Palm Coast Observer 5-18-23

CITY WATCH

City approves 75% stormwater rate hike

The Palm Coast City Council voted 3-2 at a May 16 meeting to increase the city’s stormwater fees over the next five years while also restricting increases after that five-year period.

Beginning Oct. 1, Palm Coast residents will pay $28.34 per month, up from the current rate of $22.27. Over the next five years, the bill will increase to $39.10, a 75% increase.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Touch-A-Truck event to be held on May 27

Palm Coast’s third annual

‘Sky’s the Limit’ Touch-aTruck event is returning to Central Park on May 27.

Over 75 trucks and vehicles from multiple agencies will line Park Street in Central Park. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a “horn free” hour from 10-11 a.m., according to a press release from the city. The free event will be hosted by the Palm Coast Public Works Department in celebration of National Public Works week.

Park Street, Lake Avenue and part of City Place will be closed for the event. Kids will be able to get in the driver’s seat of a helicopter, dump truck and fire ladder truck, among others. Among the agencies participating are the city’s Public Works, Stormwater, Utility and Fire Departments, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Highway Patrol, NASCAR and Angel Flight.

Public Works Workforce

Data Analyst Benny Cooper said the event has grown significantly since last year.

“We are beyond ecstatic to have the community-wide involvement,” he said. “This event is back and the sky’s the limit.”

But restrictions linked to the rate hike would prevent future City Council members from implementing additional large rate hikes for at least five years after October 2028.

Any additional increase in stormwater fees would be capped at that year’s Consumer Price Index rate.

The rates will also be reviewed annually, Stormwater and Engineering Director Carl Cote said.

Vice Mayor Ed Danko and Council member Cathy Heighter both voted against the increase, saying the amount was too drastic.

Cote said the rate hike addresses the increased cost of materials and the needs of the stormwater system.

“Our failures are happening faster than we’re either lining the pipes or replacing those pipes,” Cote said. “What’s before you today is the bare minimum to maintain the system to not have to have those big [failures.]”

Stormwater rate hikes have been discussed at City Council meetings since February, when Cote first presented the need for additional funding to the council. In his original presentation, the rate proposals were spread across five tiers and topped at a $45.16 monthly bill for residents after the five-year period.

Since then, the stormwater department has trimmed off “wish list” items and removed the cost of right-of-way mowing.

At the May 2 meeting, Cote said the Stormwater Department will be functioning on the bare minimum for operational reserves and use any

excess money to fund projects.

“We’ve gone back several times and took those hard looks and cut back to the basic minimum,” Cote said.

Despite the restrictions in place and Cote’s statements about needing the funding, Danko said the department needs to learn to “tighten the belt” instead of asking for the additional funding.

“To me, it’s a tax,” Danko said. “... My suggestion is do what the rest of us are doing. Learn how to tighten your belts; learn how not to waste money.” Palm Coast resident Gene Dowd said during the meeting’s public comment period that while he didn’t envy the council’s position, in this case, they needed to make the tough decision.

“I don’t care what the rate is,” he said. “I want safe water, I want safe roads and I want stormwater. That’s what I pay my taxes for.” Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri proposed the restrictions on future increases.

“I just want there to be some [assurance] to our residents that they’re not going to look at another

increase like this come 2028,” Pontieri said.

Klufas cautioned his fellow members about handicapping future City Councils from being able to plan for more expensive projects, especially when pipes are at their end of life.

This is the second doubling since 2018, he said, and no one knows what the future might require.

“If you had told me that the whole world was going to shut down [in 2020] ... I wouldn’t have bought that at all,” Klufas said. “But here we are.”

BY THE NUMBERS

$22.27

Palm Coast’s current monthly stormwater rate

$28.34

The monthly stormwater rate

effective Oct. 1, 2023

$32.87

The monthly stormwater rate

effective Oct. 1, 2024

$36.16

The monthly stormwater rate

effective Oct. 1, 2025

$38.33

The monthly stormwater rate

effective Oct. 1, 2026

$39.10

The monthly stormwater rate

effective Oct. 1, 2027

2028

Starting in October 2028, for at least the following five years, the city will not be able to raise the stormwater rate beyond the CPI rate increase.

City Council OKs 750-home development

The City Council has given its initial approval to a plan to revive the Coquina Shores development near Old Kings Road.

The Coquina Shores Development of Regional Impact was the subject of two of six development applications on the City Council’s agenda on May 16. All six were approved unanimously except an amendment to the Palm Coast Park Master Planned Development, for which council member Theresa Carli Pontieri cast a dissenting vote. The Planning Board had recommended that the City Council approve the applications.

The Coquina Shores DRI sits on more than 500 acres of land east of Old Kings Road and north of State Road 100. The DRI’s original land use designation — approved in 2006 — was for a mixed residential and commercial development with over 2,400 approved dwelling units, 150 hotel rooms, 50,000 square feet for general retail use and another 30,000 square feet for office space.

The new applications would remove the commercial land use designation on land, listing it solely as residential and conservation, and change the DRI’s zoning to match. The developer — JX Palm Coast Land, LLC — is asking to add 750 single-family homes across the DRI, for a density of 1.48 units per acre.

The City Council has also approved an amendment to the Palm Coast Park MPD that would change some of the designated land uses in the development, adding 750 additional residential units and 300,000 square feet of industrial space by reducing the commercial and office entitlements.

“I don't care what the rate is. I want safe water, I want safe roads and I want stormwater. That's what I pay my taxes for.”

GENE DOWD, Palm Coast resident

“What’s before you today is the bare minimum to maintain the system to not have to have those big [failures.]”

CARL COTE, Stormwater and Engineering director

Honoring the fallen

Nine law enforcement officers — six from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and three from fellow agencies — were remembered with a memorial service and candlelight vigil.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Nine law enforcement officers who died in service were remembered at a ceremony held in front of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Operations Center on May 11.

The Sheriff’s Office honored the officers and their families with a memorial service and candlelight vigil at the Operations Center’s memorial stones.

For each officer, family members or FCSO Honor Guard deputies placed a red rose on a star-shaped flower arrangement.

“Behind every fallen officer, there is a family who also bears the burden of their loss,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.

The ceremony honored the six FCSO officers and three officers from sister agencies:

„

FCSO Sheriff Perry Hall — End of Watch

Aug. 21, 1927

„ FCSO Deputy Sheriff George

“Son” Durrance — End of Watch

Aug. 25, 1927

„ FCSO Sheriff Homer Williams

Brooks — End of Watch March 23, 1965

„ FCSO Deputy Sheriff Charles T.

“Chuck” Sease — End of Watch July

5, 2003

„ FCSO Sgt. Francesco L. “Frankie”

Celico — End of Watch Sept. 9 2011

„ FCSO Deputy First Class Paul

Luciano — End of Watch

Aug. 26, 2021

„

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper

Darryl L. Haywood Sr. — End of Watch

Oct. 2, 2004

„ Federal Bureau of Investigation

Special Agent Daniel Alfin — End of Watch

„

Feb. 2, 2021

Bunnell Police Department Sgt. Dominic E. Guida — End of Watch

Nov. 9, 2021

“These are the heroes that run toward danger, while others run away,” Staly said.

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin placed a rose on the wreath for his son, F.B.I. Special Agent Daniel Alfin, who died in action alongside his partner two years ago.

“We never know when the devil’s hand of loss and tragedy will grab us by the gut,” Alfin said. “This particular moment — honoring the family that we’ve lost at the new Sheriff’s Operation Center — is really a very special moment.”

Staly, who has served in law enforcement for his entire career, said it is every sheriff’s worst fear to lose an officer. He lost six deputies as an undersheriff in Orange County, he said, and one as Flagler County’s sheriff.

The city of Palm Coast held a memorial event May 5-7 for firefighters who died in service.

Called “Light up the Night,” the event is coordinated annually by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, according to a press release from the city government.

“[The Fire Department] is a brotherhood and sisterhood of folks that really live and die in each

“The reason I take it so personal is that they are serving on behalf of me,” he said. “I take it very personal, and I think that we need to always remember the fallen heroes.”

The new Operations Center has two memorial stones on its front lawn: one commemorating officers that have died in the line of duty, and one commemorating K-9 partners.

In 2023, the Sheriff’s Office lost two K-9s — K-9 Keanu and retired K-9 Repo — to illness and old age.

Staly said that as personal as the loss of a deputy is for him, it’s important to remember the family members who were left behind have lost the most.

“We need to do everything we can to support them and know that that service was not in vain,” Staly said.

other’s arms day in and day out,” Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said. “And family really means everything.”

Palm Coast lit city buildings in red over the weekend in remembrance of the firefighters.

The city remembered its own firefighter and paramedic, Brent Gammon, who died in November 2022.

Gammon was diagnosed with brain cancer just weeks after graduating from the paramedic program at Daytona State College. He had joined the Palm Coast Fire Department in 2020 while in his 40s after a career change: He was previously an information technology specialist.

The family of Deputy George “Son” Durrance is escorted to place a rose on the wreath.

FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge

FCSO Cmdr. Kenny Goncalves sings the national anthem.

Photos by Sierra Williams

FCSO Chief David Williams opened the memorial service.

Kayla Spicher, the niece of Bunnell Police Department Sgt. Dominic Guida, places a rose in honor of her uncle.

“Behind every fallen officer, there is a family who also bears the burden of their loss.”

RICK STALY sheriff

PALM COAST HONORS FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS

Board votes to keep Belle Terre Swim Club open to members for now

The district will try to market the facility, and the board will assess progress in upcoming months.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A parade of Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club members marched before the Flagler County School Board on Tuesday, May 16, imploring board members to give their club another chance.

Hours later, after getting what they wanted, they walked away quietly, pondering what had just taken place.

The meeting was supposed to finally decide the fate of the school district’s facility. But it didn’t do that. In the end, board members voted 3-2 to hold onto the club’s current membership model with the promise that assessments will be made in the months ahead.

Will Furry and Sally Hunt voted against the motion.

After Colleen Conklin made the motion to continue the club’s operations as a membership facility, Christy Chong said she would be willing to give the club a year and see if it could attract new members through renewed marketing

“I honestly believe that is what’s cannibalizing our membership. Unless we start getting more revenue out of the insurance numbers, I just don’t see a path to success here.” WILL FURRY

to cut down an operating loss that the district estimates to be as high as $177,803. Chong suggested setting an expiration date. If the losses weren’t reined in by that date, the board would shift to a student-focused facility for the pool, shutting down the gym and ending memberships.

Furry, who has argued that it’s time for the school district to get out of the membership business, said he would support a deadline if he could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

“Ultimately, if we’re going to do something, I want it to succeed, right?” he said.

In addition to marketing the facility and raising rates, Furry suggested adding a fee for those who have access to the club through health and fitness plans such as Silver Sneakers or other insurance plans.

“I honestly believe that is what’s cannibalizing our membership,” he said. “Unless we start getting more revenue out of the insurance numbers, I just don’t see a path to success here.”

Conklin made several suggestions, including returning the club under the Flagler Technical College umbrella where its losses could be absorbed.

“I worry we’re throwing the baby out with the bath water,” she said. “I truly believe it can break even.”

During public comment at both the board’s workshop and business meeting, several senior citizens who are club members shared how they rely on the club for health reasons.

County Commissioner Leann Pennington was among the speakers, reproaching the new board members for not coming up with a plan to sat-

isfy members.

“We all ran together for these seats,” she said. “I told people who voted for me to vote for you because I told them we are the people of change. Now I’m trying to figure out what’s changed, because this is a community issue.”

She said they shouldn’t close the pool to individual use until a plan is in place.

Hunt worried that the board is spending too much time discussing an aquatic facility, taking time away from issues that directly affect schools such as safety, graduation rates or an alternative school model.

“We’re not in the recreation business,” she said.

Yet, later she floated the possibility of tabling the issue so the new superintendent, whom the board hopes to hire by Jan. 1, can weigh in.

Board Chair Cheryl Massaro suggested a deadline of September 2024 for increasing memberships and decreasing losses. The date was changed to December 2024.

“I don’t love December 2024,” Hunt said noting that profits from the extended day program are offsetting the club’s losses, and they could be used instead to pay for improvements to extended day. She suggested July of next year to review progress.

Furry was also not happy with a December 2024 date. He said he thought they were discussing December 2023.

He recommended voting on Conklin’s motion to continue Belle Terre as a membership facility with assessments to be made in upcoming months. Massaro and Chong joined Conklin in supporting the motion.

LaShakia Moore will begin serving as Flagler’s interim superintendent June 1

new superintendent in place on Jan. 1, so Moore’s final month in the interim role will also be a transition period.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Schools will have a superintendent under contract at least until Jan. 31.

The School Board voted 5-0 on Tuesday, May 16, to approve a contract that will make LaShakia Moore, the district’s assistant superintendent for academic services, the interim superintendent while the board searches for a replacement for Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt.

Mittelstadt’s three-year contract runs out June 30. In a contentious 3-2 vote on April 4, the board opted not to renew Mittelstadt’s contract.

At its May 16 meeting, the board also agreed to a contract with the Florida School Board Association to assist in

BRIEFS

School district earns Cognia accreditation

Flagler Schools has earned system accreditation by Cognia, according to a district press release. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for school districts and education service providers, the press release said.

Cognia, formerly AdvancED, recognizes districts that meet rigorous standards that focus on productive learning envi-

the search for a new superintendent. The board will pay the FSBA a fee of $35,000 for it services.

Moore’s interim contract begins on June 1, overlapping Mittelstadt’s final month with the district as a transition period. It ends Jan. 31, 2024. The board intends to have a

ronments, equitable resource allocation that meets the needs of learners, and effective leadership.

Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the schools are accredited and the district is recognized as a school system that meets Cognia Standards of Quality and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement.

“Simply put, this provides us with a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school system and each school within our system,” Superintendent Cathy Mittel-

Moore will be allowed to apply for the permanent position if she decides to do so, but the contract also guarantees that she can go back to her current position as assistant superintendent if another superintendent is hired. The contract calls for Moore’s compensation as interim superintendent to be $12,500 a month, which would project to $150,000 a year.

At the board’s information workshop earlier in the day, Board Attorney Kristy Gavin said the salary for a superintendent in a county of Flagler’s size and demographics is in the $140,000 to $160,000 range.

The board will not be filling the assistant superintendent’s position while Moore is serving as superintendent. She plans to divide those duties up among district staff.

stadt said. “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our openness to external review and feedback and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve. It shows our strategic plan is moving us in the right direction.”

To earn accreditation from Cognia, a school district also must implement a continuous process of improvement and submit to internal and external review. School systems in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a fiveyear term.

The Palm Coast Observer meets the legal requirements to publish legal notices in Flagler County, per F.S. 50.011. The Ormond Beach Observer meets the legal requirements to publish legal notices in Volusia County, per F.S.50.011.

Circulation Verification Council 12166 Old Big Bend Road Suite 210 | Kirkwood, MO 63122 Phone: (314) 966-7711 | www.cvcaudit.com

The assistant superintendent will serve in the interim role through Jan. 31.

LaShakia Moore File photo

Opioid abatement board asks School Board to increase Narcan access

The advisory board’s proposal includes having elementary school guardians and other staff members, such as nurses, carry the opioid overdose medication.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

School resource officers and deputies at all Volusia County middle and high schools carry Narcan today. But should other key staff members — and school resource officers at elementary schools — also have access to the emergency opioid overdose medication?

The Volusia County Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board thinks so.

The board, made up of 13 representatives from Volusia County’s municipalities and the County Council, aims to help the county determine how to best use the money received in the settlement from a nationwide classaction suit against major opioid pharmaceutical distributors.

In a letter sent to the Volusia County School Board on April 21, the advisory board expressed its support for the development and implementation of a Narcan policy in public schools that would make the medication accessible to school guardians and nurses. “We understand that liability factors have been a concern for the School Board,” the letter states. “However, opioids including heroin, fentanyl, and prescription opioid medications continue to invade communities and pose a grave danger to people of all ages, rapidly increasing in schoolage youth.”

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, who represents the city of Deltona on the advisory board, said that it’s only a matter of time before fentanyl impacts public schools.

When serving warrants in some Volusia County homes, deputies sometimes find fentanyl and related drug paraphernalia on the kitchen table, in proximity to children’s backpacks and school books, he said.

“I just don’t understand the pushback,” Chitwood said. “Narcan is being sold over the counter in Walmart and CVS. Narcan is being given away. Why would we risk an accident of a young person coming into contact with this and losing their life when we can just have it? Our plan is really simple.”

VSO has offered to prepare a policy and train school guardians and key staff members on how to administer Narcan for free.

DISTRICT’S RESPONSE

In a statement, Volusia County Schools said that the School Board doesn’t have any plans to require school nurses or other staff to take on the responsibility for administering Narcan.

“Thus far, only one school district in Florida has chosen to equip its school nurses with Narcan, which must be kept under lock and key in the nurses’ offices,” the statement reads.

That school district is Flagler.

On April 18, the Flagler County School Board adopted a policy — becoming the first in the state — directing the superintendent to administer guidelines on where Narcan can be stored, which staff members can administer it and what training must be completed.

Last year, the governor signed a bill that allowed public schools to store Narcan in secure locations.

School guardians are already trained to use Narcan, the district said.

However, they are not equipped with it, “as the job description for guardians

does not include the level of responsibility for administering Narcan,” according to its statement.

“At this time, district administration does not perceive that there is the degree of need in our elementary schools to justify the risk exposure to add responsibility on our elementary school employees for Narcan,” the statement continued. “All of our elementary schools are within close proximity to emergency services to address any medical emergencies on campuses.”

SECONDS MATTER

A recent incident at Ormond Beach Middle School has highlighted the need for increased access to Narcan at Volusia County Schools, said Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, who serves as the vice chair on the advisory board.

A parent, while inside the school lobby, allegedly dropped a packet of fentanyl on the ground. It was quickly spotted by a school staff member, but Partington said there was a chance a child could have easily grabbed it themselves and become exposed to the opioid.

“I think that it really falls into the no-brainer category,” Partington said. “If you had the opportunity to save a child’s life before something terrible happened, wouldn’t you take every opportunity to do so?”

He added that there shouldn’t be concerns regard-

“When you have an overdose with fentanyl, seconds matter. Not minutes. Seconds. If you have to wait for a seven-minute response or an eight-minute response from EVAC, that person is probably not going to make it.”

MIKE CHITWOOD, Volusia County sheriff

ing liability for administering Narcan, also known as Naloxone, since state law protects “a person acting in good faith” who assists someone believed to be going through a drug overdose.

“Honestly, even beyond that, a child’s life should be more important than a liability concern, and that’s the whole point here — is trying to prevent overdose deaths, intentional or unintentional,” Partington said.

The Florida Department of Education is also willing to purchase the medication for any school district that wants to store Narcan in its schools, Chitwood said. This, he added, should not be a political issue.

“You may never use it — that’s great,” he said. “You may use it once and save a life. That’s great. ... When you have an overdose with fentanyl, seconds matter. Not minutes. Seconds. If you have to wait for a seven-minute response or an eight-minute response from EVAC, that person is probably not going to make it.”

STATE BRIEF

DeSantis shelves cell phones, TikTok in schools

Saying that social media does “more harm than good,”

Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 9 signed education changes that include prohibiting students from using cell phones during class time and curtailing use of the social-media platform TikTok on school grounds.

Also, DeSantis signed bills creating a “Teachers’ Bill of Rights” and imposing eightyear term limits on schoolboard members.

The social-media measure (HB 379) prohibits the use of TikTok on devices owned by school districts and through internet access provided by districts.

The governor signed another bill Monday that, in part, bars access to TikTok on state-owned wireless networks. The new laws come amid a national debate about security concerns over the widely popular app because of its Chinese ownership.

The law, which will take effect in July, also seeks to prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless devices during “instructional time.” Under the measure, cell phones could not be used during lessons unless “expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.”

Teachers also will be directed to designate areas for the devices during class. DeSantis described the socialmedia measure as “reining in the use” of the technology in schools.

— Ryan Dailey, The News Service of Florida

COPS CORNER

APRIL 20 TRUCK STOP 10:04 p.m. — County Road 304 and Highway U.S. 1, Bunnell Stolen vehicle. Deputies used stop sticks on a stolen truck only to find that the man driving it was actually an unsuspecting trucking company employee.

Deputies used stop sticks to deflate the truck’s rear tires, according to a Sheriff’s Office report about the incident.

But the driver — a North Carolina man — was not a suspect listed on the stolen vehicle report.

He told deputies he had just started work at a commercial trucking company as an independent contractor. His paperwork proved that he began work at the company two weeks after the truck had been reported stolen, the report said. The Sheriff’s Office had the truck towed and released the driver.

THE BEST IN 55 + LIVING

Ranked one of the “Best Beach Towns in Florida,” Palm Coast now has a gated active adult community to match! Presented by premier national homebuilder Dream Finders Homes, Reverie at Palm Coast invites you to come discover the amenity-rich, low-maintenance lifestyle of your dreams.

LAKEFRONT & PRESERVE HOMES FROM THE $340s

MAY 5

SHOP-

rested a 50-year-old Daytona Beach man who entered a local retail pharmacy and began yelling profanities at the front of the store.

A store employee told police that the man caused several customers to stop shopping and leave, according to a police report.

The man then went outside to the store’s drive-thru and began to shout through the window and pace between both lanes, preventing cars from accessing the drivethru.

Police arrested the man, who continuously interrupted them as they tried to read him his rights.

He was taken to jail.

MAY 7

STEAK MISTAKE

3 p.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Petit theft. A 28-yearold Daytona Beach woman was issued a notice to appear in court after she failed to scan $160 worth of merchandise at a local big box store.

The store’s loss prevention employee spotted her on a security camera failing to scan items at checkout, according to a police report.

When confronted by

on purpose: a $38 steak. The rest, she told police, were accidental.

MAY 11

MAKING A STINK

10:08 p.m. — State Road

100 and Old Kings Road, Palm Coast DUI. A Bunnell man charged with a DUI ended his trip to jail by urinating and defecating in the back of a patrol car according to a police report.

A Florida Highway Patrol trooper was investigating a minor crash in which a pickup truck rear-ended an SUV, according to the man’s arrest report.

The two cars had been stopped at a red light when the truck suddenly accelerated into the back of the SUV.

When the FHP trooper spoke to the Bunnell man in the truck, the man twice denied having even been in a crash and asked to leave.

The trooper wrote in his report that he smelled alcohol on the man and asked him to perform a field sobriety test, but the man refused. The trooper arrested him.

On the way to the county jail, the man urinated and defecated in the back of the patrol car, according to the report.

After refusing to give a breath sample, the man was turned over to jail personnel.

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

Rockefeller

ReverieAtPalmCoast.com

Presented by: The City of Ormond Beach Department of Leisure Services Memorial Remembrance Committee

American Legion, Post 267

American Legion Unit 267

For more information: 386-676-3241 or www.ormondbeach.org

Sponsored by

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Development, real estate + business news

VMA celebrates first graduating FAME class of manufacturing workers

All four grads are moving on to work full time at their sponsor companies.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

With the need for skilled manufacturing workers increasing at local companies, the Volusia Manufacturers Association, in partnership with the Toyota FAME program and Daytona State College, has crafted a solution: Providing the training themselves.

On May 12, the graduating Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education class was celebrated in a ceremony at the DSC Advanced Technology College. All four members of the graduating class — the first of the Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter, which is the first in the state — are moving on to work full time at their sponsor companies. The graduates and their sponsor com-

panies were: Brian Mateo, B. Braun; Tyler Cheatham, Dougherty Manufacturing; James Giesinger, Hudson Technologies; and Tanner Thacker, Germfre

All four graduated with associate degrees in engineering technology, an advanced manufacturing technician certificate and two years of work experience at their sponsor companies, and have done so debt-free, according to a news release.

“The accomplishments of the FAME program provides proud moments in the history of the college, and one that I could not be more excited and thankful for to be here to witness,” Erik D’Aquino, vice president of Daytona State College, said at the ceremony.

He also thanked the companies that have partnered with the program.

“You don’t find that often — companies that have the mindset that, ‘We’re going to strengthen our community in order to strengthen our company,” D’Aquino said.

In addition to the four graduates, the seven members of the junior class were also present at the ceremony. Their sponsor companies included SCCY, Sparton, ABB, Germfree and Everglades Boats. ABB, Germfree and Hudson Technologies are all manufacturers based in Ormond Beach.

Cory McAndrew, general manager of By Light and a Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter Board member, said the local companies are invested in the program because they need the workers.

“We need bodies,” he said. “We need skilled labor to accomplish making a difference and to keep things made in America.”

When asked what their favorite part of the program was, Thacker said it was the opportunities it afforded him.

“You get thrown into a manufacturing plant and you’re around a bunch of people who have a lot of knowledge,” Thacker said. “It’s best to soak it up as much as you can.”

Junior class members Chase LeBlanc, Jacob Harding, Jonathan Hanson, Jonathan Sosa, Frederick Faulkner and Victor Bowling

Tanner Thacker will work at Germfree.

Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Cory McAndrew, general manager of By Light and Florida FAME Sunshine Chapter Board member, and James Giesinger, who will be moving on to work full time at Hudson Technologies.

Tyler Cheatham will work at Dougherty Manufacturing.

CRIME REPORT

Matanzas suspect to be evaluated for competency

A Matanzas High School student who attacked his paraprofessional in February will undergo a competency hearing to determine whether he is capable of standing trial.

Brendan Depa, 17, had a second pretrial hearing on May 10 before Circuit Judge Terence Perkins.

Depa’s lawyer asked that the court hold a competency hearing.

The competency hearing date has not yet been set, but Perkins tentatively scheduled another pretrial hearing for July 12, and the pretrial will occur after the competency hearing.

Perkins also asked the attorneys to coordinate and have the psychologists and experts on the case send each other their data for review.

Depa has been charged with aggravated battery on an education employee for attacking his paraprofessional at MHS in February.

He was ordered to undergo a mental evaluation in March. He faces up to 30 years in prison.

Man charged with videotaping girl in bathroom

A 31-year-old Ormond Beach man has been arrested after allegedly video recording a 12-year-old girl in the bathroom.

The man, Tyler Habdas, was arrested on May 10. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been investigating Habdas since late January, when a woman told deputies that he had recorded her daughter in the shower, according to Habdas’ arrest report.

Habdas has been charged with six counts of unlawful use of a communication device, one count of child abuse and three counts of video voyeurism of a child under 16.

The woman, who lives in Flagler County, called deputies on Jan. 30. She told deputies her daughter found Habdas’ phone in a bathrobe, recording her while she showered.

Deputies served a search warrant for Habdas’ phone in February, the arrest report said.

The phone was sent to the St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office for analysis.

On the phone, deputies found multiple videos of the child in the bathroom, with multiple thumbnail images created from the videos.

Deputies believe the recordings were taken between June 2022 and the end of January.

Habdas was booked at the Flagler County jail and released on bond the same day.

Woman tries to stab FCSO deputy during traffic stop

A Palm Coast woman was arrested May 11 after allegedly attempting to stab a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy with a Fix-A-Flat tool during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred on East State Road 100 near Aviation Drive in Palm Coast.

The woman, 42, did not manage to harm the deputy with the tool, but has been charged with aggravated battery on an officer, resisting arrest with violence, two counts of criminal mischief over $1,000, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers.

The FCSO had received multiple calls about a woman riding her bike against the flow of traffic on S.R. 100 westbound, almost hitting several cars and keying multiple others, the report said.

The woman fled the first deputy on the scene, running into a grassy field.

The deputy grabbed the woman’s arms and took her to the ground, where she tucked her arms under her stomach to avoid being handcuffed, the report said.

In the struggle, the woman tried to stab the deputy in the leg with a screwdriverlike Fix-A-Flat tool, the report said, and kicked the deputy in the chest twice.

The woman continued to struggle as more deputies arrived, and another deputy used a stun gun on the woman’s right shoulder so she could be secured, the report said.

Man convicted of felonies for dogfighting ring

Volusia County resident

Noble Geathers has been convicted of multiple felonies for presiding over a dogfighting ring.

Geathers was convicted May 15 of 12 counts of Principal to Felony Cruelty to Animals, nine counts of Principal to Animal Fighting and one count of Animal FightingProperty Promoting after a five-day trial, according to a news release from the Halifax Humane Society.

Forty-two dogs had been seized from a vacant lot and an adjoining residence on Reva Street in Daytona Beach with help from Volusia County Animal Services on Feb. 22, 2021.

Detectives discovered that the dogs were being bred and used in a dogfighting ring.

All of the dogs were chained or caged and had wounds in different stages of healing.

Several items of evidence were collected during a search of the Reva Street residence, including dog supplements and injectable medication often used in dogfighting.

“HHS supports the efforts by the State Attorney’s Office, Volusia County Animal Services and the Daytona Beach Police Department to hold those responsible for animal abuse accountable for their actions,” said Adam Leath, CEO of the Halifax Humane Society. “If you see animal abuse in our community, please report your concerns to the nearest law enforcement authority.”

Judge Leah Case presided over the case and will pronounce a sentence on Friday, May 19.

Flagler County organizations to partner

Flagler County Assist REACT has discontinued its affiliation with REACT International to develop a partnership with Flagler Volunteer Services.

FCA volunteers have responded to events and emergencies in Flagler County for four decades, supporting special event weather monitoring, traffic control assistance, missing person search support, Fire Flight landing zone security and logistical support for emergencies.

Flagler County Assist has provided support during emergencies including the 1985 and 1998 wildfires and recent hurricanes and has supported reccurring events such as Flagler Beach’s Fourth of July and Christmas parades as well as city of Bunnell celebrations.

To learn more or to become a member, email FlaglerCountyAssist@gmail.com or send a message on Facebook at Facebook.com/FlaglerCountyAssist.

BRIEFS BIZ

BUZZ

TOURNAMENT RAISES $36,500 FOR HEALTHCARE

Two seriously injured in crash at CR 302, CR 305

Two Bunnell residents were hospitalized after a SUV struck the side of a pickup truck on May 9.

The T-bone crash occurred at the intersection of County Road 302 and County Road 305, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

Life Flight airlifted the driver of the pickup truck — a 62-year-old man — to Halifax Health in critical condition.

The driver of the SUV — a 48-year-old woman — was in serious condition and transported to a hospital by Flagler County Fire Rescue, the report said.

The intersection has flashing traffic signals, with red flashing for the C.R. 302 lanes and yellow for the C.R. 305 lanes.

C.R. 302 also has stop signs.

The SUV had been driving south on C.R. 305 while the pickup truck was traveling west on C.R. 302.

Both cars were crossing the intersection when the SUV T-boned the right side of the

junior, shot a final round 75 to finish with an even-par 288, one stroke better than Morgan Ketchum, a freshman at Virginia Tech. Clemente, who shot 69 to carry a two-stroke margin into the final, secured the win by tapping in for par on the 18th and a one-shot victory.

The event featured A Taste of Oceanside Country Club and Friends, featuring Rosevilla, 31 Supper Club, Grind, Oceanside Country Club, SoNapa, Oil and Vinegar, Chicken Salad Chick, Huey Magoo’s, Billy’s Taproom and Krispy Kreme.

pickup truck, spinning the truck 180 degrees.

The left rear of the truck struck the concrete traffic signal post at the southwest corner of the intersection, according to the report.

Palm Coast man, 60, dies in singlecar crash

A 60-year-old Palm Coast man found unresponsive in his car was pronounced dead at the hospital on May 12.

An anonymous citizen had called the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after finding the man’s car at about 5:30 p.m., the report said.

The front of the man’s sedan was in the hedges in the parking lot of an apartment complex in the 400 block of Landing Boulevard, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol. No other cars were involved in the incident.

Flagler County Fire Rescue took the victim to the hospital.

He was later pronounced dead and the scene was turned over to the FHP.

new owner on May 12, according to a press release from Quantum Cowboys. The restaurant was open under its previous owners, Flagler Tailwinds, Inc., through May 6, then closed for the changeover.

Quantum Cowboys is coowned by Jamie Bourdeau and Joe Wright, local Flagler County business owners. Bourdeau owns Beach Front Grill and Loopers Par and Grille. Wright is the owner and operator of multiple businesses, including Anthony’s Pizza in Palm Coast and St. Augustine.

The 97th South Atlantic Women’s Amateur Championship, also known as the SALLY, held in January, raised $36,500 for the Halifax Health Chuck and Miki Grant Cancer Center for Hope and the Halifax Health Center for Women and Infant Health.

The money will be used to support new oncology treatment technology and care for over 2,000 new moms and infants this year. In the golf action, Gianna Clemente, the nation’s top-ranked

“Halifax Health is thankful for the Ormond Beach community’s overwhelming support for cancer and child care among other service lines throughout our 95-year history,” said Joe Petrock, Halifax Health Foundation executive director.

Next year’s tournament is scheduled for Jan. 2-6.

The 2024 Taste of Oceanside and Friends is slated for Oct. 8, 2024.

HIGH JACKERS TO REOPEN MAY 23

High Jackers Restaurant’s new owners hope to reopen the restaurant on May 23.

Quantum Cowboys, LLC officially became High Jackers’

“Not only are we excited to get the doors back open, we are eager to make this establishment even better than it was before,” Bourdeau said. Bourdeau and Wright intend to hire new staff before the doors reopen on May 23, the press release said.

The restaurant will close for two weeks in mid-August for major renovations but will reopen in time for the start of the NFL season.

High Jackers was originally opened Aug. 17, 2001, by Flagler Tailwinds, Inc.

“We are so proud to be part of the High Jackers legacy and continue to provide quality food services in Flagler County,” Wright said.

Photo by Sierra Williams Brendan Depa, 17, has been charged with aggravated battery on an education employee and could face 30 years in prison.

Courtesy photo David Main, Chuck Grant, Kathryn Nagib and Joe Petrock

Flagler Beach seeks joint meeting with local governments

The meeting would be to address quality of life issues facing the county in light of its continued growth, the Flagler Beach interim city manager said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler Beach City Commission is hoping to host a joint meeting with the governments in Flagler County to discuss issues facing the city and county.

The City Commission decided at a May 11 meeting to send letters requesting the meeting to representatives from each government: Flagler County, Flagler Beach, Bunnell, Palm Coast and Beverly Beach.

Flagler Beach interim City Manager Mike Abels said the meeting would be focus on quality of life in the county. If the other governing bodies agree to meet, two representatives from each would sit at the meeting and bring a single issue to the table for discussion, he said.

Abels said he tentatively reached out to the other city managers and the county administrator to see if there was any interest in a meeting. They encouraged him to move forward, he said.

“At this point … we have a receptive audience on all the governmental institutions in Flagler County,” Abels said.

A date for the meeting will be set after the city sends out the official letters and hears back from the other governments, Abels said. At that time, the Flagler Beach City Commission will also pick its representatives.

Flagler Beach is looking for discussion on cooperation between the municipalities about the potential negative impact of tourism in the city. The idea came was raised at a previous City Commission budget meeting.

Because two elected officials from

each governing body would be present, the meeting would be subject to Florida’s Sunshine Law, Flagler Beach City Attorney Drew Smith said.

Commissioner Scott Spradley said that everyone who moves to Flagler County wants to go to the beach at some point.

This meeting, he said, will let the city address concerns about shared funding to support the continued increase in traffic.

“We all know how much growth has happened and we suspect will happen,” Spradley said. “So, this is a good opportunity to lay our concerns out before the other bodies.”

Commission Chair Eric Cooley said the city’s concern is about infrastructure as well as funding. Adding 10,000-15,000 people every year, while having one main “choke point” into a city of 5,000 is not sustainable, he said — especially since most people come to Flagler County for the beach, he said.

“There has to be an alternative to the pinch point of just [State Road] 100,” Cooley said. “We need to be able to get county citizens to the beach.”

County Administrator Heidi Petito brought up the city’s request to to county commissioners during a May 15 Flagler County Commission meeting before receiving the official meeting request.

Petito said an initial email about the meeting offered some potential dates for the meeting and requested a response by May 23.

The date that works best with the county’s schedule would be June 21, she said.

County Commissioners David Sullivan — who represents the Flagler Beach area — and Leann Pennington volunteered as representatives for the county.

The county commissioners added the topic to their June 5 workshop to brainstorm potential ideas to bring to the meeting.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An international business has opened in Bunnell and committed to creating 100 new jobs over the next several years.

Vidya Herbs U.S.A. held a ribboncutting ceremony on May 15, celebrating the grand opening of its new facility in Bunnell.

The facility is on Otis Stone Hunter Road at U.S. 1 and is the company’s first United States-based manufacturing plant.

The plant will also function as the company’s Florida headquarters, according to a press release from Vidya Herbs.

The ribbon cutting ceremony included key Vidya Herbs executives — including founder and President Shyam Prasad Kodimule and his brother, Vice President Chandra

Sekhar Kodimule — Bunnell

Mayor

Catherine Robinson and Florida’s Secretary of Commerce, Laura DiBella.

“We deal with a lot of projects here in the state of Florida,” DiBella said. “But there’s some that really hit home and you’re just like, ‘This is good.’ … This is one of those projects.”

Vidya Herbs is an international company that makes sustainably produced plant-based ingredients for vitamins, dietary supplements, functional food and personal care products, according to the business’ website.

The Bunnell facility is a carbon dioxide extraction plant featuring a supercritical carbon dioxide extraction system.

Prasad Kodimule said the machine will extract oils from the plant material in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

Saw palmetto — native to the southeastern U.S. — is one of Vidya’s top extracts, and saw palmetto berries are among the materials that will be processed at the new facility.

The company was the first business to make use of Bunnell’s business incentive program.

Vidya’s application met all of the criteria for the program, qualifying for several years of grant money — $276,000 over seven years, Bunnell City Manager Alvin Jackson Jr. said. Robinson said that she had been in talks with Vidya since 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic delayed bringing the business to Bunnell. “We’re looking forward to what they’re going to do, and how they’re going to grow and in expand,” she said.

The program is for current and new businesses in Bunnell and is intended to create local jobs and diversify the tax base, Jackson said. Through the incentive program, Vidya is committed to creating 100 new jobs over the next several years, with an average salary of $42,000.

Jackson said the program is performance-based, meaning that a business that has been approved in the program must demonstrate that it is meeting milestones to get the full amount of annual city funding. Each year, companies must provide proof of success, including the number of employees they have and the average salaries of their employees.

The Bunnell facility is the company’s first manufacturing plant in the United States and will serve as its Florida headquarters.

“At this point … we have a receptive audience on all the governmental institutions in Flagler County.”

MIKE ABELS, Flagler Beach interim city manager

“There has to be an alternate to the pinch point of just [State Road] 100. ... We need to be able to get county citizens to the beach.”

ERIC COOLEY, Flagler Beach City Commission chair

Photo by Sierra Williams

From left to right: Steve Geiger, Vidya Herb’s vice president of sales and operations for the U.S.; Vidya Herbs founder and president Shyam Prasad Kodimule; Vice President Chandra Sekhar Kodimule; Florida Secretary of Commerce Laura DiBella and Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson

240-unit apartment complex proposed for State Road 100

The 28-acre lot is next to the airport and a proposed BJ’s Wholesale location.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A 240-unit apartment complex could be coming to the State Road 100 and Seminole Woods Boulevard intersection.

The Flagler County Commission unanimously approved two applications May 15 for Future Land Use Map and zoning amendments for a 28.32-acre parcel just east of the intersection.

The lot is next to the airport on its south side and a proposed BJ’s Wholesale Club on its east side.

The County Commission approved the applications even though the county’s Planning and Development Board, at its April 11 meeting, recommended that the commission deny them.

Only four planning board members attended the April 11 meeting, but they voted 3-1 against the applications, citing a lack of compatibility with the surrounding area, said Adam Mengel, Flagler County’s growth management director.

“They felt that this wasn’t appropriate,” Mengel said.

The developer — Flagler Pines Properties, LLC — had applied to rezone the lot at 5615 E. State Road 100 from a combined general commercial and shopping center zoning designation to a multifamily

residential zoning designation and change the Future Land Use Map designation to residential high density.

The surrounding parcels have a combined land use designation of commercial high density and industrial.

Commissioner David Sullivan said at the May 15 meeting that the Planning Board’s recommendation for denial didn’t mean that approving the requests was against the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

He said that people are against spread-out growth, and that the only way to avoid that is to build up.

“This would be an example of that. And it is in a commercial area anyway,” Sullivan said. “So, putting an apartment house there, to me, is not that big a deal as long as it’s safe.”

Flagler Pines Properties is proposing a 240-unit apartment complex.

The units would be divided between eight three-story buildings.

A preliminary design sets the buildings around a large retention pond in the middle of the parcel.

The lot is set back from the south side of S.R. 100, with a run of commercial-zoned parcels separating it from the roadway.

Mengel said that although the applicant is planning for 240 units and has agreed to a density cap of 255 units, county staff members conducts their traffic analyses based on the worst-case scenario of the highest possible density.

For this parcel, that would be a maximum density of 283 units — 10 units per acre on the 28.32 acres — which could house a maximum of 679 people, generating an estimated 1,800 daily trips, according to the staff members’ calculations.

But Jay Livingston, an attorney representing the applicant, said the apartments would be a good fit in the traffic-heavy area because residential areas — even multifamily ones — actually generate less traffic than commercial or industrial areas.

“This is a perfect example of good infill development planning,” he said. “It’s not an appropriate place for single-family houses, but it is a

BY THE NUMBERS

28.32

DAVID SULLIVAN,

As for sound, Livingston said, the applicant’s noise study of the area showed that the decibels were under the FAA’s 65-decibel criteria.

Commission Vice Chair Andy Dance had concerns about wetlands on the lot.

The tentative site plan showed the applicant clearing approximately 4 acres of wetlands, Dance said, instead of working with and around the wetlands.

“The one thing that just concerns me is the massive, clear-cutting of this parcel,” Dance said.

While Livingston and his team said the plan is to maintain and preserve wetlands surrounding the lot, Dance noted that early designs do not show an attempt to work with the wetlands, beyond using them as buffers between the neighboring parcels.

STATE BRIEF

DeSantis signs immigration measure

With a federal change expected to lead to a surge in migrants crossing the country’s southern border, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Wednesday, May 10, signed a controversial bill that targets illegal immigration.

The bill (SB 1718), which the Republican-controlled Legislature passed during the session that ended last week, includes stepping up requirements on businesses to check the immigration status of workers, cracking down on people who bring undocumented immigrants into Florida and collecting data about whether hospital patients are in the country legally.

It is part of a series of steps that DeSantis and other Republican leaders have taken in recent years aimed at undocumented immigrants. It also comes as DeSantis, who is widely expected to run for president in 2024, blasts federal border policies.

“We are supposed to be the world’s leading superpower, and yet we can’t even maintain control of our own southern border,” DeSantis said at a bill-signing event in Jacksonville.

very appropriate place for multifamily.”

Mengel said that the county needs multifamily housing, but most communities do not want apartment complexes across the street from single-family homes.

Livingston said the applicant performed its own traffic impact analyses as well as sound tests to ensure that the airport is not too loud for a residential area.

The applicant’s traffic impact research compared the proposal to a similar shopping center being built at the BJ’s corner lot, Livingston said. If the land was developed as retail, he said, the area would see almost 12,800 daily trips, compared to the 1,800 expected from the multifamily residential use.

BOAT SUPER CENTER

Ultimately, Dance said, there is no requirement that his concerns be addressed at this stage in the planning process.

But the proposal’s wetland mitigation plans, he said, will have to meet the standards of the St. Johns River Water Management District’s standards for permitting.

The final development plans for the proposal will also come to the county’s Planning Board and commission for approval.

Dance said the concept design is a missed opportunity to create a walkable, interconnected community.

“I think we’re greedy. This just shows greed, and I wish we were more sensitive,” Dance said. “... This is an opportunity that should not go wasted to show Flagler County and Palm Coast what an interconnected, walkable community should look like.”

TRIBUTES

Victor H. Keiser, Jr. of Palm Coast, Florida, died in his home on March 12, 2023, at the age of 96.

Vic was born in Akron, Ohio to Victor and Armilda (Brome) Keiser on November 18, 1926. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Keiser; his daughter, Nina; his stepson, Mike Hanson; as well as his brothers, David and John “Jack” Keiser; and his stepbrothers David and Philip Martin.

He is survived by his brothers, Lincoln (Julé Crawford) and Jeffrey (Deborah) Keiser; grandchildren Daniel and Mindy Thomas; his stepchildren, Julie and David Hanson; his stepsister, Rebecca Fralick; nieces, Nancy and Lael Keiser, and nephews Jon, Luke and Nate Keiser, and Drew Martin; good friend, Marie Wolf, as well as many other relatives and friends of all ages.

Throughout his life, Vic was an adventurer, loving a good time and a sweet dessert. Though his family was scattered across the country, for years they gathered in Michigan for summer reunions, a summer tradition begun by his parents in the late 40s. As a young man, Vic spent his time in Michigan chopping wood, laying flooring, building sheds, painting, hanging light fixtures, and joining in any task needing his various skills. Later, he rode his bike for miles, stopping to rest at the local ice cream shop

for his vanilla cone. He and Betty also rode their bicycle built for two around Onekama, stopping for ice cream to recharge. He loved playing word games like Botticelli around a fire on the beaches of Lake Michigan, using his sharp mind to stump young and old as they tried to guess the answers to his riddles or the mystery of his magic tricks. Finding Vic’s keys in the sands of the beach at Lake Michigan after a night around the fire was often the Grand Finale of a summer well spent, surrounded by his family and friends.

He also loved music, tv, old movies and Bridge, which he played at the master’s level until the end of his life. He was a skilled woodworker who for years had a backyard studio, creating furniture for Whitman College and his loved ones.

Vic attended Oberlin College where he met his future wife, Betty Detweiler, until his education was interrupted by World War II, when he left school and enlisted in the US Navy. After the war ended, he participated as a radio man for the Navy testing atom bombs at the Bikini Atoll. Following his discharge from the Navy, he returned to Oberlin, and later transferred to Lawrence College (now Lawrence University), where he

The bill drew heavy opposition from Democratic lawmakers and groups that said it would hurt migrants and people who assist them. Opponents said migrants might not seek needed hospital care because of concerns about being questioned about their immigration status.

Hope CommUnity Center, an Apopka organization that provides services to immigrants, expressed concerns about the bill.

“Undocumented immigrants want nothing more than to come out of the shadows,” Felipe SousaLazaballet, the center’s executive director, said in the statement. “But the system is a dysfunctional maze that Washington refuses to fix. The Florida Legislature is punishing the wrong people for that and, in the process, dehumanizing their existence.”

— Jim Saunders, The News Service of Florida

was awarded his bachelor’s degree in mathematics. He taught mathematics at military service dependent high schools in Japan and Germany. He later attended the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned a Master’s degree in physics and mathematics, followed by a Ph.D. in mathematics.

He taught at the university level at Idaho State University and then at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, where he taught for many years until his retirement.

Following his retirement, he continued teaching at military dependent high schools in Iceland, Great Britain, and Austria. He also taught advanced mathematics courses at the high school level in Palm Coast as a volunteer.

Vic was a mentor to his younger brothers and younger relatives and friends. His kindness, love of life, and unassuming manner is his legacy to all who knew him. The world is emptier without him.

Victor Keiser, Jr.

“I think we’re greedy. This just shows greed, and I wish we were more sensitive.”

ANDY DANCE, Flagler County Commission vice chair

“Putting an apartment house there, to me, is not that big a deal as long as it’s safe.”

Flagler County commissioner

Bunnell Elementary employee wins Florida Lunch Heroes Award

winners to receive the School Lunch Heroes Award based on nominations. This year, there were more than 400 nominees. Conner was one of the winners.

She was celebrated in the cafeteria by the hosts of the event as well as school district and food services officials, Bunnell Elementary Principal Marcus Sanfilippo, and teachers and students.

“She was specially nominated for going the extra mile each morning packaging and delivering boxed breakfasts to the classrooms of voluntary prekindergarten (VPK) and

exceptional student education (ESE) kids, as well as knowing every student and their four-digit pin when they go through the lunch line,” said Lexie Savedge, account coordinator at Salter Mitchell PR.

Conner was nominated by 22 of her peers for her outgoing and heartwarming personality and the generosity she has shown the children.

“I really connect with the kids and the staff, and I try to go out of my way to make the kids feel welcome and special and loved and safe in here

every day,” Conner said.

Conner has been a food service worker for two years at Bunnell Elementary.

She worked as a VPK and preschool teacher for about five years before that.

One of her nominations came from Wendy Walters, a teacher at Bunnell Elementary.

“I heard about the school hero nomination coming up and had Jessica send me the link to check it out, and I thought ‘Oh my gosh, this is so her!’” Walters said. “She’s always smiling and is just a happy person. You could be having a bad day, and you can count on Ms. Jessica always cheering you up.”

At the ceremony, Conner was cheered by teachers, peers and dozens of Pre-K and first-grade students as she entered the cafeteria.

She said she was in disbelief that she had actually won the award and that she was shocked when she was told about her prizes.

She received a $2,000 cash prize sponsored by No Kid Hungry, a gift basket sponsored by the Dairy Council, a framed photo of herself as a cartoon superhero and an etched glass trophy with her name.

Photo by Alexis Miller

From left: Bunnell Elementary School Principal Marcus Sanfilippo, Jessica Conner and Flagler Schools Food Services Director Angie Bush

Jessica Conner was one of five awardees in the state.

“She’s always smiling and is just a happy person. You could be having a bad day, and you can count on Ms. Jessica always cheering you up.”

WENDY WILLIAMS,

Bunnell

Elementary School teacher

Sky Beard, with No Kid Hungry, delivers a speech at the event.

Jessica Conner, left, receives her cape.

LETTERS

Having almost half of students below grade level is not satisfactory

Dear Editor:

Over the last few weeks, a couple of issues have been publicized regarding the Flagler County School Board that I believe need to be addressed.

The first is the non-renewal of the School Board superintendent contract. The vote by the School Board was 3-2 in favor of nonrenewal. These School Board members were elected by the majority of voters in Flagler County. Since they had the confidence of the majority in order to be elected, their decisions should be accepted as what the majority of Flagler County residents/taxpayers agree with.

Unfortunately, as we have seen in our country over the last few years, if the “left” doesn’t like a decision, they whine and start making ridiculous allegations and demands. The same is being done with this

decision.

For Ms. (Cheryl) Massaro, the current chairperson of the School Board, to make public statements about the three members who voted to not renew Ms. (Cathy) Mittelstadt’s contract showed a lack of leadership, and she should have been censured as proposed by Will Furry.

This shows the conflict that the community has witnessed for years with this School Board; it would have been nice to see the new board members come in and see them all work together. With the two board members that have been there too long — Massaro and (Colleen) Conklin — I don’t believe this conflict will ever be resolved.

Personally, the information below from the Flagler County School Board five-year strategic plan would have been enough for me to want change:

“Outcome Metrics: Increase the percentage of students who are on grade level in core subjects as measured by state assessments and progress monitoring for both ELA and math. ELA: Increase the

Make yourself at home

percentage of students who are on grade level from 56% in 2020-21 to 62% in 2023-24. Math: Increase the percentage of students who are on grade level from 57% in 2020-21 to 63% in 2023-24.”

Anyone who believes that it is satisfactory to have almost half of the students in Flagler County not proficient in English language arts and math does not have any concern for our children and our future! We need leaders that are 100% focused on academics and safety for our children and stop all the other indoctrination efforts!

KATHY ROBISON

Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: We reached out to Christopher Stefancik, the school district’s coordinator of assessment and accountability, to clarify the data in the five-year strategic plan. The district dashboard is updated three times a year as new data is gathered, Stefancik said. The ELA metric focuses on the percentage of students in grades 3-10 who are on-grade level. In 2020-21 and

2021-22, the percentage of Flagler students earning a level 3 or higher on statewide assessments was 56%, although the goal for 2022 was 58%. The goal for 2023 is 60%, and for 2024 it is 62%. According to the Florida Department of Education, the state average for level 3 or higher in 2021 was 52.8%; in 2022, it was 53.1%.

The math metric focuses on grades 3-8. Flagler’s on-grade percentage was 57% in 2021 and 59% in 2022. The goal for 2022 was 59%, 61% in 2023 and 63% in 2024. The state average in 2021 was 48.4%; in 2022, it was 53.1%.

Flagler’s ELA on-grade percentage in 2019 — before remote teaching in 2020 — was 60% for ELA and 65% for math.

Stefancik said updated data from the DOE for the 2022-23 school year is expected in late June or early July.

“Flagler Schools’ strategic plan goals are set to reach targets respective to Flagler’s own past performance and not the state, since we have been outperforming state averages,” Stefancik said.

Universal experience: field trip prep

The idea is, Dad, that you are supposed to give me your money.

BRIAN MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When my 13-year-old daughter, Ellie, signed up for the class field trip to Universal Studios this year, I was happy to pay for her ticket. When we learned that the buses were leaving the school at 7 a.m. on a Saturday, my wife, Hailey, was happy to volunteer me to be the one to give her a ride to the bus loop.

I dutifully woke up at about 6:30 a.m. and figured I would have to drag Ellie out of bed to make sure we left on time.

But Ellie was already awake and preparing her snack bag. In fact, she informed me that she had been up since 4:30 a.m., just to make sure she didn’t sleep in.

I worried for a moment that my sweet girl had lost her mind. You’ve

SPRING OUTREACH DELIVERS 10,000 POUNDS OF FOOD

More than 90 families received a combined 10,000 pounds of food at Flagler County’s Health and Human Services Department’s Spring Fling Outreach event.

The event was held on May 9 at Cattleman’s Hall and lasted three hours, according to a press release from the Flagler County government.

Over two dozen local vendors worked with the department to provide resource information, food and hair cuts.

Flagler County Health and Human Services Director Joseph Hegedus said the combined efforts of all the agencies at the event meant a lot to all of the families who attended.

PETS UP FOR ADOPTION

The Flagler Humane Society is located at 1 Shelter Drive on U.S. 1 in Palm Coast. It is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adoption fees vary based on the animal, and the shelter has both dogs and cats up for adoption.

Anyone who is interested in adopting or has questions about the process can contact the Flagler Humane Society at 386-445-1814 or apply online at flaglerhumanesociety.org.

been up for two hours? On a Saturday?!?

She was pacing in the kitchen.

“How many Propel packets should I take?” she asked, holding up the little sleeves of drink powder.

“I have seven.”

I yawned. “There is zero chance that you will drink seven bottles of Propel at Universal.”

“How much money should I take?” she asked.

“How much money do you have?” I asked.

She half frowned, and I surmised that I had not given the correct response. The idea is, Dad, that you are supposed to give me your money.

Hailey had coached me on this, knowing my Scrooge-like tendencies, when we stopped by an ATM the night before.

“It could cost $15 for lunch, plus another $10 for a snack, and $5 for a drink,” Hailey had said as I hesitated at the ATM screen, “so let’s send her with $40 just in case.”

I did some rough math in my mind and determined that $40 could buy approximately 5,779.3 peanut butter sandwiches. But I nodded. I withdrew.

“I’m going to give you $40,” I told Ellie at about 6:35 a.m.

Her smile was a little too quick

“If nothing else, we want our residents to know they can reach out to us if they have a social-services need, and we will connect them with the appropriate resource,” Hegedus said.

The event was about providing help where it was needed.

The Flagler Technical Institute gave 21 haircuts.

Grace Food Pantry and the Flagler Schools’ TRAIL Transition team bagged and distributed the 10,000 pounds of food.

About 75 people spoke to community paramedics about their service.

“Whatever the need is, we try to meet it,” Hegedus said.

County staff is already working on the next outreach event, according to the press release. It will likely be held in the fall.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB RECOGNIZES FLAGLER MEMBER

The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida has recognized Myra Smith

for comfort, though, a little too indicative of a desire to spend, so I quickly gave her a little lecture, one that Hailey never needed to know about.

“But,” I said, clutching the two 20s, “I expect change. I really do.” The money disappeared into her change purse like that wiggly little reptile into the mouth of Jabba the Hutt in “Return of the Jedi.”

Maybe it was the low light in the kitchen, or maybe it was the early hour, but as she finished getting ready, I suddenly saw Ellie not as a kid but as a near-adult. She gets impeccable grades in school with little parental prodding and spends her free time reading and writing. I can see her as a future force for good in the world, someone who will be trusted to make choices of consequences.

Those moments are a parent’s privilege, a reward for the worry and sacrifice of raising a child. They are also tinged with sadness, a knowledge that she will one day be gone, doing marvelous things without me.

“Can you open this?” she then asked me, handing me a bottle of medicine.

“Yes,” I said, but then I asked, “Can you not open a childproof bottle?”

as the Grassroots Campaigner of the Year.

Smith is a long-time member of the club’s Flagler County chapter, according to a press release from the Democratic Women’s Club of Flagler County.

Smith contributed to many statewide Democratic organizations, including her work in developing texting campaigns, according to the press release.

Smith was honored at the club’s state convention in Orlando at the end of April.

SNIPER TEAMS PLEASE 9TH, 11TH IN NATIONAL COMPETITION

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office SWAT snipers placed in the top 10 in a team challenge at a national sniper competition.

Snipercraft’s SniperWeek Team Challenge was held on May 5 and 6, and one of FCSO’s SWAT sniper teams placed ninth. This is the second year in a row

“I can’t manage to open it,” she said. Her expression revealed zero embarrassment, which, oddly, made me even more confident that she was well on her way to being an independent adult.

I also knew that I needed to write about this experience. “Do you mind if I include that in my column?”

“Sure, if you want,” she said. Then she added, “I’ll be able to read about myself in art class. We use the newspaper for projects.”

It was time to leave. We drove to the school and pulled up in front of signs on the posts of the bus loop overhang, presumably listing the students in each group for the bus trip.

I hesitated, unsure whether she’d want to be seen with her dad walking her up to the drop-off area. Did she want to appear independent and cool in front of her friends?

“Do you want me to help you find your sign?” I asked.

“Yes I’m scared,” she said, all in one breath.

Again, that smile, that disarming honesty, that comfortable vulnerability. That’s Ellie. Go on, be a grown up, if you must, if you aren’t already.

that FCSO snipers have placed in the top 10, according to a press release from the FCSO.

The sniper teams were made up of part-time and full-time snipers from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.

The snipers also attended Snipercraft’s two-day education seminar ahead of the competition and met with vendors from the industry.

The competition and training was held in St. Petersburg and Clearwater, with 48 teams competing from over 14 states.

FCSO Cmdr. Brian Finn and Officer Dylan Sylvester placed ninth, while Sgt. Ron Mello and Sgt. Frank Gamarra placed 11th. Gamarra also placed second in a charity sideshoot competition, according to the press release.

Finn said they were all grateful for the opportunity to compete and represent the FCSO.

“Being able to learn and network with snipers from around the country has been an invaluable experience,” he said.

PALM COAST

Observer

“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

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@observerlocalnews.com

Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com

Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com

Design Editor Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com

Director of Engagement Kaitlyn Stier, kstier@observerlocalnews.com

Senior Media Specialist Susan Moore, susan@observerlocalnews.com

Advertising Coordinator Jessica Boone, jessica@observerlocalnews.com

Operations Manager Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@observerlocalnews.com

Circulation Coordinator, Draven Owens, dowens@observerlocalnews.com

SUBSCRIBE

The Palm Coast & Ormond Beach

Observers are published every Thursday. To subscribe for driveway delivery, visit www.observerlocalnews.com/subscribe, call 386-447-9723, or email subscribe@ observerlocalnews.com.

TO ADVERTISE

Call the office at 386-447-9723.

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

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

George Weaver

 Branch of military: U.S. Army (retired)

 Dates of service: 1959-1986  Rank/occupation: Lieutenant Colonel / Signal Corps  Hometown: Orlando, Florida George Weaver entered the Army and served as an enlisted man for eight and a half years before being recognized as an excellent candidate for commissioning as an Army officer. His first tour in Vietnam was as a sergeant assigned to the Armed Forces Language School as an advisor teaching Vietnam Army interpreters general military information and organizational structure. His second tour in Vietnam was as a captain managing logistic in Nah Trang, and then as a unit commander in Ninh Hoa. Mr. Weaver also served three tours in Germany and two tours in Hawaii. Among his many awards and decorations are the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Following his honorable service to his country, Mr. Weaver moved to Palm Coast with his wife Annette in 1991. They will have been married 62 years this July.

CORRECTION

The woman shown below was misidentified in a cutline on Page 11A of the May 11 edition of the Palm Coast Observer. The photo accompanied a story about the Antonio Amaral Foundation’s presentation of $30,000 in scholarships. The woman, who is third from left in the full photo, is Renee Wickowski, Palm Coast Vice Mayor Ed Danko’s fiancee.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Lauren Jaussi’s new dance studio finished its first year. The Dance Method’s ‘I Love Flagler County’ showcase featured 22 routines choreographed by three teachers.

BRIAN MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Gratitude and dreams and moms were among the themes of the first year-end dance recital of The Dance Method on May 13, at Pirate Theater, at Matanzas High School.

The show was titled “I Love Flagler County,” a recognition of the gratitude that owner Lauren Jaussi feels for the community’s support as she concludes her first year in business. She also took the opportunity to inspire the young dancers to follow their dreams, as she did.

“I just want to tell all the kids on stage,” she said, “I was younger than all of you when I decided what I wanted to do when I grew up. And now I’m doing it. And I want you to know that you can do hard things. ... You can do anything that you set your mind to, if you work hard and you have the right people to support you.”

The show featured 22 dances and dozens of students, including one in which the mothers of several dancers joined their daughters on the stage for a routine.

The show included two senior solos: one by Victoria Hanna, which she also choreographed; and the second by Malia Raymond, choreo-

graphed by Jada Hathaway. Jaussi’s company features two teachers and choreographers, Hathaway and Amber Jackson.

After the show, Jaussi thanked her volunteers and then welcomed her own mother back to the stage.

When Jaussi was a child, “This woman taught dance classes for free so that I could dance,” Jaussi said. “And we’re here today because of her and my dad. And I’m just really grateful and I want her to know that.”

The two embraced as tears filled Jaussi’s eyes.

The Dance Method’s studio is located at 3371 N. State St., Suite 3, Bunnell. Visit thedancemethodfl. blogspot.com.

Amber Jackson in “Vogue.”

“We

Above: The Dance Method owner Lauren Jaussi Top right: Jada Hathaway

The routine “Hair” featured dancers Amelia Rimer, Lucy David, Makayla Mullins and Noelle Castello.

“Home on the Range” featured Mya Perry, Nora Santiago, Peyton Martin, Isabelle Jarowski, Arabella Pereira and Hanna Keeney.

Jonas, Jewel and Jackson DeVaney dance in “Magic,” choreographed by Lauren Jaussi.

team Dream

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, MAY 18

VOLUSIA-FLAGLER SIERRA CLUB

SOCIAL GET-TOGETHER

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Hidden Treasure Rose Bay Grill, 5993 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange

Details: Join the Volusia-Flagler Sierra Club for conversation, food, and drink at Hidden Treasure in Port Orange. Visit sierraclub.org/florida/ volusia-flagler.

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the May meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Social visiting and check-in will begin at 6:30 p.m. There will be updates for presentation and discussion to promote informed activism such as voting registration and changes in election law. Likeminded nonmembers are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 20

SECOND HANG 8 DOG SURFING

EXTRAVAGANZA

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: South 5th Street walkover, Flagler Beach

Details: Hang 8’s second annual dog surfing competition in Flagler Beach will raise money and awareness for local animal charities and dogs in need. There will also be a costume contest, children’s activities, vendors and more. Funds raised will benefit K9s for Warriors, Flagler County Humane Society, and Saving Missing Animals Response Team of Flagler County. Visit Hang8DogSurfing.com.

MARCIA JO ZERIVITZ — JEWS OF FLORIDA: CENTURIES OF STORIES

When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center and Park, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Learn about the comprehensive history of Jews in Florida, from colonial times to the present. Program is presented by the Palm Coast Historical Society. Free. Call 386-283-5929.

SUNDAY, MAY 21

FAMILY RENEW COMMUNITY ICE CREAM SOCIAL

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Family Renew Community’s annual Ice Cream Social and silent auction is back, and all proceeds help families lift themselves out of homelessness. Admission is $5 per person, free to children 10 and younger. Admission includes unlimited ice cream, homemade cake and cookies, family entertainment, children’s activities and a basket auction. Visit familyrenew.org/ IceCream2023.

HISTORY/NATURE WALK AT BULOW PLANTATION

RUINS STATE PARK

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Road S., Flagler Beach

Details: Join Dream Green Volusia and explore Bulow Plantation Ruins State Park. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle, snack or sack lunch. Admission into the state park costs $4 per car.

THURSDAY, 25

SPRING BIRD WALKS WITH JOAN

TAGUE

When: 8 a.m.

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

Details: Join Master Natural ist Joan Tague, of Halifax River Audubon, for a casual bird walk along the trails in Central Park. Bring water. Walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended.

CHAT WITH A COMMISSIONER

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: David Hood Plaza at Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Ormond Beach Zone 1 City Commissioner Lori Tolland will be at the Farmers Market at City Hall, and she encourages residents to come and share their thoughts about Ormond Beach.

ONGOING THE CASEMENTS CAMERA CLUB’S 10TH-ANNUAL SPRING

The Casements, 25 RiverCome out to The Casesee the club’s annual spring exhibit, featuring both black and white images and colored photographs, and vote for your favorite. The image with the

most votes will win a “public choice” ribbon. The Casements is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

EXERCISES FOR THE MATURING

BODY

When: 10:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Attend upbeat classes presented by Synergy Senior Fitness and taught by Senior Fitness Specialist Artie Gardella. Classes are ongoing. Insurances that cover fitness accepted, or a donation for those with no coverage. Visit Synergyseniorfitness.com.

MOAS EXHIBITIONS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Museum of Arts

and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach

Details: Want to spend a day looking at fine art? The Museum of Arts and Sciences has the following shows on display: “It’s a Kite Thing: Florida Women’s Arts Association,” and “Caribbean Indigenous Resistance.”

File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Carol and David Sheperd serve ice cream to Owen and Jessica Blumenfield during the 30th annual Family Renew Ice Cream Social.

FPC’s Christina Nguyen awarded Superintendent Scholarship

Thanks to a partnership between Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans and Flagler Schools, Nguyen will receive a 2-year scholarship valued at about $8,000.

JASON WHEELER FLAGLER SCHOOLS COORDINATOR OF COMMUNICATIONS

Flagler Schools Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt had a surprise waiting for Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Christina Nguyen.

Nguyen was called to Principal Bobby Bossardet’s office, which is something no student wants to hear. But when she stepped inside, she was greeted by Bossardet, Mittelstadt, Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services Lashakia Moore, and Assistant Principal Stacia Collier.

Mittelstadt awarded Nguyen the district’s first-ever Florida Pre-Paid Superintendent Scholarship. Thanks to a partnership between Florida Prepaid College Savings Plans and Flagler Schools, Nguyen receives a two-year Florida College Plan Scholarship valued at approximately $8,000.

“I can’t breathe!” she said after she was presented with the giant check. Nguyen has been accepted into the University of Central Florida. She

plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a doctor. In her application, she wrote, “Acquiring these degrees will show the world that everyone has what it takes if they want it enough. Not only will I be helping underprivileged

individuals who are seeking medical attention, but I will also advocate for students wishing to pursue an education.”

Nguyen has a GPA of 5.0769 and more than 200 hours of community service. She is a member of

HOSA (Future Health Professionals) and DECA (Distributive Education Clubs of America). She has been active in the National Honor Society and Student Government Association at FPC. She also created Village Bridges, a platform designed to help

“What made her application stand out from the other 15 submitted was her humility and passion for helping others who may feel marginalized.”

underserved Vietnamese students trying to navigate the college admissions process.

“Christina’s story is a powerful one,” Mittelstadt said. “She’s a child of Vietnamese parents and has been able to embrace that culture as well as her American culture successfully. What made her application stand out from the other 15 submitted was her humility and passion for helping others who may feel marginalized.”

Viki White is one of Nguyen’s teachers. In recommending Nguyen for this scholarship, White wrote, “(Christina) is a delightful student who I have had the opportunity to instruct over her entire high school career.

“During this time, I have had the pleasure of watching her grow and mature as a student and as a leader among her peers. From the start, it was clear that her classmates liked Christina, and since then, she has developed into a leader.”

Drive-by event celebrates Flagler County’s senior scholarship winners

FPC football player

Benjamin Aurore was awarded the Joe Rizzo Memorial Scholarship.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Flagler County Education Foundation honored the county’s senior scholarship winners from Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools on May 2 with a drive-by and surprise event.

Representatives from the two high schools, school district staff and local scholarship donors delivered yard signs with their scholarship packets to each recipient’s home.

The late Joe Rizzo, who was the executive director of the Ed Foundation, would have had some dust in his eye when the foundation awarded a football player, Benjamin Aurore — from FPC, Rizzo’s alma mater — with the Joe Rizzo Memorial Scholarship, according to a news release from Teresa Rizzo, Joe Rizzo’s wife and the current executive director of the Ed

Foundation.

Aurore will playing play football next season at Emporia State in Kansas. For Joe, the foundation was about “making it happen for kids.”

Kobe Murphy was awarded the David Griffis Memorial Scholarship. Griffis passed away in March. He was a well-known coach in the school district, who taught Murphy’s mother in elementary school.

Coach Griffis’ daughter, Tiffany Fink, is a teacher at Old Kings Elementary School. Griffis’ wife, Nancy Griffis, is a retired teacher who taught in Flagler Schools. They presented the scholarship to Murphy during the drive-by and surprise event.

The Garden Club of Palm Coast also awarded three scholarships totaling $8,000 to students with career ambitions in environmental health sciences. The scholarships were awarded to Jessica Neal and Lilly Achins, of FPC; and Abby Amaturo, of Matanzas.

The club’s scholarship funds were raised from club events during the year. The club’s biggest annual fund raiser is the Spring Festival and Plant Sale in April. For more information about the Garden Club, go to gardenclubatpalmcoast.org.

Julianna Bogdanov received the Bruce F. Garrison Memorial Scholarship.

FPC’s Lucy Noble, who has a swimming scholarship from Eastern Michigan, can supplement that with her Rotary Club of Flagler County Athletic Scholarship.

Edwin Moncayo won a Wheels in Motion Scholarship.

Courtesy photo

Christina Nguyen holds the oversized check with Assistant Superintendent Lashakia Moore, FPC Assistant Principal Stacia Collier, Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet.

Gracie Lockey won a Flagler Auditorium Governing Board Scholarship.

Katie Polak received the Robert Osner Kiwanis Scholarship.

Lily Hernandez won a Girl Up STEM Scholarship.

Maya Palacios received a Grand Haven Woman’s Club Scholarship.

Flagler Schools’ Teacher of the Year Lee Winfrey, right, presents Karson Thomas with his scholarship packet. Kobe Murphy received the David Griffis Memorial Scholarship.

CATHY MITTELSTADT, Flagler Schools superintendent

Jackson Casteneda received a scholarship from the Flagler Tiger Bay Club.

New start

FPC has a new offensive coordinator and will also have a new quarterback.

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast running back Marcus Mitchell pleaded to athletic trainer Ron Steinwehr, being as dramatic as can be, with a big smile on his face.

“Put me in for one play,” Mitchell said during team drills on Thursday, May 11. “Just one play.”

Steinwehr shook his head.

The trainer knew Mitchell was joking. Mitchell had a strained hamstring and was sitting out, which simply goes against his grain.

The rising junior will have plenty of opportunities to carry the ball this fall. The 5-foot-8, 200-pounder bulldozed his way to 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns last season while playing with an injured ankle.

After losing four starting offensive linemen to graduation, and now quarterback D.J. Murray — who has informed administrators he plans to transfer to Mainland after this weekend’s state track and field championships — the Bulldogs will likely rely heavily on their star running back.

Linebacker Rodney Hill, defensive back Ely Gilyard and defensive lineman Tra’vel Adams have already transferred to Mainland.

“They were my boys,” Mitchell said of his former teammates. “But they got to do what’s best for their future, so I understand where they’re coming from.”

With school choice, it’s not unusual for some players to transfer when a new head coach is hired. Daniel Fish, who replaced Robert Paxia as the Bulldogs’ football coach on March 29, said some players are also likely to transfer to FPC this summer.

Mitchell, who expected to return to practice this week, said he will be up to the challenge of taking on a heavier workload.

“I can jog on it right now,” he said of his hamstring. “I’ll definitely play in the spring game (May 25 at Jacksonville Riverside). My ankle’s feeling great. I actually hurt it at the start of last season, and I had ankle problems the whole year. It definitely hindered my ability to play.”

NEW OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR

Mitchell is excited about playing for new offensive coordinator Jake Medlock, who has been with the team for about three weeks.

Medlock played quarterback at Florida International University and at Valdosta State and has coached at Shorter University, Missouri Southern State and Catawba College. He also has high school coaching experience at Jacksonville Sandalwood and South Cobb in Georgia.

“He’s a great offensive coordinator and a really cool guy,” Mitchell said. Medlock and Fish became good friends when they were teammates at Valdosta State.

“He played (high school football) at Fletcher (near Jacksonville Beach), so he’s from the area,” Fish said. “He saw I got the job and called me up, and I never in a million years thought I’d have a chance to get him, but I

For Fish, having both an offensive coordinator and a defensive coordinator (Norris Lightsey) seems like a luxury. In his three years as Father Lopez’s head coach, he also took on one or both of the coordinator roles.

“I was defensive coordinator every year I was there and sometimes I was offensive coordinator,” he said. “You kind of have tunnel vision when you’re doing that. Now I have a position coach for every position. I can walk around. I can help wherever I’m

needed.”

Fish said the Bulldogs don’t know who will replace Murray at quarterback. Murray accounted for 2,315 yards of offense with 28 total touchdowns last season.

Incoming freshman Mike London Jr. has been taking first-team snaps.

“You never know who’s going to pop in or who’s going to pop out,” Fish said. “Right now, Mike London Jr. has done a great job. He’s obviously young; he still needs a lot more development.”

BANKING ON THE DEFENSIVE ENDS

With the losses of Hill and graduating senior Ashton Bracewell, the Bulldogs are thin at linebacker, but defensive line is expected to be a team strength with Colby Cronk and Ethan Laupepa manning the defensive end positions and taking on leadership roles.

Cronk, who fractured his femur against Nease and underwent surgery, led the Bulldogs in sacks (eight), tackles for loss (15) and quarterback hurries (45) in eight games last season.

“Those dudes are animals,” Fish said of Cronk and Laupepa, who added six sacks and five tackles for loss. “They’re causing a lot of chaos for our younger offensive linemen. They’re awesome in the pass rush, and they can contribute on offense

SPRING FOOTBALL GAMES

as well in our big packages.”

Cronk, a rising junior, already has six Division I college offers, including one from Pittsburgh of the Atlantic Coast Conference.

“I’ve been going to a couple of camps, trying to get my name out there,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to get myself better.”

Fish said sometimes Cronk has to be reigned in.

“You have to beg him to stop sometimes,” the coach said. “He comes out here during our team periods, our inside periods, and we got to take him off the field, because sometimes the offense can’t get the work they need because he’s so dominant.”

Free safety Zyquan Neal also has been a standout this spring, Fish said.

“I love the teamwork, the energy that Coach Fish and Coach Medlock bring, and I’m very excited about the season,” Neal said.

Neal will probably have multiple roles this season, Fish said.

“He’s making plays, flying around, getting his hands on the football. He’s also hopped over to the offensive side and made plays there,” Fish said. “We’re going to lean on him a lot. We’ll use him in the return game; we’ll use him as a receiver as well.”

The returning players know there are some big shoes to fill on a team that won district last season, but they have confidence in their teammates and coaches.

“Since there were a lot of guys that left, people think we’re going to be bad,” Laupepa said. “I think we’ll be good. I think this season is going to be new experiences and a lot of young guys filling in, and I believe they can do it and we’ll be successful.”

FPC’s softball, baseball seasons end in the playoffs

Both teams lost to Lake Mary teams in the regional quarterfinals.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The year before Yessy Paneto became Flagler Palm Coast’s softball coach, the Bulldogs went 4-11. Two years later, they finished the season with a 13-5 record and their first playoff appearance in six years. “Their attitudes got way better,

and they believe. Once your attitude is better and you believe, the sky’s the limit,” said assistant coach John Kleinfelder, who joined Paneto’s staff when she took over last year.

The Bulldogs’ season ended with a 9-3 regional quarterfinal loss to Lake Mary on May 11.

“Nobody quit,” Kleinfelder said.

“They played to the end.”

FPC loses seniors Bailey Holmes, Hannah Kurek, Madison Cercy and Kylee Burns, but they’ll return several key players, including outfielder Aun’Yale Howard (.545 batting average), catcher Sadie Schell (.462) and

pitcher Alexis Laura (2.06 ERA).

“Our seniors were all starters and they all played fantastic defense, so we’ll have big holes to fill,” Kleinfelder said. “But I’m excited to see who’s coming out in the summer, and who’s going to fill them.”

The day before the softball team’s regional quarterfinal at Lake Mary, FPC’s baseball team also traveled to Lake Mary for a regional quarterfinal.

The Bulldogs, who had won their first district championship in eight years to get into the playoffs, fell to the Rams 10-0 in five innings.

Lake Mary left-hander Ryan Ashford scattered four hits to lead the Rams to their 23rd consecutive win. They lost their next game, however, 5-3 to Winter Park in the regional semifinals.

FPC’s baseball season ended with a 16-13 record in Kyle Marsh’s first year as head coach. The Bulldogs won four in a row heading into the playoffs.

FPC will lose five seniors — Brayden Stuart, Dalton Schell, Jesse Baugher, Tristen Miller and Dalton Howell.

Photo by Michele Meyers FPC’s Aun’Yale Howard gets advice from coach Yessy Paneto in a game against Spruce Creek on March 30.

Defensive end Ethan Laupepa and defensive tackle Charley Perry.

Marcus Mitchell rushed for 1,025 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

“They were my boys. But they got to do what’s best for their future, so I understand where they’re coming from.”

MARCUS MITCHELL

I’d

have a chance to get him, but I did.”

DANIEL FISH on new offensive coordinator

Jake Medlock

Above: Mike London Jr. throws a pass in a team drill at practice.

Left: With a coach manning every position, Daniel Fish is able to walk around to different areas.

May 18: Nease at Matanzas, 7 p.m.

May 25: FPC at Riverside, 7 p.m.

May 25: West Orange at Mainland, 7 p.m.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Flagler United Youth Basketball develops individuals

In its third year, Flagler United has eight travel teams with about 85 kids participating.

It was Johnny Hampton Sr.’s dream to start a youth basketball organization in Flagler County where underprivileged kids could play AAU basketball without having to pay AAU prices.

Hampton and his son, Johnny Hampton Jr., used to pick up kids on weekends and take them to tournaments.

“In the summer we didn’t want kids doing nothing, so we would try to find travel leagues and we’d pay

the bills,” Hampton Jr. said.

Other coaches were doing the same thing, so four years ago they got together to start Flagler United Youth Basketball. But because of Covid, they weren’t able to start forming teams and going to tournaments until 2021.

Hampton Sr., a long-time recreational league coach, died in February, 2020, about two weeks before Flagler United held its first tryout. But his dream flourishes. The organization now has eight teams involving about 85 kids. The teams range from 10-and-under boys to 17-andunder girls.

“It’s growing beyond our wildest dreams,” said Hampton, who is Flagler United’s president. “The first year we had five teams. We had seven girls that first year. This year we have

his father were doing that too, so we decided to combine our efforts.”

Their teams have won 15 tournaments, Hampton said. The ninth grade boys team (16-and-under) won the Gold Bracket at the Southeast Elite Showcase Battle of the Best on April 28-30 in Lexington, South Carolina. One of Flagler United’s eighth grade teams came in second in the same tourney. That was the organization’s first out-of-state tournament.

The goal of the Flagler United is to get the players ready for high school basketball, but they teach life lessons along the way, Hampton said.

almost 30 girls.”

The board of directors consists of Hampton, Fred Atwood, Fitzgerald Belgrave and David Brown.

Belgrave explained how he got involved.

“Me and Fred Atwood were taking kids out to play in travel tournaments,” Belgrave said. “Johnny and

“Our focus is on coaching and ethical mentorship. We make sure they’re getting good grades, listening to their parents, staying out of trouble,” Hampton said. “We don’t ever talk about winning. We focus on development, on and off the court — having a good attitude, being a good teammate, son and brother. And when the season ends, our relationship doesn’t end.”

Hampton said they’re able to keep rates low through fund raising and business sponsors.

“We do sponsor some kids,” he said. “No child is left behind.”

3 bed/3 bath Penthouse. Panoramic views can be enjoyed throughout, 2 tiled balconies with retractable screens and tinting on 10’ sliding door in living room. Matching tiles adorn hallway, living/dining rooms & kitchen of this unparalleled Skyhome, 10’ ceilings throughout with ceiling fans in each room & 2 skylights. MLS#1104821 $479,900 Call V. Ann Alexander 386-503-7220.

WINDING WOODS

Move in ready 2 bed/ 2 bath Ormond Beach home close to the popular OB Historical District & only 3 miles to the Ocean. This concrete block single family home was recently painted on the exterior & interior. Located on a beautiful corner lot entering a quiet cul-de-sac in the centrally located Winding Woods neighborhood. MLS#1108986 $299,000 Call Renata Rosander 386-316-8041.

HUNTERS RIDGE

This meticulously kept one owner beachside home is ready for you to move in. It is just steps to the beach., and offers 3 bedrooms all with their own bathrooms, a beautiful kitchen, gorgeous granite countertops, SS appliances, a fireplace, and easy beach access. The roof was replaced May 2022. MLS#1108785 $575,000 Call Donna Dosch 386-235-3385.

Remarkable corner unit in the exclusive 55+ community of Huntington Villas. This unit features a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath with an oversized 2 car garage. The open floor plan of the living room and dining room greet you when you walk in. From the screened in lanai, you can watch wildlife in and around your almost private pond. MLS#1109171 $391,000 Call Kelly Margison 386-299-0738.

Priced to sell! Beautifully maintained spacious pool home, 4 generously sized bedrooms allow plenty of space to spread out. Granite countertops in kitchen. Beautiful wood floors throughout. Hurricane shutters 2020. Newer roof and freshly resurfaced pool. Inviting, private and well kept, this home is a must see.

MLS#1108769 $529,000

Call David Lisicki 386-795-1544.

Featuring 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths. Nice living space, dining area and galley kitchen. Office or den area, large pantry and laundry space with a half bath. The backyard features a beautiful garden space and outdoor shower. Roof is 2017 and also has a new hot water heater. Bright new paint and stucco job.

MLS#1109038 $378,000

Call Karen Dillard 386-451-8320.

Ben Gibson, a member of Flagler United’s seventh grade team, gets set to shoot a free throw in a recent practice

The Flagler United Youth Basketball high school girls team

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Johnny Hampton Jr., president of Flagler United Youth Basketball, tosses the ball to a player at a practice May 3 at Matanzas High School.

Courtesy photo

“We don’t ever talk about winning. We focus on development, on and off the court.”

JOHNNY HAMPTON

SIDE LINES

FPC’s Mackenzie Gennaro will cheer at Coastal Carolina

Flagler Palm Coast senior Mackenzie

Gennaro wasn’t handed a spot on the Coastal Carolina University cheerleading team. She had to try out.

She said she was one of 96 prospects competing on April 13-15 for a spot on the Chanticleers’ team, and she was one of 15 incoming students selected for a coveted place on the roster.

“It was one of if not the hardest experiences of my life,” Gennaro said.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS

AdventHealth physicians and care teams will provide free physicals for Flagler County students at Flagler Palm Coast High School on May 23 and 24 from 5 to 9 p.m.

The annual event is open to Flagler County public school student athletes. The physicals include heart screenings, which are essential as sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death among high school athletes. Preregistration is available at FSSportsPhysicals.com.

POWERLIFTER BREAKS RECORD

National champion powerlifter Kelly Schlobohm of Bunnell competed in the 2023 Women’s ProAm in Cincinnati last month and totaled 1,190.5 pounds, including a 474-pound squat — a world record in the Masters 2 (ages 50-59) 149-pound single ply division — a bench press of 259 pounds and a deadlift of 457.4 pounds. She is ranked third in the world in her division, where she is the world record holder in squat and deadlift.

FPC held a signing ceremony for Gennaro on May 10. She received a Presidential Scholarship at Coastal Carolina and will be on the school’s competitive and sideline cheer teams.

Gennaro was a member of the Bulldogs’ competitive and sideline cheer teams and also competes and coaches at Cheer Force All Stars in Ormond Beach.

She watched Coastal Carolina compete in the National Cheerleaders Association’s College Nationals at the Daytona Beach Bandshell last year.

“I knew it was where I wanted to

LPGA AMATEUR CHAPTER CHAMPIONSHIP

The LPGA Amateur Daytona Chapter had its chapter championship on May 7 at The Club at Venetian Bay.

It was a Low Gross/Low Net stroke play tournament. There were 55 participants and five flights. Brygitte Lusinski was the low gross club champion. Teresa Sanders was the low net club champion.

Flight winners: Championship flight, Deb Crowley, low gross; Shauna Federico, low net. First flight, Ann Bowman, low gross; Gloria Payne, low net. Second flight, Terry McFarland, low gross; Joan Mansour, low net. Third flight, Pat Westbrook, low gross; Kathleen McKay, low net. Fourth flight, Joan DeCarlo, low gross; Pat Albers, low net.

go the second I saw them,” she said. Gennaro has been a cheerleader for eight years. Competitive cheerleading, she said, is a sport like no other, combining the skills of acrobatics, gymnastics and dance.

ABA TEAM COMING TO DAYTONA

Basketball fans of a certain age will remember watching the high-flying, 3-point-shooting stars of the old American Basketball Association.

Former Mainland High basketball player Keith McClenny plans to form a team in Daytona Beach in the semipro version of the ABA, joining nearby franchises in St. Augustine, Jacksonville, Gainesville, Brevard County and Clermont.

Like the original ABA, the semipro league uses the iconic red-white and blue basketball and has innovative rules to generate more offense. The original ABA brought the 3-point shot to the NBA when the leagues merged in 1976. The current ABA has a 4-point shot from behind halfcourt and a 3D light that adds a point to all baskets when it’s turned on after

Tumbling from gymnastics includes backflips, handsprings and somersaults, among other skills.

Elite stunts include pyramids and basket tosses.

“I really like stunting,” she said,

violations.

McClenny, who graduated from Mainland in 1990, operates the Red Devils Basketball Academy. He has reserved the Daytona Beach market for the league and hopes the Daytona Beach team can play its first game in November.

“(ABA CEO) Joe Newman really wants a team in Daytona Beach. He loves this market,” McClenny said. “We need basketball in this town. There are still some good basketball players here.”

McClenny would love for his team to be able to play its games in the Ocean Center, but has a plan B at the Cherry Cultural and Educational Center at 925 George W. Engram Blvd.

McClenny is looking for team sponsors. Call 386 846 8394 or email kmcclennyO@ gmail.com.

noting that she doesn’t get thrown in the air.

“I throw people in the air,” she said. And catches them?

“Yes, that’s the most important part,” she said.

Gennaro helped lead FPC to a ninth-place finish in the Class 2A small division non-tumbling at the state cheerleading championships in February.

Earlier this month, her Cheer Force All Stars Eclip5e team finished eighth in the Level Five Senior Open Coed Division 2 competition at the Summit Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports.

Gennaro has been coaching a Tiny Novice 1 team for Cheer Force during the past two years.

“The young kids say they want to be just like me, and that makes me want to be the best as possible,” she said.

Gennaro plans to major in psychology with a concentration in forensics, with a goal of one day joining the FBI or CIA.

PALM COAST TENNIS CLINICS

May is National Tennis Month, and the city of Palm Coast is celebrating with a series of free clinics for players ages 11 and up of all skill levels. The clinics will be on Saturday, May 20, and Saturday, May 27, from noon to 2 p.m. on the clay courts at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. Each day will feature two one-hour sessions.

Participants are encouraged to register at palmcoast.gov/Events/ Home/Details/tennismonth-clinics and click on the register button at the bottom.

cipher

“XEH AMP’S JMUK YEJKSVGPZ SVMS GY

MBIMXY NDKMSVSMUGPZ, ED XEH IEHBL

PKCKD NK MNBK SE NDKMSVK. XEH

IEHBL AEBBMRYK.” NDGMP KPE

“GZGWTIJBRL LVVC IJSI’P GZGW

JSEEGRGC BR HT XBOG JSP NVHG SP

IJG CBWGNI WGPKXI VO JGXEBRL PVHGVRG GXPG.” CSRRT IWGUV

“SPFO CNFPKR, XDZXBD RCLD CKKNRXFPZGK, INF PF’K JDAE IAZCU. ...

EZN OCJD FZ FADCF DCTO XDAKZG CK CG PGUPJPUNCB.” GPLLP ADDU

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

Puzzle One Clue: C equals V Puzzle Two Clue: K equals U Puzzle Three Clue: T equals C

FPC senior Mackenzie Gennaro will be a competitive and sideline cheerleader at Coastal Carolina University.

GREEN GROCERIES by Alex Eaton-Salners, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

REAL ESTATE

Condo in Hammock Dunes tops sales list in Flagler County

Acondo in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for March 29 to April 4 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Fore You Capital LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 28 Porto Mar, Unit 504, to Everett and Kirsten Kliphouse, of Palm Coast, for $2,900,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/4.5 and has a stacked stone gas fireplace and 4,948 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $1,975,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Arlington Shelva McPhatter, of Palm Coast, sold 3 Fairfax Court to Johnny Mark and Whitney Wisniewski, of Palm Coast, for $378,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,219 square feet. It sold in 1996 for $149,200.

Belle Terre Angelo Alberty, of Palm Coast, sold 11 Palmyra Lane to Lazaro and Tania Salvia Caceres, of Palm Coast, for $420,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,068 square feet.

Grand Landings

Raji David Corey, Kayla Rebecca Corey, and Elias Roger Corey, of Flagler Beach, sold 487 Grand Landings Parkway to Mark and Michelle Vella, of Palm Coast, for $509,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,533 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $385,900.

Dream Finders Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 494 Grand Landings Parkway to Steve Brooks, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 5/2 and has 2,213 square feet.

Hammock Dunes Marc and Ann Messer, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, sold 2 Marbella Court to Marvin Grady and Hortensia Stewart, of Palm Coast, for $850,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/4.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,971 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $418,000.

Indian Trails Brittany Eggum and Peter Vischio, of Rockville, Maryland, sold 3 Buffalo Meadow Lane to Joanne Wood, John Wood, and Timothy Wood, of Palm Coast, for $305,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,625 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $80,100.

Dominique Breitenbach, of Cortlandt Manor, New York, sold 26 Brickford Drive to Jean and Dale Clement, of Palm Coast, for $525,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,537 square feet.

Lehigh Woods Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 19 Reynolds Place to Phillip and Ashley DeAlmeida, of Palm Coast, for $313,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,806 square feet.

Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 11 Red Birch Lane to Nashalee Garcia Rodriguez and DeAndre’ Avery Hayden, of Palm Coast, for $317,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,806 square feet.

Diane Setter, of Palm Coast, sold 6 Reybury Lane to Elie and Taria Farhat, of Palm Coast, for $410,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 3,007 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $137,500.

Matanzas Woods Seagate Homes, LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 72 Leaver Drive to Antonio and Alda Marques, of Palm Coast, for $445,600. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,208 square feet.

Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 39 La Mancha Drive to Phillip and Susanne DeMottie, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,338 square feet.

Not in a subdivision Jacek and Alina Kowalik, of Palm Coast, sold 96 Ryan Drive to Lyubov Nikitina, of Wanaque, New Jersey, for $369,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,723 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $320,000.

Palm Harbor

Mario Martino, Jr., as trustee, sold 24 Collingdale Court to Michael Hansen, of Palm Coast, for $400,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,616 square feet.

Margaret Petrov, of Coussac Bonneval, France, sold 127 Cimmaron Drive to Liat and David Phillipson, of Alpharetta, Georgia, for $560,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift and 2,131 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $285,000.

Pine Lakes Jose and Leticia Defigueiredo, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, sold 12 Vanderbilt Place to George

Matthew Pokopac, of Palm Coast, for $525,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool and 2,073 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $220,000.

Seminole Woods

Kevin and Paige Freedman, of Palm Coast, sold 83 Ulaturn Trail to Tyler Eric Allesee, of Palm Coast, for $249,900. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,112 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $75,000.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 6 Ulysses Trail to Jeffrey and Alexis Harris, of Palm Coast, for $325,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 14 Sea Trail to Gregory Rodgers, Debra Rodgers, and Christopher Rodgers, of Palm Coast, for $413,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,363 square feet.

Southwest Quadrant

Michael and Shana Papadakos, of Stuart, sold 32 Palermo Lane to Shane David Walker, of Palm Coast, for $305,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,457 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $149,000. Ralph Edward Shear, of Port Orange, sold 1 Pershing Lane to Arnaldo Caballero Corona, of Palm Coast, for $285,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,247 square feet. It sold in 1999 for $76,000.

Whiteview Village

KB Home Jacksonville LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 11 Windsor Terrace to Gregory and Susan Michel, of Palm Coast, for $390,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,016 square feet.

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

ATTENTION SENIOR CITIZENS

Don’t lapse or surrender your life insurance policy before calling Bruce Davis, CLU, in Palm Coast for a quote to sell your policy for cash. We work with the life settlement industry leader, Coventry, to provide quick and legitimate quotes for your policy. To date, Coventry has provided more than $4.5 billion to policyowners.

FLORIDA MEDICAL MARIJUANA CARDS

Marijuana Plus (MJ+)

RELIEF is our focus!

Yes! We secure your marijuana state license, but we don’t stop there. We realize there are times and circumstances where you will not want to consume a marijuana product. And yes, sometimes our products work better than marijuana, because we make them super strong!!!

Yes! We provide Doctor-formulated proprietary alternatives to marijuana and for a limited time will give our new patients one of these products free with the card!

Yes! We provide alternatives to all of our customers and discounts to our clients. Fill out the form: https://www.grpsinc.com/medical-marijuana-card/ by June 1 or text (RELIEF) to 317-617-8385 for a free relief product valued at up to 89$! These products are potent, doctor formulated and designed for relief!

Yes! You will like the way you feel. Refer a friend and receive another Relief Product!!!! www.grpsinc.com

Medical Marijuana signup page: https://www.grpsinc.com/medical-marijuana-card/

If you have issues with pain, sleep, addiction, anxiety, PTSD, chronic Lyme, chronic Covid, inflammatory or neuromuscular disorders, or questions about your specific issues, please:

Text for a free Consultation: 317-617-8385

product with your Application:

Photo courtesy of Krista Libby/Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group

The condo has 4,948 square feet of living space.

Beach house tops sales list in Ormond Beach

ORMOND BEACH

Ahouse in Ormond Beach was the top real estate transaction for April 2-8 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. Paul Terzani and Linda Bammann, as trustees, sold 301 Ocean Shore Blvd. to Matthew Adler, as a trustee, for $5,525,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a gas fireplace, pool, hot tub, media room, outdoor kitchen, private beach walkover and 5,998 square feet of living space. It sold in 2022 for $4,468,800.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

Craig Uttley, of Winter Park, sold 1575 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 706, to Kim Ferris Bull, of Ormond Beach, for $468,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,315 square feet. it sold in 2003 for $199,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Breakaway Trails

Sarah Nash Edwards, of Ormond Beach, sold 43 Black Pine Way to Heather Jade Thomas, of Ormond Beach, for $535,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,464 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $362,000.

BRIEFS

Agents named RE/MAX Torchbearers

Stephanie Cathey and Mike Gagliardi, both real estate agents with RE/MAX Signature in Port Orange have been named a 2023 RE/ MAX Torchbearer, according to a news release.

Northbrook Luis and Diana Moscoso, of Homestead, sold 118 Northbrook Lane to Jennifer Hart, of Ormond Beach, for $245,500. Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,333 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $154,000.

Ocean Village John Trumpy and Susan Midkiff, of Ponce Inlet, sold 21 Oriole Circle, Unit B, to Betty Sims, of Ormond Beach, and Lee Sims, of Silver Spring, Maryland, for $234,900. Built in 1947, the house is a 2/1 and has 913 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $134,000.

Ortona

Robert Eisenbart, of Union Grove, Wisconsin, sold 872 Marvin Road

Cathey and Gagliardi were named to this group for their impressive sales performance in 2022.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as a RE/MAX Torchbearer this year,” Cathey said. “Being a RE/MAX agent is not just about buying and selling homes, it’s about building relationships and helping clients achieve their dreams. Earning this recognition and standing alongside other top-performing

to Shashikant and Indiraben Patel, of Fayetteville, North Carolina, for $470,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,185 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $80,000.

Park Place Paul and Theresa Nachtigal, of Ormond Beach, sold 39 Park Place to Charles and Carol Case, of Ormond Beach, for $289,000. Built in 1981, the townhouse is a 3/2 and has 1,477 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $57,300.

Plantation Bay

Ralph and Harriett Franco, as trustees, sold 1292 Royal Pointe Lane to David Weston and Lori Jenean Maxwell, of Ormond Beach, for $575,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,150 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $247,000.

John and Marleen Schrieber, of Rockford, Illinois, sold 1156 Kilkenny Lane to Richard Hyland, of Ormond Beach, for $425,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,910 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $244,900.

Rio Vista

Douglas Giffen Brandow, of Crawfordville; Kirk Brandow, of Wynnewood, Pennsylvania; Bryon Brandow, of Kingstom, Massachusetts; and Susan Brandow, of Sarasota, sold 920 Buena Vista Ave. to Steven Carcaba, of Ormond Beach, for $550,000. Built in 1932, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, an in-law suite and 2,275 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $395,000.

Springleaf

Lindsay and Jeremy Thiess, of Ormond Beach, sold 1505 Springleaf Drive to Derrick Pine, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for $357,000.

RE/MAX agents is a testament to the hard work and dedication we put into every transaction. I am humbled to be part of such a remarkable group of professionals and grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact in people’s lives.”

Torchbearers are the RE/ MAX network’s top-producing agents and team leaders under the age of 40. Only a few from each state are honored, based on their number

Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,556 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $199,000.

The Trails Brendan Roberson and Karen Blendick, of Ormond Beach, sold 5 Cobblestone Trail to Didier and Susan Lamour, of Ormond Beach, for $470,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,928 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $237,500.

Winding Woods David and Maria Smith, of Green Cove Springs, sold 3 Alicen Court to William and Susan Wintjen, of Ocala, for $240,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,122 square feet. it sold in 1986 for $59,600.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Thomas and Wilma Potter, of Ormond Beach, sold 42 River Drive to Matthew Jason Ruedlinger, of Ormond Beach, for $379,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,108 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $349,000.

William Melle, of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, sold 49 Hibiscus Drive to John McEntee, of Ormond Beach, for $241,600. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 700 square feet. It sold in 1990 for $52,000.

PORT ORANGE

Kathleen Muellenberg, of Clearwater, and Samantha Kopala, of Blacklick, Ohio, sold 5248 Isabelle Ave. to Jessica Chacon, of Port Orange, for $67,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 2/1 and has 588 square feet. It sold in 1991 for $30,900.

CC Brown’s Landing, LLC, of Day-

of closed transaction sides for the year.

“I am thrilled to congratulate the talented agents who have earned the distinction of being a RE/MAX Torchbearer,” said RE/MAX President and CEO Nick Bailey. “These remarkable individuals represent the very best of the RE/MAX network and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to their clients and communities. As our industry contin-

ues to evolve, these agents are leading the charge with their innovative strategies and exceptional service. It’s an honor to have them as part of the RE/MAX network and we look forward to celebrating their continued success with the brand.”

For more information about RE/MAX Signature, please visit topdaytonaagents.com or contact 386236-0760.

tona Beach, sold 2402 Hyatt Creek Lane to Paul and Karen Paprocki, of Port Orange, for $865,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,512 square feet.

Laura Livingston, Pamela Livingston, and Ralph Livingston, of The Villages, sold 6154 Sequoia Drive to Suzanne Ronneau, of Port Orange, for $215,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,277 square feet. It sold in 2001 for $76,000.

Margo McQuillan Lind and Michael Hannapel, of Port Orange, sold 2473 Karl Drive to Nicholas and Elena Gonzalez, of Port Orange, for $585,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,359 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $275,000.

Freddy and Teresita Guerrero, of Miami Springs, sold 6771 Calistoga Circle to Josephine Check, of Port Orange, for $400,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,620 square feet. it sold in 2005 for $256,100.

Michael Hinton, of Orlando, sold 5574 Estero Loop to Donald Yates, of Port Orange, for $410,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and 2 half baths and has 1,626 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $257,500.

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

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

The purpose and effect of the amendment is to provide for efficient and effective District facility operations. Specific legal authority for the proposed amendment includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 120.54 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2022).

A copy of the proposed amendments may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, FL 32746, (321) 263-0132 ext. 193, or by email at dmcinnes@dpfgmc.com (“District Office”). A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) on June 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the District’s Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person is required to have a verbatim record of the proceedings including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based and should ensure that such a record is made accordingly.

Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the District Office at least 48 hours before the meetings. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1 (800) 955-8770, which can aid you in contacting the District Office.

District Manager Grand Haven Community Development District

May 15, 2023

23-00110F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF RULE MAKING BY THE GRAND HAVEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FOR ADOPTING AMENDMENTS TO AMENITY RULES

A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Grand Haven Community Development District (“District”) on June 15, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. at the Grand Haven Room, Grand Haven Village Center, 2001 Waterside Parkway, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.

The public hearing will provide an opportunity for the public to address proposed amendments to the District’s Chapter VI rules governing the District’s surface water management systems, drainage easements, and encroachment on District-owned property. Specific legal authority for the rule includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 120.54 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2022).

Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by section 120.541(1), F.S., must do so in writing within twenty-one (21) days after publication of this notice. The public hearing may be continued to a date, time and place to be specified on the record at the hearing.

If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the District’s Board with respect to any matter considered at the hearing, such person is required to have a verbatim record of the proceedings including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based and should ensure that such a record is made accordingly. Any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager at the address and number below.

A copy of the proposed rule may be obtained by contacting the District Manager at 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, FL 32746, (321) 263-0132 ext. 193, or by email at dmcinnes@dpfgmc.com.

May 15, 2023

23-00111F

ZMA 2023-10

LAND, OWNED BY JAM 2018 LLC, LOCATED AT 379 COUNTY ROAD 200 FROM “AG, AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT” TO THE “L-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT”. 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

(AG)” TO “INDUSTRIAL (IND)” FUTURE LAND USE DESIGNATION.

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)

May 25, 2023

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Go Store It 4601 E Moody Blvd A7 Bunnell, FL 32110 hereby gives NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the storage space(s) listed below, Paul Stout #270, Sarah Zirkle #171 containing household and other goods will be sold for cash on 6/9/23 at 2:00pm. With the contents being sold to the highest bidder. Owner reserves the right to bid. The sale is being held to satisfy a landlord’s lien, in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 83.801-83.809, and will be held online at www.storagetreasures.com

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Garrett Internal Medicine located at 50 Leanni Way, A3-4, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County,

The administration of the

and the date of the Will is August 31st, 2018.

That any interested person on whom the notice is served who challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objections with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules within the time required by law or those objections are forever barred;

That interested persons are required to file with the court any objection by an interested person on whom the notice was served that challenges the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue, or jurisdiction of the court within 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the notice of administration on the objecting person.

That any person entitled to exempt property is required to file a petition for determination of exempt property within the time provided by law or the right to exempt property is deemed waived;

That a surviving spouse seeking an elective share must file an election to take elective share within the time provided by law.

tice

23-00118F

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law

According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

of Mouse Solution Store

at 1 Zerington Ct, in the City of Palm Coast,

Flagler

May 18, 25, 2023

23-00115F

FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 14th day of May, 2023 Patrick Garrett May 18, 2023 23-000116F

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Environmental Health Consulting located at 20 Woodston Lane, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32164 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Monica Baigorri May 18, 2023 23-000113F

FIRST INSERTION

The

is May 11th,

lowing described property located in Volusia County, Florida: UNIT 80, OF HOLLY SQUARE CONDOMINIUM, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1752, PAGE 315, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 2434, PAGE 1978, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in the Business Observer, on or before JUN 26 2023, otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the

Complaint.

accordance with the Americans with Disabilities

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023 CP 161 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF ALBERT JOHN BROGAN Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Albert John Brogan, deceased, File Number 2023 CP 161, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was September 15, 2022; that the total value of the estate is $33,458.93 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Elizabeth B. Lake, Trustee of the Albert John Brogan and Margaret Brogan Joint Living Trust dated March 6, 1997; Address 48 St. Andrews St. Palm Coast, Florida 32137 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is May 11, 2023. Person Giving Notice: /s/ Elizabeth B. Lake Elizabeth B. Lake 48 St Andrews Ct Palm Coast, Florida 32164 Attorney for Person Giving Notice /s/ Diane A. Vidal Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com May 11, 18, 2023 23-00069G SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO: 2022 CP 000717 IN RE: ESTATE OF DENNIS LEE ST. LAWRENCE Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that on 6/2/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1971 BROA HS 16J0P2S3506 .

FIRST INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023-10941-PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESATE OF MYRON GREENBERG Deceased. The administration of the estate of Myron Greenberg, deceased, whose date of death was May 26, 2022, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2023 10975 PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF HARLAN PALMER HOVE, aka HARLAN HOVE Deceased. The administration of the estate of HARLAN PALMER HOVE, also known as HARLAN HOVE, deceased, whose date of death was February 2, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on 6/2/2023 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1973 HACI HS FH25924PKD3108A & FH25924PKD3108B . Last Tenants: BRUCE KRUEGER, ESTATE OF BRUCE KRUEGER AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, BENEFICIARIES, HEIRS, SUCCESSORS, AND ASSIGNS OF BRUCE KRUERGER. Sale to be at CS1031 MAPLEWOOD ESTATES MHC DST DBA MAPLEWOOD ESTATES, 1000 CHAMBERLIN BLVD, PORT ORANGE, FL 32127. 813-241-8269.

May 18, 25, 2023 23-00065V

SION. Sale to be at LEGACY HCE LLC DBA HIGHLAND COUNTRY ESTATES MHC, 830 NORTH HIGHWAY, DEBARY, FL 32713. 813-241-8269.

May 11, 18, 2023 23-00062V

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 May 25, 2023 23-00119F FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORFEITURE $1,568.00 USD was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on March 27, 2023. The item(s) was seized at or near US Highway 1 / Karat Path, Palm Coast, FL. The Flagler County Sheriff is holding the property for purposes of a current forfeiture action 2023 CA 0000575 in the 7th Circuit Court. May 18, 25, 2023 23-00108F SUBSCRIBE TODAY The Observer delivered to your driveway Call 386.447.9723 SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com