anthony. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainalnd football coaches Arthur Westbrook, Terry Anthony and A.J. Mallory on Pop Warner Day at the Derbyshire Sports Complex.

54’30’ WEST 541.60 FEET; THENCE

NORTH 79 DEGREES 00’WEST 158.0 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE RUN SOUTH 7 DEGREES 05’WEST 120.14 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 76 DEGREES 06’WEST 141 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 5 DEGREES 24’ EAST 132.75 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 71 DEGREES 25’ EAST 146.84 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING.

AND LOT 77 IN THE UNRECORDED PLAT OF STONE ISLAND ESTATES UNIT FOUR, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS:

FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 19 SOUTH, RANGE 31 EAST, RUN NORTH 1130.15 FEET ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 8, TO A POINT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF A 60 FOOT ROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 89 DEGREES 20 MINUTES 45 SECONDS WEST 914.26 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE ROAD; THENCE RUN SOUTH 89 DEGREES 29 MINUTES 15 SECONDS WEST 995.67 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF THE ROAD; THENCE BEAR SOUTH 10 DEGREES 54 MINUTES 30 SECONDS WEST 421.60 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 78 DEGREES 59 MINUTES WEST 165.78 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE RUN SOUTH 07 DEGREES 12 MINUTES WEST 120.40 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 71 DEGREES 25 MINUTES WEST 146.84 FEET; THENCE RUN NORTH 01 DEGREES 42 MINUTES WEST 125.0 FEET; THENCE RUN SOUTH 71 DEGREES 41 MINUTES EAST 166.41 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. 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 OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN.

Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale.

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 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 DISCAPACID-

ADES

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) 2576096, 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 7/22/24. By: /s/ Greg H. Rosenthal Greg H. Rosenthal Florida Bar No.: 955884 Roy Diaz, Attorney of Record Florida Bar No. 767700 Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A.

Attorneys for Plaintiff 499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317 Telephone: (954) 564-0071 Facsimile: (954) 564-9252 Service E-mail: answers@dallegal.com 3491-192879 / TMI August 1, 8, 2024 24-00385I

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. 2024 10094 CIDL FLAGSTAR BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. ERIC JOSEPH BONNETTE; 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 July 16, 2024, and entered in Case No. 2024 10094 CIDL of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein FLAGSTAR BANK, N.A. is Plaintiff and ERIC JOSEPH BONNETTE; 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 September 3, 2024 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOTS 22 THROUGH 30, INCLUSIVE, AND LOTS 107 THROUGH 115, INCLUSIVE, AND THAT PART OF SOUTH 1/2 OF FIRST AVENUE, VACATED, LYING BETWEEN THE EAST LINE OF LOT 107 EXTENDED AND THE WEST LINE OF LOT 115 EXTENDED, BLOCK A, CLARK’S SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 4, PAGE 155, 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

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-12034 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF RONALD LEE SKELLEY JR., Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Ronald Lee Skelley Jr., deceased, whose date of death was May 3rd, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 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 August 1, 2024.

Personal Representative: /s/ Maricela Roxana Ariza Navarro Maricela Roxana Ariza Navarro 340 W Flagler Street, Apt 2102 Miami, Florida 33131 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Horacio Sosa Horacio Sosa, Esq. E-mail Addresses: hsosa@sosalegal.com,

COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale. 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 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 July 26, 2024. By: /s/ Ian Dolan Ian C. Dolan Florida

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTIONCONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 11795 CIDL NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE J. SIWA, DECEASED, et. al. Defendant(s), TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTERREST IN THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE J SIWA, DECEASED, whose residence is unknown if he/she/they be living; and if he/she/they be dead, the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: LOTS 9 AND 10, BLOCK 7, PLANTATION ESTATES, UNIT 23, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 23, PAGE 90, 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 counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 6409 Congress Avenue, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before Sept 06 2024/(30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein.

THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at County, Florida, this 24 day of July, 2024. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: /s/ Jennifer M. Hamilton DEPUTY CLERK ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com 23-110897 August 1, 8, 2024 24-00386I