PALM COAST
Faced with lawsuit, council
‘Amazing journey’
Matanzas softball pitcher Leah Stevens commits to University of Florida. PAGE 6B
SPORTS
City Council debates developers’ role
Design alone on 4.25 miles of Old Kings Road will cost $6 million, including congested intersections.
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
After hearing persistent pleas from residents to insist that development pay for itself, the Palm Coast City Council voted unanimously to award to CPH Inc. a nearly $6 million design contract for widening Old Kings Road South. The 4.25-mile design, funded 90% by state grants and developers’ impact fees, will help in estimating a total cost for the project, which will widen Old Kings from two lanes to four, from Brighton Circle (near the Microtel Inn and Suites) south to Town Center Boulevard. It will also widen Town Center Boulevard from Old Kings Road heading underneath Interstate 95, to the intersection with Royal Palms Parkway. Residents were critical of the project, arguing that the widening was necessitated by development, and that the state should pay more to help.
Two housing developments have already been approved on Old Kings Road within the stretch
that is to be improved: The Legends at Palm Coast, a multifamily development; and Sabal Preserve at Town Center, phases 1 and 2. A third development, Kensington at Old Kings Village, which would build 113 affordable/senior living units, is in the application stage.
Mayor Mike Norris said the congestion at Old Kings and Town Center Boulevard was already “a pinch point.”
The vote to approve the design contract was nearly delayed to a future date, as City Councilwoman Theresa Pontieri challenged the city’s director of Stormwater and Engineering, Carl Cote, to be more transparent with the funding sources. Were the funds coming from taxpayers, or developers? she asked.
“Our residents should not pay for growth,” Pontieri said. “Future growth should pay for itself.”
Cote requested help from the Finance Department for information to save the agenda item, and he was then able to provide the estimate. At most, he said, 10% of the design cost would not be funded by developers. Pontieri was satisfied, but she and City Councilman Charles Gambaro both asked that the City Council receive regular updates on the progress of the design project.
“I know what everyone’s feel -
ing,” Norris said, reminding the audience that not many months earlier, he was in their position during City Council meetings, before the election. “I sat out there.
I’ve seen the growth,” he said, “but we have to work to improve what we have. […] We are a new council, and we’re moving through, trying to fix all the problems.”
In other news from the Feb. 4 meeting:
UTILITY RATE ANALYSIS
Under state pressure, the city needs to address its wastewater treatment capacity. A study will be presented at the 6 p.m. Feb. 11 workshop to present to City Council the gaps that need to be addressed.
HUMANE SOCIETY
Several residents at the Feb. 4 meeting express their dissatisfaction with the Flagler Humane Society. A workshop is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 25.
YMCA PROGRESS
Four of the five City Council members have had private meetings regarding efforts to bring a YMCA to Palm Coast. “We are doing everything we can to get a Y here,” Norris said.
SPEEDING IN S SECTION
After residents expressed concern
about speeding on Sesame Boulevard and Smith Trail, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston said she would ask staff to study the issue and bring results to a future City Council meeting.
GENDER IDENTITY
In an amendment to the Fair Housing Ordinance, Pontieri took issue with the phrase “gender identity” being used in a definition. She asked for it be removed, and it was. The ordinance was passed unanimously.
FPL POLE RELOCATION
The City Council will pay Florida Power and Light about $230,000 as a deposit for a $1.3 million transmission pole relocation project on Old Kings Road North. It’s the city’s responsibility to pay, and it will help prepare the area for widening Old Kings North from two lanes to four, Johnston said.
BACKYARD CHICKENS
In 2023, a group of residents asked the City Council to allow backyard chickens, but the council declined. The topic was brought up again at the Feb. 5 meeting. Pontieri asked city staff to include the issue on a future workshop for another discussion. Email brian@observerlocalnews. com.
Cascades density denied once again ‘Sitting
Seeking higher density, developer threatens a $12 million lawsuit.
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
With Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri calling the Cascades developers “bullies,” the Palm Coast City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to keep the project’s density limit at a maximum of 416 units. The developer maintains that it’s entitled to 850 units.
Neither the city’s attorney nor staff made a public presentation on Feb. 4, and the developer, Byrndog PCP, was not in attendance.
Instead, an attorney by trade, Pontieri stated her interpretation of the Bert Harris Act case law and the actions taken by the City Council in 2023-2024. She is the only sitting member of City Council who was involved in those votes.
Speaking of the developer, she said, “They have no respect for this council, for our attorney, and for our residents. And I will not stand for it. And I am hoping that this council will not stand for it either. Not for nothing; if we were to approve this — approve offering them any more density — it opens up the door for other applicants [...] to threaten us with Bert Harris so they can get more density.”
With the vote against a density increase, the council earned the praise of Seminole Woods residents who live near the development, but also exposed the city to a risk: A $12 million lawsuit.
THE HEARINGS
The Cascades is a 330.8-acre development located on Seminole Woods Boulevard. It was annexed into Palm Coast in August 2023 and was added to the Landings Community Development District in February 2024. After petitioning for 850 units in two hearings and being denied, the developer got an unusual rehearing after threatening legal action. But, on Jan. 2, 2024, the 416 limit was upheld.
Citing the Bert Harris Act, an attorney representing Byrndog sent the city a letter on Nov. 6, 2024, giving the city a deadline of Feb. 6, 2025, to respond to another request to reconsider. The attorney argued that Byrndog should be entitled to at least 850 dwelling units, and that limiting development to 416 units was “unreasonable” and was “concocted and first revealed at a public hearing as a result of (ostensible) political pressure seemingly invited and instigated by certain members of the City Council.”
Pontieri, in her comments at the Feb. 4 meeting, just two days before the deadline to respond, was indignant, saying Byrndog is trying to take “a third bite at the apple.”
“We’re dealing with someone who is trying to bastardize our system,” she said, “and I cannot abide by that.”
If Byrndog were to bring a lawsuit against the city, Pontieri proposed filing a motion for sanctions against the developer and its attorneys for “frivolous claims.”
‘MY BABY’ Several residents praised the City Council, and Pontieri and Norris in particular, for fighting the developer.
Resident Joy Cook called the project “my baby and my nightmare,” referring to her efforts in opposing development near her home.
Norris connected with many of the residents who made public comment, as he was one of them not many months earlier. Before he was elected, he attended the hearings and spoke against overdevelopment.
He asked residents extend “grace” to the new City Council, as they tried to resolve problems they are faced with.
RISK OF LAWSUIT
City Councilmen Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller said they were concerned about the risk of a lawsuit.
“If we were to lose this case, how would our taxpayers pay for that kind of loss?” Gambaro said.
After the vote, Miller cautioned against a spirit of “celebration.” He said it was more of a “lose-lose.”
Pontieri also was more subdued after the vote. “I agree with you,” she said to Miller, adding: “I don’t want to be sued by a developer.”
But for her, the benefit of standing firm outweighed the costs, she said.
After the meeting, Miller said to the Observer that, “Part of our mandate is smart development... So when you get into a situation where you’re battling with developers all the time, it could reduce that ability for us to transform the tax base.”
“Not all growth is bad growth,” he said. “We have to do it the right way. We can’t just cheer on shutting everything down. People have entitlements to the land, so there is a fine line to walk legally.”
Jonathan Campos, of Ormond Beach, ID’d as pilot in DC plane crash. Friends say he was skilled, dedicated.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The pilot operating American Eagle Flight 5342 — which collided in mid-air with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter on Jan. 29 — was identified as 34-year-old Jonathan Campos, of Ormond Beach.
The midair collision is the first major U.S. disaster in almost 16 years. There were 64 people aboard the plane, which crashed in the Potomac River near Washington, D.C’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, and three soldiers aboard the helicopter. The flight had departed from Wichita, Kansas, and among its passengers were several figure skaters, their coaches and family members.
“The heartbreaking accident of American Eagle Flight 5342 weighs heavily on our airline, the industry and the world,” American Airlines CEO Robert Isom said in a video statement Thursday afternoon. “The National Transportation Safety Board is now at the helm and is leading this investigation, but we’re grateful for their leadership. ... We’re devastated. I know that everyone is hurting.”
Campos, who was working alongside 28-year-old co-pilot Sam Lilley, was an Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University alumnus. He graduated in 2015. ERAU issued the following statement on
Thursday:
“Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Captain Jonathan Campos (Aeronautical Science,’15). Our thoughts are with his family and the families and loved ones of all impacted by this tragic accident.”
The flight was operated by PSA Airlines, a company for which Campos had worked for eight years, according to the New York Times. His aunt told the newspaper that the job “allowed him to travel from his home base in Florida and experience new things.”
Campos was a dynamic person, said Tracy Grubbs, owner of Spruce Creek Scuba in Port Orange. Grubbs met Campos while he was a sophomore at ERAU. Campos had joined the university’s diving club, and he came down to the store and the two became good friends, with Campos later completing his Master Divers certification there in 2013.
“He was full of life,” Grubbs said. “He would bring people to us to learn to dive and wanted to share the passion with them.”
Diving, flying, riding motorcycles — everything Campos did, he did to the fullest and in control, Grubbs said.
The pilot community is small, and so after Grubbs saw the news of the DC crash and heard there were no survivors on either aircraft, a friend texted him a report by the National Transportation Safety Board containing the names of the pilots.
“And I looked at the name. I was like, ‘There’s no way,’” Grubbs said.
When Campos became a captain for American Airlines,
“He was sitting
he came by the store, Grubbs recalled, and they talked for a while.
“He was sitting high,” Grubbs said. “He’d finally made what he went out to do.” Epic Flight Academy in New Smyrna Beach also posted a tribute to Campos on its Facebook page, stating Campos had earned his Certified Flight Instructor rating with them and that he had worked as one of its flight instructors.
“He was a skilled and dedicated pilot with an undeniable passion for flying,” the Facebook post reads. “Our deepest condolences go out to Jonathan’s family, friends, and all those who lost their lives or were impacted by this devastating tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly difficult time.”
Jonathan Campos. Courtesy photo/Facebook
high. He’d finally made what he went out to do.”
TRACY GRUBBS, owner of Spruce Creek Scuba in Port Orange
Black tie night
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
When a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office employee has a financial crisis, help is available, thanks to the Flagler Sheriffs Employees Assistance Trust, or FSEAT. The fund was the beneficiary once again of the sixth annual Sheriff’s Gala, a black tie event held Feb. 1, at Hammock Beach Resort.
“My goal is to ultimately get the fund to a million dollars and hopefully after tonight we will be close to $700,000,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We have assisted probably a dozen employees since the foundation started.”
The event raised $80,000, according to a press release.
An award ceremony took place after dinner recognizing employees, volunteers, and citizens who serve as part of the Flagler County Sheriffs Office.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Gala raises $80,000 for employees in crisis
Law Enforcement Deputy Sheriff of the Year: Deputy Christian Harrison, a member of FCSO since 2021 serving as a deputy sheriff in the Community Policing Division.
Detention Deputy Sheriff of the Year: Detention Sgt. Brian Sheridan, a member of FCSO since 2011 serving in the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.
Professional Support Staff of the Year: Communication Specialist Lucas Santos, a member of FCSO since 2019 serving as a 9-1-1 dispatcher in the FCSO Communications Center.
Citizen of the Year: Suzanne Johnston, recently retired Flagler County Tax Collector.
Volunteers of the Year: Rick Adams and Mary Lou Adams, who both serve in the FCSO Mounted Posse Unit using their personal horses for the Sheriff’s department.
Melissa Gabriel and Tom Desimone.
Sheriff Rick Staly with award winners Christian Harrison, MaryLou Adams, Lucas Santos and Suzanne Johnston — and News 6’s “Trooper Steve.”
Photos by Alexis Miller
Toni Quattrocchi, Nancy Shull and Dave O’Dell.
Funding OK’d for Pace Center for Girls
Pace will use the $3M in federal funds to construct a new school in Ormond Beach.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Last June, the Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler in Ormond Beach approached the Volusia County Council for help funding a new school. The request was tabled.
But on Tuesday, Feb. 4, a new funding request came before the County Council — $3 million, coming from Community Development Block Grant federal disaster recovery dollars — and this one was approved unanimously.
Maryam Ghyabi-White, a local transportation consultant who serves on the Pace Center for Girls Board of Trustees, said this is a “true spirit of community work.”
“I am so grateful to the County Council and the Volusia County staff for them to come to the table and understand the intent,” GhyabiWhite said.
The county reports that roof damage led to “extensive water-related destruction across multiple sections and floors, which would have required significant repairs and replacements of flooring, ceilings, fixtures, and structural components.”
As the building is on the National Register of Historic Places, there’s minimal work that could be done to update the building.
thanked the council for their support for the new school.
“We’re just so excited to be able to move into a space were our program can be more resilient,” she said. Pace — which has received state dollars and funding from Flagler County, the city of Ormond Beach and the city of Daytona Beach — is matching the federal CDBG funds with $3.5 million. Ghyabi-White called the federal funding the “Deal of the Century.”
Dr.
Pace, which helps girls in Volusia and Flagler counties obtain education along with mental health support, life skills training, and career and college preparation, is currently located at 208 Central Ave. in Ormond Beach. The building formerly housed Rigby Elementary, Ormond’s school for Black students, and is over 100 years old. It sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian, relocating the school for eight months to the gymnasium at Nova Community Center.
So Pace instead is looking to construct a new school in Ormond Beach, at 410 Clyde Morris Boulevard. The school is estimated to cost $6.2 million and span 12,000 square feet.
“Thank you all so incredibly much, not just for your decision today, but for your support of our organization and girls for 30 years, nearly,” Pace Executive Director Sheila Jordan said to the County Council on Tuesday. She introduced the council to a Pace Center graduate, who is now a freshman at Daytona State College.
Heather Lovejoy, director of Capital Projects for Pace,
“This is because that federal level, state and local government all came together,” she said. “That is pretty amazing.” Th school is a project that makes her emotional, she said, as a cheerleader for Pace’s mission to help girls in need achieve graduation.
“They need this attention to them, this intense counseling, and it changes their lives,” Ghyabi-White said. “And therefore, our community will be better, one girl at a time.” Pace hopes to open its new school in 2026. Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.
Flagler school choice opens Feb. 14
Families can apply for controlled open enrollment and for high school programs of study through March 7.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler Schools school choice window for 2025-26 will be open from Feb. 14 to March 7 for families who want their children to attend schools outside of their zone.
Applications will be accepted for controlled open enrollment and for programs of study for high school students.
According to a district presentation at the School Board’s Jan. 28 workshop, only schools that are not above 90% capacity are eligible for controlled open enrollment, leaving space for new students who live in those school zones.
That includes only four of the five elementary schools and Buddy Taylor Middle School. There are 340 seats
available at Rymfire Elementary, 158 at Bunnell Elementary, 51 at Old Kings Elementary, 33 at Buddy Taylor and 18 at Wadsworth Elementary. Indian Trails Middle School, Belle Terre Elementary School and both high schools are not available for open enrollment, but students can apply to either high school to enroll in a particular program of study.
Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools offer different programs of study, but both schools will be offering the allied health program in 2025-26.
FPC’s other programs include Aeronautics, which is a dual-enrollment program with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Entrepreneurship; Fire Academy; International Baccalaureate; Air Force Junior ROTC; Technical Agricultural Operations; and Vet Assisting.
Matanzas programs include Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE); Cybersecurity; Hospitality and Tourism; Army JRTOC; Law and Justice; and Marketing and Finance.
Superintendent LaShakia
Moore said in a video message, which is on the Flagler Schools website that any high school student who wants to participate in a program of study next year will need to apply regardless if they are zoned for that school or not. Director of Student Services John Fanelli told the board that beginning this year once a student is accepted to an out-of-zone school through school choice, they will no longer need to apply again. School choice applications can be found on the website at flaglerschools.com/studentsfamilies/school-choice. Families will receive notifications of acceptance on April 1. Also on April 1, the window opens for new student applications including VPK. Controlled open enrollment and school choice for high school programs of study are two of the four choice options in the district, according to the presentation. The others are employee choice for students to attend a school where their parent or guardian is an employee and hardship requests when a situation adversely impacts a student at their zoned school.
The Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler is located at 208 Central Ave., formerly home to Rigby Elementary, which used to be Ormond Beach’s school for Black students. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Ormond Beach updates code to require 50% native plants
The City Commission has approved an amendment to its Land Development Code for the use of native plants.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The city of Ormond Beach has updated its code to require native plants in the landscaping for new developments.
The City Commission unanimously approved an amendment to its Land Development Code that will require native plants make up at least 50% of developments’ landscaping on second reading on Feb. 4.
It’s a policy direction officially set in motion last June, but one that local environmentalists have been advocating for several years.
“I think we can be a leader to all the other cities in Volusia County, because I think now we are stronger with our LDC for resiliency and using native plants,” City Commissioner Lori Tolland said.
Prior to the amendment, the city’s LDC required that 50% of replacement trees be native, and that at least 50% of landscape areas be composed of drought-tolerant plants, otherwise known as xeric plants, which are not always native. In June 2024, Tolland — a member of the Garden Club of the Halifax Country who, prior to being an elected official, spearheaded the creation of Vadner Park to be all-native — proposed the landscaping standards be increased to 75% native plants.
And though she brought the proposal to the commission last year, the credit, Tolland said, goes to engaged citizens: Melissa Lammers, of the Halifax River Audubon; Leslie Nixon, of the Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant
Society; Suzanne Scheiber, of Dream Green Volusia; and environmental advocates such as Alan Burton, Pam Novy, Sang Roberson and Ken and Julie Sipes.
“I was trying to marry passion for my garden club with my role as a City Commissioner and what could be my role to make the world a better place,” Tolland said. “So I let them use me as their advocate.”
Tolland has been a great ally for environmental causes on the City Commission, said Ormond Beach resident Julie Sipes.
“She’s very environmentally sensitive and aware of the ecosystems and how important they are to maintain them in their natural native state here in Ormond,” Sipes said.
Sipes and her husband were involved in getting the ball rolling, and Tolland along with the other citizens saw it through to the end. It was both gratifying and rewarding, Sipes said, to see the amendment get unanimous support.
“It gives you hope about making change,” Sipes said.
“We think this is important because our green spaces are dwindling as we’re replacing our precious native vegetation that has been here all along. We’ve been replacing it with unnatural, non-native palm trees and other things. It’s more important than ever to try to be consistent with what is here naturally.”
More people in the community, she said, including commissioners, are becoming aware of the importance of preserving the environment.
Lammers said the LDC amendment is a “huge step in the right direction.” Putting native plants in landscaping can be very helpful, particularly as people grow increasingly concerned over development and the loss of habitat for local wildlife.
Audubon recommends at least 70% of plantings be
native to create a hospitable habitat, but Lammers said she understands that may not be achievable right away.
“We really are thankful to Commissioner Tolland for championing this effort and to the city of Ormond Beach, the City Commission for approving it at the first reading, and for the staff that worked so hard on this,” Lammers said.
Lammers, who is also a member Pawpaw Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society, said her hope is that through ordinances like this, people’s mindsets will begin to shift, a change that different species will benefit from, from pollinating insects to birds.
“My hope is that we begin to see real Florida as beautiful and not messy,” Lammers said. “That we stop thinking of our yards as something that should be curated like our living rooms, and start thinking of our yards as our own park, our own habitat where we can enjoy watching birds and bees and butterflies thrive.”
On Sunday, March 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Halifax River Audubon will lead a how-to workshop for native gardening titled “Your Yard Matters” at the AndersonPrice Memorial Building, located at 42 N. Beach St. in Ormond Beach.
Email Jarleene Almenas jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.
Halifax Humane Society thrift store shifts focus away from clothing
Limited staff and volunteers, a rising number of bulk clothing donations and limited storage all contributed to the decision, said the thrift manager for HHS.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Last fall, the Halifax Humane Society announced a change in business model for its thrift store: it would no longer focus on selling clothing.
The decision came after HHS hired its new CEO, Sean Hawkins, in June 2024. Under his leadership, and with the mission to maximize financial impact, HHS opted to shift its focus on higher-value items such as furniture, pet supplies and household goods.
“When clothing is donated, significant staff time and effort are involved: receiving the items, sorting for resale, storing inventory, moving items to the sales floor, and ultimately selling them,” a statement from HHS reads.
“It costs us approximately $2 in staff time to handle a single piece of clothing, which we typically sell for only $2. In contrast, we can invest the same amount of time to process larger items, like chairs and tables, which can be sold for $50 to $100. This approach makes better financial sense
for us.”
On an average weekend donation day, the thrift store would receive over 30 bags of clothing, said Suzanne Zappala, thrift manager for Halifax Humane Society. During a holiday weekend or times of the year when people are cleaning out their closets, the number of bags often rose to over 100.
“We just don’t have the manpower in our store,” Zappala said. “We run on a really lean staff with five people, and that’s for being open seven days a week.”
The rise of fast fashion trends combined with the store’s more visible location at 385 S. Yonge St. — which opened in 2022 — are all contributing factors for the rising amount of bulk clothing donations the store received. Zappala said they were then faced with an overcrowded storage area, creating a safety issue for volunteers and staff until the clothing was either sorted for the store, or donated forward to another thrift store.
The changes started rolling out around July of last year, but this month, reports of the thrift store throwing items out circulated on social media.
Zappala said the only items that are thrown out are ones that can’t be sold such as broken or filthy appliances, books riddled with silverfish and empty DVD cases — every four to five days, a store employee goes through these because DVDs are frequently stolen. “It really frustrates me,”
Zappala said of the social media claims, “because we do try to put out as much good stuff as we can, but there’s always going to be things that we have to discard, like every thrift store.”
When she reads comments on social media that they will stop donating or frequenting the store, that ultimately means one less donation to help animals, Zappala said. This year, the thrift store is aiming to raise $505,000 for HHS.
“I would ask the community, before you pass judgment on us, come see our operation,” she said. “I will welcome anybody to look at what we’re passing on, as far as what we can put on the floor to sell and what we are throwing away.”
Clothing isn’t thrown away; Zappala said it’s redonated through either a liquidation service, or sent to other area thrift stores in need of donations. The store still has some clothes out today, which is part of the slow roll out for the updated business model.
Volunteers, she added, are always needed.
“It’s really in the end, for the animals, and I just don’t want to see such negativity towards an organization that does so well for the community,” Zappala said. “We have a really, really dedicated staff of people at our shelter. It hurts morale sometimes when we read some of the things that are said about the society in general or even individuals.” Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.
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In 2022, Vadner Park became Ormond Beach’s first native plant park. File photo by Jarleene Almenas
JAN. 24
WINE ORGANIZER
1:11 p.m. — 100 block of West Matanzas Woods Parkway, Palm Coast
Petit theft. Gas station convenience store employees noticed a man randomly moving wine bottles, and when asked what he was doing, the man said he was “reorganizing the wine for all the white folk.”
His erratic behavior had prompted the employees to call the sheriff’s office, according to his arrest report. The man, a 34-year-old Georgia resident, was suspected to be intoxicated, and left the store.
The reporting deputy decided to sit and watch the store in case he returned, which he did — he walked in and stole a bottle of $22 bottle of anti-freeze, the reports states.
The store wished to press charges. He was taken to jail.
JAN. 25
HEARTBURN
7:25 p.m. — 4000 block of Mahogany Boulevard, Palm Coast
Obstruction without violence. A 51-year-old Bunnell was arrested after he failed to pull over after a deputy initiated a traffic stop for an inoperable headlight. Instead, the man accelerated onto the septic mound of his front yard, telling the deputy that “he wanted to go get Tums for his heartburn,” according to his arrest report.
The deputy reported that the man exited his car once on the septic mound and walked toward him with a white pipe and a cigarette in his hand, along with his phone. He was “fidgety and exhibiting nervous behaviors,” the report states, so the deputy detained him.
He was taken to jail.
ROOFTOP SCHEMERS
6:10 p.m. — First block of South Ridgewood Avenue, Ormond Beach Vandalism. An Ormond Beach resident was inside a local church when he noticed spotted three men on the property. He watched as they got on to the roof of the building, and after
hearing a crashing sound, he used his phone to take pictures of the suspects.
The resident overheard the men talking about wanting to access the church building, according to a police report, but they ultimately decided not to because the lights inside were on. After about 30 minutes, the men left.
Later, he noticed the a fence attached to the roof’s siding had been damaged, with the cost estimated at $500, according to the report. The church wished to press charges.
JAN. 27
GROCERY RUN
3:39 p.m. — 200 block of North Nova Road, Ormond Beach Petit theft. A 56-year-old Ormond Beach woman who stole over $80 worth of items from a local grocery store told police she had forgot her debit card in the car, and was coming back to pay for the items.
According to her arrest report, the woman was a former store employee. The store manager saw her enter the store and was initially suspicious because he knew she had shoplifted from the store on previous occasions, but during and after her employment.
The store manager watched as she grabbed items off shelves — including sodas, milk, laundry detergent and muffins — before leaving the store. He and another employee confronted her outside, leading her back in the store to wait for police.
While speaking to police, the woman admitted to stealing $177 worth of items last week, according to the report. While initially claiming she was going to retrieve her debit card, she later admitted to the theft, adding she had stolen from the store on at least a dozen prior occasions.
During police’s investigation, the woman answered a call from her husband, informing him she would be “late” because she got caught stealing. She was issued a notice to appear in court, as well as a trespass warning.
BRIEFS
Two FPC students arrested after threatening each other
via text
Two Flagler Palm Coast High School students who the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office reports sent threats toward each other via text in a group chat have been arrested.
The FCSO reports that on Jan. 23, after a photo of one of the students, a 17-year-old girl, was sent to the group chat, an 18-year-old boy replied that he was “going to beat the s--- out of her.” Initially, the teen girl thought it was a joke, and using another student’s phone, the girl replied that she had sent a bomb to his house and it was going to explode in 13 seconds, according to a press release.
The 18-year-old then replied with more threats, including that he would beat her after graduation and that her body would not be found. The girl told the FCSO she didn’t see the threats at the time.
The next day, he pushed her as they were walking in the hallway following a pep rally.
On Jan. 28, the girl spoke with two students who had experienced a similar incident with the 18-year-old. It was then that one of the students showed the girl the threats he had sent prior, and the girl reported the incident to school officials.
Because both made threats, both were arrested. The FCSO reports the girl was arrested for Written or Electronic Threat to Conduct a Mass Shooting or Terrorism Act, and the 18-year-old was arrested for Written or Electronic Threat to Kill or Do Bodily Harm.
“We take the safety of our students very seriously,” said Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore in the press release. “Please remind your children that comments threatening violence or harm are never taken lightly. Students must be aware that threats are not ‘jokes.’”
The girl was turned over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The 18-year-old was later released on a $1,000 bond.
Palm Coast woman jailed for having sex with a 13-year-old boy
A 26-year-old Palm Coast woman who deputies say had unwanted sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old was arrested on Monday, Jan. 27. Deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a report about a delayed sex offense involving Angel Sexton and the 13-year-old victim on Jan. 14, according to a press release. During the investigation, an FCSO detective conducted interviews and analyzed text messages between Sexton and the victim. The FCSO reports the victim was visiting Sexton in December for the holiday and states she used her relationship to “take advantage of the victim, engaging in activity that included kissing, attempted oral sex, and sexual intercourse,” the press release states.
After the victim returned home in January, Sexton maintained contact through text messages, which included telling the victim she intended to leave her husband for him.
Sexton initially denied engaging in any sexual activity with the teen, however the FCSO reports she later admitted that they had engaged in sexual activity, including intercourse.
She was arrested for lewd and lascivious battery in St. Augustine, and later transferred to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she is held on a $25,000 bond.
Volusia County Animal Services euthanize dogs that killed 8-year-old boy
Volusia County Animal Services euthanized two dogs on Thursday, Jan. 30, that killed an 8-year-old boy earlier this month.
On Jan. 13, 8-year-old Michael Millet was riding his bike with a friend in an unincorporated area north of DeLand when he stopped to pet one of the dogs. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reported Michael was mauled and killed by the dogs at the scene.
The dogs were captured by Animal Services and held for the mandatory 10-business day quarantine period,
as state law dictates euthanasia cannot be performed prior to that without an owner’s authorization, according to a press release. During this period. the dogs’ owner could either relinquish ownership or file an appeal. Neither action was taken. The county states it has engaged with Harvard University experts to further research canine hostility, a collaboration that involves sending forensic evidence to Harvard’s Canine Brain Research Group.
Buddy Taylor Middle School student arrested for bringing BB gun to school
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 13-year-old Buddy Taylor Middle School student after he brought a realistic-looking BB gun to school.
According to an FCSO press release, on Jan. 29, school officials overheard two students talking about a student who had a gun. The student was brought to the dean’s office. School officials found a replica Glock 18C BB gun in his backpack.
BTMS School Resource Deputy Jordan Taylor observed that the BB gun had its orange tip removed making it appear to be a real firearm.
The student told Taylor that he was being bullied and brought the BB gun to school to protect himself. He said he had not informed any school staff that he was being bullied because he did not believe they would do anything about it. The student later said he was not thinking and realized he had made a mistake. During the investigation, it was determined that the student’s parent had purchased the BB gun for him thinking it was a toy. Florida law requires that anyone under 16 may only use a BB gun under supervision by an adult.
The student was arrested for possession of a weapon or firearm on school property and possession of a BB gun under the age of 16.
He was taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he was turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice and later released to his parents.
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Make yourself at home
I tried to turn my kids into Newsies
No longer were these called ‘newspapers.’
From here on out, they would be ‘papes.’
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
LETTERS
Do not vilify immigrants
Dear Editor:
I’m an immigrant.
I was 6 years old when I arrived from Cuba and a “drain on taxpayers” when I attended public school. That education springboarded me into college and eventually the classroom where for 40 years I taught science, 28 of them in Volusia County. It’s quite likely I taught you or someone close to you, and I taught you quite well. That would not have happened without the taxpayer subsidized public education for me, an immigrant.
My wife, the daughter of two immigrants, was a doctor in Volusia County for over 30 years. It’s quite likely that you or someone close to you feels better thanks to her medical skills. She too “drained the taxpayer coffers” with her public-school education.
Our sons, born in the U.S., of “immigrant parentage” attended public schools. The oldest immigrant son is now a local physician. The younger is helping John Deere engineer robot tractors. Some of you are feeling better thanks to the former. Many of you are eating better and cheaper, thanks to the latter.
All this was possible because we were fortunate that the country our parents fled from was conveniently in an adversarial relationship with the U.S. This granted us a fast-track to citizenship. Had Cuba been just another dictatorial nation, our lives would have been significantly worse. And the U.S. would have one less engineer, teacher and two fewer doctors. This past election screamed for immigrant reform.
Fine... Fix what’s broken, but please do it without vilifying folks who are trying to come here to work.
Hard workers make this country better. That was true back when Ellis Island funneled immigrants from Europe. It was just as true in San Francisco when boatloads of Asians filed through. It’s just as true now at the U.S.-Mexico border.
We immigrants are as proud to be Americans as the most vehement MAGA voter. Maybe a bit more because we know what the alternative is.
ROBERT HERNANDEZ Ormond Beach
Hooray, fluoride cut from Ormond water
Dear Editor: As a real estate agent, I felt obligated to give a disclaimer to clients looking to buy in Ormond Beach that, although Ormond Beach is the best place to live work and play, the city puts fluoride in the drinking water.
was armed with a stack of newspapers to give away to festivalgoers Feb.1, at the Granada Grand Festival of the Arts. It was a big stack — so big that I started giving them to my children to help. It felt great to get them involved: We would do this together, delivering newspapers, the family business, a bunch of Newsies ready to — “I’m not doing that,” my 15-year-old daughter, Ellie said, keeping her distance. Kennedy, 10, took two copies but wasn’t too enthusiastic. “Does this mean I would have to talk to people?” Luke, 6, took two copies as well, but they somehow
Written on a tube of toothpaste is a warning keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If more than used for brushing and accidentally swallowed, get medical help our contact poison control center right away. Usually these instructions are not translated into other languages.
BARBARA SANDBERG Ormond Beach
Golf rates are comparable to other local courses’ rates
Dear Editor: At the Jan. 28 City Council meeting, Mr. Doug Brown, owner of Cypress Knoll Golf Course, addressed the council and made the claim that the city was subsidizing golf rounds at the rate of $10 per round. The Observer quoted him in its Jan. 30 article about the golf course.
A simple check of the websites of the three local golf courses (Palm Harbor, Cypress Knoll, and Pine Lakes) to examine their posted rate structure puts the lie to Mr. Brown’s statements. Cypress Knoll has two rate structures — one for the public, one for Florida residents. Pine Lakes has a third rate structure for county residents. Palm Harbor has rates for public, Florida residents and city residents. Palm Harbor also offers an annual pass program for $200 that provides a discounted rate to people that purchase the pass. Pine Lakes and Cypress Knoll have no such program.
The “public” morning rate for 18 holes of golf with a cart is $62 at Pine Lakes, $60 at Palm Harbor, and $55 at Cypress Knoll. The Florida resident rate is $54 at Pine Lakes, $52.50 at Palm Harbor, and $48.50 at Cypress Knoll. Pine Lakes charges county residents $49, and Palm Harbor charges city residents $45.50 (7.4% less than Pine Lakes. The national norm is that municipal courses are around 8% less than their public competitors).
I know from personal experience that Pine Lakes offers discounts to larger groups and leagues. Palm Harbor does not. I’m not sure how Cypress Knoll handles that issue.
The pattern for afternoon rates and twilight rates is the same with Palm Harbor being slightly under the Pine Lakes rates and slightly over Cypress Knoll rates (Cypress Knoll does not offer any twilight discounts).
I think it’s time for Mr. Brown to stop spewing incorrect information to the City Council.
MARK GREGOIRE Palm Coast
Raise the greens fee
Dear Editor: You have to wonder if
ended up back on my stack a few seconds later.
“Wait, guys!” I said as my family scattered. “We’re here to hand out newspapers!”
As I began asking people if they wanted a free copy of the Ormond Beach Observer, I was happy to find that most people said yes. A few stopped me and asked for one themselves. Some who declined said they had already picked up a copy elsewhere, or they prefer to read it online.
Still, I secretly felt a bit awkward, and I kind of wanted to stop. I realized I had a choice to make. I could find somewhere to set down the
anyone in the Palm Coast city government can do basic math. Palm Harbor Golf Club has been losing roughly $175,000 per year with over 50,000 rounds played per year, which is a lot. Raise the greens fee by $5 per round and you immediately have a small profit. Raise it by $10 and you have a nice profit and you could use some of that for capital projects and course maintenance improvements. You might lose a few rounds which would actually be a good thing, but the cost of playing would still be incredibly reasonable.
TERRY OVERBEY Palm Coast
Bright pastels great for someplace else
Dear Editor:
My husband and I moved here only five years ago. We were relieved to find out that there were some restrictions on the colors people could paint their homes.
I think bright pastels are great for someplace else, but I don’t want to live across the street from a bright yellow/ pink/blue/whatever home. One of our neighbors, in California, painted her house a very bright turquoise. Another, the color of peach sherbet. No thanks!
ELIZA BRAGG Palm Coast
Current codes are appropriate
Dear Editor: I strongly disagree with lowering our standards to the lowest common denominator. Our current codes regarding house color and work vehicle signage are exactly appropriate for our community. It’s death by 1,000 cuts. It seems like not a big deal, but what’s next? Chickens, fences, signs, park anywhere, lights, noise, etc. Stop. We’re just fine the way we are. Let’s maintain our high standard of quality of living in our lovely city.
LARRY WRIGHT Palm Coast
City must maintain HOA philosophy
Dear Editor: Is Mike Norris “getting us on the right track”? Palm Coast must maintain its homeowners association philosophy. That is exactly what distinguishes our city from our neighboring cities. My wife and I moved here from a gated community in California. During the time we lived there (18 years), the HOA struggled to enforce the CCRs.The board decided to relax some of the standards, i.e., house colors, street parking, commercial vehicles, etc., and eliminated the full time monitoring position. Over time, their actions
rest of the newspapers, about 10 more, and just walk away, assuming that people would pick them up without me. Or, I could go big, playing up the Newsies bit, even if it would embarrass my children.
Like any good dad, I chose the latter.
No longer were these called “newspapers.” From here on out, they would be “papes.”
I started holding up one pape a little higher. Rather than asking people if they wanted a copy, I led with the headline.
Raising my voice above the crowd noise, I went back in time 100 years and shouted, “Fluoride removed from Ormond water! Read all about it! Ormond takes fluoride out of its water supply! Extra!”
Former FPC football coach Daniel Fish responds to Observer article
Daniel Fish, who was removed as Flagler Palm Coast High School’s football coach on Jan. 21, resigned from his teaching position on Jan. 29. What follows is a shortened version of Fish’s response to an Observer article that was published in the Jan. 30 print edition. See observerlocalnews.com for Fish’s entire letter: I would like to address the inaccuracies quoted in your recent article. ... First and foremost, at no point did I ever inform anyone on campus that I planned to step down from or resign as head coach. However, I did express concerns about how I was being treated and spoken to by Principal Bobby Bossardet, which I conveyed to the Athletic Director. ... These issues came to a head during a meeting on Dec. 5, in which Mr. Bossardet repeatedly accused me of recruiting studentathletes. He mentioned that several Matanzas High School students had filed hardship transfers to attend FPC, and one of them specifically cited football as a reason for their transfer. I was completely unaware of this situation. ...
During this meeting, Mr. Bossardet also stated — several times — that all I cared about was winning, claiming that I would compromise integrity to achieve that goal. He further suggested that my employment at FPC was at risk if I had indeed engaged in such behavior. I was both upset and offended ...
When we met again, on Dec. 9, I emphasized that FPC has strong programs and excellent coaches, which naturally attracts students who want to be part of that environment. I ended my statement by adding, “That’s why we had so many wrestlers join our program from Matanzas.” Immediately follow-
resulted in other unintended issues with property maintenance and proved to undermine the overall appearance and integrity of the community. The mayor’s decision to reconsider Palm Coast’s codes and ease restrictions is concerning, regardless of the current makeup of the city.
JOHN AND JEANNE SPURR Palm Coast
These questions are council’s to decide
Dear Editor:
Regarding the Letter to the Editor, “Let People Decide” (Jan. 30) remarking on the mayor’s and City Council’s decision-making on the
My children put their hands more deeply into their pockets so as not to appear recruitable.
One woman walking by said, “Can I have one of those? I’ve been wondering about the fluoride.”
As a matter of fact, all ye citizens of Ormond Beach, yes, you can have a copy. They were made just for you!
“Read all about it! Fluoride! Love it? Hate it? Read all about it!”
When the final copy was firmly in the loving hands of a reader, it was time to go home. Our work here was done. I had succeeded in playing Newsie, and my children had succeeded in pretending they didn’t know that loud guy on the corner.
ing that statement, Mr. Bossardet — FPC wrestling alumni, former FPC head wrestling coach, and brother to the current FPC head wrestling coach — became visibly upset and began making personal remarks towards me such as, “I would fire you right now if I could” and “I will never allow another football player to transfer into FPC again.”
On Dec. 10 I was reprimanded over my gradebook. Mr. Bossardet falsely claimed that I had given every student in the class a 100%, but that was simply not true.
I signed the reprimand only because I was told I had no choice if I wished to keep my job at FPC. ...
During my four semesters at FPC, I received “Highly Effective” ratings — the highest possible — on both of my formal observations. ...
Furthermore, the administration’s solution was to reassign my teaching position — rather than remediate — placing me in charge of a course that had never been taught at FPC, nor by anyone at the school. This felt particularly ironic as well, given that I was reprimanded for the very issue of “failure to plan and effectively implement instructional activities,” yet I was now assigned to teach a course with minimal resources and little to no guidance. ... I believe I missed only two faculty meetings during my entire time at FPC.
I had planned to be at FPC much longer, and having that taken from me so suddenly was incredibly disheartening.
Due to the challenges presented within this work environment, I made the decision to resign. I want to emphasize that I hold no ill-will toward the school. I deeply value the relationships I built with the faculty and staff, coaching staff, and the young men in the football program. To my football family, you will always have my love and support. I look forward to the opportunities on the new journey ahead.
house paint and commercial vehicle issue: Their suggestion to the mayor, made in person, “if he wanted to settle those issues let the people vote on it.”
We have a representative government in Palm Coast. Didn’t we just vote on it last November? And didn’t that election put people in office to make these decisions for us? And didn’t we (allegedly) choose the winners by majority vote depending on how we approved of their policy statements?
I don’t think we need to change to put every decision the mayor and City Council make to a public vote. How soon would voter fatigue set in and render that process dead, and then why would
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we need a mayor and city council?
WARREN MUDD Palm Coast
Fearful to see a freewheeling approach
Dear Editor: I wonder how many folks looking to move to Palm Coast, viewed now as one of the most desirable places to retire and buy a home, will be so put off and disappointed and head elsewhere because they actually wanted a neighborhood of brightly colored painted homes and commercial vehicles parked in residential driveways plastered with advertising signs? Or would they be savvy enough to understand that a “do as you want” freewheeling approach to how a neighborhood looks can drag down property values? Will these prospective buyers be fearful that their next-door neighbors could opt for some unseemly house color palette and park their equally colorful and possibly dirty commercial vehicle with signage on it that could be advertising anything from pizza to an adult toy store?
Would they be deterred from buying here when the local mayor supports radically changing the aesthetics of Palm Coast with that do what you want philosophy? Very possibly. I for one am fearful as to what Palm Coast laws, rules and regulations, or lack thereof, this new mayor has in store for the rest of us folks!
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
Restrictions are why we moved here
Dear Editor: I am 100% against a change in the restrictions in our beautiful city. Those very restrictions are why my husband and I built our house here. We toured the entire state, north, south, east and west, and decided this was the place to retire.
ROSEMARIE KLEIN Palm Coast
Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.
As I walked across Granada Boulevard with my wife and three of our children, I
Palm Coast’s Imagine 2050 will keep community young
Moving the plan forward will allow Palm Coast to grow in a way that is needed while also being smart.
In
The blueprint for this smart and sustainable growth comes in the form of Imagine 2050, a thorough update to its comprehensive plan that includes a new sports complex on the west side of Palm Coast. This new complex, along with other components of Imagine 2050, will bring positive economic benefits that will not only benefit those who live here by helping to alleviate the tax burden on residents, but it will be an advantageous project for years to come.
The sports complex will
also attract new businesses to support its success, such as hotels, restaurants, and supporting retail to name a few, to the area, fostering a vibrant community and increasing the city’s tax revenue, which, in turn, will reduce the city’s reliance on residential taxes, which currently accounts for over 90% of the city’s tax income. This is a great thing for residents and those of us who want to continue to see the area thrive and prosper!
Even more, this complex is expected to draw visitors to the area, who will spend money while in the area on things like lodging, dining,
entertainment and gas — all while contributing to the local economy by doing so. Fortunately, the city has been planning for this possibility and has received state grants to build a road system to funnel traffic westward.
According to the Sports Complex Assessment performed by national sports consulting firm Synergy Sports, the economic impact of the complex in the first year after its completion is projected to be close to $80 million. This figure is expected to increase each year with the economic impact in its 10th year of operation estimated to be over $154 mil-
The economic impact of the complex in the first year is projected to be close to $80 million.
lion. We should also consider that the positive economic impact will likely start during its construction, and additional commercial development to support the complex will also generate more in economic impact.
This is the time for our city to be pursuing something like this, before it is needed, which allows us to do it in a way that is smart, planned out and thoughtful for how we want our community to look like in the short- and long-term. If the city waits and kicks the can on a project like this, we may find ourselves in a situation in where rushed and unplanned development could take place. No one wants to look back 10, 20 or even 30 years from now and wonder where we went wrong in planning the devel-
opment of our community. The bottom line is that the Imagine 2050 plan, including the sports complex, is something that will help us keep this area young and thriving — the reason why we love to call it our home — for many years to come. While we have some new faces on our City Council, I am hopeful, like many in our community, that they will continue to support this needed effort and move it forward so that Palm Coast will grow in a way that is needed while also being smart. Donald O’Brien is a longtime area business owner and insurance agency executive. He served his community on the Flagler County Commission from 2016-2024 and has lived in the area for 35 years.
DONALD O’BRIEN GUEST WRITER
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Putting skills into practice: Indian Trails students helped save a life
Indian Trails Middle School students recognized for quick action during a medical emergency.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Indian Trails Middle School students
Skyler Beaulieu and Avery Churuti received certificates of emergency at the Jan. 28 Flagler County School Board meeting for their quick action during a medical emergency.
At the end of a school day in December there was a major medical emergency on campus involving a school employee, ITMS Principal Ryan Andrews told the School Board. Skyler and Avery were in the class-
room at the time and were prepared to take the proper action.
“Because of their first aid preparedness and their confidence, they were able to start directing other students to move furniture, to go get help, call the front office and even start supporting the person during their medical emergency,” Andrews said.
Their quick response allowed the school nurse and county EMS to respond in less than five minutes and provide life-saving treatment, Andrews said.
Skyler had received certification in CPR and first aid last semester. ITMS heath and physical education teachers Shannon Russell and Ashley Wilson introduced CPR and first aid training in their classes last semester.
“Never did we imagine that these skills would be put into practice so soon,” Russell said.
The teachers had written a grant and received funding for the training, Andrews said. Russell said they certified 109 students in CPR and first aid last semester. And in the second semester as many as 168 more students could receive their certifications.
“Skyler and Avery, your actions saved precious minutes, minutes that made a difference in ensuring that one of our Mustangs received the care they needed,” Russell said.
“Emergencies can happen at any time to anybody. And Skyler and Avery, we were reminded of the power and knowledge and the courage that it takes to act.”
Elevating the arts: Ocean Art Gallery provides space for high-profile artists
Ormond gallery showcases works by nationally recognized artists.
SUZANNE MCCARTHY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ocean Art Gallery, under the direction of owner Frank Gromling, has always made it a mission to bring high-profile artists to Ormond Beach.
On Jan. 21 and 22, the gallery hosted “The Lost Weekend: The Photography of May Pang,” a two-day exhibition that showcased candid photographs of John Lennon by his former personal assistant and companion, May Pang, who was present to meet patrons.
The gallery was born from Gromling’s national publishing company, Ocean Art. Gromling is the exclusive art agent for Eliot Tiber of Taking Woodstock fame and LGBTQ activism. The pointillism art of John Darovitz also graces the gallery walls. His Influencers series features portraits created with tens of thousands of pins in cork.
Furthering its mission to promote the arts in the Ormond Beach community, Ocean Art Gallery offers art workshops, professional framing by certified framer Cherree Mallette and educational lectures. The gallery is located at 197 E. Granada Blvd.
TRIBUTES
Indian Trails Middle School students Skyler Beaulieu and Avery Churuti received certificates and gift bags for their quick action in a medical emergency. Front row: Principal Ryan Andrews, Skyler and Avery and teachers Shannon Russell and Ashley Wilson. Back row: Superintendent LaShakia Moore, School Board members Will Furry, Christy Chong, Derek Barrs, Lauren Ramirez and Janie Ruddy and student board members Jeh-Hanni Strong and Dani Nieves. Courtesy photo
Above: Dallas Doughney, gallery assistant at Ocean Art Gallery, sits in front of John Darovitz’s Modern Pointillism exhibition, The Influencer Series. Left: Cherree Mallette is an artist, curator, art consultant, and certified framer at Ocean Art Gallery
Frank Gromling, co-owner of Ocean Art Gallery and exclusive art agent for Elliot Tiber Art. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy
PLUMBING
LOCAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, FEB. 7
RUMMAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8
Where: Care Cupboard Food Pantry, 205 N. Pine St., Bunnell
Details: Care Cupboard Food Pantry is having a rummage sale. There will be new items for sale as well. All proceeds to benefit the food pantry.
FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Create an art project with instructor Linda King. This month’s project is “Birds in a Nest.” All supplies are provided. No experience needed. All ages welcome. Free program.
ABBACADABRA
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 S.R. 100, Palm Coast
Details: See this ABBA tribute show featuring a team of highly trained vocalists, internationally known keyboardists, percussionists and bassists. The group covers 20 of ABBA’s hits, such as “Mamma Mia”, “Dancing Queen” and “The Winner Takes it All.” Tickets start at $54. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 8
WHAT YOU PLANT
MATTERS
When: 2-4 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Florida Veteran Regains Sight With Groundbreaking Lens Technology
AMIT CHOKSHI, M.D.
FLORIDA EYE SPECIALISTS
For many people, vision problems can be a frustrating part of aging. Whether it’s struggling to read the fine print, experiencing blurry sight at night, or relying on glasses more frequently, it’s a problem that affects millions. But 55-year-old Richard Becker, a retired military officer from Melbourne, is living proof that with the right treatment, achieving better vision at any age is possible. After years of dealing with deteriorating eyesight, Richard finally took the leap and chose to correct his cataracts with the Light Adjustable Lens. I sat down with Richard to discuss what he learned during his experience and how the procedure changed his life
A LONG HISTORY OF VISION
STRUGGLES
Richard’s eye health challenges began more than 30 years ago when he underwent radial keratotomy (RK), a refractive surgery commonly performed at the time to correct nearsightedness. For the next two decades, Richard enjoyed 20/20 vision — even reaching 20/15 at times. But as he approached his 50s, he began to notice his eyesight deteriorating, starting with his astigmatism. His vision, once perfect, became unpredictable, affecting both his near and distant sight. By the time Richard turned 55, his vision had worsened significantly. His left eye was at 20/60, and he struggled with both near and intermediate sight. “I had been relying on glasses and contacts for several years, but my prescription constantly needed updating, and I had to get new ones every six months — the cost just kept adding up,” Richard said.
THE SEARCH FOR A LASTING SOLUTION
For three years, Richard
researched options, hoping to find a solution that would restore his sight. “I didn’t want to wait for a full cataract to develop,” Richard said. “I knew the outcome would be better if I addressed the issue sooner rather than later.”
This led him to discover the Light Adjustable Lens, a groundbreaking technology that can adjust a patient’s vision post-surgery. After evaluating his medical history and discussing his expectations, we decided the Light Adjustable Lens would be the best option to address his vision issues and achieve the precise correction he needed
THE GAME-CHANGER: LIGHT ADJUSTABLE LENS
The Light Adjustable Lens procedure itself was straightforward. Richard was amazed at how simple and painless the cataract surgery was. “I didn’t feel a thing,” he said. “It was one of the easiest surgeries I’ve ever had.”
What sets the Light Adjustable Lens apart is its unique ability to be adjusted after the initial surgery. This customization allows patients to test different prescriptions until the perfect fit is achieved. For Richard, this technology was a game-changer.
Despite the challenges posed by his previous refractive surgery, the Light Adjustable Lens enabled us to fine-tune his vision, eventually improving him from 20/60 to 20/25 — a remarkable outcome.
“I was able to adjust until we found the vision that worked best for me,” said Richard. “The ability to try out different prescriptions was amazing — it was the first time I’d felt in control of my vision.”
LIVING WITHOUT GLASSES AGAIN
As he progressed through his post-op adjustments, Richard found himself enjoying life in
ways he hadn’t been able to for years. Playing tennis and golf without the hassle of glasses or foggy lenses became a reality. “I can see the ball better than ever,” he said. “It’s a huge difference.”
Now, Richard only needs reading glasses occasionally — a far cry from the daily struggle of finding the right prescription. The results were more than just visual improvements; they changed his life. He’s now enjoying each day with a new outlook — one that’s clearer and more vibrant than ever.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better experience,” Richard said. “From the moment I walked into Florida Eye Specialists, I knew I was in good hands. The staff treated me like family.”
A NEW OUTLOOK ON LIFE
Richard’s journey with the Light Adjustable Lens is a testament to how new technology can change lives. “I didn’t think I had many options left,” he said. “But thanks to the Light Adjustable Lens, I’m able to enjoy things I thought I’d lost.”
Amit Chokshi, M.D., is a board-certified ophthalmologist at Florida Eye Specialists. For more information on Dr. Chokshi and his specialties in treating cataracts, visit FloridaEyeSpecialists.com or call 904-564-2020.
dener, Katie Tripp, owner of Natural Beauty Native Florida Landscapes LLC, and Laura Ureta, arborist with the city of Ormond Beach. Free and open to the public.
VICTOR WAINWRIGHT & THE TRAIN
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Join Grammy nominee and seven-time Blues Music Award winner Victor Wainwright and his band, The Train for a night of blues, boogie-woogie and Americana. Tickets start at $50. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.
MONDAY, FEB. 10
2025 GOLF CLASSIC
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Drive, Palm Coast
Details: The Marine CorpsLaw Enforcement Foundation Northeast Florida Chapter will host its 2025 Golf Classic. Registration and breakfast will begin at 9 a.m., followed by the tournament and an awards luncheon. Every player will receive a pullover, sleeve of balls and hot dogs on the turn. Participation for a single player is $150, $600 for four. Visit mc-lef.org/events.
THE GARDEN CLUB AT PALM COAST MEETING
When: 11:30 a.m to 3 p.m.
Where: Club 51 Social Club, 51 Old Kings Road N, Palm Coast
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399
N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Myles “King” Savage is bringing his “Farewell Tour” to Ormond Beach. He is the last living legend of The Last Original Stars of the Platters Salute. See this free pre-show presentation where he will be singing love songs to God from all over the world.
NORTH ATLANTIC RIGHT
WHALES: HOW YOU CAN HELP
When: 1-2 p.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: Join Sara Ellis, lead scientist with the Marineland Right Whale Project, for a 45-minute program about the North Atlantic right whale. Meet at the beachside pavilion. Park entry fees apply.
THE LAST ORIGINAL STARS FROM THE PLATTERS, COASTERS, DRIFTERS AND MOTOWN SALUTE When: 3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399
N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Join Myles “King” Savage from The Platters, Ramon Noble The Drifters, William Cintron saluting The Coasters, and Carmen Harell honoring The Marvelettes for a show featuring timeless Motown classics. Tickest cost $60. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.
SUNDAY, FEB. 23
Details: The Pawpaw Florida Native Plant Society willl present a Dr. Doug Tallamy video entitled “What’s the Rush?” followed by a Q&A; session with Leslie Nixon, master gar-
YOUR TOWN
Ormond’s ‘Costume Crazies’ dress up for a night out
The local “Costume Crazies” group dressed up like Lucy and Ethel on Jan. 22 for their social outing.
The women began their night at the Grind Gastropub and ended at 31 Supper Club.
“It was a fun night with many of the race car crew taking pictures with us and chanting ‘Lucy You got some ‘splaining to do,’” said founder Pamela Baird Mengel in a statement to the Observer.
Details: Guest speakers for the the Garden Club at Palm Coast include Carol Mini, urban forester for the city of Palm Coast, as well as Bob Coble and his partner Bug from WE SHARPEN 4U. Visitors are welcome to attend. Visit gardenclubatpalmcoast. org for meeting schedule.
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 12
MYLES SAVAGE: SINGING LOVE SONGS OF GOD When: Noon
PALM COAST BIBLE CHURCH CAR SHOW When: 2-5 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Bible Church, 94 Whiteview Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Attend this “Show & Shine” car show. Free entry. Six trophies to be awarded. There will be a bake sale, children’s activities, a worship band, Elvis tribute performer, free food and door prizes. All donations help send children to church camp.
The Costume Crazies was founded by Baird Mengel, of Ormond-by-the-Sea. To learn more, join the
TRIBUTES
Amit Chokshi, M.D.
The Costume Crazies dress up as Lucy and Ethel. Courtesy photo
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
A house in Palm Harbor tops sales list in Flagler
Ahouse at 11 Collingville Court in Palm Harbor was the top real estate transaction for Jan. 18-24 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Jan. 24, for $950,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a boat dock and 3,279 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $575,000.
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
PALM COAST
Belle Terre
A house at 41 Princess Dolores Lane sold on Jan. 24, for $390,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,957 square feet.
Bonn Terra Estates
A house at 8 Emily Place sold on Jan. 24, for $360,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,973 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $225,000.
Indian Trails
A house at 49 Brockton Lane sold on Jan. 24, for $345,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,044 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $211,200.
Lehigh Woods
A house at 12 Ralph Place
sold on Jan. 24, for $365,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,832 square feet.
A house at 89 Rose Drive sold on Jan. 22, for $220,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,787 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $82,500.
A house at 23 Red Birch Lane sold on Jan. 22, for $274,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,352 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $112,200.
A house at 6 Ransire Lane sold on Jan. 22, for $219,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $95,100.
Matanzas Woods
A house at 25 Leidel Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $439,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,251 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $150,000.
House in Wexford Reserve sells for $500K
Ahouse at 4123 Clifden Drive in the Wexford Reserve subdivision was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Jan. 1117. The house sold on Jan. 16, for $500,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,268 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $417,000.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
ORMOND BEACH
Fitch Grant
The house at 400 S. Ridgewood Ave. sold on Jan. 15, for $285,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,008 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $130,000.
Lake Walden Cove
The house at 40 Lake Walden Trail sold on Jan. 16, for $386,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 1,919 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $220,000.
Seminole Park
The house at 190 Oleeta St. sold on Jan. 15, for $230,000.
BIZ BUZZ
Realty Executives
Oceanside adds five agents
A house at 4 Lyons Place sold on Jan. 20, for $334,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,237 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $128,000.
Ocean Hammock
A house at 19 Sandpiper Lane sold on Jan. 24, for $820,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,286 square feet.
Palm Harbor
A house at 62 Folcroft Lane sold on Jan. 23, for $243,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has and has a fireplace and 1,723 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $82,900.
A house at 33 Frenora Lane sold on Jan. 22, for $375,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,870 square feet.
Quail Hollow A house at 54 Karas Trail sold on Jan. 24, for $322,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,650 square feet.
Reverie at Palm Coast
A house at 10 Silver Glen Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $474,793. Build in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 2,186 square feet.
Seminole Woods
A house at 55 Underwood Trail sold on Jan. 24, for $380,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,363 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $413,000.
Built in 1951, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,330 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $235,000.
Triton Beach
The house at 125 Atwood Lane sold on Jan. 17, for $405,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,397 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $117,000.
Condos
The condo at 1 John Anderson Drive, Unit 510, sold on Jan. 13, for $430,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 2,230 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $254,000.
The condo at 180 Limewood Place, Unit A, sold on Jan. 15, for $185,000. Built in 1986,
Realty Executives Oceanside, 235 Palm Coast Pkwy., NE Suite B, is expanding its team with five additional agents: Kim Moore, Maureen Grover, Peter Naumann, Laura Castro Moro and Marisa Robbins. “These agents bring with them a depth of knowledge and experience in the Flagler County market and will be an excellent addition to our energetic and professional office culture,” Bruce Vinnick, Broker/Owner of Realty Executives Oceanside, said in a press release. “We are excited to support their growth and success with our superior technology, marketing tools, and concierge-level support.”
Chiumento Law attorney wins pro bono award for the seventh time
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,164 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $65,000.
The condo at 3390 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 204, sold on Jan. 16, for $300,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,213 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $127,000.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Beau Rivage Shores
The house at 137 Beau Rivage Drive sold on Jan. 13, for $300,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,419 square feet. It last sold in 1977 for $41,900.
Kingston Shores
The townhome at 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 86, sold on Jan. 16, for $110,000. Built in 1973, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,252 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $160,000.
Not in subdivision
The house at 2405 John Anderson Drive sold on Jan. 17, for $419,900. Built in 1964, the house is a 2/2 and has 2,060 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $110,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Sullivan.
Chiumento Law announced that attorney Vincent Sullivan, a partner at the firm, has been honored with the Jay Grife Pro Bono Award for the seventh consecutive year, according to a press release. This award recognizes his dedication to providing free legal assistance to those in need through St. Johns County Legal Aid. To qualify, an attorney must donate at least 100 hours annually to pro bono legal services. Sullivan’s continued recognition highlights his dedication to bridging the justice gap for individuals unable to afford traditional legal representation. Sullivan began his legal career in 2015. He has lived in Palm Coast since 1999 and graduated from Matanzas High School in 2008.
ORMOND BEACH
Vincent
File photo
BUSINESS OBSERVER
BIZ BUZZ
(Douglas Property & Development), Scott Sowers (Cline Construction) and David Whelan (Hulbert Homes);
associate directors Richard Collins (Goosehead Insurance), Michelle James (Space Coast Credit Union), Debby McAlister (Gotcha Covered), Teresa Schwarzkopf (Anchor Electric), Anjanette Stevens (Southern Title) and Joseph Wright (Quantum Electrical Contractors).
Life directors serving on the board are Tony Amaral Jr., Jim Gonce, Sandra McDermott, Luis Medeiros, Eric Phillips, Robbie Richmond, Charles Rinek, Budd Severino, Brad M. Thomas, Roy Waldhauer and Frank Whalen.
exception redevelopment plan that will allow a Flagler Beach coffee shop owner to construct a 250-square-foot drive-thru coffee shop at 14 S. Yonge St. Dan Sundell, of SunBros Cafe, will demolish the existing building, which used to be the former Massey Auto Brokers property, to construct a SunBros Coffee location. This is the second drive-thru-only coffee shop proposal approved by the commission.
supported by ongoing donations from the community to the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation.
Spectrum helps CareerSource improve local career center
Barrick installed as president of Flagler Home Builders Association
The Flagler Home Builders Association held its annual gala on Jan. 23 at the Hammock Dunes Club and installed its 2025 president, executive committee and board of directors.
Robbie Barrick of Integrity Homes is the Flagler HBA’s new president. Barrick has served on the Flagler HBA Board of Directors since 2023 and has been an FHBA member since 2021.
The 2025 Executive Committee includes: Vice President Frank Whalen (East Coast Building Corp.); Secretary Ruen Beane (Allied Restoration & Construction); Vice President of Committees Kaleigh Rickard (SmartGuard Shutters); Treasurer Donald O’Brien (Hayward Brown); Immediate Past President Lisa Stewart (Southern Title) and Past Vice President of Committees Wendy Barbosa (Fifth Third Bank).
The 2025 Board of Directors include: Builder directors Sam Bond (Ascent Homes), Jay Curbow (Blue Water Homes), Tali DeJesus (1621 Building & Remodeling), Walker Douglas
In addition to the installation of the leadership team, four awards were presented:
2024 Builder of the Year: Frank Whalen, East Coast Building Corp.
2024 Associate of the Year: Michelle James, Space Coast Credit Union.
2024 New Member of the Year Award: Teresa Schwarzkopf, Anchor Electric
2024 Good Government Award: Donald O’Brien, Hayward Brown.
Franklin Street to lead leasing for The Promenade
The Franklin Street Retail Services team will lead leasing for The Promenade at Town Center, a 230,000-square-foot mixed use development in Palm Coast which is expected to complete construction in 2026. The Promenade will include 204 residential units and 57,000 square feet of commercial space of retail, restaurant and professional office uses on the ground floor. The developers of The Promenade are Persimmon Capital Partners LLC and the project broke ground in July 2024, according to a press release.
“This is an exciting project, and our team is ready to identify and secure tenants to ensure this development is a top-tier destination for this rapidly growing community for generations to come,” said Ricky Ostrofsky, regional managing director of Franklin Street’s Jacksonville office in the press release.
Applications open for UNF MedNexus challenge
Applications are being accepted for the 2025 UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge.
The competition offers teams of regional high school students the opportunity to pitch innovative solutions to evolving healthcare needs while competing for scholarship prizes.
The fourth annual UNF MedNexus Challenge will take place on April 3, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Palm Coast Community Center. It is presented by the University of North Florida in partnership with the City of Palm Coast and Flagler Schools and sponsored by AdventHealth.
This year’s theme, “Becoming a Health Influencer,” challenges teams of four high school students to develop strategies on how to influence teen health positively through social media.
The first and second-place teams will win scholarship
funds — $1,000 per team member for first place, $750 for second-place team members.
“This challenge empowers students to think creatively and address real-world healthcare issues, all while building invaluable skills,” UNF MedNexus Coordinator Hannah Boudreaux said. “We look forward to seeing the innovative ideas these students bring to the table.”
Visit https://www.unf.edu/ UNFmednexus/innovationchallenge-25.html
SunBros drive-thru coffee shop OK’d by Ormond Beach
A new drive-thru coffee shop — this one locally owned — is coming soon to Ormond Beach.
The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved on Jan. 21, a special
SunBros Café opened in 2021 at 301 Moody Blvd. in Flagler Beach.
AdventHealth Cancer Resource Center
Spectrum donated $32,000 to CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia on Jan. 25, a donation that is part of its five-year $30 million philanthropic initiative to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training programs in underserved communities where Spectrum operates.
moves to
Freytag Center
The Judith C. Macko Cancer Resource Center, a support space for cancer patients and their families, has found a new home in the Freytag Cancer Center at the AdventHealth Palm Coast campus, according to an AdventHealth news release.
Previously located inside the hospital, the space offers free resources, including wigs, specialized bras, hats and comfort items, to help patients navigate their cancer journey with dignity and support.
Supplies for the center are
Since 2022, Spectrum has donated more than $192,000, including the recent donation, to
The Promenade will include 204 residential units and 57,000 square feet of commercial space. Courtesy rendering
Spectrum presents a check for $32,000 to CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia. In the photo (left to right): Kate Wallace, with Spectrum; Marva Johnson, with Spectrum; Jake Johansson, with the Volusia County Council; Lloyd Gregg, CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Board Chair; Marci Murphy, Executive Director of CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia; Rahman Khan, with Spectrum; Nancy Miller, Mayor of Daytona Beach Shores; Bill Partington, Florida House of Representatives; and David Robinson, with the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy photo
Flagler Home Builders Association’s 2025 President Robbie Barrick with Executive Director Annamaria Long. Courtesy photo by Brice Mack, Lens2Listing
Non Sequitur
Nancy
Mother Goose and Grimm
The Duplex
In the Bleachers
Cornered
Ziggy
The Fusco Brothers
Pearls
SPORTS
‘Amazing journey:’ Matanzas pitcher Leah Stevens commits to Florida
After impressing the Gators at two camps, Stevens will play softball for UF next year while majoring in aerospace engineering.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
It has been a tough two years for Matanzas High senior softball pitcher Leah Stevens, but her offer from the University of Florida to play softball for the Gators next year couldn’t have been more serendipitous.
“I am beyond excited,” she said Friday, Jan. 31, one day after announcing her commitment to one of the top college softball programs in the country. “I’ve wanted to go to Florida since I was little.”
Stevens already had been accepted into UF’s University Research Scholars Program. She plans to major in aerospace engineering and hopes to eventually become a rocket scientist. “I want to go into propulsion and
designing rocket systems and things like that,” she said. “The University of Florida is really good with research, so I’ll be in some research opportunities and networking that are really amazing. They have a really good aerospace program. I’m really excited because Florida is kind of the epicenter of aerospace. It’s the best of both worlds. It’s everything I wanted in my college experience. I’m going to a great school for softball. It’s a great academic school. It’s close to my parents; they can come to my games. So it’s just everything I wanted.”
Her academic opportunity came with no surprise.
“She is a student first,” Matanzas softball coach Sabrina Manhart said.
“She is one of the smartest kids on our campus.”
But the softball offer seemed like an impossible dream just five months ago. Stevens missed her sophomore softball season after suffering from a cerebral venous sinus thrombosis, a type of stroke caused by a blood clot in the brain’s venous sinuses which prevents blood from draining out
of the brain. Stevens was on blood thinners and blood-clot dissolving medications for over a year. She was told she may not be able to play softball again.
But she returned last year and had an outstanding junior season. While still recovering, she compiled an 11-4 record in the pitching circle with a minuscule 0.87 earned run average and 196 strikeouts in 88.2 innings pitched — she struck out more than two batters per inning.
However, her year out of softball put her behind in the recruiting process. She was supposed to play fall ball for an elite travel team from out of state that would have given her great exposure, Manhart said, but that team disbanded.
“She had to guest play which made it difficult to find her way into big tournaments where the power five schools were recruiting,” Manhart said. “We discussed the possibility of walking on, because with her high academic standing she could probably be accepted to the schools she was interested in on her own.”
But with new NCAA Division I roster limits next year, teams can no longer expand their rosters with walk-ons.
“We kept high hopes, knowing every college needs a good pitcher,” Manhart said.
Manhart spoke to a friend who coaches softball at a major college school up north. She suggested that Leah get her pitch spin rate data from a Rapsodo device that uses radar technology and a camera to track the flight of a ball. She would able to share those numbers with college coaches and get Stevens on the recruiting radar. Manhart had a feeling the numbers would be pretty good.
“Leah throws hard,” Manhart said, “But more so than how hard she throws is how much spin she has on her ball.”
FPC wins four runner-up medals at Rotary
The Bulldogs placed third at the 39th annual Flagler Rotary wrestling tourney which drew many of the top teams in the state.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast sophomore
Trey Twilley was participating in his second Flagler Rotary Invitational wrestling tournament, and he noticed the competition stepped up a bit this year.
“There are a lot more good teams this year, and a lot of top-ranked wrestlers,” Twilley said.
Twilley was one of four FPC finalists, helping the Bulldogs finish third among 37 teams at the 39th annual Flagler Rotary tourney Jan. 31-Feb. 1 at the FPC gym. The Bulldogs did not have any individual champs, but they sent nine wrestlers to the final round of competition of first-, third- and fifth-place matches.
Twilley (126 pounds), Kevin McLean (113), T.J. McLean (120) and Carson Baert (157) all took home second-place medals, while Braden Dailey (106) and Ronden Ricks (150) placed fourth, Melique Joseph (215) placed fifth and Joslyn Johnson (wrestling against the boys at 106) and Doyvonne Leadon (165) placed sixth.
Matanzas senior Mason Obama placed fourth at 157 pounds.
New Smyrna Beach won the team title with 214 points. Oviedo Hagerty (206.5) edged FPC (200.5) for second place. Winter Springs (171) and St. Cloud Harmony (167.5) rounded out the top five.
“We usually cap the tournament at 32 teams and we end up with about 29 to 31,” FPC coach David Bossardet said. “This year, we had 37; we were pushing it a little bit, which is good. We want more competition.”
The tournament ran efficiently, Bossardet said, with the second day of competition ending much earlier than in years past. The credit, he said, goes to tournament director T.J. Gillin.
“He spent weeks getting it ready,” Bossardet said. “He spent the past three days on his computer nonstop. I’m definitely happy with how the tournament ran, and T.J. gets all the credit.”
Former FPC head coach Steve DeAugustino began the Flagler Rotary tournament in 1987, and he has been a part of it every year since as head coach, athletic director and now assistant coach.
In its first year, the tournament drew eight teams, DeAugustino said. In past years, it drew teams from throughout the east coast.
“We had teams from Maryland, New York, New Jersey. Teams wanted to come down here, because it’s warm (in January). But teams could afford to travel back then,” DeAugustino said. Now, the Flagler Rotary draws many of the top wrestling teams in the state of Florida.
Since Manhart did not have access to the device, she called up Florida softball coach Tim Walton in September just to ask for his Rapsodo rep’s contact information. Walton said the Gators were hosting a camp that weekend and if Stevens attended they would test her there. He added, “No pressure, but we haven’t signed a 2025 pitcher yet.”
After the camp, UF’s coaches watched Stevens pitch in a big tournament. Then they invited her to another camp in January where she would see better hitters. By the end of the month, she received the offer.
“At every point, Leah handled the pressure, knowing this was her big shot,” Manhart said.
It turned out that Stevens’ spin rate was comparable to the Gators’ top pitcher, Keagan Rothrock, who was the 2024 Southeastern Conference freshman of the year and the nation’s leader in wins, complete games and innings pitched.
Stevens’ interest in UF goes back several years. She first attended a
“Their coaches are amazing. The team’s amazing, everyone’s so nice. I’m excited to be around that culture. I thought it was a long shot for me, especially with the delay in my recruiting. Once they were interested. I was like, if they offer me, I’m going there. No doubt, no doubt.”
LEAH STEVENS, on committing to Florida
Gators softball camp when she was 12 years old after her family moved to Palm Coast from Virginia.
“My dad’s from Florida, and he’s a big fan of their football team,” she said. “So when we moved down to Florida when I was in middle school, I was like, I really want to go to their camp because they have a really good softball team. I’ve just always admired how amazing their team is. They just have a great culture. Their coaches are amazing. The team’s amazing, everyone’s so nice. I’m excited to be around that culture. I thought it was a long shot for me, especially with the delay in my recruiting. Once they were interested. I was like, if they offer me, I’m going there. No doubt, no doubt.” Stevens said effects from her ailment are behind her and she’s back to feeling like her old self.
“I’m feeling great now,” she said. “I’m back to normal and I’m excited for this season.”
“I’m so happy for Leah,” Manhart said. “She is going to thrive under (the Gators’) coaching and be surrounded by like-minded students in her academic arena as well. I’m so thankful it all worked out because she is a special person and player, and her amazing journey will continue.”
Timm happy, winning at
The 144-pounder has a 28-2 record after placing fifth at the Flagler Rotary tournament.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Seabreeze High wrestler Spencer Timm was winning his quarterfinal match at the Flagler Rotary invitational on Friday, Jan. 31, when his opponent, Baker County’s Jareb Lauramore, hit the mat hard and didn’t get up right away. Lauramore went into concussion protocol and Timm was disqualified from the match because of an illegal mat return, a call that should not have been made, Seabreeze coach Paul Shuler said.
“The referee claimed (Timm) had a trapped arm. She delayed calling it. The video showed there was no trapped arm,” Shuler said. “The head referee agreed and the ref agreed after she watched the video, but there’s nothing we can do about it. There’s no video review in high school wrestling.”
Bossardet was encouraged by his team’s overall performance. Freshman Kevin McLean will probably seen his finals opponent, Harmony wrestler Nathan Lyttle, again at the state championships. Lyttle won the final with a 13-7 decision, handing McLean just his fourth loss of the season.
Twilley will also likely see his finals opponent, Bartram Trail’s Mario DiBella, at the region and state meets. DiBella won a 5-2 decision.
“I thought (Twilley) wrestled pretty well,” Bossardet said. “A call didn’t go our way, and those things happen. So, we got to be able to take that guy down. That’s what we’re going to focus on for the next couple weeks, but overall, we ended up third and I’m not disappointed. It’s not like, ‘hey, we’re excited we finished third,’ but I do like the effort of the overall team.”
Timm, who entered the tournament with an undefeated record, wound up finishing in fifth place in the 144-pound weight class. He won his first consolation match on Saturday, Feb. 1, with a 13-12 decision over Creekside’s Luke Manghisi then got pinned in the third period by Bishop Moore’s Angel Prieto in the consolation semifinals. Ironically, Timm won the fifth-place match by forfeit over Lauramore, who did not return to the tournament after the quarterfinal.
“Spencer didn’t wrestle his best Saturday,” Shuler said. “He was a little out of it.”
But the junior is enjoying his season after transferring from New Smyrna Beach High School last year.
After going 4-2 at the Rotary tourney, he has a record of 28-2.
Timm said he quit New Smyrna’s wrestling team before districts last
Seabreeze
year for his mental health. But he’s happy now at Seabreeze.
“Everything’s going great,” he said. “I like the team, I like the coach, I like the freedom I’m given to go my own route, instead of be confined to something.”
Shuler said Timm has a great attitude and is a hard worker in the wrestling room.
“I think he has the potential to reach the podium at state,” Shuler said.
Timm could wind up meeting former New Smyrna teammate Jonathan Bruner at state. Bruner won the Rotary title at 144 pounds.
Timm moved to Daytona Beach from Wisconsin when he was in eighth grade. He has been wrestling since he was in kindergarten.
“My dad wrestled all the way up to his sophomore year in high school, and then he moved and they didn’t have a wrestling team. That’s how I got into it. But I think it was my sister’s best friend’s brother who really got me into it,” Timm said. “He wrestled and I looked up to him, so I decided to try it. I’ve wrestled hundreds of matches and put in
dreds of hours.”
His goal this season is to make it to state and finish with a medal and then he will try to qualify for the first time to the prestigious U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, in July.
Matanzas’ Leah Stevens thought she might pitch at a mid-major because of her recruiting delay. Now she’s committed to the University of Florida.
Leah Stevens throws a pitch to Deltona’s Payton Woerner in the district softball championship on May 2, 2024. Photo by Brent Woronoff
hun-
Spencer Timm is thriving on the Sandcrabs’ wrestling team. He entered the Floragler Rotary Invitational with a 24-0 record. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FPC’s Ronden Ricks (right) wrestles New Smyrna Beach’s Merrick Miller in the 150-pound third-place match at the Flagler Rotary.
FPC’s T.J. McLean, Trey Twilley, Kevin McLean and Carson Baert all placed second at the Flagler Rotary. Photos by Brent Woronoff
SIDE LINES
BTES Bobcat 5K set for Feb. 15
The Belle Terre Elementary School Bobcat 5K and Kids Fun Run is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 15 at BTES. The event includes a health fair after the run. Awards include best costume for children under 12, adults and couple/ family, finisher medallions and top three male and female overall and age group winners. Entry fee is $35, $20 for students 18 and under. Proceeds benefit the school’s PE program. For more information, go to: runsignup. com/Race/FL/PalmCoast/ BTESBobcatKHealthFair.
Pirates win, Sandcrabs fall in soccer playoffs
Seabreeze’s girls soccer team lost 1-0 to New Smyrna Beach in the Region 2-5A quarterfinals on Feb. 4. The Sandcrabs were coming off a 1-0 win over New Smyrna in the District 6-5A title game. The Matanzas boys traveled to Niceville on Feb. 4 and defeated the Eagles 3-2 in the Region 1-6A quarterfinals. The Pirates will travel to Mandarin in Jacksonville on Friday, Feb. 7 for a regional semifinal. Email brent@ observerlocalnews.com
Bulldogs’ Brinker set for last lift at state
When Flagler Palm Coast senior Madeline Brinker was a freshman, her primary sport was rowing. But weightlifting changed her life, so much so that she quit rowing this year to concentrate on the high school girls weightlifting season.
Brinker is one of eight area lifters to qualify for the girls state championships Feb. 14-15. Of the eight, Brinker’s teammate Nya Williams, Seabreeze’s Sofia James and Father Lopez’s Bergyn Baliton have the best chance of winning a state title.
Baliton is a two-time state champ. She won the 110-pound class at the Region 2-1A meet on Feb. 1 in both the Olympic competition (snatch and clean and jerk totals) and traditional competition (clean and jerk and bench press totals). She is the top-seeded lifter at state in both with a 295-pound total in traditional and 275 pounds in Olympic.
Williams is the top seed at 119 pounds in the Class 3A Olympic competition and the fifth seed in the traditional competition. The sophomore placed first in Olympic and second in traditional (both with a 315-pound total) in the Region 1-3A meet on Feb. 1 at FPC.
James placed second in both competitions in the 169-pound weight class in the Region 2-2A meet in Gainesville. Heading into the Class 2A state meet, she has the thirdhighest traditional total (385 pounds) and the fifth-highest Olympic total (320 pounds). James placed fourth at state last year in traditional with a 350-pound total.
The other state qualifiers are Ryann Parkinson of Matanzas in 101-pound traditional in Class 3A after placing fifth at region; Seabreeze’s Madison James in 101-pound Olympic in Class 2A after placing placing fifth at region; Father Lopez’s Victoria Viera at 119 pounds in Class 1A in both competitions after placing second in both events at region; and Father Lopez’s Alexa Galvedon at 129 pounds in Class 1A in both competitions after placing third in traditional and second in Olympic at region.
Brinker will be competing at state for the second year in a row. She qualified for the Class 3A 101-pound
Olympic competition after placing third at region. She tied Parknson with a 200-pound traditional total at region but finished two spots behind the Matanzas senior for seventh place based on body weight.
Brinker has an chance to medal at state if she can have a good day in both of her lifts, FPC coach Duane Hagstrom said.
“(At region) she had a great day on snatch and didn’t have the greatest day on clean and jerk,” he said. “She’s one of my few (lifters) that have been around for four years. She’s been very successful.”
Brinker said Hagstrom saw a spark in her over three years ago that she didn’t see in herself.
“This weightlifting team has helped me in more ways than he knows,” she said. “Coming into high school I was dealing with the loss of my father. I was the quietest pipsqueak. I would shy away in a corner. Now, I’m not afraid to be a leader in the room. He helped me grow mentally and physically.”
Hagstrom said he saw something in her.
“She was super powerful for an 85-pounder or whatever she weighed when she was a freshman,” he said.
“And she had the tools I knew that it took to be successful. She’s been a workhorse. She’s trained with me year-round with very little time off for four years and at the same time she was a competitive rower.”
Brinker had been a rower for about six years with the Palm Coast Rowing Club. As the coxswain she was responsible for steering the boat. This past year, she stepped away from rowing to prioritize weightlifting. Brinker and Williams are the co-captains of the team this year and they will serve as each other’s top cheerleaders at state, Brinker said.
“I’ll be surprised if Nya is not a state champion,” Brinker said.
Williams placed fifth in Olympic and seventh in traditional as a freshman at state last year in the 110-pound class. She didn’t have her best day at region, she said. She missed her last clean and jerk attempt of 185 pounds, but she had already clinched the Olympic title with a 175-pound lift.
“It’s going to come down to the third clean and jerk for the state championship, because there’s three other girls who have the same total or five pounds under. So, It’s going to be a fun little battle,” Hagstrom said.
FPC’s Nya Williams (left) and Madeline Brinker are both headed back to the state weightlifting championships. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Courtesy photo
FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Petition for Temporary Custody by Extended Family IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR Flagler COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2025 DR 000096 Division: 47 Sheree Browne & Andrew Browne Petitioner and Ryan J. Harris & Nicola M. Navarino Respondent. TO: Ryan J. Harris {Respondent’s last known address} unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sheree Browne & Andrew Browne, whose address is shereebrowne1@gmail.com, on or before 3/15/25, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. MOODY BLVD. BLDG#1, BUNNELL, FL, 32110, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s
The administration of the estate of Anibal Alves Moreno, deceased, whose date of death was November 12, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. 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
discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a
demand is
by a creditor as specified
s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All
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 February 6, 2025. Personal Representative: Darrick J. Moreno 25 Casper Drive Palm Coast, Florida 32137
Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: Dvidal@legalteamforlife.com
Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com February 6, 13, 2025 25-00035G
of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the petitioner and the petitioner’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 tile their claims with this court WITHIN 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 SECTION 33.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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.
A Personal Representative or Curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the Decedent’s death by the Decedent or the Decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a Creditor, as specified under s. 732.2211.
ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: February 6, 2025. Petitioner: Justyna Czerniawski 757 Willard Ave., Newington, CT 06111
weeks@FloridaDEP.gov Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this workshop/meeting is asked to advise the agency at least 5 days before the workshop/meeting by contacting:
(TDD) or 1-800-955-8770 (Voice). If any person decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at this meeting or hearing, he/she will need to ensure that a verbatim record of
SECOND INSERTION RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2019 CA 000222 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC. ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2006-OA18, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OA18 Plaintiff(s), vs. DMITRI LOZOVSKY A/K/A D. LOZOVSKY; et al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to the Order Granting Motion to Reschedule Foreclosure Sale entered on December 21, 2024 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Tom Bexley, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 7th day of March, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: Lot 7, Block 102, Palm Coast, Map of Easthampton, Section 34, according to map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 11, Pages 30 through 49, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property address: 102 Evans Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup. com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO ACCESS COURT FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. TO REQUEST SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINISTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE THE SERVICE IS NEEDED: COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711. Respectfully submitted, PADGETT LAW GROUP BETZY FALGAS, ESQ. Florida Bar # 76882 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile) attorney@padgettlawgroup.com Attorney for Plaintiff TDP File No. 20-028964-1 Jan. 30; Feb. 6, 2025 25-00027G
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000511
METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. CHARLENE LASHINSKY; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHARLENE LASHINSKY; DONALD C. LASHINSKY; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, and ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure (In Rem) dated January 17, 2025, entered in Civil Case No.: 2024 CA 000511 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, and CHARLENE LASHINSKY; DONALD C. LASHINSKY, are Defendants. TOM BEXLEY, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 21st day of March, 2025, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 14, BLOCK 21, PALM COAST MAP OF ROYAL PALMS SECTION 31, ACCORDING TO PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 43, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After the funds are reported as unclaimed, only the owner of record as of the date of the Lis Pendens may claim the surplus.
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODA-
THIRD INSERTION
AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION (formal notice by publication) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA File No. 2024 CA 000574
Division: 61 Andrew S. Zarharchuck, Plaintiff, v. Leona Nuss
Defendant.
TO: Leona Nuss, last known address of 5 Watkins Place, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Complaint for Partition has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Wendy A. Mara, Esq., 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste.D-10, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 on or before March 6, 2025, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice. Signed on 1/10/2025 TOM BEXLEY Clerk of the Court (SEAL) /s/ Amy Perez Wendy A. Mara, Esq. 555 W. Granada Blvd., Ste. D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Jan. 23, 30; Feb. 6, 13, 2025 25-00021G
FOURTH INSERTION
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA Roanoke City Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court Case No. JJ052347 Commonwealth of Virginia, in re: Saiylex Grey McKelvin City of Roanoke DSS v. Donovan James McKelvin
The object of this suit is to: terminate the residual parental rights of Donovan James McKelvin pursuant to Virginia Code Sections 16.1-283(B) and 16.1-283(C) and 16.1-283(C)(1) and approve the goal set at the permanency planning hearing of adoption. “Residual parental rights are defined by Section 16.1-228 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended as the rights and responsibilities remaining with a parent after the parent loses custody of a child, including, but not limited to the right to visitation, consent to adoption, the right to determine religious affiliation, and the responsibility for support. The termination of your residual parental rights will permanently end all of your rights and responsibilities to the child named in the petition. The ties between you and your child are severed forever and you become a legal stranger to the child.” It is ordered that the defendant Donovan James McKelvin appear at the abovenamed Court to protect his or her interest on or before March 6, 2025 at 9:00 am. Michelle Esparagoza, Clerk Jan. 16, 23, 30; Feb. 6, 2025 25-00010G
TIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILI-
TIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386)2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES
PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACID-
ADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL
Dated: January 23, 2025 /s/ Brian L. Rosaler
By: Brian L. Rosaler
Florida Bar No.: 0174882. Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. 1701West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Telephone: (954) 360-9030
Facsimile: (954) 420-5187
INSERTION PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the
intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act Statutes (Section 83.801 - 83.809). The undersigned will sell by competitive bidding at lockerfox. com on Thursday the 20th day of February
Jwawn Beauford: Furniture,
Tammy Krieger: Totes, Boxes. Zenja Pearson: Totes, Boxes. Timothy Cauley: Fish tank, Totes. Cyperianna Murray: Boxes, Ladder, (VEHICLE - NOT TO BE SOLD) Adam L Brown: Bags, Wheelchair, Ramps. All purchased items are sold as is, where is, and must be
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on 2/14/2025 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1977 CELT HS CELTFL73007U & CELTFL73007X. Last Tenants: CHRISTOPHER DAVID SPANGLER AND SHIRLEY P GREEN and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at CS1031 MAPLEWOOD ESTATES MHC DST DBA MAPLEWOOD ESTATES, 1000 CHAMBERLAIN BOULEVARD, PORT ORANGE, FL 32127. 813-241-8269. Jan. 30, Feb. 6 25-00013V
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 CP 000879 IN RE: ESTATE OF JUNE ALICE STALKER, Deceased. NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JUNE ALICE STALKER, deceased, whose date of death was July 1, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney is set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is 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
