Ormond Beach Observer 1-19-23

Negotiations at a standstill

Nickole Dane takes a photo of her teammates holding the Five Star championship trophy following their win in the final against Spruce Creek.

Photo by Michele Meyers

Photo Photo by Michele Meyers

Thomas Renick pokes his head out of the hatch on top of the SWAT team’s armored vehicle. He wants

be a lifeguard, like his grandfather.

Planning board OKs live music at US 1 bar

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

City closes on land near park

The city’s joint purchase, along with other government entities, of an 18.6-acre property at 901 Airport Road was finalized on Jan. 12.

The purchase was an effort involving the city of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, and the St. Johns River Water Management District. The land cost $770,000.

The property, near Riverbend Nature Park, will be used for preservation and recreation. The land will be owned by the city and the county, according to a city staff report.

PAC receives new auditorium seats

The Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center has received new auditorium seats donated by developer Paul Holub, according to the city’s January newsletter.

The seats came from the former Regal Cinema on Williamson Boulevard. The cinema had upgraded its seating before shutting down due to the pandemic.

“These new seats will increase the comfort of our guests when visiting the Performing Arts Center for our shows,” the city’s newsletter states.

Live music, anyone?

The Ormond Beach Planning Board on Jan. 12 voted unanimously to recommended that the City Commission approve a “special exception” request to let Boot Hill Saloon Outpost host live outdoor music from 2-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

The special exception, tentatively scheduled for review by the City Commission on Feb. 21, would also allow the business, located at 1089 N. U.S. 1, to continue its outdoor activities during special events such as Bike Week and Biketoberfest.

The special event provision would permit itinerant vending by up to 24 vendors, including food trucks.

Karin Gehris has owned the property since 2005, and she told the board that she has experienced a lot of challenges since, including a fire in 2008 that destroyed the building.

“We seem to keep plugging and trying to overcome [challenges],” Gehris said.

In 2020, Boot Hill Saloon Outpost had been granted a special exception for itinerant vending during special events and for live outdoor music for a three-year “probation period,” according to a city memo. It expires on March 3.

This new special exception request would be permanent, according to city staff.

The Jan. 12 meeting was also the first for the Planning Board since two new members were appointed, replacing Lori Tolland and Harold Briley, both of whom were elected to the City Commission in November 2022.

The new members are Barry Du Moulin and Troy Railsback, both appointed by the commission at large.

Returning to the board are Mike Scudiero, Alan Jorczak, G.G. Galloway, Doug Thomas and Angeline Shull.

Thomas was again appointed as chair of the volunteer board. Shull was appointed as vice chair.

Fiber-optic hut proposed

A neighborhood meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, to discuss an unmanned fiber-optic communication building for MetroNet at 124 S. Yonge St.

The meeting will be held at the Hampton Inn at 155 Interchange Blvd.

In March 2022, Indianabased fiber optic company MetroNet announced its intent to bring fiber-optic internet service to homes and businesses in Ormond Beach, Holly Hill and Daytona Beach.

MetroNet said it will fund the project through a private multimillion-dollar investment.

Road closure on John Anderson

John Anderson Drive from Plaza Drive to River Drive closed on Monday, Jan. 16, for a county project to replace power lines.

The closure will remain in place from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Friday, Jan. 27.

BY THE NUMBERS 64

apartment units proposed for the Ormond Enclave project between Dix Avenue and Highland Avenue. This project was previously known as “The Courtyards.”

local cub scouts recently toured Fire Station 91.

Email Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas at Jarleene@ ormondbeachobserver. com.

Photo courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach

Boot Hill Saloon Outpost is seeking approval to hold live music on the weekends.

“Our purpose as an organization is to ensure that our students graduate with the skills necessary to be successful.”

VCS

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin on school grades. See Page 5A

Washed ashore

An orca that washed ashore on Jan. 11 was an adult female, and the first killer whale stranding recorded by NOAA in Florida.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Akiller whale that washed up on a Flagler County beach early the morning of Jan. 11 is the first orca stranding the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has ever recorded on Florida’s beaches, according to a NOAA representative.

NOAA and rescue teams from Sea World and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission worked together to remove the 9,000-pound carcass from the beach.

The teams were on scene before 10 a.m., but weren’t able to remove the 21-foot animal until the afternoon, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The orca was taken to SeaWorld’s lab for necropsy and analysis.

Blair Mase, a coordinator for NOAA’s marine mammal stranding program, said that while they do not have a confirmed cause of death yet, SeaWorld staff found signs of disease in the animal’s stomach and reproductive tract.

“The next steps are identifying what diseases can impact [killer whales],” Mase said.

SeaWorld teams have been able to take a full scope of samples for genetic and biological testing, though it could be weeks until they start getting results back, Mase said.

What they do know, she said, is that the orca was a mature female, was not pregnant, and had no signs of human interaction or trauma.

The killer whale likely belonged to one of two stocks that live in the area — one in the Gulf of Mexico, and one in the North Atlantic, Mase said.

While many residents were surprised to find a killer whale off the coast of Florida, Mase said that although sightings are rare, the animals are there.

“They don’t travel close to shore,” Mase said. “They’re typically in

deeper waters.”

While killer whales do travel and migrate, she said, not a lot is known about the animals.

“It’s an unusual situation,” Mase said. “We have had strandings in Cuba, and we have had sightings in the Gulf — though those are rare.”

The research teams took photos of the orca’s dorsal fin and eye patch to help identify which stock it is from.

According to NOAA, while sightings of killer whales are uncommon and unpredictable in United States waters, killer whales can be found in the Caribbean all year round, as well as the Gulf of Mexico.

The orca had washed up on shore sometime around 6 a.m. just south of the Jungle Hut Park beach entrance.

Local residents called in the beached animal, which was dead by the time it made it to shore, though there was no obvious sign of death.

Derek Pence, a Palm Coast resident, said he was walking the shore just after 6 a.m. when he noticed the animal about 25 to 30 feet offshore and called the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

He walks the shoreline every morning, he said, and has called in several stranded sea turtles before.

Pence said he was on the phone with a biologist when he realized it

was an orca.

“I thought it was a baby right whale at first, because of how dark it was,” Pence said. “She [the biologist] thought I was crazy when I said it was an orca.”

The FCSO closed the park entrance until the orca was removed.

Eva Karwowski said her 18-yearold son, Adam, saw the animal offshore while he was on the beach to take photos of the sunrise. It was still dark, Karwowski said, when they called it in.

Her son left the scene after a while because he was so upset by seeing the dead whale, she said.

“It’s very sad, heartbreaking,” she said. “We’re happy to see it, but unfortunately it ended its life here.”

Since not a lot is known about killer whales, researchers are taking the opportunity to study as much as they can.

Mase said the skeleton has already been sent to the University of Florida to study decomposition, and from there will be sent to the Smithsonian to be a part of its collection and research.

Anyone who comes across a marine animal in distress can call 1-877-WHALE-HELP to report it.

While the orca stranding on Jan. 11 was a surprise, other whale sightings are more common off Florida’s east coast this time of year.

Right whales, an endangered species, are making the trip back north for their feeding season. Jim Hain, a researcher who specializes in right whale research, said the whales migrate north for their feeding season in the spring, summer and early fall.

This year, the endangered whales are bringing 10 new calves with them on the journey, Hain said.

One calf was spotted with its mother — named Archipelago — in Ormond Beach on Jan. 12.

“She looks very healthy, and her calf looks healthy. So we’re very optimistic,” Hain said.

In the last 15 to 20

deaths — deaths that are mostly due to human impacts, Hain said.

Ideally, researchers want to see an average of 20 new calves a year, he said.

There are only about 340 right whales left, and of those, only 70-75 are reproductive females, Hain said.

Not all of the females reproduce every year, either, Hain said, making population growth slow.

An eleventh calf has already been spotted dead in North Carolina this year.

With the whales’ ongoing northern migration, it is especially important that boaters and paddle boarders be cautious, he said.

“Give them their space,” Hain said. “Everybody’s going to be amazed and interested, but at the same time, you have to be a little respectful for, you know, a mother and a baby.”

"It's an unusual situation. We have had strandings in Cuba, and we have had sightings in the gulf — though those are rare."

Photo by Sierra Williams

An orca that washed up on the Flagler County shoreline on Jan. 11 had signs of illness, according to experts.

BLAIR MASE, NOAA

CAUTIONED

School Board agrees to hand out guardian program interest forms

openly carry a weapon for the purpose of thwarting an active assailant incident but have no arresting powers, Flagler Schools Safety Specialist Tom Wooleyhan said.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

In a wide-ranging workshop agenda, the Flagler County School Board on Tuesday, Jan. 17, learned more about two potential programs it could put into practice next school year.

The board agreed to hand out guardian program interest forms to employees who work on school campuses. Board members were also informed about liability issues pertaining to Narcan distribution.

District staff also presented a proposed school calendar for the 202324 school year.

GUARDIAN PROGRAM

Of the 26 school districts that participate in the school guardian program, 22 use uniformed guardians who

The Flagler School Board is looking into becoming one of the few districts that would use plain-clothes guardians who would carry concealed weapons.

This option would not require new hires. The guardians would be instructional or non-instructional staffers who are already on school campuses and would undergo the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s training program, which consist of a minimum of 144 hours.

The guardians would supplement, but not replace, the 14 school resource deputies that are provided by the FCSO.

The district drew up a “Guardian Program Interest Form” gauging school employees’ interest in becoming a guardian in addition to their regular duties.

The form says, “State funds are granted to participating Sheriff’s Offices to cover the screening and training costs for each guardian.

SUNSHINE STATE SCHOLARS SELECTED

At the School Board’s business meeting Jan. 17, District Teaching and Learning Specialist Heidi Alves presented Flagler County’s Sunshine State Scholar and alternate for 2023.

Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Brendan Wang will represent the county in the Sunshine State Scholar Program, which recognizes the academic achievements of the top high school juniors in the state who plan to go into a STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Matanzas High’s Austin Weeks is the district’s alternate.

The scholar from each school district participates in a two-day program in Orlando in April. The program connects students with

representatives from more than 40 Florida colleges and universities to learn about postsecondary STEM programs, as well as with potential employers to learn about unique career opportunities.

Wang is in FPC’s International Baccalaureate program, is an AP Scholar and a National Honor Society member, scored 1510 on his most recent SAT, is on the tennis team and is a bridge champion.

Weeks, who was not present at the School Board meeting because he was in an All-State band competition, is in Matanzas’ AICE program, is dual-enrolled at Daytona State College, is a National Honor Society member and a sports medicine student intern.

Also, guardians receive a one-time stipend of $500 for serving in the program.”

If employees indicate they are interested in becoming a school guardian, additional questions ask for the respondents’ school and department, job description, whether they have a current concealed weapon license and if they have a law enforcement or military background.

Wooleyhan said the FCSO can apply for a grant now for a base amount for $100,000 to help cover training and weapons, background checks and psychological evaluations. Training could potentially begin in June, with the possibility of guardians in place by next school year, he said.

The three School Board members — Cheryl Massaro, Will Furry and Sally Hunt — who were present at that point during the workshop agreed to distribute the guardian interest forms.

NARCAN POLICY DISCUSSED

As the School Board decides on guidelines for storing and distributing Narcan in schools, Board Attorney Kristy Gavin informed board members of state statutes relating to training and liability.

Narcan is a treatment for opioid overdose. It can restore normal breathing in as little as two or three minutes.

Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt would adopt board guidelines on how Narcan would be administered, identifying training and where the Narcan would be placed on campuses. Currently, only Flagler’s school resource deputies have Narcan to administer in emergencies.

Gavin said school nurses would be required to monitor storage. Training would be required to administer Narcan. Parental notification would not be required to administer the medication, but once it is administered, a parent must be notified, Gavin said.

A standing order from a physician is required to allow school staff to store and administer the medica -

tion. Only those who are trained to administer Narcan would be protected from civil liability through the state’s Good Samaritan Act, Gavin said.

“The statute is very specific on who would be covered, those who have been trained, and if we have a standing order to have that medication on our campus, monitored and in accordance to the physician’s order,” she said.

School nurses would be responsible for inventory and making sure the medication has not expired.

Policies that would need to be decided, Gavin said, are where Narcan would be placed around campuses and how it would be secured, such as using a lock box with a key code that trained personnel would have.

Mittelstadt said board members can think about a draft policy that district staff can report back on with costs and other details. Massaro and board member Colleen Conklin indicated they are in favor of a Narcan policy.

“Let’s lean on the side of saving a life,” Conklin said.

DISTRICT PROPOSES SCHOOL CALENDAR

District staff presented the proposed school calendar for 2023-24. The calendar committee — which consists of two representatives each from the teachers’ and support staff unions, four district staffers and two parents — produced the calendar.

The first day of school will once again be Aug. 10, which is the earliest the state allows. By starting that early, students will get a full week of Thanksgiving break, and the first semester will end on the last day before winter break.

Louise Bossardet, coordinator of data quality in the district’s teaching and learning department, said the only way to accomplish all of those prerequisites was to make Dec. 22 the last day of school before the winter break.

The stakeholders’ other request, Bossardet said, was to end the school year before Memorial

PROPOSED 2023-24 SCHOOL CALENDAR

„ Aug. 10: First day of school

„ Oct. 11: End of first quarter „ Nov. 20-24: Thanksgiving break (first day back, Nov. 27)

„ Dec. 22: End of first semester, last day of school.

„ Dec. 25-Jan. 5: Holiday break (first day back, Jan. 9)

„ Jan. 8: Professional learning day

„ March 14: End of third quarter, last day of school before spring break

„ March 15-22: Spring break (first day back March 25)

„ May 23: Last day of school, end of second semester

„ Holidays: Sept. 4—Labor Day. Nov. 10—Veterans Day. Jan. 15—Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Feb. 19—President’s Day

„ Teacher work days: Oct. 16, March 15, May 24

„ Hurricane makeup days: Oct. 16, Nov. 20-21, Jan. 8 (Jan. 5 would become a professional learning day), March 15, May 24

Day. The last day of school is scheduled to be Thursday, May 23, two days before the start of the Memorial Day weekend.

May 24 is one of several potential hurricane makeup days. The others are Oct. 16, Nov. 20-21 (which would shorten Thanksgiving break by one or two days), Jan. 8 (which is currently a professional learning day and would move professional learning to Jan. 5) and March 15.

Bossardet said the committee did compare its calendar to surrounding districts, but could not align spring breaks.

Flagler’s 2024 spring break is slated to be March 15-22, with the first day back on March 25. St. Johns’ is March 11-15, and Volusia’s is March 25-29, she said.

The form gauges school employees’ interest in carrying a concealed weapon as a plain-clothes guardian.

Volusia County Schools declares impasse with Volusia United Educators

The district states that VUE’s proposal is unsustainable. In turn, VUE says the district failed to show that it ‘respects and prioritizes experienced staff.’

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Citing an inability to reach an agreement on salaries and benefits, Volusia County Schools’ bargaining team declared an impasse with the Volusia United Educators Instructional and Support bargaining units on Monday, Jan. 11.

The district stated that the decision to halt all communications came after eight bargaining sessions with both VUE units — five with the

instructional bargaining unit, and three with the support bargaining unit — in which VUE turned down the district’s $14.7 million proposal and asked for a higher amount to reach a resolution.

“This recurring expense is not sustainable and would have significant and material longterm effects for all Volusia County Schools stakeholders,” the district stated in its press release.

VUE responded in a press release that the bargaining units had brought proposals to the table at each of the sessions to “ask for appropriate compensation for experienced employees.”

The recommendations were drafted after working with a joint labor management committee over the summer.

“Unfortunately, when bargaining began in earnest in the fall, the work of the committee was ignored by the district,” the VUE press release

states. “Though both parties agreed that salary compression was the largest concern, the proposals made by the district did not do enough to show that it respects and prioritizes experienced staff.”

The press release further explained that though bargaining “had seemed to stall,” VUE remained hopeful for a resolution that would help decrease the number of educators leaving the district.

Both parties had been scheduled to meet for a bargaining session on Tuesday, Jan. 17.

By declaring an impasse, the district effectively canceled the session.

“Our schools and our community suffer when negotiations fall apart,” Elizabeth Albert, president of Volusia United Educators, said in the press release.

The district explained that it chose to declare an impasse because it believes it “will bring a resolution in a timely fashion and ensure teachers

and staff receive raises and retroactive payment before the next cycle of negotiations.”

The district reported that its proposals addressed recommendations made by the salary committee for both units (formed by the district and VUE): An advanced degree supplement for grandfathered instructional staff who already have an advanced degree payment in their salaries; a stipend for ESE instructional staff; a new teacher salary allocation formula that was more equitably distributed based on performance; a retirement plan eligible retention supplement for instructional staff; new salary schedules for office specialists and paraprofessionals; and an agreement to place support personnel on the new schedules based upon years of service at the district.

A declaration of impasse expedites the timeline, according to the district.

A hearing before a special mag -

Flagler, Volusia 2022 graduation rates exceed statewide average

Flagler’s graduation rate was 90.5%, while Volusia’s rate was 88.9%; the statewide rate was 87.3%.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Both the Flagler and Volusia County school districts exceeded the state’s 2022 high school graduation rate, according to the Florida Department of Education.

Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said she is encouraged by the district’s 2022 graduation rate, according to a district press release.

Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said, “It is

with great pride that I share Volusia County Schools has exceeded the state average.”

The Florida Department of Education announced the state’s 2022 graduation rates on Friday, Jan. 13.

The overall graduation rate in the state was 87.3%, which was down 2.8% from 2021 but still exceeded the pre-pandemic rate (86.9% in 2019). In 2020 and 2021, graduating classes were exempt from standardized assessment requirements.

The rate in Flagler for the 2022 class was 90.5%, while the Volusia rate was 88.9%.

Like the statewide rate, both districts’ graduation rates declined from the previous year.

Flagler’s rate dipped slightly from 2021, when it was 91.2%.

Volusia’s rate (91.9% in 2021) dropped three percentage points.

“I look at the pre-pandemic and post-pandemic results,” Mittelstadt

said. “The fact that our students have been able to exceed the state average in the face of all the challenges is a credit to them, our teachers and administrators.”

While Volusia’s rate declined from a year ago, the county had the highest three-year graduation rate increase within the Central Florida Coalition of school districts, according to a

district press release.

Volusia’s rate increased 4.4 percentage points from the pre-Covid rate of 84.5% in 2019.

“Our purpose as an organization is to ensure that our students graduate with the skills necessary to be successful,” Balgobin said in Volusia’s press release. “This is not just a high school achievement. All schools,

istrate to review both parties’ positions will be scheduled, and then a recommended order will be made for the Volusia County School Board to consider.

“Should VUE wish to engage in productive and reasonable bargaining sessions at any time, the district is ready, willing and able to convene,” the VCS press release states.

Albert said she was “extremely disappointed” in the decision to declare an impasse.

“In a year when school districts have been provided with more funding than ever before by the state, it is heartbreaking to know that the leaders of Volusia County Schools are not prioritizing those who are doing the work to educate our children and running our schools,” she said.

An impasse was last declared in 2020. Two hearings were held before a resolution was reached in December of that year to increase the salaries of teachers and support staff.

administrators, teachers and staff that serve all students contributed to this success. I thank them for their hard work to get us here. Congratulations to them all.”

While the state average increased by just 1% from five years ago (86.1%), Volusia’s rate jumped 10 percentage points (78.7% in 2018), and Flagler’s rate improved by nearly three percentage points (88% in 2018).

“We should be proud of the work to get our district in this position,” Mittelstadt said in Flagler’s press release. “But we cannot rest now. This is a great first step as we continue to elevate excellence and create one of the top school districts in the state.”

Statewide, graduation rates rose 28.1 percentage points since 2004, when the statewide rate was 59.2%, according to the DOE.

The graduation rates, as required by federal regulations, include standard diplomas but exclude GEDs and special diplomas.

COPS CORNER

JAN. 5

CRIMES FOR CASH 10:30 a.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Larceny. A man suspected to be affiliated with a Houstonbased gang used a crowbar to force open an ATM machine at the entrance of a local big box store, stealing $821.

The man caused an additional $1,000 in damage to the machine and its safe, according to a police report.

A loss prevention manager with the ATM company told police that the gang, known as the “Market Street Money Gang,” has committed similar crimes in several different states. The manager said he wanted to pursue charges if the suspect is found.

JAN. 10

A LOT OF GREEN 10:18 a.m. — Reybell Lane, Palm Coast Marijuana possession. Flagler County Sheriff Office deputies found around two pounds of marijuana in a duffel bag while serving an arrest warrant.

The deputies had been given access to the suspect’s home by his grandmother, who thought he was in the house and showed them to his room.

He was not there, but a duffel bag was; without prompting from the deputies, the grandmother opened the bag to find the marijuana — around $3,000 in street value, according to his arrest report.

Deputies found the 23-yearold man — who is 6 feet tall and 200 pounds — trying to duck behind a vehicle in the garage. The man, once found, asked the deputies if they found “the bag of marijuana,” according to the arrest report.

He then told deputies that the bag was not his, and said he was only holding it for a friend who was on probation.

The man was taken to the county jail on a marijuana possession charge in addition to the arrest warrant.

GRAND THEFT LEGO 3:30 p.m. — 1700 block of North State Street, Bunnell Shoplifting, grand theft. A woman was caught trying to steal from a big box store — a door mat and seven boxes of Legos, totaling $1,137. 32.

A loss prevention officer saw the woman place the items in her cart and then walk through the aisles placing them in plastic target bags, according to her arrest report.

When the woman went to exit the store, the loss prevention officer stopped her, but she ditched the cart and merchandise and ran for her car.

The officer gave a description of the vehicle to the Fla-

gler County Sheriff’s Office, which was able to quickly find and pull over the red SUV.

When deputies questioned her, the woman admitted to trying to steal the items so she could resell them. The loss prevention officer identified the detained woman as the thief.

Inside her car, deputies found more Lego boxes, which she said she’d stolen from a different big box store. The woman also had two arrest warrants from two other counties for grand theft. She was taken into custody.

JAN. 13

DISAPPEARING VASE 10:20 a.m. — 400 block of South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach

Larceny. An elderly woman walked into a local furniture store with a “seemingly empty” bag on her shoulder, according to a police report.

When she left the store approximately one minute later, the bag “appeared to be bulging wide.”

A few days later, the furniture owner contacted police. His wife had realized that a vase was missing.

She checked the store’s cameras and discovered that the woman, who had been wearing a white mask and sunglasses, had stolen the vase, valued at $260. The store owner wants to press charges if she is identified.

Locals mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The MLK

Celebration Committee hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration the morning of Jan. 14. The event began with a prayer breakfast at the G.W. Carver Gym, followed by a Martin Luther King Jr. parade through downtown Bunnell and speeches by local officials at the Carver fields.

Ormond hosts Martin Luther King Jr. ‘Dine and Dash’ breakfast

The city’s MLK Committee planned to serve at least 250 people.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Portions of Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous speeches played in the background at the South Ormond Neighborhood Center during the city’s annual breakfast celebration in his memory on Monday, Jan. 16.

For the second year in a row, the city and its MLK Committee held the breakfast in a “Dine and Dash” carry-out concept, due to concerns about rising COVID-19 cases. MLK Committee Chairperson Tina Carlyle, who is a registered nurse, said the committee wanted to be cautious again this year, since most of attendees tend to be older. The city has held an MLK breakfast celebration for over 30 years.

The committee planned to serve at least 250 people. Any leftovers would be donated to nearby churches to help feed homeless people or others in need.

It’s a joyous celebration, Carlyle said.

“To see smiles on people’s faces, to see cultures mend together, races mend together — that is very, very pleasing for me,” she said.

She said she wished that society would break away from highlighting unity only on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and instead display daily the qualities that King stood for: love, respect, kindness, dignity and compassion.

“You would think, all these years later, that we would be in a better place than what they were back in those days,” Carlyle said. “But I just feel like we’ve still got a lot of work to do when it comes to coming together, and loving on one another and treating each other as one, and acting as though we are one nation under God.”

The MLK Committee hopes to return to its in-person breakfast celebration in 2024.

–JAKE MONTGOMERY

Peyton Davis, Talayaih Nelson and Messiah Stokes wave to participants in the parade.

Tiaraa White, Serenity Heath and Jayden Heath collect candy.

Shakirah, Jareyah and Jariyah Hough

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office brought out a vintage patrol car.

Photos by Jake Montgomery

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

MLK Breakfast Celebration volunteers and city officials

Left: Annie Davidson and Jackie Fields help serve breakfast.

Right: Andrea Wilson, MLK Committee member Belinda Davis and Jackie Fields

Girls basketball players injured in crash

One of the FPC players was airlifted to the hospital and underwent surgeries on her femur and pelvis.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Three Flagler Palm Coast High School girls basketball players were injured in a crash involving two vehicles at the intersection of Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Grove Drive on the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 13.

The crash was the 24th to be reported at this intersection since 2020, including a fatality in March 2022, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Eleven of those crashes resulted in injuries.

One of the players was airlifted to Wolfson Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville with a broken femur and a broken pelvis, FPC girls basketball coach Anthony Wagner said. The driver was taken by ambulance to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach with a gash on her head. The wound was closed with three or four staples, Wagner said.

BRIEFS

Police investigate doctor over sex crime allegations

Do you know Dr. Scott Hollington?

The Ormond Beach Police Department is working with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office to investigate Hollington, who worked out of an office called Advanced Practice

The third player was taken to AdventHealth Palm Coast. She was released Friday night, according to a Saturday Facebook post by FPC Girls Basketball. The player at  Wolfson had “successful surgery (Saturday) morning, placing a metal rod and 4 screws in her femur,” the post said. She underwent another surgery on Monday — to her pelvis — and was recovering, Wagner said.

The three players left the high school at the end of the school day to retrieve one of the player’s basketball shoes, Wagner said. They were due back at the school at 3:45 p.m. to prepare for a game Friday night at Matanzas High School.

Both the JV and varsity games were canceled. FPC’s home game against New Smyrna Beach on Monday, Jan. 15, was also canceled, but the team returned to the court Tuesday, Jan. 17, for a home varsity game against Oviedo Master’s Academy.

“We kind of left it open to the girls,” Wagner said about playing the game. “If they felt they could play, we’d support them. They decided to give it a shot.”

He said Matanzas and FPC

Nursing Service, located at 565 Memorial Circle in Ormond Beach.

According to a News4Jax report from November 2022, Hollington, a St. Johns County doctor, was indicted on several counts of illegally distributing prescription medicine in exchange for sexual favors.

Another investigation was opened after one of his patients reported that he sexually assaulted her in his now-closed medical office in

were looking into rescheduling the Jan. 13 games.

According to Wagner, the players were returning to school but were making a stop at one of the player’s homes on Pine Grove Drive. When they turned left from a southbound lane on Belle Terre, the car was T-boned by a car heading north.

A spokesman for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said two juveniles were transported to hospitals; one was airlifted to Wolfson. Northbound traffic was diverted after the crash.

The player who was airlifted to Wolfson was in the front passenger seat and took the brunt of the impact, and she had to be extracted from the vehicle, Wagner said.

When Wagner informed the rest of the team, the players were visibly upset, he said.

“When you spend as much time together as any team does, you become family,” he said.

Wagner said Matanzas players reached out to the FPC team when they were informed of the situation.

“This is one of those times where we’re all Flagler County,” he said.

St. Augustine.

OBPD is asking anyone who may have information to contact Detective Jessica Fowler or Detective Sgt. John Dovine. Detectives are willing to meet or call reporting parties and/or victims discretely, if desired.

Contact Fowler at jessica. fowler@ormondbeach.org or 386-676-3517. Contact Dovine at john.dovine@ ormondbeach.org or 386676-3520.

CRIME REPORT

Man arrested after shooting

A man arrested after allegedly firing a handgun toward his family’s home on Jan. 10 asked deputies to execute him and told them to look up a chapter of the Bible, according to his arrest report.

No one was injured in the shooting, which occurred near Farnum Lane in Palm Coast.

Suspect Jacob Perry, 24, has been charged with four felonies: three counts of aggravated assault and one count of shooting into a dwelling.

Perry allegedly shot into the home at around 4 p.m. while four of his family members were there before taking off in a Hyundai sedan, according to the arrest report.

Around an hour later, deputies and the FCSO’s Problem Area Crime Enforcement unit found Perry going west on Matanzas Woods Parkway. They stopped him on London Drive, the report said.

“Great work by our deputies and Real Time Crime Center locating the suspect and bringing him into custody quickly without anyone getting hurt,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.

A semi-automatic pistol, live ammunition, spent shell casings and clothing worn during the shooting were recovered from the vehicle, according to a press release from the FCSO.

Deputies also recovered bullets and spent casings at the scene, the release said.

In body camera footage of Perry’s arrest, he can be heard telling deputies to go to Isaiah 44 to learn all about him.

He then asked deputies to execute him.

“I want to read a few scriptures, and then I want

you guys to execute me, OK?”

Perry said. “Can you grant me that?”

The four victims each left statements with deputies, and Ring camera footage showed evidence of the incident, according to the arrest report.

Two of the victims were outside playing football when Perry showed up. One of the victims ran inside.

One victim told deputies that Perry walked up to the house and broke the front window before driving away.

Perry then returned to the house and shot at the house, and the black Lincoln Navigator in the driveway, multiple times from the driver’s seat of his Hyundai, according to the report.

One of the victims told deputies that Perry had threatened to shoot him a few weeks before while on the phone, the report said.

After his arrest, Perry was taken to the new FCSO Operations Center and interviewed.

He was later taken to the county jail, where he is being held without bond.

Sex offender charged with child pornography

A Palm Coast man was arrested Jan. 10 on 20 counts of child pornography possession after almost five months of investigative work by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The man, Carlos Rivera Hernandez, 32, is a registered sex offender who was convicted in 2015 of sexual battery of a minor.

In August, the FCSO had taken over an investigation initiated by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which received a tip in April 22 that 41 files of child sexual abuse mate-

rial had been uploaded onto a website, according to the news release.

The Sheriff’s Office served a warrant in November and searched Hernandez’s workplace in Bunnell in connection with the NCMEC tip, the press release said.

Detectives found “numerous social media applications and [child sexual abuse material] on the devices that were seized,” the release said.

Hernandez was arrested at his home on Secretary Trail and charged with the 20 counts of child pornography and one count of failure to report internet identifiers, which registered sex offenders are required to report.

Hernandez was taken to the Flagler County jail on Jan. 10 and is being held on $515,000 bail.

The FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit, Crime Scene Investigation, SWAT and Major Case Units worked together on the investigation, the press release said.

“These cases take time to investigate,” Staly said, “but our Cyber Crimes Unit and detectives will come after you if you are exploiting children and build a strong case to put you away for a long time.”

Man charged with firing handgun during argument

A 21-year-old Palm Coast man fired a handgun into the air during an argument with his girlfriend at his home on Blackwell Place on Jan. 11, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect, Jordan Munoz, faces two felony charges — discharging a firearm in public, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon — plus a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery, according to his arrest report.

David A. Pizzo, Sr, 73 passed away peacefully on January 12, 2023. Born August 26, 1949 to Casper and Anna Lee Pizzo. He is survived by his significant other, Niki Steenhoek of 21 years; brother, Roger Pizzo, his sons: Scott, David Jr. (Denise) Brent; stepsons Justin and Derek. He is preceded in death by his son, Daniel. David leaves behind his children, 12 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Dave came to Ormond Beach from Rochester, NY, in 2007. Prior to moving, Dave had a 20 plus year career at Eastman Kodak Company until he started his own company, Intramedia Technologies, Inc. in January 1989 in video promotions. Upon moving to Florida, he started Community Promotional Services, as a photography and video production company. He was

very proud to tell everyone he was the city photographer of Ormond Beach working with the businesses. When he wasn’t shooting, editing, or talking about images and his business, he was collecting awards for doing so. His work won the Mayor Ace Award in 2020 plus many other above and beyond awards throughout the years for both the City of Ormond and the Chamber of Commerce.

Viewing at Lohman Funeral Home, 733 W. Granada Blvd, Ormond Beach, will be held Friday, January 20 2:00-4:00 pm. and 6:008:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Rima Ridge Baptist Church, 11 Cone Road, Ormond Beach, FL at 11:00 am Saturday, January 21.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the American Heart Association

David A. Pizzo

Local man completes 1,100-mile solo sail down the Intracoastal

John Phillips, 67, finished a trip he’d been dreaming about for years.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Six weeks. One thousand one hundred miles.

For much of his life, John Phillips had wanted to sail down the East Coast of the United States on the Intracoastal Waterway. He had been doing water sports since he was young: The Mainland High School alumnus was raised in the Daytona Beach area.

Last year, he completed this solo milestone trip on a Nonsuch 26 sailboat, sailing from Lyme, Connecticut, in September 2022 and reaching Ponce Inlet in October 2022.

He recalls the last leg of the trip fondly.

“Coming down through Flagler, Palm Coast, Ormond — it was really special,” Phillips said.

At 67 years old, he said, he finally had the time to do the trip.

“Sailing is something you either enjoy or you don’t enjoy,” Phillips said. “There’s a lot of work, I admit, than a power boat — a lot more planning — but with that work or effort comes a lot more reward, in my opinion.

GETTING STARTED

His journey first began in 2015.

Phillips was living in Canada, where he had resided for about 20 years during his career in Information Technology. He decided it was time to come home. Together with his son, he left Ontario on his sailboat and cruised down to New Jersey, where they encountered some engine trouble.

Phillips’ son wasn’t too enthusiastic about the trip, Phillips recalled,

so Phillips sold his Nonsuch 30 sailboat, and the pair rented a car instead to finish the southward journey.

Phillips wanted to try again on a sailboat — on a smaller boat, since he would be sailing solo. He found a Nonsuch 26 for sale in Connecticut, and back up north he went.

“My original plan was to just buy the boat and then sail back up to Lake Ontario for the summer, but then I started researching that area and realized that Long Island Sound was like the best sailing territory in the world in the summertime,” Phillips said.

He spent four months updating the boat, getting used to it and cruising Long Island Sound.

Phillips set sail for home on Sept. 1.

BREAKING FREE

His plan was to sail 30 miles a day.

One of his most eventful days came when he was sailing the Delaware River, he said. He had planned to sail to certain spot to be able to anchor. There aren’t many places to do so along that river, because the water is shallow and there are state parks along the banks.

“So I was sailing up the river, and about the middle of the day, all of a sudden, there’s a loud explosion — boom,” Phillips said. “My clew let go on the sail, and the boom fell on the bimini. Scared the life out of me.”

He was able to fix it. But, as the day went on, the wind picked up, and he decided to turn into the wind and drop his anchor. Phillips soon realized that he couldn’t stay in that spot, because the waves were growing.

“But then I was pinned down, because I couldn’t lift the anchor by myself,” Phillips said. “... You just have to figure it out, just take your time and solve it. So I powered up, slightly, towards the anchor, and then collect the slack, tie it off and do it again.”

He was able to get the anchor to break free on his fifth try.

SUNSET ON THE HORIZON

While he soon realized this trip was more about sailing and navigating than stopping and going ashore, some of the highlights included seeing the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum and seeing the Dismal Swamp Canal — though the latter did cause him to make a pit stop after his boat’s strainer got clogged with duckweed, causing his engine to overheat.

While in Oriental, North Carolina, he was delayed because of Hurricane Ian. He had to wait for the storm’s track to see if he would be impacted, because if a hurricane warning was issued for the area, all boats are mandated to leave marinas, and he would have had to backtrack.

Fortunately, he was able to continue on his journey, including stopping in St. Simons Island in Georgia in time for a family gathering.

“It was the first time I had seen

family in months and months,” Phillips said.

Though he had been fortunate with the weather for the vast majority of his trip, he faced a storm once he reached St. Augustine.

It had been chasing him all day, he recalled, but it took only about 10 minutes before he was able to keep going. The next day, he was on his last leg and faced one final hurdle: When he got to the Main Street Bridge in Daytona, seven miles from his destination, the bridge wouldn’t open.

It eventually opened, but then Phillips found himself in a race to get to Ponce Inlet before sundown.

“And sunset was at 6:50 p.m., and I made it at 6:52 p.m.,” he said.

It felt good, Phillips said.

This solo trip won’t be his last. Phillips has since purchased an Island Packet 32 boat and is getting ready to sail to the Bahamas.

“I’ve done the Intracoastal,” he said. “Now I want to do some offshore sailing.”

SURFING IN THE SIXTIES

When you’re cruising, Phillips said, you don’t want to have a deadline.

But for this trip, he did.

As one of three men who founded a local nonprofit called Surfing the Sixties, Phillips needed to come home in time for a surfing trip to the Dominican Republic. Surfing in the Sixties — co-founded by local AdventHealth physician William Camp Douglass and New Smyrna Beach architect Kevin Schweizer — combines their love of surfing with charity efforts designed to help the communities in which they go surfing.

The men work with local orphanages and host surfing competitions for children.

“At this age, we don’t want to just go and surf,” Phillips said. “We appreciate the local communities ,and so we try to give back.”

Visit surfinginthesixties.com.

JOHN PHILLIPS

Courtesy photos

Surfing in the Sixties Founders Dr. William Camp Douglass, John Phillips and Kevin Schweizer

“Sailing is something you either enjoy or you don’t enjoy. There’s a lot of work, I admit, than a power boat — a lot more planning, but with that work or effort comes a lot more reward, in my opinion.”

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news Restaurateur toasts ‘To Better Days’

2010-2020. However, after a divorce, Soldevilla now has equal shared custody, and wants to make sure he can be present for his son CJ, he said.

Volusia delays Halifax Humane contract vote

Commissioners expressed concern over ‘wild increases’ in the county’s annual contract with the animal shelter.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

After some council members expressed concern about significant cost increases in the county’s proposed contract with the Halifax Humane Society, the Volusia County Council voted unanimously on Jan. 17 to postpone approval of the contract and direct staff to continue negotiations.

The $110,000 contract was part of the council meeting’s consent agenda, and was pulled for discussion by County Commissioner Troy Kent.

Kent said he had “major issues” with the proposed increases, which range from 36% for three-day impoundments of dogs or cats (from $88 to $120) to 186% for impoundment of other domesticated animals (from $35 to $100).

Kent said he is supportive of the Humane Society, but the increases caught his attention.

“I looked at some of the contracts in the consent agenda below this [item],” he said. “The increases were nowhere near this amount.”

When asked about how the contract is broken down, Animal Services Director Adam Leath explained that there are a number of services that are included in a blanket contract

that Halifax Humane Society has with other jurisdictions in the county, which the county doesn’t actually use. He cited veterinary services as an example: The county already has two full-time veterinarians in its Animal Services division.

Leath added that the Halifax Humane Society has not changed its individual daily rate for the last five fiscal years.

“I will say that the percentages are quite significantly dramatic here in that there hasn’t been any change in their overall amounts in a long period of time, as compared to Southeast Humane Society, who actually has had changes in their contractual rate in the last five fiscal years,” Leath said.

The county’s contract with the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, approved through the consent agenda, is $52,000.

Commissioner Danny Robins was still not convinced about what he described as “wild increases.”

“We need to tighten this up a little bit,” he said.

Kent said that he would be in favor of small increases yearly, but struggles to explain large increases — such as the ones proposed in the contract — to constituents, and feels the steep increases aren’t justified simply because the organization hadn’t asked for increases in prior years.

“That’s a huge change,” he said of the 186% increase for impoundment of domesticated animals other than dogs and cats. “And it’s hitting the taxpayers in a big way.”

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Carlos Soldevilla has been running restaurants in town for over 12 years. But his 5-year-old son comes first, he said, and Soldevilla has made the decision to sell his latest business, the To Better Days Wine and Bistro in Ormond Beach.

“Businesses come and go,” Soldevilla said. “Money comes and goes. He’s 5 just once.”

The Ormond Beach restaurateur opened To Better Days in January 2021, and his business will mark its two year anniversary on the 21st.

The bistro — which combines a wine bar experience with a small restaurant menu for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner — has been successful for Soldevilla, who previously owned and operated La’s Bistro from

“As I told my attorneys and the entire staff: I’m fighting for my business; I’m fighting for my son,” Soldevilla recalled. “If at any point, I’ve got to make a choice between the two, it’s going to be my son.”

But he wants the community to know To Better Days isn’t closing — it will just have a new owner.

He’s looking for someone who will take care of the bistro the way he has, he said.

Soldevilla listed To Better Days for Sale at the end of November 2022, and said the ideal buyer would have a passion for wine and be a “people person.” The whole concept of his business, he said, is to encourage people to slow down, enjoy moments and savor some good wine and food. Soldevilla is also selling a food truck.

“I’ve built a strong team here, and they’re capable of running this place without me,” Soldevilla said. “So whoever walks in has a fully trained staff.”

Soldevilla said his real estate broker told him that he’d never had a client who wanted people to know they were selling a business.

“Well, I’m proud,” Soldevilla said. “I’ve had a great run in this town. Ormond Beach has been great to me.”

Plus, he said, he won’t be going far. He’s a resident, and looks forward to having the time to take his son to events like Movies on the Halifax at Rockefeller Gardens and perhaps getting the chance to coach a soccer team, if his son decides to pursue the sport. Maybe he’ll even swing by the bistro as a customer.

When some of his customers see the for sale sign at the door, Soldevilla said, they immediately ask him what’s going on. Soldevilla said he explains his reasoning and pours out just a taste of wine for himself. He thanks them for their support and proposes a toast — to better days.

“I realized that I must lead by example,” Soldevilla said. “So I’m going to teach [my son] how to enjoy every moment and savor and celebrate everyone. Every day is a win.”

BIZ BUZZ

DUNKIN’ DONUTS SLATED FOR S.R. 100 AT OLD KINGS

A new Dunkin’ Donuts will likely soon be built near the Popeye’s location on State Road 100 in Palm Coast.

The popular coffee chain would be the third business to fill one of lots on the east corner of State Road 100 and Old Kings Road.

The project is going through the final steps in the approval process with the city of Palm Coast. The lot is one of 12 commercial lots in the Kings Pointe Commercial Subdivision on S.R. 100.

Popeye’s and RaceTrac are currently the only businesses there.

The applicant began the approval process in June 2022. In early December, the applicant sent in the final changes required for the submission process.

Palm Coast Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner said one of the things the city worked with the applicant to create is a stacking management plan so that people entering the Dunkin’ Donuts won’t impede traffic.

That has been submitted, and the city is just waiting on the applicant’s signature to be able to send out the development order, Tyner said.

Palm Coast already has three Dunkin’ Donuts: This location, if approved, would make the fourth.

Because the build is less than 40,000 square feet and is nonresidential, it is considered a “tier one” build and does not require approval from the city’s Planning and Development Regulation Board or City Council, according to the city of Palm Coast’s technical manual.

Once the development order is issued, the applicant can begin the building process, starting with building permit applications.

DONATIONS

that only two longtime friends can share Jim & Val sing effortlessly and in seamless harmony. The duo performs virtually any style of music ranging from pop, rock, blues, disco, Motown, country, and Broadway. *Suggested Donation $10.00 For Information Call: 386-445-1600 Palm Coast United Methodist Church 5200 Belle Terre Parkway • Palm Coast, FL 32137

LADIES

Carlos Soldevilla has decided to sell To Better Days Wine and Bistro in Ormond Beach.

Email business news to Staff Writer Sierra Williams at sierra@palmcoastobserver.com.

File photo by Brian McMillan

Carlos Soldevilla is ready to start a new chapter with his son.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Army Corps project delayed for redesign

The Corps of Engineers will recalculate how much sand will be needed, adding an estimated 11 extra months.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Army Corps of Engineers has decided to redesign its planned Flagler County beach renourishment project, delaying the construction start date by at least an additional 11 months.

The delay was announced at Flagler Beach’s City Commission meeting on Thursday, Jan. 12, by attorney Scott Spradley, who has been working with Flagler County on dune issues. Spradley read the report on behalf of Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed, who was ill but present by phone to answer questions.

The redesign and delay have nothing to do with the current easement rights, Hadeed’s report said, but instead are a result of how much time has elapsed since planning for the project began: It’s been almost 20 years since the Army Corps began studying erosion on Flagler’s beaches.

Since then, there has been a devastating amount of erosion, and much more sand will be needed than was included in the original contract with the Army Corps, according to the report.

“It’s all the extra escarpment and erosion,” Spradley said.

The original 50-year contract with the Corps had set aside a volume of sand for the renourishment and for additional maintenance every 10 or so years, for the duration of the contract.

“The entire 50-year volume will be needed now just to do the initial renourishment,” Spradley said, reading Hadeed’s report.

Hadeed said the Corps will need to do several surveys to calculate how much sand will be needed. Spradley and Hadeed both said the Army Corps wants to extend the berm of the beach from the 40 feet specified in the original contract to 100 feet, for added protection.

“So it’s almost doubling — more than doubling — the sand,” Spradley said.

The larger berm — the section of the beach that beach goers enjoy, and that extends into the water — will extend the life of the beach, Hadeed said.

At the moment, the supplemental surveys and the design process are expected to take up to six months, Hadeed said. The problem is that they can’t begin right away.

The Corps has to wait until two in-progress surveys are finished: one on the beach, and one on the hard bottom. Those surveys are being held up by ocean conditions that prevent divers from going in, Hadeed said.

Once those are finished, the redesign and supplemental surveys should take about six months, Hadeed said; after

that, there is a 90-day bidding process and at least a 60-day mobilization period, adding up to 11 months from whenever the Army Corps is able to start.

Commissioners were also concerned about whether the Army Corps would cancel the project because of the redesign, but Hadeed assured commissioners that is not the case.

“The project does not need to be re-approved; it is approved,” Hadeed said.

EASEMENT CASE GETS COURT DATE

The Army Corps project has repeatedly been delayed by beachfront property owners’ refusals to sign easements that would let the Army Corps add sand on their property.

The Corps of Engineers cannot begin its work without having access easements for every property in the project area.

Now the number of holdouts is down to one, and that property owner is in bankruptcy proceedings.

Her case will be heard on Jan. 31, Spradley said, and the county hopes to gain access to the land through the bankruptcy case: The owner had not properly disclosed her ownership of the parcels, as required, during her bankruptcy proceedings, giving the county leverage.

The redesign of the project will give the county extra time to obtain the easement rights.

Flagler Beach approves 112-home subdivision

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler Beach City Commission voted 5-0 on Jan. 12 to approve a proposal for a planned unit development of 112 homes.

The development, called “Beach Park Village” in city planning documents and owned by KB Homes Jacksonville, is located on the west side of the bridge on Roberts Road. The south end of the property abuts Wadsworth Park, and the development is situated across from an apartment complex that is also being built on Roberts Road.

The commission approved the planned unit development application pending a provision to replace removed trees in the development.

But residents were more concerned about water flow and city services’ ability to support the additional people.

Flagler Beach resident Steve Dalley said he was concerned that the new subdivision would cause service cost increases that would affect current Flagler Beach residents.

“We’re investing as a city to let it grow population wise,” Dalley said, “but we aren’t going to have more money.”

The development will have an HOA to oversee its upkeep, said Derek Satino, director of Forward Planning at KB Homes Jacksonville. The HOA will pay for road and stormwater retention pond maintenance inside

the development, Satino said, addressing specific concerns from residents.

Several residents at the meeting were concerned about flooding and water runoff. To the east of the PUD’s boundaries are wetlands that border the west side of Lambert Road.

Lambert Road — which sits between the wetlands and the Intracoastal Waterway — already floods, and residents at Thursday’s meeting were concerned that the development would make it worse.

Commission Vice Chair Debbie Phillips asked the city planner, Larry Torino, what was being done to prevent flooding to other areas.

“The post-runoff cannot exceed the pre-condition runoff,” Torino. “That’s not a promise I can make you, but that is the law.”

Satino said the newer codes require developments to build to 100- and 500-year storm events, like Hurricane Ian.

Because the developer would be adding retention ponds to the development, the water that already flows through the area would be held longer and allowed to filter down.

“Adding 112 homes to the land isn’t causing more water to be going into the wetland,” Satino said. “We’re actually going to be holding more water longer.”

The singlefamily residential development will be on Roberts Road next to Wadsworth Park.

"The project does not need to be re-approved; it is approved."

AL HADEED, Flagler County attorney

"Adding 112 homes to the land isn't causing more water to be going into the wetland."

DEREK SATINO, KB Homes Jacksonville

Electric vehicles

Dear Editor:

As a staunch professional engineer and two-decade resident of Ormond Beach, I encouraged the city to consider the conversion of its fossil fuel driven vehicles to electrified ones at the past Jan. 10 Commission meeting. I cited the following:

We know the future of powering vehicles is electric. Elon Musk pioneered the popular all-electric Tesla cars. Most, if not all, of the major vehicle companies are con-

verting to electric. A prominent vehicle is the all-electric Ford F150. You’ve seen the ads. The movement is accelerating.

Our president strongly supports electrification of vehicles through some aggressive legislation — i.e. the Infrastructure Law, the Inflation Reduction Act, and the CHIPS and Science Act.

Consumer service representatives for the Volusia County School Board and Votran have told me about their extensive research and movement in moving away from the use of fossil fuels to alternative power sources for their fleets. What a local resource we have in our community!

I raised this subject to Dwight Selby when he was a commissioner. He endorsed the idea. He mentioned the city operated some 200 vehicles.

I noted that Commissioner Tolland specifically stated that she was interested in pursuing such an evaluation during a campaigning event. I envision the city hiring an appropriate consultant to lay out the pros and cons, including life cycle cost analyses, with recommendations. Perhaps beginning with a pilot program.

There is the potential for the city to be a leader for other municipalities to move in this direction.

A key advantage in electrify-

ing vehicles is its environmental friendliness in combating the undeniable global warming with its increasingly destructive consequences. Informed people know what the consequences are. If we don’t control the environmental demise of our planet, I may have to sign up for the colonization of Mars.

I then asked the city to keep our citizenry informed of this endeavor.

JERRY A. VALCIK Ormond Beach

Send letters up to 400 words to jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com.

Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR WILL BE HELD JAN. 28

BEACH

ORMOND

Observer

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@palmcoastobserver.com

Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@palmcoastobserver.com

Design Editor Hailey McMillan, hailey@palmcoastobserver.com

Media Director Holly Oliveri, holly@ormondbeachobserver.com

Senior Media Specialist Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com

HOLUB BRINGS YOUTHS TO SEE ORLANDO MAGIC GAME

Paul Holub, of Holub Development, organized a trip to bring 14 local young people to see the Orlando Magic play against the San Antonio Spurs in Orlando on Dec. 23.

The group included elementary, middle school and high school students, according to an email from Ormond Beach Police Officer Greg Stokes, who was also in attendance.

The students went to the game in a charter bus and dined at the VIP lounge of the Amway Center before the game.

PEABODY TO PRESENT

‘JUNIE B. JONES’ MATINEE FEB. 4

As part of its new Young Audience Series, the Peabody Auditorium Foundation will present June B.’s Essential Survival Guide to School” at the Seabreeze High School auditorium at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4.

The 60-minute TheatreWorksUSA show is recommended for children in kindergarten through fourth grade.

It tells the story of how school is “sometimes scary, sometimes super-fun, and always something to sing about,” according to a press release.

Tickets cost $25.

PAF Executive Director Kathy Berman said she is “excited to be part of bringing shows of this caliber to children and families in our local community,” according to a news release.

PAF President Rene Bell Adams first saw a TheaterWorksUSA show on a field trip with her son.

Berman and the PAF board have been in contact with the group since.

“To be able to work with a nationally-acclaimed entity like TheatreWorksUSA in Volusia County is a dream come true,” Adams said, according to the news release.

In 2017, the Peabody Auditorium Foundation launched its Youth + Art = Success! program, which provides elementary, middle and high school students with the opportunity to attend cultural programs and performances.

In partnership with Volusia County Schools, it provides scholarships for high school seniors studying the performing arts.

To donate to Youth+Art=Success!, visit peabodyfoundation.org.

A junior at Spruce Creek High School, Manley was selected based on her academic standing, involvement in her community, passion for the pursuit of excellence and her interest in empowering other young women, according to a press release.

She is a member of the SCHS Finance Academy and treasurer for her class. Recently, she was selected for an internship with Launch Credit Union.

Manley is active in her church’s

youth group and volunteers with programs benefitting young children. She grew up performing in musical theater, but these days, her main passion is Hapkido, the press release states. She is working on her green belt. In her free time, Manley enjoys music, the beach and spending time with friends and family.

The winner of Miss Florida Teen USA, produced by Girlbossing Inc., will advance to compete at the Miss Teen USA pageant. The Miss Florida Teen USA pageant will be held May 12-14 at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

Volusia County Schools will host the 56th Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair on Saturday, Jan. 28, at Stetson University’s Hollis Center.

The fair will feature student science and engineering research projects from local middle schools, high schools and charter schools, which chose delegates to compete for a chance to be selected to the State Science and Engineering Fair in April, according to a press release.

The junior division (middle school) is also now affiliated with the national Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge competition. The top 30 in the nation are provided a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete.

The senior division (high school) is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair. In May, the top project will journey to Dallas, Texas, to compete with international students.

The public may view the projects from 1:30-2:30 p.m. in the Hollis Center on Jan. 28. An award ceremony will be held at Atlantic High School at 1250 Reed Canal Road in Port Orange at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 31. This year, all first-place category winners will receive $100, thanks to a continued donation from the Manatee Festival Committee.

HHS PARTICIPATING IN ‘BETTY WHITE CHALLENGE’

Halifax Humane Society is asking people to donate as little as $5 as part as the second anniversary of the “Betty White Challenge.”

The challenge was launched nationwide in January 2022 after White’s death, according to a press release. White was a long-serving board member for the Los Angeles Zoo and supporter of animal welfare.

All donations will be used for the care of the shelter animals at HHS. Donations can be made at halifaxhumanesociety.org/donate or at facebook.com/halifaxhumanesociety by clicking on the donate button at the top of the page or the button on the Betty White Challenge post.

“Ms. White was an advocate for all animals, but especially shelter animals in need of forever homes,” HHS Community Outreach Director Barry KuKes said in the press release. “Please honor her love of animals by making a small donation on her birthday January 17th. We thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity.

Prefer to drop off a pet food donation of wet dog or wet cat food?

Stop by HHS between noon and 6 p.m. daily. HHS is located at 2364 LPGA Blvd. in Daytona Beach.

ANNUAL GRANADA GRAND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS WILL RETURN TO ORMOND BEACH ON FEB. 4

The ninth annual Granada Grand Festival of the Arts heads back to Ormond Beach on Saturday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m to 4 p.m. This year, the festival returns to New Britain Avenue between Beach Street and Ridgewood, where eventgoers will find artists, crafters, a chalk art competition, music, food, beer and wine and so much more.

This free festival continues to expand this year, with more than 80 artists and crafters. Stop by the “Pop-up Plaza” for musical performances, a chalk art competition sponsored by ArtHaus, food from local restaurants and an opportunity to be part of this year’s community art project. Get creative at our “Youth Art Tent” or at the Ormond Beach Library tent. Bring your ukulele for our afternoon “Ukes in the Street” jam session led by Beachside Music.

Support artists and the Ormond Beach Arts District by becoming a

Festival Patron at the $100, $500, $750 or $1,000 level. Half of the money donated will be returned in “Patron Dollars” that can be spent to purchase art at this year’s festival. Get more details and make your contribution at ormondarts.com/ patron-program

Vote for your favorites at the ArtHaus Chalk Art Competition. Eight professional artists will create mini-masterpieces in 7 hours. Judging takes place at 3 p,m., and vote helps determine the “People’s Choice” winner. All the money collected in the chalk art area goes to support the art education programs at ArtHaus.

The Pop-up Plaza has quick bites from local restaurants, and New Britain gives instant access to all the great food purveyors lining this block. An updated schedule of festival events and a parking map are available on Facebook and at ormondbeachmainstreet.com.

Advertising Coordinator Jessica Boone, jessica@palmcoastobserver.com

Office Coordinator Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com

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ADOPTABLE PETS

His adoption fee is $50.

Captain, an 8-year-old chow chow mix with a red and cream coat. His adoption fee is $50.

Pilot, a 2-year-old terrier and pit bull mix with a white coat. His adoption fee is $50.

Walnut, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a grey and white coat. His adoption fee is $25.

Courtesy photos

Daytona Beach resident Lola Manley has been selected to represent Daytona Beach at the Miss Florida Teen USA competition in May.

Daytona Beach resident Lola Manley has been selected to represent Daytona Beach at the Miss Florida Teen USA competition in May.

HIGH SCHOOL JUNIOR IS MISS DAYTONA TEEN USA

Spruce Creek High School

photography teacher Joe Vandenberg

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Community, camaraderie and kickball

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Friday started with early morning rain and continued with ominous clouds. That did not dampen the excitement at the Riverbend Academy parking lot, or halt the convoy of community service vehicles from rolling in. It was time for the annual Back the Blue event, held Jan. 13.

Kelly Malone has been a teacher for eight years, with three of them teaching fourth grade at Riverbend.

“The children always love this event,” she said. “It’s really nice to see the community come together and support law enforcement. It gives the children a hands-on look at what we are going to see in town. It’s interesting to see all the intricate details of the different branches.”

The Ormond Beach Police Department, Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Volusia County Beach Safety and Fire Rescue participated, talking to the students about what their jobs entail, the equipment they use and interesting experiences they have had on the job.

Children gathered behind the SWAT armored vehicle as Deputy Jason Lewis described how deputies use it to protect themselves from potential danger, and, more recently, to transport patients to the hospital during hurricanes.

“I can’t believe these huge guys fit on those small little seats,” Thomas Renick said about the armored vehicle. “It’s exciting, but I think I want to do the lifeguarding.”

VSO detective and bomb squad officer Jerome Childers explained how the bomb suit and job-specific tools are used. He used a remote control to demonstrate one of the bomb squad’s most unique tools — the robot. It is rigged with four different cameras and built with articulators that allow for maneuverability up and down stairs.

“The bomb squad at the Volusia Sheriff’s Office is a collateral position, meaning you have other duties,” he said. “My primary duty is I’m a detective, so I investigate certain crimes, and my other duty is bomb squad. I’m on call 24/7.”

New to the festivities this year were radio station WJLU — The Cor-

“That’s what Cornerstone is all about,” Schmidt said. “We want to be a friendship in the community with local businesses and local churches. We want to promote the gospel.”

The highlight of the event was the rivalry kickball game between OBPD’s Team Blue and the Riverbend Warriors. This year, Blue

“Well, it’s the same strategy we use every year,” he laughed. “Of course, we’re the champions four years in a row. We break hearts and crush dreams. That’s our motto. But seriously, it was a great game. The weather really wasn’t cooperating, but there were no injuries and everybody did well. We are just very happy and blessed to be out here sharing this great thing with Riverbend Academy.”

“It’s important for them to know how to interact with animals,” Ormond Beach Community Service Officer Allison Davis said. “I love that term, that everything can bite.”

Volusia Sheriff Bomb Squad Detective Jerome Childers puts on the bomb suit helmet, per students’ requests.

First baseman Cpl. Carlos Ortiz goes for the force-out during the Back the Blue kickball game, but tie went to the runner this time.

Left: Riverbend Academy kindergartner Kennedy Harris steps onto the platform in the SWAT armored truck. Below: “Have you ever seen a megalodon or colossal squid?” Isabella Stoverink asked Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Mike Berard.

Lillian Michels beams as she walks out of the SWAT vehicle.

Benjamin Glenfield is safe on third as Anthony Ferrigno makes a valiant effort to tag him out during the Back the Blue kickball game.

Riverbend Academy kindergartner Keilei Renick poses on the SWAT armored truck.

Volusia County Beach Safety Captain Mike Berard answers questions at the Back the Blue event.

nerstone on-air co-hosts Christina Hutchinson and Brandon Schmidt. Former co-host Chris Johnson, who is currently employed at Riverbend, reached out to Schmidt about the event. It was the perfect opportunity for Cornerstone to be out in the community.

monopolized the game and finished 7-2 for the win.

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey joked about his team’s success.

Riverbend Academy holds annual event to thank local area law enforcement, fire and rescue services, and teach students what first responders do for the community.

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB

JANUARY 2023 MEETING

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

Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Avenue Royale, Flagler Beach

Details: This month’s meeting topic will be the community cost of human trafficking, and will feature Tomas Lares, founder and president of United Abolitionists, as its guest speaker. Lares is also the co-founder and chairman of the Greater Orlando Human Trafficking Task Force. Advance registration and payment is required. Luncheon costs $35 for members; $40 for guests. Visit FlaglerTigerBayClub.com.

FIRST A1A COMMUNITY

LISTENING SESSION

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Details: The Florida Department and Transportation and its partners from the city of Flagler Beach, Flagler County and Volusia County will hold a listening session on potential options to repair and strengthen a 13-mile section of A1A in Flagler and Volusia counties. Learn about the options, ask questions and provide feedback. Contact Ty Garner at 386943-5299 or via email at Ty.Garner@ dot.state.fl.us.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

VOLUNTEER ON FLORIDA

ARBOR DAY

When: 1-4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 21

Where: Tiger Bay State Forest, 4316 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach Details: Join Volusia County environmental specialists and help distribute trees, inform residents about best planting practices and explain the importance of trees for water and air

quality. County staff will offer a brief training session. In addition to Tiger Bay State Forest, other locations include the Lyonia Environmental Center in Deltona, Marine Science Center in Ponce Inlet, Stetson Aquatic Center in DeLand and the Marine Discovery Center in New Smyrna Beach. This is part of the county’s Explore Volusia program. Registration is required. Call 386736-5927.

FLAGLER FILM FESTIVAL

When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20; 12-11 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21; and 129:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22

Where: Best Western Plus Flagler Beach Area Inn and Suites, 200 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast Details: Attend this film festival, formed to showcase the work of new and emerging filmmakers as well as that of experienced filmmakers. There will be over 30 films of diverse genres, Q+As with filmmakers, and, on Sunday, an awards ceremony. Tickets cost $10 a day and $25 for the weekend if purchased in advanced; $13 a day and $35 for the weekend if purchased at the door. Visit flaglerfilmfestival.com.

“Harper Valley PTA.” Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for students.

Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond

Beach

Details: Celebrate Arbor Day by unleashing your creative side at the city’s Environmental Discovery Center. Activity is recommended for ages 4-11. Call 386-615-7081 to sign up. Space is limited.

TUESDAY, JAN. 24

SECOND

A1A COMMUNITY LISTENING SESSION

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

THE BRONX WANDERERS

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: See The Bronx Wanderers deliver a “Back to the Future” rock ’n’ roll experience featuring songs from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Tickets cost $40-$50. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

RENT

When: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays Jan. 19, 21, 27, 28, and Feb. 3, 4; 2 p.m. on Sundays Jan. 22, 29 and Feb. 5

Where: Flagler Playhouse, 301 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell Details: Set in the East Village of New York City, this award-winning musical is loosely based on Puccini’s “La Boheme.” It follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create. Tickets cost $30 for adults; $25 for students. Visit flaglerplayhouse.com.

Where: Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church’s Parish Hall, 915 N. Central Ave., Flagler Beach Details: The Florida Department and Transportation and its partners from the city of Flagler Beach, Flagler County and Volusia County will hold a listening session on potential options to repair and strengthen a 13-mile section of A1A in Flagler and Volusia counties. Learn about the options, ask questions and provide feedback. Contact Ty Garner at 386943-5299 or via email at Ty.Garner@ dot.state.fl.us.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

THE WORLD OF MUSICALS When: 7 p.m. Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast Details: See this concert featuring an ensemble of artists performing classic hits, such as the best of “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables,” “We Will Rock You” and “Sister Act.” Tickets cost $40-$50. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

Social Hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: The Father Eamonn Gill Council 13018 Knights of Columbus invites the community to attend its annual Italian Festival Dinner and Dance. Proceeds go to the St. Brendan Catholic School scholarship fund. The $25 dinner includes homemade lasagna, meatballs, sausage, salad, dessert and a beverage. Dinner will be served between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Moonlighters will play from 6-9 p.m. Reservations are required. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available for purchase before and after Sunday mass, weekdays in the church and school offices, or by calling Vince at 486-441-4713.

ONGOING EXERCISES FOR THE

MATURING BODY

When: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays Where: First Baptist Church Of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Presented by Synergy Senior Fitness, attend upbeat classes with Senior Fitness Specialist Artie Gardella. Classes are ongoing. Insurances that cover fitness accepted, or a donation for those with no coverage. Visit Synergyseniorfitness.com.

HONKY TONK ANGELS

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 20 and 21; 3 p.m. Sunday Jan. 22

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway Suite B207, Palm Coast Details: See this show about three gutsy gals from different backgrounds who take charge of their lives by choosing to follow their honky tonk dreams to the city of Nashville. It features 30 classic country tunes, including “Stand By Your Man,” “9 to 5” and

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

PALM COAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPEAKER SERIES

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast Details: Dr. Steven Noll presents a speaker series titled, “Ditch of Dreams in Palm Coast.” The presentation examines the history of an effort to cross Florida by cutting a waterway from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico. Free event. Visit palmcoasthistory.org.

ARBOR DAY CRAFTS When: 11 a.m. to noon Where: Environmental Discovery

THURSDAY, JAN. 26

ALL ABOUT RIGHT WHALES

When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Ocean Art Gallery is hosting a free educational talk about the right whale, featuring Terran McGinnis, historian and manager of community development at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. She will share her knowledge about this important yet critically endangered whale. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve your seat.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ITALIAN FESTIVAL When: 5-9 p.m. Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church

MOAS EXHIBITIONS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday Where: Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach

Details: Want to spend a day looking at fine art? The Museum of Arts and Sciences has the following shows on display: “Every Girl Deserves Flowers”; “Minor Masterpieces: Porcelain Painted Scenes from the Collection”; “Magical: The Art of Susan Zukowsky”; “Selections from the MOAS Contemporary Art Collection”; “A Beautiful Mess: Weavers & Knotters of the Vanguard.”

Letting artists shine

The city’s 33rd annual

“Starry, Starry Night” gallery walk put art under the spotlight on Friday, Jan. 13.

The gallery walk took place inside The Casements, the MacDonald house and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum, each featuring live music, attendance by members of the Ormond Beach Historical Society, refreshments and art throughout each room.

Some of the exhibits were: “Deltiology: The Study and Collection of Postcards,” by Ned Kraft, featured in the Ronald McDonald House; the Florida Watercolor Society’s Traveling Exhibition, shown in The Ormond Art Museum; the “Symphonie de Couleurs” exhibit by Christine Broussard, in The Casements; and paintings by Malcolm Fraser, whose paintings found their home in the Ormond Art Museum in 1946.

–ALEXIS MILLER

Attendees admire the art for sale in The Casements.

Paul Ricci plays at The Casements.

Ned Kraft, supplier of the postcards in the Ronald Mcdonald House; and Dr. Philip Shapiro, Ormond Beach Historical Society past president

“Bird Feed” by Susan Hanssen

De Luna plays her harp.

for brunch” by Jerome Chesley

A series of watercolors by Janet Rogers

Photos by Alexis Miller

Repeat

Repeat

champions champions Repeat champions

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze

tunities to score. They were trying to frustrate us and get some opportunities for (Kaitlyn Herb) to score. We put Annabel Thistle on her. The girls did a good job to limit her.”

Entering the game, Herb had scored 29 of the Hawks’ 60 goals.

Jan. 12.

The Sandcrabs shut out Spruce Creek 5-0 in the conference final

“Last year when we got here, the goal was to make us the best team in the area, and now we’ve won it two years in a row, so we’ve been pretty dominant in that,” he said.

“That’s pretty exciting.”

At the start of the game, Freidus was concerned with Spruce Creek’s game plan.

Coach Rudy Rodriguez played extra defenders, which put the squeeze on Seabreeze’s top scorers and their ability to get open.

“They packed it in in the back,” Freidus said. “The girls couldn’t figure it out at first, and we couldn’t get oppor-

Both teams maneuvered the ball aggressively in a fight for control until, 14 minutes into the first half, Ari Roy scored the first goal of the game and followed it up with her second goal about 14 minutes later to put Seabreeze up 2-0 at the half.

“I haven’t really had very many goals this season, so I just wanted to score a few,” Roy said. “I had a bad start, so once I got a goal I was getting momentum and got one more.”

Her twin sister, Mackenzie Roy, and midfielder Kylie Watson each had two assists, and teammate Olivia Chase had one.

“I just wanted to impact the offense because I’m not on it that much,” Mackenzie Roy said. “I just wanted to get an assist or a goal. I was really hoping we would get the win, but we didn’t want to overlook Creek because they have really good players.”

The Sandcrabs sealed the Hawks’ fate in the second half with two goals from Brianna Chesley and one from junior Hannah Howell.

In the last few minutes of the game, senior Megan Edwards, also known as “Tiny Tornado,” took the field. Chesley tried to set Edwards up to score a goal. They have been friends for five years or so but have become very close the past two years. This is Edwards’ first year on the varsity squad.

“The joy we shared after the goal against Deltona was unforgettable,” Chesley said. “I wanted to try and give her

BRIANNA CHESLEY

Seabreeze’s soccer team wins the Five Star Conference soccer championship.

girls coach Eli Freidus buckled the Five Star Conference Soccer Tournament trophy into the passenger seat of his SUV and took it home for the second year in a row.

Thursday,

Seabreeze girls take home the Five Star Conference Soccer trophy.

Brianna Chesley (10) charges the goal in an attempt to score during the Five Star final.

Seabreeze’s Ari Roy (15) and Spruce Creek’s Tia Mercedes battle for the ball.

Seabreeze girls soccer coach Eli Freidus hugs the Five Star Conference trophy.

“I think it did have a different feel, but not quite for myself. I’m just happy to leave the Seabreeze team on a high note. I just want to leave this team and school doing the most I can. I want a legacy to be left for the Sandcrabs.”

Matanzas lifters sweep Seabreeze on senior night

ing is a unique sport.

“I love how everyone is supporting you at the meets. Everyone is screaming your name. It’s very empowering,” she said.

the joy and opportunity for a second time. I was telling Megan to stand on the PK spot, so I could pass her the ball and hopefully she scores. I told her she needed to use her ‘Tiny Tornado’ skills to put the ball in the back of the net.”

This is Chesley’s last year with the Sandcrabs before playing next season for Baylor University in Waco, Texas. The second Five Star championship was bittersweet for the senior, who felt it was more for the team this year than for herself.

“I think it did have a different feel but not quite for myself,” she said. “I’m just happy to leave the Seabreeze team on a high note. I just want to leave this team and school doing the most I can. I want a legacy to be left for the Sandcrabs.”

Seabreeze, which improved to 10-6, ends the regular season against two tough teams — they were scheduled to play nationally ranked Montverde Academy on the road on Tuesday, Jan. 17, and they will host Tocoi Creek on Friday, Jan. 20.

“We are building confidence going into district play and (the) postseason,” Freidus said. “Last year, my goal was to be the best team in the area. This year we want to make a little more noise in the postseason. Two years in a row, they lost to the state champion (Bishop Moore in 2022, Ponte Vedra in 2021) in the second round of the regionals by very close games. They deserve to get a little farther along in the tournament.”

FIVE STAR CONFERENCE SOCCER RESULTS

GIRLS

QUARTERFINALS

Seabreeze 10, Taylor 1 Mainland 5, DeLand 1

Spruce Creek 5, Pine Ridge 1 Flagler Palm Coast 2, New Smyrna Beach 1

SEMIFINALS

Seabreeze 5, Mainland 0 Spruce Creek 5, Flagler Palm Coast 1

FINAL Seabreeze 5, Spruce Creek 0

BOYS

QUARTERFINALS

New Smyrna Beach 1, Pine Ridge 0 Spruce creek 5, Flagler Palm Coast 2

Seabreeze 4, DeLand 3 Taylor 7, University 0

SEMIFINALS

New Smyrna Beach 3, Spruce Creek 0 Taylor 1, Seabreeze 0

FINAL New Smyrna Beach 2, Taylor 0

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rilee Whitmore had lifters in front of her in each of her first two years on Matanzas High School’s girls weightlifting team.

“I wasn’t a point scorer,” Whitmore explained.

This year, Whitmore has not only been a point scorer, she has won in dominating fashion in every meet this season, Matanzas coach Jeremy Ossler said. The Pirates swept Seabreeze on senior night Wednesday, Jan. 11, winning all 10 weight classes for a 73-16 victory in traditional competition (clean and jerk and bench press). Matanzas also won the Olympic competition (snatch and clean and jerk), 70-8.

Whitmore won the 169-pound class with a 95-pound snatch, 140-pound clean and jerk and 145 bench.

“She lifted light tonight, because she didn’t need to go heavy,” Ossler said, noting that her personal records this season of a 155-pound clean and jerk and 150-pound bench would have qualified her for the Class 2A state championships last year.

“She put in a ton of work in the offseason,” Ossler said.

“I’ve improved a good 20 pounds on each (lift),” Whitmore said. “I went to the gym a lot in the offseason. My goal is to make it to state.”

Whitmore, who is also a cheerleader, said weightlift -

The Matanzas weight class winners in the traditional competition were: 101—Aiyana Reyes (145 total); 110—Aryanna DiFatta (170 total); 119— Carina Tavares (225 total); 129—Jordyn Crews (235 total); 139—Maria Kelly (235 total); 154—Sarah Sanchez (235 total); 169—Rilee Whitmore (285 total); 183—Eva Ossler (215 total); 199—Lexi Rosario (220 total); Unlimited— Samantha Simon (215 total).

Crews, a freshman, has been a revelation this season, Ossler said. Like Whitmore, she has won every meet she participated in this season. Crews is following her brother and sister into the sport.

“They talk about how fun it was and how you can achieve your goals,” she said.

“Her strong points are her overhead stuff,” Ossler said of Crews, who set PR’s in the meet with a 90-pound snatch and 125-pound clean and jerk.

“She’s a very determined kid. It’s amazing that I have her for three more years,” Ossler added.

Seabreeze’s top lifters at the meet were 154-pounder Charlotte Low (225 traditional total), 199-pounders Jamie Bandell (215) and Rylee Diehl (210), 129-pounder Camilla Arellano (185) and unlimited Leanne Fourson (205).

The Pirates honored nine seniors in their final regularseason meet. They finished the regular season with an 8-3 record. Matanzas will host the District 2-6A meet Jan. 27.

Spruce Creek’s Kaitlyn Herb (10) and Seabreeze’s Olivia Chase (14)

Nickole Dane, left, challenges Kaitlyn Herb for the ball.

Rilee Whitmore is aiming for state this year after working hard in the offseason.

FAREWELL

TOUR by Jessie and Ross Trudeau, edited by David Steinberg

By Luis Campos

Improving Sandcrabs

Seabreeze’s boys basketball team improved to 7-9 under first-year coach Ray Gaines with a 61-39 win on Jan. 14 against DME Academy Blue.

The last time the Sandcrabs won seven or more games in a season was 201516 when they were 16-13.

The Sandrabs have one home game remaining this season. They play host to crosstown rival Mainland at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28. Seabreeze closes out the regular season with a game at Father Lopez on Feb. 2.

Pirates take three titles

The Matanzas boys wrestling team finished second behind St. Johns Creekside at the Jacksonville Wolfson Wolfpack Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 14.

Three Pirates won their weight classes. Kaden Golder won at 113 pounds with three consecutive pins. Dylan Parkinson won at 152 pounds with a technical fall in the final. And Jordan Mills won at 182 pounds with three pins in a total of 2 minutes, 48 seconds of mat time. In the final, Mills had seven takedowns before pinning his opponent in 1:43.

Underclassmen do their part on soccer senior nights

Underclassmen saved senior night.

It happened at Matanzas. It happened again at Flagler Palm Coast.

The Matanzas soccer teams celebrated senior night with a boys-girls doubleheader on Tuesday, Jan. 10, against Christ’s Church Academy of Jacksonville.

The Matanzas girls have had trouble getting the ball in the net all season. Entering the game, they had scored just one goal in a 1-1 tie against Crescent City on Dec. 5.

Christ’s Church led the Pirates 1-0 with seven minutes left when Matanzas junior Jillian Peterson found some space by the left post and tapped the ball into the net. The

Pirates’ defense was able to protect its second 1-1 tie of the season.

Matanzas celebrated seniors Katie Polak, Mya Barker and Emily Reyes. The Pirates have one remaining home game. They host Taylor at 6 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20.

The Matanzas boys also honored three seniors — Sebastian Bernardi, Giancarlo Gonzalez and Ben Kopach. Christ’s Church went up 1-0 with a goal by striker Aiden Shepler in the 11th minute. Sophomore Alex Diaz tied it for the Pirates five minutes

JV championship

BEST OF THE WEEK

THURSDAY, JAN. 19

„ Wrestling: Deltona at Flagler Palm Coast, 6 p.m.

„ Girls basketball: Menendez at Matanzas, 7:30 p.m.

„ Girls soccer: Lake Mary at Mainland, 6 p.m.

FRIDAY, JAN. 20

„ Girls soccer: University at FPC, 7:30 p.m.

„ Girls soccer: Tocoi Creek at Seabreeze, 7:20 p.m.

SATURDAY, JAN. 21

„ Boys soccer: Winter Springs at Seabreeze, 1 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 25

„ Wrestling: FPC at Matanzas, 6 p.m.

Matanzas

sides.

“I think he timed it well,” Aguilar said of the junior. The 2-1 score held up for the Pirates, who were playing their first game in 25 days.

“We were coming back from break,” Aguilar said.

later. The score remained tied until Luis Barreto scored off a through ball in the 70th minute.

The Pirates fell to 6-4-2 with a 2-0 loss at Jacksonville Bolles on Monday, Jan. 16.

FPC’s boys soccer team held its senior night on Friday, Jan. 13, in a game against St. Joseph Academy.

The Bulldogs honored 10 seniors before the game: Gavin Winkler, Andy Toyos, Grant Woolison, Rowan Getsinger, Francisco Cruz, Arya Moghanaki, Fitzroy Swearing, Grayson Ronk, Marcus Foust and Aidan Giaccone.

FPC trailed the Flashes 1-0 until sophomore forward Jack Moberly scored with three minutes left to give the Bulldogs a 1-1 tie.

FPC has one more regular-season home game — 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, against Atlantic Coast.

coach Beto Aguilar said he was afraid the refs would call off-

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas seniors Katie Polak (27), Mya Barker (18) and Emily Reyes

Matanzas’ boys JV soccer team won three games to take home the trophy at Jacksonville Episcopal’s junior varsity tournament on Jan. 7.

FPC seniors Gavin Winkler, Andy Toyos, Grant Woolison, Rowan Getsinger, Francisco Cruz, Arya Moghanaki, Fitzroy Swearing, Grayson Ronk, Marcus Foust and Aidan Giaccone

Matanzas’ Alex Diaz (15) battles for the ball. Diaz scored the Pirates’ first goal of the game.

Plantation Bay house tops sales list

Ahouse in Plantation Bay was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week of Dec. 4-10 in the Multiple Listing Service. Antonio and Ana Pires, of Trumbull, Connecticut, sold 1045 Hampstead Lane to Kevin and Ellen Price, of Ormond Beach, for $728,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,620 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $404,900.

WAYNE GRANT REAL ESTATE EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Donald Heights

Sheree Urich, of Port Orange, sold 1956 Linda Ave. to Anthony Williams, of Daytona Beach, for $227,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/1 and has 1,050 square feet.

Fairwinds Estates

Phillip Klem and Joseph Klem sold 16 Julie Drive to James Therrien, of Ormond Beach, for $525,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/3.5 and has

a swimming pool and 3,337 square feet.

Forest Quest

Denise Pilla, individually and as trustee, sold 194 Hamlet Trace to Edward Fries and Aisa Tran, of Ormond Beach, for $375,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,319 square feet.

Golfridge Estates

Joseph Britton, Thomas Britton, Judith Britton and Diane Mayer, of Jacksonville, sold 63 Broadmoor Circle to Christianna McGuinness, of Ormond Beach, for $299,000.

Built in 1974, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,791 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

Barry Goldman, individually and as trustee, sold 1480 Kilrush Drive to David and Melodie Reyes, of Ormond Beach, for $635,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,788 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $340,000.

Hickory Village

Maria and Jacenty Kopec, of Holly Hill, sold 11 Trina St. to Donna Hughes, of Ormond Beach, for $320,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,334 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $205,000.

Plantation Bay

James and Patricia Freeman, individually and as trustees, sold 1260 Harwick Lane to Frederick and Linda Logman, of Ormond Beach, for $560,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,075 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $315,000.

The Trails Raymond and Nancy Frankie, of St. Augustine, sold 8 Stone Quarry Trail to William and Cynthia Kuchar, as trustees, for $323,675. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,813 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $240,000.

Villaggio

Kenneth and Gloria Armstrong, of Ormond Beach, sold 70 Apian Way to Alexa Marrese, of Ormond Beach,

for $479,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,987 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $293,900.

Wildwood OP SPE TPA1 LLC, of Chandler, Arizona, sold 27 Wildwood Trail to Michael DiGiacomo and Morgan

Antinarelli, of Ormond Beach, for $292,000. Built in 1985, the townhouse is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 1,809 square feet.

Woodmere William and Martha Porter sold 903 Woodmere Circle to Richard and Teresa Weaver, of Ormond Beach, for $425,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,198 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $228,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA William and Martha Porter sold 1183 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 8030, to Richard and Teresa Weaver, of Ormond Beach, for $509,000. Built in 1995, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,198 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $228,000.

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

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 18-2018-CA-000333 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST, ROBERT S. WHITEHEAD, DECEASED, et al, Defendant(s).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale dated December 8, 2023, and entered in Case No. 18-2018-CA-000333 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida in which Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company, is the Plaintiff and The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, or other Claimants claiming by, through, under, or against, Elizabeth Whitehead, deceased, The Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, or other Claimants claiming by, through, under, or against, Robert S. Whitehead, deceased, Craig Stuart Whitehead a/k/a Craig S. Whitehead, Elizabeth DeMarcus Parr, Suncoast Roofing Services Inc. a/k/a Sun Coast Roofing Services Inc., Tonya Clark, United States of America Acting through Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, are defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/ on online at www.flagler.realforeclose.com, Flagler County, Florida at 11:00AM on the

February 10, 2023 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 23, BLOCK 75 OF PALM COAST, MAP OF EASTHAMPTON, SECTION 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGES 30 THROUGH 49 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A 49 EGRET TRAIL, PALM COAST, FL 32164

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim before the Clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

ATTENTION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 386-257-6096, within 2 days of your receipt of this notice. If you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771; if you are voice impaired, call 1-800955-8770.

THIS IS NOT A COURT INFORMATION LINE. To file response please contact Flagler County Clerk of Court, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110, Tel: (386) 313-465; Fax: (386) 437-1928.

Dated this 12 day of January, 2023.

ALBERTELLI LAW P. O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 Tel: (813) 221-4743 Fax: (813) 221-9171

eService: servealaw@albertellilaw.com By: /s/ Nathan Gryglewicz Florida Bar #762121 Nathan Gryglewicz, Esq. CT - 17-020796 January 19, 26, 2023 23-00009G

of the roadway. FDOT is offering multiple ways to participate in the live meeting. Virtual: Join from a computer, tablet, or mobile device for free and listen to the live presentation over the internet. Advance registration at https://bit.ly/3UlLLEU is required. Participants will receive an email with information about joining the meeting online. Please note, Internet Explorer cannot be used to register or attend this webinar. If joining online, please allow adequate log-in time to view the presentation in its entirety. Phone (Listen Only): Join the meeting in listen-only mode by dialing 1-866-952-8437 and entering the passcode 200567-857 when prompted.

In-Person Open House Option: Attend in person at the Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Road, Palm Coast, FL 32137 anytime between 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. to view a looping presentation and project exhibits. If attending in person, please remember to follow all safety and sanitation guidelines. If you are feeling unwell, please consider attending the meeting virtually or by phone. All meeting materials and the presentation will be available on the project website at www.cflroads.com/project/439124-1 before the meeting.

Persons with disabilities who require accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), or persons who require translation services (free of charge), should contact Joseph Fontanelli by phone at 386-943-5234, or via email at Joseph.Fontanelli@dot.state. fl.us at least seven (7) days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact us by using the Florida Relay Service, 1-800-955-8771 (TDD) or 1-800-9558770 (Voice).

Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, or family status. Persons wishing to express their concerns relative to FDOT compliance with Title VI may do so by contacting Melissa McKinney, FDOT District Five Title VI Coordinator at Melissa.McKinney@dot.state.fl.us.

For more information, please contact FDOT Project Manager Joseph Fontanelli at 386943-5234, email at Joseph.Fontanelli@dot.state.fl.us, or U.S. mail at Florida Department of Transportation, 719 S. Woodland Blvd., MS 542, DeLand, FL 32720. January 19, 2023 22-00002F

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION Case Number: 2022 CP 788 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GEORGE A. HOYT Deceased.

The administration of the Estate of George A. Hoyt, Deceased, whose date of death was August 19, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL, 32110. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The first publication of this notice is January 19, 2023.

Diane Annetta, Personal Representative, 72 Burbank Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137

By: Stacy Geiger, Esq.

Florida Bar Number: 0015711 Geiger Law, PLLC Post Office Box 352951 Palm Coast, FL 32135 (386) 264-6937 telephone Attorney for Petitioner stacygeigeresq@yahoo.com January 19, 26, 2023 23-00007G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2020 CP 000232 Division 48

IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSE BARRETO, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of JOSE BARRETO, deceased, whose date of death was December 1, 2019, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY,. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is January 19, 2023.

Personal Representative: /s/ JOSEPH A. BARRETO 152 POPLAR AVE. HACKENSACK, NJ 07601

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ LYNNETTE J. CALLENDER,

Attorney for Personal Representative

E-Mail: LJC@AdvocateLC.com Florida Bar No. 99340

Lynnette J. Callender, P.A. 7 Florida Park Drive, North, Ste. B Palm Coast, FL 32137 Telephone: 386-503-7335 January 19, 26, 2023 23-00008G

Courtesy photo

The house leading the sales list is in a gated subdivision and has a fireplace and swimming pool.

LEGAL NOTICES

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF SALE

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 18-2022-CA-000190 WELLS FARGO USA HOLDINGS, INC., Plaintiff, vs. CHRISTOPHER J. WATSON AKA CHRISTOPER JAMES WATSON, et al, Defendant(s).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 21, 2022, and entered in Case No. 18-2022-CA-000190 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida in which Wells Fargo USA Holdings, Inc., is the Plaintiff and Christopher J. Watson aka Christoper James Watson, Christine L. Watson, Unknown Party#1 N/K/A Vincent Sapuppo, Unknown Party#2 N/K/A Dallas Watson, are defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on online at www.flagler.realforeclose.com, Flagler County, Florida at 11:00AM on the February 3, 2023 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 13, BLOCK 133, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 35, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGES 2 THROUGH 26 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER, COUNTY, FLORIDA.

A/K/A 15 BILL CT PALM COAST FL 32137

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim before the Clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

ATTENTION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 386-257-6096, within 2 days of your receipt of this notice. If you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771; if you are voice impaired, call 1-800955-8770.

THIS IS NOT A COURT INFORMATION LINE. To file response please contact Flagler County Clerk of Court, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110, Tel: (386) 313-465; Fax: (386) 437-1928.

Dated this 06 day of January, 2023.

ALBERTELLI LAW P. O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 Tel: (813) 221-4743 Fax: (813) 221-9171

eService: servealaw@albertellilaw.com

By: /s/ Nathan Gryglewicz Florida Bar #762121

Nathan Gryglewicz, Esq. CT - 22-002109 January 12, 19, 2023 23-00006G

SECOND INSERTION

RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA

CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2010-CA-000223

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-OC9, MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OC9 Plaintiff(s), vs. DEBORAH WINKER; et al., Defendant(s).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to the Order Granting Motion to Reschedule Foreclosure Sale entered on January 3, 2023 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Tom Bexley, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 10th day of February, 2023 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: Lot 1, Block 22, of Palm Coast, Map of Laguna Forest, Section 64, Seminole Woods at Palm Coast, according to plat recorded in Map Book 18, pages 36 through 43, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Property address: 17 Lloshire Path, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Any person claiming an interest in the

surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup. com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO ACCESS COURT FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. TO REQUEST SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINISTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE THE SERVICE IS NEEDED: COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711.

Respectfully submitted, PADGETT LAW GROUP HEATHER GRIFFITHS, ESQ. Florida Bar # 91444 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile)

attorney@padgettlawgroup.com

Attorney for Plaintiff January 12, 19, 2023 23-00004G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022-CP-0842

Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF CONSTANCE LOIS LEPERA, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of CONSTANCE LOIS LEPERA, deceased, whose date of death was November 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Building #1, Bunnell, Florida, 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is January 12, 2023.

Personal Representative: GREGORY CHARLES LEPERA 250 Rosario St. St. Augustine, FL 32086

Attorney for Personal Representative: Heather S. Maltby HEATHER@EPPGLAW.COM Florida Bar No. 116571 E.P.P.G. Law of St. Johns, PLLC 200 Malaga Street, Suite 2 St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone: 904-875-3774 January 12, 19, 2023 23-00003G

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law

According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Solaxx Water Treatment located at 3055 Tech Park Way, in the City of Deland, Volusia County, FL 32724 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated this 12th day of January, 2023.

AquaComfort Water Group, Inc January 19, 2023 23-00001V

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Solaxx located at 3055 Tech Park Way, in the City of Deland, Volusia County, FL 32724 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated this 12th day of January, 2023.

AquaComfort Water Group, Inc January 19, 2023 23-00002V

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of AquaComfort Solutions located at 3055 Tech Park Way, in the City of Deland, Volusia County, FL 32724 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated this 12th day of January, 2023.

AquaComfort Water Group, Inc January 19, 2023 23-00003V

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (summary administration)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023 10099 PRDL Division Probate

IN RE: ESTATE OF PATRICIA S. ANDERSON Deceased.

TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE:

You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Patricia S. Anderson, deceased, File Number 2023 10099 PRDL, by the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724; that the decedent’s date of death was November 4, 2022; that the total value of the estate is $52,035.00 and that the name and address to whom it has been assigned by such order is: NAME Patricia S. Anderson Family Trust dated October 5, 1993 c/o Timothy D. Strong, successor Trustee ADDRESS 8801 Valentine Court Raleigh, North Carolina 27615

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is January 19, 2023.

Person Giving Notice: Timothy D. Strong 8801 Valentine Court Raleigh, NC 287615

Attorney for Person Giving Notice: Anthony W. Palma, Esquire E-mail Addresses: anthony.palma@nelsonmullins.com, helen.ford@nelsonmullins.com Florida Bar No. 0351865 Nelson Mullins 390 North Orange Avenue, Suite 1400 Orlando, Florida 32801 January 19, 26, 2023 23-00007I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No.: 2022-13018-PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF IVAN DAVILA Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Ivan Davila, deceased, whose date of death was September 6, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 19, 2023.

Personal Representative: Darcilla Lynn Davila 1123 Woodside Drive Daytona Beach, Florida 32117

Attorney for Personal Representative: Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0015821

Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd. Suite 101 Daytona Beach, Florida 32117

Telephone: (386) 492-3871 Email: service@upchurchlaw.com 2nd Email: clutes@upchurchlaw.com January 19, 26, 2023 23-00008I

INSERTION

The administration of the estate of, LYNANNE M. JORSEY, deceased, File Number 2022-13106-PRDL, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., Deland, FL 32724.

The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NO -

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NO -

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE

The date of the first publication of this

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022 13150 PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF JULE WILLIAM HARKE, aka JULIUS W. HARKE, aka JULIUS HARKE Deceased.

The administration of the estate of JULE WILLIAM HARKE, also known as JULIUS W. HARKE, deceased, whose date of death was December 2, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave, DeLand, , FL 32724.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is: January 12, 2023. Signed on this day of, 1/9/2023. HEIDI

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2018 30823 CICI SELENE FINANCE LP; Plaintiff, vs. CHAD MICHAEL JOHNSON, ET.AL; Defendants NOTICE IS GIVEN that, in accordance with the Order granting Plaintiff’s Motion to Schedule Foreclosure Sale dated January 03, 2023, in the above-styled cause, I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash beginning at 11:00 AM at WWW. VOLUSIA.REALFORECLOSE.COM, on February 3, 2023, the following described property: LOT 110 DOUGLAS PARK NO. 3, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 19, PAGE 65, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Property Address: 1332 MOORE STREET, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE COURT, IN ITS DISCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE.

NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, Phone: (386) 257-6096, Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770.

/s/ Donna Evertz, Esq. Florida Bar No. 19232

Miami, FL 33130 Telephone: (305) 358-9251 pcohen1@bellsouth.net January 12, 19, 2023 23-00004I

Attorneys for Plaintiff Marinosci Law Group, P.C. 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Suite 1045 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Phone: (954) 644-8704; Fax: (954) 772-9601

ServiceFL@mlg-defaultlaw.com ServiceFL2@mlg-defaultlaw.com MLG NO.: 18-03831 January 12, 19, 2023 23-00006I

SECOND

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION No. 2022-13106 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF LYNANNE M. JORSEY Deceased.

DARKENING DRAPES new, 90”L x 50”W, 2 panels, light brown $30 386-793-3155

SAMSUNG 48” NEW HDTV $75, GE Microwave $25 716-574-0599

SMALL DINING room table with 3 chairs, all wood $75 386-445-6198