PALM COAST
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
HANUKKAH BEGINS PAGE 10
VOLUME 12, NO. 44
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021
Becoming the boss The pandemic entrepreneurs: Locals become business owners as COVID-19 shifts the economy PAGE 3
INSIDE DISTRICT SWAP
City Councilman Victor Barbosa to challenge Joe Mullins for County Commission seat PAGE 4
ART IN THE WATER Reflections that make an impression: A Palm Coast photographer’s journey for truth PAGE 15
WOOD TO ERAU
Matanzas softball pitcher Emma Wood signs with Embry-Riddle PAGE 17
William, Michael, Jadelise and Elaina
Photos by Brian McMillan
Return of a S Palm Coast tradition
BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR
ix-year-old Lucy Sabatini has a special job at her house: Every night, she turns on the Christ-
mas lights. So when the pressure was on — when hundreds of residents, the mayor, the sheriff and even Santa were watching — she was the obvious choice
DARLENE LOVE PERFORMS DEC. 11
In one of the biggest shows of the year at the Flagler Auditorium, Grammy-winner and Rock and Roll Hall-ofFamer Darlene Love will be on the stage for a Christmas special on Dec. 11 PAGE 14
to flip the oversized switch at the Palm
Shannon Martin and Lucy Sabatini
Lighting up Town Center, as a community
Fight to the finish THIS WEEKEND First Friday kicks off Flagler Beach’s festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Veterans Park, with live music. The pier lighting will be at 6 p.m.; free 3D glasses will be available at the pier bait shop. The annual parade begins with Santa skydiving to the beach at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade is hosted by Flagler Beach Rotary. See Page 5 for details on the State Road A1A detours for the parade.
Matanzas battles to the buzzer in overtime loss to Father Lopez. PAGE 16
Coast Tree Lighting festival Nov. 27, at Town Center.
Bon Bon, played by Rhiley Albin, of Palm Coast.
Photo courtesy of Michael Cairns
Palm Coasters in ‘Nutcracker’ JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
INDEX
Briefs................. PAGE 5, 8 Business...............PAGE 18 Calendar...............PAGE 12 Cops Corner.......... PAGE 8 Letters................... PAGE 6 Real Estate...........PAGE 19 Veterans................ PAGE 6
SEE PALM PAGE 2
Matanzas guard Chris Roberts drives on Isaiah Yaryan (5).
Photo by Brent Woronoff
For a quarter of a century, the Volusia Civic Ballet has been a presence in the community during the holidays, and this year is no exception. Celebrating 25 years, the nonprofit organization is presenting three performances of “The Nutcracker” ballet
at the Peabody Auditorium, located at 600 Auditorium Blvd., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. Featuring a cast of over 90 performers from 13 participating dance studios, and joined by professional guests from the Cincinnati Ballet, this year’s production showcases choreSEE VOLUSIA PAGE 11