Ormond Beach Observer 1-5-23

Recognizing excellence

JONATHAN SIMMONS MANAGING EDITOR

Welcome to the Observer’s annual “Standing O” edition.

Our first edition of each year features a series of profiles recognizing our Standing O awardees — people who are making a positive impact in our community — and the Teacher of the Year nominees from each local public school.

Each Standing O awardee is selected by a previous year’s awardee or by Observer editors.

We hope the series of stories about this year’s Standing O awardees, as well as Volusia’s local Teacher of the Year nominees, will remind readers of the excellence in our community and inspire you to contribute to it.

Halifax Health welcomes first baby of 2023

Halifax Health welcomed its first baby of 2023, born at 4:08 am, Jan. 1. The baby boy, Ky’zair, weighed in at 6 pounds, 10 ounces. As with tradition, the family was gifted a basket of baby items put together by Halifax Health and Tanger Outlets, along with a photo package from Baby Face Portraits.

In 2022, over 1,800 babies were delivered at Halifax Health.

Photo

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

FDOT focuses on rock placements

The Florida Department of Transportation continued post-storm restoration work Dec. 12-21 along A1A in Flagler and Volusia counties.

Operations resumed in Volusia County from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29, and started again on Jan. 3, according to an FDOT press release.

From Dec. 12-21, efforts focused on coquina rock placement in all three work zones — the north zone, from South 28th Street to South 7th Street in Flagler Beach; in the central zone, from High Bridge Road in Ormond-bythe-Sea to South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach; and in the south zone, from Sunrise Avenue to Sunny Beach Drive in Ormond-bythe-Sea.

FDOT’s contractor placed 2,006 tons of rock in the south work zone during the Dec. 12-21 period, according to the press release.

A total of 18,300 cubic yards of sand and 3,247 tons of coquina rock revetment were placed along A1A in the central zone as of Dec. 21.

For the south zone, FDOT placed 12,425 cubic yards of sand and 3,247 tons of coquina rock revetment as of Dec. 21.

Commission to consider hotel project

How will the Ormond Beach City Commission feel about a new hotel in town? The community will find out on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

The commission will review the proposed 137-room hotel development at 264 S. Atlantic Ave. The hotel is slated to be a 95,700-squarefoot Marriott Residence Inn with 108 parking spaces on 2.19 acres of oceanfront land, which is currently vacant. The land was previously occupied by the Surfside Hotel, which was demolished in 2010 after it was heavily impacted by the 2004 hurricanes, according to a city memo.

The development also includes some of the land across the street that previously was occupied by the now-demolished Florida Hospi -

tal Oceanside. The property owner, Ormond Beach Holdings LLC, is seeking approval to build an additional 62 parking spaces in the parcel across the street.

The development is coming before the commission with a unanimous recommendation for approval from the Planning Board, which met Dec. 5.

Though residents attended the Planning Board meeting with several questions about building heights, seawalls and the use of the parking lots, the majority who spoke did not oppose the development, especially the hotel portion.

The property owner also wants to build a 15-home community in the remaining former hospital parcel along Valencia Drive, to be known as

“Tide’s Edge at Ormond Beach.”

While the commission on Jan. 10 will review four agenda items related to the overall project — a development order, two zoning map amendments and a comprehensive land use amendment — the preliminary plat request only requires review at one City Commission meeting, since it is a resolution. It is scheduled for the commission’s Jan. 24 agenda.

The commission will also review a preliminary plat for Phase 3A of Plantation Oaks, to consist of 94 homes and be known as “Archer’s Mill;” a final plat for the Cupola at Oceanside townhome development; and a zoning map amendment and comprehensive land use map amendment for RidgeHaven West.

Beachside Elementary opens

As Volusia County students returned to the classroom on Tuesday, Jan. 3, Beachside Elementary students walked the halls of their new school for the first time.

Beachside Elementary is a result of the merger between Osceola Elementary and Ortona Elementary, a decision made by the School Board in 2020. The merged student body had been using the Osceola Elementary campus in Ormond Beach since the 2021 school year while the new campus was being built at the Ortona Elementary site.

“The school is just beautiful, so modern, and an excellent place for our students to learn and excel each and every day,” VCS stated on its Facebook page.

New council to be sworn in

At 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 5, the new and reelected Volusia County Council members will take their oaths of office at the County Council Chambers in the Thomas C. Kelly Administration Center in DeLand.

The council members who will be sworn in are:

„ Jake Johansson, at-large

„ Don Dempsey, District 1 „ Matt Reinhart, District 2 „ Danny Robins, District 3 „ Troy Kent, District 4

Temporary housing programs

FEMA and the Florida Division of Emergency Management is offering various temporary housing assistance programs to Hurricane Ian victims.

Learn about eligibility criteria by visiting ianrecovery.fl.gov or calling 800-892-0948.

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

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

The proposed hotel development will come before the City Commission with the Planning Board’s unanimous recommendation for approval.

“The fact that the review by the State Attorney’s Office ... came to the very same conclusion shows that we were thorough and transparent in our investigation.”

County

Manager George Recktenwald on corrections investigation. See Page 14A

David Randall has a calling to serve the Ormond Beach community

Fire Capt. David Randall is president of the union, chair of the Firefighters Pension Plan and the city’s liaison for the emergency operations center. He still finds time to do community outreach.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

For Ormond Beach Fire Capt. David Randall, it’s the little things he’s able to do for others as a firefighter that mean the most.

It’s helping someone get up from the floor when they’re alone. It’s building a playground for a local boy with cancer. It’s turning on the sirens of his firetruck so that the person in need knows help is on the way.

“Those little moments are kind of special, because they turned to us when they had no one else,” Randall said. “When we leave, their day is just a little bit better because of it, and to me, that’s just something that’s so important to me — so special.”

As president of the Ormond Beach Professional Firefighters union, Randall gets involved in the commu-

nity. The community benefits from seeing its firefighters doing good, he said.

Randall is also the city’s emergency operations center liaison, the pension board chairman for the Firefighters Pension Plan and a member of the OBFD truck committee, which helps to ensure all trucks meet the city’s needs.

And though working as a firefighter is not a regular 9-to-5 job, Randall said community outreach is something you make time for if you truly make it a priority.

“Finding the time is easy when it’s something that you’re passionate about, and you want to help out in the community,” he said.

FIRE SERVICE IS A FAMILY Randall has been with the Ormond Beach Fire Department since 2006. Firefighting is something he said he “fell into.” Before becoming a firefighter at 21, he worked in roofing, and knew that wasn’t a job he wanted to do forever.

A friend of his was attending firefighting school, and Randall decided to give it a shot as well.

He fell in love with fire service almost immediately, he said. The same went for OBFD.

“We’ve got some of the best firefighters you’ll ever meet,” Randall said. “Some of the best men and

“Few have a similar desire to truly serve the citizens and get the department involved in community outreach programs. This has always been a passion of Capt. Randall. He is never hesitant to volunteer for projects or committees to help improve the department or provide a benefit to the citizens. This is a refreshing quality, and the reason I am nominating him for the Standing O award.”

TAFT, Ormond Beach Fire battalion commander

women that I’ve ever known.”

A few years ago, Randall also began teaching the new generation of firefighters at Daytona State College.

After his students graduate, he takes pride in running into them on calls if they work for a neighboring department. Some of his students have also become part of the OBFD family — a term he said he doesn’t use lightly.

To him, his fellow firefighters are his brothers and sisters.

Passion for the job is the most important quality for firefighters, he said.

“I’ve always felt that if somebody has a real passion for what they do here, everything else will fall in line,” Randall said. “Anything else that they’re maybe not so good at will improve because they want to be here, they want to be a firefighter.”

TEAMWORK IS EVERYTHING

In April, Randall experienced his most memorable call so far. Several crews, including his own, responded to a house fire where a bedridden man and his dog were still inside, unable to leave.

Randall, Engineer Luke Hoynoski and Firefighter Zander Harper entered the home and rescued the man, and other firefighters rescued and resuscitated the man’s dog.

Those kind of rescues don’t happen very often. It was Randall’s first in 16 years.

“When you have an opportunity to get somebody out of a burning house and get them to safety, and they live and they’re still living today because of that, it’s pretty awesome,” he said.

As a captain in the department, and president of the union, Randall said, leadership is part of the job — but so is being part of a team, and that applies to community service.

This year, the union partnered with the NASCAR Foundation to build a playground for a local boy with cancer in his home’s front yard.

Randall said that was one of his favorite projects.

“He was just excited to see the firemen there,” he said. “Seeing him play on that was really cool.”

THE SOUND OF RELIEF

The last few years have not been easy for Randall and his family. They’ve

had a lot of losses.

His wife’s father died. So did Randall’s own; and a grandfather, and an uncle.

Experiencing that, Randall said, helped him gain a better understanding of what people feel when firefighters run calls to their homes. It’s allowed him to perform his job better, he said.

“I had to call 911 for the first time in my life,” Randall said. “Hearing the sirens coming to the house was such a relief, because I was scared, and so now when I think about us being that relief coming, that siren in the distance that people can hear, it’s really special. It makes me appreciate what we do even more.”

It’s made him want to strive to show more patience and kindness when running calls. He remembers the support his family received from OBFD during their tough times, and it’s motivated him to do that for others.

Maybe, he supposed, that has also pushed him to do more for his community.

“I think there’s something kind of beautiful in that,” Randall said. “That loss, turning into something positive.”

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond Beach Fire Capt. David Randall said passion for the job is the most important quality for firefighters.

TRAVIS

“I had to call 911 for the first time in my life. Hearing the sirens coming to the house was such a relief, because I was scared, and so now when I think about us being that relief coming, that siren in the distance that people can hear, it’s really special. It makes me appreciate what we do even more.”

CAPT.

DAVID RANDALL

George Ward’s love of community is driving force in ministry

“I always enjoyed being a servant in the background,” Ward said. “I like making other people successful.”

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

George Ward loves people.

It’s one the ingredients he feels is essential in building a ministry, and as pastor of the Emmanuel Church of the Living God in Ormond Beach, he doesn’t think anyone in ministry could make an impact without it.

“You’ve got to love people, unconditionally,” Ward said. “People that don’t look like you, people that don’t dress like you, people that don’t eat like you, people that don’t smell like you. You’ve got to

love people — it has to be a ministry of inclusion on every level.”

Ward has been leading the church for a little over a year, and while he’s been involved in church all of his life, being a pastor wasn’t something he had envisioned for his future.

His mother was a pastor; he served in the church she and his father founded for 25 years.

His late wife was also pastor; he served in the church they founded together for 40 years.

But when it came to Ward’s own career path, he chose something outside of the church: human resources.

Ward worked as the director of HR for Halifax Hospital for 25 years before working for a company based in Australia as its corporate director of HR, in charge of its U.S. operations. All the while, he continued his service in the church.

HONORING HER WISH Ward and his late wife, Delores Simmons Ward, founded the Emmanuel Church of the Living God in 1989.

The original location was on Flomish Street in Holly Hill, and the Wards were pastoring two churches at the time, since she had been leading his mother’s church in Marion

County after her death.

In 2004, they bought the property at 54 S. Ridgewood Ave. in Ormond Beach, having outgrown the last. His wife, who died in 2015, wanted him to become the church’s pastor upon her death, but Ward chose not to.

A couple of pastors came and went. Ward changed his mind and decided to honor his late wife’s wish.

He loved the community too much to simply walk away.

“I thought, ‘If I leave, what’s going to happen?’” he said. “If we close the ministry down, what’s going to happen to the residents who have been depending on us for various aspects of ministry?”

The church helps feed about 500 families a week through a community outreach food drive initiative and food pantry, thanks to its partnership with Cry Women Cry Ministries, Inc. Every other Thursday, with help from Second Harvest Food Bank and Feed America, the church provides a hot meal to those in need.

Ward believes it has helped to eliminate some panhandling in the city.

“I don’t want to see anybody hungry,” Ward said. “We don’t turn anyone away. We serve everyone.”

HOW TO BEST SERVE Ward said he looks at ministry has to go beyond meeting once a week. For him, that’s not serving the community, nor helping to meet its needs.

“That’s where my heart is,” he said. “Not what the community can do for the church, but what can we do

for this community, and how can we best serve this community?”

Because it’s a denominational church, there are a lot of auxiliaries, and there are a lot of different ministries.

Ward can’t do it all, but he feels he has been guided by God to focus on the areas where his expertise in human resources and love of people can add value to the community.

He set goals for himself.

He wanted to create a worship experience with practical applications for parishioners, have a prayer clinic for encouragement, build a strong youth ministry, and focus and bolster education, through both the church’s Treehouse Learning Center preschool and the education of the church’s ministers.

Education is important to Ward, a graduate of BethuneCookman University.

“I often say, ‘All we know is what we’ve been taught,’” Ward said. “’But what we have been taught is not all there is to know.’ So in ministry, you have to be a student of learning.”

‘I LOVE A CHALLENGE’

For a church to be successful, Ward said, you have to build relationships.

“And relationships are built out of trust, commitment, and faithfulness to your charge,” he said. “I cannot ask this community to do something that I’m not really willing to show them by example that I’m willing to do it first.”

His parents were good role models.

He grew up in a family of six, and he remembers always seeing his parents feed people

“He is committed to the community and serving the community in any and every aspect he can. ... He’s just an all around go-getter.”

DEBORAH HAMM founder of Cry Women Cry Ministries

and take them in. There were always a lot of people in his house when he was growing up.

And he went on to do the same: While he and his wife have one biological daughter, they have raised about 19 foster kids.

Ward has served on so many boards — he estimates there have been about 45 — he said he’s “board” to death. Among them have been the boards of local chapters of the United Way, EasterSeals, Red Cross, Halifax Urban Ministry and the Stewart-Marchman Act treatment center.

Ward said he aims to lead by example.

“I’m going to create the change I want to see,” he said. “If there are hindrances, roadblocks that say it can’t be done, I’m going to create the path to do it. I love a challenge.”

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

George Ward and his late wife, Delores Simmons Ward, founded the Emmanuel Church of the Living God in 1989.

In 2021, George Ward became the pastor of the Emmanuel Church of the Living God, the church he and his wife founded in 1989.

Daina Akialis spreads kindness

Daina Akialis, a personal trainer, loves her community.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

When Daina Akialis thinks about selflessness, she thinks of her grandmother. Her name was Happy. And she was, Akialis said. A month before Happy passed away in 2014, she told her granddaughter, “We always have a choice.” Akialis has read those words on her phone every morning for the past eight years when her alarm clock wakes her up. She’s an early riser, usually up by 6 a.m.

“You can wake up and you can name five things that might go wrong or that you feel are going wrong, but we have a choice,” Akialis said. “It’s all about attitude. If you choose to have a bad day, you’re probably going to have a bad day. If you choose to see the best in the day, even if there’s some darkness, then it’s going to be the brightest it can be because you made it that way.”

Three months after her grandmother’s death, Akialis made a big choice: She decided to leave the corporate world of accounting and become a personal trainer.

Despite her fear of change, she hasn’t looked back once: She felt like her grandmother had guided her.

“I feel like sometimes, your world gets flipped upside down and it kind of throws you into the direction that you need to go, even if you don’t see it in that moment,” Akialis said.

BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER

Akialis works as a personal trainer at Platinum Health, Fitness and Yoga in Ormond Beach.

She was a gymnast growing up, and then became a competitive cheerleader.

In 2015, she completed a health challenge that spurred her passion for nutrition.

“I love the fact that we have so much control over how we can feel just by what we put into our bodies,” she said. “And it’s made me learn so much more about food and health and wellness and nutrition. And it’s something that I want to continue to learn about.”

Crunching numbers had not been her passion.

Once she started personal training, she felt she was where she needed to be.

Her clients have become her friends, and they’re invested in each others’ families, she said.

That didn’t stop during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she began offering virtual workouts.

She said she loves getting a text from clients about how much more energy or happiness they feel after a workout.

Having an opportunity to make an impact on somebody’s day is not something that Akialis takes for granted.

“I think it just brings people together in a small way, but in a big way,” she said. “And it being so personal, you just learn so much about people.”

RETURNING HOME

Ormond Beach has always been home for Akialis. She was the fifth person in her family to graduate from Seabreeze High School.

She moved away for a short time after graduating, but it helped her realize that Ormond Beach was where she wanted to be.

Community is the beauty of living in a small town, she said.

“Everywhere you go, you

can know someone,” Akialis said. “And I think that’s kind of a beautiful thing, especially compared to a big city, where I don’t think it would happen nearly as often. I think it’s kind of cool. You walk in and you immediately see people you know.”

That applies to the gym as well.

“When people can walk in the gym and see people that they know, that even they’ve just met there, I think that’s special,” Akialis said.

‘SHE WOULD BE HAPPY’ How one shows up — for themselves and for others —

is important for a sense of community, Akialis said.

It doesn’t have to involve big actions. Akialis said creating a sense of community can come by way of small acts of kindness — holding the door open for others, taking a deep breath when you’re stuck in traffic, or helping to turn someone’s day around through conversation.

That’s what her grandmother did.

People knew her for working at Chick-fil-A and trying to make everyone’s day a bit brighter. Her obituary says she kept a prayer list for all of her customers.

Akialis said people have come up to her and told her stories of her grandmother bringing their children coloring books.

At Happy’s funeral, Akialis recalled how her grandmother’s coworker stood up and said that he hadn’t known that people like Happy existed, and that he was thankful to know her.

“It’s such a huge influence on me to always take a step back and think of how I can handle a situation like she did, day to day,” Akialis said. “She always said, ‘Set the example, even when it’s hard, and reach out to other people, even if nobody’s watching.’”

That’s the best time to do it, Akialis said. It’s fulfilling, and she thinks her grandmother would be proud of her — for the change she made, and for the way she’s living her life.

“I strive to be as much like her as I can be with how I treat people,” Akialis said. “I think she would be happy.”

“Daina is the definition of kindness. She is a beautiful soul, and to know her is to love her. She is that person who enters a room and you just feel those heavy feelings melt away. She is a light, and spreads that positivity to each person she comes in contact with — friend or stranger.

“She is someone who loves fiercely — within her family, her career, and her enthusiasm for life. She has the biggest heart of anyone I’ve ever met, and Daina deserves to be recognized as Ormond Beach’s Standing O because she doesn’t expect the recognition, she believes being a good person should just be a way of life.”

NICOLE DAMICO, owner of Keys and Collars

Photo by Jarleene Almenas Daina Akialis works as a personal trainer at Platinum Health, Fitness and Yoga in Ormond Beach.

Jennifer Miko shares the trail to happiness with community

The owner of Equestrian Adventures of Florida overcomes obstacles to inspire others.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the second grade, Jennifer Miko found a cat. Frisky became the first pet her parents, Gabriella and Ernest Miko, allowed her to keep.

“I had to beg for a cat when I was growing up,” she said. “I think I’ve overcompensated now.”

Now, she surrounds herself with a menagerie of 21 horses, four donkeys, two goats, 11 dogs, who knows how many chickens and guinea hens, three cats, two rabbits and a beehive on a 52-acre farm on the outskirts of

Ormond Beach. This is home base for her business: Equestrian Adventures of Florida.

Her latest additions are two rescue dogs —a Pomeranian mix named Pippin (Bear) and a miniature golden retriever-collie mix renamed Dusty.

All of Miko’s dogs, cats and rabbits are rescues. Since their arrival, she has learned how to say “no” to a variety of pleas requesting her assistance sheltering and caring for abused, abandoned and surrendered animals.

BUILDING A BUSINESS

Miko was born in Hempstead, New York, and raised in Nazareth, Pennsylvania.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in mass communications at Temple University in Philadelphia, then moved to Miami for two years. In 1995, she moved to Ormond Beach,

went back to school, and within two years graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in elementary education from Stetson University.

She began teaching science and language arts in 1997 at Ormond Beach Middle School, where she was part of a group of four highly soughtafter teachers called “team 60”.

“I liked teaching,” Miko said. “I was one of those teachers that put a ton into it. When you’re grading papers, you do the positive first and then you give the criticism, but you do it in a positive way or you do different learning styles to figure out how to reach that child. I also had them write a lot, which meant I had to read and grade a lot.”

In 2004, she was offered a position as a pharmaceutical representative for Merck & Company. Miko was given 12 hours to make a decision, and she opted to take the job.

She also bought Lucky, her first horse, and learned how to ride from her friend Vicky Kessler.

Once she understood how to work with horses, she began giving rides on holidays and weekends.

After she’d survived many rounds of layoffs, Miko was laid off from Merck in January 2018 and began to focus on her business.

“I always wanted to do this full time,” she said. “But, I was always too afraid not to have a paycheck.”

BEATING CANCER

By 2018, Miko had 12 horses and was successfully operating the business and maintaining the farm by herself.

She realized that access to Mala Compra Beach for her horses was a priority, so she began attending the Flagler County Commission meetings and helped the successful initiative to push Flagler County to pass beach equestrian permitting, which established regulations for riders and equestrian businesses.

Before Miko celebrated her 50th birthday in November 2018, she went in for a 3D mammogram.

Doctors found a spot on one of her breasts. She grabbed her dog Sophie and drove to the Georgia mountains for her birthday, and, when she returned, she had a biopsy and was diagnosed with breast cancer on Dec. 8.

“I cried my eyes out,” she said.

“I still remember that day. I was at Disney when I found out. It was right before my niece was coming out to march in the band at Disney. But I don’t remember the next few days.”

Two weeks before her first surgery, she was giving a tour at the Tiger Bay State Forest when she met Terry Marr, who was on vacation and had brought two of his horses.

She told him she needed to shut down her business.

He asked about her beach rides.

MIKO,

For two weeks, he went on the rides with Miko and learned the business. Then he ran the tours while Miko fought breast cancer for a year and a half. Because of her family’s history with cancer, she opted for a double mastectomy and had eight surgeries. She is now cancer-free.

Miko, Marr and her horses are changing people’s lives for the better every time they hit the trail.

Clients tell her on a regular basis that they needed to hear her story or that the horses have had a calming effect on them.

“I love to make people happy,” she said. “People have written back a year or two years later and said they still think about that ride and are still going because of it. It makes my heart happy to see other people happy.”

“Jennifer has created beautiful horseback riding tours. Many riders, of all levels, come to her to celebrate life’s special moments: birthdays, anniversaries, family vacations and more. Her beautifully crafted tours create memories that last a lifetime.”

JENNY ZIMMET

Shannon Champion finds purpose in helping people, animals

Champion helped implement a trap-neuterrelease program in the city 17 years ago. Her love for animals is still strong.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Shannon Champion takes her job title seriously.

She’s a community service officer with the Ormond Beach Police Department, and she places emphasis on “community.” Sure, her job entails everything from helping people stranded on the road to conducting animal investigations in the city, but whatever she’s doing, she aims to do the right thing, whether or not she gets thanked for it.

“I think that in life, you should find a meaningful purpose,” Champion said. “And you should commit to it with your full heart, and it doesn’t mean it’s always going to be perfect. ... Whether it be with animals, whether it be with community, you have to do it and not expect to get anything in return.”

In law enforcement, you see a lot of good, she said. You also see a lot of ugly things happen. And while she can’t control what kind of interactions she will have, Champion said, she can control how she reacts.

“I always hope that what I do, whether it be positive, whether it be a negative interaction, I want it to turn into something positive,” Champion said. “I want it to be lasting. I want people to remember it.”

BECOMING PROACTIVE

Champion has worked for OBPD for 23 years. Before becoming a CSO, she worked as a supervisor for the Halifax Humane Society. But she saw the issues with lost and abandoned animals in the community, and she decided she wanted to find a way to be proactive instead of reactive.

“Then I saw the position here as a community service officer, and I was like, ‘What is that?’” Champion recalled.

Her parents were first responders. Her mother had been a law enforcement officer, and her father was a firefighter.

“Shannon has been with OBPD for almost 23 years and goes above her normal work duties most every day. She helps citizens who have fallen on hard times by ensuring they are able to feed and care for their pets. Shannon implemented a TNR program within the city.

“She actively participates in shopping, set-up, break down, cooking, cleaning for special events at the PD, including hurricanes, promotional ceremonies and holiday luncheons, etc. You only have to ask her one time to assist and she never hesitates to lend a helping hand, and for these reasons and more she deserves this nomination.”

SANDY SMITH, OBPD office manager

The position intrigued Champion. Officers with OBPD’s animal and community services division are not sworn law enforcement, but they are authorized to write citations for violations of the city’s code regarding animals. They collect stray pets, investigate animal complaints, bite incidents and cruelty cases, and relocate nuisance wildlife.

They also help with traffic control during crashes and events, process prisoners, write found property reports and handle other ancillary duties for the department.

“I thought to myself, ‘I can now be ... proactive, instead of reactive,’”

she said. “Because we are getting animals on a constant basis, whether it be from them running at large, whether it be surrenders, whether it be just wild animals that you need to foster.”

She tries not to foster. She’s a “foster failure” — Champion tends to keep the animals.

There are a few other “foster fails” that have taken place at OBPD.

“I can’t tell you how many people here have animals that we found and they fostered for us,” Champion said.

IMPLEMENTING A TNR PROGRAM

In 2002, Champion became a supervisor within the division.

About 17 years ago, she implemented a trap-neuter-release (TNR) program in the city, based on one in Maricopa County, Arizona.

At first, the TNR program didn’t go very well in Ormond Beach, she recalled.

People who complained about the feral cats in their yards didn’t want the cats returned after neutering. But the cats, because they were feral, typically weren’t adoptable.

Champion said people’s attitudes changed thanks to Concerned Citizens for Animal Welfare, a local nonprofit that pushed other cities to implement TNR programs in the following years.

“Over the past, really 10 years, it’s like, ‘Boom,’” she said. “We have a track list and it’s always full.”

Champion also helps animals by providing pet owners in need with food. It’s not technically in her job description. But, she said, “To me, it is my job. It’s just not a written thing.”

A LASTING EFFECT

Around the time she started working as a CSO, Champion began thinking about her career path.

She became interested in the evidence department, and when OBPD’s evidence tech died in 2006, she switched to that division.

She worked there for four years, and found that she didn’t have the same satisfaction as she’d had working in community services.

“It was great, but it just didn’t fit,” Champion said.

So she became a CSO again. And helping the community is still the most rewarding part, she said.

“If you can help somebody and it’s monetary, it’s great,” she said. “If you can help somebody just by being kind or having kind words, or just speaking with them, or educating them — that you’re giving back too. And you just hope it makes a lasting effect.”

Jennifer Miko and Pinto play on Mala Compra beach.

“It’s the most physically demanding job I’ve ever had, but it’s the best job I’ve ever had.”

JENNIFER

owner, Equestrian Adventures of Florida

Photo by Michele Meyers

Equestrian Tours of Florida owner Jennifer Miko and Poncho

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Community Service Officer Shannon Champion aims to help others in ways that they will remember.

Paul Tibbetts volunteers for service that once helped his family

When Paul Tibbetts and his family needed help, the Jewish Federation was there. Now, he’s there at least three times a week doing the same for others.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

In 2011, Paul Tibbetts and his wife were running low on money — and food.

They were suddenly raising two of

their granddaughters. They had just moved to Ormond Beach for a new start. And they had both lost their jobs.

A friend of his wife told them to call the Jewish Federation.

“I felt like somebody threw us a lifeline,” Tibbetts said. “We really were in dire straits at the time. Literally, food was running out, had two young mouths to feed and it was just a matter of trying to get on our feet again.”

When Tibbetts and his wife were being interviewed by the Jewish Federation of Volusia and Flagler Counties, a necessary step to acquire aid from the nonprofit’s Jerry Doliner

Food Bank, Tibbetts’ wife mentioned that Tibbetts had previously worked in pest control. The Jewish Federation needed pest control.

He told his wife to tell the Jewish Federation that he’d be there in 30 minutes.

He continues to run pest control for the Jewish Federation, even though he and his family no longer need help from the food bank.

One day, the late Gloria Max, longtime executive director of the Jewish Federation, walked up to him, her hands clasped behind her back.

“She said, ‘I need a volunteer for Mondays and Fridays. You can do it, right?’” Tibbetts recalled. “With

her, it’s never a question, it’s a statement, and the only proper answer is ‘Yeah, I’ll make time on my schedule.’”

A FULFILLING FEELING

Every week, Tibbetts and fellow volunteer Randy McDonald will drive to Second Harvest Food Bank, sort through the food items for what’s needed, and return to the Jewish Federation to get the food ready for other volunteers to assemble before families are due to arrive.

Tibbetts is nearing 70 years old, and said he continues to volunteer because it makes him feel fulfilled.

“It allows me to go to sleep at night, and rest easy,” he said. “It doesn’t mean I can get back to sleep if I wake up in the middle of the night, but it gives me a really good, warm, fuzzy feeling, if you want to put it that way.”

When Max first approached him, Tibbetts hadn’t thought he would continue to volunteer for over a decade. But he found he can’t stop.

The food bank has become part of his life.

“I need something to do with my time, and I want it to be constructive,” Tibbetts said. “I don’t want to just sit by the creek with a fishing pole in one hand and a beer on the other and watch the water go by. I carve out enough time for that.”

NEED CAN LOOK DIFFERENT Tibbetts tries to treat everyone he meets with respect. He tries not to judge.

Sometimes, people will drive up to the food bank with nice cars, and he needs to remind himself that for some, that car is all they have — or that it may not be their car at all, but one they borrowed to be able to get food for their family that week.

A lot of people are one step away from needing to go to a food bank, he said. He remembers once seeing the ex-wife of a former congressman pull up and ask for help.

“Changes a perspective a bunch, little things like that,” Tibbetts said.

EVERY DAY, A GIFT

Each day, Tibbetts recites Psalm 118:24: “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad.” It reminds Tibbetts — who has seven children, 10 grandchildren and three great grandchildren — that every day is a gift.

“And I wake up every day and I thank [God] every day for letting me wake up,” Tibbetts said.

There are times, he said, where he sees people tear up when they receive help at the food bank. That makes him emotional, because he remembers how overwhelmed he and his wife felt when they were on the receiving end, when they saw how much food the Jewish Federation was going to give them.

“I knew right then that I needed to do something,” Tibbetts said. “It’s the people, the gratitude that we see.”

Mary Yochum helps create lasting community connections

Urban Ministries, but had a difficult time organizing a group of people to help on Sundays. Yochum and Riverview’s HUM team joined forces with Tomoka to implement a coordinated effort to feed people in need.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mary Yochum knows the community.

So her pastor, Tomoka United Methodist Church Pastor John Gill, worked with his strategic leadership team to created a new position called “community connections” for her. It’s a perfect fit.

“Mary is getting us into a lot of things,” he said. “She seems to know everything that’s going on, everywhere, all the time. She knows everybody. She’s our liaison. Around here, if you’re bored it’s your own fault.”

Yochum was part of the Riverview United Methodist Church congregation before it closed in August 2021.

By the end of January, she will have brought about 30 of its members to TUMC.

“We have people who come to the church and tell me the reason they are interested in the church is because we do so much in the community,” Gill said. “We have always done that, but it’s supercharged now that we’ve got Riverview (congregants) here.”

The church had always participated in the feeding program at Halifax

“I’ve got 10 to 12 people that go at a time,” she said. “Thanksgiving morning, we had 10 people from the church go down and prepare food.”

Church secretary Myrna Maldonado trained Yochum to cover Maldonado’s position while she is on vacation.

“She seriously is always available whenever I need her to help,” Maldonado said. “We need people to help out. She has been an angel for us. Helping and bringing in tons of members to the church.”

AN AFFINITY TO HELP OTHERS

Yochum was born in Perry, a small town in Ohio located along Lake Eerie.

In the fall of 1966, her mother had her move to Ormond Beach and live with her grandmother, whose husband had died. She was 19 and knew one person — her grandmother.

Her first job was at the Coral Sands Inn, where she worked for 13 years.

In 1979, she opened her own business in Ormond-by-the-Sea— Atlantic Secretarial Service. After closing the doors, she became a department secretary at Halifax Medical Center and retired after 21 years of service.

As early as age 10, Yochum recalls, she wanted to help people. She and her sister Sue begged their parents, Margaret and Frank Yochum, to volunteer at a spaghetti benefit dinner and were allowed to clean up afterward.

Growing up with parents who lived by a creed of always lending a hand to assist others, it seemed natural for Yochum to want to help people.

But the death of her father after a fire and explosion at their home changed the trajectory of her volunteerism.

Her memory of the emergency workers and people that were there for her family motivated her to help people in similar situations.

“If anybody would have told me when I was in high school that I would ever be doing anything along medical lines or fire lines or emergency services lines, I would have laughed at them,” she said. “It took a family tragedy to change my mind. I didn’t like the sight of blood. I didn’t like people crying. I didn’t like people hurt. After what they had to put up with, with my father’s stuff, I figured, if they can do it, I can too.”

She returned to Florida and received her Emergency Medical Technician certificate from Daytona State College.

ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO

For 20 years, she has been working with Volusia County Fire Rescue and teaching CPR and first aid at Fire Station 14 in Ormond-by-the-Sea.

“Teaching CPR is my favorite thing because it can be used to save somebody’s life,” she said. “If you’re learning CPR, you in turn can attempt to

MARY YOCHUM

save somebody’s life.”

Her mother moved to Florida following her father’s death and volunteered for 15,000 hours at the Halifax Medical Center. It is no surprise that Yochum has been with the Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club for 15 years, working with the visually and hearing impaired and involved in community service projects every month.

“I don’t volunteer every day, but I always find something to do every day because there’s always so much that can be done to help somebody else,” Yochum said.

Paul Tibbetts first learned of the Jewish Federation in 2011.

Photo by Michele Meyers

Mary Yochum greets neighbor Pete Garlock at Publix in Ormond-by-the-Sea while volunteering for the Salvation Army.

Mary Yochum’s tireless drive to help others inspires those around her to join the effort.

“[Paul] works a minimum of 3 days per week and is always on call. He is punctual and dedicated and a considerate person who doesn’t hesitate to jump in to get the job done.”

Elinor

Sheriff, fellow Jewish Federation volunteer

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

“Mary is an amazing woman. She is always on the go helping others. Her generosity is very impressive.”

CARA O’KEEFE

“I don’t volunteer every day, but I always find something to do every day because there’s always so much that can be done to help somebody else.”

Courtesy photo Angela Vonada

Elf Mary delivers reindeer food and gifts to local children every year.

Nickole Dane brings grit and sunshine

Dane leads with a positive attitude, hard work and determination.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

“Cigarette Daydreams,” by Cage the Elephant, is Nickole Dane’s go-to pre-game song.

“Maybe it’s not as uplifting as it should be, but it still puts me in the right mindset to play,” she said.

Dane is a senior at Seabreeze High School in the midst of a highly competitive varsity soccer season. The Sandcrabs have three more regular season games before they head to districts in February.

In the 2021-22 season, she played right back when they were district champions. Seabreeze goalie Avery Dellinger, Dane’s best friend, attributed the team’s success to the chemistry between the back line players and a connection that has developed between the friends.

“Sometimes I don’t even have to tell Nickole certain things on the field because we have a knowingness about each other,” she said. “We

world.”

After Dane’s sister died in 2021, Dane went to therapy and liked the way her therapist interacted with her.

Now her goal is to go to Florida State University or the University of Florida to study psychology then become a psychiatrist. So far, she has received acceptance letters from the University of South Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and FSU.

“I’ve always been interested in how the brain works and then I recently went to therapy after my sister passed,” she said. “I want to help people the way that she helped me. I also think it was sports and the support of my family and friends

that helped me get through it.” Dellinger believes the morale on their team stays high because of her friend.

“She is like a ray of sunshine in everyone’s lives,” Dellinger said. “She’s probably the nicest person I’ve ever met. She’s a great person to have by your side.”

Dane’s mother knows Ericka would be proud of her.

“She has persevered through the toughest of times — never quits or gives up,” Penny Dane said. “She has never seen herself as a leader, but she will take initiative in whatever task, from academic to athletics. She’s just my world, and I’m blessed and honored to be in it with her.”

Photos by Michele Meyers

“Doing what is needed for others to succeed while doing it for personal growth despite academic challenges, injury and outside forces is rare, but that’s Nickole Dane,” coach Brad Montgomery said.

Courtesy photo

Nickole Dane runs the third leg of the 4x800 relay with Ari Roy, McKenzie Roy and Ella Chandler. The teammates placed third at the state meet and broke the Seabreeze High School record.

Seabreeze soccer players Avery Dellinger, Morgan Long and Nickole Dane

Seabreeze defender Nickole Dane (left) and midfielder Kylie Watson (right) battle to keep Spruce Creek away from the goal.

Nickole Dane with a header against Spruce Creek

Lester Davis Mr. Incredible

Coach Davis is key to Mainland’s player development and was essential in the team’s run to the state title game.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

taught leadership skills and operated under the theme of service.

They have since participated in a food drive, a toy drive, volunteered at the Ocean Center, read to students at elementary schools and delivered meals to the community after practice on Thanksgiving Day.

With their own money, they bought toiletries and other necessities, put them in bags and handed them out to the homeless. They

lege career, Davis tried out for the New York Giants. He did not make the cut. Even though he had always wanted to be a professional football player, the life-changing event led him to his calling — working with

“Everything happens for a reason,” he said. “I know I’m walking in my purpose. I know my gift is to be with kids. I think coming back to be able to give my community what I was given and what I learned along the way is part of that purpose.”

He returned to Ormond Beach after he received news that his mom had COVID-19 in 2021. He reached out to Roland, who at that time was coaching at Flagler Palm Coast High School. Everything was arranged for him to join the coaching staff at FPC when Roland got the call from Mainland to take over the head coaching position when Scott Wilson retired. Roland asked if Davis wanted to be

“I think he chose us,” Roland said. “I was looking for somebody that I could trust that was a good football coach. He applied for the job in one of the greatest ways ever. He sent his teaching and coaching resume, which let me know right away that he respected our profession. Once we talked, I knew he would be a great fit for us.”

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at SCSU and now teaches business ownership at Mainland High School.

He also continues to initiate new, creative ways to motivate the football players and involve the community in their efforts. He has started “Beasts Come Out at Night,” which entails the players showing off their weightlifting prowess. Entry is free to the community with a non-perishable food item or donation. He has also spearheaded “Letters to Mom,”

“Everything happens for a reason. I know I’m walking in my purpose. I know my gift is to be with kids. I think coming back to be able to give my community what I was given and what I learned along the way is part of that purpose.”

where seniors write a letter to their moms. Pictures of the players with their moms and the letters are framed then read out loud at a banquet. There was not a dry eye at the inaugural event last year.

Roland expects more to come from Davis and is open to new ideas — possibly delegating a few more tasks.

“I think a great sign of a leader is being able to follow when you need to and being able to admit where someone else is strong in an area that you are weak,” he said. “Being a hard worker myself, I struggle with being able to delegate and let go, but this off season he also begged me to take over the weight room. He’s taken on a lot, but you’d never be able to tell because of the way he takes it and what he does with it.”

MICHELE MEYERS

Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland’s defense crushes Rockledge during the team’s 16-14 regional semifinal win.

LESTER DAVIS, Mainland defensive coordinator and business ownership teacher

Courtesy photo

Mainland defensive coordinator Lester Davis holds the Buccaneers’ state runner-

Mainland head football coach Travis Roland nominated defensive coordinator coach Lester Davis for the Standing O.

County: Excessive force claims unfounded, reviews show

Volusia County reports that the FDLE and the State Attorney’s Office independently reviewed the 2022 jail incident after claims that the county’s investigation was mishandled.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Two independent reviews of the alleged excessive force incident involving six officers at the Volusia County Branch Jail in April 2022 concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the claims of excessive force, according to a

LETTERS

A ham for a cause

Dear Editor:

On Christmas Eve, Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey and his son were entering his subdivision after spending time out of town with family. Upon entering the subdivision, Chief Godfrey and his son spotted a woman dressed in all black running out of the woods. This prompted him to stop his vehicle and see if he needed to help. Sure enough, it was a young woman running to find her dog. The woman had run over a mile from her home after her newly acquired escape artist.

ChiefGodfrey and his son watched the woman run across a busy Airport Road after her furry friend.

Chief Godfrey noticed the woman getting tired. The dog would pause and, as the owner would reach for the dog, the dog would run away again. A bright idea entered the Chief’s mind: the Christmas ham that he was responsible for getting home was secured in the back seat. He started pulling pieces of ham off

Dec. 22 press release from the county government.

The first review was conducted by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after Corrections Director Mark Flowers — whom the county is seeking to fire — claimed the county’s internal investigation was mishandled and that he was being retaliated against for blowing the whistle on inmate abuse. The county’s internal investigation was closed Aug. 1, and Flowers was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 15.

“The Florida Department of Law Enforcement reviewed the case file and the county’s interviews and also conducted their own interview with the inmate involved in the altercation with the officers,” the county press release states. “While the inmate sustained black eyes, he was punched in the face two times by his cellmate before the officers had

and throwing it to the dog to lure it closer. After some chasing, the dog finally gave in to the honey-glazed ham. The woman and the dog were driven home safely by the chief, and the woman got to enjoy her first Christmas with her new rescue dog.

Once Chief Godfrey’s daughter and wife arrived home, he broke the news that the ham would no longer be an option for Christmas dinner. The story of saving a dog, and potentially a woman’s life, is way better than any Christmas ham.

I am sharing this story because Chief Godfrey has a philanthropic heart and creativity, and even more special, he will share those gifted traits with anyone. I think the meaning of Christmas and the holiday spirit were displayed beautifully by Chief Godfrey.

I am his daughter, but I just wanted to shine some light on how proud I am of my dad.

MEGAN GAUTHIER Ormond Beach

Send letters up to 400 words tojarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com. Lettersmay be edited for length and clarity.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JAN. 6

FIRST FRIDAY GARDEN WALK

When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Come out the first Friday of the month to learn more about the gardens and history of Washington Oaks. No registration necessary; the walk is included with the park’s entry fees. Meet at the garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours last one hour.

PALM COAST MAYOR’S 30/30 CHALLENGE KICK-OFF WALK

When: 5-6 p.m.

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

Details: Join the Mayor’s 30/30 Health and Wellness Challenge, where Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin is challenging residents to commit to 30 minutes of daily activity with the goal of improving overall mental, physical or emotional health. Visit bit.ly/3GdIFOj.

FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Details: Make a woven bowl using yarn, paper plates and your imagination during OMAM’s Free Family Art Night. Adults may drop in to the museum with their children to create this art project together under the direction of Linda King. All art supplies provided. This monthly program is sponsored in part by the Women United Volusia Chapter. Learn more at bit.ly/omam-ffan.

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “Encanto,”rated PG. Movies are weather-sensitive. Call 386-6763216 for rainout information.

ALWAYS ... PATSY CLINE

When: 7-9:30 p.m. Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Road 100, Palm Coast Details: See this show based on the true story of Patsy Cline’s friendship with Houston housewife Louise Seger, set to many of Cline’s hits such as “Crazy,” “I Fall to Pieces,” “Sweet Dreams” and “Walking After Midnight.” Tickets cost $40-$50. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 7

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive, Palm Coast Details: Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free 3-gallon tree or shrub in exchange, while supplies last, at the city of Palm Coast’s 16th annual Christmas tree recycling event. There will also be a free paper-shredding service offered. All trees donated for recycling will be ground and used as mulch for the city’s parks and trails. Please remove all decorations prior to donation. Call Community Development Urban Forester Carol Mini at 386-986-3722.

ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.

ARTIST TALK AND BOOK SIGNING

When: 5-6 p.m.

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

Details: Join plein air landscape oil painter Frank Ferrante for a gallery talk. Ferrante will also sign copies of his new book, “Inspired by Nature: Plein Air Painting and The Prismatic Palette.” Seven pieces of his work will be on display and for sale inside the museum’s reception gallery through Jan. 8. Program is free, but advance registration is encouraged.

responded to the incident.”

The incident took place after corrections officers responded to a fight between two inmates inside a shared jail cell on April 26, 2022, according to the press release. One of the inmates complied with the officers, but the other was reported to be “uncooperative, refusing to be handcuffed, escorted from the cell or comply with the lawful commands given by the officers.”

While officers tried to gain control of the inmate, he was placed against the wall of the cell and then on the ground by force, and struck during the struggle, the press release states.

After concluding its investigation, the FDLE asked the State Attorney’s Office to review the findings.

In a Dec. 21 memo, the county government reported that Assistant State Attorney Ashley Terwilleger said she had reviewed the evi-

YOUR TOWN

FOUNDATION HOLDS ANNUAL FOOD

BASKET GIVEAWAY

The Vince Carter Embassy of Hope Foundation’s “Believing in Christmas” annual food basket giveaway, in partnership with Publix Supermarkets, was held on Dec. 20.

EOH board members and volunteers gathered outside Mainland High School to distribute food baskets containing a gift card to purchase a turkey or meat of choice, potatoes, onions, celery, stuffing mix, canned vegetables, pumpkin pie and more to groups feeding families in need of help during the holidays.

“This is a small piece of what we can do for our community,” Carter said in a press release. “Being able to put a good, wholesome meal on the table where family and friends can gather is so important.”

This year’s recipients included the Children’s Home Society, Halifax Health Hospice and PACE Center for Girls.

Visit ormondartmuseum.org for more information.

MONDAY, JAN. 9 GARDEN CLUB AT PALM COAST MONTHLY MEETING

When: 1 p.m. Where: VFW Post 8696, 47 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast Details: The Garden Club at Palm Coast’s monthly meeting will feature guest speaker Teresa Watkins, an author, plant radio personality and landscape designer. She will discuss her favorite plants for a new year. There will also be a raffle for floral design and door prizes. Lunch can be purchased starting at 11:30 a.m. A plant sale will begin in the pavilion at noon, meeting signup begins at 12:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome one time to preview the club. For more club information, contact info@gardenclubatpalmcoast.org or go to The Garden Club at Palm Coast, Inc. Facebook page.

CIVIL DISCOURSE/COMMON

GROUND

When: 5:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Join Civil Discourse/Common Ground for its next meeting, either in person or on Zoom. The group is asking for any and all feedback and discussion regarding the reorganization of this civic minded group. One emerging idea is to help each city zone set up regular neighborhood meetings to discuss upcoming issues. Email billdenny105@ gmail.com for a Zoom invitation. The public is invited to send feedback or suggestions to linda@bluegreenalgae.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 10

DAYTONA BEACH CHORAL SOCIETY REHEARSAL

When: 6:30-8:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Presbyterian Church, 105 Amsden Road, Ormond Beach Details: Come sing with Daytona Beach Choral Society every Tuesday night. No auditions required. Bass and tenors are especially needed. Come try out a few rehearsals

dence and concluded that she found “insufficient evidence to proceed,” and that no further action was warranted by the State Attorney’s Office.

County Manager George Recktenwald said in a statement that he was pleased that the review found no problems with the county’s internal investigation.

“The fact that the review by the State Attorney’s Office of the interviews, evidence and circumstances came to the very same conclusion shows that we were thorough and transparent in our investigation,” Recktenwald said. “We appreciate the detailed and professional manner in which our internal affairs staff conducted the investigation. The suggestion that our investigation was handled in anything less than an appropriate and exemplary manner has been proven to be false.”

PACE CENTER FOR GIRLS’ ART EXHIBIT ON DISPLAY AT MOAS

An interactive photo collaboration by Florida visual artist and writer Patricia Christakos and students from the Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler is on display at the Museum of Arts and Sciences through March 5.

The exhibit, titled “Every Girl Deservers Flowers,” tells the personal stories of 17 Pace girls through self-portraiture, according to a press release. It opened at MOAS on Dec. 9.

“It’s a great opportunity for all the girls who participated in the project,” Alex, a Pace girl, said in the press release. “I feel like it went in deep for some girls. Maybe this exhibit will open a new door. People are going to see another side of what Pace girls are capable of doing. Every girl can receive an opportunity, they just have to take it and see how it grows.”

For five weeks in the spring of 2022, the students worked with Christakos to explore self-portraiture. The project was designed to be a healing experience that “allowed for full freedom of expression,” the press release states. Visit https://e. givesmart.com/events/sLv/.

before committing. Email info@daytonabeachchoralsociety.com.

THURSDAY, JAN. 12 ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 7 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: The January meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club will be held in person and on Zoom. Social visiting will be from 6:30-7 p.m. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Precinct captains will at the meeting for comments, questions and answers. Like-minded nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. The Zoom link and club information are available at ormondbeachdems.org. The club meets on the second Thursday of each month.

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.

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”; and “Pacific Exotics: The Woodblock Prints of Paul Jacoulet”.

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

Advertising Coordinator Jessica Boone, jessica@palmcoastobserver.com

Office Coordinator Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com

SUBSCRIBE

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Locally Owned / Publishers of The Palm Coast Observer Palm Coast Observer, LLC P.O. Box 353850 Palm Coast, 32135

ADOPTABLE PETS

Scooby, a 2-year-old Belgian Malinois mix with a brown and black coat. His adoption fee is $50.

Deja, a 2-year-old terrier and American pit bull mix. Her adoption fee is $50.

Polo, a 3-year-old terrier and American pit bull mix with a black and white coat. His adoption fee is $50.

Mark, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat with a grey and white coat. His adoption fee is $50.

To adopt any of these animals, or see others, visit the Halifax Humane Society’s main campus at 2364 LPGA Blvd. or call 274-4703.

DEATH NOTICE

Jeffery Lynd Hayes

Aug. 30, 1943/Dec. 24, 2022 Jeffery Lynd Hayes, of Hi Hat, Kentucky, died in Bunnell, Florida, on Dec. 24. Cremation at Clymer Funeral Home. Pics or comments are welcome at legacy.com.

CORRECTION

During this year’s Wreaths Across America ceremony on Dec. 17, the Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented 245 veterans’ graves with wreaths. Our Dec. 22 edition reported incorrectly that they had placed 145 wreaths.

“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.”

ORMOND BEACH

Teachers of the year

AKRISZA KEMP-BROWN

BECCY SCHULZE

TARA GARDNER

MATT COLEMAN DODI GAINES

ASHLEY COWIN

KELSI QUICKSALL-JONES

LOHREE PULVER

EACHERS OF THE YEAR

KELSI QUICKSALL-JONES

Beachside Elementary

I hope that I have given them positive memories of elementary art class and a positive outlook on the arts.”

Educator of the Year.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Kelsi Quicksall-Jones aims to make all of her students embrace the concept presented by Pablo Picasso: Every child is an artist.

His quote hangs in her classroom, and at the start of every class, she greets her students by saying, “Hello, my most amazing artists.” And, at the end of each class, the students say their art “mantra,” borrowed from fellow art educator Sarah Krajewski: “I am positive. I am creative. I am mindful. I am amazing. I am an artist.”

“I repeat these phrases and mantras each week to instill the belief in my students that they are capable of anything they put their minds to and are artists,” Quicksall-Jones said. “Even if they find that art isn’t their niche later on in life,

The Beachside Elementary Teacher of the Year originally pursued a major in journalism at the University of Florida, having enjoyed editing for Seabreeze High School’s newspaper while in school. She was doing well in her classes, but found it wasn’t quite the right fit for her. Her boyfriend — now her husband — told her she reminded him of his elementary art teacher, and asked if she’d ever consider becoming one.

Quicksall-Jones hadn’t realized this could be a career option for her. Once she knew, she pursued it and graduated with a bachelor’s in art education. She’s now in her sixth year of teaching.

“I wouldn’t teach anything else — my passion lies in advocating for the arts and giving my students a time and place for creative freedom and expression,” Quicksall-Jones said.

In 2020, she was named Volusia County Schools’ Art

She was told that the first year of teaching would be the most difficult, but Quicksall-Jones said teaching has only gotten harder due to the national teacher shortage.

But she takes everything a day at a time and focuses on what her students need, and then what she needs, she said. That approach has helped her stay motivated through several challenges — teaching remotely during COVID-19, the Osceola and Ortona Elementary merger (which created Beachside), and, now, moving to the new Beachside Elementary campus.

“When I look back, it’s hard to believe I ever considered being anything other than a teacher,” Quicksall-Jones said. “School has always been my happy place, and I hope I have created that happy place for my students, giving them something to look forward to every day.”

When she’s not in the classroom, Quicksall-Jones is making her own art, reading, or embracing her “Disney adult” at the theme parks.

AKRISZA KEMP-BROWN

Hinson Middle School

Teacher of the Year is a graduate of Bethune-Cookman University, where she earned a bachelor’s in biology.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Akrisza Kemp-Brown teaches at the same school her children attend. That, she said, keeps her motivated on the job every day.

She knows her children yearn for a teacher to guide them, and she wants to be that guide for the students in her classroom.

“When I see my students, I see my daughters,” KempBrown said.

The Hinson Middle School

For the past six years, she has taught seventh and eight grade science at Hinson.

The nomination shows that her work for students isn’t going unnoticed, she said.

In May 2022, the Volusia Association of Science Teachers also selected her as its Middle School Science Teacher of the Year.

“It’s always amazing to me when receiving nominations, because as teachers, we do not think primarily on recognition, so when we receive them it’s always a great feeling,” Kemp-Brown said.

Her favorite thing about being a teacher is building bonds with her students.

“I decided to become a teacher because I wanted to show kids that science could be fun,” Kemp-Brown said.

“I also wanted to help guide them on how to think critically and think outside the box.”

If she could share one piece of wisdom with her students, it would be to stay true to themselves.

“It goes a lot further than trying to be someone else,” she said.

When she’s not in the classroom, Kemp-Brown said, she loves spending time near the water.

Kelsi Quicksall-Jones works to give students something to look forward to each day.

Akrisza Kemp-Brown wants to show kids that science can be fun.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas Akrisza Kemp-Brown said her favorite thing about being a teacher is building bonds with her students.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

In 2020, Kelsi Quicksall-Jones was named Volusia County’s Art Educator of the Year.

EACHERS OF THE YEAR

TARA GARDNER ASHLEY COWIN

Mainland High Ormond Beach Elementary

skill and loved watching them grow and learn,” Cowin said.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

“After graduating high school, it was an easy decision for me to go to school to become a teacher. As I went through college, I fell more and more in love with the field. It is truly my passion.”

teacher is getting to know her students and their families. She said she loves the look on a student’s face when he or she gets that “aha” moment. She also loves when her students’ parents take the time to let her know how much their child has learned in her classroom.

I

t was Tara Gardner’s grandmother who sparked her desire to pursue a career in education.

Gardner grew up watching her grandmother teach, and recalls how well she did it — in and out of the classroom. Gardner always looked up to her, and throughout her school years Gardner was part of the Florida Future Educators of America, as well as taught summer camp and Sunday school classes.

But she almost didn’t pursue education. In high school, she had expressed a desire to teach math one day, but her favorite math teacher discouraged her. So Gardner pursued a degree in pre-medicine.

She loved medicine, but struggled with motivation, feeling unsure of her path.

Gardner and her grandmother still communicated through handwritten letters at the time, and Gardner said that after some difficult conversations with her grandmother and her parents, she decided to switch to majoring in education in her sophomore year of college.

“When you follow your dreams and the dreams are right, it’s amazing how much easier life gets,” Gardner said. She later graduated from the

University of Central Florida with a bachelor’s in secondary math education, and recently obtained her master’s in educational leadership from Barry University.

Gardner, now Mainland High School’s Teacher of the Year, has been teaching for 20 years, 18 of which have been at Mainland.

The New Smyrna Beach High School alumna taught math for 12 years, and now teaches digital photography, digital design and journalism within the school’s career and technology department.

Her favorite thing about being a teacher is her students’ honesty, she said.

“They will let you know when it’s to switch up methods,” Gardner said. “Students are the best thermometers.”

Knowing that “every day is a new day” keeps her motivated, she said. If there was a piece of wisdom she could share with her students, it would be to not let mistakes hold them back.

“Mistakes are stepping stones; learn from them and move on,” Gardner said.

When not in the classroom, Gardner enjoys spending time with her five children and grandchild. She also enjoys camping.

Ashley Cowin discovered her love of teaching through dance.

She grew up as a competitive dancer, and at a young age became an assistant to help the younger ones in the studio, she said. That led to her teaching her own classes once she was old enough.

“I loved the looks on their faces when they learned a new

The Ormond Beach Elementary Teacher of the Year graduated with a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from the University of South Florida, and later attended Southern New Hampshire University, where she graduated with a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction.

She has been in education for eight years, and is currently a first grade teacher at OBE.

Her favorite part of being a

“The pride and joy on their faces and in their voices just warms my entire heart,” Cowin said. “The amount that my students grow from the first day they walk in the door in August, to the last day that they leave in June is the best thing to watch and be a part of.”

She reflects on it all at the end of each school year. Cowin said she feels blessed to be “just a small part of their life.”

Being nominated as her school’s Teacher of the Year has also led her to some personal reflection — on how she’s been able to overcome challenges, grow as a teacher, and the support she’s received along the way from her students, fellow teachers, administrators and support staff.

“I have received so much encouragement, knowledge, and love from so many people that have touched my life,” she said. “This has enabled me to educate, love, encourage and support our young children to embrace who they are. I believe this has helped them discover and develop their individual gifts that will shape the adults they will someday be, which is truly a privilege.”

When she’s not in the classroom, Cowin enjoys spending time with her family, traveling and going to Disney.

Dr. Indira Alvarez, Au.D., F-AAA Heather Curry, H.A.S

Gardner said her students’ honesty is her favorite thing about teaching.

For Cowin, seeing a student’s growth over the school year is the best part of teaching.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Tara Gardner has been teaching for 20 years.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ashley Cowin has been in education for eight years, and is now a first grade teacher at OBE.

EACHERS OF THE YEAR

LOHREE PULVER MATT COLEMAN

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

or as long as she can remember, Lohree Pulver wanted to be a physical education teacher.

She was involved in sports growing up, and loves competition. That background, combined with the fact that teaching runs in her family — her grandmother was a teacher, and her grandfather was as school district superintendent in South Dakota — led to her decision to pursue a career in education. Her sister is also a PE teacher, Pulver noted.

“I enjoy educating and making a difference in young people’s lives,” Pulver said.

The Ormond Beach Middle School Teacher of the Year began her college path in speech pathology, and later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Oregon State University.

There was a point when Pulver considered becoming a nurse instead, because she loves helping and caring for people in need.

“Teaching was a natural transition because there are always students in need,” Pulver said.

She has been teaching for 17 years, and is a sixth grade PE teacher at OBMS.

She said she is humbled by the Teacher of the Year nomination because she works

with so many other amazing teachers.

“It takes a team of teachers to educate our students,” Pulver said. “Being singled out and celebrated all year is quite an honor, but humbling at the same time.”

What is one thing she is taking away from this experience?

“I feel very loved and appreciated by my colleagues at Ormond Beach Middle school,” Pulver said. “I am growing as a person and know that I am just a part of the puzzle to making this magic happen at the middle school

level.”

Her favorite thing about teaching is seeing her students learn and apply what they have learned, she said.

Pulver also loves to see their excitement when they are engaged and enjoying the day’s lesson.

If there was one piece of wisdom she could share with her students, it would be to “work hard and don’t quit when things get tough.”

When not in the classroom, Pulver enjoys playing pickleball, going fishing and relaxing with her friends.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Matt Coleman believes learning should be fun, and he strives to make it so.

He loves teaching at the elementary school level and said he will never work in another setting. The students are excitable, interested and always ready to laugh, and as their teacher, he gets to encourage that while learning different subject areas. He tries to make his lessons as interesting and humorous as possible to keep their attention and desire to learn.

“They are still finding their

way in the educational process and what their favorite subjects are,” Coleman said. “I love being there to help them with that and to provide support for the subjects that they’re having difficulty with.”

The Pathways Elementary Teacher of the Year always liked working with and helping children. When he was in middle and high school, he was a Sunday school teacher at his church as well as a youth leader during vacation Bible school.

His grandfather, Joe Lively, was a missionary, and Coleman learned from him and his parents, Bob and Bobbi Coleman, that the greatest thing one can do as a person is to serve someone else.

“To me, teaching is the ultimate service,” Coleman

said. “I am helping to provide the next generation with the tools they will need to go further in life and, hopefully, turn around and provide some service back to someone else that needs it.”

When Coleman was in his early 20s, longtime Volusia County Schools administrator Peromnia Grant, who was the principal at Bonner Elementary at the time, gave him an opportunity to read to students and dress up in costumes to promote events. He was hooked and changed his major, graduating from the University of Florida with a bachelor’s degree, and later a master’s degree, in education.

He has been in the classroom for 23 years — the last 20 at Pathways — and is now a third grade teacher. He doesn’t see teaching as something that’s difficult because he loves it so much. Nothing, Coleman said, motivates him more than seeing his students succeed. And he can’t imagine teaching anywhere else.

“I have shed blood, sweat, and tears over the years in the work at this school, and to be its ‘face’ and representative is a high honor,” Coleman said. When he’s not in the classroom, Coleman runs ultramarathons all over the state, is an avid reader, loves spending time with his wife and daughters and attends as many UF and Seabreeze High School sporting events as possible. He also coaches the Seabreeze track and field in the winter and spring.

Pulver loves seeing her students apply what they’ve learned.

Coleman makes his lessons funny to keep students engaged.

Ormond Beach Middle Pathways Elementary

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Lohree Pulver, a sixth grade PE teacher at OBMS, has been teaching for 17 years.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Matt Coleman said he doesn’t see teaching as something that’s difficult because he loves it so much.

*Other providers are available in the CarePlus network. Provider may also contract with other Plans/Part D sponsors. Flagler County. CarePlus is an HMO plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in CarePlus depends on contract renewal. Important: At CarePlus, it is important you are treated fairly. CarePlus Health Plans, Inc. complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, disability, age, marital status, religion, or language in their programs and activities, including in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, their programs and activities. The following department has been designated to handle inquiries regarding CarePlus’ non-discrimination policies: Member Services, PO Box 277810, Miramar, FL 33027, 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). Auxiliary aids and services, free of charge, are available to you. 1-800-794-5907 (TTY: 711). CarePlus provides free auxiliary aids and services, such as qualified sign language interpreters, video remote interpretation, and written information in other formats to people with disabilities when such auxiliary aids and services are necessary to ensure an equal opportunity to participate. This information is available for free in other languages. Please call our Member Services number at 1-800-7945907. Hours of operation: October 1 - March 31, 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. April 1 - September 30, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. You may leave a voicemail after hours, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays and we will return your call within one business day. Español (Spanish): Esta información está disponible de forma gratuita en otros idiomas. Favor de llamar a Servicios para Afiliados al número que aparece anteriormente. Kreyòl Ayisyen (French Creole):

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EACHERS OF THE YEAR

DOUG WITTER DODI GAINES

Pine Trail Elementary Seabreeze High

knowing all of their alphabet letters and sounds to reading, writing, adding and subtracting on their own.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Doug Witter said his wife was his biggest influence to become a teacher. She was his biggest supporter, too. In the early ’80s, when they were dating, he volunteered in her kindergarten classroom. He discovered he enjoyed working with the children and watching them grow. He liked seeing them progress from not

It leads to his favorite thing about being a teacher: Watching his students get excited when they accomplish a goal or task.

“They start to build self esteem and pride in learning,” Witter said. “That ‘aha’ moment when things start to click.”

The Pine Trail Teacher of the Year grew up in Volusia County Schools himself. He attended Ortona Elementary (now merged with Osceola

Elementary to form Beachside Elementary), Seabreeze Junior High School and Seabreeze High School. He then went on to Daytona State College and later the University of Central Florida.

This year is his 26th teaching kindergarten, but his 29th working for the school district. He previously worked as an assistant in physical education, a custodian, in yard maintenance and as an exceptional student education assistant.

“It’s an honor that my peers choose me to represent Pine Trail Elementary,” Witter said.

One thing he is taking away from this experience is that hard work does pay off.

“Just keep doing the best you can with all the obstacles thrown your way,” he said.

If there was one piece of wisdom he could share with his students, it would be to always give things a try and give them full effort. It’s the growth mindset — don’t give up, work hard and do your best.

He stays motivated by witnessing students learn and grow in his classroom, which, in turn, keeps them motivated too.

“Motivation comes when they are successful and learn that they can do things on their own once they are taught and try it,” Witter said.

When he’s not in the classroom, Witter said, he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, drawing, exercising, and enjoying some great food.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Dodi Gaines felt honored to be selected as Seabreeze High School Teacher of the Year.

“The [Teacher of the Year] Wall of Fame at Seabreeze has some formidable names on it,” Gaines said. “I consider those teachers to be my guides, and they are amongst the best I’ve ever worked with.”

And on Dec. 6, her nomination went one step further: Gaines was surprised at school by Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin, district staff and board members, accompanied by a student drumline, who informed her that she was was one of the five finalists for the Volusia County School District’s Teacher of the Year award.

Gaines is only finalist from Ormond area schools.

Gaines, the Cambridge AICE Coordinator for Seabreeze, majored in biology at Drexel University in Philadelphia.

While in school, she volunteered at an after school program, and her husband noticed she was good with children.

“I went back every year,” Gaines said. “It was working with those kids that made me decide that I had a lot to offer them.”

Her husband suggested she earn a teaching certificate, and that’s what Gaines did, later graduating with a master’s degree in instruction.

As AICE coordinator, Gaines guides students through the Advanced International Certificate of Education diploma program “with the highest level of academics and character,” so that, in addition to the diploma, the student earns college credit and a Bright Futures scholarship.

Before becoming the AICE coordinator six years ago, Gaines taught biology and science for 20 years, primarily for gifted or Advanced Placement students.

Her favorite thing about being a teacher, she said, is the

relationship she builds with the students.

“It’s so amazing to see them grow into kind, smart and mature humans,” Gaines said.

Though the profession can be difficult, Gaines said that what keeps her motivated is knowing that a new group of kids will come in every year, and that she has the ability to help make their high school experience a good one.

“Enjoy this while you can,” Gaines said. “Adulting comes at you quick.”

When not in the classroom, Gaines said, she enjoys spending time with her family, going on trips, attending sporting events or participating in activities together.

Witter helps young students build pride in learning.

Gaines is one of five finalists for the district’s Teacher of the Year award.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Doug Witter said his favorite thing about being a teacher is watching his students get excited when they accomplish a goal or task.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Dodi Gaines learned she was good at working with children while volunteering at an after school program in college.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

Beccy Schulze loves teaching special education.

Growing up alongside her sister, who has Down syndrome, and her mother, who was a paraprofessional in Volusia County Schools, Schulze became passionate about working with children with disabilities.

During the summers she volunteered in her mom’s classes, and fell in love with teaching the kids, with their varying abilities.

“I ultimately wanted to help kids like my sister in their school life,” she said. “I felt students with disabilities had a right just as anyone else did to have an education, and I wanted to be part of that.”

The Tomoka Elementary Teacher of the Year attended Volusia County schools for elementary, middle and high school before attending Daytona State College, which was then known as Daytona Beach Community College. After a few years at DSC, she attended and graduated from the University of North Carolina.

She currently teaches a third, fourth and fifth grade mild varying exceptionalities separate class, and is in her 14th year of teaching.

The job is not easy, but the students keep her motivated.

“Teaching is so hard,” Schulze said. “I am not going to sugarcoat it. This is not for the faint of heart — especially special education — but I love it. Seeing that one student finally do what they could not do, or a suggestion I made to another teacher helps, I am pulled right back to it.”

As a special education teacher, Schulze said, one of her goals is to help students and teachers outside of her classroom.

“So many of our students are in general education classes and have so many unique needs that can’t be met all by one teacher,” she said. “I have a lot of experience between my sister, volunteer, and work experience with special education, and I love to share it. This nomination makes me

feel like I have been successful in my goal.”

It takes a village to teach, and her favorite thing about being a teacher is her students and colleagues, she said.

“Usually one of us knows how to do something the other doesn’t; this includes my students,” Schulze said. “They teach me a lot about how they best can learn and be successful. I enjoy the community I feel with being a teacher; it is like having another family. I call everyone at school my ‘school family.’”

When she’s not in the classroom, Schulze enjoys spending time with her family, her dog Noel, going out to eat and shopping. She also recently took up painting by numbers and has found it to be calming.

Beccy Schulze is passionate about helping students with disabilities.

Tomoka Elementary

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

As a special education teacher, Beccy Schulze said, one of her goals is to help students and teachers outside of her classroom.

Oceanfront condo sells for

in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for the week of Nov. 24-30 in Flagler County in the Multiple Listing Service. Jane Edwards, individually and as trustee, sold 20 Porto Mar, Unit 203, to Craig Uttley, as trustee, for $1.18 million. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,700 square feet.

WAYNE GRANT REAL ESTATE EDITOR

Condo

Robert Pedrigi III sold 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 931, to Margaret Mitchell and Arthur Larson, of York Beach, Maine, for $310,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 1/1 and has 678 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $172,500.

Bernard Meadows

Katrina King, of Palm Coast, sold 4 Blakeview Court to David and Jean Thompson, of Palm Coast, for $355,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 1,781 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $132,000.

Country Club Harbor

MIA Properties LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 32 Country Club Harbor Circle to The Robert G. Kassebaum Revo-

cable Trust for $710,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 4/2 and has a swimming pool, boat dock, boathouse and 1,801 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $302,800.

Cypress Knoll Henry and Sandra Hughes, of Murphy, North Carolina, sold 20 Evanston Lane to Richard and Cynthia Bradley, of Palm Coast, for $620,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,528 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $433,000.

Easthampton

Antonio and Maria Soares sold 131 Eric Drive to Samsorn and Lisa Ly, of Palm Coast, for $470,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,073 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $325,000.

Fuquay

Michael and Elissa Garrett, of Flagler Beach, sold 2000 S. Daytona Ave. to Alan Frackowiak and Courtney Hill-Frackowiak, of Flagler Beach, for $825,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/3 and has a swimming pool and 1,875 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $422,000.

Grand Haven

Boris Shvarts and Olga Naroditskaya, of Daytona Beach, sold 36 Eastlake Drive to Juan Gomez Jr., of Palm Coast, for $829,900. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,665 square feet.

Grand Reserve and Golf Club

D.R. Horton Inc. Jacksonville, of St. Johns, sold 44 Pinnacle Place to Alessandra Gartner, of Bunnell, for $338,990. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,934 square feet.

D.R. Horton Inc. Jacksonville, of St. Johns, sold 36 Pinnacle Place to Marissa Virola, of Bunnell, for $312,990. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,934 square feet.

Indian Trails

David and Diane Halibozek, of Doral, sold 51 Bannerwood Lane to Jerry and Tonya Elam, of Palm Coast, for $462,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a swimming pool and 2,443 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $271,000.

Lehigh Woods

Santos and Haydee Cruz, of Meriden, Connecticut, sold 40 Ramblewood Drive to Steven Aia and Christine Castelli, of Palm Coast, for $306,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,414 square feet. It sold in August for $306,000.

LGI Homes Florida LLC, of The Woodlands, Texas, sold 83 Randolph Drive to Jonathan and Nikki Velazquez, of Palm Coast, for $294,900. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,270 square feet.

Model Land Donald and Melissa Wollin, of Flagler Beach, sold 1317 N. Central Ave. to Clendon and Deana Hartshorn, of Flagler Beach, for $725,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/3.5 and has 1,971 square feet.

Not in Subdivision Will and Donna Dodenhoff, of Parrish, sold 3 Birchfield Place to Cody and Amber Schouten, of Palm Coast, for $497,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $350,000.

Ernest and Donna Littlefield sold 37 Fallwood Lane to Timothy Laufer, of Mount Dora, for $390,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 1,654 square feet.

Florida Home Exchange LLC, of Apollo Beach, sold 99 Beacon Mill Lane to Angkana Sheer, as trustee, for $335,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,704 square feet. It sold in April for $237,500.

Holiday Builders Inc., of Melbourne, sold 11 Russkin Lane to Frank Basso, of Palm Coast, for $301,990. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,552 square feet.

Holiday Builders Inc., of Melbourne, sold 14 Seven Wonders Trail to Lisa Parr, of Palm Coast, for $292,990. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,284 square feet.

Sylvia Hamilton, of Sheffield, United Kingdom, sold 145 Wynnfield Drive to Lourdes Devito, of Palm Coast, for $254,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,256 square feet. It sold in 1991 for $103,400.

Palm Harbor

Carol Gaetaniello, individually and as trustee, sold 51 Fortune Lane to Janine Donovan, of Palm Coast, for $420,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,136 square feet.

Pine Grove

Kenneth Kirby and Samantha Kirby, of Palm Coast, sold 83 Pine Circle Drive to Stephanie Brown, of Antioch, Illinois, for $385,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 1,825 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $279,900.

Quail Hollow

$470,000.

Gary and Mary Masdin sold 16 Raintree Circle to Escolastica Clark, of Palm Coast, for $339,900. Built in 2005, it is a 2/2 and has 1,647 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $170,000.

Philip Heatley sold 31 Piedmont Drive to Angel and Carmen Rivera, of Palm Coast, for $375,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,651 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $340,000.

INB Fund 1 LLC, of Orlando, sold 85 Zephyr Lily Trail to Paul Toffolon and Lorraine Deegan, of Palm Coast, for $420,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,903 square feet.

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

Courtesy photo

The top transaction in Flagler County was a condo with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 2,700 square feet of living space.

STARS by Drew Schmenner, edited by David Steinberg By Luis Campos

Top seller features separate suite connected to courtyard

Ahouse in Ormond-by-the-Sea was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea for the week of Nov. 20-26 in the Multiple Listing Service. Gregory Perpetua, individually and as trustee, sold 1175 John Anderson Drive to Stream Holdings LLC, of Miami, for $800,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 4/5 and has a fireplace, separate in-law suite and 4,115 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $340,000.

WAYNE GRANT REAL ESTATE EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Northbrook

Reno and Leslie Bottarelli, of Pleasant Garden, North Carolina, sold 11 Woodridge Drive to Jordan and Christina Hoek, of Ormond Beach, for $469,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 1,616 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $210,500.

Ormond Terrace

Charlotte and Francis Bell, of Clinton, Montana, sold 279 McIntosh Road to Deborah and Richard Johnson, of DeLand, for $203,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,040 square feet.

Sawtooth Jacquelyn and Michael Neis, of Bedford, New Hampshire, sold 17 Southern Pine Trail to Brian Weston, of Ormond Beach, for $384,900. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,790 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $274,900.

The Trails Margaret Fasano, of Palm Bay, sold 41 River Ridge Trail to Veronica Burke and Mark Warrilow, of Ormond Beach, for $475,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,726 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $235,000.

Constance Mellon sold 30 Lake Walden Trail to Josephine Biondi, of

Ormond Beach, for $350,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $230,000.

Winding Woods Jordan and Hope Hargrave, of Brandon, sold 5 Winding Woods Trail to Dawn Guynn, of Ormond Beach, for $325,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,557 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $187,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Steven and Heather Filipetti, of Brush Creek, Tennessee, sold 3565 John Anderson Drive to Stream Holdings LLC, of Miami, for $680,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 3,048 square feet. It sold in April for $565,000.

$670,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 1,974 square feet.

AC42 LLC sold 126 Driftwood Ave. to Noah Turley, of Ormond Beach, for $585,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 1,430 square feet. It sold in March for $319,000.

Harrison and Heather Foster, of Port Orange, sold 3 Seabridge Drive to Abelardo Castillo Jr., of Ormond Beach, for $550,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 2,029 square feet.

Montie and Angela Blunn sold 2294 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 2030, to Evelyn Gardner, of Ormond Beach, for $415,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $271,000.

Douglas and Helene Beatty, of Palm Coast, sold 71 River Drive to Lisa and Christopher Blackwood, of Clarksburg, Maryland, for $345,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 2/2 and has 968 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $185,000.

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

Sea-N-Sand LLC sold 14 S. Sea Island Drive to Thomas and Amanda Grey, of Ormond Beach, for

John Adams,

Courtesy photos

The top transaction was built in 1952. The main house has four bedrooms, five bathrooms and a fireplace.

The house at 126 Driftwood Ave. sold for $585,000.

The house at 30 Lake Walden Trail sold for $350,000.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Additional Public Notices may be accessed on PalmCoastObserver.com and the statewide legal notice website, FloridaPublicNotices.com

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING PLANTATION BAY WATER TREATENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT

The Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) gives notice that a public meeting will be held with the FGUA on Monday, January 30, 2023 commencing at 6:00 PM to provide for public participation in evaluation of the planning, design and construction of treatment plant improvements prepared by Wade Trim, Inc. The planning document outlines the alternatives considered, the financial impacts of the project and the recommendation to proceed with the project design and construction.

All interested parties are invited to attend the public meeting at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast NE, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 at the time identified for this meeting. All persons wishing to speak will be given an opportunity to do so following a brief presentation.

Copies of the planning and final design documents are available for review beginning January 9, 2023 at the FGUA Operations Office located at 280 Wekiva Springs Road, Suite 2070, Longwood, Florida 32779 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or by visiting the FGUA website at http://fgua.com/about-us/meetings-and-hearings/public-hearings/ For additional information, or copies of meeting materials, contact Teresa Irby-Butler, PE, CGC, FGUA Capital Project Manager at tirbybutler@govmserv.com or by calling (407) 629-6900. Any person requiring special accommodations at either meeting due to a disability or physical impairment should contact Lauren Duckworth, Board Clerk at (407) 629-6900 at least five (5) days prior to the meeting. January 5, 2023

FIRST INSERTION

GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS REGULAR MEETING

22-00263F

Notice is hereby given that a regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (the “District”) will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Village Center, Grand Haven Room, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss any topics presented to the board for consideration.

Copies of the agenda may be obtained from the District Manager, DPFG Management & Consulting LLC, 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, Telephone (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193.

The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The meeting may be continued in progress without additional notice to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. There may be occasions when Staff and/or Supervisors may participate by speaker telephone.

Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the meeting is asked to advise the District Manager’s office at least forty-eight (48) hours before the meeting by contacting the District Manager at (321) 263-0132, Ext. 193. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 711, for assistance in contacting the District Manager’s office.

A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting, with respect to any matter considered at the meeting, is advised that a record of the proceedings is needed and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

(321) 263-0132, Ext. 193

January 5, 2023

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022 CP 000754 IN RE: ESTATE OF DONALD LLOYD MAXAM, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of DONALD LLOYD MAXAM, deceased, whose date of death was November 29, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Bldg., Bunnell, FL 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 5, 2023. Signed on this day of, 1/3/2023.

22-00264F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File No. 2022 CP 797 Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF SANDRA CALDERON TEXEIRA a/k/a SANDRA TEXEIRA Deceased.

The administration of the Estate of Sandra Calderon Texeira a/k/a Sandra Texeira, deceased, whose date of death was September 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1, Bunnell, FL 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 PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE,

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on 1/20/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1990 SKYL HS 23630188AZ & 23630188BZ . Last Tenants: CAROLYN L DAVIS AND DARLENE LASH and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at MHC PICKWICK LLC, DBA PICKWICK VILLAGE, 4500 S CLYDE MORRIS BLVD, PORT ORANGE, FL 32129. 813-282-5925.

January 5, 12, 2023 22-00131V

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022-12832-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF FARNUM C. SHASTEEN AKA FARNUM CHARLES SHASTEEN Deceased.

The administration of the estate of FARNUM C. SHASTEEN AKA FARNUM CHARLES SHASTEEN, deceased, whose date of death was September 12, 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 5, 2023.

Personal Representative: /s/ BEVERLY ANN SMITH 712 Pelican Bay Drive Daytona Beach, FL 32119

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Nicholas J. Grimaudo NICHOLAS J. GRIMAUDO Florida Bar Number: 71893

JOHNSON, POPE, BOKOR, RUPPEL & BURNS, LLP 911 Chestnut Street Clearwater, FL 33756 Telephone: (727) 461-1818 Fax: (727) 462-0365

E-Mail: nicholasg@jpfirm.com

Secondary E-Mail: ssigner@jpfirm.com January 5, 12, 2023 23-00001I

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on 1/20/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1981 LIBE HS 10L13204 . Last Tenants: JENNIFER BERNADETTE MC GOURAN and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at MHC LIGHTHOUSE POINTE LLC AND MHC OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP DBA LIGHTHOUSE POINTE AT DAYTONA BEACH, 155 SPRING DRIVE, PORT ORANGE, FL 32129. 813-2825925.

January 5, 12, 2023 22-00132V

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-11603-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF:

MICHAEL HAROLD CHILDRESS, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of MICHAEL HAROLD CHILDRESS, deceased, File Number 2022-11603-PRDL, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:

All interested persons who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court are required to file their objections with this court, WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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

ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. Publication of this Notice has begun on January 5, 2023.

ROBERT ROBINS, ESQUIRE P.O. Box 1649 Daytona Beach, FL 32115 (386) 252-5212 RobertRobinsLaw@hotmail.com Fla. Bar #356026 Personal Representative January 5, 12, 2023 23-00002I

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on 1/20/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1980 SHER HS 13003086 . Last Tenants: ROBERT THOMAS CANTONI and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs Sale to be at MHC LIGHTHOUSE POINTE LLC, 155 SPRING DRIVE, PORT ORANGE, FL 32129. 813-282-5925.

January 5, 12, 2023 22-00133V

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE

TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-11603-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF: MICHAEL HAROLD CHILDRESS, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of MICHAEL HAROLD CHILDRESS, deceased, whose date of death was May 24, 2022, File Number 2022-11603-PRDL, DIVISION 10, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, Florida 32721. 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, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, and whom have been served a copy of this notice, must file their claims with the Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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 persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claim 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 the first publication of this Notice is: January 5, 2023 ROBERT ROBINS, ESQUIRE P.O. Box 1649 Daytona Beach, FL 32115 (386) 252-5212

RobertRobinsLaw@hotmail.com Fla. Bar #356026

Personal Representative January 5, 12, 2023 23-00003I

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on 1/20/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1972 GREE HS GF1017F . Last Tenants: MICHAEL LEE NOBLE, CHRISTOPHER LEE NORMANDIN and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at MHC LIGHTHOUSE POINTE LLC AND MHC OPERATING LIMITED PARTNERSHIP DBA LIGHTHOUSE POINTE AT DAYTONA BEACH, 155 SPRING DRIVE, PORT ORANGE, FL 32129. 813-282-5925.

January 5, 12, 2023 22-00134V

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO

CREDITORS

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022 12970 PRDL Division 10

IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM S. BROWN, aka WILLIAM STEPHEN VAUGHAN BROWN Deceased.

The administration of the estate of WILLIAM S. BROWN, also known as WILLIAM STEPHEN VAUGHAN BROWN, deceased, whose date of death was August 5, 2021, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, Deland, Florida 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

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

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

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

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

The date of first publication of this notice is: December 29, 2022.

Signed on this 2nd day of December, 2022.

WILLIAM ALAN BITHER Personal Representative 8916 Keats Drive Hudson, FL 34667

Wayne R. Coulter Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 114585 Delzer, Coulter & Bell, P.A. 7920 U.S. Highway 19 Port Richey, FL 34668

Telephone: (727) 848-3404

Email: info@delzercoulter.com Dec. 29, 2022; Jan. 5, 2023 22-00160I

at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1980 TRAV TV 803500V0608 Last Tenants: LESTER LEROY FULLER JR AKA LESTER FULLER AND ANDREAS S MOUMOURIS and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at SUN ORANGE CITY LLC DBA ORANGE CITY RV RESORT, 2300 EAST GRAVES AVENUE, ORANGE CITY, FL 32763. 813-241-8269. December 29, 2022, January 5, 2023 22-00129V

Grand Haven Community Development District David McInnes, District Manager