SOUND OF PATRIOTS
School honor those who served with a musical tribute for Veterans Day. PAGE 4A
Mainland principal to move to district role
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Come January, Mainland High School Principal Joseph Castelli will be taking on a district position.
On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Volusia County School Board approved Castelli’s appointment as the district’s new director of secondary schools under the Teaching, Leading and Learning department, effective Jan. 15, 2025. Castelli has been Mainland’s principal since 2020.
“I am truly honored and humbled to accept this new role as secondary director,” Castelli said. “Serving as Mainland High School’s principal has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I owe a debt of gratitude to our incredible staff, students and the Mainland community for trusting me to lead our school.”
Prior to his principalship at Mainland, Castelli worked as a principal for Hillsborough County. The position as director of secondary schools will allow Casteli to provide support to teams across the district, and he said he’s excited to “continue to build a culture of excellence in each school.”
“Every day, I’ve been inspired by the passion and resilience of our students and staff,” Castelli said. “Together, we have made strides in fostering a truly unique learning environment that has led to earning a ‘B’ rating, and this year, our team continues to surpass our academic goals.”
Under Castelli, Mainland improved from a “C” to a “B” for the 2023-2024 school year.
School Board member Jes-
sie Thompson said Castelli’s appointment to a district position is exciting, as he’s done so much for Mainland.
“I’m sad for Mainland ... but I love that you are still in that umbrella of the high schools, and I know you’ll be around there,” she said.
School Board member Carl Persis congratulated Castelli on his new appointment.
“I know you’ll do a super job,” Persis said. “You’ve done well. I know Mainland folks are already wondering, ‘Who’s coming? Who’s coming?’ So let’s hope the board can make that decision quickly.”
School Board member Ruben Colon said that he believes Castelli will do a great job, though he is leaving a gap at Mainland, but that the district will work to ensure a smooth transition.
“I look forward to learning who will be the next principal at the Mainland High, home of the Buc Pride that never dies,” Colon said.
Pathways
first
Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Joeseph Castelli. File photo
CITY WATCH
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
City starts lead pipe inventory program
Was your house built before Jan. 18, 1989?
As part of new regulations by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, water utility providers are required to conduct an inventory of service line materials to ensure there are no lead pipes in service. The city of Ormond Beach currently has no known lead pipes in its drinking water system, nor does the state have a high occurrence of lead, according to a city notice.
However, to comply with regulations, the city of Ormond Beach sent a mailer to all homes built before Jan. 18, 1989 as their service line statuses are currently unknown.
Why this date? Florida code mandated that all pipes used after Jan. 18, 1989 be leadfree.
“If your service line material is unknown, meaning your house was built before Jan 18, 1989, the city will work to confirm it and provide you with the necessary information,” the city wrote on its Facebook page.
For more information visit OrmondBeach.org/Pipes, or, contact 386-615-7049 or waterinfo@ormondbeach.org.
Persis honored for years of service
The Ormond Beach City Commission recognized Susan Persis for her six years of service as a public official at its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6.
The recognition was a surprise to Persis, which was first elected to represent Zone 3 in 2018. Persis, who is a former teacher and principal for Volusia County Schools, was reelect ed without opposition in 2020 and 2022. She ran for mayor in the recent November election, losing to local businessman Jason Leslie.
The commission presented Persis with a plaque, a crystal clock, a coin, flowers and a proclamation, delivered by Deputy Mayor Harold Briley.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” he said, during his closing comments at the meeting. “It’s been very rewarding
serving with you, sitting next to you. I appreciate all the hard work, the contributions you give to our city.”
Persis has lived in Ormond Beach for 35 years, graduating from Seabreeze High School. She spent 29 years working for Volusia County Schools, 13 of which were as a school principal.
Prior to becoming a commissioner, she served on the city’s Quality of Life board. After she was elected, she served on the Ormond MainStreet Board, the Halifax Humane Society Leadership Team and was appointed to the National League of Cities environmental committee. She served as deputy mayor from 2020 to 2022.
“Serving the people of Ormond
Beach has been an incredible honor and a responsibility I have carried with the utmost respect and commitment,” Persis said.
She thanked her colleagues on the commission, city staff and first responders for their support.
“Together, we faced challenges, celebrated victories and worked toward a shared vision for the city we all love,” Persis said. “Although I won’t continue in this role, my heart will always be with Ormond Beach and I remain deeply invested in our future. I am confident that the progress we’ve made will continue and I’m hopeful for the leadership that will guide us forward.”
“Elections come, elections go. School Board members come and School Board members go... but I want you all to know that I will always be here.”
School Board member Carl Persis in his closing remarks. See Page 5A
City to bid out
Andy Romano park repairs
Ormond Beach is moving forward with repairing the seawall at Andy Romano Beachfront Park.
On Wednesday, Nov. 6, the City Commission approved a public notice to issue an invitation to bid the $2.86 million project. The park’s seawall was damaged in 2022 during Hurricane Nichole. As part of the seawall replacement, the project will add a new ADA-compliant concrete ramp on the north side of the park and new beach access stairs. The city expects to reimbursed by FEMA for 87.5% of the repair costs. New commission to be sworn in The city of Ormond Beach will swear in its
Deputy Mayor Harold Briley (third from left) reads a proclamation for Susan Persis, as her husband Carl (far right) and fellow commissioners Travis Sargent and Lori Tolland watch. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
JARLEENE
Selfless service
Speaker highlights women in the military at OMAM’s Veterans Day ceremony.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
It was 1979 and Suzanne Gurule Oliver was working on a helicopter when she was interrupted by a fourstar admiral. She had been part of the U.S. Navy since 1976 — one of the 8% of women enlisted at the time.
The admiral, she recalled, asked her to join him on a flight and become the first woman to board a Navy ship.
“I knew women were being heard,” Oliver said. “It was the most important thing I’d ever seen — that we were able to open up doors that had been so closed for so many years.”
Since that time, women have shattered glass ceilings, said Oliver, a naval aviation veteran. They’ve become pilots, commanding officers, and served in the Special Forces. So on Veterans Day, as people nationwide reflect on the sacrifices made by those who served in the military, Oliver said it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the contributions of women in the military as well.
Oliver was the guest speaker for the Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s Veterans Day Tribute, held on Monday, Nov. 11. The tribute featured songs by Ormond Beach resident Jennifer McGill, a presentation of colors by the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University joint color guard, and a speech by U.S. Coast Guard veteran and retired orthopedic sur-
geon Andrew Gygi, who served in the Gulf War.
Deputy Mayor Harold Briley also welcomed event attendees.
“Today, our city commemorates our veterans who selflessly and bravely serve our country, and whose service has promoted freedom and democracy around the world to protect us here at home and ensure our freedom,” Briley said.
Oliver, a chief petty officer, served in the U.S. Navy for 12 years, during which she served as an air crew member and a plane captain. She also established a nonprofit called “Heart of a Fighter,” which is dedicated to supporting female veterans and first responders transition to civilian life.
Oliver also founded two companies after she retired in 2013: Girl on Fire, which trains female veter-
ans to work as project managers; and Momentum Research, an engineering firm specializing in utilities and construction, which is still operating.
Her decision to leave the military was not easy, she said. But when she became a mother, and a Navy widow during her pregnancy, she found that her family life and her flight status could not balance.
But service continued in her family, she said. Her cousin’s granddaughter is enlisted in the Navy, and her niece served in the Air Force. Together, she said, they can be sure that their legacy will never be forgotten.
“As we honor veterans today, let us specifically acknowledge the women who have fought for their right to serve for the recognition they deserve,” Oliver said. “Let us celebrate their bravery, their resilience and our unwavering commitment to our nation.”
Lauren Dye, president of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum board of directors, speaks.
Attendees clap during OMAM’s annual Veterans Day Tribute.
Jennifer McGill sings “God Bless America.”
Allen Bozeman, Anderson Howard and Norman Gladfelter, of the U.S. Coast Guard, stand in front of a rescue boat on display.
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University joint color guard present the colors.
Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey lays a hand over his heart for the national anthem.
U.S. Navy Veteran Suzanne Gurule Oliver speaks during OMAM’s annual Veterans Day Tribute on Monday, Nov. 11. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Deputy Mayor Harold Briley speaks.
U.S. Coast Guard veteran Andrew Gygi speaks.
Red, white and blue
Ormond honors its veterans with annual luncheon event
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Veterans are ordinary people that do extraordinary things, said retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Pierre Louis during the city of Ormond Beach’s Veterans Day Celebration on Thursday, Nov. 7.
“We’re here to applaud each and every one of you that’s taken that charge and that order for service,” Louis said. “We thank you. I thank you. It was an inspiration for my life, an inspiration for a number of people and a number of things.”
Louis was the guest speaker for the luncheon event, which was held at
addition to his speech, the city provided live music by The Blue Notes band and a proclamation presented by Deputy Mayor Harold Briley. He stressed the importance of honoring veterans from all walks of life, and points in time — including the homeless veterans in need, those battling post-traumatic stress disorder, and those serving time behind bars. Louis volunteers as a mentor in the Tomoka Correctional Institution.
“Regardless of the situation that you’re in today, you served and we still always honor that,” Louis said. Veterans take the leadership when it’s needed, he said. He called them “solution experts.” That’s what they gathered to celebrate.
“Solution experts all over this room, wearing different uniforms,” Louis said. “But ultimately, regardless of the colors that are there, I only see red, white and blue.”
Patriot spirit: Pathways Elementary holds musical Veterans Day celebration
Students of all grades sang songs about America, service and patriot spirit to honor those who served.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The Pathways Elementary Patriots honored veterans with music at its annual Veterans Day Celebration on Friday, Nov. 8.
Dressed in red, white and blue, students of all grades sang songs about America, service and patriot spirit at the event, which was held on the school’s basketball court. All local U.S. military veterans, those in active duty and their families were invited to the celebration, which was led by music teacher Jessica Palmer.
“Each year, the Pathways community comes together to honor all the brave men and women who serve in the military to protect our country and make the world a safer place,” Pathways Principal Kevin Berry said. Veterans Day, which is observed on Nov. 11, is a day to remember how important it is to be brave and appreciate the freedoms Americans enjoy, Berry said.
“At Pathways, we are the Patri -
ots. We believe in service, honor and respect. Our students are leaders, and they demonstrate that every day. This afternoon, we hope to demonstrate our admiration for the best example of patriots, our veterans.”
the Ormond Beach Senior Center. In
Army veteran James Luke salutes the flag.
Pathways Elementary Principal Kevin Berry speaks.
Pathways Elementary second graders sing “I Love My Country.”
Retired U.S. Marine Corps Chief Warrant Officer Pierre Louis delivers a speech. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Pathways Elementary fifth grader Juliana Del Bagno reads a poem she wrote.
Pathways Elementary second graders sing “I Love My Country.” Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Pathways Elementary fourth grader Michael Walsh sings a solo. Pathways Elementary fifth grader Ryleigh West acts as a flag bearer.
Pathways Elementary fifth graders sing “Fifty Nifty.”
Gabby DuBose reads an essay she wrote in honor of Veterans Day.
Persis, who represents District 4, has been on the School Board for the past eight years. Burnette, who represents District 2, was elected in 2020.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The Volusia County School Board bid farewell to two of its members at their final meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Board members Carl Persis and Anita Burnette were recognized for their years of service at the meeting. Persis, who represents District 4, has been on the School Board for the past eight years. Burnette, who represents District 2, was elected in 2020. She will be succeeded by businesswoman Krista Goodrich.
Burnette chose not to seek reelection this term, as she wanted to focus on her job at Halifax Health. Still, she said her last meeting on the board was bittersweet.
“My role changed at work about a year and a half ago, and I had been looking for that for a while,” Burnette said. “I just couldn’t do everything 100%
and so I recognize that, and I didn’t want to shortchange anybody.”
She ran for School Board to improve the school system, and while she said she’s been involved in great changes, she also served in a time of great difficulty — one that involved the COVID-19 pandemic, teacher shortages and book challenges.
“I’ve left my personal feelings out in all the decisions that I’ve made,” she said. “I’ve always followed the law, and I do believe that we can’t be good leaders if we’re not going to follow the law.”
She thanked her supporters, which she said came from diverse backgrounds and opinions and hoped she would run for reelection — that meant a lot to her, Burnette said. She’s proud of the decisions she made, and said running for office is not an easy task.
“For those of you that have ideas of improving our district, that’s wonderful, and I would suggest you put forth the energy to present these ideas in a professional, productive manner,” Burnette said. “For those of you that have so many comments on the board and how to make decisions, I suggest next time, maybe you run for this seat.”
Persis lost his race to continue to represent District 4 on the School Board to former lobbyist Donna Brosemer in the recent election. In reflecting of his decades of service — Persis has been serving the community since the late 1990s as an elected official, first on the Ormond Beach City Commission and later on the Volusia County Council — Persis agreed with Burnette and said it’s tough putting
yourself in the public eye, and only getting harder.
He’s a product of Volusia County Schools, having graduated from Seabreeze High School. He never dreamed of becoming a teacher, and then he realized that’s what he wanted to do. That path led him to become a principal for 27 years.
“After I retired, then being able to serve on the board again, it didn’t even seem like a different job,” Persis said. “It just seemed like a continuation of what I had been doing all of my life. I was in a different lane, but it was still being involved with, I thought, helping children become the best they can be, and I think that’s what our goal is all the time.”
The Volusia County School Board has a high ethical standard, he said, and are always professional with each other even when they disagree.
“Elections come, Elections go,” Persis said. “School Board members come and School Board members go. Superintendents come and superintendents go, but I want you all to know that I will always be here.”
Persis, growing emotional,
vowed to always do his part to cheer the district on.
“I know in your heart that you want what’s best for Volusia County public schools and I do too,” he said.
Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said the board has been through a lot together, and they’ve gotten to truly know each other. It’s sad to lose two members who have dedicated themselves to public schools, she said.
Balgobin described Burnette as a “class act.”
“People from all walks of life highly respect you and care about you — from all walks of life, and that shows that you’re a genuine individual,” Balgobin said.
She thanked Persis for his lifetime of service to education.
“Yes, people come and go, but some people leave an imprint that will last a lifetime, and you certainly have done so here in Volusia County,” Balgobin said. “... You have the keys to Volusia County. You will always be a partner and friend in the work that we do, and we wish you just a lifetime of success with the next chapter that you’re about to embark upon.”
City says collection is about a third of the way through. Also, commissioners ask for workshop on flooding.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Over 50,000 cubic yards of debris have been picked up in the city of Ormond Beach following Hurricane Milton.
The city estimates its contractor, CrowderGulf Disaster Recovery and Debris Management, is about a third of the way through, as Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley, who gave the City Commission an update of hurricane recovery at its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 6, said they believe the storm caused about 150,00 cubic yards of debris.
“They were on the ground within three or four days following the storm,” Finley said.
“We have consistently every day since we activated them had 10 trucks on the street.”
CrowderGulf is collecting about 3,000 cubic yards of vegetative debris a day. Finley said he expects to complete the first round of collection throughout the city within the next couple of weeks, and hopes to get a second pass authorized from FEMA.
Hurricane Milton brought 23 inches of rain to Ormond Beach, Finley said.
“Twenty-three inches of rain, which we got over the course of 18 hours, is an unbelievable amount of rain,” he said.
During the storm, he said, he and city staff checked out Fleming Avenue, a “hot spot” for flooding,” at around 3 a.m.
It was still passable. But, four hours later, the street was 12-18 inches underwater.
The city experienced the most flooding in the neighborhoods near Central Park and those near Ormond Beach Middle School. A total of 45 homes flooded, down from the over 100 homes that flooded in a 2009 rain event.
“Our steps to improve Central Park have helped a lot of those people,” Finley said. “We still have some work to work on.”
At the meeting, citizen Tommy Bozeman asked the city to look into the flooding issues in the Durrance Acres neighborhood. This isn’t a new or isolated issue, he said.
“The same thing happened with Ian,” Bozeman said. “The same thing happens when we get heavy rains, just not quite to the same extent.”
Commissioner Lori Tolland asked for a discussion on flooding to inform them on the last stormwater study conducted, its stormwater fees and the list of projects that have been funded and those that may require state and federal aid. She also wished for an update on sewer projects, as a water force main broke three times on Riverside Drive during the storm.
“Sewage was just going into someone’s house,” Tolland said. “Nobody wants that. Are we just patching things up or is it time to replace?”
The commission agreed that a workshop on flooding would be appropriate.
“I think it’s very important,” Commissioner Travis Sargent said. “I think we’ve made great strides over the years, but obviously I think we need to look at how we can even do better.”
District 4 Volusia County Schools board member Carl Persis speaks at a recent Seabreeze FFA welcome back dinner. File photo by Michele Meyers
Anita Burnette. Courtesy photo
BRIEFS
Teen girl arrested for school shooting threat over makeup
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 16-yearold Flagler Palm Coast High School student on Friday, Nov. 8, after deputies allege she threatened to shoot up the school because she forgot to put on a makeup spray.
The FCSO received a notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigations with a tip of a possible school shooting threat, a FCSO press release said. The girl had posted a photo of the bottom half of her face on a social media platform with the phrase “I forgot to use setting spray i’m gonna shoot up the school” across the photo.
The student was identified and the FPC resource deputy immediately located her and ensured there were no weapons campus, the press release said. The 16-year-old has been charged with felony written/electronic threat to kill or bodily harm another and was later released to her parents, per the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Sheriff Rick Staly urged parents to continue being the sheriff in their own home and explain to their children that “stupid comments will get you arrested if you make a threat.”
“The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats seriously, especially ones made towards a school or its student body,” Staly said. “We don’t like arresting your child, but we will ensure Flagler County students are safe. I want to thank the FBI
COPS CORNER
OCT. 29
GRATUITY REVOKED
8:50 p.m. — 500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Disorderly intoxication. A 43-year-old Daytona Beach man shouted to restaurant patrons not to give servers a tip while he was being arrested for disorderly conduct at a local Mexican restaurant.
Police received a call from employees reporting that the man was intoxicated and screaming at staff and other people. When the reporting officer arrived on scene, he saw the man at the outside bar, where he was displaying “obvious indicators of intoxication” and bragging about spending a lot of money on various liquor shots, according to his arrest report. Initially, he was cooperative with police, but once he learned that restaurant staff wanted him removed, he started shouting obscenities.
When police asked him to calm down and lower his voice, the man used profane language at the officer in his refusal.
He was taken to jail.
NOV. 6
HAMMER TIME
12 p.m. — First block of Cypress Circle, Ormond Beach Burglary of an occupied dwelling. Police arrested a 64-year-old Ormond Beach woman who stole her neighbor’s air conditioner unit circuit breaker and threatened his son with a hammer.
The neighbor contacted police after his 21-yearold son saw the woman loitering around their home with a hammer. The son told police that he was awoken around noon to the sound of “metal banging against metal” somewhere outside his house, according to the police report, and when he went to investigate, he saw
for sending us the tip so our deputies could act swiftly and make an arrest.”
Palm Coast man to serve 10 years in prison for molesting woman
A Palm Coast man who molested a woman while she was sleeping has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In February, Lloyd Parrish, 62, recorded himself molesting a woman while she slept. The victim told deputies that she had taken muscle relaxers that night and was entirely unaware of the attack until until weeks later, when she saw the video.
That March, detectives interviewed Parrish who admitted to filming the video and called himself a “sexual deviant,” the press release said. He later reached out to the victim on several occasions to persuade her to drop the charges.
On Nov. 5, Parrish pled guilty to both charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism, and no contest to a charge of tampering with a witness or victim, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said.
After serving 10 years in prison, Parrish will, for another 10 years, be required to register as a sexual predator and will be on sexual offender probation.
Released felon threatens family members, Flagler deputies
A 35-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after he threatened to kill family members, a Flagler Sheriff’s Office
press release said. Andrew Williams, 35, of Ormond Beach, was arrested on Nov. 9 by FCSO deputies at a home on Shadow Lane in Ormond Beach. Williams had just spent the last week in jail in Volusia County: He was previously arrested on Nov. 2 in Volusia for disorderly conduct and released on Nov. 3, only to rearrested on Nov. 3 for a criminal mischief charge. Williams was then released from the Volusia County jail on Nov. 8, where he walked, barefoot, to the home on Shadow Lane. When FCSO deputies arrived, the couple who lived in the home had been locked outside and Williams was inside destroying their belongings, the press release said.
The couple told deputies that Williams had asked to stay until his roommate could come pick him up, but became “erratic and aggressive” when his ride did not show. Williams refused to leave the house and the homeowners gave deputies a garage door opener for them to use instead. Once inside, deputies attempted to arrest Williams, who began fighting the deputies, kicking and attempting to spit on them, the press release said. One deputy sustained a cut on his arm in the struggle.
Williams has been charged with trespassing, resisting officers with violence – aggravated assault, obstruction without violence burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery on an officer, threat with death/bodily harm to family member or law enforcement officer and criminal mischief – over $1,000.
Williams is being held on no bond at the Flagler County jail.
the woman leaving his backyard.
The son confronted the woman, who alleged she was from FEMA. The son was “bewildered with the situation” and asked her to leave, at which point he alleged the woman told him she would “cut” him and “get” him, the report states. He armed himself with a brick — seeing as she had a hammer — and threw it in her direction. The woman then left, but not before striking the right headlight of his car, resulting in a minor scuff.
The son called his father, who reviewed the security footage, which also showed the woman loitering near a circuit panel. When he went outside, he found a missing circuit breaker for his air conditioning unit.
Police note in the report that other neighbors in the past few days have called police to notify them about the woman’s erratic behavior, which has included burglary, theft and vandalism.
She was taken to jail.
NOV. 8
HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO JAIL
8:17 a.m. — Interstate 95, mile marker 289 southbound off ramp, Flagler County Trespass. A Palm Coast homeless man was
him. A Sheriff’s Office deputy who responded to the seen was familiar with the man — because the man had already been trespassed from sitting in the grass on the off ramp before, according to the man’s arrest report.
The man was formally trespassed from the off ramp in May 2022. Since then, he had been warned multiple times to stay out of the area and if he kept returning he would be arrested.
The man was placed under arrested and taken to the county jail.
NOV. 9
PROBATIONARY
10:26 a.m. — Intersection of Old Kings Road and Utility Drive, Palm Coast
Violation of parole. A Flagler County convicted felon found himself rearrested for violating his parole, all because he left the scene of two hit-andruns.
The suspect was on a four-year probation period after serving two years in jail for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Per his probation requirements, the suspect was required by law not to violate any laws for the four years he was on probation, according to court documents.
the Interstate 95 off ramp at
Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the suspect for leaving the scene of two separate crashes, in the same day, a Sheriff’s Office press release said. If the suspect had remained at the scene, he would not have violated any laws and would not have been arrested.
The suspect was tracked to his home and was arrested and returned to the county jail, where he is being held on no bond.
DON’T EVER SAY THE WORD ‘QUIET’
Inside the world of a police dispatcher
SARAH ELIZABETH ULIS GUEST WRITER
Information is coming in. In the darkened room, phones ring. Two dozen screens are flashing code and text. Maps track squad cars, fire and emergency medical personnel. Electronic pins pop up marking crisis locations. Computer aided dispatch equipment gathers and displays information already on record, such as multiple calls coming in about the same incident. Timers are clocking time elapsed. Orders are being issued, callers being assured. This is the Public Safety Answering System at the Emergency Operations Center in Bunnell. There should be chaos. But there isn’t. Those standing guard over all this are in control, talking, pushing buttons, ascertaining crisis levels, prioritizing.
It’s a storm of information. In its eye is Communication Specialist First Class Megan Burton, Florida Sheriff Association Dispatcher of the Year, and the official honoree for the 2024 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. With a stress level that rivals that of an air-traffic controller, Burton is a keystone in the structure that provides safety and wellbeing to the citizens of Flagler County.
Suspect a fire? Burton can have fire and water trucks on site within minutes. Did you just witness a crime? Before a caller even completes a sentence, Burton is already con-
BIZ BUZZ
Avelo Airlines launches two routes from Daytona Beach airport
Megan Burton, a communication specialist with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office emergency dispatch, is the honoree for the 2024 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. Visit palmcoastyachtclub. com/category/ holiday-boatparade/ Photo courtesy of Sarah Ulis
tacting police officers near the incident, and they are on the way. Burton and her colleagues are absorbing it all, sifting, triaging, getting help. Working with her are a small group of specialists. One is a general supervisor. Another monitor’s traffic problems and police actions. Yet another oversees information sharing with other agencies all over the country. In a nearby cube, a responder handles fire-fighters and medical personnel. The phrase “10/4” peppers each conversation as information is received, comprehended, and reconfirmed. It signifies “OK” or “I understand.”
At any moment each responder might have a dozen balls in the air. Each of those spheres might be a human life or a life-changing trauma, or even simply a very scary moment. And without immediate professional intervention, a phone call away, each has the potential to become a disaster. Those possible catastrophes, thanks to the real-time work of this superbly professional team, routinely become miraclesin-progress.
A minute-by-minute account of an incident can be collated and printed out almost instaneously and kept as a public record that the Center has collected and recorded. “Our jobs are streamlined because of this technology,” says Burton.
The situations are endless. Three cars have collided on Interstate 95. A man is lying screaming on a sidewalk. Smoke is billowing out of an unoccupied house. A child has been hit by a car. A fist fight has broken out at a department store. A fire-fighter is having trouble locating a water hydrant.
Reaction time is nearly instantaneous. Two seconds to answer a call; two seconds to dispatch the appropriate personnel; two seconds to confirm action; two seconds to assure the caller that help is coming. Burton is advising,
giving help, sending help, layers of action overlapping second to second.
Two minutes isn’t enough? Burton and her colleagues are certified in CPR, so lives can be saved over the telephone. Burton has done just that on several occasions.
But when help arrives, her work is not done. She and other dispatchers continuously check status as events unfold. Personnel accountability reports are made every ten minutes reporting on-the-scene activity. Civil disruptions such as neighbor disputes require a check every fifteen minutes. Traffic stops are the most dangerous. For those, she checks every three minutes.
There is other work to be done as well: Training new personnel is constant, providing strategic observation and tracking their progress. Burton also monitors the automated reports from the License Plate Scanning Vehicles on county vehicles making their systematic way around streets of the county. These highly complex electronic scanners provide rapid identification of vehicles of potential interest to crime officials – expired plates, crime suspects, even more benign violations such as trespass or unpaid parking tickets. Burton is continually checking the reports and either sends them on to be officially reported or deleting them as errors.
How did Burton come to this career? With a background in call center management and an intense interest in criminal justice, Burton used to live in Kalispell, Montana. One of her clients at a gym she man-
aged was a police dispatcher who noticed her organizational and management skills. He told her that she had all the makings for that work and suggested that perhaps she should consider that as a line of work.
Burton took the advice and applied to the Kalispell, Montana, police department. She was hired and plunged into nine months of intensive on-the-job training at the state’s dispatch academy. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “It was like learning a new language, another set of living skills. It takes a good three years to really settle in.”
In 2015 Burton had the opportunity to move out of the frigid north and came to Palm Coast. The job of sheriff’s dispatcher came easily to her. But she notes that it is not so easily kept. “If we hire ten people for the job, maybe three people will actually make it.”
“We are all A-Type personalities. We’re perfect for multi-tasking under pressure. We like things to make sense.” The hardest cases to handle are calls from people who have done something destructive, either to themselves or to someone else. “A myriad of social skills come into play,” Burton explains. “Some of these are beyond difficult, the ones you have a hard time getting out of your head.” After her shift is over, dismissing the pressure is a must. “You cannot allow it to rule your life. One must be able to let it go and approach the next shift with a clear mind,” she says. Not all the calls are difficult. The easiest are those that should have gone else -
Last week, Avelo Airlines added a new nonstop service to Hartford’s Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and celebrated the return of the nonstop service to Wilmington Airport in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region from Daytona Beach International Airport. Avelo now operates nonstop service to Hartford twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays and to Philadelphia/ Wilmington on Thursdays and Sundays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Avelo is the first airline offering nonstop service between DAB and these two destinations, a press release said. Since starting at DAB 18 months ago, Avelo has flown more than 60,000 customers on over 400 flights. Avelo now serves three nonstop destinations from DAB, Hartford, and Philadelphia/Delaware Valley and Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport.
“Our community has been very supportive of the Avelo service since it launched last year,” Airport Director Karen Feaster said. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty merges Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network
Realty has acquired Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palm West Realty brokerage and its two offices in Palm Coast.
The two real estate companies merged to create a new company that will operate under the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty name, effective Oct. 31, a Berkshire Hathaway press release said. The 18 real estate agents affiliated with Palm West Realty will join 15 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Realtors to serve the Palm Coast market.
The two offices are located at 2 Florida Park Drive, the Palm Coast West Office, and, east of the Intracoastal Waterway, at 5408 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., the Palm Coast
Beach Office on A1A Scenic Highway.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King said the acquisition is an opportunity to “elevate and enhance the services” provided to clients and communities in Northeast Florida.
“We are stronger together and thrilled to acquire a company that is so rooted in the Palm Coast community,” King said.
Palm West Realty has been serving the Palm Coast community since the early 1980s. Areas served include the cities of Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and beyond.
where like to the power company or the public library. One of her most interesting came from a child who dialed 911 to learn how to make the color red for a school project. It was an emergency, after all. “We all Google a lot. We get phone numbers for people if they need them. And I know exactly how to make red now,” laughs Burton.
And the “quiet” word? It’s a word that Burton and all of her colleagues do not like to hear. Because as soon as the room turns “quiet,” a fresh torrent of calls is sure to be expected, as many as 350 every 24 hours. And don’t worry. The Flagler County emergency dispatchers are among the best in the country. They have your back. Says Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly: “Burton is simply the best. I can’t think of a better way to give her work the attention it deserves as the honoree for this year’s Holiday Boat Parade. She has been named Florida Sheriff Association Dispatcher of the year. She is the link between the day-to-day lives of our citizenry and the excellent support our resources and services can provide when those lives go awry.”
The phone rings again. Burton turns to answer. “This is 911. What is your emergency?” Her fingers are flying over her keyboards. More “10/4s” are exchanged. It’s been six seconds, and three fire trucks are on their way to a house in the C Section. Lights flash. Headphones burble with information and instructions. Burton tells the trucks that all pets and residents are out of the home. “Help is on the way,” she says.
Pilot Club supports Children’s Center
The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area donated $100 to the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center to sponsor Thanksgiving Baskets for families.
Elissa Thomas, presidentelect of the Pilot Club of the Halifax Area, presented the check to Janet Byrant, executive director of the Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center.
The Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center is the oldest after-school program in the Daytona Beach area, serving the community since 1948. Programs are available for
‘She is the link between the day-to-day lives of our citizenry and the excellent support our resources and services can provide when those lives go awry.’
RICK STALY, sheriff
ages 5-18. Staffed by volunteers, the center is open for school holidays, spring-break, winter-break, and summer camp. Visit rmbcc.net.
Ormond Beach DAR donates books to Family Renew
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held a book drive in support of Family Renew, a local organization that provides transitional housing for families with children. The donations were accepted by Lindsay Elliott, executive director of Family Renew, and Anita Brooks, program manager. Visit fssdar.com/ CaptainJamesOrmondDAR.
Avelo’s inaugural flight lands at DAB on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder and Chairperson Linda Sherrer, Assistant Manager Susan Kos, Broker Manager Tracy Glochau and President Ann King. Courtesy photo
Elissa Thomas, president-elect of Pilot Club of the Halifax Area, presents the check to Janet Bryant, executive director of the Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center. Courtesy photo
Soda Waves, Ormond Beach’s first soda shop, to open soon
Soda Waves is a family-owned gourmet, or ‘dirty’, soda shop offering signature drinks.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Kerlins have always been a big soda family.
But five years ago, John Kerlin started looking at carbonated beverages in a new way. He was on the phone with his eldest daughter, who lives on the west side of the country. She was going through a drive-thru and ordered a Mountain Dew-based drink that John thought sounded delicious.
“This was a small little shop in a small little town of Idaho,” John said. “Well dad’s brain starts going and I’m thinking ... ‘I wonder what this could be.’”
her counter, trying different combinations until she found ones she liked.
“When he came to me with this, I was totally on board,” Jamie said. “Let’s do this. It’s been me and him all the way through.”
John spent 47 years in the corporate world until he retired and decided to become a business owner. Jamie said he’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, and she wanted to support him to be able to live the way he wants.
Becoming part of Soda Waves also empowered her, she added. She’s been in the restaurant business for 20 years, and now she gets to do what she loves — for not just a small business, but one owned by her father. Her biggest goal is to provide a happy work environment for their employees, many of whom are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students.
BIZ BUZZ
Halifax Health, YMCA introduce new EGYM system to members
The Halifax Health and Volusia Flagler Family YMCA have implemented the EGYM system, designed to provide members with a personalized and efficient fitness experience, a press release recently announced.
The EGYM system features smart equipment that will adjust to each user’s body dimensions and fitness goals, whether they are weight loss, muscle building or rehabilitation. It also integrates with the EGYM app, allowing members to track progress, set goals and compete with others.
The Kerlins moved to Ormond Beach three years
Gourmet sodas, also called “dirty” sodas, are carbonated drinks made with a brandname soda combined with various syrup flavors and creams. But this takes inspiration from the original soda jerks of the 1920s to 1950s, which would historically often mix carbonated water and syrup to make soda drinks in drugstores.
ago and made the decision to open a soda shop about a year ago. Originally, the family was looking at opening their shop in Port Orange, but when that door closed, they found a home for their new soda shop, “Soda Waves,” at 1425 W. Granada Blvd., Unit 2, in Ormond Beach, which formerly housed a Boston Market restaurant.
The family hopes to open sometime in mid-November. John said he’s excited to open their doors, as throughout the buildout, people have popped in and expressed excitement about their business.
“We would love to have everyone come by and try,”
John said.
Soda Waves offers signature drinks such as the Tiki Island (a Dr. Pepper base with vanilla syrup and coconut cream), Bikini (a Coca-cola or Pepsi base with strawberry syrup and vanilla cream), and the Swaying Palm (a Sprite base with cranberry syrup, raspberry puree and fresh lime).
Patrons can also create their own drinks, and in addition to sodas, the shop also offers sparkling water and tea as alternate bases, all of which are poured from a tap.
John’s daughter Jamie Kerlin is the brains behind the signature drinks. She spent months with syrup bottles on
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Ocean Hammock home sells for $5 million
Ahouse at 44 N. Ocean Ridge Blvd. in the Ocean Hammock subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on Oct. 31 for $5 million. Built in 2024, the home is a 6/8 home and has ocean views, a pool, a home theater, an elevator and 6,623 square feet.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Condos
The condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 514, sold on Oct. 30, for $1.4 million. Built in 2003, the condo is a 4/3 and has 2,179 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $540,000.
The condo at 900 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 824, sold on Oct. 28, for $750,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,682 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $416,000.
The condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 607, sold on Oct. 31, for $607,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,640 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $465,000.
The condo at 42 Hembury Lane, Unit 42, sold on Oct. 29, for $215,000. Built in 1988, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet.
PALM COAST
Quail Hollow
The house at 17 Lloshire Path sold on Oct. 31, for $450,000. Built in 2006, the house is
a 5/3 and has 2,986 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $325,000.
Palm Harbor The house at 13 Chesney Court sold on Oct. 31, for $1,265,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has a private dock, boat slip, a saltwater pool and 2,863 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $900,000.
The house at 2 Crossbow Court sold on Oct. 30, for $865,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, spa and 2,976 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $630,000.
The house at 7 Cedarford Court sold on Oct. 28, for $765,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,959 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $590,000.
The house at 76 Cochise Court sold on Oct. 31, for $490,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock, screened-in porch and 1,861 square feet.
Beach Haven
The house at 8 Shady Oak Lane sold on Oct. 30, for $800,747. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,428 square feet.
Grand Haven
The house at 14 Scarlet Oak Circle sold on Oct. 29, for $950,000. Built in 2012, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, screened-in lanai and 2,591 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $590,000.
Marineland Acres
The house at 19 Rollins Drive sold on Oct. 28, for $664,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,525 square feet.
Sea Colony
The house at 10 Bristol Drive sold on Nov. 1, for $489,900. Built in 19889, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,842 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $310,000.
Retreat at Town Center
The house at 11 Mulberry Road sold on Oct. 31, for $466,010. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,635 square feet.
Pine Lakes
The house at 118 White Hall Drive sold on Oct. 29, for $449,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,337 square feet.
FLAGLER BEACH
Morningside
The house at 612 Yorkshire Drive sold on Oct.31, for $545,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in porch, private dock and 1,576 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $521,000. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
“I literally can’t sleep at night because I’m so excited to come here,” Jamie said. “To get to the point where we can be around people.”
The family is very community-focused, John said. They are looking forward to continuing to be that way, and incorporating Soda Waves — Ormond’s first soda shop at the moment.
“The fact that we can integrate into the community with something that’s unique today — tomorrow, there may be somebody here, that’s okay. Competition is just fine — but we want to serve,” John said. “We have that in our nature, in our blood and that’s really fun for us to be able to do — and offer something fun.”
Once open, Soda Waves will also offer curbside service. An app is also available to download. Visit https://www. sodawaves.com.
House in Toscana top sales list at $1,275,000
Ahouse at 224 Vista Della Toscana in the Toscana subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Oct. 28, for $1,275,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/4.5 and has two fireplaces, a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and 4,136 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $790,000.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 2860 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1020, sold on Oct. 29, for $295,000. Built in 1990, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,056 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $175,000.
The condo at 2294 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1060, sold on Nov. 1, for $300,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $200,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Archer’s Mill
The house at 333 Rover Road sold on Oct. 29, for $361,990. Once constructed, the house will be a 2/2 and have 1,816 square feet.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 160 Black Hickory Way sold on Oct. 28, for $550,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,529 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $455,000.
The house at 55 Coquina Ridge Way sold on Oct. 30, for $735,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,452 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $725,000.
David Point
The house at 76 N. Arbor Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $292,500. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,094 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $129,900.
Forest Hills
The house at 1300 Biltmore Drive sold on Oct. 31, for $260,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,400 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $58,000.
Hunter’s Ridge
The house at 39 Pergola Place sold on Oct. 31, for $335,000. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,760 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $149,996.
Ormond Ridge The house at 357 Collins St. sold on Oct. 31, for $333,000, Built in 1972, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,355 square feet. It last
“With EGYM, members don’t need to worry about adjusting equipment or figuring out the right weights,” said Chris Seilkop, president and CEO of the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. “The system does it all, creating a seamless and engaging workout experience that ensures everyone, from beginners to advanced users, can achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently.”
Hammock Beach Golf resort earns 2025 AAA FourDiamond rating
The Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has earned its fourth consecutive AAA Four-Diamond rating from AAA.
The rating is earned after an inspection by AAA’s team of professionally trained experts, who conducted an evaluation of the resort’s facilities and services, a Hammock Beach resort press release said.
“We are incredibly proud to earn this prestigious designation for the 4th consecutive year,” said Carlton Grant, managing director at the resort.
sold in 2022 for $303,500.
Park Ridge The house at 10 Parkview Lane sold on Oct. 29, for $280,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,610 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $156,400.
Plantation Bay
The house at 710 Dolphin Head Lane sold on Nov. 1, for $565,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,399 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $635,000.
Plantation Pines
The house at 3626 Plantation Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $460,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,625 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $240,000.
The Trails The townhome at 1 Timberline Trail, Unit B, sold on Oct. 30, for $205,000. Built in 1977, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,391 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $104,500.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Obyrne
The house at 6 Breezeway Drive sold on Oct. 31, for $800,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/2 and has 975 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $780,000.
Seabridge
The house at 25 Seabridge Drive sold on Nov. 1, for $550,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,814 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $160,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Jamie Kerlin prepares a soda.
Jamie and John Kerlin are the father-daughter duo behind Soda Waves. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
PALM COAST
ORMOND BEACH
Council Chair Brower’s reelection is a win for residents
Dear Editor: Jeff Brower has been reelected as Volusia County Chair. That may not be a surprise to you, the residents, who have seen him lead our county with wisdom, compassion, and strength for the past four years. I can assure you, however, that Jeff Brower’s reelection is a shock to a select (very powerful) group of individuals who were so threatened by Jeff Brower’s people-centered leadership, that they did everything they possibly could to make sure he is a one-term County Chair. From the $500,000 in
YOUR TOWN
Halifax Health honors veterans in ceremony
Halifax Health Medical Center of Daytona Beach recently hosted a ceremony in honor of Veterans Day. In his opening remarks,
Ormond Beach City Commis-
Travis Sargent, a U.S.
Corps veteran, was
contributions poured into Randy Dye’s campaign from developers, insurance groups, and special interests, to the shameless omission of Chairman Brower from the Republican Executive Committee Volusia County Republican Voter Guide, to the endorsement of his opponent by influential people in the county, and to the constant false smearing attacks, it seemed the machine had been fully activated to eliminate Jeff Brower from our political landscape. Why were these “powerful” people so threatened by a farmer, a family man,
Halifax Health President and CEO Jeff Feasel welcomed attendees.
“Today, we not only honor our brave veterans but also celebrate the incredible spirit of service and dedication that runs through the heart of Halifax Health,” Feasel said.
Feasel highlighted the impact of veterans within Halifax Health, noting that over 200 team members are veterans.
“We are indebted to them,
a Christian man being our county chair?
The answer is simple. They were afraid that Jeff Brower gives us a voice that is louder than the money that influences politics in Volusia County. We saw that first hand with the proposed fuel terminal in Ormond Beach. When thousands of residents pleaded with their county representatives to protect them from 20 million gallons of highly flammable fuel being stored steps from their homes, Jeff Brower was our strongest voice on the council. He validated our concerns, he empathized with
not only for their military service but for their commitment to the well-being of our community,” Feasel said.
Guest speaker Travis Sargent, a retired U.S. Marine Corps veteran, insurance executive, and Ormond Beach City Commissioner, shared his journey from Daytona State College to joining and serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
us, and he was determined to do the right thing for the residents, at all cost!
He was belittled for that, he was accused of pandering, he was disrespected repeatedly by his colleagues during County Council meetings, all because he joined the residents on the ground to fight against a very dangerous project. He is now facing the same level of opposition as he is fighting to protect our county from developmentinduced flooding. While he may not be shown respect by political pawns, he gained the deepest respect and admiration of the
The Junior League of Daytona Beach celebrates 90 years of service
The Junior League of Daytona Beach is celebrating its 90th anniversary, kicking off celebrations with a gala on Oct. 26, at the CiCi & Hyatt Brown Museum of Art in Daytona Beach.
The anniversary event “showcased the League’s rich history, the impact of its projects, and the inspiring women who have shaped its legacy,” a press release stated. During the gala, Daytona Beach City Commissioner Quanita May presented a proclamation from Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry recognizing the legacy of the Junior League of Daytona Beach.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone,” said Maria Indelicato, president of the Junior League of Daytona Beach.
The Junior League of Daytona Beach, originally called
residents affected by these issues and of those who care about truth, justice and the wellbeing of the community.
As we savor this victory, we must remember that we, the people win when we show up. We won by reelecting Jeff Brower, and we will continue to win by participating in our local government.
ELENA KRAFFT ORMOND BEACH
Send letters up to 400 words to Jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.
the Junior Service League of Daytona, was founded in 1934 with a mission to focus on the needs of women and children in the community. Throughout the past 90 years, the Junior League of Daytona Beach helped establish Easterseals, the MOAS Planetarium and Giant Sloth exhibits, the Discovery Center at the City Island Library, Project Warm, Camp BeginAgain, Best Foot Forward, Family Tree House and Ecosperience.
Pine Trail Elementary hosts program to honor local veterans
Pine Trail Elementary honored veterans with a special program on Friday, Nov. 8. Almost 50 veterans and their families took part in the school’s “A Salute to Our Veterans” program, which included breakfast and a class-by-class parade to thank them for their service. Veterans’ photos were also on display on an honor wall. The event was presented by the Pine Trail Elementary PTA.
sioner
Marine
Pine Trail Elementary student Ellie Butera thanks veterans.
Do
Do
8
Lora Fickett, CPA, MBA Financial Stress Reduction® Coach
CPA,
386-319-1917 Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com
Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com
YOUR NEIGHBORS
ALL-AMERICAN GIRL CASEY JENSEN GAINEY
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Sixteen-year-old Casey Jensen Gainey is an “all-American girl.”
She is a Seabreeze cheerleader, the school’s Future Farmers of America chapter treasurer, she competes in rodeos and qualified for the 2024 National Barrel Horse Association Youth & Teen World Championships in July, entered the Miss Volusia County Fair Pageant this year and works two jobs — at Ormond Hay and Feed and the Boot Barn in Daytona Beach.
Ordinarily an honor roll student, she recently finished her first semester as a junior with straight As.
“She’s definitely an all-American girl — cheerleader, rodeos, FFA officer,” Casey’s mother Beth Jensen said. “You can’t get more American than that. She also works at the local feed store loading hay and 50-pound bags of feed all day. She knows all the customers and the customers know her.”
Casey said her work ethic comes from the way both her parents raised her. Even her brother Noah Jensen worked two, and sometimes three jobs, while he played baseball at Seabreeze and on a competitive travel team.
“I love working and staying busy,” she said. “I can’t stand being bored. I have to have something to do. I never want down time, even though I think sometimes I need it.”
Beth is a child protective investigator at the Department of Children and Families, bartends at the Iron Horse Saloon during bike events and has multiple side gigs. She said she and her daughter live out of a planner. Meshing the two of their schedules makes things easier for both of them, considering Beth hauls the horse trailer for her daughter and is involved in most aspects of her routine.
No matter how busy they are, Beth said she would not change a thing as far as encouraging her children to get involved in multiple interests and supporting them throughout their efforts.
“They’re only kids for 18 years,” she said. “I want to enjoy everything. I don’t want to look back and say ‘I should have worked more’ or ‘I wish I didn’t miss this.’ I do every single thing I can. When they have kids, I want them to do the same thing.”
RIDING BEFORE WALKING Casey was born and raised in Ormond Beach, like her father Jason Gainey. His parents, Darlene and Phil Gainey, also live in Ormond Beach, where they have horses. Darlene barrel raced when she was younger and
was a big influence on Casey’s love for the sport.
Casey rode on the back of a horse before she could walk. At 4 years old, her grandmother gave her a Quarter Paint horse named Lacy. They bonded immediately and Darlene jumped at the opportunity to teach Casey how to barrel race. Her grandmother used a lead line to take them through the barrels at rodeos but when Casey turned 5, she got tired of being led around the arena and went solo.
Racing got serious for her at the age of nine when she and Lacy ran their first 15-second race and won Flagler County Cracker Day. In 2019, she qualified for the NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships. Casey and Lacy competed for nine years together by the time Lacy was retired at the age of 26 years old.
Pie was the next horse she got for rodeo events. The Palomino was a fast barrel horse, but did not like the other rodeo events which became dangerous. Beth mentioned her concerns to her father Joe Jensen.
In January, he bought Casey a rodeo horse named Ellie Cat. Beth said it was her father’s dream to buy his granddaughter a horse.
Casey qualified to go to the NBHA Youth & Teen World Championships this year with both horses.
“Worlds went OK,” she said. “I didn’t have the runs I was hoping for but not having been there for five years, I think I did very well. I had a couple good runs I am really proud of. I’m planning on going back with both my horses next year.”
Preparation for rigorous rodeo competitions includes chiropractic treatment for Casey and her horses. Her ultimate goal is to attend Murray State University in Kentucky on a rodeo scholarship where she can earn a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in animal science/pre-veterinary medicine, then become an equine chiropractor.
She attributes a lot of her knowledge of horses and agriculture to her enrollment in the Agricultural
Seabreeze junior Casey Jensen Gainey successfully navigates a tough schedule of FFA, agriculture, cheerleading and rodeos.
Technology Academy at Seabreeze and her involvement as an FFA officer since she was a freshman. She has attended the FFA National Convention three years in a row. Last year, she discovered MSU and the fact that they had a rodeo team.
“FFA has made me who I am and taught me in so many ways,” she said. “Everything I have learned through it has made me such a better person all around.”
Seabreeze agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Craig Lungren met Casey when he first started the program three years ago. He said he knew she had an incredible future ahead of her.
“She had a natural talent of lighting up a room with her personality and excited smile,” he said. “Casey is one of the hardest working FFA members I have within my program. She has always put 110% into everything she has done.”
Lungren said she always strives to develop her leadership skills and increase her ability to help others achieve goals they set for themselves. He said he is looking forward to seeing everything she accomplishes in her future endeavors.
DIRT AND RED LIPSTICK
As a kid, Casey attended Pathways Elementary, where they had started a cheerleading program through the Extended Day Enrichment Program. She saw the cheerleaders and told her mom she wanted to do “that.”
They did not have a uniform small enough for her, so after resizing it to fit her pint-size frame, she joined the team. She has been a cheerleader ever since and is currently on the Seabreeze cheerleading team.
Seabreeze cheerleading coach
Amie MacDonald said she marvels at Casey’s ability to keep everything organized.
“The organizational skills are there — she plans things ahead of time, she always knows what she needs, she always has her stuff together,” she said. “I think she literally wakes up with drive. She has goals and drive to get to them.”
Casey is on the varsity sideline team and the game day competitive team. MacDonald said she is by far the loudest voice at the varsity football games.
“Casey really excels in the horses and the farm life but then she loves to be girly,” she said. “She’s not afraid to get dirty on the farm then put on red lipstick for the games.”
Casey said she could not successfully run her schedule without her mom.
“My mom has done everything for me,” Casey said. “She helps get me to all of my rodeos across the state of Florida and Georgia. She really does it all for me. She keeps track of my schedule so I just show up. It makes it a lot easier.”
“Casey really excels in the horses and the farm life but then she loves to be girly. She’s not afraid to get dirty on the farm then put on red lipstick for the games.”
AMIE MACDONALD, Seabreeze head cheerleading coach
Seabreeze cheerleader Casey Jensen Gainey.
Casey Jensen-Gainey runs barrels with her horse Pie. Photos by Michele Meyers
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, NOV. 14
HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING AND PROGRAM
When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library. 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Bill Vivian will present “20th Century Military Records for Genealogists.” Guest registration is free. Bring a friend or neighbor.
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
USED BOOK SALE
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, 1520 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach
Plan for Medicare Open Enrollment
Hearing
•Increased
Services
•Checking
16TH ANNUAL A1A SUPER
SCENIC GARAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: A1A in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia
counties Details: Presented by the Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, this garage sale spans 150 miles. Visit scenica1a.org/superscenic-150-mile-garage-sale.
14TH ANNUAL RIVERFEST
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
lWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond
Beach
Details: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church is hosting a book sale, featuring all genres, from historical fiction to westerns and mysteries. There will also be a selection of faith-based books, romance, cookbooks and nonfiction. All hardcover books are $1 or 3 for $2; paperbacks are 50 cents or 3 for $1.
PALMETTO CLUB’S HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Palmetto Club, 1000 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Details: Shop boutique sale items such as books, jewelry, handbags, art, crystal and more. The public is invited to enter the boutique from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $25 donation, which includes lunch. Not having lunch? You can enter the boutique for free from 1-3 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Nov. 8 by calling 386-334-9304.
988 SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: The Rotary Club of Flagler County will host an awareness walk to promote the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline. Participants will walk around the lake at Central Park, where a brief ceremony will take place prior to the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and/or teal. Registration is not required. Free event.
TANGER DAYTONA BEACH
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
When: 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Tanger Outlets, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the annual tree lighting ceremony, presented by Halifax Health. This event will include a live snow fall, giveaways, kids craft stations, musical entertainment featuring Mr. Harley and a visit from Santa Claus. The free event will take place near Polo Ralph Lauren.
DAVID BRIGHTON’S
SPACE ODDITY: ‘THE QUINTESSENTIAL
DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE’
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast
Details: This is a live, theatrically staged, costumed multimedia spectacle that transports audiences on a musical journey through David Bowie’s career. Tickets start at $54. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach
Details: Tomoka United Methodist Church will host a bazaar, open to everyone with free admission. It will feature a selection of fall, Christmas and year-round crafts, gifts and White elephant items. This year’s event will also include an opportunity to take home a theme gift basket. Homemade lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a wide selection of bake sale items will be available.
Details: Ormond MainStreet’s annual Riverfest Seafood Festival is back. In addition to food vendors, there will be bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon art, face painting, live entertainment, local artisans and more. Free admission and parking, with additional free shuttle service from two remote parking lots courtesy of Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church. Enjoy a quick boat ride across the river on a free water taxi, embarking from the public docks at Cassen Park.
HONEYBEE BUZZ: HEROES OF OUR PLANET, MAKING HONEY HAPPEN
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: Join bee keepers Bill and Barry for an educational program about honeybees, Florida native “bee friendly” plants and what is involved in raising honey bees and harvesting the honey. Park entry fee of $5 per vehicle (for 2-8 people) or $4 for single occupants required.
THE CHILES ACADEMY’S ANNUAL HOMECOMING CARNIVAL
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: The Chiles Academy, 868 George W. Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area will be teaching all about brain safety at The Chiles Academy’s homecoming carnival. There will be puppet shows, music, games, a bounce house, pony rides, free bicycle helmet fittings and giveaways. Free event.
‘GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY’
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: The Halifax Genealogical Society is hosting a free, one-on-one research assistance program for anyone interested in researching family history. The volunteers convene in the Sandpiper Room in the library. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.
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 386-3179400 to reserve a spot.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
CORVETTE’S COAST TO COAST 2024
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Government Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: The Flagler County Corvette Club presents this car show. There will be music, door prizes, food trucks and raffles. Pre-registration costs $35 and $40 on the day of the show.
PASTORS APPRECIATION DAY
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Palm Coast United Methodist Church is extending a community invitation to express appreciation to their pastors, Dr. Kevin James
and Rev. Shannon White. The event will take place during the church service.
BEAUX ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OPENING RECEPTION
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Art League of Daytona Beach, 433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach Details: Beaux Arts of Central Florida will be on exhibit at the Art League of Daytona Beach from Nov. 17 through Dec. 15.
MONDAY, NOV. 18
NARFE CHAPTER MEETING
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Houligan, 1643 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Join the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2247 of Ormond Beach for its meeting. The program will be a review of federal health benefits with representatives from several providers. For more information, email billdenny105@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20
SHANNON RAE
PERFORMANCE When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Vocalist Shannon Rae will perform a free program, titled “Bringing Back Memories with Melodies from the 1960s and 1970s.” Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.
THURSDAY, NOV. 21
GAME DAY LUNCHEON
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709, 53 Old Kings Road N, Palm Coast Details: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge 2709 are holding a Game Day luncheon, featuring a menu of Italian, turkey and chicken salad wraps with bow tie pasta salad, dessert, coffee and tea. Tickets cost $15 per person and are on sale until Sunday, Nov. 17. Tickets are available via email at ladiesauxiliary2709@gmail. com.
FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB NOVEMBER MEETING When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Ave. Royale, Flagler Beach
Details: This month’s meeting will feature Carlos M. Cruz as a guest speaker. He will speak on the topic, “What It Takes to Be and Remain an Individual of Influence,” and will provide an analysis debrief of the 2024 election. He will also be available before and after the meeting for a book signing. Advance registration and payment required. Tickets cost $35 for members and $40 for guests.
ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING When: 6:30 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend the November meeting for the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Check-in ad social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. The election results will be examined and ways to effectively move forward discussed. Input from members and like-minded guests will be encouraged and welcomed. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22 4TH ANNUAL SEAN ‘POOH’ HENDERSON MEMORIAL RODEO When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
Details: Presented by 4-H and FFA Livestock, there will be ranch bronc riding, wild cow milking and bull riding. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo
YOUR TOWN
Flagler Habitat for Humanity celebrates community impact
In 1982, at a Habitat for Humanity conference in Ohio, the speaker announced that the audience members could save the organization $12,000 by putting away their own chairs.
That made an impression on Bill Verhagen, in the audience. Wow, he thought. Such a little thing can make a big difference.
Verhagen has been involved with Habitat ever since and is now president of the local chapter, Flagler Habitat for Humanity.
He spoke at Hearts to Homes, the inaugural celebration of Flagler Habitat, held Nov. 7, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
Although society is often divided, Habitat is an organization in which we can agree on working together, Verhagen said, calling it “the doctrine of the hammer.”
Habitat homes are sold to local families with a mortgage at a 0% interest rate, in exchange for sweat equity. Habitat also provides many resources for families, including the Prep Club, which, in partnership with Intracoastal Bank, establishes bank accounts for the children of Flagler’s 131 Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
Maureen Crompton, the new executive director at Flagler Habitat for Humanity, started out as a volunteer in another resource: the ReStore.
At the Nov. 7 event, Crompton praised the ReStore crew, which also picks up and delivers donated furniture at two storefront locations: 5 Har-
grove Grade, Palm Coast; and 2 W. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Habitat is more than just a home building organization, Crompton said. “It’s about bringing heart, warmth and love …so families can thrive now and into the future,” she said.
FPC educator is a finalist for Classroom Furniture Giveaway contest
Flagler Palm Coast High School Activities Director
Evana Fretterd is one of 12 overall finalists in the KI Furniture Solutions’ Classroom Furniture Giveaway contest. Fretterd was selected from over 500 kindergarten to 12th grade teachers nationwide who submitted designs for their dream classrooms.
Four winners — three from geographic regions and one reserved for school libraries — will be awarded $40,000 worth of furniture to make their visions a reality. The winners will be decided in a public vote. The poll will be open through Sunday, Nov. 17 with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Fretterd’s classroom is one of three finalists for the award in the Eastern Region.
Fretterd’s design is for FPC’s Student Government Association classroom. It includes flexible seating with furniture on wheels, more storage, counter tops and new whiteboards.
Fretterd said she heard about the competition from Assistant Principal Stacia Collier who suggested that she submit a proposal. Fretterd said it is an honor to even be considered.
“Honestly, winning this giveaway would be an amazing way to thank the SGA members for all their hard work and dedication to their school and community. They spend so much time working in that room and totally deserve to have this new space,” she said.
To vote, go to https://www. ki.com/classroom-furnituregiveaway/third/.
Maureen Crompton, new executive director at Flagler Habitat for Humanity, and Bill Verhagen, president. Photo by Brian McMillan
Evana Fretterd, FPC activities director. Courtesy photo
For the arts: Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival highlights local artists
The Fall Arts Festival featured local artists from the area, from St. Augustine to Ormond Beach.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
From photography to painting, jewelry to glassware, the third annual Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival was an opportunity for local artists to showcase their creations.
The festival took place from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Central Park in Town Center. The festival was a collaboration between the city of Palm Coast and the Flagler County Cultural Council and featured multiple local artists.
Perry Wafer, co-owner of P&J Crystals, is one such artist. The fall festival was just his third event, he said, but he and his partner Janice Martinez were able to make plenty of sales.
“It’s been a good day,” Wafer said. “It’s more than I expected. Wafer said he began creating the crystal decor pieces as something
fun to do after he retired.
“We’ve got them in every window,” he said.
Like Wafer, Ormond Beach artist Stephen Pierce said he found his creative outlet in woodworking and resin creations after he retired.
He showcases works from his shop, the Faithful Craftsman, across Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona and as far south as Cocoa in Brevard County.
He said he got bored during his retirement and it seemed natural to explore woodworking, something he said he “always wanted to do.”
He began with making cutting boards and then using laser technology to etch in different designs on the cutting boards. Now, Pierce said, he creates the cutting board designs alongside resin art pieces and other decor.
The arts festival also featured arts in the form of live music performances, including from the Palm Coast Community Band.
The FC3 is already working on organizing its spring 2025 arts festival and has set Nov. 8, 2025 as the next fall festival date, according to a FC3 Facebook post.
Janice and Perry Wafer of P&J Crystals show off the crystals artist Perry Wafer has designed.
Friends Lasaundra Smith and Kayla Wisnosky brought their children Kaliyah Wisnosky and Caslyn Smith to have their faces painted by Doreen Lazzano of For Any Event, LLC.
Ormond Beach artist Stephen Pierce crafts cutting boards and resin artwork. Photos by Sierra Williams
The Palm Coast Community Band performs at the Flagler County Cultural Council Arts Festival.
Jim Martin, the Jimstones Guy, helps customers perusing his creations at the Arts Festival
Tracy Jones and Deanna Arthur were raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Palm Coast Lion’s Club President Amy Dumas and club administrator Ken Crowley with the 2023 and 2024 official White House ornaments.
Queen and Dew Drop Fairy roles will be performed by high school seniors Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan.
ALMENAS
JARLEENE
MANAGING EDITOR
Sugar Plum Fairy. Snow Queen. Dew Drop Fairy
Three prominent roles in “The Nutcracker,” and ones that Ormond Ballet has filled with its senior dancers for the school’s upcoming production of the traditional holiday ballet, to be held at the News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The show will star Ellen Svajko as Clara and Emmett Persico as the Nutcracker.
High School seniors Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan will play the soloist roles. Ormond Ballet Artistic Director Michelle Boutros said they achieved the roles because they are three of the strongest dancers in the school
“It’s not just their physical gift, it’s their mindset,” Boutros said. “Even academically, we have overachievers in all three of them.”
Potts has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She’s always looked up to the older girls and the roles they got to play in productions. When Ormond Ballet started putting on “The Nutcracker” in 2021, she hoped to one day get the role of Sugar Plum Fairy.
And now the Seabreeze High School senior has, and she’s aiming to bring her own artistic perspective to the role.
“Now that I’m playing it, it’s so surreal and I’m really excited to finally be able to do that this year,” Potts said.
Senior spotlight: Ormond Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’
wanted to play the role of Snow Queen in “The Nutcracker.” She watched Potts perform it last year, and Khanna, who has been dancing since she was 3, has played several roles in the ballet over the years, working her way up to Snow Queen.
Last year, she played the role of Dew Drop Fairy, and that taught her the importance of putting the work in as a soloist, she said.
“Gaining the confidence in that last year has definitely helped me this year to be able to do more,” Khanna said.
Rogan said it’s been fun to play the role of Dew Drop Fairy. A senior at Flagler Palm Coast High School, this is the first time she leads a scene during a ballet, she said.
“When you’re in a core, you can rely on your fellow dancers, but when you’re in a soloist position, you’re only as good as the work you put into it,” Rogan said, who has been dancing since she was 2.
She loves the music for her solo too — the “Waltz of the Flowers.”
And every time she runs the number during rehearsal, she gets stronger, Rogan said.
Boutros has known Potts and Khanna since 2018, and Rogan since 2021. It’s been a privilege, she said, to see the three dancers grow up, and she appreciates their leadership in the school.
“People look up to them.” Boutros said. “They have good attitudes. They make good choices. They’re respectful.”
And the roles they are playing are not easy. Sugar Plum Fairy in particular, Boutros said, is very isolating.
“She has to sit out and conserve because it’s 12-15 minutes of just all out war, but looking beautiful at the same time,” she said. “... This is just beyond taxing.”
Nostalgia and Christmastime are two things that come to mind for the dancers when they think of “The Nutcracker.”
“Every major ballet company, they do the Nutcracker,” Boutros said.
The dancers rehearse five to six days a week. But that’s what it takes to have a good production, Khanna said.
“That’s just part of the experience,” she said. “If we want to have a good show, we know that’s what’s necessary.”
You have to have high expectations for yourself too in order to improve, Potts added.
“My peers are one of the biggest parts of getting better and putting on a good show because I think the more you have sort of a team — you wouldn’t really think of ballet as a team, but you can think of your best friends and people you’ve grown up with so long as a team,” Potts said.
“Being there for each other whenever they’re struggling with a specific step or a specific part and just mak-
ing sure that you can always be there for them and help them out, I just feel like that’s one of the most important parts for me.”
With Ormond Ballet’s production being held in November, it can also help kick off Christmas festivities, Khanna added.
And it’s an opportunity, Rogan said, to appreciate local arts.
“I think everybody should just watch ballet,” Rogan said. “I feel like we should have more appreciation for the arts as a community.”
Tickets for Ormond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” start at $30. Visit www. ormondballet.com.
Party Girls Mia Esguerra, Joselyn Stoy, Zsanett Szabo, Caroline Jones, Emma Doster (as Fritz), Angelica Butakova, Faith Pfeiffer, Lucy Martin, and Nora Martin surround Ellen Svajko, who plays Clara in “The Nutcracker”. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Baylee Rogan plays the role of the Dew Drop Fairy
Mira Khanna will play the role of Snow Queen
Baylee Rogan, Mira Khanna and Eris Potts have been dancing since they were toddlers.
Eris Potts will play the Sugar Plum Fairy
Emma Doster, who plays Fritz, runs away from Ellen Svajko, who plays Clara.
COMICS
Ziggy
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Senior support
First-year
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Seabreeze head football coach Mike Klein hugged his seniors after the Sandrabs’ 13-10 overtime loss to Deltona on Nov. 7, at Daytona Stadium.
The Sandcrabs wrapped up the year with a 2-7 record in Klein’s first season.
“What a game to be part of,” Klein told his players after the game. “What hurts more is just knowing that this team will never get to play together, ever again. Wins, losses, didn’t make the season for me. What did matter to me was I hope you enjoyed it, I hope you learned something from your coaches — from one another, and I think you guys built a really special bond here. I know where the future is going to go with Seabreeze football, because I know the foundation that the seniors laid here this year.”
The teams battled to a 7-7 by the end of regulation. After Seabreeze’s Drew McNerney kicked a field goal in the opening possession of overtime, Deltona quarterback Jeremiah Hancock ran in for a touchdown to clinch the victory for the Wolves (3-7).
Seabreeze quarterback Dylan Tocci rushed for 112 yards and a touchdown
on 15 carries and added 62 yards passing. Zachary Voltaire had 43 yards combined rushing and receiving, four tackles, a pass deflection and a fumble recovery. Julian Perez rushed for 69 yards, sophomore Caiden Smith caught two passes for 38 yards and Brogan Kelly rushed for 20 yards and caught a 4-yard pass.
Klein said the seniors took on incredible leadership roles this season and set the foundation for the program moving forward.
“Brogan Kelly gave everything he had on offense, on defense, on specials,” Klein said. “Tocci, who is not a quarterback, did a great job this year and stepped in to fill that role. Luke (Cloer) on the offensive line, also played defensive line tonight.”
Perez, a senior, was making his second start. This was his first year playing football, receivers coach
Mark Lewis said.
“The O-line really helped me push down the field,” Perez said. “Coaches taught me how to lower my shoulders, drive past those linebackers and be a great running back. I want my teammates to shoot for the stars. They’re going to do such great things. I love them. They really changed me for the better.”
Perez is a 110- and 400-meter hurdler on the track and field team.
Lewis said he can’t imagine what Perez’s potential would have been if he had played football all four years.
Tocci bulldozed his way into the end zone less than four minutes into the second quarter to give the Sand-
crabs a 7-0 lead.
Deltona tied the score when Damarion Phillips rushed for a quick touchdown early in the third quarter.
Both teams had key defensive plays to start the fourth quarter. Voltaire’s fourth-down tackle gave the ball back to the Sandcrabs. Deltona linebacker
Ed Wiggins recovered a Seabreeze fumble, but Voltaire returned the favor with his own fumble recovery.
The Sandcrabs had a chance to take the lead on their final possession in regulation as Tocci led a drive to just inside the 10-yard line, but Desean Fludd blocked McNerney’s field goal attempt to force overtime.
“They truly played to the final whistle,” Klein said. “Man, we make that field goal — we’re celebrating, we’re jumping around, we’re happy — but they ended up blocking and making a great play, got it into overtime and they got us.
“Incredible game,” Klein added. “Super proud of the guys. Only way it could have been better is if they finished on top tonight. They fought hard enough to win it. The ball just
didn’t bounce our way a couple times.”
The Seabreeze defense was instrumental in keeping Deltona at bay.
Junior Cash Kurz had four solo tackles and three assists, fellow junior Logan Smith had 1 solo and 10 assists, sophomore Tristan Miller had 1 solo and 5 assists, senior Dylan Hayes had 3 assists and senior Jake Deising and junior Stephen Williams Jr. each had 1 solo and 1 assist.
Deising said he will probably study business finance in college and, more than likely, will not be playing football.
“I want to thank coach Klein,” Deising said. “He’s been the greatest coach I’ve ever had for any sport. He knows how to push us. He tried to get us to do everything we could to prepare for the games — get ready to win. I think I benefited so much from playing football this season. I got mentally tougher. I feel like I can do so many more things because I played football.”
“What a game to be part of. What hurts more is just knowing that this team will never get to play together, ever again. ... I know where the future is going to go with Seabreeze football because I know the foundation that the seniors laid here this year.”
Seabreeze football coach Mike Klein praises seniors for setting foundation.
MIKE KLEIN, Seabreeze head football coach
Seabreeze quarterback Dylan Tocci avoids a tackle by Tayvion Dixon in the game against Deltona. Photos by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze’s Luke Cloer (75) battles Deltona’s Andrew Perez (53) in the final game of the season.
Zachary Voltaire (left) grabs a loose ball for Seabreeze as T.J. Sampson (second from left) blocks for him. Referees call no fumble.
Seabreeze head coach Mike Klein talks his players through the game.
Seabreeze and Deltona cheerleaders play a game together.
Da’Veon Brown embraces the brotherhood at Jones College
Seabreeze graduate
Da’Veon Brown misses his hometown food while embracing his newfound cheerleading team at Jones College in Mississippi.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Da’Veon Brown was sitting in his dormitory at Jones College daydreaming of eating Jamaican food. More specifically, he wanted some jerk chicken and plantains.
The recent Seabreeze graduate moved to Ellisville, Mississippi, on a full cheerleading scholarship in August and has not been back home since then. He said he misses all the food choices offered in his hometown of Daytona Beach.
“There’s no soul food, no Bethune Grill, no Huey Magoo’s (in Ellisville),” he said. “I’m going home and get me some. I’m counting down the days until I get the plate.”
Jones head cheerleading coach Kate Ewing, associate head coach Kayla Hankins and assistant coach Hanna Burnett selected him to join the Bobcats following a tryout event the first week of May, just three weeks before he graduated from Seabreeze High School.
“The first few weeks were a little overwhelming,” Brown said. “It’s way different going from high school to college. There is much more commitment and way less free time. It’s even more busy than before. I haven’t had a chance to go back to Florida because of how busy it is.”
That is saying a lot considering Brown worked out with the Seabreeze cheerleading team at 6 a.m., attended school, then went to football practice after school in the fall of 2023. He then would get a ride to Hope Place after practice and start the whole process over the next day. Now, Brown said, his schedule is class, cheer, study and the occasional game, if he has time.
Currently, Brown said he is working on his general education in preparation for Jones’ nursing program. Next semester he will be taking biology followed by anatomy and physiology.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse because, when I was younger, my mom was in the field,” he said. “I feel excited and scared about it — a little bit of both.”
The Bobcats practice Tuesday through Thursday 1-4 p.m. and occasionally add a six hour session on Friday. Brown said they will go to two-a-days soon due to the impending national championships coming up at the beginning of the new year.
The team also cheers at football and basketball games, pep rallies, parades and any other Jones function that involves school spirit.
Brown is one of 16 men on the Jones cheerleading squad out of 28 total. Eight athletes are from Flor-
ida with three of their sophomores originating from DeLand — Anthony Medeiros, Sebastian Coley and Valentin Conner Hernandez.
“It feels like when I was playing football,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of brotherhood on the team.”
He said his coaches like his progress but, as a freshman, he will more than likely be cheering his team on at nationals. So far, he said the hardest stunt he has learned is called a toss cupie where the base tosses a flyer up and catches them with one arm.
Jones College has won three Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championships since 2021 in the Open Coed Division. The UCA College Nationals to be held at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, January 17-19, 2025.
Brown said he is looking forward to having some long overdue family time during nationals and a big plate of Jamaican food.
Seabreeze graduate Da’Veon Brown cheers with his new teammate Emma Patty at Jones College. Courtesy photos
Seabreeze High School graduate Da’Veon Brown cheers on the sidelines with his new team at Jones College.
Bucs hit the road for the playoffs
If Mainland is to repeat as a state football champion, the Buccaneers will have to be road warriors.
The seventh-seeded Bucs (5-5) will travel to No. 2
Tallahassee Lincoln (8-2) for a Region 1-5A quarterfinal 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. If they win, the will play the winner of the Fleming IslandMosley game on the road.
Seabreeze’s Fletcher advances to golf championships
Seabreeze’s Riley Fletcher qualified for the Class 2A girls golf tournament Nov. 15-16 at Mission Resort in Howeyin-the-Hills. Fletcher tied for fourth place with an 80 at the Region 2-2A tourney at Dubsdread Golf Course in Orlando.
Father Lopez’s Jack Rossheim advanced to the Class 1A boys golf tournament Nov. 12-13 at Mission Resort. He shot 82 on the first day.
Lopez’s stellar swim season continues
The Father Lopez girls placed third and the boys were fifth at the Region 1-1A swim championships at Bolles School in Jacksonville. The girls qualified three individuals and two relay teams for state.
Zoe Fulton advanced in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 breaststroke.
Nelanee Fulton qualified in the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly. And Evie Kate Carnathan qualified in the 100 breaststroke. Zoe Fulton broke the team record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.40. Carnathan
also broke a team record, swimming 54.63 seconds in the 100 freestyle. The Green Wave also set team records and qualified in the 200 medley relay (1:53.09) and the 400 freestyle relay (3:44.25).
Matt Alvarez qualified in the 100 breaststroke. The Green Wave boys also advanced in the 200 (1:31.74) and 400 freestyle relays (3:23.75), breaking teams records that have been on the books since 2000.
Saterfield commits to Utah State
Matanzas defensive lineman Jackson Saterfield has committed to play at Utah State, where he will join his father, Tyrone Saterfield, who is a defensive analyst with the Aggies.
FPC, Seabreeeze head to state
The Flagler Palm Coast girls cross country team has not advanced to the
state championships as a team since 2009. Thanks to a third-place finish at the Region 1-4A meet on Nov. 8 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, they are headed to the state meet on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.
They will be joined by the FPC boys team, which finished seventh at the regional.
Freshman Peyton Cerasi led the FPC girls with a fourthplace finish. Her time of 18:34.6 broke her own school record.
Ari Slaughter ran her second-best time of 19:10.1 to place 14th. Madison Lagard ran a PR time of 19:57 to finish 27th. Cassidy De Young finished 29th with a time of 20:04.2.
Jevin Luna led the FPC boys with a time of 16:38 for 25th place. Brant Tarsitano finished 36th in 16:55.2.
At the Region 1-3A meet on Nov. 7 in Panama City, Matanzas junior Blaine Vogel qualified for state with a time of 16:41.8 to finish 19th.
The Seabreeze boys also
qualified for state, placing eighth at the Region 2-3A meet on Nov. 7 at Fred Poppe Park in Palm Bay. Hunter Shuler led the Sandcrabs with a time of 17:39.7 for 30th place.
Seth places 12th at XC nationals
Flagler County’s Douglas Seth is an All-American.
The Buddy Taylor Middle School eighth grader who runs for the Imagine Town Center club team, placed 12th out of 325 runners in the 4K race at the Middle School Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Seth earned All-American honors. His time of 13:33.50 was second-fastest among runners from Florida, which was the winning state team.
On Oct. 26, Seth won the club division in the Florida Youth Runners Association Middle School State Championships. He finished the 3K race with a time of 9:37.82, just shy of his personal record.
PUBLIC NOTICES
in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
FIRST INSERTION
HOME ACRES, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 11, PAGE 64, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Property Address: 607 CEDAR AVE, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32117
FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is November 14, 2024.
Personal Representative: Douglas Brian Smith 126 Beechwood Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32137
Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324
CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164
Telephone: (386) 445-8900
Fax: (386) 445-6702
E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com
Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com November 14, 21, 2024 24-00574I
FIRST INSERTION
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File Number: 2024 13792 PRDL Division:10 IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM ROSINSKY, Deceased. The administration of the Estate of WILLIAM ROSINSKY, Deceased, whose date of death was November 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, Deland, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative for said Estate and the Attorney for said Personal Representative are respectively set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate upon whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must
file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The Personal Representative or
FIRST INSERTION
in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 11 day of November, 2024. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: _\S\Danielle Salem_ Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 23-135857 - NaP November 14, 21, 2024 24-00577I FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 32900 CICI ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JERI MCCOY F/K/A GERALDINE MCCONAHA A/K/A GERALDINE MCCOY, DECEASED, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 26, 2024, and entered in 2023 32900 CICI of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC is the Plaintiff and UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JERI MCCOY F/K/A GERALDINE MCCONAHA A/K/A GERALDINE MCCOY, DECEASED; ROBERT JACKMAN are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on December 06, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: THE N 1/2 OF LOT 8, BLOCK 10, REPLAT OF UNIT NUMBER ONE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 13579 PRDL Division: PROBATE IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH PECORARO -JAMES Deceased.
Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 11 day of November, 2024. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: _\S\Danielle Salem_ Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 23-142125 - NaP November 14, 21, 2024 24-00578I
The administration of the estate of Elizabeth Pecoraro-James, deceased, whose date of death was June 9, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy ofthis notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702
WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: November 14, 2024. Personal Representatives: Joanne Spoto Sulmonte 1104 SW 36th Terrace Cape Coral, Florida 33914 Neil T. Pecoraro 434 Mason Avenue Haledon, New Jersey 07508 Barbara M. Pizzolato, Esq.
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-12371 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF GARY WILLIAM TOBER, Deceased.
The administration of the estate of GARY WILLIAM TOBER, deceased, whose date of death was May 30, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P. O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: NOVEMBER 14, 2024. Signed on this 11th day of November, 2024.. THERESA ROSE JOHNSON Personal Representative 5799 Windsor Hill Drive Port Orange, FL 32128
ROBERT KIT KOREY, ESQUIRE Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787
ROBERT KIT KOREY, P. A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Telephone: (386) 677-3431
Email: Kit@koreylawpa.com
Secondary Email: Michele@koreylawpa.com November 14, 21, 2024 24-00575I
NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2019 32297 CICI U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF NRZ PASS-THROUGH TRUST XII, Plaintiff, vs. RANDY E. RICHARDSON; JOHNNIE E. RICHARDSON; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Summary Final Judgment of foreclosure dated November 6, 2024, and entered in Case No. 2019 32297 CICI of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF NRZ PASS-THROUGH TRUST XII is Plaintiff and RANDY E. RICHARDSON; JOHNNIE E. RICHARDSON; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, LAURA E. ROTH, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.volusia.realforeclose.com, 11:00 a.m., on December 11, 2024 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 10, BLOCK 45, FAIRWAY, UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 27, PAGES 82 AND 83 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE
COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILI-
300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
