Palm Coast Observer 09-05-24

PALM COAST

vs. Manfre:

CITY WATCH

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Waterfront Park is finalist for Florida ‘Greatest Place’ award

Palm Coast’s Waterfront Park has been nominated as a finalist in the 11th annual Great Places in Florida People’s Choice Award contest.

“The nomination highlights the park’s serene beauty, diverse amenities and its special place within our community,” a Palm Coast press release said.

Voting is open through Oct. 4. To vote for Waterfront Park, go to florida.planning. org/greatplaces and select Waterfront Park. The winner will be announced on Oct. 7.

Waterfront Park is a scenic park where residents can often view a variety of wildlife. It has the Children’s Memorial Garden, a playground and fishing pier, paved and hardpacked trails, a public art sculpture and a kayak launch. The park spans 20 acres. It is a cornerston of Palm Coast’s park system.

“Waterfront Park is a true gem in our city,” Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Brittany McDermott said. “I encourage everyone to vote and share in this exciting opportunity to showcase our community.”

City Council tables rental ordinance

Short term vacation rentals in Palm Coast could see $400 registration fees and background checks installed as part of a city ordinance outlining restrictions for rental operators.

The ordinance prepared by staff considers registration fees, background checks for renters and more, but it was quickly pointed out by local renters that some of the restrictions the city wants to enforce are covered by the online vacation rental platform Airbnb. Because of the complexities, the Palm Coast City Council decided to forgo voting on the ordinance at the Sept. 3 meeting and instead opted to bring the ordinance back for a workshop meeting.

The ordinance will next be reviewed at the Sept. 24 evening workshop meeting after the first workshop for filling the District 4 council member replacement.

“Here’s consensus that it needs to be done well, it needs to be done correctly and right and hopefully long lasting,” Mayor David Alfin said.

The ordinance proposes a laundry list of requirements that short-term rental operators would need to abide by, including a maximum occupancy of 10 guests; a $400 registration fee and $200 annual renewal fee; not allowing recreational trailers or boats onsite; requiring the installation of battery-powered, emergency lighting; and background checks for renters.

Under the ordinance, operators must also have someone locally available 24/7 to respond to calls within two hours of a complaint being filed. Operators must also follow life safety requirements like having fire extinguishers, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors on site.

The ordinance also must comply with state law. City attorney Marcus Duffy said the city won’t be able to prohibit anyone — or any entity — from having as many STRs as they want.

For background checks, staff first proposed that every person staying at an STR be required to have a background check done. Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri suggested that be changed to just

the person signing the agreement, but that individual then takes full responsibility that none of the other occupants during the stay are sexual offenders or predators.

She also suggested this be a requirement that, if violated once, offenders have their license revoked by the city. Alfin agreed.

“If we’re going to protect the community, then let’s go for it,” Alfin said.

DeLorenzo said staff were approached on Friday, Aug. 30 by local operators about concerns they had over the restrictions. The operators said much of what the city wanted to cover in the ordinance is covered by AirBnB’s terms and conditions, including a background check for renters.

STR operators Joel and Kathy Davisson attended the meeting to ask the council to consider realistic requirements. The Davissons own a six-bedroom home and rent out five rooms for AirBnB guests; the couple remains on the property and still lives there while guests are renting, meaning they are already available 24/7 to respond to issues. Kathy Davisson said they have been operating their AirBnB for nine years.

“Our AirBnB pays for our living,” she said. “We pay our taxes, we do everything right. We have a very peaceful home.”

Joel Davisson said much of the issues brought up do not address the actual concerns residents have,

most of which are caused by out of state operators.

“There’s a lot to think about beside what has been discussed,” Joel Davisson said. “There should be different rules for local homeowners versus out of state investors.”

He said the background requirement isn’t feasible because of the turnaround. Often, Joel Davisson said, renters will show up just hours after making a reservation, not giving the operator enough time to perform a background check.

“So it has to be an exclusion for Airbnb,” he said.

DeLorenzo and Duffy said it is unknown at this time what kinds of background check the platform uses, and that is just one item staff will need to research ahead of the workshop meeting.

DeLorenzo did also point out that the background checks could not apply for international guests, as that does not go through the Federal Bureau of Investigation or local Flagler County Sheriff’s Office resources, but instead through Interpol.

Overall, Danko said it seemed as though the problems residents have mostly rests at the feet of absentee operators, whether that be out-ofstate homeowners or corporations renting out local homes. He suggested the city try to find a way to differentiate between the two.

Danko, and the rest of the council agreed, that whatever is done, the program is self-funded.

Palm Coast 25th anniversary event will have kid zone and live band

Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation is planning to unveil a small time capsule as part of its 25th anniversary celebration.

The main celebration event will be held at Central Park in Town Center on Oct. 26. The celebration will include presenting a birthday cake and a small time capsule filled with elements of Palm Coast’s history, Parks and Recreation Deputy Director Brittany McDermott said. The event will be from 4-8 p.m. and have four “zones.” Zone one, at the entrance to Central Park will have photo opportunities, information booths and a mural painting. Zone 2, to the right of the entrance will be set up with food trucks, tables and seating.

Zone 3 will be the kid zone, McDermott said, located on the west side of the pond. Parks and Recreation is planning multiple activities for that area, including a trackless train, obstacle courses, a rock wall, bungie

be the main stage area with a live band.

Council members Ed Danko and Theresa Carli Pontieri and Mayor David Alfin debating the short term rental ordinance. Photo by Sierra Williams

Q+A PALM COAST MAYORAL CANDIDATES MIKE NORRIS AND CORNELIA MANFRE

Only two candidates remain on the ballot for Palm Coast’s mayor seat: Mike Norris and Cornelia Manfre.

On Aug. 20, Primary Election Day, Norris led with 31.3% of the vote, with Manfre at 23.7%,

knocking current Mayor David Alfin and two others from the race. With just two months before the general election, the Palm Coast Observer sat down with Norris and Manfre to gather their thoughts on the city.

Below are lightly edited transcripts of interviews, in which the candidates express what they think needs to change in Palm Coast, the best way to manage growth and what experience they would bring to City Hall

Leadership-focused Norris: Slower growth; more industrial jobs

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Why did you decide to run?

I think it was already set in my mind when they gave themselves that raise [in 2022], because I consider myself a conservative, and when they gave themselves that raise, I went, “Hold on. You can’t call yourself a fiscal conservative and give yourself 151% pay raise.”

I was taken aback. I’m like, “OK, David Alfin sits on the same Republican Executive Committee as me, and he’s doing this.” I wanted to engage with him. He was supposed to speak one time at the Executive Committee about economic development, and I was going to confront him about that.

I think then is when I decided. And that was the first time I’ve ever stood up in front of the City Council in my life, and I said, “If you pass this pay raise, I’m going to do everything in my power to get every single one of you out of office.” And that’s where we’re at right now: The three remaining members of that City Council that voted for that pay raise — they are out of government right now, and that’s good for our county and our city.

What experience do you have that best qualifies you to be mayor?

I have people bashing me about serving in the military: “It doesn’t translate well.” Well, most leaders in our country have served in the military, George Washington, Teddy Roosevelt, all those people, Gen. Grant. I’m not using my military experience to get a leg up. My military leadership is leadership. Leadership is leadership.

The one thing that makes me stand out, I think, head and shoulders above everyone else, is my experience working on Okinawa as a critical infrastructure and anti-

terrorism protection officer. We did improvements to housing, wastewater, electric, fire, rescue, military, police, NCIS — all those investigating arms for civil protection. We did that. Not only that, we had budgets for just infrastructure projects. We ranged from $125 million to $135 million a year in infrastructure projects that I was involved in.

In addition to that, I was the Emergency Operations director. So I managed the Emergency Operations Center for our installation during five major typhoons.

One thing I learned in that job is customer service. You treat everyone equally, and you take care of their needs when they come through this office. You treat everybody with the dignity and respect they deserve, and you handle their issues.

I’m trying to figure out a way I can have people just come to engage with me at City Hall because I’m fully retired. I work at my leisure. My job allows me to work when I want to, and I want to be able to have the citizens come and engage with me personally and say, “Mike, this is my problem.”

Sometimes I may not have an answer. But I certainly can get an answer because I will have a city manager that is accountable for getting answers to the city.

What do you think needs to change in Palm Coast?

We don’t need to have up zoning the way that the city is laid out. And a lot of people may not agree with this. This may be a little bit controversial, but if you can’t agree with me that ITT poorly planned this city to begin with, then we have a hard place to start from. Palm Coast is very unique in this state. And I think, when they designed it, it was

poorly planned. They did it on the cheap. I don’t think I’ve been to any other city in Florida that doesn’t have stormwater management, the sewers and stuff the way they’re supposed to be.

And we’re dealing with these swales and ditches and canals to control our water. No sidewalks, just streets with ditches.

This city cannot sustain itself with just residential housing and small businesses and commercial. You have to provide something that’s tangible, that’s going to pay a higher tax; 93% of our ad valorem tax comes from individual homeowners, and that is very lopsided.

We have to try to get as much land as we can zoned industrial and try to bring those industries in here that are going to provide wellpaying jobs, that can help people sustain their lives here.

My biggest concern is that property on the west side. The reason they went through that comprehensive plan review, and they’re pushing all that stuff through is because they have to update the comprehensive plan, to update the land development code to facilitate what the developers want to do.

Those people that have property out there are pushing through what they want to, specifically that one new land designation code to allow them to build houses with detached dwellings.

Find me 10 people in this city that are not real estate agents or developers that has been clamoring for properties to be designated for additional dwellings on a singlefamily house. Toby Tobin even mentioned the word gentrification just a couple of weeks ago. He said, “We are gentrifying.” So that means people are moving in here that have a higher net worth; they have higher retirement salaries, and they can afford these houses.

How do you plan to draw in industrial and commercial businesses? It starts at Tallahassee. All these businesses want to relocate to Florida, because we are the free state of Florida. What we have to do is have a proactive approach at the local, county and state level, to entice those businesses.

How should the city balance growth with the “small-town” feel some residents say they want? We’re going to get our infrastructure straight moving forward. I’m not going to be in favor of approving any more residential developments that have to come before the board. Because if it’s less than a certain amount of houses, it doesn’t even have to come to the City Council. I’m in favor of saying, “Hey, hold up, wait a minute.” Because the growth is going to stop. I think everybody, since COVID is on the downside, people are starting to say, “Okay, well, politics are shifting, and I may not want to relocate

to Florida.”

So right now, I think, with what’s in the queue right now: Existing homeowners are looking at their property values decreasing, and some of those people that have just moved down here, they are going to find themselves in the same situation me and my family found ourselves in in 2006.

We moved here in 2006; we paid $205,000 for our house. Within three years, our property value was down to $145,000. I couldn’t move my family out of here if I wanted to. Now, I know we’re going to grow, but we have to have smart growth and designate lands for industrial manufacturing growth, or we’re not going to be able to sustain it. We have people now that are abandoning this city because they can’t afford to live here anymore, plain and simple.

To me, not one penny of the city’s budget would be going towards advertising for people to move the Palm Coast.

Business-focused Manfre: Jobs, jobs, jobs; fix City Hall approach

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Why did you decide to run for mayor?

I decided to run for mayor to be able to bring my experience to help administer the rules and regulations of our city, to make it productive and, also, make better our customer service to the public. I’m also very concerned about the lack of commercial industrial development. We’re at 8% of our monies collected that come from commercial — we should be at 20% to 30% — so we have got to focus on economic development and jobs, jobs, jobs.

I was working with companies that wanted to bring jobs here, and they were being told that we did not have proper infrastructure and our timing for approval would take too long. That was my biggest con-

cern: that we are losing companies that have wanted to look here, but they’re finding it difficult to get through the process.

What experience do you have that best qualifies you to be mayor?

I’m 40 years in business, which puts me in a different category. I’ve done corporate real estate for 20 years; 25 years doing commercial and economic development here in Flagler County; I’ve worked on numerous companies coming into the county. I have the temperament, I have the business knowledge, I have the financial acumen that sets me apart for the experience that I have. The corporations that I worked for were all Fortune 100 companies — American Express, City Bank, UA Theaters, etc. —

and they trained and expected the employees to be able to forecast and administer numerous locations. So, I’ve had that experience in my past, what I bring today is what I’ve been doing for the last 40 years, which is commercial and industrial investment, advising, bringing jobs and companies to Flagler County. I worked in corporations, but then when I worked for Dunkin’ (Donuts) at Baskin-Robbins, I had to learn how to coach and counsel franchisees. I went from administering for a company to training franchisees how to seek and find locations, and I was the approval person. So there were specific parameters that had to be met. Not only was I trained to do it myself, I had to train others, so I’m very comfortable in training people in different types of physicians. I learned at United Artist Theaters. I worked on 850 locations categorizing to be able to show that I could actually administer locations and understand the leases and the ownership parameters of theater development and corporate ownerships.

What do you think needs to change in Palm Coast?

I believe we need a really strong city manager to get the guidance to the council. The council should not be running the city at all. Your city manager conducts the business of this city. We need a good, strong candidate for that position that will free us up, the council, to be the meet and greet people for companies looking to come in here. That is very important, and my biggest thing is getting commercial industrial development here as soon as possible.

How do you plan to draw in industrial and commercial

businesses?

The first thing you need to do is have everything working at the City Hall for application process and getting companies to an approval process. We have to have commercial development. We also need to be able to market ourselves. So you have to fix what’s going on inside City Hall first, and then you can project out and market yourself. We have good school system. We have great medical coverage here. We’ve got other hospitals that are interested in coming to Palm Coast. We also have technology companies. There’s a new company that just purchased 20 acres in Flagler County to build solar panels. We’ve got some international companies looking at us — but we have to be able to market ourselves and package ourselves so that people get interest right away. We don’t have that.

I have asked the city in the past to come to conferences. I just came from a conference [the International Council of Shopping Centers] where the cities of Orlando, Tampa, St. [Petersburg] — all of these other cities where they’re looking for development and companies to look at their spaces. Palm Coast has never attended, and I think that’s very critical to get to conferences where these business and site selectors are to get them interested in Palm Coast.

So, we have to fix our process in City Hall, get a good city manager, and then create a marketing package for our city to entice people to come and look here and build. [These conferences] are your huge national companies, and it’s great exposure. They build for a lot of the end users, the business users. And I’ve been attending these conferences for almost 30 years. Great networking, great contact, and that’s what we need to do. We need to be able to get to these type of conferences and have a good marketing piece for the city.

How should the city balance growth with the “small-town” feel some residents say they want?

That’s sort of a three-pronged question. The properties that are zoned for commercial development, I think, is what we need to focus on, being able to bring in companies that will bring jobs, jobs, jobs, is critical.

But when it comes down to commercial and industrial and residential developments, we have a good code system, if we adhere to our code system. I would like to institute some additional buffering from the main roads for these developments so that they’re not hitting you in the face. But I think if we keep our nature preserve — which is what ITT Corp. planned on here, keeping all of your parkways and byways very buffered. I think that’s very critical — that’ll keep that feeling of a lot of nature in our city. I think that is absolutely critical to preserve as much as possible while bringing in good development. There are ways of buffering buildings that it still makes it very attractive.

The other point of any kind of development, which is the point of concern for why I got into this, is about our infrastructure. Whatever it’s going to be — commercial, industrial, medical, residential — we must make sure that we have proper infrastructure. That is going to be one of the key components when I start is a complete review of infrastructure: road, paving, swale maintenance, count, the canals. All of these have to be reviewed, and a plan put forth for their maintenance.

Protect and enjoy nature by helping clean up our waterways, walkways and City paths at the 17th annual Intracoastal Waterway Cleanup. This event takes place September 21 from 8am-1pm, starting and ending at the Palm Coast Community Center.

Flaglr Schools had previously recovered $19,700 of the $700,000 theft.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Schools has received $50,000 in insurance money for the $719,583 it lost in a fraudulent electronic money transfer last fall.

The insurance money, in addition to the $19,700 that was reimbursed by JPMorgan through the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office early this year, is all the district will be recovering from the phishing scheme — almost 10% of what was lost — Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck told the School Board at a Sept. 3 workshop.

District staff last year believed it was making a payment to H.A. Contracting Corp., the contractor for the Matanzas High School expansion project.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore said no disciplinary action was taken against any staff members because proper procedures were

followed at the time. Since then procedures have been upgraded and new cyber security and training have been put in place, she said. With the upgrades, if employees open an email that appears to be a phishing scheme, they will automatically be instructed on their device what to do next, Moore said.

“We may never catch it all, but we have good systems in place,” Moore said.

Wormeck said multiple employees are now involved in each transaction before a button is pushed to send payments to the bank every two weeks, so there are now multiple layers of security in place. The bank has provided training to the finance staff, she said.

“There are so many of these fraud incidents that change daily, weekly, that it’s very imperative we continue to get information from them who are the key people who see this every day,” Wormeck said.

Wormeck said the district has also reached out to CFOs in other districts to compare procedures.

Moore said the district has no other recourse to recover more of the money. The con-

tractor did not have cyber coverage and there was no breach detected on either the district’s side or the contractor’s side.

“We worked with the Sheriff’s Office and we had an internal investigation to see if there were any breaches in our protocols and what procedures we could improve. There was not an individual who went against the procedures we had at that time,” Moore said.

Moore said three other Florida school districts were victims of the same phishing scheme during the same week.

“We’re working with other districts to make sure we have the strongest procedures as technology changes,” she said.

The theft came out of the district’s capital fund and was within the fund’s contingency numbers, the district previously reported.

Board Chair Will Furry asked Moore if the district is under-insured considering the insurance company paid just $50,000. Moore said the district’s new counsel can look into that.

Board member Sally Hunt asked if any other legal action

“We’re working with other districts to make sure we have the strongest procedures as technology changes.”

LASHAKIA MOORE, superintendent

can be taken against the contractor. Moore said the School Board’s former attorney had investigated that and concluded there was no breach on the contractor’s side but added that interim board attorney David Delaney can review it. Wormeck, however, did have some positive financial news. She said the district finalized the refinancing of its 2014 Certificates of Participation debt and the district’s financial advisers were able to price the market better than anticipated, giving Flagler Schools a net present value debt savings of $699,000, which is a direct savings on the capital fund.

“There’s your 700,000,” board member Cheryl Massaro said.

“Well, you found it somewhere,” Furry said.

School Board adopts final budget, millage rate

The school district’s budget is $323,856,170.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler County School Board adopted a final budget of $323,856,170 and a total

millage rate of 5.365 for the 2024-25 fiscal year at a special meeting on Sept. 3.

The millage rate exceeds the rolled-back rate.

The budget includes over $10.8 million the school district receives from the state to pay family empowerment scholarships for 1,250 Flagler County students choosing private or home-school edu-

cation. The number of scholarship students has steadily increased each year since 2020-21 when there were 136, according to a School Board document. Last year, 798 Flagler County students received the scholarships.

The district’s listed student enrollment of nearly 14,500 includes the 1,250 students receiving family empower-

ment scholarships. The district’s general fund is $155,321,627, 83% of which pays for salaries and benefits. Unlike counties and municipalities, which set their own millage rates, the state sets the school districts’ rates. Flagler Schools’ total millage rate has steadily decreased from 11.436 in 1995-96 to 5.365 this year. Last year’s rate was 5.403.

FIVE MORE SCHOOLS RECOGNIZED AS APPLE DISTINGUISHED SCHOOLS

Five Flagler County schools were recognized on Aug. 28 as Apple Distinguished Schools for the 2024-2027 program term. Indian Trails and Buddy Taylor middle schools and Old Kings, Belle Terre and Rymfire elementary schools were recognized. They join Bunnell and Wadsworth elementary schools, and Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools as Apple Distinguished Schools. Schools apply and are selected for this distinction based on their commitment to continuous innovation in education and using Apple products for teaching and learning.

As teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, they empower students to lead, learn and thrive to discover new opportunities, a Flagler Schools press release said .

COPS CORNER

AUG. 30

6:36 p.m. — 5100 block of State Road 100 East, Palm Coast Petit theft. A 27-year-old Palm Coast man stole four bottles of skincare products while he shopped for cat food at a department store.

Surveillance footage caught the man entering the store and immediately picking out the four bottles of skincare products, including a $45 bottle of sunscreen, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The footage showed the man walking through the store and pocketing the products in his green fanny pack while shopped for his grocery list.

The man actually purchased two gallons of water, a storage bin and cat food, but didn’t pay for any of the products in his fanny pack, the report said. Deputies tracked the man to his address in Palm Coast and placed him under arrest.

SEPT. 1 RACE TO THE FINISH

3:26 a.m. — 5200 block of State Road 100, Palm Coast Racing on highway. A Palm Coast 23-year-old was arrested after a deputy caught him racing a motorcyclist in the early morning hours on State Road 100.

The deputy had already began following the man’s white Dodge truck because he caught the truck going 60 mph in a 50 mph zone, according to an arrest report.

BRIEFS

OBPD aims to boost pedestrian and bicycle safety

As Volusia County is among the state’s top 25 counties for pedestrian and bicyclist crashes leading to serious injuries or fatalities, the Ormond Beach Police Department is joining the Florida Department of Transportation’s High Visibility Enforcement program.

Starting now through May 2025, OBPD will have additional officers on patrol at specific corridors with a high occurrence of pedestrian and bicyclist crashes, according to a press release. The HVE program focuses on educating the public about Florida traffic laws to enhance safety on local roads, and local officers are aiming to increase awareness of dangerous behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal injuries. These include speeding, failing to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, conducting improper turns or signal violations, and using handheld devices — such as cellphones — while driving.

Officers will also watch for pedestrians who jaywalk or fail to yield to motorists who have the right of way. OBPD states in its press release that bicyclists will be stopped for riding against traffic, riding at night without lights or not

As the deputy was pacing the truck to measure its speed, the truck pulled up next to a motorcycle near an intersection. At the intersection, the truck and motorcycle began to accelerate event faster, racing each other down the highway until they reached a red traffic signal. The deputy, behind the Dodge, turned on his overhead red and blue lights, but the motorcycle drove through the red light. The light turned green just after and the Dodge continued through the signal, pulling over for the deputy after the intersection, the report said.

The 23-year-old told the deputy he knew he was being pulled over for the speeding and a friendly race, the report said. He was placed under arrest and his Dodge towed.

AUG. 21

RAGE AND THREATS

5:24 p.m. — 200 block of North Nova Road, Ormond Beach

Aggravated assault. Police responded to local shopping plaza’s parking lot after a suspect grabbed an 18-yearold Holly Hill man by the neck following a road rage incident.

Officers spoke with the victim, who reported the road rage incident began on Nova Road and ended in the parking lot when the suspect — who was not the original person the victim was involved with in the road rage incident — approached him and grabbed him by the neck while making threats, according to the police report. This took place while the suspect pointed a baseball bat at the victim’s face.

The victim reported the suspect said, “he had much

abiding by the same laws as motor vehicles. Officers will issue warnings and citations, only when appropriate.

“Whether you are on foot, behind the wheel, or on a bike, you have a responsibility to share the road safely,” OBPD stated in its press release.

“Understanding the rules of the road helps ensure we all arrive at our destination safely and makes our streets safer for everyone.”

Funding for this program is provided through a contract with University of North Florida’s Institute of Police Technology and Management, funded by FDOT. OBPD will receive funds for overtime hours for officers to conduct operations and for special training on Florida’s bicycle and pedestrian laws, procedures and best practices.

more than the bat, he had guns,” and to “be careful because this is a small town,” according to the police report. The victim showed police video footage of the altercation. He wished to pursue charges.

AUG. 22

RECOMMENDATION

DENIED

10:01 a.m. — 700 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Information. A 54-year-old man’s car tires were slashed, and he told police he suspected a former employee of his was to blame.

Police report that the man had recently received multiple concerning text messages from the employee, whom he had fired. In the texts, the ex-employee requested a recommendation several times, following up by calling the man “insulting names,” according to an incident report. The man told him that he would not be giving him a recommendation due to his behavior, and the ex-employee continued to grow upset, saying he would come to the office in person.

The man texted back that if he did, police would be called to trespass him.

In the texts, the ex-employee said he wasn’t worried about the trespass order and thought it “would be a nice form of ‘memorabilia’ for working here,” the report states.

This exchange took place after the man’s tires were slashed on Aug. 19. The man had no video of the incident, however. Police advised him that they would conduct extra patrols in the area.

aerial apparatus, focusing on precision, speed, and teamwork,” the post stated. “This hands-on experience ensures that our team is always prepared to effectively deploy these lifesaving tools under the most challenging conditions.”

Firefighters practiced positioning quint fire trucks, simulating rescues and more. From Monday, Aug. 26 to Wednesday, Aug. 28, the training took part at the Ormond Renaissance Condominiums.

“This training reinforces our commitment to protecting our community with the highest level of skill and professionalism,” OBFD stated.

Ormond Beach Fire trains in aerial operations

Ormond Beach firefighters have spent the month of August training in aerial operations.

In a Facebook post, the Ormond Beach Fire Department explained that aerial operations “are critical in scenarios where access to upper floors is essential, whether for rescue or to establish elevated standpipe operations.”

“During this training, each crew member took turns setting up and operating our

“We’re proud of our team’s dedication to ongoing training and readiness. Your safety is our top priority, and we’re always striving to improve our abilities to serve you better.”

Juvenile with gun caused lockdown at Mainland game

A Mainland High School football game was delayed on Friday, Aug. 30, after a juvenile attempted to enter Daytona Stadium with a firearm, Daytona Beach Police report.

At around 8 p.m., a security guard discovered the firearm during a routine bag inspection at a security checkpoint.

DBPD, who were at the stadium providing security and traffic control for the Cocoa-Mainland game, were notified by the guard, and an officer secured the bag with the firearm and attempted to detain the boy for further investigation.

However, the boy fled on foot and was able to evade apprehension, according to a press release. Two other juveniles who were with the suspect also attempted to flee but were apprehended and charged with resisting arrest.

Police identified the suspect, later arresting him and charging him with disturbing the peace at a school function, possession of a firearm on school property, resisting arrest and theft of a firearm.

The stadium was placed into lockdown while police investigated. Once the stadium was deemed safe, the football game was allowed to resume.

Ormond Beach firefighters Oscar Rodriguez, Capt. Josh Cady and Driver Engineer Francis Autorino. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/city of Ormond Beach

Flagler makes plans to ban vaping, smoking in parks

The county can, but is not required to, provide designated smoking areas. Second reading is scheduled for Sept. 16.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler County Commission has approved the first reading of an ordinance that would ban smoking and vaping in county parks.

The ordinance will prohibit smoking and vaping in any form in the county’s public parks. It also allows, but does not require, the county to designate smoking areas, according to meeting documents. Florida Statute does prevent municipalities from prohibiting smoking unfiltered cigars, county attorney Al Hadeed said, but that is the only exception.

The Flagler Commission approved the first reading in a 4-0 vote, with commissioner David Sullivan absent from the Sept. 3 meeting. The second reading of the ordinance will be on Sept. 16. Every year in the U.S., about 41,000 nonsmoking adults die from a disease caused by secondhand smoke exposure, according to Tobacco Free Florida’s website. Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke also have a 25-30% higher risk of

heart disease, a 20-30% higher risk of stroke and a 20-30% higher risk of developing lung cancer, data from the website said.

Tobacco Free Florida Program Manager Terry Williams said she was thankful for the commission in supporting the initiative.

“It seemed like it was something that was never going to happen, and I’m just glad to see it has,” Williams said. “It’s a hard thing to get done. I don’t know why, but it’s been difficult.”

Commissioner Donald O’Brien asked Hadeed about how the recreational marijuana amendment, which is on the ballot for November would impact this ordinance.

The amendment — Florida Amendment 3 on the November ballot — would legalize “adults 21 years or older to possess, purchase, or use marijuana products and marijuana accessories for non-medical personal,” according to the Florida Department of Elections website. If passed by voters, it would allow the consumption of marijuana by “smoking, ingestion or otherwise,” including vaping.

O’Brien said if the measure is approved, he wanted to ensure the language in the ordinance included the smoking or vaping of marijuana.

“I don’t see it specifically saying that with respect to smoke, it only talks about tobacco products,”

O’Brien said. “And I just want to make sure we’ve covered those bases.”

Hadeed said the phrase “including but not limited to” encompasses marijuana, but that if the amendment passes, the county can always go back and change the ordinance to explicitly include smoking or vaping marijuana.

In the fall of 2022, Flagler Beach passed its own ordinance prohibiting smoking on its beaches, in its parks and on the boardwalk. Palm Coast does not have an ordinance prohibiting smoking in its public spaces.

BRIEFS

Flagler County Commission approves lease contract with Flagler Schools for historic courthouse

The Flagler County Commission has approved a leasing agreement with Flagler Schools for the historic Bunnell courthouse building.

Flagler County will charge Flagler Schools $9,380, which will then increase by 4% each year, according to Flagler County Commission meeting documents. The initial lease term will be two years, with the option to renew the lease for two additional five-year terms.

Over the course of the first year, Flagler Schools will pay over $112,500 for the lease. After the first two years, Flagler Schools will have the option to purchase the courthouse building, subject to Flagler County’s right of refusal.

Flagler Schools intends to move programs to the 100-year-old building in order to save space and save money on renting portable classrooms.

The School Board assumed the lease effective Sept. 3 after the Flagler County Commission approved the lease agreement in a 4-0 vote, with commissioner Dave Sullivan absent from the meeting.

If the school board were to as-

sume the maintenance costs of the building, the rent would be reduced, and the school board will have the option to assume responsibility of maintenance at each anniversary of the lease.

Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Tourism Development Office wins top tourism marketing award

Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Tourism Development Office earned high praise for its tourism event marketing efforts, winning a first place Henry Award at VISIT FLORIDA’s 2024 Flagler Awards. The award was announced during the annual Florida Governor’s Conference on Tourism, held August 28-30 in Tampa, Florida. The Flagler Awards were established by VISIT FLORIDA in 2000 to recognize outstanding tourism marketing in Florida.

The TDO won top place in the tourism special event marketing category for its efforts in promoting the 2023 Hang 8 Dog Surfing Competition in Flagler Beach. As part of the submission guidelines, the TDO had to provide the overall marketing objectives including details on the strategies, techniques, and methods used to achieve the stated objectives and reach the target audience. Applicants were required to share

marketing budgets for their respective campaigns and describe how funds were utilized in the design, implementation and measurement process to highlight the entry’s cost effectiveness.

Additionally, the TDO had to demonstrate meaningful quantitative results of all the marketing efforts by providing credible support materials, including analytics and visitation data.

In its entry, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches highlighted its multi-faceted marketing approach which included out-of-home (billboard), print, and digital advertising as well as its public relations efforts which secured national coverage.

The TDO’s promotional campaign also included a one-minute highlight video featuring surfing dogs and attendees, created by CycleHere Films. During the event, Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches sponsored a (dog) kissing booth to serve as a photo opportunity for event attendees and participants.

“It is an honor to win a Henry Award from VISIT FLORIDA,” said Amy Lukasik, executive director of Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Tourism Development Office. “Our marketing and community engagement teams and our partners work diligently together to highlight our destination and its unique events, like Hang 8 Dog Surfing, creatively.”

Presidential election. If you are a new resident, you probably have many questions about the elections this year!

• Am I registered to vote?

• Where do I vote in person?

• How do I vote by mail?

• How do I update my address or name?

• What is my party affiliation?

• Who are my elected officials?

• Are elections in Flagler County secure?

Visit FlaglerElections.gov or scan the QR

to have all your questions answered!

Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed.

File photo

The old county courthouse building in Bunnell. Photo by Sierra Williams

BIZ BUZZ

suburbs and moved with her family to Palm Coast in 2022. The TEDxCherryCreekHS is an independent TED event that brings together leading voices to share ideas and stories. Her six-minute TEDx talk won’t be uploaded for a few weeks, she said. For more information, go to tedxcherrycreekhs.com or email Macy Baxi at minesh@ mbaxi.com.

TRUIST DONATES $20,00 TO LOCAL SCORE CHAPTER

The Truist Foundation has donated $20,000 to SCORE to continue mentoring small businesses and nonprofits, according to a press release.

Macy Baxi launched her first podcast, “What Would You Say to Your Younger Self?” when she was just 17. She introduced her latest podcast, “Why I Love Flagler County,” in 2023 and has interviewed over 180 local business owners and community leaders since then.

On Aug. 31, she shared her inspiring journey on the TEDxCherryCreekHS stage in Cherry Creek, Colorado.

“It was amazing,” said Baxi, who just turned 21. “I talked about intentional conversations. As young adults we should make the most out of every conversation.”

Conversations are the starting point of building relationships, she said.

Baxi is also writing a book titled, “7 Critical Career Skills They Don’t Teach in School,” aimed at preparing the next generation for real-world success.

Baxi said to find the guests for her podcast she goes to every local networking event she can.

“I build friendships and I get referrals as well,” she said. Baxi was raised in the Detroit

SCORE volunteers welcomed Robert Ludlow, Truist market president Volusia/Flagler to SCORE Chapter 87, based out of the UCF Business Incubator in Daytona Beach. In addition, SCORE Chapter 87 has established mentoring offices by appointment at Palm Coast and Ormond Beach city halls and has worked hand in hand with mentoring the formation of the Junior Chamber of Commerce in Flagler County’s two high schools.

The donation reinforces SCORE’s community commit-

ment by volunteering 3,200 hours annually to support Volusia/Flagler clients. SCORE is involved with providing mentoring free of charge to small business start-ups, nonprofits, colleges and high schools. it also has multi-faceted partnerships with local chambers of commerce to support business growth.

SCORE is a nationwide nonprofit and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration. SCORE depends on its 10,000 volunteers to help entrepreneurs overcome many challenges with economic concerns in the marketplace.

Since 1964, SCORE has

provided business resources and mentorship to more than 17 million entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. nationwide. This fall, SCORE will be celebrating its 60th anniversary as a nonprofit resource partner of the SBA.

DAYTONA CHAMBER’S 2024 ANNUAL AWARDS WINNERS

The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of its 2024 annual awards, celebrating the contributions of chamber members

in four categories. Each year, the chamber honors organizations and individuals who have made an impact in the community.

The 2024 Award Winners are:

Nonprofit of the Year: Volusia Recovery Alliance

Small Business of the Year: FASTSIGNS

Young Professional of the Year: Devin Miller Marvin Samuels Leadership Award: Chris Bowler

“This is an amazing group of applicants that all exemplify excellence and community stewardship,” said Nancy Keefer, president & CEO of the Daytona Regional Chamber.

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 9th day of September 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-15, before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

ORDINANCE 2024-15

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT TO SECTION 18-52 WETLANDS; PROVIDING FOR AMENDMENT TO VARIOUS SECTIONS WITHIN CHAPTER 34 – ZONING; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

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

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

Sep. 5 24-00356F

Boston Whaler President Lenn Scholz said in a news release.

FLAGLER CARES ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNITY PARTNER

Flagler Cares, a one-stop health and social care organization, welcomed Sunshine Psychiatric Care to the Flagler County Village in Palm Coast on Aug. 1 as a community partner. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Rhonda Richardson of Sunshine Psychiatric Care provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, personalized treatment plans and medication management services for teens and adults age 15 and up.

“I’m thrilled to join the Flagler County Village community,” she said in a press release. “Together, we can increase access to mental health care and create a supportive space where everyone feels valued and heard.” Sunshine Psychiatric Care accepts United Healthcare, Cigna and Aetna, among other insurance providers for in-person or telehealth appointments. Current and new patients can be seen in person at the Flagler County Village in City Market Place, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B302.

“With the addition of Sunshine Psychiatric Care, the vision of a centrally located hub where organizations with a shared commitment to serving residents with health, behavioral health, and other every-day challenges is coming to fruition,” said Jeannette Simmons, Flagler Cares’ chief clinical officer. Richardson specializes in caring for people facing challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD and various other mental health needs. By building strong, trusting relationships, she empowers clients to actively participate in their treatment plans. To learn more about Sunshine Psychiatric Care, call 386-2304448, or book

Macy Baxi.

Boston Whaler and the Flagler County Education Foundation’s STUFF Bus drop off supplies at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

SCORE certified mentors with the $20,000 check from the Truist Foundation. Front row from left: Tony Flores; Jack Phifer; Bob Ludlow, vice president of Truist Financial; Phil Bailey; and Barbara Rhees. Back row: Steve Barnett; Jeff Carlin, chair of SCORE Chapter 87; Dave Ferguson; and Jim Brundage.

Courtesy photos

Local unionized AT&T workers

Union member says it’s ‘frustrating and discouraging’ to strike for three weeks with no resolution in sight.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

A multistate district of the United States has 17,000 workers on strike across the Southeast, including in Flagler and Volusia Counties.

The Communications Workers of America is the largest communications and media labor union in the United States, according to its website. Divided into multiple union districts, CWA District 3 — spanning nine states in the Southeast, including Florida — has been on strike against AT&T for three weeks due to unfair labor practices.

In Palm Coast, around 15-20 technicians have protested outside AT&T’s Palm Coast Central Office at 5 Clubhouse Drive since the start of the strike.

CWA District 3 member Robert Oshesky told the Observer that the crux of the issue has been over the breakdown of shared costs for health insurance. All the CWA

District 3 technicians in Florida — including in Palm Coast, Ormond Beach and Daytona — have been striking without pay since Aug. 16.

“The company wants to use the national average for healthcare costs in those equations, and we have statistically always paid less in the southeast,” Oshesky said.

The district renews its contract with AT&T every few years, Oshesky said, since the company bought BellSouth in 2007. When the contract expired in June, union and AT&T representatives met to negotiate the terms of the new contract.

The union went on strike after two months of failed negotiations.

According to the Sept. 2 update from CWA District 3, AT&T has still not offered a “common interest package” that meeds the union’s economic wage demands, “nor did it provide for our benefits and insurance needs.”

Oshesky said the union leadership has now refused to meet with federal negotiators present as the AT&T representatives have been hiding behind them.

“The reports that we have from our leadership says that they’re just not engaged in any anything beyond surface level

negotiations,” Oshesky said.

“I don’t know who specifically AT&T sent to the table, but they they seem to lack the authority to agree on anything.”

The union last went on strike against AT&T in 2019, during the previous contract negotiation. Oshesky said that strike only lasted four days, but there is no end in sight to this strike so far. As it continues, Oshesky said he and the Palm Coast team are working to keep morale up for all the technicians.

It’s a definitely a little heartbreaking, he said, especially for the younger employees, when AT&T advertises that it is a great union employer.

“We’re all concerned with a good deal, a better deal,” he said. “It’s definitely frustrating and discouraging and even embarrassing, to an extent.”

The community has been very supportive, too, he said, with passersby honking to show support and others even bringing the technicians pizza and water.

“We’ve received a quality amount of encouragement from passers by and people pulling over, asking questions and sharing their encouragement,” he said.

Check

Unhappy

Call

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Flagler Beach home tops sales list at $1.6M

Ahouse at 2548 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. in Flagler Beach was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 22-28 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Aug. 23, for $1.6 million. Built in 1988, the house is a 5/4 and has ocean views, a separate three-car garage and guesthouse. It sold in 2014 for $480,500.

square feet.

PALM COAST

Plantation Bay

The house at 117 Patric Drive sold on Aug. 27, for $344,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,736 square feet.

Cypress Knoll

The house at 15 Edward Drive sold on Aug. 26, for $500,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,198 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $449,000.

Grand Landings

The house at 122 Wood Stork Lane sold on Aug. 26, for $648,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,490 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $419,600.

Indian Trails

The house at 85 Bronson Lane sold on Aug. 23, for $309,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,477 square feet.

The house at 40 Brookside Lane sold on Aug. 26, for $349,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and 1,801

Lehigh Woods The house at 30 Riverside Lane sold on Aug. 22, for $392,415. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,992 square feet.

A house to be built at 13 Rodger Place sold on Aug. 23, for $290,990. Once constructed, the house will be a 3/2 and have 1,222 square feet.

A house at 16 Richmond Drive sold on Aug. 23, for $305,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,477 square feet.

The house at 4 Rivergate Lane sold on Aug. 26, for $290,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,752 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $279,500.

Palm Harbor

The house at 19 Faircastle Lane sold on Aug. 23, for $291,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,605 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $210,000.

The house at 7 Fordham Lane sold on Aug. 23, for

$263,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,415 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $205,500.

Pine Lakes The house at 55 Westfield Lane sold on Aug. 23, for $175,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 2/2.5 and has 1,560 square feet. It last sold in June for $160,100.

Reverie at Palm Coast

The house at 52 Reverie Drive N. sold on Aug. 26, for $5584,990. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/3.5 and has 2,790 square feet.

Sawmill Branch

The house at 69 Hulett

Woods Road sold on Aug. 23, for $304,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

The house at 73 Hulett

Woods Road sold on Aug. 26, for $300,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

Sawmill Creek

The house at 87 Rivertown Road sold on Aug. 26, for $320,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

Seminole Woods

The house at 61 Universal Trail sold on Aug. 22, for $307,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,655 square feet.

BUNNELL

Grand Reserve

A house at 48 Bogey Place sold on Aug. 23, sold for $273,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,526 square feet.

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

House in Toscana sells for $1.425 million

Ahouse at 105 La Toscana Rotonda was the top real estate transaction for Aug. 24-30 in Ormond Beach Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Aug. 29, for $1.425 million. Built in 2017, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool and 4,202 square feet.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 89 S. Atlantic Ave., Unit 405, sold on Aug. 27, for $304,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,200 square feet. It last sold in 1981 for $82,400.

The condo at 2700 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 318, sold on Aug. 28, for $230,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,025 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $189,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Brendale Heights

The house at 79 Fairway Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $690,000. Built in 1967, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,305 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $425,000.

Country Acres

The house at 290 Golden Saddle Lane sold on Aug. 29, for $780,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, pool, detached four-car garage and 2,641 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $375,000.

Fountain View

A house to be constructed at 1473 Fountain View St. sold on Aug. 27, for $364,990. The house will be a 3/2 and have 1,672 square feet.

Gardens at Addison Oaks

A townhome at 86 Bella Vita Way sold on Aug. 28, for $295,000. Built in 2020, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,687 square feet. It last sold, pre-construction, in 2019 for $196,500.

Halifax Plantation

The townhome at 3127 Kailani Court sold on Aug. 28, for $320,000. Built in 2002, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $143,000.

Harbour Lights

The house at 524 Hand Ave. sold on Aug. 29, for $215,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,467 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $159,900.

Lincoln Park

The house at 253 Selden Ave. sold on Aug. 28, for $84,000. Built in 1939, the house is a 2/1 and has 816 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $24,000.

Ormond Lakes The house at 54 Emerald Oaks Lane sold on Aug. 28, for $1.4 million. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/6.5 and has three fireplaces, a pool, spa and 7,020 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $840,000.

Pine Trails The house at 7 Palmetto Dunes Court sold on Aug. 28, for $459,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a barn and 1,828 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $195,000.

Rima Ridge Ranchettes The house at 80 Cone Road sold on Aug. 27, for $695,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has two fireplaces, a detached twostory barn and 3,283 square feet.

Tomoka Oaks The house at 10 Oakmont Circle sold on Aug. 27, for $485,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, pool, spa and 2,123 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $312,900.

Tymber Crossings The house at 113 Grey Dapple Way sold on Aug. 29, for $385,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,962 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $253,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Regency Manor Estates The house at 7 E. Sovereign Lane sold on Aug. 28, for $490,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,253 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $235,000.

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

Seminole Palms

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thousands

still suffering from 9/11 toxins

Dear Editor:

I was in the World Trade Center on 9/11 when the first hijacked plane was driven into the upper floors of North Tower. Luckily I was on the lower level of the building at the time and escaped unharmed. But souls on the higher floors were trapped and perished, with many more killed when the Towers collapsed.

We all know that as a result of that horrendous attack in New York and at the Pentagon, and the brave passengers who helped bring down a third plane, the 2,996 deaths was the deadliest terrorist attack in human history. But what may not be fully known is the huge number of first responders and survivors who were caught in the debris and the giant toxic dust cloud caused by the massive destruction.

The cloud, which consisted of asbestos, silica, concrete, metal and glass particles, was so large that it reached nearly a mile high over Manhattan and Brooklyn and spread to a surrounding area estimated to have exceeded 40 miles. A large number of these folks in the exposure zone suffered both short-term and longterm health problems and even death from the effects of the toxins.

Currently there are about 132,000 responders, cleanup crew workers, lower Manhattan residents and those working in nearby businesses who are being treated for a large and diverse number of illnesses and cancers through a program offered and funded by the World Trade Center Health program. So, just like on every 9/11 anniversary, we promise to never forget those that perished as a direct result of the attack, we surely need to also remember those many thousands that suffered the long term consequences. And, of course, every year around this time, I don’t just

Make yourself at home

vividly remember the horror of 9/11, but I also appreciate my luck on that day years ago.

ROBERT

GORDON Palm Coast

New resident disillusioned by swale neglect

Dear Editor:

Here are some small thoughts of a fairly new resident of this newfound City.

First, my impression of our first few months was somewhat impressive until I contacted the city in regards to serious undermining of our driveway by the non existent “swale.” You see, it was only after receiving our first billing from the City that stormwater is billed at $28.34 per month that I thought, “No problem with this issue, it’s covered.” Without any hesitation I put in a request to have a “swale inspection” to be carried out on our property.

Luckily I was not holding my breath since some

six months later I was told, yes the swale needs urgent attention, but that’s all up in the air as to when this will be attended to since all the swales need attention in Palm Coast.

Not being a math professor I put in a sum based on the roughly 40,591 residential properties in the City, then multiplied by the $28.34 stormwater charge. I say the City of gold makes over a million per month scalping the locals for a job never done.

Unfortunately, I see many politicians rubbing their hands with glee. Having a real estate license or maybe even a broker license helps to elevate you to sit on the mayoral throne.

After traveling around many states I find my family stuck in a city of old, a city that fails in many ways to address simple issues. The amount of money gleaned from its citizens from this one issue would easily justify bringing in a workforce who in fact specializes in drainage and therefore aid the

Time traveling through a solar system of clay

Somebody has to ask it: How much is this thing going to cost, anyway?

truly fell in love was when I learned that she had completed her homework — get this — a day early.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Of all the qualities that made me want to marry Hailey when I met her as an undergrad in college, I don’t immediately think of her physical beauty or her kind disposition, although both made me swoon. The moment that I

YOUR TOWN

Flagler County Drug Court Foundation continues push for overdose awareness

As Flagler County continues have high overdose rates, local residents are continuing their mission to raise awareness on the issue.

The Flagler County Drug

So, during the day in between, after you finish your work, but before you go to class, you just, what? Wait?

We were sitting on a bench on campus on a sunny day, as I remember it, and she gave me a look of pity at my need for a deadline to spur me to action.

Fast forward 22 years, and here we are, owners of a business with so many deadlines that it’s impossible to finish anything a day early. More importantly, in those 22 years, we have become parents of five children, including 9-year-old Kennedy, who has a solar system project due in about two

Court Foundation sponsored the annual Walk Over the Bridge event in honor of International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31. Volunteer Renee DeAngelis said around 30 people showed up at Wadsworth Park and walked across the State Road 100 bridge.

“I think last year we had a couple more, but it wasn’t bad,” DeAngelis said. “… We feel like it’s our mission to kind of have almost a grassroots effort of informing the community about drug

weeks.

Rather than waiting until the night before to start making little planets out of colorful clay, she has followed in the footsteps of her mother: The two of them have already spray-painted black an 18-inch cardboard square to represent the immensity of space, and Kennedy has already crafted a few planets, including Jupiter, complete with storm spot. It wasn’t long before I started to ask that most unpopular of fatherhood questions: How much is this thing going to cost, anyway?

Shouldn’t school projects be, well, free? Meanwhile, Hailey and Kennedy were conspiring to get this project done as early as possible, regardless of what happened to be on sale

at the moment.

“Here are the colors of clay that you need,” Hailey said, as she texted me a list that I was supposed to take to Hobby Lobby with Kennedy. Gray, yellow, green, orange, white.

“All those?” I asked. I didn’t bother to point out that there were literally zero yellow planets in our solar system, so this must be a mistake.

Hailey, seeing through my veiled frugality, said, threateningly, “Do I need to go?”

Resistance was futile. I hung my head and said, “I can do it.”

Without any hesitation, Hailey continued: “We need the sun to be 10 times the size of Jupiter.”

I pictured a grocery cart full of yellow clay, worth the

awareness, drug overdose and especially fentanyl.”

DeAngelis has worked with the Drug Court Foundation and the Flagler County Opioid Task Force since 2018 educating the community about Narcan and the addiction problem.

Michael Feldbauer, the president of the Flagler County Drug Court Foundation, said that in the last five years up to 2022, based on population, Flagler County has hovered between the second and 10th highest overdose county in

many locals who have serious drainage issues. Have to say Palm Coast lives on from 20 years ago but only in the “old boys network.” It clearly fails to deliver to its citizens.

BARRY NEIL Palm Coast

Bridges allow children to cross busy parkways safely

Dear Editor: I just walked to the Buddy Taylor Middle School and I saw the way children going to school cross Belle Terre Parkway and I remembered how children in Tokyo do the same thing.

Tokyo has built bridges that begin at the sidewalks and beautifully go to the other sidewalk where, children, bikers, anybody can cross safely. There is no need for special lights, crossing guards, etc., just common sense.

SEGUNDO GUDINO Palm Coast

equivalent of a semester of college.

“Maybe I can get a foam ball for the center instead?” I said, helpfully. Hailey answered my question by explaining a step in the process that I had overlooked: “It has to be baked, so we’re going to use a ball of foil.”

Oh. Right. As I drove to Hobby Lobby, I looked at Kennedy in the back seat. In the rearview mirror, her green eyes — matching the color of her mother’s eyes — gazed out the window. She chattered away, and her excitement for this project was rubbing off on me, mostly because I was witnessing my daughter becoming more like her mother, as Kennedy was demolishing the stresses of deadlines by working ahead, full of confidence as big as a solar system of clay.

the state of Florida. That

“The importance of these types of events is to give people that have been through the experience a chance to vent, to talk, but also to educate our community and what’s going on,” he said.

CLARIFICATION

A headline on Page 9A on Aug. 29 identified a home on Ocean Crest Drive as being near Hammock Dunes. The home is located in Hammock Beach.

“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 Consultants Paula Losinger Paula@ observerlocalnews.com; April Koehler, akoehler@ observerlocalnews.com; Jacob Boyd, jacob@observerlocalnews. com

Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com

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VETERAN OF THE WEEK

Sam Lydon

 Branch of military: U.S. Army  Dates of service: 20172024  Rank/occupation: Captain / Aviator (Helicopter pilot)  Hometown: Claverack, New York

Sam Lydon graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science degree and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army after completing Reserve Officer Training Corps requirements. Upon entering active duty, he attended flight training at the U.S. Army Aviation Center for Excellence, at what is now Fort Novosel, Alabama. Lydon was top graduate amongst commissioned officers. He was assigned to fly the Army’s Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter. His first assignment was at Fort Bliss, Texas, from which he deployed to Afghanistan in 2019. Lydon flew 70 missions, accumulating approximately 200 hours flight time, and earning an Air Medal in support of combat operations in Afghanistan. He completed the Captains Career Course in 2022, and was assigned to Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Lydon leaves activeduty service honorably this month but will remain in the U.S. Army Reserve. In addition to the Air Medal with “C” device, he earned two Army Commendation Medals, two Army Achievement Medals, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star among other awards. His home of record is Flagler County and his sights are aimed at new opportunities.

From left to right: Tressie Paytas walks in honor of her son Tim, Monique Myers walks in honor of her brother Randall, and Meg Parker walks in honor of her son Daniel. Photo courtesy of Tressie Paytas

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Ride & joy

Palm Coast family gifted refurbished car at Daytona International Speedway

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Josh Wooten of Palm Coast jokes that the reason he and his family were selected to receive a newly refurbished 2021 Toyota Corolla through the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides program is that he checked off two of the boxes — disabled veteran and foster care parent. In truth, the gift could not have come at a more opportune time. Wooten’s 2004 Camry was nearing 250,000 miles and its engine had started knocking.

“We were going to have to replace it really soon, and we don’t have the money,” Wooten said.

Wooten, his wife Mikaela, and their five children — including an 8-month-old foster child — received the car at Daytona International Speedway before the start of the Coke Zero Sugar 400 on Aug. 24.

The NABC started the Recycled Rides program in 2007 and since then has donated over 3,300 cars to individuals and families in need of reliable transportation.

Geico donated the vehicle. The Daytona Toyota Certified Collision Center refurbished the car. And the local non-profit Seawolf Privateers nominated the Wootens. The organization raises money to help foster and displaced children.

Josh Wooten said the Seawolf Privateers were making a drop-off at his home and told him about the car that was to be donated at the speedway.

“It was kind of interesting,” Wooten said. “They said, ‘You should apply for this.’ And less than 24 hours later, we were notified that you are

the ones to win the car. So, it was really exciting.”

The only criteria was that the Wootens had to prove they can pay for the insurance.

Dale Ross, the NABC Recycled Rides program director, presented the car to the Wootens in the speedway’s infield Fanzone area. Enterprise Rent-A-Car donated a $600 Visa gift card and the speedway provided free passes for the family to the race.

“The kids had a great time,” Wooten said. “All the people were great. We kind of felt special. We walked through pit road, trying to see everything we can see. The whole ride home everyone was joking and laughing. It was really a great experience.”

There was, however, a close call when he got ready to drive the car home.

“The car was in the infield. And they said, don’t take a right or you’ll be on the track. I thought they were joking,” he said.

But he avoided the famed 31-degree high-banked track in the nick of time.

DISABLED VET, FOSTER PARENT

Josh Wooten is a veteran of the U.S. Navy submarine force. While he was on active duty he was diagnosed with early onset osteoarthritis and was given a medical discharge. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of tissues in the joints.

The condition worsens over time. Wooten has been out of the Navy for 15 years. He was told at the time that he would have to get his knees replaced. That hasn’t happened yet. But walking has become more difficult, he said.

“If I stand for 20 plus minutes, I’m wiped, I’m useless. If I mow the lawn, the next day I’m not get-

ting out of bed,” he said. Fortunately, he said, he has a sitdown job. He works from home for Western Governor’s University, an online school, in the re-admissions department, helping students overcome roadblocks to finish their degrees.

His wife Mikaela is a stay-athome mom who homeschools their four biological children, ages 15, 13, 10 and 9. Josh said he likes to joke that they have two sets of Irish twins. They have fostered a total of five children. Mikaela’s family fostered children when she was growing up. Josh said he had aunts and uncles who were foster parents, and it was a mixed bag.

“It was really bad or really awesome, so I was hesitant at first,” he said. “But my wife convinced me that these kids need help. I got the impression that if I did foster care

I would have more empathy and I would be a better person in general. It’s definitely tough but it’s really rewarding too.”

Their past experiences with fostering haven’t always worked out the way they wanted, he said. They realized they weren’t equipped to handle some of the situations.

But fostering the baby, he said, has been really good for their kids.

“My daughter, especially, absolutely loves the baby. She’s like a little mom. The older boys are more than happy to help out, even with changing diapers,” he said.

Of course, having reliable transportation is important for the family.

The Corolla has about 30,000 miles on it. Josh Wooten hopes it will last as long as the Camry did.

“I really hope it lasts another 15 years,” he said. “It’s such a nice car. We definitely feel very blessed.”

“It was really bad or really awesome, so I was hesitant at first. But my wife convinced me that these kids need help. I got the impression that if I did foster care I would have more empathy and I would be a better person in general. It’s definitely tough but it’s really rewarding too.”

JOSH WOOTEN

Ocean Art Gallery to feature Palm Coast stained glass artist Pat Conway

The exhibit, ‘Glass, Lead, Design and Light,’ will open on Saturday, Sept. 7.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Ormond Beach’s Ocean Art Gallery’s next exhibit will open on Sept. 7 and it will feature unique stained glass artwork by a local Palm Coast artist.

Artist Pat Conway has been working with stained glass for over 20 years. Her new stained glass exhibit — “Glass, Lead, Design and Light” — showcases more than just the typical window or hanging art those unfamiliar with the medium might think of.

Instead, Conway has designed a series of stained glass pieces that can be moved or displayed on shelves.

There will be pieces that hang in windows and others that are suspended within classic frames designed for placement on tables, pedestals, and other flat surfaces within the home or office, according to a press release from the gallery.

Conway’s art will also be on display during Ormond’s Art Walk from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ocean Art Gallery owner Frank

Gromling said the gallery has been around for 12 years. Most of his featured artists, he said, have more than 20 years of experience. The artists work in a variety of mediums, he said: “We don’t just take a certain type of art.”

“Either my wife, Bibi or I will find an artist whose work is exquisite, it is truly representative of a form of art,”

Gromling said.

Conway’s work is classic and tre-

mendous, he said. Typically, stained glass art is placed in a window to get the true impact from the sun’s rays, he said, though that only lasts for a few hours a day. Being able to move the pieces around allows someone to place one of Conway’s pieces in ambient light.

“Ambient light in the area of the piece, makes the piece totally enjoyable,” he said.

Conway’s exhibit will have stained glass pieces featuring coastal Florida designs, plus several intricate dragon designs in honor of the current Year of the Dragon in the lunar calendar, the press release said.

“I love her work,” Gromling said.

“It’s extremely creative.”

Ocean Art Gallery is located at 197 E. Granada Blvd., at the intersection with State Road A1A.

Josh Wooten holds up the ceremonial big key from the National Auto Body Council and Geico. Courtesy photo

Artist Pat Conway with one of her stained glass pieces. Photo by Sierra Williams

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 5

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.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 6

BINGO NIGHT When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 Halifax Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join St. James Episcopal Church for a bingo night. $10 buys 10 game cards. Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for purchase.

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 8 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a showing of “50 First Dates,” rated PG-13. Movies are weathersensitive. Call 386-676-3216 for rainout information.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 7

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH

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

Where: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm

Coast Parkway Northwest, Palm Coast

Details: First Baptist Christian Academy Campus in Palm Coast is hosting a Back to School Bash at its new campus. Free and open to the public. There will be free food, music, bounce houses, face painting, a dunking booth, cornhole, prayer tent and more. School tours are available for those interested.

ORMOND ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond

Beach

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

ART OPENING RECEPTION FOR PATRICIA CONWAY

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond

Beach

Details: Attend this art opening reception for Palm Coast stained glass artist Patricia Conway. Meet the artist, listen to music, enjoy light refreshments and enjoy art. Call 386-317-9400 for more information. Her art will be on display from Sept. 7-30.

SECOND ANNUAL FOOD AND WINE CLASSIC

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast

Details: This event will feature over 75 wines from eight countries, restaurant and chef tastings, and live music. There will be 10 food stations with 30 different wine tents. Tickets cost $175 per person. Visit hammockbeach.com.

Sept. 11 marks the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. In Flagler County, several ceremonies will be hosted across the county that day, honoring the victims of the nation’s largest terrorist attack which killed nearly 3,000 people, including hundreds of first responders. Below are several ceremonies in Palm Coast and Flagler County held in honor of the anniversary.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 8

18TH ANNUAL 9/11

CASINO NIGHT

When: 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where: Italian American Club, 45 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club is inviting the community to a casino night, featuring music by Vange Durst, raffles and a silent auction. Tickets cost $85 and include appetizers, a raffle ticket and $5,000 in chips. Visit flaglerwomansclub.org.

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SUNDAY, SEPT. 8

18TH ANNUAL 9/11

MEMORIAL CEREMONY AND RIDE

See box on this page.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11

FOURTH ANNUAL 9/11

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE CLIMB

When: 7 a.m. to noon

See box on this page.

ELKS LODGE 9/11

CEREMONY

See box on this page.

ORMOND STRONG CEREMONY AND REMEMBRANCE WALK

See box on this page.

ORMOND AARP MEETING

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Remembering 9/11 through personal testimonies. An optional $5 light lunch to follow. For more information, call chapter president Jeff Boyle at 386-341-9013.

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Social Club of Palm Coast, 51 N Old Kings Road, Palm Coast

Details: This is a social club for retired and semiretired men and women who meet monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest, with other social events during the month. This month’s guest speaker is Anne Tracy, on “Body Language.” All welcome. It’s free and explore the benefits of joining Probus, a worldwide organization with 350,000 members in 4500 clubs. For more information, contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com.

• We are an Official Distributor for Many Government Mints

MEMORIAL CEREMONY AND RIDE When: 9 a.m. Where: Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell Details: The Knights of the Inferno Firefighters Motorcycle Club Palm Coast Chapter, The Punishers LE Motorcycle club Flagler Chapter and Flagler County Government Services are presenting the 18th annual 9/11 Memorial ride and ceremony. Free registration begins at 8:30 a.m. Ceremony will begin at 9:30 a.m. and the police escorted ride begins at 10:30 a.m. There will be free food and live music. For more information, contact Joe Vece at 386-931-3779 or visit memorialrun911.com.

WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 11

FOURTH ANNUAL 9/11

MEMORIAL TRIBUTE

CLIMB

When: 7 a.m. to noon

Where: Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast

The annual tribute stair climb — at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast — begins at 7:45 a.m. and goes until noon. It is hosted by the Flagler County Fire Rescue. Participants will climb 110 flights of stairs in remembrance of the firefighters who climbed the Twin Towers in New York City. Climbers will carry chips representing the 343 firefighters who died in the attacks up all 110 flights of stairs, according to a press release from the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb Inc.

This event is open to the public and it’s free to attend or participate in the stair climb.

Two helicopters will fly in as part of the ceremony and local dignitaries will speak. The Palm Coast Fire Department Honor Guard’s Pipe & Drums and the Flagler Palm Coast High School Jr. ROTC Color Guard will lead the ceremonial proceedings while Melanie DiMartino will sing the National Anthem. Amber Robinson, a middle school student from Flagler

CITIZENS FOR ORMOND BEACH PROGRAM

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Citizens for Ormond Beach is hosting the League of Women Voters who will explain the amendments on the November election ballot. For more information, email billdenny105@gmail.com.

9/11 CANDLELIGHT

MEMORIAL SERVICE

See box on this page.

present a program titled, “Adding Social History to Your Family History.” This presentation will teach how to research social history and how it helps us understand how ancestor’s lives were affected by events of their times. Free guest registration.

‘THANK YOU AND HELLO’ RECEPTION

When: 4:30-6 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: The Ormond Beach Lions Club is inviting the community to its reception for supporters and prospective members. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, call 386-310-4834.

Schools, will deliver a heartfelt speech on what 9/11 means to her, the press release said.

ELKS LODGE 9/11

CEREMONY When: 8 a.m.

Where: Elks Lodge 2709, 53 Old Kings Road

Details: The Elks Lodge 2709 is holding its annual 9/11 ceremony, to be held at the lodge’s outdoor 9/11 memorial. The ceremony will consist of a parade, dignitary speeches and a wreath laying ceremony. The general public is invited to have coffee and donuts prior to the ceremony. The Wednesday buffet will also be made available to the public after the ceremony for the price of $15 per person.

ORMOND STRONG CEREMONY AND REMEMBRANCE WALK

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Granada Bridge, Ormond Beach Details: Join Ormond Strong for a 9/11 memorial ceremony and remembrance walk, to take place underneath the Granada Bridge between Cassen Park and Bailey Riverbridge Gardens, across from City Hall. Free event. U.S. Flags and first responder flags will be provided. Call 386-566-3685 or email ormondstrong@gmail.com.

9/11 CANDLELIGHT

MEMORIAL SERVICE

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Details: Join the Palm Coast Fire Department for a Candlelight Memorial honoring the 23rd anniversary of 9/11. The event will feature remarks from Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill and Mayor David Alfin, with a performance by the Choral Arts Society. Seating is limited. For more information, contact Lt. Patrick Juliano at pjuliano@palmcoastgov. com.

Details: Join The Casements Guild for an evening starring Dianne Jacoby, who will bring to life the stories of Henry Flagler’s wife. Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Tickets cost $20 per person, and include two drink tickets, appetizers and dessert. Contact The Casements at 386-676-3216.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

LET’S BOOGIE ‘70S DISCO PARTY When: 6:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Lanes, 11 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MEETING

When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Miles Meyer will

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

THE CASEMENTS GUILD

PRESENTS: ‘THE THREE MRS. FLAGLERS’ When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Flagler County residents Mark and Theresa Mistie are joining forces with the Live Like Cameron Children’s Cancer Foundation to host the first Let’s Boogie “For a Cure” ‘70s Disco Party. Attend a night of bowling, dancing and fun. Dress in your favorite decade’s attire and enjoy DJ Copperhead playing the classic hits. There will also be raffle giveaways.

Non Sequitur

Nancy

The Duplex

In the Bleachers

Cornered Ziggy

The Fusco Brothers

Mother Goose and Grimm

SPORTS

MOVING ON

Short-term memory helps Matanzas to road football win

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As people get older they tend to forget more. As football players mature, they should forget more. Not the playbook or fundamentals. But the last play, good or bad, should not dwell in their minds to the point of affecting the next play.

The young Matanzas Pirates were able to get over their mistakes and focus on the next snap, and that was the difference, coach Matt Forrest said, in their 28-0 victory against Atlantic on Friday, Aug. 30, at the Sharks’ stadium.

`Mistakes were plentiful by both teams with penalty flags flying all

night, but the Pirates made enough plays on offense and defense to even their record at 1-1 after a seasonopening loss to Bishop Kenny.

“They are a good football team,” Forrest said of the Sharks. “They gave us everything we wanted and more. I think our ability to have a short-term memory is what really helped us out. If we missed a block or missed a tackle or a call didn’t go our way, we put it in the rear-view mirror fairly quickly, and that’s what we did not do last week in my opinion. So, to see the growth from that was really good to see.”

Junior quarterback Caden Burchfield threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in just his second

THIS WEEK

Mainland at FPC

When: friday, 7 p.M.

Records: mainland 0-2, flagler palm coast 1-0

Radio/stream: listen — wznf 94.9 Fm; flaglerbroadcasting. Com; flagler radio app. Watch — flagler radio youtube channel; wnzf facebook page.

Saturday: Rich and Mike show, 7:30 a.m. WNZF. Podcast on website and app.

Deltona at Matanzas

When: Friday, 7 p.M.

Records: Deltona 1-0, Matanzas 1-1

Etc.: Deltona’s opener against crescent on Aug. 23 was postponed until Sept. 23 Because of severe weather. The wolves defeated Palm Bay Bayside 49-13 on Aug. 30. (Bayside beat Atlantic 44-22 on Aug. 23).

4-yard touchdown pass from Burchfield with 3:56 left in the game.

Atlantic coach Tombe Thomas was ejected with 6:45 left in the second quarter after getting flagged with two unsportsmanlike penalties.

Three consecutive dead-ball penalties in all put the Sharks back 45 yards following their touchdown run that was negated by holding.

The Sharks got the ball back after Javonte Kennedy intercepted a Burchfield pass. But the Pirates’ defense held Atlantic on a thirdand-1 from the Matanzas 13-yard line, and a 30-yard field goal attempt was short.

“I think Atlantic did really well in that first half. We had four possessions. We were able to get two touchdowns,” Forrest said. “They chewed up some clock and moved the football. That’s just a great job of executing their game plan and keeping our offense off the field.”

Beginning in the second quarter, the Pirates began to flip the script, running and throwing more screen passes to control the football.

“Our guys went out and execut-

ed, made first downs,” Forrest said. “Nothing flashy, nothing real over the top. We took our shots when we could.”

Burchfield said he felt more confident than he did in his first start.

“It was definitely a lot better, a lot more energy and a lot more confident as well,” he said. “It’s cool to throw the ball to those guys and watch them go make a play, whether its 2 yards or 10 yards or a touchdown.”

Linebacker Braden Russell and defensive lineman Jackson Saterfield said the coaches prepared the defense well. The result was the Pirates’ third defensive shutout in their last seven games dating back to last season.

“We forgot about all the mistakes and moved on to the next play every time,” Saterfield said. “We just went out there and did what we had to do and got the job done.”

Hayden Hayes accounts for six touchdowns in Flagler Palm Coast’s season-opening win

Flagler Palm Coast won its seasonopening football game 56-15 at Lake Howell on Friday, Aug. 30.

FPC quarterback Hayden Hayes, playing in his first regular-season game for the Bulldogs, passed for four touchdowns and ran for two more. According WNZF Radio stats, Hayes completed 16 of 20 passes for 324 yards. Marcus Mitchell ran for 115 yards on 18 carries with a long run of 15 yards.

Sophomore Braylyn Simmons also had a big game. Simmons scored three touchdowns on catches of 80 and 11 yards and a 31-yard run. He ran for 69 yards on just four carries. Tight end Roman Caliendo also had a touchdown reception and caught four passes for 92 yards. Defensive end Colby Cronk had one sack. The Bulldogs will host Mainland on Friday, Sept. 6. The Buccaneers are coming off a 51-0 loss to Cocoa on Aug. 30.

“I think our ability to have a short-term memory is what really helped us out. If we missed a block or missed a tackle or a call didn’t go our way, we put it in the rear-view mirror fairly quickly, and that’s what we did not do last week in my opinion. So, to see the growth from that was really good to see.”

MATT FORREST, coach

Matanzas sophomore running back Wiley Connor charges through a pair of Atlantic defenders. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Jordan Schendorf (12) caught a fourth-down touchdown pass with seven seconds left in the first half.

Former Seabreeze players on TV

Seabreeze graduates Latrae Bass and James Lyons were on the field for Johnson C. Smith in the Golden Bulls’ 21-13 win over Tuskegee in the Boeing Red Tails Classic on Sept. 1 in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game was televised by ESPNU. Lyons is a long snapper who trains with Dan Lundy’s 4th Down University. Bass, a cornerback, had a pass breakup in the game.

Father Lopez swimmers sweep

Father Lopez’s swim teams swept Trinity Prep and The Master’s Academy on Aug. 29. The Lopez boys improved to 3-0, while the Lopez girls improved to 2-1.

Ryan Herdel won the 50 and 100 over both teams. Matt Alvarez won the 200 IM and 100 breaststroke against Trinity. Nelanee Fulton, Zoee Fulton, Maya Khanna and Evie Kate Carnathan led the Green Wave girls.

‘Community’ football team

Thursday night lights at Matanzas High School during football season usually mean a JV game is going on. But on Thursday, Aug. 29, the players on the field were middle school students.

A team representing the First Baptist Christian Academy Crusaders of Palm Coast, but including players from four Flagler Count schools, has joined the St. Johns County Middle School Athletic Association football league.

The Crusaders played their first game on Aug. 29 against Landrum Middle School of Ponte Vedra Beach. Landrum won the game 7-0.

“We took one on the chin,” Crusaders head coach Dell Arneaud said.

“We saw some positives. We’ll work on the negatives.”

The Crusaders are home again Thursday, Sept. 5, against Pacetti Bay of St. Augustine. The rest of their games are on the road.

Arneaud, whose children attend FBCA, has coached a Flagler Titans Pop Warner team the past couple of years, and he had helped coach First Baptist Christian middle school and varsity teams when FBCA played eight-man football.

“We’ve been trying to start an 11-man team for a couple of years. We know we don’t have a lot of high school kids, so our plan was to start with a middle school team. We found out about the league in St. Johns and they welcomed us,” he said.

Most of the players on the team are students at Buddy Taylor and Indian Trails middle schools with the rest from FBCA and Imagine School at Town Center. Many of the players played for Arneaud with the Titans.

“Coach Dell has a lot of good connections in the community,” FBCA athletic director Caleb Young said. “So he was trying to find some good character people to represent us.”

The team fills a gap in the football community.

“Middle School football is a direct replica of high school football,” said Matanzas head coach Matt Forrest, who watched the Crusaders’ first game. “It’s good to have a middle school team representing our town.”

Forrest said that unlike Pop Warner, there are no weight limits for middle school players. The games are at night, like high school games, and the players travel together on a bus to road games.

The players’ jerseys say Crusaders across the front and have their last names on the back, but Arneaud calls it a community team.

“This is preparation for high school football here,” Arneaud said. “Pop Warner was great. It served its purpose, but middle school football is what I’m used to being from Jacksonville. The majority of the team are eighth graders so they’ll be playing at one of these two high schools in a year.”

Young said the team is basically a club team which FBCA is sponsoring. He’d like to see it grow and become more representative of First Baptist Christian Academy.

“We thought, let’s try to put together a team. Our enrollment and interest for tackle football isn’t that big yet. So we wanted to put out a product to say, hey we’re serious about it, and then hopefully get more of our academy kids out there representing us,” Young said.

Kopec wins two national surfing titles

Braeden Kopec won two titles at the NSSA National Surfing Championships in Huntington Beach Beach, California, earlier this summer. That brought his total number of championship wins to 22.

Prior to that he was one of four surfers to represent Flagler Palm Coast High School at the National Scholastic Surfing Association’s national championships at Salt Creek Beach Park in Dana Point, California. As team captain, he helped his team place third out of 14 high school teams.

But just a few months ago, Kopec’s participation in national events seemd unlikely. After surfing two tournaments on consecutive weekends in February with increasing pain in his knee, an MRI revealed a torn ACL.

Foregoing surgery, he underwent a daily regimen of physical therapy strength training over two and half months and was able to strengthen the leg to the point when his orthopedic surgeon cleared him to surf again.

After a grueling stretch in California, he spent three weeks surfing and training in South Africa. Last month, he began his college career at Stetson University, which happens to be just 40

minutes from the waves.

FPC golfers top

Matanzas

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys and girls golf teams defeated rival Matanzas on Aug. 28. At Palm Harbor Golf Club, the FPC boys won 184-194 with Bulldogs Caleb Zarraonandia (42) and Drew Curley (43) leading the way. Trevor Challice (39) and Jacob Roster (46) led Matanzas. At Cypress Knoll, FPC’s girls defeated the Pirates 210218. Freshman Ivey Tsouklaris led the Bulldogs with a 44, but Matanzas senior Zoe Alred took medalist honors with a 43.

Baldwin leads Seabreeze to win

At Rivieria Country Club in Ormond Beach on Aug. 29, Isaac Baldwin shot 37 to lead Seabreeze to a 166-172 victory over Matanzas. The Sandcrabs’ other scorers were Austin Upchurch (43), Sam Garewal (43) and Shaan Garewal (44). Trevor Challice shot 39 for the Pirates, wile Jacob Roster shot a 41 and Gianni Cerbone carded a 44. Vogel 8th at DeLand XC meet Matanzas’ Blaine Vogel placed eighth with a time of 17:41.15 at the DeLand Cross Country Invitational on Aug. 31. Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler (18:20.65) placed 14th and Matanzas freshman Enzo McGovern (18:41.01) was 19th. The Pirates placed sixth, while Seabreeze was ninth among 20 teams.

Matanzas placed fifth in the girls race with Maria Phillips (22:14.98), Sara Van Buren (22:17.27) and Megan Rhee (22:18.52) fnishing together in 15th, 16th and 17th places.

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BACK TO SCHOOL by Adam Levav, edited by Jeff Chen

By Luis Campos

Angel Bass-Gutierrez, coach Dell Arneaud, Gabe Gibson and Mari Arneaud of the Crusaders’ middle school football team.. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Braeden Kopec. Courtesy photo

All in

New coach, new culture for Flagler Palm Coast volleyball team.

Flagler Palm Coast’s volleyball team has a new slogan this season: “All in.”

“We’re all in on a new team, all in on a new coach and all in

on a new program,” explained junior Faith Dailey. With Lindsey Stewart taking over as head coach, the Bulldogs have opened the season with a 3-1 record. All of their victories have been three-game sweeps. The only blemish on their record is a 3-0 loss at Matanzas on Aug. 28. The Pirates are one of the toughest teams on the Bulldogs’ schedule this year, and even in the 25-15, 25-11, 25-17 sweep, they can see their progress.

“Matanzas is a great team,” Stewart said. “And you know what? So are we. I’m really proud of the girls. I think we fought as hard as we could.”

The Bulldogs bounced back from the loss to sweep Seabreeze on the road the next night, 25-19. 25-18, 25-17.

This is Stewart’s first high school coaching job. She is

SIDELINES

Matanzas cheerleaders named UCA AllAmericans

Nine Matanzas cheerleaders have been named Universal Cheerleaders Association AllAmericans.

Jamielynn Rhinehart, Carina Brito, Giavana Vitale, Chloe Skoglund, Bianca Diez, Aubrei Sleep, Kenzie Lippke, Joslynn Ruiz and Ella Koehler all qualified for the All-American Team

FPC’s third coach in the past four years. She played volleyball at Lee University and Bryan College, both in Tennessee, and played on the beach volleyball team at Webber International University while working toward her master’s degree.

She coached high-level club volleyball but had not coached since 2019.

“It’s been a while. I had a not-so-great experience with one of the clubs,” she said. “It kind of shot down my view of coaching at the time.”

But her desire to coach again gradually returned. In the summer, Stewart applied for a teaching job and also for an assistant coaching position at FPC. At the time, the school had advertised for a new head coach as well as for an assistant.

She was hired as a social studies teacher, but instead of giving her an assistant coaching job, the hiring committee decided she was the best choice to be the team’s new head coach.

“We met with Lindsey twice and her energy and passion and attention for detail really stood out,” FPC athletic director Scott Drabczyk said. “And she’s jumped in feet first and has been awesome. She focuses on team culture and morale. She’s a future star in the coaching profession. We’re unbelievably excited about her being part of our staff.”

The players say Stewart’s practices are more intense than what they have been used to, and it’s making a difference.

“She really pushes us reach our potential,” senior Dyllis Mballesube said. “She keeps high standards for us. She makes practices harder, so that makes games easier. We’re going to be good. I know we’re going to be good.”

Stewart said they already are.

“This team has improved tenfold since last year,” Stewart said. “I’m just so proud of everyone. It’s a totally different team, a whole new culture. And they played great (against Matanzas) in my opinion.

Matanzas coach Dawn Moses said the Bulldogs’ improvement under Stewart is obvious.

“She is doing a good job,” Moses said. “We’re going to attempt to work together and run some camps and clinics here in Flagler for all our kids. Having good coaches in Flagler is needed. So it’ll be good to have her in there.”

The Bulldgos weren’t disappointed in the loss to the Pirates. They can see the big picture.

“I thought we played really well, especially since we were trying new things,” Dailey said. “This wasn’t a loss. It was a learn. So I think we’re just going to keep expanding throughout the season. We’re going to get better and we’ll come out and shine.”

Level up

Matanzas volleyball team ramps up schedule in effort to reach the postseason.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Matanzas volleyball team had its best season in school history last year, winning 21 of 27 games. But the Pirates didn’t make the playoffs.

Trying to take the next step in program history, coach Dawn Moses improved the team’s strength of schedule by several notches.

After sweeping county rival Flagler Palm Coast on Aug. 28, the Pirates played six games in two days Aug. 30-31 at the Nike Tournament of Champions Southeast at the Alachua County Sports and Events Center in Gainesville.

The tourney featured some of the top teams in several states including Alabama, Georgia, Texas and Florida. The Pirates finished 2-4 in the tournament to drop their overall record to 4-5.

“I would have been thrilled to come out 3-3,” Moses said. “Some of the teams were great. We didn’t get blown out. We played some good volleyball. It’s good for the kids to see we’re capable of playing at a different level. We have about five kids who have played this level. For the younger ones and the kids who don’t play club ball, it was a different learning experience, a faster paced game.”

The schedule doesn’t get much easier. Matanzas hosts Gainesville, the ninth-ranked team in Class 5A, on Sept. 10. Tocoi Creek, ranked 17th in Class 6A, visits on Sept. 24. And they meet New Smyrna Beach, ranked seventh in Class 5A, on Sept. 25 at DME

Academy in Daytona Beach.

“You have to see that level to play on that level,” Moses said.

“The kids have to be ready to play every night and play the whole match.”

The Pirates hope the tougher schedule will prepare them for their district tournament at the end of the season. Their district is tougher than ever with three of their opponents (Oviedo, East River and Lake Howell) ranked among the top 12 in Class 6A.

Matanzas is ranked 41st in 6A. The Pirates did get a strong win with a 2-1 victory over No. 30 Gainesville Buchholz in the Nike tournament.

“Middle’s definitely a position of energy. ... I’m just trying to continue that energy in every match and every game.”

ASHLEY SAMPSELLE, Matanzas middle hitter

Junior Rylan Miller, who is one of the top liberos in the nation and has already committed to the University of Georgia, said the Pirates have a lot of new players this year and they are still learning how to play together.

“We’ve gotten a lot better with the time we’ve spent together,” Miller said after the FPC match. “We’re working on hitter-setter connections, and back row defense and where we’re supposed to be and just building relationships on the court but off the court too.”

Moses said senior middle blocker Ashley Sampselle had the best match of her career against the Bulldogs with five kills and three of the team’s five blocks.

“It was nice to see her come out and have good timing on her blocks and be ready to attack,” Moses said. Sampselle said she was happy to finish her career against the Bulldogs without a loss. Matanzas has now won nine straight against FPC dating back to 2019.

“Obviously, it’s always great to beat a rival and to do it in a clean sweep is just the cherry on top,” Sampselle said. “Middle’s definitely a position of energy. So just playing somebody that you get really fired up for definitely helps. I’m just trying to continue that energy in every match and every game.”

at a UCA camp this summer and have the opportunity to perform in a special event.

Four other Matanzas cheerleaders were named JV All-Americans: Madison Laureno, Gracie Simonsen, Riley Marsden and Stella Johnson.

The varsity and JV AllAmericans are planning to participate in the Varsity Spirit Spectacular on Nov. 2225 at Disney World. They will have a booth set up at Palm Coast’s Town Center Concert

Series 6-8 p.m. Sept. 26 to raise money for their trip. Lippke will perform “flips for tips” at the booth.

Cheerleaders at the UCA camps who are nominated can try out for All-American recognition. Those who qualify are recognized in the awards ceremony on the last day of camp and receive an All-American Team certificate and patch.

Sportfishing Club donates to Pirates’ club

Matanzas High’s Pirate Bounty Fishing Club got a boost from the Flagler Sportfishing

Club’s kids4reel program. The FSC donated 40 new rods and reels and $750 to the high school club on Aug. 29.

The Flagler Sportfishing Club’s Deb Marinco, Jeff Murphy and Danny Carter presented the donations to Matanzas Principal Kristin Bozeman, teacher Kim Hall and students from the Pirate Bounty Fishing Club.

Captain Dru Williams of Crescent Watersports was also in attendance and offered to provide fishing charters to selected students during the

academic year. FSC representatives said it will continue to provide opportunities for Matanzas students to obtain service hours, participate in local fishing events and learn fishing tips and tricks. The purpose of the Pirate Bounty Fishing Club, Hall said, “is to give every student the opportunity to get outside and have fun fishing, while stressing the importance of conservation, regulations and ethical fishing practices.”

Matanzas UCA Varsity All-Americans Jamielynn Rhinehart, Carina Brito, Giavana Vitale, Chloe Skoglund, Bianca Diez, Aubrei Sleep, Kenzie Lippke, Joslynn Ruiz and Ella Koehler. Photo by Brent Woronoff

The Flagler Sportfishing Club awarded Matanzas High’s Pirate Bounty Fishing Club with 40 new rods and reels and $750 for club expenses. Courtesy photo

FPC outside hitter Marina Carlisi (8) goes up for a hit. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas players celebrate during their match with FPC.

Analise Smith serves for the Pirates. Photos by Brent Woronoff

NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, Defendants. TO: MARY STINSON, 262 MCLENDON ROAD, GRADY, AL 36036 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose to the following properties in Flagler County, Florida: LOT 9, BLOCK 9, PALM COAST, MAP OF FLORIDA PARK, SECTION 1, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE(S) 90, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, PAGE 528, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Property Address: 24 Felter Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32137 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sokolof Remtulla, LLP, the plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 100E, Greenacres, FL 33467, on or before 30 days after first publication, 2024, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED on 8/19/2024. TOM W. BEXLEY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Margarita Ruiz DEPUTY CLERK SOKOLOF REMTULLA, PLLC 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 100E Greenacres, FL 33467 Telephone: 561-507-5252 Facsimile: 561-342-4842

E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com Counsel for Plaintiff September 5, 12, 2024 24-00216G

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of: PEDIATRICA OF PALM COAST (Name of Company) Located at 180 PINNACLES DR, STE 100 (Addresses of Business)

In the City of PALM COAST (Name of City) FLAGLER County 32164 (name of county) (zip code)

Intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 23RD day of AUGUST, 2024. PEDIATRICA HEALTH OF FLORIDA, LLC (Print owner’s name or name of corporation) September 5, 2024 24-00217G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2024 CP 000564 DIVISION: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF RICHARD MICHAEL HARVEY, Deceased. The administration of the Estate of Richard Michael Harvey, deceased, whose date of death was September 15, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1, 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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 September 5, 2024.

Personal Representative: Katherine Marie Harvey c/o: Bennett Jacobs & Adams, P.A Post Office Box 3300 Tampa, Florida 33601

Attorney for Personal Representative: Linda Muralt, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 0031129 Bennett Jacobs & Adams, P.A. Post Office Box 3300 Tampa, Florida 33601 Telephone: (813) 272-1400 Facsimile: (866) 844-4703 E-mail: LMuralt@bja-law.com September 5, 12, 2024 24-00218G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 2024 CP 518 Division: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF DENNIS KEITH LIBERTY Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Dennis Keith Liberty, whose date of death was October 7, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E Moody Blvd, Bldg 1, 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 WITHIN 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 SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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 September 5, 2024

Personal Representative: Michelle Dawn Meade Attorney for Personal Representative: Jason R. Mosley Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No.: 386650 6706 Plantation Rd., Suite C, Pensacola, FL 32504 Telephone: (850) 696-1196 jmosley@mosleyestatelaw.com September 5, 12, 2024 24-00219G

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE NO.: 2022 CA 000641 JON CHISHOLM, Plaintiff, vs. PALM COAST ONE GROUP, LLC, Defendant(s ). Notice is given that pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure for Plaintiff dated July 29, 2024, filed in Case No. 2022 CA 000641, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida. The Clerk of this Court, Laura E. Roth or her successor, shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www.flagler.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m. on September 20, 2024, the followingdescribed property as set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure, to wit: Lot 1, Seminole Pointe, according to the plat thereof recorded in Map Book 35, Pages 69 and 70, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS, MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administrator in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administrator, Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110 (386) 2576096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Signed this 3 day of September, 2024. /s/ James Skow James Skow Attorney for Plaintiff 139 Executive Circle Suite 103 Daytona Beach FL 32114 (386) 310-4894 jskow@skowlaw.com FL Bar No. 113190 September 5, 12, 2024 24-00220G

The Board of Supervisors of the Seminole Palms Community Development District will hold their regular meetings for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 at 55 Town Center Blvd, Palm Coast, FL 32164, at 11:00 a.m. unless otherwise indicated as follows: October 28, 2024 November 25, 2024 December 23, 2024 January 27, 2025 February 24, 2025 March 24, 2025 April 28, 2025 May 19, 2025 June 23, 2025 July 28, 2025 August 25, 2025 September 22, 2025

The meetings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provision of Florida Law for Community Development Districts. The meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the meeting. A copy of the agenda for these meetings may be obtained from 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Florida 32746 or by calling (321) 263-0132 X-193. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors or staff will participate by telephone. Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (321) 263-0132 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office.

A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA FAMILY LAW DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024-DR-000210

DIVISION: CIRCUIT FAMILY DIV 47 IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: MALLORY BETH BARKER, Petitioner/Wife, and DARYL JOSEPH BARKER, Respondent/Husband. YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Dissolution of Marriage with Children has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Jennifer A. McGee, Esq., Petitioner’s attorney, whose address is 6 Meridian Home Lane, Suite 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137, on or before 10 days after last posting*, and file the original with the

to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (877) 276-0889 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office.

A person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

District Manager Sep. 5 24-00362F

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2024-CA-0159 Division: 49 JOEL FALLON, Plaintiff, v. ROBERT G. FITZHUGH, ROBIN L. IFITZHUGH, JOSHUA ROSA, TABITHA ROSA, CITY OF

COAST, and HORACE SMITH, JR., P.A. Defendants. TO: TABITHA ROSA & JOSHUA ROSA YOU

Jennifer Damewood #084, Rose Ferguson #207 and Rachel Smith #069 & 088 Bidding: All bidding will take place online at www.storagetreasures.com Aug. 29, Sep. 5 24-00343F

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF