Ormond Beach Observer 02-27-25

ORMOND BEACH

One commissioner proposed its purchase to help mitigate nearby flooding issues.

Center Street in Ormond Beach is being sold for $2 million. Should the city of Ormond Beach buy it?

City Commissioner Travis Sargent proposed the purchase at the commission meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 18, citing the property’s proximity to Thompson Creek and possibility to help mitigate flooding occurring in local neighborhoods.

“I think this is something that we really can look into and preserve a very special piece of land, I think, in the center of our city from being developed,” Sargent said. The property consists of about 10 acres of uplands, with

1,787 feet of combined frontage on Wilmette Avenue and North Center Street, according to the listing. It’s currently zoned B-1 Professional/Office, which permits the construction of adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, offices, financial institutions, hospitals, nursing homes, pharmacies and veterinarian offices, with uses such as restaurants, retail and multifamily units identified as conditional uses.

Sargent added that the property is also typically very wet.

“We hear about the fill and build and everything,” he said. “To build on this is going to be trouble.”

The city doesn’t have many undeveloped parcels like this left, he added. The property could also be turned into a recreational amenity for the community, he suggested.

Commissioners were open to the idea.

“I’d like to preserve that area,” Commissioner Kristin Deaton said. “That would be a phenomenal option. If it truly is an

option, I would like to look into that.”

Commissioner Lori Tolland said she loved the idea, and that she had looked at other areas too in preparation for the commission’s future workshop on stormwater.

“This would be the right time to identify properties that might work,” she said. “I’m not saying this isn’t a great idea — this one specifically — but there might be other opportunities as well that we can use to protect flooding and stormwater and all.”

City Planning Director Steven Spraker said staff solicited properties a few years ago for the Volusia Forever program, which was created in 2000 through a voter referendum for the purchase of environmentally-sensitive land. This resulted in the purchase of the 19-acre Penland and Pomerenke property located off Airport Road.

“A similar exercise could be done, trying to see which properties are interested,” Spraker said.

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower delivers State of the County address at the Ocean Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

City’s educational plastic straw ban could be scrapped

Trump issued an executive order on Feb. 10 to ban the use of paper straws. On Feb. 18, Commissioner Sargent proposed getting rid of city’s educational ordinance.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on the “forced use of paper straws,” the Ormond Beach City Commission may soon do away with what city has designated as an environmental protection ordinance.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, City Commissioner Travis Sargent brought up the president’s executive order, which he read from the dais, and asked his fellow commissioners if they would be interested in repealing the ordinance, which was adopted in 2019.

“I think that we don’t need that — an education straw ban — on our ordinances in the city of Ormond Beach,” Sargent said.

Commissioners said they would be open to looking at the issue.

Since the city of Ormond Beach adopted an educational plastic straw ban aimed at reducing single-use plastics in the city, the use of plastic straws and stirrers by a city contractor is prohibited on city-owned properties and buildings, with exemptions for people with disabilities, medical conditions or pre-packaged drinks that already bring a plastic straw.

An effort spearheaded by thenCity Commissioner Susan Persis, commissioners at the time agreed to eliminate consequences for businesses and industries who continued to use plastic straws after March 1, 2020. It was outlined as a pub-

lic education program to stress the negative environmental impact of single-use plastics while promoting eco-friendly options.

“Although straws may seem a small part of the pollution problem, they loom large as being the catalyst for creating new product solutions, a new way of thinking” Persis said at a 2019 meeting where the commission approved the ban.

None of the elected officials who approved the ordinance in 2019 remain on the commission.

In 2023, the Observer surveyed 26 restaurants in the downtown district regarding the use of plastic straws.

Of the 26, seven offered a non-plastic straw option, five of which were located on the beachside. Of the five, three offered compostable straws, one offered a biodegradable straw option and one offered paper straws.

On Feb. 10, Trump issued an executive order to “end the procurement and forced use of paper straws.” The executive order directed the federal government to stop purchasing paper straws, ensure they are no longer provided within federal buildings and required the development of a strategy to end the use of paper straws within 45 days.

“The irrational campaign against plastic straws has forced Americans to use nonfunctional paper straws,” the order reads. “This ends under President Trump.”

The order adds that “cities and states across America have banned plastic straws, caving to pressure from woke activists who prioritize symbolism over science.”

According to the Ocean Conservancy, 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean, adding to the estimated 200 million metric tons already in the marine environment.

Plastic production and consumption, the organization reported, are predicted to double over the next 10 years.

Project Magellan planned west of US 1

The confidential development could generate as much as $20M in annual tax revenue.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Palm Coast’s westward expansion has a name.

At half a billion dollars of investment, Project Magellan would be among the most significant nonresidential economic development projects in Flagler County history. Representatives of the development authorized the public disclosure of some sparse details on Saturday, Feb. 22, though the project is still confidential based on state statute.

Here’s what has been made available so far:

Project Magellan is located on 500 acres somewhere west of U.S. 1 but east of Old Dixie Highway. It’s basically south of Matanzas Woods Parkway and North of Palm Coast Parkway — inside what has been referred to as the 7,500-acre “doughnut hole” in recent Palm Coast City Council meetings.

The land is owned by Raydient Palm Coast LLC, according to the Flagler County Property Appraiser. It’s in unincorporated land, surrounded by Palm Coast. As of today, it’s designated as agricultural land, so land use and zoning changes would be required before any development would be allowed.

Tax revenues on the property could jump to about $20 million annually, between property taxes, sales taxes and bed taxes.

According to projections released by Project Magellan, the property taxes collected when it’s operational would be about $9 million per year, which would include about $4 million for the Flagler County government, $2.5 million for Flagler Schools, and $2.1 million for Palm Coast — if it’s annexed into the city.

In addition, the annual sales tax

LOOP ACCESS ROAD

collected could be over $10 million for the community. Bed tax revenue, generated by hotel stays, would be over $1 million annually. The annual revenue for the economic activity in Project Magellan would be over $200 million per year, according to the brief statement. It would create about 2,000 jobs, 500 of which would be full time.

WHY THE CONFIDENTIALITY?

According to Palm Coast Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo: “Projects request confidentiality to protect themselves from their competitors.

If the project dies, or comes to fruition, all the information that’s been exchanged between the project and the local government becomes public information. It’s very similiar to when City Council has executive session related to a lawsuit. The item stays confidential until there’s a resolution, and when there’s a resolution, they become public.

“The project has to request confidentiality under the statute, in writing, which they did, and they have one year.”

Project Magellan requested confidentiality early in 2025, DeLorenzo said.

The land is owned by Raydient Palm Coast LLC. It’s designated as agricultural land, so land use and zoning changes would be required before anything could be built.

Project Magellan is located on 500 acres somewhere west of U.S. 1 but east of Old Dixie Highway.

‘Call to action’

Volusia County Council Chair

Jeff Brower calls for unity in his annual State of the County address.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Unity was once again at the center of Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower’s annual State of the County address, delivered to a crowd of about 500 at the Ocean Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25.

Themed “Coming together for a bright future,” the State of the County highlighted the council’s goals for 2025 as well as the past year’s accomplishments. This was Brower’s fifth address as County Council Chair — his fifth asking for all elected officials and the community to come together to work on issues the county is facing.

“I believe every person in this room wants what’s best for Volusia County,” Brower said. “This County Council has created a list of priorities and goals that can carry us through and rise us above our many challenges. However, the challenges that face us today, and our goals for tomorrow, require an unprecedented level of cooperation.”

Flooding. Growth. Storms. Basic services.

All these challenges, Brower said, require partnerships, collaboration and compromise, as that “cooperation often crosses judicial boundaries, industries and even philosophical positions.”

“You can see this call to action goes beyond this council,” Brower said. “I’m asking all of you to join us in working together for a bright future.”

2024 ACCOMPLISHMENTS

The State of the County event highlighted seven council goals:

„ Create a more efficient regulatory framework

„ Increase efficiency and effectiveness of operations

„ Develop and implement a plan for expanded recreation and sports tourism services

„ Continue and enhance fiscal stewardship

„ Foster and support a solution-oriented culture

„ Make the county a leader in resiliency practices

„ Promote economic prosperity

The event also featured a video on the county’s achievements from the past year.

These included the elimination of the communication tax, business tax receipts and pet registration fees. The county also celebrated the addition of a new carrier at Daytona Beach International Airport and new Avelo Airline routes to Wilmington, Delaware and Hartford, Connecticut. At the Ocean Center — which is celebrating its 40th year — the county hosted over 118 events, including 14 live entertainment events. Total attendance was reported to be 513,000 in 2024, up 16% from 2023. The Ocean Center’s events generated 88,000 hotel room nights, up 17% from 2023.

The county also celebrated the announcement of a new manufac-

turing and assembly plant for French aircraft corporation Aura Aero at the airport. This, the county reported, will bring more than 1,400 high paying jobs.

The video address recognized the county for ranking second in acquisition of conservation lands in the state, acknowledging programs such as Volusia Forever. Since 2021, Volusia has acquired and preserved over 5,500 acres of land.

“Approximately 56% of those lands protects our precious natural floodplains and wetlands, which as we know, plays a critical role in reducing our flood risks throughout Volusia County,” Councilman Danny Robins said in the video. “That, my friends, is remarkable.”

ParkVolusia was also mentioned.

Since its launch in January, the county reports 76,000 registrations for the parking program — which allows residents to drive on the beach and park in off-beach lots. In the video, County Councilman Troy Kent called the program a “game changer.”

“As a strong believer that those who pay taxes should be able to enjoy our greatest asset without additional costs, I’m proud to see this program in action,” he said. “The revenue generated from visitor access will help offset the cost of maintaining and improving our beaches, lowering the financial obligation of our own residents.”

Kent additionally spoke about the dog-friendly beach pilot program in Ormond Beach, as 2024 was the program’s first full year.

“I’ve heard from so many residents how much they appreciated the opportunity to enjoy the beach with their furry friends, and the community has been incredibly respectful, keeping their dogs on a leash and cleaning up after their companions,” Kent said. “Keep up the good work so we can potentially make this program permanent.”

Flooding is one of the biggest challenges facing Volusia County today, Councilman Don Dempsey said in the video. He highlighted the county’s allocation of over $60 million for more than 14 projects to improve drainage and reduce storm impacts, as well as the federal funds granted to the county: $328.9 million from Hurricane Ian relief funds, and $133.5 million for Hurricane Milton.

“I will work to ensure that as much of this funding as possible goes towards infrastructure improvements and storm mitigation as this is what the residents of Volusia County want and need,” Dempsey said.

‘WE CANNOT DO IT ALONE’ If residents, the county and its

municipalities decide to work together, Brower said, he is confident they can accomplish anything.

“Challenges are nothing new to Volusia County,” Brower said. “We’ve faced hurricanes. We’ve faced wildfires, flooding and economic shifts that have all impacted our community, but what defines us is not the obstacles in our path, it’s how we respond to them as a community.”

During his address, Brower asked city elected officials and managers to stand. He said he wanted to show residents that they were present and engaged.

“They are working with the council, and we will work with them,” Brower said. “While Volusia County plays a significant role in addressing these challenges that we now face, we cannot do it alone.”

Brower used his address to advocate for home rule, saying that the best people to make decisions at the local level are those who live and work in the county.

“We must put Volusia County taxpayers first,” he said. “... The people who know and live in our community are best equipped to make decisions that reflect their needs and their values.”

He also spoke about flooding, calling for “bold action” to be taken: the improvement of the stormwater management system, but also the implementation of new practices and technology.

“We cannot move ahead relying on business as usual, but thoughtful and timely changes have made

“Challenges are nothing new to Volusia County. We’ve faced hurricanes. We’ve faced wildfires, flooding and economic shifts that have all impacted our community, but what defines us is not the obstacles in our path, it’s how we respond to them as a community.”

JEFF BROWER, Volusia County Council Chair

America the greatest country in the world,” Brower said. “We have the opportunity to launch Volusia County into a future that protects every resident, unleashes free enterprises, reduces their tax burden and protects our environment for the enjoyment and good health of every resident, including our future residents — our children and grandchildren. That is the opportunity we all face today.”

A member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1048 Honor Guard holds the American flag.

Bob Bendlin, of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1048, plays taps alongside the a Bethune-Cookman University trumpet player.

Volusia County Councilmen David Santiago, Don Dempsey, Danny Robins, Troy Kent, Matt Reinhart, Jake Johansson and Chair Jeff Brower take the stage at the conclusion of the annual State of the County address.

Volusia County Community Information Director Michael Ryan welcomes attendees.

Faith Neal sings the national anthem.

Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower delivers his annual State of the County address at the Ocean Center on Tuesday, Feb. 25. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

‘This shelter is a blessing:’ Record numbers flock to Sheltering Tree

The cold weather shelter has been open a record 23 nights with 24 to 36 guests seeking shelter every night it’s been open since Jan. 7.

Men and women file out of the bus and walk across the parking lot to the front door of the Rock Transformation Center in Bunnell.

It’s 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, check-in time for the Sheltering Tree’s cold weather shelter for the homeless and those who don’t have heat. It was a warm day, but the forecast says it will be a cold night, and the temperature is already falling fast.

The shelter opens when the U.S. National Weather Service is predicting temperatures to fall below 40 degrees. This has been a cold winter. Feb. 20 was the 23rd night the shelter was open, a record since the Sheltering Tree was founded in 2008.

‘A SAFE PLACE’

An average of 22 guests a night have been sheltered this season, which is also a record, says Sue Bickings, the Sheltering Tree’s chairperson.

“Since Jan. 7, we’ve sheltered between 24 and 36 guests every night we’ve been open,” Bickings says. At one point, Bickings said, they ran out of cots, and the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center gave them some more to use.

“This is a great place. The agencies work with one another,” Bickings says.

Bickings hugs bus driver Marie Smith.

“We don’t always have volunteers from (Flagler County) transportation,” Bickings says. “But Marie will do this seven days a week. She has made herself available to us.”

was also 32.

Flagler does not have a general shelter. Its main shelter is operated by the Family Life Center, a domestic violence shelter.

‘LIFE CAN GET REAL HARD’

Jon Anderson says he’s been living on the streets for two years. “Life can get real hard,” he says.

Anderson says he was renting a house with his brother and mother in Seminole Woods.

“My brother got lung cancer and died two months later, and the two of us couldn’t afford the house. The VA helped my mother get into a nursing home,” he says. “I’m trying to find a full-time job. I’m highly skilled. I can fix anything.”

Twenty-eight guests, including a family of five, are sheltered on this night. They are all served a hot meal for dinner, provided a cot with a pillow, sheet and blanket to sleep on and then fed breakfast in the morning. There’s a room for men, a room for women and separate rooms if families are scheduled to come in.

“It started during the pandemic,” he says. “Everything started snowballing after that with the cost of housing, the cost of living.”

“This shelter is a blessing, it really is,” says Donny, who learned about it through social media three months ago. Donny lives in his car. He calls himself chronically homeless.

Donny says he recently got a job as a part-time custodian.

“I’m happily, gainfully employed,” he says. “It’s better than not working. Car insurance isn’t cheap.”

The Sheltering Tree has over 100 volunteers. There are feeding teams, monitoring teams and a laundry team.

“We want people to know they can go to a safe place,” Bickings says.

RISING NUMBERS

Flagler County Health and Human Services Director Joe Hegedus said based on the number of people seeking emergency assistance, the homeless population in the county seems to be rising. The Volusia-Flagler County Coalition for the Homeless conducted its annual “Point in Time Count” at the end of January, but the numbers are not in yet. Every county across the country does a head count on a single night of people experiencing homelessness.

“It’s a rubric, a rough count of people experiencing homelessness on any given day,” Hegedus said.

The Volusia-Flagler count in 2024 was 786 unsheltered (people living in cars, parks or sidewalks) and 378 in temporary shelters. In 2023, there were fewer people unsheltered, at 583, but more people sheltered, at 470. In total, the Point of Time Count went up 10% from 1,053 to 1,164. In 2022, the total was 865.

The 2024 Point of Time Count in Flagler showed 32 unsheltered. Ormond Beach’s unsheltered count

Anderson says Flagler Cares has helped him with the SNAP food assistance program, Social Security and health care. Donny has been getting medical assistance at the Flagler Free Clinic.

The Sheltering Tree provides a weekly Tuesday outreach where it provides lunch, and if needed, clothing, toiletries, shoes, bicycles, sleeping bags and other assistance.

Flagler County Health and Human Services provides financial assistance for people who are about to be evicted or are behind in their rent.

“If somebody’s able to locate a home, we can provide them first, maybe even one or two months’ rent payments to help them move in and retain housing,” Hegedus said.

Hegedus said last year Health and Human Services spent the bulk of its budgets sooner than anticipated.

“That’s just because of those numbers of folks that increased paired with the higher rent in the community. It eats up that funding quicker,” he said.

CareerSource has helped Anderson find jobs, but transportation is difficult.

He sat at a table in an empty room at the Rock Transformation Center. “I’m so happy they can help me not freeze, get a hot meal and wash up a little bit,” he said. “You get a little bit of your pride back.”

Volunteers serve dinner at the Sheltering Tree’s cold weather shelter on Feb. 20 at the Rock Transformation Center.

“Life can get real hard,” said cold weather shelter guest Jon Anderson.

Sheltering Tree Chairperson Sue Bickings with Flagler County bus driver Marie Smith. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Flagler School Board’s Janie Ruddy questions radio ads

Jane Ruddy said the district’s communication team has ‘a plethora’ of lower cost or free options.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Should Flagler Schools continue to advertise on the radio?

Flagler County School Board member Janie Ruddy doesn’t think so. At the board’s Feb. 25 business meeting, Ruddy questioned December vendor payments to Flagler Broadcasting.

“I am curious as to what the advertising or promotional materials that Flagler Broadcasting is doing for us that we felt we’re not getting

BRIEFS

Granada Blvd. crash results in Daytona man’s death; Ormond teen driver injured

An 81-year-old Daytona Beach man was killed in a crash involving a teen driver on Granada Boulevard the evening of Thursday, Feb. 20.

Florida Highway Patrol reports that the 16-year-old boy was driving westbound on Granada, east of Shadow Crossings Boulevard at 7:26 p.m. when the Daytona Beach man was attempting to make a left turn to travel east on Granada. He failed to observe the teen’s pickup truck and came into its direct path.

The man, who was also driving a pickup truck, collided with the front right of the teen’s vehicle, causing the man to overturn onto the westbound lane, FHP reports.

The teen’s truck overturned onto the median.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. The teen was transported to the hospital with serious, but nonlife-threatening injuries, FHP reports

COPS CORNER

FEB. 16

SWATTED

5:06 p.m. — Selma Trail, Palm Coast Battery on a law enforcement officer. A 24-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested after he “swatted away” a deputy’s hand as the deputy was trying to defuse a verbal altercation, the Sheriff’s Office reported.

When deputies responded to the home, four people were standing in the roadway engaged in a verbal altercation, according to the man’s arrest report. The reporting deputy placed himself between the man and the others as he continued to yell at one of the involved parties. As he walked him back to his patrol vehicle, the man began to “maneuver” around the deputy, swatting away the deputy’s arm.

The deputy then attempted to secure him in handcuffs, which the man resisted. He was eventually detained and placed in the back of the deputy’s patrol vehicle.

The reporting deputy noted that the man was upset because his sister had gotten back together with her boyfriend.

The man was taken to jail.

FEB. 17

I SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM

3:55 p.m. — 600 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach

enough coverage through our outreach,” Ruddy said.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore said the ads on WNZF provide a range of information to the broader public including school activities and upcoming meetings.

“We don’t feel like our website, the phone calls, the Remind app is enough for that?” Ruddy asked. Moore said in survey questions about communication the district continuously hears that individuals are not aware of what’s happening in the school district.

“We think about our radio advertising as an opportunity to reach specifically to our community … who may not be getting Remind or may not be following us on our social media outlets,” Moore said.

Board member Derek Barrs and Chair Will Furry agreed that radio is a good method to

Sheriff

adds new eye

scanning technology at Flagler County jail

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is implementing new technology at the county jail that will allow for inmates to be identified through their eyes.

The Inmate Recognition and Identification System, known as IRIS, is designed to enhance public safety and ensure the identification of individuals booked into the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, according to a press release. IRIS uses advanced biometric technology to capture over 265 characteristics of the human eye, creating a template the FCSO reports is more accurate than fingerprinting, facial recognition and palm scanning. The accuracy would ensure offenders can’t use false names, birthdates, aliases or other methods to hide their identity from law enforcement.

“The implementation of IRIS aligns with our commitment to using the best available tools to apprehend criminals,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in the press release. “We believe

Trespass. Police issued a trespass warning to a 59-year-old Ormond Beach man due to repeated inappropriate conduct at a local fast food chain restaurant.

According to a police incident report, the restaurant manager called police after the man went through the drive-thru and was denied service due to past incidents, which include him going inside the restaurant and yelling for ice cream. The restaurant staff did not call police in the past.

Though management asked him to leave the restaurant, the man only left after a customer asked him to. Police located the man at his residence and issued him the trespass warning.

FEB. 21

WEIGHT A MINUTE

3:15 a.m. — 3000 block of North State Street, Bunnell Possession of drug paraphernalia. A 30-year-old Palm Coast man told police that a scale found during a search of his vehicle was used to weigh the pennies he collects.

The man, who was arrested, had an active county arrest warrant. Detectives had conducted a traffic stop on the man’s vehicle, leading to the arrest of the front passenger as well, a 41-year-old Palm Coast woman who also had an arrest warrant.

During a search of the car, deputies found two bags each containing less than a gram of methamphetamine and a digital scale, which was swiped on

communicate to the community at large.

“If it does come to the point where we have to tighten our belts, which I believe we’re probably going to end up having to do,” Barrs said, “then we’ll need to readdress this going forward. But at this point I think it is a way for us to communicate with our families above and beyond what we’re able to do with our own social media.”

Ruddy asked if the ads were targeted to a specific demographic. Moore said they were usually aired on Mondays, but she wasn’t sure what times during the day. WNZF is a news station.

“I just feel we have our own in-house communications team,” Ruddy said, which offers “a plethora of lower cost or free options.”

Furry said he agreed that the board needs to watch

this system will be an invaluable resource in our efforts to identify criminals who may provide a false name. This technology is the ‘new fingerprint technology’ and is already being used by the FBI. Dirtbags, be aware. We have another tool to identify you and capture you!”

IRIS is integrated with a national database, allowing for the FCSO to share information with other law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S. IRIS is available through an innovative partnership between the National Sheriffs’ Association and BI2 Technologies. The equipment was provided to FCSO at no cost to taxpayers, the press release states.

Palm Coast seeks feedback on newly installed traffic-calming treatments

The City of Palm Coast has installed traffic-calming treatments as part of its Traffic Calming Pilot Study.

Following the findings of the 2024 Residential Speed Study, speed cushions have been installed on Cimmaron Drive and Florida Park Drive to address areas of con-

the field and tested positive for methamphetamine too. Both were taken to jail.

FEB. 22

ROBBED AT GUNPOINT

10:10 a.m. — 1400 block of Hand Avenue, Ormond Beach Armed robbery. A 67-yearold Ormond Beach man was robbed at gunpoint while going for a walk outside his home.

Police report that the man opted to go for a walk be-

its spending but added that the previous board had been tasked with improving communication not just to parents and students.

“Some of the tools we have in house are more focused, and the audience tends to be parents and those associated with education in Flagler County, where the radio has a broader reach. It reaches the entire community, telling the community what’s happening at Flagler Schools, because they’re also stakeholders,” Furry said. “So that is where there is value in these type of broader broadcasting messages, in my opinion.”

Ruddy asked if there was a plan to evaluate the outcome of the ads or to resurvey.

Furry noted that the payments have already been made and the board could discuss the question in a future workshop.

cern for speeding and crash risks. Additionally, chicanes have been implemented on Farmsworth Drive and Forest Grove Drive to create slight curves that encourage drivers to slow down. Lane narrowing measures are also in place on Woodbury Drive and Sea Trail, designed to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety naturally.

Now that the trafficcalming treatments are fully installed, the city wants to hear residents’ feedback on how these changes affect traffic flow and neighborhood safety. Resident input will help the City Council determine whether these measures should remain in place after the pilot program concludes in April.

“This program is a top priority for the City Council because it’s all about making our neighborhoods safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” Mayor Mike Norris said. “Please take the time to answer the surveys so we can work together to find the best solutions.”

Visit www.palmcoast.gov/ traffic-calming-pilot-project to submit your thoughts. All responses will be reviewed and shared with City Council members as part of the decision-making process.

cause the weather was nice.

As he was walking through a local parking lot, he encountered an unknown white man with a long beard wearing a black hoodie, black beanie, black cargo pants. The victim told police, according to the incident report, that the suspect extracted a pistol from his jacket pocket, pointed it at him and demanded he give him his cash, saying, “Give me your money!”

The victim handed over

But Ruddy said the ads are just one of the expenditures, big or small, that the board should look at further.

“What I’m saying is that I would like to take a look at some of these things that maybe are not the essentials when we already know that there are some big changes regarding our student population, and we’re going to need to think about what’s essential and what’s not,” Ruddy said.

“I just want to add,” Moore said, “that especially as we go into budget season and we make whatever changes we need in order for this board to set the budget … it is then my responsibility to use those dollars appropriately.”

Because Ruddy had pulled the radio payments off the consent agenda, the item was put up for an individual vote.

The payments were approved 4-1 with Ruddy opposing.

DeSantis announces ‘state DOGE task force’

Taking a page from billionaire Elon Musk’s push to cut federal spending, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday announced a new panel that will review about 900 state positions, university spending, local government spending and the need for about 70 state boards and commissions.

Embracing the rapid action by the federal Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, DeSantis said the “state DOGE task force” will be an effort to “continue to streamline our government and continue to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.”

“For too long, nobody has cared about the taxpayers, much less the next generation, who is ultimately going to have to pay for all of the mismanagement that we have seen over these many, many years,” DeSantis said during an appearance in Tampa.

Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Nikki Fried scoffed at the plan, saying “Republicans have been in total control of Florida’s government for nearly 30 years, and he wants to talk about government waste?”

$200, which he had in his pocket.

Police note the victim was in distress and mentioned he was not wearing his glasses, but said he would be able to identify the suspect. An employee of a nearby assisted living facility told police she saw a man matching the suspect’s description, but that she had not seen the incident. The victim wished to pursue charges.

JOSH WE IL

DEMOCR AT FOR CONGRESS

IMPORTANT DATES

MARCH 3: Deadline to Register to Vote

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SPECIAL ELECTION APRIL 1, 2025 (April Fools Day)

for Florida American Dream Economy for Florida

PROTECT YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY: Ensure Your Check Arrives on Time & in Full

ENHANCE SUPPORT FOR SENIORS: More Frequent Cost of Living Increases

BOOST SMALL BUSINESSES & GIG WORKERS: $20,000 Loan Assistance

HELP FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS: Up to $50,000 in Loan Assistance

SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES: $5,000 Increase to Child Tax Credit

IMPROVE DISASTER RELIEF: Ensure a Well-Funded FEMA

A1A Scoops serves up vegan gelato

Here’s the scoop for a sweet alternative in Flagler Beach.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The gelato at A1A Scoops seems like a guilty pleasure.

It’s rich and dense and creamy. You would never know it’s dairy-free.

The vegan gelato is also sugar-free, gluten-free, non-GMO, soy-free, Kosher approved and under 120 calories per serving. It is sweetened with monk fruit, a natural sugar alternative.

John and Ocean Stein opened A1A Scoops, located at 2201 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach, about two months ago in a space that used to be a realtor’s office.

them had to sit out, John Stein said.

“When you go to a typical ice cream place, there’s only a couple of options,” Ocean Stein said. “If it’s sugar free, it’s not dairy free. Our gelato is vegan, and it’s with all natural ingredients.”

After John Stein retired from the Marine Corps, they were looking to provide a product that was needed in the area, he said.

more intense flavors.

Their vegan gelato is crafted in Miami by friends of Ocean Stein who produce it for highend restaurants, John Stein said.

“We pick it up in Miami and sell it here,” he said.

John Stein said they chose the two-story plaza in northern Flagler Beach because it is away from the bars and other ice cream parlors.

BIZ BUZZ

PALM COAST’S QUANTUM LEAP WELLNESS RELOCATES

Quantum Leap Wellness Center has relocated to 4 Office Park Drive in Palm Coast, 1.2 miles east of its former location.

this is a step forward in the organization’s commitment to sustainability through NASCAR IMPACT, a plan that aims to reduce NASCAR’s carbon footprint to zero across NASCAR core operations by 2035. The new EV chargers are for employee and industry use and will facilitate NASCAR’s transition to electric fleet vehicles.

They display 18 different flavors of gelato, rotating in two others. They have fruit flavors such as lemon, wild berries, pineapple, guava and mango. They also have pistachio, date caramel, dark chocolate, mint chocolate chip, coconut, pina colada and creamsicle.

The Steins wanted to open an Italian-style gelato parlor that people with dietary restrictions can enjoy. John and Ocean both have dietary restrictions. When they used to take their grandaughter out for ice cream, one or both of

“It wasn’t all about money. It was more about the intrinsic rewards,” he said. “We wanted to create an atmosphere where everybody, no matter what your dietary preference, your dietary restrictions, you can enjoy everything here. And it has been so rewarding, seeing everybody come in, asking, ‘Let me taste this. Let me taste this. Let me taste this.’”

Gelato is churned slower than ice cream which prevents air pockets and results in a denser, richer texture with

A1A Scoops is open every day from noon to 7 p.m. A scoop costs $6 with two scoops for $10. They also have gelato pops, vegan chocolate chip cookies which they use to make gelato sandwiches, date syrup and Gelofee — premium organic, single-origin coffee, poured over your gelato.

They have a “Scoop It Forward” option for customers to pay for a future customer’s gelato and they give military and first responders a 10% discount or a free scoop if they are in uniform.

Ormond’s Bill Jones gets OK for downtown sculptural sign

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach City Commissioners commended developer Bill Jones for his work on the downtown as they unanimously approved a new lighted sculpture at the Art Spotlight gallery building on Tuesday, Feb. 18.

Jones, who owns the building at 67 W. Granada Blvd., was seeking a special exception for a 6-foot-tall, 17-footwide sculpture spelling the word “art,” to be added to the

roofline of the gallery. The city categorized the sculpture as a sign, and it would include light bulbs, similar to traditional theater marquee signs.

When the city looked at its downtown plan, flexibility to allow redevelopment was considered, Commissioner Harold Briley said at the meeting.

“They’ve taken what was 25 years ago, a blighted downtown, and really turned it into a vibrant and beautiful downtown,” Briley said. Some recent signage

requests by Jones for downtown businesses include that of Neighborhood Scoop’s and the metal pig sculpture at Pumphouse BBQ.

Jones thanked the commission for allowing him to continue to work on redeveloping the city’s downtown. When he first moved to Ormond, the downtown district was an area people drove through to get to the other side of town.

“I’m hoping that if we can put enough things downtown, that people will maybe hit the brakes and look at it,” Jones

said. “That’s the big key to this stuff.”

Commissioner Kristin Deaton told Jones she appreciated his investment in the downtown.

“It really is a spotlight for our good community and I trust your judgment on this,” she said.

Mayor Jason Leslie echoed the commissioners’ sentiments.

“Everything that we see is always fantastic,” he said.

Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.

The new location positions the center near other wellness practitioners, including chiropractors and speech therapists. The move aligns with Quantum Leap’s mission to provide accessible and affordable wellness solutions to as many people as possible, a press release states. Quantum Leap Wellness specializes in advanced wellness technology designed to wirelessly recharge the body while at rest. Through innovative and non-invasive methods, the company helps individuals enhance their well-being, improve sleep and reduce stress in a serene and supportive environment.

The center if offering unlimited monthly membership at an introductory rate of $199 per month, co-owner Todd Stewart said. For more information or to schedule a complimentary session, visit https://quantumleapwellness.biz/ or call or text 386-285-3016

NASCAR ADDS 30 NEW EV CHARGERS AT DAYTONA

NASCAR, in collaboration with Florida Power and Light Company’s EVolution commercial charging solutions and ABB, recently announced the installation of 30 level 2 electric vehicle chargers at its Daytona Beach headquarters. According to a press release,

“FPL and ABB will provide NASCAR with valuable guidance, reliable equipment and the support needed to electrify key elements of our operation,” said Riley Nelson, head of sustainability at NASCAR.

FPL provided the level 2 chargers for Daytona headquarters through its FPL EVolution commercial charging solutions, helping NASCAR add 30 EV charging ports to its facility. Last summer, electrification and automation manufacturing company ABB and NASCAR announced the ABB NASCAR Electrification Innovation Partnership.Two of ABB’s manufacturing facilities are located in Ormond Beach.

“ABB helps industries run leaner and cleaner,” said Khalid Mandri, ABB division president.

“The ABB NASCAR Electrification Partnership explores strategic opportunities for electrification throughout the sport, including race vehicles, charging infrastructure, and energy education.”

Ocean and John Stein at A1A Scoops in Flagler Beach. Photo by Brent Woronoff

The ABB NASCAR EV racecar prototype races in Daytona. Photo courtesy of ABB

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Bunnell house is Flagler’s top sale

Ahouse at 680 East Black Point Road in Bunnell was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 8-14 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Feb. 8, for $875,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/4 and has a pool and 3,626 square feet.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre

Condos

A condo at 4600 East Moody Blvd., Unit 7P, sold on Feb. 14, for $154,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,035 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $73,000.

A condo at 45 Ocean Crest Way, Unit 1021, sold on. Feb. 14, for $525,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,859 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $300,000.

A condo at 37 Captains Walk, Unit 37, sold on Feb. 13, for $325,000. Built in 1989, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,565 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $238,000.

A condo at 102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 265, sold on Feb. 10, for $395,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,570 square feet. It sold in 2028 for $230,000.

A house at 112 Palmwood Drive sold on Feb. 14, for $356,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,000 square feet.

A house at 21 Praver Lane sold on Feb. 14, for $315,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,770 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $170,000.

Cypress Knoll

A house at 13 Elder Drive sold on Feb. 14, for $630,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,012 square feet.

Flagler Village A house at 24 Wandering Creek Way sold on Feb. 13, for $369,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,193 square feet.

Matanzas Woods A house at 56 La Mancha Drive sold on Feb. 14, for $238,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,845

square feet.

Palm Harbor A house at 15 Curtis Court sold on Feb. 14, for $860,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/3.5 and has an outdoor kitchen, a firepit, a dock, an outdoor shower, a spa and 2,490 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $825,000.

A house at 4 Campbell Court sold on Feb. 13, for $500,000. Built in 1974, the house is a 2/2 and has a boat dock and 1,411 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $258,000.

Pine Grove

A house at 33 Phoenix Lane sold on Feb. 14, for $320,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,960 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $305,000.

Sawmill Branch

A house at 4 Springwood Drive South sold on. Feb. 14, for $312,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

A house at 16 Springwood Drive South sold on Feb. 14, for $316,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

FLAGLER BEACH

George Moody

A house at 1200 South Central Avenue, sold on Feb. 13, for $709,900. Built in 1948, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,786 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $727,500.

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

What is Hidden Hearing Loss?

Hidden hearing loss a relatively new term. It describes hearing loss that cannot be measured by standard hearing tests, even though you might have difficulty hearing, especially in background noise or in other challenging environments.

How is hidden hearing loss measured?

There is no standard test protocol to detect hidden hearing loss. If you have hidden hearing loss, you may have normal results during a diagnostic hearing exam. At Palm Coast Hearing Center, we do additional testing that will evaluate your hearing abilities in the presence of background noise, so we can better understand the difficulties you may be experiencing.

The cause of Hidden Hearing loss

There is still plenty of research to be done in this area, but initial research suggests that hidden hearing loss is caused by damage to cells in the hearing organ (cochlea) in the inner ear. These cells connect the hearing organ to the brain. Once damaged, these cells are no longer able to send information to the brain. This can cause the brain to not receive a clear sound signal and to not interpret the sound correctly.

What to do if you think you have hidden hearing loss.

If you suspect that you may have a hearing loss, then you should sched-

House on the Halifax river tops the sales list

Ahouse at 17 Cameo Circle on the Halifax River was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Feb. 1-7. The house sold on Feb. 7, for $935,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a boat dock and 2,280 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $375,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 33, sold on Feb. 7, for $130,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,214 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $145,000.

The condo at 671 Wellington Station Blvd., Unit 20, sold on Feb. 6, for $210,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,000 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $72,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 303 Barebow Lane sold on Feb. 3, for $520,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,787 square feet.

Brooke Station

The house at 6 Brooke Station Drive sold on Feb. 6, for $310,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,320 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $189,000.

Elrod Estates

The house at 211 Bosarvey Drive sold on Feb. 4, for $320,500. Built in 1947, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,175 square feet. It last sold in $240,000.

Fleming Fitch

The house at 860 Arroyo Parkway sold on Feb. 3, for $350,000. Built in 1980, the house sits on 2.88 acres, is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a detached garage and 2,400 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $445,000.

Forest Quest

The house at 204 Hamlet

ule an appointment with us for further evaluation. If hidden hearing loss is suspected, communication strategies and assistive listening devices may be used to help in difficult listening situations. You probably don’t need hearing aids, but there a variety of other tools available that may help you communicate more effectively. For example there are simple amplifiers that are affordable and easy to use that you can use when you go to meetings or other situations where you need help hearing better. There are accessibility tools available in many public spaces like movie theaters that you can request as well. There are special TV amplification devices that actually make the speech on TV clearer, not louder. We can help you understand how use to activate accessibility settings in your smart phone and television too. With aural rehabilitation, we can also teach you to hear and process speech and communicate better with your loved ones.

Protecting your hearing is the most important step in preventing hidden hearing loss. What steps can you take to prevent hidden hearing loss?

• Wear proper hearing protection (earmuffs, earplugs) when in noisy environments such as: concerts, sporting events, fireworks displays,

Trace sold on Feb. 7, for $404,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $375,000.

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 9 Canterbury Woods sold on Feb. 3, for $400,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,060 square feet.

The house at 8 Foxhunter Flat sold on Feb. 7, for $585,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a boat dock and 3,529 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $475,000.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 350 Greenwood Ave. sold on Feb. 7, for $175,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,207 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $135,000.

Pine Trails

The house at 4 Inverray Court sold on Feb. 7, for $407,500. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,045 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $265,000.

Plantation Bay

The townhome at 1117 Hansberry Court sold on Feb. 3, for $320,000. Built in 2005, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,674 square feet.

The townhome at 1311 Hansberry Lane sold on Feb. 6, for $353,000. Built in 2005, the townhome is a 2/3 and has 1,646 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $233,500.

The townhome at 751 Aldenham Llane sold on Feb. 7, for

and car races. Hearing protection comes in a variety of sizes and textures to provide optimal fit. Custom-made earplugs can be obtained from an audiologist.

• Set volume limits on your portable devices.

• Walk away from loud sounds.

The role of an audiologist

As your audiologists and hearing care partners, we identify, diagnose, and manage hearing loss and work closely with physicians, when necessary, as an important part of the management team.

At Palm Coast Hearing Center, our mission

$345,000. Built in 2017, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,562 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $363,000.

Riviera Manor

The house at 614 Johnson Drive sold on Feb. 4, for $210,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,328 square feet. It last sold in 1982 for $52,000.

Riviera Oaks The house at 107 Luna Circle sold on Feb. 3, for $145,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,215 square feet. It last sold in 1984 for $56,000.

Standish Shores The house at 40 Standish Drive sold on Feb. 7, for $450,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,425 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $330,000.

Tymber Creek The house at 70 Woodfield Court sold on Feb. 6, for $303,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,260 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $164,200.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Roberta Heights The house at 160 Roberta Road sold on Feb. 6, for $255,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 3/1 and has 1,100 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $106,500.

Sand Dunes Estates The house at 123 Sand Dunes Drive sold on Feb. 3, for $660,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,513 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $670,000.

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

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

At Palm Coast and Ormond Hearing Center, our mission is to not only provide the best quality hearing care possible, but also to educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Visit our website, www.palmcoasthearingcenter. com or www.ormondhearingcenter.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.

The house sold on Feb. 7, for $935,000. Photo courtesy of Adams, Cameron and Co. Realtors.

BAER, CEO OF PERSONAL CITIES

An outsider’s view on future of development in Palm Coast

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Are developers the problem, or the solution, to Palm Coast’s struggles?

One recent development expert visited Flagler County to speak to the Flagler Tiger Bay Club on Feb. 20, about innovative cities around the world. Sandra Baer is the CEO of Personal Cities and is the principal brand and marketing strategist for Urban Icon Global. She’s also writing a book about trust, and she agreed to answer some questions about development — and trust.

You’re writing a book about trust. Many people and government elected officials appear to distrust developers. Should they? I don’t like the word “should.” Trust is very complex, very complicated. There is a huge trust deficit between government, institutions, organizations. There’s a lack of trust between families and friends. The political divisiveness in the United States and around the world has increased in the last five years dramatically. Trust is the glue of civilization and without it, we won’t succeed. We won’t prosper. In my opinion, developers are an essential part of making a city more vibrant — economically vibrant, socially vibrant — connecting humans to one another. The developments that I’m aware of in other parts of

the world, as well as in the United States, are all about economic vibrancy. If people are afraid of that, or resistant to it, they better look into their hearts, their minds, and their pocketbooks, about what the value of development is. I’m a big fan of the right kind of development. Now, there are developments that are not sustainable. They’re not thinking about the environment or the social issues that may occur. But a smart developer thinks about all of that.

What would you be asking to make sure that a development is the right thing for the future of a city like Palm Coast? One is, what does the developer want to do with this piece of land or this particular infrastructure? And then on the other

side of that is, what do the citizens, the residents of a community, want and need? And are there immediate barriers to some of that? Get those folks together and get the young people in the community involved as a part of that conversation. Often, developers come in and they say, “We want to develop this property,” and they don’t talk to the residents, they don’t really get their feedback. That causes problems, delays and inefficiency, and it ends up not making as much money as they could. They need to say: “Here’s what we’re planning to do. Here’s why we think it’s good for the community.”

Why is it so important to get the next generation involved? AND HOW DO you do that?

It’s easy to do, if you’re engaged in your community. I have to tell you a story. My grandson who’s 8 years old lives in Italy is playing Roblox. So I have a Roblox account. I sit down with my grandson, and I said, “Okay,

show me how to use Roblox.” I have my own avatar. He said, “Well, Nana, we build cities with Roblox. We build things and put different buildings here and you can go to the burger shop here and get a pizza here.” So, he’s showing me how to do that, and he is a young genius at building a city.

The next generation could contribute some thinking to what developers are planning. How does it serve the youth of a community?

But growth and economic vibrancy and taking care of the youth — all of those things contribute to a really smart city, and developers can help with that.

You said in your Tiger Bay discussion that we should think big. How can Palm Coast think big?

You start by talking about, “What’s special about our city?” Why are we happy to live here? Why are we proud of living here?

Palm Coast has a lot of assets: natural beauty and beaches and trails. It also has performing arts and sports leagues and pickleball. It’s a safe place to live.

So how could they come together to build a smart city? We come up with the assets and the trick, then, is to promote the hell out of it.

Embark on something. Think big. Think big and think collaboratively.

You have worked in Africa on sports entertainment developments. In our city, there have been some questions about whether Palm Coast should enter into a publicprivate partnership to build something like that. Because of charter restrictions, it had to go out to a referendum, and it was voted down dramatically — partly, it seems, because most thought it would open the door for a developer to take advantage of the city. Well, that’s really small thinking.

I mean, a developer would take advantage of a city if the citizens were not engaged, but if it’s true collaboration, they’re all going to benefit. That’s what a smart developer does.

I have a really good friend in California, a developer. He does a lot of affordable housing and some of it comes from his own pocket, frankly. But he developed homeless housing for veterans. And he went to the VA and said, “I’d like to renovate these buildings that have been vacant forever.”

It’s amazing. I mean, you would want to live there. They’re very small apartments, but they’re apartments. I mean, they have a piano in the lobby. I can’t even describe how cool it is — all these amenities. This development changed

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

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people’s perceptions about the value of what he was doing.

MY VIEW KATHY REICHARD-ELLAVSKY, PALM COAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY PAST PRESIDENT

‘Smart cities‘ prioritize art, culture and history

Personal Cities consultant

Sandra Baer placed “Arts, Culture and History” at the top of her list outlining the most important ingredients of a “Smart City” during her presentation at a recent Flagler Tiger Bay luncheon.

As past president of the Palm Coast Historical Society and supporter of local arts initiatives, this was welcome and surprising news.

Surprising because the title of her talk was “The Smart City Global Revolution: How

LETTERS

Boundaries to freedom of choice include property owner rights

Dear Editor:

It seems pretty clear from the numerous Palm Coast Observer letters to the editor that our new mayor, off to a bit of a shaky start, may have leaped before he looked when he proclaimed “paint your home any color you want,” and indicated support for allowing commercial vehicle parking in residential neighborhood driveways. If these letters are any indication, the mayor’s proposals aren’t very popular. The only favorable responses, agreeing with the position the mayor takes, seem to relate to a misunderstood aspect of “freedom to choose” as if it is fundamentally the American way. But mostly it isn’t. If freedoms were universal and unconstrained, anarchy would prevail and that’s the very reason why we have laws, regulations and ordinances. Conversely, if freedom to choose was too constrained or denied, the government would be viewed as oppressive, the position the mayor appears to have taken. However, in this country, a balance is properly struck by a very simple notion that should be self-evident. The

Technology and Data Are Transforming Life In Our Cities For The Better.”

Although there doesn’t appear to be a commonly accepted definition of “smart city,” according to Baer it includes “rebuilding trust” while working through the challenges every community faces. She encourages cities to “reimagine their future” and establish “enduring collaborative relationships.” Rebuilding trust would include prioritizing mean-

right to exercise your freedom ends when the outcome of that perceived right adversely affects the well being of others.

And this self-evident concept should be applied to the mayor’s “do as you please” house painting and commercial vehicle parking position given that it is pretty safe to say that both of these proposals would have a negative impact on our property values.

Our existing local ordinances disallow a whole bunch of things, and as they should, actually exist to preserve the well being of our neighbors and community. There are necessary boundaries to freedoms in this country including property owner rights, something so seeming easy to understand. But it’s something the mayor unfortunately doesn’t seem to grasp.

ROBERT GORDON Palm Coast

Tax EVs, hybrids to replace property tax

Dear Editor:

In response to Mr. Hannoush about the removal of property taxes, I ask where will the lost tax revenue come from? I can recommend one untaxed source. How about

ingful funding to hire qualified professionals to find innovative ways to promote and preserve local history. For too many years, Palm Coast and Flagler County have relied on dedicated volunteers to imagine a future that would include an emphasis on history tourism. We have valuable resources beyond the Flagler beaches, golf, tennis and pickleball that could be enhanced and promoted to draw visitors to our community.

we start taxing electric cars and hybrids?

Florida doesn’t currently charge a tax for EVs and hybrids for the use of Florida roads. $200 to $300 per a year is a good start. Any other suggestions?

TERRY HARMENING Palm Coast

This is how new mayors learn

Dear Editor: I am a friend of both Jason Leslie and Jeff Boyle. When I watched Jason giving the tour of Ormond Beach on Channel 6 Orlando, I saw the Jason I know. He does not know the details that those of us who have lived here a long time know, but I saw the man who worked very hard to become the mayor of Ormond Beach because he thought he could do a really good job.

Jeff had very good input in his letter on Feb. 18, to the Ormond Beach Observer as to what the tour could have included as far as history and background.

This is what I realized: This is how new mayors learn, through the wisdom of those who have been there, done that. Jeff has the experience and knowledge, Jason has the willpower and stamina to learn the ropes and be the best mayor he can be. These two would make

My question to Ms. Baer was, “How do we get stakeholders to pay attention to this important matter?” Her answer: “Do a better of job of communicating what’s up. You just have to keep it up.” It’s important to emphasize that I am a volunteer. I do not get paid for the work I do. The majority of people dedicated to preservation in this county do not get paid. So I need to ask, “How many people would continue to do the work they do if they

quite the team if they had each other on speed dial. It was nice to see Jeff’s outreach to Jason through his letter and Jason’s ability to accept Jeff’s input in a positive way.

DARLA WIDNALL

Ormond Beach

Florida relies on property taxes

Dear Editor: I enjoyed the letter authored by Joe Hannoush regarding property taxes and the proposal to repeal them in favor of another system in Tallahassee. I remember the debate taking center stage almost 20 years ago while working in the legislature under then-Speaker Marco Rubio, who boldly proposed the idea, over the vocal concerns of hundreds of local government bodies in Florida.

To be clear: I agree with my friend Joe in concept, that property taxes on their face seem unjust as they are the only ones you are required to pay to exist. (You can choose not to pay a sales tax by not buying things; you can choose not to pay income taxes by not working.) To live in a dwelling of any kind means paying property taxes, either directly through ownership or indirectly by renting. Further, the inequities in our particular property tax system are exacerbated every

didn’t get paid to do it?”

Yet people devoted to arts and culture, which includes history, are repeatedly told to “Do a better job … Keep it up.”

Having spent the last six years volunteering with PCHS, I’m here to tell everyone, once again, that, yes, there is history in Palm Coast. With the right funding, it could be enhanced and promoted. Perhaps digital innovation is the answer to telling the story of Old Kings Road, the Old Brick Road, Hernandez Landing, St. Joseph’s Plantation, International Telephone &Tele-

day that goes by, as businesses pay more and more, while residents, perhaps somewhat deservedly, get a break. Then you have the disparity from one home to the next.

Anyone reading this has a neighbor who either pays significantly more or significantly less than they do for the exact same services, all based on when you bought your home and the value assigned to it at that time.

Having said that, and for these three reasons, I have to push back on Joe’s idea of chunking the entire system. First, every U.S. state has property taxes. Any success Florida or my former boss would have had would make Florida the lone exception and a guinea pig for the country. Interesting, but problematic, because of reason number two: the overwhelming reliance on property taxes to fund vital public services is too much to risk with a brand-new, untested proposal. One of the reasons this fell flat back then was the lack of cohesive replacement plan.

Picture the state having to sort through the chaos (not to mention lobbying) to determine how and the amount of funding each city and county received? And thirdly, we are fortunate to live in Ormond Beach, where our tax rate is among the lowest in central Florida and we get tremendous value for our dollar, with services rivaling any

graph’s early development of Palm Coast, the significance of Fire Station No. 22 and more. We will only succeed when our elected officials, paid staff and other community stakeholders recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of our past and find ways to promote it.

Palm Coast must become part of the global revolution and commit to collecting the necessary data about art, culture and history and transform our city for the better. If we plan to shape a vibrant future we must get “smart.”

other municipality imaginable. That’s something I’d be reluctant to gamble with, even though Joe’s view is a valid and robust conversation worth continuing.

MIKE

SCUDIERO Ormond Beach

Clothing by the pound

Dear Editor:

I saw your article in the Observer about the Humane Society focusing away from clothing donations. I realize it’s a lot of work to do it by the piece, but I know that Goodwill has a process “by the pound” in some areas. The thing of it is most people that want to donate something don’t want to have to separate their clothing out and I realize that it’s not cost-effective for the Humane Society to do them individually, but this might be a catch-all that they could just sell it by the pound, that people go through things. They don’t even have to fold them or mark them or anything else. I like going through and donating my stuff but I don’t want to have to separate it or make two separate stops.

TERRY JOYAL Palm Coast

Sandra Baer, CEO of Personal Cities

Ormond should continue safe and optimal fluoridation of water

JERRY VALCIK GUEST WRITER

I

people on U.S. Army installations worldwide. So I know a bit about safe and healthy drinking water including fluoridation.

I urge you to reconsider your recent decision to eliminate fluoridation from our drinking water. This was a dangerous and reckless act with far-reaching consequences. This decision could not

have been based on the more than 80 years of proven medicine, science and fact, but instead I presume on the political anti-fluoridation pressure exerted by State Surgeon General Ladapo.

This political pressure focused on the adverse effects of over-exposure to excessively high levels of fluoride. It disregarded the tremendous beneficial impact of nominal, optimal fluoridation in community water supplies. For reference, “optimal” fluoridation — defined as the recommended fluoride concentration in drinking water — is 0.7 milligrams per liter, or about 1 drop in a 55 gallon barrel. Physicians and dentists take the Hippocratic Oath to “Do no harm.”

You, too, took an oath as City Commissioners to serve our citizens well. Knowing that, let me state the facts about safe, optimal drinking water fluoridation.

Fact no. 1: The lack of safe, optimal community water fluoridation results in widespread and

disastrous health effects from tooth decay.

2024 CDC data reports that up to 1-in-5 children in the U.S. suffer from tooth decay and cavities. Here in Florida, it’s worse: 1-in-4 third graders have untreated cavities. By age 9, almost half of our kids have experienced tooth decay, fillings, or missing teeth; often with pain, infections, and missed school days. These stats will far worsen as fluoride is removed from water.

Furthermore, untreated tooth decay can result in serious longterm health problems, and can have adverse psychological effects on our kids, such as a loss of self-esteem and even bullying.

Fact no. 2. Increased costs.

It is expensive enough to pay for regular dental visits, but think about the burden of the high cost of remedial dental measures on young families, many of whom live from paycheck to paycheck.

Fact no. 3. Safe, optimal fluoridation yields tremendous positive and

long-term health benefits.

Fluoridation has revolutionized dentistry and healthcare. The proper optimal fluoridation process is safe. It is not toxic. Optimal fluoridation prevents tooth decay and cavities, strengthens tooth enamel, protects against decay-causing bacteria and increases bone density.

In fact, community water fluoridation is hailed as one of the greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.

Well-respected health organizations including the Florida Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC are adamant in supporting appropriate fluoridation of community water supplies, a practice here in Ormond Beach since 1958!

The ADA says “…community water fluoridation prevents at least 25% of tooth decay in children and adults throughout their life span.

The scientific weight of the sound evidence around the benefits … is

clear and compelling.”

In conclusion, commissioners, our public health depends on you fulfilling your oath to us. In this age of misinformation and disinformation, it is fundamental that you research, fact-check, and speak with various experts before making decisions impacting the health and well-being of our community. These are precarious times. I urge you to ignore the political noise, listen to legitimate medical professionals, and heed the past 67 years in Ormond Beach of proven, science-based, fact-based, positive health results.

Jerry Valcik is retired professional engineer, a fellow with the National Society of Professional Engineers, a Diplomate Emeritus in the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists, a life member of the American Association of Water Works and holds an advanced degree in environmental health protection and a master of science in environmental engineering.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Carol Magill Woodard remembers the day the telegram arrived at her family home in 1944.

She was 4 years old. Her mother, clad in her house apron, was ironing as Woodard sat on the floor playing with paper dolls. A Western Union employee knocked on the door and delivered the news that her son, 17-yearold William J. Magill, had died on Dec. 13, 1944, in the island of Leyte in the Philippines during World War II’s Battle of Leyte Gulf.

“She was so upset, she went across to the police department, which was across the street, and she had her apron on, so I knew something was wrong,” Woodard recalled. “And then my father was so devastated. After that day on, he went to church every single day before he would go to work.”

Over 80 years later, on Monday, Feb. 24, Woodard was reunited with a memory of her half-brother, one that had yet to be unpacked from its original box.

Last November, Gary Hughes, supply chain manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, was going through the contents of a donated tote at the company’s Taft hub when he came across a box from the headquarters of the American Graves Registration Service, addressed to a Mrs. Lillian M. Allard, Woodard’s mom. The box was sent to an address in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, where Magill was from originally from and had enlisted. The family was living in Florida at the time of his death. It’s not unusual for Goodwill to receive American flags in their donations, Hughes said. They normally will contact a nearby American Legion or VFW post to help properly retire the flags. But when he opened the box, he saw that the burial flag inside was still folded, and that the box contained a memorial card with Magill’s name and photo. Being a Navy veteran, (Magill

A family treasure unboxed

Goodwill Industries

reunites WWII sailor’s burial flag with family in Ormond Beach

was a Navy service member), it struck a chord with him, he said. “I knew we had to do something with it — we couldn’t just send it off to be destroyed properly,” Hughes said. He showed the box to Jeff

Biles, Territory Loss Prevention and Safety manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida. Being a former police officer — and an Army veteran himself — Biles contacted the Pawtucket Police Department to see if he could find Magill’s

family. An employee at the police department informed him there was an officer working with them who had the same last name, and said she’d try to help. Two weeks later, she called Biles and informed him that, not only

thing so special for a local family.

“Even though he’s been deceased for over 80 years, still, he’s an American hero,” Biles said.

Woodard’s family has 43 veterans in total. She and Magill were two out of nine siblings in her family. When Biles called her and informed her of the box’s contents, she said she was thrilled.

had she found Magill’s sister, but that she lived in Ormond Beach.

Biles then spoke with Woodard on the phone and proposed holding a small ceremony to honor her brother at Volusia Memorial Park. The box and its contents, Biles said, was a family treasure.

“I didn’t want to just go to Carol and hand her this box,” Biles said. “I wanted to make a presentation, because I think that this young soldier deserves that 80 years later.”

According to the U.S. Department of Defense, a total of 16,043 soldiers and 7,270 sailors were killed in the Battle of Leyte Gulf, the largest naval engagement of WWII.

Biles has worked for Goodwill Industries for about two and a half years. He said this was the first time he’d gotten the opportunity to do some-

“I couldn’t believe it because I had just become friends with a lady that belonged to our church that was from the Philippines, and she’s over there now visiting the grave and taking pictures of my brother,” Woodard said. Magill is buried in the Manila American Cemetery. Woodard said she plans to place her brother’s flag alongside other military family memorabilia in her home. Woodard’s father always spoke about how Magill, his stepson, was a good kid. He became his stepfather when Magill was in 10th grade, just a couple years before he enlisted in the Navy. One of her earliest memories involves Magill and her father — all three of them walking down the street, Magill dressed in uniform. Woodard was 3 years old, and Magill and her father were swinging her together across the street.

“I just wish my dad was here,” Woodard said.

Flagler Schools official to take six months off to walk the Appalachian

Dave Freeman will embark on the 2,200-mile thru-hike, sponsored by Warrior Expeditions.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Dave Freeman has hiked several southern sections of the Appalachian Trail over the past few years.

Starting March 16, Freeman will embark on a bucket-list adventure — doing the “thruhike” of the entire Appalachian Trail, beginning at Springer Mountain in Georgia and ending 2,200 miles later at Mount Katahdin in Maine. Freeman is the chief of operational services for Flagler Schools. Superintendent LaShakia Moore has granted him a six-month leave of absence so he can hike the historic trail which winds through 14 states.

Warrior Expeditions, a veterans nonprofit outdoor therapy program, is sponsoring Freeman. He is one of about 20 veterans who will participate in this year’s Warrior Hike. “I have a great opportunity through a great organization,” he said.

Warrior Expeditions sponsors a variety of outdoor expeditions for combat veterans. In addition to the Appalachian Trail hike, there are two adaptive trips: a cross-coun-

try bicycle expedition from Washington D.C. to Washington State and a paddling trip down the entire Mississippi River.

Freeman applied to do the hike after discovering Warrior Expeditions online last fall. He said they interviewed over 400 veterans for those three expeditions and selected 40, including 20 for the Appalachian Trail hike. On Christmas Day, he received a call telling him he was accepted.

“I’ve always had the desire to hike the Appalachian Trail,” he said. “Over the last five, six years I’ve been doing some section hiking where you go about 40 miles. So, I’ve had the opportunity to do all of Georgia and about halfway of North Carolina.”

SEGMENT HIKING

He’s always hiked with groups of friends. Indian Trails Middle School Principal Ryan Andrews has hiked with Freeman along several segments of the trail during the past few summers. Last year, Marcus Sanfilippo, Flagler Schools’ coordinator of special projects, joined the group.

“Dave was certainly the organizer,” Andrews said. “It was something we’ve all talked about for a while. Dave and I were both Eagle Scouts. We’ve been hiking, camping, being out in the wilderness all of our lives. (The trail) is a break from day-to-day life. You are exposed to rain, cold, wind and heat. You’re not thinking about emails,

work, text messages. You’re in nature.”

They talked about doing the thru-hike, but with families and jobs, a six-month break didn’t seem realistic, Andrews said.

“We figured we would do it in segments and one day finish the whole thing,” Andrews said. “At our rate, doing 50 to 60 miles (each trip), it would take us an extremely long time.”

Freeman, 63, plans to complete the 2,200-mile hike in September. Warrior Expeditions provides all the equipment, including clothing, tents, sleeping bag and a food stipend. He will start in a group of 10 other veterans. “We start off together for the first four days or so, and (Warrior Expeditions officials) kind of shadow us just to make sure that we know what we’re doing. And then after about the fifth day, they say hike your own hike,” Freeman said. “You can choose to walk with somebody or you’re going to hike by yourself. But this time of year, there are so

“You can choose to walk with somebody or you’re going to hike by yourself. But this time of year, there are so many people that are hiking the Appalachian Trail, you’re going to see people.”

DAVE FREEMAN

Trail

many people that are hiking the Appalachian Trail, you’re going to see people.”

SOLITUDE AND CAMARADERIE

As much solitude as there is on the trail, Andrews said, it is also very busy.

“You meet up with people from all over the world,” Andrews said, “sometimes just passing, sometimes walking miles with them.”

Freeman will carry about five days of food with him at a time. He will fill use a water filter as he fills his water container from streams. Through most areas, there are roads every five to 20 miles that lead into a town. He will carry what he needs for five or six days, then take a “zero day,” where he can go into town to

wash clothes, take a shower and sleep in a bed.

Warrior Expeditions provides a list of community supporters along the way that veterans can call, Freeman said.

This is the second time Freeman has taken an extended leave of absence. When he was a physical plant director at Augusta University in 2006, he took a leave of absence to return to active duty.

Freeman had been in the Army for 21 years and had retired as a lieutenant colonel in 2004. Two years later, when the Army was sending more troops to Iraq, retirees were asked to come back.

“I felt like I had kind of missed the Super Bowl, because I had not been in combat, and so I volunteered

to go back in the Army,” he said. He served overseas from 2007 to 2008 as a transition team chief advising an Iraqi general and his team during combat operations. Now he can cross off another bucket list item.

“It’s just a great opportunity,” Freeman said. “They highlight combat veterans. The first person to (thru-hike) the Appalachian Trail was a combat veteran. Earl Shaffer, a World War II veteran, hiked it (in 1948). He said he needed to hike the war out of him. So that’s what this organization goes back to.”

“I’m super happy for him,” Andrews said. “It’s a once-ina-lifetime experience. I can’t wait to hear all the stories.”

Gary Hughes, supply chain manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, found the burial flag last November at the company’s Taft Hub.

Jeff Biles, Territory Loss Prevention and Safety manager for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, shows the memorial card found inside the original box, believed to have been delivered sometime in 1944-1945. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Sisters Judy Makela and Carol Magill Woodard.

Dave Freeman (left) with Marcus Sanfilippo and Ryan Andrews (right) on their segment hike on the Appalachian Trail last year. Courtesy photo

Help Inspire Change

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LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, FEB. 28

ACOUSTIC JAM

When: 2-5 p.m.

Where: Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Campra Road, Palm Coast

Details: Do you sing or play an acoustic stringed instrument? Come jam. No amplifiers. Free event. Held every fourth Friday of the month.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 SPRINGFEST

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Joanne B. King Park, 300 Citrus St., Bunnell

Details: SpringFest 2025 will feature local vendors, familyfriendly activities, live entertainment and food. There will also be a pet parade. Free.

ORMOND ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond

Beach

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

SOLITARY MAN: A NEIL

DIAMOND TRIBUTE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N.

YOUR TOWN

Ocean Art Gallery to host exhibit by underwater photographer

U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Experience the music of Neil Diamond live with David Jericko, a tribute artist. Tickets cost $35. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2

BLOOD DRIVE AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church social hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 is sponsoring a pancake breakfast. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite. Donors will receive a pass to the breakfast to enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, and all the pancakes you can eat, along with coffee and orange juice. Breakfast for non-donors costs $6, and kids under 12 eat free.

CHRIS RUGGIERO

When: 3 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N.

U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: In his new show, Chris Ruggiero dives into the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. Tickets cost $27 to $45. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

MONDAY, MARCH 3

HALIFAX HEALTH

EDUCATIONAL SERIES

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Halifax Health

will remain on show through July 31.

educator Annette Tracy, a registered nurse, will discuss Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Free event. Visit volusialibrary.org.

PALM COAST

ASTRONOMY CLUB

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Details: The club meeting topic will be “Infrared Telescopes before the James Webb Telescope.” Everyone interested in astronomy is welcome. The meeting room is located to the right after entering the library.

TUESDAY, MARCH 4 MASTER GARDENER PLANT

CLINIC When: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach Details: Attend this fun, interactive program that provides research-based horticultural education to homeowners. Bring your questions, samples and photos.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5

SONGS OF CHANGE When: 7 p.m.

Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Details: See the Daytona State College choir perform. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and for Volusia and Flagler County students. Free for DSC students, faculty and staff with a college ID.

Ocean Art Gallery in Ormond Beach will host a two-day exhibition in March by underwater photographer Chris Gug. Gug’s color photography on metal will be on display at the gallery on March 12-13. All art will represent his varied travels to find beautiful images under the sea, in line with the show’s title, “Art of the Ocean,” according to a press release.

The exhibit will open at 5:30 p.m. on both nights, with Gug presenting a 30-minute talk about his art at 6 p.m. Following the show, his art

Gallery owners Frank and Bibi Gromling first saw Gug’s work in his gallery in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Frank Gromling and Gug, the press release states, had spoken previously about showcasing his work in Ormond Beach, and following the exhibition of John Lennon photography by May Pang in January, Gromling called Gug to feature him as the artist for the March special event. The Gromlings aim to have a major artist featured at their gallery every other month in 2025.

The March 12-13 Gug event is free. He will meet with guests and light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 386-317-9400.

“Frank and Bibi Gromling are preparing the gallery for a large audience, similar to the response they experienced from Central Florida art lovers for the May Pang exhibit in January when hundreds of people attended that twoday event,” the press release states. “While Gug may not be a John Lennon-like character, collectors know how much the art world loves Gug’s ability to capture the most startling, beautiful, and often other-worldly images from under ocean surfaces.”

“Spear of the Yucatan” by Chris Gug. Courtesy photo

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MOAS adds new program for ‘Tiny Tots’

A

partnership with the Early Learning Coalition helped create

‘Tiny Tots Tuesday.’

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Museum of Arts and Sciences, in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler Volusia, has launched a new educational program for children ages 3-5. The museum launched the pilot of its new Tiny Tots Tuesday program last month and held its second program on Tuesday, Feb. 18, both of which were sold out. According to the museum, Tiny Tots Tuesday offers children and their caregivers a chance to meet with early learning

YOUR TOWN

Buddy Taylor class is fifth in nation in Khanathalon

Lori Antos’ seventh-grade class at Buddy Taylor Middle School placed fifth in the nation in the AI Explorers category of the Khan Academy’s annual Khanathalon.

A team from Khan Academy, one of the nation’s premier online learning organizations, flew into town Thursday, Feb. 20, to deliver the news personally. The BTMS media center video crew interviewed the team.

FBCA open house has big turnout

First Baptist Christian Academy recently held an open

experts by utilizing crafts and a storytime designed for early learning milestones.

On Feb. 18, MOAS recognized ELCVF for its contribution toward the program, awarding them a certificate.

“This has been badly needed,” MOAS CEO Tabitha Schmidt said. “Something for the littles — the Tiny Tots. So we really appreciate the partnership.”

In years prior, the museum used to host a similar program, so Schmidt said she was excited for the launch of Tiny Tots Tuesday. The addition of the program also comes as MOAS continues to work on its new strategic master plan.

“We really hope that we can strengthen our partnership as we grow into our master plan,” Schmidt said.

Every child who partici -

house for preschool through 12th grade. It attracted nearly 400 current and new families.

The event offered families a chance to tour the campus, meet teachers and learn about the academy’s educational programs. FBCA worked closely with Flagler Radio to advertise the event.

“(Flagler Radio’s) support ... is a reminder of the power of local partnerships and how working together can make a real difference,” said Jessica Detro, FBCA’s director of marketing.

Junior League awards $3,500

in grants to teachers

The Junior League of Daytona Beach recently awarded $3,500 in grants to 10 area teachers, with each receiving $350 to help stock up on classroom and student necessities.

The grant winners were:

„ Kelsi Quicksall, art teacher at Beachside Elementary

„ Sheree Inge, first grade teacher at Sugar Mill Elementary

„ Tee Harden, social skills, intensive reading and support facilitator at Campbell Middle School

„ Christina Karns, seventh and eighth grade math teacher at Creekside Middle School

„ Chris Gibbs, fifth grade teacher at Turie T. Elementary

„ Lori DiTrocchio, blended VPK and ESE teacher at Champion Elementary

„ Mary Bunch, kindergarten teacher at Ormond Beach Elementary

„ Jeffrey Turner, teacher at Palm Terrace Elementary

„ Kevin Myers,teacher of life skills and entrepreneurship at Reign Academy School of Entrepreneurship

„ Colleen Kimmel, first grade teacher at Tomoka Elementary

pates in the program receives a copy of the featured book. Tiny Tots Tuesday is free for museum members, or included with paid adult admission.

Ashley Anderson, ELC community engagement coordinator, reads at Tiny Tots Tuesday. Photo courtesy of MOAS

Annual Race of the Runways takes off

Presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, participants ran or walked along the Flagler Executive airport runways.

OBSERVER STAFF

Almost 500 people took part in the 16th Anniversary Race of the Runways at the Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, Feb. 22. Presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, the 5K race event invited participants to run or walk along the illuminated airport runways as a helicopter circled overhead, shining its searchlight. In addition to the 5K, the event also featured a kiddie dash and an after party.

THE OVERALL WINNERS WERE:

MEN „ Joshua Brands, 27, of Palm Coast: 17:52.4

„ Tripp Voight, 20, city not listed: 19:17.2

„ Parker Jacob, 18, of Palm Coast: 19:42.1

WOMEN „ Kelly Brasol, 43, of Palm Coast: 21:08.1

Faith in Flagler

lighthouse

bible church

• 15 Hargrove Grade, Building 4

• Sunday 10:15 am, Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

• lighthousebible.net

Building faith strengthens our community.

“God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” The Bible also says even demons believe and shudder. Satan was also a believer, and where did that get him? What we need is faith, not just belief Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ — our redeemer, our propitiation for our sins is what gives us eternal life.

Brought to you by:

„ M. Yorgey, 11, of Palm Coast: 21:11.9

„ Angelika Grubel, 53, of Ormond Beach: 21:42.1

Joshua Brands, of Palm Coast, approaches the finish line.

Rafael Buenaventura, of Daytona Beach, and Moe Tharwart, of Daytona Beach, smile as they begin the 2025 Race of the Runways 5K at the Flagler Executive Airport on Saturday, Feb. 22. Photos by Connor McCarthy

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

Ted Dudak, Pastor

Faith in Flagler submissions can be sent to Brian@ observerlocalnews.com.

Mary Roberts, Monica Rivera, Gaby Rivera.

Photos by Hannah Hodge

SPORTS

Chilly Classic

FPC boys win East Coast Classic on a cold day

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast won its 14th boys championship in the 21st annual East Coast Classic track and field meet, but its first since 2020, on Friday, Feb. 20 at the Bulldogs’ stadium.

“In track and field and cross country, you’re trying to see steady improvement in your kids, but that being said, it’s nice to win,” FPC coach David Halliday said. “This is the big home meet, so it’s the one track meet you most want to win besides Five Star, district and state.” It was cold and breezy which may have slowed the sprinters who were

running against the wind and could have hindered some throwing and jumping performances.

But the chilly temperatures did not slow down the 3,200-meter runners with four girls breaking the meet record of 10:59.85 set by Grace Blair of Gainesville Oak Hall in 2018. Spruce Creek’s Mackenzie Roy is the new record holder. The senior won the event with a time of 10:38.39, finishing ahead of her twin sister, Arianna, who placed second in 10:54.68, followed by Jacksonville Bolles’ Estella Bruneau (10:59.29) and Jacksonville Episcopal’s Stella Krueger (10:59.41).

The boys 3,200 record of 9:25.76 set by Andrew Miller of Fleming Island in 2018 also went down. Charles Loftin of Jackonville Providence ran a new record time of 9:21.10.

DeLand’s Kylie Neira broke a meet record in girls pole vault at 11 feet, 9.75 inches, breaking the old mark of 11-feet-9.0 that was first set in 2014 and matched twice since.

“We had some amazing performances from the teams that were here,” Halliday said.

FPC won the boys title without winning an event, but the Bulldogs scored in 11 of the 18 events. Stacy Mitchell and Gethin Pritchard placed second and third, respectively, in shot put. Corinthians “R.J.” Watson placed second in triple jump with a personal record of 42 feet, 7 inches.

The Bulldogs also placed second and third in pole vault with Aiden Baumert setting a PR of 11 feet, 9.75

“This is the big home meet, so it’s the one track meet you most want to win besides Five Star, district and state.”

DAVID HALLIDAY, FPC track coach

inches for second and Tanner Cauley Bennett also vaulting 11-9.75.

FPC also placed second in the 4x100 relay with Ehimen Ajide, Logan Jaobelli, Will Roberts and Jordan Haymon clocking in at 45.37 seconds. Matanzas was third with Jezrahiah McCoy, Jermaine Whittick, Jeffrey Powell and Shai Scott finishing with a time of 45.75 seconds.

The Bulldogs scored 82 points to top Fleming Island (72.5 points), New Smyrna Beach (71), Gainesville Buchholz (63) and Ponte Vedra (61) in the top five among 18 teams. Matanzas placed 15th.

FPC’s Karina Marcelus won the girls 100-meter hurdles with a time of 15.32 seconds and placed second in triple jump with a leap of 34 feet, 8.5 inches.

“Karina was a little slower (in the 100 hurdles) than she ran last week (to win the Sanford Seminole Open),” Halliday said. “The wind kind of

scared her; she was afraid of hitting a hurdle, but she still ran her third best time ever. We expect to sec her run in the 14s pretty soon.”

FPC’s Isabella Tarsitano placed second in the 1,600-meter run with a time of 5:27.38 seconds, shattering her personal record by almost 17 seconds. She didn’t finish in the top 10 in the fast 3,200, but she broke her personal record in that event by 50 seconds with a time of 11:33.55. The Bulldogs, who finished sixth in the girls standings with 52 points, also placed second in the 4x400 relay with Jayden Wright, Ari Slaughter, Hazel Hutchison and Marcelus running a 4:28.44.

Matanzas’ Bryonna Bowdry placed fourth in girls discus.

Spruce Creek won the girls title with 103 points with Buchholz second with 75 points.

Niceville’s boys and girls both won team titles in each of the past three East Coast Classics, but the Eagles did not participate in the meet this year.

Sandcrabs have fun in ‘physical’ flag football victory against Bulldogs

Camryn Chiumento and Ylan Pahn each scored a touchdown in 13-0 shutout.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seabreeze seniors Camryn Chiumento and Ylan Phan noted how physical their flag football game with Flagler Palm Coast was. They loved it.

“This game was a lot of fun,” Chiumento said after the Sandcrabs grinded out a 13-0 victory to improve to 2-0 on Thursday, Feb. 20, at FPC’s stadium. Phan and Chiumento each scored a touchdown.

Like basketball, flag football is a non-contact sport, and like basket-

ball, that isn’t always the case in flag football, they said.

“FPC worked really hard against us,” Chiumento said. “There are a lot of good players on both of these teams. There was a lot of physi -

cal contact. Everyone on our team is always bringing each other up. It helps us with these type of games.”

Added Phan, “The energy in the huddles, everyone communicating — it was perfect.”

The Sandcrabs prevailed in the defensive battle with Phan scoring the first touchdown with an option run and Chiumento providing insurance with a touchdown catch from Rani Gupta with less than a minute left in the first half. Gupta ran for the extra point.

“We always look forward to playing this team,” Phan said. “They’re very competitive.”

The Sandcrabs kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard with the help of three interceptions.

“We were anticipating the pass,” Phan said. “We were very precise.”

FPC coaches Tony Coates and Jimmie Robinson III said the game’s intensity was no surprise, even though the Bulldogs were playing their first game of the season.

“They’re right down the road from us. We’re always going to have a competitive game with them,” Robinson said.

Robinson said Seabreeze played off the ball on defense, and the Bulldogs should have taken advantage of that.

“We have a lot of talent,” Robinson said. “We just have to put them in the right positions.”

FPC fell to Palatka 13-12 on Feb. 25 and will visit county-rival Matanzas on Feb. 27.

The Sandcrabs went on to defeat University 18-0 on Feb. 24 but lost to Mainland 6-0 in double overtime on Feb. 25. They host Atlantic on Feb. 27. Seabreeze has high hopes this season with nine seniors on the team.

“Some of these girls have been playing three or four years together,” Seabreeze assistant coach Amol Gupta said. “They know how to lock in.”

FPC’s Will Roberts (left) gets ready to take the baton from Logan Jacobelli in the 4x100 relay. The Bulldogs placed second in the race behind Buchholz.

Matanzas sophomore Lupita Galeano placed third behind teammate Megan Rhee in the third heat and 33rd overall in the 1,600.

Seabreeze quarterback Rani Gupta looks to pass.

Seabreeze’s Ylan Phan pulls Jaiya Jordan’s flag.

FPC freshman Olivia DiGuglielmo tosses the discus.

FPC’s Isabella Tarsitano leads Buchholz’s Eleanor Whisler in the 1,600-meter run. Tarsitano finished second behind Whisler. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Chloe Wallace (24) reaches for Camryn Chiumento’s flag. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Five wrestlers win boys districts; 28 advance

FPC qualified 13, while Matanzas and Seabreeze qualified six each and Mainland qualified three for regionals.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast bought 13 wrestlers to the District 2-3A boys wrestling championships on Feb. 20 at Gainesville Buchholz and all 13 qualified for the next postseason round — the Region 1-3A tournament Feb. 28-March 1 at Lake Mary High School.

Ronden Ricks (150 pounds), Carson Baert (157), Kevin McLean (113) and Trey Twilley (126) all won district titles, while Braden Dailey (106), Dyvonne Leadon (165), Mikey Fries (175) and Melique Joseph placed second, Gabreil Moy (144) and Aiden Korth (285) placed third and Lenny Fries (132), Austin Cochran (138) and Harlem Slay (190) placed

fourth.

Matanzas senior Mason Obama won the 157-pound District 4-2A championship at New Smyrna Beach on Feb. 22. He’ll be joined at the Region 1-2A tournament Feb. 28-March 1 at Tallahassee Lincoln by five teammates — Jacob Gibson (106), Terry Marchman (120), Andrew Kerek (144), A.J. Sanchez (150) and Jackson Marchman (190), all of whom placed third.

Seabreeze also qualified six wrestlers for the Region 1-2A tourney, while Mainland qualified three.

For the Sandcrabs, Spencer Timm (144) and Luke Cloer (285) placed second at district, Antonio Serrano (157) placed third and Kaleb Locke (126), Shane Triplett (132) and Christian Cornelius (165) placed fourth.

Mainland’s qualifiers are Myron Schafer (third at 215), Isaac Simian (fourth at 157) and Jarelle Mercado (fourth at 190).

FPC won the runner-up trophy at District 2-3A, finishing with 240 points. Host Buchholz won the team title with 244.5 points. New Smyrna Beach won the District 4-2A title with Matanzas placing fourth, Seabreeze fifth and Mainland seventh.

“I like how we competed,” FPC coach David Bossardet said. “Ronden Ricks won his first district title as a sophomore. He continues to get better and better every time he steps on the mat. Kevin McLean, a freshman, beat a tough kid from Lake Mary (Damonyai White) in the finals, and Carson Baert won his first district title as a senior.” Obama’s district title was also his first.

Bulldogs win team title, five individual titles

Eight FPC girls qualified for states, while Seabreeze’s James and three Matanzas wrestlers also advanced.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s Christina Borgmann has not lost a high school wrestling match in two years. When she found herself on her back in the semifinals of the Region 1 girls wrestling tournament on Feb. 22, the spectators sensed an upset.

Lahela Turnquest of Pace caught Borgmann in a cradle and put her on her back in the 130-pound semifinal and spectators in the Panama City Bay High gym cheered.

“The gym got very loud and not in our favor,” FPC coach David Bossardet said. “But Nina was able to stay focused and battled back.”

Borgmann recovered to pin Turnquest in the second period and then pinned Tallahassee Lincoln’s Amelia McKnight in the title match. She was one of five FPC wrestlers to win regional titles as the Bulldogs advanced eight wrestlers to the state championships on March 6-8. Mari-

ah Mills (110 pounds), Tiana Fries (145), Alexa Calidonio (155) and Kendall Bibla (170) also won their weight classes. The Bulldogs’ other state qualifiers were Juliana Mills (third, 100 pounds), Joslyn Johnson (third, 105) and Anna Vilar (third 135). FPC’s ninth wrestler, Alisha Vilar, missed state by one point losing to Kelsey Marschka of Tallahassee Chiles by an 8-7 decision in the 140-pound consolation semifinals.

Seabreeze senior Sofia James, who won a fourthplace medal at the state girls weightlifting championships a week earlier, also qualified for the state wrestling championships, placing third in the 170-pound weight class.

Three Matanzas wrestlers are also headed to state: Ani Brown placed second at 190 pounds, Cardy Michel placed third at 120 pounds and Briana Durry placed fourth at 235 pounds.

FPC won the regional title with 202 points. Middleburg was a distant second with 92.5.

FPC’s Borgmann, Mariah Mills, Fries, Kendall and Johnson will all be trying to win their second state championship. Johnson, Camdyn Elliott hof Gulf Breeze and Erin Riz-

of

entered the tournament ranked first, second and third, respectively, in the state at 105 pounds. Johnson lost to Rizzuto in the semifinals and then went on to win the consolation final to take third place. Elliott won the regional title.

“It was the second time they ever wrestled,” Bossardet said of Johnson and Rizzuto. Joslyn is now 1-1 against her. There is a very good chance we’ll see that girl again in the state semifinal.”

Calidonio probably wrestled the best match of her career, Bossardet said, when she won a 14-8 decision over Lake Mary’s Zaria Slater in the final. In the district final a week earlier, Calidonio trailed Slater 11-1 at one point before battling back to pin the Lake Mary wrestler. But the match that excited the crowd the most was Borgmann’s.

“Nina is a perfectionist,” Bossardet said. “I say there’s ice in her veins. I don’t know too many people who can stay focused in a moment like that. An undefeated state champ gets caught on her back, down (three) points and the gym is cheering against you.”

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FPC senior Carson Baert conferring with coach David Bossardet. File photo by Brent Woronoff

Tiana Fries won the 145-pound title at regional. Fries won a state championship as a freshman and will try to win another as a senior. Photos by Rachel and Abe Mills

Flagler Palm Coast celebrates its regional championship with individual champs (from left) Mariah Mills, Kendall Bibla, Tiana Fries, Alexa Calidonio and Christina Borgmann displaying their brackets. Photos by Rachel and Abe Mills

FPC’s Christina Borgmann won the 130-pound championship at regional to advance to state. The senior is a reigning state champ.

SIDE LINES

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

PIRATES END CREEK’S STREAK

The Matanzas softball team opened the season with its first win against Spruce Creek in 11 contests stretching back to 2008. The Pirates defeated the Hawks 3-2 in eight innings on Feb. 18 at Creek’s field. It was the first time Matanzas scored more than one run in a game against the Hawks. McKenzie Manhart had the game-winning RBI. University of Florida signee And Leah Stevens pitched a complete game for the Pirates, striking out 19 batters and allowing just four hits and no walks. Matanzas followed up the milestone with an 18-1, fourinning win over New Smyrna Beach on Feb. 20. Stevens went 3 for 3 at the plate. And the Pirates blanked Nease 5-0 on Feb. 25 with Stevens striking out 16. They will play their home opener Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. against Bartram Trail.

FPC QB HAYES COMMITS

FPC record-setting quarterback Hayden Hayes has committed to play football at the University of Chicago, an NCAA Division III team. Hayes played his first three high school seasons at Seabreeze.

FPC scores season-high eight runs in win

The pitching has been ahead of the hitting so far this season for Flagler Palm Coast’s baseball team. So, coach Kyle Marsh was pleased to see solid performances in both areas in an 8-5 home victory over Orange Park Ridgeview on Feb. 20.

“This is the beginning stages of the season,” Marsh said after the game. “We’re just trying to figure some things out. You get acclimated to the season. Our bats have started off a little slow, but it was good to see them come tonight.”

Down 4-1, the Bulldogs scored three runs in the third and four in the fourth to take an 8-4 lead. They collected seven hits and put 15 men on base with the help of three walks and four batters getting hit by pitches.

Brenin Striplin led off the fourth with a double over the center fielder’s head. Logan Shudy got hit by a pitch and Marion Clayton ripped a two-run single. Clayton scored on a wild pitch.

Caysen Nobles also hit a double in the game, and Paul Bowen had two hits and two RBIs. The eight runs are the Bulldogs’ season high.

FPC’s three pitchers, meanwhile,

combined to strike out 13 Ridgeview batters. Sophomore Kameron Roberts made his first start and gave up two earned runs on six hits with six strikeouts. Senior Adam Kleinfelder followed with three strong innings, striking out five batters and giving up one run in the sixth. Nole Hemmerle closed out the game with a scoreless seventh with two strikeouts.

“This year, we got some depth when it comes to guys on the mound,” Marsh said. “So we’re able to kind of move things around.”

The next night, both the pitchers and the hitters struggled in a 17-0 loss at Spruce Creek. Hawks pitchers Garrett Grant and Jack Costa combined on a three-inninng, onehit shutout. Grant has committed to Florida Atlantic University next year, while Costa plans to play for St. Johns River State College. FPC’s three pitchers gave up a combined 10 earned runs on eight hits and 10 walks. The loss dropped the Bulldogs to 2-3 on the season.

“The biggest thing is having confidence,” Marsh said after the Ridgeview win. “I want these guys to have confidence. For tonight, it was

just good to see us swinging the bat more.”

The Bulldogs, who also fell to Viera 3-0 on Feb. 25, played host to Seabreeze on Feb. 26. The Sandcrabs and Bulldogs will meet again on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Seabreeze evened its record at 2-2 after splitting with Savannah (Georgia) Islands High School Sharks on Feb. 21-22.

The Sandcrabs will host Mainland on Thursday, Feb. 27, between their two games against FPC. They will be facing a hot Buccaneers ball team. Mainland is off to its best start since 2017 with a 3-1 record heading into a home game against Taylor on Feb. 25. The Bucs have scored 47 runs in their first four games.

Matanzas won the traditional title in a boys weightlifting trimeet against Seabreeze and Pedro Menendez on Feb. 19 at the Pirates’ gym. Menendez won the Olympic title.

Seabreeze and Matanzas each had three double winners: Dean Hayes (139 pounds), Ezra Williams (183 pounds) and Joseph Holliman (unlimited) for the Sandcrabs and Jayden Sao (129 pounds), Jordan Theus-Vale (219) and Amir Tariq (238) for the Pirates.

Williams had the best Olympic total in the meet with 430 pounds. Holliman hoisted the best traditional total with 530 pounds.

Seabreeze’s other winners were Tripp Zimmett (154, Olympic) and Jacob Peters (199, traditional). For Matanzas, Jack Ferguson won the 199-pound Olympic title, while Ian Knuff (154) and Jagger Drew-Julak (169) won traditional titles. In a dual meet at Spruce Creek on Feb. 19, Flagler Palm Coast lost its first Olympic team competition of the season. FPC’s Cody Strawser won both titles at 129 pounds, while Anthony Giacobbe (119) won in Olympic and Dylan Bennett (169) won in traditional.

DSC TO PLAY FIRST FLAG FOOTBALL GAME

Daytona State College will open its inaugural women’s flag football season on Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. against PascoHernando State College at DSC. Former Mainland High players Ava Colubiale, Adrianna Mallumaci, Cadence Haley and Kait Barba are all members of the Falcons’ firstyear team. Brian Colubiale is the head coach.

Caysen Nobles hit a double and scored a run in FPC’s win against Ridgeview.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC sophomore Kameron Roberts struck out six in three innings in his first start.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTION 170.07, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER ADOPTION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL PURSUANT TO SECTION 197.3632(4) (b), FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING OF THE ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Ormond Crossings West Community Development District (“District”) will hold public hearings on March 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., at the Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach, 155 Interchange Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida 32174, to consider the adoption of an assessment roll, the imposition of special assessments to secure proposed bonds on benefited lands within the District, a depiction of which lands is shown below, and to provide for the levy, collection and enforcement of the special assessments.

The District is located entirely within the City of Ormond Beach, Florida. The lands to be improved are generally located west of I-95, south of US Highway 1, east of the Flagler-Volusia county line, and north of Durrance Lane, and are geographically depicted below and in the Master Engineer’s Report, dated January 2025 (“Capital Improvement Plan”). The public hearing is being conducted pursuant to Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes. A description of the property to be assessed and the amount to be assessed to each piece or parcel of property may be ascertained at the office of the District Manager c/o Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33410 (“District Manager’s Office”).

The District is a unit of special-purpose local government responsible for providing infrastructure improvements for lands within the District. The infrastructure improvements are currently expected to include, but are not limited to, stormwater management and earthwork, roadways and sidewalks, portable water, sanitary sewer and reuse water systems, open spaces, hardscape, landscaping, electrical improvements, and other infrastructure (“Improvements”), all as more specifically described in the Capital Improvement Plan, on file and available during normal business hours at the District Manager’s Office. According to the Capital Improvement Plan, the estimated cost of the Improvements is $205,719,609.

The District intends to impose assessments on benefited lands in the manner set forth in the

odology Report, dated January 28, 2025 (“Assessment Report”), which is on

Manager’s Office. The purpose of any such assessment is to

sessment Report, the District’s assessments will be

days of the publication of this notice. Also on March 25, 2025 at 11:00 A.M., at the Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach, 155 Interchange Blvd., Ormond Beach, Florida 32174, the Board will hold a regular public meeting to consider any other business that may lawfully be considered by the District. The Board meeting and hearings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for special districts. The Board meeting and/or the public hearings may be continued in progress to a certain date and time announced at such meeting and/or hearings.

If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting or hearings, such person will need a record of the proceedings and should accordingly ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

Any person requiring special accommodations at the meeting or hearings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 for aid in contacting the District office.

ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT RESOLUTION 2025-29 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; INDICATING THE LOCATION, NATURE AND ESTIMATED COST OF THOSE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS WHOSE COST IS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE PORTION OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE MADE; PROVIDING WHEN SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE PAID; DESIGNATING LANDS UPON WHICH THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED; PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT PLAT; ADOPTING A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS RESOLUTION.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND ADOPTION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 170.07 AND 197.3632(4)(b), FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT AND NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Deering Park Stewardship District (“District”) will hold public hearings and a regular board meeting on March 26, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. at the Storch Law Firm, 420 S Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, to consider the adoption of an assessment roll, the imposition of special assessments to secure proposed bonds on benefited lands within the Deering Park Stewardship District (“District”), a depiction of which lands is shown below, and to provide for the levy, collection and enforcement of the special assessments. The streets and areas to be improved and property subject to the special assessments are geographically depicted below and in the District’s Master and Supplemental Engineers Report for DPSD JV1 #1, dated October 2, 2024, (the “Improvement Plan”).

The public hearings are being conducted pursuant to Chapter 2017-206, Laws of Florida, and Chapters 170, 189 and 197, Florida Statutes.

A description of the property to be assessed and the amount to be assessed to each piece or parcel of property may be ascertained at the District Manager’s Office located at 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 571-0010. The District is a unit of special-purpose local government responsible for providing infrastructure improvements for lands within the District. The infrastructure improvements (“Improvements”) are currently expected to include, but are not limited to, roadways, alleys, mobility trails, stormwater management facilities, water distribution system, wastewater system, reclaim water system, landscaping, hardscaping and irrigation system improvements, recreation improvements, street lighting improvements, and other improvements, all as more specifically described in the Improvement Plan, on file and available during normal business hours at the address provided above. The District intends to impose assessments on benefited lands within the District in the manner set forth in the District’s Master Special Assessment Methodology Report for the DPSD JV1 #1, dated November 12, 2024 (the “Assessment Report”), which is on file and available during normal business hours at the address provided above. The purpose of any such assessment is to secure the bonds issued to fund the Improvements. As described in more detail in the Assessment Report, the District’s assessments will be levied against all benefitted lands within the District. The Assessment Report identifies the legal description of the property within the District which will be subject to the assessments and the assessment amounts per parcel for each land use category that is currently expected to be assessed. The method of allocating assessments for the Improvements to be funded by the District will initially be determined on an equal assessment per gross acre basis. The methodology is explained in more detail in the Assessment Report. Also as described in more detail in the Assessment Report, the District’s assessments will be levied against all assessable lands within the District. Please consult the Assessment Report for

6.

7.

by the public.

8 Commencing with the year in which the Assessments are levied and confirmed, the Assessments shall be paid in not more than (30) thirty annual installments. The Assessments may be payable at the same time and in the same manner as are ad-valorem taxes and collected pursuant to Chapter 197, Florida Statutes; provided, however, that in the event the uniform non ad-valorem assessment method of collecting the Assessments is not available to the District in any year, or if determined by the District to be in its best interest, the Assessments may be collected as is otherwise permitted by law.

9. The District Manager has caused to be made a preliminary assessment roll, in accordance with the method of assessment described in Exhibit B hereto, which shows the lots and lands assessed, the amount of benefit to and the assessment against each lot or parcel of land and the number of annual installments into which the assessment may be divided, which assessment roll is hereby adopted and approved as the District’s preliminary assessment roll.

10. The Board shall adopt a subsequent resolution to fix a time and place at which the owners of property to be assessed or any other persons interested therein may appear before the Board and be heard as to the propriety and advisability of the assessments or the making of the Improvements, the cost thereof, the manner of payment therefore, or the amount thereof to be assessed against each property as improved.

11. The District Manager is hereby directed to cause this Resolution

in a newspaper of general circulation within Volusia County and

best interests of the District.

12. This Resolution shall become effective upon its passage.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of February, 2025.

ATTEST: ORMOND CROSSINGS WEST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

/s/ Cindy Cerbone /s/ Clint Smith

Secretary/Assistant Secretary Chair/Vice Chair, Board of Supervisors Exhibit A: Master Engineer’s

DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; INDICATING THE LOCATION, NATURE AND ESTIMATED COST OF THOSE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS WHOSE COST IS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE PORTION OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE MADE; PROVIDING WHEN SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE PAID; DESIGNATING LANDS UPON WHICH THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED; PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT PLAT; ADOPTING A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS RESOLUTION. WHEREAS, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of the Deering Park Stewardship District (the “District”) hereby determines to undertake, install, plan, establish, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, acquire, operate, and/or maintain the infrastructure improvements (the “Improvements”) described in the District’s Supplemental Engineers Report for DPSD JV1 #1, dated October 2, 2024, attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the District to pay the cost of the Improvements by special assessments pursuant to Chapter 2020-197, Laws of Florida (the “Assessments”); and WHEREAS, the District is empowered by Chapter 2020-197, Laws of Florida, and Chapters 170 and 197, Florida Statutes, to finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, operate, and maintain the Improvements and to impose, levy and collect the Assessments; and WHEREAS, the District hereby determines that benefits will accrue to the property improved, the amount of those benefits, and that special assessments will be made in proportion to the benefits received as set forth in the Master Special Assessment Methodology Report for the Deering Park JV1 #1, dated November 12, 2024, attached hereto as Exhibit B and incorporated herein by reference and on file at 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (the “District Records Office”); and WHEREAS, the District hereby determines that the Assessments to be levied will not exceed the benefit to the property improved. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT:

1. Assessments shall be levied to defray a portion of the cost of the Improvements.

2. The nature and general location of, and plans and specifications for, the Improvements are described in Exhibit A, which is on file at the District Records Office. Exhibit B is also on file and available for public inspection at the same location.

3. The total estimated cost of the Improvements is $93,772,000 (the “Estimated Cost”).

4. The Assessments will defray approximately $128,595,000, which amount includes the Estimated Cost, plus financing-related costs, capitalized interest and a debt service reserve.

5. The manner in which the Assessments shall be apportioned and paid is set forth in Exhibit B, including provisions for supplemental assessment resolutions.

6. The Assessments shall be levied, within the District, on all lots and lands adjoining and contiguous or bounding and abutting upon the Improvements or specially benefitted thereby and further designated by the assessment plat hereinafter provided for.

7. There is on file, at the District Records Office, an assessment plat showing the area to be assessed, with certain plans and specifications describing the Improvements and the estimated cost of the Improvements, all of which shall be open to inspection by the public.

8. Commencing with the year in which the Assessments are levied and confirmed, the Assessments shall be paid in not more than (30) thirty annual installments. The Assessments may be payable at the same time and in the same manner as are ad-valorem taxes and collected pursuant to Chapter 197, Florida Statutes; provided, however, that in the event the uniform non ad-valorem assessment method of collecting the Assessments is not available to the District in any year, or if determined by the District to be in its best interest, the Assessments may be collected as is otherwise permitted by law.

9. The District Manager has caused to be made a preliminary assessment roll, in accordance with the method of assessment described in Exhibit B hereto, which shows the lots and lands assessed, the amount of benefit to and the assessment against each lot or parcel of land and the number of annual installments into which the assessment may be divided, which assessment roll is hereby adopted and approved as the District’s preliminary assessment roll.

10. The Board shall adopt a subsequent resolution to fix a time and place at which the owners of property to be assessed or any other persons interested therein may appear before the Board and be heard as to the propriety and advisability of the assessments or the making of the Improvements, the cost thereof, the manner of payment therefore, or the amount thereof to be assessed against each property as improved.

11. The District Manager is hereby directed to cause this Resolution to be published twice (once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks) in a newspaper of general circulation within Brevard County and Volusia County and to provide such other notice as may be required by law or desired in the best interests of the District.

12. This Resolution shall become effective upon its passage.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 12th day of November, 2024.

ATTEST: DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT