Ormond Beach Observer 11-07-24

CITY WATCH

MainStreet to hold Riverfest Seafood Festival

The 15th annual Riverfest Seafood Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 16 and 17, at Rockefeller Gardens.

The free festival, which is put on every year by Ormond MainStreet, will feature seafood vendors, family activities, local artisans and live entertainment. Among the childrens’ activities are bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon art, face painting and crafts hosted by local organizations.

“Riverfest is more than just a food festival — it’s a community celebration right on the riverfront,” an Ormond MainStreet press release stated.

Free parking available at city-owned lots, as well as two remote parking lots provided by Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church, which will provide free shuttle service to the festival.

A free water taxi leaving from the docks at Cassen Park will also be available.

The festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17.

Email Jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com

Shows scheduled for December at PAC

Performers will soon grace the stage at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center once again.

The PAC’s box office reopened on Tuesday, Nov. 5, selling tickets for the first performance at the theater since a fire led to its closure in March.

The Children’s Musical Theater Workshop, which is celebrating its 43rd year, will present four performances of “Disney’s Finding Nemo, Kids” and “The SpongeBob Musical: Youth Edition” from Dec. 6-8.

In February, the theater reopened following $1.7 million renovation that took place over 18 months. Less than a month later, a small fire broke out in the theater, and the majority of the damage was caused by the theater’s sprinkler system.

“We really just are excited to be open and have everyone able to be in our theater, enjoying theater, and just enjoying the arts in general as

a whole,” Performing Arts Center Coordinator Austin Branning said.

Branning came onboard at the PAC after the retirement of the former coordinator, Marc Schwartz, in June. His job interview took place a week after the fire.

“And now, after months of effort and work by our staff members, building maintenance, construction and all that, we finally have come to a point where we are able to be open, especially for our box office again,” Branning said. “We already have plenty of shows that you could buy tickets for available on our website.”

Lucy Jackman, president of the Friends of the performing Arts Center, said she’s excited for the PAC to be open — and for the addition of Branning to the PAC team.

“His energy is amazing,” Jackman said. “... He has accomplished and completed more in the few months

he’s been here than we ever thought he could.”

The PAC has been for almost two years in total, three if one counts closures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Jackman said.

December’s lineup is full of local companies, such as CMT and Halifax Repertory Theatre, which is presenting “HRT’s Jingles & Jammies” on Dec. 20 and 21.

Branning, who comes from a theater background, said he focuses on community, quality and diversity when bringing in shows.

“We’re really proud of our plans for reopening,” he said.

Jackman said they are all looking forward to seeing the PAC be utilized once again.

“The place looks great, just like it did at the first remodel BF — before fire,” Jackman said.

“Getting to accompany my fellow classmates in the kitchen has made my experience special here at Seabreeze.”

Seabreeze High School senior Nora Smith on her school’s culinary program, one of the Career and Technical Education programs offered. See Page 4B

Small businesses eligible for storm recovery grant

Small businesses in Volusia County that sustained physical damages or economic losses due to Hurricane Milton can apply for a $5,000 Small Business Hurricane Recovery Grant through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The grant funds can be used for needs such as rent, utilities, payroll, inventory and equipment, according to a Volusia County news release. To qualify for a grant, businesses must:

„ Operate as a business or a chamber of commerce with 1-25 employees.

„ Possess an Employer Identification Number.

„ Not have received a grant from the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program in 2024.

„ Maintain a business bank account capable of accepting automated clearing house payments.

Nonprofit organizations are not eligible for the grant. Interested businesses must complete and submit an online application for the grant program by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17. Visit uschamberfoundation.org.

DAR to host ninth annual Wreaths Across America

The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will host the ninth annual Wreaths Across America ceremony on Saturday, Dec. 14. The ceremony will honor 250 veterans with balsam wreaths at Hillside Cemetery, located at 143 Seton Trail in Ormond Beach. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. To sponsor a wreath, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org/ FL0645.

Angel Pinkerton, CFP® Holland Adviser

Amy Wiliamson, CFP® Holland Adviser

Miranda Mumma, CFP® Holland Adviser

The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center Box Office is now open. File photo

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Mister Mayor

Leslie beats Susan Persis. In School Board, Brosemer beats Carl Persis.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach has elected local businessman Jason Leslie as its new mayor.

Leslie won the mayoral seat with 53.6% of the vote in the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 5. His opponent, City Commissioner Susan Persis, earned 46.4% of the vote.

“I’m very excited,” Leslie said. “Really happy to serve the people of Ormond Beach here. I think they made a good choice, and I’m ready to get to work as soon as day one starts here.”

Leslie has lived in the city since 2021. He has been in the business industry for about 20 years and currently owns commercial real estate and an online e-commerce business.

He said he looks forward to sitting down with the city attorney and the city manager and going over issues such as the proposed Belvedere Terminals fuel farm, the Tomoka Reserve project previously proposed for the Tomoka Oaks golf course, and the future of Riverbend Golf Course.

Leslie thanked voters for their support.

“It really means so much to me that they voted for me and believed in me, and they won’t regret it, because I’ll keep my promise that I had in my campaign, and that was community first,” he said.

Persis had been serving on the City Commission since 2018 as the representative for Zone 3. A former teacher and principal for Volusia County Schools, she was reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.

“I just want to thank every single person that supported me,” she said. “I had incredible support and I’ll be forever grateful for that.”

Leslie will be sworn into office on Nov. 19 along with incumbent City Commissioners Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent and Harold Briley — all of whom were reelected to a two-year term without opposition — and Kristin Deaton, who won the Zone 3 race in the August primary election.

DONNA BROSEMER WINS SCHOOL BOARD SEAT

Who will represent District 4 on the Volusia County School Board? Voters have picked former lobbyist Donna Brosemer.

Brosemer earned 58.61% of the vote, edging out incumbent School Board member Carl Persis, who earned 41.39%.

After her race was called, Brosemer said she felt overwhelmed, but “extremely grateful for the opportunity” to serve on the School Board.

“It’s very important to me to make significant changes to the way the district operates and the conditions in the classroom — improve conditions for bus drivers,” Brosemer said. “We have fundamental obligations to the teachers and parents and students, and I don’t think we’ve met them appropriately, and so that’s why I decided to do this, and now I will get the chance to try it.”

The District 4 School Board race was contentious at times, with

Partington wins Florida house seat

local streets lined with signs proclaiming Carl Persis and his wife to be liberals (Susan Persis changed her political party to Republican last year) and criticizing Carl Persis’ vote to enforce a mask policy at Volusia County Schools during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Persises’ political signs were also vandalized on several occasions.

Carl Persis was also among the 14 school board members identified by Gov. Ron DeSantis in 2023 as ones he wished to remove from office. Brosemer was endorsed by DeSantis for the local School Board race.

Brosemer said she expected the race to have been more contentious.

“I have a lot of respect for Carl for not going down the road that a lot of candidates — in particular at his level of power in the county, and his dominance as a political player for so many years in the county,” Brosemer said. “He could have gotten down and dirty, and he didn’t, and I appreciate that and I think that he pointed out differences between us, and so did I, and that’s a normal thing to do in a campaign. I really feel good about the way both of us ran it.”

Carl Persis has been serving the community since the 1990s as an elected official. He is a former Ormond Beach city commissioner and mayor, as well as a former Volusia County Councilman. He was elected to the School Board in 2016. He was reelected in 2020 with no opposition.

“I’m disappointed,” he said of losing his election. “However, I’m grateful for all the people that voted for me — such wonderful people. Serving in public office is an honor and I have had the pleasure of serving the public for many years.”

He said he was proud of his years in office and wished Brosemer all the best. The intensity of the negativity surrounding the nonpartisan School Board race shocked him, he said.

“I never envisioned Susan and myself as being controversial people,” Carl Persis said. “... I didn’t anticipate that either one of us would trigger this kind of hateful signage.”

Chitwood wins

another term

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood has been reelected by a landslide, earning over 80% of the vote. His opponent, James Power,

Ormond Beach former mayor Bill Partington will now represent District 28 in the Florida House.

Partington, a Republican, earned 57.75 of the vote; his opponents Democrat John Navarra and Libertarian Joe Hannoush earned 39.93% and 2.33%, respectively.

All three of them, Partington said, communicated earlier on Election Day and wished each other the best. He felt grateful for the support of the voters and is excited to serve at the state level.

“I think everybody felt like they had the opportunity to get their ideas out there and I was lucky enough to prevail,” Partington said.

The path from Ormond Beach mayor to state representative has been traveled before, Partington added — first by Fred Costello in 2010, and later by Dave Hood in 2012.

Coastal resilience and funding infrastructure needs to improve transportation are some key issues he said he’s looking forward to.

“I’m hopeful to represent the whole of northeast Volusia County,” Partington said.

BROWER KEEPS HIS SEAT

Incumbent Volusia County Council

Chair Jeff Brower will serve for another four-year term. Brower won 51.42% of the vote Tuesday night. His opponent, former race car driver and local businessman Randy Dye, earned 48.58%.

By Wednesday morning, Brower said he was already going back to work, speaking to the Observer while on his way to a low impact development seminar in Rockledge.

“No rest today but I’m happy about that,” he said. “This is a topic that we really need for Volusia to understand and the council to act on.”

The County Council chair race was close, with Brower having won by a

earned 19.3% of the vote.

In a video on his Facebook page, Chitwood said he was humbled by the support.

“I could tell you the next four years are going to be supercharged,” Chitwood said. “As I’ve always said, my passion and my

2.84% margin, or about 7,600 votes. Brower — who was not included in the Volusia County Republican Executive Committee’s voter guide despite being a Republican — credited his volunteers for the win.

“We had to reach as many people as possible when the Republican Executive Committee volunteers were handing out their guide and acting like I didn’t exist, and saying ‘Vote for Randy Dye,’” Brower said. “We reached enough of them, but it was a grueling task and I had a small army of guerillas that worked for the 13 days of early voting.”

Dye said his team spent 18 months campaigning. While Brower was ultimately reelected, Dye pointed to the number of votes cast in his favor — 131,473 to Brower’s 139,142 — as proof that people want to see current issues addressed.

“There are people who want to see it get done and they want to see it get done soon,” Dye said. “I’m hopeful. I’m very hopeful that the challenges that the community has will get addressed and get taken care of.”

He called campaigning for office “an amazing blessing” in terms of meeting different people and speaking to them about the issues impacting them. He knew the race was going to be close. Brower had the name recognition as the incumbent. He thanked his volunteers and supporters for surrounding him on the campaign trail.

“I talked to as many people who were concerned about others more than themselves,” Dye said. “That gives you energy, that gives you enthusiasm, that gives you strength to keep going.”

Brower’s focus remains on changing zoning on Hull Road to protect neighborhoods from the proposed fuel farm near Ormond Beach, coastal resilience and addressing flooding in his next term, Brower said.

“I have learned that when I call on the people to come and support me on a topic they care about, they will come and fill the chambers, and that’s going to be a common occurrence because public opinion can sway politicians, council members, City Commission members,” Brower said. “I’m going to go directly to the people and ask for their support on things that they believe in.”

energy is to protect this community, fight for this community and serve this community to the best of my ability and we’re going to do that for the next four years, like we’ve always done it, and then we’re going to come back and do this again in 2028.”

Voter turnout

Volusia County reported a turnout of 68.81% in the 2024 general election. Of the 454,831 registered voters, 312,957 cast a ballot.

This year’s turnout, despite record Early Voting participation, was less than the county’s voter turnout in the 2020 presidential election, which totaled 77.63%. Commission since 2018 as the representative for Zone 3. A former teacher and principal for Volusia County Schools, she was reelected without opposition in 2020 and 2022.

Local businessman Jason Leslie is the new Ormond Beach mayor. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Incumbent Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower has won another four year term.

Lori and Bill Partington, who won the race to represent District 28 in the Florida House of Representatives.

Donna Brosemer has won the District 4 Volusia County School Board race.

Friends to everybody: Jim and Karen Zahnen

The Zahnens were among the victims of Hurricane Milton. Friends say their lives were full of love, fun and community.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

When you needed a friend, Ormond Beach residents Jim and Karen Zahnen were ready to step into that role.

“They were the kind of people that really never met a stranger,” longtime friend Caryn Baker said. “Always willing to help, lend a helping a hand, be there if you needed them — ready to go if you wanted to do something, go to dinner, whatever it was. They just really enjoyed life.”

A week before Hurricane Milton struck, Baker had been out to dinner with the Zahnens. They made plans to celebrate Karen’s 80th birthday in November – another memory to add to their 20 years of friendship.

The storm changed everything.

Karen was killed after a tree fell on their Tomoka Oaks home during the hurricane,

and her 80-year-old husband Jim died in the hospital on Oct. 17. The couple had been married for 52 years. “I just can’t imagine one of them being without the other,” Baker said. “There’s some comfort for all of us and for the family that they’re together again.”

The Zahnens moved into their home in Rio Pinar Drive in 1988. Prior to retiring in 2012, Karen worked as an administrative assistant for the Bethune-Cookman University Athletic Department. She helped film B-CU football games, ran concession stands, and handled the day-to-day paperwork, according to a university article recognizing her for her 25-year career.

Jim worked as an electrical engineer for Homac Manufacturing Co. He was also involved in the development of the Daytona State College Advannced Technology College, which offers specialized programs in engineering, computer science, manufacturing, emergency medical services and more. His son Jeff is currently a math professor at the ATC.

DSC has established the James and Karen Zahnen Memorial Scholarship in their honor. Donations to the fund will all go to support students

“They were the type of people that, if you needed something, they’d be there for you.”

HAROLD BRILEY,

Ormond Beach City Commissioner

attending the ATC.

Baker first met the Zahnens at the Bamboo Garden restaurant. They were part of a dinner group of friends who would go out frequently. Years later, when the restaurant’s previous owners’ daughter got married, Baker and her husband attended the wedding along with the Zahnens. They took a party bus to the venue.

Over the years, the Zahnens also hosted regular Friday night driveway parties at their home. Those were open to neighbors, friends and anybody that wanted to stop by.

“Literally, just chairs out in their driveway, in front of their garage, in front of their house,” Baker said. “Come over and sit down and chat, and hang out, every Friday night, they would do it — weather permitting,” she added with a laugh.

Ormond Beach City Commissioner Harold Briley knew the Zahnens for 35 years. He used to race remote-

a loving outlook on life

controlled cars with one of their sons when they were teens, and remained friends throughout the years, including going a cruise together in 1999.

as well, I was in total disbelief. They were two of the nicest and kindest people you could ever meet. They treated their friends like family.”

“They were the type of people that, if you needed something, they’d be there for you,” Briley said.

They would give you the shirt off their backs, if you needed it, he added. But they were humble about it — they would never publicize how they helped others.

”When I found out the day after Hurricane Milton that Karen had passed away during the storm, I was in shock,” he said. “When I learned the next week that Jim had passed

Baker recalled the trips she shared with the Zahnens on their mutual friend’s boat. Jim loved to tinker on the vessel.

“He had all sorts of tools and pieces of equipment and things,” Baker said. “He could basically find whatever you were looking for that you might need for the situation.”

The Zahnens would want to be remembered for their friendliness and open demeanor, Baker said. They also loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with their two sons and two grandchildren.

“They were friends to everybody,” Baker said. “Always upbeat and up for a good time.” Services for Jim and Karen Zahnen will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, at 600 S. Nova Road in Ormond Beach. The couple will be buried at Shady Rest Cemetery in Holly Hill and a celebration of life reception will be held at Stonewood Grill & Tavern from 1:30-5 p.m.

Karen and Jim Zahnen loved red wine. Caryn Baker recalls Karen always had it with an ice cube. Courtesy photo

Financial support was not a possibility, but Connie started brainstorming. What about providing a free homemade dinner, and enlisting a local group of women, the Wacky Wahine?

Oct. 30.

ALMENAS

JARLEENE

MANAGING

EDITOR

After Hurricane Milton left Ormond-by-the-Sea neighborhoods flooded, residents Craig and Connie Huckeby were driving through local streets when he turned to his wife and said he wished there was something they could do to help.

“What if I just say, ‘Hey anybody want to help do this? And it just went crazy,” Connie Huckeby said. And that’s how the Love Thy Neighbor, Help Thy Neighbor dinner was born. Held on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at the Salty Mermaid Art Studio in Ormond-by-theSea, the Wacky Wahine and other locals donated dozens of homemade dishes, from meatloaf to potato salad, and desserts including cupcakes, pies and cookies. The dinner was planned in one week, with Connie and Craig Huckeby distributing 190 flyers to their neighbors. Her friend Gale Hollars also helped organize the event, and Penny Shumate provided her shop’s space.

Several people she spoke with in the process expressed they hadn’t had a homemade meal in a long time — even before the storm, Connie Huckeby said.

In addition to the homemade dishes that were donated by the Wacky Wahine, local restaurants Lottie Bell’s BBQ and Frank’s Place provided food. Connie Huckeby also brought a tote of clothes for people in need.

OBTS women help feed flooding victims

The Wacky Wahine group was formed in 2015 by Angie DiMauro, who owns Aloha Realty. DiMauro said she knew how hard it was for women to meet other women and get together for social activities.

Seeing the women come together for a community initiative like the dinner is a beautiful thing,” DiMauro said.

“It’s great because it worked,” she said. “It just worked. Ladies meeting ladies and making friends, and then starting to do this and do that — but we all come together.”

Ormond-by-the-Sea resident Jane Weagley was one of the people who attended the dinner. Her home sustained significant flooding during Hurricane Milton, and when she posted a photo of the damages on Facebook, DiMauro reached out within minutes, asking what she could do to help.

And help, she did. DiMauro brought her and other impacted citizens several Publix gift cards, and the Wacky Wahine brought dog food, cleaning supplies and anything else they needed.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you, until it happens, and when it does, it hits you hard,” Weagley said.

Despite her own losses, Weagley wanted to give back at the dinner too. She used the leftover funds in the gift cards provided to her to buy donations for other families in need, which she planned to distribute at the dinner.

“I can’t wait to give everything out to people,” Weagley said. “... To see everybody come together like this, it just warms the heart.”

Pastor Philip Egitto, of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, was among the attendees of the dinner. He was given the leftovers to help feed others in need in the community.

“This is just remarkable,” Connie Huckeby said. “Beachside, it just seems like a different community of people. It’s just amazing.”

The Wacky Wahine and other locals donated dozens of homemade dishes for the community potluck on

The dinner was held at the Salty Mermaid Art Studio on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Nancy Heckerman, Angie DiMauro, Karen Huffstetler Schmitz, Connie and Craig Huckeby, Gail Hollars, Penny Shumate, Muriel Wesley, Donna Hines, Phyllis Brown, Linda Rocca, Terri Aucella and Josephine and Mark Almonte. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Dozens of dishes were donated for the Love Thy Neighbor, Help Thy Neighbor dinner on Wednesday, Oct. 30.

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Old Dixie Motel owes Flagler County $250K

The county has been embroiled in a lawsuit with the motel owners for three years.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A Flagler County Court judge has found the owners of the Old Dixie Motel in contempt for not making a courtordered payment.

On Nov. 1, Circuit Judge Christopher France, who has overseen the case since it began in 2021, ruled the motel owners were in contempt for ignoring previous court orders. The motel owners are now required to pay a $250,000 deposit owed to Flagler County, and file missing paperwork regarding their financial situation within 14 days of the court’s ruling, according to Flagler County Clerk of Court documents.

“Regardless of the outcome here, whether they pay on time or don’t pay on time, we will be moving for attorney’s fees for the entire conduct of the case, particularly because of their constant delaying action,” Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed told the County Commission on Nov. 4.

If the property owners fail to comply in time, they will owe an additional $1,000 per day until the deposit is made and the documentation is filed, court documents state. France

COPS CORNER

OCT. 22

PRIMARY AGGRESSOR

1:42 p.m. — First block of North Yonge Street, Ormond Beach Battery touch/strike. A local gas station employee called police after an unknown man spit on him following an argument.

Police report that the man had entered the store, walked up on the counter and started the argument. After he spat on the employee, the employee punched him in the face, according to an incident report.

However, after reviewing security footage, police determined that the employee was the primary aggressor in the fight, as he was seen smacking the man’s hat, almost knocking it off his head, prior to the man spitting at him. The footage then showed the employee striking the unknown man multiple times as he tried to leave the store. Still, the employee wished to press charges.

OCT. 25

LIGHTS OFF

9:27 p.m. — 900 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach

Fleeing/eluding police. A 16-year-old Port Orange boy was charged with attempting to elude law enforcement after he refused to pull over for a traffic stop.

BRIEFS

Palm Coast man killed while crossing U.S. 1

An 81-year-old Palm Coast man was killed after he was struck by a sedan at Highway U.S. 1 and Royal Palms Parkway on Nov. 2, Florida Highway Patrol reported. The crash happened at 3:35 a.m. The 20-year-old Daytona Beach man driving the sedan was going northbound on U.S. 1 when the 81-year-old began to cross to the east side of U.S. 1 on the crosswalk at Education Way and Royal Palms Parkway.

also ordered that all further proceedings in the case must be attended in person by the defendant’s council and “the manager of the defendant.”

The Ajmal and Zubair Zulali, the original motel owners, and the new owners — Manuel Gomez and David Shebiro, who purchased the property from the Zulalis in early 2021 — have been in litigation with Flagler County since 2021.

The county originally sued the Zulalis, pursuing a condemnation and demolition of the derelict motel, located at 2251 S. Old Dixie Highway, across from the Plantation Bay main entrance.

After the county sued for demolition of the motel in May 2021, the new motel owners made some attempt to clean up the buildings and land. The county also struck an agreement with the new owners that month, to ensure hazardous safety and health conditions wouldn’t continue.

The document outlined corrective actions that were to be undertaken by August 2021, or a cash bond of $250,000 would be required to be paid to the Flagler County Clerk of Courts by the owners, according to a May 2021 Flagler County press release. That money would then be set aside for the county to use to demolish the building, if the new owners did not follow through with the agreement.

But there has been little to no movement on the side of

Police report the teen was seen speeding and driving with his vehicle lights off, the latter of which took place when the officer turned on his emergency lights. Due to two slow drivers on Granada Boulevard, according to a police report, the officer was able to pull the teen over in the 1200 block of West Granada Boulevard.

When asked why he turned his lights off, the teen aid he wasn’t “comfortable with how to work the vehicle light switches,” the report states. He was taken to the county’s juvenile assessment center.

OCT. 31

PARTY TOO HARD

11:49 p.m. — first block of Presidential Lane, Palm Coast Obstruct without violence.

An 18-year-old St. Augustine man ran from Sheriff’s Office deputy at a house party because he said he hated the police.

The 18-year-old was sitting in his truck in front of the home hosting the house party when the Sheriff’s Office deputy showed up. As the deputy approached the house, the man got out of the truck and ran to the home, only to find the door was locked, the press release said.

The man refused to stop when the deputy commanded but was still caught and placed under arrest. The man smelled like alcohol, despite being only 18. When asked why he ran, the man said he understood that he had messed up and repeatedly apologized.

Flagler Cares seeks donors for holiday fundraiser

Flagler Cares, a health and social care organization, is launching a fundraising campaign in celebration of its 10year anniversary called “Keep the Holiday Lights On.” Flagler Cares is seeking donors to sponsor 100 homes at $100 per home to cover the cost of December’s electric bill for struggling families. While $100 sponsors a single home, supporters can contribute any amount to participate and make a difference.

“Flagler Cares staff spend a good part of the workday

the property owners after their initial cleanup efforts, despite the fact they have submitted plans to the county for a new motel on the site as recently as April 2024. The court case has multiple notices cancelling hearings and requests for extensions, according to the Clerk of Court website.

In June 2024, France ordered the owners to pay the $250,000 deposit owed to the county as part of the agreement, since the owners failed to follow through with their part in the agreement. The owners had 10 days to pay the deposit, and 45 days to file paperwork disclosing the defendant’s financial condition.

The owners did file for an extension to comply in July, but France denied the request. Flagler County filed a motion for contempt of court on Oct. 21, as it still had not received the $250,000 payment nor had the other party followed through with their side of the agreement and filed the financial paperwork, court documents state.

In France’s Nov. 1 contempt ruling, he wrote that the defendant’s actions, including “its continued refusal to comply with the Court’s Orders, is consistent with its longstanding pattern of disregard for the judicial process and the Court’s authority.”

Email Sierra Williams at Sierra@observerlocalnews. com

NOV. 2

YO’ MAMA

11:48 p.m. — 2300 block of Apple Street, Bunnell Battery. A Bunnell man is facing a battery charge after he hit another man who threatened to kiss the suspect’s mother. The victim told Sheriff’s Office deputies that he ran into the suspect, the suspect’s wife and the suspect’s mother at the gas station, according to an arrest report. The victim said he knew the wife and mother, but had never met the man before, and greeted the suspect’s wife with a kiss on the cheek.

The suspect thought he had kissed his wife on the mouth and began arguing with the victim. The victim then told the suspect he would kiss the suspect’s mother, too, “if he wanted to,” the report said. The suspect then shoved the victim to the ground and punched him in the face. The suspect denied hitting the victim but said the two argued after the victim had kissed his wife. The suspect told the deputy it became physical when “he said he was going to kiss my mom on the mouth and by that time he was in my bubble.” The suspect said it was one thing to kiss his wife on the cheek but another to say he’d kiss the suspect’s mother on the mouth.

The deputies placed the man under arrest and charged him with battery.

learning about the struggles of our neighbors who grapple with making ends meet each month,” Flagler Cares Chief Executive Officer Carrie Baird said. “Our hope with this fundraiser is to ensure families have this basic need met during the month of December.” Now through Nov. 30, donations can be made at www.flaglercares.org/holiday. Check donations can be mailed to or dropped off at Flagler Cares, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B302, in Palm Coast. For each home sponsored, one home on the webpage will turn from dark to illuminated. Families in need will also be able to apply for assistance starting Nov. 25.

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Palm Coast to get second Chick-fil-A near BJ’s

Longhorn Steakhouse will open Dec. 2 inthe same shopping plaza, which could also see a Chase Bank location.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A second Chick-fil-A is confirmed for Palm Coast, to be located on State Road 100 in the BJ’s Wholesale shopping plaza.

According to a site plan sub-

mitted to Palm Coast and sent to the Observer, the Chick-filA will be almost 5,000 square feet in size and seat 70 inside, with an additional 16 exterior seats. The site plan includes 69 parking spots and a twolane drive-thru that wraps around the building and the east side of the parking lot. At this time, the developer has not begun the permitting process with Palm Coast, according to information from the city’s planning department.

This is Palm Coast’s second Chick-fil-A location, the first

of which is located at 1000 Palm Coast Parkway NW. It opened in 2015 with a “First 100” give away, where the first 100 adults in line were given a one-year supply of free Chick-fil-A meals.

The giveaway prompted locals to camp out in tents ahead of the store’s 6 a.m. grand opening.

While BJ’s opened in September, the smaller lots along S.R. 100 were still under construction as developers finalized tenants for the lots. The new Chick-Fil-A will fill in the space between the Miller’s

Ale House, which opened on Aug. 5, and Palm Coast’s first Longhorn Steakhouse. Longhorn is scheduled to open on Dec. 2, according to Longhorn Steakhouse’s website.

A 3,400-square-foot Chase Bank will also likely fill in the empty lot next to the BJ’s Wholesale main entrance and new traffic signal, according to Flagler County documents. The application is going through the county as until the land is officially annexed into Palm Coast.

Palm Coast to get Huey Magoo’s, Jersey Mike’s on SR 100

A Space Coast Credit Union is also slated for the lot at 5834 E. State Road 100.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

According to Palm Coast city documents, a Space Coast Credit Union, a Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders and a Jersey Mike’s sub shop are in the works for Palm Coast. The lot located at 5834 E. State Road 100, on the west side of the Tom Gibbs Chevrolet, has been cleared in preparation for more commercial development. The permits indicated two separate buildings: a 2,500-square-foot building for the credit union and a 5,777-square-foot commercial building that will house the two restaurants.

The plans show the credit union will have a three-bay drive-through area with another dedicated ATM lane. Huey Magoo’s — a national quick service restaurant chain that serves a variety of fried chicken tenders — will have the larger restaurant space,

with 3,277 square feet, with a drive-thru, leaving the rest for the Jersey Mike’s. There is one other Jersey Mike’s in Palm Coast, located in the Island Walk Shopping Center at 250 E. Palm Coast Parkway, but this will be the first Huey Magoo’s in Palm Coast.

The permits are still in the review process and have not yet received final approval. The Observer reached out to the applicant — MHW PC, LLC, based out of Melbourne, Florida — but were unable to reach them by the time this article was published.

rendering of the planned

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BIZ BUZZ

FLORIDA TINY HOUSE FESTIVAL TO RETURN

The ninth annual Florida Tiny House Festival is returning to Palm Coast on Nov. 23-34 at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast.

rThe Florida Agricultural Museum is located at 7900 Old Kings Road N. The festival will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.

This is the 32nd for-charity, tiny-house event of the United Tiny House Association. The Association has previously donated of $800,000 from its previous events to over 100 charities, nonprofits and local communities, according to a press release from the Tiny House Festival.

Admission to the Tiny House Festival is free for children 12 and under, on-scene emergency responders, badged law enforcement personnel and retired, active and discharged military personne. For those 13 and up, it is a one-time $20 entry fee, covering both Saturday and Sunday.

DONNIE’S DONUTS CLOSES AT ONE DAYTONA

Donnie’s Donuts has closed its last doughnut shop in Florida.

On Nov. 1, owners Donald and Patti Summerlin announced on Facebook that they had decided to close their One Daytona location, which was the couple’s last shop in the state. This location had been open since 2021.

The Summerlins opened their first Donnie’s Donuts shop in 2015 on Seabreeze Boulevard. In 2016, they moved to Ormond Beach, conducting business for seven years, and making it on Yelp’s Top 100 Do-

nut Shops in the U.S. in 2022. Donnie’s Donuts ranked 12th on the list.

Then January of this year, the Summerlins announced the closure of their Ormond shop, citing the rising cost of business insurance and the financial impact of the 2022 hurricane season as the cause. In their Facebook post, the couple listed all the hurricanes dating back to 2016.

“It’s not just about the Hurricanes destruction to property and individuals, but the economic downturns for years afterwards,” the Summerlins wrote in the post. “We have given it everything we had for 9 years and are simply devastated for our employees and our fantastic customers.”

Donnie’s Donuts remains in business in its final store, which is located in Atlanta Georgia.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS SHOP PARTNERS WITH BUSINESSES

A local spiritual and holistic wellness shop is joining forces with two other local shops to provide expanded services, creative events and spiritual offerings. The Indigo Door is now collaborating with The Gather Place Events, Resonance Gallery and Tao Living. Indigo Door, previously located on Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast, is moving to 206 Moody Blvd., next to the Gathering Place Events Space and Resonance Gallery, according to a press release. Residents will now have access to new workshops, holistic events, and more healing services in partnership with Tao Living, the press release said. The expanded services will also include: spiritual readings, energy healing sessions, classes, artistic workshops, and more.

A

Huey Magoo's and Jersey Mike's. Image from Palm Coast planning documents

Make yourself at home

Birthday celebrations trump election night

Two birthdays in one week in the McMillan household

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Since I’m the one who bought the TV, you would think that I would have some influence over what I watch on the TV. But not on Nov. 5. That’s because while Nov. 5 means Election Day for most of the United States, it means Ellie’s birthday in the McMillan household. Therefore, the TV was occupied, not with Electoral College maps but with “The Legend of Zelda.”

YOUR TOWN

Embry-Riddle STEM Outreach hosts activity with Cub Scouts

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical

University’s STEM Outreach hosted the third annual night of learning with Cub Scouts Pack 327 on Oct. 14, at Temple Beth-El.

Both the election and Link’s adventures were put on hold for the lighting of candles. We stood around the kitchen island to sing, celebrating Ellie turning 15, and then ate chocolate cake. But we couldn’t avoid politics entirely — thanks to the youngest among us, who likes to be provocative.

“How could Trump be on the ballot when he’s committed 34 crimes?” said Luke, who is in first grade.

“Where did you hear about that?” I asked. “Cafeteria?”

Just as with Ellie’s birthday on Tuesday, the weekend also gave us a reprieve from election news, as we celebrated Kennedy’s birthday (she turned 10 on Nov. 2, making for a busy week for the McMillans). One of Kennedy’s birthday wishes also involved the TV, as she cast family videos for everyone to enjoy — especially videos of herself as a baby. We all dutifully watched as the infant Kennedy learned to

army crawl toward her mother’s cell phone in the middle of the family room floor nine years ago — only to be pulled backward by her brother Grant. Baby Kennedy, undeterred, army crawled toward the phone once again — only to be pulled backward by Grant once again.

To Luke, the video on the screen was pure comedy. He busted up laughing at the absurdity of his older siblings appearing even younger than he was now.

In another video, the family is willing Kennedy to take her first steps, but she’s not cooperating. She is passed back and forth between her mother and grandmother, both sitting a few feet away from each other on the carpet in that odd ceremony, adults with arms outstretched, while the infant almost walks but mostly falls in the direction of those outstretched arms. Kennedy’s older siblings, too young to be caught up with homework or phones as they might

“This activity took place just a few days after Hurricane Milton,” ERAU Faculty Advisor Claudia Ehringer Lucas said in a statement to the Observer. “Some families still didn’t have electricity. What a better thing than learn a new thing, the four ingredients to make a hurricane and have some fun after it caused destruction and damage

be now, are cheering in the video, thrilled to be witnesses to this moment in history. Luke, who wasn’t born at the time the videos were recorded, was enthralled with the video yet again. By watching now with his siblings, Luke was actively inheriting the collective family memories, participating in them intimately despite the distance of time.

As the kids go to bed on Nov. 5, and I sit here alone, finishing my writing, I keep an eye on the election results — this moment of American presidential history being written in real time. But I can’t help but replay in my mind the home videos I have taken this weekend as well, videos of Ellie blowing out candles, and Kennedy opening presents, surrounded by their siblings, preserved in a history that most people across America won’t ever care about, but which to me is far more consequential than any vote on a ballot.

throughout our community.”

This year’s event featured a film canister rocket activity, where scouts added water to dissolve an Alka-Seltzer tablet to create carbon dioxide, leading to pressure for a blast off; an invisible ink activity using highlighters, vinegar and a black light; and a hurricane jar, where scouts learned how hurricanes formed using warm water, low air pressure, moist air and low wind shear.

“Once they completed the activities, they wanted to do them again and again,” said Ilan Soler, STEM Outreach volunteer.

Gus Gatti, president of STEM Outreach, has been a part of the event for the past three years. STEM Outreach’s goal remains to host the activity night on annual basis.

“When I was in elementary and middle school, outreach events like these was where my passion for science and technology was ignited, and getting to see the same love of learning click inside the next generation has been so rewarding,” Gatti said.

Ormond native to celebrate new children’s book

Author Michelle Lipton is celebrating the launch of her new children’s picture book, “Sprinkletopia,” with a free, family-friendly event at The Great Southern Box Company in Orlando on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 12-5 pm.

Lipton, who grew up in

Ormond Beach, will read her book aloud and will be available for book signings.

“Sprinkletopia” is aimed for ages 2-7 and offers “an inclusive narrative filled with vibrant illustrations, inspiring wonder in young readers,” according to a press release. Her rhyming prose is inspired by her son.

“Sprinkletopia celebrates imagination, inclusiveness, and the joy of discovery,” Lipton said. “I wanted to share a story that would ignite young minds and inspire them to embrace their own creativity.”

Palmetto Club joins Belk’s for charity sale

The Palmetto Club of Daytona Beach will be at Belk’s in Port Orange on Saturday, Nov. 8, selling $5 discount coupons, worth 25% off merchandise purchased from Nov. 8-11, to help raise funds for local charities.

After the purchase, Belk’s will refund the $5 spent on the coupon, according to a press release. The Palmetto

Club is a 501c3 charitable organization serving Volusia County. For information about the Palmetto Club, visit ThePalmettoClubDaytona.org.

Ormond mayor honors UF heart surgeon

Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, his wife Lori and Deputy Mayor Harold Briley recognized Dr. Tomas Martin on Thursday, Oct. 31, at the University of Florida College of Medicine, for his work and care as a heart surgeon.

Martin, who is the director of the UF Health Aortic Disease Center, specializes in surgical heart and vascular care. Lori Partington and Briley are both former patients of his, having an ascending aorta and root replacement in 2022 and 2019, respectively. Martin was presented with a mayor’s proclamation and a key to the city. The proclamation states he has pioneered the Florida Sleeve procedure for patients with Marfan syndrome and has authored over 100 peer-reviewed articles that have contributed to the cardiovascular surgery and medical education fields.

Additionally, Martin has provided medical and surgical care in underserved regions around the world, including the Philippines, Haiti, Gabon, Ghana, Cameroon and the Dominican Republic.

“Ormond Beach has and continues to benefit from Dr. Martin’s life saving skills and we are reminded of world-famous British Heart Surgeon Stephen Westaby’s quote, ‘Every heartbeat is a symphony of life, a reminder of the beauty and fragility of our existence,’” the proclamation reads. “Ormond Beach is extremely grateful for Dr. Martin’s contributions to ensuring that the ‘symphony’ plays on, both in our city and around the world.”

John Michael explains the hurricane activity. Courtesy photos Cub Scouts take part in the film canister rocket activity.

Michelle Lipton

From left to right: Ormond Beach Deputy Mayor and former patient Harold Briley, Dr. Tomas Martin, Mayor Bill Partington, and his wife Lori Partington, who was also a patient of Dr. Martin’s.

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Acts of gratitude

The city of Ormond Beach appreciated local veterans with its annual Hometown Heroes drive-thru recognition event, in conjunction with the city’s military appreciation banner program on the Granada Bridge.

Over 100 veterans are being honored this year through the program, which was started in 2019.

Sponsored by Halifax Health, the event was held on Saturday, Nov. 2, at the Ormond Beach Senior Center. Veterans were welcomed by Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington and Deputy Mayor Harold Briley as they received a gift bag, including a copy of their bridge banner, a commemorative coin and a free lunch.

Ormond Beach Leisure Service Director Robert Carolin said the event “gives us the ability to honor our veterans.”

Firefighters, Ormond Beach Police officers and Halifax Health Veterans Affairs volunteers were on hand to thank the veterans for their service.

–SUZANNE MCCARTHY

Halifax Health Veterans Affairs volunteers and veterans Marine Sgt. William Milledge, Army Specialist Preston Nealy, and Navy Corpsman and Vietnam veteran Bob Bendlin greet the Hometown Heroes.

The Hometown Heroes event is open to families of veterans like Mary Hether (right), whose husband was an Air Force veteran. She was joined by Marilyn Miller (left).

Ormond Beach Police Officers Ryan Smith and Jeremy Smith await the arrival of the veterans in from of the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle.

Veteran Barry du Moulin, Coast Guard Honorary lt. commander, is given a windshield display by Sara Dionne of Ormond Beach Leisure Services. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Ormond Beach firefighters Michael DeBenedet, Capt. Jim Peters and Oscar Rodriquez were on hand to thank the Hometown Heroes.

Deputy Mayor Harold Briley and Leisure Services photographer Skip Crowell at the Hometown Heroes event.

Willie Branch, U.S. Navy veteran, and Robert Carol, Ormond Beach Leisure Services director, enjoy their post as greeters for the Hometown Heroes.

LOCAL EVENTS

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.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

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 p.m. 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 Center, 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.

‘JAKE’S WOMEN’

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday Nov. 8, 9, 15 and 16; and 3 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 10 and 17

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast

Details: This play by Neil Simon tells the story of Jake, a middle-aged novelist who is more successful with fiction than life. He tries to comes to terms with his challenges in his marriage by talking to the women in his head: his first wife, his sister, his daughter and his psychiatrist. Jake

will be played by Broadway performer Eric Bohus, who will be joined by a cast of local and regional performers. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcost. com or call the box office at 386585-9415.

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.

ST. BRENDAN ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW

When: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9; and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10

Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church

Social Hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Peruse quilts, artwork, jewelry, knitted items, children’s items, floral arrangements, Christmas items, local author’s books and more. For more information, call Cara o’Keefe at 441-3267.

FALL BOOK AND BAKE SALE

When: 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Details: The Friends of the Flagler County Public Library are hosting this fall book and bake sale. There will be fiction, non-fiction, hardcover, paperbacks, CDs, DVDs, audio books, children’s, young adult, coffee table books and more.

PALM COAST FALL ARTS FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Details: Regional artists and artisan crafters will showcase a variety of mediums for enjoyment and purchase. Local musicians will provide entertainment and food trucks will be on-site. Free event presented by the Flagler County Cultural Council.

1. They’re Country Royalty!

Imagine having the chance to see true country legends. The Gatlins are Grammy winners, Grand Ole Opry members, and masters of tight harmonies and storytelling. These guys have been the soundtrack to countless lives, and they’ve still got that Nashville sparkle!

2. Epic Hits That Never Get Old.

Remember “All the Gold in California”? Yep, that’s their song! Hearing it live is a different experience—it’ll make you want to sing along like you’re on a cross-country road trip. It’s a night of feel-good nostalgia.

3. Larry Gatlin’s Jokes Are... Unpredictable.

Larry is notorious for his humor and downto-earth charm. You’ll get a mix of laughs, heartwarming stories, and maybe even a few tall tales. Each concert is unique because Larry loves engaging the crowd and going off-script.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10

DAYTONA BEACH CHORAL

SOCIETY PERFORMANCE

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: The Daytona Beach Choral Society will offer a rescheduled performance in the library auditorium. The program, entitled “Have You Met My Medley?”, will include favorite tunes from theatre, pop and cinema. Free program sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library. Program is open to the community.

MONDAY, NOV. 11

THE GARDEN CLUB OF PALM COAST MONTHLY MEETING

When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Details: The club will hold its general membership meeting. Arrive at 11:30 a.m. for a plant sale and to enjoy lunch with fellow club members. Members are asked to bring festively wrapped potted houseplants for the club’s “Plants for Pleasure” initiative. The gathering will begin at noon, and the meeting at 1 p.m. The guest speaker will be Eva Larsson from The Garden Club at Palm Coast. She will speak about “Herbs: Propagation, Harvest and Uses.”

TUESDAY, NOV. 12

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

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

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Paint along with awardwinning watercolor artist Stewart Jones. Class costs $75. All supplies are included. No drawing required. Call 386-317-9400.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13

AARP MEETING, ORMOND

CHAPTER

When: 10 a.m. to noon

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

Details: This month’s guest speaker is Stephanie Mason-Teague, author of “Empty Mess,” and executive director of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. An optional $5 light lunch will follow. For more information, call

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS

THURSDAY, NOV. 7

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.

MONDAY, NOV. 11

VETERANS DAY PARADE

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Downtown Bunnell

Chapter President Jeff Boyle at 386341-9013.

‘GARDENING FLORIDA STYLE’

PROGRAM When: 10:30 a.m.

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

Beach

Details: Attend this Master Gardener program for November. The program will be on designing a butterfly garden.

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Cypress Knoll Golf and Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: The city of Bunnell, Flagler County, city of Palm Coast, city of Flagler Beach, town of Marineland and town of Beverly Beach are hosting the Veterans Day Parade. The parade will begin at Bunnell City Hall and will conclude at the Flagler Government Services Building at 1769 E. Moody Blvd. where a ceremony and picnic will take place. The public is encouraged to attend immediately following the parade. Visit flaglerveteransdayparade. com.

VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE

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

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: OMAM will present its annual Veterans Day Tribute in the museum parking lot, where attendees will enjoy patriotic music performed by vocalist Jennifer McGill with 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. Free event. Open to the public.

Details: Join this social club for retired and semiretired men and women who meet monthly with a guest speaker. This month’s guest speaker is Amy Carotenuto, director of the Flagler Humane Society. All are welcome. For more information, contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com.

COMEDY DINNER SHOW

When: 6-8:30 p.m.

Where: Redefined Food Co., 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: See comedian Frankie Paul Morrell. Tickets start at $25, plus dinner. Visit redefinedfoodco.com/ events.

4. Bring Your Inner Cowboy (Or Cowgirl) Out!

This is the perfect excuse to dust off those boots and hats and go full country. You don’t get that chance every day, so embrace the vibe!

5. Great for All Ages.

Whether you’re bringing the family, a date, or friends, The Gatlins put on a show everyone can enjoy—timeless, fun, and heartwarming music.

6. They Bring The Heart of Nashville Straight to You. You’re not just going to a concert; you’re having a classic country experience.

7. When you attend a show at The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, you support the local students and the local economy!

Skill builders

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Health science. Digital video technology. Culinary arts. Digital media. Agritechnology.

These were the programs showcased at Seabreeze High School during the district’s Career and Technical Education Tour Day on Monday, Nov. 4. The event — which took district officials and community members to Atlantic High School, Spruce Creek High School and Seabreeze High School — provided a look into what students participating in the career pathway programs and academies are learning and achieving.

CTE programs help students gain hands-on experiences, earn certifications and build skills such as teamwork, problem-solving and communication, according to a press release.

“CTE also strengthens partnerships between schools and local businesses, creating pathways for students to enter the workforce immediately after graduation or continue their education at postsecondary institutions,” VCS stated.

At Seabreeze High Schools, students spoke on their experiences being part of a CTE program.

Senior Mackenzie “ZZ” Nichols said the skills she learned at Seabreeze’s fouryear Allied Health Academy, which prepares students for careers in the medical field, enabled her to provide CPR at a fatal car crash scene.

“By being in the Allied Health Academy, I am able to utilize my skills outside of the classroom and go into autopilot when the time comes, even if I’ve never worked on anything other than a dummy,” Nichols said.

Seabreeze senior Luca Kaney Olivari said his participation in the Allied Health Academy has been “instrumental” in preparing him for his future career in healthcare. The skills he learned in the academy have been put into practice at his job with Halifax Health.

Seabreeze students provided lunch to district officials and explained how their school’s Career and Technical Education programs have made an impact.

“Being in the academy and now working in a hospital setting has taught me the importance of teamwork, empathy and attention to detail, which are essential delivering, quality patient care,” Kaney Olivari said. “This experience has reinforced my passion for health care and it has inspired me to continue by education in this field.”

Seabreeze junior Allison Pate said her school’s Digitial Video Technology program shows students how the film and video industry works. By getting certified in programs such as Adobe Premiere, she said, the program helps students land jobs in the industry.

“The skills that we learn in the program we can apply to our careers outside of high school,” Pate said.

In Seabreeze’s Agritechnology program, students experience supervised agricultural experiences, including hands-on learning with animals, as well as learn how to read blueprints, weld and fabricate metals.

“Our students are working hard to build a bright future and agriculture,” Seabreeze FFA Chapter Secretary Summer Martin said.

Seabreeze senior Rebecca Morrow said the skills she has learned while enrolled in her school’s digital design and yearbook program have inspired her to pursue a future in web design or marketing.

“It’s ignited the passion in me to continue graphic design and marketing and business after I graduate,” Morrow said.

Lunch at Seabreeze was served by the culinary program students. On the menu was a spinach and feta stuffed chicken, rosemary roasted potatoes, garlic green beans, homemade rolls and crème brûlée.

Senior Nora Smith said Seabreeze’s culinary program has helped her learn essential cooking techniques and instilled a “deep appreciation” for the culinary arts.

“What I enjoyed the most about the program was the hands-on experience in the kitchen,” Smith said. “Each day felt like an adventure, whether it was mastering knife skills or exploring International cuisines. Getting to accompany my fellow classmates in the kitchen has made my experience special here at Seabreeze.”

Seabreeze seniors Austin Richardson, Kaleb Zahn and Austin Nickell help serve lunch during the CTE Tour day event. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Seabreeze High School digital design program students Lola Becherer and Carl Dupper.

Seabreeze High School junior Adyson Doherty helps prepare the crème brûlées

Seabreeze FFA Chapter President Ariel Burd and Secretary Summer Martin.

Carter Eby, a sophomore at Seabreeze High School, speaks about his school's Digital Video Technology program alongside Tyler Lewis

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Oceanfront Flagler Beach home sells for $1.6 million

Ahome at 3295 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach’s Kanaha Beach subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 19-25 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on Oct. 24, for $1,675,000. Built in 2014, the home is a 4/5 and has ocean views, private beach access and 2,491 square feet.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

CONDOS

The condo at 600 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 551, sold on Oct. 21, for $974,900. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,003 square feet. It last sold in in 2019 for $555,000.

PALM COAST

Grand Haven

The house at 206 Willow Oak Way sold on Oct. 24, for $1,275,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, lanai, spa and 3,025 square feet.

Northshore

The house at 37 Ocean Oaks Lane sold on Oct. 24, for

$1,050,000. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/3 and has a sauna, fire pit, courtyard and 3,074 square feet.

Not in subdivision

The house at 40 Cleveland Court sold on Oct. 25, for $850,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, fenced-in patio and 3,642 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $780,000.

The house at 18 Cleveland Court sold on Oct. 22, for $800,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in pool and 2,484 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $500,000.

Toscana

The house at 47 New Leatherwood Drive sold on Oct. 22 for $882,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 2,377 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $545,000.

Palm Harbor

The house at 14 Corning Court sold on Oct. 24, for $799,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in pool, boat house, boat lift and 2,474 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $410,000.

The house at 27 Fairbank Lane sold on Oct. 21, for $475,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,321 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $490,000.

Sea Colony

The house at 5 Nantucket Lane sold on Oct. 22, for $520,000. Built in 1987, the

house is a 3/2 and has 1,322 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $375,000.

Los Lagos Matanzas Shores

The house at 17 Los Lagos Blvd. sold on Oct. 25, for $520,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat house and 1,810 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $469,400.

Matanzas Woods

The house at 7 Lewis Shire Place sold on Oct. 21, for $475,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has a solar-heated pool and 2,217 square feet.

Indian Trails

The house at 24 Bassett Lane sold on Oct. 22, for $456,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, hot tub and 1,993 square feet. It last sold in 2016, for $235,000.

Pine Lakes

The house at 6 Saw Mill Court sold on Oct. 22, for $457,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,080 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $440,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

River View Point

The house at 621 Riverview Road sold on Oct. 21 for $807,500. Built in 1997, the house is a 5/5 and has a Florida room, pool and 4,032 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $589,000.

BUNNELL Sweetwater

The house at 110 Spring Rise Circle sold on Oct. 23 for $950,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, pole barn and 2,675 square feet.

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

House on John Anderson Drive sells for $4.15 million

Ahouse at 110 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 19-25 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea.

The house sold on Oct. 22, for $4.15 million.

Built in 2010, the house is a 6/6.5 and has a two fireplaces, a boat house, boat lift, boat dock, pool, spa and 5,998 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

CONDOS

The condo at 2810 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 3, sold on Oct. 21, for $335,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,216 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $210,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 3282 Arch Ave., sold on Oct. 21, for $449,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,108 square feet.

Chelsea Place

The house at 453 Chelsea Place Ave. sold on Oct. 25, for $5200,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,089 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $309,000.

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 19 Cambridge Trace sold on Oct. 21, for $720,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,343 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $410,000.

Plantation Bay

The townhome at 1072

Kilkenny Lane sold on Oct. 21, for $405,000. Built in 2014, the townhome is a 3/3 and has 2,081 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $225,500.

The house at 9 Jasmine Run sold on Oct. 24, for $327,200. Built in 1986, the house is a 2/2.5 and has 1,948 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $305,000.

The house at 29 Kingswood Court sold on Oct. 25, for $699,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,256 square feet.

The townhome at 6 Brighton Lane sold on Oct. 25, for $479,773. Built in 2024, the townhome is a 3/3 and has 2,095 square feet.

The house at 119 Bay Lake Drive sold on Oct. 23, for $489,900. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, pool, spa and 2,081 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $269,000.

The Trails The house at 49 River Ridge Trail sold on Oct. 22, for $719,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a

fireplace, a pool and 2,902 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $447,000.

The house at 417 Main Trail sold on Oct. 23, for $380,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,962 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $170,000.

Tomoka Oaks The house at 43 Pine Valley Circle sold on Oct. 21, for $358,900. Built in 1965, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,406 square feet. It last sold in June 2024 for $229,000.

Tymber Creek

The house at 317 Oak Fern Circle sold on Oct. 24, for $535,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, spa and 2,946 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $18,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Pelican Dunes

The house at 123 Heron Dunes Drive sold on Oct. 25, for $490,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,702 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $134,900.

River Breeze Estates The house at 1255 Riverbreeze Blvd. sold on Oct. 25, for $390,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,677 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $325,000.

Seabreeze Shores The house at 9 Seabreeze Drive sold on Oct. 21, for $370,000. Built in 1957, the house is 3/2 and has 1,182 square feet. It last sold in 1978 for $39,900.

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

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

COMICS

Cornered

Ziggy

No mercy

belief in his receivers who have stepped up. They had a lot of naysayers at the beginning of the year and they kept working. Now we go about 10 or 12 receivers deep and they can all make plays.”

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland showed no mercy in the rivalry game against Seabreeze on Friday, Nov. 1, at the Daytona Stadium. The Bucs racked up 40 points by halftime and finished off a 53-0 triumph with a running clock.

Mainland won its fifth game in a row, ending the regular season with a 5-5 record after losing its first five games. Seabreeze (2-6) will host Deltona at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, at Daytona Stadium in its final game of the year. That contest had been postponed by Hurricane Milton.

Mainland’s next stop is the playoffs, which begin on Nov. 15, and Bucs head coach Jerrime Bell said his team is peaking at just the right time.

“Belief in one another and belief in the system — they have finally found who they are and you can see it,” he said. “We have been saying week after week, you can see the joy in the kids just playing football.”

Bucs quarterback Sebastian Johnson passed for 249 yards and six touchdowns to five different receivers. Phillip Moore had two touchdown receptions, while Jameil Patrick, Christian Cooper, Khalil Wilmore and Eddie Lake Jr. had one each. In the fourth quarter, Cole Walker added a 28-yard touchdown pass to Kyle Moore.

Bell said Johnson has gotten more comfortable with the offense, adding that he has started seeing the game as Mainland offensive coordinator Josh Russell sees it.

“(Johnson) has always been our field general,” Bell said. “He has

At the beginning of the year, Bell said his running back group was one of the best in the state. Edward Williams leads the team in rushing yards and is 11 yards short of cracking 1,000 for the season.

“Edward Williams was an unknown commodity in this area because he is not originally from Volusia County,” Bell said. “He’s a kid that made plays at Fleming Island and made plays at Appling County up in Georgia, and we’re blessed to have him. He’s a Division 1 running back.”

Kwasie Kwaku Jr. started for Atlantic the past two years when Bell was the Sharks’ head coach and was instrumental in helping Atlantic attain back-to-back district championships. Bell said the Bucs recently redefined Kwaku’s role and put him at safety on defense. He leads the team in interceptions.

“He’s been one of the best playmakers for the past three years,” Bell said. “He’s starting to get more and more comfortable week after week. It takes a while for people to adapt to the bright lights of Mainland High School.”

Seabreeze suffered injuries to two key players. Running back Jeremias George left the game after sustaining a concussion early. Late in the second quarter, quarterback Dylan Tocci was helped off the field following a side tackle to the knee by Mainland linebacker Dennis “Tank” King. Coach Mike Klein said he hopes both players will be cleared to play against Deltona.

“(Tocci) thinks he is going to be able to play this week,” Klein said.

“We’re thinking he has a bone

“Belief in one another and belief in the system — they have finally found who they are and you can see it. We have been saying week after week, you can see the joy in the kids just playing football.”

bruise. He says he feels pretty good about it. We’ll take a look this week and see how he does. I know he’s going to want to play this last game.”

Klein said he knew going into the game that Mainland had a tough defense. The Sandcrabs struggled to move the ball consistently. Defensively, he said his guys played the run well, but they gave up too many deep passes.

“We talked all week about how we have to prevent the explosion plays, keep the ball in front of us and stay on top of it with all the deep routes,” Klein said. “We just didn’t do a great job with that. Every time they threw it vertically, they pretty much scored on us in the first half. It just added up quick.”

Klein was hired a week before spring practice last year and missed out on off-season conditioning with his new team.

“These guys have been awesome to coach throughout the season,” Klein said. “Especially in a season where it’s real easy for guys to quit or to lay down or not go as hard. These guys have done a fantastic job of coming to work and getting better every week. I hope we just continue that trend going into this final week, have a great week of practice and get us a win to finish off the season. That would be great.”

Klein said he has a lot of young players that play on varsity. He said having that experience next season won’t necessarily lead to instant success, but it will go a long way toward the team’s longterm success.

“I’m most excited about just being able to be here January through May and actually have a real off-season,” he said. “That’s the biggest thing I think we’re missing this season. Just being able to get in the weight room with these guys and continue to develop our culture is going to help us be a successful football team. I think the future is bright at Seabreeze.”

The Buccaneers’ defense has allowed only 34 points in the last six games including the 10-7 loss at Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia.

“Myron is a guy’s-guy on the football field,” Bell said. “He eats, sleeps and breathes football. That’s where he’s the happiest. You see it on Friday nights, especially in a game like Mainland-Seabreeze where they know all those kids. To be out there making play after play gave him that big smile on his face — he was having a great time.”

The playoff pairings are scheduled to be released on Nov. 9. The Bucs, ranked seventh in the region heading into the Seabreeze game, could have a home game if they are paired with a team that did not win its district, but the Florida High School Athletic Association is the final authority over site selection, and Bell is expecting the Bucs to go on the road.

“All I’m looking to see is how well our defense travels,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing our defense continue to play and our offense getting more confidence week-by-week.”

Shafer said it meant a lot to play his last Seabreeze game in front of his family and the Daytona Beach community on Senior Night.

“With the whole city there, we got to put on a show, so that’s what we did as a team,” he said. “Defense kept the intensity up all night and offense didn’t take their foot off the gas. This is not the end though. These next two weeks are the most important of the season. The run starts now.”

Myron Shafer led the Bucs with over 10 tackles against Seabreeze, Bell said.

Seabreeze’s Zachary Voltaire (right) tackles Mainland’s Christian Cooper (15).

Seabreeze wide receiver Caiden Smith makes the catch as Mainland’s Kiarin Sullivan (18) and Dray Wood take him down and Jeffrey Harris Jr. (20) runs in to assist.

Seabreeze quarterback Dylan Tocci (right) scrambles before being taken down by Mainland’s Jordan Payne (left) and Dennis “Tank” King. Photos by Michele Meyers

The Seabreeze Band and color guard perform during halftime.

Mainland trounces

Seabreeze in hometown football rivalry

JERRIME BELL, Mainland head football coach

Seabreeze boys win state bowling championship

The Sandcrabs won the final three games of the championship match to beat the Leesburg Yellow Jackets and gain the trophy.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Seabreeze Sandcrabs arrived at the Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center in Orlando on Wednesday, Oct. 29, as the District 1 boys bowling champions and rolled out as the Florida High School Athletic Association state champions after defeating Leesburg in their final match on Thursday, Oct. 31.

The Sandcrabs rebounded after losing the first two games 188-184 and 201-195 to the Yellow Jackets in the championship Baker match. They took the last three games with scores of 222-199, 188-176 and 204200 finishing 3-2 to take the championship trophy.

This is the first time the boys have won a state bowling title under coach

Paul Shuler’s tutelage. The girls won the state championship in 2021. The closest the boys came was in 2012 when Jospeh Juhasq was the individual runner-up.

Shuler said he was not surprised

that they won the state championship after the strong season they have had.

“After this state tournament, the boys did not lose one Baker match during regular season, district or state,” he said.

Seabreeze started the Baker matches as the No. 4 seed. They faced the Apopka Blue Darters in Round 1, lost the first game and won the next four, finishing the series 843-708. The intensity mounted in Round 2

against the East Ridge Knights. Each team won two games. The Sandcrabs closed the fifth-game, winning by two pins, 169-167.

Shuler said it was important to keep his players calm during stressful situations.

No. 5 bowler Dalton Boice wrapped up the win in the final frame with a spare and a strike as Seabreeze fin -

ished the game 204-200 over Leesburg.

“Almost words cannot explain how I feel right now,” Shuler said. “I just feel so blessed. I’m just so happy for the guys winning the state tournament because I really feel they really, really did deserve it and they showed it here today.”

Seabreeze’s Xavier Subia concentrates on the pins during the first round of Baker games.

The Seabreeze boys bowling team poses with the trophy after winning the state championship at Boardwalk Bowl in Orlando on Oct. 31. Photos by Michele Meyers

Seabreeze bowler Braydon Russell

Seabreeze senior Derek Emmons (center) celebrates with his teammates.

Seabreeze bowler Logan Compton

SIDELINES

Father Lopez boys win district swim championship

The Father Lopez boys swim team won the District 3-1A championship on Nov. 1 in Gainesville, while the girls placed second for the third year in a row.

The boys won the 200yard freestyle relay. Matt Alvarez won the 100-yard breaststroke. Thirteen boys advanced to regionals.

The girls won two relays, while Nelanee Fulton won the 200-yard individual medley and the 100-yard butterfly and Zoee Fulton won the 100 breaststroke.

Nelanee Fulton set a team record in the 50 free, Evie Carnathan set a team record in the 100 free and Nelannee Fulton, Maya Khanna, Zoee Fulton and Carnathan set a team record in the 200 freestyle relay.

Shuler leads Sandcrabs to XC regionals

Seabreeze junior Hunter Shuler (17:11.7) placed sixth in the District 3-3A cross country meet in Inverness on Oct. 30 to lead the Sandcrabs’ boys to a fourth-place team finish and a qualifying spot in

regionals. Mainland’s girls placed eighth and also qualified with Hope Bronson (23:11.2) placing 29th. Seabreeze’s Riley Hale qualified as an individual with a 34th-place finish (23:37.3) in the girls race.

Seven Seabreeze swimmers advance to state

Seven Seabreeze swimmers qualified for the Class 3A state championships Nov. 8 after the girls finished fourth and the boys were ninth at the Region 1-3A meet. Qualifying for the girls are

Alexis O’Keefe (200 and 500 freestyle), Laurel Carson (200 IM and 100 freestyle), Addie Smurdon (50 free and 100 free), Mackenzie O’Keefe (100 butterfly and 500 free) and Noelle Dragstedts (100 butterfly).

Cole Conlan (100 butterfly and 100 backstroke) and Kai McMeeking (200 IM and 100 breaststroke) qualified for the boys. The girls also qualified in the 200 medley relay and 200 freestyle relay. The boys also qualified in the 200 medley relay. Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com

The Father Lopez boys swim team won the District 3-1A title, while the girls finished second. Courtesy photo

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