Palm Coast Observer 02-13-25

PALM COAST

Developer goes toe to toe with city

Is Cascades entitled to more than 416 units?

A judge might have to answer that $12 million question.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

The Cascades isn’t going away quietly.

The Palm Coast City Council voted on Feb. 4 to reject the developer’s claim that it had been illegally denied its ability to develop its property, three miles south of Seminole Woods Boulevard, to its highest use.

The developer intends to follow through on its threat.

“The City has left my client no other option but to file suit under the Bert Harris Act and other causes of action,” attorney Michael Chiumento wrote to the Observer on Feb. 11, representing the developer, Byrndog PCP.

“The law suit will be filed in the

future as deemed appropriate.”

Cascades was brought to Planning Board once and City Council three times over the past two years; the developer has sought an amendment to the city’s Future Land Use Map, to allow 850 residential units in the Cascades. Previous to annexing into the city, Cascades had been approved as a planned unit development, under Flagler County codes, at a maximum of 416 residential units.

State agencies reviewed the 2023 proposal and had no comments or objections. The Planning Board recommended approval by a vote of 4-1. City staff recommended approval, noting that the increase of units would result in an “increase on the demand for services and infrastructure” that would be evaluated during the site plan/ platting process. “Any deficiency found in the infrastructure system may require the developer to pay a proportionate share of the improvements necessary to address the deficiency.”

Before getting to the site plan/ platting process, the City Council voted to limit the total units to 416, denying the max of 850, due to concerns with overdevelopment in Palm Coast. In response, Byrndog sent a letter citing the Bert Harris Act, along with an appraisal that put its property as being worth more than $12 million.

On Feb. 4, the City Council, led by Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, voted to reject Byrndog’s letter. By doing so, the council stood firm against allowing more than 416 residential units, and also accepted the risk of the lawsuit.

The developer maintains that it has been entitled to 850 units — or more — all along, and that the city’s votes are not legal.

“My client has never asked the City for any additional unit as suggested by members of the Council,” Chiumento wrote to the Observer. “Under the Bert Harris Act, the only available remedy is compensation in the amount identified in the appraisal we provided the City.”

Flagler Beach Fire Chief Robert Pace honored at retirement ceremony

Flagler Beach Fire Chief Robert Pace celebrated his retirement during a ceremony on Friday, Jan. 31, held at Santa Maria del Mar Parish Hall. Pace had led the city’s fire department for 12 years, dedicating a total of 20 years of service to fire rescue.

“We are extremely thankful for all of your hard work and dedication,” the Flagler Beach Fire Department stated on its Facebook page. “Over your tenure, you have made the city a safer place. You will be missed by us all.” Pace announced his intent to retire in December 2024, stating that serving as Flagler Beach’s fire chief “has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career. ... Flagler Beach is more than a city: it’s a family.”

At the Jan. 31 ceremony, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly honored Pace’s years of public service by naming him an honorary deputy.

seventh grader Teddy Totten won the 2025 Flagler County Spelling Bee. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Under DEP pressure, City Council considers steep water rate increases

Four rate increases of 8% each would bump monthly bills for some residents about $35 to $45 per month by Oct. 1, 2027.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Even if no one ever builds another home in Palm Coast, water and wastewater treatment facilities require $701 million in upgrades and maintenance, according to city staff. As a result, a financial consultant explained at a City Council workshop Feb. 11, the City of Palm Coast needs to increase its utility bills for residents by 32% in the next two years.

Mayor Mike Norris and City Councilman Ty Miller were clear in their support to do whatever it takes to ensure that water and wastewater utilities are sound.

“We have to fix the system,” Miller said. Although the increases to residents won’t be pleasant, “We can’t continue to operate where our water systems are not doing what you deserve.”

“We’re in a tough spot,” Norris said. But, “we can’t keep kicking the can down the road.”

Norris added that he, as well as Miller, campaigned heavily on this issue.

“My No. 1 platform was revitalizing our infrastructure,” Norris said. “We have to do it.”

The City Council will vote on the plan twice, March 4 and March 18.

TRIM THE BUDGET?

The utility rate increase would be split up into four 8% increments: on April 1, 2025; Oct. 1, 2025; Oct. 1, 2026; and Oct. 1, 2027. The total impact could be about $35 to $45 per month on a bill for a household that uses 2,500 to 4,000 gallons of water per month.

While Norris and Miller indicated they are in favor of the plan, two City Councilmen were absent: Ray Stevens and Charles Gambaro.

City Councilwoman Theresa Pontieri, meanwhile, was unconvinced. She was concerned that so much burden — $413 million of the total $701 million in utility improvements — would be bonded based on fees paid by residents, rather than more of the cost being funded by developers and the state.

“We have to fix the system. ... We can’t continue to operate where our water systems are not doing what you deserve.”

TY MILLER, city councilman

“My position is that we need to trim this down even more,” she said.

Carl Cote, director of Stormwater and Engineering, responded that any “fluff” was already trimmed from the list in response to City Council’s requests in 2023. Now, if the city doesn’t pay to expand water capacity in addition to wastewater treatment capacity, the state will levy fines against the city.

In the end, it’s up to the City Council to set the policy, which Cote summed up this way: “Do we want to wait till it breaks to fix it? Or do we want to be proactive?”

CONSENT DECREE

One year ago, on Feb. 20, 2024, the City Council voted against increasing the utility rate.

Two months later, on Dec. 12, 2024, the city received from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection a letter known as the Consent Decree or Consent Order, which orders the city to increase its wastewater system’s capacity and improve performance.

City Watch

‘Creative with efficiencies’

What kind of city manager does Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri want to hire for the City of Palm Coast? Someone who is “creative with efficiencies,” Pontieri said on Feb. 7, on WNZF’s “Free For All Friday.”

Micro surfacing

The city will be adding highperformance micro surfacing to over 30 residential roadways, beginning this spring, according to a city press release. The process involves the application of granite aggregate and polymerized asphalt emulsion, creating a protective layer that shields the underlying asphalt. This method increases the longevity of road surfaces while enhancing their aesthetic appeal, offering a smoother and stronger finish.

The following local residential roads will get the treatment, based on road quality data: Ballard Lane, Ballenger Lane, Baltimore Lane,

Barbera Lane, Barkley Lane, Barkwood Lane, Bassett Lane, Carr Lane, Cerrudo Lane, Collins Lane, Eastgate Lane, Eastman Lane, Eastmoor Lane, Fairbank Lane, Faircastle Lane, Fairmont Lane, Lancaster Lane, Lansdowne Lane, Louisburg Lane, Louvet Lane, Post Lane, Post Oak Lane, Post Tree Lane, Postman Lane, Rosecroft Lane, Rosepetal Lane, Royal Leaf Lane, Royal Palm Lane, Royal Tern Lane, Wood Center Lane, Wood Clift Lane, and Wood Crest Lane. Residents will be notified in advance of work beginning on their streets. Visit www.palmcoast.gov/ pcprogress.

Sen. Scott’s rep. visits In an effort to secure funding and support for utility infrastructure projects, City Council member Charles A. Gambaro Jr. organized a tour of Palm Coast’s Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 for District Director Barry Cotton, of Sen. Rick Scott’s Office.

“We’re committed to aggressively pursuing grant opportunities,” Gambaro said.

it will be less likely to fund individual cities’ projects in the future, Palm Coast Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo reported.

In addition to the City Council voting against rate increases in 2024, other attempts to fund the improvements have, so far, been unsuccessful. The city requested $46.4 million from the state last year, but got just $2 million. The city also applied for, but did not get, a $10 million grant for gravity sewer pipelining. Moreover, the state has indicated

Specifically, Wastewater Treatment Plant 1, located on Utility Drive and built in 1979, has a permitted average annual flow of 6.83 million gallons per day. In 2024, sanitary sewer overflows occurred, indicating the system is over capacity; and, some samples from the plant failed to meet parameters, indicating water quality was not satisfactory to DEP. Therefore, DEP requires that the city complete about $270 million of upgrades to Wastewater Treatment Plant 1 by December 2028. (The other $430 million or so in improvements is related to wells, water treatement and wastewater treatment.)

Impact fee increases are being implemented. Before May 2024, new homes paid $9,435.54 in impact fees for water and wastewater. By May 1, 2027, that will increase to $12,221. The cost of operations for the utility department is expected to increase from $38 million to $50.5 by 2029, or about 7.4% per year. Because of increasing costs of chemicals and electricity, the average cost to treat 1,000 gallons of water has risen from $1.84 in 2019 to $2.49 in 2024, an increase of 35%.

Palm Coast Wastewater Treatment Facility 1. Courtesy photo

Flagler County asks municipalities to help fund beach renourishment

In a joint county workshop, officials were approached about helping fund a beach management plan. Some called it ‘a new tax.’

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Beach renourishment is a countywide effort, said Andy Dance, chair of the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, at a joint workshop meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

“From Bunnell, Flagler Beach, Beverly Beach, Palm Coast — all of us together need to make this beach

nourishment work,” Dance said.

The question is, how will they all come together to fund it? A resident beach tax? User fees?

Last December, the Flagler County commission approved a resolution that would pave the way for a new property assessment tax for residents of unincorporated areas on the barrier island of Flagler County.

The tax is a funding option for the county’s beach management plan, and was proposed as a solution last summer.

In addition to the beach tax, the beach management plan would be funded through the county’s tourist development tax, its half-cent sales tax, state and local appropriations and grants, and ad valorem taxes.

At the workshop — which was also attended by officials of Flagler Beach, Palm Coast, Bunnell, Beverly Beach and the town of Marineland — County Commissioner Greg Hansen said Hurricane Matthew was the “eye opener” for the county in terms of beach renourishment. Prior to the 2016 hurricane, the county had experienced gradual erosion, but it was “nothing alarming,” he said.

Looking back at previous studies, the county discovered it had lost 70 feet of beach in the years prior to and after Matthew combined. It was then Flagler County, which didn’t have a beach management plan, started working on one, but funding was a

Blueprint for the future

Ormond Beach’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update nears completion.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

The city of Ormond Beach grew by 18% from 2010 to 2024.

According to U.S. Census data, Ormond Beach’s population totaled 45,140 last year. Population projections presented to the Ormond Beach City Commission during a workshop on Tuesday, Feb. 4, predicted the city’s population will increase to 63,562 people by 2045.

How should the city plan for that growth?

The commission’s workshop surrounded an overview prepared by staff regarding the city’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan Update, which is a state-required policy plan directing officials on future growth, preservation and public infrastructure.

“Basically, it’s a vision of a blueprint of what the city desires to become in the future,” Planning Director Steven Spraker said. At least every seven years, Florida Statutes require local governments consider amending their comprehensive plans. The last comprehensive plan update in Ormond Beach was completed in 2010 and planned for improvements through 2025. In 2017, the city determined an update was not needed.

The city began gathering input for its 2045 update last summer, with

BRIEFS

key hurdle. The engineering firm the county hired to help with the plan, Hansen said, advised them to find their own source of funding.

“They kept saying, ‘You’re not going to be in the game unless you got something to put in the game,’” Hansen said. “Unless you’ve got funding, you can’t rely on FEMA and the federal government and the state government to fund your beach renewal every year.”

The county has a plan, and proposals on how to fund it, Hansen said. But it needs help from the municipalities.

“If we have to do it ourselves, we’ll do it,” he said. “But that’s not fair.”

Flagler Beach City Commissioner James Sherman said his city wants to ensure this doesn’t become a burden of only the residents of the coastal communities. Of the beachgoers that frequent Flagler Beach, Sherman said data records show 72% are Palm Coast residents.

“We do want to be a part of this, but also we want to make sure everybody is paying their fair share into this,” Sherman said.

But not all of the municipalities, including those on the coast, were on board with pitching in to fund beach renourishment.

Beverly Beach Mayor Stephen Emmett said “taxes do not cut it.”

“You will never control nature,” he said. “Man cannot control it. The

best you can do is try to survive it, and rebuild the best you can. We bought where we live. Nobody told me to buy on the ocean. I did because I wanted to be next to it.”

Dance said what the county is trying to do is mitigate the more damaging effects of mother nature. The county isn’t denying that the beach is heavily used by residents throughout the county and from outside of it.

Tourism is a “huge part of the economic engine,” he said.

“As we continue to go back with additional nourishments at the intervals stipulated by the Army Corps, those do require additional funds and part of what we’ve gone through in this process is trying to figure out ways to pay for that,” Dance said.

The other option is doing nothing. The county can be a “one-anddone” in terms of beach nourishment, but, Dance said he worried this will result in the loss of federal and state partnerships to help the beach in the future.

Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris said he doesn’t see proposing another tax to city residents — not when the city is facing a “water crisis” of its own, referencing the ongoing stormwater issues the city is working to address. The largest tourist tax revenue, he said, comes from Hammock Dunes Beach Resort.

“I hate the word fair because life’s

not fair,” Norris said. “We are not a beach city and it’s hard. I’ll be hardpressed to go back to my City Council and say, ‘Here, here’s another fee we want to tack on you.’”

The city doesn’t receive any revenue from the unincorporated barrier island residents, but they still utilize Palm Coast resources, such as water, Norris said.

He’d contribute to beach nourishment if the barrier island was incorporated into his city limits, Norris said.

As “unappetizing” as bringing back a suggestion of a tax would be to Palm Coast, it would be the same for Flagler Beach, Flagler Beach City Commissioner Scott Spradley said.

“If this were an easy problem to work through, we wouldn’t be sitting here right now,” Spradley said. “No one likes the idea of additional expense to maintain what we have and have had forever.”

Hansen said officials shouldn’t be close-minded on the issue, and should instead walk away from the workshop with the mindset of being open to what the plan will look like.

“We have a plan to go forward without any help at all, and we can do that,” Hansen said. “It’s kind of hard to swallow, but we can do that. But, it it really is something that the whole county should participate in ... and it’s not raising your taxes.”

The program was designed to address the present-day leadership

the Planning Board reviewing different elements at its meetings.

Some notable updates to be included in the new plan are:

„ Deletion of the Heavy Industrial future land use category

„ Updated the Coastal High Hazard Area and Storm Surge map

„ Proposed changing the name of the Leisure Services Department to Parks and Recreation Department

„ Updated level-of-service standards for water, sanitary sewer and solid waste

„ Updated its Art in Public Places policy

Flooding and housing needs were two topics that generated conversations at the workshop by commissioners.

City Commissioner Lori Tolland mentioned the recent county discussions on maintaining canals and ditches, and asked staff about looking at the city’s existing stormwater management policies to see which areas could be improved upon to prevent future flooding.

Commissioner Harold Briley said he and Assistant City Manager Sean Finley recently looked at some ditches that used to be under county jurisdiction and but are now the city’s responsibility.

“Our Public Works staff is always working,” Briley said. “They’re working on different things and sometimes you don’t have enough personnel to be able to go out and clean the ditches. But I think what we can do — especially what we can do as a city — is identify those areas

issues that affect mid-level through chief fire officers.

“This is a great program that expands your leadership base,”

Aspinwall said. “As division chief of training, I see the benefits in immersing yourself in all educational opportunities to become a better asset to the team and the community. Just because you may no longer be on ‘the line’ running calls, does not mean you can stop learning.”

Flagler emergency management director to lead state group

Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord was elected and then sworn in as President of the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association last week, during its annual meeting.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication, expertise, and the respect you’ve earned among your peers,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said.

“Administration is incredibly proud to see you take on this role, and we have no doubt that you will make a lasting impact.”

This is Lord’s 10th annual term as

that need attention.”

Part of the problem, he added, are retention ponds owned by homeowner’s associations. Briley said HOAs often don’t keep their ponds clean, either due to finances or being an “afterthought.”

“A lot of the stormwater facilities within those subdivisions flow into those ponds, and if it can’t take the water, is that the city’s fault? It’s really not,” Briley said.

Within Ormond Beach city limits, the city maintains 27.3 miles of ditches, Finley said. The Florida Department of Transportation maintains 12.5 miles, the Florida East Coast Railway maintains 1 mile and Volusia County maintains 12 miles. About 4.5 miles of ditches are privately owned, and for about 12.5 miles, it’s unknown who is supposed to maintain them. Finley said some

board member of FEPA. He served nine consecutive years on the board, and was elected treasurer for each of those years, but took two years off before making the decision to run for the office of president.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve Flagler County and my peers statewide as we collectively tackle ways to better prepare our communities for disasters,” Lord said. “FEPA provides great collaboration with emergency managers from both public and private sectors throughout the state to share best practices and evolve the emergency management profession.”

In 2022, Lord received the FEPA “Gary Arnold Award” for his service to improving the emergency management community in Florida.

FCSO adds new K-9 trained in electronic storage detection

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has added a new K-9 to its team: Birdie, the agency’s first electronic storage detection K-9. Birdie, a black Labrador retriever, will serve alongside Detective Cpl. Mark Moy in the digital forensics

of those belong to HOAs.

On the housing element, Spraker reported that most of the growth coming to the city will be from the new Plantation Oaks subdivisions, such as Archer’s Mill, as well as Ormond Crossings.

“We see development coming through there and we expect those to continue,” he said.

Ormond Beach ranks ninth among Volusia’s 16 municipalities and the unincorporated county areas regarding the number of new residential construction building permits issued between Quarter 1, 2020 and Quarter 3, 2024. Over the four-year period, the city issued 380 permits.

In contrast, Daytona Beach issued 3,937 permits, with the unincorporated county areas and the city of DeLand trailing behind with 2,273 and 2,227 permits issued.

unit, a press release stated. She was born on Nov. 24, 2022, and was purchased from Jordan Detection K-9 through a federal grant.

Birdie can assist detectives on search warrants and is trained to seek out electronic devices believed to contain evidence of a crime, including flash drives, hard drives and cell phones, the press release states. ESD K-9s are trained to detect specific odors used in the production of electronics.

“We’re excited to welcome K-9 Birdie, who will be an incredible asset for our digital forensics unit,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “Electronic Storage Detection K-9s have be-

“That’s why we feel the pressures on Granada Boulevard and some of our north-south corridors such as Williamson and Clyde Morris,” Briley said. The Planning Board will discuss the comprehensive plan update at its next meeting on Feb. 13. The amendments will come before the board for final recommendations on March 13, and arrive to the City Commission on first reading on April 15.

SURVEY RESULTS

As part of the 2045 Comprehensive Plan update process, city residents were invited to partake in a survey; 196 responses were submitted. Of those surveyed: „ 52.38% said Ormond has enough affordable housing. A total of 32.28% said there was not enough, and 15.34% said the city had more affordable housing than needed.

„ 56.77% listed stormwater improvements as a high priority for future improvements or expansion of infrastructure. A total of 40.63% also ranked roadway expansion as a high priority.

„ Traffic management and infrastructure improvement, controlled development and preservation of green spaces, and community and amenities were listed as top priorities to focus on over the next 20 years.

come valuable tools used by law enforcement to find the evidence criminals may be hiding. Often these criminals may be exploiting children or involved in human trafficking. These dirtbags will soon learn they cannot hide electronic evidence of their crimes from Birdie or FCSO.” Florida residents can replace concealed weapon license

Residents are now able to replace their statewide concealed weapon license at the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office Flagler Beach Branch, 2525 Moody Blvd. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson partnered with Florida Tax Collectors to pass legislation that extends this opportunity to all residents of Flagler County and the state of Florida.

“I am pleased to be able to offer this service to all Florida residents. Our team is ready to assist you with your replacement license, renewals and new applications. You do not need an appointment, just stop by our Flagler Beach Office. We are happy to assist,” Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson said in a press release.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continued the Flagler Beach beach renourishment project on Aug. 9. Photo by Jake Montgomery

An aerial view of Ormond Beach’s Granada bridge. Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock/Jeff Whiting

Gil Aspinwall. Courtesy Photos

Birdie is the FCSO’s first electronic storage detection K-9.

Higher density, taller buildings? Incentivizing low impact development

The Volusia County Council voted 6-1 to adopt a voluntary ordinance on low impact development standards. Environmentalists were pushing for a ‘hybrid approach,’ with some mandatory standards.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Low impact development practices will remain voluntary in Volusia County, but officials are hoping developers implement them as they now come with incentives — more density, flexible lot sizes and increased maximum building heights, to name a few.

During a special meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, the Volusia County Council approved two ordinances surrounding LID and green stormwater infrastructure by way of a 6-1 vote. According to the county, the ordinances aim to eliminate barriers to LID and green stormwater infrastructure practices and “develop alternative and voluntary processes, standards, development regulations, and incentives” for implementation during a project’s design phase.

The council’s decision doesn’t line up with what the county’s Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Committee recommended. Back in June 2023, ENRAC — an advisory board that was on the chopping block last year, but was saved due to a tied vote — recommended county revise its Land Development Code to implement a “hybrid use” of LID and green stormwater infrastructure to mitigate flooding and nutrient pollution. The hybrid approach would include both mandatory and voluntary practices.

Councilman Jeff Brower was the

lone vote against a voluntary ordinance, saying he wanted the council to take “bold action.”

“It’s not a magic bullet,” Brower said. “It’s not a silver bullet, but it will go a long way to solving our long term flooding issues.”

Initially, some council members voiced wanting to take a hybrid approach to LID, but pivoted once others pushed for keeping LID voluntary.

“We all want to see low impact development tested out and try to see if it works, but the mandate — all we may do with mandates is drive developers out of the county,” Councilman Don Dempsey said. “They may just pack up and say, ‘Heck with this, we’re going to go to Lake County and do a subdivision.’”

Dempsey said the county doesn’t want to scare developers away, but he does want to incentivize they use ENRAC’s recommended LID practices.

ENRAC Committee Chair Melissa Lammers said the board advocated for a hybrid approach because members recognized that, while development can’t be 100% LID, all projects can employ some techniques.

“We believed collectively that that had the greatest chance of success and of being that beta test,” she said.

“And we thought it was fair. You had some requirements of LID and then you could choose to do more and have incentives with it.”

Additionally, when the board was

“It’s not a magic bullet. It’s not a silver bullet, but it will go a long way to solving our long term flooding issues.”

JEFF BROWER, Volusia County Council Chair

first working on recommendations for LID, they were working under the constraints of Senate Bill 250, which the county no longer needs to abide by. The bill banned local governments located within 100 miles of anywhere Hurricane Ian or Nicole made landfall from proposing or adopting “more restrictive or burdensome amendments to its comprehensive plan or land development regulations,” before Oct. 1, 2024.

Without the constraint, ENRAC members advised the council to take hybrid approach.

ENRAC board member Wendy Anderson, an environmental science professor, said she has been teaching LID principles in her university courses for 15 years. She questioned the value of putting a voluntary ordinance in place, especially in the wake of the significant flooding experienced by the county, impacting thousands of residents. The ordinance, she said, was presented as a solution to implement in future building to mitigate flooding risks.

“And not just voluntary, but actually gives away incentives like increased density or discounts on fees just for choosing to do the right,” Anderson said.

Forward thinking leadership, Dream Green Volusia founder Suzanne Scheiber said, doesn’t need incentives. Scheiber previously served on ENRAC.

“Volusia County cannot claim forward thinking, pioneering, or innovation by offering incentives of such magnitude,” she said. “We support low impact development as required. We do not support incentives to do the right thing. Just do the right thing.”

According to county staff’s example, a developer would be eligible for certain incentives if he or she:

„ Preserved all of the floodplain on the property, equal to 30% of the site

„ Retained a larger natural landscape buffer around the property boundary

„ Clustered the subdivision on the remaining 70% of the site

Dr.

„ Created an internal multi-use trail connecting to a larger trail network

„ Utilized a wet pond with additional stormwater storage, a pretreatment system and included native plants

„ Utilized rain gardens, which combined with other “best management practices” would equal 10% of the site.

This project would then be eligible to be more dense, include taller buildings, have flexibility on lot sizes, building setbacks and off-street parking, as well as reduced tree placement requirement and permit and application fees. Variances and waivers would not be required either.

“Not every project is going to need or want all of these incentives,” said Ginger Adair, county director of environmental management. If the county had implemented LID a year ago, Councilman David Santiago said homes would have still flooded in the last storm.

“There’s statements that are being made that this would prevent the flooding that happened,” Santiago said. “I don’t want those people to leave this room thinking that, if we done this, because some have accused us of failing, if we had done this a year or two ago, it’s probably safe to say — it’s unfortunate — but we’d be in the same position with the

homes that were were affected.”

He initially was leaning toward the hybrid option, but after hearing comments from Dempsey and Councilmen Jake Johansson and Danny Robins, who expressed apprehension at imposing more restrictions on developers, Santiago said he would support a voluntary approach.

“Seven out of seven of us ran on less government ... and making government larger by adopting mandatory regulations that still no one has been able to provide no measurable data to say that it will stop or prevent flooding to the people that we hear about — that’s the pickle I’m in,” Robins said.

Brower said he was sorry to hear council members still debating if LID practices work to mitigate flooding. It works, he said, and it would have helped had they been implemented five years ago. Brower said one of the causes of flooding are “the big, ugly retention ponds where water leaks through the sides, where spillway systems purposely dump water into the neighboring properties.”

“We’ve recommended [LID] for four years that I’ve been here,” Brower said. “The comp plan has always said we recommend this, but it’s optional. Nobody does it.”

from Florida’s Infectious Disease Specialists

District 1 Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey. File photo

Fire Department holds first awards ceremony

Ceremony honored the Firefighter, Driver Engineer, Captain and Paramedic of the Year.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Ormond Beach Fire Department held its first awards banquet on Jan. 24, recognizing several firefighters and crews for their achievements.

In 2024, the department handled 9,401 responses, battled 116 fires, responded to 4,752 EMS and Rescue calls, managed 154 hazardous conditions and handled over 1,500 service calls.

This year’s Ethan Wilson Firefighter of the Year award went to R.L. Durham. The award is named after late OBFD firefighter Ethan Wilson, who died in 2023, and honors Durham’s dedication and compassion.

Wilson’s widow, Ashley, presented the award. She shared a time she and her husband were on their way to the beach and she saw news of another department’s awards ceremony.

Wilson, who once joked he would earn the designation himself, didn’t truly care about being Firefighter of the Year because “it weaved through him innately, all the characteristics you want in someone caring for you and working next to you on your hardest day,” Ashley Wilson said. The Firefighter of the Year award honors a firefighter who embodies the same dedication and compassion, she said.

New rules would prohibit new homes near airport

An overlay ordinance is required for airports to ensure safety.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Amid concerns regarding safety and noise from citizens, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners will review an airport overlay ordinance for adoption at its meeting on May 3.

adopted ... Those that exist now would be treated as nonconformities.”

Current homeowners within the restriction zone would be able to continue to live in their homes and complete home improvements, but, should a catastrophic event take place, such as a fire or hurricane, they would not be allowed to rebuild.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

The department also recognized its Driver Engineer of the Year, acting Capt. Nick Nates. Battalion Chief Keith Crockett, who presented the award, said it was a recognition of one of the most critical roles in the department.

“This year’s recipient has shown remarkable dedication to their craft, consistently striving for excellence,” Crockett said. “... this individual has proven they are not only committed to their own growth but also to the growth of those around them.”

Crockett also presented the Captain of the Year Award to Capt. Hunter Ramirez. This is a recognition of exemplary leadership, dedication and the ability to inspire and guide a

Durham recently received his paramedic license, was named rider of the year, and has demonstrated a will to learn by attending extra courses. He also lifts up his crew and everyone around him with his constant smile, Ashley Wilson said.

team, Crockett said.

“He is a trailblazer, leading by example with a positive attitude and a tireless commitment to ensuring every member of his crew is prepared and confident in their abilities,” Crockett said.

The award of Paramedic of the Year went to Driver Engineer Robert Zalewski. Battalion Chief Travis Taft said the award recognized “outstanding skill, compassion, and dedication in one of the most demanding roles in our profession.”

“This year’s recipient has exemplified what it means to be a paramedic through his unwavering dedication to his craft and the people he serves,” Taft said. “... Known for his exceptional clinical skills and aggressive patient care under pressure, he is someone his peers and patients trust wholeheartedly.”

NOTABLE SERVICE Four crews were also hon -

ored for their service during a notable call.

„ Capt. Joe Dupree, Zalewski and Durham for responding to the January 2023 active shooter situation at AdventHealth Daytona Beach, where a 76-year-old woman shot her terminally ill husband in a murder-suicide pact.

„ Nates, Driver Engineer Denton Sawyer and firefighter Zach Snyder for responding to a December 2023 fire at local apartments. They conducted the search to rescue anyone trapped inside, and pulled a victim from the building.

„ Capt. David Randall, Driver Engineer Luke Hoynoski and firefighter Zander Harper for responding to an April 2022 fire where a bedridden victim was trapped inside. The crew located the victim and rescued them.

„

Capt. Carrie Davis, Driver Engineer Dale Kelly and firefighter Marc Pinkman for responding to a 2023 Christmas Day incident where a vehicle carrying a mother and three young children hydroplaned off I-95, overturning into a water-filled ditch. Bystanders quickly rescued the family, but the crew retrieved the Christmas gifts.

Flagler County’s proposed ordinance — which is a statutory requirement for airports to ensure safety through zoning regulations regarding potential hazards or obstructions — is modeled after an ordinance by the Florida Department of Transportation, said Adam Mengel, county growth management director. During a workshop on Feb. 10, commissioners were given an overview of what the Airport Protection Overlay Zone will look like.

“Frequently, I think the assumption here with the airport zoning is that airport zoning in some way would do something grand beyond the extent of the airport,” Mengel said. “This is a a requirement through DOT to preserve the air space, and so we really shouldn’t be thinking in any other terms other than that.

This is something to protect your public investment in your airport itself.”

The Airport Protection Overlay zone would prohibit new residential construction in the area, impacting some vacant residential lots in the U section off Seminole Woods Boulevard and the Z section off Belle Terre Boulevard.

“We have not talked to our counterparts at the city, how that would be handled,” Mengel said. “Would it be a cutout? It would be a taking if this was

Jane Gentile-Youd was the only citizen to speak at the workshop, though several residents spoke at a Feb. 5 joint meeting regarding noise complaints and safety concerns surrounding the Flagler Executive Airport. GentileYoud said she hopes that the proposed ordinance is sent to “every homeowner who has complained about noise.”

“This ordinance [...] was written like Flagler County airport wasn’t even built yet — like the homes weren’t even here,” she said. It doesn’t address safety concerns on touch-and-go operations by flights schools, she added.

“If the airport goes back to what it should be, which is an FOB, fixed-based operators, you would never have this airport noise,” Gentile-Youd said. “You wouldn’t have to worry so much about the overlays.” How will the county implement the Airport Overlay zone, if the ordinance is approved? Mengel said one option is through an interlocal agreement with Palm Coast and Bunnell. If the Veranda Bay development is annexed into Flagler Beach, then it would also need to enter into the agreement.

The other alternative, Mengel said, was to create a joint planning board for the airport, but that was an unpopular opinion among staff from the impacted jurisdictions when speaking about the issue in years prior.

Ethan Wilson Firefighter of the Year R.L. Durham (right) poses with his fiancee (left) and Ethan Wilson’s family, Ashley and Coast Wilson (middle). Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach

Police rescue 17 malnourished dogs

Ormond Beach officers responded to a motel to find dogs inside a trailer with no water.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach Police have arrested a 36-year-old Orlando man after officers discovered 17 malnourished dogs in his trailer.

Community Service Officer Christian Stephens asked police officers to respond on Monday, Feb. 3, to the Econo Lodge at 1567 N. U.S. 1 after discovering dogs were present inside the trailer. Once police arrived, they heard barking coming from the trailer, as well as saw multiple dogs confined in cages inside. The trailer had no air conditioning or ventilation system, was parked on an area without shade and none

COPS CORNER

JAN. 30 TIME TO MOVE ON (AND AWAY)

8:45 p.m. — 100 block of Dix Avenue, Ormond Beach Disturbance. Police officers responded to a residence after receiving a call about a vandalism in progress. When they arrived, they discovered that the incident was actually a dispute between tenants over a washing machine. According to a police report, one of the tenants, a 58-year-old woman, accused the other, a 30-year-old man, of taking a washing machine from the home’s shared laundry room and cutting the water drainage pipes. The man

of the cages had food or water bowls, according to a police report. It was not the first time the CSO had encountered the trailer, which was registered to Neddrick Thomas. On Jan. 29, Stephens has spotted the unattended trailer in the motel parking lot, and spoke with Thomas over the phone, who said the dogs were “not abandoned and had been left alone for less than an hour,” according to the police report.

Police used bolt cutters to enter the trailer, finding four adult dogs, three juvenile dogs all estimated at around 8 months old, and 10 puppies.

“None of the cages had a water or food bowl present within the confines,” the report states. “All of the dogs appeared to be severely malnourished and thirsty, and had traces of urine and feces on them. The cages had soiled newspaper on the bottom.

told police that the washing machine was his — and that he was removing it from the laundry room because he was moving out.

Both parties, the report states, accused the other of being aggressive, and police note the woman’s yelling could be heard from several houses away. However, no actual crime was committed.

JAN. 31 RELAXATION STATION

10:37 p.m. — 1200 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Loitering. Police arrested a 39-year-old Daytona Beach man who was seen lying under work vehicles in a local business plaza.

Police suspected the man was looking to remove catalytic converters. When officers arrived, the man was still lying under a work vehicle and told

All 17 dogs were taken to the Halifax Humane Society.

The motel manager told police that Thomas was told to leave on Jan. 29 due to having more than five dogs in his room. The manager said he had returned since a couple times to feed the dogs, but the last time was seen was at 11 p.m. on Feb. 2.

Records showed he had checked in at the motel in October 2024.

Thomas was arrested Feb. 4. He told officers that he hadn’t been back on Feb. 3 to feed his dogs because he had been at the Halifax Humane Society trying to get treatment for another dog, whom he chose to surrender to be euthanized as he couldn’t afford her care — the dog had a “severe openwound to her face and lips,” according to a report. He told officers that the Econo Lodge employees were supposed to be taking care of his dogs.

to stand up, at which point he was detained. In response to being asked what he was doing, the man said he was lying down “relaxing,” the report states.

Officers asked him where he lived, and the man said he “kind of lived everywhere.” He said he had entered the business park because he was “kind of drawn to it.”

He was taken to jail.

FEB. 2 OH DEER

4:19 a.m. — Intersection of Town Center Boulevard and Central Avenue, Palm Coast Driving without a license. After crashing into a tree line, a 20-year-old Palm Coast man appeared to deputies to be “in a panic,” stating that a deer had run out in front of him. When asked for his license, the man said he didn’t have

Doctor arrested on child abuse charge

In tears, Dr. Garrett’s son ran to deputies when they arrived, asking for help. He said she struck him in the head and chest.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Christine Garrett, a medical doctor with a practice in Palm Coast, was arrested Feb. 2 on a felony charge of child abuse, after she struck her adopted son with a plastic garbage can and striking him multiple times, according to an arrest report written by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The report says that Garrett told her son to “clean up some wrappers he had on the floor by his computer.” They got into an argument, and Gar-

one. The deputy later confirmed this was true, and discovered the man was on probation for a misdemeanor.

As the deputy tried to detain him, the man resisted and tried to talk on his cell phone, then knocked off the deputy’s body camera.

He was taken to jail.

FEB. 3

A SIDE OF DRUNKENESS

4:52 p.m. — 1400 block of Palm Coast Parkway North West, Palm Coast Breach of peace. Deputies arrested a 56-year-old Palm Coast man who caused a drunken disturbance at a sandwich shop.

The deputy woke the man up and asked him to leave, but the man said he was going to “stay right where he was,” the report states. He was taken to jail.

rett told deputies that “she intentionally struck” him over the head with the garbage can. She told the reporting deputy that her son “ran off, calling 911.”

However, Garrett’s son and daughter reported that the confrontation continued.

Garrett did not immediately respond to a requeset for comment.

When deputies made contact with the son, whose name and age are redacted in the report, he was locked in the bathroom. “Upon seeing Law Enforcement,” the report states, “he exited the bathroom crying and ran, grabbing onto Deputy Bishop, saying he needed help.”

The son told the deputies that when his mother hit him with the garbage can, he fell forward and hit his eye on the desk.

The son said Garrett then punched him multiple times

BRIEFS

Ormond Beach area cleaning company owner arrested for jewelry theft

The owner of a local cleaning company was arrested on Jan. 29, after the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office reports she stole $18,500 worth of jewelry from a customer.

About two weeks before, on Jan. 14, the victim of the theft told deputies that she had hired 33-year-old Catherine Schulz, 33, owner and operator of Clean and Proper LLC, to clean her home. Schulz, a resident of an unincorporated area of Volusia near Ormond Beach, had been to her home a total of four times, and that

with a closed fist on his head and chest; the sister later told deputies Garrett hit him with an open hand. Either way, deputies reported that the son had “slight swelling on his face,” which worsened during the night, as well as “multiple bruises on his legs and chest.” The son was treated at the scene and then taken to the hospital, at his request. When Garrett arrived at the hospital, she was arrested. The children’s father, Patrick Garrett, who is also a physician at the same practice (Garrett Internal Medicine, at 50 Leanni Way, Suites A3-4) was out of the country at the time. He was out of the country and made arrangements for the son and daughter to stay with family in the area for the time being.

On Feb. 3, Judge Andrea Totten signed an order of no contact with the alleged victims, until the case is closed.

morning, the victim discovered missing tablets from a prescription medicine, as well as several pieces of jewelry and a pair of Adidas sneakers. The victim asked Schulz to return the items, which Schulz denied having, according to her arrest report. However, on the evening of Jan. 14, the victim came home to see the Adidas sneakers had been placed on the front patio. The next day, a VCSO detective found the stolen jewelry had been pawned at a Port Orange pawn shop, under Schulz’s name. The detective also obtained security footage showing Schulz pawning the items. Since her Jan. 29 arrest, Schulz was released on a $10,000 bond.

Two years after placing 2nd, 7th grader Totten wins Flagler spelling bee

The Christ the King Academy student will represent the county at the First Coast Regional Spelling Bee on March 7.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

After his final competitor misspelled a word, and he correctly spelled “tabulate,” the spectators at the Flagler County Spelling Bee began applauding Christ the King Lutheran Academy seventh grader Teddy Totten.

But, Totten, a veteran of spelling bees, knew he still had to spell the championship word. He waved off the applause, and shushed the crowd, pointing out there was still a championship word to spell. After the laughter subsided, Totten correctly spelled, “astringent,” to win the county’s spelling bee championship Feb. 5 in the Buddy Taylor Middle School cafeteria.

Totten will represent Flagler County at the 81st annual First Coast Regional Spelling Bee on March 7 in Jacksonville. The regional winner advances to the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Memorial Day

weekend in Washington D.C. Victoria Rivera, a fifth grader at Bunnell Elementary School, placed second at the Flagler County bee. She finally misspelled a word, “assailant,” in the 12th round after spelling 11 words correctly. Totten spelled “tabulate” to set up the championship word. He said “astringent” was his only word of the night that he wasn’t sure about.

“I didn’t know if there was one or two S’s, so I was just kind of guessing, you know, just assumed before it made the most sense,” he said. He smiled when he didn’t hear the dreaded bell that denotes a misspelled word.

Totten had been close before.

He placed second at the 2023 Flagler County Spelling Bee when he was in fifth grade.

“I’ve been working at it, trying to get back here,” he said.

“I wasn’t here last year. It was actually the classroom spelling bee where I got a word and I knew how to spell it, (but) I just didn’t think about it, and I spoke real fast and I misspoke. That was big step back, but I came back and got back to the county spelling bee and I did what I came here to do.”

Sixteen students in fifth through eighth grade representing nine schools competed in the county competition.

Totten, who is the son of Flagler County Judge Andrea

Totten, said he has always been a good speller and admitted that his path to the championship did not include poring over the Scripps National Spelling Bee study guide, “Words of the Champions.”

“I just kind of looked at it, and I was like, ‘I can’t even pronounce half these words,’” he said. “And I would occasionally pull it out and try to look up the definitions of some of the words, but I didn’t really do that much. I just didn’t look at it. I just kind of hoped that I would be able to spell the words. It’s probably not a good strategy. I wouldn’t recommend that.”

Flagler Schools Teaching and Learning specialist Celeste Ackerman was the announcer at the spelling bee. Dr. Christopher Stefancik, an alumnus of Flagler Schools and the district’s former coor-

SPELLING BEE COMPETITORS

The participants were identified by numbered bibs. Two qualifiers were absent.

BELLE TERRE

ELEMENTARY

1. Kali Onan, fifth grade

BUDDY TAYLOR MIDDLE

2. Rose Eberhardinger, sixth

BUNNELL ELEMENTARY

5. Victoria Rivera, fifth grade

CHRIST THE KING

6. Emma Kunets, fifth grade

dinator of assessment, served as the word pronouncer for the third straight year. The job, Stefancik said, is gut wrenching.

7. Kaylee Duran, sixth grade

8. Teddy Totten, seventh grade

9. David Pastukh, eighth grade.

IMAGINE

10. Sean Salvacion, sixth grade;

11. Anthony Libby, seventh grade

12. Rylee Robinson, eighth grade

INDIAN TRAILS MIDDLE

13. Ethan Po, sixth grade

“It keeps going through my mind that I mispronounce, ‘water,’ and now the student can’t get a scholarship.”

In fact, his pronunciations were spot on, as were Totten’s spellings. Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com.

Volusia students create ceramic bowls for 17th annual ‘Empty Bowls’

Seabreeze, Mainland, Atlantic, Spruce Creek and Pine Ridge high school students donated their art for the HUM fundraiser.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

To raise funds to help feed the hungry in Volusia and Flagler counties, Halifax Urban Ministries will host its 17th annual Empty Bowls event on Satur-

IF YOU GO...

EMPTY BOWLS 2025 When: 11 a.m. to 2:30

p.m. Where: Hope Place, 1340 Wright St., Daytona Beach

Details: The 17th annual Empty Bowls event features a soup lunch by local restaurants, tours of Hope Place and a ceramic bowl made a local art student. Tickets cost $26.50. Visit https://www.halifaxurbanministries.org.

day, Feb. 22.

The event at Hope Place will feature over 200 bowls made by art students from five Volusia County high schools — Seabreeze, Mainland, Atlantic, Spruce Creek and Pine Ridge. For HUM board member Judy Barefield, the donation of their art is a chance for people to see the start of community spirit for these students.

“They’re giving back already, which is a really cool thing to see, because I think it helps people to realize that there’s a lot of good in this world and our future — which is our students — is looking very bright, as far as I’m concerned when they do things like this,” Barefield said.

Each school submitted at least 40 bowls for the fundraiser, which helps HUM’s food distribution programs, such as its Bridge of Hope mobile pantry and its Feeda-Family program. Barefield said HUM hopes to raise $100,000 at this year’s event, where attendees will choose from three different soups provided by local restaurants, tour Hope Place and choose one of the students’ art bowls to take home as a memento.

The bowls pay tribute to soup kitchens and their aid in

feeding the homeless. Barefield said.

“It’s indicative of what homeless people lived through,” she said. “... People get excited about the bowls that they get. They take them home and it’s a remembrance of that they’ve helped somebody.”

At Seabreeze, students started working on their bowls around Thanksgiving, said Christine Colby, art department chair for Seabreeze High School. HUM’s Empty Bowls event is a great way for students to use their creativity for a worthy cause, she said.

“I think it’s a great way for the students to use their skills and a way that they can be creative, and it’ll also benefit the community,” Colby said. “I think it’s a win-win for everyone.”

Mainland art teacher Haley Blair said it was exciting to watch her students create the bowls. She participated in an Empty Bowls event while in college, so when Colby reached out to her to ask if she wanted to join in the effort, it caught her attention.

“Seeing them get more excited, to be like, ‘I’m going to give this to someone,’ or ‘We’re donating it to a cause,’ it pushed them more, and it

“I wanted to participate in Empty Bowls because of how it can help our community of people who aren’t as fortunate. I’ve done volunteer work before with other organizations, and it’s really rewarding to see the good that you’re doing for people in need.”

LAUREN WILKINS, 10th grade

made me excited to see that it’s transitioned into they’re excited to share their art, rather than keep it for themselves,” Blair said.

In addition to giving students a confidence boost at seeing their art displayed in public, Blair said it also shows them how to make an impact on local issues that may be affecting other students and their families.

“I think it’s really good for them to see this charity action being in their hometown,” Blair said. “Seeing something actually help and change around the community.”

Empty Bowls is HUM’s main fundraiser for feeding the homeless, Barefield said.

“It’s the only program that

we have that does not have any grants form the government,” she said. “It’s all generated by the amount of donations we get from the community.”

Last year, HUM’s mobile pantry served 124,756 meals, accounting for $228,596 of the nonprofit’s budget. It’s Feed-a-Family program — which distributes groceries in four cities, Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna, as well as two schools, Campbell Middle and Beachside Elementary — distributed 204,732 meals, cost-

ing $130,000. All made possible, Barefield said, by volunteers. HUM is excited by the community’s response so far, Barefield said. Students, teachers, and residents of Hope Pace and Barracks of Hope (HUM’s transitional housing for veterans) have become involved.

“It’s a real community effort, and it is exciting to me to see all the diversity that comes together to take care of those who are in real need,” Barefield said.

Seabreeze students help pack up bowls. Courtesy photo

Flagler County Spelling Bee participants. Photo by Kerri Henderson/Flagler Schools

14. Kennedy Daubenspeck, seventh grade

Tanner Lagocki, eighth grade

Sophia Roberto, fifth grade

Gianna Hernandez, fifth grade

18. Chloe Johnson, fifth grade

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Daytona Beach airport earns safety award

Daytona Beach International Airport has earned the 2023 Southern Region Air Carrier Airport Safety Award from the Federal Aviation Administration.

The award was presented Tuesday, Feb. 4, during the 2025 Southern Region Airports Conference in Atlanta. DAB was also nominated for the award for 2024.

“It is an honor to work with professionals of high caliber, whose hard work and dedication produce outstanding results,” said Stephen E. Hicks, director of Airport’s Division for the FAA. “Please keep up the good work of making the safest, most efficient aerospace in the world.”

DAB was recognized for improvements to the airport’s Foreign Object Debris program. This enhanced program provides additional monitoring and sweeping of the airfield and includes a new Elgin Crosswind FSX street sweeper and other FOD equipment. In addition, the airport implemented a $16 million security upgrade, which includes new access control, cameras, and integration of Airport Control with the airport operation center. The airport’s operations team also initiated a program that allows for the collection of data on bird strike events, which will ultimately help to mitigate wildlife strikes. Another factor in DAB’s safety program is public safety personnel.

release.

This property was previously owned by Gordon J. McCarthy, who, in 1986, brought in a World War II-era tugboat to anchor on the property. He lived on the tugboat as he built the home.

McCarthy died in 2015 and the home was “just stone, foundations and brickwork,” the press release states. The current owner purchased it in 2017 for $550,000 and completed construction.

“Constructed with impenetrable poured concrete and Chicago brick from the turn of the century, this waterfront masterpiece is dubbed the ‘Mona Lisa,’” the press release states. “The Tuscan inspired villa is flanked by vaulted ceilings and unusual architectural details.”

“Joining Chiumento Law presents an incredible opportunity to expand our firm’s estate and tax planning capabilities,” Wearsch said.

Stoner’s

Pizza, Wendy’s honored for support of veterans

The airport’s Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting team includes officers and firefighters from Volusia County Fire Rescue. The process to become an active ARFF team member involves both specialized classroom and hands-on training, exceeding the FAA requirements found in the Federal Aviation Regulations Part 139. The airport’s law enforcement services are contracted through the Volusia Sheriff’s Office which includes 24-hour coverage with a K-9 team — the airport has four K-9 teams in all.

Airport Director Karen Feaster said the recognition is a testament to the commitment of the DAB team to provide the highest level of safety.

“Everyone who works at DAB plays a role in safety, and this team is always working to enhance our programs and initiate additional safety measures, such as the data collection for bird strikes,” Feaster said. Programs like that are not required but they are significant in determining the why and how of these strikes which helps with mitigation.”

In addition to this FAA safety award, DAB was named the Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation in 2024 and 2021.

Home on John Anderson Drive listed for $5M

Notable features include a modern living space with a 25-foot limestone fireplace, iron detailing, a gourmet kitchen and a two-story master suite with two full baths, its own office and balcony. There is also a separate carriage house with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The home also has a private entry office and three garages, Outdoor features include 3,000-square feet of entertaining space with a heated saltwater pool, kitchen, fire pit, shower, 10,000-pound boat lift and private dock.

The house is listed by Patrick Meyer and Kory Lostaglio with ONE Sotheby’s International Realty.

Chiumento Law welcomes new senior attorney

Chiumento Law has added Meredith A. Wearsch as a senior attorney, specializing in estate and tax planning, trust administration, real estate development and tax strategy.

A piece of Ormond history has hit the real estate market. The house at 2627 John Anderson Drive in Ormond-by-theSea, which sits on land formerly part of town co-founder John Anderson’s 1800-1900 estate, has been listed at $5 million. The waterfront home has six bedrooms, seven and a half bathrooms and sits on 1.6 acres of land, according to a press

The Marine Corps League Detachment 876 recognized two Flagler County businesses — Stoner’s Pizza Joint and Wendy’s — for their support of veterans at the Emory L. Bennett State Veterans Nursing Home in Daytona Beach. Plaques were presented to both businesses during a ceremony on Feb. 4, which was attended by Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris. Stoner’s Pizza Joint donates two extra-large pies to the nursing home every month, and has done so for over

Insomnia Cookies

Wearsch has a history of advising high-net-worth individuals and families, and her practice includes trust administration, real estate development tax planning, and guidance on 1031 exchanges, according to a press release. Prior to joining Chiumento Law, Wearsch served as a trust officer in Ohio, managing a portfolio that included private foundations, institutional and endowment funds, special needs and wrongful death trusts, Individual Retirement Accounts, irrevocable trusts for asset protection and charitable giving.

The house at 2627 John Anderson Drive features a heated saltwater pool. Photo courtesy of Joey at Blue Ocean/ ONE Sotheby’s International Realty

Erik Treudt, director of Projects/Maintenance, DAB; Airport Director Karen Feaster; Steve Hicks, director, Southern Region Office of Airports, FAA; Dan Blake, director of Operations, DAB; Jasmine Evains, department director, Southern Region, Office of Airports, FAA. Courtesy photo

Wendy’s was recognized for its support of veterans by the Marine Corps League Detachment 876. Courtesy photo

Meredith A. Wearsch. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Hammocks Dunes condo

sells for almost $2M

Acondo at 19 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 906, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for Jan. 25-31 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Jan. 30, for $1,925,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,177 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $895,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 267, sold on Jan. 30, for $395,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,351 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $409,000.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 1017, sold on Jan. 30, for $795,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $754,000.

A condo at 2 Viscaya Drive, Unit 102, sold on Jan. 29, for

ORMOND BEACH

$512,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,837 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $295,000. A condo at 15 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 2206, sold on Jan 27, for $1,075,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,745 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $655,000.

PALM COAST

Conservatory at Hammock Beach

A house at 182 Aspen Way, sold on Jan. 31, for $1,000,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 5/3.5 and has 3,919 square feet.

Breakaway Trails pool home tops sales list

Ahouse at 17 Coquina Ridge Way in Breakaway Trails was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of Jan. 18-24. The house sold on Jan. 21, for $745,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, pool, spa and 4,201 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $246,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 317 Rover Road sold on Jan. 21, for $344,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,641 square feet.

Breakaway Trails

The house at 44 Black Hickory Way sold on Jan. 21, for $517,500. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, spa and 1,929 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $513,000.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 1446 Carlow Circle sold on Jan. 20, for $330,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $194,000.

The house at 3086 Adrian Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $479,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,912 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $480,000.

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 16 Meadow Ridge View sold on Jan. 23, for $348,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,683 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $300,000.

The house at 16 Foxcroft Run sold on Jan. 24, for $662,500. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, pool, spa and 2,833 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $337,000.

Cypress Hammock

A house at 29 Cypresswood Drive South, sold on Jan. 31, for $1,000,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3 and has 2 half baths, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 3,928 square feet.

Grand Haven

A house at 75 West Waterside Parkway, sold on Jan. 31, for $395,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,940 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $425,000.

A house at 18 Osprey Circle, sold on Jan. 31, for $850,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 3,985 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $515,000.

A house at 46 Crosstie Court, sold on Jan. 31, for $345,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,928 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $179,600.

Pine Grove

A house at 108 Patric Drive, sold on Jan. 31, for $299,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,871 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $120,000.

Pine Lakes A house at 6 Whittlesey Lane, sold on Jan. 31, for $312,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,762 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $260,000.

A house at 45 Westgate Lane, sold on Jan. 31, for $380,000. Built in 1992, the house is a

3/2.5 and has 2,134 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $229,900.

A house at 41 Westgate Lane, sold on Jan. 30, for $395,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,482 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $241,000.

Quail Hollow A house at 30 Lloyd Trail, sold on Jan. 31, for $275,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,367 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $186,000.

A house at 5 Kaywood Place, sold on Jan. 31, for $402,400. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,265 square feet.

Toby Tobin contributed to this report.

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Linda Heights

The manufactured house at 2016 Linda Ave. sold on Jan. 23, for $75,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 2/1 and has 664 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $50,000.

Ormond Golf RidgeThe house at 93 Hickory Hills Circle sold on Jan. 24, for $344,900. Built in 1977, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 1,361 square feet. It last sold in 1977 for $35,000.

Ormond Lakes

The house at 32 Wild Cat Lane sold on Jan. 20, for $350,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,040 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $173,900.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Avalon by the Sea

The house at 136 Via Madrid Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $434,900. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,304 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $600,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 55 Palm Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $320,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1 and has 896 square feet. It last sold in 1970 for $9,500.

Roberta Heights

The house at 180 Laurie Drive sold on Jan. 24, for $225,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1 and has a fireplace and 1,086 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $59,000.

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

Preserve commercial vehicle restrictions

Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my concern regarding the potential elimination of the code concerning commercial vehicles parking in residential areas overnight or for extended periods of time. First, these vehicles pose a major safety hazard as they reduce visibility of the roadway therefore making it extremely difficult to determine if the roadway is clear especially of children who may be playing in their driveway and suddenly run into the roadway. This is a major safety issue for all concerned. Second, our community is not an HOA by any stretch of one’s imagination, but it takes pride in maintaining a

MY VIEW

clean and attractive environment. The presence of a commercial vehicle detracts from the overall appearance of our community. When purchasing or building our homes, we did not choose to build in a commercial district.

I kindly request that the Code of Ordinance regarding Parking and Storage of Vehicles restricting parking of commercial vehicles in residential areas, except for residential service calls, be

preserved. It is extremely essential to ensure commercial vehicles do not cause accidents or threaten the safety and well-being of all concerned.

CATHERINE PEARSON Palm Coast

Editor’s note: This letter was also sent to Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris

Restrictions are why we moved here

Dear Editor: I am 100% against a change in the restrictions in our beautiful city. Those very restrictions is 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

Ormond was wise to remove fluoride from water supply

‘One of the most significant aspects of this decision is that it empowers residents with personal choice.’

DUNCAN S. DEMARSH GUEST WRITER

In a bold and commendable move, the Ormond Beach City Commission has unanimously voted to discontinue the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply. This decision reflects a growing awareness of the evolving science surrounding fluoride’s efficacy and its potential risks.

By taking this step, Ormond Beach joins other Florida cities such as Melbourne, Naples, Tavares, Stuart, and Port St. Lucie, as well as numerous communities across the nation that are prioritizing public choice and health over outdated policy. For decades, fluoride has been added to municipal water supplies under the premise that it aids in the

TRIBUTES

prevention of tooth decay. However, recent analyses — including a review of 157 studies by the Cochrane Library — have shown that fluoridation’s effectiveness has diminished significantly since its introduction in 1945. Advances in dental care, improved hygiene practices, and the widespread availability of fluoridated toothpaste have rendered mass fluoridation increasingly unnecessary. Additionally, concerns over potential adverse health effects, such as fluorosis, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological impacts, have led to calls for a reevaluation of this long-standing practice.

The decision by the Ormond Beach City Commission, which was spearheaded by Commissioner Travis Sargent, aligns with the guidance issued by Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who in November advised water suppliers to discontinue fluoride use. Ladapo’s position reflects a growing body of research suggesting that the risks of fluoride exposure may outweigh its benefits, especially when alternative dental health measures are widely available.

One of the most significant aspects of this decision is that it empowers residents with personal choice. Fluoridation is a form of mass medication, and while proponents argue for its benefits, individuals should have the right to decide whether they consume fluoride. By removing it from the public water supply, Ormond Beach allows citizens to make their own health decisions, whether that means using fluoridated toothpaste, mouthwash, or seeking dental treatments tailored to their needs. This respects both personal autonomy and medical ethics, which emphasize informed consent.

Critics may argue that this decision runs counter to public health recommendations, but the reality is that public health is not one-

size-fits-all. The presence of fluoride in water is no longer the necessity it was once thought to be, particularly in a modern society where dental care is more advanced and accessible. The move to discontinue fluoridation is not a rejection of science, but rather an embrace of updated research and an acknowledgment that health policies must evolve with new findings.

The entire Ormond Beach City Commission deserves praise for prioritizing the well-being and bodily autonomy of its residents. Their unanimous decision signals a forward-thinking approach to governance, one that values scientific inquiry, personal choice, and responsible policymaking. As more communities reevaluate their stance on fluoridation, Ormond Beach stands as a leader in ensuring that public health measures reflect both the latest science and the liberty of the people they serve.

Duncan S. DeMarsh is a staffer for the Florida Legislature. He is a Florida Army National Guard officer and worked as Volusia County’s field organizer for Gov. Ron DeSantis’ reelection campaign in 2022.

Bowser

Keela Amoura Spirit

YOUR TOWN

Farrah & Farrah college scholarship application deadline is Feb. 18

Calling all local exceptional high school students: The deadline to apply for the Farah & Farah Empowering Greatness Scholarship is Feb. 18. This scholarship, valued at $50,000, is one of the most generous available nationwide.

It is a collaborative effort between Farah & Farah, Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida and the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. It recognizes five outstanding high school students with a two-year college scholarship.

To qualify, students must be enrolled in a public or charter high school in Florida, demonstrate a strong commitment to their com-

munities and academics and meet additional eligibility criteria. Scholarship recipients will be announced in May.

Scholarship winners receive a Florida Prepaid College Foundation two-year college plan that covers tuition and most fees for 60 credit hours at any Florida public college. The plan value can also be applied to universities or trade schools within the state.

Students can submit their applications through the Big Brothers Big Sisters Association of Florida online application portal at https://www. bbbsflorida.org/scholarships/.

Christian academy donates blankets for the homeless

First Baptist Christian Academy completed its annual collection of blankets for the homeless. The blankets are donated from FBCA families in preschool through 12th grade to The Sheltering Tree in Bunnell, which

CLASSIFIEDS

operates the cold-weather shelter at the Rock Transformation Center in Flagler County. Preschool director Sandy Emery organized FBCA’s blanket donation.

FBCA has also scheduled a Preschool Preview Night at 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at Door 1 at the school, 1 Pine Lakes Parkway

North, Palm Coast. The Preschool Preview will precede an open house for grades K-12 at 6 p.m.

Portuguese American Cultural Center Board of Directors takes office

The Portuguese American Cultural

Center in Palm Coast held a general assembly on Jan. 15, where the new 2025 board of directors took office.

The full board of directors:

„ General Assembly — President Márcio Oliveira, Vice President Luis Miguel Ferreira, Secretary Ricardo Neves.

„ Board of Directors — President Manuel Goulart; Vice Presidents Manuel Ramalho, Manuel Cerqueira, Jose Silva and Celia R. Pedro. Treasurers Melissa Fernandes and Ester Cerqueira; Secretaries Evonne Ligeiro, Lucy Kelly and Elizabete Fernandes.

„ Fiscal Council — President Tony Brito, Vice President Odília Amaral, Secretary Nina Sousa.

„ General Directors — António Cruz, Hermes Pedro, Joaquim Rodrigues, Nelson Tereso, Maria R. Silva and Tina Brito.

„ Disciplinary Council: Kenny Gonçalves, Paulo Amaral and Paulo Rodrigues.

PACC will be celebrating its 37th anniversary this year.

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First Baptist Christian Academy students collected blankets for the homeless. Courtesy photo

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Art, culture and Carnival

Palm Coast residents’ art is on display at the revamped Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center gallery.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS

EDITOR

MANAGING

For Palm Coast residents

Richlin Burnett-Ryan and Weldon Ryan, art is an outlet to explore culture, community and color.

Art has been a constant presence in the couple’s life. Ryan went to high school for art in New York, and BurnettRyan spent her Sundays at the Brooklyn Museum taking art classes during a stint in her academic career.

Art was also what brought them together, as Ryan first spotted his now-wife working at an Urban Outfitters in 1987. Once he mustered up the courage, he left her a card featuring an example of his work.

“I was blown away by the artwork,”Burnette-Ryan said. “I was like, ‘Wow, this

is amazing art. That evening, I went out with a group of my coworkers and we were at dinner, and all I was doing is looking at the card all night.”

She called him on the phone that same night, and the pair talked until the early morning. They had so much in common, Burnette-Ryan said — art, music, family. They both came from big West Indian families, he from Trinidad, and she from Guyana.

Now, over almost 40 years later, the husband and wife are showcasing their art in an exhibition at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. The exhibition, titled

“The Dynamic Duo, Partners in Art” opened at the PAC’s gallery on Feb. 1, and will run through March 11.

LATCHING ONTO CULTURE

This will be the couple’s first show since they closed their gallery in Bunnell, Calypso Fine Art.

The PAC reopened in December 2024 following a nine-month closure caused by a fire in the theater. At the time of the fire last March, the

PAC had recently celebrated its reopening following a $1.7 million renovation over an 18-month period.

Part of the renovation included a revamped art gallery space.

A space now filled with 27 vibrant pieces of Ryan’s figurative realism and BurnetteRyan’s abstract expressionist and figurative art.

Much of Ryan’s work is inspired by the Caribbean Carnival.

“I grew up in the Bronx, and I missed on my culture,” he said. “The whole culture of Caribbean people, and for me, forever I wanted to latch onto my culture — the Trinidadian culture and foods, the music, everything. Carnival was part of it.”

Ryan studied illustration in high school, later studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology. He pursued illustration for some time before he pivoted and became a park ranger. Then, he joined the New York Police Department, later becoming the first African-American to be appointed to the NYPD’s forensic art unit.

As an officer, no one wanted to work the West Indian Day Parade in New York City, Ryan said, because it was typically a very long day.

But he volunteered for it every year, taking inspiration from the performers for his art. It soon became a family project, with his son joining him and taking photographs at the parade, and later his

wife and two daughters.

“We put cameras in everybody’s hands and go shoot the festival,” Ryan said.

It was also an opportunity for their children to be exposed to their culture, Burnette-Ryan said.

“With each carnival that Weldon goes and shoot, we set up an art exhibit,” she said, adding that they also do educational outreach in connection with the Carnival Association.

ART MOVES THE SPIRIT

For Burnette-Ryan, she paints “whatever moves her spirit,” she said. That could be politics, her children, a cultural experience, or a notable event in her life.

“It’s really whatever moves me to say, ‘I have to capture that,’” she said. “I have to express that. I have to say something about that subject matter.”

Opening their former gallery is what kickstarted her into doing art full time. That’s when she started showing her work in galleries, and from the start, she began winning awards. That propelled her to keep going.

Color and vibrancy take center stage in both of their works.

“When we paint, we could have chosen to do moody colors and express those emotions, but our focus is the joy of life,” Burnette-Ryan said.

Part of the draw for Ryan regarding Carnival is that, for many years, it was a way

for the Caribbean people to have freedom of expression against slavers — it gave them a chance to celebrate their culture while pushing back against the banning of their religious practices and way of life.

So to have a great society,

Ryan said, the community needs to have art.

“We need to respect and enjoy, embrace and support art,” he said.

“In all its forms, from performance to visual,” Burnette-Ryan added.

Artist to host talk at Southeast Museum of Photography

The Southeast Museum of Photography is hosting an artist talk and reception featuring artist Maggie Taylor on Tuesday, Feb. 18, from 6-8 p.m. Taylor, who lives in Gainesville and is known for her surrealistic style and layered

imagery, will discuss her artistic practice and how it has continually evolved over the course of her long-standing career, according to a statement from the museum. The lecture is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Taylor’s image, “Twilight Swim,” was recently acquired by the museum and is includ-

ed in the ongoing exhibition, “Collected: Connecting Past, Present and Future Acquisitions.” The exhibition, which presents 114 works by 50 artists, will remain on display through March 26.

“The exhibition represents an array of photographic subjects and processes brought together in a transformative fashion,” said Curator Chris-

tina Katsolis in the statement. “Collected allows audiences to appreciate these works anew — individually and as a whole — by drawing connections between artists, and across genres and years.”

The Collected exhibition also highlights the recent growth of the museum’s holdings in contemporary art, presenting new works donated by Colin Finlay, Michael Grecco, Andy Mattern, Lara Rossignol and Christian Weber.

The Southeast Museum of Photography is located at the Madorsky Theater in the Mori Hosseini Building at Daytona State College, 1200 West International Speedway Blvd. Palm Coast

residents celebrate 75th anniversary

Linwood and Patsy Farmer celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on Feb. 4 at Las Palmas Senior Living in Palm Coast.

The Farmers have been residents of Palm Coast for nearly 40 years. Patsy Elizabeth Thevenot and Linwood Earl “Nemo” Farmer met at Tulane University, where he was serving as an instructor

at the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps while she was attending an on-campus variety show.

They were married on Feb. 4, 1950, at Salem Methodist Church in New Orleans. On their honeymoon in Mexico, “they went up a mountain on burros and then climbed down a rickety wooden ladder into a cave filled with bats,” their son, Linwood Farmer, said.

That was the beginning of their adventures together.

Patsy was born and raised in New Orleans, where her father was a district chief for the New Orleans Fire Department, Linwood Farmer Jr. said. Nemo Farmer was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia. He joined the Navy in the spring of 1942 and served for 20 years with service in World War II and Korea. After retiring from the Navy, “Nemo” went to work for Vitro Corporation in the Washington D.C. area. They moved to Palm Coast in 1985 where they have served on their HOA board and volunteered for multiple city boards and committees, civic groups and nonprofits.

They were given a proclamation by the City commemorating their 75th anniversary at their party at Las Palmas Senior Living where they currently live.

A self portrait by Maggie Taylor.

“The therapist” by Maggie Taylor. Courtesy photos

Patsy and Linwood “Nemo” Farmer at their 50th anniversary party, 25 years ago. Courtesy photo

Richlin Burnett-Ryan and Weldon Ryan are showcasing their art at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center through March 11. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

“De Two Ah Dem I” by Weldon Ryan

”Sydney FB” by Richlin Burnett-Ryan

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 13

TURF TALKS

When: 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Brittany CouncilMorton, UF/IFAS urban horticulture agent and master gardener coordinator will speak about the essentials of maintaining a healthy lawn, particularly Zoysiagrass and Bermudagrass. The talk will take place in the library’s Sandpiper Room.

‘5 KEY STRATEGIES FOR GENEALOGICAL SUCCESS’

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Presented by the Halifax Genealogical Society, this will be an interactive presentation of four scenarios that illustrate five key strategies that Bill Meister, president of the Genealogy Society of Flagler County, has used for genealogical research.

FRIDAY, FEB. 14 JIM MESSINA When: 8 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: An acclaimed guitarist, producer, and songwriter, Jim Messina’s five-decade musical career includes Buffalo Springfield, Poco, and Loggins & Messina roles. Tickets cost $65-$70. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

SATURDAY, FEB. 15

THE GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: This free familyfriendly event will have environmental exhibitors, games, crafts, guided bird walks and more. Presented by the EDC and Halifax River Audubon.

EIGHTH ANNUAL

STRAWBERRY FEST

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 15-16

Where: Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast

Details: Attend this festival featuring family festivities, fresh strawberries, arts and crafts, a free frisbee dog show, bounce houses, axe trowing tournament, classic cars, pie eating contest and more. Admission costs $7. Cash only. Kids 2 and under are free.

HONEYBEE BUZZ: HEROES OF OUR PLANET, MAKING HONEY HAPPEN

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Join beekeepers Bill and Barry for a program about the importance of honeybees, Florida native “bee friendly” plants and what is involved in raising honeybees and harvesting honey. Meet at the Gamble Jam pavilion. Park entry fees apply.

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Paint along with watercolor artist Bibi Gromling. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee. No drawing is required. Class is limited to six students. Call 386-3179400 to reserve a seat.

BLUE JEANS AND BLING SCHOLARSHIP

FUNDRAISER

When: 6-10 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Attend this 4-H and FFA Youth Scholarship fundraiser with dinner, music, dancing, games and auctions. Proceeds benefit the graduating seniors that are a part of 4-H and FFA programs. Dress in your best jeans or bling. Tickets cost $$50 and can be purchased through EventBrite or by contacting flaglerctyfair@bellsouth.net.

COSMIC VALENTINESTAR PARTY

When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Join the Central Florida Astronomical Society for a star party. Using telescopes and guided instruction from astronomers, see constellations, planets and other celestial objects. Meet at the beachside pavilion. Park entry fees apply.

GARRISON KEILLOR TONIGHT

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Join storyteller Garrison Keillor for an evening of humor, storytelling and audience sing-alongs. Tickets cost $45-$55. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter. csstix.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 16

LOW-COST PET SHOT

CLINIC

When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: Astro Skate Ormond, 250 N. Yonge St., Ormond

Beach

Details: Get your pet vaccinated at a lower cost. Rabies shots will cost $5 for 1-year vaccinations. Other shots offered include dog distemper/parvo combo, dog flu, cat distemper combo, feline leukemia and more. All vaccinations are administered with a licensed veterinarian. No appointment needed. Clinic is open to everyone. Visit spcavolusia.org

FLAGLER TITANS CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT

When: 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Wadsworth Park, 2200 Moody Blvd., Flagler Beach,

Details: Bring the family for a cornhole tournament hosted by the Flagler Titans. There will be cash prizes for both adults and kids, as well as raffles, food trucks, a bounce house and music. Register online to secure a spot. Visit http://bit.ly/40BqVqo.

WARM YOUR HEARTS WITH A WALK

When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Flagler Humane Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Flagler Humane Society for a 1-mile walk with your furry friends. There will be a Valentine’s Day costume contest for you and your dog, drinks and goodies. A fee of $10 will help support animals. RSVP at http://tinyurl.com/msdbtspa.

BOWLING FOR A CAUSE

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Lanes, 11 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Join the Palm Coast Lions Club for its second bowling fundraiser. Entry fee costs $2 and includes three games and shoe rental. Nonbowlers cost $10. For more information, call Nina Guiglotto at 845-532-1673 or Shara Brodsky at 386-383-0914.

INSTALLATION OF PALM

COAST RABBI

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Temple Beth Shalom of Palm Coast is inviting the community to the installation of Rabbi Karen Tashman. The ceremony will be followed by a musical presentation by Cantor Laurel Barr of Cleveland, Cantor Allan Robuck of

P.M. on the 24th day

of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2025-03, before

in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2025-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA FOR THE VOLUNTARY CONTRACTION (DEANNEXATION) OF THE CITY BOUNDARY BY DEANNEXING 10.0+/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY, GENERALLY LOCATED WEST OF INTERSECTION COUNTY ROAD 304 AND SWEETWATER TRAIL, MORE PARTICULARLY AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT A, ATTACHED HERETO AND FULLY INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF CITY BOUNDAR-

IES TO CONTRACT THE SUBJECT PROPERTY FROM THE CITY BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the proposed Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information this Ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.

NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

Orlando and Israeli musician

Chanan Barr. Free, but donations accepted. Reservations are requested. Call the office at 386-445-3006 with your name, number of attendees and phone number or email hakol@tbspalmcoast.org.

ARTIST TALK BY M.

KATHLEEN WARREN

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: Expressions Art Gallery on Colbert, 2298 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast

Details: Artist M. Kathleen Warren will be discussing her processes and inspirations as well as doing a live demonstration of how she creates her artwork.

MONDAY, FEB. 17

SCHOOL’S OUT FOR ART WORKSHOP

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

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

Details: Children ages 5-12 are invited to enjoy a guided tour and complete an art project with Youth Curator Diamond Johnson. Workshop costs $13 for members and $16 for non-members. All supplies included. Visit ormondartmuseum.org.

BIG TOP CIRCUS When: 6 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Feb. 17-19

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: See the Zerbini Family Circus. Doors open an hour before showtime. Tickets cost $11.95-$15. General admission seating is on bleachers. Visit zerbinifamilycircus.com.

HERMAN’S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: For the first time ever, Stars of the Sixties brings Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone to the stage of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center. Known for songs like “I’m Into Something Good” and “Mrs. Brown, you’ve Got A Lovely Daughter,” Noone will transport audiences back to the 1960s. Tickets cost $47-$75. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11:00 a.m. to noon

Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast Details: Join this social club for retired and semiretired men and women which meets monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest with other social events during the month. This month’s guest speaker is Terran McGinnis, Marineland historian. He will discuss right whales. All are welcome. Staying for lunch is optional. ontact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@ gmail.com.

FLAGLER YOUTH

ORCHESTRA: ROMANZA! When: 7 p.m. Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast Details: Join the Flagler Youth Orchestra for its second concert of the 2024-2025 season. Tickets cost $12 for adults and $6 for students. Thursday, Feb. 20

THURSDAY, FEB. 20 ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING When: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend this month’s meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Activities will be planned to support Josh Weil in the Congressional District 6 special general election on April 1. Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education will present a panel discussion on the latest in book banning. Like-minded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

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Mother Goose and Grimm

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SPORTS

National Signing Day

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland High School held its National Signing Day ceremony in the school’s performing arts center on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Nine Buccaneers took the stage to announce their commitments to colleges in Florida, Virginia and Texas.

Principal Melissa Fraine opened the ceremony by thanking the parents, guardians and coaches for supporting the athletes as they strove

to reach academic and athletic excellence throughout their high school careers.

Athletic director Terrence Anthony followed with an introduction of the signees.

“This is probably one of the most fulfilling signing days in a while because we had not only football players but we got a chance to see a basketball player and a volleyball player get rewarded for their hard work as well,” he said.

“Regardless of whether or not I coach them, they’re still my kids. Any day our student athletes can get celebrated and get recognized is a good day for Mainland High School.”

Seven of the athletes committed to play football at Florida colleges. Running back Edward Williams and defensive player Caleb Geathers signed to play with the St. Thomas University Bobcats in Miami Gardens.

Geathers transferred from Atlantic High where he was ranked third on the team in sacks his junior season, had 22 tackles with eight tackles for loss. Williams finished his senior year with eight touchdowns, 1,018 rushing yards

Mainland holds ceremony

for nine student athletes

on 148 carries and 52 receiving yards. He was No. 1 on the team in rushing with 92.5 yards per game.

Drayden Wood and Eddie Lake will head to Warner University in Lake Wales where Wood’s father Dwayne “Snap” Wood is the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

Lake went on an official visit to Warner in January and said he loved the campus and coaching staff. His mother Paula Lake said they are an athletic family and have always supported his athletic endeavors starting with his flag football debut at 5 years old. His father, Eddie Lake, played defensive back for the University of Florida.

“This is something he’s always looked forward to,” she said. “He’s been an athlete since he came out of the womb running.”

Defensive tackle George Armstrong and wide receiver Kyle Moore signed with Webber International University in Babson Park. Moore said he has earned everything he set out to achieve in high school including becoming a better person.

“I’ve always wanted to go to college,” Moore said. “It means everything to me. My mom and dad have always

contributed to my success. I wanted to help my mom retire so she could stop working.”

Linebacker Myron Shafer will join his teammates Phillip Moore and Kwasie Kwaku Jr. at Bethune-Cookman University. He led the Bucs his senior year with 79 total tackles — 46 solo, 33 assists and 31 tackles for loss. Shafer said he has always wanted to go to a college that is close to home so he could be close to his family.

“It makes it that much better going to my hometown college,” Shafer said. “I take pride in being from Daytona Beach. I’m going to bring what I have been bringing — leadership and physical mentality.”

Shafer’s mother, Crystal Vicole, said her son started playing flag football at 4 years old. Shafer said his mom is his “why”—his purpose.

“She is my purpose for playing footbal l— my purpose for doing anything in life,” he said. “When you have a why, you’re going to go harder. I’m more likely to do something for my mom than for myself.”

Basketball player ShilahRayn Lord and volleyball player Sophia Martindale chose out-of-state colleges. Lord will attend The Apprentice School in Newport News, Virginia, and Martindale is

“This is probably one of the most fulfilling signing days in a while because we had not only football players but we got a chance to see a basketball player and a volleyball player get rewarded for their hard work as well.”

TERRENCE ANTHONY, Mainland athletic director

heading to Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas. Both players said they are excited for the new opportunities.

“I feel so blessed,” Lord said. “It just affirmed that I’m deserving. I had to develop a lot of self love. I’ve had amazing people in my life like my mom who lifted me up, but I mostly relied on God and kept my eyes fixated on my mission and my goal to get where I have to be.”

Lord was the lone senior leading five freshmen, two sophomores and one junior with new girls head basketball coach Zykia McNair. She finished the season first on the team in in points (255), rebounds (95), assists (40) and steals (33). Martindale led her volleyball team with 579 assists and 56 serving aces.

Running backs coach Arthur Westbrook said the main goal is not to win games but to give kids the opportunity to further their education.

“You want to win football games but this is the biggest victory — when you see these kids on stage and they’re signing,” he said. “And not just signing. I tell every kid, in the next three to five years, I want them to come back and hand me a college degree. Then it’s time to get ready for the game of life.”

FPC’s lucky 13 sign college letters of intent at in-school celebration

Four football players, three baseball players, three softball players, two soccer players and a wrestler will continue their athletic careers.

EDITOR Flagler Palm Coast High School held a signing ceremony during school on Monday, Feb. 10, with 13 seniors signing letters of intent to play intercollegiate sports.

Colby Cronk, North Carolina State football: The defensive end is the first ever FPC football player to sign directly out of high school with a Power Five Conference school. Cronk was the only one of the 13 to sign previously. He sent in his national letter of intent during the early signing period in December after undergoing surgery in

late November to repair a torn labrum.

Cronk hopes to be cleared at the end of February to lift weights with his upper body and resume track and field practice. He would like to defend his state championship in the shot put and add a state title in the discus, in which he was a runner-up last year. He said he wants to add a couple more state titles to the family collection before he graduates. His sister, Micayla Cronk, an 11-time All-American swimmer at the University of Florida, won seven state swimming championships at FPC.

“I definitely want to get a fraction of what my sister did,” he said.

Roman Caliendo, Shorter University football: The tight end will continue his football career at NCAA Division II Shorter University in Rome, Georgia. “The moment I got there I felt wanted,” he said. “They told me the tight end is an essential position in their offense. They have a tradition of good tight ends, and I want to continue that legacy.”

Corinthians Watson, St. Thomas University football: The defensive back will play safety for the NAIA school and may also get the chance to run track there, he said. Watson is a jumper and also runs the 200 and 400. He was also a starting forward on the basketball team.

Jemon Little, Anna Maria football: The linebacker signed with NCAA Division III school Anna Maria College of Massachusetts.

Ashleigh Pigeon, Flagler College softball : The NCAA Division II school in St. Augustine has been Pigeon’s “dream school” since she was 10 years old. “It’s always

been my No. 1 choice,” said Pigeon, a pitcher/utility player. “When I met the coaches I knew it was meant to be.”

Sadie Schell, Keiser University softball: Keiser University, an NCAA DII school in West Palm Beach, offered the FPC catcher a scholarship in September, just three weeks after she underwent ACL surgery. “I was concerned whether I’d be able to play on the next level after my injury,” she said. She expects to play softball this season for the Bulldogs but won’t get back behind the play until this summer.

Skylar Ludovici, Montreat College softball: The pitcher/outfielder visited the NAIA school in North Carolina and fell in love with it. Montreat offered her a scholarship after watching her play in a travel team tournament.

Evan Papadakos, Toccoa Falls College soccer: Papadakos returned to FPC as a senior after playing soccer for Mendoza United FC in Argentina during his sophomore

and junior years. Mendoza United is a residential soccer academy that offers players an American-accredited education and an Argentinian/European football experience. The center midfielder was introduced to Toccoa Falls, a Division II school in Georgia, by FPC teammate Jack Moberly, who will also be Papadakos’ college teammate. Jack Moberly, Toccoa Falls College soccer: FPC soccer coach Ramtin Amiri got Moberly, the Bulldogs’ leading goal scorer, in contact with Toccoa Falls coach Nathan Lowery. Moberly attended an ID camp at the college last year and was offered a scholarship. The striker then did a bit of recruiting of his own.

“Having (Papadakos) back this year was a big deal, not only for FPC but for us playing together at Toccoa Falls,” Moberly said.

Nathan Pertoso, Mitchell College baseball: The outfielder is beginning his first baseball season at FPC after moving from Massachusetts last summer. He’ll be returning to New England to be a student athlete at Mitchell, a Division III school in New London, Connecticut. Logan Shudy, Lesley University baseball: The outfielder signed with Lesley, a Division III school in Cambridge, Massachusetts. “They reached out to me,” Shudy said. “It’s a good school. Their field and their facilities are really nice.”

Mariah Mills, West Liberty University wrestling: There is only one NCAA division in women’s wrestling, so Mills will be wrestling against the best in college next year. But that’s nothing new for the 2024 state champion and nationally ranked Mills. She has wrestled in national and international tournaments over the past three years. Mills will graduate high school with a two-year Associate of Arts degree. Her plans are to get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at West Liberty, then serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and then try to make the U.S. Olympic wrestling team. Mills said West Liberty coach Troy Bell told her how he was going to help her reach her goals. “He seems invested in that,” she said. “And it is a Christian school. They’re keen on having faith in God. I really liked that.”

Brenin Striplin, Pennsylvania Western Clarion University baseball: The pitcher/outfielder heads to the Division II school as a two-way player. “It’s a good school for baseball and a good school for academics,” Striplin said.

Mainland football player Myron Shafer announces that he will play football at Bethune-Cookman University

On National Signing Day, Mainland running back Edward Williams announces that he will play football at St. Thomas University.

Ashleigh Pigeon signed a softball letter of intent with Flagler College.

Mainland football player Caleb Geathers signs to play football at St. Thomas University

Mainland wide receiver Eddie Lake tells the audience in the Perfoming Arts Center that he will play football at Warner University

Mainland football player and track athlete Kyle Moore (left) and athletic director Terrence Anthony.

Brenin Striplin signed a baseball letter of intent with Clarion University in Pennsylvania. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Jack Moberly signed a men’s soccer letter of intent with Toccoa Falls College in Georgia.

Mariah Mills signed a wrestling letter of intent with West Liberty University in West Virginia.

Mainland volleyball player Sophia Martindale announces she will be attending Clarendon College

Nathan Pertoso signed a baseball letter of intent with Mitchell College in New London, Connecticut.

Skylar Ludovici signed a softball letter of intent with Montreat College in North Carolina.

Area schools hit the ground running at preseason track and field classic

FPC boys get a boost from young sprinters Jacobelli and Haymon.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE

EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast, Mainland, Matanzas and Seabreeze got a preview of their 2025 track and field programs at the 12th annual Flagler Pinnacle Preseason Classic on Friday, Feb. 7, at FPC.

The meet included three races — the 300, 600 and 1,200 meters — that are not regular-season events.

FPC saw standout performances across the board, including boys sprints which has not been a strength for the Bulldogs in recent years.

“The last year or two we were not as good in shorter sprints, but we’re developing some kids,” FPC coach David Halliday said. “They’re young and excited and we’re excited

too.”

Sophomore Logan Jacobelli won the 200- and 300-meter dashes, while junior Jordan Haymon won the 100-meter dash with a time of 11.31 seconds.

Jacobelli won the 300 with a time of 35.95 seconds and ran the 200 in 22.52 seconds, breaking his outdoor personal record by 1.5 seconds.

“He never ran faster than 23.9, and then last week he ran an indoor race in 23-flat,” Halliday said. “(A time of 22.5) for a 10th-grade kid in his first race is pretty darn good. If he can get under 22 seconds, with that time you’re going to the state championships and have a decent chance to score.”

Jacobelli said he’s worked hard since his freshman season.

“I put in as much work as I possibly could in the offseason, running and lifting,” he said.

Jimmie Robinson, the Bulldogs’ sprint coach who was one of the top sprinters in school history, pushed Jacobelli through his workouts.

“He wouldn’t let me stop. He wants me to be greater than him,” Jacobelli said.

Other FPC event winners in the 11-team meet were high jumper Ethan Gordon (5-feet-9.75 inches), pole vaulter Tanner Cauley Bennett (who equaled his PR at 13-feet-3.5), Ayden Peterson in the 600 (1:23.90) and Kenneth Robinson in the triple jump (39-feet-10.5).

Mainland’s boys won the 4x400 relay. Kajuan Curry, Khalil Wilmore, Drayden Wood and Bernard Berry finished in 3:26.95 to win by 4.6 seconds. Berry won the long jump (19-feet-8) and also placed third in the 100 and fourth in the 200.

Mainland’s Kiera Williams won the girls 200 in 26.62

seconds while her teammate, Gabrielle Lett was second in 26.72. Williams was third in the 300. Amiyah Watlington won the 100 hurdles for the Bucs in 16.00 seconds and finished second in the long jump (15-feet-6.25). The Bucs also placed second in the girls 4x100 and 4x400.

Matanzas’ Jeffrey Powell was second behind Jacobelli in the 200 with a time of 22.92 seconds. The Pirates’ Blaine Vogel was second in the 1,600 with a time of 4:38.54.

Seabreeze’s Tabitha Hick placed second in both the 100 hurdles (17.94) and the 400 hurdles (1:12.55).

FPC’s Jacob Stevenson placed second in boys javelin (152-feet-9), while teammate Gethin Pritchard placed second in shotput (46-feet-0).

CERASI NOW A PIRATE

Peyton Cerasi, who set a school cross country record as a freshman at Flagler Palm Coast this past fall, has transferred to Matanzas and will be a long-distance runner for the Pirates’ track team.

Cerasi did not compete at the Flagler Pinnacle Preseason Classic. She attended Indian Trails Middle School with many of her new Pirates’ teammates.

Cerasi placed seventh at the Class 4A state cross country championship on Nov. 16 with an FPC school record time of 18 minutes, 19.2 seconds in the 5K. Cerasi helped lead the Bulldogs to a third-place team finish.

Seabreeze’s Tyler Lewis runs the 800 meters.

FPC’s Earnest Fingers sprints down the runway for a pole vault. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Leilany Roas placed fourth in the 400 hurdles.

Seabreeze freshman Jaden Torres won the eighth heat in the 300-meter run.

Basketball teams pleased with season

The Bulldogs and Pirates finished the season with winning records.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas boys basketball teams missed out on the playoffs, but both programs have reason to be optimistic heading into next season.

FPC finished with a 15-12 record for its first winning season since 2021 and its first district final appearance since 2019. Matanzas finished at 14-9, its first winning season since 2018, and took Tocoi Creek, the fifth-ranked team in Class 6A, to overtime in the District 3-6A semifinals.

Both teams are returning the majority of their rotation players next season.

“We kind of struggled at the beginning (of the season),” said FPC first-year coach Greg Shirley, “but I knew we would get better. And I really think the key to that is the players

really care about each other.”

The Bulldogs won nine of their final 14 games, including a 61-54 victory over Jacksonville Sandalwood in a District 1-7A semifinal on Feb. 5. With the win they advanced to the final against Creekside, the top-ranked team in the region. The Knights, who are led by 6-foot-8 sophomore Nolan Nelson (15.2 points, 11.1 rebounds per game), defeated FPC 65-36.

After defeating Sandalwood, Shirley said the Bulldogs were excited to still be playing.

“There are 32 teams in the state of Florida playing for a 7A district championship and we’re one of them,” he said. “It’s been a while since that’s happened here from my understanding.”

Anthony Hampton (14 points), Nateshawn Royal (12 points) and Roman Caliendo (10 points) all scored in double figures against Sandalwood. FPC jumped out to a 16-3 first-quarter lead and handled the Saints’ full-court press in the second half to hold on for the win.

SIDELINES

FPC wins Five Star wrestling championship

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys wrestling team won the Five Star Conference wrestling championship on Feb. 8.

The Bulldogs defeated second-place New Smyrna Beach, 248.5 points to 217.5 points, a week after New Smyrna won Flagler Rotary Tournament.

Seabreeze was fourth with 76.5 points, while Mainland

tied for sixth with 41 points.

Six FPC wrestlers won Five Star championships: Braden Dailey (106 pounds), Kevin McLean (113), T. J. McLean (120), Trey Twilley (126), Carson Baert (157) and Doyvone Leadon (165).

Pirates fall in regional semis

The Matanzas boys soccer team lost to top seed Jacksonville Mandarin 2-1 in the Region 1-6A semifinals on

Matanzas defeated Bartram Trail 60-46 in a district quarterfinal. The Pirates gave Tocoi Creek (24-3) all it could handle in the semifinals before falling 68-58 in overtime. Freshman Curtis Giles sank a 3-pointer in the closing seconds of regulation to tie the score at 53-53 and send the game to OT.

In other districts, Mainland fell to Oviedo 72-47 in the District 4-6A semifinals to end its season at 16-10; Seabreeze (10-15) ended its season with a 66-41 loss to Pine Ridge in a District 7-5A quarterfinal, four days after defeating the Panthers 39-38. In the girls districts, FPC (14-8) fell to Atlantic Coast 51-47 in the District 1-7A semifinals; Winter Springs defeated Mainland (12-11) 59-48 in the District 4-6A semifinals; Seabreeze (11-10) lost to Kissimmee Gateway in the District 7-5A quarterfinals to finish with a winning record for the first time since 2021; Matanzas finished its season at 8-9 after falling to Gainesville Buchholz in a District 3-6A quarterfinal.

Feb. 7. The Pirates ended their season with a 13-5-1 record. They beat Niceville 3-2 on the road on Feb. 4 in the regional quarterfinals.

Bulldogs win baseball opener

FPC opened its baseball season with 7-3 win over Deltona Trinity Christian on Feb. 10. Marion Clayton scored three runs for the Bulldogs. FPC hosts New Smyrna Beach at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13.

FPC wins Olympic title in tri-meet

Matanzas, Keystone Heights competed.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys weightlifting team defeated small-school weightlifting power Keystone Heights by one point in the Olympic competition in a tri-meet with Matanzas on Feb. 5 at FPC.

The Bulldogs won the Olympic competition 44-43 over the Indians with Matanzas scoring 22 points. Keystone Heights won the traditional competition with 46 points, with FPC placing second with 42 points and Matanzas scoring 21.

Five FPC lifters won both Olympic and traditional titles. Cody Strawser led the way with a 430-pound traditional total and a 375-pound Olympic total in the 129-pound weight class. Alex Huynh won both in the 139-pound class (315 Olympic, 375 traditional). Dylan Bennett won both at 169 (465 Olympic, 480 tra-

ditional), Landon Gates won both at 183 (465 Olympic, 490 traditional) and Joseph Casanova won both at 238 (475 Olympic, 530 traditional).

Matanzas 219-pounder Jordan Theus-Vale won the traditional title with a 500-pound total and placed second in Olympic with a 435 total.

FPC’s Matthew McFall won the traditional title in the unlimited class with a 600-pound total (285 clean and jerk, 315 bench press).

FPC’s Jackson Fedun won the 154-pound Olympic competition with a 410-pound total.

Matanzas’ Anthony Giacobbe place second in Olympic in the 119-pound class with a 260-pound total. Matanzas lifters Jaden Sao and Maison Leonard placed second behind Strawser at 129 pounds. Sao was second in traditional with a 410-pound total. Leonard was second in Olympic with a 320-pound total.

FPC won the Five Star Conference championship with six wrestlers winning titles. Courtesy photo

Matanzas 129-pounder Jaden Sao cleans 185 pounds. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Mainland signings

FPC signings

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000059 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH JOHN CIPOLLA, III

Deceased. The administration of the estate of JOSEPH JOHN CIPOLLA, III, deceased whose date of death was 12/23/2024,

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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000238 BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, VS. THE ESTATE OF VIOLET A. REINA, DECEASED; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; THE WOODHAVEN CONDOMINIUM AT PALM COAST, INC.; FRANK ANGRISANI; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on January 9, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2024 CA 000238, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff, and THE ESTATE OF VIOLET A. REINA, DECEASED; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; THE WOODHAVEN CONDOMINIUM AT PALM COAST, INC.; FRANK ANGRISANI; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS are Defendants.

The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at Clerk of Circuit and County Court, Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd.,

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF SALE UNDER F.S. CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No. 2024 CA 000237 JOHN L. WATHEN, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL D. RUSCHE and WINDGATE CAPITAL, LLC d/b/a WINDGATE CAPITAL, LLC, a Utah Limited Liability Company, Defendants.

NOTICE IS

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023 CA 000089 PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES,; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA-DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; VANESSA LUTRICIA MCCALL; BWANA RAY MCCALL; PHYLENA MAE MCCALL; ZENJA L. PEARSON; MONTREL LASHAWN MCCALL; SHANELL EVE MCCALL; ANTONIO MCCALL; JERELL LASHON MCCALL A/K/A TERELL MCCALL; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on January 31, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2023 CA 000089, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff, and UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES,; UNITED STATES OF AMERICADEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; VANESSA LUTRICIA MCCALL; BWANA RAY MCCALL; PHYLENA MAE MCCALL; ZENJA L. PEARSON; MONTREL LASHAWN MCCALL; SHANELL EVE MCCALL; ANTONIO MCCALL; JERELL LASHON MCCALL A/K/A TERELL MCCALL; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE

Bldg. 1, Civil/Criminal Dept 2nd Floor, Bunnell, FL 32110 on March 21, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: CONDOMINIUM PARCEL 14-201 OF THE WOODHAVEN CONDOMINIUM AT PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 177, AT PAGES 248 THROUGH 340, AS AMENDED BY AMENDMENT OF DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 215, PAGES 383 THROUGH 386, ALL OF WHICH ARE IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. IMPORTANT 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) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 4th day of February, 2025. ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff 5300 West Atlantic Avenue, Suite 303 Delray Beach, FL 33484 Telephone: 561-392-6391

Facsimile: 561-392-6965

By: Digitally signed by Zachary Ullman

DN: CN=Zachary Ullman, E=zullman@aldridgepite.com

Reason: I am the author of this document

Location: Date: 2025.02.04 14:45:12-05’00’

Foxit PDF Editor Version: 12.1.0 FBN: 106751 Primary E-Mail: ServiceMail@aldridgepite.com 1395-1116B February 13, 20, 2025 25-00038G

DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS are Defendants.

The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at Clerk of Circuit and County Court, Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Civil/Criminal Dept 2nd Floor, Bunnell, FL 32110 on March 28, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 29, SAM BROWN SUBDIVISION, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGE 1 PUBLIC RECORDS OF, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. IMPORTANT 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) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 4th day of February, 2025.

ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff 5300 West Atlantic Avenue, Suite 303 Delray Beach, FL 33484 Telephone: 561-392-6391 Facsimile: 561-392-6965

By: Digitally signed by Zachary Ullman

DN: CN=Zachary Ullman, E=zullman@aldridgepite.com

Reason: I am the author of this document

Location:

Date: 2025.02.04 14:53:07-05’00’ Foxit PDF Editor Version: 12.1.0 FBN: 106751

Primary E-Mail: ServiceMail@aldridgepite.com 1395-815B February 13, 20, 2025 25-00039G

FIRST INSERTION

SALE

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PUBLIC USE APPLICATION PROJECT NO. 2025010065 A request has been made by Hoyle Tanner for a Public Use approval for a fire station on land owned by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners located at 245 County Road 305, South of State Road 100, on Parcel No. 10-12-29-0000-010400021. The subject property lies in the AC (Agriculture) District. Public Uses may be permitted in any zoning district provided an application is made to the Planning and Development Board for its review and recommendation to the County Commission for final decision. Public hearings on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD – March 11, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110 for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners and BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – April 21, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110 for final decision. All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing and be heard. Anyone wishing to express their opinion may attend, telephone 386-313-4009 or write to: Flagler County Planning Department, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to planningdept@flaglercounty.gov. Please reference application number above. Copies of the application, supporting data and analysis, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning & Zoning Dept., 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110, telephone (386) 313-4009. IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE NEEDED AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSES, THE PERSON MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE PLANNING

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION 48 Case Number: 2024 CP 000824 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOSEPH P. MARTELLONI, Deceased

The administration of the estate of Joseph P. Martelloni, deceased, whose date of death was August 30, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 Moody Blvd, Building #1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. 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. The date of first publication of this notice is February 13, 2025. Personal Representative: MARIANN SPENCER 2140 Sonny Opal Lane DeLand, FL 32724

Attorney for Personal Representative: JEFFREY D. STARK Florida Bar No. 0721761 505 E. New York Ave., Suite 2 DeLand, FL 32724 Telephone: 386-873-2909

Email Address: jdstarklegal@jdstarklegal.com February 13, 20, 2025 25-00041G

Kyle Moore announces he will be attending Webber International University where he will play football.

Mainland guard Shilah-Rayn Lord announces she will play basketball at The Apprentice School.

Mainland H-back George Armstrong jokes around as he announces he will be playing football at Webber University.

Evan Papadakos signed a men’s soccer letter of intent with Toccoa Falls College in Georgia.

Logan Shudy signed a baseball letter of intent with Lesley University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Roman Caliendo signed a football letter of intent with Shorter University in Rome, Georgia.

Sadie Schell signed a softball letter of intent with Keiser University in West Palm Beach.

Corinithians Watson Jr. signed a football letter of intent with St. Thomas University.

Jemon Little signed a football letter of intent with Anna Maria University in Massachusetts.