PALM COAST
Cornelia Manfre. Courtesy photo
CITY WATCH
WILLIAMS
SIERRA
STAFF WRITER
HEIGHTER TO CONTINUE COMMUNITY SERVICE
Before she was ever elected to the City Council, Cathy Heighter said, she was already serving the community. Now that she is leaving the council, she will continue to do so through several local organizations, including her own nonprofit.
A Gold Star mother herself, Heighter founded Remembering Heroes, which supports veterans. She also plans to continue her involvement in other local organizations. As she leaves her position, Heighter said she will working with City Manager Lauren Johnston to hand off her current projects. Heighter said she will continue to advocate for the city’s veterans and senior citizens, and for more affordable “life-stage” housing in the city. “I want to express my sincere gratitude for the opportunity to serve on the City Council and for the support I have received during my time here,” Heighter wrote in her resignation letter. “I have learned a great deal and will carry these experiences with me as I move on to new challenges.”
City Council member Cathy Heighter resigns
Palm Coast City Council member
Cathy Heighter has resigned.
Heighter’s resignation is effective on Aug. 23, just under two years into her term. She submitted her resignation letter to Acting City Manager
Lauren Johnston via text on Aug. 18, according to Director of Communications Brittany Kershaw.
In an interview with the Observer, Heighter said she has been considering resigning for several months now. In her resignation letter, she states she wants to focus on her personal health and aging family members while continuing to serve veterans and military families.
“I’ve looked over my life and my daily activities and situations and my responsibilities of what I have to do, and I came to the conclusion that it’s in my best interest to step down,” Heighter said. “Because if I’m not able to do what I really, really need to do, then I’m not being effective.”
Online news service FlaglerLive. com first broke the news of Heighter’s resignation early on Aug. 19.
Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart wrote in an emailed statement that the situation was “unprecedented” — no city official has ever resigned between a primary and general election before, she wrote.
Heighter, who won her election to the District 4 seat in November 2022, would have held the seat until November 2026. According to the Palm Coast City Charter, if a seat becomes vacant within two years of a term, the empty seat will be filled by appointment through a majority vote of the remaining council members within 90 days of the vacancy.
If the seat is vacant within six months of a regularly scheduled vote, a council can vote to postpone filling the position and have the seat filled by special election.
The Palm Coast City Council will meet next on Aug. 27, when the remaining four members will discuss the vacancy. As of right now, Kershaw said, “it has not been determined, at this early stage, whether there will be an appointment or an election.”
If the council decides to go ahead
with the special election, it would leave just weeks for qualified candidates to get on the ballot, Kershaw said: Mail-in ballots for the November general election must be sent out by Sept. 21. The general election is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, less than 10 weeks away. “I don’t know if there’s enough time to get this on the November ballot,” Kershaw said. “So that’s something that our attorney is currently working on, determining what the next steps are.”
An appointed or specially elected representative would still only hold the District 4 seat for two years, when the seat is scheduled for election in 2026, she said.
The situation is “unprecedented” — no city official has ever resigned between a primary and general election before.
If the council decides to fill the seat via special election, the Election’s Office has a Sept. 6 deadline for candidates to qualify and be submitted for the November ballot, Lenhart wrote. If the council makes its decision on Aug. 27, that would leave one week and three days until that deadline.
The time constraint also means that candidate petitions would not be accepted and candidates would need to pay the qualifying fee instead, Lenhart wrote. For the city’s nonpartisan races, that is 4% of the position’s salary, according to the Flagler Elections website. Lenhart conferred with Palm Coast’s city attorney, and the charter does not state what should happen if an election is in progress when a seat is vacated.
The last council member to resign was District 2 representative Victor Barbosa in March 2022. John Fanelli, who works with Flagler Schools, was appointed to replace him until November 2022, when council member Theresa Carli Pontieri was elected, according to city records.
“I’ve looked over my life and my daily activities and situations and my responsibilities of what I have to do, and I came to the conclusion that it’s in my best interest to step down. Because if I’m not able to do what I really, really need to do, then I’m not being effective.”
Mayor David Alfin was the last council member to be elected by a special election, replacing former Mayor Milissa Holland, who resigned in May 2021.
Three of the council seats were also up for election in 2024: the mayor seat and the District 1 and 3 seats. Mayor David Alfin was the only incumbent running for reelection on the City Council, with Vice Mayor Ed Danko and Council member Nick Klufas campaigning for seats on the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners. See Page 3A for more on the election results.
With Heighter’s resignation, and Alfin’s loss in the primary, four of the five seats will be filled by new faces after the election.
Heighter’s resignation also comes at a pivotal for the Palm Coast City Council. The council is finalizing both its fiscal year 2025 budget and the Imagine 2050 comprehensive plan.
The city is also still searching for a permanent city manager.
Email Sierra Williams at sierra@ observerlocalnews.com.
Cathy Heighter has resigned from her post as the Palm Coast City Council member for District 4. File photo
Dance, Ramirez win big
Norris and Manfre head to runoff for Palm Coast mayor race, Alfin out; two more races headed for recount.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast will have a new mayor, though the city will have to wait till November for a winner.
None of the five candidates for the race managed to secure more than 50% of the vote in the Aug. 20 primary election, sending it to a runoff in the general election. Candidates Mike Norris and Cornelia Manfre led the pack‚ and will face off in November. Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin trailed in third place with just 18% of the 20,000 ballots cast.
Similarly, the two Palm Coast City Council races will also be determined by a runoff in November. Two of Flagler County’s local races will also likely need to be recounted before the final results can be called.
Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart said this is the first time since 2018 that a recount has been needed.
A recount is mandated when the candidates are within one half-percent of each other, she said.
“We won’t know, though, if they are going to require a recount until after we count the provisional ballots
cast during early voting and Election Day, and then also any referred mail ballots due to signature mismatch,” she said. “Those ballots will be counted on Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.”
The two races likely headed for a recount are the Palm Coast District 3 race (Ray Stevens vs. Mark Stancel) and the Flagler County Commission District 5 race (Ed Danko vs. Pam Richardson).
In total, Flagler County had a voter turnout of 29.4%, or a total of 27,459 cast ballots.
Lenhart said she had been hoping the county would exceed a 30% voter turnout for the primary election.
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance, who won his reelection campaign, said seeing how close the races were in Flagler County this year just shows the importance of a primary election.
“A primary is just as important as a general election in November, even sometimes more so to our local government,” Dance said. “I think 30% — we can do better than that.”
Most of the local seats were decided with this election and, Dance said.
“That’s going to have a huge impact on our operations and moving forward.”
The results for the primary election are as follows:
PALM COAST
For the Palm Coast Mayor race, Nor-
ris led with 31.3% of the vote, with Manfre at 23.7%.
Norris could not be reached for a quote in time for publication. Manfre told the Observer she feels the results show Palm Coast residents are looking for accountability.
“I think that the public is looking for some accountability for our tax base and our performance with our tax money towards maintenance of essential services,” she said. “So we have a tremendous amount of infrastructure expense that has to be planned out, and there has to be planning for maintenance of all of the above.”
Ty Miller has a strong lead for the Palm Coast City Council District 1 race, with 44.5% of the vote. Behind
BY THE NUMBERS
29.4% Of Flagler County registered voters voted in the primary election.
93,411
Registered voters are in Flagler County.
PALM COAST MAYOR
31.38%
Of the vote went to Mike Norris.
23.70%
Of the vote went to Cornelia Manfre. Manfre and Norris will face off in November.
PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 1
44.59% Of the vote went to Ty Miller.
21.52%
Of the vote went to Jeffery Seib. He and Miller will face off in a runoff in November. Palm Coast City Council District 3
FLAGLER COUNTY COMMISSION
District 1
70.27%
Of the vote went to Andy Dance.
29.73%
Of the vote went to Fernando Melendez.
District 3
42.58%
Of the vote went to Kim Carney.
33.04%
Of the vote went to Nick Klufas.
District 5
50.13%
Of the vote went to Pam Richardson.
49.87%
Of the vote went to Ed Danko. A recount is mandatory.
FLAGLER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
District 3
50.58%
Of the vote went to Janie Ruddy.
49.42%
Of the vote went to Derek Barrs.
District 5
60.65%
Of the vote went to Lauren Ramirez.
39.35%
Of the vote went to Vincent Sullivan.
him, Jeffrey Seib has 21.5% of the remaining ballots. They will face each other in a November runoff. The city’s District 3 race will likely head for a recount — for a challenger. Andrew Werner has 34.38%, securing him a place in the general election. Dana Mark Stancel and Ray Stevens are .02% apart, with 32.8% and 32.82% of the remaining ballots — just a two-vote difference. A recount will determine whether Stancel or Stevens will be on the ballot against Werner in November.
FLAGLER COUNTY COMMISSION Incumbent Dance won his race in a landslide victory of 70% of the 24,000 ballots cast.
Dance said he was thankful for the support of his constituents during the campaign. A campaign, he said, was just another opportunity to receive “frank feedback” from the public. One of the areas the commission still needs to work on, he said, is the commission’s communication with the public.
“In many instances, we have open, honest dialog at the commission, and it seems as though it’s messy to the public, but it’s a conversation that has to happen in the open,” Dance said.
Kim Carney likewise has nominally won her District 3 with 42.5% of the vote, assuming the write-in candidate pulls out of the race ahead of the general election. The Commission’s District 5 race will also likely need to be recounted. Palm Coast Vice Mayor Ed Danko has 49.87% of the vote, while Pam Richardson has 50.13%, within the halfpercent threshold for a recount. The two are separated by just 40 votes.
The District 5 race also has a writein candidate, but, should he withdraw ahead of the November election, either Danko or Richardson will take the seat.
FLAGLER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD
Lauren Ramirez has won the District 5 seat over Vincent Sullivan, with 60% of the 24,000 ballots.
Janie Ruddy just beat out Derek Barrs for the District 3 seat, with 50.58% of the votes to Barrs’ 49.42%. Ruddy and Barrs’ race was separated by less than 300 votes.
Ruddy said she is tentatively celebrating the win, but ultimately waiting until the Friday morning results because of how close her race is. But she said she feels her win is “a testament to the passion” of those who supported her.
“I think that it shows that one thing we can agree upon across party lines is that we care very much about providing the best for our children,” Ruddy said.
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance has once again won his reelection campaign for the Flagler County Commission District 1 seat.
Lauren Ramirez was elected to the School Board. Photos by Sierra Williams
Kim Carney won her campaign for the Flagler County Commission District 3 seat. Photo courtesy of the Kim Carney campaign
Ray Stevens (above) and Dana “Mark” Stancel (below) are awaiting a recount to see who will compete against Andrew Werner for the Palm Coast City Council District 3 seat. Photo by Bren Woronoff
Dana “Mark” Stancel is running for the Palm Coast City Council District 3 seat. After the Primary, he is trailing Stevens by two votes, which means there will be a recount. File photo
Ty Miller will head for a runoff in November for Palm Coast City Council District 1. File photo
The City of Palm Coast brings the fun!
The Palm Coast Concert Series is back on Thursday, August 29 from 6-8pm. Join us at The Stage at Town Center located at 1500 Central Avenue. This month’s band is local favorite, Soul Fire. Bring a blanket or chair, and see you there!
Three to See
A Day at the Movies A Day at the Movies Wednesdays, 1-3pm Wednesdays, 1-3pm
Our Neck of the Woods Our Neck of the Woods Starts Sept. 4, 10-11am Starts Sept. 4, 10-11am
Book Club Social Corner Book Club Social Corner Sept. 6, 10:30-11:30am Sept. 6, 10:30-11:30am
For more information or to register, visit parksandrec.fun
Flagler Schools to lease historic courthouse
Board agreed to pay Flagler County over $9,000 a month, with some maintenance obligations.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler County School Board has agreed to lease the historic county courthouse for a minimum of two years beginning next month. The 100-year-old building will provide space for various programs while freeing up 10 classrooms for other uses.
The board was presented with three lease options at its workshop on Aug. 20. After agreeing on a preference, the board unanimously approved the lease agreement on the consent agenda at its meeting that night.
The board agreed to pay the county a monthly rent of $9,378.54 with the first payment due Sept. 3. The school district will also pay for renovations to meet its needs. In addition, the district will be responsible for janitorial, groundskeeping services and utilities. The county will be responsible for all other maintenance and services.
Those services have an annual cost of $112,542 which is equal to the amount the district will be paying annually in rent. So, in essence, the district will only be paying the county for upkeep of the building.
The lease will be in effect through Aug. 31, 2026, with a 4% cost of living adjustment added to the rent each year. After the initial two-year term, the district will have the option to lease the historic courthouse for two additional four-year terms. The district will also have the option of purchasing the building any time after the initial two years. The purchase price will be the average between the prices determined by an appraiser hired by the district and one
hired by the county.
Dave Freeman, the district’s chief of operations said by leasing the 50,000-squarefoot building, the district will save money on renting portable classrooms, which cost $1,700 to $1,800 a month. Superintendent LaShakia Moore said without the courthouse, the Rise Up alternative school would need to rent two portables immediately.
In addition to Rise Up, the courthouse will also provide space for TRAIL, a vocational program for 18-22-year-olds with disabilities; Step Up, a life skills program for adults with special needs; plus space for iflagler virtual school, the district’s federal programs and storage for the Flagler County Education Foundation’s Stuff Bus.
“We need the space. This opens up 10 classrooms,” board member Cheryl Massaro said.
The other lease options that the board did not select had higher maintenance costs including one option which would have made the district responsible for all maintenance, services and insurance costs instead of paying rent. The county estimated that cost would be over $17,000 a month.
Under the approved agreement, the district will be paying for janitorial services, which the county estimated at a cost of $91,572 a year, but Freeman said the district will be able to provide for less money. The county’s estimate for groundskeeping is $7,200 a year.
Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com.
The district’s chief of operations said by leasing the 50,000-square-foot building, the district will save money on renting portable classrooms, which cost up to $1,800 a month.
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORI-
DA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 9th day of September 2024, for the purpose of First Reading of Ordinance 2024-16, before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110.
ORDINANCE 2024-16
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA VACATING AND ABANDONING A TEN FOOT WIDE ALLEY IN BLOCKS 249 AND 250 OF THE TOWN OF BUNNELL PLAT AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 2, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ATTACHMENT AND INCORPORATION OF EXHIBIT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR RECORDING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.
NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
Is Sally Hunt’s virtual attendance sufficient?
With Hunt sitting at the table, Cheryl Massaro suggested requiring School Board members to attend meetings in person.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
As Flagler County School Board members were discussing a change to one board policy during its Aug. 20 workshop, Cheryl Massaro suggested another policy change. Massaro proposed making meeting attendance mandatory for board members barring unavoidable circumstances.
Massaro’s proposal was precipitated by board member Sally Hunt’s virtual attendance at several meetings in recent months. But Hunt was in attendance on this day.
Massaro, who missed the previous workshop herself, said there are times when board members cannot make it to meetings, but when it becomes a pattern it makes the board ineffective and looks bad.
Hunt said she has been consulting with interim board attorney David Delaney who advised her that she has been in compliance with board policy by attending meetings virtually.
Hunt has said she plans to resign her seat before November when two new board members are sworn in. Massaro’s term also ends in November.
Massaro said her goal is that a new attendance policy is never needed but added that if board members stopped doing their job and continued to get paid they’d be taking money from taxpayers.
Hunt and Massaro have had several clashes during the two years they have both been on the board, especially on discussions and votes involving not renewing the contract of former Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and the firing of board attorney Kristy Gavin.
Hunt said a number of policies have been broken during the two years she has been on the board.
“I ran for this board for it not to be a circus,” Hunt said, adding that Massaro’s “laser focus” on her has been challenging.
“You have been such a bully on this board,” Hunt said to Massaro.
Board Chair Will Furry tried to keep the discussion on Massaro’s proposal, asking Delaney what recourse the board would have if a member violated a policy requiring them to attend meetings in person.
Delaney said the board could only censure a member.
“The governor has not shown an inclination to remove school board members unless there is a violation of law,” he said.
Delaney said a “plurality of districts, if not an outright majority” have a similar policy as Flagler’s, permitting virtual attendance by board members.
Massaro also noted that the governor has taken 9 to 12 months to appoint a new board member after a resignation.
“This board could be deadlocked,” she said. “I get questioned all the time, ‘Why are we letting this happen?’” Hunt said it was a lot of work to run for the board. “I had every intention to go to all the events and be a positive and effective force on the board,” she said. “I agree with you. Board members should do all of those things. Whatever you decide to do, I think is great.”
But Furry said, “There is no point in putting in a policy that we can’t enforce.”
“The bottom line,” said board member Colleen Conklin, “is it’s nice to have you here today, Sally.”
The board did direct Superintendent LaShakia Moore to have staff adjust Board Policy 205 on public decorum during board meetings. The change would take out the requirement of a board vote to remove a person who is willfully interrupting the meeting.
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 26th day of August 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 202413, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2024-13 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA FOR THE VOLUNTARY CONTRACTION (DEANNEXATION) OF THE CITY BOUNDARY BY DEANNEXING 5.0+/- ACRES MORE OR LESS OF REAL PROPERTY, GENERALLY LOCATED NORTH OF THE INTERSECTION BETWEEN COUNTY ROAD 304 AND OLD HAW CREEK ROAD, MORE PARTICULARLY AND LEGALLY DESCRIBED ON EXHIBIT A, ATTACHED HERETO AND FULLY INCORPORATED HEREIN BY THIS REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF CITY BOUNDARIES TO CONTRACT THE SUBJECT PROPERTIES FROM THE CITY BOUNDARIES; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF PRIOR INCONSISTENT ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s
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Primrose at Hunter’s Ridge will have over 239,000 square feet of commercial space, including a neighborhood grocery store.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
The Flagler County Commission has unanimously approved a site plan application for a 27-acre commercial plaza called “Primrose at Hunter’s Ridge” that has been planned for the Hunter’s Ridge development at the south end of the county.
Hunter’s Ridge is a Development of Regional Impact that stretches across the south of Flagler County and into Ormond Beach, in Volusia County. It was originally approved as a DRI in the 1990s.
The Flagler County portion of the development surrounds a roundabout at the intersec-
tion of Hunter’s Ridge Boulevard and Airport Road in south Flagler County.
With several of the neighboring residential developments underway, developer Ace and Luna II LLC has filed a site development application to begin work on Primrose, a commercial development.
The Primrose at Hunter’s Ridge commercial plaza will have over 239,000 square feet of commercial space.
Primrose at Hunter’s Ridge is on the northwest corner of Airport Road and Hunter’s Ridge Boulevard. The plans submitted to the Flagler County Commission show over 10 storefronts, one of which is 56,000 square feet in size. One of the storefronts is
intended to be a neighborhood grocery store, Flagler County Growth Management Director Adam Mengel told the commissioners, though the developers do not have any specific company slated for the spot yet.
The Primrose site plan that was approved on Aug. 19 will likely return to the commission for adjustments as tenants are found for the commercial spaces. The site plan the commission approved, Mengel said, meets the outline of the DRI’s requirements, but could just be considered “phase one” of the site plan.
“What’s here so far is a very hypothetical layout,” Mengel said. “It does make sense to us, it make sense to the applicant … but it’s likely subject to change based on the needs of a future tenant.”
The buildings will have a maximum height of 45 feet and the parking lot will have 960 parking spaces.
The initial phase of the Primrose development will have two buildings with 76,600 square feet of commercial space.
Commissioner David Sullivan asked if the commercial space would be like that of The Promenade, a 17-acre development being built in Palm Coast’s Town Center.
The Promenade will have four floors of residential apartments above the ground floor mixed commercial use.
Primrose will not have any residential units on the 27 acres, Mengel said, just commercial buildings.
“Primrose is set aside for commercial purposes, nonresidential. It’s been that way all along,” Mengel said.
Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews. com.
‘Please
place the emphasis on this organization that it deserves,” President Reichard-Ellavsky said.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Palm Coast Historical Society is asking the Palm Coast City Council for a $7,000 increase in grant funding to help pay for its operational costs.
“I’m asking you to please place the emphasis on this organization that it deserves,” society President Kathy Reichard-Ellavsky said. “As one of the fastest growing cities, one of the youngest cities, historic preservation deserves your support.”
The Historical Society has a free museum that depicts the city’s history at James F. Holland Memorial Park and is the “sole curator of the city of Palm Coast’s history,” according to documents from the Aug. 13 meeting documents.
Reichard-Ellavsky asked the council to increase the annual grant the society receives from the city from $3,000 to $10,000 for operational costs.
With the exception of its printers and computers, she said, almost all the equipment in the museum is secondhand. As well, the museum needs more personnel, she
Improvements to local roads
Milling and resurfacing projects, by Masci Contracting Inc., will begin on several local roads in the coming weeks.
Palm Coast plans multiple events to celebrate 25th anniversary
Incorporated in 1999, Palm Coast is one of Florida’s youngest cities. To mark its 25th anniversary, the city will add special touches to its regular end-of-year events, including the Senior Games, the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Starlight Parade.
These events will lead up to the main attraction, the Palm Coast 25th Anniversary Celebration on Oct. 26 at Town Center. The celebration will be an evening full of live music, delicious food, and family activities.
“Celebrating our 25th anniversary is not just about looking back at the wonderful progress we’ve made but also about looking forward to a bright future together,” said Mayor David Alfin in a press release. “I invite all our residents to join us in these festivities and honor the community spirit that makes Palm Coast such a wonderful place to live.”
For details, visit www.palmcoast25.com.
said, including a docent, museum director and one or two more historians, instead of just relying on its aging volunteers to fill the gaps.
Much of the society’s funding comes from individual donations, too, ReichardEllavsky said, not the city’s grant; some former members who have since died have willed funds to the organization. One such bequest of $20,000 was received in 2015, never touched, and is now being used to pay for the museum’s part-time administrator, she said.
“This suggests to me that we need a louder megaphone to spread the message that historic preservation is a valuable component of our community,” Reichard-Ellavsky said. “...We ask that you not only vote to increase our funding as part of the city budget, but also promote the Historical Society and museum as a valuable and necessary component of our community.”
The council will vote on the increase at its Aug. 27 business meeting.
The society is also suffering from a lack of new volunteers. With Palm Coast’s population at just under 100,000, the society currently has about 200 members, she said; 25 years ago, with just one-third of that population, it had 100 members.
Impacts include daily lane closures, flagging operations, and possible detours around the construction zones. The work is expected to last 3-4 months, following this schedule:
The new buildings in Hunter’s Ridge will have a maximum height of 45 feet; the parking lot will have 960 parking spaces. File photo
JULY 31 PIZZA PRANKERS
7:48 p.m. — 300 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Harassing call. A manager from a pizza chain restaurant called police after his store received multiple prank calls and orders.
Police report that the caller was an employee’s 17-year-old ex-girlfriend. The employee, 18, of Ormond Beach, told police that he broke up with his ex in May and blocked her number. For the previous two weeks, the pizza restaurant would receive several prank calls from her and her friends. Orders were also placed online using his name and profanity.
The day of the police report, the employee told the reporting officer that there had been four prank calls.
Police spoke with the 17-year-old Ormond Beach girl and her mother, advising her to stop. The girl told police that she was not the one making the prank calls, but that it was her friends’ doing. She told police she had her ex’s number blocked and that she was the one to break up with him; she said he had been texting and calling her after the breakup.
No charges were filed.
AUG. 13
ALL GASSED UP
6:04 p.m. — 2500 block of Moody Boulevard, Flagler Beach Battery on a person over 65.
A 62-year-old Flagler Beach man punched another man in the head for blocking a gas pump.
The victim had just run out of gas as he was coasting forward between two gas pumps at a gas station in Flagler Beach, according to the sus-
pect’s arrest report. Because of where the car stopped, the victim’s car was taking up two pump locations. Out of nowhere, a black SUV pulled up and parked “nose-to-nose” with the victim’s car. The victim told police that the driver got out and immediately started yelling at the victim, the report said. The victim said when the suspect wouldn’t listen to his apology or explanation, the victim told the man if he was going to continue talking like that to “get into my face and say it like a man.” The suspect then walked over and, instead of talking, punched the victim in the side of the head, knocking him to the ground.
The suspect then walked into the store, returning to his car while the victim was on the phone with 911 and driving off. Police officers were able to track the suspect down to his home, where he was placed under arrest.
AUG. 14
SHOP-“GIFTNG”
10:29 p.m. — 5100 block of State Road 100 East, Palm Coast
Shoplifting. A 56-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested after he was caught stealing a toy car and women’s underwear from a department store.
A store loss prevention officer recognized the suspect from previous incidents and followed the suspect on the store’s cameras, according to an arrest report. The suspect walked directly to the toy aisle, picked up a toy car and then walked to a different section, where the suspect stuffed the car in his pants.
The suspect then walked over to the women’s lingerie section, the report said, and picked out three pairs of women’s underwear, which he also stuffed down his pants. The suspect then walked out of the store without paying.
When confronted by a Sheriff’s Office deputy, the
suspect said the toy was for his grandson and the underwear for his wife, the report said. The four stolen items totaled $31.02.
LEAVING A MESSAGE
10:57 a.m. — 200 block of South Nova Road, Ormond Beach
Vandalism. Police responded to a local pizzeria after an employee reported someone had written words on the restaurant’s vinyl wrap.
According to an incident report, the writing on the wrap, located by the employee door, named a former employee — who worked at the restaurant for two days, two years ago — and instructed him to call. The employee that called police named a suspect, a 55-year-old Ormond Beach woman whom the employee said believes the named employee was kidnapped by someone else who works at the restaurant.
Police knew of the suspect, having encountered her the week before. The reporting officer noted the woman “may possibly be unstable.”
AUG. 18
MISSING DOG
2:22 p.m. — 200 block of South Washington Street, Ormond Beach Suspicious incident. A 58-year-old Ormond Beach woman accused a dog groomer of stealing her dog.
Police report that the woman said her dog was stolen while her dog was being groomed at her home. She told police that she had lost her dog nine days prior, but didn’t know if she should report it to the police.
The dog groomer told police that she did not steal the dog and that she had purchased her puppy on Aug. 8, to be an emotional support animal. She provided police with a receipt and allowed police to look at her. No charges were filed.
BRIEFS
Flagler Veterans Day Parade to take place Nov. 11
The city of Bunnell, Flagler County, city of Palm Coast, city of Flagler Beach, town of Marineland and town of Beverly Beach have announced that the second annual Veterans Day Parade is set to take place on Monday, Nov. 11, at 10 a.m.
Initiated by the city of Bunnell, the parade continues to grow with the support of local stakeholders. Last year’s event featured over 68 parade entries, and this year the organizers aim for it to grow bigger.
The parade route spans less than a mile, starting at Bunnell Coquina City Hall and concluding at the Flagler County Government Services Building. The route will be filled with floats, marching bands and community organizations celebrating veterans.
This year, the parade is encouraging veterans from every branch of the military to participate.
“It’s an opportunity for veterans to connect with their community and share their stories with a grateful audience,” a press release stated.
“We welcome parade floats, walkers, and riders, and are accepting sponsorship donations to help cover the event’s basic startup costs associated with advertising and logistics.”
For more information, visit flaglerveteransdayparade. com.
Following the parade, Flagler County Government will host the annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Government Services Building. The ceremony will pay tribute to our veterans with speeches, music, and a wreath-laying ceremony. Lunch will be provided to veterans following the ceremony.
Palm
Coast man accused
of molesting girl over eight years
A Palm Coast man was arrested on Aug. 14 by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, which alleges he molested and raped a young girl repeatedly over the course of eight years.
Michael Louis Pilla, 71, is suspected of assaulting the girl in 2015, when she was just 7 years old, and the abuse continued until June 2023 when she was 14, according to his arrest report. Deputies interviewed Pilla, who the FCSO said admitted to the assaults; Pilla told deputies he thought the victim had given him a “signal” that she wanted and enjoyed it, the report said.
Pilla also admitted to deputies that the victim had told him to stop.
Pilla was arrested on the following charges, according to the Flagler County Clerk of Court website: one count of sexual assault of a victim under 12 by a person over 18, a capital offense; two counts of first-degree molestation and another four counts of second-degree molestation; three counts of first-degree sexual assault on a victim over 12 by a familial or custodial authority.
If Pilla is convicted of the first charge, he could face the death penalty under a 2023 law Gov. Ron DeSantis passed. The law allows prosecutors to seek the death penalty in child rape convictions where the suspect is over 18 and the victim is under 12 years old.
Pilla is being held at the Flagler County jail without bond.
DAB named top commercial service airport in state by FDOT
The Daytona Beach International Airport was named
Florida’s 2024 Commercial Service Airport of the Year by the Florida Department of Transportation. The award was announced at the FDOT Annual Aviation Awards ceremony held in conjunction with the Florida Airports Council Annual Conference, according to a county press release.
DAB previously won this award in 2021.
“DAB won this award twice in three years, that speaks volumes to the professionalism of our team and the respect by industry peers” said Cyrus Callum, county director of Aviation and Economic Resources.
The award is selective to airports that have proven exceptional aviation safety, completed aesthetic improvements, and shown innovative management solutions throughout the year.
Airport Director Karen Feaster said the recognition is “a testament to the commitment of our team to provide the highest levels of safety and customer service for our passengers, community and airline partners.”
“With new customer service initiatives, ongoing safety and security enhancements, and the introduction of Avelo Airlines’ new air service, 2023 was a year full of opportunities,” Feaster said. “We look forward to continuing to deliver an exceptional travel experience.”
During the awards presentation, FDOT recognized DAB for accomplishments including its partnership with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services; its participation in the county’s Adopt-a-School program, providing mini jet engine models to local schools with STEM programs; its membership in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program; and its Art in Public Places program.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Aura Aero should land in Flagler
Dear Editor:
French electric aircraft maker Aura Aero’s recent decision to build its United States production plant in Florida is a big win for either Flagler or Volusia County
It seems that Flagler and Volusia counties are in competition for this project. This could be a super-major project for either county with an expected 1,000 high paying jobs. Volusia County is already expecting to get the order. They are preparing land for it! What is Flagler County doing? They won’t talk! This project is super important to our county, and we deserve to know what is being done to win it. Economic Development
BIZ BUZZ
STORAGE KING USA OPENS IN PALM COAST
Andover Properties, a leading real estate investment firm, has announced the opening of a new Storage King USA facility in Palm Coast. The state-of-theart facility is located at 5622 E. State Road 100. According to a press release, the facility has 105,330 square
of total space, a 5,400 square-foot canopy covered drive-thru, 564 climate-controlled units, protecting belongings from extreme conditions,
non-climate controlled units and 38 outdoor parking spaces with power availability for vehicles, boats and RVs. “We are pleased to expand our presence in Palm Coast with this new, cutting-edge facility,” Brian Cohen, president of Andover Properties stated in the press release. For more information go to https://www.storagekingusa. com/
SEND
YOUR NEWS New hire? Expansion? Award? Charitable donation? Send business related press releases to Brent Woronoff at brent@ observerloclnews.com.
Manager Dolores Key and Roy Sieger, airport director, have told us that some work is on-going, but, mostly they say, “I’m not at liberty to talk about it at this point.”
Economic incentives to the side, we must provide all the correct incentives to win this job. Winning this project could mean a lot of additional similar projects in the future.
There are current orders for 570 of the ERA planes, with a combined value of $9 billion. My message to the Flagler County management: “Do whatever is required to win this for Flagler County. It is of the utmost importance.” In addition to Flagler County, the city of Palm Coast should get involved to help make sure we get this project!
JESSE STONER Palm Coast
PETS UP FOR ADOPTION
The Flagler Humane Society is open from 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.
Anyone who is interested in adopting or has questions about the process can contact the Flagler Humane Society at 386-445-1814 or apply online at flaglerhumanesociety.org.
Ernest W. Smith III
Branch of military: U.S.
Navy
Dates of service: 19872011
Rank/occupation: Chief Petty Officer / Boatswains
Mate
Hometown: Sandwich, Massachusetts
Ernest Smith retired from the Navy after 24 years of faithful service. He is a combat veteran of Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror having earned the Combat Action Ribbon serving over 17 cumulative years at sea.
His Naval career began in 1987 as an undesignated Seaman aboard USS McInerney, upon which, on the gun line, he fought Iraqi shore installations of Silkworm anti-ship missiles contributing to the liberation of Failaka Island and Kuwait City. Other notable tours of his career included Recruit Division Commander at Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Illinois; Bo’sun (deck boss) on the U.S.S. Constitution; and Chief of the Boat in Patrol Coastal Crew KILO, Little Creek, Virginia.
For his honorable service, he received three Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medals, five Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medals and many other awards and decorations for his combat service in Southwest Asia. He and his wife Korita and daughter Autumn settled in Palm Coast in 2021.
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YOUR NEIGHBORS
Expressive ART
Curator show, “Five Expressions” presents eclectic work of five artists.
For the past two years, five local artists have been working together to curate the Expressions Art Gallery inside Grand Living Realty, 2298 Colbert Lane in Palm Coast.
On Sunday, Aug. 18, they held a reception for their own show at the gallery, “Five Expressions,” which will run through Sept. 28. This is their second curator show, and the first in two years. The challenge, said Jan Jackson, was giving each of the artists equitable space. Judi Wormeck and Ron Lace have much larger work than Jackson, Maggie Corder and Mike Gleason. Just as the five artists all have areas of expertise as curators, they also have diverse styles. The result is an eclectic mix. Here’s a look at each of the artists and their work:
JAN JACKSON
Mixed media artist Jan Jackson’s work has taken a dramatic turn in the
past couple of years.
“It’s more authentic, going back to what I did as a child, ripping, cutting paper,” she said.
In “Turtle Moon,” she arranged fabric by color and groupings. She said she knew she wanted to create a turtle. From there the work flowed.
“I’d see pieces that I’d want to put in it and some might not have anything to do with the turtle,” she said. “So, the work was intuitive as opposed to having an idea and what may be a still life or some kind of structure.”
JUDI WORMECK
Judi Wormeck is the other mixed media artist in the show. A retired art teacher, Wormeck’s whole career has been involved in the arts.
Like Jackson, she uses paper, but her collages may also include glass, copper and clay. She combines paints and glazes, graphics, fibers and other textural elements in her work.
“Never content to use materials in a traditional way,” she says in her artist’s statement, “my work reflects a need to explore and experiment in an innovative manner. … My use of
a limited color pallet gives energy, drama and a framework to mostly abstract and flowing forms. The process is like creating a puzzle. The end result is a labor of love.”
MAGGIE CORDER
Maggie Corder became a painter after she retired at 55 and moved to the mountains of Georgia.
“It was a whole different experience,” she said.
Her acrylic paintings tell a story: a bear cub stretched out in the hollow of a tree in “Baby Found a Safe Place to Nap,” and families watching a fireworks show at dusk across pink-tinged water in “Fire on the Mountain.”
Corder said when she was younger she tried watercolors but didn’t have the patience.
“With acrylics you can paint on top of things,” she said. “You wouldn’t believe how many canvases I have in my room.”
Her record, she said, is painting over one canvas five times.
MIKE GLEASON
Mike Gleason was a math teacher before he retired and it shows in most of his work, he says.
Jackson said you can see the math influence in many of Gleason’s pieces, but when he gets away from that, “he’s got a very delicate, beautiful touch.”
His acrylic piece, “The Dance,” has flowing geometric shapes. He also does colored pencil and ink drawings and more abstract paintings. He taught math for 38 years and didn’t begin painting until after he retired. about 18 years ago.
Although he has collected art his whole life, he said has had no art training and can’t explain why he never had the urge to paint or draw earlier in life.
RON LACE
Ron Lace majored in art at Arkansas State University, but upon graduation, he didn’t follow art as a career. He was a Baptist minister for 20 years
then went to work in IT for Fed Ex.
When he retired in 2012 he started painting. His work is eclectic, he said. Whatever strikes him may become a subject, like the grizzly sailor, “Apalachicola John,” or birds wading in the water in “Beach Party.”
Lace’s acrylic paintings are as large as life. Beach Party is three feet wide by four feet long.
“I try to keep my backgrounds loose,” he said.
In his artist statement, Lace says his art is a means to document his impressions of the world around him.
For more information on the show, call Jackson at 505-688-3190.
LOCAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, AUG. 23
TURTLE TALK: A SEA TURTLE’S JOURNEY
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: Participants will learn about the important role sea turtles play in “the real Florida” and how actions can help preserve this species. All ages welcome; minors must be accompanied by an adult. Entrance into the park costs $5 per vehicle.
SATURDAY, AUG. 24
NATIVE PLANT WALK, SHOP AND LEARN
When: 8:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach
Details: Take part in a native plant walk at 8:30 a.m. before perusing the plant sale at 9 a.m. The “Be Floridian Now” program will start at 10 a.m. Free.
BEACHSIDE GARAGE OPEN
HOUSE
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Birthplace of Speed Park, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: The Motor Racing Heritage Association will host an open house at the Ormond Garage model at the Birthplace of Speed Park. The garage holds the two replica race cars that competed in the first sanctioned race on the beach in March 1903.
NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS
When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Fellowship of Christian Athlete’s Night of Champions will bring together coaches and student athletes across Flagler County for an evening of food, fellowship, inspiration and the gospel. RSVP by Monday, Aug. 19. Visit flaglerfca.org/ night-of-champions.
SUNDAY, AUG. 25
SUMMER CARNIVAL AND MARKET
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Sip N Surf Coffee, 701 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: Attend this free event at Sip N Surf Coffee, themed carnival. There will be games, prizes, local vendors, coffee and more. Presented by FB Real Estate Co.
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 28
HEALTH FAIR
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend this free community event designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, prevent and manage diseases and connect you to other resources. Free eye exams, blood pressure and blood sugar screenings will be available. Many other local health related organizations will be participating in this event. For more information, email firemary@bellsouth.net or call 386-441-4421.
THURSDAY, AUG. 29
PALM COAST CONCERT SERIES
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Stage, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: End Parks and Recreation Month by attending this free event featuring the Southern Chaos band. They will bring country/rock to The Stage. There will be food trucks and vendors. Bring lawn chairs or towels for seating.
ONGOING
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.
Fire on the Mountain, acrylic, by Maggie Corder.
Beach Party, acrylic, by Ron Lace.
Turtle Moon, mixed media, by Jan Jackson.
The Dance, acrylic, by Mike Gleason.
Taking Flight, mixed media, by Judi Wormeck.
Expressions Art Gallery curators Mike Gleason, Jan Jackson, Maggie Corder, Judi Wormeck and Ron Lace will have their art on display through Sept. 28 in the Five Expressions show at the gallery inside Grand Living Realty. Courtesy photos
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Tuscany
Hammock Dunes
condo sells for $2 million
A
condo at 85 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 506, was the top real estate transaction in Tuscany Hammock Dunes for Aug. 9-16 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The condo sold on Aug. 9 for $2,150,000. Built in 2006, the beachfront condo is a 4/3 and has 3,070 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1.9 million.
in 2020 for $458,000.
The house at 13 Collington Court sold on Aug. 10 for $455,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and a boat dock and 1,914 square feet.
Pine Lakes The house at 2 Sutton Court sold on Aug. 13 for $450,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,107 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $261,800.
The house at 6 Whitcock Lane sold on Aug. 9 for $435,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,992 square feet.
Ormond-by-the-Sea pool home sells for $585K
Ahouse at 134 Sandpiper Ridge Drive in Sandpiper Forest was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 9-16 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The home sold on Aug. 12 for $585,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/2 and has one fireplace, a pool and 1,511 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $495,000.
Tymber Crossings
The house at 19 Peruvian Lane sold on Aug. 15 for $400,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,965 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $248,000.
Ellinor Village The house at 35 Fluhart Drive sold on Aug. 16 for $439,900. Built in 1955, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,249 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $228,500.
The condo at 80 Surfview Drive, Unit 708, sold on Aug. 9 for $500,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 2/2 and has beach access and 1,455 square feet.
The condo at 25 N. Riverview Bend, Unit 115, sold on Aug. 9 for $290,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,636 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $420,000.
PALM COAST
Pine Grove
The house at 18 Price Lane sold on Aug. 12 for $420,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool and 3,314 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $155,000.
Belle Terre The house at 2 Patuxent Lane sold on Aug. 13 for $395,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, heated spa and 2,183 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $360,000.
Palm Harbor The house at 50 Sabal Bend sold on Aug. 9 for $1,500,000. Built in 2010 on one of Palm Coast’s canals, the house is a 4/4 and has a boat dock, a fireplace, a pool, spa and 3,682 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $1,400,000.
The house at 5 Crazy Horse Court sold on Aug. 9 for $690,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, boat dock, pool and 2,367 square feet. It last sold
FLAGLER BEACH
Fuquay
The house at 1437 S. Daytona Ave. sold on Aug. 12 for $495,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/2 and has one fireplace and 1,764 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $458,000.
Lambert Avenue
The house at 1500 Lambert Ave. sold on Aug. 12 for $1,899,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/3.5 and is a waterfront property along the Matanzas River. It has a boat dock with a lift, a fireplace, spa and 4,591 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1,650,000.
Stonebridge
The house at 403 Jasper Drive sold on Aug. 9 for $430,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,885 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $525,000.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
GRANT MCMILLAN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
The condo at 2750 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 50, sold on Aug. 16 for $275,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,200 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $114,000.
The condo at 1133 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 606, sold on Aug. 14 for $333,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,065 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $417,500.
ORMOND BEACH
Seabridge South
The house at 5 Sea Raven Terrace sold on Aug. 15 for $567,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,686 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $355,000.
Seaside Homes
The house at 8 Seaview Drive sold on Aug. 15 for $250,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 994 square feet.
Trails North Forty
Built in 1984, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,698 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $235,000.
Forest Hills
The house at 341 Forest Hills Blvd. sold on Aug. 9 for $279,900. Built in 1963, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,743 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $182,500.
Northbrook
The house at 1319 Overbrook Drive sold on Aug. 9 for $299,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,848 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $168,000.
Reflections Village
Ocean Crest The house at 42 Ocean Crest Drive sold on Aug. 14 for $450,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, heated spa and 1,688 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $253,000.
Trails The house at 17 Rio Pinar Trail sold on Aug. 15 for $529,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool, heated spa and 2,576 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $206,000.
Seabridge
The house at 14 Seabridge Drive sold on Aug. 15 for $490,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,718 square feet.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
No subdivision
The house at 1503 John Anderson drive sold on Aug. 14 for $550,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,502 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $175,000.
The house at 12 Big Buck Trail sold on Aug. 12 for $390,000.
The house at 16 Oak Village Drive sold on Aug. 16 for $310,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,671 square feet.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
PALM COAST
ORMOND BEACH
‘I feel like we don’t even deserve it’
Flagler Sheriff’s Office sergeant gets bathroom renovated as part of nonprofit drawing.
anonymous — is a sergeant with the road patrol unit at FCSO. He entered a drawing offered
to FCSO employees called the “Paint the County Blue” initiative in spring 2023, but, just like any
of drawing, he said, he didn’t actually expect to win. He really didn’t expect what began as a free house painting to end with a free master bathroom renovation. Paul said it was incredible to have been offered this.
“I feel like we don’t even deserve it,” he said. “I feel like we should just give it back.”
James Salazar, owner of Salazar’s Painting in Palm Coast, started the Paint the County Blue initiative in 2021 to give back to Flagler County’s deputies. Between 2021 and 2023, he painted five deputies’ home exteriors for free. The initiative has two requirements: The recipient must work at the FCSO in some capacity — not just as deputies — and they must own their home.
Salazar does the labor for free and has worked with local Sherwin Williams paint stores for the paint materials to be donated for the recipients’ homes.
After Paul won the drawing, Brad Thomas, owner of Thomas Consulting & Construction and David Whelan, regional director of Hulbert Homes, said Salazar reached out to them about possibly renovating one of the rooms in Paul’s home for free.
Paul and his wife Vickie live in their three-bedroom, two-bath home with their two young sons. He said he was shocked when he found out Hulbert Homes and Thomas Consulting were also willing to renovate a room in the home.
Hulbert Homes offered to renovate any home in the house for free, barring the kitchen. Paul said that would have included the furniture, too, if he and his wife had chosen a bedroom. Ultimately, the couple decided the master bathroom needed the most work.
The teams weren’t able to begin
renovating the bathroom until this past June and took just over six weeks to complete, Vickie said.
Vickie said when she went with the designer to pick out tile and countertops, she wasn’t even given a budget to consider.
She said the entire experience of having a room completely renovated in the home was amazing.
“I’ve never had the experience of building anything, much less a renovation,” she said. “... It’s easier [now] for us to enjoy living in our house. It feels good.”
Whelan and Thomas said the two companies worked together to find sub-contractors to completely renovate the bathroom. By the end of it, the bathroom’s closet was expanded and a second closet added, a large tub was removed and replaced with an expanded shower with sleek whiteand-gold marbled tiling and black industrial-styled hardware. Multiple companies made donations to the project, from labor to materials. According to an email from Flagler Homebuilders Association Executive Officer Annamaria Long, those include the following: Anchor Electrical, ASAP Pro Services, Benchmark Glass, C & K Drywall Services, Coastal Stone Countertops llc, Manning Building Supplies, Masterbrand Cabinets, MSI Surfaces, Piltman Services, Delta Plumbing, Ferguson Plumbing Supply and Salazar’s Painting.
“This was beyond anything,” Paul said. “We really do appreciate it. We’re grateful, thankful — everything.”
Brad Thomas, owner of Thomas Consulting & Construction, Thomas’ office manager Asmaa Wady and David Whelan, Hulbert Homes regional director. Photo by Sierra Williams
A 'before' photo of the FCSO deputy's bathroom. Courtesy of Vickie and Paul
An 'after' photo of the FCSO deputy's bathroom.
BUSINESS OBSERVER
The Tech Tutor celebrates two-year milestone
Scott Spierin uses his 15 years of experience in technology to teach others how to use their devices, and stay safe while doing so.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
For the past two years, one local man has made it his mission to help people become confident in today’s age of technology.
Smartphones. Smart TVs. Smart home devices.
There are people who are afraid of them, said Scott Spearin, business owner of the Tech Tutor. So, he set out to change that.
“There’s no education,” Spearin said. “There’s no help for a huge mass of people who are struggling.”
Spearin worked for AT&T and Spectrum for several years and the inspiration for the Tech Tutor came from a former customer. The woman had upgraded her flip phone to her first smartphone, and she came into his store not knowing how to use it.
“She said, ‘I don’t want to bother you with my phone questions, I just want to pay my bill and get out of here.’” Spearin recalled. “At that very moment, her phone rang and I watched this lady have a fullblown panic attack in front of me.”
That day, Spearin went
home and googled “smartphone tutor.” He didn’t find what he was looking for.
So Spearin decided to quit his job and become that tutor.
This month, he was recognized by the Quality Business Awards as the 2024 best tutoring service in Edgewater, where the Ormond Beach native was living when he first launched his business.
The Tech Tutor services all of Volusia County and has helped almost 1,500 people. Spearin offers one-on-one lessons, online support and group training sessions for smart devices, tech support and scam prevention.
Not only are there people struggling with new technology, there’s also others who are struggling to convert from the analog to the digital, Spearin said.
“Everything is paperless,” he said. “Everything is online portals. Everything is selfservice and there’s so many
TRIBUTES
Carole L. Burns
September 19, 1956 - August 13, 2024
Carole L. Burns, loving wife and mother sadly died peacefully on August 13, 2024, at the age of 67.
Carole is survived by her husband James of 45 years, her daughter Tracee, many cousins, nieces and nephews and her dog Sachee.
Carole was born in Ormond Beach, Florida on September 19, 1956, to Helen Ashwell and Walter Layton. She received her GED from high school and moved to Georgia and became an E.M.T.
After moving back to Daytona, she worked at several hospitals and becoming a certified medical transcriptionist. After several years she became supervisor of medical records at the old Ormond Hospital.
In 1998, Carole decided to play and have fun, so she enrolled in clown school and graduated in 1999 as Snickerdoodle the Clown. She did it professionally
people that are not confident in their technological skills to function in today’s day and age.”
There’s a lot of fear surrounding this, and Spearin said he wants to change that.
“All I use is organic ingredients that people have stopped using: Love, patience, kindness,” he said.
On the first Tuesday of every month, Spearin leads “Tech Tuesday” at Ormond in the Pines, where he hosts a group session on topics ranging from online shopping to scam awareness and internet safety.
He also teaches at local senior centers and 55 and up communities.
He said he wants to be the missing piece in helping people’s quality of life.
“I’ve taught 13-year-old kids how to use their iPads at Panera, using Pages and Keynote and things like that, and I’ve taught a lady that was 105 years old who got her first iPad,” Spearin said.
You may not need the Tech Tutor very often, but when you do, Spearin wants the community to know he’s available.
“You don’t need me every day, you don’t need me every week, but eventually, some people need a refresher course every few months,” he said. “They need a new printer hooked up. They just got a new TV. They want to cut the cable bill. They want to know their options.”
Visit thetechtutor.com.
Class Act Kids finds home in Ormond
The kids acting school has moved into a space at the Melrose Plaza at 411 N. U.S. 1.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
After eight years of traveling to local schools, Class Act Kids has found its permanent home in Ormond Beach.
The kids acting school, founded by Ormond Beach resident Valerie Orzel, offers classes to preschool, elementary and middle school students, with the goal to not only teach them the art of drama, but also build up their confidence and creativity. Orzel offered her classes as an after school activity, but she really wanted her students to have their own space.
And, their own place to perform.
“It’s fun because now the kids come in and they’re like, ‘Oh wow, we have a stage,’” Orzel said.
Class Act Kids moved into the a space inside the Melrose Plaza at 411 N. U.S. 1 back in March, and Orzel started offering classes in April. Orzel
entertaining children with her face painting- glitter and airbrush tattoos. She worked at the Ocean Walk shoppes, Daytona Beach Boardwalk, several restaurants, Prince of Peace Octoberfest and picnics among other venues. It really brought the child in her out.
Carole also worked at Traders Inn Beach Club as a front desk operator. She loved being around the people there.
Carole’s hobbies were scrapbooking and card making.
Carole was a member of Prince of Peace Catholic Church, CCW, Eagles Aux., American Association for Medical Transcription, Central Florida Clowns and The World Clown Association.
Carole had a very compassionate heart; she will be greatly missed by those that knew her.
In lieu of flowers kindly donate in her name to her favorite charity, St. Jude Hospital.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, Saturday September 7, 2024 Prince of Peace Catholic Church, Ormond Beach. A celebration of life will follow in the church hall.
said she had been looking to rent a space for a while, and when a spot became available at the Melrose Plaza, she jumped on it.
Orzel has been acting for most of her life. Her passion for the art started when she was 5 years old, but it was when she entered high school at Mainland that theatre became an integral part of her life. She’s performed in community theatre productions, independent films and commercials.
In 2016, Orzel was trying to find her purpose. A mom of two, her daughter was taking a traveling dance class, and she thought, “Why can’t I do that? I can teach acting.”
So, she did. In the last year or two, she’s realized Class Act Kids is her purpose.
“I just get so much joy out of seeing these kids get up on stage and just do something that they love to do,” Orzel said.
With a home base in place, this is the first school year that she is not traveling directly to schools. Having a permanent space also allowed her to host five summer camps. In previous years, because she had to rent a space, she was only able
to host one camp. Orzel said she’s thankful for the schools that allowed her to teach her classes after school, as they helped her to grow. Having her own space, however, is amazing, she said.
“It feels so good to have my own space — just to be able to come here and just this be home to Class Act Kids,” Orzel said.
Her classes are taught in eight-week sessions, with a short performance celebrating what students’ learned at the end of the session. Class sizes usually cap at between 12-14 students and she offers 10 different classes on Monday through Thursday. Her favorite part of the job? Seeing her students’ creativity. It’s also important for children to have an outlet through the arts, she added. She’s seen how it’s helped build the confidence of the shyest of kids within a few classes.
“I’ve had quite a few kids that have ... come out of my class being able to stand on the stage and perform in front of, not only their peers, but their parents at the end of class,” she said. Visit classactkids.net.
TRIBUTES
Thomas D. McKinnon July 10,
Thomas D. McKinnon, 90, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2024. He was born in Blanchard, Oklahoma, on July 10, 1934. He put himself through college at University of Oklahoma by working for several years at the local cinema. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting. After college, he joined the navy, where he became a part of the emerging computer systems group.
Tom spent his entire career working for Western Electric, part of AT&T (or “Ma Bell” as it was known then). He was admired and respected and thus rose through the ranks. He finally became the CFO for the company whose name had changed to AT&T Technologies, after the breakup of the AT&T Bell System in the early-80’s.
After retiring in the early 90’s, Tom and his wife, Jan, moved to Palm Coast, Florida. They both became very involved in the Palm Coast United Methodist Church, running bible groups and acting as treasurer. Tom also became an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary, being a long-time avid boater. In this latter role, he became involved in boat safety inspections, rescuing stranded boaters, and the occasional flotilla.
In 2019, Tom and Jan moved to Waterman Village in Mt Dora, Florida. There
they both became involved in the Chapel Wellness Congregation and support groups.
Tom was a wonderful listener and had a marvelous sense of humor. He was well-liked and respected by all who knew him.
Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Jan. He is survived by his children and stepchildren, Diane, Mark, Shari, Dee, Kent, and Nicholas and their families.
Celebration of Life to take place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 10:30 EDT at the
at
Scott Spearin launched his business in 2022. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Corie Orzel, Lyla Gigliello, Kelly Calderwood, Tatum Rezendes, Avery Jordan-Fields, Khloe Haack, Lily Clarke and Ayden Burgoyne take part in Class Act Kids’ middle school summer camp performance.
Courtesy photo
Run and gun
Hayes.
That’s what worries him.
ASSOCIATE
Flagler Palm Coast offensive coordinator Jake Medlock sees a lot of himself in Bulldogs quarterback Hayden
‘I know what those two are capable of, and now they’re in the same backfield together and you can’t focus on one or the other.’
Medlock’s and head football coach Daniel Fish’s assessments of Hayes’ first game in an FPC uniform was just as they expected. He displayed a strong arm, good running ability and natural leadership skills in the Bull-
dogs’ 42-7 victory over Deltona in a kickoff classic Aug. 16 at Sal Campanella Stadium.
He also exhibited no fear — past the point of his coaches’ comfort.
“The one thing he’s got to learn how to do is get down. We can’t take any unnecessary hits,” Medlock said.
“I know he’s a tough guy and it’s kind of funny. It’s a little bit of revenge, I guess you could say, because that’s how I was with my coaches. I always wanted to run somebody over and do all that, but the thing is, we got 10 straight games and we got to be smart.”
While most teams will be playing their season openers this week, FPC starts the season with a bye and then will play 10 games in 10 weeks beginning with a road contest against Lake Howell on Aug. 30.
Fish could only wince at some of the hits that Hayes took trying to get a few extra yards.
“I would like for him to not take hits like that, going forward,” Fish said. “It’s kind of a testament to him;
he’s just not scared of anything. He can put his pads down on people and get extra yards.”
Hayes, a senior transfer from Seabreeze, passed for over 350 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Senior receiver Mikhail Zysek caught two of the touchdown passes and had seven catches overall for 165 yards. Since Hayes transferred in the summer, he and Zysek have been working out on the football field together developing a connection, Hayes said.
“Every day we’d go down to the field or just grab a smoothie or something, just talking. He’s special,” Hayes said of Zysek. “Just getting together on the field, off the field and getting the chemistry down. That’s what happened out here (in the kickoff classic). Just two guys balling.”
Fish said that although Hayes has been with the Bulldogs for a short time, his teammates have gravitated to him.
“I love that kid,” senior running back Marcus Mitchell said. “He’s a great quarterback. He’s not selfish
with the ball. He spreads the ball around. He gets yards. The wide receivers get yards. Everybody gets yards.”
Mitchell got his share, running for three touchdowns, including a 51-yard score in the second half.
FPC’s coaches expect Hayes and Mitchell to provide the Bulldogs with a passing and running combination that will be tough to stop this season.
“I know what those two are capable of, and now they’re in the same backfield together and you can’t focus on one or the other,” Fish said. “Because once you do, the other one can hurt you really bad with their legs or their arms.”
The Bulldogs were able to move up and down the field against Deltona. But they turned the ball over on three straight possessions in the second quarter and led by just one touchdown, 14-7, at halftime. The second half was a different story. After Mitchell scored on a 3-yard run, FPC scored touchdowns on three straight one-possession drives — a 51-yard run by Mitchell, a 48-yard catch by tight end Roman Caliendo and an 83-yard catch from Zysek. Mitchell rushed for 1,455 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. He has trimmed down since then and said he feels stronger and quicker.
“It’s been real hard, especially because my hamstring was hurting, and I had to recover in rehab. But as soon as I got done with that, I went from 245 to 213,” he said. “I was just fat. I did all the same lifts in the weight room, but I had to drop weight because I got a little chunky.” Against the Wolves, he showed elusiveness without sacrificing his signature power running.
“I feel a whole lot lighter and a whole lot stronger,” he said.
Matanzas volleyball player Keri Petro hopes to have another killer year
The sophomore led the Pirates in kills last year, but her favorite part of the game is defense.
Matanzas volleyball player Keri Petro is only a sophomore, but she will be instrumental to the Pirates’ success this season, coach Dawn Moses said. As a freshman, the outside hitter, led Matanzas with 265 kills. Petro’s
kill percentage of 37.3 was second on the team.
She also led the Pirates in serve receiving with 356 receptions and was third in digs with 214. Her versatility is not surprising. Petro has been playing club volleyball for DME Academy for seven years and has played every position on the court.
“She’s just a good athlete,” Moses said.
Petro said her favorite part of the game is defense. She plays an important role on the front row, but she’s just as valuable on the back row.
“You put her and Rylan (Miller) back there, and the two of them are going to pass balls, and that’s what we expect out of them,” Moses said.
The Pirates had their winningest season in school history last year with a 21-6 record. They headed into their season opener against Spruce Creek on Aug. 20 trying to find consistency at the setter position. Freshman Analise Smith and senior Abby Eskelsen will be sharing the role. Eskelsen is playing setter for the first time.
“We have Abby setting in addition to Analise, because it’s going to be critical to be able to give us some conversation to the freshman at different times,” Moses said. “And so that’s not really Abby’s position. But she did a nice job for us (in the preseason classic), and that’s all we can ask of these kids.” Matanzas hosted St. Joseph, St.
Augustine and DME Academy in the preseason matches on Aug. 15.
The Pirates swept St. Joseph in two sets and came within one point of doing the same to DME, but the visitors rallied from 10 points down to win in extra points, 28-26, and then won the third set 15-12 to win the match.
“I subbed when we were up by 10 points. I probably shouldn’t have, but this is preseason,” Moses said. “The game doesn’t count. It’s not going against our record. This is about getting every kid in, giving them the opportunity to play and seeing how they handle different things.” They talked in the locker room after the match about learning from adversity and recognizing their mistakes, Moses said.
“I think we just let up,” said Petro. “We thought we had it and obvious-
ly we didn’t and we let them go on a run, but I think we competed well in the first match and then the first set of the second match and then we just let up. We can’t let up on a 10-point lead.” Moses said the Pirates will rely on leadership from seniors Eskelsen and Paige Duckworth and from Miller, their junior libero who has already committed to the University of Georgia.
“Rylan Miller is going to lead this team by example as well as knowledge and high IQ on the court,” Moses said.
Petro said everybody is stepping up with the goal of matching or surpassing last year’s record.
“Last year we made school history, so I hope we can do the same this year,” she said.
Flagler Palm Coast football unveils potent running and passing attack.
Flagler Palm Coast wide receiver William Roberts (9) catches a pass.
FPC sophomore Garrett Tucker (42) kicks off and Elijah Dorman (21) heads down field on kick coverage after the Bulldogs scored on their first drive of the game. Tucker booted six extra points in the kickoff classic win against Deltona.
Emma Harris, FPC’s head drum major, leads Bulldogs fans in a chant of, “You can’t do that!” after a penalty is called against Deltona.
FPC quarterback Hayden Hayes (2) runs a keeper near the end of the first half with the Bulldogs in the lead 14-7.
Bulldogs running back Marcus Mitchell (4) powers past Wolves defender Damarion Phillips (0). Photos by Christine Rodenbaugh
Natalie Zoll (1), Paige Duckworth (2), Faith Purvis (3) and Amirah Kardas (4) line up before the Pirates’ second game of the night, against DME Academy. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas outside hitter Keri Petro (12) hits the ball over the net.
DANIEL FISH on Hayden Hayes and Marcus Mitchell
McCants, Hash fighting for spots on B-CU
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A couple of Bethune-Cookman University true freshmen have entered fall football camp knowing the odds are against them as far as receiving playing time. Neither Marquis McCants nor Cole Hash have worried about the odds before.
McCants a graduate of Mainland High School, who also played one year at Seabreeze, is an undersized wide receiver at about 5-foot-9, 155 pounds. Hash, a Matanzas High School grad, was a four-year starter on offense, defense and special teams for the Pirates; now he’s a walk-on trying to earn a spot as a long snapper.
McCants may be undersized, but he has a big heart, B-CU head coach Raymond Woodie said.
“People are starting to know his name just by the things that he’s doing on the field (in fall camp),” Woodie said. “We love people that compete and he’s been competing
experience for McCants and Hash. Star football players in high school, they are both starting over from the bottom of the depth charts.
“I love the environment,” McCants said. “I love being around the players, the coaches. They show a lot of love. I had to get used to it the first two weeks. I was there for the Summer B (session), and then after we got to fall camp, it just clicked. I got to compete every day.”
JUST LONG SNAPPING
every day, and he’s making those older guys step their game up.”
The B-CU football team and the university’s Concert Chorale attended Palm Coast United Methodist Church’s Football Sunday service on Aug. 18, with the Chorale providing the music.
McCants did not bring his high school state championship ring with him to church. His mom is currently holding on to that, he said. As freshmen, college is a new
Hash had not been a long snapper since he was a junior at Matanzas. Overall, he played just about every position, primarily at linebacker, receiver and running back, but also filling in at quarterback in a pinch and playing on just about every special team. In his senior year, coaches moved him from long snapper to holder because he had so much on his plate.
Hash got some college football offers from out-of-state Division III and NAIA schools, but he wanted to
try to compete on a higher level and he wanted to go to school closer to home.
“(Matanzas coach Matt Forrest) was a big help trying to just give me somewhere to go play football,” Hash said.
They told B-CU assistant coach Joe Gerbino that Hash can longsnap.
“We sent him videos, showed him how well I can do in the weight room, how strong I am (Hash won a state weightlifting championship as a junior). They took a liking to me, and they just wanted to see what I could do. And if I could do it consistently.”
He passed muster at a camp, and now he’s one of three long snappers competing in fall camp. The top two get to travel with the team. Junior Clayton Thomas is the returning first-team long snapper. Hash is trying to move up the depth chart to the No. 2 spot.
STRUGGLING TO BE CONSISTENT
“It’s really an adjustment trying to become a full-time long snapper,” Hash said. “My biggest struggle right now is consistency. Not doing it full time in high school, trying to have a
perfect spiral every time, trying to get it into the same spot every time and trying to make sure the operation time is good enough at a Division I level to be able to get the punt off. It’s just a big change trying to do it consistently. But I love it. I love the guys. The special teams room is amazing, and Clayton is a big help. Any questions, comments, concerns I have, I go to him. He answers them. We’re a tight-knit group and I love it down there.”
Eventually, Hash would like to show what he can do on scout team at other positions, but that will have to wait.
Woodie said Hash is coming along.
“It’s different from high school to college, making that transition,” Woodie said. “Guys are bigger, guys are stronger. Things are so competitive and (Hash) is just getting here.” McCants and Hash are a couple of rookies in the special teams room. McCants is going to do a lot of things for the Wildcats, Woodie said. But right now, he’s still learning the offense.
“I’m in the mix (for a receiver spot),” McCants said. “Once you put your mind to it, you can do it.”
Luis Campos
DOING THE SPLITS by Daniel Hrynick, edited by Jeff Chen
Bethune-Cookman freshman football players Marquis McCants of Mainland High and Cole Hash of Matanzas. Photo by Brent Woronoff
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold
a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 3rd day of September 2024, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2024-XX rezoning to R-2 zoning district (application number ZMA 2024-02), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF A PORTION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 0.87± ACRES, OWNED BY THOMAS BRIGHTMAN, BEARING PARCEL ID: 1012-30-0850-0011A-0000 AND LOCATED AT 1104 EAST MAGNOLIA STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM R-1, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT TO R-2, MULTIPLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-todate information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110.
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 3rd day of September 2024, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2024-XX small-scale Future Land Use Map amendment (application number FLUMA 2024-03), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2024-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 1.67± ACRES, OWNED BY THOMAS BRIGHTMAN, BEARING PARCEL ID: 10-12-30-0850-0011A-0000 AND LOCATED AT 1104 EAST MAGNOLIA STREET WITHIN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM “SINGLE FAMILY-LOW DENSITY (SF-L)” TO “SINGLE FAMILY-MEDIUM DENSITY (SF-M)”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-todate information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.
NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
ers: Rebecca Clark Cyzycki, Marsha Kay Carlisle, Patricia Ann Jones, and Kathryn Sue Carlisle Public hearings on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: FLAGLER COUNTY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD – Recommendation to Board of County Commissioners on adoption – September 10, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Bunnell, Florida, 32110. FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – Adoption Hearing – October 21, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 2, Bunnell, Florida, 32110. For purposes of review of this amendment, the Board of County Commissioners will also be sitting in its capacity as the County’s Local Planning Agency (LPA). Information relating to this matter is available for inspection at the Planning and Zoning Department located at 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida during the hours of 8:00 a.m. –4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. All interested parties may attend any and all of the public hearings or may express
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 3rd day of September 2024, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2024-XX rezoning to ACI zoning district (application number ZMA 2024-03), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2024-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF A PORTION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 19.59± ACRES, OWNED BY BUNNELL LAND HOLDINGS LLC, BEARING PARCEL ID: 09-12-30-5550-00010-0030 AND LOCATED ALONG OPOSSUM LANE APPROXIMATELY 174± FEET FROM THE INTERSECTION OF COUNTY ROAD 13 AND OPOSSUM LANE WITHIN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM “AG&S, AGRICULTURAL & SILVICULTURE DISTRICT” TO “ACI, AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NONCODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-todate information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.
NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
Aug. 22
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 3rd day of September 2024, for the purpose of hearing a special exception, before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. SE 2024-05
REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR A CONCRETE BATCH PLANT WITHIN THE L-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICT LOCATED AT THE END OF HIBISCUS AVENUE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-todate information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.
NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
Aug. 22 24-00330F
Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com legal@observerlocalnews.com
their opinion in writing to: Adam Mengel, Growth Management Director 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bldg 2 Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 313-4009 Email: planningdept@flaglercounty.gov PURSUANT TO SECTION 286.0105 OF FLORIDA STATUTES, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD, AGENCY OR COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE OR SHE WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE MEETINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT (386) 313-4009 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. Aug. 22 24-00338F
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
LANE WITHIN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM “AGRICULTURE (AG)” TO “AGRICULTURAL COMMUNITY INDUSTRIAL (ACI)”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING
NOTICE OF REZONING Pursuant to Section 2.07.00, Flagler County Land Development Code, and Chapter 125, Florida Statutes, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners hereby provides notice of consideration of Project No. 2024060043 (AR No. 4972) submitted by Applicant, Corey D. Brown, Esquire, for property owners Rebecca Clark Cyzycki, Marsha Kay Carlisle, Patricia Ann Jones, and Kathryn Sue Carlisle, and possible adoption of an Ordinance titled similar to: AN ORDINANCE OF THE FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, REZONING PARCEL NUMBER 03-13-31-0650000C0-0030 FROM AC (AGRICULTURE) AND R-1 (RURAL
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