PBO 03 2021or

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

GET YOUR DONUTS 10 MARCH 2021

VOLUME 7, NO. 8

To rent or not to rent?

Volusia County — and the state of Florida — plan to review short-term rental rules. PAGE 4

Here’s what happened at the US 1 gate STEVE CLAIR

Ready for duty

ACCESS CONTROL MANAGER

As many of you encountered during the first of the year, there was an equipment failure at the U.S. 1 resident gate.

I would like to explain what happened and why it took almost a week to fix it.

Without getting into all the pieces of equipment required to make the system work, this is the essence: It starts by reading your transponder as you approach the reader box, and then it sends a message to a computer in the guardhouse, which checks the CapSure program and compares the information from your transponder and vehicle in the CapSure program. If everything matches up, it will raise the gate arm, allowing you to enter Plantation Bay. What happened this time was that the most expensive part of the system, the “Transcor reader box,” completely failed, and would not read your vehicle transponders to initiate the process of the gate opening.

As with many electrical/ computer products, there was no early warning or indication that it would stop working that day. And although we have bi-monthly maintenance on the whole gate system, there was

Local Postal Customer

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DAYTONA BCH FL PERMIT #447

SEE TRANSPONDER PAGE 8

Newest Flagler Sheriff K-9 Team completes training.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 team, Deputy Robin Towns and K-9 Keanu, have successfully completed a 480-hour Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) K-9 Team training course and a 200-hour narcotics detection course. The K-9 team is now active on full-duty patrol in Flagler County.

K-9 Keanu is a nearly 2-year-old Belgian Malinois born in Hungary. He was generously donated to the FCSO by Dr. Caesar DePaço and Summit Nutritionals International. K-9 Keanu is a dual purpose canine trained in narcotics detection and apprehension. Deputy Towns and K-9 Keanu are now cleared to patrol the roadways, respond to calls for service, and help keep the streets of Flagler County safe.

Deputy Robin Towns and K-9 Keanu.

Courtesy photo

Developer gets extension for 110-home community The Flagler County Commission voted 4-1 in favor of a time extension for the development off South Old Dixie Highway.

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

A developer will have more time to develop a gated subdivision of up to 110 homes on a 48.83-acre parcel at the intersection of Mayberry Road and South Old Dixie Highway in southern Flagler County.

The Flagler County Commission on Feb. 15 granted the developer, RJN Design and Development, a five-year extension to submit a platting request for the first 30 homes of Paradise Village. But the vote was divided 4-1, with Commissioner Andy Dance dissenting — and both Dance and Commissioner Greg Hansen warned the developer to address area residents’ concerns before the project returns to the commission in the future for final approval.

The project, based on a planned unit development first

approved in 2011, is on its second five-year extension.

The developer sought the first in 2016 because of complications with extending utilities to the project: The nearest utility plant, the Plantation Bay utility, had for years drawn resident complaints over water quality problems .

Now the utility is under new management, and the developer is interested in moving forward.

As was the case in a Jan. 12 planning board meeting — which ended with the planning board recommending that the County Commission approve the extension — concerns centered around neighbors’ fears that the proposed project would flood their land.

Resident John Wachter’s land abuts the RJN Design property.

“I’m not here to stand in the way of progress, but I have legitimate concerns about the flooding of

my property,” he said.

Attorney Robert Merrell, representing the developer, said the developer will have to meet St. Johns Water Management District drainage standards.

Dance asked about the size of the project’s buffers, but commissioners felt those issues could be dealt with when the proposal returns for final approval.

|

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

Experience DOWNTOWN

Ormond Beach considering next steps for River Bend Under current FAA guidance, a golf course is considered an incompatible use on airport property.

ORMOND

JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our staff, Executive Chef Scott Krause Chef Krause has excelled at some of the most revered concepts in Miami, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and Washington DC. Specializing in Northern Italian and French cuisines he revels in working with fresh pasta and hand Now proudly serving Prime butchered meats and fish.

Black Angus Chef Krause has completely beef that is reimagined our cuisine and we hand-cut are excited to present you the in house! pinnacle of fine dinning and entertainment in Central Florida.

31 Supper Club, 31 W. Granada, 386-275-1625

31supperclub.com

The future of River Bend Golf Club depends a lot on the Federal Aviation Administration.

The city of Ormond Beach is currently weighing its options when it comes to the now-closed 171-acre golf course property near the municipal airport, and hopes to present an overview to the City Commission within the next month regarding next steps.

A petition is floating around in the community urging River Bend be run as a municipal golf course, but the city may have its hands tied in that regard. As of Tuesday, Feb. 23, has almost 900 signatures.

Because the lease with the former tenant was terminated, the question remains whether running a golf course is a viable option at all, since golf courses are no longer a compatible use on airport property, according to the FAA. City Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher estimated the change in FAA guidance to take place sometime in the 2000s and said one factor to consider is that the city is obligated under FAA grant assurances to maintain properties adjacent to the airport under the limited uses outlined by the FAA. “With airport land, you’ve got two different uses,” Rademacher said. “You’ve got aeronautical uses and non-aeronautical uses,

From Polio Pioneer to COVID-19 ‘trailblazer’ Ormond Beach resident shares her firsthand account of being a Polio Pioneer in 1954.

Brewing Up History!

Ormond Garage, 48 W. Granada, 386-492-7981

ormondgarage.beer NANETTE RUNDLE CARROLL GUEST WRITER

Scientists spent the first half of the 20th century trying to cure the epidemic that wreaked terror worldwide: life-threatening polio.

As a child who envisioned myself starring in heroic scenarios, I was fortunate to help.

Imagine my excitement in early 1954 when the golden ticket to save children globally was laid in

Grind Gastropub & Kona Tiki Bar 49 W. Granada, 386-672-7277

and in the case of the golf course, that’s a non-aeronautical use. But any activity that occurs on airport property, its intent and purpose is to generate revenue for the airport.”

While golf courses are a recreational amenity enjoyed by both tourists and locals, Rademacher said, that there is a difference between running a municipal golf course on airport property versus running one in general.

He explained that the FAA stance is that golf courses in proximity to airports could potentially encumber land that would otherwise be used for aeronautical purposes, and that certain hazards could impact airport operations, such as the congregation of people and the attraction of wildlife that could impact aviation safety.

Though the future use of the land is still undecided, there is one assurance: It won’t be used for residential development.

Rademacher said determinations of how to use properties take time, especially considering the size of River Bend.

“There’s different flames in the fire that have to be vetted and looked at in order to come to a better understanding, but I think we’re moving forward in a methodical fashion that will allow us to better identify what’s going on and what our opportunities are,” he said.

grindgastropub.com Four Themed Restaurants, One Location!

Free Valet Parking.

Live Music. Happy Hour Specials!

my hands: a permission slip to be a Polio Pioneer! My second-grade teacher asked who was brave enough to get three shots that would end the monster disease.

She didn’t have to ask twice.

I rushed home from school clutching the consent form that would change history. We were going to wipe out polio!

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, scientists worked nonstop to eradicate it. And because the vaccines went through trials quicker than ever before, some people were skeptical about safety. But as a trailblazer, I sought the first available COVID-19 vaccine without hesitation. The moment I received the first Moderna dose, I felt a surge of hope. After the second, I felt liberated, as though life might resume, albeit with precautions.

Let’s educate and persuade those folks to get inoculated and extinguish COVID-19 the way we annihilated Polio.

SLIDING GLASS DOOR REPAIR

Why repair?

• For a smooth sliding door • To reduce air and water leaks • To counter the effects of corrosion • To save money both now and later • To improve door strength in high winds

Why Smooth Coast?

• Licensed and Insured • Warrantied Work • Full inventory FREE • Experienced ESTIMATES • Local

Call Today (386) 441-3635 www.TheSmoothCoast.com Serving Volusia/Flagler/Brevard County FT-BRV0007861-02

Veteran Owned & Operated

353135-1

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

353016-1

2

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

5,000 Mounds at Tomoka State Park give insight into the Timucua tribes JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Tomoka Mound and Midden Complex provides a lens to the past.

Tucked away in a section of the park currently not accessible to the public, surrounded by historic Oaks and sturdy red bay trees, the 12 mounds that make up the complex have given researchers a glimpse into what life was like for the Timucua people that once inhabited this area. Easily missed unless you know what you’re looking for, the mounds are more than just hidden hills in the brush.

Since the 1880s, the mystery of these mounds has sparked interest.

First came a man named A.E. Douglass, who arrived in Florida with the interest of collecting Native American antiquities in 1882. After excavating three mounds, he ended up finding 10 bannerstones buried in one of the largest of the mounds, known now by its number: 6. After Douglass, John Griffin and Hale Smith excavated Mound 2 in 1946, discovering evidence of human remains. From that point on, these mounds became associated with ceremonial burials. Then in 1979, two more men — Randolph Daniel and Jay Haviser — worked to identify more mounds within the park. They found six more.

These ancient mounds date back up to 5,000 years ago, and are some of the largest and most intact of their kind in the state of Florida. And as of Nov. 27, 2020, they form part of the National Register of Historic Places.

It’s an accomplishment, said Philip Rand, park manager for the Tomoka Basin State Parks.

“That’s a career milestone,” he said. “It’s something you’ll always be proud of.”

|

MARCH 2021

years of buried history

ANCIENT HISTORY

“It was really the first time people had been taken back there to see the mounds. Many of them lived in this area and didn’t even know about the mounds, and it just was super.”

Thanks to the Tomoka Archaeology project, started in 2013 by Dr. Jon Endonino, an associate professor of the Anthropology department at Eastern Kentucky University, it is now known that the oldest mounds in the complex, dating from 4,300 to 5,000 years ago, are composed of earth and shell. They also show that the Timucua had a diet of turtles, shellfish and freshwater fish, evidence that the Tomoka River was at one point a freshwater river, said Charles DuToit, park manager for the Tomoka Basin State Parks between 1993 and 2009.

Four of the mounds have been estimated to be between 4,700 and 4,900 years old, and the two most recent date from 1,600 to 3,200 years old, according to the project. Of the 12, half were identified as burial mounds.

DuToit wasn’t surprised that the Tomoka Mound and Midden Complex was added to the National Register. It qualifies in all ways, he said — from the archaic evidence of technology, the craftsmanship in artifacts found and the insight it provides into the lifestyles of the Timucua people.

“There are very few sites that cover that span of time, and also the span of different environmental changes,” DuToit said.

needed, but it’s in part thanks to their efforts that the mounds have earned their designation.

Rand estimates that he and Zimmerman removed over 65 trees that impacted the mounds and removed over 200 yards of debris.

Much of the clearing of the tops of the mounds was done by hand.

Recently, the The Black Bear Chapter of the Florida Trail Association has been instrumental in helping to keep clearing the mounds. Aggie Armstrong, park services specialist, came to the Tomoka Basin State Parks to help recruit volunteers. The outreach of groups like the Florida Trails Association is a benefit to the park.

“I really cherish the partnerships in the community,” she said.

PREPARING THE AREA

‘THEY FELT SPECIAL’

Before Endonino began his digs, the mounds were in need of a lot of clearing. Rand, aided by Chan Zimmerman, began the work several years ago as a “side project” simply because the roads leading to the mounds were overgrown and both enjoyed walking through the area. Then in 2015, Rand and Zimmerman began removing downed storm trees and began a project to mow as much of the area as possible.

Endonino’s work began in 2016 and by 2017, the extensive clearing of the mounds revealed their shape. The work continues today, and volunteers are still

In June 2020, Endonino received an email from the Florida Department of State’s Division of Historical Resources inquiring about assistance to submit a nomination to the National Register for the mounds. Endonino informed Rand that he would be submitting photos, a summary of his findings, and other background research for the nomination.

But it wouldn’t be the first time these mounds would be seen by others outside of the project and the park staff.

On Jan. 18, 2020, the first visitors were given a tour of the mounds via a tram. That was part

PHILIP RAND

It was in Mound 6 that the first excavations in 1882 resulted in the discovery of 10 bannerstones.

Philip Rand, park manager for the Tomoka Basin State Parks, and Aggie Armstrong, park services specialist.

of the motivating factor to clear the area surrounding the mounds, Rand said: They wanted to give the public a chance to see them.

The event, held in partnership with Ormond Beach Historical Society, was a sold-out success.

“They felt special, because it was really the first time people had been taken back there to see the mounds,” Rand said. “...

Many of them lived in this area and didn’t even know about the mounds, and it just was super.”

Armstrong recalls the facial expressions of the tour participants. She could relate; before she got involved with the mounds, she had also never seen them. Marvel only grew when Endonino shared that, based on his findings, he concluded that the same species of plants seen there today were also there when the Timucua inhabited the area.

“I was excited to hear how old they were,” Armstrong said. “I think everybody on the tram was ... trying to picture just how long ago that was and the fact that it does look the same now — it’s just amazing to me.”

In the end, Rand said the Tomoka Archaeology project really was the driving force behind the complex being added to the National Register.

“Without that, we wouldn’t know what we know about the mounds,” Rand said.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

DID YOU KNOW? There is a burial mound in Ormond Beach, and it was once almost lost to history.

The day was May 27, 1982. The bulldozer was ready to go.

A local couple was looking forward to building their “dream home” across the Halifax River. The problem was, in order for them to build that home, one of Ormond Beach’s oldest pieces of history had to be removed: The Ormond Burial Mound, located on the corner of South Beach Street and Mound Avenue.

According to an Orlando Sentinel article dated Jan. 7, 1983, then-Ormond Beach City Manager John Leemkuil halted work on the mound, one of the most intact Native American burial mounds in Eastern Florida, after citizens raised concerns about its removal.

It was an action the couple sued the city for (and later settled), and one that led to the preservation of the landmark.

“It was almost the mound that was not,” said Dr. Philip Shapiro, who serves on both the city’s Historic Landmarks Preservation and Quality of Life boards.

Shapiro said archeological studies estimate the Ormond Mound became the final resting place for over 100 Native Americans.

3

4

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

|

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

re B Sho an Oce

VRBO ENTIRE HOME VRBO PRIVATE ROOM AIRBNB ENTIRE HOME AIRBNB PRIVATE ROOM

lvd

Short-term

1

House and Senate leaders revive a proposal to take away local regulatory authority.

‘NOT JUST A BEACH ISSUE’

For over a year, short-term rental websites Airbnb and VRBO have been collecting and remitting resort taxes — required to be paid by all tourist lodgings — for Volusia County on behalf of its local hosts.

In 2019, the 120 homeowners that form part of the alliance collected $9 million in revenue, of which $1.13 million was tax revenue, said Pete Vega, member of the alliance. Of that sum, Volusia claimed over $730,000.

According to his data, their vacation rentals brought in over $7 million of commerce into Volusia County as their guests supported local businesses.

“This isn’t just a beach issue,” Vega said. “This is impacting everyone.”

According to data by AllTheRooms, a New York-based vaca-

Rd po rt Air

vd Bl

Ave

G

ra na da

nd

Ha

tion rental search engine, the Ormond area’s supply of vacation rentals on Airbnb totals 190, and 95 on VRBO. The average revenue earned per listing for the month of January is $1,102 on Airbnb, and $1,778 on VRBO, an increase of 9.76% and 29.78% since last month.

THE PROPERTY OWNERS’ SIDE

All of the speakers at the meeting had a story to tell.

Feller’s mother, Rosalene, said that she and her husband purchased their dream home in Bethune Beach to be near their son. When an unexpected illness impacted their family, they began renting their home to prevent losing it. That plan came to halt because of “frightening harassment” from a few of the neighbors and a “very overzealous” code enforcement. She said they were additionally harassed when they opened their rental to house first responders during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Another homeowner from Bethune Beach said she gets harassed by neighbors if there’s a new car on the driveway to her home.

Rachel Hutcherson, of Ormond Beach, said she and her family travel periodically and want to rent their home when they’re away. She attested to the wellmaintained rentals in Ormond-

THE AVERAGE DAILY RATE OF VRBO VS AIRBNB The average daily rate is the average income per night earned by a host. According to data by AllTheRooms, this is how Ormond Beach’s vacation rentals have faired since August 2020.

r nD rso nde

homes using software program that tracks rentals advertised on VRBO and Airbnb. The alliance states this has pitted neighbor against neighbor as some residents police these rental platforms to issue complaints to code enforcement.

“These people are very, very hurt right now,” said Richard Feller, president of the alliance.

“They’re having to sell homes.

They’re closing businesses.”

1

nA Joh

Vacationers visit Volusia County.

They fall in love with its beaches.

They decide to invest in a property, with the hope of residing in it full-time upon retirement. In the meantime, they decide to use it as a vacation rental.

Then, they discover — in some cases several years later — that they’re actually violating a county ordinance, and they are ordered to stop all rentals.

It’s a story echoed by several of the homeowners who attended the County Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 16, and who pleaded that the county change its ordinance. And though there has been no official action taken, the council did direct staff to cease all county action on short-term rentals for the next two weeks.

That means that until the County Council can review Volusia’s short-term rental ordinance, which currently requires a minimum of 30-day rentals for single family homes and condos in county residential zones, no code enforcement complaints will be processed against these homeowners. This came from a unanimous motion by the council at the meeting, though a discussion of short-term rentals was not included on the meeting’s agenda.

“Let’s do something today to help the people of Volusia County who are struggling to keep a business,” Volusia County Chair Jeff Brower said. “They’re trying to live here and are extremely good neighbors. I believe in private property rights and private property rights do not give anybody the freedom to go out and abuse their neighbors.”

According to the Vacation Rental Home Alliance of Volusia, the county has been operating a campaign to stop vacation rentals in both condos and single family

t

Hope for short-term rentals emerges, Volusia to review existing ordinance

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

hS eac N. B

RELIEF JARLEENE ALMENAS

Vacation rentals fight revs up again

Aug 2020

Jan 2021 VRBO Average daily rate: $168 AIRBNB Average daily rate: $132

by-the-Sea, saying they were some of the cleanest homes in the neighborhoods.

“Short-term vacation rental in our culture is here to stay,” Hutcherson said. “The longer Volusia County and its property owners and small business owners are not able to benefit from them, the worse.”

THE BIGGER PICTURE

For Brower, time was of the essence. The council was going to discuss short-term rentals at its workshop later that day, but he feared that if the conversation were put off until then, an update to the county ordinance would be dragged out.

“People are losing their homes today,” Brower said.

There was some confusion on the council after Brower proposed enacting a moratorium on the ordinance, as several council members voiced concerns over taking action on an item that was not on the agenda.

They also hadn’t heard from people who opposed short-term rentals in neighborhoods at the meeting.

“You still have another side to this picture that still needs to be heard,” said County Councilman Ben Johnson.

In previous articles published in the Observer regarding shortterm rentals, hoteliers have been one of the major opposers to short-term rentals in the area.

Councilwoman Barb Girtman said a presentation on the subject, and representation from all viewpoints, was needed to make a decision.

“We don’t have the 10,000foot view for Volusia,” she said.

Councilman Danny Robins said one could support an item and still want it done “the right way.”

“This is going to open up some doors,” Robins said. “The word’s going to be officially out. What other problems can this cause?

I’m not against this. I want to do it right the first time.”

The next County Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 2.

DARA KAM NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

A years-long effort to block local governments from regulating vacation rentals is on the move again, as House and Senate leaders revive a proposal to prevent cities and counties from inspecting and licensing properties offered on platforms such as Airbnb.

In a 10-7 vote on Feb. 10, the House Regulatory Reform Subcommittee gave an initial nod to the latest iteration of the proposal (HB 219).

While the legislation has morphed over the past few years, the controversy over the issue has remained consistent.

“It’s always been a fun bill to present in committees,” Rep. Jason Fischer, a Jacksonville Republican who has shepherded the proposal in recent years, joked as he introduced the bill to the panel on Wednesday.

The measure would, for the first time, require online platforms such as Airbnb to collect and remit taxes on vacation rental properties, ensure that only properly licensed rentals are advertised and provide the state with specific information about the rentals.

In exchange, regulation would be “preempted” to the state, largely preventing local governments from regulating the rentals. Local governments could only regulate the rentals in the same way as other properties in neighborhoods, a restriction that cities and counties strenuously oppose.

Florida already bans local governments from passing ordinances to outlaw vacation rentals.

While acknowledging that his bill faces opposition, Fischer argued that the changes are necessary.

“The current way vacation rentals are handled isn’t working.

Nobody’s, I think, really happy about the current state of things,” he said, adding that his proposal would “fix the dysfunction of the regulatory scheme across the state of Florida.”

Vacation-rental pre-emption has become a perennial fight for local officials and property owners in some high-end neighborhoods who complain about noise, parking and trash issues stemming from “party houses” owned by non-resident investors or unidentifiable businesses.

The proposal would do away with ordinances regulating short-term rentals adopted after June 1, 2011, which opponents said would be problematic for areas that worked to develop local regulations since then.

The hotel industry, which for years sought to have vacation rentals governed in the same manner as other lodging establishments, is split on the proposal.

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

|

5

MARCH 2021

Teachers and LEOs who are Flagler approves lease Observer over 50 can get vaccinated with aviation company PLANTATION BAY

State teachers union lead says the vaccines should be Skytrade Aviation is planning to build a $1 available across the state, not at just four locations. million hangar at the TOM URBAN tions. The Florida Education AND CHRISTINE SEXTON Association is the state’s largest Flagler Executive Airport, THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA teachers union.

“If we truly are trying to make Airport Director Roy Marking a significant change in sure we keep everyone safe and Sieger said.

Florida’s vaccination strategy, protect the learning environment, it just makes good sense to make sure everyone who works in our schools has access to the vaccination,” Spar said.

Demand for vaccinations has outpaced supply, so the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outlined a three-phase vaccine rollout plan. The first phase, issued in early December, recommended vaccinating health care workers and long-term care residents. The second phase, issued three weeks later, recommended vaccinating people ages 75 and older and non-health care frontline “essential” workers, including teachers, police officers and grocery store employees. The CDC included vaccinating people ages 65 to 74 in a third phase, along with younger people who have underlying medical conditions.

DeSantis, though, ignored the second round of recommendations and issued an executive order in December directing that vaccine doses be given to staff members and residents of longterm care centers, people ages 65 and older and people who hospitals deemed were high risk.

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

An aviation company will be leasing space at the Flagler Executive Airport for $1,089 per month and plans to build a 120-by-100-foot hangar on the southwestern side of the airport property.

“I think this is very significant, and it’s the first, really, new group that’s going to use those pads we put out there,” County Commissioner David Sullivan said before the commission approved the ground lease with Skytrade Aviation during its Feb. 15 meeting.

The lease had been placed on the commission meeting’s consent agenda — the section used for generally uncontroversial items that are approved as a bundle, without commission discussion — but Sullivan said he thought the lease significant enough to warrant a mention.

Airport Director Roy Sieger said that Skytrade plans to use the hangar for aircraft maintenance and expects to invest $1 million to $1.5 million in the structure.

The space will largely be used by one pilot and one mechanic,

Sieger said.

The agreement is a 30-year land lease between the county and Skytrade, with annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. It gives Skytrade 24 months to build the hangar.

Commissioner Andy Dance suggested that the item shouldn’t have been placed on the agenda, for transparency’s sake.

“It seems like the ground lease is a little bit beyond, in my thoughts, being on consent,” Dance said. “I think it’s important, too, because of the expansion and the amount of area we have for development over on that side of the airport. ... There’s a tremendous opportunity for the airport and the county in that area. It’s good to see some activity.”

“No pun intended,” Sieger said, “We’ve been waiting for that area to take off.”

Sieger, noting that the Army National Guard and East Flagler Mosquito Control District already have facilities at the airport, said he’s been communicating with other companies that want to build hangars there.

Publisher / John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor / Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com Associate Editor / Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com News Editor / Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Page Designers / Hailey McMillan, Jennifer Edwards Advertising Manager / Jaclyn Centofanti, jaclyn@palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Hallie Hydrick, hallie@ palmcoastobserver.com Front Desk Associate / Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com

Plantation Bay HOA President / John Gamin, 386-586-7530, mjgamin@cfl.rr.com Vice President / Bob Anderson, 386-316-1278, rranderson1@hotmail.com Treasurer / Robert LaTocha, 386-6158204, robertlatocha77@gmail.com Secretary / Helen Siegel, 386-236-9884, hsiegel51@aol.com Director / Joan Beck, 386-672-7762, jbeck386@aol.com Director / Jack Corbett, 772-405-7339, corbettteam@gmail.com, Director / Roseann French, 386-671-7715, gfrench154/aol.com Director / Chuck Gilles, 386-689-5222, cjg.7@att.net Director / Kathleen Walter, 386-263-2570, kzwalter@aol.com

“There’s a tremendous opportunity for the airport and the county in that area. It’s good to see some activity.”

ANDY DANCE, Flagler County commissioner

Palm Coast Observer, LLC

SUPPORT PRIVATE PRACTICE PHYSICIANS

*

COLLECTIVELY OVER 100 YEARS OF SURGICAL EXPERIENCE, EXPERIENCE COUNTS! John B. Holt, M.D., F.A.C.S

James T. Sutton, M.D., F.A.C.S.

William H. Johnson, III, M.D. F.A.C.S.

Atlantic Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgeons, LLC (ACTS) is focused on providing high quality surgical services in a multitude of specialties that include cardiac, thoracic, vascular surgery and offer interventional services, as well as on-site vascular ultrasound services and treatment for medically necessary varicose veins.

OFFICE/VEIN CLINIC HOURS:

Monday - Friday: 8am - 5pm For an appointment, please call

386-672-9503

50 Town Ct Palm Coast, FL 32164 A Residence of Legend Senior Living®

LegendSeniorLiving.com

https://www.actsllc.org

339456-1 352844-1

588 Sterhaus Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

ALF# 11761

352697-1

Gov. Ron DeSantis on Feb. 23 said teachers and law enforcement officers ages 50 and older will have access to COVID-19 vaccine doses in the coming days as four federally supported vaccination sites open in the state.

DeSantis has for weeks pushed ahead with a goal of vaccinating as many seniors as possible. He said Tuesday, Feb. 23, during a news conference in Hialeah that newly announced Federal Emergency Management Agencysupported sites in Jacksonville, Miami, Orlando and Tampa, will offer vaccinations to people ages 65 and older.

But DeSantis added he will use a portion of the “tens of thousands” of extra vaccine doses the FEMA sites bring to the state to vaccinate teachers and law enforcement officers.

Florida Education Association President Andrew Spar did not know how many teachers would qualify for the vaccines. Regardless, Spar said DeSantis’ plan doesn’t go far enough to protect teachers and said the vaccines should be available across the state, not at just four loca-

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

Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

6

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

|

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

Q+ A COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC CARYN PRATHER

Isolation and connection during COVID-19 JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

C

ommunity Paramedic Caryn Prather visits people who repeatedly call 911 for non-emergency reasons — often because they’re older, lonely and so in need of even a few brief moments of human contact that they’ll make up excuses to call. The following is an edited transcript of an interview with Prather.

Q: How has what you’ve been doing changed because of COVID-19?

A: Since COVID, most of what I do now is over the phone. Our guys, or one of the fire departments, will call me and say, “We keep going out to this house; they keep calling 911.”…

They fall a lot, or we’re finding they call just because they’re lonely or they’re unable to get their medicine. And then the guys send me a text or an email and I will call the person.

People who are homebound and need to be vaccinated can call 386-313-4200 to be added to the list. They will be called the week before their vaccination visit will occur.

People who are homebound and need other services can call Community Paramedic Caryn Prather at 386-313-4260 and leave a message for assistance.

Most of the time, what I have found is that information is the biggest thing that they need: They don’t understand that they can call the pharmacy and get their medication delivered; they don’t understand that if you just stop taking it … this can cause more harm than continuing to take it.

A lot of these people don’t want to go to a grocery store — that scares them. I try to get them set up to where someone can purchase their groceries and bring them. In some cases ... either we get them set up with Meals on Wheels, or I get meals from Senior Services, and I will take it to them.

Q: What are the home visits like?

A: If they are able to come out of the door, we’ll do everything outside. ... We find that, probably more times than not, they’re just isolated, especially since COVID has happened. We have found that some of these people have not left their house in a year

… and they don’t want family to come, because they’re scared that they might get sick or the family member might get sick.

Before, they would have things where they could get on a bus and go to a specific place every day, where they would play games … and could be with people and have conversations with them. They’re not getting that now. That’s probably the saddest thing. They’re not on the computer; they’re not good on their phones. ... When we go to give the vaccines, they don’t want us to leave. They want us to stay, because they want to have someone to talk to.

Q: Perhaps you could walk me through what a typical home visit is like. How do you start the conversation?

A: I just try to get them comfortable and offer suggestions. ... It’s easier to be a little more empathetic and listen a little more when it’s not your family member — sometimes, were have a tendency to kind of brush off things with family. I will just sit and listen to them, and a lot of times, that’s just what they want.

Even people that are married and have a spouse, they just want to talk to someone and just have some human contact to make them feel like they are human again.

“Some of these people have not left their house in a year … and they don’t want family to come, because they’re scared that they might get sick or the family member might get sick.”

CARYN PRATHER, community paramedic, Flagler County Fire Rescue

Q: What do you do if it seems like somebody might really need a psychologist or a psychiatrist?

A: That’s when I push the fact that you need to go to see your primary care doctor. I will make a list of questions for them, because they go in and they forget. If they have it all written down, it makes it easier.

Q: How common are the people that are calling because they’re lonely?

A: They don’t ... say they’re calling because they’re lonely. We pick up on those things because either they’ve fallen, or they call 911 and they have something very minor that needs to be dealt with, but the bottom line is they’re just lonely. ... People that have actually no medical issue,

other than being lonely — there’s probably about 40. I don’t talk to them every day, but I’ll call them here and there just to check on them, or if I’m driving in their area, I’ll stop by just to say hi to them.

Q: Is there any else you can think of that you’d like to add?

A: We try really hard to help as many people as possible, and to try to give information and give our community what they need. ... Since COVID started, community paramedicine has changed, and has gone down, it seems like, about 50 different roads. I’m hoping that we are helping to keep [patients] healthy so that hopefully, one day, people can go to the grocery store and go out and get to be around people.

HARRIS GROCERY

FloorsAlive

FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 36 YEARS

Serving Flagler County for Over 36 Years Family Owned & Operated

24 Hours Turn Around | Order Today - Pick Up Tomorrow

386-437-3813 CALL TO PRE-ORDER!

“MARKET FRESH”

SMALL BUSINESS.

BIG IMPACT.

If you’re buying your meat anywhere else, you just haven’t paid attention!

SHOP L CAL.

Sanderson Farms Family Pack Bone-in Split Chicken Breast $1.29lb IQF 5lb Bag Party Wings $10.00 each Fresh Lean & Meaty Family Pack Ground Beef $2.99lb Black Canyon Corned Beef Brisket $4.79lb Fresh Lean & Tender Whole Boston Butt Pork Roast $1.29lb Prime Beef - Cut to Order - Prime Boneless New York Strips $14.99lb - Prime Boneless Ribeyes $18.99lb - Prime Bone-In Ribeyes $16.99lb •Fresh Local Cabbage .59¢lb • • • • • •

CARPET • WOOD • TILE LUXURY VINYL PLANK 4720 E Hwy 100, One Block West of Target 386.437.0018 Mon - Fri 9am-5pm; Sat 9am-1pm

352679-1

1006 S. US HWY 1, BUNNELL FL 32110

www.HarrisGroceryBunnell.com

352683-1

SPECIALS VALID 3/3/21 - 3/9/21

Carpet |Tile & Stone | Hardwood Laminate floors-alive.com | Resilient | shawfloors.com

HOME INSURANCE NON-RENEWAL? WE CAN HELP! Call Today!

386-439-9254

United Way fights for the Education, Financial Stability, and Health of every person in our community.

•Hurricane Exposure •Age of Roof •Vacant/House for Sale

AUTO • HOME • BOAT RV & MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURED HOME • PUP

WE SELL COMMERCIAL INSURANCE! • Auto • Property CALL for a Quote & Ask • Liability About Money

99 Old Kings Rd. S., Suite 3

Saving Discounts!

Join the Fight.

Central FloridaCustomize Retina Center

Whether you call your ride a cruiser, a chopper, or a hog, chances are Safeco Insurance® covers it.

But it doesn't end with the bike. Want safety apparel coverage at no extra charge? We can do that.

Need to be able to replace custom parts? Done. Fact is, Safeco® protects you in ways that many insurance companies don’t. So no matter what it is you need protected, Safeco has you covered.

All Counties Insurance Agency & Traffic School Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza - Route 100 www.aciaonline.com

Phone 386-439-9254

PF-0000802123-01

352641-1

your insurance Phone 386-439-9254 www.aciaonline.com

unitedwayvfc.org

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

|

MARCH 2021

7

REASONS TO LIST OR BUY with Venture Development Realty Inc.

PB Inside Track

$

Venture Development Realty is the only Real Estate Company that offers buyers up to $10,000 in membership discounts at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club.

Commission Credit Program

Ask us about our commission credit program*

On-Site Presence

On-site in Plantation Bay since 1988.

No other real estate company has an office inside Plantation Bay.

Carol Paquette Realtor 386.846.1759

Larry LaGrotta Broker Assoc.

386.212.1202

Debbie Spelman Realtor 386.690.6511

Elizabeth H. Kargar Broker Assoc.

386.585.2904

Steve Adams Realtor 386.338.4737

Aida Morales Prop. Manager 386.547.4342

Commission Credit Program - Seller must list an existing home with Venture Development Realty, Inc. (an affiliate of ICI Homes) and enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a new home from ICI Homes without the participation of an outside broker. The new home cannot be an inventory home or a model. ICI Homes will reimburse seller an amount equal to the real estate commission paid on seller’s existing home, up to, but not to exceed 6% of the purchase of the new ICI Home. This reimbursement will be paid at time of closing on the new ICI Home and may be used for closing costs, options, upgrades or a discount on the base price of the new ICI home but will not be paid out in cash. Not valid with any other discounts. ICI Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

353043-1

Contact us for more info. 386.437.6840 / VDRInc.com

8

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

|

Transponder reader and gate failure at the US 1 entrance CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

nothing we could have done to prevent it from happening; it was just an electrical component failure, and not human error causing the problem.

So now comes the hardest part: trying to locate a new replacement reader box to fix the system, and get it up and running as quickly as we could.

A new reader box was found in Miami, but due to it being the New Year holiday and a weekend, it was delayed five days until we got it programmed, shipped and delivered to us.

(Murphy’s Law) We then we must get it programmed with all the CapSure information by our local gate vendor and he linked the whole gate operation system to function. (Which we did literally the moment the part arrived).

A lot of discussion was talked about on the local social media, about how it took entirely too long to fix it and how people were upset that they were delayed by having to use the visitor’s lane. And some were mostly upset that we didn’t have a replacement part in reserve to fix it just as soon as it stopped working.

There are several reasons why we do not just have spare parts lying around in storage to fix it any quicker than we possibly did. Here is why:  The cost. The Transcor reader boxes cost approximately $8,000 each (each gate has one unit).

So if we had to keep two units in backup, it would cost about $16,000 to have the equipment just lying around on hand, but this concept comes with a few major issues as listed below.  Programming of the reader box. Each gate has a different internet provider and different IP address, and each one has to be programmed by the manufacturer.  Delays. Even if we had replacement reader boxes in reserve, they would have to be shipped back to the manufacturer to be set up and programmed with Plantation Bay information, then shipped back to us. That could possibly take even longer than buying a new one, having it program it, and then having it shipped to us.  Updates. Also, the gate opening program gets new “pushes” or updates from the CapSure

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

system almost daily, and even if we had reader boxes in storage, they would not function, due to lack of the new updated data from CapSure.

The PBCA Board of Directors has budgeted and approved us to make several vast improvements in the gate/access system over the last few years to minimize/ eliminate problems with the gates to include:  Lightning/surge protection systems at both gates, to minimize electrical strikes to the gate systems. (Old Dixie Highway entrance reader box was damaged by a direct lightning strike July 30, 2018.) We now have lightning suppression systems on both buildings and have grounded all necessary equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.  Double the amount of annual preventive maintenance by the gate repair company, to detect and repair any problems, before they occur.  Routine daily maintenance checks by Access Control Staff.

In the future, should we have any gate opening issues, please understand that we are doing all we can to get it back in operation and just as quickly as possible. And I ask that you please be patient with staff because — trust me — when a malfunction occurs with the gates, their stress level and workload almost doubles.

ALLIGATORS INCREASE ACTIVITY IN PLANTATION BAY

As many of you residents know, there are many bodies of water in Plantation Bay, and in some of them alligators do occasionally reside and are seen from time to time. Sometimes they move from pond to pond daily. (Here today and gone tomorrow!)

We are in the time now when the alligators are becoming increasingly more active and will be seen more now that the spring season is upon us, after being dormant for the winter.

May through June is the active mating season for alligators, and there will be male suitors coming from other ponds and bodies of water looking for some alligator loving.

Bull gators (big males) will sometimes travel up to 50 miles looking for suitable mates, so it’s not uncommon to have some

travel in from the Bulow Creek area, utilizing underground drainage pipes that connect with our bodies of water here and, yes, they are even sometimes found in swimming pools.

Many of the veteran residents already know that only alligators of 5 feet longer (or “nuisance” alligators) can be removed from Plantation Bay ponds by a licensed Florida Wildlife Commission alligator trapper.

Nuisance alligators are those less then 5 feet that have lost their fear of humans and will not flee when they see a person.

Most of the time this is a result of people feeding them.

As they say, “a fed gator is a dead gator.” Since they are federally protected animals, it is also a federal crime to feed alligators.

Alligators are an especially important part of the ecosystem as their diets mostly consist of birds, fish, turtles and snakes.

And they help to keep it all in check.

Please don’t allow your pets to be near the edge of any of our bodies of water, whether on leash or off leash, because of the possibility of snakes and alligators.

If you do see a large gator (5 feet or more), please call Access Control at 437-2496, and we’ll send out an officer to verify location and size for the licensed alligator trapper.

He is only permitted so many alligator “tags” for the area for each year, and since he is reimbursed by the harvesting of the alligator, by law it has to be 5 feet or bigger (except for nuisance gators) for him to remove it.

And to answer a question that comes up occasionally: There is no “relocating” of the alligators. If they are removed from our ponds, they will be euthanized (in a humane manner) and harvested for their hides and meat. This is because of territorial concerns and disease issues of introducing an alligator to a new location.

So, just because an alligator is seen in one of our bodies of water, it doesn’t mean it has to be removed. Nor will it be unless it meets the required criteria for removal.

There are many native animals here in Plantation Bay daily, to include deer, turkeys, bobcats, alligators (and many other small animals), and even occasionally a Florida black bear will pass through.

We just have to learn to live together!

YOUR HOME found here.

Find a place where you can visit listings, not just imagine them.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

349734-1

Call 386-447-9723 or visit PalmCoastObserver.com/redpages

Making a change Don’t forget to seek the appropriate permissions to make a change to your home or landscape.

MARGIE HALL COMMUNITY MANAGER

As a reminder to all property owners who are considering making a change to the outside of your home or property, Association approval is required prior to beginning any project. Plantation Bay homeowners should drop off or mail their application to the management office so that the Residential Modification Committee (RMC) can review. The RMC is a five-member committee of volunteers that meet the first Monday of each month at 11 a.m. in the management office.

Plantation Bay residents requesting a paint color approval must paint a color sample on the front of their home for the RMC to view. There is now a drop box located just outside the management office for residents to submit a request.

Westlake homeowners have their requests reviewed by the Westlake Architectural Review Board (ARB); this developerappointed board meets the second Wednesday and fourth Thursday of each month at the ICI Homes office in Daytona Beach.

S u b m i ss i o n s to the RMC and ARB should include as much detail as possible, color samples, shingle samples, pool drawings, plans, photos and dimensions, are just some of the examples of the type of information that is required.

A survey is require if you are installing/removing landscape, a pool, landscape curbing, removing a tree, or extending your patio.

Simply identify on your survey where the proposed change or addition is to be done.

Don’t rely on your contractor to submit an application on your behalf for review. Applying for Association approval is a homeowner’s responsibility. Likewise, don’t assume because your neighbor’s modification received approval that you will automatically be approved. Homeowners are also responsible to comply with all federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations and

must obtain all necessary permits, if applicable.

Once the approval is granted in writing from the Association, you can begin or schedule your project. Once started, your project should be conducted without interruption and in a good workmanlike manner by you or your contractor to its completion. If your project is delayed more than six months, you’ll have to resubmit for approval.

If you are not sure what exterior changes need approval, please contact the management office.

Modification applications can be downloaded from the ommunity’s website, www.plantationbayhomeowners.com, or you can contact the management office at 386-437-0038 to have one sent to you. Management staff is happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the approval process. The deadline to submit for the next RMC meeting is the last Wednesday of the month.

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

|

9

MARCH 2021

Sponsored content

Stronger healthcare infrastructure coming to Palm Coast EMILY BLACKWOOD CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Access to medical care is an important piece of any healthy, thriving community - and Palm Coast is no exception. While Advent Health has a major footprint in the area (with two hospitals and a third campus on the way), there’s still a significant lack of speciality medical services within the city limits.

“How many of us in this community have to drive to New Smyrna, Orlando, St. Johns County or Jacksonville for medical services?” said Jeff Douglas, president of Douglas Property & Development. “Or we have to wait weeks or months for health services here.”

In the 2019 Department of Health Flagler County Community Assessment, 42% of people said that mental health and counseling services were hard to obtain while 29% said alternative therapy and 25% said

speciality doctor care such as a heart doctor. Almost 15% said it was difficult to obtain dental or oral care.

When asked what barriers were preventing people getting health care, 23% said long waits for appointments, 21% said a lack of evening and weekend services and 18% said that they can’t find any providers that accept their insurance. As someone who’s been tapped into Palm Coast for some time, Douglas believes that an increase in medical services is something city residents could really use.

“Ask anybody who tries to get a doctor’s appointment here,” he said.

This shortage of services will be addressed not only by the spin-off enterprises and businesses created by graduates of Jacksonville University and The University of North Florida Mednexus Towne Center campuses, but also by more DPD

development.

“The existing [medical services] product is more of an urgent care nature,” Douglas said. “The new product is a retail-medical building component that will be on Central Avenue, and the second building, that will be across from the Central Landings, will be a medical building as well.”

While the future tenants of those units in the general medical office building are still being determined, Douglas said they’ve “had conversations with everybody from primary care to urgent care.”

“Those buildings are going to be strictly medical-educational.

Everything from dental to urgent care to medical specialty.”

The 2020 U.S. Census projected that Florida will have over 21 million residents by April of 2021 and over 23 million by 2025. Palm Coast gained over 14,000 people since 2010, and with the pandemic driving people out of major cities, that number is expected to increase.

“The fact is, we’re expand-

NEW 100-BED HOSPITAL COMES TO PALM COAST In January 2021, Advent Health announced that it would build a 100-bed hospital in Palm Coast starting in September. According to its website, the AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway will be a four-story hospital that will include: n An emergency department with full-service imaging n Five operating suites n Endoscopy services n An outpatient laboratory n Heart catheterization labs n 20 critical care patient rooms n 80 rooms for general medical or surgical care

Advent Health also plans to build a 30,000-square-foot medical office building on the 10-acre site in the future. The hospital is scheduled to open in late 2022.

ing,” Douglas said. “People are coming. People are here. And I think the people here who are consuming the medical services would agree that we’re at maximum capacity.

So if you’re in the medical community, and you’re looking to expand your offices, we want to be your next office location.”

352660-1

New development in Towne Center will include more property options for medical services.

10

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

|

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news

Donnie’s Donuts to open new location AdventHealth resumes normal The local donut shop will join a new apartment complex as the latest additions to One Daytona. tona International Speedway announced on Wednesday, Feb. 17, that Donnie’s Donuts will open a 1,500-square-foot space in the center island across from Jeremiah’s Italian Ice. According to a press release, it will have both

JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

One Daytona is about to get a little bit sweeter.

The retail and entertainment district across from the Day-

Courtesy photo

A new Donnie’s Donuts location will open soon at One Daytona.

indoor and outdoor seating where patrons will be able to enjoy Donnie’s classic and modern donuts.

“We are very excited to be back in Daytona Beach,” said Patti and Donald Summerlin, co-owners of Donnie’s Donuts in the press release. “We cannot think of a better location than One Daytona to grow our customer base.”

In addition, One Daytona also announced plans for a new 120unit multi-story luxury apartment complex at Icon One Daytona, representing a $30 million investment in the district.

The apartment complex, to be developed by Prime Group, will be located next to the Fairfield Inn and Suites. Construction could begin as early as the third quarter of 2021 and could take up to a year, the press release states.

Residents will be able to choose from studio, one, two and threebedroom units.

“With our existing Icon units seeing a fast pace of leasing, we are confident in the Daytona Beach market,” said Larry Abbo, CEO of Prime Group. “We believe in the lifestyle concept we’ve created here with shopping, dining and entertainment within walking distance from our apartment homes. One Daytona’s programming provides something for our residents to do nearly every week of the year from outdoor markets and live entertainment to interactive community events.”

operations as COVID eases up AdventHealth physicians discuss decline in COVID-19 cases and why heart health is particularly important in the wake of the pandemic.

ADVENTHEALTH COMMUNICATIONS

AdventHealth.

AdventHealth saw another decrease in COVID-19 patients this week, the latest signal that the hospital system can resume more elective procedures as it transitions back to “green” status, Dr. Neil Finkler, chief medical officer of acute care services for the Central Florida Division, said at the Feb. 18 AdventHealth Morning Briefing.

The hospital system’s Central Florida Division tallied about 500 patients with the coronavirus Feb. 18, down from a peak in midJanuary of more than 800.

The move to “green” status, Finkler said, is determined by an algorithm that accounts for the number of patients, staffing and other factors like the supply of personal protective equip-

File photo

ment such as masks. The move to “green” means there are no restrictions on elective procedures as staffing and equipment are adequate.

“What we are saying is we are functioning as a normal facility,” Finkler said. “We are all systems go.”

Finkler was joined by Dr. Kevin Accola, cardiac thoracic surgeon, who discussed how much is still unknown about COVID-19’s effects on the heart.

The global pandemic caused a drop in people seeking treatment for cardiac symptoms, but heart disease remains a top health concern in the United States.

Accola urged people to follow a balanced heart-healthy diet.

MARKET PLACE Financial Services

(386) 210-9500 gmiddleton@wealthcrest.com Securities products offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through WealthCrest Financial Services, LLC is not a subsidiary or control affiliate of Cambridge.

WealthCrest Financial Services, LLC

85 Avenue de la Mer, Suite 706, Palm Coast, FL 32137

352109-1

Health

Repairs

A Plus Restoration & Repair, LLC Furniture Touch-Up & Repair • Antique & Family Heirloom Restoration • Art Work & Sculpture Repair • Cabinets & Wood Floors

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE PERSONALIZED INSURANCE QUOTE.

Insured - Free Estimates

Auto • HomeInsurance • Condo • Motorcycle • Flood • Renters All Counties Agency All Counties Insurance Agency RV • Boat • Commercial Auto • Property & Traffic School 99 OldSchool Kings Rd. S.100 Suite 3 & Traffic Winn-Dixie Shopping Plaza - Route Central Plaza Florida Retina Winn-Dixie Shopping - Route 100Center www.aciaonline.com Phone 386-439-9254 www.aciaonline.com

Phone 386-439-9254 www.aciaonline.com Phone 386-439-9254

PF-SPAD0414151522

PF-SPAD0414151522

Real Estate

PF-SPAD0414151522

No job too big - No detail too small 352128-1

SIMPLE, SEP, IRAs and 401(k)s

Helping to set up retirement plans for the self-employed and for small business owners

352129-1

Small Business Retirement Plans

Insurance

CALL for a Quote CALL & forAsk a About Quote Money & Ask Saving About Money Discounts!

Saving Discounts!

(386) 234-0670 aplusrestoration123@gmail.com

*Daytona Car Service* Affordable, Professional Chauffeured Car Service *Airport & Cruise Service *10% Senior & Vet Discount

*Business & Corporate Accounts *Hourly & Long Distance Rates

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

jesse.awesomefloridahomesforsale.com

352133-1

ADVERTISER: ALL PF701 COUNTIES INSURANCE A SALES PERSON: SALES PERSON: PF701 SIZE: 3X3.75

PROOF CREATED 4/20/2016 9:35:47 AM NEXT RUN DATE: AT: 04/21/16 NEXT RUN DATE: 04/21/16 PROOF DUE: 04/22/16 13:59:55

SIZE: 3X3.75 SPEC PUBLICATION: PUBLICATION: SPEC

PROOF DUE: 04/22/16 13:59:55

Medicare Plan Options

Helping You Select the Medicare Plan That is Right For You! HMO • PPO • SUPPLEMENTS PART D • DENTAL

352904-1 350822

OR OST NO C ATION IG OBL

Deanna Kershner

Independent Licensed Agent

386.931.3414

Deanna.Kershner@yahoo.com

SPREAD THE WORD ADVERTISE IN THE OBSERVER’S SERVICE DIRECTORY

Roofing

"Quality You Can Count On" • Roof Replacement and Insurance Experts • Estimates and Inspections • High Wind shingles / All types of roofing

• State Certified Roofing & State Certified General Contracting.

• Pres. Brian Mullen building locally in Flagler County since 1976 • Licensed, Bonded & Insured

CALL BRIAN 386-385-8504

fivestar386@gmail.com • www.fivestarroofingSVC.com CGC049971, CCC330417, CPC048249

353025-1

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

PF-SPAD0414151522 (100%) PF-SPAD0414151522 ADVERTISER: ALL COUNTIES INSURANCE(100%) A PROOF CREATED AT: 4/20/2016 9:35:47 AM 352134-1

352130-1 351407

Call: 386-492-4771 for Instant Quote

Realtor Jesse Warmka **Major Credit Cards Accepted** PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________ www.daytonacarservice.com (608) 358-0917 PROOF O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

Flagler seeks new options FPL to add electric vehicle for mental health center charging stations in town After discovering costlyto-fix problems with the building, the county government is evaluating other locations.

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Flagler County lacks a drop-in mental health and substance abuse treatment center, and the county government was hoping to build one in a facility that AdventHealth has offered to donate to the county.

But that won’t work: The building has too many problems, County Administrator Jerry Cameron said at a County Commission meeting Feb. 15. So instead of a $75,000 expense to renovate an existing, donated building, the county is now facing at least $200,000 to build or buy a new one.

“Our initial surveys of the building showed that we could get it done with a reasonable amount of renovation,” Cameron said. “After the building was cleared out and we could have complete access to it, a number of issues were discovered: some of them with asbestos, some of them with wood rot and some other issues. It was determined that you could probably tear it down and build a new building for as much money as it was going to cost you to renovate that one.”

One potential option would be to accept the land from AdventHealth, then build a new building on the site, he said.

The drop-in mental health center proposal was the county’s top funding request to the state government, and county government staff are evaluating how the revelations about the building’s status might affect what the county is seeking from the state Legisla-

NEWS EDITOR

COUNTY TO ADD 15 MORE FIREFIGHTERPARAMEDICS Flagler County is hiring 15 new firefighter-paramedics with $3.26 million obtained through a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant. The money will be distributed over three years.

“The extra staffing just allows us to provide the services we need and the safety of our people,” Fire Chief Joe King said.

The Fire Department has 86 applicants for the 15 positions, he said.

ture, Cameron said.

“I’ve been contacted by a couple hospitals that are interested in trying to come up with a solution,” Cameron said. “If they become major players at that, then the match for that, coming from the Legislature, would be imperative.”

Flagler County has had bad luck with used buildings: It bought a former hospital building on State Road 100 and renovated it into a Sheriff’s Operations Center before discovering mold issues that prompted the sheriff to evacuate his entire staff; then, not long after, it bought two more facilities for government use — a former Wachovia and a former Sears — and found problems with both.

The latest disappointment with the AdventHealth building is different, because the county hasn’t spent money on the AdventHealth building. But commissioners were concerned about how it might impact the county’s legislative funding request.

Cameron said the county has about a 30-day window to amend its request.

Locals and visitors may soon have new spots to charge their electric vehicles: At proposed charging stations near the county’s Government Services Building.

Florida Power & Light has approached the Flagler County government with a proposal to install a set of EV charging stations as part of a statewide pilot program, and will cover the $30,000-$50,000 installation cost if the county covers up to about $50 per month per station for electricity, County Administrator Jerry Cameron said at a Feb. 15 County Commission meeting.

“It is, I believe, an extraordinary opportunity,” he said.

FPL is installing 600 such stations across the state, he said.

“It’s a great benefit to employees and also a great benefit to the people that have to do business with the county,” Cameron said.

“It does really promote the switch to electric cars, and it’s viewed by me as an opportunity.”

The Palm Coast city government already has charging electric at its City Hall.

The county’s general services director will work with FPL on where, exactly, to place the stations — potentially on the road linking the Government Services Building to the county courthouse, Cameron said.

Commissioner David Sullivan had concerns.

“Not to be a Debbie Downer here, but here’s my problem,” Sullivan said. “We’re going to use

taxpayer money to pay for people’s gas, essentially — electricity. And as you said, it costs $50 a month ... so the people who have an electric car will get essentially free power.”

Cameron noted that the county gives out free masks and hand sanitizer.

Sullivan asked why the stations couldn’t simply be installed with credit card readers so people could pay for their own power.

“If we installed it ourself, we could do that,” Cameron said, “and it would take us a long time at $50 per charging station to recoup what we’d lose.”

Commissioner Andy Dance said that when he’d considered getting an electric vehicle himself, the downside was the proximity of charging stations, given the vehicles’ limited range.

“I think there’s a tremendous benefit to having a wide range of charging stations,” Dance said. “I think the expansion of charging units at the various spots around the county is a benefit. We have so many people coming to the building for a wide variety of uses. It seems like a logical expansion.”

Sullivan said that if the proposal is just an experimental project, it may be OK. Cameron said it’s an incubator: Once there are enough charging stations, more people will get electric cars, and that will spur private companies to build credit card-based charging stations.

Other commissioners favored the stations, and Cameron said he’ll move forward with the FPL agreement.

“I think there’s a tremendous benefit to having a wide range of charging stations.”

ANDY DANCE, Flagler County commissioner

11

MARCH 2021

BRIEFS Flagler County bus service ‘ready to ride,’ while following COVID protocols The Flagler County paratransit bus system hasn’t missed a beat taking its users to and from doctors’ offices, banks, stores – and other quality-of-life trips – while following robust safety protocols, including the new Transportation Security Administration mask mandate.

“We have seen a significant decline in 2020 due to COVID and many destinations being closed (i.e. community programs, congregate meals, adult day-care facilities, etc.),” Flagler County Interim Chief of Staff Heidi Petito said in an email to the Palm Coast Observer. “The message we are trying convey is that we are open for business and it is safe. We have implemented many precautions to ensure our vehicles are cleaned, disinfected, and folks comply with social distancing and mask mandates.”

The federal face mask requirement extends to the nation’s domestic network of airports, and surface transportation modes such as passenger rail, bus systems, and over-the-road bus companies.

Enrollment is open to all Flagler County residents who qualify to use the county’s transportation service. Priority is given to those who are disabled, elderly or transportation disadvantaged. Applications can take up to 10 days to process, and are available online.

There are no fixed routes, which means Flagler County Public Transportation operates a door-to-door routing service.

Wheelchair lift equipped vehicles are available.

Costs are $2 per ride, one way, within Flagler County. Trips for doctors’ appointments in either Volusia or St. Johns counties are $15 per ride, one way.

Call 386-313-4100. Reservations should ideally be made a week in advance.

WWW.HANDYMAN2THERESCUELLC.COM WWW.HANDYMAN2THERESCUELLC.COM | 386-447-7633 | 386-447-7633 ALL ALL WORKMANSHIP WORKMANSHIP FULLY FULLY GUARANTEED GUARANTEED | SERVING | SERVING FLAGLER FLAGLER & VOLUSIA & VOLUSIA SINCE SINCE 20042004

Rated #1

“Phenomenal Service...

Excellent staff!”

-Mr. Stamps

We Sell & Service Air Conditioners!

GET YOUR MEDICAL

MARIJUANA CARD TODAY.

OR CALL US NOW FOR A FREE EVALUATION DAYTONA

386-222-1667 2525 W INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY BLVD #110, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114

DELAND

386-232-5599 100 S SPRING AVE #102, DELAND, FL 32720

ST. AUGUSTINE

904-299-7373 2085 A1A S, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32080

CALL TODAY 386.253.7621 www.cunninghamoil.com

$150 RE-CERTIFICATIONS - 210 DAY PRESCRIPTIONS - NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR FLOWER

NEW PATIENTS GET FREE GIFT & DISPENSARY DISCOUNTS!

ASK US ABOUT THE CARRIER REBATES

352645-1

Contractor License #CAC1815644

352846-1

GET THE HELP YOU DESERVE. VISIT US AT CMMDR.COM

345747-1

Attic: Attic: Insulation, Insulation, Flooring, Flooring, StairStair | Bathroom: | Bathroom: Remodel, Remodel, GrabGrab BarsBars & more & more | Cabinets: | Cabinets: Install, Install, Remove, Remove, Repair Repair | Carpentry: | Carpentry: Int/Ext Int/Ext | Closets: | Closets: Shelves, Shelves, Organizers Organizers | Doors: | Doors: Int/Ext, Int/Ext, Locks Locks & more & more | Drywall: | Drywall: Repair, Repair, Install Install | | Dryer VentVent Cleaning | Fascia Board/Soffit | Flooring: Tile,Tile, Wood, Laminate, VinylVinyl Plank | Gutter Cleaning | Hurricane Dryer Cleaning | Fascia Board/Soffit | Flooring: Wood, Laminate, Plank | Gutter Cleaning | Hurricane Protection | Landscaping: Trimming, Mulching, Weeding & more | Painting | Powerwashing | Remodeling Protection | Landscaping: Trimming, Mulching, Weeding & more | Painting | Powerwashing | Remodeling | | Roofing Repairs | Screens: Install Repair | Trim: Base, Crown, & more | Wood Roofing Repairs | Screens: Install andand Repair | Trim: Base, Crown, & more | Wood Rot Rot 353080-1 345747-1

License License CRC1329768 CRC1329768 License License CCC1329185 CCC1329185

JONATHAN SIMMONS

|

12

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

|

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2021

Plantation Bay Available Showcase Homes

The Arbor II

The Blossom II

The Egret VII

140 Longridge Lane 2 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 1,562 ft²

7 Newhaven Lane 3 Bed / 3 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 2,078 ft²

326 Stirling Bridge Lane 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,813 ft²

The Costa Mesa

The Belaire

The Egret VI

328 Stirling Bridge Lane 3 Bed / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,565 ft²

357 Stirling Bridge Lane 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,498 ft²

322 Stirling Bridge Lane 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 2,512 ft²

Dreaming about a new Home?

Ask us about increasing your buying power!

Ask u abou s comm t our ission credi progr t am. *

Contact us for more information — 386.437.4164

353044-1

*Seller must list an existing home with Venture Development Realty, Inc. (an affiliate of ICI Homes) and enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a new home from ICI Homes without the participation of an outside broker. The new hone cannot be an inventory home or a model. ICI Homes will reimburse seller an amount equal to the real estate commission paid on the seller’s existing home, up to, but not to exceed 6% of the purchase of the new ICI Home. This reimbursement will be paid at time of closing on the new ICI Home and may be used for closing costs, options, upgrades or a discount on the base price of the new ICI home but will not be paid out in cash. Not valid with any other discounts. ICI Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.