Controversial School Board member had 26 months left in her term. PAGE 3A
Flagler Beach residents respond to Veranda Bay
Annexation discussion continues for ‘city within a city.’ PAGE 4A
ECGs to be required
School Board heeds impassioned plea of parents to test athletes. PAGE 5A
‘This isn’t an eight to five issue. This is a 24/7 issue, and to only increase [code enforcement] by one person, is not realistic,’ C Section resident said.
Palm Coast residents have formed a coalition to help push for better management of vacation rentals that have become their live-in nightmare. “Because they’re not managing it well, we are having to do the management,” member Quin Cressey said. “We are having the stress.” The Canal Community Coalition started in the C Section but has now grown to be close to 100 members strong. All of the members have at least one short-term vacation rental near their home. Roger Cressey, Quin Cressey’s husband, said they moved to Palm Coast for paradise, like many others in their organization.
“We’ve invested in paradise down here and found that paradise has got some problems,” Roger Cressey said. And it isn’t just during the summer or spring break — it’s all-year-round, Cressey said, with no set “peak” time. Neighbors have to deal with loud noises at all hours, every day of the week, trash sitting
and Nicholas DiGuglielmo. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Vacation renters often bring multiple vehicles with trailers or boats attached, taking up the streets’ limited parking. Courtesy of the Canal Community Coalition
CITY WATCH
Graham Swamp Boardwalk temporarily closed for repairs
The Graham Swamp Boardwalk has temporarily closed for essential repairs. The boardwalk closed on Sept. 23 and will reopen Oct. 4. The closure will affect the section connecting Colbert Lane to the Oak Trails neighborhood, a city press release said. The repairs will focus on a 20-foot section of the boardwalk that has deteriorated and requires immediate attention to ensure the safety and longevity of the trail, the press release said. Crews will replace the damaged portion with stronger, more durable materials built to withstand weather conditions over time. While the closure is scheduled for two weeks, officials are optimistic that the work may be completed sooner, weather permitting, the press release said. Residents are encouraged to use alternative walking and biking routes while the boardwalk is closed, and those routes can be found online at www.palmcoast. gov/parks-and-recreation/ facilities.
Lowe files injunction to stop charter vote
Former Palm Coast Mayor candidate
Alan Lowe has filed an injunction in the Flagler County court system to remove the Palm Coast Charter Amendment from the Nov. 5 ballot.
The lawsuit was filed on Sept. 20.
The injunction lists the city of Palm Coast and Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart as the defendants.
Lowe has contracted with attorneys Douglas Burnett, from the St. Johns Law Group, and Jay Livingston, from Livingston & Sword P.A.
Lowe was one of five candidates in the 2024 Palm Coast mayor race but lost in the primary election with 13% of the vote.
Lowe’s lawsuit is seeking both declaratory and injunctive relief, Livingston told the Observer
The injunctive request is to remove the Charter Amendment from the Nov. 5 ballot. Because of the time constraints, he said, that may not be possible, so the lawsuit also asks results for that item not be tabulated.
The declaratory relief seeks for the judge — the case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Christopher France — to review the ballot summary and declare that it does not sufficiently explain the purpose of the amendment, according to state law requirements.
“The goal [of the lawsuit] is just to make sure the voters have a clear understanding,” Livingston said.
In a statement texted to the Observer on Sept. 23, Lowe wrote the filed complaint “speaks for itself.”
The proposed charter amendment on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot “makes vague reference to removing provisions from the City Charter” limiting the city’s spending power without explaining what those limitations are, he wrote.
This is misleading and confusing, Lowe wrote.
The Charter Amendment is to remove Article VI section (3)(e) of the Palm Coast City Charter. That section outlines limitations on the city’s borrowing power, specifically limiting the city to only borrowing up to $15 million at a time and prohibiting it from entering a leasepayment contract that is longer than 36 months.
nate the referendum and the [financial] caps,” Livingston said. “That’s the effect.”
Livingston said he happened to be present at the June council meeting when the ballot amendment was discussed, and he had “an issue with this before I had a client.”
“If you had asked me at the end of the discussion what they were talking about, I would have gotten it completely wrong,” Livingston said.
He said until he went home and looked up the charter section discussed at the June meeting, he thought the proposal was to amend the city’s purchasing powers in an emergency situation.
The lawsuit also seeks to prohibit Palm Coast from submitting this specific Charter Amendment on any future Palm Coast election ballots, according to court documents.
As far as the Nov. 5 ballot goes, Lenhart told the Observer over email that the ballots for overseas citizens and military service officers were sent out on Sept. 20, the date the injunction was filed.
“The election will continue as planned unless the charter amendment is removed by court order, or majority vote by the City Council,” Lenhart wrote.
Palm Coast City
Council meeting canceled due to council members’ illness
For the second time within a week, a Palm Coast City Council meeting was canceled because three city council members were ill.
A Sept. 23 press release from the city announced the cancellation of the Sept. 24 workshop. On Sept. 19, the council also had to cancel its final budget hearing. The Palm Coast City Council needs a quorum, or majority, of council members to be physically present for a meeting to be valid, according to the city charter. With a five-person council, a majority constitutes as three of the five members. Council members Theresa Carli Pontieri and Nick Klufas, and Mayor David Alfin are out sick, according to an email from Shannon Martin, Palm Coast communications and marketing manager.
If the city wanted to enter into agreements greater than or for longer terms than those outlined in (3)(e), it would require the approval of Palm Coast residents via a referendum.
Removing section (3)(e) would allow the city, with City Council approval, to increase its borrowing power and extend the amount of time the city can be in a lease agreement, without a referendum.
Livingston said the purpose of the amendment is to remove the referendum requirement outlined in the charter. Yet, he said, the ballot summary does not mention that or the other limitations outlined in section (3)(e).
Nothing in the ballot summary, he said, is mentioned in the charter section being removed. The amendment would drastically change the council’s fiscal powers and the power of the voters if it passed, he said.
“I think is very clear that the chief intent of this amendment is to elimi-
The Palm Coast City Council first approved placing an amendment to remove the (3)(e) section on the November ballot at a June council meeting. Council members Ed Danko and Theresa Carli Pontieri requested the language be changed to be clearer after the first reading of the amendment. Staff made changes to the language, and the ballot language was approved by the council.
Then in August, and again at the Sept. 3 council meeting, Danko motioned to remove the amendment from the ballot. He said at the time that he changed his mind and has repeatedly called the language in the amendment “deceptive and fraudulent.”
Danko’s first motion died without a second, but the second motion tied in a 2-2 vote, with Pontieri voting with Danko to remove the amendment from the ballot. Motions need a majority vote, not just a tie, to pass.
The Sept. 24 meeting was a workshop where four topics were to be presented and discussed: the applicants for the City Council District 4 seat, the pending ordinance for short-term vacation rentals, a work order to create a traffic calming plan for residential areas and an update on expanding parking at the Palm Coast Community Center. The items that were to be presented on Sept. 24 will instead be addressed at October City Council meetings.
The Palm Coast City Council does have a legal requirement to fill the District 4 seat within 90 days of former council member Cathy Heighter’s resignation. That gives the council until mid-November to find a replacement.
Alan Lowe filed the injunction, with the help of attorney Jay Livingston. “I think is very clear that the chief intent of this amendment is to eliminate the referendum and the [financial] caps,” Livingston said. “That’s the effect.” File photo
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler County School Board member Sally Hunt resigns her seat
Gov. DeSantis is tasked by state statute to appoint a replacement, a process that could take some time.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Sally Hunt has resigned from the Flagler County School Board. Hunt emailed a letter of resignation to Board Chair Will Furry at 1:35 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, and copied Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore, Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart and the School Board’s interim attorney David DeLaney.
Hunt also included a copy to the Observer. “I am writing to formally submit my resignation from the position of Flagler County School Board Member, District 1, effective immediately,” she wrote to Furry.
Hunt has long said her family planned to move out of the district and she would resign before her term runs out in 2026. At a June 4 board workshop she was more specific, saying she would resign before this November’s election.
According to Florida statute 114.04, Gov. Ron DeSantis is tasked with appointing a replacement for Hunt to finish her term which has almost 26 months remaining. The statute states that the governor shall fill by appointment any vacancy of an elected official other than state legislators if there is less than 28 months remaining in the term.
Hunt wrote in a text to the Observer that she “won’t have any additional comments beyond my resignation letter.”
Furry said he reached out to Hunt after reading the resignation letter.
“I thanked her for her efforts over the last two years and wished her the best in her future endeavors,” he said. Hunt reportedly is moving to Georgia. But she did not cite her move as the reason for her resignation. In her letter, she wrote: “While I have been disheartened by and departing because of the manipulation of truth and the lies that continue to be shared and accepted regarding targeted Board members and the District as a whole, I am so proud of
what the Board has accomplished in just under two years.”
Furry and board member Colleen Conklin said it could take some time
before the governor names a replacement. Osceola County had a vacancy on its School Board from November, 2023, until July, 2024, before DeSantis appointed a replacement.
“Potentially it could take time,” Furry said. “Our hope is that it could be resolved sooner rather than lat-
er. It’s problematic to have a fourmember board when it’s designed to be five, but there’s no guarantee on the timeline.”
Furry said he will be reaching out to the governor’s office and to Lenhart for more information. Conklin said the process could taker over a year.
“I think the timing is good,” Furry said of Hunt’s resignation, “as we’re coming to install a new board. It gives us clarity of what our new board is going to look like after November, and we can start pushing the governor’s office for a new appointment.”
Lauren Ramirez and Janie Ruddy won their elections to the board in the August primary election and will be sworn in at the Nov. 19 School Board meeting, replacing Cheryl Massaro and Conklin, who is stepping down after serving on the board for 24 years.
Conklin was at Flagler Palm Coast High School’s homecoming pep
Hunt was deciding vote on most controversial decisions over two years
Sally Hunt’s abbreviated term on the Flagler County School Board has seen its share of controversy. She has also provided the key vote in the board’s major and most controversial decisions during the past two years.
Hunt resigned her seat on Sept. 20 in an email to Board Chair Will Furry.
Hunt defeated Jill Woolbright for the District 1 seat in 2022. She was expected to align with Colleen Conklin and Cheryl Massaro on disputed issues. And on her first day on the board on Nov. 22, 2022, she did just that, voting with Conklin and Massaro to make Conklin the board’s vice chair over fellow board newcomer Furry, who was supported by the third new board member, Christy Chong. However, one year later, Hunt voted with Furry and Chong to elect Furry as board chair. Hunt was the deciding vote to not extend former Superintendent Cathy Mittlestadt’s contract and to fire longtime board attorney Kristy Gavin. She joined Furry and Chong
to form both majorities.
She also voted with Furry and Chong earlier this year to close the Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club’s pool and gym memberships and reserve the pool for students.
But she voted with Conklin and Massaro to defeat a resolution to adopt a guardian program for the purpose of stopping a possible active assailant. The program would have allowed trained school employees to carry a concealed weapon on school campuses.
Hunt said she was in favor of a guardian program in some form but was not comfortable with the concealed carry option “where our staff, our parents and our students walk around campus not knowing who has a deadly weapon with them. I find that very unsettling. I think a lot of people find that very unsettling.”
She also sided with Conklin and Massaro in her final vote as a School Board member to require an electrocardiogram screening for student athletes one time during their four years in high school.
Hunt was involved in a controversy a few months into her term when she asked former Flagler Palm Coast High School Principal Dusty Sims in February 2023, if he would be interested in replacing Mittelstadt as superintendent. This was more than a month before the board began discussing whether to extend Mittelstadt’s contract.
The following month, text messages revealed that she and then Wadsworth Elementary School Principal Paul Peacock tried to maneuver together to hasten a vote on Mittelstadt’s contract at a Feb. 22, 2023 board workshop.
Hunt was upset with Gavin for her handling of public records requests for those text messages.
In an email she sent to an attorney working with the School Board early this year, she listed 10 examples of just cause to fire Gavin. Gavin’s handling of the public records requests led the list.
“Attorney Gavin shared more of my text messages than needed –all except those containing student names – and at no point worked
rally on Friday afternoon, when the Observer called her with the news of Hunt’s resignation.
“I’m sorry to hear that. I really am,” Conklin said. “I wish her well. I had hoped that maybe she had reconsidered, but I wish her well.”
Hunt has been the swing vote on several issues during her term, including her final vote on a motion during the Sept. 18 business meeting mandating electrocardiogram screenings in addition to the required physicals for students to participate in school sports programs.
AdventHealth provides free ECG screenings and physicals annually for Flagler County students. The mandate, which is not scheduled to start until next school year, includes student athletes as well as those who participate in band and JROTC. The mandate passed by a 3-2 vote with Hunt joining Massaro and Conklin voting in favor and Furry and Christy Chong voting against the motion.
to protect my rights as a board member,” Hunt wrote.
When Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club members appealed to the board during a workshop to keep the gym and pool open, Hunt said she no longer felt safe in the workshop room with only one point of entry and exit. She asked for a deputy to be assigned to the room during workshops. In recent months she stopped attending workshops in person but took part in discussions via phone.
Massaro criticized Hunt for not attending workshops in person and for skipping school district events, including high school graduations. As early as last year, Hunt said her family was planning to move and she would resign her seat before the end of her term.
In her resignation letter, she said, “While I have been disheartened by and departing because of the manipulation of truth and the lies that continue to be shared and accepted regarding targeted Board members and the District as a whole, I am so proud of what the Board has accomplished in just under two years.”
on the curb throughout the week, vehicles and trailers blocking the streets, and even threatening and retaliatory actions from the property owners and renters alike.
Roger Cressey, like other members of the CCC, works from home. He said he can hear the yelling and screaming of vacationers at the rental across the canal from him for hours on end in his office, even while he is in the middle of the work day.
“It’s pervasive,” Quin Cressey said. Palm Coast is in the process of building its own ordinance to regulate short-term vacation rentals.
Members of the CCC said they’d like to see registration fees that are sizable enough to pay for sufficient enforcement from the city, as well as restrictions on the occupancy, parking, trailers and changes to the noise ordinances.
Safety standards should also be implemented, they said. Roger Cressey said often the vacationers are speeding down the canals in “no wake” zones, hanging over the sides, or can be seen sitting in the pools during lightning storms. He said he’s worried nothing will be done until someone is injured.
CCC member Eric Josten said the rentals are businesses, and act like hotels, and so should be held to the same standards, especially in a residentially zoned area of the city.
“If I want to open a business in my house, that’s certainly my right to do that, but I can’t open a gas station,
right? I can’t open a retail store in my house,” Josten said. “So there are definitely business limitations that the short term rentals are getting around.”
Josten said that while some cities may not have predicted the growth of these short-term vacation rentals through sites like Vrbo and AirBnb, Flagler County and Flagler Beach were able to anticipate the problems.
Both Flagler County and Flagler Beach have their own ordinances regarding short term vacation rentals.
Outlined in Flagler County Code 3.06.14, short term rentals in the county are considered commercial businesses. It does permit them in all residential-zoned areas, but it exempts residences where the owner lives there full-time “as on anpremises permanent resident” and exempts unincorporated areas west of Highway U.S. 1.
Not only does the county require the owner apply for and receive a short-term vacation rental certifi-
cate from the county, but the ordinance requires owners to implement certain safety standards: requiring smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and a fire extinguisher; battery power emergency lighting to a primary exit; following Florida Building Code for sleeping rooms.
The county does not have a specific number for its maximum occupancy, but does require occupancy not exceed one person per 150 gross square feet of living space or two people per sleeping room, plus two additional people for sleeping in a common area.
The ordinance further requires an initial inspection when applying for a short-term rental certificate, and annually, when renewed.
Responsible parties must be available to handle any issue that arise within two hours of the notification.
Flagler County charges $400 to register a short-term rental property. There are currently 63 properties registered with the county.
Flagler Beach, meanwhile, has 190 registered short-term rental properties. Any properties registered after the ordinance passed in 2008 are only in the commercial districts of the city. However, Flagler Beach’s building department’s Michele Ficocello said, any short-term rental that was in a residential area before the ordinance was enacted was grandfathered in.
The city requires a rental permit business tax receipt for all operators, which totals over $100, and are annually renewed. There are also several other fees they must pay: an application fee, a fire safety inspection fee and purchasing a tippy cart or trash can.
A 24/7 responsible party must also be available for the Flagler Beach rentals for emergencies.
Flagler Beach has a two-peopleper bedroom occupancy, plus allowing two additional persons per sleeper sofa, but not exceeding a total of four additional people. The dwellings also can not be rented for fewer than seven days at a time.
The ordinance can be difficult to enforce, though, Ficocello said. If a rental is not registered with the city but is advertised online, unless someone books the room and stays
there and reports it, there’s not much the city can do.
“We have to prove it [is a shortterm rental],” she said.
Despite the registration requirements, a search on AirBnB shows over 900 properties listed as vacation rentals in Flagler County, though some listed were from neighboring municipalities. A similar search on Vrbo turned up over 300 listings. Palm Coast is proposing similar restrictions and fees, and also suggesting adding fines or consequences to those who violate the ordinance. To help enforce it, the city is looking to add one additional code enforcement officers.
CCC member Sheri Montgomery said that is not enough.
“This isn’t an eight to five issue,” Montgomery said. “This is a 24/7 issue, and to only increase [code enforcement] by one person, is not realistic, because that department is going to need to be responsive 24/7, seven days a week, 365 days a year.”
School Board member Sally Hunt. File photo by Brent Woronoff
The Pink on Parade 5k and 1 Mile Fun Walk is raising money for breast cancer awareness, education, and screening. 100% of proceeds go towards services to aid in early detection of breast cancer. Registration ends October 4.
FLAGLER BEACH
Concerns over Veranda Bay:
‘I’ve never met one person ... say, “I wish Flagler Beach was more like Orlando,”’ resident says.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Flagler Beach residents had one main message for their commissioners on Sept. 24 about the pending Veranda Bay development: “We don’t want to be Winter Park.”
Thursday, Sept. 26.
The development is on the west side of the State Road 100 bridge, along either side of John Anderson Highway. Developer Ken Belshe said at the city’s Sept. 17 meeting that he is planning a 2,700 residential unit development, with a mixture of detached single-family homes, townhomes, apartments and condos.
answers to some of the commissioners’ questions from the previous meeting.
Instead, Chiumento said his team has a list of running issues — including new ones brought up by residents at that meeting — and will go back to the drawing board to start addressing those concerns.
Despite the quick turnaround, Chiumento said they would be ready to address those issues in the Sept. 26 presentation.
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“In the 15 years I’ve been here, I’ve never meet one person in Bunnell, Palm Coast and especially Flagler Beach say ‘I wish Flagler Beach was more like Orlando,’” resident Matt Hathaway said. “Folks around here don’t really want that lifestyle.”
Flagler Beach residents took their turn at the podium during a special workshop meeting the Flagler Beach City Commission held to voice their concerns over the 900acre development. Veranda Bay is applying to annex into Flagler Beach.
The Flagler Beach Commission were the ones who originally reached out to Belshe about annexing into Flagler Beach instead of Palm Coast. That was first discussed October 2023, and the actual annexation process began in January.
On Sept. 17, the Flagler Beach Commission approved, 4-1, the first readings of the annexation agreement and future land use application, with commissioner Eric Cooley dissenting. The zoning application was tabled until
The development will include over 472,000 square feet of commercial use as well. He described the commercial area of the project as akin to downtown Winter Park, with upscale grocery shopping, farmers markets and entertainment.
But the Flagler Beach residents who attended the meeting don’t think the project is a good fit.
“I think Mr. Belshe has great, great vision of a city within the city,” resident Les Abend said. “But that’s not why I believe the majority of us moved to this serene, peaceful community.”
Most of the residents in attendance at the workshop felt that the influx of people, even spread out over the 20-year project, would cause too much congestion and turn Flagler Beach into an area more akin to South Florida or Orlando.
Besides being too large, residents are also concerned about the impact a development of this size will have on their stormwater mitigation and wastewater treatments. Many residents pointed out to the commission that the city can barely keep up as it is, never mind if the city’s population were to double.
The development agreement does address that issue though, to an extent. At the Sept. 17 meeting, city attorney Drew Smith said the agreement “specifically says that if utilities and infrastructure are not available at the time you want to do them, you’re going to have to hold” development until they are available.
Residents were equally concerned about how a development this large would impact the natural wildlife in the area, namely at Bulow Creek.
“When you choose to stretch your borders to Bulow Creek, you become the Creek’s guardian,” VolusiaFlagler Sierra Club member and resident Brynn Newton said. “You take responsibility for protecting it.”
Residents weren’t the only ones who left the meeting with questions but no answers. When it was agreed upon to host the special workshop, the commissioners were under the impression that that they would be hearing from the developer and their attorney, Michael Chiumento,
Commissioner Jane Mealy said the vote on the zoning may need to be tabled again if the commission is not going to be able to review the documentation presented ahead of time.
“I, for one, will not vote on something that I see as I’m walking in,” Mealy said.
Belshe reminded the commission — and the residents in attendance — that Flagler Beach asked for the annexation.
“I want to remind everybody that I didn’t come running over to Flagler Beach and say, ‘Please annex me,’” Belshe said.
Cooley said this is part of the negotiation process. Flagler Beach has enough qualityof-life amenities in it, relative to its size, that people do not want to leave the island. The Veranda Bay development similarly needs to increase the number of amenities it offers to match that, he said.
“I am perfectly fine with bringing a quality product into the city,” he said, “but what I don’t want to do is build a version of Palm Coast and then annex it into Flagler Beach.”
Despite new protocols, victim threatens to sue
Flagler Fire Rescue’s will require two personnel riding in the back of ambulances when patients are considered vulnerable or are underage.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
On the heels of Flagler County Fire Rescue adopting new protocols in response to sexual assault allegations from a former FCFR employee that was on duty when the crimes
were committed, the victim of the case has notified the county of her intent to sue. Flagler County administrator Heidi Petito, Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance and Flagler Fire Rescue Fire Chief Michael Tucker each received an offi-
cial “notice of intent to initiate litigation” on Sept. 18, filed by the victim’s attorney, Sam Masters, of Daytona Beach. The victim is seeking reparations for “all damages sustained by our client.”
Former FCFR paramedic James Melady, 37, of Daytona Beach, was arrested on Sept. 11. He has been charged with sexual battery on a helpless person and one count of video voyeurism, a press release said. Melady “confessed to his
crimes” of sexual battery and video voyeurism when interviewed by detectives, the FCSO press release said. The assault occurred in October 2021, when the victim was unconscious in the back of an ambulance with Melady, who was on duty. Melady, who was hired in June 2018, was put on an unrelated administrative leave on May 8 after failing a drug test. He then resigned and has not worked for Fire Rescue since.
“We want to express concern and extend our support to the victim and her family,” Petito said. “The actions described are deeply disturbing and completely contrary to the values of our organization.”
Following the allegations, FCFR immediately implemented a two-person protocol when a patient is either under age or in a vulnerable state. Tucker said the extra person will be pulled from the responding fire engine and will have the correct emergency medical qualifications. Tucker told the Observer the protocol would be triggered by “any kind of a call that gets someone in a position where they can’t defend themselves.” From a budget perspective, he said, the county will need to figure out the long-term impacts and how many additional personnel are needed. There are currently 35 personnel per the three shifts.
The department also cut $8,000 from other areas to install 360-degree cameras in the rear of all nine of its ambulances. It has also sped up the implementation of two other policies that were already in the works: psychological evaluations for all new employees and and requiring a rescue supervisor on all calls.
Three of the nine ambulances already have supervisors, but the goal, Tucker said, is to ensure there are supervisors on every call.
“These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the people we serve,” Tucker said in the press release.
“What I don’t want to do is build a version of Palm Coast and then annex it into Flagler Beach.”Flagler Beach Commissioner Eric Cooley. Photo by Sierra Williams
Flagler to require heart screenings for high school athletes beginning 2025
School Board’s 3-2 vote requires screenings before participation in sports, marching band, JROTC.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
In May 2023, April Adams opted to have an electrocardiogram screening for her son, Hayden, at AdventHealth’s annual event providing free sports physicals for Flagler County students. The screening detected an abnormality in Hayden’s heart.
Craig and Jennifer Cavaliere said an ECG screening at the free event in 2021 saved their son, Sam’s, life.
Lori Bosset’s daughter, Julia, a student at Seabreeze High School in Volusia County, didn’t have the screening four years ago. The Florida High School Athletic Association’s clearance form recommended the screening but didn’t require it or explain what it was, so the Bossets decided to forego it. Two months later, Julia suffered sudden cardiac arrest on the school gym floor while warming up for basketball. Julia, who like the Cavalieres’ son, has Long QT syndrome, a heart rhythm disorder, was lucky to survive, her mother said.
The three parents and others spoke emotionally at the Sept. 18 Flagler County School Board meeting, urging board members to mandate ECG screenings in addition to the FHSAA’s required physicals to allow students to participate in school sports and other activities.
By a 3-2 margin, the board voted to require an ECG screening for all high school athletes before their first year of participation. The mandate was one of three options board members had selected at a workshop to consider for a vote. Colleen Conklin made a motion for the the mandate, adding marching band and Junior ROTC participants be included along with participants in competitive sports and sideline cheer. After a sometimes spirited discussion, Sally Hunt, Conklin and Cheryl Massaro voted in favor of the motion. All three board members will not be on the board in two months. Hunt resigned her seat two days later, while Conklin and Massaro’s terms end on Nov. 19 when new board members Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez will be sworn in. Board Chair Will Furry and Christy Chong voted against the mandate.
FOUR
FLORIDA DISTRICTS
REQUIRE SCREENINGS
Flagler County will join Brevard, Osceola, Seminole and
Orange as counties in Central Florida that require ECG screenings — which monitors the heart’s electrical activity — for athletic participation. Volusia County had a mandate, but the School Board later withdrew it.
The nonprofit organization, Who We Play For, has led the movement to bring awareness of the need for affordable heart screenings to eliminate preventable sudden cardiac death among young people. Four members of the organization spoke at the School Board meeting supporting the mandate. They noted that two high school football players in Florida have died of sudden cardiac arrest since August. Superintendent LaShakia Moore said the district will spend the rest of the school year educating families and instituting procedures before requiring ECG screenings in the 2025-26 school year.
The other two options were to keep ECGs optional as they are now or require them with a parent’s right to opt out. Furry wanted to keep the screenings optional, noting that 80% of the students who participated in AdventHealth’s free physicals at Flagler Palm Coast High School this past May had the ECGs as part of the physical. The program is already successful without a mandate, he said. Approving a mandate without details being worked out is concerning, he added.
“I have faith in parents. I don’t believe it’s our role to co-parent,” Furry said.
Erik Nason, who is AdventHealth East Florida Division’s senior manager of sports medicine for partnerships, told the Observer that while about 80% of the 740 students who participated in the free physicals this year included the ECG screenings, that is only about 50% of the students who received athletic clearance. Because the ECGs were not required, there is no record of students who had screenings elsewhere.
AdventHealth has a partnership with Flagler Schools in which the health-care system provides full-time athletic trainers to the two high schools and orthopedic physicians at football games as well as the free physicals.
Chong, who is a board certified family nurse practitioner, said during the workshops that she favored the one-time-per-student ECG requirement with a parent’s right to opt out. But before the vote on Conklin’s motion she said she had several questions such as what would happen if the partnership with AdventHealth would end and there would no longer be free ECG screenings and would a plan be needed to help families locate a pediatric cardiologist if an abnormality is found. She said the screenings save lives, “but in health care we
“No more than 1 in 300 students (receiving the screenings) are red-flagged. They are rescreened to make sure it’s not a false positive test. Then we discuss where do we go next, what do we need to know. We never scan children and leave them to stand alone.”
ERIK NASON, AdventHealth senior manager of sports medicine for partnerships
don’t force anything on anyone. At the very least, I would give parents the option (to opt out).”
‘NO MORE THAN ONE IN 300 RED-FLAGGED’
Moore said there is no reason to believe the partnership with AdventHealth will not continue but that board members should decide whether to require the screenings regardless if they are offered for free.
Nason said there are several clinics in Central Florida including one in Daytona Beach that offer $15 ECG screenings for students.
“The real value in Flagler County,” he said, “is the partnership with AdventHealth. We have the pathways, funding and commitment to make sure (the free screenings and physicals) can be provided to the students.
“No more than 1 in 300 students (receiving the screenings) are red-flagged,” he added. “They are rescreened to make sure it’s not a false positive test. Then we discuss where do we go next, what do we need to know. We never scan children and leave them to stand alone. We (AdventHealth with assistance from Who We Play For) find the right connection for them and the right providers.”
Adams said that because of the huge crowd, forgotten paperwork and trying to register on the new clearance app, she was not in the best of moods and almost skipped the last station, the optional ECG, at the free physical, but a volunteer told her it would not take much time. Hayden was able to continue playing soccer.
“I’m glad we had the opportunity to discover and fix the issue before it could affect him on the field,” she said.
Hunt said she is confident that AdventHealth will “continue to be a great partner.
“This is not masks, not everyday,” she added. “It’s a one-time, completely unobtrusive procedure that does save lives.”
Speakers at the Sept. 18 School Board meeting, including Who We Play For team members and Flagler County
from a freezer before she walked to the back of the store and ate them.
When officers arrived, the pair were already gone and were unable to be located.
SEPT. 10
ARREST RECORD
4:32 a.m. — 295 mile marker, Interstate 95, Palm Coast False name. To avoid being in trouble for an outstanding warrant, a Jacksonville man gave a Sheriff’s Office deputy his brother’s name during a traffic stop.
The deputy was on Interstate 95 when a Hyundai driving over the speed limit drove past him, according to an arrest report. The deputy had to drive at approximately 116 mph to catch up with the car that, even after gradually slowing down, was still going 81 mph in a 70-mph zone.
The driver did pull over for the traffic stop and inside the car were two men. The driver told the deputy he did not have his driver’s license,
despite saying he was on his way south for a gambling trip. Instead, he gave the deputy a name that turned out to belong to his brother, who has a criminal record. When confronted about it the photo not matching, the suspect admitted to giving his brother’s name instead.
The man was arrested.
SEPT. 11
HEAD OVER HEELS
3:35 a.m. — 293 mile marker, Interstate 95, Flagler County DUI. An Ormond Beach woman was arrested for driving under the influence after she almost hit a Sheriff’s Office deputy’s patrol car on Interstate 95. Despite only admitting to drinking one glass of wine over nine hours earlier, the woman failed the sobriety field tests and refused to take a breath test. She was taken to the county jail.
BRIEFS
Orlando man arrested, charged for trying to pay juvenile for sex
An Orlando homeless man was taken into Flagler County custody on Sept. 19 after he was caught messaging a detective posing as a 14-yearold for sex in July by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detectives.
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office detectives, ran an undercover, online operation in July that targeted suspects seeking to meet minors for sex. A detective posing as a 14-year-old girl began texting with the suspect, 50-year-old Alfred Joseph Distasio.
Distasio offered the detective, who he thought was a 14-year-old, up to $700 for “an overnight” with her, according to Distasio’s arrest report. He agreed to pick her up from the Palm Coast theater.
The conversation happened in July and on Aug. 26, FCSO detectives went to Orlando and interviewed Distasio, the report said. He admitted to texting whom he thought was a 14-year-old.
Distasio has been charged with using a computer to seduce and lure a child and unlawful use of a communication device. He was originally detained at an Orange County Detention facility and then transferred into Flagler County’s custody.
He is being held on an $80,000 bond.
Palm Coast man arrested in connection to 2010 cold case
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Virginia man with warrants for his
arrest in connection to a 14-year-old cold case.
Timothy Hickerson, 43, of Palm Coast, was pulled over on Tuesday, Sept. 17, for a traffic stop after he ran a red light, a FCSO press release said. When the FCSO deputy ran his name, he discovered active warrants for Hickerson’s arrest from Virginia for second degree murder and burglary, Hickerson’s arrest report said.
Hickerson is wanted for the murder of Shane Ryan Donahue, 23, of Nokesville, Virginia, the press release said, who has been missing for 14 years and is presumed dead by Virginia authorities. His remains have not been found, the press release said.
Donahue disappeared on March 24, 2010, after he left his parents home in Nokesville. Investigators recently reactivated the investigation and discovered Hickerson is believed to be the last person to see Donahue alive as the two were seen leaving Donahue’s parents’ home together.
Hickerson was also connected to a burglary at Donahue’s home days before Donahue’s disappearance.
Prince William County, Virginia investigators obtained the warrants against Hickerson since reactivating the investigation, the press release said. Hickerson is being held at the Flagler County jail until he is extradited back to Virginia. He has been living in Palm Coast since 2022.
Drunk Palm Coast man points gun at utility employees
A Palm Coast man was arrested on Regent Lane on Sept. 19, after he pointed a gun at solar company employees working in the area.
Roland Littlefield, 53, told Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies that he thought the men were “casing his residence,” according to a
FCSO press release. One of the victims told deputies they left the area after Littlefield approached their vehicle, pointed the gun at him and said, “This is not the spot to hang out.”
The victim told deputies he and his coworkers immediately left the area for their own safety. When deputies arrived at Regent Lane, Littlefield and a neighbor were both outside and armed with guns. Both men were told to drop their weapons and lie down on the ground, where they were placed in handcuffs, the press release said. Littlefield admitted he approached the victim’s vehicle and, after they had left, went to a neighbor for “help,” who then came outside with his own handgun.
Deputies could smell alcohol on Littlefield, who admitted to having several drinks earlier in the evening, the press release said. The neighbor told deputies he did not see the earlier encounter and believed Littlefield was drunk.
While the neighbor was cleared of doing anything wrong, Littlefield was arrested and has been charged with using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Georgia woman arrested after robbing Ormond credit union
Ormond Beach Police arrested a 32-year-old woman on Monday, Sept. 23, after officers say she robbed the Launch Credit Union at 240 Williamson Blvd. Police report that at around 10:30 a.m., officers responded to a panic alarm from the credit union. The woman, identified as Shadae James, of Stone Mountain, Georgia, was reported to have handed a bank teller a note demanding cash, claiming to have a gun and threatening harm if anyone resisted, according to a press release. The teller complied and handed her money, and James fled the scene on foot.
Police obtained surveillance photo from the credit union, and with assistance from the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, began searching the area. James was found at the Sleep Inn located at 170 Willamson Blvd., where she was arrested. James “was cooperative with authorities and gave a full confession,” the press release states. All of the stolen money was recovered.
Officers also found two notes written by James, one threatening the use of a gun and the other mentioning an explosive. James did not have a firearm during the robbery. No injuries were reported and the bank confirmed it wished to pursue charges. James is being charged with armed robbery, which includes penalties for robbery while threatening to use a weapon.
YOUR TOWN
cheerleaders
Gabryella Dudley and Allie Brown will perform in Honolulu
Flagler Palm Coast High School cheerleaders Gabryella Dudley and Allie Brown will represent Varsity Spirit in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu on Dec. 3-9.
Cheerleaders and dancers who are invited to perform in the parade are part of a select group of All-Americans identified at Varsity Spirit summer camps across the country.
The Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs attended the National Cheerleaders Association Camp on July 13-15 at the University of South Florida. Dudley and Brown will perform with Varsity Spirit All-Americans in the parade before thousands of fans lining the streets of Waikiki Beach. This trip marks the 83nd anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Dudley and Brown have PayPal fundraisers to help offset the cost of the trip. Go to paypal.com/pools/ c/97Q4QuOBF2 for Dudley’s page and paypal.com/pools/ c/982TkSwDWw for Brown’s page.
FC3 board member Lawson Glasergreen receives Harris Wofford award
Flagler County Cultural Council board member Lawson
Glasergreen has received the Harris Wofford Joint Service Award from AmeriCorps and the Peace Corps.
Glasergreen served with AmeriCorps VISTA in diverse U.S. communities and as a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala.
In the U.S., he used art to unite people and support local initiatives. In Guatemala, he introduced advanced stove systems to improve indoor air quality, adapting sophisticated technology with local materials.
Glasergreen’s journey into national service began after more than a decade in the corporate sector working with David Hocker and Associates on shopping center developments across the East Coast.
Facing significant life changes, he chose to transition to the nonprofit sector.
“I wanted to try something different and bring my experience to new organizations,” he said.
Flagler County Fire Rescue reclaims Fire Truck Pull title
The Flagler County Fire Rescue won the 2024 Fire Truck Pull, on Sept. 17, reclaiming its title.
This is the fourth annual Truck Pull, which supports the AdventHealth Pink On Parade 5K and one-mile, pet-friendly fun walk. The Pink on Parade is on Oct. 6 and begins and ends at AdventHealth Palm Coast at 60 Memorial Medical Parkway, benefitting breast cancer awareness and care for local people.
To participate in the Pink on Parade, register online at www.runsignup.com/Race/ FL/PalmCoast/pink5k.
D
isco party at Palm Coast Lanes
raises money for cancer charity
Mark and Theresa Mistie
hosted the Let’s Boogie For a Cure ’70’s Disco Party at Palm Coast Lanes on Sept. 14. The event attracted hundreds of local residents affected by cancer, coming together to support the Live Like Cameron charity, Mark and Theresa said in an email.
“Our visions and goals have been parallel with (Live Like Cameron), and all our collective efforts paid off,” the Misties said. “What we accomplished (at the event) was magical. The exposure and awareness raised was priceless.”
Lueckert, of Casper Drive, selected as September Garden of the Month
The Garden Club at Palm Coast has recognized Debbie Lueckert of Casper Drive as September 2024 Garden selection of the Month.
Lueckert moved with her husband and two young sons to Palm Coast from Michigan in November 1980 to be with her family. Her parents were early residents of the ITT’s Palm Coast.
Her husband was an ITT real estate employee and Lueckert was a kindergarten school teacher before retiring 15 years ago.
In the pool area, Lueckert has an orchid pergola with over 50 gorgeous blooming orchids — or as she says “too many” — as well as an octopus air plant, Turkish rope and mondo grass grown for ground cover.
The Garden Club meets monthly on the second Monday at 1 p.m. at Club 51, 51 Old Kings Road N., September through May. The plant sale is open to the public 11:30-1 p.m.
Allie Brown and Ella Dudley.
Courtesy photo
“If
Hidden dangers in ballot Amendment to legalize marijuana
States with legalized marijuana have seen sharp increases in emergency room visits.
RICK STALY
FLAGLER COUNTY SHERIFF
As Flagler County voters consider Amendment 3, which proposes the legalization of recreational marijuana in Florida, we must consider the serious consequences Amendment 3 would impose on our community and what Amendment 3 backers, with their well-funded commercials, aren’t telling you.
When I started my career, possession of any amount of marijuana was a felony. Over the years this was downgraded to possessing less than 20 grams was a misdemeanor. Today, possession often results in a seizure and no arrest. Amendment 3 will allow personal possession of 3 ounces, the highest in the nation, and four times the current misdemeanor amount or about 150 marijuana joints. This is the equivalent to carrying over seven packs of cigarettes.
Marijuana today is not the marijuana of yester-year or the “hippy” generation. Today, the THC levels are at least five times stronger than just 15 years ago.
The consumption of such potent products can lead to acute health
issues, such as severe anxiety, psychosis and heart complications.
Studies indicate a correlation between regular marijuana use and the onset of mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety and schizophrenia, particularly among adolescents and young adults.
States with legalized marijuana have seen sharp increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations related to marijuana use. These states have seen 3,000% increase in calls to poison control, often because the product is mistaken for candy or marijuana-edible related emergencies in children. These products are often marketed in appealing forms like edibles and concentrates containing THC levels far exceeding what was commonly seen in the past.
Beyond public health concerns, the legalization of recreational marijuana presents serious risks to public safety, especially on our roadways.
Data from states with legalized marijuana show a rise in crashes and fatalities involving drivers impaired by marijuana. But unlike alcohol, marijuana impairment is difficult to measure and more challenging for deputies to enforce.
Despite commercials that say legalizing marijuana will reduce or eliminate the illegal marijuana distribution by Mexican cartels, states that have legalized marijuana still have thriving illicit markets, often involving more potent and dangerous products, by cartels undercutting legal sales.
Other crimes related to both legal and illicit marijuana sales in nearby businesses or neighborhoods have flourished. Claims that legalization will eliminate the black market are bogus.
Illegal marijuana is easily detected
by smell and through investigative means during a traffic stop that leads to a legal search. Often these traffic stops lead to the discovery of fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine, heroin and armed convicted felons, all because they were smoking an illicit joint while driving and committing a traffic violation.
Amendment 3 would handcuff law enforcement in their ability to find and seize these drugs.
Our K-9s are currently dual-purpose dogs, meaning they can track suspects and sniff for illicit narcotics, including marijuana. Because you cannot “deprogram” a dog, all K-9s would either become single purpose tracking K-9s only or all K-9s would have to be retired, and replacements be purchased and trained at a cost to local taxpayers of over $200,000. During the sixto nine-month transition, all other drugs being transported in a vehicle would likely go free to be sold in our community.
Reading the fine print of the full amendment would allow smoking in all public places. Because Amendment 3 amends the Florida Constitution, local governments cannot pass a law prohibiting open air smoking of recreational marijuana in public places.
In a crazy dichotomy of laws and regulations, the smoking of medical marijuana, would remain prohibited in public areas. Personally, I don’t want to smell cigarette smoke or marijuana joints!
Supporters of Amendment 3 often highlight the “economic benefits” and its estimated $4 billion industry in Florida alone. These economic benefits fail to account for the increased society costs, such as its impact to the healthcare system, car
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Facts should guide voters on Amendment 3
Dear Editor:
Facts, not fears, should guide voters’ decision on Amendment 3
(My View: “Flagler Sheriff warns of hidden dangers in Florida’s Amendment 3, the legalization of recreational marijuana”).
Florida already has real-world experience successfully regulating the retail sale and use of medical cannabis. Currently, nearly one
million Floridians are registered with the state to purchase cannabis products from over 600 licensed retailers statewide. The sky has not fallen, nor will it fall when adult use similarly becomes legal.
Twenty-four states have enacted adult-use legalization. None have ever repealed their laws. In states like California and Colorado, a greater percentage of voters endorse
cannabis legalization now than they did when the laws were initially enacted. Nationwide, public support for legalization has never been higher. This is evidence that these policies are working largely as voters and politicians intended and that they are preferable to cannabis criminalization.
Contrary to opponents’ claims, passage of Amendment 3 will not
Writer was wrong about amendments
Dear Editor:
The letter from Bob Gordon is typical of the mental state of this once great country. He says Amendment 3 is related to recreational marijuana use and 4 to a woman’s right to abortion. He is wrong on both counts; potheads smoke weed to escape; most of them that I have had the misfortune to deal with aren’t very bright. As to abortion, I am not too concerned with a woman’s freedom to determine what she can do about control of her own body. If she had control of her body, then why is she pregnant when she doesn’t want to be?
It’s recreational weed and it’s recreational sex. My advice is to find another form of play, amusement or relaxation. These two are outside your bailiwick; you can’t handle them.
DOUGLAS R. GLOVER Palm Coast
crashes resulting in injury and death, additional strain on child and youth services, social services, workplace productivity and the criminal justice system. These costs can far exceed the revenue generated from marijuana sales and will become a burden to the taxpayer.
In investigations I’ve always been told to “follow the money.” More than $60 million is being spent by proponents of Amendment 3. Ask yourself “why?” It’s not because it’s good for Florida. It’s because big business sees a cash cow for their bottom-line and will dump the long-term effects on you — the taxpayer.
In my opinion, the potential benefits do not outweigh the significant risks to our quality of life. All you must do is look at states that have gone down this path and realize it’s the wrong path for our community and Florida’s future. While the idea of personal freedom and economic opportunity may be appealing, the hidden dangers of marijuana legalization present a clear threat to health, safety and the well-being of Flagler County and Florida.
As voters, we must consider the long-term consequences for our communities and families. Florida is worth saving from the dangers of recreational marijuana. While it may be too late for Colorado and California, we can make the right choices for Flagler County and Florida.
I encourage you to read the full amendment, not just the summary that is on the ballot, to make an informed decision. You can read the full proposed amendment here: https://dos.elections.myflorida. com/initiatives, clicking “Adult Personal Use of Marijuana” and then clicking “View Full Text” under summary.
increase crime. States that have legalized cannabis see improvements in their overall crime clearance rates, including improvements in law enforcement’s ability to close violent crimes. Enacting Amendment 3 will also disrupt the unregulated cannabis market. According to 2023 survey data, most consumers residing in legal states say that they obtain their cannabis products from licensed establishments. By contrast, only 6 percent of respondents say that they primarily purchased
to Serfdom,”
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cannabis from a “dealer.” In Canada, where marijuana sales have been regulated since 2018, nearly 70 percent of consumers say that they purchase cannabis from the legal market.
It’s time to end the failed policy of cannabis criminalization in Florida.
PAUL ARMENTANO
Deputy Director, National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)
YOUR TOWN
Live Like Cameron Fundraising Dinner raises over $21,000
The Live Like Cameron Fundraising Dinner raised $21,727 for the charity, which provides emotional and financial support for local families with children battling cancer.
The event was held Sept. 13 at the Portuguese American Cultural Center of Palm Coast. The theme was “Better Together,” which symbolized the overflow of generosity and support during the evening, according to a press release. Dr. Kimberly Dos Santos and Ivone Carneiro organized the event with help from Live Like Cameron board members Mark and Kim Bialkoski. The charity was established
by Melisa and Dan Fulling in October 2017, shortly after the death of their 9-year-old son, Cameron. Cameron battled brain cancer for seven years until he died on April 6, 2017. Mark Bialkoski was the emcee for the event. They met Melisa and Dan in December 2017 and were immediately drawn to their passion for helping others going through the same struggles they did. Due to constant doctor visits and hospital stays, one parent inevitably cannot work. Live Like Cameron helps these families with their financial hardships and celebrates milestones such as the end of chemo, port removals, birthdays and graduations. They deliver bags of hope to hospital patients.
Pets up for adoption
The Flagler Humane Society is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast. Adoption fees vary based on the animal, and the shelter has both dogs and cats up for adoption. Call 386-445-1814.
Among the sponsors for the evening, Platinum sponsor Sam Lisowiski of Golden Fox Homes announced that for any new customers that build a home with the company and mention Live Like Cameron, Lisowiski will donate 1% of the total sale of the home to the charity. For more information, go to livelikeCameron.org.
Mark and Kim Bialkoski, Melisa Fulling, Lynn and Mike Knox, and Dan Fulling. Courtesy photo
Announcements
Mareedu, MD will no longer see patients at AdventHealth Medical Group Family Interventional Cardiology at Palm Coast located at 61 Memorial Medical Parkway, Ste 2811, Palm Coast, FL 32164. Patients should have received communication regarding transition of care. If you are a patient and did
MacKenna Gajeske and Nicholas DiGuglielmo were named Flagler Palm Coast High School’s 2024 homecoming queen and king.
FPC’s homecoming week concluded on Saturday, Sept. 21, with the semiformal homecoming dance. The Student Government Association organized activities throughout the week that included dress-up days, the Insanity Games, a pep rally on Friday, Sept. 20, and the homecoming court at halftime of Friday night’s homecoming football game.
Other members of the senior homecoming court were Roman Caliendo, Madison Hambly, Colby Cronk, Dyllis Mballesube, Robbie Dailey, Kayleigh Phillips, Aiden DeFazio-Wisenbaker, Chloe Sarah Stevenson, Brooklynne Tietje and Colin Rumnock. Cronk and Stevenson were named
MacKenna Gajeske, Nicholas DiGuglielmo named Flagler Palm Coast homecoming queen and king
first runners-up as the senior prince and princess.
Gajeske is a member of the fellowship of Christian Athletes and DECA (business and leadership organiza-
SENIOR HOMECOMING COURT
tion). Gajeske plans to become a radiologist, specializing in cardiovascular health.
DiGuglielmo is on the baseball team and volunteers in the community through the National Honor Society. After high school, he hopes to attend the University of Central Florida and major in computer science.
Also introduced at the homecoming court were junior princess and prince Faith Anne Dailey and Teagan Paulo; sophomore princess and prince Charity Laylock and Ehimen Ajede; and freshman princess and prince America Martinez Castaneda and Brayden Norton Henry. The homecoming court ceremony began with 2023 homecoming queen and king Leila Jackson and Noreen Fajardo walking across the field. Jackson is majoring in political science at Florida State University. Fajardo is majoring in biology at UCF. Faculty duke and dutchess Ramtin Amiri and Mandy Kraverotis followed. Kraverotis, an assistant principal at FPC since 2022, has been a Flagler County educator for 18 years. Amiri, an FPC graduate, coaches the boys soccer team and also coaches club and semi-pro women’s soccer.
Bunnell staffers leave permanent mark inside new complex
‘It [allows] the people to come in and have some ownership of the facility,’ Collage Companies CEO Robert Gilbert said. ‘We really enjoy doing this, giving back to the community.’
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
With the walls of the new Bunnell Administration and Police Department Complex just going up, Bunnell employees have already left a permanent mark on the building.
The Collage Companies, the construction company hired to build the complex, hosted a graffiti event for employees to take part in. Collage Companies Chief Operating Offi -
cer Robert Gilbert said the company does it with a lot of its builds.
“It [allows] the people to come in and have some ownership of the facility,” Gilbert said. “We really enjoy doing this, giving back to the community. That’s really part of our Collage foundation.”
Around 50 city employees from across Bunnell’s departments — police, finance, public works, parks and recreation — were divided into groups to decorate one of the cement walls in chalk. Collage and Bunnell made it a competition, with Gilbert judging and choosing a winning team.
The Bunnell Police Department won the competition with its decorative “chalk outline” and police badge.
Gilbert said the chalk artwork will be preserved behind the drywall once it is installed.
The future Administration Complex, located at 2400 Commerce Parkway, near the Flagler Sher-
iff’s Office Operations Center, will serve as the future home for Bun-
nell’s administrative offices, Bunnell Police Department and a multi-use assembly hall or chambers space, a Bunnell press release said.
City manager Alvin B. Jackson said in the press release that the complex is a major step forward for the city.
The project, he said, is thanks to the hard work of city staff, the Bunnell City Commission and Collage Companies.
“It will be a state-of-the-art facility that allows the city to meet and address the needs of all those in the city,” Jackson said. “This project is a tribute to the quality and values of the Bunnell community.”
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, SEPT. 26
RALLY FOR WOMEN’S REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
When: 4-5 p.m.
Where: Northwest corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Pine Lake Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Members and friends of the Atlantic Coast Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State will gather to rally for women’s reproductive rights. Rally is open to the public. 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.
PALM COAST CONCERT SERIES
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Stage, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: See Chillula perform its blend of reggae/funk/R&B.; Free event. There will be food trucks and vendors. Bring lawn chairs or towels for seating.
ORCHID AUCTION
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast
Details: Hosted by the Flagler County Orchid Society, this auction will feature rare varieties and hybrids not easily accessible in the mainland U.S. Free admission.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 27
PALM COAST TOWN HALL When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Attend this town hall featuring District 2 Council Member Theresa Pontieri. Ask questions and discuss issues that matter to you. Free and open to the public.
FLAGLER COUNTY PRO RODEO
When: 7-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27-28
Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds. 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
Details: See pros compete. Seating is first-come, first served. Tickets $25 for adults and $10 for children 5-12. Kids under 4 are free. Doors open at 5 p.m. Visit https://www. freshtix.com/events/flaglercountyprorodeo2024.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
When: 9-11 a.m.
Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach
Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to come and enjoy a $6 pancake breakfast at its clubhouse. For more information, call Donna at 386-313-5383.
GOOD DAY SUNSHINE STATE: HOW THE BEATLES ROCKED FLORIDA
Details: The Palm Coast Historical Society presents, “Good Day Sunshine State: How the Beatles rocked Florida.” Join author Bob Kealing for a discussion of his book. Free event, but registration is required. Call 386986-2323 or visit parksandrec.fun.
BETS FOR PETS CASINO GALA
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: 42 Island Estates Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Attend this fundraiser for the Flagler Humane Society, hosted by Julio and Leslie Gonzalez. Try blackjack, roulette, craps and other gaming tables. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails and live music from Black Guy White Violin. Tickets start at $50. Visit flaglerhumane.harnessgiving.org/events/1917.
WEDNESDAY, OCT. 2
INSIDE PROJECT 2025: A BLUE-
PRINT FOR AMERICA’S FUTURE? When: 6 p.m.
Where: VFW Post 8696, 47 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast
Details: Join Michael Butler, a history professor at Flagler College, for a free presentation on the political initiative Project 2025. All are welcome. Sponsored by Work Together Flagler.
The Bunnell Police Department won the competition. Photos by Sierra Williams
BPD Public Safety Officer Rommel Scalf draws a police badge.
Junior prince and princess Teagan Paulo and Faith Anne Dailey.
Dyllis Mballesube
Colby Cronk
Chloe Sarah Stevenson
Kayleigh Phillips
Homecoming queen and king MacKenna Gajeske and Nicholas DiGuglielmo with their families. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Brooklynne Tietje
Madison Hambly
Roman Caliendo
Aidan DeFazio-Wisenbaker
Colin Rumnock
Robbie Dailey
BUSINESS
‘We’ve been thrilled with the reception in the community and the member turnout,’ a BJ’s spokesman said.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
After months of waiting, Palm Coast’s new BJ’s Wholesale Club opened on Sept. 20. “We’ve been thrilled with the reception in the community and the member turnout,” BJ’s Chief Communications Officer Kirk Saville said. Saville said people were joining the club even in the days leading up to opening day with a lot of “excitement and enthusiasm.” The Palm Coast location is BJ’s 38th club in Florida and 245th club overall.
The store has around 100 employees, from part-timers
BIZ BUZZ
First Watch to replace Peach Valley Café at Granada Plaza
A First Watch restaurant is coming to Ormond Beach. First Watch will replace the former Peach Valley Café on the beachside at 185 E. Granada Blvd. Peach Valley closed this location after Labor Day; its location on the mainland at 1185 W. Granada Blvd. remains open. So how soon will First Watch move in? A spokesperson said in an email to the Observer that the company is aiming to be open before the end of 2025.
to management, he said, and those are a mix of veteran employees who have transferred from other BJs store locations and local new hires.
BJ’s prides itself, he said, on offering potential career paths for all its employees and offers a starting pay that is “well above minimum wage in all of our markets.”
BJ’s Wholesale makes roughly $20 billion a year in revenue, he said.
A large part of what separates BJ’s from other wholesalers is its commitment to “delivering unbeatable value,” Saville said, through a combination of great promotions, savings and high-quality goods and brands.
“It’s all based on value,” he said.
The Palm Coast BJ’s has also joined other Northeast Florida locations in donating fresh meat, produce, dairy and bakery items at the end of every
The Ormond Beach location will span about 5,000 square feet, seating 145 people inside. The First Watch will also have a recessed patio. First Watch is a restaurant chain based in Bradenton. The first location was opened in Pacific Grove, California in 1983, but headquarters moved to Florida in 1986. The company has 538 restaurants across 29 states.
Cloudhop Bakeshop opens at Tanger Outlets
Daytona Beach
A new bakery is now open at Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach. Cloudhop Bakeshop, located
week to Feeding Northeast Florida, a local branch of the nonprofit Feeding America. Saville said that Feeding Northeast Florida then partners with other, more local food banks in the community.
BJ’s Wholesale has partnered with the Feeding America network for over 15 years. In fiscal year 2022, it donated more than 12.9 million pounds of food to Feeding America food banks. According to Feeding Northeast Florida — which serves eight counties, including Flagler County — Flagler County has a food insecurity rating of 12.2%
This is just one of the ways BJ’s tries to give back to its local communities, Saville said.
“We’re driven by a powerful purpose,” he said. “We say we take care of the families who depend on us.”
in a 1,000-square-foot storefront next to the Columbia store, offers cookies and cupcakes, including tres leches and blueberry amaretto cupcakes, and stuffed cookies featuring fire-roasted s’mores and childhood-favorite cereals.
“We are excited for guests to experience the inventive flavors created by Cloudhop Bakeshop,” said Shelley Sloan, Tanger Daytona Beach marketing director, in a press release.
“As we expand our retail offerings, we continue to be intentional about bringing in brands that blend quality with originality.”
Cloudhop Bakeshop inside the outlets is the brand’s second store. The original is located in Orlando.
How Hearing Aids Work and Why Communication Skills Remain Essential
Hearing aids are remarkable devices that improve the lives of millions by helping individuals with hearing loss regain some or much of their ability to hear. However, while hearing aids transmit sound, they don’t replace the need for strong communication skills. Understanding how these devices work and why interpersonal communication skills remain essential is key to making the most of hearing aids.
How Hearing Aids Work
At their core, hearing aids are miniaturized sound amplifiers. While older models were simply analog devices that made all sounds louder, modern hearing aids use digital technology to provide more sophisticated processing, offering a clearer and more customized experience.
1. Microphone: Capturing Sound
The process begins with a microphone, which picks up sound waves from the environment. These sound waves are then converted into electrical signals, which are processed by the device. Modern hearing aids can filter out some environmental noise, helping focus on speech and essential sounds.
2. Amplifier: Boosting the Signal
After the microphone captures sound, the amplifier boosts the strength of the electrical signal. This is where the key advantage of properly fit digital prescription hearing aids comes into play—they don’t just
amplify all sounds equally. Instead, they amplify sounds based on an individual’s hearing loss profile and their prescription. Typically, certain frequencies are amplified more than others. For instance, if someone has difficulty hearing high-frequency sounds like birds chirping or certain consonants in speech, those sounds will be boosted more than others.
3. Processor: Making It Smart
Today’s hearing aids are more than simple amplifiers. Most use a **digital signal processor (DSP)**, which allows the hearing aid to analyze the sound environment. This allows the device to differentiate between speech and background noise, reducing unwanted noise and improving speech clarity. Advanced hearing aids can also adapt to different environments, adjusting amplification for a quiet room or a noisy outdoor setting.
4. Receiver: Delivering Sound to the Ear
Once the sound is processed and amplified, the signal is sent to the receiver (or speaker), which converts the electrical signals back into sound waves. These amplified sound waves are delivered into the ear, allowing the user to hear more clearly.
5. Customization and Adjustments
Most hearing aids must fit to the prescription and fine-tuned by the audiologist to suit an individual’s unique hearing loss. These adjustments are based on audiometric tests and personal preferences, allowing users to have different settings for various listening environments.
Why Communication Skills Are Still Important
While hearing aids significantly improve the ability to hear, they
aren’t a complete solution. They don’t restore hearing to normal levels or eliminate all challenges, particularly in noisy environments or when dealing with multiple speakers. Therefore, communication skills remain essential for effective interaction.
1. Active Listening
Hearing aids make sounds louder, but users still need to focus on understanding speech, especially in noisy or complex environments. Active listening, maintaining eye contact, and reading body language help people with hearing loss grasp the full context of a conversation.
2. Clarification and Feedback
Even with hearing aids, there will be times when the user misses part of a conversation. It’s important to feel comfortable asking for clarification or repetition when needed. This enhances understanding and prevents misunderstandings.
3. Effective Speaking
Clear communication is a twoway street. When speaking to someone with hearing aids, others should be mindful of articulation and pace.
Speaking clearly, facing the listener, and reducing background noise can make communication much smoother.
4. Patience and Adaptability
Both hearing aid users and their communication partners benefit from patience and adaptability. Conversations may need to be slower, and repeating key points might be necessary. Good communication skills, such as being mindful of these needs, contribute to successful and fulfilling interactions.
Conclusion
Hearing aids are powerful tools that help individuals with hearing loss better perceive the world of sound. However, they are not a cure. Communication skills like active listening, clear articulation, and patience are still essential in ensuring effective interactions. By combining the technology of hearing aids with strong interpersonal skills, individuals can enjoy more seamless and rewarding conversations, improving both their personal and social lives.
At Palm Coast and Ormond Hearing Centers, our mission is to provide the best quality hearing care possible, educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Want to learn more about hearing health? Visit our website at palmcoasthearingcenter.com and click the “About” button, then “Helpful Articles”. You can also schedule an appointment online. We also have a second location to serve you in Ormond Beach at www. ormondhearingcenter.com, or you can call us at 386-283-4932.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Oceanfront house is Flagler’s top sale
Ahouse at 26 N. Ocean Ridge Blvd. in Ocean Hammock was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 12-20 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Sept. 17, for $3,965,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 4/5 and has ocean views, a private beach walkover, a pool and 5,055 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $3.6 million.
PALM COAST
Not in subdivision
The house at 25 Coolidge Court sold on Sept. 13, for $860,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/2 and has a dock and 2,392 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $610,000.
Hammock Dunes
The house at 4 Cordoba Court sold on Sept. 12, for
$1,014,400. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 3,442 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $839,000.
Ocean Hammock
The house at 40 Kingfisher Lane sold on Sept. 16, for $1,290,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/4 and has a pool, outdoor kitchen and 3,072 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $690,000.
The house at 3 Sandpiper Lane sold on Sept. 17, for $830,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in pool and 2,121 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $600,000.
Sanctuary The house at 2 Caitlin Court sold on Sept. 17, for $1,275,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 5/4 and has a dock and 4,612 square feet.
Palm Harbor The house at 46 Cottonwood Court sold on Sept. 16, for $993,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a boathouse with a boat lift and 2,554 square feet.
The house at 6 Colony Court sold on Sept. 13, for $890,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and a boat dock with a lift and 2,202 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $675,000.
The house at 25 Cleveland Court sold on Sept. 12, for $900,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a dock, a boat lift, a pool and 2,538 square feet.
Palm Coast Plantation
The house at 165 S. Riverwalk Drive sold on Sept. 17, for $1,043,750. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/4 and has a heated pool, spa, sauna and 2,989 square feet.
Rollins Dunes
The house at 25 Rollins Dunes Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $1.9 million. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 3,968 square feet.
Armand Beach Estates
The house at 17 Ocean Dune Circle sold on Sept. 12, for $1,663,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/3 and has ocean views, a private path to the beach and 2,650 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $833,000.
Grand Haven
The house at 59 Osprey Circle sold on Sept. 16, for $700,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3 and has a screened-in lanai, pool and 2,777 square feet.
FLAGLER BEACH
Venice Park
The house at 164 Avalon Ave. sold on Sept. 18, for $523,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 2/2 and has a dock, boat lift and 1,320 square feet.
FLAGLER COUNTY
Plantation Bay
The house at 164 Woodbridge Drive sold on Sept. 20, for $1,462,500. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/4 with two half-baths and has a saltwater pool, hot tub and 4,642 square feet.
The house at 508 Stirling Bridge Drive sold on Sept. 16, for $855,914. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has a covered lanai and 2,813 square feet.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Breakaway Trails home tops Ormond sales list
Ahouse at 41 Forest View Way in the Breakaway Trails subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 14-20 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Sept. 19, for $525,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 3,237 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $238,000.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 55 Vining Court, Unit 2110, sold on Sept. 16, for $177,500. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/1.5 and has 930 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $175,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Breakaway Trails
The house at 30 Creek Bluff Way sold on Sept. 16, for $375,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,915 square feet.
Brookwood
The house at 56 Mayfield Terrace sold on Sept. 17, for $355,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,833 square feet. It last
Nancy Cortez is Main Street Volunteer of the Year
sold in 2011 for $146,500.
Club View Villas
The townhouse at 60 N. Halifax Drive, Unit 116, sold on Sept. 16, for $368,000. Built in 1984, the townhouse is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,083 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $175,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 2796 Portadown St. sold on Sept. 20, for $359,990. Once built, the house will be a 3/2 and have 1,614 square feet.
Lauderdale
The house at 543 N. Halifax Drive sold on Sept. 19, for $350,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,662 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $222,500.
Ormond MainStreet Past President Nancy Niewiaroski Cortez was named the Florida Main Street Volunteer of the Year at the recent 2024 Preservation on Main Street Conference in Tallahassee.
Oak Forest The house at 15 Sycamore Circle sold on Sept. 18, for $510,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,779 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $129,000.
Not in subdivision
The house at 475 Leeway Trail sold on Sept. 16, for $565,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2, sits on 5 acres and has 1,382 square feet.
The Trails The house at 3 Holly Ridge Trail sold on Sept. 19, for $395,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,958 square feet.
Woodmere
The house at 55 Merrywood Circle sold on Sept. 17, for $380,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,760 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $89,900.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Brendale Heights
The house at 125 Longwood Drive sold on Sept. 20, for $200,2000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,130 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $89,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Cortez, a real estate agent with Adams, Cameron and Co. Realtors and a resident of Ormond Beach, has served on the Ormond MainStreet Executive Board for over 15 years, including serving as president from 2020-2023. During this time, Cortez has spearheaded the nonprofits large fundraisers. Cortez also serves as the Ormond MainStreet volunteer coordinator, a role she created that works to secure and schedule over 100 volunteers at times for a single event, and leads historic tours with the Ormond Beach Historical Society.
Seminole Palms
Non Sequitur
Nancy
Mother Goose and Grimm
The Duplex
In the Bleachers
Cornered
Ziggy
The Fusco Brothers
SPORTS
Record breaker
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
When Flagler Palm Coast defensive end Colby Cronk broke the school career record for sacks on Sept. 13, the Bulldogs’ coaches didn’t realize it until they tabulated the stats the next day.
With running back Marcus Mitchell needing 211 yards to break the school’s career rushing record, they didn’t want to be a day late again. So, coach Daniel Fish had a coach in the press box keep Mitchell’s stats during the Bulldogs’ homecoming game on Friday, Sept. 20.
Mitchell ran roughshod over Zephyrhills Christian Academy. According to the live stats, he rushed for 221 yards — 10 yards to spare — and four touchdowns in FPC’s 50-19 victory. Mitchell broke Que’Shaun Byrd’s career record of 3,402 yards set in 2016. Mitchell’s father, who died in 2019, owned the record before Byrd broke it.
“It’s a really big accomplishment for me because it was my dad’s record that was beaten,” Mitchell said. “Regaining the title for my father and everything, I feel accomplished, especially with this game, during homecoming with everybody around to witness it.”
Friends, relatives, teammates and coaches took turns giving Mitchell hugs at the end of the game.
“I almost started tearing up,” he said. “But I’ve got to keep my composure.”
With FPC’s next two games on the road, the Bulldogs wanted to see Mitchell break the record before a standing-room-only stadium crowd on homecoming night, even if he had to gain over 200 yards to do it.
“It’s kind of like a surreal experience,” Fish said. “We knew it was going to happen this year, but when it happens, you’re so proud and you’re so excited. He’s an amazing kid, an
Flagler Palm Coast’s Marcus Mitchell breaks school rushing record for his dad
amazing athlete. I’m just so happy for him and I’m excited to see what he’ll continue to do. I think he’ll break a college rushing record wherever he ends up. So I’m just excited to continue watching him grow and continue to be a part of his journey.”
The Bulldogs improved to 4-0 for the first time since 2019 when they won their first six games and finished 8-3.
FPC led Zyphyrhills Christian 44-7 in the first half to force a running clock after halftime. The Warriors added two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs got the ball just once after halftime, but that was all they needed for their senior running back to break the school rushing record while scoring his third touchdown of the game.
Sophomore Braylyn Simmons scored two touchdowns and Hayden Hayes threw two touchdown passes, one to Simmons and one to Roman Caliendo.
Mitchell scored on an 8-yard run on FPC’s first possession. But the Warriors quickly tied the score as Kendall Johnson ran back the kickoff for a long touchdown. FPC then scored on its next five possessions and added a safety before halftime.
The Bulldogs’ defense forced two Warrior fumbles and Cronk added three more sacks. He broke his position coach’s record with a five-sack game against Lake Brantley on Sept. 13. Mike London’s old record was 32.5. Cronk now has 38.5.
“I knew that coach London had the record previously. So I was messing with him a little bit,” Cronk said. “But he contributed a lot to the sack record. He coaches me every single day. He’s always there. So, I attribute it to him.”
London said he was happy to see one of his players break his record.
“We put the work in together,” London said.
Cronk keeps adding to his FPC legacy. Last spring he won the state shot put championship and finished second in discus. He also has a 5.02 GPA.
“I love the school,” he said. “I have a lot of pride in it and being able to make a record like that for football is awesome.”
Fish said Mitchell and Cronk could also break single-season records this year.
“They put in the work, especially this last season,” Fish said. “They were just so unsatisfied, so uncomfortable being 3-7 last year, and I’m the same way. The three of us got together and said we got to change this. So, they were the main driving force of changing the culture of this football team and they did every single thing I asked them to do in the weight room, in the classroom and
the leadership role on the field and off the field. I’m just so proud and happy for them. They deserve it. They’ve done so much for the program, for their school. And it’s just an amazing feeling.”
FPC sweeps Seabreeze to place fifth in Five Star Conference tournament
The Bulldogs’ volleyball team improved to 9-4. The Sandcrabs fell to 6-5.
After going five sets with Mainland two nights earlier, Flagler Palm Coast breezed to a three-set victory over visiting Seabreeze on Thursday, Sept. 19, in the Five Star Conference volleyball consolation final. The Bulldogs beat the Sandcrabs 25-16, 25-18 and 25-15.
FPC, 9-4 heading into a Sept. 24 game at St. Joseph Academy, placed fifth in the conference tournament. Seabreeze, which beat Taylor on Sept. 17 to advance to the consolation final, finished sixth in the tournament.
DeLand (18-2) won the Five Star title with a 3-0 victory over Spruce Creek in the championship game. New Smyrna Beach defeated Uni -
versity for third place.
Seabreeze (6-5) was playing without middle blocker Carley Bandell, who suffered a severe ankle sprain the day before in practice.
“That was a hard blow for our team,” Sandcrabs coach Janet Bruce said. “We’re going to have to work through it. The girls were being thrown into a new rotation tonight. They just weren’t together, and it’s understandable when you lose a key starting player.”
FPC’s Faith Dailey and Grace Taylor, who share the right-side hitter and setter positions, led the Bulldogs. Taylor has 14 assists, 11 kills and 10 digs. Dailey had 14 digs, 14 assists and six kills. Marina Carlisi and Dyllis Mballsube added eight
seven kills, respectively.
“Both
a
The FPC Starlets performed with the band at halftime.
FPC sacks record holder Colby Cronk chases quarterback Jadon Olaffson.
FPC coach Daniel Fish talks to the players after the homecoming game.
FPC teammates congratulate Marcus Mitchell (4) after he scored a touchdown.
Eau Gallie, ranked 15th in Florida by MaxPreps.
and
Adeline Bethea and Peyton Hebert each had four kills for the Sandcrabs. Haven Price had seven blocks, Lilli Litz had eight digs, Victoria Kenyon had six digs and Andie Litz had eight assists.
The Buldogs and Sandcrabs had several long rallies in the match.
teams were picking up a bunch of balls,” Bruce said. “They did
good job to keep it going.”
Seabreeze’s Bella Tedesco serves.
Seabreeze’s Adeline Bethea passes.
FPC’s Marina Carlisi applauds after the Bulldogs’ three-set victory over Seabreeze
FPC’s Grace Taylor (23) sets for a teammate.
Matanzas rises
Matanzas tops Seabreeze 18-10 in a battle of young football squads
MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Matanzas head football coach Matt Forrest said the Pirates’ game against Seabreeze on Sept. 20 was a case of two young teams finding their identity.
The Pirates seem to be on the right track. With an 18-10 win over the Sandcrabs at Daytona Stadium, Matanzas improved to 3-2 on the season.
After 17 Matanzas seniors graduated last year, Forrest said the Pirates have been rebuilding with a young core.
“For a lot of our guys, this was only their fifth start of varsity football,” he said. “For a lot of their guys, it was only their third start of varsity football. You saw two teams that were playing hard, playing fast and trying to find a way to win a football game. Mistakes happen when you go full speed like that. (The Sandcrabs are) getting better every week. We have to keep doing that as well.”
Seabreeze, which fell to 0-3, took an early lead on quarterback Zachary Voltaire’s 61-yard touchdown run.
Less than one minute later, Matanzas wide receiver Ladarian Baker caught a pass from quarterback Caden Burchfield and took it into the end zone for a 60-yard touchdown.
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.
SEABREEZE AT NEW SMYRNA BEACH
When: 7 p.m., Sept. 27
Records: Seabreeze 0-3, NSB 3-1
Tickets: gofan.co
Baker is a junior and has been playing football since the eighth grade. He said he was thankful for his coach, a great offensive line and a quarterback who got the ball to him.
“Good team, man,” he said. “We executed and did what we were supposed to do. I love them. We just did our thing.”
In the second quarter, Burchfield orchestrated a scoring drive which sophomore Wiley Connor finished off with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the Pirates up 13-7.
Voltaire appeared to score another touchdown in the second quarter, but it was called back because of an illegal shift. With less than a minute before halftime, Drew McNerney kicked a 35-yard field goal to pull the Sandcrabs within three points at 13-10.
Forrest said the Pirates’ defense is playing well, but the offense has to tighten up. They were forced into a lot of second-and-longs and thirdand-longs which, he said, is hard for an inexperienced football team to overcome.
“We have to tighten up with overall execution,” he said. “It seems like the last two weeks we’ve been plagued by one guy on the field not doing the job 100% correctly. When you do that on offense against sound defensive teams, it catches you.”
Seabreeze quarterback Jayce Gainer came in for Voltaire eight minutes into the third quarter. He was sacked in the end zone after a bad snap resulting in a Matanzas safety. A little over two minutes later, Alex Procek kicked a 34-yard field goal for the Pirates.
Seabreeze turned the ball over with less than one minute left in the game to end the Sandcrabs hopes of a comeback.
Seabreeze receivers coach Mark Lewis said he attributed the mistakes to the Sandcrabs being a very young team. Head coach Mike Klein told his players they probably had close to 100 yards in penalties.
“The mistakes put (us) in a hole,” Lewis said. “(The players) fought valiantly to rectify everything to get back in the game, but unfortunately the hole that they dug was too deep.”
Matanzas hosts Mainland on Friday, Sept. 27 in a game that will likely decide the District 4-5A championship and an automatic spot in the playoffs. Mainland is 0-5 for the first time in 31 years, but the Bucs have played an extremely tough schedule and are aiming to reach the playoffs for the 31st consecutive season. Belleview, the other team in the district, has lost 13 games in a row. They are 0-4 this season.
Seabreeze travels to New Smyrna Beach on Friday.
Lewis said the Sandcrabs will be going back to the drawing board and focusing on all aspects of the game with the exception of special teams which continues to be their “bright spot.”
“If the other two phases of the game can catch up to our special teams, I think we are going to be good,” he said. “It’s a process.”
He said the Sandcrabs match up really well with the Barracudas.
“It’s going to come down to the team who makes the fewest mistakes,” Lewis said. “We’ve got a good group of kids. They work hard. They’re just learning how to win. We don’t have enough football experience now, but I like the future of our team.”
Matanzas quarterback Caden Burchfield (7) grabs the snap as Asim Tariq (54) blocks a Seabreeze defensive lineman.
Seabreeze Principal Tucker Harris stands with the Little Sandcrabs before they join the cheerleaders.
Matanzas wide receiver Ladarian Baker sprints for a first down before getting pushed out of bounds by Seabreeze linemen Zabidiah Martin (55) and Matthew Wells. Photos by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze’s Jeremias George (11) faces Matanzas’ Ladarian Baker (3).
Matanzas cheerleaders get the crowd going during the game against
Seabreeze. Seabreeze fans take over the stands.
SIDE LINES
Mainland falls in Georgia, 10-7
Before the season, Mainland’s first-year football coach
Jerrime Bell said the first half of the Bucs’ schedule would be killer. He wasn’t kidding.
Mainland traveled to Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia, on Sept. 20 to take on the Trojans in a battle of defending state champs.
Coffee held off the Bucs 10-7 to improve to 5-0 while dropping Mainland to 0-5 for the first time in 31 years.
Edward Williams scored the Bucs’ touchdown on a 15-yard run to complete a 72-yard drive in the fourth quarter.
Mainland plays perhaps its most important game of the season on Friday, Sept. 27, weather permitting, in a district contest at Matanzas. The winner will be in the driver’s seat for the championship of the three-team district and an automatic berth to the playoffs. The Bucs have not missed the playoffs since 1993.
Pirate golfers top Menendez
The Matanzas boys golf team beat Pedro Menendez for the second time this seaso on Sept. 24, 180-192, at Palm Harbor Golf Club. Trevor Challice led the Pirates with a 41.
The Pirates shot 172 in losses to Father Lopez (161) and Tocoi Creek (154) last week. Jack Rosseheim shot a 34 to lead Lopez.
shot 37 in both matches. The Pirates’ Jacob Roster shot 40 against the Green Wave and 43 against Tocoi Creek. Brady Peck shot 44 for Matanzas in the Lopez match.
Lawton Levoy named to FHSAA advisory committee
Mainland High School junior Lawton Levoy is one of 16 students in the state who have been selected to the Florida High School Athletic Association’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
According to the FHSAA’s website, the committee serves as a critical link in identifying topics, issues and concerns that face student athletes of the state of Florida.
This year, the FHSAA received over 60 applications from students across Florida. The 16 selected to the committee were chosen based on their sports participation, extracurricular activities, an essay and their leadership skills.
Levoy is a flag football player, an athletic training aide and a manager for the Buccaneers’ football and basketball teams. She volunteers with Oceans Luxury Realty community movie nights. During her time
Trainer acted quickly in emergency
It was a hot and humid morning on the Flagler Palm Coast practice field. But not hot enough for the wet bulb globe thermometer to cancel the football team’s conditioning session.
Defensive end Stacy Mitchell was not feeling well that day during the summer. He hadn’t eaten much or drank much fluids. It was a potential recipe for a bad outcome, athletic trainer Ron Steinwehr said.
on the advisory committee, she said she wants to be a voice for female athletic programs.
Kuchar visits Hammock Beach
PGA Tour pro Matt Kuchar visited Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa on Sept. 17 for an engaging meet-and-greet, a live golf demonstration, and a Q&A; session with members and guests.
Email: Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com
TRIBUTES
Arturo “Art” Giliberti
June 22, 1930 - August 12, 2024
Arturo “Art” Giliberti, beloved father, grandfather, and community member, passed away on August 12, 2024, at the age of 94. Born on June 22, 1930 in Brooklyn, New York, Art led a life defined by service, devotion, and integrity. At 18, Art enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served with the 101st Airborne Division in Germany during the Korean War. Upon returning, Art found his calling In civil service work. He eventually answered the call as a New York City Firefighter, a role he embraced the day before marrying the love of his life, Marie Giliberti. They met on a blind date, and their bond was inseparable until Marie’s passing earlier this year on April 18, 2024. Together, they raised 3 daughters, their 4th daughter was born with down syndrome and tragically passed away at a very young age.
Due to a work related injury, Art retired from the fire department after 13 yrs of service. He and his family relocated to South Florida, where Art pursued further education and earned a specialist degree in education. He spent the next chapter of his life as a teacher and coach, shaping young minds and athletes until his retirement in 1992.
Following the devastation of Hurricane Andrew, which destroyed their home, Art and Marie made a permanent move to Flagler Beach, Florida. There, Art became an active member of Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church and a proud Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, dedicating his time to faith and community service.
Art also found joy in the Senior Games, where he won numerous gold medals in track and field and swimming.
His passion for competition reflected his lifelong commitment to perseverance, health, and self discipline.
Art was known for his great moral character, kindness , and devotion to family. He is survived by his three daughters, Janine Giliberti, Diane Sweeney, and Lori Giliberti, along with his cherished grandchildren Kira Chichersky, Tatiana Paris, Brendan Sweeney, Meghan Sweeney and Shaina Sweeney. Art’s life was a testament to courage, love, and dedication, and his memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
A memorial service will be held at Santa Maria Del Mar Catholic Church on Oct 5th, 11:30 rosary, 11:45 firefighter tribute and a Mass at noon. To be followed by a reception at the church hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Coast Honor Flights www.firstcoasthonorflight/donation [please note in comments in memory of Art Giliberti] In honor of Art’s lifelong commitment to service and community.
After the outdoor conditioning, coach Daniel Fish directed the players back to the locker room to cool off and drink water before going to the weight room to complete the morning workout.
Steinwehr went back to his office.
“All of a sudden,” he said, “two coaches ran to me, ‘Mr. Ron, Stacy’s down. He needs your help.”
Steinwehr found Mitchell slumped over, not responsive and sweating profusely.
“It was a case of exertional heat stroke,” Steinwehr said.
Steinwehr and the coaches took Mitchell over to the coldwater immersion tub in the athletic training room.
The tub is next to the ice machine. They added four gallons of ice to the water and wrapped cold towels around Mitchell’s neck and face.
“We monitored his vitals, then called 911 and contacted his dad. In less than 10 minutes, EMS arrived,” Steinwehr said.
They stabilized him and when Mitchell’s father arrived they felt comfortable enough to let him drive Stacy home.
“Exertional heat stroke is 100% treatable if you have the right equipment,” Steinwehr said.
Steinwehr and Matanzas athletic trainer Michael Doersch are employed by AdventHealth as part of the health care organization’s formal partnership with Flagler Schools representing a $750,000 commitment to bolster student mental health, provide care for student athletes and establish more career pathways for graduates, according to an AdventHealth press release.
In an AdventHealth video interview, Mitchell said normally if he’s not feeling well he stays home, but on that day he pushed himself.
“Little did I know we were going to run a whole bunch,” he said. “After we got done running, we walked back. I sat there in my locker for five to 10 minutes. I couldn’t move.”
In the immersion bath, he
said his feet were freezing cold.
“I always appreciate my coaches and my athletic trainer, Mr. Ron,” he said. “I feel like they’re so caring, great people who want the best for everybody. As long as you’re here, you’re family.” Mitchell said he learned his lesson the hard way.
“We educate them about heat-related illnesses and remind them constantly to hydrate, eat properly and listen to their bodies,” Steinwehr said.
“I always appreciate my coaches and my athletic trainer, Mr. Ron. I feel like they’re so caring, great people who want the best for everybody. As long as you’re here, you’re family.”
STACY MITCHELL
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Challice
FPC trainer Ron Steinwehr acted quickly when Stacy Mitchell showed signs of exertional heat stroke after a summer conditioning session. Courtesy photo from AdventHealth
Mainland High’s Lawton Levoy is one of 16 Florida student athletes named to the FHSAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Courtesy photo
PGA Tour pro Matt Kuchar talks with members and guests at the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Courtesy photo
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
By Luis Campos
by Dana Edwards, edited by Jeff Chen
FIRST INSERTION
of Government Lot 5, Section 30, Township 12 South, Range 32 East; thence Southerly along said East line of County Road, a distance of 129.15 feet to a point; thence Easterly and at right angles and along the North line of 60 foot street, a distance of 250 feet to the Westerly line of State Road A-1-A; thence Northerly along the Westerly line of State Road A-1-A a distance of 129.15 feet to a point; thence Westerly and at right angles to State Road A-1-A, a distance of 250 feet to the Point of Beginning. Together with all the land lying Easterly thereof, Easterly of State Road A-1-A. Together with improvements, structures and fixtures thereon.
/s/Mark J. Wolfson Mark J. Wolfson, FL Bar No. 0352756 Foley & Lardner LLP 100 North Tampa Street, Suite 2700 Tampa, FL 33602-5810 P.O. Box 3391 Tampa, FL 33601-3391 Telephone: 813.229.2300 Facsimile: 813.221.4210
Primary email: mwolfson@foley.com
Secondaryemail:crowell@foley.com
Attorneys for Plaintiff 4889-1611-3880.1 Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 2024 24-00232G
FIRST INSERTION PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE BY THE FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE TITLED SIMILAR TO: AN ORDINANCE OF THE FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUN-
TY COMMISSIONERS AMENDING CHAPTER 8, ARTICLE III, SECTION 8-56 OF THE FLAGLER COUNTY CODE RELATIVE TO THE INTERNATIONAL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE; PROVIDING FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND SCRIVENER’S ERRORS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public hearings on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS – October 21, 2024, at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, and November 4, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The hearings will be held in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E.
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The Batts Company dba Fly By Night gives notice & intent to sell for non-payment of labor, service & storage fees the following vehicle on 10/21/24 at 9:00 AM at 6020 E Highway 100, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. 954-817-4522 for $3,884.77 due in cash on the day of the sale to redeem the motor vehicle or satisfy the lien. Parties claiming interest have rights to a hearing prior to sale with the Clerk of Court. Owner has rights to recover possession of vehicle w/out judicial proceedings as pursuant to FL Statute 559.917. The lien claimed by the lienor is subject to enforcement pursuant to section 713.585 FL Statutes. Proceeds recovered from sale over the amount of lien will be deposited w/ Clerk of the Court for disposition upon court order. Said Company reserves the right to accept or reject any & all bids. 1FTRF12265KC74423 2005 FORD. September 26, 2024 24-00236G
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2024CA000255 GREENSPRING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF RMH 2023-2 TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST HAROLD C. BLEAKLEY, ITT LEVITT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, CITY OF PALM COAST, MATTHEW HAROLD BLEAKLEY, PHILIP GEORGE BLEAKLEY, JR., ALANA MARIE FARRELL, JEFFREY A. BLEAKLEY, ROXANNE R. WILLOUGHBY, Defendants.
To: Matthew Harold Bleakley
Last Known Address: 31 Firtree Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32137
Current Address: 420 Lakebridge Plaza Drive, Apt 207 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been instituted to foreclose a Mortgage covering the following real and personal property described as follows, to wit: Lot 32, Block 13, FLORIDA PARKSECTION-I, PALM COAST, according to the plat thereof as recorded in
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File Number 2024 CP 000517 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JANIE H. SINGLETON, a/k/a JANIE HOLLOMAN, and a/k/a JANIE HOLLOMAN SINGLETON, Deceased. The administration of the ESTATE OF JANIE H. SINGLETON, a/k/a JANIE HOLLOMAN, and a/k/a JANIE HOLLOMAN SINGLETON, deceased, whose date of death was March 31, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, File Number 2024 CP 000517, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center 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 ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE
Plat Book 5, Page 86, as amended by instrument recorded in O.R. Book 35, Page 528, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property Address: 31 Firtree Lane, Palm Coast, Florida 32137
Each Defendant is required to serve written defenses to the Complaint or Petition on Gary M. Singer, Esq., Law Firm of Gary M. Singer. P.A., Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 12 S.E. 7th Street, Ste. 820, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, and to file the original of the defenses with the Clerk of this Court, on or before the 30th day following the first publication of this notice otherwise a Judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. You may also e-mail the written defenses to the Complaint to the following e-mail addresses: service@garysingerlaw.com and/or singer@garysingerlaw.com. This Notice should be published once a week for two consecutive weeks in the Palm Coast Observer. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court at Flagler County, Florida, this day of 9/18/2024, 2024. Tom Bexley As Clerk of the Court By: (SEAL) Amy Perez Deputy Clerk Respectfully Submitted, LAW FIRM OF GARY M. SINGER, P.A. 12 SE 7th Street, Suite 820 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Telephone: (954) 851-1448
Facsimile: (954) 252-2189
service@garysingerlaw.com
singer@garysingerlaw.com By: /s/ Gary M. Singer Gary M. Singer, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 544906 Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 2024 24-00233G
FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is September 26, 2024. Personal Representative: Signed by: /s/ Romaine Fulton ROMAINE FULTON c/o 1515 Ringling Blvd., 10th Floor Sarasota, Florida 34236 Attorney for Personal Representative: RICHARD R. GANS Florida Bar No. 0040878 FERGESON SKIPPER, P.A. 1515 Ringling Boulevard, 10th Floor Sarasota, Florida 34236 (941) 957-1900 rgans@fergesonskipper.com services@fergesonskipper.com 4866-4443-6674, v. 1 Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 2024 24-0238G
address of which is 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is September 26, 2024. /s/ Diann Ford-Lewis Diann Ford-Lewis, Personal Representative 10 Crabapple Lane Waterliet, New York 12189
Attorney for Petitioner: /s/ Jennifer A. McGee Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. Florida Bar. No. 1023165 Attorney for Petitioner MCGEE LAW, PLLC 6 Meridian Home Lane, Suite 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Tel: (386) 320-7300 jennifer@mcgeelawfl.com
Sept. 26; Oct. 3, 2024 24-00235G
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF ADOPTION CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLOR-
IDA held a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 23rd day of September 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-16, before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Flagler County Government Services Building (GSB) located at 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110. Ordinance 2024-16 was adopted on September 23, 2024 effective September 23, 2024. ORDINANCE 2024-16 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA VACATING AND ABANDONING A TEN FOOT WIDE ALLEY IN BLOCKS 249 AND 250 OF THE TOWN OF BUNNELL PLAT AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 2, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ATTACHMENT AND INCORPORATION OF EXHIBIT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR RECORDING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
NOTICE: If a person
FIRST INSERTION
AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2024-CA-000337 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF ROCCO DIANTONIO, et. al.
Defendants. To: UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF ROCCO DIANTONIO
43 RED BARN DRIVE PALM COAST, FL 32164
LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: STATED; CURRENT ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose Mortgage covering the following real and personal property described as follows, to-wit: LOT(S): 4, BLOCK: 31 OF SUBDIVISION PLAT ROYAL PALMS - SECTION-33 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, PAGE 67 THROUGH
77 INCL, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.
has been filed against you and you are required to file a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Ian R. Norych, Esq., Deluca Law Group, PLLC, 2101 NE 26th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 and file the original with the Clerk of the abovestyled Court on or before 30 days from the first publication, otherwise a Judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on the day of 9/23/2024.
CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) BY: /s/ Amy Perez Deputy Clerk
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 clerk of this Court either before service on Jennifer A. McGee, Esq. or immediately after service; otherwise a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The Court has authority in this suit to enter a judgment or decree in the Petitioner’s interest which will be binding upon you. Dated: 8/30/2024. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Chrissy Alkire Deputy Clerk “Post for 4 consecutive weeks Response date is 10 days after last posting September 5, 12, 19, 26, 2024 24-00221G
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION (Termination of Parental Rights) IN THE GENERAL COURT OF JUSTICE DISTRICT COURT DIVISION JUVENILE DIVISION FILE NO. 23 JT 2 STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF MADISON IN RE: C.L.C., A Minor Juvenile DOB: 10/25/2022 TO: Justin Dacus 22 Wellwood Lane, Apt. B Palm Coast, FL 32164 TAKE NOTICE that a Petition to terminate
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 CA 001003
U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006-HE10, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-HE10, Plaintiff, vs. LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA M. DAWSON; DISCOVER BANK; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendant(s) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure filed July 16, 2024 and entered in Case No. 2023 CA 001003, of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for FLAGLER County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006HE10, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-HE10 is Plaintiff and LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; DISCOVER BANK; are defendants. TOM W. BEXLEY, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash BY ELECTRONIC SALE AT:
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Temporary Custody of Savannah Bilyeu IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR Flagler COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2024 DR 000795 Division: Family Nancy Lester, Petitioner and Erica Lester, Respondent. TO: Erica Lester {Respondent’s last known address} 6393 Bucknell Ave, Keystone Heights, FL 32656 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Child Custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Nancy Lester, whose address is 25 Claremount Dr, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, on or before 10/12/2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. MOODY BLVD. BLDG. #1, BUNNELL FL 32110, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
Dated: 9/4/2024. CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Jo Rios {Deputy Clerk} Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 2024 24-00228G
Get connected to your community for only
www.flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00
A.M., on October 11, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 14 AND 15, BLOCK 5, OF PALM COAST MAP OF WYNNFIELD SECTION 20, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 7, AT PAGE 32, OF THE 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. This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No.2.065. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to provisions of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator at 200 East Moody Boulevard, Rm.125, Bunnell, Fl 32110, Phone No. (904)437-7394 within 2 working days of your receipt of this notice or pleading; if you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD); if you are voice impaired, call 1-800-995-8770 (V) (Via Florida Relay Services). Dated this 11th day of September 2024. /s/ Marc Granger Marc Granger, Esq. Fla. Bar No.: 146870 Kahane & Associates, P.A. 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220 Sunrise, Florida 33323 Telephone: (954) 382-3486 Telefacsimile: (954) 382-5380 Designated service email: notice@kahaneandassociates.com File No.: 23-00632 SPS V6.20190626 September 19, 26, 2024 24-00226G
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF ACTION FOR Temporary Custody of Savannah Bilyeu IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR Flagler COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2024 DR 000795 Division: Family Nancy Lester, Petitioner and Landis Bilyeu, Respondent. TO: Landis Bilyeu {Respondent’s last known address} 21901 Athens Blacktop Rd., Petersburg, IL 62675-2150
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Child Custody has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Nancy Lester, whose address is 25 Claremount Dr, Flagler Beach, FL 32136, on or before 10/12/2024, and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. MOODY BLVD. BLDG. #1, BUNNELL FL 32110, before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the addresses
