Palm Coast Observer 6-1-23

FPC graduate Madelin Sims

CITY WATCH

Construction starts on apartments

Construction is underway on a 251-unit multifamily community at Town Center.

Crest Residential broke ground on the 10-acre Wilton Palm Coast development on the south side of Brookhaven Drive in April and will begin leasing in 2024, according to a press release.

The city approved the complex, along with others nearby, in June 2022 as part of the Town Center Development of Regional Impact.

Wilton Palm Coast is just south of the Central Landings apartments and across from AdventHealth Palm Coast. The 251-unit complex will have five multistory apartment buildings with up to three bedrooms each.

Units will range from 671 to 1,517 square feet, the press release said.

The apartment complex will also have a saltwater swimming pool, car wash station, dog area, pet spa, clubhouse and 24-hour fitness studio, among other amenities.

Matt Benak, a principal member of Crest Residential, said the company is excited to bring luxury finishes and amenities to Palm Coast Town Center.

City may fine Waste Pro for collecting recycle bins

Palm Coast may fine Waste Pro for collecting residents’ recycling bins as the company wraps up its final contract week. Waste Pro faces charges of up to $125 per removed bin and has removed almost 6,000 bins, according to the city government.

City Attorney Neysa Borkert said that as far as the city is concerned, those bins belong to the residents.

Removing them violates city code and a section of Palm Coast’s contract with Waste Pro, she said.

After Waste Pro’s contract ends and the city has a total tally of bins removed, Borkert said, city staff will meet to review the data and decide how to proceed.

“But I think it’s safe to say the city will pursue enforcement against Waste Pro for doing this,” she said.

“I think that’s absolutely what will happen.”

Borkert said the code violation is a $50 fine per bin, while the contract violation has administrative charges of $125 per bin removed. The city can write a civil citation for the code violation or write up the administrative charges, Borkert said, but cannot do both per bin. If the city levied fines of $50 each for 6,000 missing bins, the fines would total $300,000; if the city charged $125 per missing bin for 6,000 bins, the fines would total $750,000. The city will decide later how many bins are handled as code violations versus as contract violations.

Waste Pro was Palm Coast’s contracted waste collector for 17 years, but in July 2022, the city accepted a bid from FCC Environmental Services instead. The contract with FCC begins on June 1.

Waste Pro began collecting the Waste Pro-branded recycling bins on May 25, according to an emailed statement from Joy Kurtz, Waste Pro’s corporate communications manager.

Kurtz wrote that Waste Pro thoroughly communicated its transition plans, including its intent to remove Waste Pro’s equipment, to the city.

The Waste Pro-Palm Coast contract doesn’t clearly state what happens to the bins when the contract ends, said Brittany Kershaw, Palm Coast’s director of communications

and marketing.

The contract with Waste Pro defines a plastic recycle container as “any container purchased and distributed by or on behalf of city residents by the contractor for the intended use as a receptacle of recyclable items.”

Borkert said the city’s position is that because the definition of a recycling bin in the contract says “purchased on behalf” of city residents, the bins belong to city residents.

But Kurtz wrote that the recycling bins are considered Waste Pro’s equipment because the bins, like Waste Pro’s trucks, were bought by Waste Pro for services in the city.

“It is incredible that any other belief is possible,” Kurtz wrote. “This is America and not a socialist autocracy that staff or elected officials may wish.”

Kurtz wrote that Waste Pro did offer to let city staff buy the existing recycling bins at discounted rates.

“It is perplexing that the city did not take any steps to purchase the existing bins or secure new bins, as the recycling bins are Waste Pro’s property,” Kurtz wrote.

The Waste Pro-Palm Coast contract allotted two recycling bins per household, with an option for residents to buy additional bins, Kershaw said. Kurtz did not answer a question about whether additional bins bought by individual Palm Coast residents were also being collected.

Kershaw said that even before Waste Pro began collecting recycling bins, the company had not provided

new or replacement bins to over 150 residents.

Kershaw said the city is working with FCC to order new recycling bins as soon as possible. FCC has a small supply of bins already, Kershaw said, and will be distributing them after the company’s contract begins on June 1.

“But now it looks like we are going to potentially have tens of thousands of people who need recycling bins,” Kershaw said.

Borkert said residents will not have to worry about the issue happening again with FCC: That contract clearly states that the bins are owned by the city, she said.

Kershaw said Public Works is keeping track of how many residents’ bins have been collected. Residents whose bins have been collected by Waste Pro should submit a case through Palm Coast Connect at palmcoast.gov/connect.

The case submissions will let staff track who needs a new recycling bin and how many bins have been collected, Kershaw said.

In the meantime, Kershaw said, residents should use a temporary container of their own until replacements arrive.

Anything from a plastic tub to a cardboard box would work, Kershaw said: Residents just need to clearly label the container “Recycle” for the collection teams.

Residents with questions can call the city’s customer service line at 386-986-2360 or email customerservice@palmcoastgov.com.

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PCFD dedicates fire engine in Gold Star ceremony

The Palm Coast Fire Department dedicated Fire Engine 24 in memory of council member Cathy Heighter’s son during a Gold Star dedication ceremony.

The ceremony at Station 25 over the Memorial Day weekend dedicated the engine to Army Cpl. Raheen Tyson Heighter, who died serving in Iraq in 2003, according to a press release from the city.

Each year for Memorial Day, the PCFD dedicates a fire apparatus to a service member whose name is inscribed on the Veterans Memorial at Heroes Memorial Park. Gold Star families are the families of military personnel who have died in service.

The PCFD took delivery of the 2023 E-ONE Typhoon truck earlier this year. It was placed into front-line service at Fire Station 24 at 1500 Palm Harbor Parkway. In 2021, Ladder 25 was dedicated to the memory of Marine Sergeant Zachary J. Walters, and in 2022, Engine 21 was dedicated to the memory of Marine Lance Corporal John T. Schmidt III. Raheen Heighter enlisted several months before 9/11 at age 20 and died on July 24, 2003, when his convoy was ambushed. The county recognized him as the featured veteran during its Memorial Day ceremony.

The idea of dedicating a fire truck to the memory of soldiers who died in service was proposed by FirefighterParamedic and Navy veteran Christopher Strozier.

“We often forget why we have the rights and freedoms we do,” Strozier said.

“Dedicating the fire engine to the memory of Gold Star Families is a small way to show our appreciation for what they have sacrificed.”

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you plan ahead, you can make your final wishes known and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind.

FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL

Planning ahead is simple. The benefits are immense.

Photo by Sierra Williams

A Waste Pro location in Bunnell.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

‘Never forget the high price of freedom’

County Memorial Day service features veterans, family members.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Flagler County honored fallen soldiers in a Memorial Day ceremony at the county Government Services Building the morning of May 29. Flagler County Veteran Services Officer David Lydon read the Last Roll Call for Flagler County veterans who had died in the last year.

The county also recognized Army Private First Class Raheen Tyson Heighter, the son of Palm Coast City Council Member Cathy Heighter. Raheen Heighter died on July 24, 2003, while serving in Iraq.

“Today we remember Cpl. Raheen Tyson Heighter and all who gave their life defending this great country and the United States Armed Forces,” Lydon said.

Raheen Heighter joined the Army at 20 years old, just months before 9/11, Lydon said.

The county presented Cathy Heighter with a plaque in honor of her son, who was buried at Long Island National Cemetery with full military honors.

Heighter said she can’t believe that in a few weeks it will be 20 years since her son died.

“I cannot think of a day that has gone by since then that I have not thought of him,” Heighter said.

Heighter said her son was the first casualty from Long Island in the Iraq War.

Palm Coast honors city’s fallen heroes

The city held its annual Memorial Day ceremony at Heroes Memorial Park.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

At a morning Memorial Day ceremony, the city of Palm Coast honored the men and women who sacrificed their lives defending our country.

Surrounded by monuments at Heroes Memorial Park on Monday, May 29, Mayor David Alfin read the names inscribed on the city’s Military Memorial of the loved ones of Palm Coast citizens who died in military conflicts.

Gold Star family members of two of the names inscribed on the monument were in attendance.

Tim and Carmen Stanford, and their daughter, Emma, laid a wreath in honor of their son, Army Sgt. Lukas T. Stanford.

Palm Coast City Council Member Cathy Heighter spoke about her son, Army Specialist Raheen Tyson Heighter, who died in Iraq 20 years ago.

“My heart still aches every time I think of that day they came to tell me that my son had been killed in Iraq,” she said.

Alfin also read the names of Marine Corps Lance Cpl. John T. Schmidt III, Marine Corps Sgt. Zachary J. Walters and Air Force Staff Sgt. Steven Martin O’Neill.

“To the family and friends of these fearless undaunted men, remember that all the members of this community

After his death, she said, she knew she needed to become the voice for her son and the others like him.

“I struggled to keep my son’s memory alive, so that he shall never be forgotten — and to remember all those brave heroes who have served this country and made the ultimate sacrifice,” ” Heighter said.

The county invited Matanzas High School’s Junior Reserve Office Training Corps cadets to present the nation’s colors, while members of several Flagler County Boy and Girl Scout troop led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members of Flagler County’s Marine Corps League, detachment 876, performed a three-volley salute, after the Last Roll Call.

Retired U.S. Army Col. Peggy Hengeveld and Flagler Beach City Commissioner Jane Mealy were among the other speakers at the ceremony.

Local singer Shannon Rae sang the national anthem, the United States Armed Forces Medley and “God Bless America.” Veteran Vince Cautero sang “God Bless the U.S.A.” Heighter said Memorial Day should be about remembering and

Council member Cathy Heighter’s son, Army Private First Class Raheen Tyson Heighter, was recognized for his service at the Flagler County Memorial Day Ceremony.

honoring American soldiers.

“Never forget the high price of freedom,” she said. “We owe these brave men and women who gave their lives for this country a debt that we can never repay.”

share in your pride and honor for your loved ones,” Alfin said. “May they rest in peace, and may they feel in their souls that Palm Coast will never forget them.”

The Community Chorus of Palm Coast sang the national anthem at the beginning of the ceremony and “God Bless America” at the end.

Tom Maize, of Bugles Across America, played taps. The Marine Corps League Flagler County Detachment 876 Palm Coast fired three rifle volleys in honor of the fallen heroes.

The Matanzas High School Army Junior ROTC provided the color guard.

Photos by Sierra Williams

American Legion honor guard member Patrick Hartnett, a retired U.S. Marine Corps lance corporal, salutes while taps is played.

The Marine Corps League’s Flagler County Detachment 876 gave the three-volley salute.

Brett Harwood, center, with Nazareth Chapman, left, and Levi Chapman

Members of the Marine Corps League Flagler County Detachment 876 Palm Coast at Heroes Memorial Park

Palm Coast City

Jared Dawson, the city’s recreation coordinator for special events and an Army veteran, was the master of ceremonies.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

“I was very impressed by the whole operation... I just turned 78 years old and they made everything so easy!!!”

-David M.

Veteran Vince Cautero sings “God Bless the U.S.A.”

Flagler County Veteran Services Officer David Lydon holds his hand over his heart during the national anthem.

Marine Corps League member Michael Monlezun Sr. served as a medic at a Naval hospital with the marines.

Members of the Flagler County Boy and Girl Scout troops 472, 4472 and 400 lead attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Nick Spazz watches the city’s Memorial Day Ceremony.

Matanzas JROTC Staff Sgt. Allysa Wilson awaits the start of the city’s ceremony.

Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill speaks with Tim Stanford after the city’s ceremony.

Tom Maize of Bugles Across America plays taps.

FPC students share their joy of STEM with elementary school kids

Nine IB students are starting STEM clubs for three grade levels at Bunnell Elementary School, with plans to branch out to other schools.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Nine Flagler Palm Coast High School

Internal Baccalaureate students have been excited about STEM since they were in elementary school.

They hope to spread their excitement to a new generation of students through countywide STEM clubs (science, technology engineering and math), in which the high school students work with elementary school students conducting handson experiments that correlate to their grade-level curriculum.

“We wanted to be able to foster an interest in STEM at a young age and keep them interested in it as they move through school,” Abigail Taylor said. “Starting at a young age would allow them to find exactly what they’re interested in, in a certain field.”

The nine FPC students, who will all be seniors this August, are Jack Gilvary, Nicholas Groth, Chloe Long, Ryan Tram, Dylan Duchak, Greyson Peugh, Brendan Wang and Glynnis

Gong. They presented experiments to three grade levels of students at Bunnell Elementary during the final two weeks of school. The experiments that went along with brief lessons in science and engineering served as an introduction to the clubs they plan to start in the upcoming school year for third, fourth and fifth graders.

They’re starting the program at BES and then plan to branch out to other elementary schools, getting FPC juniors and sophomores involved so the clubs can continue long after they graduate.

Their advisor, Jodi Mulvihill, an IB chemistry teacher at FPC, said the students came up with the project and have handled all the steps from talking to BES science and math coach Tom Westly to conferring with BES teachers, sending home parent consent forms, planning the experiments and lessons and getting a grant from the Flagler County Education Foundation for their supplies.

“STEM has definitely fallen off some in our schools, and we want to make sure that it stays strong,” Gilvary said. “Obviously, technology is growing at an exponential rate in our society. So, we want to make sure that they’re familiar with it and also have a love for it as they go on in life.”

Their first presentation on May 18 to Bunnell’s fourth graders was an engineering lesson on mass, weight and gravity. The students grouped up in teams of four to six to build towers

using raw spaghetti and marshmallows. The teams with the tallest towers won prizes.

“We went around and gave them tips,” Gilvary said. “Triangles are the strongest shape to build with, so once we gave them tips on that, they kind of went with the triangle idea.”

In the first session, the tallest tower was 18 inches. In the second session, it was 19½ inches.

On May 23, they had third graders work with Oobleck for a lesson on states of matter. Oobleck, which is equal parts cornstarch and water, is a non-Newtonian fluid that forms a solid ball when squeezed in your hand and then becomes a liquid again, slipping through your fingers, when the pressure is released.

“A non-Newtonian fluid such as Oobleck, it’s just crazy how it works,” Taylor said.

The next day, the high school students returned and taught a lesson on the water cycle to second graders, using jars of water topped with shaving cream to act as clouds. The youngsters created precipitation by piping blue food coloring into the “clouds” and watching the blue droplets fall to the bottom of the jar.

“Some of the second graders were so excited,” Long said. “They understood, and they were speaking very intelligently about it. One girl (in third grade), knew about non-Newtonian fluids.”

“When people do demonstrations, you learn a lot better,” Groth said. “We’re also enriching what they’re learning in school.”

Westly said BES had a STEM club in the past, but it never re-formed after the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The kids like doing these sort of

clubs, and we’ve been talking about getting mentors over from the high school for a while,” he said. “This is going to be a little more hands-on, something for the kids to enjoy and get more interested in STEM.”

The FPC students’ enthusiasm for the project is obvious. Most of them went to STEM camp as youngsters, which set them on their future career paths.

Taylor plans to major in mechanical engineering, with her sights set on the aerospace industry.

“In sixth grade we hosted a career fair and I met an aerospace engineer, and I was like, ‘Oh my God, I want to do this,’” she said. “If we go to Mars, I want to help build the rocket, or if we manage to get out of our solar system, I want to be one of those people that helps in that process.”

Former Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Peggy Rae Border dies at 78

Peggy Rae Border, Flagler County’s Supervisor of Elections from 1991 to 2008, who charted the course for that office during the county’s explosive growth period, died Tuesday, May 23, after a lengthy illness. She was 78. For nearly two decades, Border’s

office was known for getting the results in fast and accurate. That reputation was established even though at the time Flagler County was noted as the fastest-growing county in the nation. She led the county through the contested Al Gore and George W. Bush statewide presidential election recount in 2000. Flagler County had an accurate count in the recount.

Under her direction, Flagler County used the more accurate ballots that required voters to fill in black dots next to the candidate they selected, and the ballot was read by a scanner — thereby avoiding the infamous hanging chads. The system, established by her predecessor, provided both a computer count and a paper record of each ballot.

Border was appointed in 1991 by then-Governor Lawton Chiles to fill out the unexpired term of Elections Supervisor Etta Peterso, who died on May 10 of that year. Border was elected to the office in 1992 and served until 2008, when she retired.

Prior to her appointment, she worked in the Flagler County Property Appraiser’s office from 1979 to 1991. She attended Ohio State Uni-

versity and Daytona Beach Community College.

She earned the title of State Certified Supervisor of Elections in 1993. She was a member of the Flagler Beach United Methodist Church and the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections, and served on several committees of the association and hosted the association’s 1997 Winter Conference.

CARL LAUNDRIE GUEST WRITER

Photo by Brent Woronoff

FPC IB students from left, back row: Nick Groth, Brendan Wang, Greyson Peugh, Jack Gilvary, Ryan Tram and Dylan Duchak. Front row: Glynnis Gong, Chloe Long, Abigail Taylor, and IB chemistry teacher Jodi Mulvihill.

COPS CORNER

5 p.m. — 1000 block of Justice Lane, Bunnell Petit and grand theft. A thief stole bicycles, then used one of the bikes to steal paddleboards, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The suspect was at the county jail facing charges for the paddleboard thefts when a Palm Coast man reported that his three SIKK bicycles had been stolen from an underground parking garage on Surfview Drive on May 6.

The Sheriff’s Office deputy who reported to the scene recognized one of the bikes as one that had been used in the paddle board theft, according to the suspect’s arrest report. Surveillance footage of the paddleboard theft showed the suspect riding one of the stolen bikes and towing the paddleboards on a stolen bike trailer, according to the report.

The three SIKK brand bicycles were at the suspect’s St. Augustine home when St. John’s County Sheriff’s Office deputies searched it.

The suspect admitted to taking the bicycles, worth around $2,200 combined. He faces five grand theft charges and one petit theft charge.

WINDOW SHOPPING

4:20 p.m. — 5800 block of State Road 100, Palm Coast Burglary, grand theft. A thief stole a designer purse from a woman’s car when the woman stopped at a local gas station.

The woman had parked near the station’s front doors, leaving her windows down and her Michael Kors purse on the front seat, according to an incident report. When she returned to the car about 15 minutes later, the purse was gone.

The woman told Sheriff’s Office deputies that the purse contained $1,200 cash and her Social Security card. The purse itself was valued at $100.

MAY 23

ALE OF A DRIVE

2:30 a.m. — 3500 block of Nova Road, Port Orange DUI. A 35-year-old Ormond Beach man was pulled over by police after he was seen repeatedly driving on the right shoulder of the road.

The reporting officer noted that the man’s breath smelled like alcohol.

The officer asked him how much alcohol he’d had, and the man said “two beers,” according to his arrest report.

He initially refused to perform a series of field sobriety exercises, but then agreed to do so. He failed the exercises. He was taken to jail.

MAY 26 SLASH FILM ENTHUSIAST

12 p.m. — 100 block of Sagebrush Trail, Ormond Beach Battery on a law enforcement officer. Police arrested a 45-year-old Ormond Beach man who spit on an officer after being detained for trespassing at a local medical office.

The man had been yelling and swearing at customers and staff, according to a police report.

When approached by police, the man began acting strangely, the report notes, and asked the reporting officer if he knew Freddy Krueger — the fictional villain from the 1984 horror movie “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”

The man began to approach the officer, who ordered him to stop and drew his taser when the man failed to do so.

The man then asked the officer for his name and engaged in “short standoff” with him and two other officers who arrived. The man demanded money from the officers.

He was placed into handcuffs, and, while he complied, he continued insulting the officers, mumbling under his breath and asking them offtopic questions, according to his arrest report.

The man spit on one officer’s face when the officer was trying to buckle the man’s seatbelt.

The man was taken to jail.

Evacuation designations to change

Hurricane season starts June 1 and ends on Nov. 30.

JONATHAN SIMMONS MANAGING EDITOR

Flagler County’s hurricane evacuation zones used to carry letter designations —

A, B, C, D, E and F. But those designations interacted confusingly with Palm Coast’s lettered community names: Someone in Evacuation Zone B, for instance, might not live in the B Section.

“This caused a lot of confusion with our residents,” County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord said at a hurricane season media roundtable on May 30. “We heard it every year for the last few years.”

So the county is dropping the evacuation zone letter designations and will order future evacuations by referring to specific neighborhoods and streets.

It might order an evacuation for an entire community like Grand Haven or Palm Coast Plantation, Lord said; in the case of Palm Coast’s lettered sections, the county may order out, for instance, the entire B Section, or the B Section east of a particular road.

The county has also simplified its potential evacuation map, creating two large zones in which evacuations may occur: One zone east of U.S. 1, and another near Dead Lake.

Evacuation orders are driven largely by storm surge, and those regions are most susceptible, Lord said.

With a storm approaching, the county may alert residents in both of those higherrisk regions to be prepared to evacuate. As storm projections are refined, the county would order evacuations for more targeted areas.

There will also be another major messaging change from the county this year: The county will not speak of “closing” the two bridges over the Intracoastal. The word closure has always been a mischaracterization, Lord said, since the restriction has only ever been one-way: The county has always allowed traffic off the barrier island. Limits applied only to traffic trying to enter the island. But barrier island residents who heard about bridges being “closed” sometimes interpreted that to mean that they could no longer leave, he said.

“We don’t want people to ever feel that,” Lord said. Now, the county will warn people that it’s no longer safe to be on the roads or bridges, rather than calling bridges “closed.” Those calculations will be based on sustained wind speeds and gusts, he said. The threshold is around 40-45 mph, but, “It’s not a blackand-white kind of thing,” he said. “It really is looking at conditions.”

National Hurricane Center forecasters are predicting an average hurricane season this year, with 12-17 named storms, five to nine hurricanes and one to four major hurricanes. But that doesn’t mean people should get complacent, Lord said. Hurricane Andrew, one of the most damaging storms in U.S. history, occurred late in a slow season, he noted.

Lord urged residents to stock an emergency kit with a week’s worth of supplies and sign up for emergency alerts at flaglercounty.gov/departments/ emergency-management.

“Picture being off the grid, being no electricity, no internet, potentially no water,” he said.

The state is holding two disaster preparedness sales tax holidays this year: One began May 27 and will end June 9, and another will be held from Aug. 26 to Sept. 8.

PARKS PLAN SURVEY RESULTS TO BE REVEALED

Flagler County and Palm Coast will present the results of feedback for the Planning our Parks initiative on June 19 and June 20.

One presentation will be at a 5 p.m. June 19 Board of County Commissioners meeting, and the other will be at a 9 a.m. June 20 Palm Coast City Council meeting. Consultants from BerryDunn will present survey results, data and a project analysis, according to a press release from Flagler County.

The county and the city have been working together on the Planning our Parks initiative over the last few months, alongside third-party consultants BerryDunn and RRC Associates, County Administrator Heidi Petito said.

“This has been a remarkable testament to the power of unity and shared vision,” Petito said. “Together, we are able to create an enduring legacy of beauty, recreation, and connection for generations to come, and, overall, better ways to serve the community.”

The presentation will be published on the Palm Coast and Flagler County websites after the two meetings.

FCSO ADDS THREE DEPUTIES TO MOTORS UNIT

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has added three deputies to its Motors Unit in an attempt to address traffic quality of life concerns in the community.

The Motors Unit patrols on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and focuses on responding to crashes and enforcing traffic laws like speed and reckless driving. The unit was resurrected in the early 2000s and has had five motorcycles for

BRIEFS TRIBUTES

Richard Dyson Conkling, better known as Dick or Dr. C by his many friends and colleagues, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family and loving wife, Polly, of 65 years on May 24, 2023.

Richard is survived by his wife, two sons Ron and Ray, two beautiful daughter-in-laws Lauri and Pam, grandchildren Trent (McCall), Tessa (Marcel), Justin, and Jarrett (Miranda), and a great-granddaughter on the way, Amelia Rose. He treasured creating memories with his family, friends, colleagues, and students.

Richard was a man of many talents: citrus grove manager, cattle rancher, fertilizer salesman, and a stint in the army serving in Korea. He then changed gears moving into education getting his PhD and being a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent known affectionately as “Dr C.” He spent his career caring about and promoting the education of children and fostering a family atmosphere with the faculty.

Throughout his life he was a stalwart volunteer, serving the Kiwanis Club of Flagler (over 40 years) where his pride and joy was the establishment of a college fund. He also spent many hours volunteering at St.

CRIME REPORT

Man threatens to shoot person parked near home

A Flagler Beach man has been arrested after threatening to shoot someone parked on city property near the suspect’s home.

The victim told Flagler Beach police officers that he had been sitting in the passenger seat of his girlfriend’s truck on May 21 while she completed work at a neighboring property in the 2500 block of Lakeshore Drive in Flagler Beach, according to the suspect’s arrest report.

The suspect came out of his home and yelled at the victim to get off his lawn, then

over a decade, according to a press release from the FCSO. Now it has eight deputies.

“This increase in the Motors Unit staffing will allow us to have a greater presence on our roads and handle the large number of traffic complaints we receive,” Staly said.

The new Motor Unit deputies are: Deputy First Class Benjamin Stamps, Deputy Blake Colson and Deputy Matthew Mortimer. They have all completed special training to be certified for the Motors Unit, the press release said.

The training course began with 22 students from surrounding agencies, but only nine students successfully complete it, the press release said.

COUNTY JAIL WINS INNOVATION AWARD

The Flagler County jail has been awarded the 2023 Innovation Award for mediumsized facilities by the American Jail Association.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility won

YOUR TOWN

threatened to shoot him— pointing his gun at the victim — when the victim opened the truck door, the victim told police. The victim drove away from the scene, calling 911.

The suspect told deputies that the victim got out of the truck and came at him, but video evidence shows that the victim never left the vehicle, which was legally parked on city property.

A video the victim recorded shows the suspect pointing his gun at the victim and saying, “I will shoot you.”

The suspect was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. He was arrested, but later released on $50,000 bond.

the award for its inmate service programs, according to a press release from the FCSO. Sheriff Rick Staly and Court and Detention Services Chief Dan Engert accepted the award at AJA’s 42nd Conference and Jail Expo on May 23, in Omaha, Nebraska.

At Flagler County’s facility, the FCSO partners with Flagler Technical College for its Homeward Bound Program, which provides inmates with an opportunity to obtain job certifications in food service management, vinyl graphics application or in a HVAC preapprenticeship program.

The county’s jail also offers the Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment program to address the underlying issues of substance use disorders and mental illness, the press release said.

“This is a huge honor for our detention team, FCSO and the community to be recognized and selected as a model for jails across the country to emulate,” Staly said.

LEADERSHIP ACADEMY GRADUATES 13

Thirteen local government professionals graduated from the Flagler County Local Government Leadership Academy in a ceremony at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center on May 18.

The graduates were: John Fanelli, Flagler Schools; Doug Gonzalez, Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office; Ron Mello, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office; Kelly Mullen, Tax Collector’s Office; Matthew Rivera, Flagler County government; Teresa Rizzo, Flagler County Education Foundation; Alma Rock-Yanochko, City of Palm Coast; Jennifer Rodbourn, Tax Collector’s Office; Alyssa Roscoe, City of Palm Coast; Ryan Simpson, Flagler County; Rosana Vinci, City of Flagler Beach; Christopher Wagner, Sheriff’s Office; and Stacy Whalen, Tax Collector’s Office.

Flagler County Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston organized and hosted the classes at the Tax Collector’s main office, according to a press release.

Joe Saviak, the academy’s instructor, said partnerships between local governments make the program possible.

CALEB BELLEGARDE WINS JAY FUND SCHOLARSHIP

Caleb Bellegarde, of Palm Coast, has been selected for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Scholarship.

Bellegarde is a talented student and musician graduating from Matanzas High School despite being diagnosed with a rare glioblastoma brain tumor last May and continuing treatment throughout his senior year, according to an announcement from the Jay Fund.

Bellegarde is graduating as a member of the National Honor Society and Key Club and as a leader in the concert, jazz and marching band. As a dual-enrolled student, he also made both Matanzas’ Dean’s List and the President’s List at Daytona State College.

Bellegarde plans to major in political science at the University of Florida and dreams of becoming a lawyer.

The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, established in 1996, helps families tackle childhood cancer. It has provided over $20 million in financial assistance and helped more than 5,600 families.

FLAGLER OARS WINS LEADERSHIP AWARD

The Flagler Open Arms Recovery Services was recognized with a Recovery Leadership Award at the Floridians for Recovery Leadership Summit 2023 in St. Petersburg Beach on May 15.

The award was presented to Flagler OARS by the Floridians for Recovery Organization for outstanding efforts, dedication, and innovation in Florida’s recovery movement, according to a press release. Flagler OARS provides services to individuals and families affected by addiction and raises awareness about the importance of recovery and breaking down the stigma associated with addiction.

“Our advocacy efforts have helped to secure funding for critical recovery programs and services, and our outreach initiatives have helped to connect individuals and families with the resources they need to achieve lasting recovery,” said Pam Birtolo, the executive director of Flagler OARS. Flagler OARS can be reached at flagleroars.org or 386-233-3444.

It is located at 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B205, Palm Coast.

He was a true gentleman who led by example and lived a principled life of integrity.

Thomas Episcopal Church and serving the students of Flagler in numerous volunteer projects. At home, he wrote poetry (to his wife), loved woodworking, photography, training, and spending time with his “best friend” Buddy the Border Collie. He also enjoyed spending time with his neighbors and working on his property at the “Circle R” Ranch in the woods on John Anderson Highway in Flagler Beach, Florida. He was a true gentleman who led by example and lived a principled life of integrity. He will be sorely missed by everyone that knew and loved him. Rest in peace Pap we love you.

Please join us in celebrating his life Saturday morning June 3, 2023, at 11 am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, FL 32137.

In lieu of flowers, we are requesting donations be made to St. Thomas Episcopal Church Memorial Fund (386-446-2300).

The family of Dr. Conkling have entrusted his arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.

SERVICE: Saturday, June 3, 11AM

St. Thomas Episcopal Church

5400 Belle Terre Parkway Palm Coast, FL 32137

Bohemia “Amy” Concetta Coccia Beaulieu, 87, of Palm Coast, passed away on May 22, 2023 at Stuart F Meyer Hospice House.

She was born and raised in Bronx, NY. Amy married, James Robert Beaulieu, a Chief Petty Officer in the United States Navy, the Beaulieu’s traveled to several Naval Air Stations in the United States where they spent the last seven years in Pensacola, Florida retiring in 1975. The Beaulieu’s retired to Greenville, South Carolina. She was a member of South Carolina State Guard. Amy loved bowling, bingo, Curves Workouts, singing, dancing, walking and spending time with her family. She is survived by her

sons, Michael John Beaulieu (Betsy) and Glenn Alan Beaulieu (Denise); grandchildren, Tia, James, Jacob, Emma, Lee, Michaela, Christine, Brian, Nicole, Michael, Glenn, Jenna and Michael, 19 great grandchildren and daughter in law, AnnaMarie. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Robert Beaulieu and sons, James David, Kenneth Robert and Brian Keith.

Celebration of Life Ceremony to be announced at a later date for all family and friends to gather in Amy’s honor. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Dementia Society of America, https://dementiasociety. charityproud.org/donate. St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Richard “Dr. C” Conkling

5/1/1935 –5/24/2023

Bohemia “Amy” Concetta Coccia Beaulieu

Make yourself at home

‘That’s my talent’

at the dining room table.

Close encounter with a squirrel, but not close enough.

BRIAN MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Before a recent car ride, Luke, my 5-year-old son, buckled his seatbelt all by himself. “That’s my talent,” he said. Some day, he will develop even more impressive talents, but that’s a good start. He showed me another talent while we were playing a board game

YOUR TOWN

WADSWORTH STUDENTS WIN BIKE

LANE DESIGN CONTEST

Wadsworth Elementary School second grader Annalise Quesenberry and fourth grader Sofia Ospanova won the Florida Department of Transportation’s District Five Mobility Week Bike Lane Design Contest for their school.

The FDOT district unveiled the bike lane designs created by students at seven elementary schools across Central Florida throughout the month of May, which was National Bicycle Month.

The contest promoted walking and bicycling safety.

Students designed their own bike lane icon for the chance to have it painted on bike lanes at their school.

Annalise’s design was titled “Going Green with Lightning Speed.” Sofia’s design was titled “Biking on the Rainbow.”

FDOT celebrated each winner with an art reveal, certificate presentation and brief safety presentation in their classrooms.

“You know how some people can hold a pencil behind their ear?” he asked. Without waiting for a response, he stuck a yellow pencil behind his tiny ear. He looked at me slantwise, his head frozen. A second or two later, the pencil slipped out and fell to the ground.

That talent is still in development.

But I believe I know one of Luke’s most remarkable talents. I discovered it when we were at a park one day, and he saw a squirrel. He tiptoed toward it, inching closer and closer, trying to get close enough to pet it. When the squirrel looked up and saw him, it darted toward the nearest tree.

Luke turned and walked back to me, shoulders slumping, frowning. I tried to get his mind off his disappointment by engaging his imagination.

“What do you think it would be like to be a squirrel?” I asked.

He thought for a moment and then said, “I wouldn’t run away from people. Because I want people to be happy.”

I was amazed that someone so young was so confident that he could make people happy just by sticking around. One of Luke’s talents is to make people — even strangers — feel like friends.

I realized in that moment that sometimes I had tried to discourage that talent. For example, when

UNITED WAY GRANTS $965,600

The Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties are granting $965,600 — $1,931,200 for a two-year cycle — to the community through The United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties’ Community Impact Grant.

Twenty-five programs from 19 nonprofits serving Volusia and Flagler counties in the areas of education, financial stability and health are

being awarded the two-year grants. Funding was allocated to all programs that met the eligibility criteria and required scoring threshold.

“The pool of applicants was extremely competitive this cycle,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties.

Of the $965,600 each year, 25% ($245,000) is earmarked for Flagler programs, 37% ($352,500) for Volusia programs and 38% ($368,100) for dual-county benefit.

GARDEN OF THE MONTH

PALM COAST

Observer

“If

he met another boy at McDonald’s, and, within minutes, they were laughing and racing between the tables at full speed. Or when he struck up a conversation with the parents of another boy on a swing set, with this ice breaker: “Where do babies come from?”

But talent development can be a messy business. We have to learn by trial and error how to harness our individual powers.

Whatever other talents Luke develops by playing instruments or creating art or any other traditional hobbies, I hope he never loses sight of the most important one: not running away from people who need us.

SECOND MILLION DOLLAR FOOD-A-THON PLANNED FOR JULY 14

Flagler Radio and Grace Community Food Pantry are partnering again to raise $250,000 in this year’s Million Dollar Food-a-Thon.

Flagler Radio will broadcast live for the fundraiser, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 14. The $250,000 will allow the pantry to buy more than $1 million worth of food for families, according to Flagler Broadcasting’s website.

Last year’s Food-a-Thon raised $125,000 and helped 3,500 families.

To donate on July 14, stop at the radio station and drop off a donation. Participants can also take a tour and say something on the air to help raise the $250,000.

“Last year we missed our goal,” Flagler Broadcasting President David Ayres said. “This year we can do it in six hours if everybody gives what they can.”

DEATH NOTICE

Lester H. Westfall of Palm Coast, Florida passed away on April 15th 2023 in Warren, Ohio. He was a good man and will be greatly missed.

Murphys’ garden named Garden of the Month for June

The Murphys bought their home in 2013 and began planting palms for their garden.

NANCY IANDOLI

The garden of Patty and Dan Murphy, of Evans Drive, has been recognized as the June 2023 Selection of the Month by the Garden Club at Palm Coast.

Originally from western New

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.

York, the couple moved to Florida in 2007 and purchased their home in 2013. They first planted palms: Sylvester, queen and date palms, along with sago and ponytail palms. Then they added coral colored encore azaleas, hot pink crape myrtles and an array of multicolored cannas, amaryllis, Asiatic lilies and native lilies to their front island. In a shaded area under their huge date palm, they have lots of color, with bright orange begonias, tropical bromeliads and pink variegated gingers. Their backyard is a real surprise:

a beautiful courtyard that’s surrounded by lush plantings and hanging baskets, with amazing annuals and perennials mixed for a butterfly’s paradise.

The focus of the garden is a huge white Natchez crape myrtle tree that is home to dozens of fabulous orchids.

Below is a sea of bromeliads, chenille plants and sweet potato vines.

A stunning purple bougainvillea really grabs one’s attention, surrounded by a huge 3-year-old hot pink geranium.

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

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SUBSCRIBE

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VETERAN OF THE WEEK

William H. Gallagher Jr.

 Branch of military: U.S. Air Force

 Dates of service: 1966-1970  Rank/occupation: Staff Sergeant/Aircraft Maintenance Crew

Chief  Hometown: Cherry Hill, New Jersey

William Gallagher was assigned at Hanscom Field, Massachusetts, and was deployed to Southeast Asia in support of combat operations in Vietnam. Primarily based at Nakhom Phanom Air Base in Thailand, he was an aircraft crew chief responsible for keeping his C-118 Liftmaster cargo plane in operation. He received the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Air Force Commendation. Following his honorable service to his country, he joined the Camden Police Department in New Jersey, where during his 26-year career he served in numerous special units. While a member of the department’s narcotics task force he made hundreds of arrests, and in one particular dangerous operation he was shot and wounded by drug dealer. He recovered to continue serving his community as a police officer. After retirement from the police force, he went into business training horses and teaching horsemanship. Gallagher and his bride, Donna, of 47 years moved to Palm Coast in 2010. He is a member and past president of the Blue Knights XXII motorcycle club, which is exclusive to law enforcement officers.

Treat, a

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.

Second grader Annalise Quesenberry’s design is titled “Going Green with Lightning Speed.”

Fourth grader Sofia Ospanova’s design is titled “Biking on the Rainbow.”

Photo courtesy of the Garden Club at Palm Coast Patty and Dan Murphy

Palm Coast looks to fix its aging infrastructure

Work orders are increasing as the city’s roads

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Every year for the last five years, Stormwater and Engineering Director Carl Cote has spoken to the Palm Coast City Council about the city’s deteriorating roadways.

As part of the budgeting sessions, Cote made another presentation in April, once again requesting more money for the city’s resurfacing program.

“Every year, we bring it up to council,” he said. “We identify funding sources or revenues that we do not implement in the city, but there’s never been action on council to implement any of those.”

Cote told the City Council that the pavement management program needs $12 million a year just to maintain the roads.

That number will just keep climbing if existing problems are not addressed.

Currently, the program receives $2 million per year, Cote said, including funding shifted from nonessential projects.

Cote said the $12 million he has requested for the program is just to maintain the roads’ Pavement Condition Index grade of 75, which is four points lower than its previous score in 2017.

It isn’t just the roads that need attention. Palm Coast’s pipes are nearing the end of their 50-year lifespan, Cote said.

And between inflated costs and more frequent failures, the previous budget doesn’t stretch as far as it had.

“We’ve we’ve been having at least one [major pipe failure] a year underneath our major roadways,” he said. “And it used to be like, one every five years or so.”

MAINTENANCE

A planned stormwater utility rate hike and the money Cote requested for the roads would be used for maintenance.

Cote noted in his presentation that the city has already seen evidence of the roads degrading as the number of work orders increases.

In 2022, there were a total of 155 work orders, said Public Works Manager Marvin Calderon. But the crews have already handled 120 in first the five months of 2023.

Because of the storms last fall, Calderon said, city staff members expect to see more potholes or cracks forming.

“All it takes is one small crack in the road and the water gets underneath that asphalt, and that’s what started deteriorating everything underneath the asphalt,” he said.

Even with the increase in work orders, he said, the city’s asphalt crews can quickly turn them around.

“We usually respond to the incoming work orders within the hour,” Calderon said.

Fixing the pipes is more intensive.

Cote said stormwater and engineering staff members are responsible for inspecting around 3,000 pipes and try to assess each pipe every other year, marking which ones needs replacing or new linings.

Linings extend the life of the pipe, Cote said, and are less expensive than replacing the pipe entirely — especially when pipes are under roadways.

It’s expected that pipes will age and need replacing. What is abnormal about Palm Coast’s pipes, Cote said, is that all the pipes in the city were laid down at around the same time by the International Telephone and Telegraph Corporation in the 1970s and ’80s.

That means multiple pipes

are in danger of failing at once, he said.

“We’re at the point where we want to increase our quantity of replacements per year, so our rate of failures doesn’t increase,” Cote said.

Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin said ITT planned for Palm Coast to have a population of 250,000, but he didn’t think anyone could have predicted how quickly it was going to grow over a short period of time.

“I do believe that the original plan ... never identified a way to pay for the ongoing maintenance and repair of aging infrastructure,” he said.

“This city is suffering from

aging bones, which we’re not well prepared for.”

FUNDING

Cote said staff has already tried to find creative solutions for funding the stormwater projects and the road maintenance program to avoid tax increases or fees.

“They’re my tax dollars too,” Cote said. “We look hard at every penny we spend. We’re not looking to be wasteful at all.”

Alfin said he thinks the city’s staff is already doing an exceptional job counting every penny.

“I would put our staff up against any staff in any city throughout the state, in terms of their efficiency, their creativity, and their work ethic,” Alfin said.

But not all City Council members agree.

In a May 16 City Council meeting, the council approved another increase to residents’ monthly utility bill to fund pipe maintenance.

On Oct. 1, the monthly utility bill will go up to $28.34 from $22.07 and increase every year over the next five years.

Vice Mayor Ed Danko and Council Member Cathy Heighter both voted against

the stormwater rate hike.

“... My suggestion is do what the rest of us are doing,” Danko said at the meeting. “Learn how to tighten your belts; learn how not to waste money.”

Nobody at the city — staff or council members — wants to increase taxes, Alfin said. But he hopes the city won’t need to.

On June 13, the City Council will hear a presentation from the county’s property appraiser on property taxes and the millage rate for the fiscal year 2024 budget.

Alfin said he wants to know how much money Palm Coast will receive from new construction and new residents.

“That would not constitute a tax increase. Those would be new taxes,” he said. “That’s one of the benefits of growing — that you have new tax dollars that were not part of the prior budget.”

Based on Palm Coast’s growth rate, Alfin said, that may be a significant amount of revenue.

Regardless, he said, he will not compromise on safety.

“I will not sacrifice public safety,” Alfin said. “Those are, in my opinion, at the very heart of every possible component of quality of life.”

Photo from

COTE, director of Stormwater and

“This city is suffering from aging bones, which we’re not well prepared

DAVID ALFIN, Palm Coast mayor

Waste Pro BinsThe True Facts

To our valued Palm Coast residents, customers, and friends,

After 17 years of proudly serving you, the residents of Palm Coast, the city elected to begin collection services with a new company effective June 1, 2023. We are proud of the service we have provided for close to two decades. In fact, our local division maintains a 4.8 Google Star rating which is higher than any provider in the surrounding metro market area. This is a testament to our local Palm Coast-based crews and their dedication to service and safety.

It is important to us that you, our valued customers, know the facts. Over the last few weeks and leading up to our last days of service, Waste Pro thoroughly communicated a transition plan including a collection plan to pick up the Waste Pro branded recycling bins. Waste Pro owned bins were provided to you at the start of the contract and over the years of service to be used for collections while the city was under contract with Waste Pro. Once these assets are collected, they will be re-purposed for use throughout our 10-state footprint.

Additionally, to provide a smooth transition, and ensure that you, our valued customers, were not left without a bin, Waste Pro extended offers to sell the recycling bins at a discounted price. It is perplexing that the city did not take any steps to obtain new recycling bins. Numerous discussions and transition meetings were held with city staff and Waste Pro management. The topic of Waste Pro branded bins was thoroughly discussed. The city understood Waste Pro crews would be collecting the Waste Pro branded bins during the last week of collections as part of the transition/exit from the city. It is incredible to think equipment purchased by Waste Pro such as bins, carts, and trucks would be considered or thought to be the property of the city.

Thank you for trusting Waste Pro for 17 years as your solid waste partner. We wish you and the city well as you begin a new agreement with another provider. Our collection crews look forward to continuing service in unincorporated Flagler County and to the Palm Coast businesses.

“The city understood Waste Pro crews would be collecting the Waste Pro branded bins during the last week of collections as part of the transition/exit from the city.”

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Sing your heart out, Flagler

BRIAN MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

From Nirvana to Debussy, from “Matilda” to dance, the Spotlight on Flagler Youth Talent Show drew cheers from the audience at the Flagler Auditorium on May 26. The Flagler County Youth Center hosted the event.

Alyssa Pimentel, 12th grade, won first place in the senior division for her performance of “Nuit d’etoiles,” by Claude Debussy. To perfect her routine, Pimentel said, she kept to a rigorous practice schedule. She also studied what the words meant.

“It’s a song about remembering someone you’ve lost,” she said. When performing it, “I think about people I love but have moved away or moved on to other things.”

Youth Talent Show.

Jim Poole finished third in the senior division, with Elizaveta Guseva second.

K’imani McCoy drew the loudest cheers of the night for her rendition of “I Have Nothing,” by Whitney Houston. It was a challenging song, but it was an easy choice for McCoy.

“I’ve known that song since I was 2,” she said. “It’s always been my goto for karaoke.”

With her performance, McCoy won the middle school division for the second year in a row.

Sophia Paige was third in middle, with Mark Lopat in second for middle.

Annabelle Kocher, fifth grade, won the elementary division for her performance of “Naughty,” from “Matilda,” the musical. She also starred in the full musical for Chil-

dren’s Musical Theater, in Ormond Beach, according to her father, Chris Kocher.

Bianca Wright finished third in the elementary division, with Anniston Goetsch second.

The show was emceed by Caleb Monroe and Olivia Slaughter, with judges David Alfin, Palm Coast mayor; Christy Butler, of Take Stock in Children; Melanie DiMartino, former Miss Matanzas; and Cheryl Massaro, chair of the Flagler County School Board.

Joshua Walker, Flagler Schools’ coordinator of community services, said the show gives a stage to students who study their craft as well as to those who do it mostly for fun as a hobby. “It’s an all-inclusive environment,” he said.

Youth Center hosts Spotlight on Flagler

K’imani McCoy sings “I Have Nothing,” by Whitney Houston. She won the middle division for the second year in a row.

Alyssa Pimentel, who won the senior division, poses with Mayor David Alfin, Joshua Walker and Melanie DiMartino.

Faith Liebel sang “Mama’s Broken Heart,” by Miranda Lambert.

Bianca Wright won third in the elementary division.

The Spotlight on Flagler Youth Talent Show was emceed by Caleb Monroe and Olivia Slaughter.

Jim Poole, 11th grade, sings “I’m a Believer,” by The Monkees.

Tymur Kuzmenko, eighth grade, performs “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” by Nirvana.

Annabelle Kocher and Anniston Goetsch

Photos by Brian McMillan

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, JUNE 1

JESSICA MICHELLE

SINGLETON

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Mad Caps Comedy Club, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite 110, Palm Coast Details: See standup comedian Jessica Michelle Singleton perform. Tickets start at $25 online, and $30 at the door. Show is open to those 21 and older. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Visit https://madcapscomedyclub.ticketspice.com/thursjune-1st-jms.

FRIDAY, JUNE 2

SEA TURTLE NESTING IN VOLUSIA COUNTY

When: 2-3 p.m.

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

Details: The Environmental Discovery Center and Volusia County Environmental Management will present Alexa Putillo, sea turtle habitat conservation plan field manager, who will speak on current nesting numbers, the county’s habitat conservation plan, and sea turtle species that nest on Volusia beaches. Reservations suggested. Call 386-615-7081.

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “Air Bud,” rated PG. Movies are weather-sensitive. Call 386-676-3216 for rainout information.

SATURDAY, JUN 3

HER TURN SURF FEST

When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Flagler Beach Municipal Pier, 215 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Elevate Events presents Flagler Beach’s first women’s surf festival. All levels

welcome. Free for spectators. Costs $40-$75 to compete. Visit elevateeventcompany. com/herturnsurffest.

FLORIDA FOOD IN THE GOLDEN ERA OF WOMEN’S PAGE JOURNALISM

When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Kimberly Voss, a journalism professor at the University of Central Florida, will discuss how Florida’s women’s pages on food and drink — the only place for women in journalism in the ’50s and ’60s — was considered the best in the country. Free program hosted by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: MainStreet Arts

District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art events.

MOONRISE AT THE BEACH

When: 7:45-8:45 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers State Park, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Watch as the moon rises over the Atlantic Ocean. Bring binoculars and a camera for photo opportunities. Learn fun facts about the moon and the local coastal ecosystem. Program size is limited to 30 people. Call 386517-2086 to reserve a spot.

SUNDAY, JUNE 4

BLOOD DRIVE AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Donate blood at the OneBlood Big Red Bus and receive a free pass to the Knights of Columbus pancake breakfast in the church’s so-

cial hall. OneBlood also offers a free gift, a $20 eGift card and a complimentary wellness checkup to those who donate blood. Breakfast for non-donors costs $6. Kids eat free.

FAMILY FUN DAY

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

Where: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Attend this end-ofschool celebration hosted by St. James Episcopal Church. There will be games, cotton candy, a bounce house and more. Activities will begin after 10 a.m. church service.

MONDAY, JUNE 5 ASTRONOMY CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Public Library meeting room, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Astronomy Club of Palm Coast as members discuss the latest news from the James Webb telescope and speak on the topic, “Are we headed towards the Great Attractor?”

TUESDAY, JUNE 6

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH BIBI GROMLING

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Ocean Art Gallery is hosting a watercolor workshop with local artist Bibi Gromling. Learn how to paint a tree frog. $75 per student; all supplies provided. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve a spot.

ONGOING INSPIRATIONS AND REFLECTIONS

When: June 4 through July 15

Where: Expressions Art Gallery, 2298 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast Details: See this exhibition featuring artists Suzanne Barrett and Louise Kennedy. There will be an opening reception from 1-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 4.

Helicopters, fire trucks featured in Touch-A-Truck event

City and county services coordinated the third annual event in Town Center.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Palm Coast hosted its third annual

“Sky’s the Limit” Touch-A-Truck event on Saturday, May 27.

The free event featured over 75 vehicles situated along Park Street and Lake Avenue at Town Center, according to a press release from the Palm Coast city government.

Kids sat in the seats, honked the horns and used the remote controls in the vehicles. The event lasted from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a quiet hour from 10 to 11 a.m.

Among the trucks were utility

vehicles from Palm Coast’s Public Works, Stormwater, Utility and Fire Departments, the East Flagler Mosquito Control District and several towing companies.

Flagler County Fire Rescue and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office brought service vehicles as well, including several FCSO armored vehicles and the Angel Flight emergency helicopter.

Daytona International Speedway brought a NASCAR race car, while individuals brought classic cars and mud racing trucks.

Bikers from the group Bikers Against Child Abuse let kids sit on their motorcycles and take photos.

The Touch-A-Truck event was inspired by National Public Works Week, which ran from May 21-27 in 2023.

How

Tyler Spina and his sons Levi, 3; and James, 7; with Bryant Williams and his Palm Coast Stormwater Department utility truck.

Justin Zaragoza, 8, shovels dirt with a toy excavator.

Sally Fenley with Chance Fenley, 4, on a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office motorcyle.

John D’Amico and his son Giovanni, 2, enjoy touring a Palm Coast Fire Department truck.

Diane and Al Campbell pose in front of a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office armored SWAT truck.

Kaley McCarthy holds her 11-month-old daughter, Iris, while her son Atlas, 3, stands on a Palm Coast fire engine.

Photos by Sierra Williams

‘You are champions’

As the members of the Matanzas High School Class of 2023 flipped their tassels May 30 in the Ocean Center, in Daytona Beach, they were reminded to stay grateful.

“The Pirate village helped you to get to this moment,” Superintendent Cathy Middeltstadt said, adding that the graduates were resilient, empathetic people with grit.

“Remember to continue to elevate excellence regardless of any adversity you face,” she said.

Principal Kristin Bozeman also spoke to the graduates, asking

segments of the class to rise and be recognized for their hard work. There were more than 12,000 volunteer service hours performed by the class; 33 graduated with an associate degree in addition to their high school diploma; 34 earned an AICE diploma, and 68 earned one or more industry certifications. Melissa Braflat was one of the senior speakers. She concluded her remarks by quoting the class song, “We Are the Champions,” by Queen: “We mean to go on and on and on and on.”

–BRIAN MCMILLAN

Victoria Mena Montiel wipes a tear as she recounts her journey from Venezuela to graduation.

The crowd gave the sign language cheer to celebrate the graduation of Kimberly Anne Martinez-Muir.

Gianna Bennici takes a selfie as she switches her tassels.

Kimberly Truhe and Clover Tuck

Zander Zaidel, Kevin Zheng and Daniel Zuluaga Restrepo

Joshua Sepe, Leiahna Omalley, Ravenna Reed, Maria Kelly, Kendall Duckett and Jimmy Kelly

Photos by Brian McMillan

‘Rise to greatness’

FLAGLER PALM COAST

The class that heard “no” constantly during the pandemic is now the class of “yes.”

That was the message of senior Madelin Sims in her commencement address at the Flagler Palm Coast High School Class of 2023 graduation on May 30, at the Ocean Center, in Daytona Beach.

Sims’ speech followed a memorable performance of the national anthem by Alyssa Pimentel, a welcome by Class President Mikiya Fitzgerald and a performance of “Never Walk Alone,” by Charlotte Fletcher, Tyler Giblin, Grace Ivey and Jack Steinwehr.

Principal Bobby Bossardet then began his speech with a long pause, as the class began to cheer more and more loudly. Sporting custom Vans shoes with the Flagler Schools logo, Bossardet announced that this was a class of scholars, with 205 students earning a 3.7 or higher GPA.

Four students earned National Merit recognition, with 49 International Baccalaureate grads, 40 associate degrees and $1 million in scholarships. Twelve have enlisted in the Armed Forces.

“Your tenacity is what defines FPC,” Bossardet said. “The Class of 2023 is well prepared for whatever the future may bring.”

He challenged the graduates to ponder what their future legacy will be, now that they are moving beyond high school.

“Go, take risks, don’t stay in your comfort zone,” he said. “You will continue to rise to greatness.”

–BRIAN MCMILLAN

Kendra Smith, Laura Suchecki and Ayanna John

Cayden Raleigh and Joseph Yarbrough

Senior Class President Mikiya Fitzgerald

FPC’s Air Force JROTC

Principal Bobby Bossardet congratulates the first grad, Lilly Achins.

Alyssa Pimentel performs the national anthem.

Grant Woolison, Peyton Woodward, Megan Wise, Madilyn Winternheimer, Gavin Winkler and Mia Wilmoth

Photos by Brian McMillan

Back to the mats

FPC’s DeAugustino to step down as AD and return to the wrestling room.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Steve DeAugustino has loved being Flagler Palm Coast High School’s athletic director throughout the past 16 years. But he’d prefer to devote his last couple of years before retirement to helping the wrestling program get back to where it was when he was the head coach.

He said he will step down as AD when his annual contract expires in three weeks to become an assistant

wrestling coach under one of his former wrestlers, David Bossardet.

DeAugustino will also teach advanced physical education classes, said FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet, who also wrestled for DeAugustino and won a state championship.

“I’m excited for him,” Bobby Bossardet said. “He’s like a father to me, and he’s one of the best high school coaches I’ve ever been involved with. For him to want to spend the last few years of his career the way he came in and pursue his true passion is admirable.”

DeAugustino has been a legend during his 42 years at FPC.

He has been the school’s athletic director since 2007, and during that time the Bulldogs have won multiple team and individual state champion-

ships.

He coached wrestling for 27 years, establishing one of the state’s elite programs. His teams won state championships in 1993, 1994 and 1995, and finished second in 1989 and 1996.

He also coached football and softball at the school. But wrestling has always been his passion. He said he has been thinking about returning to the mat for the past few years.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the AD job, but not as much as I enjoyed coaching,” he said. “I just wanted to do that again before I retired. I have a couple of years left, so I said, ‘Why don’t you just do it.’”

David Bossardet took over the program a year ago and was still looking for a full-time assistant.

“I knew the type of person I wanted, and I wasn’t going to settle,” he said.

Both Bobby and David Bossardet are excited to see the man they affectionately know as “Coach D.” help

guide a new generation of wrestlers.

“I think Coach D. is the best wrestling coach out there. He’s second to none,” David Bossardet said. ”This is a big step forward for our program.

I’ve known Coach D. since I was in sixth grade. He’s been a mentor to me my whole life. He still has a lot to teach me, and I’m going to soak up as much knowledge as I can.”

DeAugustino comes from a Hall of Fame wrestling family.

He is one of four family members who have been inducted as coaches into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, joining his dad, Steve Sr., his uncle Gus and his cousin Mark. DeAugustino’s son, Michael, is also in the Hall of Fame as a college AllAmerican.

DeAugustino said the Bulldogs might not win another state wrestling title before he retires but he’d like to see them “at least be on the path for one,” he said, adding, “It’s a process.”

Bobby Bossardet said the school will post the athletic director job opening next week. Whoever they hire will have big shoes to fill, he said.

“He built up one of the best athletic programs in the state,” Bobby Bossardet said. “Everyone who was fortunate to have Coach D. as their coach or teacher still talks about him to this day.”

Flagler County wrestlers having busy, successful summer

Area wrestlers competed in the Spartan Nationals in Tampa on May 19-20 and the National High School Coaches Association National Duals in Virginia Beach on Memorial Day weekend.

It’s been a busy summer already for Flagler County wrestlers, and it’s just getting started.

Matanzas High-Legend Athletics Club wrestlers competed in the National High School Coaches Association Boys and Girls National Duals on May 27-29 in Virginia Beach.

Matanzas wrestlers rolled up a combined 28-4 record in their matches. Flagler Palm Coast’s Ana Vilar and Jocelyn Johnson competed in the tournaments along with Legend Athletics’ Christina Borgmann, Brielle and Kendall Bibla, Tiana and Michael Fries, Mariah and Juliana Mills and T.J. and Kevin McLean.

Mariah Mills competed in the boys duals.

Borgmann went undefeated at the NHSCA National Duals with a 9-0 record, capturing her second national championship in just over a week. She also helped her team win at the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association’s Spartan Nationals on

May 19-20 in Tampa.

Vilar qualified for a spot on Team Florida in a qualifying tournament last month in Fort Lauderdale. The rising junior won the girls 138-pound spot for Team Florida, which will compete in USA Wrestling’s Junior National Duals on June 13-17 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Vilar won four matches at the tournament.

Vilar is the first FPC wrestler to make the state team for the Junior National Duals since her high school coach, David Bossardet, did it in 2002.

“It’s an awesome opportunity for her,” Bossardet said. “She’s been working hard.” Borgmann, Vilar, Johnson, Tiana Fries, Mariah Mills and T.J. McLean were among the wrestlers who competed in the Spartan tournament in Tampa and qualified to compete in the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, on July 15-23.

FPC quarterback Gonzalez is a big hit in his first tackle football game

Caden Gonzalez threw two touchdown passes in the Bulldogs’ 20-19 spring game win at Jacksonville Riverside.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Senior-to-be Caden Gonzalez was the primary quarterback at Flagler Palm Coast’s intrasquad scrimmage. But he was off limits as far as getting hit.

In fact, until he played in the Bulldogs’ spring game at Jacksonville Riverside on May 25, Gonzalez had never been tackled wearing pads in a football game.

“Caden played flag football growing up,” new FPC coach Daniel Fish said. “This was the first time he got tackled in a football game, and he was a little nervous. The second play of the game, he took a big hit, and he was rattled for the next couple of drives. But he settled down and made

big plays when it mattered.”

Gonzalez recovered to throw two touchdown passes as the Bulldogs defeated Riverside 20-19. Gonzalez and receiver Cody Newton connected on the biggest play of the game — a 15-yard touchdown pass on fourth down with 7:30 left to tie the score at 19-19. Chase Magee’s extra-point kick put the Bulldogs ahead for good.

Defensive end Colby Cronk had the game-clinching sack in the waning moments.

“It was a great finish for us, an awesome experience,” Fish said of the back-and-forth battle in his debut game with the Bulldogs. “It was a huge confidence boost for the coaches and the team. Not a lot of people were expecting much from us. We played a really talented team, and we competed the whole way.”

With 2022 starting quarterback

D.J. Murray and backup Cole Walker both transferring, rising freshman Mike London Jr. took most of the snaps at quarterback in spring practice. Gonzalez joined the team in the second week and got better every day, Fish said.

London was ineligible to play in a full-contact game because he was still an eighth grader, so Gonzalez was the next man up. Going into the summer, it’s now his job to lose, Fish said.

The Bulldogs were also down to their fourth-string running back. Starter Marcus Mitchell is out 6-8 weeks with a grade two hamstring strain, and the backups were also hurt or unavailable.

Jai’quan Grimes filled in and scored the first touchdown of the game on a 55-yard run. Gonzalez hit Grant Winkler with a 40-yard touchdown pass that gave the Bulldogs a 13-12 halftime lead.

The defense, which lost several starters to graduations and transfers, played well, Fish said. Defensive tackle Charley Perry had two sacks and a forced fumble and defensive end Ethan Laupepa also had a sack, while safety Zyquan Neal intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble.

“We came together in the toughest moments, and we grinded it out,” Fish said. “We could have made all the excuses, but instead we found a way. It was a true team win.”

Photo by Brent Woronoff Steve DeAugustino in his office in 2021

Photo by Brent Woronoff

Caden Gonzales, right, throws a pass in an intrasquad scrimmage on May 19. He wore a non-contact jersey on that day. In his first full-contact experience on May

against Riverside, Gonzalez threw two TD passes, including the game-winner.

Photos by Rachel Mills

Matanzas wrestlers Kendall Bibla, Tiana Fries, Mariah Mills and Christina Borgmann at the NHSCA National Duals wrestling tournament held in Virginia Beach on May 27-29

Brielle Bibla holds her opponent down at the NHSCA National Duals.

Tiana Fries holds her opponent to the mat.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH LIONS HOLD DERBY PARTY

The Ormond Beach Lions Club held its annual Kentucky Derby party fundraiser on May 6 at St. James Church. The event included food, games and a viewing of the 149th Kentucky Derby.

Two women also went home with prizes for the craziest and the prettiest hats. All proceeds will benefit services for the blind and hearing impaired in Volusia County.

The Ormond Beach Lions Club is a volunteer organization. The Lions welcome new members to help serve others. For more information, call 941-284- 3241 or email ormondbeachfllionsclub@ gmail.com.

Lions Club International is the world’s largest service organization, with over 1.4 million members. Lions do whatever is needed to help their local communities.

“We serve children who need eyeglasses, those in need of hearing aids, seniors who do not have enough to eat, and people we may never meet,” the club stated in a press release. Email brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

Wrestlers Wright, Bibla sign with colleges

Matanzas High School’s Landon Wright took up wrestling to help him become a better football player. Now, he will be wrestling in college.

Wright and Matanzas girls wrestler Brielle Bibla each signed wrestling letters of intent on May 24 at the high school.

Wright will wrestle at Bluefield University in Virginia. Bibla will wrestle for the University of Mount Olive in North Carolina.

Matanzas boys wrestling coach

T.J. Gillin has known Wright since he was in Gillin’s fifth grade class at Imagine School at Town Center.

“Growing up, Landon was always a football player,” Gillin said. “He did wrestling to get better in football. The next thing you know, he became a wrestler who played football, not the other way around.”

Wright advanced to the state tournament in both of his years on the wrestling team. As a junior, he wrestled two classes over his weight at 195 pounds. As a senior, he wrestled at 160 pounds. He won over 70 matches in two years.

“I realized wrestling was my passion,” Wright said. “I couldn’t let it go now. I only had two years under my belt. Making the state tournament both years, I realized I could

get good pretty fast. I’m pretty new to the sport, so I can learn so much.” Wright, who has family in Virginia said he stumbled on Bluefield, an NAIA program.

MCNORTON FOOTBALL CAMP

Registration is open for the Bruce McNorton Football Camp. The free camp is scheduled for 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, June 9, at Daytona Municipal Stadium.

Several current and former NFL and college players will provide instruction. The camp aims to teach and improve football technique, teamwork and sportsmanship for ages 6 through high school.

McNorton played cornerback for the NFL’s Detroit Lions from 1982 to 1990. The Daytona Beach native graduated from Spruce Creek High School in 1977 and played college football at Georgetown College (Kentucky). He was a scout for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2000 to 2022. To register for the camp, go to CODB.us/Activities or call 386-453-0317.

“I took a visit, and it was perfect. They have everything I need to succeed on the next level, academically and athletically.”

Wright said Bluefield head coach Jason Waelti watched him wrestle on video streams and offered him a scholarship.

Bibla, a two-time state runner-up, was on a lot of schools’ radar. She originally committed to Presbyterian College in South Carolina.

She said her best friend, Samantha Miller, an All-American at Presbyterian this past season, will be joining her at Mount Olive.

“My best friend will be there, and Mount Olive also has more opportunities for me in wrestling and in my major (nursing) and more (scholarship) money,” Bibla said.

Both Presbyterian and Mount Olive compete in the National Collegiate Women’s Wrestling Championship, which serves as the women’s wrestling national tournament for all NCAA divisions.

FPC HAS TWO BASKETBALL OPENINGS

When Flagler Palm Coast hires a new athletic director to replace Steve DeAugustino, who stepped down last week to return to coaching, the first item on the to-do list will be hiring two new basketball coaches.

Boys basketball coach

Derrick Williams resigned a month ago to move back to his home state of Alabama. Girls basketball coach Anthony Wagner has not been retained as a teacher at Buddy Taylor Middle School. “I told him he won’t be on our campus, so it might be in both our interests to get a fresh start,” FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet said. Bossardet said a goal of his is to bring the coaching staff on campus. Right now, several head coaches and assistants do not teach at the school.

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Courtesy photo

Brielle Bibla signs with her sister, Kendall, and her mom, Lindsey. Brielle will continue her wrestling career at the University of Mount Olive.

Courtesy photo

Landon Wright, with his family, signs a letter of intent to wrestle at Bluefield University in Virginia.

JUMBO FREESTYLE 7 by Adrian Johnson, 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

Hammock Dunes has top sale for the second week in a row

Acondo in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for April 12-19 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Elise Mahoney and Judith Bernier, of Palm Coast, sold 28 Porto Mar, Unit 303, to Joseph Ralph and Maria Ellen Hinrichs, of Palm Coast, for $2,250,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/4.5 and has 3,847 square feet of living space. It sold in 2021 for $1,627,000.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos Linda Kade, of Vallejo, California, sold 50 Hembury Lane to Stephen and Susan Holloway, of Palm Coast, for $217,000. Built in 1988, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet.

Rhona Feigenbaum, as trustee, sold 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 317, to Demand Transport LLC, of Milford, New Hampshire, for $565,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $340,000.

Patricia O’Keefe, of Morristown, New Jersey, sold 11 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 1101, to Brian Schmitt, as trustee, for $799,000. Built in 1992, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,161 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $799,900.

BUNNELL

Grand Reserve and Gold Club D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 25 Grand View Drive to Stephen and Florisse Scouten, of Bunnell, for $356,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,206 square feet.

PALM COAST

American VillageHammock Real Estate Development, LLC, of Palm

Coast, sold 17 Green Circle to Donald Tobin, Jr., of Palm Coast, for $360,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,750 square feet.

Bayside Janice and Thomas Zeitler, of Palm Coast, sold 7 Bannbury Lane to Susan and Bradford Benedict, of Hubbardston, Massachusetts, for $417,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,774 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $433,000.

Belle Terre Judith Garrett Lawrence and John Chester Lawrence, of Palm Coast, sold 33 Patric Drive to Robert and Janice Oehl, of Palm Coast, for $344,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,052 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $336,900.

Grand Haven Keith Hanzel and Heidi Van Voorhis, as trustees, and Judy Bedell, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, sold 10 Crosslink Court to Richard Mager, of Palm Coast, for $368,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,945 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $225,000.

Keith Hanzel and Heidi Van Voorhis, as trustees, and Judy Bedell, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, sold 23 Crosstie Court to Barrett Scala and

Raymond Johnson, of Palm Coast, for $375,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,650 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $220,000.

Grand Landings

Dream Finders Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 499 Grand Landings Parkway to Charles and Tammy Detz, of Palm Coast, for $450,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,490 square feet.

Indian Trail Dmitry and Ines Sapir, of Palm Coast, sold 25 Banner Lane to Edward Patterson, of Palm Coast, for $515,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool, a fireplace, a hot tub and 2,762 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $220,000.

Matanzas Woods

Kenneth and Stephanie Long, of Winthrop, Massachusetts, sold 48 Leidel Drive to Randy and Jennifer Deuel, of Palm Coast, for $365,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,744 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $246,714.

Not in a subdivision

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 76 Beacon Mill Lane to Tyler

Anthony Jones and Cheyenne

Kristine Jones, of Palm Coast, for $396,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,363 square feet.

Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 62 Pine Grove Drive to Janine Russ and Clair Epting, Jr., of Palm Coast, for $278,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,284 square feet.

Stanley Mathews, as trustee, sold 2 Purnell Way to Kevin and Stephanie Gentry, of Palm Coast, for $342,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,424 square feet.

Palm Harbor Ramon and Dorothy Abear, of Bethpage, New York, sold 4 Collier Court to Michael and Rachel Boatman, of Palm Coast, for $560,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a gas fireplace, a pool, a hot tub, a boat dock and 2,059 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $327,500.

Pine Grove Brompton Group, LLC, of Oviedo, sold 5 Pony Express Drive to Dwight Neil Osheim, of Palm Coast, for $309,900. Built in 2000, the house

is a 3/2 and has 1,555 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $218,429.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 19 Pickston Lane to Renita Jackson and Jonathon Tyrone Jackson, of Palm Coast, for $314,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

Sawmill Creek Holiday Builders, Inc., of Melbourne, sold 35 Oakleaf Way to Calmeze and Betty Allen, of Pam Coast, for $390,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 1,973 square feet.

Seminole Woods

D.R. Horton, Inc., of St. Johns, sold 37 Squash Blossom Trail to Jeannette Drozd and Lawrence Schnabel, of Palm Coast, for $391,700. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,363 square feet.

Eric and Camelia Acevedo, of Tampa, sold 115 Universal Trail to Raymond and Patricia Swansiger, of Palm Coast, for $465,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,424 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $145,000.

Quail Hollow

Roy Singletary, of Palm Coast, sold 75 Zebulahs Trail to Abigail Santiago and Seth Connor Monroe, of Palm Coast, for $250,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,892 square feet. It sold in 1997 for $105,000.

Royal Palms

Jeanine Ammirati, of Palm Coast, sold 61 Raleigh Drive to Eric Perez, of Jurupa Valley, California, for $272,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,212 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $126,900.

John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors; and Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report

Location, location, location! Come see this beautiful 3-bed, 2-bath, 2-car garage home on a large, fencedin lot. The house has fresh interior paint, beautiful tile throughout, and an open concept floorplan with recessed lighting. If you’re looking for that perfect spot to call home, look no further! MLS#1108826 $325,000 Call Lyn Gildon 386-466-6100.

&

Built in 2020, this 4 bed, 2 bath home has a well thought out split floor plan, w/ an open kitchen concept, overlooking the large living room. Step outside to the oversized screened-in patio & enjoy the privacy of the fully fenced and spacious back yard. Just a short walk away is the community clubhouse. MLS#1109370 $385,000 Call Michael Burgess 386-290-4588.

COQUINA COVE

NEW ROOF in January 2023. Fenced yard with patio. Walking trail and lake behind the home. Floors are laminate, title and carpet in the bedrooms. 3 bed, 2 bath concrete block construction with stucco cover. Spacious kitchen with a bar counter & island for more counter space. MLS#1109624 $344,000 Call Jean Ivis 386-299-3338.

Looking for Wow Factor on the Beach! Look no further than this Stunning 2bd/2bath ocean view unit with deeded garage, nestled between the sparkling Atlantic ocean & Halifax River. From the moment you enter unit 109, you will delight in the attention to detail the owner has undertaken in remodeling this oversized unit. MLS#1103563 $330,000 Call Susan Drahos 386-295-0041.

This 3 bedroom 2 bath home has many updated features. There is a bonus room that would make a perfect office or kids playroom. LR, DR and FR. Large fenced yard has a double gate for easy access. Hurricane panels, shed, and extra wide driveway. Move in ready.

MLS#1107435 $369,000

Call Debbie & Wayne Carter 386-506-1810.

Desirable Wilbur-by-the sea bungalow with 2 bed and 2 full bath w/ a possible 3rd bedroom in the sun room under air. There are beautiful Terrazzo floors and a custom steam shower. A 3 minute walk to the popular marina and restaurant ‘’Boondocks’’, and a 4 minute walk to beach access on the beautiful Wilbur beaches.

MLS#1109630 $439,000

Call Heiko Folkerts 386-843-4678.

Photo courtesy of Krista Libby/Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group

The condo has 3,847 square feet of living space.

REAL ESTATE

House in Ormond-bythe-Sea tops sales list

Ahouse in Ormond-by-the-Sea was the top real estate transaction for April 16-22 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. Robert and Nannine Dahlen, of Holly Hill, sold 3384 John Anderson Drive to Randall and Cynthia Keen, of Ormond Beach, for $1,090,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a boat house, a boat dock, a fireplace and 2,889 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $590,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

William Scott Wickline and Judith Ann Wickline, of Ormond Beach, sold 2220 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 503A, to Allen and Kathy Roberts, of Zellwood, for $485,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $425,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Chelsea PlaceJames Solomon and Rona Fingold, of Las Vegas, Nevada,

sold 249 Chelsea Place Ave. to Harry Truman Aubin and Yoonjung Chun, of Ormond Beach, for $680,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 5/2.5 and has a pool and 2,937 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $120,000.

Country Acres

Paul and Tracey Shearman, of Ormond Beach, sold 236 Rodeo Road to Marc and Regina Marcotte, as trustees, for $700,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3.5 with a pool, dock, fireplace and 4,022 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $525,000.

Halifax Plantation

D.R. Horton, Inc., of Orlando, sold 2783 Portadown Street to Paul Robert Bertran, Jr., of Ormond Beach, for $346,200. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,504 square feet.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of Orlando, sold 2785 Portadown Street to Pamela McDaniel and Raymond Taylor Cardwell, of Ormond Beach, for $338,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,614 square feet.

D.R. Horton, Inc., of Orlando, sold 2761 Portadown Street to Michael Gerard Conway and Jean Harrity Conway, of Ormond Beach, for $330,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,504 square feet.

Melrose

Gina Pauze and Bertram Diaz, of Port Orange, sold 45 Central Ave. to Sunny Dog D LLC, of St. Augustine, for $305,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,166 square feet. It sold in 1997 for $132,000.

Not in a subdivision

George Harry Manning and William Manning, of South Daytona, sold 146 Magnolia Drive to Christian and Katherine Porter, of Ormond Beach, for $342,000. Built in 1954, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,445 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $145,800.

Jonathan Merwin, of Ormond Beach, sold 105 Dianne Drive to David and Lynne Zimmerman, of

Ormond Beach, for $507,000. Built in 1975, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,860 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $282,000.

New Britain

Carl D’Onofrio Jr. and Brianna

D’Onofrio, of Ormond Beach, sold 21 Chippingwood Lane to James and Lisa Majewski, of Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin, for $240,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 2/2.5 and has 1,386 square feet. It sold in 1987 for $65,000.

Ocean Village

Daniel Lawrence Weber and Marcus Eugene Wolff, of Daytona Beach Shores, sold 601 Robin Road, Unit A, to Jana Simmons, of Ormond Beach, for $215,000. Built in 1947, the house is a 1/1 and has 504 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $150,000.

Ormond Terrace

Michael and Sarah Hankes, of Ormond Beach, sold 630 Andrews Street to Mark Atwood, Stacy Ann Atwood and Marilyn Joyce Atwood, of Ormond Beach, for $480,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,406 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $251,500.

Pineland Paul Robert Bertram, Jr., of Ormond Beach, sold 274 Sandoval Drive to Steven and Elexus Stewart, of Ormond Beach, for $360,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,846 square feet. It sold in 280,500.

Tomoka Estates

Carolyn Hixon, of Ormond Beach, sold 1096 Shockney Drive to Timothy Lott, of Dundee, Michigan, for $438,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a boat dock and 1,780 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $138,500.

Tomoka Oaks Roberto and Laidys Roque, of Fort Lauderdale, sold 82 N. St. Andrews Drive to Thierry Christian Romain and Jean Marie Romain, of Ormond Beach, for $725,000. Built in 1970, the house is a 5/4.5 and has a pool, a fireplace and 4,075 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $395,000.

Tymber Creek

William Hegarty and Molly Cunningham, as trustees, sold 170 Fox Glen Court to Brandon Schumacker, of Ormond Beach, for $287,300. Built in 1979, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,260 square feet of living space. It sold in 2002 for $112,900.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Pamela Gentile, as trustee, sold 2261 John Anderson Drive to Sarah Dodge, of Ormond Beach, for $375,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,629 square feet. It sold in 1989 for $110,000.

Oliver and Diane Simeth, of Port Orange, sold 25 San Jose Drive to Joanne Gauthier, of Middleton, New Hampshire, for $450,000. Built in 1961, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,123 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $221,000.

Stephen and Lynn LeClaire, of Ormond Beach, sold 41 Beechwood Drive to Melissa Lea AhoRice and Darren Michael Rice, of Port Orange, for $365,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,015 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $161,000.

Daniel and Reina Giaimo, of Ormond Beach, sold 48 Seaside Drive to Casey Ferguson, of Ormond Beach, for $370,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/1 and has 944 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $143,500.

Encore Real Estate Investments LLC, and Michael Dudley, of Orlando, sold 39 Tropical Drive to Brent and Margo Feaser, of Longwood, for $325,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 2/1 and has 924 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $225,000.

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

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

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

June 1, 2023

23-00097F

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act Statutes (Section 83.801-83.809). The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on THURSDAY JUNE 22, 2023, at 12PM on Lockerfox. com, Where said property is stored at: iStorage Bunnell, 2303 N State St, Bunnell, FL 32110

Name: Unit # Contents Christina Lee A012 Desk, Garden tools, Boxes Christina Lee C055 Fish tank, Jewelry Box, Smoker Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash

The house at 3384 John Anderson Drive has 2,889 square feet of living space.

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