Ormond Beach Observer 09-12-24

Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193 exalted ruler Joe Brozyna. Photo By Michele Meyers

CITY WATCH

City sends letter to Belvedere

In support of Volusia County’s pursuit of answers from Belvedere Terminals regarding the proposed fuel farm at 874 Hull Road, the city of Ormond Beach sent the company CEO a letter of its own. County Manager George Recktenwald sent a letter to Belvedere Terminals CEO Edwin Cothron on Aug. 28, over six months after the company submitted a conceptual site plan application. On Monday, Sept. 9, Mayor Bill Partington, on behalf of the city, sent Cothron a letter asking Belvedere to speak with the county on the issue, in light of a $10 million state allocation to relocate the project.

“Thus far, Volusia County has been diligent in reaching out, and we are confident that your cooperation in responding to their efforts will ensure a productive and positive outcome,” the letter states. “Please realize we understand time is of the essence with the process.”

The $10 million state allocation aims help Belvedere relocate the fuel farm project to another site in Volusia County, or, to a site in Flagler or Brevard counties.

Planning Board to review Cassen Park project

The Ormond Beach Planning Board will review a special exception for the Cassen Park redevelopment plan at its meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12.

The redevelopment of the park, located at 1 S. Beach St., needs a waiver for minimum building setbacks to Granada Boulevard, Corbin Avenue and along the Halifax River, as well as a waiver for landscaping island requirements, according to the city staff report.

The $2.8 million redesign — which includes the existing bait shop — has been in the works since late 2022. In October 2023 and April of this year, the commission held workshops to discuss the plans, and a redevelopment application was submitted to the city’s Site Plan Review Committee on May 16.

The project’s bid is expected to be

awarded at the commission’s Nov. 6 meeting. Once the project is bid out, construction could start as early as January 2025, with a target completion date of July 2025.

What will the park look like?

There will be a new building to house the bait shop and public restrooms, and parking spaces will increase from 39 to 53, with 48 to be designed for boat trailers. The park will also have native gardens and a south plaza with picnic tables, swinging benches and a new sculpture.

The project was also inspired by the 2019 Downtown Master Plan update, which identified the four parks on the corners of the Granada Bridge as an area of focus.

Representatives with engineering firm Zev Cohen and Associates and

“It never has been addressed until now. I think it’s about time.”

School Board member Carl Persis on rezoning students in Ormond Beach. See Page 5A

landscape architect Marquis Latimer + Halback met with the city’s SPRC on Wednesday, Sept. 4, to discuss outstanding comments from the committee regarding planning and landscaping.

The Planning Board meeting will begin at 6 p.m. It will take place inside the City Commission Chambers at City Hall. In addition to the Cassen Park special exception, the board will also review three Land Development Code amendments, one on electronic changeable copy signs, one on the Live Local Act and one regarding outdoor activities.

The board will also continue its zoning district reviews and begin discussing the Comprehensive Plan 2045 update, particularly on the Future Land Use element.

Senior games registration is now open

Registration for the 40th Ormond Beach Senior Games, a week of competitions for athletes 50 and over, has opened.

The games will run from Oct. 19-26 at various locations around Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, according to a city notice. The opening ceremony will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Ormond Beach Senior Center, 351 Andrews St. There are no residency requirements to participate, and this Senior Games is a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games. Events include swimming, tennis, track and field, basketball, bowling, pickleball, shuffleboard, golf, powerlifting and table tennis. Visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/ Register/?raceId=146222.

City offers free kids fishing tournament

The city of Ormond Beach is hosting its Reel in the Fun free kids fishing tournament on Saturday, Oct. 5, to be held at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, located at 1 N. Beach St. This tournament is open to Ormond Beach residents only. Check-in begins at 8 a.m.;

Angel Pinkerton, CFP® Holland Adviser

Amy Wiliamson, CFP® Holland Adviser

Miranda Mumma, CFP® Holland Adviser

The Planning Board will review a special exception request for Cassen Park on Thursday. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

SAVE, DON’T PAVE

Residents protest Tomoka State Park paving project, ask Ormond Beach for support

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

About 25 people waved signs on the Granada Bridge on Wednesday, Sept. 4, protesting a $1.5 million road paving project at Tomoka State Park.

The project, which aims to pave a 1.5-mile stretch of dirt road from north of the campground to the Chief Tomokie Statute parking area, was included in the 2012 Tomoka Basin State Parks Unit Management Plan. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection assigned a work plan for the project in January 2023, with it going out for bid in April. Bids closed on May 8.

The protest was organized by Ormond Beach resident and Dream Green Volusia Founder Suzanne Scheiber. She, along with other concerned residents, spoke before the City Commission at its meeting later that evening seeking a letter of support for their opposition to the project.

“All of us have the right to take a position as we all share a responsibility for our remaining green spaces and history,” Scheiber said. “This includes our local government that supported the designation of the scenic highway.”

Scheiber listed eight reasons as to why Dream Green Volusia opposes the paving project, including the park having more pressing maintenance needs, flooding concerns, a negative impact to wildlife and historic resources, and the possibility for more development after a road is built.

The state park has an official citizen support organization, the Friends of Tomoka Basin State Parks.

But, Scheiber said, the organization is not allowed to take a position on the matter. They can only provide information.

Residents who voiced their concerns about the project before the commission spoke about their love

a human necessity — and definitely, not a human necessity in a state park,” Daytona Beach resident Catherine Pante said.

Ormond-by-the-Sea resident

Donna Craig recalled the days her Brownie troop would hold cookouts and attend class field trips in the park. Part of the fun was being on a dirt road, she said.

“It’s natural,” Craig said. “It’s what the park is supposed to be, and the idea of having a paved roadway through that park makes me very sad. I think we need to preserve what we can, as the natural environment here is precious, and it’s what brings people here and it’s what keeps people here.”

The city doesn’t have jurisdiction over Tomoka State Park, FDEP does. But, commissioners were split over the project.

City Commissioner Lori Tolland said she had several conversations with Scheiber and that she appreciated her passion, but that she also had conversations with FDEP representatives and park rangers.

She originally was going to ask the commission to send a letter to FDEP opposing the project, but changed her mind as it’s been in the works since as early as 2008, prior to the creation of the 2012 Tomoka Basin State Parks Unit Management Plan.

“It was a visitor-driven initiative,” Tolland said.

Visitors were reporting that their large RVs were getting stuck in potholes, she said. The park has tried regrading the dirt road, using shell and rock. She was told that the paving project would protect the land that’s underneath; the proposed roadwork is located within the boundaries of the Nocoroco archaeological site, a Timicua Indian village listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and within the boundaries of the Mount Oswald Plantation.

“I think that paving the 1.5 miles does make sense,” Tolland said. “...

As far as the archaeological sensitive lands, I was told that the paving would protect that more and when they do the paving, they will have an archaeologist on site and he will be retained during that time to protect that property.”

funds.

Scheiber said that while $1.5 million are slated for the road project, the city could request FDEP consider a reallocation to go toward park needs, which include new roofs for buildings, septic system maintenance, park pavilion repairs, picnic table and bench replacements. The rangers are also driving 20-yearold trucks, she said, and the Friends recently replaced a transmission on “The flooding on the Ormondment creates more runoff,” Scheibering problems, we cannot turn a blind eye and accept what was approved 12 years earlier. Difficult conversations do not go away just because they are At least two commissioners expressed some concern with the paving project. City Commissioner Susan Persis said she sees both sides, -

sioner Harold Briley said one of the things residents enjoy about visiting Tomoka State Park is that it feels like traveling back in time.

“It does take away from the scenic park-like setting,” Briley said.

“I agree with some of the comments that were made. I don’t think it makes environmental sense. This park has been up there for, I don’t know how long — a lot, a lot of years. And they’ve made it work this far.”

Briley said he’d rather the funds be allocated to other park needs, such as the restoration of the park’s Chief Tomokie statue or repairing the park docks.

“I think the priorities here are a little bit backwards with Tomoka State Park,” Briley said. “I say, keep the road dirt and improve the amenities and protect our historic assets up there.”

"A paved road is a human convenience, not a human necessity — and definitely, not a human necessity in a state park."

Donna Craig holds a sign protesting the paving project

Rashida Hakeem, Len Lessmiller and Robin Magleora hold signs on Wednesday, Sept. 4, on the Granada Bridge to protest the paving project at Tomoka State Park. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Mayoral candidate Jason Leslie and State House candidate Joe Hannoush

Norman Lane and Elaine Harwood

CATHERINE PANTE, Daytona Beach resident

Ormond Enclave property listed for

Located between Dix and Highland avenues, the Ormond Enclave development will be made up of 64 units, if constructed. Or, could the city buy the land?

JARLEENE ALMENAS

EDITOR

MANAGING

A 4.9-acre site in Ormond Beach slated for new apartments is now being sold for $1.7 million.

In July 2023, the Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved two rezoning amendments and a development order for the property owned by CST Holdings LLC. Located at 145 N. Yonge St. — between Dix Avenue and Highland Avenue, and next to a Dollar General —

BRIEFS

Halifax Repertory Theater sponsors Mickey Mouse Club Reunion

Twelve of Disney’s former Mouseketeers are coming to town for 90s Con Daytona Beach, an event hosted by That’s4Entertainment that will take place at the Ocean Center from Friday, Sept. 13, to Sunday, Sept. 15. This year marks the first time 90s Con will be held in Daytona Beach. Ormond Beach’s Halifax Repertory Theater is supporting the 35th anniversary reunion of the Disney Channel’s the “All-New Mickey Mouse Club” from the 1990s as part

the property was proposed to become the Ormond Enclave development, a 64-unit apartment complex. The development was previously known as “The Courtyard at Ormond,” and included a 10,889-square-foot commercial building, which was removed in last year’s amendments to add more apartment units. The property includes land that is zoned both as a Planned Business Development and as a Planned Residential Development.

According to the property’s listing on Zillow, the sale includes the design and site plan approvals for the 64 multifamily units, to be constructed across eight twostory buildings. The project will have 32 two-bedroom units, spanning 940 square feet each, and 32 three-bedroom units, each 1,177 square feet.

“The Ormond Enclave Apartments represents a

of the event. Among the 12 Mouseketeers to be in attendance is Jennifer McGill, of Ormond Beach, who is also the artistic director of the Halifax Repertory Theater.

The full roster of the AllNew Mickey Mouse Club guests includes:

„ Deedee Magno Hall

„ Rhona Bennett

„ Tony Lucca

„ Chasen Hampton

„ Raquel Herring

„ Jennifer McGill

„ Damon Pampolina

unique opportunity to bring much needed rental housing to the downtown area,” the Zillow listing states.

At the Ormond Beach City Commission meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 4, City Commissioner Lori Tolland spoke about the land being for sale. She wanted to see if the property was one the city could be interested in purchasing.

“Not that I’m out trying to spend government money, but sometimes there’s missed opportunities that we need to look at,” Tolland said.

One of the main concerns from residents, both in 2023 when the amendments were made and in 2019 when the project was first proposed, was increased traffic on both Dix and Highland avenues, which are narrow neighborhood roads.

„ Dale Godboldo

„ Lindsey Alley

„ David Kater

„ Mylin Brooks

„ Albert Fields

In addition to the Mouseketeers reunion, 90s Con Daytona Beach will feature appearances from cast members of other ‘90s TV shows, including “90210”, “Charmed”, “Melrose Place” and more. There will be panel discussions, meet-and-greetopportunities, group and solo photo opportunities.

“We are incredibly excited to support the Mouseketeers so they can attend this year’s 90s Con and help celebrate the magic of the MMC,” said Sandy Cook, executive director at Halifax Repertory Theater.

For tickets, www.thats4entertainment.com.

The Halifax Historical Society is hosting an interactive display on the WACs of WWII, and their role in Daytona Beach history.

HALIFAX HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM

Two very important chapters in Daytona Beach history — the World’s Most Famous Beach and an invasion of the Women’s Army Corps during World War II — will be highlighted in an exhibit opening Oct. 1 at the Halifax Historical Society and Museum.

“We are very excited about these exhibits, for all the tourists and residents of this area,” said Richard Sala, president of HHS.

An interactive display on the WACs is expected to draw interest and visitors will learn about the attraction of the beach and its spot in surfing history. The exhibit will be visited by the Florida Association of Museums membership in conjunction with a state meeting at the museum.

Early in 1941, Congresswoman Edith Nourse Rogers introduced a bill to establish an Army Women’s corps, separate from the nursing unit. The attack on Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941, galvanized those efforts.

The training site in Daytona Beach for the Women’s Army Corps, formerly the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps, was

selected as one of three in the nation with the help of some close friends, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and college founder Mary McLeod Bethune. It was seen as a way to boost the ailing tourist industry, using hotel room as housing.

Women volunteers who would fulfill an official role in the war in the coming months were recruited and brought to Daytona Beach, where government housed them in hotels until a cantonment was built in what was then known as the Welch Area. Some lived in tents at Bethune Beach. Due to a supply mix-up, shipments of woolens were sent to Daytona Beach while cotton clothing went to the Des Moines facility.

At one time, there were 14,000 of the 150,000 recruits nationwide in Daytona Beach. They were sworn in at ceremonies at the Beachside Boardwalk. Word came down on Dec. 13, 1943, that the military training center here would close.

The cantonment became the Welch Convalescent Center to treat wounded servicemen, until 1946, until it was closed by the Army.

Although it was the duty of WAC members to keep traffic off the beach at night during the war, the 23 miles of hardpacked sand had served as the city’s welcome mat since the late 1800s.

Daytona Beach is also known as being known for the home of a unique form of recreation — surfing. Daytona Beach became Florida’s Surf

City as young men swam out from shore to balance themselves on long, narrow boards with the goal of riding the waves into shore.

Surfer Tom Blake came here in 1933 and soon introduced his hollow surfboards. The Whitman Brothers, who started out in Miami Beach, drove into Daytona Beach with their Hawaiian-style boards. They joined a growing number of young men who became surfing pioneers. Nearly 90 surfboards were built in shop classes at Seabreeze and Mainland High Schools.

Daytona Beach’s reputation for speed grew over the years with the advent of motorized cars, who raced along the white sands in time trials, later competing on the beaches in Volusia County. Memorabilia from the WAC’s and mementoes of Daytona Beach’s famous oceanfront playground will be featured in a series of displays within the exhibits starting Oct. 1.

HHS President Sala said the WAC display will be interactive for FAM, featuring live models in uniform and a special surprise for those who follow the footsteps as a new recruit in the Army unit. The museum at 252 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. For more information, call 386 255-6976.

Women’s Army Corps march on the Daytona Beach boardwalk. Photo courtesy of the Halifax Historical Society

Jennifer McGill

Volusia County Schools to rezone students in Ormond to address overcapacity

A total of 155 students who currently attend Pine Trail and Pathways may be rezoned to Tomoka Elementary.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County Schools is looking to rezone 155 students to Tomoka Elementary.

On Tuesday, Sept. 10, during a Volusia County School Board workshop, district staff presented proposed school attendance boundary changes for the 2025-2026 school year. The district is looking to make attendance zones contiguous, where possible. With Holly Hill School reverting back to an elementary school from its previous K-8 format, and Tomoka Elementary’s recent rebuild having added more student stations, some students from Pine Trail and Pathways Elementary are being looked at to be rezoned.

“We are continually looking in our division to level our schools and make sure that we’re using our facilities appropriately, and to the level that they’re built to be used,” District Chief Operating Officer Patty Corr said. “So when we have an overcrowding situation, or an underutilization situation, we look to balance that.”

According to district data, the projected enrollment for Tomoka for the 2025-2026 school year is 563 students, though as of Sept. 4, the

BRIEFS

Threats made to OBMS students are under investigation Ormond Beach Police is investigating a potential threat directed at some Ormond Beach Middle School students.

school reported an enrollment of 643 students so far this year.

Of the 155 students that may be rezoned, 82 are currently zoned for Pathways and reside in neighborhoods south of West Granada Boulevard and in between Chelsea Place Avenue and Williamson Boulevard. The other 73 are zoned for Pine Trail and reside in neighborhoods south of West Granada Boulevard and north of Division Avenue, between South Old Kings Road and U.S. 1. This figure also includes those residing in the Fox Hollow neighborhood and in a section north of Granada Boulevard and east of U.S. 1.

The addition of those students would bring Tomoka’s projected attendance for the 2025-2026 school year to 718.

The district is also proposing 129 students living south of Division Avenue, between U.S. 1 and South Nova Road, be rezoned from Pine Trail to Holly Hill School, and for 55 students living northeast of the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange be rezoned from Pathways to Pine Trail.

All in all, 147 students zoned for Pine Trail and 137 students zoned for Pathways are being proposed to be rezoned to other schools. Still, Pine Trail and Pathways will remain overcapacity, operating above their level of service. Currently, the district is reporting Pine Trail’s level of service to be at 127%; with the rezoning it’ll fall to 108%. Pathways is at 140%, and will decrease to 118%.

With the rezonings, Tomoka will have a 91% level of service and Holly Hill School will be at 77%.

Rising fifth graders won’t be

On Saturday, Sept. 7, OBPD received information regarding this threat, which was never directed at the school or its entire student body, but specific students, according to a press release. OBPD is working with OBMS during the investigation, and stated there is “no credible threat or imminent danger,” though the school did experience a lockdown on Monday, Sept. 9, in relation to the threats.

affected by the proposed rezonings.

VCS Planning Coordinator Robert Voges said that Pathways has a building addition in the works to help with capacity. But, he acknowledged future growth may result in further boundary changes, and a new school, down the line.

“Unfortunately with growth, I don’t think this is an endgame,” he said. “I think it’s a process.”

School Board member Carl Persis said that when looking at the school boundary map, it may seem strange that students were zoned to Pine Trail from neighborhoods far away, but that when the school opened in 1982, there were no neighborhoods

“OBPD takes all threats very seriously, particularly those involving our schools,” Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said in the press release. “We work closely with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office and school officials to ensure the proper steps are taken throughout the investigation.”

OBPD identified a person of interest during the initial stages of inves-

built yet near the school.

“Of course, lot has changed since then, but that’s why,” Persis said. “It never has been addressed until now.

I think it’s about time.”

The board also expressed concerns about rezoning ESE students, and ensuring that if they are, resources also follow. That happened this school year, School Board Ruben Colon said.

When the district rezoned students on the west side, Colon said, School Choice variances also “defeated the purpose.” Variances are usually granted based on curriculum and unique conditions, such as children attending the school in which a par-

tigation, and a confidential intelligence bulletin was leaked on social media. The leaked bulletin identified an 18-year-old man as a suspect in a felony case for making threats to kill or conduct a mass shooting.

No charges have been filed yet.

ent is employed or when their zoned placement creates a severe hardship, according to the district website. When asked about capacity at Ormond Beach Elementary, Voges reported the school is over capacity at 362 students. Over 100 students, he said, are on a variance.

“That school is in a very tight area,” Voges said. “There’s some very difficult conversations that are going to have to take place and part of that is going to be building a new school.” Persis said Ormond Beach Elementary situation needs to be included in the rezoning issue, but it will need more careful consideration.

Police have notified all relevant parties and the agency said it would provide updates at the conclusion of the investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Ormond Beach Police Detective K. Myers at Kevin.Myers@ormondbeach.org or at 386-676-3519.

“As the investigation continued, new and relevant information was obtained,” OBPD stated in its press release. “We are aware that this confidential intelligence bulletin was improperly released.”

A map showing proposed student rezonings in Ormond Beach. Courtesy of Volusia County Schools

Maryland man arrested after domestic argument turns violent

A Maryland man was arrested after police say he choked and imprisoned his girlfriend after an argument about money became violent.

Steven McSwain, 47, had been living with his girlfriend in Bunnell for just over a month. On Sept. 6, the two began arguing over money when the argument became violent, according to an arrest report.

The girlfriend broke up with McSwain, telling him if he was not going to look for a job then he could find another place to leave. McSwain grabbed a bag and went out onto the porch. When the girlfriend asked him if that was all he needed so she could lock the door behind him, McSwain came back in the home and grabbed the girlfriend by the neck, the report said.

COPS CORNER

9:35 a.m. — 300 block of Tomoka Avenue, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Police suspect a disgruntled 67-year-old Ormond Beach man dropped a palm tree in his neighbor’s U-shaped driveway after his neighbor refused to let him use the driveway to turn around on their dead-end street the day before.

According to a police report, officers had responded to the home on Aug. 24, when the neighbor called police to ensure his argument with the man didn’t escalate. Police report the man had driven to the end of the street and wanted to use the neighbor’s driveway to turn around, but was unable to as his neighbor was using it to take photos of his car.

The following day, police received another call from the neighbor when he found the large palm tree laying

The girlfriend later told Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies that McSwain began choking her before he threw her to the ground and dragged her back to the bedroom, the report said. McSwain kept her from leaving the room, repeatedly slamming her head into the floor, wall and bed every time she tried to leave. He took her cell phone and unplugged her Amazon “Alexa” device so she couldn’t call 911.

The girlfriend said she tried to escape over 15 times before managing to crawl out of the attached bathroom window. She got in her van and left her home for a neighbor’s house to call 911.

When Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the girlfriend’s home, McSwain was not inside, a FCSO press release said. Deputies eventually found McSwain at a nearby Dollar General, where he was arrested and charged with domestic battery, kidnapping and tampering with a victim.

He is being held on $75,000 bond at the county jail.

across his driveway. A large tarp was also left on his vehicle, with dirt inside, and a tree stump leaning up against it. The officer could see where the palm tree had been uprooted and followed the tire tracks to the man’s property, which had a fork lift parked in plain view. The fork lift’s tires, according to police, were a match for the tracks.

The man was having a conversation with someone over the phone when police were there investigating, and officers determined the other person on the line to be his mother.

One overheard her say, on speaker, “I heard you were drunk yesterday and did something down the street,” the police report notes.

Police had the fork lift towed.

AUG. 30

REPEAT OFFENDER

8:59 p.m. — 300 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach DUI. A 54-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after police received a tip that he was drunk driving.

Officers conducted a traffic stop

Daytona man arrested for traveling to Palm Coast to meet with a 16-year-old girl for sex

A Daytona Beach man was arrested in Palm Coast on Sept. 9 after deputies say he traveled into the county to have a sex with a 16-year-old girl.

Alfred Smith, 25, of Daytona Beach, believed he was meeting an underage girl at the Circle K at 1500 Palm Coast Parkway in Palm Coast, but was instead met by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, an FCSO press release said. FCSO deputies were contacted by private individuals who had been messaging Smith on social media while pretending to be the underage girl, according to Smith’s arrest report.

Smith has been charged with traveling to meet/lure a child and unlawful use of a communication device. Additional charges are pending and he is being held at the county jail without bond.

Smith admitted to deputies he believed he was talking to a teenage girl who invited him to Palm Coast to

and smelled alcohol on his person, soon discovering that the man’s license had been previously suspended after he was arrested for driving under the influence in July while in Hillsborough County. The man showed police a temporary driving permit, which allows him to travel to maintain livelihood, according to a police report. He said he was headed to a local grocery store.

The tipster told police that the man had consumed two bottles of vodka prior to getting behind the wheel of his car. “He drives drunk every day,” the tipster told police, according to the man’s arrest report.

The man declined to perform field sobriety exercises or provide a breath sample. Police found that he had three prior DUI arrests, including the most recent one.

He was arrested and taken to jail.

SEPT. 7

BLOOMING LOVE

9:57 p.m. — Intersection of Palm Coast Parkway, Belle Terre parkway, Palm Coast Criminal mischief. A local homeless

have sex with her, the press release said, and admitted to sending sexually explicit photos. Deputies found an unused condom in his pocket.

Smith was on sex offender probation for a previous lewd or lascivious molestation of a victim under 12, offender under 18 charge, the press release said.

Palm Coast man arrested on child molestation charges

A Palm Coast man was arrested on Sept. 4 after deputies say he repeatedly molested a young girl over the course of two to three years.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been investigating Joseph Thomas Horovsky, 21, of Palm Coast, for the last 15 months after the victim reported him in June 2023. Horovsky is being charged with molesting a child under 12 by a person 18 years of age or older, a FCSO press release said. He is being held at the county jail without bond.

man was arrested after a Sheriff’s Office deputy caught him drawing a flower on a traffic sign in honor of his girlfriend.

The homeless man, 54, was known locally to the deputy, as well as his on-again, off-again relationship with his girlfriend, according to an arrest report. The drawing included a message to his girlfriend, saying the flower was hers and “only blooms once in a lifetime.”

The deputy approached the man to ask about the graffiti and the man originally denied drawing it, but then admitted to drawing on the sign.

The man said that as a taxpayer, he owns the sign and could draw on it if he wanted to, the report said.

SEPT. 9 ON BAD BEHAVIOR

1:43 a.m. — 400 block of South Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach Disorderly conduct. A Beverly Beach man who refused to cooperate with police went from being trespassed from a store to arrested for disorderly conduct.

The victim told FCSO detectives that there were five incidents over the last several years where Horovsky “touched her in a sexual manner,” the press release said.

Ormond Beach man convicted of recording underage girl in bathroom

An Ormond Beach man was sentenced to five years in prison on Sept. 3 after a jury found him guilty for recording a girl under the age of 12 while she was in the bathroom. Tyler Habdas, 32, will serve five years in prison and then eight years on the sex offender probation. He was found guilty of five counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication devices, three counts of video voyeurism of a victim under 12 and child abuse, according to a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release. Habdas was arrested by FCSO deputies in May 2023 after the victim’s mother — a Flagler County resident — reported him.

The police were called out to a gas station because of a man yelling at the store clerk about store’s cooked food. The clerk told police that the suspect began calling her a racist when she told him to leave, according to an arrest report.

She said another patron even had to get between her and the suspect when he lunged at her as she was calling 911.

When the officer spoke with the suspect in the parking lot to file a trespassing report, the suspect refused to cooperate and attempted to leave with his uncle. The officer told him he had to stay, but the suspect instead said the officer would lose his qualified immunity because the suspect works at the Federal Bureau of Investigations. The suspect continued to yell at the officer and try to leave and the officer placed the man in handcuffs and had to forcefully put him in the back of the patrol car, the report said.

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Angelina’s Diner now open in Ormond’s beachside

Angelina’s, opened by Javier and Jeannie Alvarez, aims to provide a New York-style diner experience — with a Florida twist.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

New York diners have always held a special place in Javier and Jeannie Alvarez’ hearts. So when the opportunity arose to open a restaurant — the couple’s first — that’s what came to their minds: A diner, and one named after their 10-year-old daughter, Angelina.

“I just felt that it stands out,” Javier said. “Angelina’s Diner — it really stands out. It’s a nice name and customers love it.”

His wife Jeannie wasn’t 100% on board with the name at the beginning, but then she started seeing signs. While watching TV, she’d see a cafe named Angelina. She visited New York and saw other businesses with the same name.

“Maybe, it’s meant to be for it to be Angelina’s Diner,” Jeannie said. “So I was like, ‘OK, let’s go with it.’”

Angelina’s Diner opened on Aug. 30, at the former IHOP location at 190 S. Atlantic Ave. in Ormond Beach. The Alvarez family redesigned the interior of the building to have the upscale modern feel they were striving to achieve for their diner, complete with the blues and neutral colors of St. Brendan Catholic School,

where their children attend. They wanted the diner to feel bright and beachy to pay tribute to their beachside location. Opening Angelina’s took about a year and a half.

“So far the experience has been amazing,” Javier said. “The feedback, the guests, they’re returning back. They like what they see. They like what they eat.”

Angelina’s offers breakfast all day, including omelets, hot cakes, french toast and waffles, as well lunch and dinner offerings such as burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads and meatloaf dinners. All of their food is made in-house, said Chef Tyler Dees.

“A lot of people around here, they don’t have anybody to cook for them,” Dees said.

“They like to have a diner they can go to — maybe if it’s not every day, five days a week — where they feel at home and they know the food’s good, the food’s fresh,” Dees said.

Javier Alvarez, originally from Long Island, New York, has been in the restaurant industry for 33 years. He grew up working at his uncle’s restaurant from when he was his daughter Angelina’s age, refilling the sugar caddies on the tables and being paid $2 per milkshake by the servers who didn’t want to make them.

“I hear it all the time when I go to New York,” Jeannie said. [They’re] like, ‘I can’t believe you (Javier) own restaurants and you used to do the sugar caddies for me.’”

The couple, who live in Daytona Beach, have been together for 26 years, and

when they lived in New York, they had diners they used to frequent often. In a recent trip, they returned to those diners to try and gain inspiration for Angelina’s.

And they found that they did want to bring a New York diner to Ormond Beach, but, the kind that they grew up going to in the ‘90s.

“The food was different,” Javier said. “Diners used to make their own stuff. Now they don’t. ...It’s a different feeling if you go to a diner now than when you went 20 years ago, and I guess in my mind, that’s what I’m trying to replicate. That same feeling.”

Angelina’s menu is not set in stone. If there’s anything

Angelina’s Diner is located at 190 S. Atlantic Ave.

DAB CELEBRATES

45 YEARS OF SERVICE BY DELTA AIR LINES

Daytona Beach International Airport is celebrating a milestone, recognizing Delta Air Lines for 45 years of continuous service at the airport. Delta began service at DAB on Sept. 8, 1979. On Monday, Sept. 9, airport staff will provide sweet treats to passengers on arriving and departing Delta flights; balloons and signage will decorate the gates and ticket counter areas.

“For nearly half a century, Delta Air Lines has served our community, connecting Daytona Beach to the world while providing great customer service,” said Joanne Magley, airport manager of Air Service Development, Marketing & Customer Service. “We look forward to many more years of success and growth from the airline here at DAB.

Delta provides four daily, direct flights to Atlanta, Georgia.

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

Beach driving, off-beach parking registration to open Oct. 1

Beginning Oct. 1, Volusia County residents can register their vehicles at www. parkvolusia.org to drive on Volusia County beaches and park in the county’s off-beach parking lots at no charge.

Park Volusia, Volusia County’s new beach driving and off-beach parking program, will be implemented in two phases. Effective Oct. 1,

a beach driving day pass will cost $30, and an annual nonresident pass will be $150.

On Jan. 1, parking in any of Volusia County’s 65 off-beach parking lots will cost $20 per day and $100 annually for nonresidents.

Volusia County residents must register their vehicles on the Park Volusia website to receive annual passes for beach driving and off-beach parking at no charge.

The registration portal is also available through the Volusia Beaches app, and a new Park Volusia office in Daytona Beach Shores will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Satur-

the community would like to see on it, Javier said, he’d like to hear what it is. Jeannie agreed.

“Basically, we want to cater to our customers,” she said.

“What they want is what we want to bring to the table.”

The Alvarez family hopes

day, beginning Oct. 1, at 2422

S. Atlantic Ave. A New Smyrna Beach location will open in the near future. The county will also host the following in-person events to assist residents with registration:

„ Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5-6:30 p.m.: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway

„ Thursday, Oct. 3, 5-6:30 p.m.: New Smyrna Beach Regional Library, 1001 S. Dixie Freeway

„ Sunday, Oct. 6, 2-5 p.m.: Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach

„ Monday, Oct. 7, 5-6:30 p.m.: DeLand Regional Library, 130

to host a grand opening event in December, once they finish adding a patio to the building for more seating.

Angelina’s Diner is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

„ Thursday, Oct. 10, 5-6:30 p.m.: Deltona Regional Library, 2150 Eustace Ave.

„ Monday, Oct. 14, 5-6:30 p.m.: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. Nonresidents can also purchase annual passes for beach driving and off-beach parking at www.parkvolusia. org, the Park Volusia Office, the Volusia County Beaches app, and the registration events. Park Volusia resident registrations and annual pass purchases are valid for 365 days. On-beach driving passes purchased between Oct. 1, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2024, will remain valid through expira-

Javier and Jeannie Alvarez, with their four children: Emmie, Nicolas, Lucas and Angelina. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Angelina’s Diner Chef Tyler Dees and diner owners Javier Alvarez and Jeannie Alvarez.

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Hammock Dunes condo

tops Flagler’s sales list

Acondo at 85 Avenue De La Mer in Flagler County was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 29 to Sept. 4 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The condo sold on Sept. 3, for $1.1 million. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/3 and has ocean views, a private elevator and 2,110 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $519,000.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Condos

The condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 443, sold on Aug. 30, for $1,040,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 3/4 and has 2,245 square feet.

The condo at 309 Ocean Marina Drive, Unit 309, sold on Aug. 30, for $357,500. Built in 1987, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,140 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $240,500.

The condo at 1100 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 1111, sold on Aug. 30, for $300,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,712 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $232,000.

The condo at 1000 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 1013, sold on Aug. 29, for $265,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,238 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $182,000.

PALM COAST

Hamptons

The house at 8 Montauk Court sold on Aug. 30, for

$545,000. Bult in 1996, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,158 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $459,900.

Fairways The house at 24 Leaver Drive sold on Sept. 3, for $559,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool and 2,926 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $550,000.

Grand Haven The house at 23 Lagare St. sold on Sept. 4, for $580,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,397 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $525,500.

No subdivision

The house at 54 Westridge Lane sold on Aug. 30, for $620,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 3,027 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $200,000.

The home at 29 Flagler Place sold on Aug. 29, for $660,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,562 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $465,000.

The house at 96 Cimmaron Drive sold on Aug. 30, for

$960,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 2,480 square feet.

Hammock Dunes

The house at 25 Marbella Court sold on Aug. 29, for $760,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 3,022 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $478,000.

Hidden Lakes

The house at 153 Arena Lake Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $647,000. Built in 2012, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 2,956 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $384,900.

Beach Haven

The house at 18 Shady Oak Lane sold on Aug. 29, for $650,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/2 and has an outdoor kitchen, covered lanai and 2,365 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $402,800.

Plantation Bay

The house at 489 Stirling Bridge Drive sold on Sept. 4 for $722,752. Built in 2024, the home is a 4/3 and has 2,402 square feet.

FLAGLER BEACH

Rio Mar The house at 1421 N. Central Ave. sold on Aug. 30, for $815,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 5/4 and has an outdoor shower, a covered deck and 2,737 square feet. It last sold in May 2024 for $475,000.

Golden Beach

The house at 3073 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. sold on Sept. 2 for $901,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/4 and has 2,880 square feet.

Toby Tobin contributed to this report.

Ormond-by-the-Sea pool home is top seller

Ahouse at 940 Margarita Circle was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 31 to Sept. 6 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea.

The house sold on Sept. 6, for $825,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/2 with two half baths and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,689 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $485,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 1155 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 402, sold on Sept. 4, for $435,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,065 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $350,000.

The condo at 1575 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit K050, sold on Sept. 4, for $485,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,227 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $264,000.

The condo at 10 Lynnhurst Drive, Unit 2010, sold on Sept. 4, for $140,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 930 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $66,000.

The condo at 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 87, sold on Sept. 4, for $110,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,252 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $23,000.

The condo at 2290 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 3060, sold on Sept.5, for $340,000. Built in 1991, the condo is

a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $204,500.

The condo at 2700 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 509, sodl on Sept. 6, for $235,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,025 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $175,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 34 Laurel Ridge Break sold on Sept. 3, for $595,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,809 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $162,500.

Not in subdivision

The house at 14 Country Club Drive sold on Sept. 6, for $480,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,141 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $485,000.

Oak Forest The house at 1506 Poplar Drive sold on Sept. 6, for $290,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,595 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $124,500.

Ocean Village The villa at 19 Oriole Circle, Unit C, sold on Sept. 3, for $225,000. Built in 1947, the villa is a 1/1 and has 872 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $121,000.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 517 N. Yonge St. sold on Sept. 6, for $275,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,960 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $134,900.

The Trails The house at 32 Choctaw Trail sold on Sept. 3, for $540,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,669 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $262,500.

Twin River Estates The house at 1 Bayberry Drive sold on Sept. 5, for $425,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,248 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $235,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Brendale Heights

The house at 122 Brendale Drive sold on Sept. 4, for $326,000. Built in 1965, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,149 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $86,000.

Sunny Shores

The house at 65 Sunny Shore Drive sold on Sept. 6, for $465,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,858 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $166,000.

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

Seminole Palms

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Volusia County Schools’ budget doesn’t add up

Donna Brosemer, a candidate running for District 4 on the School Board, questions school district’s budget increase over the last decade.

The approved Volusia County School District budget is $1.4 billion, although that may be revised down because there are fewer enrolled students than were originally projected. Either way, that’s a lot of money.

I got curious recently and decided to look at where we were 10 years ago, especially given all the very loud chest-pounding over population growth. To my surprise, while our general population may be growing, our student population is not. We can’t say the same for the school district budget.

In 2014, we had approximately 61,000 students. Our budget was $777 million.

In 2024, we have approximately 61,000 students. Our budget is $1.4 billion.

My math says that’s a budget increase of approximately 80% in 10 years, with no increase in students.

Now let’s add to that total, the end of the district cost differential (DCD) which, thanks to the efforts of Rep. Tom Leek, reaped the district a windfall of roughly $30 million in back state allocations, as I understand it, that had been withheld because of that calculation.

YOUR TOWN

Pilot Club of the Halifax Area makes donation to children’s center

The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area made a quarterly donation of $500 to the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center at the club’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The funds will go toward supplying weekend meals to local children, as the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center supplies over 2,800 meals to children each year, according to a press release.

Along with a $2,000 total annual donation, the PCHA also sponsors a book drive and BrainMinders events for the center’s children. Want to get involved? Email PilotClubofHalifax@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/PilotHalifax.

Then there are the ESSER funds — the federal Covid gift of $50 million each year for four years. That’s another $200 million windfall to the district.

Anyone would think the district would be rolling in dough but as I saw it explained, the millage looks like it has gone down but they have actually raised both their 2025 millage rate and their impact fees because of the way it is calculated. Has any board member — just one? — asked why?

Apparently not. Budget presentations are seemingly detailed but are broken into categories without details. Budget updates are not even discussed. They are on the consent agenda.

A News-Journal headline features a 3% raise for some staff. In 2014, average teacher pay was $44,250. Today, it is roughly $48,800. That big budget increase clearly isn’t going to teachers.

Early anecdotal reports from parents and teachers have focused on crowded classrooms and late buses — too few teachers and too few bus drivers. Meanwhile, the most recent School Board meeting, lasting only a bit more than an hour and a half, was full of self-congratulatory crowing over the claim that the district is now down to just 30 vacancies.

Tell that to the schools where buses arrive 40 minutes after class dismissal and then have to take kids home in shifts so some of those kids don’t get home until dinnertime. Or tell it to the administrators with 1,200 kids and just one school nurse who can only be there for a couple of hours a day. Or to the middle school PE teachers with 60 rowdy and fighting kids in a class. Or to the overcrowded elementary school classes, despite empty classrooms. Or ask why a sound stage was built at the district offices for the superintendent to record her “Board Bites,” instead of at a high school, where students could use it for

projects or for career training.

Months ago, as new district positions were added at nearly every board meeting, I sent a public records request to the district, asking how many district employees, with no student contact, were employed five years ago, and how many were employed this year. I received an email, saying that my request required five hours of a supervisor’s time at $50/hour, and my bill would be in excess of $250. At $50/hour for that supervisor, my clerical request was being assigned to a $100,000/year unnamed employee.

Of course, the best way to discourage such requests, and make sure the public can’t get answers to simple questions, is to charge more than they will pay. It worked, so I still don’t know.

And the board doesn’t ask.

Someone once joked that government is the only place where the lack of budget growth is called a “cut.” When the ESSER funds ended, understood from the beginning as temporary, and restricted to temporary uses, the ensuing district chaos was referred to as being “fiscally responsible.” Teachers are teaching out of field in larger numbers, have been transferred to new schools and assignments across the county, classes and programs have been cut — all while board members wax romantic about the first day of school as a reconnection between favorite teachers and the students who have known them.

So as we try to figure out where all the money goes — since no one will tell us — let’s factor into the question such external factors as the time value of money (2014 dollars compared to 2024), inflation, additional state and federal regulations, and unfunded mandates.

Does that add up to 80%? My personal budget is affected by those external factors too and as painful as these last few years have proved to be, my costs aren’t 80% higher.

quantum physics and other topics, and Joey Lucent is the owner of an engine and transmission business. The family says the art night event is a “great creative outlet,” according to a statement from OMAM.

“Children, Joey and Lilly, say Mrs. King, family art night instructor, is their favorite teacher and that they look forward to these fun family art nights,” the statement reads. “Let’s not forget the family dog – Dolly Parton. She likes hugs and snuggles.”

Meet OMAM’s featured art night family for September 2024

The Lucent family was selected as Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s featured family from the museum’s Sept. 6 Free Family Art Night event.

The Lucent family is made up of Brittany and Joey, and their children Joey and Lilly. Brittany Lucent is a host of a nationwide podcast on

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 Oct. 4.

Correction

In last week’s edition, an article reported that Volusia County’s upcoming fiscal year budget was over $1.3 million. This was incorrect; Volusia’s 2024-2025 budget is over $1.3 billion

I’m not a numbers person, but this just doesn’t add up.

Donna Brosemer is a candidate running for Volusia County School Board District 4. A former lobbyist, Brosemer has 30 years of experience working in public policy and has served on higher education state boards.

DISTRICT RESPONSE

Editor’s note: The Observer provided Volusia County Schools a chance to respond.

Volusia County Schools appreciates community engagement in our budgeting process and welcomes the opportunity to provide clarifying information. Our budget has increased over the past decade, aligning with rising state revenues per full-time-equivalent student, legislative salary enhancement initiatives, and the growing costs of goods and services. These investments have allowed us to enhance programs, upgrade technology, and address critical infrastructure needs, all aimed at promoting student achievement and ensuring a safe learning environment.

A portion of the budget growth stems from significant one-time funding sources, such as ESSER, which supported essential pandemic-related expenses and temporary programs. As these funds phase out, we are carefully managing the transition to ensure minimal disruption to core educational services.

Teacher compensation remains a top priority. While average salaries have increased modestly, we’ve also invested in benefits, professional development, and classroom resources that support our educators.

We acknowledge ongoing challenges, including transportation and staffing in some areas. We’re actively working on solutions,

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

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Marketing Consultants Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com; Paula Losinger, paula@observerlocalnews.com; April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews. com; Jacob Boyd, jacob@ observerlocalnews.com

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including diligently recruiting bus drivers, that prioritize student needs within our budgetary constraints. Transparency is a cornerstone of our financial management. We are committed to enhancing public access to information and ensuring clarity and accountability in the use of public funds. Volusia County Schools is dedicated to providing a high-quality education while being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. We welcome continued community engagement as we work together to ensure the success of every student.

DONNA BROSEMER

GUEST WRITER

Elissa Thomas, PCHA vice president, presents donation to Janet Bryant, executive director of The Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center. Courtesy photo

Brittany, Joey and Lilly Lucent. Courtesy photo

The

*It

Notice:

Misc. Items

Help Wanted

Misc. Items

Lucky duck!

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A total of 1,500 toy ducks took to the sky at the second annual Elks Duck Drop on Sept. 7, raising $9,951.

The funds raised exceeded the dollars raised at the inaugural fundraiser held last year. The rubber ducks were dropped from a helicopter onto the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193’s parking lot, located at 285 Wilmette Ave.

The lodge’s exalted ruler, Joe Brozyna, organized the event last year with Neal Tomlinson, owner of Tomlinson Aviation in Ormond Beach. This year, an event committee was established in March with Elks activities and entertainment chair Deb Symington at the helm.

“This is one of our biggest events,” she said. “I had a lot of ideas last year and they said, ‘You’re chairing it next year.’”

New this year was a dunk tank, tents for the volunteers and a focus on promotions. Symington said she began promoting five months prior to the even, selling hundreds of tickets during a trip to New Jersey she took a couple months ago. In 2022, she and her husband Mickey Symington moved to Florida from New Jersey, where she was also a member of an Elks lodge.

“One thing that helped us was, we have been promoting these duck tickets for months,” she said. “You couldn’t come into the lodge and not know we were having a duck event. There’s no way people could get away without buying a duck ticket.”

In an effort to keep cost down and increase the amount of funds earmarked for Elks’ programs, Brozyna said they decided to keep the food in-house instead of having food trucks. House committee chairman and chef Robert Berardi grilled with fellow Elks — Holly Hill IT Manager Scott Gutauckis and Steven Searle. They served bratwurst smothered in peppers and onions, hamburgers, churros and popcorn. The KegN-Stein was also available for beer purchases.

In addition to the duck drop and dunk tank, event-goers could participate in a 50/50 raffle, cakewalks and cornhole throughout the day, a Chinese auction and music by DJ Mick Kauffman.

Proceeds from this year’s event will be split between the Elks scholarship fund, the Elks National Foundation, the Harry Anna Trust fund and the building fund. Last year, the funds went toward the purchase of two new therapy vans and to hire two new therapists. According to the Elks website, Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services provides in-home physical and occupational therapy to Florida children in need of such services.

Beth Thiers is an occupational therapist with the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services. She wore a dinosaur suit at the duck drop while educating people about the the program and its benefits.

“We don’t do a pity party for our children because we think they’re awesome and wonderfully made,” she said. “We feel when we get a child into our program, that we are there to help them reach the potential Retired policeman, Vic McClellan was manning the Elks drug awareness trailer at the event. He also currently serves on the Elks national committee for

government relations. He said the most recent addition to the children’s therapy services is focused on diagnosing and treating autism.

“It’s a new program we’ve started — I think it has a good future,” he said. “It’s something that is needed. The diagnosis of autism is not cheap and not plentiful. It’s a shame that kids have to wait four or five years get diagnosed. The quicker that it is diagnosed, the better.”

The Elks organization provides support for local communities though scholarship programs, children’s and veterans’ services, educational and sports programs and a youth camp, to name a few. Brozyna said he wanted to organize an event where kids would have fun while their parents would get a chance to learn about the Elks and possibly become members.

“In order to get younger members, you have to be family friendly,” he said. “You’ve got to let children into the lodge and make it friendly to them. This is something we’re doing to bring in younger members that have children. The kids come and have fun and hopefully their parents have fun. Then the parents can learn about what the Elks do for veterans, for our children and for our community.”

DUCK DROP WINNERS

1st — Irma Pickering, $500

2nd — Shelley Wood, $300

3rd — Jenni Craig, helicopter ride for two

“This is something we’re doing to bring in younger members that have children. The kids come and have fun and hopefully their parents have fun. Then the parents can learn about what the Elks do for veterans, for our children and for our community.”

JOE BROZYNA, Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193 exalted ruler

Elks Duck Drop parking gurus Drew Flickema and Rick Peterson. Flickema has been an Elks member for one year and calls himself a “duckling”.

Shelley Wood was the Elks Duck Drop second place winner of $300.

Cakewalk winner Colton Connors said “I got a brownie and I’m really excited.”

Deb Symington (right) helps break down tents and anything that can be blown away by helicopter outwash

DJ Mick Kauffman (left) helps Joe Brozyna (right) announce the winners.

Tomlinson Aviation employee Joe Horton drops the rubber ducks onto the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge parking lot during the second annual Elks Duck Drop.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Elks Duck Drop third place winner of a helicopter ride for two Jenni Craig (center),with her daughters Carmen and Brooklyn and her dad Carl Bennett.

Winning ducks at the second annual Elks Duck Drop.

A glass act

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Palm Coast artist Pat Conway likens working with stained glass like solving a jigsaw puzzle.

“If you don’t like doing puzzles, you’re not going to like doing stained glass,” she said.

She said she first fell in love with the work after she took a mosaic class when she lived in Texas. Conway said the class was supposed to complete a mosaic over the course of six weeks, but she loved it so much that she finished her project in just the first week.

From there, the teacher began introducing her to more and more techniques and projects, eventually leading to her first art class on using glass. At first, Conway made small crosses and angels to give away. She said she had no intentions of becoming a professional artist, until a friend offered her $500 for a stained glass mirror she was making.

From there, Conway began taking more commissions

“A lot of people have categorized stained glass as not an art, but a craft. I take exception to that. There’s a lot of artistry that goes into making stained glass.”

PAT CONWAY

from friends and family. That was 20 years ago.

“It just kind of blossomed,” she said.

Since diving into the professional art field, she has owned and operated two art galleries in Texas and sold multiple pieces of her works.

Now, her newest stained glass exhibit at the Ocean Art Gallery in Ormond Beach — called “Glass, Lead, Design and Light” — is open through Sept. 30 and features both typically hanging stained glass pieces and smaller designs that can be displayed on stands.

The exhibit opened on Sept. 7. Ocean Art Gallery is located at 197 E. Granada Blvd.

The typical stained glass pieces that people see in church windows are a mixture of painted glass and leaded frames holding the pieces together, Conway said. She uses a different technique: Conway sketches out her designs, careful to mark each piece of her glass puzzle, and then cuts out the glass pieces to fit using special tools. Once every piece is laid out, she then uses copper foil to attach it all together. Depending on the size, it could take her days to months to finish a piece, she said. A lot of her inspiration typically comes from flowers and animals, she said, and often she’ll use a mix of materials and different types of glass to achieve a certain effect.

“I love the tradition of doing this, and then I get a little ‘quirk’ that tells me, ‘Oh, I need to do this,’ or, ‘I need to make it 3D,’” she said. Conway said she is excited about her exhibition, which emphasizes the more 3D elements in her work. One of her pieces at the gallery of a dragon has a stainless steel koi fish embedded amongst the dragon’s curving 3D body. In past pieces she’s made, Conway said she’s used real deer antlers and broken pottery.

Her favorite part of working with stained glass, she said, is sitting with her design and playing with the different colors of glass that could go into it.

“A lot of people have categorized stained glass as not an art, but a craft,” she said. “I take exception to that. There’s a lot of artistry that goes into making stained glass.”

Artist Pat Conway recreated the mirror that was the first art piece she sold.

Artist Pat Conway’s exhibit at the Ocean Art Gallery is a mix of hanging and 3D display pieces.

One of artist Pat Conway’s hanging stained glass pieces.

Stained glass artist Pat Conway is often inspired by animals and flowers. Photos by Sierra Williams

Palm Coast artist Pat Conway has spent the last 20 years creating unique stained glass art.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

HALIFAX

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

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30

S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Miles Meyer will present a program titled, “Adding Social History to Your Family History.” Meyer is a scientist by training and has been active in genealogy for over 25 years. This presentation will provide information on how to research social history and how it helps us understand how our ancestor’s lives and decisions were affected by events of their times. Guest registration is free.

‘THANK YOU AND HELLO’ RECEPTION

When: 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: The Ormond Beach Lions Club is inviting the community to its reception for supporters and prospective members. Refreshments

‘JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR’ MUSICAL

When: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Sept. 13,14, 20, 21, 27 and 28; and 3 p.m. on Sundays, Sept. 15, 22 and 29

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Pkwy B-207, Palm Coast

Details: See this musical by lyricist Tim Rice and composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, to be shown in Palm Coast for the first time. Featuring an all-female cast, this rock musical is loosely based on the Gospels’ story of the Passion of Christ centering on the relationship and viewpoints of Jesus and Judas. Tickets cost $30 and $15 for students.Visit www.crtpalmcoast.com or call 386-585-9415.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

EPIC JOURNEY OF NATURALIST/BIRD

PAINTER JOHN JAMES AUDUBON

When: 9:30-11 a.m.

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

Details: Joseph Vetter, longtime educator, will present this program on John James Audubon’s history, in character. Celebrate his illustrated masterpieces and legendary life. Free and open to the pub

GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Sand Piper room, Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond

Beach

Details: This is a free, one-onone research assistance program offered by volunteers from the Halifax Genealogical Society.

LET’S BOOGIE ’70S DISCO PARTY

When: 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Lanes, 11 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Local Flagler County residents Mark and Theresa Mistie are joining forces with The Live Like Cameron Children’s Cancer Foundation to host the First Annual Let’s Boogie “For a Cure” ‘70s Disco Party. Attend a night of bowling, dancing and fun. Dress in your favorite decade’s attire and enjoy DJ Copperhead playing the classic hits. There will also be raffle giveaways.

SONGBIRDS MUSIC

PRESENTS: THE KALEY BISHOP SHOW

When: 7-10 p.m.

Where: The Bank, 701 Main St., Daytona Beach

parvo combo, cat distemper combo, feline leukemia and more. Heartworm prevention and flea control products will be available for purchase. No appointment needed. Proceeds benefit abused animals. Call or text 748-8993 or visit spcavolusia.org.

MONDAY, SEPT. 16

CANDIDATES’ FORUM

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: The Flagler County NAACP Branch 5147-B is hosting this forum, inviting the public to meet the candidates for state and Palm Coast city races.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 17

FOURTH ANNUAL FIRE

TRUCK PULL AND FOOD

TRUCK TUESDAY

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Watch Palm Coast and Flagler County first responders go head-to-head and compete to earn a championship belt. This month’s Food Truck Tuesday event supports the AdventHealth Pink on Parade 5K and 1-mile pet-friendly fun walk. Order appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Registration is not required. Presented in partnership with the Observer.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 18

FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB

LUNCHEON

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

Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Ave Royale, Palm Coast

Details: U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Florida Roger B. Handberg will be the luncheon’s keynote speaker. He will discuss the roles and responsibilities of a U.S. Attorney within the federal system. Tickets cost $35 for

members and $40 for nonmembers. Advance registration required. Visit Flaglertigerbayclub.com.

BRIDGE AND GAMES When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to come and play Bridge (progressive and non-progressive) or other games. Call Nancy at 386986-8392 to reserve a spot or for more information.

NOVEL TEA BOOK SHOP

BOOZY BOOK FAIR

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: Ormond Brewing Company, 301 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Spend an evening with Novel Tea Book Shop and Ormond Brewing Company. There will be local authors showcasing their works, artisans, vendors, beer and more.

Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, pastor

THE FINE ARTS

GAIA

A solo exhibit featuring Ormond Beach artist Margaret Schnebly Hodge is now on display at the Art League of Daytona Beach.

The exhibit, titled “Bits & Pieces,” features over 30 of her 2D and 3D figurative, abstract and atmospheric artwork and opened on Aug. 25. Hodge began creating abstract works in 2000 and her art “often demonstrates her interest in the fundamental nature of existence,” according to a statement supplied to the Observer.

“In her most recent artworks, Hodge does not reference any specific topic other than what automatically forms from her past and present experiences and an inherent knowledge of future possibilities,” the statement reads.

Hodge will lead an artist talk at the Art League, located at 433 S. Palmetto Ave., from 1-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14. The exhibit will be on display through Sept. 22.

–JARLEENE ALMENAS

HIRING EVENT!

Register Today for the Hammock Dunes Club Hiring Event 30 Avenue Royale, Palm Coast, FL 32137

Hearing loss can affect your life in many ways.

•Increased dementia risk

•Increased risk of falling

•Decreased likelihood of being able to live independently as you age

Services We Offer

•Hearing testing and hearing aids

•Ear cleanings and wax removal

•Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) evaluation & management

•Checking and testing of your current hearing aids to make sure they are properly fit See a Doctor

Check out our blog for informative articles: ormondhearingcenter.com/blog

Unhappy with your hearing aids? Call us, we can help!

Call today for a free hearing screening!

*By Appointment Only

Call

September 16, 2024 2:30 – 6:00 PM

Hammock Dunes Club is the premier private club in Northeast Florida offering world-class amenities and services to its members. If you’re in the service industry and ready to elevate your career experience, Join the Team in an Oceanfront Private Club work environment for an organization that truly cares about its employees and their families.

Bartender Server

Dining Room Supervisor

Line Cook

Prep Cook Pastry Assistant Valet

Discover why Hammock Dunes Club is Palm Coast’s Preferred Employer With Full-Time, Part-Time,Year-Round & Seasonal Opportunities: Scan to Register

Outside Golf Staff Golf Course Maintenance

Email us: information@hammockdunesclub.com

THE FINE ARTS

Non Sequitur

Nancy

The Duplex

In the Bleachers

Cornered

Ziggy

The Fusco Brothers

Mother Goose and Grimm

SPORTS

Flagler Palm Coast sloshes its way to 7-2 victory over Mainland

SLIPPERY WHEN WET

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast senior Colby Cronk has been waiting two years to get another crack at beating Mainland. Quarterback Hayden Hayes has been waiting a lifetime.

“I’ve been trying to beat them for too long,” said Hayes who transferred from Seabreeze during the summer. “It’s been one of my goals since I was a kid. They’ve always been a rival, even through Pop Warner days.”

On a soggy, sloppy, slippery Bulldogs field, Hayes scored the only touchdown of the game to lift FPC to a 7-2 victory over the Buccaneers

“I’ve been trying to beat them for too long. It’s been one of my goals since I was a kid.”

HAYDEN HAYES, FPC quarterback

on Friday, Sept. 6.

Several days of relentless rain drenched the field. On Wednesday, Sept. 5, FPC administrators decided to move the game up a day to Thursday, but after a full day of rain, they moved it back to Friday. A lightning delay pushed kickoff from a scheduled 7 p.m. start to 8:15.

“Obviously, it was a real messy game,” Bulldogs coach Daniel Fish said. “In those situations you’re just proud of your kids for overcoming the adversity.”

Hayes, a senior, said beating Mainland for the first time was one of his goals this season.

He scored on a 7-yard run with 1:30 left in the first half to give FPC a 7-2 lead. The play call was a pass, but catches were tough to come by with a soaking wet football. In fact, both teams had trouble with their shotgun snaps with the slippery ball often darting left or right or whizzing over the quarterbacks’ heads.

On this play, Hayes was given the green light to run.

“It was supposed to be a pass, a lot of reads to go through, but I didn’t love it with the rain conditions,” he said. “So, I saw green grass and I scored. (Offensive coordinator Jake Medlock) did a great job giving me the keys, giving me control. He said, ‘If you see it, just go, pull the trigger.’ And once I saw nobody between me and the goal line, I knew I was getting it.”

Neither team could sustain a drive in the second half. With 4:56 left in the game, Grant Winkler, playing in his first game since last season, intercepted a pass. Mainland got the ball back one more time, but defensive lineman Stacy Mitchell tackled running back Kwasie Kwaku in the backfield on fourth down with 1:21 remaining and the Bulldogs (2-0) ran out the clock.

“I was so ecstatic, I was so hap-

py,” Cronk said of Mitchell’s gameclinching tackle. “They put Kwasie Kwaku in the backfield (to take a direct snap), so something funky was going on. So I went up field, (Kwaku) took the B Gap and then Stacy was right there and tackled him.

“I love it,” Cronk said. “My sophomore year, I had a bad taste in my mouth when we lost to them 22-16. I was really mad after that game. We weren’t able to play last year and I was a little bit (disappointed), because they were state champions, and I wanted to see what we could have done. But that’s in the past.”

Cronk had 3.5 sacks. Sophomore Lucas Sirahaj intercepted his third pass of the young season early in the second quarter. And running back Marcus Mitchell ran for 99 yards on 23 carries.

“It was a great performance by the guys,” Fish said. “I’m just really proud of the resiliency. We stayed together, we didn’t talk trash, we didn’t get personal foul penalties. We focused on what mattered and we just got a great team win. We did great things on defense all night long. They controlled the field position, but we were able to overcome that and make plays when it mattered the most.”

The Bucs, who fell to 0-3 for the first time in 31 years, tackled Marcus Mitchell in the end zone for a safety to take a 2-0 lead midway through the second quarter. But Mainland couldn’t sustain a drive in the rainy conditions.

“Listen, 0-3 or not, Mainland is a very talented team,” Fish said. “They’re well-coached. They’ve hit a lot of adversity, but they fought really hard. They had plenty of chances. We just made more plays than they did. Those guys are still going to make the playoffs.”

Mainland coach Jerrime Bell said the Bucs committed too many pen-

THIS WEEK

JACKSON AT MATANZAS

When: Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Records: Jackson 1-2, Matanzas 2-1

Tickets: presto.mhspirates.com

Radio/stream: listen — WZNF 94.9 Fm; flaglerbroadcasting.com; flagler radio app. Watch — flagler radio youtube channel; WNZF facebook page. Saturday: Rich and Mike show, 7:30 a.m. WNZF Podcast on website and app.

LAKE BRANTLEY AT FPC

When: Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Records: Lake Brantley 1-2, FPC 2-0

Tickets: presto.fpcbulldogs.com

SEABREEZE AT ROCKLEDGE

When: Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Records: Seabreeze 0-1, Rockledge 2-1

MAINLAND AT RAINES

When: Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.

Records: Mainland 0-3, Raines 3-0

alties.

“We’ve got to eliminate the penalties. That’s been our problem since the spring,” he said. “They’re trying to do too much. Everyone’s trying to make the hero block and then we get a hold. Everybody’s trying to be the hero. We’re just trying to do too much.”

Bell said the Bucs wanted to play at a quicker tempo, but the officials kept switching the wet balls out, slowing down the pace.

Hayes said because of the muddy field he had to switch his cleats out after halftime for the first time in his football career. Cronk said the sidelines “were just straight mud. It was definitely hard to run in that part of the field.”

Mainland will try to snap its losing streak on Friday, Sept. 13, in a road game against Jacksonville Raines (3-0), while FPC will try to remain undefeated in a home game against Lake Brantley (1-2). More rain was expected in Flagler County leading up the game.

“We’ll practice snapping the ball in the rain this week,” Fish said.

Mainland running back Edward Williams runs down the right sideline. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s color guard members catch their flags during the Bulldog Marching Band’s halftime show.

FPC’s Grant Winkler (5) intercepts a pass with 4:36 left in the game.

Roman Caliendo runs down the left sideline after making a catch.

Seabreeze, Halifax hope to finish game called because of lightning

The Sandcrabs led 7-6 when the game was suspended in the second quarter.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze was up 7-6 against Halifax Academy when the football game was called due to lightning on Friday, Sept. 6 at Daytona Stadium.

Seabreeze athletic director Anthony Campanella said the schools are in the process of setting a date to finish the game.

The Sandcrabs are currently 0-1 on the season, while Halifax is 2-0.

Seabreeze head coach Mike Klein said it would be unfortunate if his players did not get to finish the game.

“I just hate it for the guys that they didn’t get to play that game (on Sept. 6),” he said. “You work really hard all year to only play a 10-game regular season, so to lose an opportunity is unfortunate. But we can only control what we can control and we have a tough district opponent in Rockledge this week (Sept. 13 on the road), so we will turn the page and get ready

for the next one.”

Halifax Academy was coming off a 50-0 win against Cornerstone Charter Academy on Aug. 30, while Seabreeze lost its season opener 50-0 to Spruce Creek on Aug. 22.

Seabreeze senior Brogan Kelly had a strong opening kickoff return of about 25 yards against Halifax. After running back Jeremias George had multiple charges up the middle, Seabreeze quarterback Zachary Voltaire zig-zagged through traffic for a touchdown. Drew McNerney’s extra point gave the Sandcrabs a 7-0 lead.

The Knights closed the gap when Jordan Jones returned McNerney’s punt for a touchdown. The 2-point conversion attempt failed.

With 6:20 left in the second quarter, everyone was ordered off the field to the locker room or underneath the bleachers until the game was called after 8:30 p.m.

Campanella said he is appreciative of Klein and what he has done so far with the football program.

“Coach Klein and his staff are doing an amazing job with our young, inexperienced group,” Campanella said. “We are so happy he is here guiding our young men on and off the field.”

TRIBUTES

Steven Mark Popok

December 6, 1956- June 19, 2024

Steven Mark Popok, M.D. passed away on June 19, 2024 at the age of 67, surrounded by his loving family and friends. Steve graduated Magna Cum Laude from Brandeis University in 1978 where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He continued his education at Emory University School of Medicine where he also completed his residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology. He then completed his fellowship in Cytopathology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He was board certified in both Anatomic and Clinical Pathology and Cytopathology. Steve moved to Ormond Beach, Florida in 1987, where he began practicing with Volusia Pathology Group (later a division of Ameripath), and became Managing Director from 19972003. Continuing to practice pathology, he then became President and Managing Director of Halifax Pathology Associates from 2003 - 2014, when he retired. During his career he was published nearly a dozen times and conducted numerous lectures and research projects. Outside of his prestigious career, he was a theatre actor at the Daytona Playhouse where he starrred in My Fair Lady (Colonel Pickering), Fiddler on the

(Tevye), 1776 (Ben Franklin), God’s Favorite (Joe Benjamin) and many more. He was a true Renaissance man - a lover of the arts and the world around him. He and his wife Linda took over 100 cruises allowing them to visit every continent. Steve is survived by his wife of 34 years Linda Godeau. He is also survived by his stepmother Harriet Popok of West Long Branch, NJ; his brother Douglas Popok (wife Susan) of Barnegat, NJ; sister Ami Parker of Long Branch, NJ and nieces Paula Popok of Miami and Jamie Dorner of Atlantic Highlands, NJ (husband Fernando Gonzalez). Condolences may be made at lohmanfuneralhomes.com

“Coach Klein and his staff are doing an amazing job with our young inexperienced group. We are so happy he is here guiding our young men on and off the field.”

ANTHONY CAMPANELLA, Seabreeze athletic director

Roof

Seabreeze cheerleaders and football players stand at attention as the national anthem is played before the game.

Seabreeze quarterback Zachary Voltaire (1) celebrates his touchdown.

Seabreeze drummer Ryan Burley walks through the gates before playing with the Marching 100 during the game.

Seabreeze quarterback Zachary Voltaire (1) hands off to Jeremias George (11) in the game against the Halifax Academy Knights. Photos by Michele Meyers

Seabreeze’s Logan Smith gets set to tackle Halifax Academy quarterback La’Darius Simmons.

Seabreeze seniors participate in the Spirit Club’s color wars by wearing black.

Palm Coast man to run London Marathon for uncle

Philip Whalen of Palm Coast ran in the New York City Marathon last year. On April 27, 2025, he plans to run in the London Marathon in honor of his uncle, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Whalen is running in support of Project Purple, a pancreatic cancer foundation dedicated to research and patient support. His goal is to raise at lease $7,500 for the foundation.

“I am determined to do everything I can to contribute to this vital cause,” he said.

Whalen was raised in Palm Coast and ran track at Matanzas High School, where he graduated in 2011.

His uncle is a professional body builder and has always been a pillar of strength, Whalen wrote on his Project Purple fundraising page.

“Despite his diagnosis, his spirit remains unbroken, and his determination to fight this battle has inspired me to take action,” Whalen wrote.

As of Sept. 11, Whalen has raised $2,388. To donate to Wahlen’s cause, go to givengain.com/project/philipraising-funds-for-project-purple-79148

Running in the marathon, Whalen says, “is a challenge that symbolizes the endurance and resilience needed to combat this disease.”

SHUTOUTS FOR

cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

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MDKERDAAR, AG DAAFP WSR GYKNSRPDKF, WSR MAOKST XF BKCD GXSSJ CDKSTP.” WRWO PWSRENY

“PNLPGC NSCKDY KU GUXF ULY SYCKSYAKC. GUX APY YDHDF ID SYKSJSVPKDV IG KBD ZDUZND GUX LUFM LSKB.” TSNJJPMDF ABFSC AUNXJIXC

“ZPS ZGSS IR DYVSGZH TKJZ VS GSRGSJPSL RGIT ZYTS ZI ZYTS CYZP ZPS VDIIL IR MNZGYIZJ NUL ZHGNUZJ.” ZPITNJ OSRRSGJIU

LOWER-LEVEL FUNCTIONS by Sam Koperwas and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Matanzas High graduate Philip Whalen plans to run in the London Marathon and

money for Project Purple, a pancreatic cancer foundation. Courtesy photo

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 procedimento, 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., Suite 200, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 das de antelacin de su cita de comparacencia ante el juz, o de immediate 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 NUMEROUS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMATION JUDICIAL. 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.

/s/ Vestalia Aylsworth Vestalia Aylsworth Law Office of Vestalia Aylsworth 12307 SW 143rd Ln Miami, FL 33186-6026

Telephone: (305) 282-6020

va@aylsworthllp.com

Florida Bar No. 111007 September 12, 19, 2024 24-00474I

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 PERIOD 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 no-

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 13087 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF MARLENE COLDIRON-MCDANIEL, aka MARLENE A. COLDIRON Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Marlene Coldiron-McDaniel, also known as Marlene A. Coldiron, deceased, File Number 2024 13087 PRDL. by the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721; that the decedent’s date of death was July 8, 2024; that the total value of the estate is $0.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by

specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

The date of first publication of this Notice is September 12, 2024. Person Giving Notice: Stephanie Taggart c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA, FLORIDA. CASE No. 2024 12132 CICI CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC, Plaintiff vs. UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARGO SCHARL AKA MARGO K. SCHARL, DECEASED, et al., Defendants TO: UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARGO SCHARL AKA MARGO K. SCHARL, DECEASED 6293 PALM VISTA STREET, PORT ORANGE, FL 32128 CHARLES SCOTT AKA CHARLES JUERGEN SCOTT, AS NOMINATED ALTERNATE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARGO SCHARL AKA MARGO K. SCHARL, DECEASED 115 N 12TH ST, HIGHLANDS, TX 77562

12601 E US HIGHWAY 60, GOLD CANYON, AZ 85115

INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2023 32594 CICI Division: 31 DIANA HUSTON Plaintiff, vs. WAYNE WILSON Defendant TO: Wayne Wilson 18137 Regents Square Drive Tampa, Florida 22647 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for breach of contract and damages has been filed against you, and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any to Jennifer A. McGee, Esq., Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 6 Meridian Home Lane, Suite 201, Palm Coast, Florida 32137, on or before 10/18, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. or immediately after service; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. The Court has authority in this suit to enter a judgment or decree in the Plaintiff’s interest which will be binding upon you.

DATED: September 3, 2024 LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By Jennifer M. Hamilton Deputy Clerk Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. Plaintiff’s attorney 6 Meridian Home Lane, Suite 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Sept. 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 2024 24-00465I