Ormond Beach Observer 10-31-24

Photo by Alexis Miller

Brian and Becky Hilgers just recently moved into Ormond Beach. They visited their daughter Brie in Nashville TN and shared the local Observer newspaper!

CITY WATCH

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Board approves amendment for Ormond Brewing

The Ormond Beach Planning Board also unanimously recommended approval for a Land Development Code amendment that would allow Ormond Brewing to expand its operations into canned cocktails, spirits and nonmalted based beverages, such as seltzers and ciders.

“The business has grown, and I think this is another way for them to increase their business and increase their use,” City Planning Director Steven Spraker said.

Breakfast with Santa tickets to go on sale

Tickets for The Casements’ Breakfast with Santa will go on sale on Friday, Nov. 1.

To take place from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Dec. 21, the breakfast will include pancakes, holiday activities and a chance to meet Santa.

Tickets cost $5 per person and can only be purchased in person at The Casements, located at 25 Riverside Drive. Call 386-676-3216 for more information.

Email Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com

Ormond Crossings amendment gets board’s OK

Single-family homes or multifamily units?

That was the question before the Ormond Beach Planning Board regarding the future Ormond Crossings development at its meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The developer seeks an amendment — to be ultimately voted on by the Ormond Beach City Commission at a later date — to allow single-family homes in place of multifamily units in a portion of the nearly 3,000 acre property, located south of U.S. 1.

And while questions remain surrounding what the development will look like, and what stormwater measures will be implemented to mitigate flooding concerns in the community, the choice between single-family homes and more apartments was clear for the board. The members unanimously recommended approval for the amendment, which is the first brought forward for the largescale development, which has been in the works since 2002.

“I think the first one is pretty easy,”

board member Mike Scudiero said.

“If anyone wants more apartments, go to Williamson and head south. So this is a pretty easy call there. No increase in density, better quality product.”

Several residents who live near the future development spoke before the board at its meeting on existing flooding issues, and voiced concerns that the development of Ormond Crossings will worsen conditions.

“It floods even if you do not have a hurricane, very, very badly,” Ormond Beach resident Jordan Huntley said.

Resident Darrel Bugno said he’s lived in his home in Durrance Lane for over 25 years and has experienced water in front of his driveway over 3-and-a-half feet deep.

“It happened last year,” he said. “It

“I’m

happened this year. And what’s going to happen next year? If this goes in, the people who have houses out there are all going to flood out. Water came within 10 feet of my house.”

On behalf of Ormond Crossings’

developer, representative Jamie Poulos said that as the development moves forward in more detail, a master stormwater plan will be created, to be reviewed by the city, the county St. Johns River Water Management

asking for us all to come together, get on the same side of the desk and do the morally responsible thing

and answer the people’s demands for action.”

County Council Chair Jeff Brower during his press conference for a temporary building moratorium. See Page 10A

District and FEMA.

“We do appreciate everybody’s input in specific areas of concern that are existing, so as we continue to develop this master stormwater plan, we can study those areas a little closer, knowing that those are already trouble areas, and make sure that we’re not going to exacerbate or create any adverse impacts in those areas,” Poulos said.

Why the change from multifamily to single-family? Poulos said it’s because of the wetlands.

“We’re trying to minimize wetland impacts,” he said.

Board member GG Galloway said the flooding issues in the area go beyond the development of Ormond Crossings, and said it’s time SJRWMD and the Florida Department of Transportation assume responsibility for maintaining canals that overflow and creating runoff.

“I’m not worried about an apartment of 440 homes,” Galloway said. “I’m worried about six lanes of an interstate throwing water back onto that community ... We can say, ‘Yes, it’s developments’ problem,’ but no, the problem started way before this development started.”

In August, the city’s Site Plan Review Committee approved a preliminary site plan for the first phase of Ormond Crossings, consisting of 444 single-family homes.

This will not be last time to address water concerns for the development, Board Chair Doug Thomas told the public.

The amendment also included an updated conceptual master plan for Ormond Crossings, which proposed a realignment of Tymber Creek Road. Meritage Homes is the contract purchaser for the single-family residential portion of the development.

A map showing the Ormond Crossings property. Courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach

JARLEENE

Ooh là là!

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

When it comes to learning French, Tomoka Elementary students are doing très bien.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, fifth graders got a chance to showcase what they have learned so far in the school’s new French Immersion Program, the third of its kind across the district’s elementary schools since Volusia County Schools created it last school year. In the program, which operates like a special area, students speak only in French to help prepare them to be proficient in the language by the time they graduate high school.

Tomoka Elementary School Principal Julie Roseboom said the French Immersion Program is a result of parents asking for a language program to be created in Ormond Beach.

“French was selected because our children don’t speak French, so they are all starting on the same level playing field, all in the same place,” Roseboom said. “We’re very excited about that.”

At the showcase event, students sang a song, recited the alphabet — both aloud and using French sign language — and highlighted their ability to count, name body parts and use common phrases. The district also launched two new Spanish-English dual language programs this year at Pierson Elementary and George Marks Elementary.

School Board member Jaime Haynes said it’s her goal to see a language program implemented in every elementary school. When she was a student, she shared she took French, as she lived in Detroit, Michigan, close to the Canada border, where French is one of the county’s official languages.

“To know that we brought French also to Volusia County, we’re giving our students and parents options,” Haynes said.

“And how important that is, if our students are to compete globally? Think about that. When you have an understanding of the culture — that's what breaks down barriers and opens doors to many, many, many opportunities."

In the 90s, Tomoka Elementary was home to the district’s English as a Second Language program, and School Board member Carl Persis, who was the Tomoka’s principal at the time, shared it was a rewarding experience.

“It was just so great,” he said. “Everybody learned. All the teachers learned. So I am just thrilled that Tomoka Elementary right now is back, having a French immersion program.”

Two and half years ago, VCS and the School Board made a commitment to dual language programs, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said. At that time, the district had zero dual language programs and zero French immersion programs.

Now, the district has six dual language programs and three French immersion programs.

“We have made a commitment to add each and every year to this repertoire of services that we’re providing to our students,” Balgobin said.

When students learn a new language, she said, they’re also learning a new culture.

“And how important that is, if our students are to compete globally?” she said. “Think about that. When you have an understanding of the culture — that’s what breaks down

and opens doors to many,

opportunities.”

barriers

many, many

Tomoka Elementary fifth grader Wolf Dunlop works on his Picasso-inspired self portrait.

Tomoka Elementary showcases new French immersion program

Tomoka Elementary French teacher Mary Hogan leads her students during the French Immersion Program Showcase.

Tomoka Elementary fifth grader Valentina Alvarado and her classmates take part in the French Immersion Program Showcase event on Thursday, Oct. 24. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Tomoka Elementary fifth grader Dovan Maidenberg signs his name using French sign language.

Volusia County Schools resource teacher Angelica Pereles-Coleman

Ormond Beach City Commissioner Harold Briley and Mayor Bill Partington laugh during the French Immersion Program Showcase event. Volusia County School Board Chair Jaime Haynes

Carmen Balgobin, Superintendent

FARMER’S MARKET

‘Fired

up about voting’: Volusia sees record turnout during Early Voting

By Wednesday, Oct. 30, almost 100,000 voters had cast their ballots at an Early Voting polling location.

VETERANS DAY

Magleora is one of the volunteers with incumbent County Council Chair Jeff Brower’s campaign. At the polling site, she had on hand a voter guide created to combat that of the Republic Executive Committee of Volusia County, which left off Brower’s name in the race, despite him and challenger Randy Dye both being registered Republicans.

“I think people realize this is a really big election. People are coming out. ... People are fired up about voting.”

“It’s one thing if you have a voter guide and you [say], ‘This is who we support, but this is who’s running,’” Magleora said. “Versus, let’s take your current County Council Chair ... and you don’t even have him on the voter guide, like he doesn’t even exist. That to me, is just interference.”

Steve Miller, a candidate running to represent District 2 on the County Council, and James Powers, a candidate running against incumbent Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood (registered as an independent) were also left off the REC voter guide. The Observer reached out to Paul Deering, chairman of the Volusia County REC, for comment, but was unable to receive a response in time for publication.

Paul MacLennan was one of the volunteers at the Democratic Club’s tent at the Ormond Beach library. Early Voting has been busy all week, he said, with the line sometimes winding around the library to the street.

The Democratic Club’s tent has been less busy, but MacLennan said it was encouraging nonetheless. Volusia County has 381,407

Ormond Beach resident Paul MacLennan volunteers at the Democratic Club’s tent at the library. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Doc Brinley speaks to voters at the library.

ROBIN MAGLEORA, Ormond Beach resident

registered voters, 161,624 who are registered Republicans. A total of 106,185 people are registered Democrats and 100,551 are not registered with a political party. A total of 13,047 are registered with a minor party, such as the Libertarian, Green and Constitution parties.

Almost 10,000 registered Republicans had voted at the Ormond Beach library, compared to 3,200 Democrats and 3,350 independents, by the morning of Wednesday, Oct. 30.

But, you never know how the people are voting once inside the polling place, regardless of party affiliation, MacLennan said.

“The actual democracy of this country is on the line,” MacLennan said. “And unfortunately for a lot of people on the other side, they seem to be in denial of that fact. Their only concern is, ‘What’s fair to Donald Trump?’”

Ormond Beach resident Marie Halpin has been volunteering for campaigns for over six decades. Sat under the Republican party’s tent alongside Ormond teen Pierce Billings, a first-time voter, she said the large turnout is a result of both political parties being determined to win in this election — though, she personally favors former president Trump.

She remarked on the record number of voters on the first day of Early Voting.

“That was unbelievable,” Halpin said. “Nobody could believe the crowds that came out. They were lined up way down by 7 in the morning.”

Billings said the turnout for Early Voting hasn’t died down since Monday. He cast his ballot too that day.

“I’ve liked politics for a while, so I came prepared,” Billings said. “I knew already who I was going to vote for. ... It was a long line, but I was encouraged the whole way.” His message to other young voters? Get out and vote. It’s

your civic duty.

“I see a lot of people complaining,” he said. “The only way to get something done is to vote.”

Ray Seymour was one of the voters who participated in Early Voting. He waited in line for about a half hour. His experience, he said, was good.

“We always do it — just tradition,” he said. “We always come out and early vote.”

Citizen Patti Mazzella said she loves Early Voting because it’s less crowds, and she prefers the library to her designated polling place on Election Day. It was a seamless process and she said her wait was about 10 minutes.

People are motivated to vote, she said, because of what they have seen take place in the last three-and-a-half years, including the recent hurricane which caused damage to her home.

“I’m voting to cancel out the bad votes,” she said with a laugh. “Without being par-

And we are not the only ones who agree: Carl is: Professional not Political Moderate…....... not Extreme Achieving ........ not Attacking

Carl Persis has always had only One Agenda, as teacher, principal, and school board member: delivering for all of us, our children and our grandchildren!

tisan, I’m tired. Three-anda-half years of everybody struggling. We need to do something different.”

This year’s election may be the most important election in our lifetime, Ormond Beach resident Doc Brinley said, a volunteer under the MAGA tent at the library. He sported a T-shirt supporting Brower’s campaign.

“I think local elections have a bigger impact on your dayto-day life than the national election,” Brinley said. “As divided as we are today, if the person is a Harris person, you’re not going to convince them to vote for Trump, and if they’re a Trump person, they’re for Trump. The local election is the most important, I think.”

Early Voting will continue through Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ormond Beach library. For a list of other polling locations, visit volusiaelections.gov/ elections/early-voting.stml.

We don’t want extreme agendas for our children & Grandchildren.

“I trust Carl Persis to keep our students safe. He has demonstrated civility and an even temperament. Carl Persis is the voice of reason on the Volusia County School Board. His number one priority is the safety and security of the students, teachers, and staff.”

-Mike

Chitwood Volusia County Sheriff

“Carl was my Principal at Tomoka Elementary School. He has a proven track record for getting results. He is the reason i trust my five boys will receive a first-class education in Volusia County.”

-M. Jayson Meyer Founder & CEO, Synergy Billing

“The political agendas that promote division will get us nowhere. We need a leader who will step up and move us forward. This is why I am endorsing Carl Persis for School Board District 4.”

-Sarah Marzilli Teacher & Former School Board Candidate

Marie Halpin and Pierce Billings volunteer at the Republican Party’s tent at the library.

Palm Coast man charged with child abuse after placing stepson in chokehold

A Palm Coast man was arrested after he placed his stepson in chokehold for using a profane word.

Anthony Eugene Jackson, 39, has been charged with felony child abuse, according to his arrest report.

Flagler Sheriff’s Office deputies were called early in the morning on Oct. 28, after the stepson and his sister told their adult older brother about Jackson’s actions.

The incident occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 27, when Jackson heard his stepson curse, according to statements from the boy and his sister. The two siblings were hanging out in the girl’s room when Jackson came in and began goading the stepson into a fight, the report said. Instead of fighting, the boy left for his own room, but said Jackson followed him and began to fight with him, placing him in a chokehold. The deputy interviewing the stepson noticed bruising and scabbed-over scraps around the boy’s neck.

The girl told deputies that when she heard the fight, she went into her brother’s room and tried to pull

COPS CORNER

OCT. 4

SEPTIC RUNOFF

2:17 p.m. — 200 block of East Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach

Criminal mischief. Police responded to a local shopping plaza after a septic truck was spotted dumping waste into one of the plaza’s drains. The property manager reported that this took place the day before, around 8:30-9:30 a.m., and that when the driver of the truck was confronted, he connected the septic line back to the truck and left. The property owner contracted a company to remove the waste left behind.

Jackson off him, injuring her wrist in the process. Eventually the two managed to separate the boy from Jackson and left the home, walking to their elder brother’s nearby residence, the report said.

The next morning, when the two told him what happened, the brother and his girlfriend decided to call law enforcement. The children’s mother, who lives with them and Jackson, told deputies that she did not see how the incident started and only saw her son’s injuries after the fact.

Deputies went to speak to Jackson when he returned home from work, but Jackson refused to make a statement, saying he “did not want to ‘self-incriminate.’” Jackson was then placed under arrest.

Man almost hits Flagler Sheriff’s Office deputy while fleeing traffic stop

A deputy directing traffic around a crash on Highway U.S. 1 and Plantation Bay Drive on Oct. 27, was almost hit by a driver who refused to pull over, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The crash had blocked northbound lanes and FCSO deputies were on site redirecting traffic. One deputy saw an open container of alcohol in the suspect’s

At the time of the report, the officer noted he could still smell the raw sewage. The property owner wished to press charges.

OCT. 8 BODY LANGUAGE

2:20 p.m. — 100 block of E. Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Indecent exposure. A 51-year-old transient man told police his penis was his “freedom of expression” after he was arrested for exposing himself to a woman who refused to let him enter a dance studio.

The woman told police that the man tried to open her studio’s door — which was locked — and told her he wanted to dance, according to a police report. When she declined to let him enter, he walked away, only to return later at which point

vehicle and told him to pull over, according to a FCSO press release.

The suspect, Qwajon Laster, 27, refused and drove around the cars in front of him, almost hitting another deputy. Laster then fled south on U.S. 1 toward Volusia County, the press release said.

Laster pulled into the parking lot of the nearby Super 8 motel, crashing his pickup truck into a parked trailer before running into a nearby hotel room, the press release said.

An FCSO deputy Laster hiding under a blanket on the bed.

Laster is being charged with the following: reckless driving, attempting to elude law enforcement at high speed with wonton disregard, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, failure to obey police, resisting an officer without violence, tampering with physical evidence and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

He is being held at the county jail on no bond.

Halifax Health reports 38 people admitted to the hospital during Biketoberfest

Halifax Health admitted 38 patients with traumatic injuries during the

he pressed his body against the studio’s window, smiling and waving at the woman. He then exposed himself and the woman called police. When officers arrived, the man, who has a previous conviction for indecent exposure, was still exposed. He was secured in handcuffs and informed he was being detained for indecent exposure. The man additionally told police he felt his penis “is an antenna to communicate.” He was taken to jail.

OCT. 22

RETAIL TO RESALE CRIME

1:38 p.m. — 5100 block of State Road 100 East, Palm Coast

Retail theft. Two Palm Coast men are facing felony retail theft charges after they were caught stealing almost $800 worth of merchandise

2024 Biketoberfest, which took place Oct. 17-20.

During this four-day period, Halifax Health, home to the only Level II Trauma Center in the area, treated 22 Biketoberfest-related trauma admissions, including 25 motorcycle crashes, according to a press release.

“Our team at Halifax Health is trained to provide the highest level of trauma care, and during events like Biketoberfest, we are reminded of how vital our services are to the community and visitors alike,” said Lindsay Duffy, director of Nursing for Emergency Services at Halifax Health. “Thanks to the dedication and expertise of our trauma and emergency team, we were able to deliver life-saving care to those who needed it most. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our entire trauma team for their extraordinary work during this high-pressure event.”

Of the 38 admissions, 25 of them were caused by motorcycle crashes, with 10 helmeted patients and no in-hospital deaths confirmed at this time.

Last year, Halifax Health reported a record number of 39 patients with trauma admitted during Biketoberfest. One person died last year.

from the same department store a month’s time.

Surveillance footage showed the two picking over 30 items from the health and beauty section and another 20 items from the sporting good section, the report said. This theft totaled $596. In late September, the two were recorded on surveillance footage stealing $198 of merchandise. Together, the thefts totaled $795, the report said. The two were placed under arrest. One suspect told the deputies that he stole the items so he could later sell them himself going door-to-door to make some extra money.

OCT. 26

POOL-SIDE PROBLEM

6:31 p.m. — 6200 block of North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Palm Coast

National Drug Take Back day results in 51 pounds of medication turned in to Flagler

Flagler County residents turned over 51 pounds of unneeded or expired medication for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s 27th annual Prescription Drug Take Back day on Oct. 26.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office hosted four locations for dropping off medications to be safely destroyed. The goal of the event is to prevent prescription drug misuse and reduce the potential for accidental drug poisoning, a FCSO press release said.

“I want to thank the community for helping us to dispose of unwanted and expired prescriptions properly and safely,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “A special thanks to our partners, Publix and Walmart, and our deputies who assisted the community and staffed the drop-off locations.”

Residents are still able to dispose of unused medications yearround. The Flagler Beach Police Department has a year-round dropoff location, or residents can visit takebackday.dea.gov to find another drop-off location.

Battery. A 69-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested for battery after he attacked his neighbor for arguing with him over drinking a beer next to the pool.

That morning, the suspect was sitting poolside, drinking from a glass beer bottle, according to an arrest report. The neighbor, told him he wasn’t allowed to have a glass bottle by the pool. Later that day, the neighbor was sitting outside his front door when the suspect started insulting him.

When the neighbor got up to go inside his apartment, the suspect began bumping him with his chest, pushing him into a corner, the report said. The neighbor said that’s when the suspect charged at him, sending both to the ground with the suspect on top of him.

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U.S. Sen. Rick Scott visits Ormond, urges voters to vote

Scott made a campaign stop on Tuesday at Ormond Garage, advocating for citizens to vote Republican up and down the ballot.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

U.S. Sen. Rick Scott held a rally at Ormond Garage in Ormond Beach on Tuesday, Oct. 29, to encourage Republicans to vote in the upcoming election.

Scott, who is running for reelection against Democratic opponent and former U.S. Rep. Debbie Mucarsel-Powell, touted a good statewide Republican voter turnout so far — in Volusia, over 78,000 Republican voters have cast their ballots compared to almost 50,000 Democrats, as of Tuesday mid-afternoon — and advocated for a party win on all elections.

“This is a team event,” Scott said. “So we need to make sure Donald Trump wins. We need to make sure every Republican wins across the state.” Scott’s campaign stop was attended by local officials, including Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, Vice Mayor Harold Briley and Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood, and state representatives such as Rep. Tom Leek, Rep. Chase Tramont and Sen. Tom Wright.

Partington, who is running for Florida House District 28 as a Republican, said it was an honor and privilege to welcome Scott to the community.

“We’re going to have a record vote,” Partington said. “It’s going to be fantastic and we’ve got a week left to make it happen.”

The message to get out and vote continued among all the speakers, including Leek who said Scott, a former Florida governor, has stood by him in previous elections; he said it’s time to do the same.

“Now is the time for us to fight for all Republicans on the ballot,” Leek said. “And now is the time for us to fight to take back the White House and return it to Republican control.”

Chitwood also endorsed Scott, calling him a “friend to all public

safety and a friend to this community.”

“The man is better than his word,” the sheriff said. “Whenever anything happens in Volusia County, that 239 area code pops up and I know it’s our senator calling to check on my deputies who may have been injured, a police officer who may have been injured — some major crime may have occurred, a storm, and that’s not an act. That comes from the man’s heart.”

Scott called for change, citing inflation, open borders and employment as reasons.

“We know the world’s on fire, so this has got to change,” Scott said.

“It’s got to change for all of our families. We all love our families. We want our families to prosper. The only way we’re going to do it is by electing Republicans.”

In a press release Tuesday, Scott’s opponent Mucarsel-Powell noted that the Florida Senate race continues to be “a margin-of-error race,” and her campaign said Scott’s reelection would be “disastrous for Floridians.”

“For 14 years, Floridians have had to endure Rick Scott’s extremism and attacks on our freedoms and opportunities,” Mucarsel-Powell said in a press release. “It ends in just 7 days.”

STATE NEWS

TV stations can run ads supporting abortion amendment

Just a week before Election Day, a federal judge on Tuesday said he would extend a restraining order blocking state officials from taking action against TV stations running a controversial ad urging voters to support a ballot measure aimed at enshrining abortion rights in the Florida Constitution.

The Floridians Protecting Freedom political committee, which is sponsoring what appears as Amendment 4 on the November ballot, filed a lawsuit seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction after the state Department of Health sent threatening letters to broadcasters alleging the ad posed a public “health nuisance.”

The letters are among a number of steps Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration have taken to try to prevent the proposed constitutional amendment from receiving the required 60 percent approval from voters to pass.

Florida Power & Light customers likely to face higher 2025 bills

Florida Power & Light customers likely will face increased monthly bills in 2025 after the utility Tuesday requested approval to collect nearly $1.2 billion to cover costs of restoring power after hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton and to replenish a storm reserve fund.

FPL wants to recover an estimated $1.179 billion over a 12-month period starting in January, with much of the cost stemming from Hurricane Milton, which made landfall Oct. 9 as a Category 3 storm in Sarasota County before crossing the state, according to a filing at the Florida Public Service Commission.

The filing said Milton affected electric service for 2 million FPL customers, and the utility used 20,000 workers from as far away as Canada to restore power.

Two internet-industry groups file challenge to Florida’s new social-media law

In a long-anticipated move, two internet-industry groups on Oct. 28 filed a constitutional challenge to a new Florida law aimed at keeping children off social-media platforms.

Tech giants said in a federal lawsuit that the law violates First Amendment rights and that parents should make decisions about children’s social-media use.

The law (HB 3) was a priority of House Speaker Paul Renner, R-Palm Coast, and became one of the biggest issues of the 2024 legislative session. Industry groups repeatedly signaled they would challenge the constitutionality of the law — with Renner and Attorney General Ashley Moody vowing to defend it.

The law, in part, seeks to prevent children under age 16 from opening social-media accounts on some platforms — though it would allow parents to give consent for 14- and 15-year-olds to have accounts.

Sen. Rick Scott speaks during a campaign stop at Ormond Garage on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Paul Richardson holds a campaign sign for Rick Scott.

Florida Sen. Tom Wright speaks during a campaign stop for Rick Scott

Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington speaks

“We’re going to have a record vote. It’s going to be fantastic and we’ve got a week left to make it happen.”

BILL PARTINGTON, Ormond Beach Mayor

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Oceanfront home sells for $1.8M in Hammock Dunes

Ahome at 3765 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in the Hammock Dunes neighborhood was the top real estate transaction between Oct. 12-18 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on Oct. 15, for $1.8 million. Built in 2005, the home is a 4/3 and has a private beach walkover, panoramic ocean views, two master suites and 3,923 square feet.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Condos

The condo at 19 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 701, sold on Oct. 15, for $1.3 million. Built in 2005, the condo is a 4/3 with a half-bath and has 3,283 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $1.5 million.

The condo at 19 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 205, sold on Oct. 15 for $1.1 million. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 with a half-bath and has 2,340 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1.2 million.

The condo at 15 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 2101, sold on Oct. 15, for $880,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 3/3 with a half-bath and has 2,387 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $420,000.

The condo at 900 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 823, sold on Oct. 18, for $670,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,344 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $585,000.

PALM COAST

Harbor Village Marina

The house at 214 Yacht Harbor Drive sold on Oct. 14, for $1.6 million. Built in 2015, the house is a 4/2 and has 4,848 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $2.2 million.

Palm Coast Plantation

The house at 112 Emerald Lake Drive sold on Oct. 16 for $1.25 million. Built in 2008, the house is a 4/3 with two half baths and has lake views, a boat dock and 5,138 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1.1 million.

The house at 1 Emerald Lake Court sold on Oct. 17 for $1 million. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/4 with a half bath and has lake views and 4,805 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $525,000.

Granada Estates The house at 6 Roma Court sold on Oct. 18, for $1.2 million. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/3 and has 3,204 square feet.

Crosswinds

The house at 3265 Maverick Lane sold on Oct. 16,

for $695,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, pole barn and 1,857 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $200,000.

Grand Haven The house at 32 Eastlake Drive sold on Oct. 18, for $575,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2 and has a heated pool and 2,490 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $430,000.

Grand Landings

The house at 197 S. Coopers Hawk Way sold on Oct. 18, for $553,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 5/4 and has 2,913 square feet.

Forest Grove

The house at 26 Ferngate Lane sold on Oct. 13 for $545,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,050 square feet.

Palm Harbor

The house at 86 Farragut Drive sold on Oct. 18, for $460,500. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 with two half baths and has 2,788 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $370,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Fuquay

The house at 1912 S. Palmetto Ave. sold on Oct. 18, for $560,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,106 square feet.

Rio Mar The house at 1509 N. Central Ave. sold on Oct. 18, for $545,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,666 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $352,000.

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

Ormond handyman loses truck during Milton, finds support in his community

Ed Budgen’s truck was an integral part of his job. Since Milton, he’s made due with the transportation he has: a pink Chevy Spark.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

During Hurricane Milton, Ormond Beach resident Ed Budgen and his wife heard the exact moment their neighbor’s live oak tree uprooted. Thinking it was lightning, they peered out the window, only to watch the tree fall on Budgen’s Chevy Silverado.

“‘There goes my truck’ — those were my exact words,” Budgen said. As a handyman, and owner of his own company, Budgen & Sons, his truck played a big role in his livelihood. But since

the hurricane, he has made due with the transportation he still has: his wife’s dark pink Chevy Spark. He can’t fit a ladder on it, but he’s picking up as many jobs as he’s able to do.

“I call it a go-kart,” Budgen said of his wife’s car.

Budgen founded his business in February 2021. His family’s roots in the community, however, date back

Breakaway Trails home is Ormond’s top sale

Ahouse at 11 Spanish Pine Way in the Breakaway Trails subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 12-18 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Oct. 18, for $800,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,964 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $462,500.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 2100 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 3010, sold on Oct. 18, for $375,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,087 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $420,000.

The condo at 3170 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 2030, sold on Oct. 15, for $395,000. Built in 1994, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,300 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $249,500.

The condo at 1575 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 204, sold on Oct. 17, for $242,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a studio with one bathroom and 450 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $236,000.

The condo at 2600 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 3080, sold on Oct. 15, for $357,000. Built in 1982, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,430 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $310,300.

ORMOND BEACH

Halifax Plantation

The house at 1329 Arklow

Circle sold on Oct. 15, for $699,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 3,221 square feet.

The house at 3100 Connemara Drive sold on Oct. 15, for $440,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,014 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $355,000.

Ormond Green

The house at 9 Greenvale Drive sold on Oct. 15, for $420,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, spa and 1,897 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $277,000.

Ormond Lakes

The house at 87 Emerald Oaks Lane sold on Oct. 15, for $772,600. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,245 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $599,000.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 233 Cumberland Ave. sold on Oct. 16, for $245,000. Built in 1961, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,856 square feet.

several decades, as his greatgrandfather owned the Daytona Cab Car Company — he also was responsible for building a dog house in 1940 for Daytona’s town dog Brownie, and later establishing a bank account in his name.

Due to Hurricane Milton, Budgen lost almost two weeks of work. As the tree that damaged his truck fell also damaged his home’s power line, his was the only house in their street without electricity for a week.

But the neighbors, he said, have been very helpful. One brought his family a generator after the storm, and he’d come home and see full cans of gas sitting on their porch.

Another neighbor provided them with food and transportation when needed.

“It gives me hope for humanity,” Budgen said.

“There’s probably eight or nine neighbors around here that just did everything they possibly could to help us out.”

But the best way his neighbors helped? They found him jobs to do.

“They’re putting me to work because they know it’s close by and I don’t need a truck to get there,” Budgen said. “We’re just taking it one day at a time.”

Plantation Bay

The house at 3077 Monaghan Drive sold on Oct. 17, for $370,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,895 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $96,250.

Riverbend Acres

The house at 236 Whippoorwill Lane sold on Oct. 16, for $500,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,392 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $195,000.

The Trails The townhome at 17 Maplewood Trail sold on Oct. 18, for $275,000. Built in 1978, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,696 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $138,000. The house at 10 Choctaw Trail sold on Oct. 16, for $668,500. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,787 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $379,000.

Woodmere South The house at 126 Fairwood Circle sold on Oct. 18, for $312,200. Built in 1970, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,570 square feet. It last sold in 1980 for $68,500.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Seaside Manor The house at 25 Seaside Drive sold on Oct. 16, for $265,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/1 and has a fireplace and 784 square feet. It last sold in 1991 for $56,000.

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

Ed Budgen’s Chevy Silverado truck was damaged by a fallen tree during Hurricane Milton. Courtesy photo

Since losing his truck during Hurricane Milton, Ormond Beach resident Ed Budgen has been using his wife’s pink Chevy Spark for work. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Brower calls for temporary moratorium on new development

The Volusia County Council chair intends to bring his proposal to the council’s Nov. 19 meeting, two weeks after the election.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower announced Tuesday that he will propose the council enact a temporary moratorium on all new development.

“I’m asking for us all to come together, get on the same side of the desk and do the morally responsible thing and answer the people’s demands for action,” said Brower during a press conference at the City Island courthouse. “It’s time to put action behind words. It’s time to stop the obstructionism that prevents anything from moving forward.”

Brower is proposing the moratorium not only include unincorporated areas in Volusia, which are under county jurisdiction, but extend to its 16 cities. The county’s charter, he said, requires the county to have minimum standards for environmental protection, and those can be applied to cities. Additionally, Brower cited a 2002 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that stated temporary development moratoria were constitutional.

A moratorium, if approved by the Volusia County Council, would last as long as it needs to, Brower said, to address and prevent flooding in communities such as Midtown Daytona Beach and portions of Edgewater and DeLand.

“People have lost their entire earthly possessions,” Brower said. “Eight foot of trash in front of their homes that used to hang in their closet, that used to be their furni-

future of Volusia County,” she said. Can the Volusia County Council enact a countywide moratorium?

According to a 2022 memorandum from County Attorney Mike Dyer to the County Council, “a general county building moratorium within municipalities does not appear to be supported by the current charter. It would be a decision by the elected governing bodies of municipalities.”

In other words, the county doesn’t have zoning powers over municipalities, so in order for a countywide moratorium on new development to go into effect, all 16 cities would need to be on board.

ture, while they’re cutting out the drywall in their house. It’s time to take concrete action to prevent this from happening again and this is the time to do it.”

Volusia residents impacted by flooding shared their stories at the press conference, saying they need help. DeLand residents Pat and John Joslin, who own Common Ground Farms, said they have noticed “aggressively worsening flooding” occur in the last six years.

“In 2022, we flooded,” John Josling said. “Five feet of water on my farm. We put $200,000 in earth work into my farm to try and fix it. What did we get this time? Only 2 feet because I filled my property up. It’s not going away.”

Daytona Beach resident Nichole Burgess-Mathis shared her home flooded in 2022 — waist deep in her backyard, and 18 inches inside her home. After repairing the $109,000 in damages to her home, a feat that took 11 months, her house flooded again after Hurricane Milton while she was working at her hospital job.

“We need to do something to help the people who have been here, the people who want to be here and the

Make yourself at home

What such a moratorium would look like is to be determined, as Brower said he wants to discuss it with the rest of the council to hear what ideas could be brought forward.

Brower said he intends to discuss the matter at the Nov. 19 County Council meeting, which will take place two weeks after the election. Brower is running to keep his position on the council against businessman and former race car driver Randy Dye, who was also present at the press conference and spoke to reporters after Brower concluded.

Brower’s press conference was interrupted by Daytona Beach City Commissioner Stacy Cantu, who said Brower hasn’t attended a Daytona Beach City Commission meeting in the last four years.

“If county and city wants to work together, you should be contacting the city, you should be contacting utilities to find out what’s going on in our city, instead of telling me right now you do not want to talk to me,” Cantu said.

She pressed Brower on whether the conference — held one week before elections — was a campaign event. His press conference was not a campaign event, Brower said, adding that he was used to the accusation that his actions — both on and off the

Prolonging the magic of celebrations

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

‘Withhold not good from them to whom it is due.’

When I stopped at home briefly after work, before leaving for another evening event, my 6-yearold son, Luke, came running.

“You just need one thing,” he said.

“What’s that?”

He gave me a bear hug.

Which would have been adorable, except that my back was sore, and it was quite painful.

“Where are you going?” he asked.

“To a retirement party,” I said. His jaw dropped cartoonishly.

“You’re retiring?!?”

Not exactly. Give me another 24 years or so.

Instead, I drove to Garry Lubi’s retirement party.

The previous week, I attended another event, this time in Ormond Beach, where Becky Parker was celebrated for her 10 years at Ormond MainStreet.

ness, addiction and mental health.

Sen. Tom Wright and club member

Republican Club of Northeast Volusia donates over $8,000 to Barracks of Hope

To celebrate its third anniversary, the Republican Club of Northeast Volusia County donated over $8,000 to Barracks of Hope on Wednesday, Oct. 16. Barracks of Hope, a veterans shelter by Halifax Urban Ministries located in Daytona Beach, provides transitional housing for up to nine months to male and female veterans who have struggled with homeless-

Randy Dye were present for the donation. Dye helped spearhead the drive for members, according to an email to the Observer. Dye is also a candidate for Volusia County Council chair.

The Republican Club of NE Volusia County has grown to 263 members in its three years.

Ormond Beach World War II veteran celebrates 100th birthday

Ormond Beach resident Alvin Sonny Plotkin recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Born on Oct. 12, 1924, Plotkin is a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy. He earned a Purple Heart, as well as seven air medals

In both events, in contrast to the division and rancor of the national political scene, I witnessed the guests of honor tear up, feeling admired and rewarded. And, as one speech after another was given, I looked around at the people in the crowd: They were rapt, all smiles, glowing.

In those moments, how can the audience not feel unified by love? It was refreshing to rest in these little oases of pure good-natured celebration.

Which led me to wonder: What could I do to prolong the magic? Or, in everyday moments that were merely mundane or frustrating, how could I re-enter the celebration zone?

and a unit citation for his service.

Plotkin celebrated his birthday with all of his relatives on Sunday, Oct. 13, and the Ormond Beach Fire Department dropped by for a visit.

“He sat at a bridge table in the garage, to receive his guests, then we had food and cake in the house,”

dais — were political in nature.

“We’re politicians,” he said. “A politician’s job is to try and improve the lives of the people.”

Once Brower concluded his remarks and wrapped up his press conference, County Councilman Danny Robins asked to speak. He, along with County Councilman Jake Johansson, were both present at the press conference, despite Brower stating he had not invite any council members; Brower said he wanted the council to hear the proposal officially on the dais, and that his press conference was aimed at garnering public support for a moratorium on new development.

Robins said flooding needs to be approached on a “methodical fashion,” which he said has been done. He cited recent stormwater projects, the county purchase of close to 1,500 acres in southeast Volusia for conservation, and the partnership between the county and the St. Johns River Water Management District.

He also spoke about the county’s Transform 387 project, which was composed of $328.9 million of funds to help the community after Hurricane Ian.

“That just goes to show you the relationship that some of us have with our cities and this just isn’t talk,” Robins said. “This is real action and it’s not the ‘Mad Max’ armageddon that some of these things are made out to be.”

When it comes to a countywide moratorium, Robins said it is not under the county’s jurisdiction.

“If you want to do something within the city, that’s why you have a city government,” Robins said. “... We have to get through the political theater and get results — not this divisive rhetoric, point the fingers and then call for unity in the next breath and play the victim.”

Dye said a moratorium is a “timeout” to put together a plan, and he

Before I left Lubi’s event, I asked him if he had any wise words for me, considering he had already finished raising his children and had successfully concluded his career of nearly five decades in banking.

“It’s about relationships,” he said.

In other words, I thought, treat people as you would want to be treated. Earn their trust. Show up, spend quality time, and spread goodwill with honest compliments.

In the words of the Proverb: “Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.”

And so, since I have the power of a few paragraphs in my hand, I’d like to use them to celebrate a few people, even though they’re not retiring or celebrating any milestones: Sage Wilcox: Every morning, Sage drives my daughter to high school after a church class. She is one of the most selfless people I

his son-in-law Ira Freedman said in an email to the Observer. “It was the best two hours he’s had since his wife passed nine years ago.” Plotkin is originally from Richmond, Virginia. Throughout his life, he lived in Las Vegas at least four times, and then moved to Clermont in the 1970s.

Ormond Memorial Art Museum to present Veterans Day Tribute on Nov. 11

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens will present its annual Veterans Day Tribute from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11. The program will begin under a tent in the OMAM parking lot, where attendees will enjoy patriotic music

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questioned why a plan wasn’t put in place four years ago.

“Four years of this is unacceptable,” Dye said.

The county does need to change how development occurs to be more environmentally friendly, he added. But a development moratorium will only happen if all 16 cities go along with the proposal.

“They’ll have to agree to it on their own,” Dye said. “We’re not going to be able to lead them.”

know.

Bill Navarra: Whenever I see him at Ormond Beach events, Bill always gives me a genuine smile and makes me feel welcome. I learned something when I saw him gathering his employees for a group picture at the MainStreet event, creating a positive culture in his company, leading by example.

Kim Sunshine: Kim is the type of person who will walk you across a room just to introduce you to someone else who might be able to help you. What does she get out of it? The joy of helping others. Kathy Austrino: This week, she took some time to give me some honest, professional feedback. I could tell she wanted me to succeed.

Maureen Ryan: A great listener. A cheerful, thoughtful soul. What’s a compliment you’d like to share? Email brian@observerlocalnews.com

performed by Ormond Beach vocalist Jennifer McGill, of Halifax Repertory Theatre. Ormond Beach Vice Mayor Harold Briley will welcome guests. The colors will be presented by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Joint Color Guard, and Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey will lead the pledge of allegiance.

The keynote speaker will be Andrew Gygi, a retired orthopedic surgeon, Gulf War veteran and member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. A 27-foot Coast Guard Response Boat will be on display, and light refreshments will be provided by the Pilot Club of Daytona Beach. The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available behind The Casements at 25 Riverside Drive and St. James Episcopal Church. 44 S. Halifax Drive.

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower speaks during his press conference at the City Island courthouse on Oct. 29. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Alvin Plotkin is a World War II veteran.

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

A night of scary good fun

Winning costumes surrounded guests at the recent SPARC Halloween Party.

The event was hosted by the Special Populations and Recreation Council and the city of Ormond Beach at the Nova Community Center on Friday, Oct. 25, from 6-8 p.m.

The SPARC organization provides physical and recreational activities for people with disabilities.

Guests were asked to bring a dessert to share. Over 12 dishes were brought, giving everyone a wide variety of treats to enjoy together.

The event also offered a DJ and

YOUR TOWN

Beachside Elementary celebrates Literacy Night with a ‘spooky’ twist Beachside Elementary hosted a Literacy Night on Tuesday, Oct. 22, with a Halloween theme.

According to an email to the Observer from Beachside Elementary Principal Leigh Prokop, the event featured “Books for Bingo,” where participants won free books by playing bingo, and attendees were encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. The evening also included participation by the Daytona State College baseball players.

“These athletes not only volunteered their time but also brought energy and fun to the event by dancing, calling out bingo numbers, and distributing prizes,” Prokop said. “Their involvement added an extra layer of excitement and community spirit. Overall, it was a wonderful night filled with laughter, learning, and a strong sense of community, making it a memorable occasion for all Beachside families.”

of the

Noah Savrice dressed as a doctor

Lance Avery, Rilea Jackson and Colby Euler dressed as pizza and a Boy Scout.

Roger Klein and Genesis Collazo wearing their Halloween shirts

Kelly Jones looking picture perfect in her princess outfit

Byron Widdison, Chad Russell and Anna Widdison waiting in line for a delicious meal.

Club

Halifax Area donates furnishings to The Chiles Academy The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area recently donated funds to The Chiles Academy in Daytona Beach to furnish a “resting” room for students, a press release announced. Furnishings included bedding,

décor, lighting, as well as a sound machine for the space which students named “Dream Land.” A plaque recognizing the Pilot Club was presented to The Chiles Academy, a public charter school which serves any pregnant teen or teen parent in Volusia County from sixth through 12th grade.

Beachside Elementary held a Literacy Night on Tuesday, Oct. 22.

The Chiles Academy students with PCHA members Shirley Pyle, Janet Bryant and Elissa Thomas. Courtesy photos

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, OCT. 31

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Take part in this “spooktacular” evening. There will be candy, games with prizes, goodie bags, cookies, cider, juice and popcorn and Halloween tunes.

FRIDAY, NOV. 1

33RD WALK AROUND FLORIDA

When: Friday, Nov. 1 to Sunday, Nov.

3

Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Take part in four walks, a bike and a swim in the Palm Coast area, sponsored by Happy Wanderers, Mid-Florida Milers and the Suncoast Sandpipers, members of the American Volkssport Association. Celebrate Florida nature in this weekend of events. Visit happywanderersfl.org.

CRAFT EXTRAVAGANZA

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2

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

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club is hosting a Craft Extravaganza event which will feature a bake sale, raffle and handmade Christmas items, including home décor, gifts, clothing, accessories, holiday decorations and more. The proceeds will benefit local charities, scholarships and organizations. Entry is free. A lunch will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call Penny at 386447-0399.

FIRST FRIDAY GARDEN WALK

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Come out the first Friday of the month to learn more about the gardens and history of Washington Oaks. No registration necessary; the walk is included with the park’s entry fees. Meet at the garden parking

Dr. Indira Álvarez, Clinical Director & Owner Palm Coast Hearing Center

It’s that time of the year again, when Medicare beneficiaries get to choose a different supplement or Medicare replacement plan for upcoming year. This is an important decision, as it will impact the monthly cost of the plan, the co-pays and deductible amounts and the coverage for medication. For many people with hearing impairment, another factor to consider is whether or not their prospective plans cover hearing aids. Although we see many commercials and fliers in the mail touting all the “free stuff” you get from some of those plans, it can still be hard to know what kind of coverage is included, and if “free” really means free. In the world of audiology, most practices (including us at Palm Coast & Ormond Hearing Center) accept Medicare, which means you are covered for one diagnostic hearing exam a year. Medicare alone however, does not cover hearing aids (or dental or vision) so you may be looking for a supplement or a Medicare replacement plan (called Medicare Advantage plans) to fill in the gaps for medicine and other benefits like hearing aids. At first glance Medicare Advantage plans seem to offer an incredible value, with all kinds of additional benefits, some with a $0 plan premium- sounds great, right? Well, as with most things in life you get what you pay for. It’s important to know that when choosing a Medicare Advantage plan, you must go to an in-network provider and

lot at 10 a.m. and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours last one hour.

ITALIAN VISAS — ITALY EVENT

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Odyssey Travel, 146 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Odyssey Travel for wine and appetizers. Presenting Collette’s Italian Vistas, a trip through Rome, Sorrento, Florence and more on May 5-17, 202. RSVP by calling April Toth at 386-672-8113.

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

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

SATURDAY, NOV. 2

FALL FOR NATIVES

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: This is a native plant sale and education event by Natural Beauty. There will be an info booth, native seed packs for sale, kid friendly craft, and an 11 a.m. classroom presentation by the Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society.

VETERAN CARE AND WELLNESS GOALS

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

Where: South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser, Inc. is hosting an awareness event for veteran health and mental health. Free lunch and there will be door prizes.

TOUR DE TOMOKA 2024:

MODEL A CAR SHOW

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: Tomoka Outpost inside Tomoka State Park, 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Take a stroll along the Tomoka River at the Tomoka Outpost inside Tomoka State Park and see a display of history in the form of Model A specific vehicles. There will be live music by Jim Lamb and food

trucks. Tomoka State Park entry fees apply. For a vehicle with a single occupant, it’s $4; for up to 8 people in a vehicle, it’s $5. For bicyclist or pedestrians, it’s $2.

ORMOND ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

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

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

FALL FESTIVAL

When: 4-7 p.m.

Where: Pathways Elementary, 2100 Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Pathways Elementary invites the community to its fall festival. There will be vendors, food trucks and activities for all ages.

SUNDAY, NOV. 3

TEMPLE BETH SHALOM PALM

COAST ANNUAL NON-SECTARIAN

BLESSING OF THE PETS

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

Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Temple Beth Shalom in Palm Coast will host all furry, feathered and other critters and their owners for its annual Non-Sectarian Blessing of the Pets. Free admission and parking. Pets will receive a personalized blessing certificate signed by Rabbi Karen Tashman. Local animal support organizations will be on hand to provide information and education. Raffle prizes will also be awarded. Call the TBS office at 386445-3006 for more information.

RUMOURS ATL:

A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Ceter, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast

Details: See Rumours ATL perform its renditions of Fleetwood Mac songs. Rumours ATL is fronted by Mekenzie Zimmerman. Adrienne Cottrell, and Denny Hanson. John Spiegel on lead guitar, Jim Ramsdell on bass and Daniel Morrison on drums make up the band. Tickets

you may need a referral; unlike traditional Medicare, where you can go to any doctor who accepts Medicare and you don’t need a referral. For example, Mayo Clinic here in Florida does not accept Medicare Advantage plans. Many providers, especially smaller private practices, are unable to accept Advantage plan patients due to the poor reimbursement. Many of us love our local providers in private practices because of the individualized care, more time and a closer relationship that we have with our doctors. Many patients don’t realize that the reduced reimbursement offered to providers may be related to all those extra “free” benefits- basically you are agreeing to less choices when it comes to what providers you can see and what tests and treatments will be approved. Also, with most Advantage plans, in-network providers must request prior approval for many tests, medications, and procedures. You can read more about access and how Advantage plans work at medicare.gov, and by Googling “trade-offs when choosing Medicare Advantage over traditional Medicare”. Also, although Advantage

start at $54. Visit flaglerauditorium. org.

TUESDAY, NOV. 5

MASTER GARDENER

PLANT CLINIC

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond

Beach

Details: Attend this interactive program that provides research-based horticultural education to homeowners. Bring your questions, samples and photos.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

When: 1-4 p.m.

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

Details: Learn to paint in watercolor with artist Bibi Gromling. Class costs $75. All supplies included. No drawing required. Class is limited to six students.. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve a spot.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 6

PALM COAST ASTRONOMY CLUB

MEETINGWHEN: 5:30-6:30 P.M.

Where: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast

Details: The Palm Coast Astronomy Club will hold its next meeting at the library. The meeting’s topic will be “Introduction to the Fall Constellations.” Everyone interested in astronomy is welcome. The meeting room is located to the right after entering the library.

THURSDAY, NOV. 7

ANNUAL PAYCHECKS FOR PATRIOTS JOB FAIR

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

Where: Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach Details: CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia is hosting this job fair to help veterans find employment. Free and open to the public. Walkins are welcome. To register, visit careersourcebrevard.com/event/ paychecks-for-patriots-job-fair-allare-welcome-2.

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION AND LUNCHEON

When: 12-2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Senior Center, 351 Andrews St., Ormond Beach

Details: Join the city of Ormond Beach in honoring veterans with a special celebration and luncheon. Veterans can attend for free and guests are welcome for $7.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

PATHWAYS ELEMENTARY VETERANS DAY PROGRAM

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Pathways Elementary, 2100 Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Held during school hours, this program features students, speakers, a military flag display and the school’s music department. About 60 veterans from the Ormond Beach area have been invited to attend and will be recognized. Parents, family members and community members are invited to attend as well. Visitors must be pre-registered with the school office.

A RED RUM MURDER DINNER SHOW

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast VFW, 47 Old Kings Road N, Palm Coast Details: The Seawolf Privateers are having another murder mystery dinner show. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets cost $55. There will be a cash bar, silent auction, games of chance, and more. Visit seawolfprivateers.org/fundraisers.

THE GATLIN BROTHERS

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Ceter, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast

Details: Larry, Steve and Rudy, the Gatlin Brothers, are Grammy awardwinners who have dazzled audiences for more than 69 years. Tickets start at $64. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

TRINITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR

When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Peruse handmade crafts and gently used treasures, collectible dolls and bears, and more. There will be raffles and a silent auction, homemade baked goods and a traditional lunch with a ham salad and vegetable soup to enjoy in the cafe. Free event.

plans accept patients with pre-existing conditions, if you want to switch back to Medicare and a supplement, many of the supplement plans will not take you back if you have a pre-existing condition - that means you can go back to regular Medicare but you will not be able to get a supplement to fill in the gap (20%) that Medicare does not pay.

When it comes to hearing benefits, most Advantage plans use a third-party provider to administer the benefits, which means there is yet another entity involved. You may receive a benefit or more likely, get a “discount”, but only if you see an in-network provider and only on the devices on their formulary. This may not be a big deal, unless you need or want higher level technology or want to see a certain specialist. Many smaller practices who prioritize patient outcomes and spend more time with patients to ensure they receive the best care possible simply cannot participate with such plans due to the extremely low reimbursement rates. Why are they so low? People forget that insurance companies are for-profit entities- it is in their best

interest to spend as little as possible on care, and to take as long as possible to pay claims (so that billions of dollars can sit in the bank and accrue interest for shareholders). Alternately, most supplements that offer a hearing benefit will pay any provider you choose, and you can choose whatever technology you need or want, with no limits to what’s on their “discounted” list. Sadly, another little known fact is that many of the agents who are counseling seniors on these plans get commissions for the number of patients they enroll in Advantage plans, so their “most popular plan” is likely the one paying the agent the highest commission. When it is all said and done, make sure you ask your doctors if they accept the plan you are considering (we get calls all the time from patients who have a popular Advantage plan we don’t participate in, who tell us we are on their insurance’s website as providers). Check and make sure your medications are covered and make sure you understand how the “value-added benefits” like hearing care are administered, so that you feel confident when you

make your choice. When it comes to access, it’s tough to beat traditional Medicare, where you can go to any doctor anywhere in the United States, without a referral or prior authorizations. Center for Medicare Advocacy attorneys David Lipschutz and Kata Kertesz said while there are barriers in traditional Medicare, those barriers are worse for MA enrollees, and that Advantage plans seem to work well for the young and healthy, but not so well for many who are not.

Sometimes if it looks too good to be true, it is!

At Palm Coast Hearing Center, our mission is to provide the best quality hearing care possible, educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health? Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com.

Crowned in glory: Mainland presents its 2024-2025 homecoming court

Mainland introduced their homecoming court and announced the senior royalty winners at halftime during the game against Belleview on Friday, Oct. 25.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland brought the homecoming spirit with a rousing 57-0 win against the Belleview Rattlers on Friday, Oct. 25.

During halftime, the homecoming court was introduced, followed by the announcement of the senior royalty winners— queen Kiera Williams and king Jermaine McBridge. They will reign the remainder of the 2024-2025 school year and preside over special school events, including the homecoming dance, themed “Night in the Bayou”.

Williams is also Miss Mainland 2025. She is a three-sport athlete, participating in soccer, track and flag football. She is involved in the Mainland Collegiate Institute, Student

Government Association, National

Honor Society club, Athletic Training and the Interact club. She will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.

McBridge is the president of the Mainland’s Florida Public Service Association and hopes to study nursing at Bethune-Cookman University or Florida A&M University. And making up the rest of the homecoming court is:

„ Freshmen: Kailyn Hill and Jace Payne

„ Sophomores: Sanaielle Joseph and Shawn Holmes

„ Juniors: A’mija Gass and Marisela Lares

„ Seniors: Kiera Williams and Joshua Stubbs;Aaliyah Whites and Andres Rodriquez; Amyah Watlington and Jermaine McBridge.

One of the most important things we can do is provide them with a first class education.

My Politically Neutral Goals Will Continue to Be: Provide Secure and Safe Schools. Train and Educate Our Students for a Variety of Jobs and Professions. Focus on the Fundamentals: Reading, Writing, and Math. Empower Parents to Make the Best Educational Choices for Their Children. Recruit and Reward the Best Teachers. Use Our Resources Wisely.

Mainland principal Joseph Castelli (back) stands with homecoming queen Kiera Williams and king Jermaine McBridge and part of the homecoming court.

Mainland homecoming freshmen representatives: Kailyn Hill and Jace Payne. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland homecoming junior representatives: A’mija Gass and Marisela Lares.

Drum major Karmen Williams leads the Mainland Band during halftime at the homecoming game against Belleview at the Daytona Stadium.

Persis Family, Including our children and grandchildren.

Buddy Taylor Middle School hosts second annual career fair

The fair was coorganized by the Flagler County Education Foundation and the Palm Coast Junior Chamber.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For the second year in a row, Buddy Taylor has hosted a career fair to show students what career opportunities are available outside of going to college.

“We want the kids to know there is so much available in Flagler County for them to pursue, if that’s what they want,” BTMS Principal Cara Cronk said.

The Oct. 23 fair, co-organized by the Flagler County Education Foundation and the Palm Coast Junior Chamber, featured over 50 vendors this year, including tables for Flagler County, Palm Coast, several first responders and other trade industries and

programs.

This year, Cronk said, they tried to also include programs featured at the high schools — like the Junior ROTC programs and Matanzas High School’s Culinary program. The high schools offer several programs that allow students to graduate with certifications and immediately join the work force.

“What we wanted was to make sure that the students and parents are fully aware of all the opportunities at both high schools,” she said.

Hostin the high school programs at the fair allows the middle school students to talk to the high school students in the programs, she said, that way the students can make an informed decision before signing up for them.

“One of the things that we know as educators is not everyone is going to go get a college degree, and that’s fine. That is okay,” Cronk said.

Several of the tables brought interactive displays for the students to try out. Lauren Ramirez, of Salus Medical Training, brought training

dummies and fake blood and medications for students to try their hand at both drawing blood and administering medication with a needle.

“This is for students or adults or anyone looking for a medical career,” Ramirez said. Salus provides training and certifications for several

YOUR TOWN

Ed

Foundation presents 45 teacher grants

The Flagler County Education Foundation and Beaver Toyota

different careers — including phlebotomy and medical assisting, as well as a variety of first aid certifications.

Cronk said the goal was to have a variety of participants to appeal to all of the students, not just the college-bound kids.

“To have the exposure to all these different things that kids can pursue right out of high school, if they want to, it just it makes me very happy,” Cronk said. “That is one of our goals, is to show the kids that there are different career avenues for every type of student.”

delivered a record-breaking 45 classroom grants totaling $72,000 to 11 Flagler County schools during the week ending Oct. 18.

The Beaver Toyota Teacher Grants program matches the funds by the Florida Consortium of Florida Education Foundations to provide teachers funding for supplies, classroom items and enrichment activities — projects or programs not included in the school’s budget.

According to the National Education Association, more than 90% of teachers spend an average of $500 of their own money for school supplies and other items that their students need to succeed.

Matanzas High School JROTC Cadet Cpts. Arabella Allen and Ana Heartz.

Flagler County Fire Rescue Cpt. Armando Castaneda

Lauren Ramirez, from Salus Medical Training, shows students how to draw blood and administer medication. Photos by Sierra Williams

City of Palm Coast wastewater employees Anna Patrick and Ron Cook at the 2024 Buddy Taylor Middle School career fair.

The Flagler County Education Foundation and Beaver Toyota delivered 45 classroom grants totaling $72,000. Courtesy photo

A ruby anniversary: Ormond Beach Senior Games held for 40th year

The Ormond Beach Senior Games is sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Almost 300 people took part in the 40th annual Ormond Beach Senior Games, held Oct. 18-26.

Tennis, swimming, basketball, pickleball, bowling and golf were among the sport events held throughout the week in various locations around town for the games, which are organized every year by a volunteer board. To pay tribute to its 40th anniversary, board members and participants each received a ruby red shirt. Board Chair Patty Fennell said the games encourage local seniors to stay active, which is one of her passions and what motivated her to become the board’s chair three years ago.

“It’s more about staying healthy and having fun, and that’s what we want with all of our games,” Fennell said.

The games’ opening ceremony, featuring Ormond Beach marathon runner Angelika Grubel as the torch bearer, was held on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Ormond Beach Senior Center.

always a joy to see seniors take part in the games.

Every year, all who attend receive a free lunch and the mayor issues a proclamation, and this year was no exception.

Open to everyone 50 years of age and older, with no residency requirements, the Ormond Beach Senior Games is sanctioned by the Florida Sports Foundation as a qualifier for the Florida Senior Games.

The Senior Games are its own entity, but the city of Ormond Beach supports the games by helping the board and providing facilities. Ormond Beach Community Events Coordinator Sonja Johnson said it’s

“They pat each other on the back,” Johnson said. “They encourage each other. The ages are so varied, but it doesn’t matter, because everybody encourages everybody. ... The spirit and the teamwork, even though it’s individual, is very uplifting.”

In 2019, Fennell was the opening ceremony’s torchbearer. A swimmer, she qualified for the state senior games and moved on to Nationals, bringing medals back home.

“We try to bring somebody back who’s been participating in the senior games to be our torch bearer that actually opens up our games during our opening ceremony,” Fennell said.

Over the week, she got the chance to watch a few of the events. Being a sanctioned event, participants registered from all over the state, she

said. One of her highlights is seeing how grateful everyone was for the events, as they loved the opportunity to participate.

“We’re very, very excited to put Ormond Beach Senior Games out there and open it up to anybody,” Fennell said. “... Just the smiles that you see and the ‘thank yous’ that you continually hear from all of them, it’s very inspirational.”

Other highlights also include seeing some of the older participants perform well: an 80-year-old woman in swimming and a 96-year-old man in golf.

“I don’t think you’re ever too old,” Fennell said. “Again, it’s about getting out and moving and participating, and that’s what’s truly helpful for our population — to stay out there, to be socialized, not to have social isolation, but to come out and have a good time in these games, and that’s what it’s about.”

The board that puts the games together used to be composed of

mainly retired individuals. But now, the six-person board is made up of people who all work full-time — Johnson said a lot of people may not realize that.

“This is pretty incredible,” she said.

Fennell said the board is very passionate.

“We put lots of time and effort in it to make it a phenomenal event,” Fennell said. “We want to make it better and better every year.”

The partnerships with the venues for the events, which include The Trails Racquet Club, Ormond Beach YMCA, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Pictona at Holly Hill, Aberdeen, Revive Fitness, Daytona Beach Golf Club and city of Ormond Beach facilities, are a key to the games’ success too, Fennell said.

“All the venues have already said yes to next year,” she said. “Some of our sponsors have already said yes for next year. They want to be back.”

Ormond Beach Senior Games powerlifting participants.

The Ormond Beach Senior Games swimming participants.

Angelika Grubel carries the torch during the opening ceremony. Photos courtesy of Ed Fennell

Participants of the Ormond Beach Senior Games basketball game.

COMICS

District champs

The Buccaneers clinched the district title with a resounding 57-0 victory against Belleview on Homecoming night; they will meet Seabreeze on Nov. 1.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland stole the show and won the District 5A-4 championship with a 57-0 blowout against Belleview in the Buccaneers’ Homecoming game on Friday, Oct. 25.

With the district title, the Bucs officially booked their 31st consecutive trip to the playoffs.

The Bucs (4-5) have now beaten both of their District 4-5A opponents and have won four straight games after starting the season at 0-5. They close the regular season on Nov. 1 in their annual rivalry game with Seabreeze.

As a flurry of flags and a plethora of coaches swarmed the field throughout the game with Belleview, the Bucs’ defense pinned back the Rattlers, while Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson tossed five touchdown passes. Johnson passed for 113 yards to give him 1,343 yards passing for the season. Cole Walker came in for Johnson in the second quarter and threw a a touchdown pass to Kajuan Curry Jr..

“Hard work and dedication finally brought these kids together — I knew they would,” Mainland head coach Jerrime Bell said of his players. “You graduate 32 seniors, it’s a brand new

football team and it’s going to take them a while to gel. I’m proud of their fight. I’m proud of the way they came together.”

Senior Noah Lehmann drove the opening kickoff deep into Rattler territory. Belleview fumbled the the return and Mainland’s Dennis “Pnut” King ran in for the touchdown. Johnson followed with two 18-yard touchdown passes in quick succession to wide receivers Phillip Moore and Eddie Lake.

Edward Williams had three carries at the end of the first quarter that landed the Bucs on the Rattlers’ 2-yard line. Williams limped to the sideline, ending his game with 129 rushing yards on just eight carries. The running back leads the team with 908 all-purpose yards and eight touchdowns.

Moore laughed throughout the game. He said because it is his last year playing with Mainland, he is going to enjoy every moment of it. He is third on the team in receiving with 243 yards.

“I was doing a whole lot of everything,” he said. “I play both sides of the ball. This really was a statement game to show everybody that ... we’re still here. We are ready for any competition. You can bring anybody you want to. We’re ready for anything. We’re ready for anybody.”

SEE MAINLAND PAGE 8B

“... We are going to take it gameby-game. We are going to be road warriors (in the playoffs) because we put ourselves in a bad situation, but no matter where we show up, we’re going to play Mainland Bucs football. Our defense travels wherever we go and our offense is finally finding itself and clicking on all cylinders.”

— JERRIME BELL, Mainland football coach

Seabreeze overcomes turnovers in Senior Night football victory

FIVE SPORTS FOR CLOER

Senior Luke Cloer is on the verge of completing his second of two fall sports. He’ll participate in three more sports before he graduates.

Cloer is a five-sport athlete, and there are reasons that student athletes almost never compete in that many sports, logistics and exhaustion, for example.

Football is Cloer’s main sport.

He is also on the swim team in the fall. Cloer, an offensive lineman and co-captain of the football team, couldn’t make afternoon swim practices because they conflicted with football practice, but he did participate in the daily 6 a.m. swim practice.

The end of the week was toughest for him. He would have Thursday afternoon football practice, homework and then wake up at 5 a.m. Friday, have a banana and orange juice, swim for an hour, go to school, then prepare for Friday night’s football game. On Saturday mornings, there would often be a swim meet.

“It’s a tough 36 hours, but I’m used to that culture,” he said.

Cloer is also on the wrestling team, the weightlifting team, and he is a shot put and discus thrower on the track and field team. During late winter, all three of those sports are either in season or have preseason practice.

Swim season ended with districts for Cloer. He competed in the 50-yard freestyle. How did he do? “I wasn’t last,” he said with a big smile on his face. On to the next sport.

Cash Kurz’s pick-six, Drew McNerney’s 2-point catch helped the Sandcrabs thump Pine Ridge 24-6.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seabreeze fumbled on its first play from scrimmage. It would be the first of five turnovers by the Sandcrabs, but that’s not what set the tone for Seabreeze’s Senior Night game against Pine Ridge.

The Panthers seemed poised to convert that first turnover into points, but a sack by Tristan Miller and another by Brogan Kelly and Matthew Wells helped push Pine Ridge out of field goal range. Seabreeze scored on its next possession. That sequence set the tone for the Sandcrabs’ 24-6 victory over the Panthers on Friday, Oct. 24, at Daytona Stadium.

“It was Senior Night, and we came out and battled,” Seabreeze coach Mike Klein said. “We turned the ball over too much, but fortunately, our defense got turnovers too.”

Seabreeze’s Logan Smith, Jake Deising and Cash Kurz each grabbed interceptions. Kurz’s 15-yard picksix with 3:28 left in the game gave the Sandcrabs (2-5) a 22-6 lead.

On the next play, senior kicker Drew McNerney came out to kick the extra point. But holder Dean Hayes picked up the ball and lofted a pass to a streaking McNerney who made the catchit’ and crossed the goal line untouched for a 2-point conversion.

“I heard them talking about it,” Klein said. “I had a feeling that was coming. I just sent them out there and let it ride. It was kind of nice doing it on Senior Night.”

Seabreeze honored 10 senior football players before the game: Dylan Hayes, Dyland Tocci, Kelly, McNerney, Brody Boda, Deising, Julian Perez, Kevin MacMahan, Aiden Boyer

and Luke Cloer.

“It’s not a big group, but it’s a special group,” Klein said.

Running back George Jeremias put the Sandcrabs on the scoreboard with a 21-yard run late in the first quarter. His scoring run followed his 19-yard catch from Tocci to move Seabreeze deep into Panthers’ territory. McNerney’s 30-yard field goal put the Sandcrabs up 9-0 just before halftime.

Tocci ended a 12-play drive early in the third quarter with a 1-yard touchdown run to put Seabreeze up 16-0. Pine Ridge quarterback Joel Rosa capitalized on a Seabreeze fumble to score the Panthers’ only touchdown on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter.

Klein said the players were able to eliminate explosive plays by their opponent, which have hurt the Sandcrabs all season. He credited matching the starters up against each other in different scenarios in practice for changing the mindset on both sides of the ball.

“The coaches prepared us to never shy away,” Kelly said. “And tonight was a prime example.”

Seabreeze will meet Mainland on Friday, Nov. 1, at Daytona Stadium for its annual rivalry game and then will end the season on Thursday, Nov. 7, at home against Deltona in a game rescheduled because of Hurrican Milton.

Seabreeze running back Jeremias George gets out in the open after catching a pass. George scored on the next play. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Seabreeze offensive lineman Luke Cloer. Photo by Brent Woronoff

The Mainland band gets the crowd going before the Homecoming game.

The Lady Bucs perform at the Homecoming festivites.

Wide receiver Eddie Lake Jr. (right) scores a touchdown for Mainland as Ely Niemiec (14) comes in for the tackle.

Nick Mills (1) loses his finger hold on the ball as Buccaneer Zyquan Neal (22) attempts an interception.

Mainland football

Moore has been playing football since he was 5 years old. He played strong safety when Mainland won the state championship last year. This season, he said first-year Bucs Coach Bell pushes all of his players to be great.

“Phillip is going to always find the joy in everything he does,” Bell said. “That’s who Phillip is. He’s one of our leaders and he’s part of the reason why these kids are always so loose and nothing bothers them.”

HUDSON CLIPS COMMITMENT

TO COLORADO

Mainland defensive lineman Christian Hudson flipped his July commitment to the University of Central Florida after being sought by Coach Deion Sanders’ team at the University of Colorado.

On Oct. 11, Hudson flew to Boulder for an official visit and met

with Sanders and assistant coaches Damione Lewis and Devin Rispress before attending the Buffaloes’ game against Kansas State the following day.

Mainland coach Jerrime Bell said Colorado is getting a special player.

Elvin Simmons jump-started the second quarter with a touchdown catch after grabbing a ball in the end zone that had bounced off of Belleview’s Keondre Fillmore. Jordan Payne followed with an interception. Jameil Patrick, Khalil Wilmore and Kwasie Kwaku Jr. each scored a touchdown with Demetrick Prince adding safety.

“These kids, you can see the joy in them when they play a game,” Bell said. “You can’t do anything but admire and enjoy these kids. That joy will carry them through the playoffs. We are going to take it game-by-game. We are going to be road warriors, because we put ourselves in a bad situation, but no mat-

ter where we show up, we’re going to play Mainland Bucs football. Our defense travels wherever we go and our offense is finally finding itself and clicking on all cylinders.”

VOLUSIA COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JUNE E. MARTEN, DECEASED, et. al. Defendant(s), TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JUNE E. MARTEN, 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: LOT 15, DONALD HEIGHTS SECTION 1, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 8, AT PAGE 251, 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 Ave., Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before December 12, 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 28 day of October, 2024

LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: Jennifer M. Hamilton DEPUTY CLERK

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, AND SCHNEID, PL ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com October 31; November 7, 2024 24-00554I

DAMON TRAHAN are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bid-

Christian Hudson

Mainland linebacker Myron Shafer (right) takes down Belleview’s Keondre Fillmore (3).