PALM COAST
Johnny Robinson Jr. has been cooking and selling boiled peanuts for close to eight years. He said boiled peanuts are totally American. Photo by Michele Meyers
CITY WATCH
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast department wins sixth consecutive excellence award
Palm Coast’s Budget Procurement Office was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Public Procurement Award for the sixth year in a row. The award is from the Florida Association of Budget Procurement Officials and recognizes organizational excellence in procurement, a Palm Coast press release said. Palm Coast was one of 22 agencies state-wide that received the award.
“Receiving this award for the past six years speaks to the commitment and dedication of this team in serving their community and consistently utilizing their skills at the highest level,” said Helena Alves, director of Palm Coast’s Financial Services Department.
The award also honors agencies that meet or exceed benchmarks for best practices, the press release said. During the June 18 Palm Coast City Council meeting, Alves said the program is designed to measure “innovation, professionalism, productivity and leadership attributes.”
Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews. com
As election looms, mayor events criticized City Council
As election season looms closer, some Palm Coast residents and candidates are concerned city resources are being used to connect voters to Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin ahead of the primary election.
Alfin is running for reelection against four other candidates for the mayor’s seat. Complaints arose after the city announced six Town Hallstyled events in July, five of which are solo events with Alfin.
Several of Alfin’s opponents spoke out against these events at the June 26 Palm Coast City Council meeting.
“Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve received numerous Instagrams, Facebook announcements, etcetera, of Mayor Alfin meeting at the City Hall, on taxpayer property, to meet with the mayor. ... [This is] use of public forums for self promotion. I object, and I’m asking for this to stop,” said Cornelia Downing Manfre, a mayoral candidate.
Palm Coast recently announced the next series of Town Hall events as part of its efforts to connect with residents and answer questions they might have on specific city projects.
Throughout the year, the city has been hosting Town Halls and meetand-greets, usually with some combination of council members and high-level city staff.
All the events are advertised on the city’s social media accounts.
The issue, some say, is that Alfin has five solo events scheduled in July — one Town Hall and four “Meet with the Mayor” events — weeks ahead of the Aug. 20 primary election.
While no Town Hall events were hosted in May, seven solo events were held in March and April. Vice member Ed Danko and council members
Nick Klufas, Theresa Carli Pontieri and Cathy Heighter each held one, while Mayor David Alfin held two.
Only one event, a joint council Town Hall, was scheduled in June, to be held on June 28.
Danko said he had received several
phone calls from Alfin’s opponents in the mayoral race, wondering why the city was promoting Alfin’s events.
Danko — who is running for a seat on the Flagler County Commission — even said that, because of appearances, he would no longer participate in future Town Hall meetings as the election dates close in.
“We are very close to an election, and it does give the appearance that perhaps we are supporting myself or Mr. Klufas or the mayor,” Danko said.
Alfin pointed out that scheduled Town Hall events are the result of council consensus to further public outreach and transparency with residents.
“Every one of us has voted repeatedly for additional transparency, and you’ve heard it from the public about more transparency,” Alfin said. “I don’t know how you could be more transparent than to make yourself available to your public on any question they want to ask.”
Alfin also said that the Town Hall events are not just for him, but include all the council members. That is true, though the weekly Saturday events in July will only have Alfin present.
City Attorney Marcus Duffy said that it is not illegal for election candidates to participate in these events, as long as it’s for a public, city-service purpose and does not cross into using city services for campaigning. Regardless, Danko asked Duffy to return to the council with some case law that shows the meetings are not crossing a legal line.
Pontieri pointed out that holding more Town Halls for residents was a part of the council’s Strategic Action Plan priorities. While council members up for election have certain restrictions on what they can and cannot do — like not using city logos for their campaigns, as an example — so long as that council member stays within those bounds, “town halls should be encouraged,” she said.
We are very close to an election, and it does give the appearance that perhaps we are supporting myself or Mr. Klufas or the mayor.”
ED DANKO, Palm Coast vice mayor
I don’t know how you could be more transparent than to make yourself available to your public on any question they want to ask.”
DAVID ALFIN, Palm Coast mayor
“I think it’s actually incumbent upon our local officials, whether you’re running [for election] or not, to make yourself accessible to the public,” she said. “I understand the concern, but I think that it’s misplaced.”
To Pontieri and Alfin’s point, Palm Coast residents have made it clear over the last year that they want more transparency in city projects and feel that communication from the city has not been what it should be.
The public pushback for more transparency has even led to the development of the Residential Drainage Citizens Advisory Committee and has prompted demands from residents for a forensic audit.
Duffy said he would create a memorandum on specific case law regarding the situation and send it out to the city manager and council members ahead of the next city council meeting.
approves
51-townhome development at Club House Drive
The Palm Coast City Council has approved a 51-townhome development at the corner of Club House Drive and Palm Harbor Parkway.
Called Hammock at Palm Harbor, the townhome development is actually a reduction from an approved 2005 plan that would have built 112 apartments on the 15-acre lot. Instead of the multifamily housing, the lots will be for the single-family residences only. After the 2005 plan was approved, the developer constructed and inspected the infrastructure on the lot and then began developing the apartment buildings. However, the project was never completed. City planner Estelle Lens said only one building with seven apartment units, a separate garage building with four spaces and a planned amenity center and pool were constructed on the site.
The lot was later purchased by Hammock Town Homes, Inc., which submitted plans for the development in 2022. The initial application was approved in 2022 by the Planning Board and the preliminary plat was approved in 2023. The new developer has since received approval to retrofit the utility connections on the site.
Because the design plan was for less than 100 units, Lens said, the application did not need council’s approval until this final plat approval process. The development is surrounded by single-family and multi-family housing. The city council approved the development application 3-0 with Cathy Heighter and Mayor David Alfin absent from the dais during the vote.
Counting down to beach transformation
Flagler’s Army Corps beach project to begin July 1, predicted to finish one month ahead of schedule
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Flagler Beach renourishment project is set to begin July 1 and could finish one month before the pier reconstruction project begins work in November.
Technically, USACE project manager Jason Harrah said, the contractor has until March 2025 to complete the entire project, per its construction contract. But the Army Corps’ project needs to finish constructing the areas surrounding the pier before the pier reconstruction work will begin.
The pier reconstruction is estimated to take until April 2026 to complete.
The Army Corps team, alongside representatives from the pier design firm Moffatt & Nichol and the Florida Department of Transportation, gave an update on their projects at a public meeting on June 25 at the Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach.
“This is an optimistic schedule,” Harrah said. “There’s weather, there’s hurricanes, there’s mechanical issues with equipment; but right now, their intention is to be started on July the first and will be completely done with beach placement … by the 29 of September.”
BEACH RENOURISHMENT WILL HAVE ‘DRAMATIC DIFFERENCE’
The goal for the duration of the 50-year renourishment contract, Harrah said, is to maintain the project’s 3-mile section of shoreline in Flagler beach at a 60-foot berm — or the “towel space” for beach goers. To do that, he said, the Army Corps is over-filling the berm to 140 feet. In comparison, the berm area now, depending on the section of the Flagler’s shoreline, varies from nonexistent to minimal, USACE’s Patrick Snyder said. Once the work is completed, Snyder said it will be a dramatic difference.
Harrah said much of the 140 feet is
NEED TO KNOW
Construction for the Army Corps project will be 24/7 until it is completed.
Turtle nests will be safely relocated out of the construction areas.
Veterans Park will not be used as a staging area as originally planned.
Except for the areas that are under construction during each stage of the renourishment, the surrounding beach will remain open to the public.
When construction on the pier begins, it will only be done during the daylight hours Monday-Friday.
The surrounding businesses will remain open during construction of the pier, including the Funky Pelican.
meant to be sacrificed in a storm and will act as an extra layer of protection offshore. When the berm becomes less than 60 feet wide, he said, that is what will trigger a renourishment.
The 3-mile section is contracted to have renourishments every 11 years over the 50-year contract — or more often, Harrah said, if berm is washed out below 60 feet sooner.
If a storm washes the berm out below that threshold, he said, that will trigger an emergency renourishment at 100% federal cost.
One member of the public asked why the beach renourishment project wasn’t delayed until after hurricane season was over. Harrah said that it used to be that way, but now there is a much higher demand for the beach renourishment projects, but only four or five companies in the United States that are allowed to perform the work.
“Everybody needs beach renourishment, from here to Boston, and on the west coast,” Harrah said.
The first section completed will be Gamble Rodgers State Park to Snack Jacks Restaurant and construction will take from July 1-5. Section two, Snack Jacks to South 24th Street, will take from July 6-21. Section three will be South 24th Street to South 19th Street, from July 22-Aug. 9. Stage four, South 19th Street to South 13th Street, will go from Aug. 10-31.
The two sections on either side of the Flagler Beach pier — South 13th Street to the pier and then from the north side of the pier to North 7th Street — will be renourished from Sept. 1-17 and Sept. 18-29, respectively.
The sand will be dredged from a section of sea floor several miles off shore and will not be the same as the beach’s current coquina sand, USACE geologist Jennifer Coor said.
The texture and shell composition similar to the sand already on the beach, she said, but darker.
The Army Corps will mix the top layer of on the beach with the new sand as it is deposited to help blend it together, Harrah said.
And eventually, Coor said, the coquina sand will naturally replace the dredged sand, though that will take one to two years.
“With the exception of the color, it will be nearly identical to what [Flagler Beach residents] have out there,” Coor said.
Harrah said the construction team will be required to update the timeline as each section is completed or if there are any delays. Residents will be able to check the progress of construction at the USACE’s Jacksonville District’s social media accounts. Updates will also be shared by the county, Harrah said.
PIER CONSTRUCTION TO BEGIN
IN NOVEMBER
The new pier will be a total of 800 feet in length, with the first 100 feet to be preserved and restored as the historic wood section. The design, Moffatt & Nichol project manager Gabriel Perdomo said, is meant to protect against both 100- and 500year storms and also accounts for an increase in sea levels by raising the height of the pier completely.
A conservative timeline places construction taking from November 2024 to April 2026, Perdomo said.
The new pier will be raised 10 feet — from 18 feet high to 28 feet — with an ADA-compliant ramp connecting the two heights, Perdomo said. The reconstructed pier will be built on precast, concrete pilings spaced 40 feet apart.
The contractor will be responsible to removing any debris in the water — like broken pilings — that interfere with building the new pier.
To further protect the pier’s integrity, the firm will also install 700-pound, break-away deck panels along the new 700 feet of pier. Break-away panels are much less expensive to replace and help protect the pier’s structure, he said.
“Most of the force that is experienced in these piers and what causes a lot of the damage is that uplift force when these weights come through,” Perdomo said.
Renner touts Florida’s recent progress
Property insurance, social media bills top his lists of recent accomplishments, he told Flagler Tiger Bay Club.
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
Paul Renner, who has represented Flagler County in the Florida House of Representatives since 2015, including the past two as speaker of the house, got a standing ovation as a thank you on June 19, after he addressed the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. He has reached his term limit, so will be replaced in this year’s election cycle.
“You are there in Tallahassee representing us all,” said Marc Dwyer, who is on the club’s Board of Directors. “What you have done, and what you have appropriated and used your influence to get has been nothing short of historic, and on behalf of all of our community and our Tiger Bay, I want to give you a sincere thank you.”
PROPERTY INSURANCE
During his remarks to the club, Renner touted progress in curtailing property insurance prices, as well as a new law to give parents more control over their children’s social media use, as two successes in the most recent legislative session.
SAND STATS
1.3 million cubic yards of sand will fill the 3-mile stretch from Seventh Street South to 28th Street South
The estimated time frame for the renourishment, with dredging beginning July 1, is 3 months.
The total length of the pier when work is completed will be 800 feet.
The pier’s new height will be 28 feet, or 10 feet higher than its current elevation.
The new pier will be 25 feet wide. A 20-by-35-foot “T head” will be at the end of the pier.
The width of the pier will be extended to 25 feet, with a 20-by35-foot “T head” at the end of the pier, with potable water and fish cleaning stations. The reconstructed pier will also have sea turtle-safe lighting and shaded areas.
Four companies are in the prequalification phase before the project goes out to bid.
Once the bid documents are reviewed by Federal Emergency Management Agency, the project will open for bids in August. The contract will be awarded in September or October and construction will begin in November to December, Perdomo said.
By building a temporary beach access on the south side of the pier and a temporary pier that runs parallel to the Flagler Beach pier, Perdomo said they hope to keep the construction’s impact on local businesses, residents and tourists to a minimum.
A few parking spaces between South 3rd and 4th Streets will be used as a staging area for construction materials, he said. “Other than that, we don’t expect there to be any disruption of vehicular traffic or any additional parking that will be taken during that time,” he said.
The temporary trestle will also prevent damage to what will be the newly renourished dunes and beach by keeping construction materials off the beach, he said.
While much work has been done to address soaring property insurance in Florida, it will take time before residents see reductions in rates, he said.
Among the new laws is a renewal of $200 million in the My Safe Florida Home fund, which gives property owners up to $10,000 in matching funds to harden their homes in hurricane protection. Visit https:// mysafeflhome.com/.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Renner was instrumental in promoting a law this year that, among other things, prohibits children under the age of 14 from having social media accounts.
“The social media bill is probably the most important thing I’ll ever work on in public life,” he said.
A study of adolescent health by the Centers for Disease Control concluded: “In 2021, almost 60% of female students experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness during the past year and nearly 25% made a suicide plan.”
Those statistics alarmed Renner and motivated him to take action, he said. The law has been controversial because of potential free-speech challenges, but he believes the law will withstand legal scrutiny because it doesn’t limit speech, only “addictive technology.”
AFFORDABILITY
To increase affordability in general, the state also made many babyrelated items, such as strollers, permanently tax-free. Business rent tax was also reduced.
ENVIRONMENT
With regard to protecting the environment, Renner praised a gambling deal with the Seminole tribe, which will provide the state with $750 million annually to buy environmentally sensitive land and distribute grants to improve water treatment.
Water treatment is essential, but it’s often neglected by local governments, he said.
“It’s a lot sexier to show up with a big check for a community center,” Renner said. “It’s not sexy to worry about the pipes that run underneath our homes.”
The new funding, he said, “is a fantastic opportunity for local governments.”
Paul Renner. Photo by Brian McMillan
USACE project manager Jason Harrah. Photos by Sierra Williams
Moffatt & Nichol project manager Gabriel Perdomo.
A public information meeting on the renourishment and pier reconstruction projects was held at the Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach.
A rendering of the reconstructed Flagler Beach pier design. Courtesy of Moffatt & Nichol design firm
The goal for the duration of the 50-year renourishment contract is to maintain the project’s 3-mile section of shoreline in Flagler beach at a 60-foot berm — or the “towel space” for beach goers. To do that, he said, the Army Corps is over-filling the berm to 140 feet. Photo by Brian McMillan
John Sbordone:
‘We’ve walked the actors across the stage, and they made magnificent theater.’
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
As its final act before dissolving, the Palm Coast Arts Foundation gave a gift that will strengthen for years to come what PCAF founder Sam Perkovich called its “partner in crime”: City Repertory Theatre is now $69,000 richer.
CRT cofounder Diane Ellertson accepted the dona -
tion check, in front of a small crowd of supporters on June 20, and leaped in the air, waving the piece of paper that will give the theater troupe some long-wished-for financial breathing room. PCAF, which had aimed for 20 years to unite the arts and transform the city into an arts destination in Town Center, announced last year that it was dissolving due to event cancellations during the COVID 19 pandemic. PCAF’s remaining funds had to be given to another 501c3, and Perkovich chose CRT. The two organizations had collaborated on many projects in the past, including Shakespeare in the Park.
Ellertson and cofound -
er John Sbordone, who has directed many of CRT’s shows, plan to use the funding to improve the seating at the theater, which is at City Marketplace: 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast.
Sbordone said CRT will continue in its mission to produce plays that make the audience think and feel, pushing boundaries not touched by other local theaters. In previous years, it has done so on a budget of next to nothing.
“We were founded at City Rep on a principal of Peter Brook, who wrote a magnificent book in (1968) called ‘The Empty Space,’” Sbordone said. “And he starts the book by saying, ‘I can walk any actor across a room and create an active theater.’” He quipped: “And given our budgets in the past …” He continued, affirming CRT’s quality despite the lack of budget: “We’ve had the empty space, and we’ve walked the actors across the stage, and they made magnificent theater.”
Visit https://crtpalmcoast. com/.
In PCAF’s wake, the Flagler County Cultural Council aims to promote local arts, history and culture, as does the organization United We Art.
Bynum has served in the church’s music ministry for 11 years.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Yvette Bynum, who has been sharing her musical talent with the Palm Coast United Methodist Church congregation for the past 11 years, is retiring as the church’s Voices of Faith Choir director.
The church, at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, will honor Bynum with a celebration following the 10:30 a.m. worship experience on Sunday, June 30.
“We’ll have refreshments, a few words of appreciation and just celebrate who she is,” Senior Pastor Kevin James said. “She doesn’t like a lot of fanfare, but we do want to show our appreciation for her contribution to not just our church but to the community and her long years of music ministries that she has extended sharing her talent with others.”
In the past 11 years, Bynum said she has held just about every musical role within the church, including music director, director of the handbell choir, accompanist
and the Voices of Faith Choir director.
She and her husband, Reggie, are planning to travel and see their grandchildren more, she said.
“I’ve been a church musician all my life, since I was a child,” she said. “I’ve been playing piano since I was 3. I started formal lessons at 7, and I’ve been playing in the church since I was 11. I’ve done it a long time. It’s been a good run.”
Reggie is a singer in the choir. They met at music college.
Yvette attended a performing arts high school in Philadelphia and Westminster Choir College in Princeton, New Jersey. She received her
master’s degree in counseling from Montclair State university and worked in New Jersey public schools for 30 years before moving down to Palm Coast.
She said she will continue to be a member of the church, just not in a musical capacity.
“I’ll sit in the pews, no more seat on the piano bench or the organ bench,” she said. “It’s been a pleasure to work there. Pastor James has been very supportive.”
James said replacing Bynum will be “a tough order.”
“One of her former classmates, Rhonda Calloway, assists us now,” James said. “But Rhonda works for the school system and wants to be part time. Replacing Yvette is huge.”
In an open letter of appreciation to Bynum, James wrote:
“Certainly we have been blessed to hear a variety of musical genres with the Voices of Faith Choir under your leadership. … On behalf of the church we want to thank you for sharing your ability to organize, play and develop this amazing choir.
“Finally,” James wrote, “Quincy Jones, the legendary musician and producer once said, ‘Music is the soul of the universe.’ Yvette, you have made the universe sing.”
City Repertory Theatre’s John Sbordone and Diane Ellertson celebrate the gift of $69,000 from the dissolving Palm Coast Arts Foundation. Photo by Brian McMillan
Yvette Bynum at her piano. Courtesy photo
Longtime Palm Coast fire volunteer and retired FDNY captain Jim
As president of the Vulcan Society, Lee was instrumental in helping women of color enter the New York City Fire Department.
Jim Lee, who served as a volunteer with the Palm Coast Fire Department for over 30 years after retiring with the rank of captain in the New York City Fire Department, died on June 15. He was 92.
“As soon as he came down here in 1992, he started to get involved. He was a firefighter during the 1998 fires,” said PCFD Lt. Patrick Juliano, the department’s public information officer.
Lee was born in Brooklyn, New York, on July 21, 1931, served in the Air Force during the Korean War and joined the FDNY in 1961.
He became active in the Vulcan Society, a fraternal organization of Black firefighters in New York City that was created in 1940 to fight segregation and discrimination within the department. Lee rose to the office of president of the organization, and he was also a founding member of the International Asso-
ciation of Black Professional Firefighters.
As president of the Vulcan Society he helped implement the Godfather program which paired Vulcan Society members with probationary firefighters, specifically helping women of color enter the FDNY.
“When he got hired in the New York City Fire Department, there were still racial overtones,” Juliano said. “Think of what he overcame, his involvement with the Vulcan Society, what they accomplished with minorities and women catching on with the fire department. He worked some of the most difficult times in New York City, during some of the toughest
Q+A GARRY LUBI, CURRENT BOARD CHAIR
fires they had during the ’70s and ’80s with 3/4-inch boots, long trench coats, and they weren’t always wearing air packs.”
Lee and his wife, Elva, were original members of the African American Cultural Society in Palm Coast and were involved with a number of other organizations. He was a longtime Fire Police lieutenant with the PCFD. After retiring and becoming an associate member of the department, he remained active.
“He helped out at special events, and he was always at any event the volunteers hosted,” Juliano said. “He liked to mentor our officers. He used to say, ‘Don’t keep your hands in your pocket. You can’t react
if your hands are in the pocket.’ He’d sit with the crew at fire stations at night and chat with them. He was really a great guy. He liked to talk to everybody.”
Lee is survived by Elva, his wife of 72 years, four children, 10 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, one greatgreat grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Lee family and our heartfelt appreciation for sharing Mr. Lee with us for all these years,” the PCFD wrote on its Facebook page.
An inurnment with military honors will be held for Lee at 12:30 p.m. June 27 at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville.
‘Ready for 3.0’: Chamber of Business celebrates fourth anniversary
The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Business is celebrating its fourth anniversary and will pass on the torch of board chair.
Garry Lubi, the current board chair and co-founder of the Chamber, will turn over his seat to local attorney Michael Chiumento III at the Chamber’s annual meeting — themed “Set Sail for Success” — on June 26 at Channelside at 1 Yacht Club Drive. The anniversary meeting will also feature an awards ceremony and State Rep. Tom Leek as the event’s featured speaker. The board chair has two-year terms and, Lubi said, the Chamber is “ready for 3.0” under Chiumento’s tenure.
Lubi recently spoke with the Palm Coast Observer about his tenure as board chair and the Chamber’s recent successes and goals. What follows is a lightly edited transcript.
AS YOU’RE YOU LEAVING THE BOARD CHAIR SEAT, WHAT WERE THE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CHAMBER’S SUCCESS UNDER UNDER YOUR TENURE?
I think we moved into a 2.0. John Walsh had done a great job as our initial chair for the first two years of our organization. Basically we birthed it together and laid a foundation. Then we spent these past two years improving our financial foundation. We also furthered our relationships with local government entities, city of Palm Coast, Flagler County, city of Bunnell, in particular. We really embraced and grew those relationships over the last
couple of the years. We were able to demonstrate for our members that we are relevant and that we strive to help them as small business owners, or even in some cases, larger business owners.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THAT THE CHAMBER IS ENCOURAGING THE COUNTY COMMISSION AND THE CITY OF PALM COAST TO CREATE MORE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES?
One is being the business community’s representative at the table when it comes to the JAXUSA Partnership [an economic development agency]. When you look at economic development, you
one of the toughest things in economic development these days is, do you have the available workforce? One of the things that we believe is that if we can provide the right training or educational opportunities, we can create that workforce that is necessary to compete on a regional, statewide, national level.
DO YOU THINK THE COUNTY AND PALM COAST ARE MAKING GOOD PROGRESS IN BALANCING OR DIVERSIFYING THE TAX BASE?
need to look at those regional opportunities that you can either get directly or build off of what goes elsewhere. For example, it could be a could be an economic development company that goes into Jacksonville, but they need suppliers, and we may be able to provide some of that.
The other thing I think that we’ve done is work with our educational partners, whether that’s Flagler County Schools and the Flagler County Education Foundation, or if it’s with Daytona State and UNF now here with a presence in Palm Coast. And then on top of that, we have Jacksonville University with a presence here in Palm Coast. All of those can help us create some workforce strengths. Because
I don’t believe it’s showing up in the numbers, just yet. But I do believe that we are starting to make progress. The county and the city of Palm Coast and the city of Bunnell have become more
vocal in recognizing that we need to diversify our tax base over the last couple of years. Fifteen years ago, I don’t think you would have heard that out of our city or county government.
SO IT TAKES TIME.
It has a lot to do with the leadership that we have in some of the key seats — whether city or county managers, or staff,and also the commissions themselves.
I do believe that residential taxpayers, oftentimes, don’t fully understand that they’re actually paying in $1 — depending on the statistic that you want to look at — and they’re consuming about $1.30, whereas the commercial taxpayer is consuming maybe 30 or 35 cents for
every dollar that they pay in. So having more balance on the commercial side can actually help the residential taxpayer in the long run.
AFTER HELPING BUILD UP THE CHAMBER, WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR YOU TO BE ABLE TO PASS THIS TORCH?
I’m excited about Michael Chiumento coming in. Michael’s got a long track record of his community involvement here. He and I have worked on and served on various boards over the last 17 years together, and I’m very excited about the direction that we’re going. We’ve got some some new folks coming on to our board, and I will continue to serve on the executive board in the capacity of immediate past chair.
Building faith strengthens our community. Many people in our world today think, “If God exists, He’s probably mad at me or disappointed in me.” But Romans 8:31 says, “Since God is for us who can ever stand against us?” So God is for you not against you! He loves you and demonstrated that love when Jesus died on the cross so you can have eternal life.
Trent Schake, Pastor
Jim Lee of the Palm Coast Fire Department rests on a bench at the Palm Coast Arbor Day celebration on May 4 at Central Park at Town Center. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Garry Lubi, pictured here in his office, was installed as the new chairman of the Flagler chamber.
JUNE 2 CAR WAX
12:56 p.m. — 200 block of South Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach Criminal mischief. A 68-year-old Ormond Beach woman called police after her car was vandalized with green candle wax at local hotel.
It was not the first time, according to an incident report. The woman, who works at the hotel, told police that in 2020, she parked her vehicle in the same spot and found red candle wax staining its rear. She said she had an issue with a guest staying in one of the hotel rooms over three years prior and suspected the guest was the culprit.
Police spoke with the guest, a timeshare owner of the hotel, who denied damaging the woman’s vehicle. The woman told police she was checking the hotel’s policy to see if the guest could be trespassed.
No video surveillance was found showing the guest vandalizing the woman’s car, police report.
JUNE 15
MOOD SWINGS
12 a.m. — Intersection of Banyan Drive and North Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach DUI. Police arrested a 26-year-old Ormond Beach man for driving under the influence after he was spotted going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone. According to his arrest report, police first spotted him going over the Granada bridge with his vehicle’s lights off. Police initiated a traffic stop after seeing him speed. Upon the reporting officer’s arrival, he noted the man’s speech was slurred and that he smelled of alcohol. There was also an open container of alcohol in the cupholder.
Police asked him to step out of the vehicle. The man asked why. He eventually exited, but declined to speak to police without an attorney. He performed a series of field sobriety exercises, which he failed. While completing them, police report, the man was “up and down with his moods toward officers,” tell-
ing them they didn’t know what they were doing, and then apologizing for his actions.
He was taken to jail.
JUNE 20
TRAFFIC STOPPER
9:18 a.m. — first block of Boulder Rock Drive, Palm Coast Resist officer, fail to obey. A Palm Coast man was arrested for blocking traffic as he stopped in the street to accuse a Sheriff’s Office deputy in the middle of a traffic stop of blocking traffic.
The deputy heard someone yelling at him as he was talking to the driver he pulled over. Turning around, he saw a man driving a red Toyota stopped in the middle of the road, blocking traffic, according to an arrest report.
The Toyota driver asked the deputy if he was stupid and told him he needed to move the traffic stop somewhere else because he was blocking the road. The deputy asked the man to keep driving because the man was actually the one blocking traffic.
When the man refused, the deputy told him to pull over. Instead, the man drove off, the report said. The suspect was pulled over minutes later by another deputy and arrested for leaving the scene of a traffic stop.
MACARONI SALAD TANTRUM
6:30 p.m. — 1000 block of South State Street, Bunnell Assault, shoplifting. A woman stealing a $2.79 macaroni salad from a grocery store began trashing the place when she was caught.
A store clerk caught the woman stuffing a macaroni salad container in her bag and try to leave the store, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The clerk told the suspect she needed to put the salad back.
The suspect threw the salad back on the shelves and then began knocking things off shelves and throwing things around the store.
When the clerk tried to get her to stop, the suspect picked up a metal rack and hit the clerk with it.
The suspect took off, but police officers who arrived on the scene later viewed the surveillance footage and recognized her from previous interactions. The suspect was found the next day and arrested.
CORPORATE OFFICE - 386-677-SOLD (7653)
Drug trafficking ring dismantled in Volusia
The group distributed illegal narcotics to dealers in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach and other cities.
OBSERVER STAFF
A major drug trafficking ring that law enforcement reports is responsible for dealing fentanyl, heroin, meth and cocaine in Volusia County has been dismantled in a series of raids and arrests.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office reported on its Facebook page that the ringleaders and most of the 38 defendants identified in the eightmonth investigation were arrested on Thursday, with the remaining to
BRIEFS
Palm Coast man indicted for firstdegree murder after two-year investigation into overdose death
After a two-year-long investigation, a Palm Coast man has been indicted on first-degree murder in the overdose death another Palm Coast resident.
In February 2022, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call at 17 Blasdell Court for an overdose death of a Palm Coast resident. During the investigation and using various investigative, forensic and toxicology techniques, detectives determined that Brian Pirraglia, 42, of Palm Coast, sold drugs laced with fentanyl to the victim resulting in a fatal overdose, a FCSO press release said.
After two years of investigating, on June 14, Pirraglia was indicted by a Flagler County Grand Jury for first-degree murder by unlawful distribution of a controlled substance,
900 West Granada Blvd., Ste. 3, Ormond Beach, FL 32174
BEACHSIDE OFFICE - 386-441-SOLD (7653) 2110 Oceanshore Blvd., Ste. B, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
PORT ORANGE OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653)
840 Dunlawton Ave., Ste. D, Port Orange, FL 32127
COMMERCIAL OFFICE - 386-253-8565
140 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 102, Ormond Beach, FL 32176
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES OFFICE - 386-766-SOLD (7653) 3118 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118
A unique property offering two homes on one lot in the heart of Beachside Daytona. This versatile setup is perfect for those looking to generate rental income from one house while living in the other, or for extended families seeking close proximity with private spaces. MLS#1124587 $399,500. Call Patti McKinley 386-235-0462.
EIGHT CONDO
Prepare to be captivated by this exceptional residence, a true standout in the condominium landscape. This beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo features a seamless open floor plan and has been meticulously updated throughout, including impact windows and sliders that invite the outside in. MLS#1200410 $489,900. Call Danny Robinson 386-682-4343.
A spacious 2 bedroom/2 bathroom, direct-oceanfront unit. Breathe in the salty air, and enjoy sprawling seaside views from your very own private balcony on the 7th floor.Featuring 1,312 square feet, the beachfront oasis boasts a fully-updated, open floor plan outfitted with contemporary styling & comfortable furnishings. MLS#1200256 $550,000. Call David Zalutko 386-872-2126.
In this two bedroom, two full bathroom DIRECT OCEAN FRONT CONDO, paradise awaits! The Sandcastle Condominium sits on the southern tip of Ponce Inlet on a coveted strip of NO DRIVE beach. This condo offers two spacious bedrooms, both with ample closet space and direct ocean views. MLS#1119042 $447,000. Call Amy Beals 386-852-
Fantastic location & lot size! This perfectly cleared half acre property is close to everything. Manufactured home onsite is meticulously upgraded by seller, and is nearly new. Large front room needs final touches, could be an amazing flex space. NEW WELL, NEW ROOF, NEW DRIVEWAY on this ready to go property. MLS#1121935 $185,000. Call Todd Hammond 386233-5957. A stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bathroom pool home in Plantation Bay Golf & CC, East Central Florida’s premier gated community. This meticulously maintained residence boasts 11-foot ceilings, a spacious primary suite with pool access, and a luxurious primary bath featuring double sinks, a walk-in shower, and soaking tub. MLS#1200318. $595,000. Call Lindsey Wolf 407-432-3849.
be arrested in the days to come.
“It takes a team effort to bring down a drug trafficking organization like this, and that’s exactly what we did in this investigation,” Sheriff Mike Chitwood said of the operation, which involved about a dozen local, state and federal agencies. “Today we put a bunch of drug dealers in jail and made a major dent in the fentanyl, heroin and meth supply in our community. But we know our work is never done, and we have to pick it right back up tomorrow.”
The trafficking ring was led by Toure Wilder, Bobby Wilder, Khyree Isaac and Allen Messer, according to VSO, which reports the group distributed illegal narcotics to dealers in Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Oak Hill, Deltona and Pomona Park in Putnam County.
The investigation was led by the
the press release said. Pirraglia was served the indictment at the county jail where he is incarcerated for a warrant for order to show cause –contempt of court.
Infant Bunnell girl hospitalized after eating marijuana blunt; father charged with neglect
A Bunnell man has been arrested charges after his daughter ate a marijuana blunt while at his home.
Cody Robert Spiegelhalter, 26, of Bunnell was arrested on June 23 and has been charged with child neglect. Spiegelhalter drove his infant daughter, of unknown age, to the AdventHealth Palm Coast hospital after she had eaten half a marijuana blunt while staying with him at his house on Saturday, June 22, according to Spiegelhalter’s arrest report.
Spiegelhalter told a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy that it was his visitation weekend with his daughter. He said he was rolling a blunt of marijuana at around 7:30 p.m. and went to the bathroom, leaving the
Volusia Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the East Volusia Narcotics Task Force, and evidence seized included more than a kilogram of fentanyl, over 19 pounds of meth, 69 grams of cocaine, and various pieces of equipment used to manufacture and package drugs for sale.
During one of the raids in Daytona Beach, VSO reported, 75 grams of fentanyl were found in a baby diaper. Partners in the investigation included the FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration; Florida Department of Law Enforcement; Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Central Florida High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas; the DeLand, Edgewater, Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, and Port Orange police departments; VSO’s Overdose Task Force, and others.
blunt unattended near the infant, the report said.
When he came back, he said half of the blunt was gone and marijuana residue was on the floor next to his daughter, the report said. Soon after, Spiegelhalter said, she began acting “abnormally” and “not like herself.” That’s when he called the girl’s mother and drove his daughter to the hospital.
The girl was then transported to Wolfson’s Children’s Hospital in Jacksonville after he started having seizures and other medical complications, the report said. The girl’s uncle, a Flagler Beach resident, called police on June 23 when he heard why his niece was in the hospital.
The deputy looked through Spiegelhalter’s home and found feces and urine from Spiegelhalter’s animals on the floor throughout the home and around 20 grams of marijuana in plain view and in easy reach of a child.
Spiegelhalter remains at the Flagler County jail and could be facing additional drug possession charges, the arrest report said.
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BIZ BUZZ
Avelo celebrates one year at Daytona Beach airport
Avelo Airlines celebrated its one-year anniversary of service at the Daytona Beach International Airport on Friday, June 21.
Avelo passegers traveling between DAB and Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut were greeted with a celebration and gift certificates to several pizzerias in New Haven, as the town was honored last month as “The Pizza Capital of the United States” at a special ceremony at the Capitol.
“This milestone is a validation of the airline’s commitment to growth at DAB and industry-leading affordability, reliability and convenience Avelo has introduced to Daytona Beach-area travelers,” a press release stated.
DAB Airport Director Kare Feaster said in the press release that the airport is excited to be celebrating its first year of service with Avelo.
“The greater New York area has traditionally been one of our top markets for air service and these Avelo flights to/from New Haven to Daytona Beach have proven that Daytona Beach is its own destination, and travelers will support new service,” Feaster said. Since the airline began service at
BRIEFS
New chief clinical officer appointed for AdventHealth East Florida Division
The AdventHealth East Florida Division has selected Dr. Andrew Weinfeld to serve as the new Chief Clinical Officer effective July 8. The division includes seven hospitals in Daytona Beach, DeLand,
Dr. Indira Álvarez, Clinical Director & Owner Palm Coast Hearing Center
At our Hearing Center, one of the most common complaints we hear from patients is that their ears itch; for some, the itching is so intense that they will put all kinds of objects in their ears to scratch…bobby pins, pencils, even toothpicks or coat hangers! Studies estimate that up to 6-12% of people experience itchy ears at some point in their lives. Your ears may become itchy for any number of reasons. One of the most common causes is an earwax impaction, affecting approximately 10% of children and 5% of adults globally. “Swimmer’s ear” caused by an overly humid environment in the ear canal is also every common, affecting 4 in 1,000 people a year, and is more prevalent in the summer. Here in Florida, it is “summer” 10 months out of the year, so we see this very often. If you wear hearing aids, you also have less airflow to the ear so humidity can become trapped in the ear canal, and also cause discomfort. Proper cleaning and disinfection of your hearing aids on a daily basis is an important preventive measure to guard against ear infections, especially in the summer when we sweat so much. Skin conditions, like psoriasis and eczema can also occur in the ear canal. The beginnings of a fungal or bacterial infection can also present initially with itching in the ears. People who suffer from allergies will also often complain not only of itchy eyes and a runny
DAB one year ago, Avelo has flown almost 50,000 customers on nearly 350 flights, according to the press release.
Lauren McPherson takes over Parkside Realty Group
After 14 years of serving homebuyers and sellers, Parkside Realty Group’s broker/owner Sam Perkovich has sold the company to realtor Lauren McPherson as of June 1. Perkovich will continue to contribute to the Palm Coast company as a broker/associate,
Orange City, New Smyrna Beach, Palm Coast and Tavares.
Weinfeld has 13 years of experience served as a general surgeon before taking on leadership roles.
“We are incredibly excited to have Dr. Weinfeld join our team,” said Audrey Gregory, executive vice president and CEO for the AdventHealth East Florida Division. “We are confident that his leadership will help us continue to deliver the exceptional, compassionate care that our community depends on.”
Flagler County seeks applications for Bull Creek Campground restaurant
Flagler County is inviting those who may be interested in having a res-
a press release stated.”I am thrilled to take over Parkside Realty Group,” McPherson said. “Having lived in Flagler County for over three decades, I am deeply committed to this community. I look forward to continuing Sam’s legacy of excellence and providing outstanding service to our clients.”
McPherson is a second-generation realtor whose passion for real estate began from watching her mother design and sell houses and her father build luxury custom homes.
Parkside opened is doors in 2010 and currently has 15 real estate agents on staff, including a certified commercial investment member). Parkside Realty Group is located at 145 City Place, Palm Coast.
Filipino community celebrates 126th Independence Day
The Philippine American Association of Palm Coast celebrated the 126th anniversary of the Philippine’s Independence Day with a cultural celebration.
The PAAPC, a nonprofit that has been active in Palm Coast for since 1992, hosts the celebration every year.
The Philippines won its independence from Spain in 1898 and, since 1978, has celebrated the national holiday on June 12.
PAAPC President Raymond Wheeler said the celebration was well attended,
taurant and business model apply for the upcoming concession restaurant at Bull Creek Campground.
The proposed concession building is 3,600 square feet, with a 2,400 square-foot interior and 960 square-foot kitchen. Those interested should complete the “Request for Statements of Qualifications” process by 2 p.m. July 8, a Flagler County press release said.
The county is looking to lease the restaurant site long-term, for three to five years, with an option to renew, General Services Director Mike Dickson said.
“The selected concessionaire will be expected to provide a quality, unique food service that compliments the campground and Bull Creek Park atmosphere,” Dickson said. Utilities such as water, sewer,
with many members dress in cultural clothes and participating in Filipino folklore dances, called the Tiboli and Jovencita dances.
“We have a different [dance] almost every year that’s a Filipino culture one,” he said.
The celebration was also used as a way to introduce the PAAPC’s new board members.
The PAAPC works as a nonprofit, contributing charitable donations to local charities and hosting community events throughout the year, Wheeler said.
Much of the members at the PAAPC are older now, Wheeler said, and he would love to see the younger generation of Filipinos in Palm Coast and Flagler County join the organization to celebrate their roots and ties to both
electricity, and gas are available and will be the sole responsibility of the selected concessionaire. Building completion is expected in February 2025, the press release said.
The kitchen will be equipped with a walk-in cooler, a walk-in freezer, a fryer, a griddle, a char broiler, a double-deck convection oven, a burner range, and other miscellaneous kitchen equipment.
The Flagler County Purchasing Division only utilizes www.VendorLink.com for notification of business opportunities and for obtaining all solicitation documents, addenda, correspondences, and notices for this solicitation, the press release said.
Responses must be delivered to the Flagler County Procurement Division at 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, 3rd Floor in Bunnell
Filipino and American cultures.
But its not just Filipinos who can join in, Wheeler said. The PAAPC is happy to welcome anyone to join the organization and celebrate at its events, whether they are Filipinos or not, he said.
It is even part of the nonprofit’s mission statement: together with the Filipino and non-Filipino communities
“... we hope to keep our culture strong and vibrant as well as share it with our neighbors in our adoptive beautiful city of Palm Coast.”
“My mission is to preserve our rich culture and traditions while embracing our adopted American ones, all while ensuring we have fun in the process,” Wheeler said. “We Filipinos are known for our joyous spirit, a trait that runs deeply in our Pinoy blood.”
and they must be time stamped by a Financial Services Department representative before the due date and time.
Oral history project seeks volunteers
Lawson Glasergreen, board member of the Flager County Cultural Council, is looking for oral history project participants from each municipality in Flagler County, to capture the significance of arts, culture and history of the community. “Art, culture and history keeps you vibrant as a human being,” Glasergreen said.
For more information, email aarthouse@hotmail.com. Please add in the subject line “FC3 Oral history project.”
nose, but also of itching in the ears. Scratching, although it feels good, can make the problem worse- when you scratch you create small abrasions or tears in the sensitive skin in the ear canal, which can allow bacteria in and lead to infection.
If your ear has not had trauma or an infection, you can try using one to two drops of extra virgin olive oil in each ear canal every night until the symptoms subside. The skin in the ear can become dry which can lead to itching, so the use of a mild natural lubricant like olive oil can replenish the moisture and improve your symptoms. Also, it is important to have proper ear hygiene- clean your ears thoroughly with a washcloth every time you bathe, and do not use ear swabs deep in the canal; stick to the outer ear and do not use alcohol or peroxide as these can over-dry the skin and disrupt the pH balance in the ear canal. Avoiding over-cleaning with cotton swabs can reduce the preva-
lence of itchy ears by up to 25% . If you are still having symptoms, seek medical advice. Call your audiologist or primary care physician so they can rule out any other causes and prescribe treatment if necessary. If you produce a lot of wax, schedule regular ear cleanings to prevent build-up and possible infections- at our Hearing Center, we have special training and equipment to make the process painless and quick! If you are a swimmer, make sure you are using well fitting ear plugs to prevent moisture from accumulating in the canal; and disinfect the plugs after every use. Try getting custom made hypoallergenic plugs, for the best fit and seal. We do custom ear plugs of all kinds, from swimmers plugs to noise protection plugs at our Hearing Center as well!
Itchy ears don’t have to be a part of life! If you are suffering, call and make an appointment today, we can help!
At Palm Coast Hearing Center, our mission is to not only provide the best quality hearing care possible, but also to educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health? Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com.
The new Philippine American Association of Palm Coast board. Courtesy of the Philippine American Association of Palm Coast
Lauren McPherson is the new owner of Parkside Realty Group. Courtesy photo
REAL ESTATE
Palm Coast home tops sales list at $1.1 million
Ahouse at 45 Rollins Drive in the Seascape subdivision in Palm Coast was the top real estate transaction for May 2-8 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on May 7 for $1,120,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/4.5 and has one fireplace, a pool, a twostory lanai and 3,269 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $238,000.
$330,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,898 square feet.
Condos
The condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 205, sold on May 3 for $575,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5, and has 1,640 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $353,000.
PALM COAST
Belle Terre
The home at 9 Pennypacker Lane sold on May 8 for $440,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.
The home at 58 Barkwood Lane sold on May 6 for $310,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,276 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $249,000.
The home at 33 Red Birch Lane sold on May 7 for $323,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.
The home at 62 Perrotti Lane sold on May 6 for $319,990. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.
Indian Trails
The home at 46 Buttermill Drive sold on May 8 for $338,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,110 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $183,000.
The home at 28 Beacon Mill Lane sold on May 7 for $252,500. Built in 1995, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,074 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $130,000.
The home at 42 Buttermill Drive sold on May 6 for $350,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,420 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $260,000
Lehigh Woods
The home at 36 Ryecroft Lane sold on May 7 for $304,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2, and has 1,552 square feet.
The home at 7 Rivergate Lane sold on May 8 for $375,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,940 square feet.
Marineland Acres
The home at 20 Flagler Drive sold on May 6 for $580,000. Built in 2001, it is a 3/2 and has 1,359 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $549,000.
Quail Hollow
The home at 30 Kashmir Trail sold on May 8 for $440,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2, and has a pool and 1,900 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $325,000
Palm Harbor The home at 50 Folson Lane sold on May 8 for $389,650. Built in 2024, the house is 4/2 and has 1,903 square feet.
Pine Grove
The home at 3 Princess Kathleen Place sold on May 8 for $285,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,520 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $121,000.
Pine Lakes
The home at 25 Westland Place sold on May 8 for
Palm Coast resident
Alan Lowe ran for mayor in 2021 and the District 2 City Council seat in 2022.
OBSERVER STAFF
Palm Coast resident Alan Lowe is among five qualified candidates running for the Palm Coast mayor seat.
ment, first responders and taking care of the city before the westward expansion.
The home at 15 White Horse Lane sold on May 7 for $355,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,888 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $195,000.
Matanzas Lakes The home at 11 Lagoon Way sold on May 6 for $444,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,024 square feet.
Seminole Woods The home at 2 Sedley Place sold on May 8 for $575,000. Built in 2006, the house is a
Lowe ran against Mayor David Alfin for the seat in 2021 and later, in the 2022 election, ran for the District 2 council seat. Lowe, according to his campaign website, said his skills include out of the box problem solving, negotiating and listening to the people.
Lowe’s platform supports the following initiatives: positive economic development, a fiscally responsible govern-
6/4.5 and has 3,948 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $312,900.
Seascape The home at 48 Seascape Drive sold on May 7 for
Lowe opposes “tax increases, frivolous spending, out of control development and lack of accountability,” his website says.
“I have never been a politician and it isn’t typical political pandering skills that I bring to the table,” Lowe’s biography reads. “I have no fear of jumping into the fray, pulling a team together and solving problems that bring about creative solutions to difficult problems.”
$975,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2.5 and has one fireplace, a pool and 2,422 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $563,400. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
Alan Lowe. FIle photo
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Readers respond to city’s speed study on residential roads
SPEED BUMPS
WOULD BENEFIT
KARAS TRAIL
Dear Editor:
I was delighted to read the article in the June 13th Observer regarding the study of speed bumps for area residential streets. I live on Karas Trail and some days I feel like I live on the Daytona Speedway! Karas Trail has become a “cut-through” from Belle Terre to U.S. 1. Construction trucks, motorcycles and vehicles greatly exceed the 30 mph speed limit. I have
addressed this problem with the Sheriff’s dept., but obviously an officer can’t patrol this street 24/7! I think speed bumps would deter some of the traffic and provide a safer and quieter neighborhood.
IRIS GILL Palm Coast
AVERAGE SPEED IS NOT THE PROBLEM
Dear Editor: What a useless article. It says that it would cost $1.6
million to lower the speed limit but doesn’t say what it is that costs that much. Then it says that one speed bump would cost $7,500 but doesn’t say how many will be installed.
After reading the article the reader knows nothing about the plan. Also it says that, on average, people drive within 10 mph of the 30 mph range. The problem is the people who drive way over the 30 mph limit, not the average of all drivers together. At the end of the article, council member Nick Klufas makes a comment
linking lower speed limits to increased pollution. This is totally ridiculous! If the Observer wants to be taken seriously as a real newspaper, it needs to ask questions when government leaders make statements, not just print the jibberish that is spewed out.
JOHN ORLANDO Palm Coast
Editor’s note: The referred article, “City considering speed bumps on some residential streets,” published June 13, covered a City Council discussion reviewing
data from a speed study conducted on residen tial streets. Per the article and study, $1.6 million would be the cost to replace speed limit signs on all residential streets in Palm Coast. The article states, “If the city decided to change the speed limits on residential roads, it would be required to change it on all residential roads.” The cost of the speed bump was asked as part of a discussion on alternative, less costly solutions. No decisions regarding changing the speed limits or installing speed bumps were made.
Candidate: Public funds shouldn’t promote mayor’s town hall events
Dear Editor:
Running for public office requires communication to the citizens of one’s ideas, background and capability to administer the position. In today’s environment, we communicate not only with newspapers and radio but social media. Facebook Instagram, X and You Tube are the sources used by the City of Palm Coast to announce events, meetings and City road closures. Over the past two weeks there have been numerous invitations to meet the mayor: 1. on Saturday mornings at the City Hall dubbed “Share with the Mayor”; 2. meet at the Southern Rec Center for a Town Hall with the Mayor; and then 3. the City providing a new weekly newsletter upon subscribing. This is all being promoted within eight weeks of
a primary for the position of mayor of Palm Coast.
This appears as public funds and facilities being used to promote the reelection of the mayor. I have asked (on the morning of June 25) at the City Council Workshop that this use of taxpayer staff and taxpayer facilities for the promotion of the candidate stop.
I appreciated Councilman Ed Danko requesting all
additional forums be on hold except for the City Council meetings until after the elections.
CORNELIA DOWNING
MANFRE
Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: Cornelia Manfre is running for mayor.
Mayor David Alfin said in a phone interview June 26: “The tightrope between incumbency and campaign-
ing is delicate at best.” In order to “always lean toward the side of ethical responsibility,” he said he will direct city staff not to use city resources through the election season to promote his personal appearances or town hall meetings. Still, he said, he was elected for four years and will fulfill his duties for the full term, not withdraw just because of the campaign. See Page 2A.
Local business owner hosts first Pride celebration in Bunnell
Amber Embers, owner of the local business Cosmic Hippie, put together a pride celebration in under two months after hearing the annual Flagler Pride event had been canceled.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
After Flagler Pride canceled its annual Flagler Pride Fest, one Flagler County resident took it upon herself to ensure the local pride community still had a space to celebrate pride month.
Amber Embers, owner of business Cosmic Hippie and the nonprofit Cosmic Assembly of the Divine Spirit, put together the pride celebration in just one month. It took place on Sunday, June 23 at the 2K Ranch in Bunnell.
“I just really felt like there was a need for something
to happen, because, as you probably are aware, we’re still in a very conservative area,” Embers said. “So I felt like if there wasn’t any type of representation for pride this month, then that would have
just lost all the traction that we have gained over the past.” Embers said that because she has experience putting together events, it was pretty simple, if hectic, to organize. The event included live music, food trucks, booths for local businesses and resources and a drag show.
Erica Rivera — founder of the National CARE Foundation and the co-founder and former president of Flagler Pride, helped Embers organize the drag show. Drag artists Karma S. Rose and Karl Withakay — who won the 2024 DeLand Pride Pageant and is 2024’s Mr. Volusia Pride — performed multiple family-friendly dances at the event.
Rivera has spent the last several years organizing and arranging the Flagler Pride Fest every June. In her experience, she said, it takes a lot of organizing and momentum to reach the large turnouts recent Flagler Pride Fests have sustained. For its first showing, and under such a
short time frame, Rivera said, Pride in Bunnell turned out great.
Embers said she was glad the event came together the way it did. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, she said she is always looking for ways to create the type of age-appropriate, safe spaces and events that would have made her feel welcome as a teenager.
It’s about letting people know they’re not the only ones who feel or thinks a certain way, she said.
“That’s my motivation, literally, behind everything I do,” she said. “I just want to make people feel like they belong somewhere.”
Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com
OBO Managing Editor
Associate
Design
The Flagler Humane Society is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast. Adoption fees vary based on the animal, and the shelter has both dogs and cats up for adoption. Contact FHS at 386-445-1814 or visit flaglerhumanesociety. org.
2K Ranch horse riding instructor Sophia Remedios volunteers at the Pride in Bunnell event for the ranch with her mother, Jaime Remedios.
Amber Embers organized the Pride in Bunnell event alongside her husband Julio Torres, who acted as the event’s emcee. Photos by Sierra Williams
Karma S. Rose and Karl Withakay with siblings Mason, 8, Kaylin, 7, and Madilyn, 4.
Bonbon Kelnbert with her business Treasures from Okinawa.
SPIRIT OF AMERICA
Frames of freedom
What does the spirit of America look like
in the Ormond Beach community?
From the halls of Seabreeze High School to the ranches west of I-95, Ormond Beach residents agree that the spirit of America is based on freedom and the community that enjoys those freedoms together.
Reservist and Air Force veteran Mike Patterson was in active duty for 15 years and uses fishing as a means to relieve the stressors associated with transitioning from military to civilian life. He has been fishing off of the Granada pier for years.
"I have a tattoo that says 'liberty,’” Patterson said. "To me, the spirit of America is freedom. It's that liberty. I think we are very lucky to
have the freedoms that we have and we need to enjoy them. For me, it's fishing. It's coming out here and knowing that I have the ability to fish safely. The spirit of America is simply being free."
Bryan Brymer, Pumphouse BBQ co-owner and chef, said barbecue is the oldest form of cooking — by utilizing wood and fire, the food was prepared simply.
"Americana means going back to the roots of family and friends and enjoying life for what it is," he said.
—
MICHELE MEYERS
“I have a tattoo that says 'liberty.' To me, the spirit of America is freedom. It's
MIKE PATTERSON, United States Air Force veteran and reservist
Ormond Beach resident Maggie Nugent and Holly Hill resident David Metzger have fun flying kites at the Granada approach.
In the spirit of America, Bearded Dragons Georgia (front), Snowflake, Gracie and Tebow (back, left to right) are treated like family and taken for an outing under the Granada Bridge.
Ormond Beach Spikes 12U Baseball players Bryson Wilkins (left) and Ryan Desimmone (right) run with a player who was there to tryout. Photos by Michele Meyers
Pumphouse BBQ manager Sam Dulas slices a brisket for her customers. Chef Bryan Brymer said barbecue is the oldest form of cooking.
Ormond Beach resident Mike Patterson is transitioning from the Air Force to civilian life after serving in the military for 15 years. He is currently a reservist at Patrick Space Force Base in Cocoa Beach.
Seabreeze rising junior Casey Jensen-Gainey rides her Palomino Pie. She is practicing for the NBHA Youth and Teen World Championships.
Spirit of America
David Blakemore sells Trump MAGA flags, shirts, hats and more in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
Nyla Parks participates in summer practice with the Seabreeze High School cheerleading team.
Neighborhood Scoop employee Gabby Buckner serves a traditional root beer float.
Flagler County celebrates WWII veteran Ray Rice’s 100th birthday
A procession of vehicles drove by Rice’s Flagler Beach home to honor the Marine veteran who fought at Guadalcanal.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Ray Rice, a member of the “Greatest Generation,” never talked to his family about his World War II experience — until he was 93 or 94 years old, his daughter Cheryl Clark said.
On Saturday, June 22, Rice celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and friends. Dozens of vehicles drove by his Flagler Beach home to pay respects to the United States Marine Corps veteran. The procession began at Maria del Mar Catholic Church and was organized by the Marine Corps League 1st Sgt. Burdett W. Loucks, Jr. Detachment 876. Drivers and passengers waved to Rice as they slowly drove by. Rice sat in his wheelchair under a Marine Corps tent and waved back.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office vehicles led the motorcade with motorcycle deputies from the Motors Unit doing riding circles in front of the home on South Daytona Avenue
where Clark and Rice live. Rice was given a ride in an FCSO SWAT vehicle before the party moved inside.
“Today was extremely special,” Clark said. “He teared up. He had a lot of fun for the first time in a long time.”
Rice enlisted in the Marines in 1942 when he was 17, his family members said. His Aunt Helen pro-
vided written permission to allow the under-aged Rice to join up, said Lana Romeo, Rice’s other daughter.
“He went in to fight the Germans,” Clark said. “The next thing he knew, he was dropped off by the Seabees at Guadalcanal. He swam into Guadalcanal and almost drowned. He had to take off all his equipment and swim to shore with guns shooting at him.”
The Guadalcanal campaign was the Allied forces’ first major offensive against Japan in the South Pacific during World War II. The Allies, predominantly the U.S. Marines, landed in the eastern Solomon Islands, capturing an airfield on Guadalcanal that was under construction. The campaign was fought between Aug. 7, 1942 and Feb. 9, 1943. Rice lost most of his hearing during the Japanese’s daily aerial bombardment, Clark said.
It took years for Rice to put his harrowing memories into words. He witnessed women and children jumping off cliffs, Clark said.
As he was eating his birthday lunch
with friends and family — including his daughters, his grandchildren and their spouses and his great-grandchildren — Rice recounted some of his memories.
“We had a good group of guys,” he said. “They really watched out for me, being a little short guy like I am. And they favored me.”
Over 80 years later, in his mind’s eye he can still see the horrific image of a dead solider who appeared to be looking up at him.
“We were pulling out and going to another island, and I got lost,” he said. “I crossed a path and there was a GI on the ground with his eyes wide open, staring at me deader than a doornail. He was stretched full length. His eyes were staring right smack at me. And I said, ‘I’ll never forget this.’ And I didn’t.”
After the war, Rice worked as an insurance adjuster for Allstate in New Jersey. His hobby was rebuilding totaled cars by hand.
“When I was getting my driver’s license he told me he had a car for
“He went in to fight the Germans. The next thing he knew, he was dropped off by the Seabees at Guadalcanal. He swam into Guadalcanal and almost drowned. He had to take off all his equipment and swim to shore with guns shooting at him.”
me,” Clark said. “It was a ’65 Chevy. He took me to see it, and it was totaled. By the time it was done, it looked like it came out of a showroom.”
Rice suffered a heart attack when he was in his 50s. Doctors wanted him to undergo open-heart surgery, but he would have nothing to do with that, Clark said.
“Daddy is not only a Marine, but he’s an Irish Marine, so he is really stubborn,” she said.
But he changed his lifestyle, she said. He started eating healthy and began taking long walks.
“He’s very religious. He would walk to Santa Maria del Mar every day for Mass,” Clark said.
And on his 100th birthday, he enjoyed the company of his family, friends and fellow Marines from the Marine Corps League detachment.
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Shuffle
Ray Rice’s family celebrates his 100th birthday. From left: Tyler Adcock, Anthony Romeo-Adcock, Lana Romeo, Cheryl Clark, Brandon Clark, Lilian Clark, Kerri Clark, Caroline Clark, James Cimorelli, Teresa Araujo and Bill Barrett. Front: Ray Rice. Photos by Brent Woronoff
A banner honors World War II veteran Ray Rice in the front yard of his Flagler Beach home.
CHERYL CLARK, Ray Rice’s daughter
The American soundtrack: The Moonlighters’ sound resonates in the community
The Moonlighters are keeping the American Standards alive, from Frank Sinatra’s ballads to Glenn Miller’s big band charts.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
EDITOR
MANAGING
As America changes, so does its music — and in turn, so have The Moonlighters.
Founded in the mid-1990s by saxophone players John Fuelner and Robert Mondelli, the band’s early days mirrored that of the Glenn Miller Orchestra of the ’40s with a 17-person composition. That was Fuelner’s vision. He was a retired music teacher who had a desire to form a big band in Ormond Beach. Dr. Joseph Mirante joined the band as a trombone player shortly after its founding in 1995. They played at municipal and private events, from the annual Fourth of July celebration in the city of Ormond Beach to play-
ing on the fields for the Jacksonville Jaguars. About 12 years ago, when Fuelner was ready to retire, Mirante took over as the band’s leader, and the sheet music started featuring songs by Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis and Dean Martin.
A more contemporary, but still traditional, sound featuring songs from the ’50s and ’60s that people recognize and love.
“As people get older, they want to look back to those days and remember their music,” Mirante said. “So it’s the soundtrack of our growth, development and changes as Americans.”
The Moonlighters of today — an eight-person group made up James Paris on trumpet, Mark Campbell on baritone sax, Paul Ricci on tenor sax, Tony Santos on alto sax, Gerry Amatucci on bass guitar, Manny Simpson on drums, Greg Wieboldt on guitar and Mirante on trombone and vocals — completed their first performance season in their new format last year. The band has gotten very close, Mirante said.
Some of them have been playing together for over two decades.
“I think we have become part of the fabric of the community — I like to think that, and that when they see our name, people expect good entertainment and a good time,” Mirante said.
A PART OF THE ENSEMBLE
Wieboldt has been playing with The Moonlighters since November 2002.
He got a call from one of the musicians in the band, who told him they were in need of a guitarist. Wieboldt played a couple rehearsals before Fuelner came up to him and told him he had landed the gig as the group’s guitar player. He told him where to show up for the next show — a New Year’s Eve concert in New Smyrna — and told him how much he’d be paid.
The rest is history.
Wieboldt started performing at 16 years old in 1963 and continued through his high school and college
years. After he graduated from college, he went on to work as an engineer for General Electric, and music had to take a backseat. He would play for parties or church events, but it wasn’t until his kids were grown that Wieboldt began to refocus on his music.
“I was about ready to retire and my wife says, ‘Go ahead, you can go play now,’” Wieboldt recalled. “‘You’ve been good all of these years. Go play.’ It was like a week later, I got the call from The Moonlighters. It was really serendipitous.”
Santos joined The Moonlighters about 13 years ago, but he’s been playing for over 70 years. A former music teacher, he said he’s happiest when he’s playing music. He and his fellow saxophone players have performed together in past bands, but it all started with The Moonlighters.
“Many of us have gone on to other bands, but always stayed with Joe (Mirante),” Santos said. “... Joe is probably the best organized man I’ve ever met.”
Mirante started his musical journey as a euphonium player in the fifth grade in New York. Then in middle school, he wanted to play with the jazz band, so he took up trombone and never looked back.
The love of contemporary music came from his father, who was always playing music in the home.
“The whole American songbook, from old to new, is part of my life,” Mirante said.
MOONLIGHTING
The Moonlighters are all top notch musicians, Wieboldt said, with experience ranging from playing in Las Vegas performance groups to the U.S. armed services bands.
“They’re great musicians, plus they’re great people,” Wieboldt said. They simply enjoy playing together, Santos said.
“It really is a family,” Santos said. “We enjoy rehearsals as much as performances, because we get a chance to bounce off each other and play, and play with some good musicians.”
Mirante said what stands out as memorable experiences with The Moonlighters are the little moments — the showcasing of good technique during a rehearsal and the camaraderie.
“There are many ‘Moonlighters’ bands around the country, and the implication there is these are people who are not musicians all the time,” Mirante said. “They’re moonlighting. ... People coming together to take time from outside their mainstream life to make music together and share it with the community.”
‘MUSIC IS EVERYWHERE’ Santos spent three years with the West Point Band seeing how music can make an impact. The first time he performed with the West Point Band was for the inauguration parade for President John F. Kennedy. He remembers how two Secret Service agents posed as extra saxophone players in the band, holding instruments but not playing.
“Being there (at West Point), you see American culture at its best,” Santos said. “The students are great and all the tradition there, but when you come out in the communities now and you see music has an infinite place in life.”
It’s the one thing that tends to stick in people’s minds, he said.
“Music is there when somebody gets married,” Santos said. “It’s there when someone dies. Music is everywhere.”
When The Moonlighters transformed into its current format, it freed them from only playing charts from the 30s and 40s — it also gave Wieboldt more chances for solos and interesting riffs.
“We’ve been playing in this new format now for probably about six or eight months, and I’m loving it,” Wieboldt said.
The band plays some Count Basie and Duke Ellington tunes here and there too. People, including World War II vets, still love to hear them, Wieboldt said.
Because music brings people together, Wieboldt said. It gives people common ground to talk about songs and lyrics.
“It’s inspirational, and to a degree, it can free up your soul a little bit from the daily grind,” he said.
Music helps society see who we are, Mirante said. Big band particularly is the soundtrack of patriotism and love of country from the 30s, and 40s, he said. Through the decades, genres have followed changes in American society, Mirante said.
If you ask 10 different people what music embodies Americana, you’ll get 10 different answers, he said — from a John Philip Sousa march to a Taylor Swift pop hit.
“Music is right at the heartbeat of American culture,” Mirante said. “What are musicians? They are our modern poets. They speak to what in our thoughts and what’s in our souls.”
Greg Wieboldt has been performing in bands since he was 16 years old.
Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Tony Santos on alto sax.
Bandleader Joseph Mirante plays trombone in The Moonlighters.
Flagler County’s civics camp teaches students to be problem-solvers
Incoming seventh graders visited with local officials, wrote children’s books on founding documents and held their own elections.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
While some of their friends may be playing baseball or going to the beach, about 35 incoming seventh graders in Flagler County are attending Civics Camp this summer. They are learning about the founding documents and writing children’s books about them. They’re holding mock elections. The presidential debate? They’ve already had one. They’ve created platforms, a party slogan and logos and elected a president.
They’re proposing bills and going through the legislative process. They’ll do some Supreme Court simulations, testing the constitutionality of some laws. They’ll address emergency scenarios. What do we do if a Category 5 hurricane hits Florida?
And they are learning about their local and county governments. They met with Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance and Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore at the Government Services Building, Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin and Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston at City Hall. They also visited the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Operations Center and the county courthouse.
And one of the camp’s instructors, Flagler Palm Coast High School teacher Alex Giorgianni, will lead the students on a tour of the county from west Flagler to beachside to Princess Place, and they will be tasked to identify issues along the way and coming up with solutions.
Amy Ferrer, Flagler Schools teaching and learning specialist for social studies, applied for a grant with Heidi Alves, the science specialist, for civics and STEM summer enrichment programs. The grants funded the camps for two years, starting last year.
The civics camp is specifically for incoming seventh graders because there is a mandatory seventh grade civics course with a statewide assessment.
“We want to make sure that they have all of the information that they need,” Ferrer said. “So we focus on the founding documents and the founding principles, the three branches of government and civic engagement as well.”
The teachers don’t stand up in front of the class and lecture. The students worked in groups of four or five to study a founding document — the Declaration of Independence, the Magna Carta, the Mayflower Compact, Common Sense by Thomas Paine and the Articles of Confederation. Each group wrote a book about their document for elementary school students.
“Most likely, they’ll read their books aloud, and I’ll put the links on the curriculum maps for third, fourth
and fifth grade, and our teachers will be able to use those in their classrooms,” Ferrer said.
“The (third, fourth and fifth graders) love it,” Ferrer added. “Anytime they can hear a book read by other kids.”
Aiden Rostallon likes the groupparticipation aspect of the camp.
“I like socializing with people, it makes it more fun,” he said.
The students had no shortage of questions for their local officials, Ferrer said.
“They had some good questions for Mr. Dance,” Ferrer said after the students left the GSB on June 12.
“One of them asked about a tree that’s growing in their sidewalk and it’s breaking the sidewalk apart and who do I contact? They asked about flooding near their homes? One of them said there’s a lot next door that’s vacant but was just purchased and it’s home to a gopher tortoise. So
what do we do about that?”
Melissa Ryon is concerned about local development.
“I’m looking forward to doing the project where we get to go around Flagler County and then point out the things that we want to change,” she said, “because they’re building a lot of house now, and I feel bad for the animals whose homes are being invaded by the new housing. So I really want to change that if I could.”
Superindent Moore was asked about the “swatting calls” that precipitated school lockdowns at the end of the school year.
“What made it really stressful is each time you had to treat it like it was the real thing,” she told the students.
“I only have two jobs,” she added. “And one is to make sure you’re safe and get home safely.”
The students had different reasons for learning about civics. Andy Cul-
ver wanted to get a jumpstart on the seventh grade course. Alicia Souza, who immigrated from Brazil when she was 5, said, “I took this course because I was interested in learning about historical documents. When you’re new to America, you don’t really know how everything works and the history of America.”
Priya Vargas said she signed up because she thought her sixth grade history teacher would want her to. And she’s glad she did.
“It’s fun and you’re still learning something,” she said. “I actually didn’t know what the Mayflower Compact was, and now I find it pretty interesting.”
The most important thing they learned from their local officials, the students agreed is to be engaged.
“You don’t need to be quiet if something happens,” Rostallon said. “You got to speak out.”
Civic camp students have lots of questions on their field trips: Front row: Andy Culver. Second row: Amber Robinson, Giana Sheppard, Brice Wright, Back row: Mykyta Mytrofanov. Teachers: Alex Giorgianni and Steven Von Glahn. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Priya Vargas raises her hand to ask Superintendent LaShakia Moore a question.
LOCAL EVENTS
Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast
Details: Flagler Tiger Bay Club is hosting a candidate meet and greet. Get to know the candidates running for Flagler County’s local races and state representatives. Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart will conduct a straw poll from 6-8 p.m. The results will be announced immediately after the poll closes. Free event.
FRIDAY, JUNE 28
TOWN HALL WITH PALM COAST
MAYOR DAVID ALFIN
When: 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Ask questions and discuss issues in this open forum with Palm
THURSDAY, JULY 4
STARS AND STRIPES PARADE
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: North 6th Street to South 6th Street along A1A, Flagler
Beach
Details: The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach will present its annual parade, following its traditional route, for the Fourth of July. Free.
MUSIC IN THE PARK
When: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park, 101 N.
Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: DJ Vern will provide
Coast Mayor David Alfin. Free and open to the public. Complimentary coffee will be served.
BARBECUE AND JAZZ
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 3005 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast
Details: The North East Florida Jazz Association presents this event featuring the Melvin Smith Quartet. Tickets cost $40 for members, $45 for non-member. Visit nefja.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 5
SUMMER CLASSES FOR KIDS
When: 12-2 p.m.
Where: Art Among the Flowers, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A114, Palm Coast
Details: Looking for something fun for your kids to do this summer?
Art Among the Flowers is offering classes for children ages 7-16. All classes will include a tour of the flower shop, exploring and learning about the different plants and flowers, and then hands-on learning a different technique with a professional instructor. Children also get to take their creations home. This class will teach them to design a flower ar-
music for the Fourth of July. This is part of the United Flagler 4th celebrations.
UNITED FLAGLER 4TH
When: 6-10 p.m.
Where: Flagler Executive Airport, 201 Airport Road, Palm Coast
Details: Flagler County residents and visitors are invited to the United Flagler 4th Community Celebration, hosted by Flagler County Government and the cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. There will be ven-
rangement with fresh-cut stems in a wicker basket. Class costs $25. Visit artamongtheflowers.com.
MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “The Little
dors, a beer garden, kids’ activities and a main stage with a DJ. At 7 p.m., local officials will recite the Declaration of Independence.
CITY OF ORMOND BEACH’S INDEPENDENCE DAY
CELEBRATION
When: 8-9:30 p.m.
Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Join the city of Ormond Beach for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Fireworks at 9 p.m. There will be music and food trucks. Call 676-3241.
Mermaid,” rated PG. Movies are weather-sensitive. Call 386-6763216 for rainout information.
SATURDAY, JULY 6
SHARE WITH THE MAYOR
When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Engage with Palm Coast
Mayor David Alfin at this weekly event, to be held every Saturday morning at the outdoor seating area by the flagpole and garden at City Hall.
ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Main Street Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.
KATE MOSEMAN BOOK
SIGNING EVENT
When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Fern and Fable Books, 51 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Meet local author Kate Moseman and get your book personally signed. Moseman is the author of the “West Side Witches,” “Midlife Elementals” and “Supernatural Sweethearts” series. Free event.
RED, WHITE AND BLUE DINNER
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Atlantic Grille, Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast
Details: Enjoy dinner and a front row seat to watch the firework show starting at dusk at Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa. Atlantic Grille is offering a prix fixe three-course diner for $65 per person. Reservations required. They can be made at opentable.com.
ONGOING ‘FIGURATIVELY SPEAKING’ EXHIBIT
When: 1-4 p.m. Thursday to Sunday, through July 19
Where: Art League of Daytona Beach, 433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach
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Details: See this exhibit on figurative art by the Art League of Daytona Beach. There are 80 works of art on show.
BAM SENIOR FITNESS CLASS
When: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays
Where: Palm Coast First Baptist Church, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast
Details: Join this Balance and Motion class and develop strength and endurance, core stability and balance. Taught by senior fitness specialist Artie G, the class is open to all fitness levels and free with most insurances. A donation is accepted for those without coverage. See full schedule at synergyseniorfitness. com or call 386-931-3485.
WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB When: 12:30-2 p.m. every Tuesday Where: Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach
Details: Join this book club, which will study “Love Stories of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. The book club will meet in the Marchman Building, room 117. Contact Sylvia Meincke at 386-451-5223.
MOMS OF PRE SCHOOLERS
When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month
Where: Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach
Details: Moms of Pre Schoolers is a free faith-based program for moms, moms-to-be and their preschoolers for support and encouragement. Breakfast is provided, as well as a video with discussion and crafts. Playtime offered for children, with adult supervision. Call 386-2552588.
MOAS EXHIBITIONS
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach
Details: Want to spend a day looking at fine art? The Museum of Arts and Sciences has the following shows on display: “Tide Pools: Exploring Coastal Communities” ; “The Lure of Florida Fishing” ; and “Megalodon: Largest Shark that Ever Lived.”
The Melvin Smith Jazz Ensemble jams at the NEFJA Summer Jazz Fest in Palm Coast in 2023. File photo by Michele Meyers
Non Sequitur
Nancy
Mother Goose and Grimm
The Duplex
In the Bleachers
Cornered
Ziggy
The Fusco Brothers
SPORTS
“Everybody’s playing, nobody’s sitting. During the week, the kids will have a thousand touches, easily.”
Matanzas
names veteran
Dennis Kitko won three state championships as a wrestler at Brandon High and coached at four Florida high schools.
Matanzas High School took a first step toward rebuilding its wrestling program, naming Dennis Kitko as the new head coach.
Kitko had coached wrestling at four Florida high schools before moving to Japan two years ago where he has been the youth sports coordinator at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni and taught at Zama Middle High School at Camp Zama Army Base outside of Tokyo. He is currently relocating from Japan and will be on campus at Matanzas by the first day of school
Boot camp
Pete Hald completes his 24th year leading Flagler Palm Coast High School’s girls soccer camp.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Originally, Flagler Palm Coast’s Go To Goal Soccer Camp included boys and girls. But as Pete Hald got more involved, he brought more girls into the week-long camp.
Two years after he took the camp over from former boys soccer coach Bob Sawyer in 2001, he made it exclusively for girls soccer players.
“Selfishly, I was like, I can have enough players with just girls, so that’s what I did,” Hald said.
Twenty-nine players took part in the camp last week (June 17-21) on FPC’s back field. It was the 24th year that Hald ran the camp. It is by invitation only. Over 40 girls take part in FPC’s girls soccer summer weightlifting program, but only the higher-level players are invited to participate in the camp.
“If you played in my program you get to come,” Hald said. “Anybody new has to have a recommendation from a coach or (JV coach Cat Bradley) or I have to observe them playing.”
Hald will be entering his 34th season as the Bulldogs’ girls soccer coach this year. He is the only girls soccer coach the school has ever had, starting the program in the 1991-92 school year, when he was just one year out of college.
Since then, he has won 533 games. His teams have won nine district championships and have played in 25 district title games — including 19 straight from 2003 to 2021. They have also played in five regional championships.
In 2014, the Bulldogs had their best season, advancing to the final four where they lost to Fort Lauderdale
St. Thomas Aquinas 1-0 in suddendeath overtime. St. Thomas went on to win the Class 5A state championship. Early in overtime, FPC’s Josie Davis unleashed a shot that soared just over the goal.
“I don’t remember everything in soccer, but I remember this,” Hald said. “The keeper missed the whole ball. It just went over the crossbar by this much. I mean, it was a great shot. It would have ended the game.”
Next season, the Bulldogs will have a sophomore-dominated team with several playing major roles last season as freshmen.
For some of the rising sophomores this was their first Go To Goal camp with its intense skills training.
“It’s five days (in the evenings this year), and we get to do all the skill work, but we’re always playing games,” Hald said. “We’re always ending in games. We’re playing competitive games, utilizing those skills.”
Former FPC goalie Tanner Paulo, who graduated in 2022, worked with the five goalies in camp.
“It’s a blessing to have him here,” Hald said. “He works real hard and he’s really good with them. And we incorporate (the goalies), because you can end any skill development into shooting on the goal, making it fun for them, because nobody wants to dripple through poles all the time and not shoot on the goal. So when we add the goal, we add the keepers, and then of course, we try to play games that use either the 6v6 goal or the big goal. But everybody’s playing, nobody’s sitting. During the week, the kids will have a thousand touches, easily.”
The camp is just one of many summer programs Hald’s players participate in as a team.
They have weight room training on Tuesday and Thursday mornings with free play on a practice field on Thursday mornings following weightlifting. On Wednesday mornings they do a beach workout. And once a week, they play as a team in the Royal Palms SC 7v7 high school soccer league.
Hald, who played soccer at the University of Vermont from 198690, loves coaching now as much as when he started the program 34 years ago. He said his goal is to remain at FPC through his son Jacob’s high school graduation.
Jacob is entering eighth grade, so that means Flagler County’s longest tenured coach may be guiding FPC’s girls soccer team for at least another five years.
coach to take over wrestling
on Aug. 12, according to a June 21 Flagler Schools press release.
Kitko is a 1993 graduate of Brandon High School where he won three state wrestling championships. He won five national championships in freestyle wrestling beginning at age 12. He wrestled at Cornell University where he was first-team All-Ivy League in 1995 and competed in the NCAA tournament.
He finished his bachelor’s degree at Florida State University in 1999 and received his master’s from FSU in educational leadership in 2003. While in Tallahassee, he coached at Leon and Godby high schools.
Kitko coached wrestling at Durant High School in Plant City from 2003 to 2012, winning three regional titles and eight district titles. Before moving overseas, he coached at Bloomingdale High in Valrico from 2018 to 2022.
Four Matanzas wrestlers have won state championships during the past three seasons, including Jordan and
Mariah Mills this past season. The Pirates won the girls state wrestling championship in 2023 and placed third in 2022 and 2024.
But the entire coaching staff resigned at the end of the school year.
Head coach Mike Fries had submitted his resignation during the season to take effect at the end of the year, but he later tried to rescind his resignation. When the school’s administration decided not to tear up his resignation, the wrestling program’s five assistant coaches also resigned.
In the school district’s news release, Kitko said he is eager to get started.
“Building upon the longstanding success and tradition of this program is a challenge I’m looking forward to,” Kitko said. “Success on the mats, in the classroom and in our community will be key to help us focus on the development of character and integrity among our boys and girls rosters.”
Pickleball tournaments scheduled for
Pictona
Pictona at Holly Hill is partnering with Daytona International Speedway to host Daytona International Speedway Sundown Showdown Tournaments, a series of team pickleball events throughout the summer.
The first event was women’s doubles competition on June 22. A mixed doubles tournament is scheduled for July 20, and a men’s doubles event is set for Aug. 17. All events are on Saturday evenings from 7-11 p.m.
DIS President Frank Kelleher announced that all registered players in the Sundown tournaments will be offered a free ticket to the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 24. For more information, visit www. pictona.org.
Email Brent Woronoff at Brent@ observerlocalnews.com
New Matanzas wrestling coach Dennis Kitko. Courtesy photo
Kylie McNitt, Nichole Dickinson and recent graduate Kaitlyn Steiner, who signed to play soccer at Warner University. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Marlee O’Fallon Natalie Neal is a two-year returning starter at goalkeeper for the Bulldogs.
FPC soccer players take a break during Go To Goal Soccer Camp on June 20.
PETE HALD, FPC girls soccer coach
SIDELINES
Flagler Babe Ruth 10U all-stars advance to state tournament
The Flagler Babe Ruth 10U all-star team placed second in the district tournament to earn a spot in the state tournament June 27-30 in Lake City. The team is coached by Corey Shugart (head coach), Nick Berti, Mike Minder and Josh Normandin. The league is hosting the North State Tournament for the 9U, 11U and 18U teams June 27-30 at the Flagler County Fairgrounds in Bunnell.
Palm Coast Little League’s Seniors advance to state
The Palm Coast Little League Senior League baseball all-stars won the Section 3 championship with two victories on June 23 to advance to the state championships.
The PCLL Seniors defeated Mims 29-2 and Hilliard 10-2 at the Indian Trails Softball Complex Little League fields. They will play in the state championship tournament June 2830 in St. Cloud.
The Junior League softball allstars also hosted sectionals. After splitting two games with San Mateo Little League on June 23, San Mateo
INCLINED NOT TO BELIEVE YOU by Daniel Hrynick and Jeff Chen, edited by Jeff Chen By Luis Campos
The Flagler Babe Ruth 10U All-Star Team. Courtesy photo
Violet Schaefer slides into home plate safely for a run.
Mila Pincas pitches for the 10U softball all-stars.
Adrien Perri shows bunt but winds up swinging away later in the at-bat for an infield hit. Photos by Brent Woronoff
PCLL Senior baseball second baseman Caleb Tyskowski
PCLL 10U softball all-star coach Ed Beckett gives pointers to Ariella Centofanti before her at-bat.
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ORDINANCE OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AMENDING APPENDIX C, LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE, OF THE FLAGLER COUNTY CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 4.05.01, SKETCH PLAT REVIEW; AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 5.01.09, FLAGLER COUNTY SHADE TREES; AMENDING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTIONS 6.01.00 THROUGH 6.01.05 RELATED TO INDEX TREE REMOVAL AND PROTECTION; CREATING LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE SECTION 6.01.09, TREE BANK FUND ESTABLISHED; PROVIDING FOR APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND SCRIVENER’S ERRORS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public hearings on the ordinance will be held in the location listed below at the dates and times provided: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD – Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida, 32110.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – First Reading – July 15, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida, 32110.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – Second Reading and Adoption – August 5, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida, 32110. All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing and be heard. Anyone wishing to express their opinion may attend, telephone 386-313-4009 or write to: Flagler County Planning and Zoning Department, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to planningdept@flaglercounty.gov. Copies of the proposed ordinance, supporting data and analysis, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning and Zoning Department, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110, Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE NEEDED AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSES, THE PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AT (386) 313-4001 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. June 27,, 2024 24-00239F
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE No. 2021 CA 000593 REVERSE MORTGAGE FUNDING LLC, Plaintiff vs. JACKSON, CATHERINE, et al., Defendants TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF PRESTON LOPEZ JACKSON, III, DECEASED 47 WOOD ACRE LANE PALM COAST, FL 32164 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in Flagler County, Florida: LOT 41, BLOCK 58A, AMENDED SUBDIVISION MAP WYNNFIELD SECTION 27-PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO PLAT OR MAP THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 28, PAGE 30 AND 31, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon
Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in BUSINESS OBSERVER, on or before 30 days after first publication, 2024; otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. IMPORTANT
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in this proceeding should, no later than seven (7) days prior, contact the Clerk of the Court’s disability coordinator at COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E ORANGE AVENUE, SUITE 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114,
SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS PROBATE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 2024 CP 000159 Division: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF GREGG ALLEN MCANALLY Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Gregg Allen McAnally, deceased, whose date of death was 01/18/2024 is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd Building #1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is the 20th of June, 2024. Christina McAnally, Personal Representative 1023 Hickory Street Bunnell, Florida 32110 A Paul Cain, Esquire Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number 1022280 RISE UP LEGAL 1400 Marsh Landing Parkway, Suite 108, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Telephone: (904) 877-1010
Primary: service@RiseUpLegal.com
Secondary: service@RiseUpLegal.net June 20, 27, 2024 24-00138G
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2022-CA-000634 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, v. PATRICK DAVID PROPST, et al., Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given that Tom Bexley, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, will on July 26, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. ET, via the online auction site at www. flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, F.S., offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Flagler County, Florida, to wit: Lot 10, Block 73, Zebulah’s TrailSection 63 Seminole Woods at Palm Coast, according to the Plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 18, pages 24 through 35, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property Address: 54 Zebulahs Trl, Palm Coast, FL 32164 pursuant to the Final Judgment of Fore-
