Palm Coast Observer 8-10-23

Riano perfects his cast netting at the kids4reel fishing clinic at Herschel King Park.

CITY WATCH

Rolled-back budget is $2.7 million lighter

The Palm Coast City Council got to see what the city’s 2024 general fund budget will look like with a rolledback millage rate on Aug. 8. The result was $2.7 million in cuts from the budget that city staff proposed last month.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Calendar photo contest opens

Flagler County is seeking photography submissions for the Florida Association of Counties 2024 calendar contest, “Skylines of the Sunshine State.”

Photographers interested in submitting photos must send them to Flagler County Communications Coordinator Julie Murphy at jmpurphy@ flaglercounty.gov by Aug. 14, according to a press release from Flagler County.

The photos must follow the contest’s theme and be at least 3,000 pixels/300 DPI, horizontal, and in .JPEG format.

The photos must also be shot in Flagler County, and it would be helpful if the location of the photo subject is identified.

“Skylines of the Sunshine State” submissions can include: energetic skylines, architectural marvels, waterfront views and beautiful tree canopies, according to FAC contest rules.

“Whether your county is rural or urban, we want to see your county in the visual celebration of the sunshine state,” the FAC website states.

Flagler County will submit the entries on behalf of individual photographers.

“I would say that you’re able to make these changes by shaving away what will become the growth component for the future,” Mayor David Alfin said after Director of Financial Services Helena Alves presented the proposed budget with a rollback rate of 4.2570 — or $4.2570 per $1,000 in taxable value — at an Aug. 8 workshop.

The $55.8 million proposed general fund budget is $3 million more than this year’s budget but about $2.7 million less than city staff proposed for 2024 on July 11 with a millage rate of 4.6100, the same as this year’s. With property values increasing, the rollback rate will still bring in more revenue.

The $7.36 million contract with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office remained the same, as did the city attorney budget ($685,254) and the $529,382 economic development budget. Every other department was subjected to cuts.

“We will end up paying for it, because what we’re doing is we’re bare bonesing it so that we’re not allowing any of these departmental budgets to account for growth for the future,” Alfin said.

Many of the cuts came from not filling open positions or canceling new positions. For the Planning Department, a request for a planning manager was removed.

“The changes do have an effect on services provided to the community,” City Manager Denise Bevan said. “Overall, we suspended select programs, positions and activities across all departments, including

“We will end up paying for it, because what we’re doing is we’re bare bonesing it so that we’re not allowing any of these departmental budgets to account for growth for the future.”

DAVID

enterprise fund departments.

“I just want to set the expectations that we are basically at almost below the baseline that we pride ourselves to be at.”

On the day that the city’s summer interns presented their compre

hensive study on current employee satisfaction and ways to improve recruiting, interns were cut from several departments.

The council had agreed to the rollback rate believing it could enter into a franchise fee agreement with Florida Power & Light that would bring the city additional revenue.

But FPL did not agree to the city’s terms: The council had wanted the rate to be set by voters in a referendum during every general election.

The street maintenance budget of $9,366,829 proposed on July 11 is being trimmed by $278,901.

Among the other departments with the biggest cuts from the previous proposal were Planning ($172,000), Parks and Recreation ($162,000), Human Resources ($106,000) and Communications and Marketing ($93,000).

HR’s risk management position will be frozen.

The Palm Coast Aquatics Center will close in December and January under the proposal.

“We’re not going to open a bowling alley. So we need to look for some creative ways, and I think we’ll find them. But it’s a tough spot. The whole world is in a tough spot. It’s not just us. I mean, Mick Jagger said it best. You can’t always get what you want.”

The Southern Recreation Center budget for the year was slashed by $90,000, removing a request for a second customer service representative and amounts allocated for advertising and supplies.

The Palm Harbor Golf Club budget was reduced by $110,000 through cutting staff hours and equipment and reducing repair and maintenance allocations.

Council member Nick Klufas said the success of Parks and Recreation’s summer programs made it hard to hear about the department’s budget cuts.

“I want to commend all of our department heads,” council member Theresa Carli Pontieri said. “I know this was a tough endeavor. It’s important for our residents to see that we are trying to make sacrifices to be very fiscally responsible.”

Alfin challenged the council members to think about alternative revenue sources.

“I’m willing to look at any alternative source as long as we’re not competing with free enterprise,” Vice Mayor Ed Danko said. “We’re not going to open a bowling alley. So we need to look for some creative ways, and I think we’ll find them. But it’s a tough spot. The whole world is in a tough spot. It’s not just us. I mean, Mick Jagger said it best. You can’t always get what you want.”

Purple Heart Day declared

The Palm Coast City Council has proclaimed Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day.

U.S. Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Charles Hanger accepted the proclamation on behalf of other veterans after council member Cathy Heighter read the proclamation at an Aug. 1 council meeting.

“This is truly an honor for me to be able to present this purple heart proclamation,” Heighter said.

Her son, Army Pfc. Raheen Tyson Heighter, was a Purple Heart recipient, she said. He died on July 24, 2003, while serving in Iraq.

Hanger challenged Palm Coast residents and veterans to reach out to a veteran’s association and see how they can help.

“Just like any church or other civic organization ... we need people to make it work, and work effectively,” he said. Hanger served in the Army as a combat medic from 1969-1971, during the Vietnam War.

In addition to the Purple Heart, he also received, among others, the Bronze Star Medal, the Air Medal and the Army Commendation Medal with two oak leaf clusters.

The city chose Aug. 7 as Purple Heart Day because General George Washington had established the medal on Aug. 7, 1782, at Newburgh, New York, according to the city’s proclamation.

“It was the first award made available to the common soldier to recognize outstanding valor or merit,” the proclamation said.

An estimated 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded.

“Without the veterans,” Hanger said, “you don’t have a history, you don’t have a government.”

Mayor David Alfin

File photo

ALFIN, Palm Coast mayor

ED DANKO, vice mayor

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The first day of school in Flagler County is Thursday, Aug. 10. It will look a little different this year. Students will have to have their ID cards handy and their cellphones turned off. But they won’t need to worry about paying for lunch: It will be free. Here’s a look at what’s in store for students and families this school year.

‘HERE COMES THE BUS’

The district used the “Here Comes the Bus” tracking app last year, but Flagler Schools wants its families to be more engaged with the app this school year, Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore said.

All students will receive an ID card. For bus riders, the cards will be used to scan students when they enter and leave the bus, so parents will know exactly when their children get on the bus and when they get off. With the app, parents will also be able to track when their bus is within a mile of the bus stop.

Instructions for accessing the app are at Flaglerschools.com. Go to “Students and Families” and click on “Bus Transportation.”

There are also changes within some of the buses, Moore said.

“Our buses, of course, have video inside. We also have 10 brand new buses where you can see the entire 360 of the bus on the outside,” Moore said. “We have predictive stops where if a car is approaching, the bus will realize that the car isn’t going to stop in time, and it will begin to speak to the students automatically to tell them not to cross, that there is danger in the area.”

Beginning Aug. 7, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office increased patrols around school zones and residential bus stops. Members of the FCSO command staff, patrol deputies and Citizen Observer Patrol units were scheduled to join School Resource Deputies at every public school on the first day of school on Aug. 10.

“The first day of school is always exciting for our kids,” Sheriff Rick Staly said in an FCSO press release. “That’s why drivers should be extra careful while traveling through school zones and residential areas, especially near school bus stops. Be especially mindful of crosswalks.”

Moore said the School Board will decide in the coming weeks if it wants to take advantage of new legislation that will allow the district to collaborate with the FCSO to ticket drivers who do not stop for school buses. Cars that are behind a school bus or coming from the opposite direction are required to stop when a school bus stop sign arm is extended while it is picking up or dropping off students.

Welcome back students

CELLPHONES

New legislation signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis prohibits students from using their cellphones during instructional time unless directed by a teacher for educational purposes.

The district provides a device for all students to access the internet, so unless students have a written medical or safety plan, they are not allowed to have cellphones out during classes, Moore said. Students are no longer allowed to access social media platforms using school internet. School districts are also prohibited from using the TikTok platform.

FREE LUNCHES

Knowing math is an essential part of running Café EDU. Flagler Schools Food Services Director Angie Bush said that in using a formula from the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program, Café EDU found that it can offer free lunches for at least the next three years for all Flagler Schools students and staff members. It is the first time since COVID that the district is able to offer free lunches for all students. The reason, Bush said, is a significant increase in the number of Flagler students who are eligible for free meals, which allowed the district to provide free

NEW PRINCIPALS

Wadsworth and Bunnell elementary schools have new principals. Amy Neuenfeldt is Wadsworth’s new principal, while Donelle Evensen has been promoted from assistant principal to take over for Principal Marcus Sanfilippo, who is moving to the district office.

“I’m very excited about our two new principals,” Moore said. “Donelle’s been serving at Bunnell for a number of years now, and Ms. Amy Neuenfeldt is going back to Wadsworth Elementary, where she was a teacher and an academic coach and did great things there.”

CONSTRUCTION ZONES

lunches for all students.

Breakfast already had been free.

Bush said having free meals will reduce stress for students and their families as well as for Café EDU staff.

“It’s so much fun when parents call and ask to fill out an application (for free or reduced lunch) to say there’s no need to fill one out. Lunch is free for everyone,” Bush said.

Only a la carte items — which include snacks like baked chips, fruit snacks, breakfast bars and sports drinks — will be available for sale.

Expecting at least 5% more students to choose school lunches this year, Bush said the district has ordered more heavily. The

The expansion project at Matanzas High School is underway, while work on Flagler Palm Coast High School’s front parking lots is set to begin on March 1, 2024, Plant Services Director Kory Bush said. The FPC project will alleviate drainage problems in the parking lots in front of the school and the auditorium. The Matanzas construction will affect bus parking at the school.

“The buses utilized only half of the spots in the bus parking lot,” Kory Bush said. “We shifted the buses to the east part of the lot which was not being used. We won’t be using the spots in front of the construction.”

DISCUSS MENTAL HEALTH WITH YOUR CHILDREN

Half of all mental health illnesses begin by age 14, yet only one out of three parents regularly discusses mental health with their children, according to AdventHealth research.

Dr. Tina Gurnani, a board-certified pediatric and adolescent psychiatrist at AdventHealth for Children, spoke at an Aug. 3 news briefing on Facebook Live about the importance of making mental health part of the conversation.

For those who suffer, it can take up to 11 years to get a diagnosis and seek treatment. Gurnani talked about the increase in children and teens seeking treatment for anxiety, panic attacks, depression, suicidal thoughts and cutting behavior. She advised parents on what to be on the lookout for throughout the school year.

“Be in tune with your child as to what’s going on in their day-to-day life and what they may be going through. Watch for any shifts in their mood, differences in their engagement with activities or daily life. Things like that would signal the need to dig a little deeper,” she said.

district has a new food product distributer — Ben E. Keith Company, out of Fort Worth, Texas.

“That partnership will help stabilize our supply chain impacts that we felt from COVID and are not completely gone,” Bush said.

Because of the transition, there may be some menu changes during the first three or four weeks of school, she said.

Café EDU keeps up with what’s popular, Bush said. Pizza is always popular, she said. The Asian cuisine line and the taco line in the high schools are very popular. And taco day is very popular in the elementary and middle schools, Bush said.

DISTRICT WEBSITE

Moore said the most accurate and updated information about Flagler Schools is on the district’s and individual schools’ websites. She said families can reach out to the district directly or through the “Let’s Talk” page on flaglerschools.com.

“Our theme for this year is Flagler Forward, and it’s really about improving student achievement, of course, but also working collectively with our community in order to advance our district as a whole,” she said.

BRENT

Costumers With A Cause were dressed up for the Back to School Jam. From left: Jack Hill (Spider-Man), Scott Nance (Ghostbuster), Lisa Crosby (Supergirl) and Kal Petersen (Star-Lord). The volunteer organization raises money for nonprofits and brings “joy and smiles to children of all ages,” said the organization’s Tracy Jones.

Flagler Palm Coast High seniors Grayson Peugh and Amanda Taylor shared information at the Back to School Jam about SPARK — STEM Projects Advancing Real-World Knowledge — a club operated by high school students for third to fifth graders at Bunnell, Wadsworth and Rymfire elementary schools.

Belle Terre Elementary School PTO members Lauren Ramirez and Samantha Dawson

Tom Wooleyhan, coordinator of district safety, and Matanzas football coach Matt Forrest

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Buddy Taylor Middle School student Tymur Kuzmenko and his mom, Inna Kuzmenko

Whispering Meadows plans move to Ormond

operation for 16 years.

Next superintendent slated to

earn as much as $200,000

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Whispering Meadows Ranch plans to move its equine-therapy mission west of Ormond Beach within the next two years.

The nonprofit off John Anderson Highway in Flagler Beach has purchased a 9-acre parcel of land at 3310 W. State Road 40, about 5 miles west of I-95, CEO Helene Davis announced in a press release. Whispering Meadows completed the purchase on July 28.

According to realtor.com, the property was sold for $600,000.

The all-volunteer ranch, operated by Davis, her husband, Richard, and their daughter Kristine Aguirre, introduces horsemanship to children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

It is a member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.

Whispering Meadows has been in

The new property is about 4 acres larger than the current ranch and backs up to Tiger Bay State Forest, which has equestrian trails, allowing the ranch to offer trail rides to its veterans group, Aguirre said. But the property needs major work.

“It has no fencing, no paddock area, no shelter (for the horses),” she said.

The release said the new property is expected to be ready for use in two years, but Aguirre said that ideally it will take less time.

Because of supply shortages, she said, Whispering Meadows wanted to build a cushion into the timeline. She said the nonprofit has contractors lined up to begin work.

The property includes a threebedroom, 1,600-square foot house, which will not be a residence. The family plans to use it for activities, recreation and office space, Aguirre said. There is a separate building that could serve as a caretaker’s quarters, she added.

“It’s a beautiful piece of property,” Aguirre said.

Whispering Meadows has been looking to move from its current property, which is in a residential

“We’re respecting our neighbors, and we’re keeping things to a minimum while we pursue the new property. We’re not holding any events, and we’re only doing riding lessons in the afternoon.”

AGUIRRE

KRISTINE

area, for more than two years after some neighbors complained, including one whose land sale deal had fallen through because of the ranch’s proximity.

In February 2022, the Flagler County Commission voted to approve the ranch’s application for semi-public use on a 44-acre parcel near the county fairgrounds and County Road 13, which is owned by the state and leased to the county.

But the state later quashed the deal because it involved a private entity operating on public land.

Aguirre said the ranch is currently limiting sessions to four days a week in the afternoons.

“We’re respecting our neighbors, and we’re keeping things to a minimum while we pursue the new property,” she said, noting that the ranch has a waiting list of 60 kids. “We’re not holding any events, and we’re only doing riding lessons in the afternoon.”

Aguirre said the new property is a 22-minute drive from the current property.

“Quite a few of our clients are from the Ormond Beach area,” Aguirre said. “We’ve gotten an overwhelmingly positive response from our Flagler clients (regarding the move).”

The Ormond Beach property is zoned for rural agriculture, with permitted uses that include singlefamily homes.

“We spoke to the county, and there are a few steps we’ll need to take to be in full operation,” Aguirre said.

Flagler School Board agrees to change job title to ‘CEOSuperintendent of Schools.’

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The next Flagler Schools Superintendent will earn a base salary in the range of $165,000 to $200,000 annually and will have a new title.

The School Board agreed to board member Sally Hunt’s request to change the superintendent’s title to CEO-Superintendent of Schools.

The board is scheduled to discuss a final version of the superintendent’s job description at its information workshop on Aug. 15 and then vote on the final wording that evening at its monthly business meeting.

The job description’s job goal states, “The Superintendent shall be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the District as described by School Board policy and Florida law.”

But Hunt also wanted “CEO” to be part of the job title.

“In a lot of cases executives have two job titles,” she said at the board’s Aug. 1 agenda workshop. “This person is not only the superintendent of schools, they are expected to be the chief executive officer of an organization, the largest employer in the county. To me, it’s really meaningful in the job title.”

Hunt also asked for a higher range in salary, with a top-end figure of $215,000 for an exceptional candidate.

“This is a priority to me,” she said. “If we need to find dollars, to me it’s (for) this position.”

Colleen Conklin suggested a topend salary of $195,000. The board members settled at $200,000.

Cathy Mittelstadt, the district’s previous superintendent, received a base salary of $135,000 when she was hired in 2020. Her contract also included $10,800 in deferred com-

pensation and an $8,400 expense allowance.

The board plans to name a new superintendent on Nov. 7, with a projected start date of Jan. 1, 2024. Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore said she has not decided whether to apply for the position.

The district has opened a survey at flaglerschools.com for community members to provide input.

The survey asks participants to choose the leadership qualities they find most important in a new superintendent. It includes five questions about culture, learning environment, working relationships, educators and staff and parents and community support.

Survey takers are also asked to list two or three significant strengths of the district and two or three challenges or issues facing the district, and to mark the stakeholder group they belong to. The survey will close on Sept. 15.

The superintendent’s job description includes qualifications, knowledge, skills and abilities and performance responsibilities. The board decided to require the candidates to have a master’s degree, with a doctorate desirable. Ten years of progressively responsible leadershipmanagement experience is preferred, with both school principal and central office management desirable.

The board is scheduled to begin advertising for the new leader of Flagler Schools on Aug. 18.

“This person is not only the superintendent of schools, they are expected to be the chief executive officer of an organization, the largest employer in the county.”

SALLY HUNT, board member

The ranch provides equine therapy for children and adults with special needs.

File photo by Brent Woronoff

Richard and Helene Davis operate Whispering Meadows Ranch with their daughter, Kristine Aguirre.

Exhibit showcases 1960s-era changes in Black culture

The student-led ‘Summer of Soul’ exhibit opening debuted the AACS’ inaugural Art, Media, Communications, and Exhibitions Summer Internship Program.

EMMA BRUGNA

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A new, student-produced exhibit at the African American Cultural Society explores the shift in Black music, culture, and fashion during the ’60s.

AACS college intern Savannah Ryan curated the “Summer of Soul” exhibition, which opened on Saturday, July 29, and runs through Sept. 30. The inspiration for the intergenerational exhibit came from the

2021 documentary “Summer of Soul,” about the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival. The film won multiple industry awards and streamed on Hulu.

“I kind of wanted to show the fashion, the history, the politics, and the music that happened at the festival and throughout the ’60s, as well as just the community,” Ryan said.

The exhibition opening debuted the AACS’ inaugural Art, Media, Communications, and Exhibitions Summer Internship Program, which teaches local young adults and gives them a forum to express their creativity.

AACS President Joseph T. Jones opened the event by recalling that historic summer.

“This period of history is a sweet spot in my life,” Jones said.

Dr. Alvin Jackson, the city manager of Bunnell, said the exhibit brought back memories.

“We were experiencing challenging times,” Jackson said. “The economic conditions weren’t the best;

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housing definitely wasn’t the best. But there was a culture.”

Exhibits like “Summer of Soul” bring generations together, said Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin.

“This is absolutely my favorite type of event,” Alfin said, “where you bring a younger audience to an older event so that you create a cultural connection between those that have lived through it and those that want to learn about it, so you preserve a cultural heritage into the future.”

The exhibition featured a variety of artists’ pieces portraying the summer of 1969 and paying homage to the importance of that decade.

One of the artists was doll fashion designer Carnien Nibbs from “Laylee M Doll Clothes,” who created a doll to resemble singer and civil rights activist Nina Simone, to be displayed for the event.

The event also featured live entertainment by Dante’s Divas of R&B; and showcased fashion, music, art, and film from that era.

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“Foster parenting is an act of God’s love to those who have not been loved.”

Laylee M Doll Clothes’ Carnien Nibbs and her creation, constructed specifically for this exhibition. The doll on the top shelf is modeled after singer Nina Simone.

Photos by Emma Brugna

Interns Oslyn Bryant, Rodney Roberson and Bryanna Ivey; Mayor David Alfin; and interns Savannah Ryan, Maya Chatman, and Asacia Morales

Dante’s Divas of R&B perform at the event.

COPS CORNER

JULY 17

CLIENT COMPLAINT

11:12 a.m. — 300 block of Clyde Morris Boulevard, Ormond Beach Suspicious incident. Police responded to a local ophthalmology clinic after its management reported that a former patient was leaving “cryptic” comments on the clinic’s social media page.

The clinic’s CEO told the reporting officer that the patient had been leaving comments since May, but that the CEO grew concerned that day because the patient posted a comment ending with the words, “God’s looking for you.”

The CEO said none of the comments threatened the clinic, and that they were about a procedure the patient received two years ago. Police reviewed all of the comments and determined that there was no threat.

The reporting officer asked the management team if they wanted him to speak with the patient, but they declined.

JULY 27

YOU’RE A GRAND OLD FLAG

9:07 a.m. — First block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Theft. An Ormond Beach resident called police after

he noticed that a small U.S. flag had been stolen from his business.

The resident told police he had discovered the theft when he reviewed security camera footage, according to a police report.

The footage showed a man and woman walk by the business. The woman removed the flag from the ground and walked away with it.

The resident said that the man in the footage looked confused by the woman’s actions. The resident did not recognize them.

He estimated that the flag was worth about $4, but said its sentimental value was greater and that he wanted to pursue charges.

AUG. 1

LOCK YOUR DOORS

2:50 p.m. — First block of Eagle Drive, Ormond Beach Burglary. An Ormond Beach woman’s wedding ring was stolen from inside her home while she was in another room, according to a police report.

The woman and her husband were renovating their home when she removed her ring to paint a bedroom, placing it on top of an open drawer in the kitchen.

Her husband left to buy supplies, and about five minutes later, she heard someone call out, “Hello?” from the main living area.

But the woman thought the voice must have been “just a

thought,” so she didn’t investigate, the report states.

Shortly after, she saw a person’s shadow walk past the back window of her home.

When her husband returned two hours later, she noticed her ring was gone.

The couple had left their garage door open, and the door from the garage to the kitchen was unlocked.

AUG. 3

BEACH BUMMER

3:18 p.m. — 400 block of Beach Village Drive, Flagler Beach

Retail theft. A man walked into a supermarket at the corner of State Road 100 and Roberts Road, grabbed two beach chairs and a beach umbrella, then left the store without paying and placed them in an SUV.

Then he walked back into the store, took two bodyboards and walked out with those without paying as well, and placed them in the SUV.

Then he entered the store a third time, filling a cart with a beach anchor, a 12-pack of Coke, other beverages, a cooler and other items that he placed in tote bags before leaving, again without paying.

When a deputy found the man at his home, the man admitted he hadn’t paid for “some” of the items at the store, according to his arrest report. Then he admitted he hadn’t paid for any of them. The deputy arrested him.

Celebrate Waterfront Park’s new enhancements at a ribbon cutting on Friday, August 18 at 9am. Enhancements include canal dredging, floating dock, and non-motorized boat launch.

Man charged with pointing gun at Lyft driver

The man later said he was suicidal and had pulled the trigger on the unloaded gun to scare the driver into killing him, according to the FCSO.

OBSERVER STAFF

A 24-year-old man pointed a gun at his Lyft driver’s head the morning of Aug. 6 and pulled the trigger: The gun clicked, but did not fire, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The man later said he was suicidal and was trying to scare the driver into shooting him.

Deputies arrested suspect Esaiah Glenn, a Palm Coast resident, the same day.

The Lyft driver said he had picked up Glenn on Provi -

dence Lane at about 2:13 a.m., according to Glenn’s arrest report. The Lyft had been ordered under someone else’s name.

Glenn asked the driver to take him to an address on Bronson Lane.

But from the beginning, the driver later told a deputy, Glenn had seemed “very off,” continuously “making extravagant statements about random things,” according to the deputy’s account of the driver’s statement.

Glenn repeatedly changed his mind about where he wanted the driver to go.

At one point, after Glenn told the driver to turn around, the driver felt something hard against the back of his head and heard a click.

The driver spun around and grabbed the gun out of Glenn’s hands.

Glenn “began making jokes, stating the firearm is not load-

CRIME REPORT

Youth, 16, arrested in nonfatal stabbing

A 16-year-old boy stabbed two other teens on July 30 over a marijuana sale, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The two victims were taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. The stabbing happened in the BL Section of Palm Coast.

The 16-year-old and the two other boys began fist-fighting when the boys could not pay for a mixture of marijuana and Italian spices the 16-yearold was trying to sell them, according to a press release from the FCSO.

But during the fight, the 16-year-old pulled out a pocket knife and stabbed one of the other boys, then

stabbed the second boy as he was helping the first.

Detectives arrested the 16-year-old on Aug. 2. He is charged with using or displaying a weapon during a felony and two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.

Registered sex offender arrested

A 43-year-old registered sex offender was arrested Aug. 3 and charged with 20 counts of possessing child pornography and one count of failing to register an online account by a registered sex offender.

A tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led law enforcement officers to discover sexually explicit photos of children on suspect Timothy S. Young’s

TRIBUTES

Barbara Joan Eaton Brown, 90, of Searcy, also affectionately named “Angel” by her husband George of nearly 69 years, passed away Thursday, July 27th, 2023 after a lifetime of service especially to help needy children. She was born July 10, 1933 in Elizabeth, New Jersey to Harold Sr. and Flora Wadhams Eaton but spent most of her life primarily in central and south Florida.

She is preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Harold Eaton, Jr.

Explore Play Conn ect

ed and he was ‘just kidding.’”

But soon after, he “completely changed his demeanor,” saying he wanted to die and asking the driver to shoot him.

The driver told Glenn to get out of the car. Glenn repeatedly asked the driver to shoot him while slowly getting out of the car. As soon as Glenn was out, the driver tossed the handgun out the window, sped off and called the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies checked homes near the address where Glenn had been picked up on Providence Lane and found the person who had ordered the Lyft for him.

That person, who said Glenn was his friend, told deputies that Glenn had been making suicidal statements and had shown him a gun. Deputies found Glenn trying to get a hotel room on Kingswood Drive, according to an FCSO press release.

electronic devices, according to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies arrested Young at his home on Avenue I near Ormond Beach the afternoon of Aug. 3, a VSO press release stated.

Young had been previously convicted of possession of child pornography in 2018.

VSO detectives worked with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on the three-month investigation.

Detectives searched Young’s home July 21, confiscating electronic devices that contained sexually explicit photos depicting girls from under 6 to under 12 years old.

The investigation showed that Young had uploaded files containing suspected child pornography, according to the press release.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the VSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.

He admitted that he’d pulled a gun on the driver and said he did so because he had hoped that the driver would shoot him if he heard the gun click.

The driver identified Glenn as the person who’d pulled the gun on him.

“This situation could have ended a lot worse, but

I’m proud of the quick and sweeping actions our team to make sure our community was safe, and that the suspect was apprehended before he could hurt someone or himself,” Sheriff Rick Staly said, according to the news release. “If you know of someone who is having a mental health episode, you should always call us to intervene before it escalates, as it did in this case.”

Deputies arrested Glenn and took him to the county jail. He is charged with Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.

BRIEFS

Animal Services director chosen Volusia County’s new Animal Services director will be Angela Miedema.

Miedema was confirmed by the Volusia County Council on Aug. 1 and will start work on Aug. 21. She has 12 years of animal welfare experience and leadership.

Volusia confirms

Community Services director

Brad Burbaugh is Volusia County’s new community services director. Burbaugh has worked with the county since 2019. The County Council approved his appointment as Community Services Director on Aug. 1, according to a news release.

husband, George; daughters, Jocelynn Goff (David) of Searcy, Annette Marie Caceres of Miami, Florida, Vanessa Gilliam (David) of Little Rock, AR; 6 grandchildren, Michelle Goff, Jennifer Sale (Brandon), Kimberly Edwards (Paxton), Chrystal Goff, Cameron Gilliam, Whitney Gilliam (Will); 2 great grand-children: Kadesh Edwards, Zeni Edwards and deeply cherished nieces and nephews.

Visitation was at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home/ Searcy from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, August 4, 2023. A Celebration of Life was held at College Church of Christ, Searcy, on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 10 a.m. followed by a Graveside Service at White County Memorial Gardens, Searcy.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to:

Barbara graduated with a BA in Elementary Education from the University of Florida. She worked as a teacher and administrator in public and private schools in Florida, but her favorite place to be was in her home with their 3 daughters and her husband George. She also partnered with George and fellow Christians in the establishment of the Downtown Church of Christ in Kansas City, Missouri in 1963. Together they founded Christian Homes for Children, a non-profit Christian foster care ministry, still operating since 1979 providing truly safe homes for more than 1,300 children.

In April 2020, she was designated as the recipient of the “One Person Can Make

a Difference” award from the National Association of Church of Christ Network 1:27, an organization that recognizes those who work in foster care.

Barbara had a beautiful voice and was often requested to sing at weddings and events. As she sang in church people would turn their heads to hear her voice. She was an exceptional cook and baker. She was especially good at making meatloaf, apple pie, “happy day cake”, and biscuits. She loved hosting people in her

home and also cared for aging family members and any of George’s students in need of temporary housing. She mentored many women, taught Bible classes for women and children, and organized events for her church and any ministry they were involved in. She also found ways to be active in any community they lived.

Among the organizations she was a member of include the Women’s Glee Club at University of Florida, Holly Hill Church of Christ “Ladies Night Out” group and “Young At Heart”, along with the Frederick VanPatten DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) chapter in Searcy. She is survived by her

Christian Homes for Children

12001 Southwest 72nd Street Miami, Florida 33183 www.christianhomesforchildren.org

Or Iron Rose Sister Ministries

P.O. Box 1351 Searcy, Arkansas 72145 www.ironrosesister.com

As we grieve, we also celebrate her ascension to her eternal reward. Online Guestbook:www. rollerfuneralhomes.com

Barbara Joan Eaton Brown 1933-2023

As she sang in church people would turn their heads to hear her voice.

School district looks for new Flagler Youth Orchestra director

Now is not the time to make drastic changes with the program, Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore tells the board.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler County School Board voted last month to fund the Flagler Youth Orchestra this year. But before the program can get started, the district needs to hire a new program director and fill out the staff.

Board member Colleen Conklin would like to get a new director on board as soon as possible.

“A lot of people are just waiting,” she said at an Aug. 1 workshop.

But fellow board member Sally Hunt questioned why an outside

director is needed. She suggested having a district staff member run the program, directing the group of music instructors, who are contract employees.

“What does this person do? Is it on par with what people do for other programs?” Hunt asked.

Cheryl Tristam ran the program for 18 years before resigning last month amid a controversy over the FYO’s bank account, which turned out to be a Flagler Schools internal account that the district had lost track of.

Tristam earned about $30,000 a year as an independent contractor. Conklin said she put in 40-hour weeks as the program’s administrator.

Hunt questioned whether the program needs a full-time administrator along with an artistic director/ conductor and four to six part-time instructors.

“If they spend 40 hours a week, do they have to, or can this program

be run by someone spending five hours?” Hunt asked.

The program now falls under the purview of the district’s director of Teaching and Learning, Jeff Reaves.

“We’re building a plan as we’re flying it,” Reaves said. “We want to provide our students and our community with this exceptional opportunity, and we just want to do it in an effective and efficient way.”

Interim Superintendent LaShakia Moore said there isn’t time this year to restructure the program.

“Funding has been approved,” Moore said. “We need to get it going and operating. Some of it will look the way it has looked in the past in order to move forward.”

The district has three FYO instructors under contract for the school year. In addition to Tristam, three other instructors, including the artistic director, decided not to renew their contracts.

Reaves said new applicants have applied, and one of the instructors who pulled out has shown interest in returning.

Patty Wormeck, the district’s chief financial officer, said staff will be ready to present the results of an audit of the FYO’s bank account at the board’s Aug. 15 workshop.

A legal opinion from the Tallahassee law firm Sniffen and Spellman stated that the program did not present any operational issues other than the account not being subject to an annual audit.

Board member Will Furry, whose request for three years of financial records for the FYO revealed that it had never been an outside entity, wanted to make sure the district will now have full oversight over the program. Moore and Reaves assured him that will be the case.

Moore said the Department of

Teaching and Learning will give the board regular updates. Next year, the board will have the opportunity to review the program and decide what it will look like in the future.

Reaves said he hopes that eventually, students will earn school credits from their participation in the program.

Volusia fentanyl deaths rose by 10% last year

The total number of drug overdose deaths, however, is lower than in 2021.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

SENIOR EDITOR

Fentanyl was involved in 81.2% of drug overdose deaths in Volusia County in 2022 — a 10% increase from 2021, Volusia County Medical Examiner Dr. James Fulcher reported at an Aug. 1 County Council meeting.

Fulcher, who was providing the council with his office’s 2022 annual report, said about one-third of fentanyl-related drug overdose cases also involved the use of methamphetamine or cocaine — 38.5% and 30% of cases, respectively.

“That triad of drugs has significant synergistic toxic effects, and I believe that’s why we’re seeing people die,” Fulcher said.

Drug overdose deaths totaled 335 in 2022 for Volusia County. That figure is more than double the number of vehicle crash deaths that year, which totaled 142, according to the medical examiner’s data.

Despite the spike in fentanylrelated deaths, the overall number of drug overdose deaths is trending down, Fulcher said. In 2021, there were 400 drug overdose deaths.

BY THE NUMBERS

Total deaths were down 11% from 2021 to 2022, dropping from 9,315 to 8,268.

In 2022, the Volusia Medical Examiner’s office reviewed 38 homicides and 100 deaths by suicide.

Of the 785 accidental deaths investigated by the medical examiner in Volusia in 2022:

43% were drug overdoses

30% were due to falls by elderly people

19% were vehicle-related

What’s being sold on the streets is fentanyl, he emphasized, and at dangerous concentrations which require Narcan to be administered immediately and more than once.

“I haven’t seen a heroin death this year,” he said. “You’re not buying heroin. You’re not buying OxyContin. You are buying fentanyl — hard stop, I guarantee it. And the num-

bers we see in our fatalities are still sky high.”

Councilman Danny Robins, who chairs the Volusia County Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board, asked Fulcher if the council could do anything to help lower the percentage of fentanyl-related overdose deaths.

Fulcher’s answer? More education, and more Narcan. But it’s also a national problem, he said.

“There are national things that have to happen,” Fulcher said. “We can’t solve this on our own.”

Robins suggested the county create an informational video for its website and social media pages. County Councilman Troy Kent supported that proposal, particularly to reach children in middle and high school.

“I just get disgusted thinking about a high school kid or middle school kid thinking they’re buying something, making a bad decision,” he said. “But this is not just a onetime bad decision. This is an end-oflife bad decision.”

Robins said that in the spring, the Opioid Abatement Funding Advisory Board and Volusia Sheriff’s Office sent a letter to the Volusia County School Board encouraging the district to give school guardians and nurses access to Narcan.

“I know there was some tension

School tax rate, budget approved

Flagler’s proposed rate is a decrease from last year, but is expected to bring in more revenue because of property value increases.

JONATHAN SIMMONS MANAGING EDITOR

School property tax rates will decrease slightly this year, but prop-

TRIBUTES

Barbara Berardino Newman passed away peacefully in her home on July 27, 2023. Barbara was born December 26, 1939, the daughter of Leo and Anna Sutak Berardino. Barbara was raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania and graduated from Uniontown High School in 1957.

She was proud to be a first generation Italian-American. Her father immigrated from Italy and became a United States citizen by serving in World War I. Her mother was a loving homemaker and teacher, and Barbara followed in her footsteps becoming an educator herself. As a lifelong learner and educator, Barbara went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from California University of Pennsylvania, and her master’s and educational specialist degrees from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina.

Her first marriage to Franklin D. DeBerry in 1960 took her to her new home in North Carolina where she lived much of her adult life near Marine Corp Base Camp Lejeune and the surrounding area. There, she devoted the next 45 years of her professional career to the Onslow County School

erty values have risen so much that the lowered rate is expected to bring in more revenue for the district.

The Flagler County School Board approved an approximately $325 million tentative budget and a tentative property tax rate of $5.403 per $1,000 in taxable value during a public hearing on Aug. 1.

Although the proposed 2023-2024 millage rate is the lowest in over 20 years, it will raise more money than last year’s rate of $5.546 per $1,000 because of a 10.9% increase in tax-

System. She was a teacher, guidance counselor, principal, and assistant superintendent during her long tenure. Her many accomplishments included being the first female principal and assistant superintendent in the school district. Helping to develop and promote other young women in leadership roles was an important part of her legacy. She led the Onslow County School System to become accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools then went on to assist other schools across the state to earn accreditation, becoming a recognized state leader in the movement to raise public education standards.

During her time in North Carolina, Barbara married her lifelong partner and friend, John T. Newman, a local radio station director.

After her retirement from the Onslow County School System in 2006, Barbara moved to Palm Coast, Florida to be near her brother Frank and sister Mary Ann.

During her retirement, she enjoyed interior decorating, landscaping, and playing Pinochle with other senior citizens at the Palm Coast Community Center.

Barbara believed in giving back to the communities in which she lived and thus supported local civic organizations and charities. She served on the Cape Carteret Town Board of Commissioners, was a member of the Advent Health Palm Coast Foundation’s 20/20 Society, and has been a long time supporter of student scholarships at all of her alma

able property values, which now total $16.7 billion. The proposed rate is 3.22% over the rollback rate — the rate that would bring in the same dollar amount of revenue as the previous year’s rate, district Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck told the board.

In Florida, the state government sets most school-related property taxes for each district, then collects that money and redistributes it to school districts using formulas that even out per-student funding

maters. She earned the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, awarded by the governor of North Carolina to recognize her extraordinary service to the state.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased in death by her husband John Thomas Newman V, her brother Franklin M. Berardino, her brothers-in-law Ronald Ellis Williams, James Bridger Newman, Gene Aman, her sisters-in-law Patricia Wyeth Berardino and Marianne Newman Racker, and her first husband, Franklin D. DeBerry.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Mary Ann Berardino Williams of Palm Coast, FL, a stepson, John Thomas Newman VI of Winston-Salem, NC, and sisters-in-law Helen Newman Aman of Raleigh and Morehead City, NC, and Nancy Newman Dudney of Raleigh, NC. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews, including a very special neice Kimberly Williams Riley and husband John Riley III of Uniontown, PA and two very special nephews, Benjamin Leo Williams, Sr. and wife, Dr. Karen Mihalko Dowling Hegedis Williams of Cranberry. PA, and Theodore Ronald Williams, Sr. and wife Deborah Reynolds Williams of Palm Coast, FL.

The family received friends on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 10:00 am12:00 pm. at the DeGusipe Funeral Home, followed by Interment at Sylvan Heights Cemetery, Gallatin Avenue Ext. Uniontown, PA. In lieu of flowers, me-

there initially,” Robins said.

In a statement to the Observer in May, Volusia County Schools said it didn’t plan to require school nurses and other staff to take on the respon-

between wealthy and less wealthy counties.

The state-required local effort millage for Flagler County this year is $3.155 per $1,000 in taxable value, while another $0.748 per $1,000 would go to the district’s operating fund, and an additional $1.5 per $1,000 would go to the district’s capital outlay fund.

Altogether, those rates — totaling 5.403 — are expected to raise $90,478,511.

Other sources, such as state and federal grants, bring the school district’s overall projected revenue to slightly over $130 million, and the district also expects to transfer $6.3

sibility of administering Narcan.

In April, neighboring Flagler Schools became the first school district in the state to adopt a policy to equip school nurses with Narcan.

million from its capital fund, Wormeck said.

Salaries and benefits account for 83% of the district’s proposed General Fund expenditures for the coming year.

The biggest projected capital project for the coming fiscal year is a $3 million effort to resurface the parking lots at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Flagler expects to have 14,161 students this year, including charter school students.

The School Board will hold its final public hearing on the proposed final millage and budget at 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 5.

Barbara believed in giving back to the communities in which she lived and thus supported local civic organizations and charities.

morials can be made to: Sponsors for Academic Talent, Inc., Onslow County Schools, 200 Broadhurst Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28541; the Anna Sutak Berardino ‘29 Scholarship Endowment, Penn West: California University of PA, Division of University Advancement, 250 University Ave., Box 112, California, PA 15419; or the Barbara B. Newman Scholarship Endowment, East Carolina University, Division of University Advancement, 2200 South Charles Blvd, Mail Stop 301, Greenville, NC 278589-4352.

Local Arrangements Entrusted to LOHMAN FUNERAL HOMES, PALM COAST CHAPEL 220 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast, FL 32137 386-4491100 www.lohmanfuneral homes.com

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to: Sponsors for Academic Talent, Inc., Onslow County Schools, 200 Broadhurst Rd., Jacksonville, NC 28541; the Anna Sutak Berardino ‘29 Scholarship Endowment, Penn West: California University of PA, Division of University Advancement, 250 University Ave., Box 112, California, PA 15419; or the Barbara B. Newman Scholarship Endowment, East Carolina University, Division of University Advancement, 2200 South Charles Blvd, Mail Stop 301, Greenville, NC 278589-4352.

"You're not buying heroin. You're not buying OxyContin. You are buying fentanyl — hard stop, I guarantee it. And the numbers we see in our fatalities are still sky high."

DR. JAMES FULCHER, Volusia County medical examiner

Nelson Sastoque

 Branch of military: U.S. Navy

 Dates of service: 1980-1996 (Active and Reserve)

 Rank/occupation: HM2/Hospital

Corpsman

 Hometown: Miami, Florida

Nelson Sastoque enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1980. Following boot camp in San Diego, California, he was trained as a hospital corpsman. He remained in San Diego as the Petty Officer in Charge of Immunizations at the Naval Training Center. He continued to excel in his naval career by attending Advance Laboratory School and then Field Medical School, which came with commensurate promotions. His last active-duty assignment was with the 1st Marine Amphibious Brigade, FMF, Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he received three certificates of commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Fleet Marine Force Ribbon and two Good Conduct Awards. After his honorable separation from active duty, Sastoque entered the Navy Reserve in Miami, Florida, where he was assigned to Mobile Diving Salvage Unit 2. In his life outside the Navy, Sastoque worked for BristolMeyers Squibb, Johnson & Johnson, and Sanofi pharmaceutical companies as a sales representative. He finished his working career with Dexcom, Inc., a medical device company. Sastoque has been married to his wife, Julia, for almost 41 years. They have four grandchildren and have resided in Palm Coast since 2020. He enjoys traveling, reading, playing pickleball and going to church. Sastoque is an active member of American Legion Post 115.

NEED HELP WITH VETERAN

SERVICES?

For information about benefits and support organizations for veterans, call 386-313-4014.

Make yourself at home

From floaty to fearless: Luke learns to swim

Instead of the traditional crawl, Luke began with something that might be considered the ‘slither stroke.’

BRIAN MCMILLAN CONTRIBUTING WRITER

When my 5-year-old son, Luke, goes swimming, he grabs his towel and puts his goggles on all by himself like a big kid. But he can’t jump in until he puts on a device that’s sort of like a wearable hug made of blue foam, with a childish name: “floaty.” How humiliating.

But humiliation can be a great motivator for growth.

To begin his journey toward water independence, he started small, shucking the floaty and “swimming” solo on the steps of our friends’ pool.

Then he started kicking his feet, wiggling his way toward his mother, Hailey, who stood about 5 feet away

YOUR TOWN

CARVER CENTER CAMP HONES STUDENT SKILLS

The 2023 Carver Center Summer Literacy Camp has come to a close. The students honed their skills in reading and math with certified

PETS UP FOR ADOPTION

The Flagler Humane Society is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Shelter Drive, off U.S. 1 in Palm Coast. 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.

in the shallow end. Instead of the traditional crawl, this might be considered the “slither stroke.”

Hailey and I gave him plenty of advice to improve his efficiency, but a lot of it could be summed up in this tried and true maxim: “Use your arms, too.”

With a little effort, he officially graduated from the slither to the doggie paddle. As Hailey inched backward to increase the distance he was asked to swim, he would stand on the steps and take several deep breaths, as if that would help him store up extra oxygen in his little lungs, and then he would push off, his head bobbing in her direction. But not for long. He quickly changed his mind, and his head reversed course and bobbed back to the safety of the steps.

What amazed me about this process is Luke’s willingness to keep trying. He failed over and over again, losing his courage and clinging to the handrail. For most people, like me, failure saps the energy out of me and makes me feel like I will never be good at the thing I’m trying to do. But, perhaps because he’s 5, and perhaps because he’s Luke, he just laughed it off and started taking his deep breaths again.

“Can you come one inch closer?” he would sometimes ask Hailey.

teachers Donna Bunn and Sara Smith, from Bunnell Elementary School.

The Flagler County Education Foundation, Carver Center and Flagler Schools collaborated with community sponsors Chelsea Barney Herbert, of 4C’s Trucking and Excavation, and Renae & John Rogers, of John’s Towing, to make the camp possible.

“This collaboration could not have happened without our sponsors,

Sometimes she obliged.

Finally, after a dozen attempts, he successfully doggie-paddled all the way to his mother’s arms, about 10 feet away. From there, it was 11 feet, and 12 feet.

With just a few more days of these lessons, he started to jump into the shallow end. Then into the deep end. When his head resurfaced, he looked like he was truly afraid of dying for those two seconds that elapsed before he could grasp the edge of the pool.

Why would anyone continue to do it? I wondered. He was willingly entering a state of terror, of near-drowning, at least in his mind (Hailey and I were always watching him carefully and were close by). And yet he yearned for that freedom from his floaty so much that he was willing to risk everything. He didn’t want to be a little kid anymore.

Now, he is working on his crawl, sometimes using his arms effectively as he swims across the pool. Now, he jumps into the deep end with confidence — too much confidence, considering he is still learning how to take a breath while in the water.

Luke is no longer fearful. Now, the only fearful people in the pool are his parents.

who want the best for the students in the Carver Gym community through educational programming,” Maryiotti Johnson, the foundation’s assistant director of finance and operations, said in a press release.

Flagler Schools’ Tammy Yorke, Rashawnda Lloyd-Miller, and Ryan Deising ensured that facilitating teachers had all the resources the students and teachers needed to be successful.

Bonita Robinson and Stacey

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com

Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com

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Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@palmcoastobserver.com

Design Editor Hailey McMillan, hailey@palmcoastobserver.com

Director of Engagement Kaitlyn Stier, kstier@observerlocalnews.com

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Smith of the Carver Center coordinated field trips and guest speakers.

Flagler County Fire Marshal Jerry Smith visited before the Fourth of July to share how to be safe with fireworks.

Judy Jean, University of Florida/ IFAS Extension Flagler County horticulture agent, shared gardening techniques in the neighboring elevated garden beds.

Gypsy is a friendly 2-year-old female who loves to be petted and get treats.

Coast is a 4-year-old male with a unique gray tigerstripe coat.

Max is a 3-year-and-10month-old male. Riggs is a 10-month-old purebred American Blue Heeler.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Hooked

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

More than 150 kids received free rods and reels at the kids4reel and Flagler Sportfishing Club’s annual kids’ fishing clinic on Saturday, July 29, at Herschel King Park in Palm Coast. The event was free for kids 5 to 13.

Concerned that kids were sitting at home on their phones, computers or game systems, Capt. Mike Vickers Sr. started the event with some friends 20 years ago to entice families to get their children outdoors and teach them about angling.

This year, the clinic was run by Vickers’ son, FSC Vice President Capt. Mike Vickers Jr., and President Capt. Adam Morley.

Morley took charge of the promotional and behind-the-scenes aspects of the event, while Vickers handled day-of logistics.

From 9 a.m. to noon, kids circled from station to station, learning knot-tying, rod and net casting, bait hooking and angling.

They also listened to a safety lecture and information about Florida wildlife.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission officers were available to answer questions.

FWC Officer Steve Chamberlain said he was a street cop before he transitioned to his current job.

Now, he said, he feels like a kid in a candy store.

“Honestly, I love what I do,” he said. “I would hope that kids could grow up and enjoy what they do, as far as work goes and our wildlife and fisheries.”

Palm Coast resident Jan Jackson and her sister, Brittney Wright, brought their kids out for some outdoor activities.

Jackson said she and her husband like jogging, hiking and camping with the family.

“We just love outdoor activities,” Jackson said. “We like to come out and be outside and get the kids away from their phones and computers.”

Morley and Vickers were both raised on the Matanzas River and its outlying waterways.

Vickers’ first means of gas-powered transportation was a small jon boat with an outboard motor. As a teenager, Morley worked at Genung’s Fish Camp, where he got his captain’s license and participated in FSC fishing tournaments.

Morley and his wife, Janine, now co-own Genung’s. Vickers and his wife, Erica, co-own Hammock Bait & Tackle.

Morley picked Vickers as vice president because they have similar goals.

“We have a lot in common in wanting to get families back engaged and involved in the outdoors and in fishing,” Morley said. “It worked out really well. His goals are in line with mine as far as wanting to see more families get involved. It’s our upbringing, and we would like to see other kids grow up in the same way.”

Vickers said it doesn’t matter

where you go or where you’re from: If you’ve done any type of fishing, you can relate to other fishers.

The FSC is all about teaching people to fish and helping them access the waterways to do so, he said.

“We want to bring people in,” he said. “We want to help them gain access to this beautiful world we have here, learn how to fish and take care of it. We are doing that with the kids. If we start them young, maybe we can get them hooked.”

Flagler Sportfishing Club holds kids’ fishing clinic.

Flagler Sportfishing Club volunteer Chuck Durkee congratulates Imani Russell on tying a successful knot as mom Sarah Russell smiles.

Stella Dean, Jeff Murphy and Bryson Dean.

Flagler Sportfishing Club volunteer Maria Kelly helps C.J. Soldevilla learn how to cast a net.

Capt. Mike Vickers Jr. (left), Flagler Sportfishing Club vice president and co-owner of Hammock Bait & Tackle, and Capt. Adam Morley, Flagler Sportfishing Club president and co-owner of Genung’s Fish Camp

The Wrights and McDaniels, of Palm Coast, came out to enjoy the outdoors at the kids4reel fishing clinic. From left to right: Zechariah Wright, Brittney Jackson, Alexis McDaniels, Everest McDaniels (front left), Bianca Wright, Jan Jackson, Racer McDaniels (front right), Jaida McDaniels

Flagler Sportfishing Club volunteer Jim Kelly helps Alex Hall bait his hook and shows him where to fish.

“We want to help them gain access to this beautiful world we have here, learn how to fish and take care of it. We are doing that with the kids. If we start them young, maybe we can get them hooked.”

CAPT. MIKE VICKERS JR., Flagler Sportfishing Club vice president; Hammock Bait & Tackle coowner

Photos by Michele Meyers

TRIBUTES

Gene A. DeCarlo

Gene A. DeCarlo, passed peacefully on July 22, 2023 at the age of 92 in Ocala, Florida.

Gene was born in Bristol, Pennsylvania, and grew up in Yardville, New Jersey, graduating from Hamilton High School West. He served in the United States Air Force, earning the Occupation Medal Japan, UN Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and the Korean Service Medal with 1/B Sv Star.

On September 6, 1952

Gene married Lila Kae Braun of Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania. They shared a life many would dream of.

Gene’s passion was in aviation. At the start of his flying career, he ferried airplanes for Norm Hortman, out of Morrisville Airport in Pennsylvania, and flew for Former United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Walter Annenberg. Gene eventually became the Chief Pilot for Pfizer Pharmaceutical which took him all over the world. Out of all the countries he got to fly to during his tenure at Pfizer, Ireland was one of his favorites.

It was when Gene flew for Stanley Dancer, an Equestrian Harness Racing Champion that he discovered his second passion: horses. Gene attained his harness driving license and experienced success harness racing, considering it one of the best times of his life.

In retirement, he stayed

His mantra, “Keep the Faith,” was one he believed in wholeheartedly.

busy sailing, motor coaching all over the United States, golfing, and building homes. Gene also continued to be involved in aviation, restoring planes with his son and friends. A Boeing-Stearman, a favorite of his, won top honors at the Sun and Fun Air Show.

In addition to his wife Lila Kae, Gene is survived by his son Mark (Minerva) DeCarlo, daughter Lynn (Ken) Symons; grandchildren Lila Symons, Sabrina DeCarlo, Alyssa (Josh) Duke, Anthony DeCarlo, Nicholas DeCarlo, great grandchildren Violet Delgado and Dean Duke, nieces, nephews and many friends.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 10

AUGUST TIGER BAY CLUB

MEETING

When: 12-2 p.m.

Where: Halifax River Yacht Club, 331 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: The Tiger Bay Club of Volusia County welcomes Congressman Michael Waltz as its speaker on Aug. 10 at the Halifax River Yacht Club. Guests are welcome with registration. Register at tigerbayclubvolulsia.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 11

‘HELLO, DOLLY!’

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Flagler Playhouse, 301 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell

His mantra, “Keep the Faith,” was one he believed in wholeheartedly. We will “Keep the Faith” Gene, till we meet again. Memorial Donations in honor of Gene can be made to Hospice of Marion County PO Box 4860 Ocala, FL 34478-4860.

Details: See this community theater production and be transported to 19th-century New York City for a musical journey telling the story of matchmaker Dolly Gallagher Levi. Tickets cost $30. Visit flaglerplayhouse.com.

MOVIES IN THE PARK: ‘MEN IN BLACK’

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Arts Foundation, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast Details: This month’s feature is “Men in Black,” rated PG13. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs and snacks and invite your friends and neighbors to join you at this free, monthly family activity offered by Palm Coast Parks & Recreation and Flagler Schools. Call 9862323 or visit palmcoastgov. com/movies.

SATURDAY, AUG. 12

ANGEL HALL STATE FARM

BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Publix Plaza, 800 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Angel Hall State Farm Office is hosting this

event to give back to the community by offering free snow cones and kids’ school supplies, while supplies last.

GAMBLE JAM

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Gamble Jam pavilion, Gamble Rogers State Park, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Musicians gather to play in remembrance of James Gamble Rogers IV, a renowned Florida folk singer and storyteller whom the park is named after. Acoustical instruments of all types are welcome. Meet other musicians, practice or just have fun listening. Program is free with paid park entry: $5 per vehicle (two to eight people); $4 single-occupant vehicle; $2 pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers, or passengers in vehicle with holder of Annual Individual Entrance Pass.

SUMMER JAZZ FEST

When: 3-6 p.m.

Where: Daytona State College Amphitheater, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway Southeast, Palm Coast

Details: Keep cool at the North East Florida Jazz Association annual Summer Jazz Fest. The Melvin Smith Jazz Ensemble will perform a tribute to the great Wayne Shorter as well as music from saxophonist Smith’s new CD. An opening act by the Taylor Snell Collective will feature two winners of NEFJA’s music

scholarships: band leader and sax player Taylor Snell and drummer Ethan Grussgott. Food trucks will be on site. Tickets are $25 and available through Chez Jacqueline in Palm Coast, 386-447-1650, or by calling Caroline at 386793-0182, or at nefja.org.

SUNDAY, AUG. 13

PAWS FOR MUSIC

When: 1-5 p.m.

Where: 1405 Saloon, 1405 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell

Details: Community Cats of Palm Coast is partnering with

the 1405 Saloon for its first Paws for Music event, featuring classic rock cover band The GreenTree Brothers and vocalist and guitarist Heather Craig. Admission costs $10 and includes a beverage and an individual charcuterie box. Kids under 12 are free and will enjoy a complimentary Kona Ice cone. This is a dog-friendly event.

TUESDAY, AUG. 15

FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy a variety of foods from local food trucks as part of Food Truck Tuesday in Palm Coast, presented in partnership with the Palm Coast Observer.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 16

HAPPY WANDERERS 5K FUN WALK

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Nova Community Center, 440 N. Nova Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Happy Wanderers for a 5K fun walk. Registration starts at 6:30 p.m. Socialize with ice cream after the walk. Visit happywanderersfl.org.

THURSDAY, AUG. 17

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB

MEETING

When: 7 p.m

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club for its August meeting. Checkin and social visiting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will focus on promoting awareness of local, state and national issues and responsive ways to put American democratic values into action. The meeting will also emphasize being ready to vote under the new election laws. Likeminded non-members are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

Absolutely STUNNING updated 2-story home! Walk in to find an open concept perfect for entertaining. PLUS there is an open office space adjacent to the living room that would be enclosed for a 4th bedroom or used for a home gym or nursery. The big back porch is screened and opens to a fully fenced backyard. MLS#1112253 $439,000 Call Alex Bittner 386-299-0590.

TRAILS SOUTH FORTY

Popular South Forty, One story attached home. Ready to move in . Easy to show. NEW ROOF, gutters, and 5 sun tunnels. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage, and spacious family room with fireplace. Bonus room in the back perfect for extra TV or office. Small patio in back for grilling. Private Cul-de-sac. MLS#1111832 $339,000 Call Jean Ivis 386-299-3338.

PLANTATION BAY

Gorgeous

Welcome

MLS#1112160 $415,000

Call Michael Alessi 845-489-1452.

heat pump!

When:

Where:

DETAILS:

This recently built residence is a true gem, offering a perfect blend of comfort, style, and convenience. Step inside this spacious 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom home, and be greeted by an inviting open floor plan. Outside, the property is completely fenced, offering a secure and private backyard. Situated on a corner lot.

MLS#1111316 $460,000

Call Stephanie Blackwell 386-681-8151.

Finally, an affordable 3 bed, 2 bath home with no lot rent! This home has been expanded to a 3 bed 2 bath, with a possible 4th bedroom. It has a 682 square foot car port with covered parking for 2 cars and then some! It features 3 sheds for extra storage. This home sits on a large fenced lot. Cash only.

$139,900

Call Brad Melton 386-675-2193.

MLS#1112001

Move In Ready ICI built Home in Gated Chelsea Place Community. Maintenance Free Living in the Heart of Ormond Beach. This 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom home offers a large office/flex room with potential to convert to a third bedroom. Large modern kitchen complete with plenty of counter space & a hidden walk-in pantry.

MLS#1112097 $549,000 Call Tyler Renick 386-631-4854.

to this newly listed, desirable lake front home on a corner lot. This Cayman model offers not only 3 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms but a fabulous view of 2 fountain lakes from almost anywhere in the home. Outside, you will find a freshly painted exterior, new front entryway, new 4-ton HVAC

CADEN GONZALEZ

contenders starting spot 4

The Bulldogs had one QB in

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast was down to one quarterback in its spring football game. Caden Gonzalez had played flag football growing up, but he had never played in a tackle football game. Gonzalez wound up throwing two touchdown passes as the Bulldogs defeated Riverside 20-19 in coach Daniel Fish’s FPC debut.

Ten weeks later, FPC’s quarterback room is no longer a lonely place. The Bulldogs now have seven quarterbacks in the program. That does not even include freshman

Mike London Jr., who practiced at QB during the spring but has been switched to defensive back.

Gonzalez, a senior, entered fall practice as the No. 1 QB, but he is in a battle with three others for the starting spot: sophomores

Cole Walker and La’Darius Simmons and junior Jacob Miller.

Walker backed up Bulldogs starter D.J. Murray last year but played in only one game. He had transferred to Nease and played in the Panthers’ spring game at Matanzas but has transferred back to FPC.

L a’DARIUS SIMMONS

more, because you got to find out,” Medlock said. “Let’s be honest, these days it’s all about 7 on 7. They don’t know how to look at a rush and go. When they’re coming at you, you can’t sit there and expect to make a good throw.

“It’s unusual,” he said of allowing the quarterbacks to take hits in practice, “but I did it, and I played for a very long time. I got crushed by guys who went on to play in the NFL. Once we get into the game week, it’s over with; they’re not going to be live. But I got to find out who’s going to be my guy.”

The Bulldogs also have depth at wide receiver and running back. But there is no doubt who will be No. 1 guy in the offensive backfield. Junior running back Marcus Mitchell is coming off a 1,000-yard season.

MITCHELL IS BACK

Mitchell sat out spring practice with a strained hamstring, and after playing on an injured ankle last season, he said he’s feeling 100% for the first time in a while.

JACOB MILLER

Miller is coming off labrum surgery and missed spring practice, offensive coordinator Jake Medlock said. Simmons has the most game experience of the group, playing in six games for Fish’s Father Lopez team last year. He passed for 294 yards and ran for 131.

The other three quarterbacks will likely play JV, Medlock said. The Bulldogs have no plans to move any of the quarterbacks to other positions.

“I’m going to keep them all, because, you never know,” said Medlock, noting that when he was the quarterbacks coach at Catawba College last year, his top three quarterbacks all got hurt.

“I want them all to stay at quarterback, because I like to grow them,” he said.

FULL CONTACT FOR QBS

As for who will start in the season opener against Live Oak Suwannee, Medlock said on Aug. 4 he will have a better idea once full contact practices get underway.

Medlock said his quarterbacks don’t wear non-contact jerseys during preseason. Quarterbacks are live, he said, until a full-time starter emerges. He said that was University of Miami coach Mario Cristobal’s philosophy when Cristobal was Medlock’s head coach at Florida International University.

“Once a starter is proven and earns his stripes from his teammates, he’s not live any-

“Marcus has been looking really good, got a little pep to his step,” Medlock said. “I mean, today (Aug. 4 practice) we threw a swing screen to him, and he took it the whole length of the field. No one was catching him. It was very impressive to watch. You can tell he’s got that smile again.”

Medlock said Mitchell could be catching more passes this season. He caught six passes for 140 yards last season.

“He kind of showed himself a little bit in 7 on 7,” Medlock said of Mitchell. “We would normally get an empty (backfield) and have all receivers, but with him, we can have him out there in empty and throw a quick screen to him to make the DBs try to tackle him. And there ain’t no kid that wants to tackle a 220-, 230- (pound running back) right to the face. So we’re just trying to find all different ways to get him the ball with what we have around him.”

Mitchell said he’s enjoying the new offense.

“It’s my style. I’m having a lot of fun,” he said. “We’re including most of the team. It’s not just mainly me that’s getting the ball. We’re basically spreading the ball around the offense.”

KEY DATES

Aug 18: Kickoff Classics: Matanzas at Mainland; Atlantic Coast at Flagler

Palm Coast

Aug. 25: Season openers: Matanzas at Groveland South Lake; FPC at Live Oak Suwannee

Sept 15: Potato Bowl: FPC at Matanzas

“Once a starter is proven and earns his stripes from his teammates, he’s not live anymore, because you got to find out. Let’s be honest, these days it’s all about 7 on 7. They don’t know how to look at a rush and go. When they’re coming at you, you can’t sit there and expect to make a good throw.”

JAKE MEDLOCK, FPC offensive coordinator, on having his quarterbacks practice in full contact jerseys.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Dawn Lisenby completes quest, finishes Badwater 135

The Flagler Beach resident completed the grueling 135mile ultramarathon through Death Valley in 46 hours, 34 minutes.

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Dawn Lisenby didn’t think she’d get another shot at running the Badwater 135, the world’s most extreme foot race. Finishing the ultramarathon through California’s Death Valley just didn’t seem to be in the cards. The Flagler Beach running coach and trail race director dropped out after 42 miles last year with severe muscle spasms and nausea that turned out to be symptoms of COVID.

Lisenby didn’t expect to get anoth-

TRIBUTES

er opportunity, but she decided to send in her application again.

On July 6 — 46 hours, 34 minutes and 4 seconds after starting the race — she crossed the finish line, the last of 89 runners to finish the grueling course in the allotted 48 hours.

“I’m incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to get back in and to finally secure it. It feels like a big load off to finally have it,” Lisenby said. “It’s been a lot mentally, physically, a long time coming. It’s a happy ending to the story.”

Her story began in 2017, when she served on the crew for another runner. In 2018, she ran the course with a full four-person crew a few days before the actual race. The 135-mile test starts at Badwater Basin, 280 feet below sea level. The course passes over three mountain ranges and ends at the trailhead to the Mount Whitney summit, where the elevation is 8,300 feet. Lisenby ran all the

way to the summit (elevation 14,505 feet) but took over 75 hours to finish.

In 2019, she decided to send in her application to enter the 2020 race. She was selected as one of the 100 runners, only to see the race get canceled two weeks before the scheduled date because of the pandemic.

The entrants were given the opportunity to run it instead in 2021 or 2022. Lisenby chose 2022, because there was to be no finish-line party in 2021. She made it to the party last year but didn’t finish the race. She did attend the party and met Leigh Clary, an ER nurse from Sacramento. Clary told her, “You have to get your finish, and when you do, I’ll help you.” Clary served on Lisenby’s crew this year, along with Jonathan Rice, Tiffany Forrester and crew chief Celia Eicheldinger.

Lisenby was told that people who do not finish don’t usually get accepted again, but while running

the Donna 110 in Jacksonville in February, she was listening on her headphones and heard that she had indeed been selected again. She trained harder than ever and felt she was ready when she woke up at 4:15 in the morning on July 3, the day before the race, to discover her flight had been canceled. But she got to the race in time and had a strategy of making each checkpoint with two hours to spare.

“My preparation was very meticulous,” she said. “Failure was not an option. This was my third year. It’s not a cheap race (over $1,500 just to enter). I was very cautious. I took breaks when I felt I was getting overheated. I was not worried about time. I was not worried about who’s around me. I was competing to finish the course.”

The temperature at the start was 118 degrees, about 10 degrees cooler than last year, she said. And near

morning, it dropped into the 60s until the searing Death Valley sun came out again. As the day went on, Lisenby developed an inflammation in her mouth that made it difficult to eat and drink. It slowed her down.

At Mile 108, when she was fatigued and calorie deprived, the course was diverted because of flooding by the Owens River. She thought she had 12 miles to next cutoff, but she really had 18.

“One of my crew said, ‘You’re going to have to get moving,’ so I just started running hard,” she said.

She made the 122-mile checkpoint with 53 minutes to spare.

From there, she had a difficult climb. Her crew stopped at McDonald’s and got her a vanilla shake. It did the trick. She made the final climb and finished holding hands with her crew members.

“It was awesome. It took four years of working toward that finish,” she said. “I’m so grateful to everyone who helped me, not just the amazing crew. Those people were dedicated to seeing me finish. But all this year, I had a family support team around me. It takes a village. You realize you can’t do this alone. I realize you’re stronger than you think you are. You can always dig deeper.”

John

James Durkin III 1958-2023

We are sad to announce the passing of John James Durkin III, of Palm Coast, Florida. He passed away at the age of 65 on Monday, July 24th.

John was born on January 21st, 1958 to John James Durkin Jr. and Anna Elizabeth (Aus) Durkin in Dundalk, MD. After John graduated from Dunwoody High School (Atlanta) in 1976 he went on to study Business Administration at the University of Georgia (GO DAWGS) and Georgia State University.

After graduating, he had a very successful career in IT Sales until he retired in 2018.

In 1989, he met Gail in Detroit while working for Inacom. John and Gail moved to Omaha in 1991, where they raised their 2 children, Sean and Timothy, made many friends and lived there for 26 years.

Once retired, John and Gail made their retirement home in Palm Coast, Florida, where they welcomed 3 grandchildren into their lives. John would spend his time with family and friends, cooking gourmet meals, golfing, traveling, and enjoying a cocktail on his dock. He also had a vast collection of toys that brought him joy, including his boat, jet skis, corvette, and mini dirt bike.

John was predeceased by his mother. He is survived by his wife Gail, his sons Sean and Tim (& Megan), his

John would spend his time with family and friends, cooking gourmet meals, golfing, traveling, and enjoying a cocktail on his dock.

grandchildren Noah, Parker and Brooklyn, his father John (& Judy), and his sister Kathy (& Bob).

A church visitation for John was held Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. John was laid to rest in Flagler Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Fisher House Foundation.

Callegari, Louis Alexander 1943-2023

Louis Alexander Callegari, 80, of Palm Coast Florida succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer on July 26th, 2023, passing quietly in his home while sleeping with his beloved wife Franny at his side.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. craigflaglerpalms.com for the Durkin family.

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Fisher House Foundation.

“Lou” Callegari, son of Louis Charles Callegari & Frances Calavetta-Callegari. He is survived by his loving wife Franny Callegari, his sister Alice Callegari-Werlick, six children; Cammy Dennis, Chris Callegari, Rachel Callegari, Matt Callegari, Emily Callegari and Joseph Callegari. He is further survived by eight grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Lou grew up in Queens Village, N.Y. attending Our Lady of Lourds and Monsignor McClancy HS, graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), later becoming a successful businessman in the printing industry. He played youth football and Highschool basketball. He loved most of all; his wife & family, good food, the beach, landscaping, biking, fishing and entertaining his children/grandchildren. Lou was active within his church, last serving as Chairman of the Board. His passion for community service and church sponsored charity included work as the Care Cupboard Team Leader and as an Anti-Racism Task Force mem-

He loved most of all; his wife & family, good food, the beach, landscaping, biking, fishing and entertaining his children/ grandchildren.

ber, as well as volunteering at the jail, helping inmates reassimilate back into society to reduce recidivism. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. His memory, goodwill and appreciation of his loving support will forever live on within his grateful offspring.

A Celebration of Life will be held August 19th at 2pm at the First United Methodist Church of Bunnell, 205 N

Pine St., Bunnell, Fl 32110. A reception in the Fellowship Hall will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to Hospice or the National Pancreas Foundation.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE:

Saturday, August 19, 2PM

First United Methodist Church of Bunnell

205 N Pine St. Bunnell, Fl 32110

DONATIONS:

In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of donations to Hospice or the National Pancreas Foundation.

Crew member Tiffany Forrester has her water sprayer ready as Dawn Lisenby hits Mile 72 across Panamint Valley in 129-degree temperature at the Badwater 135 on July 5.

Courtesy photos

Dawn Lisenby, center, at the finish line with crew members Jonathan Rice, crew chief Celia Eicheldinger, Leigh Clary and Tiffany Forrester

Dawn Lisenby comes into Mile 42 on the first morning of the race. She began at 8 p.m. the previous night on July 4.

SIDE

LINES

Royal title for 3-on-3 soccer team

The PC Royals won the Challenge Sports 3v3 U15 Girls Soccer National Championship last weekend at Austin Tindall Sports Complex in Kissimmee.

The PC Royals are led by coach Beto Aguilar. The six girls on the team represent both Flagler and Volusia counties: Kinsley Hahn with Riverbend Academy’s varsity soccer team and Inter United Soccer Club;

O’Reilly sets PR at Junior Olympics

Jack O’Reilly, 9, a Winnerz Circle of Flagler County track athlete, competed in the AAU Junior Olympics at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

Jack ran a personal-best 6:22 in the 9U 1,500 meters to finish 10th in his heat and had the sixth-fastest split overall. This was his first season running track.

Sundown showdown at Pictona

Pictona at Holly Hill has partnered with Orlando’s Major League Pickleball team, the Orlando Squeeze, to host The Orlando Squeeze Sundown Showdown

Tournament on Aug. 19 from 7 to 11 p.m.

“This is a fun MLP-style team competition with teams of four (two men and two women) competing in a round robin,” said Bob Panzak, Pictona’s tournament manager. “With 50 teams registered, there will be plenty of fun competition at one of top pickleball facilities in the U.S.”

Pictona was recently named one of the top 25 great places to play pickleball in the U.S. by Pickleball Magazine.

Sofia Picozzi of Inter United Soccer Club; Riley Doran of DME Soccer Academy and Ormond Beach Soccer Club; Maddy Byrd of DME Soccer Academy and Ormond Beach Soccer Club; Bailey Wilson of DME Soccer Academy and Ormond Beach Soccer Club; and Isabella Kummernes with Flagler Palm Coast High School’s varsity soccer team and Ormond Beach Soccer Club.

10U team flags down regional title

A co-ed flag football team representing Winnerz Circle of Flagler County won the 10U NFL Southeast Regional in St. Augustine and is headed to the nationals at the Pro Bowl in Orlando.

The Flagler team, coached by Eric Thompson, went 5-0 at the regional tourney.

Matanzas girls third in Sunshine Cup standings

Matanzas High School’s girls sports program finished third in Class 5A in the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Sunshine Cup All-Sports Awards.

Points are based on FHSAA playoff results. The Pirates were boosted by the girls wrestling team’s state championship. Seabreeze placed 12th and Mainland was 13th in the Class 5A girls standings. The Sandcrabs were 13th in the boys Class 5A standings. Matanzas was ninth overall in Class 5A, while Seabreeze was 13th and Mainland was 16th. Spruce Creek won the Class 7A boys Sunshine Cup award and finished seventh overall.

DSC adds flag football program

Daytona State College will launch a flag football program in 2024-25. The Falcons received a $10,000 grant from the NJCAA Foundation, NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences.

“There are 17 girls flag football programs in Volusia and Flagler counties,” Daytona State College President Tom LoBasso said. “There is incredible interest at the collegiate level for women’s flag football, and adding this program allows us to offer our students a valuable opportunity.”

NJCAA Foundation Executive Director said, “We are excited to see the sport of women’s flag football continue to grow at the two-year level. The NJCAA Foundation looks forward to supporting this growth in partnership with NFL Flag and Reigning Champs Experiences.”

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GIVE

by Sara Cantor, edited by Jeff Chen

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

The PC Royals: Isabella Kummernes, Maddy Byrd, Bailey Wilson, Riley Doran, Kinsley Hahn and Sofia Picozzi

Courtesy photos

The PC Royals’ Bailey Wilson

Courtesy photo

The Winnerz Circle team won the 10U Regional Flag Football Tournament.

The PC Royals’ Sofia Picozzi

The PC Royals’ Maddy Byrd

REAL ESTATE

House in Ocean Hammock tops sales list in Flagler

Ahouse in Ocean Hammock was the top real estate transaction for June 22-28 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Just In Time 8 LLC, of Dallas, Texas, sold 510 Cinnamon Beach Lane to Alan and Christine Lillig, of Sorrento, for $3,128,200. Built in 2023, the house is a 6/5.5 and has an elevator and 4,758 square feet of space.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

Marie Gavilo Wolf, as trustee, sold 104 Club House Drive, Unit 310, to Dennis and Barbara Ryan, of Palm Coast, for $615,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,701 square feet. It sold in 2001 for $250,000.

Victor and Marcianna Pusillo, of Palm Coast, sold 83 Veranda Way to Angela Marie Beane, of Palm Coast, for $274,900. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,143 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $135,000.

Abby Roth IRA, LLC, of Ormond Beach, sold 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit A211, to Alyssa and Ryan Kingham, of Danbury, Connecticut, for $225,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,125 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $32,000.

James Stanton, as trustee, sold 3600 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 820, to Cameron David Smith, of

Flagler Beach, for $269,500. Built in 1984, the condo is a 1/1 and has 693 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $90,000.

Cynthia Fawwal, of Birmingham, Alabama, sold 700 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 732, to Myrtha Hill, of Palm Coast, for $385,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,377 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $250,300.

BUNNELL

Grand Reserve and Golf Club

D.R. Horton Inc, of St. Johns, sold 6 Grand View Drive to Maureen and James Dennis, of Bunnell, for $332,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,934 square feet.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre Dmitry and Ines Sapir, of Palm Coast, sold 21 Prairie Lane to Robert Francis Casey, of Palm Coast, for $375,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,255 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $160,000.

Fairways Charles Alfano, as trustee, sold 24 Leaver Drive to Jacqueline Hall, of Palm Coast, for $550,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 5/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub and 2,926 square feet.

Opendoor Property Trust 1, of Tempe, Arizona, sold 47 Lema

Lane to Luis Roberto Perez, of Palm Coast, for $630,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,719 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $531,000.

Harbor Village Marina Hogan205, LLC, of New Smyrna Beach, sold 298 Harbor Village Point to Joseph and Laura D’Alessio, of Rockaway, New Jersey, for $1,950,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a boat dock, a pool and 4,508 square feet.

Indian Trails

Southern Impression Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 86 Boulder Rock Drive to Colleen Zollo and James Ryan, of Palm Coast, for $340,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,617 square feet.

Linda Sarvey, of Palm Coast, sold 10 Burning Sands Lane to William Joseph Wheeler and Courtney Wheeler, of Palm Coast, for $489,900. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,683 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $322,000.

Lakeside at Matanzas Shores Gary and Nancy Clause, of Cape Coral, sold 9 San Diego Lane to Steven and Lori LoCascio, of Essex Falls, New Jersey, for $482,500. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,498 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $279,000.

Palm Harbor

Joanne Wagenschnur, of Palm Coast, sold 27 Fairview Lane to Laura Dawn Hansen, of Palm Coast, for $250,000. Built in 1974, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,481 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $115,000.

Pine Grove

Rosemary Ann Santini, of Pateros, Washington, sold 5 Point Pleasant Drive to Timothy Alan Schultze, of Palm Coast, for $399,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,536 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $153,000.

John Jusino, of New York, New York, sold 6 Port Echo Place to Jim Veretto, of Palm Coast, for $280,000. Built in 2004, the house

is a 3/2 and has 1,670 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $161,400.

Dmitriy Baskin and Oxana Katanaeva, of Palm Coast, sold 43 Pine Grove Drive to Jessica Venuti, of Palm Coast, for $325,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,026 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $180,000.

Pine Lakes Synergenx Marketing LLC, of Miami, sold 63 Westcedar Lane to Benjamin Guy Reynolds and Ariana Reynolds, of Palm Coast, for $449,300. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,459 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $310,000.

Isidoro and Sally Cavallaro, of Palm Coast, sold 9 Woodbury Drive to Michael West, of Ledyard, Connecticut, for $367,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,918 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $169,500.

SI Homes RCL LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 16 White Deer Lane to Paul David White and Jessica Mae White, of Palm Coast, for $334,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,617 square feet.

Sea Colony Kevin and Dana Kaye, of Palm Coast, sold to David Shane Turner and Nicole Lyn Turner, of Buckhannon, West Virginia, for $1.6 million. Built in 1987, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a dunewalk and 2,373 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $1,060,000.

Seminole Woods INB Fund 1 LLC, of Orlando, sold 54 Utica Path to Susan MacDonald, of Palm Coast, for $338,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,650 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No: 2023 DR 000750 JOSEPH B. BRANNON, Petitioner, and ELIZABETH ANN BURGESS, Respondent. TO: ELIZABETH ANN BURGESS 7205 Fillyaw Rd. Fayetteville, NC 28303

YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on JOSEPH B. BRANNON, whose address is 65 Flamingo Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137 on or before 10 days after the last 4th consecutive weekly post, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: NONE Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at

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