PALM COAST
Pam Richardson defeated Ed Danko by just 37 votes, after the provisional ballots and recount. Photo by Sierra Williams
CITY WATCH
PCFD
wins
grant from Department of Homeland Security
The Palm Coast Fire Department has won a $57,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The Assistance to Firefighters Grant will support the training of nine Firefighter-EMTs, enabling them to attend paramedic training at a local public safety training center. The PCFD applied for the grant in March and learned of its success in August, according to a city press release.
The Palm Coast Fire Department maintains a minimum staffing requirement of at least one paramedic per frontline apparatus: 51% of its 74 fulltime personnel are trained as paramedics, the press release said. With the grant, that will increase from 51% to 77% over the next two years.
The AFG award program totals $57,294 and includes a cost-sharing arrangement of 90% federal funding and 10% local funding. The first group of students will begin their paramedic training in January at Daytona State College and First Coast Technical College,
City Council to appoint Heighter’s replacement
Citing time constraints limiting a fair democratic process, the Palm Coast City Council has made the decision to appoint a replacement council member for the city’s District 4 seat.
City Council District 4 representative Cathy Heighter resigned her seat on Aug. 19, effective Aug. 23, with over two years of her term — that would have ended November 2026 — remaining.
According to the Palm Coast City Charter, if a seat becomes vacant within the first 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.
But the charter also states that if the seat becomes vacant within six months of “a regularly scheduled election” the remaining council “may delay the appointment” to be decided at that election.
Heighter resigned between the primary and general elections. To make it on the ballot for Nov. 5, candidates would need to qualify before Sept. 6. Because of the short timeline, that means candidate petitions would not be accepted for qualifying.
The alternative is to pay the qualifying fee of $3,249 — 10% of the seat’s salary — and the 1% assessment fee of $324.
“I don’t want our city council seat to be bought,” Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri said. “… My concern is that if we require people to pay $3,500 in a week’s time, we are allowing the seat to be bought by special interests, and that I have a real issue with.”
The council voted 4-0 on Aug. 27 to appoint the two-year replacement for the seat, following a one-month application and interview process. By the end of business on Aug. 27, the city posted the appointment application online.
Anyone interested in applying must apply by 5 p.m. on Sept. 11.
The application for the seat will be open until end of business on Sept. 11, and then a special workshop will be held on Sept. 17, immediately following the regularly schedule 9 a.m. Sept. 17 council meeting, for the first interviews.
“I don’t want our city council seat to be bought.”
THERESA CARLI PONTIERI,
On Sept. 24, the council will hold another workshop meeting, this one in the evening, where the applicants will also be discussed there. At the Oct. 1 evening City Council meeting, the council will appoint a person from the applicants to fill the seat.
An appointed council member would fill the District 4 seat until November 2026 and then have the ability to run for the office. Some residents in attendance at the meeting did not like the idea of the appointment — made when three of the four remaining council members will be leaving their seats in Novem-
ber — would sit in the seat for two full years.
“I think that the people are entitled to make this choice, not, for all intents and purposes, a lame-duck City Council,” City Council District 3 candidate Ray Stevens.
But, City attorney Marcus Duffy said, the charter does not say anything about a special election.
“It says the next regularly scheduled election,” he said. “So, it would be my advice that a special election, unfortunately, is not an option. I wish it was.”
This is contrary to the city’s history: Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin
“I
DISTRICT 4 APPOINT APPLICATION
The Palm Coast District 4 application can be found at palmcoast.gov/district-4-seat.
was elected in 2021 via a special election in July. According to records from the Supervisor of Elections Office, that special election cost Palm Coast and taxpayers $127,000. Stevens, and several other Palm Coast residents, suggested adding the special election to the March election, which has elections for Bunnell, Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach, to reduce the cost. But, according to an email from Election Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart, that may not reduce the cost.
“All municipalities pay for their own elections (special or regularly) if they are not held concurrently with the countywide and statewide schedule in even-numbered years,” Lenhart wrote.
Palm Coast’s council elections are only held in August and November, the primary and general elections, and staggered to every two years to fall in the even-numbered years.
One of the qualifying conditions to fill the seat is that the applicant must live in District 4. Pontieri urged residents, particularly District 4 residents, to participate in the process in everyway possible, from attending meetings to sending emails and speaking with their neighbors.
“Make this the democratic process I want it to be, even though we are appointing somebody,” she said.
think that the people are entitled to make this choice, not, for all intents and purposes, a lame-duck City Council.”
RAY STEVENS, Palm Coast District 3 candidate
Palm Coast City Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri. Photo by Sierra Williams
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Richardson wins, Stevens advances, after historic recount of 27,459 ballots
After recount, Richardson officially defeats Danko for Flagler Commission seat
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
After a recount of the votes for two races in the county, Pam Richardson has officially defeated Palm Coast Vice Mayor Ed Danko for the Flagler
County Commission seat. That county race and a Palm Coast City Council race triggered a machine and manual recount that began at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 23 and continued until the early afternoon of Saturday, Aug. 24. The Flagler County Canvassing Board oversaw the process.
The machine recount process of all 27,459 ballots took until 1:12 a.m. on Saturday, while the manual recount of all the “over and under” ballots —
ballots where there were discrepancies, like an individual choosing two candidates in the same race or leaving a race blank — resumed at 9 a.m. on Saturday and ended at 3:25 p.m.
After the Primary Election on Aug. 20, Danko trailed Richardson by 40 votes — a .26% difference — with another 46 ballots needing to be verified before the counts could be finalized.
The Canvassing Board is made of three people, Elections Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart, County Commissioner Dave Sullivan and Flagler County Judge Andrea Totten, the board chair, with county attorney Sean Moylan serving as the board’s attorney. Alternate board member County Commissioner Donald O’Brien also sat in on the proceedings.
The board first met at 10 a.m. to verify the provisional ballots.
Of the 46 provisional and referred mail ballots, only 11 were accepted, one provisional ballot and 10 referred mail ballots. Of those 11 ballots, Richardson received one extra vote and Danko four, decreasing the margin to 37 votes.
PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL: STEVENS EDGES STANCEL
In the Palm Coast District 3 race, the votes were divided between three candidates: Andrew Werner, Dana “Mark” Stancel and Ray Stevens. By the end of the Primary Election
on Aug. 20, Werner had 34% of the vote, but Stancel and Stevens each had 32.8% and 32.82%, respectively — the two were separated by just two votes.
After the 11 provisional and referred ballots were accepted, Stancel and Stevens were still separated by just two votes: each candidate received three additional votes, and Werner one additional vote.
Following the machine and manual recounts, Stevens maintained his two-vote lead over Stancel, ending with a final tally of 6,191 votes to 6,189. Werner ended with a final count of 6,484. Stevens and Werner will face each other in the general election.
In the county race, Richardson’s tally remained the same, with 7,587 votes to Danko’s 7,550. Richardson’s race was only available for Republican voters to vote on because of a write-in candidate, whom she will face in the general election, unless that candidate withdraws.
The machine recount was triggered by the candidates in the two races being less than one half-percent apart in votes. A manual recount was triggered by the candidates being less than .25% apart, according to the recount procedures the canvassing board is required to follow.
Richardson said that though she has sat on several various boards throughout her years in Flagler County and also served as a clerk in
“It is long, it is tenuous, it is stressful and it’s scary. On the other hand, it’s a wonderful process. I’m proud of how the elections office has been so professional.”
PAM RICHARDSON
several positions, she had never had the opportunity to sit in on a recount process.
“It is long, it is tenuous, it is stressful and it’s scary,” Richardson said. “On the other hand, it’s a wonderful process. I’m proud of how the elections office has been so professional and handled everything.”
It is the first time in six years that any race in the county triggered a recount.
Richardson said she is looking forward to learning the rules of the county commission job. She said she wants to be as available to the residents as possible and to hear their concerns.
“The residents here deserve the respect of a commissioner that wants to hear what they have to say. I can’t fix everything, but I’m here to help,” she said. “I want to be the help.”
Flagler Beach approves easements for undersea cable landing site
The city will receive $600,000 upfront, if the agreement is approved by the company’s board. The cable landing site is part of large data center planned for Palm Coast.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
After months of debate through a consultant, Flagler Beach has granted easement rights to a digital infrastructure company to build a cable landing site in the city for $600,000 upfront.
The site is located at South Sixth Street in the right of way. The agreement is with DC Blox, a digital infrastructure company. A cable landing station is where underwater internet fiber optic cables makes landfall. The landing site at Flagler Beach would have six cables that would connect to a data center. In March, DC Blox first approached Flagler Beach, presenting the landing site as the first step in a large data center planned for Palm Coast.
Palm Coast Mayor David Alfin confirmed that the data center is planned for Town Center. He said the Flagler Beach easement approval was the final step in the process in beginning the data center.
Alfin said several city employees in Palm Coast have signed Non Disclosure Agreements preventing them from talking about the data center until the project is further along. Alfin said he has not signed any such agreement, but, in turn, does not know much about what is planned.
What can be confirmed is that DcB Orchid LLC, the parent company to DC Blox, purchased 34 acres of land at 1035 Town Center Blvd from Florida Landmark Communities for
$3.3 million. The sale went through in October 2023. The property is located near Royal Palms Parkway and Town Center Boulevard and next to a Florida Power & Light property, According to its website, DC Blox owns and operates “edge-market data centers,” a regional Southeast network and managing a critical cable landing station — like the one planned for Flagler Beach — in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
The undersea cables that connect at the landing site in Flagler Beach would then connect to the data center.
The project — titled Project Orchid in the March 2024 commission meeting packet — will likely attract additional business opportunities for the cities and residents and businesses alike would have access to faster, more reliable internet speeds, according to the meeting docu -
ments.
When DC Blox first approached Flagler Beach in March, it originally proposed two locations, at North 11th Street and the South Sixth Street location. There was some consideration on the company’s part of using Veterans Park, but it was quickly vetoed by the commission, according to city meeting documents.
The original financial proposal presented to the Flagler Beach Commission stipulated that DcB would pay $100,000 for each of the first two cables landed in the city, totaling $200,000. The North 11th Street site has since been dropped.
WHO PAYS, AND WHEN?
Much of the debate over the last five months of mediation has been over the contingency of the funds. Flagler Beach’s consultant,
Michael Tammaro, valued the South Sixth Street landing site at $1.2 million, which DC Blox agreed to. But Tammaro was recommending that DC Blox pay Flagler Beach $800,000 immediately, with the remaining $400,000 to be determined at a later date.
DC Blox Executive Vice President of Sales Chris Gatch, said the $600,000 upfront for the first three cables, was as high as the company was willing to go. The city would receive $200,000 per cables four, five and six as each is installed. Tammaro argued in his letter to the city that the compensation to the city should not be contingent on the installation of the cables.
Gatch said he did not have authorization to negotiate at the meeting.
“We just reached a point where we felt like we had offered what we could offer,” Gatch said.
Commissioner Jane Mealy said she did not like the idea that the company could feasibly just install a few of the cables, and then leave the city without installing the others.
Attorney Drew Smith said that is the nature of the contingency.
“They absolutely have that right. We don’t control their business,” Smith said.
But, with the negotiated proposal, DC Blox would still pay Flagler Beach $600,000 right away, without installing any of the cables.
Commissioner Rick Belhumeur had concerns about the placement of the site’s grounding beds, which would be placed underground, interfering with city’s future planned projects.
Belhumeur said the beds on DC Blox’s plans are right where the city plans to make installations for the flood mitigation project and where the city could one day need to expand the library or the Wickline Center in the future.
“I won’t vote for this with those grounding beds where you have them. So it’s not just about the money with me,” he said.
The commission approved the DC Blox’s financial proposal presented at the Aug. 27 meeting in a 4-1 vote, with Mealy dissenting, but added the following stipulation: DC Blox must find a way to place the grounding beds within the right of way, as approved by Flagler Beach.
Though the Flagler Beach commission approved it, the DC Blox representatives will need to present the decision to their board for approval. If approved by their board, it could still take over a year to begin construction.
In March, Gatch said that it would take over a year to get the permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers before it starts its construction. The plan, at the time, was for the construction work to happen over the winter of 2025.
Email sierra@observerlocalnews. com.
The 2024 Flagler County Canvassing Board. Clockwise from left to right: Alternate member Commissioner Donald O’Brien, Commissioner David Sullivan, Election Supervisor Kaiti Lenhart, board chair Judge Andrea Totten and county attorney Sean Moylan. Photos by Sierra Williams
The South 6th Street site planned for six undersea fiber optic cables. Image from Flagler Beach meeting documents
Faith in Flagler
lighthouse bible church
• 15 Hargrove Grade, Building 4
• Sunday 10:15 am, Wednesday 6:30 p.m.
• lighthousebible.net
Building faith strengthens our community.
God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.”
The Bible also says even demons believe and shudder. Satan was also a believer, and where did that get him?
What we need is faith, not just belief Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ — our redeemer, our propitiation for our sins is what gives us eternal life.
Brought to you by:
Ted Dudak, Pastor
Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates
Slow down, y’all! Flagler Beach plans to drop speed limits to 20 mph
The ordinance reducing the speed started as a public safety initiative.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler Beach could soon have a 20 mph speed limit on city roads.
The Flagler Beach City Commission approved a first vote on the citywide reduction of speed limits at its Aug. 22 commission meeting in a 4-1 vote, commissioner Rick Belhumeur dissenting. The speed limit change reduces the speed on Flagler Beach roads by 10 mph.
The original ordinance proposed a 25 mph speed limit, but Commissioner Eric Cooley suggested it being lowered further to 20 mph, so long as the enforcement is there.
“The concern is cars are going down streets doing 40 [mph],” Cooley said. “If, as a city, it’s not enforced … changing the speed limit will not get us anywhere.”
Cooley said that he’d like the speed limit to be as close to a uniform speed limit as possible, pointing out that golf carts are limited to 20 mph by city ordinance.
“If you’re going to change the speed limit from 30 to 25, are you really doing anything other than just spending a lot of money on signs? You’re essentially … not doing anything,” he said.
The ordinance only impacts city roads. But the concern is that drivers on State Road A1A turn off the scenic road to avoid congestion and then speed through the residential neighborhoods.
If the ordinance is approved at the second vote, Commission Chair Scott Spradley said there will likely be a community outreach to make drivers aware of the changes.
Mayor Patti King and Commissioners James Sherman and Spradley all pointed out the safety hazards to pedestrians for people speeding through neighborhoods. Spradley called Flagler Beach “a city without sidewalks” and said the pedestrians in
the roadway are there because they have to be.
“When you have the interior streets being lesser [speed] than A1A, then that sort of gives a disincentive to jump off A1A and go to our interior streets and rev it up,” Spradley said.
Most of the commissioners seemed to agree that dropping the speed limit to 20 mph was worth any frustration from the slower speed.
But Belhumeur said the people who are currently speeding through the neighborhoods won’t slow down by changing the speed limits to 20 mph. Most people already slow down to 20 when approaching pedestrians anyway, he said.
“Yes, you have the idiot that’s driving down the road 40 miles an hour,” he said.
“But if you change it to 20 miles an hour, you’re going have that same idiot, whereas I think it’s going to frustrate some of the locals.”
The ordinance will return for a second vote at the next Flagler Beach Commission’s business meeting.
Stolen Ferrari roars through Flagler
A 19-year-old male wanted in Rhode Island was arrested Aug. 27 after he drove a stolen Ferrari into Flagler County, fled from deputies at dangerous speeds, and attempted to hide at a residence in town.
At noon, the FCSO Communications Center was notified by the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office that a blue 2018 Ferrari 488 Spider, which had been stolen in Rhode Island days earlier following an armed home invasion, was fleeing into Flagler County. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Johnathan Costa, 19. Deputies were dispatched to the county line, and they quickly located the vehicle after it entered Flagler County and attempted a traffic stop. The vehicle failed to stop, continuing to travel at speeds over 100 mph and narrowly avoiding colliding
with multiple other vehicles on the roadway. With assistance from Florida Highway Patrol, Interstate 95 and US 1 were temporarily shut down and stop sticks were placed on multiple roadways in the vehicle’s direction of travel.
As the vehicle fled through a school zone on Belle Terre Parkway, deputies reduced their speed and lost sight of the vehicle. After a visual was lost, patrol units in the area searched for the vehicle near its last known location with assistance from the Real Time Crime Center, Flagler County Fire Rescue’s FireFlight helicopter, SJSO’s Main One helicopter, and FHP. Out of precaution, local schools including Wadsworth Elementary School and Buddy Taylor Middle School were briefly placed in a “secure hold” status.
Detectives determined that Costa had a friend who resid-
ed on Royal Palm Lane in Palm Coast. Believing that Costa could possibly be hiding there, a be-on-the-lookout was issued for the area. At 4:30 p.m., Chief David Williams located the Ferrari behind the residence on Royal Palm Lane. Costa had attempted to hide the Ferrari by covering it with red and blue tarps. However, the vehicle was still fully visible from the roadway. Deputies set up a perimeter and made announcements to Costa to exit. Shortly after, Costa exited the residence and was secured without incident. Before Costa was apprehended, he was believed to be traveling with Logan Slezak, another suspect in the Rhode Island home invasion. However, detectives determined that Slezak was not present and was believed to still be in Rhode Island. Within hours of Costa’s arrest, Slezak turned himself in to the police.
Activist with criminal history to help Depa
Mark Hadden has hired the Law Offices of Robert David Malove, a criminal defense attorney firm in South Florida, to appeal Depa’s sentencing.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
A South Florida activist with a criminal history is funding an appeal for the sentencing of Brendan Depa, the former Matanzas High School student who attacked a paraprofessional in February 2023. On Aug. 6, Brenden Depa was sentenced to 5 years in state prison and 15 years probation for attacking paraprofessional Joan Naydich. Activist and registered sex offender Mark Hadden held a press conference on Aug. 22 to announce he would was paying for a law firm to represent Depa for an appeal.
A notice of appeal must be filed 30 days from the date of the court case’s final judgement, according to Robert Malove Law website. Depa was sentenced on Aug. 6, so his new attorneys only have until Sept. 6 to file the notice. Depa was facing up to 30 years in prison, though Circuit Judge Terence Perkins had the option to sentence Depa to juvenile sanctions because of his age at the time of the attack. He was 17 at the time of the incident and charged as an adult with aggravated battery on an educational employee.
Hadden — who showed up to announce his support of Depa while wearing a promotional T-shirt for his selfpublished autobiography, “All Hadden” — said that his experience as a Black man in America is what encouraged him to open his nonprofit, the America Coalition for the Advancement of all People, and also take an interest in Depa’s case.
He said neither Depa nor victim Joan Naydich should ever have been in that situation. But, he said, if Depa were a young white man, he also would not have been charged as an adult.
“If we want to act like racism didn’t play a part, we are fooling ourselves,” he said.
According to Depa’s court documents, the law offices filed for its attorneys Hani Demetrious and Robert David Malove to be Depa’s attorneys of record on Aug. 13.
In a phone interview with the Observer , Demetrious said he specializes in appeals, but has not tried a case factually similar to Depa’s before, in which the accused pleaded out in court and only the sentencing was argued. He and the firm still need to go through the court records of the sentencing before they can determine on what grounds the firm will file the appeal.
Hadden said his motivation for both his nonprofit and funding Depa’s appeal is “injustice, fighting for people that’s wrongfully done wrong, people that need help and guidance in the criminal [justice] system.”
Hadden, a registered sex offender, considers himself one such person. In 1997 in St. Lucie County, at the age of 30, Hadden was charged with sexual battery and lewd and lascivious battery of a minor under 16 and pleaded down to the lesser charge of attempted lewd and lascivious battery. He was sentenced to six months in jail, with credit for time served, with a five-year probation and was required to register as a sex offender.
In 2007 to 2009, Hadden was arrested for failing to register as a sex offender in Escambia, Florida, and served almost two years in prison.
Hadden said this would be
“If we want to act like racism didn’t play a part, we are fooling ourselves.”
MARK HADDEN
the second criminal appeal his nonprofit had funded, but declined to provide details on the first, except that it involved a young man in Florida around 2015.
Activist Mark Hadden. Photo by Sierra Williams
Flagler County christens new FireFlight
Flagler County welcomed its new FireFlight helicopter in a ceremony on Aug. 21 as the previous, 22-yearold FireFlight was decommissioned.
The FireFlight model 2968 — which has served the county since 2002 in wildfire suppression missions, as a trauma transport in a myriad of reconnaissance and rescue missions — was decommissioned in a ceremony at the Flagler Executive Airport as its replacement model was christened the county’s new FireFlight. The new FireFlight helicopter is an Airbus model H125, according to a Facebook post from Flagler County.
Representatives from Flagler County’s municipalities and other first responders attended the ceremony, the post said.
“We are not in the business of guarantees...but we are in the business of giving people [fighting] chances,” Flagler County Fire Chief
COPS CORNER
A 30-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested for stealing a $35 bottle of gin from a local restaurant.
Police — which received multiple calls from nearby businesses regarding similar incidents — report that the restaurant’s bartender refused to serve the man when he came up to the outdoor bar and ordered a beer. The bartender said the man is known to frequent local restaurants and bars, order alcoholic beverages, and then leave without paying for them.
When the man was refused service, he “circled the block” before returning and grabbing a bottle of
Michael Tucker said.
Over the 22 years, FireFlight 2968 has: transported 797 patients to trauma centers, served on 851 wildfire suppression missions, dumped over 2 million gallons of water, helped on 282 search and rescue missions and 2,452 storm reconnaissance missions and supported 764 law enforcement missions.
For 20 years, the FireFlight team was lead by pilot Dana Morris, who retired in November 2022. According to the county’s website, FireFlight is “the first line of defense against wildfires” in Flagler County.
According to the Airbus website, the H125 model of the helicopter can reach speeds over 150 mph and can seat seven on board, including the pilots.
Jacksonville man dies in crash on I-95 near Ormond Beach
A 32-year-old Jacksonville man was killed in a crash on I-95 near Ormond Beach on Thursday, Aug. 22, Florida Highway Patrol reports.
The man, whose identity was not released, was traveling southbound
gin that was sitting on a bar prep area, according to the arrest report.
The man then ran out of the bar with the bottle as the bartender chased him. He ran into a nearby restaurant, where he continued to evade employees until he got away.
Police found him at an area restaurant, where he was also found to have stolen food and merchandise.
He was taken to jail.
AUG. 7
HANGRY THROWS
9:17 p.m. — Intersection of West Granada Boulevard and Florida East Coast Railway, Ormond Beach Weapon offense. Police arrested a 55-year-old DeLand man after he threw a rock at an unmarked police cruiser.
Earlier that evening, officers had received reports that a man was throwing sticks into the roadway and that it appeared he may be lighting fires along the sidewalk. When they went to check the area, they didn’t find anybody throwing sticks and
on I-95 and approaching mile marker 2744 in the inside lane when he lost control of his car around 10:23 p.m. As he began to cross the yellow solid line, the driver over corrected, according to FHP, resulting in his car running off the right shoulder of the interstate.
His car overturned several times and landed on its left side, striking multiple trees.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. FHP reports the crash remains under investigation.
FCSO has a new device to detect explosives, drugs
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has a new device in the fight against criminals and to keep deputies safe. The MX908 is a handheld device for the identification of suspected illegal narcotics and explosives, as well as real-time chemical detection. The device can be used to analyze solid, liquid, vapor, and aerosol samples in a matter of minutes.
The MX908 enables deputies to safely analyze trace amounts of substances without exposing them-
there were no fires along the road.
Later that night, an officer in an unmarked cruiser was driving westbound in the 300 block of West Granada Boulevard and approaching the railroad tracks when he saw a man pick up a large rock and throw it at his cruiser, hearing its thud when it struck the front lower fender, according to the police report.
The officer circled back around and activated his lights and sirens. When he got out of his car, he asked the man if he was really throwing rocks at cars, to which the man responded, “I’m hungry.”
The man was placed under arrest and taken to jail.
AUG. 24
FAST FOOD AND FURIOUS
2:38 p.m. — the 400 block of Palm Coast Parkway southwest, Palm Coast Battery. A man was arrested after throwing food and yelling at employees at a local fast food restaurant.
The restaurant manager told
selves to potentially lethal amounts of fentanyl or other deadly drugs or explosives. FSCO investigators have already used the device multiple times in the field, including during undercover operations, and assisted the Special Investigations Unit in identifying illegal narcotics without the risk of exposure.
With the FCSO’s previous testing methods, investigators would need a substantial quantity of a substance to sample in order to use a traditional drug testing kit. The MX908 cannot only test residue faster and more accurately, it can detect remnants of drugs not visible to the human eye. This feature of analyzing residue and trace-level amounts previously untestable allows deputies to detain a suspect, recommend charges, and potentially save lives from the harmful impacts of illegal drugs. Testing with a traditional kit in similar cases would possibly result in having to let a suspect go and wait for a formal lab report from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The MX908 has many modes and uses. Its primary use is “Drug Hunter” mode, which not only analyzes
Sheriff’s Office deputies she told a male and female couple to leave the building after they began yelling at one of her 16-year-old employees, according to an arrest report.
The couple then began taking their anger out on the manager, where the female suspect continued yelling at the manager and the male suspect threw an entire tray of food at her.
The tray hit the wall and sprayed food all over the manager. Surveillance video showed the couple got angry in the first place over the card machine not working, the report said.
The couple drove off, but the surveillance footage recorded the license off of the gray Tesla they were driving, and deputies were able to track the suspects down to their home in Palm Coast.
TARGET PRACTICE
trace amounts of drugs, but can also simultaneously identify mixed samples of street drugs like heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines with fentanyl. No sample preparation is required with heroin like other analysis techniques.
The device also has modes to detect other dangerous substances besides narcotics. In “Explosive Hunter” mode, investigators can detect threats from military and commercial grade explosives to homemade explosive materials. In the “Chemical Warfare Hunter” mode, the MX908 can detect potentially deadly chemical threats as well as traditional chemical agents. This includes even Novichok nerve agents, also known as A-series agents, which are among the deadliest and hardest chemical agents to detect.
The MX908 cost $101,525.49 and was paid for using state funding from the FDLE State Assistance for Fentanyl Eradication program. This grant was established in 2023 to conduct investigations designed to combat illegal fentanyl activity and provide reimbursement for fentanylrelated investigative operations.
left a neighbor’s car damaged and almost injured two deputies.
A resident on County Road 305 heard gunfire coming from a neighbors home, and Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived at the home to find the car had five bullet holes in it plus shattered windows, according to a press release. The neighbor’s garage door also had several bullet holes.
The deputies began to investigate only to have to duck for cover as more gunfire started, coming from the woods between two homes, hitting trees near where the deputies stood.
11 a.m. — County Road 305, Bunnell Culpable negligence. A couple in Bunnell could be facing criminal charges after their target practice
After narrowing down the home, deputies confronted the suspects, who were shooting their revolver in the backyard. The rounds were going through the “target” — a wood pile — into the woods between the properties. In fact, the wood pile did not have any new bullet holes, but deputies found plenty of bullet holes in the surrounding trees. No one was injured during the suspects’ target practice.
BUSINESS OBSERVER
Volusia officials push for more marketing of DAB
The County Council tabled approval of advertising authorities’ budgets, deeming airport a priority.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The Volusia County Council wants the county’s three advertising authorities to focus more on marketing the Daytona Beach International Airport.
On Tuesday, Aug. 20, the County Council unanimously voted to table the approval of the budgets for the Halifax Area Advertising Authority, Southeast Volusia Advertising Authority and the West Volusia Advertising Authority, wanting funds to be redistributed to favor airport promotion. This comes after the airport announced it will be adding Breeze Airways as a new carrier, beginning Nov. 14, as well as the addition of a new route to Hartford, Connecticut, starting Nov. 8 by Avelo Airlines, which began flying out of DAB to New Haven, Connecticut, last June. To attract Avelo, the County Council approved the creation of a $1 million fund to mitigate the financial risk of the airline’s start-up costs.
“We need all hands on deck with real, serious commitments to this airport,” County Councilman David Santiago said. “... We’re making significant investments as a council and I want to make sure that our partners are doing the same thing.”
The Halifax Area Advertising Authority has the largest planned budget for the 2024-2025 fiscal year, at over $20.2 million. Southeast Volusia’s is planning for about $6.3 million and West Volusia’s budget is about $1.8 million.
The Halifax Area Advertising Authority originally budgeted $150,000 toward airport marketing. Executive Director Lori Campbell
Baker said the same amount was budgeted in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, but only $50,000 was used, which was spent on marketing Avelo.
“We don’t want to have a big line item budget that doesn’t get to get spent,” Baker said.
But, she added, if the authority needed more funds for airport marketing, the board could approve dollars to be moved around in the budget.
Once the new routes start — including three Breeze Airways routes that will launch in February 2025 — DAB will service 20 markets, an increase of 1,000% since 2021, said Cyrus Callum, county director of aviation and economic resources.
Avelo has used about $500,000 of county’s risk fund after suspending its service between DAB and Wilmington Airport in Delaware, but the county has seen a $6.1 million economic development impact overall thanks to the airline.
With that in mind. Santiago said he believed $150,000 for airport promotions to be too low.
“I want to see some serious numbers behind these markets,” he said.
County Councilman Troy Kent praised Santiago for bringing up the issue, which may be perceived as an uncomfortable topic.
“But you get one bite at this apple and it’s tonight, and because of one’s
person’s leadership on this issue, we are going to see, hopefully, a change that several of us up here have talked about, we would like to see, because we want that airport wildly successful,” Kent said. “And there’s money in their budgets to help with this.”
Promoting the airport is a “win for the entire county,” County Council Chair Jeff Brower said.
“The airport is such an attractive airport to bring people from all over the United States and outside of the United States,” he said.
The Southeast Volusia and West Volusia Advertising Authorities had $50,000 and $7,500 budgeted for airport promotions, respectively.
County Councilman Don Dempsey — who was in favor of the Halifax Area and Southeast Volusia Advertising Authorities upping their budgeted funds for the airport, particularly to ensure Avelo continues to service DAB, in light of its departure from Melbourne Orlando International Airport — hoped that the council would support West Volusia’s budget remaining as presented. It’s the authority with the smallest budget.
“The airport’s an east side thing,” he said.
The budgets will come back to the council for review at its meeting on Sept. 17. They need to be approved prior to Oct. 1.
Hunter’s Ridge developer to pay interest on concurrency payment
The developer owed Flagler County Schools
$1.84 million on their 2022 impact fee credit agreement.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
U.S. Capital Alliance LLC, the developer of Hunter’s Ridge, has agreed to fulfill its impact fee credit agreement with Flagler Schools by Oct. 31 after missing several deadlines.
The developer owes the district $1.84 million.
U.S. Captial Alliance agreed on May 16, 2022, to pay Flagler Schools $3 million relating to the part of the Hunter’s Ridge development in South Flagler County. Of that amount, $2 million was for impact fee credits with $1 million paid as a donation in return for Flagler Schools consenting to the developer’s notice of a proposed change to terminate its obligation to provide the district with a 45-acre school site.
The developer made payments of $534,600 on June 20, 2022, and $621,300 on May 11, 2023, totaling $1,155,900 with the remainder of the $3 million due by Nov. 16, 2023.
In a conference call a month ago, the developer agreed to make a payment of $343,500 once the Woodside development’s sale closed the following week. When the district did not receive that payment, it sent a letter on Aug. 9 stating the company was in breach of the agreement.
William Whitson, the school district’s intergovernmental planner, told the board at an Aug. 20 workshop that a new agreement was then reached with the developer to pay the remaining amount by Oct. 31.
Breaking The Stigma Around Hearing Aids
Dr. Indira Álvarez, Clinical Director & Owner Palm Coast Hearing Center
According to Healthy Hearing, 30 million people in the United States suffer from hearing loss, yet only about 15 percent of that group have ever worn a hearing aid. This is definitely true in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach. From my experience, about 1 in 10 patients who have treatable hearing loss refuse treatment.
Most of the time it is not cost, it is because hearing aids have unfair stigmas attached to them.
Below are the top five hearing aid stigmas that I see and the truth that breaks them.
They are ugly - This is by far the biggest deterrent people have when considering hearing aids. Many people think that hearing aids are bulky, uncomfortable and embarrassing. However, this is far from the truth. For years now, hearing aid manufacturers have been able to create smaller, less visible amplification devices that sit comfortably within the ears. Although hearing aids have not become as trendy as glasses (yet!), they are also not ugly and most aren’t even noticeable!
They are expensive - Another common worry I hear from
patients is the price of their hearing aids. Although hearing aids can be expensive-ranging from $2000 to more than $6000 for a pair if you don’t have insurance-consider their worth. Your hearing is important! You want to hear and understand your children and communicate confidently. If cost is your biggest worry, consider pursuing payment options. We partner with a company that offers loans, allowing patients to make small monthly payments for their hearing aids.
They are easily damagedPeople don’t want to shell out thousands of dollars on devices that may or may not work and that might easily break. Palm Coast Hearing Center ensures that your aids are not only reli-
able and durable but also fit to your individual prescription. All our devices come with comprehensive warranties as well as loss and damage insurance coverage included in their price.
They aren’t worth it - Some people worry that they won’t use their hearing aids or that wearing them won’t make a difference. Both ideas must be addressed
separately. First, hearing aids are so worth it! They not only amplify sound for better hearing, but they also discourage brain atrophy. Hearing loss deprives the brain of certain stimuli, causing cognitive decline. According to a 2019 study, hearing loss is associated with a significant increase in the risk of dementia, especially in patients aged 45 to 64 years. Their findings suggest that implementing early hearing protection, screenings, and the use of hearing aids may help reduce this potential risk factor for dementia. Of course, hearing aids can be a benefit to you only if you wear them every day! You decide whether to abide by the rule or not. By wearing them inconsistently, you make it more difficult for your brain to readjust to normal hearing once you use your aids again.
They make me look oldWe already covered that hearing aids are smaller and less noticeable than they used to be, but we should also mention that they are also used by people of all ages. In fact, a WHO report from 2015 forecasted that 1.1 billion teens and young adults would injure their hearing permanently due to excessive use of headphones and louder and louder music festivals. Also, people with hearing loss
The board was concerned that not penalizing U.S. Capital Alliance in some form would send the wrong message to developers in the future.
“In essence, we’ve given them an interest free loan for eight months,” School Board Chair Will Furry said. “We had to call them. They didn’t even ask for an extension. I don’t want to send that message that Flagler Schools is giving interest free loans. Their payment should include interest that we lost.”
Furry said Patty Wormeck, Flagler Schools’ director of finance, calculated the interest owed.
The first payment of the $1.84 million was due days after the Aug. 20 business meeting with the remainder plus the interest due by Oct. 31. The dates were set based on two closings the developer had scheduled this month and in mid October, said attorney Chris Wilson, who represents the board on concurrency issues.
Wilson said consequences for the company defaulting were not written into the original agreement, which was unusual, but if the developer does not meet its scheduled obligation again it could be in danger of not being issued further permits from the county.
When discussing adding interest to the agreement, board member Colleen Conklin said, “Whatever we do is going to set a precedent. Going back negotiating for interest payment may set everybody ablaze. It sends a message that we are serious, that this is not something to take lightly.”
At the workshop, the board requested to add $69,000 in interest to the total. By the end of the workshop, Capital Alliance agreed in an email to also pay the interest by the amended agreement’s deadline. The board approved the agreement with the interest at its business meeting that night.
who avoid amplification seem older because they are constantly asking others to repeat themselves or are struggling to keep up a steady conversation. I often ask my patients, what do you think makes you look older? Constantly asking others to repeat or wearing barely noticeable amplification that allows you to enjoy AND keep up with the conversation?
At Palm Coast Hearing Center, our mission is to not only provide the best quality hearing care possible, but also to educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health? Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com.
The Daytona Beach international Airport. Photo courtesy of DAB/David Keith
Texas Roadhouse ends farmer’s market
The restaurant had been hosting a weekly farmer’s market without a permit.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast’s Texas Roadhouse will not be seeking a permit to continue its weekly farmer’s market.
The restaurant had been hosting its farmer’s market for almost two months, according to its Facebook event posts. But, the events had not been permitted through the city of Palm Coast.
Communications Director Brittany Kershaw said the city did not shut the event down.
The city received a complaint from a resident, which is when the special events team became aware of the event.
On Aug. 13, a code enforcement officer stopped by the restaurant to speak to the event organizer, though a farmer’s market event was not being held that day.
Kershaw said the officer offered to help the organizer through the special events permit process but, on Aug. 14, a Facebook post circulated among Palm Coast residents announcing the closure of the market and the restaurant’s monthly Community Night events.
“The truth of the matter is that we were made aware of an event, and we reached out and asked that they follow the process that set out for all events in the city of Palm Coast,” Kershaw said.
Site development coordinator Jacqueline Gonzalez said that to host an event like a farmer’s market, event organizers have to be approved by the SERT board, and the permits are only good for three months at a time.
Community Recreation Supervisor Geena Catalano said the organizer fills out a special event application, which is then reviewed by the multiple departments that make up SERT.
Kershaw said the city began to receive negative feedback from the post announcing the event’s end and issued a community bulletin explaining the event organizer had been asked to attend a SERT meet ing to apply for a permit.
“It is important to note that at no point did any city official suggest terminating the event,” the bulletin said. “Our goal is simply to ensure that the event is safe, well-coordinated, and properly documented.”
But, in the week leading up to the Aug. 26 SERT meeting, Gonzalez received an email from Dan Cassidy, a Texas Roadhouse corporate employee, declining attend-
ing the meeting.
“I appreciate you taking the time to explain the process, but I think we will be moving away from doing these,” the email read.
Event organizer and Store Marketer Debs Pooler declined to comment, referring the Observer to corporate. A response from the corporate team was not available in time for this publication.
Gonzalez said the restaurant was not fined, nor was any code case opened.
The permitting process can be complicated because of the number of code ordinances, but, Kershaw said, the SERT team walks permit applicants through the process.
“At the end of the day, I don’t believe that it was the city’s action that discouraged this event from going on,” Kershaw said.
If the application had been completed and approved, there may have been things that needed to be changed about the Texas Roadhouse event to be in compliance with city code. For example, Gonzalez said, per the code, special events can only be held up to twice a month, and the organizer needs permission from the landowner.
Gonzalez said Palm Coast is also planning to launch a new online portal on Sept. 2 to make the application process event easier for events.
Unemployment is up in Flagler, Ormond
Flagler County unenmployment rate jumped to 4.6%, Ormond Beach to 4%.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler County’s unemployment numbers have increased almost half a percent in the last month, jumping up to 4.6% from 4.2%, according to the Florida Commerce Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
That is over a full percentage point higher than Florida’s July 2024 average of 3.3%, and eclipses the nation’s July rate of 4.3%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Ormond Beach, there is a 4% unemployment rate as of June, up 0.7% from May. The bureau compiles Ormond Beach’s unemployment numbers in the Deltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach census area.
When it comes to unem -
BIZ BUZZ
Peach Valley Café to close Ormond East location
Peach Valley Café will close its Ormond East location at 185 E. Granada Blvd. after Labor Day.
“It is with great sadness we announce that, due to loss of lease, our Ormond East location will close permanently after service on Labor Day,” the chain announced on Aug. 27 on its Facebook page.
“While we have had the great joy of serving you at this particular location for 23 years, this doesn’t end the Peach Val-
TRIBUTES
Michael “Mike” Peter Baldwin
May 11, 1944 – August 21, 2024
Michael “Mike” Peter Baldwin, a devoted family man, veteran, and community servant, passed away on August 21, 2024, at the age of 80. Mike lived a life marked by dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to those around him.
Mike’s service to his country began with his time in the United States Army. After his military service, he continued his dedication to public service through a long career with the United States Postal Service.
A respected member of his community, and known as Lion Big Mike to many, he was an active participant in the International Lions Club and the Elks Club. He contributed his time and energy to numerous charitable causes and also was a volunteer van driver for the Disabled American Veterans for many years. Mike is survived by his wife, Maria Baldwin, with whom he shared a life full of love and partnership. As a father, he was a pillar of support and guidance to his children, Sandra Baldwin West and spouse William Perry West, Loretta Baldwin, Michael Baldwin and spouse Janet Baldwin. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren, Jacquelynn, Matthew, and Jenna Baldwin, who brought him immense joy,
pride, and lots of ice cream.
Mike is also survived by his brothers, Gerald Baldwin and Danny Baldwin, New Jersey and brother-in-law Andrew Zic.
Mike’s passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew him, but his legacy of service, love, and community spirit will endure. He will be remembered for his selfless contributions.
A celebration of Mike’s life will be held on Sunday, September 15th at 2pm at Baldwin Brothers Funeral Home in Ormond Beach, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Ormond Beach Lions Club organization in Mike’s honor.
ployment numbers, it’s helpful to remember the numbers show trends and the areas being impacted by previous economic changes, wrote Ormond Beach Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher in an email to the Observer.
“Employment numbers are a lagging indicator because they reflect changes in the economy that have already occurred,” he wrote.
Despite the recent reported increase of unemployment numbers, Ormond Beach, he wrote, has been performing well. Over the last several years, he wrote, Ormond Beach has seen an uptick in employment in manufacturing and professional and business services, bringing more and well-paying jobs to the area.
On the city’s Economic Development Dashboard, the city tracks and predicts trends and jobs growth, predicting almost 38,000 jobs in 2024 and continuing upward over the next 10 years.
Rademacher said that Volu-
ley Café presence in our area,” the post stated. “We encourage you to visit our Ormond West location just three miles over the bridge where you will find the same smiling faces and delicious food you have come to enjoy over the years.
The Ormond West restaurant is located at 1185 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 1.
Votran to adjust operations for Labor Day
Votran’s routes and services will be modified on Monday, Sept. 2, in observance of the Labor Day holiday. Riders are
sia County saw an increase in employment in almost all sectors during the second quarter.
Areas like Flagler County and Ormond Beach also rely on tourism, which fluctuates throughout the year. Rademacher said that Ormond’s tourism season is typically in the spring, March to May, and again in the fall. Regional tourism, he wrote, is driven by events held year-round.
Industries like hotels, restaurants and retails stores typically see the most fluctuation from tourism, he wrote. But part of Ormond Beach’s economic development strategy is its business retention program, which includes meeting with businesses in target industries and working with regional partners to develop initiatives and good relationships.
“These efforts can go a long way in helping people connect with available jobs and let businesses know about the resources available to them,” Rademacher said.
encouraged to plan their trips accordingly.
Routes 1, 3, 4, 10, 15, and 17 will operate on their regular Sunday schedule from the Intermodal Transit Facility at the Ocean Center’s parking garage. Votran Gold Service will offer limited service in East Volusia only. However, most other routes and services, including the New Smyrna Beach Flex and the DeLand SunRail Circulator, will not operate. Additionally, VoRide will not be in service. Regular service will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Riders can visit www.votran.org or use the myStop mobile app for more information.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
House near Hammock Dunes sells for $6M
Ahome at 368 Ocean Crest Drive in Palm Coast was the top real estate transaction in Palm Coast and Flagler County for Aug. 1521. The home sold on Aug. 20 for $6 million. Built in 2015 the home is a 6/8 and has ocean views, an infinity-edge pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 7,733 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $1,170,000.
SIERRA
Condos
The condo at 900 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 841, in Ocean Hammock, sold on Aug. 16 for $930,000. It is a 3/3 and has 2,003 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $589,800.
The condo at 300 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 241, in Ocean Hammock, sold on Aug. 20 for $600,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,003 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $180,000.
The condo at 3580 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 602, in Flagler Beach sold on Aug. 15 for $385,000. Built in 1982, it is a 2/2 and has 1,358 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $224,900.
The condo at 1601 N. Central Ave., Unit 102, in Flagler Beach sold on Aug. 16 for $305,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,215 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $150,000.
The condo at 46 Club House Drive, Unit 106, sold on Aug. 20 for $185,000. Built in 1977, it is a 2/2 and has 986 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $112,500.
PALM COAST
Plantation Bay
The house at 421 Wingspan Drive sold on Aug. 19 for $1,150,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 5/7 and has a heated pool, a jacuzzi and 4,337 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $675,00.
Cypress Knolls
The house at 6 Elder Place sold on Aug. 16 for $564,000. Built in 2023, it is a 4/3 and has 2,500 square feet.
Grand Haven
The house at 39 Osprey Circle sold on Aug. 15 for
square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $95,000.
FLAGLER BEACH
No subdivision The house at 1209 N. Central Ave. sold on Aug. 16 for $1,010,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 6/4 and has 3,920 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $450,000.
The house at 491 N. 10th St. sold on Aug. 15 for $825,000. Built in 1987, it has a pool, a boathouse, a boat lift, a dock and 1,963 square feet.It last sold in 2011 for $300,000.
The house at 1305 N. Day-
tona Ave. sold on Aug. 20 for $775,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 4/3 and has a rooftop deck, a pool, outdoor shower and 2,782 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $575,000.
Fuquay
The house at 2113 S. Flagler Ave. sold on Aug. 16 for $550,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool and 1,980 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $225,000.
The house at 2139 S. Daytona Ave. sold on Aug. 15 for $705,000. Built in 2002, it is a 5/3 and has a deck, hot tub, outdoor shower and 2,986 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $95,000.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
Oceanfront Ormond home tops sales list
Ahouse at 335 S. Atlantic Ave. was the top real estate transaction for Aug 16-23 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The oceanfront home sold on Aug. 23 for $1.4 million. Built in 1960, the main house is a 4/2.5 and has a 1/1 guest house atop a detached garage, a fireplace and 2,333 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $220,000.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 1051 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1203, sold on Aug. 19 for $475,000. Built in 1982, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,200 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $340,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Breakaway Trails
The house at 17 Winding Creek Way sold on Aug. 23 for $1.08 million. Built in 1987, the house is a 5/4 with two half baths and has a fireplace, a pool and 4,192 square feet.
Daytona Pines
The manufactured house at 1131 Avenue F sold on Aug. 21 for $120,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 812 square feet. It last sold on June 4 for $90,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 1209 Kirkpatrick Circle sold on Aug. 21 for $833,230. Built in 2004, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a pool, infrared sauna and 3,406 square feet. It last sold
in 2018 for $556,300.
The house at 4117 Salina Lane sold on Aug. 21 for $525,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,275 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $295,000.
The house at 3323 Bailey Ann Drive sold on Aug. 23 for $380,000. Built in 2021, the duplex house is a 2/2 and has 1,687 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $360,000.
The house at 1414 Dolph Circle sold on Aug. 23 for $635,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,576 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $433,100.
New Britain The townhome at 4 Chippingwood Lane sold on Aug. 21 for $325,700. Built in 1979, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,386 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $172,000.
Northbrook
The house at 1312 Overbrook Drive sold on Aug. 16 for $310,000. Built in 1979, the
house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,718 square feet.
Oak Forest The house at 35 Sycamore Circle sold on Aug. 16 for $440,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,824 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $240,000.
Ormond Ridge The house at 396 Collins Street sold on Aug. 19 for $310,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,381 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $202,500.
Village of Pine Run
The house at 73 Village Drive sold on Aug. 19 for $435,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,123 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $128,000.
Winding Woods
The house at 7 Winding Woods Trail sold on Aug. 23 for $309,900. Built in 1988, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,214 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $225,000.
Woodmere South The house at 837 Lindenwood Circle W. sold on Aug. 21 for $400,000. Built in 1975, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,619 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $235,000.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Roberta Heights The house at 174 Laurie Drive sold on Aug. 16 for $389,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has a pool and 972 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $225,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Seminole Palms
PALM COAST
ORMOND BEACH
Make yourself at home
Tale of tooth extraction: It was the worst of times
I thought we were here for a tooth. Who said anything about bones?
some blood,” the nice young lady in scrubs said as I sat down on the dentist’s chair. Wait, what? I get lightheaded just thinking about having my blood drawn. But what else could I do but roll up my sleeve?
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
When I finally sat down for my tooth extraction, I thought I was prepared.
I knew I was about to feel pressure in my jaw, that recovery could take months, that it would cost — gasp — thousands of dollars. The only consolation was at least I wouldn’t have to get blood drawn.
“We’ll just need to draw
Flagler
“We need the blood for the bone graft,” the nice young lady said, probably attempting to ease my nerves. It had the opposite effect. I thought we were here for a tooth. Who said anything about bones?
Maybe I should have watched the explainer video that had been emailed to me a few days earlier. My heart was pounding as the chair was reclined to 180 degrees and beyond.
Some numbing goo was then swabbed onto my gums. Not so bad — until I realized the numbing goo was a precursor to the numbing shot.
“This will pinch,” said the dentist, who had just entered the room, his face covered with a mask. The bright lights in the ceiling made it impossible for me to tell whether he was here to inflict pain with the intent to help me, or to inflict pain because he enjoyed it. In went the needle. I cringed. I gripped the arm rests. I flexed every muscle in my body. Maybe I needed more numbing goo?
For most of the procedure, I kept my eyes closed, which seemed to give me superhu-
man hearing. Every sound took on grave meaning deep in the cave of my mouth: plink, scrape, buzz, crunch. Surely, the tooth is out by now, I thought. But then they went back for more. I heard voices in the room mumbling secrets to each other. I was the only one not allowed to know what was going on. Then again, why bother talking to the guy who can’t respond? The only part of my mouth that I could move was my tongue, which by now was air-dried and rough — a piece of tongue jerky. My lips were numb. My left nostril was numb. My left eyelid was numb. Breathe, Brian. You’ll make it through this. And if not, at least you’ll never need another tooth extraction.
I distracted myself by thinking about each of my children, praying for them one by one, feeling strangely desperate about their futures as I was confronted by my own trauma. Then I began pondering the various meanings of feeling numb — the good and the bad — as the dentist, from what I could tell, did a handstand on my face.
Finally, it happened.
“All three roots came out at once,” the dentist said, almost to himself.
I left the office in a daze, clenching my bloody-gauzeladen jaw, humbled, one tooth shy of a man.
Email Brian McMillan at brian@observerlocalnews. com.
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 PALM COAST Observer
Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com
OBO Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com
Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com
Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com
Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com
Marketing Executives Paula Losinger Paula@observerlocalnews. com; April Koehler, akoehler@ observerlocalnews.com; Jacob Boyd, jacob@observerlocalnews. com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com
SUBSCRIBE
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
For as long as Flagler Beach resident Sara Meinking remembers, the summer season meant a trip down to the beach. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, she and her family would vacation in the Daytona Beach and Daytona Beach Shores area. They had several souvenir and gift shops they loved to frequent, always bringing back reminders of their vacation back home —
items, Meinking said, she still owns to this day.
That was the inspiration behind her new store, Sea Dreams by Sara, which opened in late May at 398 S. Atlantic Ave. in Ormond Beach.
“My overall desire was to provide a place that people could come and purchase a little piece of Florida, whether that was for their home locally, or while they were traveling and visiting,” Meinking said. This is the first retail store that’s she’s ever opened. Meinking, who moved to the area in 2019, has a background in health care administration, having specialized in Alzheimer’s and dementia and worked as a memory care director in Palm Coast. After the COVID-19 pandemic,
Meinking said she felt she needed a career change. She helped to open a local coffee shop in Flagler Beach for a bit, and then helped a friend who owned her own store in Flagler Beach, as well.
After that is when she started looking into opening her own store.
On Thursday, Aug. 22, she celebrated the opening of Sea Dreams by Sara with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony was attended by chamber members, local artists and Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington, who welcomed her to the community.
“This business looks beautiful,” he said. “It’s impressive and I think people are going to love coming in here and just decompressing, looking at the beautiful creations that you and your artists have put together.”
Art has always been an important part of Meinking’s life. Having attended the Conservatory at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, she has a degree in music therapy.
When she opened Sea Dreams by Sara, her goal was to feature the works and wares of 12 artists. When she opened in May, she had 27 artists onboard.
To date, her store features pieces by 38 artists, and she has a waiting list.
“What I have found in Ormond Beach is that there’s a true sense of art and I think that’s really exciting for the
whole area,” Meinking said. She joined the chamber because she wanted to be a part of the community and help support other local businesses – that’s part of giving back, she said, which she is passionate about.
Sea Dreams by Sara will be hosting several fundraisers in the near future. On Sept. 18, the store is hosting a Sip and Shop, benefitting Community Cats of Palm Coast. A $15 entry fee will include a glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres, and there will be raffle baskets. A percentage of all sales will go toward the nonprofit.
Next year, Meinking is partnering with Halifax Urban Ministries for its Empty Bowls event, and she hopes to support other initiatives and nonprofits.
The store can also provide a space for organizations seeking an event location for fundraising, she added.
Meinking said she and her assistant want to make sure everybody feels welcome in the store.
“I think it’s going to be a fun, new experience for locals and for tourists that are going to come in and see the shop and be pretty amazed at what they can afford to buy here, and be able to take home a little bit of memory of Florida with them,” Meinking said.
PETS UP FOR ADOPTION
Major General / Command Pilot
Hometown: Bangor, Maine Wilfred Hessert began his military career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1960. He served three years active duty with the Army before enlisting in the Maine Air National Guard. He received a direct commission in
be the Air National Guard assistant to commander, U.S. Air Forces in Europe. When he retired in 2000, he was the Reserve Forces Policy Board and military adviser to the board’s chairman, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense (personnel and readiness), Washington, D.C. Hessert accumulated 5,000 hours in multiple airframes during his career, KC-135 A/E, F-101B/F, T-33, F-102, F-189 and the C-54. He is a veteran of Operations: Desert Shield / Desert Storm, having flown refueling missions in support of combat operations. Hessert and wife Marion of 62 years invested in Palm Coast property in 1998 and moved here shortly after his retirement. Hessert is active in Grand Haven’s community, organizing veteran ceremonies and teaching Tai Chi among other activities. NEED HELP? For veterans services, call 386-313-4014.
Sara Meinking cuts the ribbon for her new store on Thursday, Aug. 22. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Remmy, 2 Blaze, 9
The
Celebration of the arts
The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, long known as Flagler Auditorium, balances community entertainment with student education.
BRENT WORONOFF
EDITOR
ASSOCIATE
Amelia Fulmer was presented the National Arts in Education Week spotlight at the Flagler County School Board meeting on Aug. 20.
Arts in Education Week is Sept. 8-14, which is not an ideal time, being so early in the school year, says Fulmer, the director of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, long known as the Flagler Auditorium.
Delivering the proclamation at the board meeting in August, the Arts in Education Week’s activities are still not finalized. But at the Fitz, every week is Arts in Education Week.
“We celebrate arts in education all year long at the Fitzgerald,” Fulmer said. Without arts education, the auditorium would not be able to put on professional shows for the community, because all of the performers started somewhere in arts education, Fulmer said. Without the shows, arts eduation in Flagler County would not be the same.
The Fitz made $308,000 in artist fees this past year, Fulmer said.
The shows helped fund the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s college scholarships, teacher grants, auditorium improvements, shirts for Matanzas High School’s steel drum band to wear at graduations, new earphones for elementary school students, art nights, chorus lessions, costumes for drama classes, instruments for Old Kings Elementary School to start an after-school steel drum band for fifth graders and tool kits for student stage hands at the auditorium.
The Fitz is a unique venue. It serves the school district and it serves the community.
“We are the most used theater in the Southeast United States because we have classes here every day, 150 students a day,” Fulmer said.
It also brings in popular acts and cultural shows catering to all ages, from pre-school to senior citizens.
“Our theme is trying to promote culture, so our students can get to see live performances like they would if they lived in a large city,” Fulmer said.
COUNTRY LEGENDS
COMING TO TOWN
This year, name performers coming to the Fitz include The Gatlin Brothers (Nov. 8), Peter Noone and Herman’s Hermits (Dec. 12), Crystal Gayle (Jan. 17) and Lee Greenwood (Jan. 23).
London’s Kingdom Choir, which performed at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, will be at the Fitz on Dec. 7.
“One of the reasons we bring them here is so students can see a world
class choir,” Fulmer said.
Mandy Gonzalez will be in concert on March 13. Gonzalez played Angelica Schuyler in “Hamilton” on Broadway and Elphaba, the greenskinned Wicked Witch of the West, in “Wicked.” She has written a series of middle school books entitled, “Fearless,” which is also the name of her album, with the title song written by Hamilton’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Gonzalez wants Flagler students to sing the son with her on stage. The next day she will do a workshop with the choir students. Auditions to join Gonzalez in the show will be held in January, Fulmer said.
The Dallas String Quartet will perform on April 11 with Flagler Youth Orchestra students and their families receiving free tickets.
The St. Augustine Orchestra will perform on Oct. 10, Fulmer said, with tickets costing $25 in honor the Palm Coast’s 25th anniversary as a city.
“Our funds pay for them to come here so our students can get some one-on-one time and watch them rehearse,” Fulmer said.
Tango Apasionado is scheduled for Jan. 9 with PointeTango combining Argentine tango with classical ballet. Mia Bella Academy of Dance students will be at the show.
DESTINATION VENUE
The rebranding of the auditorium into the Fitz has helped the venue become more of a destination, Fulmer said. The name has been on the building since 2010, honoring Dennis Fitzgerald, a School Board member and executive at ITT who was instrumental in campaigning for the bond issue to get the auditorium built 33 years ago.
“We recently started using it for our brand. It reminds us of our history,” Fulmer said. “And the performers are beginning to know it. Coming to the Fitz is a different experience. They are helping young people who are part of the show. One of our box
“We are the most used theater in the Southeast United States because we have classes here every day, 150 students a day.”
of
AMELIA
office students created a marquee image for Crystal Gayle. Students work in the box office, in graphic design — working on brochures, the website and the marquee — and in customer service. Students work in professional shows as stage hands and assistants.”
The Fitz also has over 100 volunteers from the community. Senior citizens serve as ushers.
When the county had a referendum to build the auditorium on school property for schools to share with the community, a governing board was established to oversee that a balance was maintained with arts education and attracting professional shows, Fulmer said.
“That’s why we support Arts in Education Week so hard,” she said.
At the Aug. 20 School Board meeting, Fulmer called on Dr. Marshaun Hymon to read the proclamation recognizing Arts in Education Week in Flagler County. As a student in Flagler Schools, Hymon performed in Wadsworth Elementary School musicals, sang in the Buddy Taylor Middle School chorus and became a member of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Formality Singers and Thespians Society. He received a music scholarship at Florida State University and went on to earn a masters’ degree and doctorate in education and is now is the founder and managing partner of True Change Alliance.
“Music was his path to education,” Fulmer said. “He is epitome of why we do what we do. It’s important to remember the arts teaches so much to children and gives them so many opportunities.”
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, AUG. 29
RECIPES AND READS
CULINARY LAB: BASIC COOKING
— SPICE LAB
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond
Beach Details: Learn about juniper and how to use it from library staff. Free program.
LITTLE ARTIST WORKSHOP: COLOR EXPLORATION
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Artists ages 3-5 are invited to focus on exploring colors with activities designed to develop fine motor skil;s and encourage imagination. The program will end with immersive storytelling. Free and offered in partnership with the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler and Volusia. Registration is required. Visit ormondartmuseum.org.
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 SoulFire band. They will bring country/rock to The Stage. There will be food trucks and vendors. Bring lawn chairs or towels for seating.
SATURDAY, AUG. 31
TALES WITH TAILS
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond
Beach
Details: This is an interactive reading program designed for children up to age 12. Children will practice basic reading aloud skills by pairing up with a specially trained volunteer dog. Reservations, for 15-minute reading sessions, are required. Books are provided, or children can bring their favorite story. Free program.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 1
BLOOD DRIVE AND PANCAKE BREAKFAST
When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church social hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 is sponsoring a pancake breakfast. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite to accept blood donations, and all donors will receive a free pass to the breakfast to enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage, and all the pancakes you can eat, along with coffee and orange juice.
OneBlood will also offer a free gift and a $20 eGift card in addition to a complimentary wellness checkup. Breakfast for non-donors costs $6, and kids under 12 eat free.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 5
RALLY FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
When: 4-5 p.m.
Where: Northwest corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Lake Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Members and friends of the Atlantic Coast Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will gather to rally for women’s reproductive rights. Rally is open to the public. All are welcome. Participants are invited to bring U.S. flags and their own signs promoting religious freedom, separation of church and state, and reproductive rights. For further information, email atlanticcoastau@gmail.com or call 804-914-4460.
A full house at the Fitz for Sixtiesmania. Courtesy photos
Spotlight on Arts in Education Week at the Flagler County School Board meeting Aug. 20. National Arts in Education Week is Sept. 8-14. Courtesy photo from Flagler Schools
FULMER, Director
Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center
YOUR TOWN
Two Flagler Sheriff’s Office K-9s retired
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announced the retirements of K-9s Odin and Baro after five and six years of service with the agency, respectively.
K-9 Odin, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, was born on June 15, 2017. He began with the FCSO in 2019 when he was 2 years old. Throughout his entire career with the FCSO, Odin served alongside Cmmdr. Robert Tarczewski. He served as a dual-purpose canine trained in patrol and narcotics detection.
During his time with the FCSO, Odin aided in locating 48 fleeing subjects, 29 pieces of drug paraphernalia and narcotics. Odin also located multiple firearms that were tied to crimes throughout Flagler County. Overall, Odin was deployed 346 times and directly assisted in the arrest of 107 criminal suspects. Odin officially retired from public service on June 11, after Tarczewski was promoted from K-9 unit sergeant to Community Policing Division watch commander.
K-9 Baro, a 7-year-old German Shepherd, was born on June 18, 2017. He began with the FCSO in 2018 when he was 14 months old.
Over his six years with FCSO, Baro served alongside two handlers in the K-9 unit. From 2018 to 2021, Baro was partnered with Sgt. Troy Cavas.
From 2021 until his retirement, he worked with Master Deputy Marcus Dawson. With both partners, Baro served as a dual-purpose canine trained in patrol and narcotics detection.
During Baro’s career, he aided in locating 95 fleeing subjects, 67 pieces of drug paraphernalia and various types of narcotics. Overall, Baro was deployed 681 times and directly assisted in the arrest of 156 criminal suspects.
Baro officially retired from public service on Aug. 22. His replacement will be announced soon and the FCSO will be taking suggestions from the public on the new dog’s name.
Both dogs were donated to the agency by Dr. Caesar DePaço.
“During their careers with FCSO, K-9 Odin and K-9 Baro were valuable members of our team and they will both be greatly missed in retirement,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “They are both very good boys and will most surely get many treats while living their best lives as retirees!”
Now retired from public service, both dogs are living with their handlers — Odin with Tarczewski and Baro with Dawson — and their families.
Flagler Cultural Council unveils turtle sculpture
The Flagler County Cultural Council unveiled the 22nd turtle sculpture in Flagler County’s Turtle Trail.
This new sculpture, named MAX, is inspired by pop artist Peter Max and was created by local artist Sheryl Fletcher Coon. MAX’s new home is at Marineland, at 9600 N. Oceanshore Blvd. The sculpture was
unveiled at 10 a.m. on Aug. 21, according to an FC3 press release.
This is the first turtle sculpture to be added to the trail since the FC3 took over the trail from the Palm Coast Arts Foundation. The trail first began in 2018, and the last two statues were unveiled in 2023.
The last turtle sculpture to be unveiled was “Renny,” installed at and sponsored by Intracoastal Bank at 1290 Palm Coast Parkway NW in November 2023.
The Turtle Trail sculptures are roughly 4 feet by 5 feet in size and of loggerhead turtles, according to the FC3’s website. The first Turtle Trail sculpture — “Claude” after famous artist Claude Monet — was unveiled in 2018 at the Palm Coast Arts Foundation stage at 1500 Central Avenue, now known as The Stage at Town Center.
Eagle Scout project adds three ‘Little Free Libraries’ in Palm Coast
Stephen Wilcox, 14, a Boy Scout from Troop 400 in Bunnell, completed his Eagle Scout Project on Aug. 20.
Collaborating with the city of Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation Department, Wilcox led a group to build and install three “Little Free Libraries” around the city located at the Southern Recreation Center, Town Center in front of City Hall and a special little library for children at the Palm Coast Community Center.
The Community Center now has two Little Free Libraries. This one is positioned lower to the ground to make it accessible to the community’s youngest readers.
Wilcox said he got the idea for his Eagle project from his own book collection.
“I realized I had many books at home that were handed down to me from my older siblings that I just didn’t read anymore,” he said. “I wanted to give other kids access to those books and encourage them to read.”
Little Free Library is an international nonprofit that began in Wisconsin in 2009 with the motto, “Take a book. Share a book.” According to littlefreelibrary.org there are more than 175,000 little libraries in 121 countries.
“This project is a shining example of our commitment to enhancing the quality of life in Palm Coast,” Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst said. “We are incredibly proud of Stephen for taking the initiative.”
City Repertory Theatre presents ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ musical
The 1970 rock musical, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” is coming to Palm Coast for the first time.
But the City Repertory Theatre’s version of the history-making collaboration between composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Tim Rice will have a twist — an all female cast.
Michele O’Neil, Laniece Fagundes and Phillipa Rose lead the cast. The play is directed by John Sbordone with music led by Julia Hood.
The story is loosely based on the Gospels’ story of the Passion of Christ centering on the relationship and viewpoints of Jesus and Judas.
The play was originally unable to obtain a stage production and instead debuted as a collection of songs on a “concept” album. It’s extraordinary success led to its Broadway debut in 1971, eventually becoming one of the world’s most successful productions. It held the record for the longest-running musical in London until “Cats” clawed its way to the top in 1989.
“This spiritual, emotional and
provocative journey will enthrall and invigorate our audiences. It promises to be a brilliant beginning for the 2024-2025 CRT season,” CRT Co-Founder Diane Ellertsen
The musical’s dates are: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 3 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 15, 22, 29, Tickets are $30 ($15 for students). The City Repertory Theatre is located at the City Market Place, 160 Cypress Point Parkway in Palm Coast. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.crtpalmcoast. com or call 386-585-9415.
Bluegrass band to perform at the Ormond Beach library auditorium
The Salty Grass Band — a local favorite known for their traditional bluegrass, Americana standards and gospel music — will be performing in the Ormond Beach Library auditorium at 2 p.m. on Sept. 26. Formed in 2023, the Salty Grass Band has performed in various venues around Barberville, Port Orange and New Smyrna Beach, according to a press release.
“Bluegrass music is known for its high energy level and Salty Grass brings this tradition to life with its talented musicians on guitar, bass, fiddle, banjo and mandolin,” the press release states. “Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy an hour of foot tapping music that will transport you to the heart of Americana.” Sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library, this free program is open to the public. Send Your Town press releases to sierra@observerlocalnews.com.
By Luis Campos
“IPZ’L ICDOO PZ LFD GXTL. RD X RVE
GDYTPZ; RD EDZDYPWT PN TGVYVL; RD LFD GDYTPZ KPW’I XIHVYD.”
XOODEYX FWTLPZ
“NW UL, NPL UWVN CUTWMNDFN NPCFH CF SCBL CV NW XL D PEUDF XLCFH. VLJWFK CV DJNCFH.”
VILKCVP DJNWM TLNLM VNWMUDML
“L EFAJE F OKS TNZ VRFSJE WFE OKSC LP XZYLJC FRR ANJ ALXJ, FPE L ANLPI NJ TFC MKCA F WFE OKS.” MJPPLBJU GZZRLEOJ
SAY IT WITH A SONG by Shannon Rapp and Will Eisenberg, edited by Jeff Chen
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K-9s Baro (left) and Odin (right) have retired. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office
The new turtle trail sculpture, named MAX, is inspired by pop artist Peter Max and was created by local artist Sheryl Fletcher Coon. Courtesy of the Flagler County Cultural Council
Stephen Wilcox stocks a Little Free Library. Courtesy photos
Jewel DeVaney and Lila Wixom paint the boards for the Little Free Libraries.
Non Sequitur
Nancy
Mother Goose and Grimm
The Duplex
In the Bleachers
Cornered
Ziggy
The Fusco Brothers
‘Game of inches’
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
It had the makings of a turning point. Matanzas quarterback Caden Burchfield had just delivered a 26-yard touchdown pass to Thomas Larywon. It brought the Pirates to within a touchdown of Bishop Kenny at 14-6 early in the second quarter on Aug. 23. And Matanzas coach Matt Forrest elected to take his chances with an onside kick.
The gamble seemed to pay off. Ladarian Baker leaped in the air to corral the kick and the Pirates appeared to have regained possession. The players celebrated. The opening-day crowd at the Ship rose to its feet with a roar.
But after Matanzas fans had remained in their cars as the school waited out a lightning warning that delayed kickoff, the game officials would put another damper on the festivities, ruling the recovery was illegal and giving the ball to the Crusaders.
“Obviously in the moment, our kids thought we got the ball,” Forrest said. “But that’s 100% the right call. You’ve got to allow the ball to hit the ground before you can recover it. It’s a safety concern. They took that play out for good reason. We were going to let Ladarian cover it because of his range. But he didn’t let it hit the ground.”
The Jacksonville team took advantage of the short field to score its third touchdown on the way to a 42-14 victory.
“They rebounded from that and made us pay for it,” Forrest said. “It was a short kick, gave them a short field and started their 21-0 run (to end the first half). Bishop Kenny is a playoff-caliber team, and they have a first-class program. We’re a young, inexperienced team. We just weren’t ready to handle that type of deficit in week 1. We’re going to grow from it.”
QUARTERBACK’S DEBUT
Matanzas junior quarterback Caden
Burchfield was making his first appearance in a varsity game. In fact, he was playing in his first game that counts since early last season.
“He had an injury in a JV game against Atlantic last year. So this was the first time he’s been on the field in about a year,” Forrest said.
Burchfield showed what he could do when he found Larywon open in the middle of the field for a touchdown in the first minute of the second quarter.
“It was soft coverage,” Larywon said. “I did a double move and he put it right where I could catch it in a perfect spot. It all went perfectly. Everyone did their job. That’s how it works. If we all do our job, if we all execute, that’s what happens.”
The throw was the kind of a con-
“It’s a tough loss but you learn from these things and especially when it’s your first game.”
fidence booster a young quarterback needs.
“Coach called the double move, and I saw the middle of the field was open,” Burchfield said. “It was a designed rollout. I look to the right and I see (Larywon’s) open off that double move, and the safety is tripping. So I know if I put it out there, he’s going to go get it.”
It was an up-and-down season opener for Burchfield and the rest of the Pirates.
“I think it’s just minimizing the small mistakes, putting a little more zip on the ball when I need to and adjusting to how I need to throw the ball. I just need to work on that and executing the small things, because football’s a game of inches,” Burchfield said. “It’s a tough loss but you learn from these things and especially when it’s your first game. You just got to get the jitters out and you got to take what the defense gives you.”
The Pirates were driving again at the end of the half when they were down 35-6, but as the final seconds were ticking down, Burchfield launched a ball into the end zone that was intercepted.
“We were going to take a shot,”
Bishop Kenny takes advantage of young Matanzas Pirates’ mistakes in season football opener
Forrest said. “We had it planned. We were trying to get their safeties to come down and then throw the ball over the top. It was a little poor execution. If we had a medium route occupying them, we would have had it over the top.”
TOUGH FIRST TEST
Forrest was pleased with the play of the offensive line — the most experienced position group on the team — which led a running game that tallied 132 yards.
The defense showed its youth, he said. Bishop Kenny ran for more than 200 yards with four rushing touchdowns, three by Caleb Mattison.
“It looked like a poor defensive
FOOTBALL THIS WEEK
FRIDAY
FPC at Lake Howell
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Records: FPC 0-0, Lake Howell 0-1
Radio/stream: 94.9 FM, Flagler Radio app, flaglerbroadcasting. com, Flagler Radio YouTube channel and WNZF Facebook page. (coverage begins at 6:45 p.m.)
Matanzas at Atlantic
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Records: Matanzas 0-1, Atlantic 0-1
SATURDAY
Rich and Mike Show (recap of Friday’s action with interviews and analysis), 7:30 a.m., 94.9 FM and Flagler Radio app. Podcast at flaglerbroadcasting.com
CHAMPIONSHIP RINGS
Matanzas presented state championship rings to Mariah and Jordan Mills during halftime of the Pirates’ football game against Bishop Kenny on Aug. 23. The sister and brother each won individual state wrestling championships last spring. Mariah received her ring, while their parents, Abe and Rachel Mills, accepted the ring for Jordan, who is away on a mission trip to Hong Kong for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
At a School Board meeting spotlight honoring Jordan and Mariah and Flagler Palm Coast’s state champs (wrestlers Christina Borgmann, Joslyn Johnson and shot putter Colby Cronk), Matanzas Principal Kristin Bozeman said Jordan’s decision to defer his college football career to go on a two-year mission trip for his faith “is an example of Jordan’s exceptional character and how he has made Matanzas proud.” Jordan matched another sibling in 2022 when he and brother, Tyson, were both state runners-up. In 2023-24, Jordan went 52-0 on the way to the Class 2A 195-pound title. His 179 career wins and 102 career pins are both Matanzas school records. Mariah won the girls 115-pound title, pinning all her opponents in the state tournament. She finished her junior season with a 41-1 record. The ring is her second. She also has a ring as a member of the Pirates’ girls state championship wrestling team in 2023.
“Mariah is a joy to know and an absolute thrill to watch wrestle,” Bozeman said during the School Board spotlight. “She is kind, confident and friendly.”
effort, but it was just inconsistency,” Forrest said. “We would make a mistake and (the Crusaders) were there to bust it wide open.
“We knew what we were doing when we scheduled Bishop Kenny,” he added. “They are a perennial playoff team. We’ve got a lot of guys playing varsity football for the first time. We’re going to go through ebbs and flows, ups and downs in a game. We needed to schedule some tough tests to get us ready for district play.
At the end of the day we want to be a team like that, hard to play against.”
The Pirates added a touchdown late in the game on running back Darwin Harris’ 7-yard run.
“We definitely came together more (in the second half),” Larywon said.
“We still need to work on executing, getting together and keeping our energy up. We need to keep working on doing our jobs. If one of us messes up, we all mess up.”
The Pirates hit the road this week against Atlantic on Friday, Aug. 30, and then return home Sept. 6 against Deltona.
Matanzas fans cheer for the team on Hero Night in the Aug. 23 season opener.
Matanzas quarterback Caden Burchfield (7) hands off to Wiley Connor (34) with 1:35 left in the first half. The Pirates drove to the Crusaders’ 25 in the final seconds of the half but were intercepted in the end zone.
Pirates running back Darwin Harris (31) evades Crusaders defenders. Photos by Christine Rodenbaugh
Senior Ally Keck, clarinet section leader, performs with the Matanzas High School Band of Pirates.
CADEN BURCHFIELD, Matanzas quarterback
Freshman Peyton Cerasi leads FPC girls to first Spikes and Spurs title
Running in her first high school cross country race, Cerasi won the girls individual title by more than 25 seconds; FPC’s boys were runners-up behind Nease.
Freshman Peyton Cerasi won her first high school cross country race to lead the Flagler Palm Coast girls to their first ever Spikes and Spurs team championship. Meanwhile, the FPC boys were runners-up at the 13th annual Spikes and Spurs Classic on Aug. 24 at the Flagler County Fairgrounds.
The Bulldogs, who host the season-opening meet, have never won it before on either the boys or girls side.
“We’ve been second, but this is the first time we’ve won,” FPC coach David Halliday said. “So, I guess it’s Lucky 13. We’re excited. A couple people had PRs. Some of the young kids are brand new and never ran a 5k before.”
Cerasi, who finished second at the public middle schools 3-kilometer state championship last year, is new to running a 5K on a cross country course, but you’d never know it. Her time of 19:47.6 beat Alaysa Chipunov (20:12.8) of Jacksonville Mandarin by more than 25 seconds. FPC junior Arianna Slaughter was third, just behind Chipunov, with a time of 20:14.7.
“It was hot out there. It started to get a little bit tough during the last mile, and I knew I had to just keep up my pace and keep the lead on (Chipunov),” Cerasi said. “I’ve never really run this distance coming from middle school. It definitely was a big change, but as the year goes on, I’m going to start adapting to it.”
FPC’s other point scorers were Madison Lagarde (sixth place, 21:02.6), Taylor Novak (10th place, 21:28.0) and Isabella Tarsitano (23rd place, 22:44.8).
“Peyton was running with (Chipunov), who is solid, then she just felt like the pace was flagging, so she took off. She did really well,” Halliday said.
FPC won the girls title with 43 points. Lake Mary was second with
56 points. Ponte Vedra’s JV team (72 points) placed third, Matanzas (114) was fourth, Seabreeze (241) was eighth and Father Lopez (388) was 13th.
“We thought Ponte Vedra was going to have varsity kids here, but they ran their varsity kids at Cecil Field (in Jacksonville on the same day). So it took away a little bit of the depth up front for the girls and the boys,” Halliday said. “But our girls were really aggressive. Lake Mary is a ranked team. We weren’t even ranked in the state, but I think we probably will be (now).”
Seabreeze’s Kirsten Glaenzer (22:30.1) was 15th, and Matanzas’ Megan Rhee (22:32.3), Maria Phillips (22:36.0) and Sarah Van Buren (22:41.0) were 17th, 19th and 21st respectively.
“Our top five all run together and train together and it showed today,” said Matanzas first-year coach Katie Hoover. “They finished together.”
FPC BOYS 2ND BEHIND NEASE
Nease’s Jack Reich (16:54.4) won the boys race and led the Panthers to the team title with a scorching 34 points. Five Nease runners finished among the top 12. FPC was second with 87 points with Mandarin (105) third. Matanzas (188) was sixth, Seabreeze (257) 11th and Father Lopez (419) 15th.
FPC senior Jevin Luna placed fifth with a time of 17:21.0, just edging out Matanzas junior Blaine Vogel at 17:21.5. FPC senior Braedyn Wormeck placed seventh in 17:28.0.
Wormeck was second behind Reich at the two-mile mark, but in retrospect he thought he ran out too fast.
“I thought I opened too slow, but
“I’ve never really run this distance coming from middle school. It definitely was a big change, but as the year goes on, I’m going to start adapting to it.”
PEYTON CERASI, FPC freshman runner
I guess I’ll learn,” he said. “Last year I ran a sub-17 (16:55.0), but I haven’t run a cross country race since March.”
The times were generally slower this year, even with a dry course. Luna and Vogel, however, dramatically improved their times from a year ago.
“That was maybe Jevin’s second best race ever, so that was a good opener for him,” Halliday said. “And then a couple of new freshmen, Owen Stackpole and Mateo Almeida had their first races and did real well.”
Vogel passed three runners after the second mile but couldn’t get past Luna.
“I caught up to him with around 400 meters left and then we blitzed it out the the rest of the race,” Vogel said. “But I placed a lot better than what I thought I was going to do, so
I’m pretty happy.” Hoover said Vogel’s hard work during the summer paid off.
“He had a monster summer,” she said. “We really focused on hills and trails this summer and even though this is not a hilly course it translated into a faster time for him.”
Brant Tarsitano (18:09.8) was next for FPC in 15th place. Matanzas freshman Enzo McGovern (18:11.0) was 16th, and Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler (18:12.8) was 17th.
Halliday said some of FPC’s run -
ners were sick or injured and missed the race or only ran part of the race.
“Cassidy De Young had an Achilles (injury), so she ran part of the race and dropped out. Ayden Peterson, same thing, he ran part of the race and dropped out, but that was planned. And then some of the younger kids were sick. Once we get Cassidy back in there, she’s probably going to be our number 3 or co-number 2. But all in all, first and second, it was a good little opener.”
Jevin Luna led the FPC boys with a time of 17:21.0 for fifth place in the boys race.
Peyton Cerasi runs the final meters through the arena at the Flagler Fairgrounds to win the girls championship.
Flagler Palm Coast’s Athletic Training student aides ran the hydration station at the Spikes and Spurs Classic.
Ryan Gilvary, Jevin Luna and Braedyn Wormeck were among the top runners for the FPC boys team. Photos by Brent Woronoff
FPC runners Madison Lagarde, Arianna Slaughter, and Taylor Novak.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Top swimmers
Father Lopez split with Spruce Creek on Aug. 20 in its first swim meet of the season, while Matanzas swept Palatka.
Lopez’s girls won nine of 11 events but couldn’t overcome Spruce Creek’s depth in a 164-122 Hawks’ victory. Lopez’s boys defeated Creek 173-103, winning 10 events.
Lopez’s Nelanee Fulton, Zoee Fulton, Evie Kate Carnathan, Matt Alvarez and Ryan Herdel each won two individual events. Maya Khanna, Joe Romeo, Elijah Alvarez and Jack Svajko each won one individual event. The Green Wave also won three relays.
At Palatka, Matanzas won the girls team title, 138-71, while the Pirates’ boys squad defeated the Panthers 10655. Send sports news and results to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
PCLL thrilled to see Lake Mary win World Series
Many residents in communities throughout Central Florida and beyond were glued to their TVs, computers and phones rooting for the Lake Mary team as it made its run all the way to the Little League World Series Championship.
For the Palm Coast Little League organization, the Lake Mary team was more than a nearby opponent.
As one of four opponents in Palm Coast’s district, Lake Mary is family, PCLL President Tiffany Schmidt said.
“We love watching them play,”
Schmidt said. “We always cheer for teams in our district. We’re a family.”
The Lake Mary 12U baseball team won district, state and Southeast Region championships on the way to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Lake Mary went 7-1 at the LLWS, including three wins by one run.
Lake Mary defeated Texas 10-7 in an exciting back-and-forth game to win the United States championship
on Saturday, Aug. 23, and then came from behind to beat International champ Chinese Taipei 2-1 in extra innings on Aug. 24 to win the World Series Championship.
“Last year, they made it to regions and lost there,” Schmidt said. “Half the team returned and they were hungry to get back this year. They never gave up. They didn’t let errors upset them. We always strive to tell our players that if you make a bad play, move on. They did that. They were down in most games and came back.”
In the World Series championship game, Lake Mary scored the winning run on a walk-off bunt as nobody was covering first base and the pitcher’s throw went into the outfield.
“They were so locked in. They were focused,” Schmidt said.
Schmidt said PCLL coaches and their kids had a viewing party on Sunday, Aug. 24, in the league clubhouse following a coaches meeting.
“It was fun to see familiar faces,”
she said. “Our whole league is very proud of them.”
Guerrero named Pirates’ basketball coach
Robinson, who resigned late last month to become head coach at Pine Ridge High.
Guerrero had been the Pirates’ head girls basketball coach for three seasons (2019-21) before stepping down and then joining the boys program.
He has been coaching in Flagler County for 15 years. Before moving over to Matanzas, he had stints as an assistant coach at Flagler Palm Coast High School with both the boys and girls programs.
“His vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to developing not just great athletes but well-rounded individuals,” Matanzas athletic director Jordan Butler said in a press release. “We are excited for him to get started.”
FPC coaches show they can still play
Two Flagler Palm Coast football coaches had successful summers playing professional indoor football.
FPC offensive coordinator Jake Medlock played quarterback for the Albany Firebirds of the Arena Football League and led his team to the ArenaBowl championship. The Firebirds came up just short in the final, falling to the Billings Outlaws 46-41. Medlock passed for 1,614 yards leading Albany to an 8-3 record.
Assistant coach and former FPC and Bethune-Cookman star Jimmie Robinson helped lead the Massachusetts Pirates to the Indoor Football League championship game against the Arizona Rattlers. Robinson was named All-IFL First-Team running back for the second year in a row. He rushed for nearly 900 yards and scored 28 touchdowns during the season. Ultimately, Robinson would like to get another shot at the NFL. He participated in the Cincinnati Bengals rookie minicamp in 2019. Medlock has played for four indoor football league teams since he completed his college career, but he had not played in six years. He said he may play again next season.
“Right now, I’m enjoying the coaching, helping the kids reach their goals and aspirations,” Medlock said.
“But I know there’s a lot of talk as to what I’ll do this offseason. Once free agency opens up I have a feeling my phone’s going to be blowing up. So we’ll see. I’ve already been told, give us three more years. But I’m 32. I don’t want to do three more.”
Call Stephenson Wilcox and Associates today. Ensuring Accuracy and Integrity since 1979.
in Bunnell. Call 386-437-2363.
Matanzas High School assistant boys basketball coach Eric Guerrero will take over the team as the new head boys coach, replacing Henry
Eric Guerrero is Matanzas High’s new head boys basketball coach. Courtesy photo
the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is August 22, 2024.
Personal Representative: /s/ Brenda Haynes Brenda Haynes 17 Viewpoint Road Elkview, West Virginia 25071
Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Jennifer A. McGee Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 1023165 McGee Law, PLLC 6 Meridian Home Lane, Unit 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Telephone: (386) 320-7300 E-Mail: jennifer@mcgeelawfl.com August 22, 29, 2024 24-00204G
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP-000209 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF CAROLAN LEE SCHMIDT Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Carolan Lee Schmidt, deceased, whose date of death was September 27, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights of Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is August 22, 2024.
Personal Representative: /s/ Vicki Madl Vicki Madl 19 Smoke Tree Place Palm Coast, Florida 32164 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Jennifer A. McGee Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 1023165 McGee Law, PLLC 6 Meridian Home Lane, Unit 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Telephone: (386) 320-7300 E-Mail: jennifer@mcgeelawfl.com August 22, 29, 2024 24-00205G
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP000311 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JEFFREY LEE TRENT Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Jeffrey Lee Trent, deceased, whose date of death was November 11, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights of Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is August 22, 2024.
Personal Representative: /s/ Lynette Trent Lynette Trent 36 Sederholm Path Palm Coast, Florida 32164
Attorney
