Some
PALM COAST
He thanked Alan Lowe for suing the city. Danko called the censure ‘garbage.’ PAGE 2A
‘Come
Local heroes Veterans Day Parade marches through Bunnell, with over 1,000 participants PAGE 3B
Corps veteran Jeffrey Kingdon accepts the 2024 Veteran of the Year award from Flagler County Veteran Services Officer David Lydon.
Photo by Sierra Williams
Village at the Flagler County Housing Authority. Photo by Brian McMillan
CITY WATCH
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Application to rename Community Center after Netts is rejected
The Palm City Council has rejected an application to rename the Palm Coast Community Center after former Mayor Jon Netts. An application to rename the center the “Jon Netts Palm Coast Community Center” failed to even get a vote of approval at the Nov. 12 business meeting. Most of the council felt that though Netts had made many contributions to Palm Coast, they were leery of naming a large city building after people.
Netts, the city’s second mayor, served as for nine years as mayor and six as a council member during the city’s first 20 years. He died in 2021 at 78 years old.
“I think as a policy, we should not be naming big buildings after people,” council member Theresa Carli Pontieri said.
She suggested the city look into naming a room at City Hall after Netts instead. Nick Klufas was the only council member to support the application, stating that Netts deserved to be acknowledged in some way.
Vice Mayor Danko censured by fellow council members
The Palm Coast City Council voted 3-1 to censure Vice Mayor Ed Danko for allegedly working with citizens to sue the city over a Nov. 5 charter amendment while also representing the city in that same lawsuit.
A censure is mostly a parliamentary procedure, City Attorney Marcus Duffy said, where council members can vote to censure another member for behavior that is unbecoming or who has not followed council policies.
At the Nov. 12 council meeting, council member Theresa Carli Pontieri made the motion to censure Danko with failing to follow the council’s procedures regarding decorum after a FlaglerLive article posted on Oct. 29 showcased text messages between Danko and a Palm Coast resident over a lawsuit against the city.
The messages showed Danko attempting to recruit the resident to file a lawsuit against the city’s charter amendment, according to the article.
“The conflict of interest in this regard is inexplicable,” Pontieri said. “The mental gymnastics that had to have been taking place — I can’t even imagine.”
Palm Coast resident Alan Lowe filed his complaint against Palm Coast and the charter amendment on Sept. 20. The day after Lowe filed his complaint, Danko appeared on Lowe’s podcast show, “The I Told Ya Show” on the YouTube channel Flagler Voice.
There, Danko thanked Lowe for filing the suit and “standing up for the people of Palm Coast.” Danko initially voted for the charter amendment to go on the ballot but changed his mind in August and began campaigning to remove it from the Nov. 5 ballot.
Palm Coast resident Jeani Duarte — implicated in FlaglerLive’s article as the first person Danko approached to file a lawsuit against the city’s charter amendment — has also appeared on Lowe’s podcast.
Duarte filed her own complaint against the charter amendment on Sept. 25, though it was immediately tossed out by the judge for being “legally insufficient.” Duarte’s complaint was not represented by an attorney, according to the Flagler
Clerk of Courts website.
Lowe’s complaint was also ultimately rejected by the judge just days ahead of the election, though the amendment failed at the ballot box regardless.
Pontieri said Danko should not have been working with residents to sue the city, nor then participating in a shade meeting — a legal, closeddoor meeting of council members and attorneys regarding on-going lawsuits — with the council on that same lawsuit.
“To me, [that] is censurable behavior,” she said.
Pontieri also called on Duffy to begin looking into an ethics violation complaint for Danko’s behavior regarding the lawsuit.
“That type of behavior should not be acceptable by the city, or by the county, and it’s not something that I think that should happen in the future,” Pontieri said. “I fear if we don’t take action now, we are setting ourselves up for this type of behavior to occur in the future.”
Danko was not present to defend himself — he left the four-hour long meeting early for an appointment, and Pontieri was not able to address her concerns until the end of the business meeting during City Council member comments.
In a statement sent Nov. 13, Danko wrote: “This is typical Pontieri behavior, like a spoiled child lashing out in anger because she did not get her way. She is distraught because the bonds failed and she didn’t get a blank check from the voters, she didn’t get her pick to fill the vacant council seat, she didn’t get her halfpercent sales tax increase, and I stopped her attempt at imposing an FPL franchise fee. Her only recourse is to try and censor free speech with false second-hand accusations. [...] She can’t stomach the fact that I have been the only person who has stood between her and the taxpayer’s money, and I wear this Censuring as a badge of honor.”
Council member Charles Gambaro was the sole vote against the censure, with Mayor David Alfin and council member Nick Klufas voting for it. Klufas seconded Pontieri’s motion
and said that during his tenure as council member, he had just two regrets: not standing up to Danko more when he was campaigning and “spreading lies” against previous Mayor Melissa Holland, and “ever allowing him to have the title of vice mayor, hoping he would become more of an adult and be able to understand the enormity of the situation and the title itself.”
While the lawsuit was Pontieri’s primary concern, she said she could not continue to stay silent against other issues with Danko’s behavior she had heard about, including threatening staff, threatening fellow council members and his lack of professional courtesy and decorum online.
Alfin said he was conflicted with the motion. Unlike Pontieri, who has addressed Danko’s behavior and comments online during council meetings before, Alfin has not commented on the multiple of GIF images Danko has posted online regarding the charter amendment and Alfin.
The GIFs typically featured Alfin’s face with a mocking audio placed over top and referenced the charter amendment.
Pontieri called the images disrespectful.
“We are free to disagree,” she said. “I don’t want to impose on anybody’s freedom of speech, but we also have a certain level of decorum that we must conduct ourselves with.”
For Alfin, he said he did not want his vote on a censure to appear retaliatory as he had ignored Danko’s online posts until now.
“I think we have worked towards decorum, but there have been episodes and incidents which certainly I’m not OK with,” Alfin said. “My reservation is that having been the target and remaining silent I do not want this to appear to be a retaliatory or any kind of a reaction.”
Vice Mayor Ed Danko was censured in a 3-1 vote at his last Palm Coast City Council meeting. Photo by Sierra Williams
“The conflict of interest in this regard is inexplicable,” Council member Theresa Carli Pontieri said.
Is bullying a problem in Flagler Schools?
The district’s reported bullying numbers are low, but that may be because of the FLDOE’s strict interpretation of the term.
Doug Glasco stood before the Flagler County School Board at its September business meeting and read a resolution recognizing October as National Bullying Prevention Month in Flagler County.
Glasco, the school district’s coordinator of behavior and conduct management, began his time before the board by saying, “We at Flagler Schools take (bullying) seriously. We’ve built systems of intervention and support to help mitigate those effects of bullying for our students.”
He cited Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a program the district subscribes to that trains educators in helping students build positive relationships.
According to Florida Department of Education data, bullying is hardly a problem in Flagler Schools, with just nine reported cases last school year in the state’s School Environmental Safety Incident Reporting (SESIR) system. That’s from a district with over 13,000 students.
But in a post last month on the Facebook group, Flagler Schools Parents, an anonymous parent was frustrated that their school was not solving their child’s situation. Several other parents commented about similar experiences with their children being bullied, and while some were helped, others were frustrated by what they regarded as a lack of action.
Bullying is prohibited in public schools by state statute 1006.147.
It is a SESIR offense that must be reported. As a Level 4 offense, it requires 3-5 days of out-of-school suspension at minimum, said Flagler Schools Director of Student Services John Fanelli.
But to qualify as bullying on the SESIR report, three elements must be met:
The behavior must be repeated.
It must be of malicious intent.
And it must involve an imbalance of power.
An imbalance of power, Fanelli said, could mean big to small, older to younger, extrovert to introvert or popular to not popular.
Meeting all three criteria is one reason why there has been a total of only 39 SESIR bullying reports by Flagler Schools in the last five years with a high of 14 in 2021-22.
“The state of Florida has very specific guidelines of what is bullying,” Flagler Schools Superintendent
“That is what we deal with most, making sure parents understand and they feel heard, making sure we take this very seriously and don’t tolerate these type of behaviors in our schools.”
LaShakia Moore said. “A lot of times (a complaint) doesn’t meet the state definition, and the action is misbehavior. When a staff member says it’s not bullying, it may feel like it’s being deflected. Misbehavior may mean a couple days out of school and a class change but not with language that these two will never be in the same class again.”
Fanelli said Flagler Schools’ reported bullying numbers are low because the district works very hard to “nip it in the bud” before the behavior is repeated.
The district has a Report Bullying icon on the front page of its website and on the front page of each of the school websites that allows anyone — student, parent, Flagler Schools employee or community member — to report bullying. The site asks specific questions and has space to describe what happened asking for detailed information.
Fanelli said during the current school year, which began in August, there have been 10 bullying reports that have been directed to his inbox from the website link.
The Observer spoke to three parents whose students, they say, have been the targets of bullying.
PLAYGROUND ATTACK?
Parents are encouraged to take their problem to their individual schools.
Brandii Saunders said during the last school year her fourth-grade daughter complained to her teacher that she was being bullied. The teacher’s response, Saunders said, was, “Aww, poor baby.”
Unfortunately, Fanelli said, students aren’t always the best advocates for themselves. A child might tell his teacher that another child was bothering him, and the teacher might say, “Stop bothering him.” The teacher may seem dismissive of the
“It still irks me. Bullies are the ones who get to stay in school. Victims are the ones who have to leave. It just seems wrong.”
PARENT
student’s complaint, Fanelli said, but the student in that scenario “didn’t articulate that it’s everyday.
“We as adults have to intervene early and often,” Fanelli said.
Saunders said she went to the teacher a number of times and spoke to the dean. She said she was offered a Hope Scholarship, a state program that provides students subjected to harassment and intimidation the opportunity to transfer to another school with capacity or to an eligible private school on scholarship. They declined the offer. But they did have her class switched. The situation came to a head about a month later, when, Saunders said, her daughter was “jumped” by three other girls on the playground.
The incident was recorded on security video, Saunders said. Two of the girls and Saunders’ daughter received a one-day out-of-school suspension for fighting, she said.
“She hit one of the girls’ hands off of her and ran to the bathroom and called me,” Saunders said.
Fanelli did not speak about specific complaints but said that, “If at any time when there is a fight and a student goes from defense to offense then they are participating in a fight. We have to pick the code that most appropriately relates (to the incident).”
Saunders said she home-schooled her daughter the rest of the school year. Her daughter is now attending another district school, where the guidance counselor is helping her, but she sticks close to the teacher during recess, Saunders said.
“Bullying caused her tremendous amount of stress and anxiety. She is literally not same bubbly kid. Now she stays by herself,” Saunders said.
JUST WANTS
TO FINISH SCHOOL YEAR
One common criticism from parents who have complained to school and
district administrators about a bullying situation is that their student is the one whose class is switched.
One reason, Fanelli said, is that when there are no witnesses, it can become a become a he-said, shesaid situation.
“We have to be able to substantiate the child was doing the behaviors the other child alleged they were doing,” Fanelli said. “So we offer to move their child.”
Fanelli said they never move a child from an advanced class to a general education class.
But one parent, Stephanie, who did not want her last name used, said that’s what happened to her fifth-grade son after he made a serious threat following months of being harassed, she said.
Stephanie said her son is biracial and other children began calling him by the N-word last year when he was in fourth grade. It got worse this year, she said. Her son reached a breaking point when he told a student that his dad belongs to a gang and “he’s going to shoot you up.”
“It was very impulsive. His dad’s not in a gang (and lives in another state), and we don’t have guns in the house,” Stephanie said.
A student reported the incident on the school’s FortifyFL tip line, Stephanie said.
Stephanie’s son received a threeday suspension. He has been directed to wear a clear backpack to school, he is randomly searched and he can no longer take his school-issued tablet home because an investigation found that he was doing searches using proxy servers, she said.
She said her son’s complaints were never classified as bullying because there wasn’t one child consistently harassing him.
Her son once loved school and loved sports, she said.
“Now, he hates school, his grades are slipping and he’s still consistently called names. He’s called snitch, he has no friends because he’s the kid who threatened to bring a gun to school,” Stephanie said.
Her son has made a connection with a teacher to talk to, Stephanie said, and now he just wants to finish the school year.
‘SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT’
A parent who did not want her name used for this story, has two children who have autism spectrum disorder.
BULLYING NUMBERS
With about 13,000 total stuents, Flagler Schools’ number of SESIR bullying reports for the past five school years:
2018-19: 4
2019-20: 8
2020-21: 4
2021-22: 14
2022-23: 9
When her older son was pushed to the floor by another student he slid on a carpet and suffered carpet burns on his face and hands, she said.
“They pulled footage. They said we can’t tell you, but your son won’t see that person on campus for several days, implying he was suspended,” she said. “There was an in-school restraining order and the perpetrator would have to switch out of class. That seemed fine.”
But the bullying didn’t stop, she said.
She said his stimming, characteristic of ASD which involves repetitive motions that relieve anxiety, was misunderstood. He had his hand in his jacket pocket in class and a student posted a video on Instagram, which she tried unsuccessfully to take down, she said.
The final straw came, she said, when the student resource officer called to say a student reached his phone over a bathroom stall to video her son.
“I took him out of school right then and there,” she said.
She received a Hope Scholarship form.
“It still irks me,” she said. “Bullies are the ones who get to stay in school. Victims are the ones who have to leave. It just seems wrong.”
Her younger son was also being teased incessantly, she said.
Now she’s home-schooling three of her children.
“My 9-year-old wanted to be home-schooled because everyone else was,” she said.
She said there are good administrators and teachers in the district but their hands are tied.
“Safety is paramount, even (over) education,” Fanelli said. “Nobody wants (bullying) to happen. I want every kid to have a safe experience and want to be at school every day.”
Superintendent Moore said she tells parents all the time, if they have a problem, bring it to the district and they can address it. She said sometimes families don’t like the results of a bullying investigation.
“Bullying is one of those offenses we don’t see a lot of. I know that’s difficult for parents to hear,” she said. “We make adjustments based on what we’re seeing come through the schools. We have training for our staff. We make sure they know who to report to. Our staff makes sure the appropriate intervention is put into place. Training is a huge part of it, how their complaint is responded to. That is what we deal with most: making sure parents understand and they feel heard, making sure we take this very seriously and don’t tolerate these type of behaviors in our schools.”
Email brent@observerlocalnews. com.
Indian Trails para faces child abuse charge after hitting student in head
Cheryl Ann Andrews, 69, has since been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investigation, according to a statement from Flagler Schools.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
A Flagler Schools paraprofessional has been charged with felony child abuse after security camera footage caught her hitting a child in the head.
Cheryl Ann Andrews, 69, a paraprofessional at Indian Trail Middle School, was arrested on Nov. 7 by Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies at her home in the R Section of Palm Coast. The incident occurred at 10:02 a.m. on Sept. 24 in the ITMS cafeteria, according to Andrews’ arrest report. The student involved has mental and physical illnesses, the arrest report said.
In a statement made to the Observer , Flagler Schools Communication Officer Don Foley said Flagler Schools is aware of the situation and is actively looking into it. Andrews has been placed on paid administrative leave pending further investiga-
tion, per the School Board’s policy and state statutes.
School CCTV footage of the Sept. 24 incident shows Andrews walking over to the victim and hitting him on the back of the head, the report said. The student is seen clutching his head in pain and then pointing at Andrews while talking to a nearby witness. Andrews walked back over to the student, shoved his head and then pulled his head backward toward her chest and “forcefully places another hand around [the victim’s] face,” the report said.
A Department of Children and Families child protective investigator contacted the school’s FCSO resource officer the next day and
began looking into the incident after receiving a complaint, the report said.
The investigation spanned almost six weeks, according to dates in the report, and the child’s mother decided to pursue criminal charges in early October. In late October, the witness told a deputy that Andrews “is very aggressive towards all the students and that Andrews’ actions against [the victim] were unprovoked.”
Andrews confessed to hitting the student in a Nov. 5 interview with an FCSO deputy, stating her actions were “unprovoked” and that she didn’t “know why she did that.” She was booked into the Flagler County jail on Nov. 7 and is now out
on a $2,500 bond.
A no contact order has been filed against Andrews, ordering her to stay away from the victim and his mother. Andrews’ arraignment is scheduled for Dec. 23.
Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said in a press release that the FCSO “will not tolerate attacks on a student regardless of who commits it.”
“School employees have a difficult job in today’s environment, but this was an unprovoked assault, and the school district took immediate action to safeguard students from this aggressive employee,” Staly said. “The District and the Sheriff’s Office are committed to ensuring a safe learning environment for everyone.”
Photo by Brent Woronoff
LASHAKIA MOORE, Flagler Schools superintendent
Adobe Stock
‘It’s
been an honor’: Flagler School Board’s Colleen Conklin bids farewell
Conklin and Cheryl Massaro were honored at their final School Board meeting.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Dr. Colleen Conklin laughed and cried at her final Flagler County School Board meeting.
Conklin’s 24 years as a School Board member ended at the board’s agenda workshop on Tuesday, Nov. 12. It was also Cheryl Massaro’s final meeting on the board.
Three new board members — Lauren Ramirez, Janie Ruddy and Derek Barrs — will be installed at the board’s business meeting on Nov. 19.
During public comment,
longtime residents and officials praised Conklin and Massaro for always putting Flagler students first. At times
“Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. It’s what brings us all together, the thread of who we are. It has to be advocated for. It has to be fought for.”
COLLEEN CONKLIN
Conklin was teary-eyed. Other times, she laughed out loud. At the end of the meeting, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore introduced a video with former colleagues and friends honoring Conklin’s 24 years of service on the board.
The video included words from former Flagler Schools Superintendent Jim Tager; former district communications coordinator Jason Wheeler; LaVerne Guines with her husband, former board member Jim Guines; longtime board member Trevor Tucker; the Flagler County Education Foundation staff; the principals and assistant principals at Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools; and two of Conklin’s former high school students when she was a teacher in New York City; among several others.
After the meeting, Flagler Schools staff and administrators and many old friends and colleagues celebrated Conklin and Massaro with cake and refreshments.
“The video, I will cherish,” Conklin said in her closing comments at the workshop.
“I was so excited to see my students from New York City. The past 24 years sometimes feels like it was yesterday and sometimes feels like it was 100 years ago. I have never been prouder than to serve this community, our students, our administrators and our staff.”
Conklin said when she first ran for her seat in 2000, she was a teacher at Bunnell
CONKLIN Q+A
To read a Q+A with Colleen Conklin reflecting on her 24 years as a Flagler County School Board member, go to http://bit.ly/4esA4X7
Elementary School walking a picket line and wearing a T-shirt, that read, “We love teaching, but love doesn’t pay the bills.”
At the time Flagler County beginner teacher pay was ranked 65th in the state, she said. Before Florida went to a uniform beginner salary for teachers, Flagler had moved into the top seven. Conklin said she is proud of the initiative “Graduate 100,” focusing on having 100% of Flagler high school students graduating with a traditional diploma, an industry certification or at least a GED.
“The journey has mostly been filled with extreme highs and an exceptional feeling of pride,” she said.
“Public education is the cornerstone of our democracy,” Conklin said. “It’s what brings us all together, the thread of who we are. It has to be advocated for. It has to be
She said the next board, which also includes current board members Will Furry and Christy Chong “is in great position to move Flagler forward. LaShakia, you are one of the best. One of the things I’m going to miss is working
“Thanks for letting me
Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance, who served on the School Board with Conklin for 12 years, said Conklin was always very passionate about issues.
“She was protective of teachers and curriculum and most importantly microscopes,” he said. “One of the quirks I’ll always remember is Colleen fighting for more microscopes in the chemistry labs. I think she eventually got them.”
Andrea Messina, the chief executive officer of the Florida School Boards Association, said in an email that “Dr. Conklin has been an unwavering champion for public education in Flagler County for over two decades. Since first being elected to the School Board, she has dedicated herself tirelessly to ensuring every child receives a highquality education. Her passion for supporting students, teachers and schools has never wavered. She has been a tireless advocate, using her voice and influence to advocate for critical funding, resources and policies which have improved the lives of thousands of children.”
Messina said Conklin also made an indelible mark at the state level, serving multiple terms on the FSBA board of
“Her committee work and mentorship have shaped the careers of countless education leaders,” Messina said. “The depth and breadth of her impact is immeasurable.”
Massaro served one term on the board, but she has been involved in public education for 49 years and has worked for Flagler Schools for 19 years. She said she has witnessed career and technical education become a part of public school education and no longer a separate entity.
“My only concern,” Massaro said, “is don’t dumb down students, but continue to raise the bar for education. With that I end my term.”
Flagler County Schools staff clap as board members Cheryl Massaro and Colleen Conklin walk out of the workshop room together. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Colleen Conklin listens to Phyllis Pearson, Flagler County NAACP president and former Bunnell Elementary School principal, honor the longtime Flagler County School Board member during public comment.
Cheryl Massaro ended her term as a Flagler County School Board member.
Free dirt? ‘Real solutions’ needed on drainage
New program would limit each resident to 5 cubic yards of dirt per resident and residents would also be required to move and place the
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast could use repurposed dirt to help city residents struggling with drainage issues.
The idea stems from the city’s Residential Drainage Advisory Committee, which established in February by the Palm Coast City Council. The committee was formed in response to an outcry from Palm Coast residents who said neighboring new build homes that were built higher than their own was causing flooding on their properties.
The dirt would be cleaned, screened surplus dirt from various city projects, which can then be used by residents “to make improvements on their private properties,” city documents state.
“We’re not certain that there’s going to be a big demand for this, but at least we wanted to put the ask through to you,” Donna Stancel said, the committee chair. This program would limit each resident to 5 cubic yards of dirt. Deputy Stormwater Director Lynn Stevens said that amount of dirt could easily be loaded into the back of a pickup truck for transport.
Residents would also be required to move the dirt themselves, both transporting it to their homes and placing it in their yards, Stevens said. And if they need machinery to place the dirt, those residents would be required to get a city permit for regrading. A lot regrading permit could cost $82, according to the city’s website.
The committee’s proposed solution is not one-size fitsall, Stancel acknowledged. For one, the dirt would legally
FREE DIRT
Surplus Dirt Availability: A maximum of 5 cubic yards of dirt will be available per household.
Pickup Location: Dirt can be collected from the city’s dirt screening operation on North Old Kings Road.
Pickup Schedule: Residents will be able to pick up dirt on specific dates and times, to be announced soon.
Eligibility: Palm Coast residents can use the dirt to make improvements on their private properties.
have to be available to all Palm Coast residents, not just residents with these specific drainage issues. She said the committee is still working on other potential solutions for residents who have drainage problems because of neighboring lots. In the fall of 2023, residents banded together to ask the council for a building moratorium until the situation was resolved. A moratorium proposed by council member Theresa Carli Pontieri was shot down, but Vice Mayor Ed Danko later proposed the
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORI-
DA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 25th day of November 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-22, 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 2024-22 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA, ANNEXING BY VOLUNTARY PETITION CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 0.23± ACRES LOCATED AT 325 OLD BRICK ROAD, BEARING PARCEL ID: 12-12-30-0650-000A0-0102 WHICH IS CONTIGUOUS TO THE CITY OF BUNNELL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES, AND OTHER CONTROLLING LAW; REDFINING THE BOUNDARIES OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL TO INCLUDE SAID PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PROVIDING FOR CONDITIONS; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO RECORD THE ORIDNANCE WITH THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT, WITH THE CHIEF ADMINSTRATIVE OFFICE OF FLAGLER COUNTY AND WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE; PROVIDING FOR LEGAL DESCRIPTION AND A MAP; REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND THE TAKING OF ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the proposed Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information this ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
“That’s not going to help me. This is a waste of my time.”
JEREMY DAVIS, Palm Coast resident
BRIEFS
Palm Coast Starlight Parade returns Dec. 14
advisory committee to begin brainstorming solutions to help impacted residents.
At the same time, the city’s building and stormwater departments made several changes to the city’s technical manual. Previously, the city did not have a height limit on how high the new, infill-lot homes could be built, just that they had to be a minimum of 12 inches above the crown of the road.
The technical manual also did not have any regulation about how much higher than a neighboring home the new build could be. Since November 2023, the city has updated its technical manual: New homes cannot be more than 22 inches above the crown of the road, and there can be no more than a 10-inch height difference between the floor elevation of neighboring homes. Ideally, the change to the requirements will prevent this from happening again, Stevens said in the Nov. 12 meeting. But the updates do not help residents who already had neighboring homes built higher than their own.
Some Palm Coast residents in attendance at the council meeting said that amount of dirt would not be enough.
“I’m telling you right now, this is not going to work,” resident Celia Pugliese said.
P Section resident Jeremy
Davis has been one of the council’s most vocal critics on how the council and city has responded to residents’ drainage issues. He has told his story multiple times: Ahouse was built in the empty lot next to his at a much higher height and since then, he said he has had water coming on to his property and even in his home that was never there before.
Davis called the 5 cubic yards offered “hilarious.”
“That’s not going to help me,” Davis said. “This is a waste of my time.”
Davis said it would be equally unfair for residents like himself to be required to pay for a permit to fix a problem caused by city staff and builders approving a home built higher than existing homes.
“Come up with real solutions,” Davis said.
While the council agreed this was a good first step, Danko said he hopes the committee continues looking for more solutions.
“I think some of these homes are going to require a much bigger fix,” Danko said. “An expensive fix, probably, but we just can’t let people hang out there.”
Stancel and Stevens said the committee has been working on educating residents on what programs are available to help homeowners, like the county’s and city’s Community Development Block Grant programs. These programs do have limited funding, though, as well as income and other restrictions.
“We’re still looking for other solutions, but this is what we have so far,” Stancel said.
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORI-
DA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 25th day of November 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-23 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 2024-23
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY CONTAINING 0.76± ACRES, OWNED BY RANDALL AND PENELOPE BUCKLES, BEARING
PARCEL ID: 10-12-30-0850-02500-0040 LOCATED AT 305 NORTH BAY STREET IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM THE “SINGLE FAMILY-LOW DENSITY (SF-L)” DESIGNATION TO THE “INDUSTRIAL (IND)” DESIGNATION; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information regarding this proposed ordiance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours
The Starlight Parade is returning to Palm Coast after a four-year hiatus on Saturday, Dec. 14. The parade — originally canceled because of COVID pandemic restrictions and canceled again in 2023 because of weather conditions — will begin at 6 p.m. in Central Park in Town Center, a city press release said. The parade will travel through Central Avenue, Park Street, Lake Avenue and Bulldog Drive.
“Families, friends, and neighbors are invited to come together to experience the joy and excitement that this
beloved parade has brought to Palm Coast for nearly two decades,” the press release said. The 2024 theme is “Winter Wonderland,” and will transform the parade into a magical holiday celebration filled with community spirit, vibrant floats, and seasonal cheer. Though the parade will not begin until 6 p.m., the city will have a multitude of preparade activities at Central Park beginning at 3 p.m. Residents will be able to enjoy food trucks, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, including photos with Santa inside Santa’s Village. The line for photos with Santa will close at 5 p.m. To participate, visit www. palmcoast.gov/events/home/ details/starlight-parade. It is free to register and the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 2.
INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “AGRICULTURE & TIMBERLANDS” AND CITY OF BUNNELL “SINGLE FAMILY-LOW DENSITY (SF-L)” DESIGNATIONS TO CITY OF BUNNELL “INDUSTRIAL (IND)” DESIGNATION; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SERVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information regarding this proposed ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
14
INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 25th day of November 2024, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2024-25 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 2024-25 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA PROVIDING FOR THE REZONING OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY CONTAINING 5.63± ACRES, OWNED BY HAMBY CONTRACTING INC., BEARING PARCEL ID: 03-12-30-0650-00110-0011 AND 03-12-300650-00110-0030 LOCATED APPROXIMATELY 40± FEET NORTH OF GRAND RESERVE DRIVE IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “AC, AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT” AND CITY OF BUNNELL “PUD, PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT” TO CITY OF BUNNELL “L-1, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or
Palm Coast resident Jeremy Davis is one of many residents who says he has drainage issues because a neighboring home was built higher than his own. Image screenshot from Palm Coast City Council livestream
dirt themselves.
BRIEFS
Teen girl arrested for school shooting threat over makeup
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a 16-yearold Flagler Palm Coast High School student on Friday, Nov. 8, after deputies allege she threatened to shoot up the school because she forgot to put on a makeup spray.
The FCSO received a notification from the Federal Bureau of Investigations with a tip of a possible school shooting threat, a FCSO press release said. The girl had posted a photo of the bottom half of her face on a social media platform with the phrase “I forgot to use setting spray i’m gonna shoot up the school” across the photo.
The student was identified and the FPC resource deputy immediately located her and ensured there were no weapons campus, the press release said. The 16-year-old has been charged with felony written/electronic threat to kill or bodily harm another and was later released to her parents, per the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.
Sheriff Rick Staly urged parents to continue being the sheriff in their own home and explain to their children that “stupid comments will get you arrested if you make a threat.”
“The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office takes all threats seriously, especially ones made towards a school or its student body,” Staly said. “We don’t like arresting your child, but we will ensure Flagler County students are safe. I want to thank the FBI
COPS CORNER
OCT. 29
GRATUITY REVOKED
8:50 p.m. — 500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Disorderly intoxication. A 43-year-old Daytona Beach man shouted to restaurant patrons not to give servers a tip while he was being arrested for disorderly conduct at a local Mexican restaurant.
Police received a call from employees reporting that the man was intoxicated and screaming at staff and other people. When the reporting officer arrived on scene, he saw the man at the outside bar, where he was displaying “obvious indicators of intoxication” and bragging about spending a lot of money on various liquor shots, according to his arrest report. Initially, he was cooperative with police, but once he learned that restaurant staff wanted him removed, he started shouting obscenities.
When police asked him to calm down and lower his voice, the man used profane language at the officer in his refusal.
He was taken to jail.
NOV. 6
HAMMER TIME
12 p.m. — First block of Cypress Circle, Ormond Beach Burglary of an occupied dwelling. Police arrested a 64-year-old Ormond Beach woman who stole her neighbor’s air conditioner unit circuit breaker and threatened his son with a hammer.
The neighbor contacted police after his 21-yearold son saw the woman loitering around their home with a hammer. The son told police that he was awoken around noon to the sound of “metal banging against metal” somewhere outside his house, according to the police report, and when he went to investigate, he saw
for sending us the tip so our deputies could act swiftly and make an arrest.”
Palm Coast man to serve 10 years in prison for molesting woman
A Palm Coast man who molested a woman while she was sleeping has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
In February, Lloyd Parrish, 62, recorded himself molesting a woman while she slept. The victim told deputies that she had taken muscle relaxers that night and was entirely unaware of the attack until until weeks later, when she saw the video.
That March, detectives interviewed Parrish who admitted to filming the video and called himself a “sexual deviant,” the press release said. He later reached out to the victim on several occasions to persuade her to drop the charges.
On Nov. 5, Parrish pled guilty to both charges of sexual battery on a helpless person and video voyeurism, and no contest to a charge of tampering with a witness or victim, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said.
After serving 10 years in prison, Parrish will, for another 10 years, be required to register as a sexual predator and will be on sexual offender probation.
Released felon threatens family members, Flagler deputies
A 35-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after he threatened to kill family members, a Flagler Sheriff’s Office
press release said. Andrew Williams, 35, of Ormond Beach, was arrested on Nov. 9 by FCSO deputies at a home on Shadow Lane in Ormond Beach. Williams had just spent the last week in jail in Volusia County: He was previously arrested on Nov. 2 in Volusia for disorderly conduct and released on Nov. 3, only to rearrested on Nov. 3 for a criminal mischief charge. Williams was then released from the Volusia County jail on Nov. 8, where he walked, barefoot, to the home on Shadow Lane. When FCSO deputies arrived, the couple who lived in the home had been locked outside and Williams was inside destroying their belongings, the press release said.
The couple told deputies that Williams had asked to stay until his roommate could come pick him up, but became “erratic and aggressive” when his ride did not show. Williams refused to leave the house and the homeowners gave deputies a garage door opener for them to use instead. Once inside, deputies attempted to arrest Williams, who began fighting the deputies, kicking and attempting to spit on them, the press release said. One deputy sustained a cut on his arm in the struggle.
Williams has been charged with trespassing, resisting officers with violence – aggravated assault, obstruction without violence burglary of an occupied dwelling, battery on an officer, threat with death/bodily harm to family member or law enforcement officer and criminal mischief – over $1,000.
Williams is being held on no bond at the Flagler County jail.
the woman leaving his backyard.
The son confronted the woman, who alleged she was from FEMA. The son was “bewildered with the situation” and asked her to leave, at which point he alleged the woman told him she would “cut” him and “get” him, the report states. He armed himself with a brick — seeing as she had a hammer — and threw it in her direction. The woman then left, but not before striking the right headlight of his car, resulting in a minor scuff.
The son called his father, who reviewed the security footage, which also showed the woman loitering near a circuit panel. When he went outside, he found a missing circuit breaker for his air conditioning unit.
Police note in the report that other neighbors in the past few days have called police to notify them about the woman’s erratic behavior, which has included burglary, theft and vandalism.
She was taken to jail.
NOV. 8
HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO JAIL
8:17 a.m. — Interstate 95, mile marker 289 southbound off ramp, Flagler County Trespass. A Palm Coast homeless man was
him. A Sheriff’s Office deputy who responded to the seen was familiar with the man — because the man had already been trespassed from sitting in the grass on the off ramp before, according to the man’s arrest report.
The man was formally trespassed from the off ramp in May 2022. Since then, he had been warned multiple times to stay out of the area and if he kept returning he would be arrested.
The man was placed under arrested and taken to the county jail.
NOV. 9
PROBATIONARY
10:26 a.m. — Intersection of Old Kings Road and Utility Drive, Palm Coast
Violation of parole. A Flagler County convicted felon found himself rearrested for violating his parole, all because he left the scene of two hit-andruns.
The suspect was on a four-year probation period after serving two years in jail for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Per his probation requirements, the suspect was required by law not to violate any laws for the four years he was on probation, according to court documents.
the Interstate 95 off ramp at
Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the suspect for leaving the scene of two separate crashes, in the same day, a Sheriff’s Office press release said. If the suspect had remained at the scene, he would not have violated any laws and would not have been arrested.
The suspect was tracked to his home and was arrested and returned to the county jail, where he is being held on no bond.
DON’T EVER SAY THE WORD ‘QUIET’
Inside the world of a police dispatcher
SARAH ELIZABETH ULIS GUEST WRITER
Information is coming in. In the darkened room, phones ring. Two dozen screens are flashing code and text. Maps track squad cars, fire and emergency medical personnel. Electronic pins pop up marking crisis locations. Computer aided dispatch equipment gathers and displays information already on record, such as multiple calls coming in about the same incident. Timers are clocking time elapsed. Orders are being issued, callers being assured. This is the Public Safety Answering System at the Emergency Operations Center in Bunnell. There should be chaos. But there isn’t. Those standing guard over all this are in control, talking, pushing buttons, ascertaining crisis levels, prioritizing.
It’s a storm of information. In its eye is Communication Specialist First Class Megan Burton, Florida Sheriff Association Dispatcher of the Year, and the official honoree for the 2024 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. With a stress level that rivals that of an air-traffic controller, Burton is a keystone in the structure that provides safety and wellbeing to the citizens of Flagler County.
Suspect a fire? Burton can have fire and water trucks on site within minutes. Did you just witness a crime? Before a caller even completes a sentence, Burton is already con-
BIZ BUZZ
Avelo Airlines launches two routes from Daytona Beach airport
Megan Burton, a communication specialist with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office emergency dispatch, is the honoree for the 2024 Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade. Visit palmcoastyachtclub. com/category/ holiday-boatparade/ Photo courtesy of Sarah Ulis
tacting police officers near the incident, and they are on the way. Burton and her colleagues are absorbing it all, sifting, triaging, getting help. Working with her are a small group of specialists. One is a general supervisor. Another monitor’s traffic problems and police actions. Yet another oversees information sharing with other agencies all over the country. In a nearby cube, a responder handles fire-fighters and medical personnel. The phrase “10/4” peppers each conversation as information is received, comprehended, and reconfirmed. It signifies “OK” or “I understand.”
At any moment each responder might have a dozen balls in the air. Each of those spheres might be a human life or a life-changing trauma, or even simply a very scary moment. And without immediate professional intervention, a phone call away, each has the potential to become a disaster. Those possible catastrophes, thanks to the real-time work of this superbly professional team, routinely become miraclesin-progress.
A minute-by-minute account of an incident can be collated and printed out almost instaneously and kept as a public record that the Center has collected and recorded. “Our jobs are streamlined because of this technology,” says Burton.
The situations are endless. Three cars have collided on Interstate 95. A man is lying screaming on a sidewalk. Smoke is billowing out of an unoccupied house. A child has been hit by a car. A fist fight has broken out at a department store. A fire-fighter is having trouble locating a water hydrant.
Reaction time is nearly instantaneous. Two seconds to answer a call; two seconds to dispatch the appropriate personnel; two seconds to confirm action; two seconds to assure the caller that help is coming. Burton is advising,
giving help, sending help, layers of action overlapping second to second.
Two minutes isn’t enough? Burton and her colleagues are certified in CPR, so lives can be saved over the telephone. Burton has done just that on several occasions.
But when help arrives, her work is not done. She and other dispatchers continuously check status as events unfold. Personnel accountability reports are made every ten minutes reporting on-the-scene activity. Civil disruptions such as neighbor disputes require a check every fifteen minutes. Traffic stops are the most dangerous. For those, she checks every three minutes.
There is other work to be done as well: Training new personnel is constant, providing strategic observation and tracking their progress. Burton also monitors the automated reports from the License Plate Scanning Vehicles on county vehicles making their systematic way around streets of the county. These highly complex electronic scanners provide rapid identification of vehicles of potential interest to crime officials – expired plates, crime suspects, even more benign violations such as trespass or unpaid parking tickets. Burton is continually checking the reports and either sends them on to be officially reported or deleting them as errors.
How did Burton come to this career? With a background in call center management and an intense interest in criminal justice, Burton used to live in Kalispell, Montana. One of her clients at a gym she man-
aged was a police dispatcher who noticed her organizational and management skills. He told her that she had all the makings for that work and suggested that perhaps she should consider that as a line of work.
Burton took the advice and applied to the Kalispell, Montana, police department. She was hired and plunged into nine months of intensive on-the-job training at the state’s dispatch academy. “It wasn’t easy,” she says. “It was like learning a new language, another set of living skills. It takes a good three years to really settle in.”
In 2015 Burton had the opportunity to move out of the frigid north and came to Palm Coast. The job of sheriff’s dispatcher came easily to her. But she notes that it is not so easily kept. “If we hire ten people for the job, maybe three people will actually make it.”
“We are all A-Type personalities. We’re perfect for multi-tasking under pressure. We like things to make sense.” The hardest cases to handle are calls from people who have done something destructive, either to themselves or to someone else. “A myriad of social skills come into play,” Burton explains. “Some of these are beyond difficult, the ones you have a hard time getting out of your head.” After her shift is over, dismissing the pressure is a must. “You cannot allow it to rule your life. One must be able to let it go and approach the next shift with a clear mind,” she says. Not all the calls are difficult. The easiest are those that should have gone else -
Last week, Avelo Airlines added a new nonstop service to Hartford’s Bradley International Airport in Connecticut and celebrated the return of the nonstop service to Wilmington Airport in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley region from Daytona Beach International Airport. Avelo now operates nonstop service to Hartford twice weekly on Fridays and Mondays and to Philadelphia/ Wilmington on Thursdays and Sundays, utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. Avelo is the first airline offering nonstop service between DAB and these two destinations, a press release said. Since starting at DAB 18 months ago, Avelo has flown more than 60,000 customers on over 400 flights. Avelo now serves three nonstop destinations from DAB, Hartford, and Philadelphia/Delaware Valley and Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport.
“Our community has been very supportive of the Avelo service since it launched last year,” Airport Director Karen Feaster said. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty merges Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network
Realty has acquired Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Palm West Realty brokerage and its two offices in Palm Coast.
The two real estate companies merged to create a new company that will operate under the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty name, effective Oct. 31, a Berkshire Hathaway press release said. The 18 real estate agents affiliated with Palm West Realty will join 15 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Realtors to serve the Palm Coast market.
The two offices are located at 2 Florida Park Drive, the Palm Coast West Office, and, east of the Intracoastal Waterway, at 5408 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., the Palm Coast
Beach Office on A1A Scenic Highway.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty President Ann King said the acquisition is an opportunity to “elevate and enhance the services” provided to clients and communities in Northeast Florida.
“We are stronger together and thrilled to acquire a company that is so rooted in the Palm Coast community,” King said.
Palm West Realty has been serving the Palm Coast community since the early 1980s. Areas served include the cities of Palm Coast, Daytona Beach, Flagler Beach, Ormond Beach, Port Orange and beyond.
where like to the power company or the public library. One of her most interesting came from a child who dialed 911 to learn how to make the color red for a school project. It was an emergency, after all. “We all Google a lot. We get phone numbers for people if they need them. And I know exactly how to make red now,” laughs Burton.
And the “quiet” word? It’s a word that Burton and all of her colleagues do not like to hear. Because as soon as the room turns “quiet,” a fresh torrent of calls is sure to be expected, as many as 350 every 24 hours. And don’t worry. The Flagler County emergency dispatchers are among the best in the country. They have your back. Says Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly: “Burton is simply the best. I can’t think of a better way to give her work the attention it deserves as the honoree for this year’s Holiday Boat Parade. She has been named Florida Sheriff Association Dispatcher of the year. She is the link between the day-to-day lives of our citizenry and the excellent support our resources and services can provide when those lives go awry.”
The phone rings again. Burton turns to answer. “This is 911. What is your emergency?” Her fingers are flying over her keyboards. More “10/4s” are exchanged. It’s been six seconds, and three fire trucks are on their way to a house in the C Section. Lights flash. Headphones burble with information and instructions. Burton tells the trucks that all pets and residents are out of the home. “Help is on the way,” she says.
Pilot Club supports Children’s Center
The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area donated $100 to the Rose Marie Bryon Children’s Center to sponsor Thanksgiving Baskets for families.
Elissa Thomas, presidentelect of the Pilot Club of the Halifax Area, presented the check to Janet Byrant, executive director of the Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center.
The Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center is the oldest after-school program in the Daytona Beach area, serving the community since 1948. Programs are available for
‘She is the link between the day-to-day lives of our citizenry and the excellent support our resources and services can provide when those lives go awry.’
RICK STALY, sheriff
ages 5-18. Staffed by volunteers, the center is open for school holidays, spring-break, winter-break, and summer camp. Visit rmbcc.net.
Ormond Beach DAR donates books to Family Renew
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently held a book drive in support of Family Renew, a local organization that provides transitional housing for families with children. The donations were accepted by Lindsay Elliott, executive director of Family Renew, and Anita Brooks, program manager. Visit fssdar.com/ CaptainJamesOrmondDAR.
Avelo’s inaugural flight lands at DAB on Thursday, June 22, 2023. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Network Realty Founder and Chairperson Linda Sherrer, Assistant Manager Susan Kos, Broker Manager Tracy Glochau and President Ann King. Courtesy photo
Elissa Thomas, president-elect of Pilot Club of the Halifax Area, presents the check to Janet Bryant, executive director of the Rose Marie Byron Children’s Center. Courtesy photo
Soda Waves, Ormond Beach’s first soda shop, to open soon
Soda Waves is a family-owned gourmet, or ‘dirty’, soda shop offering signature drinks.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Kerlins have always been a big soda family.
But five years ago, John Kerlin started looking at carbonated beverages in a new way. He was on the phone with his eldest daughter, who lives on the west side of the country. She was going through a drive-thru and ordered a Mountain Dew-based drink that John thought sounded delicious.
“This was a small little shop in a small little town of Idaho,” John said. “Well dad’s brain starts going and I’m thinking ... ‘I wonder what this could be.’”
her counter, trying different combinations until she found ones she liked.
“When he came to me with this, I was totally on board,” Jamie said. “Let’s do this. It’s been me and him all the way through.”
John spent 47 years in the corporate world until he retired and decided to become a business owner. Jamie said he’s always been an entrepreneur at heart, and she wanted to support him to be able to live the way he wants.
Becoming part of Soda Waves also empowered her, she added. She’s been in the restaurant business for 20 years, and now she gets to do what she loves — for not just a small business, but one owned by her father. Her biggest goal is to provide a happy work environment for their employees, many of whom are Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students.
BIZ BUZZ
Halifax Health, YMCA introduce new EGYM system to members
The Halifax Health and Volusia Flagler Family YMCA have implemented the EGYM system, designed to provide members with a personalized and efficient fitness experience, a press release recently announced.
The EGYM system features smart equipment that will adjust to each user’s body dimensions and fitness goals, whether they are weight loss, muscle building or rehabilitation. It also integrates with the EGYM app, allowing members to track progress, set goals and compete with others.
The Kerlins moved to Ormond Beach three years
Gourmet sodas, also called “dirty” sodas, are carbonated drinks made with a brandname soda combined with various syrup flavors and creams. But this takes inspiration from the original soda jerks of the 1920s to 1950s, which would historically often mix carbonated water and syrup to make soda drinks in drugstores.
ago and made the decision to open a soda shop about a year ago. Originally, the family was looking at opening their shop in Port Orange, but when that door closed, they found a home for their new soda shop, “Soda Waves,” at 1425 W. Granada Blvd., Unit 2, in Ormond Beach, which formerly housed a Boston Market restaurant.
The family hopes to open sometime in mid-November. John said he’s excited to open their doors, as throughout the buildout, people have popped in and expressed excitement about their business.
“We would love to have everyone come by and try,”
John said.
Soda Waves offers signature drinks such as the Tiki Island (a Dr. Pepper base with vanilla syrup and coconut cream), Bikini (a Coca-cola or Pepsi base with strawberry syrup and vanilla cream), and the Swaying Palm (a Sprite base with cranberry syrup, raspberry puree and fresh lime).
Patrons can also create their own drinks, and in addition to sodas, the shop also offers sparkling water and tea as alternate bases, all of which are poured from a tap.
John’s daughter Jamie Kerlin is the brains behind the signature drinks. She spent months with syrup bottles on
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
Ocean Hammock home sells for $5 million
Ahouse at 44 N. Ocean Ridge Blvd. in the Ocean Hammock subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The home sold on Oct. 31 for $5 million. Built in 2024, the home is a 6/8 home and has ocean views, a pool, a home theater, an elevator and 6,623 square feet.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Condos
The condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 514, sold on Oct. 30, for $1.4 million. Built in 2003, the condo is a 4/3 and has 2,179 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $540,000.
The condo at 900 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 824, sold on Oct. 28, for $750,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,682 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $416,000.
The condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 607, sold on Oct. 31, for $607,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,640 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $465,000.
The condo at 42 Hembury Lane, Unit 42, sold on Oct. 29, for $215,000. Built in 1988, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet.
PALM COAST
Quail Hollow
The house at 17 Lloshire Path sold on Oct. 31, for $450,000. Built in 2006, the house is
a 5/3 and has 2,986 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $325,000.
Palm Harbor The house at 13 Chesney Court sold on Oct. 31, for $1,265,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has a private dock, boat slip, a saltwater pool and 2,863 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $900,000.
The house at 2 Crossbow Court sold on Oct. 30, for $865,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, spa and 2,976 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $630,000.
The house at 7 Cedarford Court sold on Oct. 28, for $765,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,959 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $590,000.
The house at 76 Cochise Court sold on Oct. 31, for $490,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock, screened-in porch and 1,861 square feet.
Beach Haven
The house at 8 Shady Oak Lane sold on Oct. 30, for $800,747. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,428 square feet.
Grand Haven
The house at 14 Scarlet Oak Circle sold on Oct. 29, for $950,000. Built in 2012, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, screened-in lanai and 2,591 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $590,000.
Marineland Acres
The house at 19 Rollins Drive sold on Oct. 28, for $664,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,525 square feet.
Sea Colony
The house at 10 Bristol Drive sold on Nov. 1, for $489,900. Built in 19889, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,842 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $310,000.
Retreat at Town Center
The house at 11 Mulberry Road sold on Oct. 31, for $466,010. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,635 square feet.
Pine Lakes
The house at 118 White Hall Drive sold on Oct. 29, for $449,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,337 square feet.
FLAGLER BEACH
Morningside
The house at 612 Yorkshire Drive sold on Oct.31, for $545,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 3/3 and has a screened-in porch, private dock and 1,576 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $521,000. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
“I literally can’t sleep at night because I’m so excited to come here,” Jamie said. “To get to the point where we can be around people.”
The family is very community-focused, John said. They are looking forward to continuing to be that way, and incorporating Soda Waves — Ormond’s first soda shop at the moment.
“The fact that we can integrate into the community with something that’s unique today — tomorrow, there may be somebody here, that’s okay. Competition is just fine — but we want to serve,” John said. “We have that in our nature, in our blood and that’s really fun for us to be able to do — and offer something fun.”
Once open, Soda Waves will also offer curbside service. An app is also available to download. Visit https://www. sodawaves.com.
House in Toscana top sales list at $1,275,000
Ahouse at 224 Vista Della Toscana in the Toscana subdivision was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 26 to Nov. 1 in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Oct. 28, for $1,275,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 5/4.5 and has two fireplaces, a pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and 4,136 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $790,000.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 2860 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1020, sold on Oct. 29, for $295,000. Built in 1990, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,056 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $175,000.
The condo at 2294 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1060, sold on Nov. 1, for $300,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $200,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Archer’s Mill
The house at 333 Rover Road sold on Oct. 29, for $361,990. Once constructed, the house will be a 2/2 and have 1,816 square feet.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 160 Black Hickory Way sold on Oct. 28, for $550,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,529 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $455,000.
The house at 55 Coquina Ridge Way sold on Oct. 30, for $735,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,452 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $725,000.
David Point
The house at 76 N. Arbor Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $292,500. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,094 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $129,900.
Forest Hills
The house at 1300 Biltmore Drive sold on Oct. 31, for $260,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,400 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $58,000.
Hunter’s Ridge
The house at 39 Pergola Place sold on Oct. 31, for $335,000. Built in 2010, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,760 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $149,996.
Ormond Ridge The house at 357 Collins St. sold on Oct. 31, for $333,000, Built in 1972, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,355 square feet. It last
“With EGYM, members don’t need to worry about adjusting equipment or figuring out the right weights,” said Chris Seilkop, president and CEO of the Volusia Flagler Family YMCA. “The system does it all, creating a seamless and engaging workout experience that ensures everyone, from beginners to advanced users, can achieve their fitness goals safely and efficiently.”
Hammock Beach Golf resort earns 2025 AAA FourDiamond rating
The Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has earned its fourth consecutive AAA Four-Diamond rating from AAA.
The rating is earned after an inspection by AAA’s team of professionally trained experts, who conducted an evaluation of the resort’s facilities and services, a Hammock Beach resort press release said.
“We are incredibly proud to earn this prestigious designation for the 4th consecutive year,” said Carlton Grant, managing director at the resort.
sold in 2022 for $303,500.
Park Ridge The house at 10 Parkview Lane sold on Oct. 29, for $280,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,610 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $156,400.
Plantation Bay
The house at 710 Dolphin Head Lane sold on Nov. 1, for $565,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,399 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $635,000.
Plantation Pines
The house at 3626 Plantation Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $460,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,625 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $240,000.
The Trails The townhome at 1 Timberline Trail, Unit B, sold on Oct. 30, for $205,000. Built in 1977, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,391 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $104,500.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Obyrne
The house at 6 Breezeway Drive sold on Oct. 31, for $800,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/2 and has 975 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $780,000.
Seabridge
The house at 25 Seabridge Drive sold on Nov. 1, for $550,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,814 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $160,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Jamie Kerlin prepares a soda.
Jamie and John Kerlin are the father-daughter duo behind Soda Waves. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
PALM COAST
ORMOND BEACH
The Rotary Club of Flagler County’s 19th annual ‘Fantasy Lights’ kicks off Nov. 30
The Rotary Club of Flagler County’s Fantasy Lights, a light display and fundraiser at Palm Coast’s Town Center, returns Nov. 30 and will remain in place through Dec. 30.
The initiative began in 1997, in Evansville, Indiana, when a little girl named Tiffany Butler dreamed of creating something magical: a light show that would spread joy. In 2002, Tiffany died due to a heart condition. In 2006, her dream found a new home in Flagler County with the help of her father, Bill Butler, who launched the Rotary Club’s first Fantasy Lights event.
“It was incredible to see this idea turn into a reality,” Bill Butler said. “We started with just 16 displays at the Indian Trails Sports Complex. We had about 2,000 to 3,000 people attend that first year, and the funds we raised were modest, under $5,000. But, the heart behind it was always big.”
Fast-forward to 2024, and this modest dream has developed into a favorite holiday event in Flagler County.
Last year, the event at Central Park at Town Center welcomed over 30,000 attendees and featured 55 displays, raising more than $30,000 to support local nonprofit organizations and scholarships for high school seniors.
“Every year, it is humbling to see how the community rallies behind this event, and to know that the funds we
the entire community looks forward to.”
This year promises to be just as magical, with some exciting new features.
The event is featuring a new display, an angel tossing a dove, along with the return of a fan favorite, the Startled Deer display. New additions to the Rotary Club’s event from last year, like expanded food truck options and the “Taste of the Holidays,” ensure there is something for everyone.
“Fantasy Lights is a way for us to come together as a club and as a community,” said Jeanette Loftus, Rotary Club of Flagler County, Club president. “We bond over putting this together, we laugh and enjoy each other’s company, and ultimately, we know that what we’re doing is making a real impact.”
“It is just incredible to see all the smiling faces, especially knowing that this started with a little girl’s dream. Now, it’s a reality that benefits so many,” Butler said. Opening night is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 6 p.m. at Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast. The city of Palm Coast will hold its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at 6 p.m. Rotary’s Annual Taste of the Holidays featuring local cuisine and
Santa’s Village. And it is guaranteed to snow that night!
The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Marketplace will be Dec. 7. And, the City of Palm Coast’s Starlight Parade is scheduled for Dec. 14.
Fantasy Lights continues nightly from 6:30-9 p.m. through Dec. 30. The train will run every night, beginning on Friday, Dec. 6.
For more information on Fantasy Lights and the performance schedule, along with possible sponsorship opportunities for next year, go to the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s website at www. flaglerrotary.org.
Portuguese American Educational Society awards scholarships to 11 students
Flagler County’s Portuguese American Educational Society (PAES) awarded $31,500 in scholarships to 11 students of Portuguese heritage on Oct. 26th at its annual scholarship dinner and golf tournament.
The dinner, held at the Portuguese American Cultural Center (PACC), was attended
This is PAES’ 13th year awarding scholarships. To date, the PAES has awarded a total of $302,000 in 149 scholarships. The scholarships are supported through The North vs. South Golf Tournament, among other sources of sponsorships.
Marisa Pereira, 20, received a cultural undergraduate scholarship and the Marco F. Branquinho “It’s a Beautiful Day to Save Lives” scholarship in the medical field.
Guilherme Cerqueira
received a Trade/Tech Scholarship and the Stephen Carneiro Scholarship, in the technical or vocational fields.
The following students received an academic undergraduate scholarship: Alex Camacho, 20; Jessica Camacho, 18; Sabrina Carvalheira, 18; Liana Fernandes, 22; Raquel Torrão, 21; and Arielle Yanton, 18.
The following students received a cultural undergraduate scholarship: Soraya Filipe, 19; Marissa Jesus, 19; and
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Dear Editor: I would like to give a shoutout to Joe Higgs in the Parks and Recreation Department. With all the issues I have brought to the attention of Palm Coast, I have never had such quick results in having the problem rectified. I spoke to Joe about the one way in and out at the Indian Trails Sports Complex. I was telling him that if an emergency vehicle ever had to get in there, there would be a problem with one way in and out. Within maybe two or three weeks, the whole issue was resolved with the help of Theresa Pontieri, Lauren Johnston and James Hirst. I’d also like to thank the others that were involved in this, for instance, the ones who made the signs. Thank you!
The scholarship recipients with Dr. Carolina Rendeiro, Portugal’s Honorary Consul in Miami.
Marisa Pereira (left) receives the “Marco Branquinho” Scholarship from Dina Branquinho.
Rotary Club of Flagler County’s Fantasy Lights. Courtesy photos
Guilherme Cerqueira (center) received the Steven Carneiro Scholarship from Manuel and Katherine Carneiro.
PAT BARILE Palm Coast
Emily Madalena, 19.
Board of the Portuguese American Educational Society is composed of Ivone Carneiro, Rosa Costa, Ana Paula de Almeida, Inácio Dias, Dina Branquinho, Manuel Carneiro, Samuel Prata and Jack Lourenço. PAES is
nonprofit that works
Portuguese language, culture
traditions.
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Lora Fickett, CPA, MBA Financial Stress Reduction® Coach
CPA,
386-319-1917 Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com
Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Honoring veterans
Second annual Veterans Day Parade has over 1,000 participants
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler County’s second annual Veterans Day Parade had over 1,000 participants this year, Bunnell Police Chief and parade organizer David Brannon said.
“I think there’s a lot of support for the veteran community in Flagler County,” Brannon said. “I’m elated its [the parade] happened.”
The parade and ceremony were organized and held jointly this year and, Brannon said, there was a focus to make the parade a Flagler County event and not just specific to Bunnell. The parade began at 10 a.m. at the Historic Flagler County Courthouse building on East Moody Boulevard and then participants marched along Moody to the Flagler County Government Services Building where the annual Veterans Day Ceremony was held.
Officers from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagler Beach Police Department and the Florida Highway Patrol were all involved in the parade in some way, with some participating in the parade and others contributing to safety measures alongside the Bunnell Police Department, Brannon said.
Several of the local elected officials leading the ceremony — including Flagler County’s Board of County Commissioners and parade grand marshall Randall Stapleford, a Florida Inland Navigation District commissioner — arrived with the parade.
“When you wear a military uniform, you wear the colors of red, white and blue, no other color,” Stapleford said. “And as a veteran, when you no longer wear that uniform, you still wear those colors of red, white and blue.”
Flagler County Veteran Services Officer David Lydon led the group through the ceremony.
Veterans Day, Lydon said, is all about honoring the men and women who took an oath to serve their country. Flagler County’s 2024 Veteran of the Year is Jeffrey Kingdon, a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Kingdon served in the Marine Corps as a rifleman from 1966 to 1969 and is a veteran of the Vietnam War. In recent years, Kingdon has used a combination of his woodworking and technology skills to create wooden, engraved plaques that he gives out to organizations and people who spend their time serving others, Lydon said.
Kingdon, he said, spends his time thinking about others.
“Today, he’s donated thousands of plaques thanking veterans, first responders and fellow Americans who perform selfless deeds for
people they don’t even know,” Lydon said.
One of Kingdon’s goals is to give a plaque to all of Flagler County’s World War II veterans to thank them for their service. Kingdon said he does this in part for his own father, who served in WWII.
So far, he said, he’s managed to hand out 14 plaques to local WWII veterans and is working on his 15th.
“Every time I talk to a World War II veteran, I’m basically talking to my dad, which is kind of neat,” Kingdon said. “But I do it for veterans because I like doing things for other people. It gives me a purpose.”
As a Vietnam War veteran, Kingdon said he is from an era where veterans weren’t welcomed home as heroes: The plaques are his way of showing his own appreciation. Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance had just one message for Flagler’s veterans: “thank you.”
“Today, we thank, celebrate and honor Americans and Flagler County’s veterans,” Dance said, “for their dedication, patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.”
Local girl scouts lead the 2024 Veterans Day Ceremony in the Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by Sierra Williams
The Palm Coast VFW Riders participated in the parade.
U.S. Army Private Second Class Mary Hayward and Sgt. Kayla Porter salute during the national anthem. Photo by Sierra Williams
The Flagler Palm Coast High School band marches in the parade. Photos by Brent Woronoff
The 2024 Veterans Day flyover by Flagler County’s FireFlight. Photo by Sierra Williams
A tractor leads the Flagler County Baptist Church float.
Buddy Taylor Middle School student Melissa Ryan reads her essay on why Veterans Day is important to her. Photo by Sierra Williams
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, NOV. 14
HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY MEETING AND PROGRAM
When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library. 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Bill Vivian will present “20th Century Military Records for Genealogists.” Guest registration is free. Bring a friend or neighbor.
FRIDAY, NOV. 15
USED BOOK SALE
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, and Saturday, Nov. 16
Where: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, 1520 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach
Plan for Medicare Open Enrollment
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•Increased
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•Checking
16TH ANNUAL A1A SUPER
SCENIC GARAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: A1A in Nassau, Duval, St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia
counties Details: Presented by the Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, this garage sale spans 150 miles. Visit scenica1a.org/superscenic-150-mile-garage-sale.
14TH ANNUAL RIVERFEST
SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
lWhen: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17
Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond
Beach
Details: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church is hosting a book sale, featuring all genres, from historical fiction to westerns and mysteries. There will also be a selection of faith-based books, romance, cookbooks and nonfiction. All hardcover books are $1 or 3 for $2; paperbacks are 50 cents or 3 for $1.
PALMETTO CLUB’S HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Palmetto Club, 1000 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Details: Shop boutique sale items such as books, jewelry, handbags, art, crystal and more. The public is invited to enter the boutique from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a $25 donation, which includes lunch. Not having lunch? You can enter the boutique for free from 1-3 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Nov. 8 by calling 386-334-9304.
988 SUICIDE AWARENESS WALK
When: 5 p.m.
Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: The Rotary Club of Flagler County will host an awareness walk to promote the 988 National Suicide Crisis Hotline. Participants will walk around the lake at Central Park, where a brief ceremony will take place prior to the walk. Participants are encouraged to wear purple and/or teal. Registration is not required. Free event.
TANGER DAYTONA BEACH
TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY
When: 6-8:30 p.m.
Where: Tanger Outlets, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: Celebrate the start of the holiday season at the annual tree lighting ceremony, presented by Halifax Health. This event will include a live snow fall, giveaways, kids craft stations, musical entertainment featuring Mr. Harley and a visit from Santa Claus. The free event will take place near Polo Ralph Lauren.
DAVID BRIGHTON’S
SPACE ODDITY: ‘THE QUINTESSENTIAL
DAVID BOWIE TRIBUTE EXPERIENCE’
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast
Details: This is a live, theatrically staged, costumed multimedia spectacle that transports audiences on a musical journey through David Bowie’s career. Tickets start at $54. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.
SATURDAY, NOV. 16
HOLIDAY BAZAAR
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach
Details: Tomoka United Methodist Church will host a bazaar, open to everyone with free admission. It will feature a selection of fall, Christmas and year-round crafts, gifts and White elephant items. This year’s event will also include an opportunity to take home a theme gift basket. Homemade lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a wide selection of bake sale items will be available.
Details: Ormond MainStreet’s annual Riverfest Seafood Festival is back. In addition to food vendors, there will be bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, balloon art, face painting, live entertainment, local artisans and more. Free admission and parking, with additional free shuttle service from two remote parking lots courtesy of Lighthouse Christ Presbyterian Church. Enjoy a quick boat ride across the river on a free water taxi, embarking from the public docks at Cassen Park.
HONEYBEE BUZZ: HEROES OF OUR PLANET, MAKING HONEY HAPPEN
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: Join bee keepers Bill and Barry for an educational program about honeybees, Florida native “bee friendly” plants and what is involved in raising honey bees and harvesting the honey. Park entry fee of $5 per vehicle (for 2-8 people) or $4 for single occupants required.
THE CHILES ACADEMY’S ANNUAL HOMECOMING CARNIVAL
When: 12-4 p.m.
Where: The Chiles Academy, 868 George W. Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: The Pilot Club of the Halifax Area will be teaching all about brain safety at The Chiles Academy’s homecoming carnival. There will be puppet shows, music, games, a bounce house, pony rides, free bicycle helmet fittings and giveaways. Free event.
‘GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY’
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: The Halifax Genealogical Society is hosting a free, one-on-one research assistance program for anyone interested in researching family history. The volunteers convene in the Sandpiper Room in the library. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Learn to paint in watercolor with artist Bibi Gromling. Class costs $75. All supplies included. No drawing required. Class is limited to six students.. Call 386-3179400 to reserve a spot.
SUNDAY, NOV. 17
CORVETTE’S COAST TO COAST 2024
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Government Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: The Flagler County Corvette Club presents this car show. There will be music, door prizes, food trucks and raffles. Pre-registration costs $35 and $40 on the day of the show.
PASTORS APPRECIATION DAY
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Palm Coast United Methodist Church is extending a community invitation to express appreciation to their pastors, Dr. Kevin James
and Rev. Shannon White. The event will take place during the church service.
BEAUX ARTS OF CENTRAL FLORIDA OPENING RECEPTION
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Art League of Daytona Beach, 433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach Details: Beaux Arts of Central Florida will be on exhibit at the Art League of Daytona Beach from Nov. 17 through Dec. 15.
MONDAY, NOV. 18
NARFE CHAPTER MEETING
When: 11:30 a.m.
Where: Houligan, 1643 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Join the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Chapter 2247 of Ormond Beach for its meeting. The program will be a review of federal health benefits with representatives from several providers. For more information, email billdenny105@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 20
SHANNON RAE
PERFORMANCE When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Vocalist Shannon Rae will perform a free program, titled “Bringing Back Memories with Melodies from the 1960s and 1970s.” Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.
THURSDAY, NOV. 21
GAME DAY LUNCHEON
When: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709, 53 Old Kings Road N, Palm Coast Details: The Ladies Auxiliary of the Elks Lodge 2709 are holding a Game Day luncheon, featuring a menu of Italian, turkey and chicken salad wraps with bow tie pasta salad, dessert, coffee and tea. Tickets cost $15 per person and are on sale until Sunday, Nov. 17. Tickets are available via email at ladiesauxiliary2709@gmail. com.
FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB NOVEMBER MEETING When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Ave. Royale, Flagler Beach
Details: This month’s meeting will feature Carlos M. Cruz as a guest speaker. He will speak on the topic, “What It Takes to Be and Remain an Individual of Influence,” and will provide an analysis debrief of the 2024 election. He will also be available before and after the meeting for a book signing. Advance registration and payment required. Tickets cost $35 for members and $40 for guests.
ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING When: 6:30 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend the November meeting for the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Check-in ad social time begins at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. The election results will be examined and ways to effectively move forward discussed. Input from members and like-minded guests will be encouraged and welcomed. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 22 4TH ANNUAL SEAN ‘POOH’ HENDERSON MEMORIAL RODEO When: 5-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22 and Saturday, Nov. 23
Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
Details: Presented by 4-H and FFA Livestock, there will be ranch bronc riding, wild cow milking and bull riding. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the rodeo
YOUR TOWN
Flagler Habitat for Humanity celebrates community impact
In 1982, at a Habitat for Humanity conference in Ohio, the speaker announced that the audience members could save the organization $12,000 by putting away their own chairs.
That made an impression on Bill Verhagen, in the audience. Wow, he thought. Such a little thing can make a big difference.
Verhagen has been involved with Habitat ever since and is now president of the local chapter, Flagler Habitat for Humanity.
He spoke at Hearts to Homes, the inaugural celebration of Flagler Habitat, held Nov. 7, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
Although society is often divided, Habitat is an organization in which we can agree on working together, Verhagen said, calling it “the doctrine of the hammer.”
Habitat homes are sold to local families with a mortgage at a 0% interest rate, in exchange for sweat equity. Habitat also provides many resources for families, including the Prep Club, which, in partnership with Intracoastal Bank, establishes bank accounts for the children of Flagler’s 131 Habitat for Humanity homeowners.
Maureen Crompton, the new executive director at Flagler Habitat for Humanity, started out as a volunteer in another resource: the ReStore.
At the Nov. 7 event, Crompton praised the ReStore crew, which also picks up and delivers donated furniture at two storefront locations: 5 Har-
grove Grade, Palm Coast; and 2 W. Moody Blvd., Bunnell. Habitat is more than just a home building organization, Crompton said. “It’s about bringing heart, warmth and love …so families can thrive now and into the future,” she said.
FPC educator is a finalist for Classroom Furniture Giveaway contest
Flagler Palm Coast High School Activities Director
Evana Fretterd is one of 12 overall finalists in the KI Furniture Solutions’ Classroom Furniture Giveaway contest. Fretterd was selected from over 500 kindergarten to 12th grade teachers nationwide who submitted designs for their dream classrooms.
Four winners — three from geographic regions and one reserved for school libraries — will be awarded $40,000 worth of furniture to make their visions a reality. The winners will be decided in a public vote. The poll will be open through Sunday, Nov. 17 with the winners to be announced on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Fretterd’s classroom is one of three finalists for the award in the Eastern Region.
Fretterd’s design is for FPC’s Student Government Association classroom. It includes flexible seating with furniture on wheels, more storage, counter tops and new whiteboards.
Fretterd said she heard about the competition from Assistant Principal Stacia Collier who suggested that she submit a proposal. Fretterd said it is an honor to even be considered.
“Honestly, winning this giveaway would be an amazing way to thank the SGA members for all their hard work and dedication to their school and community. They spend so much time working in that room and totally deserve to have this new space,” she said.
To vote, go to https://www. ki.com/classroom-furnituregiveaway/third/.
Maureen Crompton, new executive director at Flagler Habitat for Humanity, and Bill Verhagen, president. Photo by Brian McMillan
Evana Fretterd, FPC activities director. Courtesy photo
For the arts: Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival highlights local artists
The Fall Arts Festival featured local artists from the area, from St. Augustine to Ormond Beach.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
From photography to painting, jewelry to glassware, the third annual Palm Coast Fall Arts Festival was an opportunity for local artists to showcase their creations.
The festival took place from 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 at Central Park in Town Center. The festival was a collaboration between the city of Palm Coast and the Flagler County Cultural Council and featured multiple local artists.
Perry Wafer, co-owner of P&J Crystals, is one such artist. The fall festival was just his third event, he said, but he and his partner Janice Martinez were able to make plenty of sales.
“It’s been a good day,” Wafer said. “It’s more than I expected. Wafer said he began creating the crystal decor pieces as something
fun to do after he retired.
“We’ve got them in every window,” he said.
Like Wafer, Ormond Beach artist Stephen Pierce said he found his creative outlet in woodworking and resin creations after he retired.
He showcases works from his shop, the Faithful Craftsman, across Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, Daytona and as far south as Cocoa in Brevard County.
He said he got bored during his retirement and it seemed natural to explore woodworking, something he said he “always wanted to do.”
He began with making cutting boards and then using laser technology to etch in different designs on the cutting boards. Now, Pierce said, he creates the cutting board designs alongside resin art pieces and other decor.
The arts festival also featured arts in the form of live music performances, including from the Palm Coast Community Band.
The FC3 is already working on organizing its spring 2025 arts festival and has set Nov. 8, 2025 as the next fall festival date, according to a FC3 Facebook post.
Janice and Perry Wafer of P&J Crystals show off the crystals artist Perry Wafer has designed.
Friends Lasaundra Smith and Kayla Wisnosky brought their children Kaliyah Wisnosky and Caslyn Smith to have their faces painted by Doreen Lazzano of For Any Event, LLC.
Ormond Beach artist Stephen Pierce crafts cutting boards and resin artwork. Photos by Sierra Williams
The Palm Coast Community Band performs at the Flagler County Cultural Council Arts Festival.
Jim Martin, the Jimstones Guy, helps customers perusing his creations at the Arts Festival
Tracy Jones and Deanna Arthur were raising money for the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Palm Coast Lion’s Club President Amy Dumas and club administrator Ken Crowley with the 2023 and 2024 official White House ornaments.
Queen and Dew Drop Fairy roles will be performed by high school seniors Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan.
ALMENAS
JARLEENE
MANAGING EDITOR
Sugar Plum Fairy. Snow Queen. Dew Drop Fairy
Three prominent roles in “The Nutcracker,” and ones that Ormond Ballet has filled with its senior dancers for the school’s upcoming production of the traditional holiday ballet, to be held at the News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24. The show will star Ellen Svajko as Clara and Emmett Persico as the Nutcracker.
High School seniors Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan will play the soloist roles. Ormond Ballet Artistic Director Michelle Boutros said they achieved the roles because they are three of the strongest dancers in the school
“It’s not just their physical gift, it’s their mindset,” Boutros said. “Even academically, we have overachievers in all three of them.”
Potts has been dancing since she was 2 years old. She’s always looked up to the older girls and the roles they got to play in productions. When Ormond Ballet started putting on “The Nutcracker” in 2021, she hoped to one day get the role of Sugar Plum Fairy.
And now the Seabreeze High School senior has, and she’s aiming to bring her own artistic perspective to the role.
“Now that I’m playing it, it’s so surreal and I’m really excited to finally be able to do that this year,” Potts said.
Senior spotlight: Ormond Ballet to present ‘The Nutcracker’
wanted to play the role of Snow Queen in “The Nutcracker.” She watched Potts perform it last year, and Khanna, who has been dancing since she was 3, has played several roles in the ballet over the years, working her way up to Snow Queen.
Last year, she played the role of Dew Drop Fairy, and that taught her the importance of putting the work in as a soloist, she said.
“Gaining the confidence in that last year has definitely helped me this year to be able to do more,” Khanna said.
Rogan said it’s been fun to play the role of Dew Drop Fairy. A senior at Flagler Palm Coast High School, this is the first time she leads a scene during a ballet, she said.
“When you’re in a core, you can rely on your fellow dancers, but when you’re in a soloist position, you’re only as good as the work you put into it,” Rogan said, who has been dancing since she was 2.
She loves the music for her solo too — the “Waltz of the Flowers.”
And every time she runs the number during rehearsal, she gets stronger, Rogan said.
Boutros has known Potts and Khanna since 2018, and Rogan since 2021. It’s been a privilege, she said, to see the three dancers grow up, and she appreciates their leadership in the school.
“People look up to them.” Boutros said. “They have good attitudes. They make good choices. They’re respectful.”
And the roles they are playing are not easy. Sugar Plum Fairy in particular, Boutros said, is very isolating.
“She has to sit out and conserve because it’s 12-15 minutes of just all out war, but looking beautiful at the same time,” she said. “... This is just beyond taxing.”
Nostalgia and Christmastime are two things that come to mind for the dancers when they think of “The Nutcracker.”
“Every major ballet company, they do the Nutcracker,” Boutros said.
The dancers rehearse five to six days a week. But that’s what it takes to have a good production, Khanna said.
“That’s just part of the experience,” she said. “If we want to have a good show, we know that’s what’s necessary.”
You have to have high expectations for yourself too in order to improve, Potts added.
“My peers are one of the biggest parts of getting better and putting on a good show because I think the more you have sort of a team — you wouldn’t really think of ballet as a team, but you can think of your best friends and people you’ve grown up with so long as a team,” Potts said.
“Being there for each other whenever they’re struggling with a specific step or a specific part and just mak-
ing sure that you can always be there for them and help them out, I just feel like that’s one of the most important parts for me.”
With Ormond Ballet’s production being held in November, it can also help kick off Christmas festivities, Khanna added.
And it’s an opportunity, Rogan said, to appreciate local arts.
“I think everybody should just watch ballet,” Rogan said. “I feel like we should have more appreciation for the arts as a community.”
Tickets for Ormond Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” start at $30. Visit www. ormondballet.com.
Party Girls Mia Esguerra, Joselyn Stoy, Zsanett Szabo, Caroline Jones, Emma Doster (as Fritz), Angelica Butakova, Faith Pfeiffer, Lucy Martin, and Nora Martin surround Ellen Svajko, who plays Clara in “The Nutcracker”. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
Baylee Rogan plays the role of the Dew Drop Fairy
Mira Khanna will play the role of Snow Queen
Baylee Rogan, Mira Khanna and Eris Potts have been dancing since they were toddlers.
Eris Potts will play the Sugar Plum Fairy
Emma Doster, who plays Fritz, runs away from Ellen Svajko, who plays Clara.
COMICS
Ziggy
SPORTS
Playoff bound
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast will be home in the first round of the state football playoffs, and the Bulldogs will be facing a team they defeated just two weeks ago.
In the pairings released on Nov. 8, the Bulldogs (9-1) received the No. 4 seed in Region 1-7A and will host fifth seed Spruce Creek (7-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15.
FPC beat Creek 50-39 on Oct. 25 at home in a District 2-7A game.
All four teams in the district are headed to the playoffs. Third seed University (8-2) and eighth seed DeLand (5-5) are also among the eight teams in the Region 1-7A bracket. DeLand got in despite its 0-3 district record and its wild 62-57 loss to FPC in the regular-season finale on Thursday, Nov. 7.
It was a game that featured over 1,000 yards of offense and 17 touchdowns, but it took a defensive play to end the madness and put FPC in a three-way tie for first place in District 2-7A.
The spectators at Sal Campanella Memorial Stadium, many of whom came for FPC’s Senior Night, witnessed a thrilling offensive showcase that ended three hours after the opening kickoff with FPC outlasting DeLand in a battle of the Bulldogs.
Braylyn “Juice” Simmons scored the winning touchdown with 1:07 left on perhaps the most bizarre play of the game. On paper, Simmons caught a 71-yard touchdown pass, but the ball was knocked out of his hands just short of the goal line, and he recovered the fumble in the end zone.
With all the big plays in the game, the feeling on both sides was that whichever team had the ball last would probably win. There was just over a minute left in regulation for DeLand to score again, but that seemed like an eternity in a game that had nine lead changes and nine touchdowns of 40 yards or longer.
But with 59 seconds left, FPC sophomore Lucas Siharaj leaped high in the air to intercept a pass by DeLand’s Gardner Nordman and secure the victory for the FPC Bulldogs.
FPC coach Daniel Fish had hoped his team would meet University in the playoffs. The Titans are the only team to beat the Bulldogs this season (34-19 on Sept. 27). But that rematch won’t be possible until the regional final with both teams having to win two games to get there.
Spruce Creek beat University 20-14 on Nov. 7 causing a threeway tie for first place in the dis -
FPC to host Spruce Creek in the regionals after its wild, wild win over DeLand.
“I saw that ball in the air, and I just said, ‘I got to go get that ball.’”
LUCAS SIHARAJ
trict, but the Titans claimed the district trophy by maintaining their higher ranking (sixth overall in Class 7A) compared to FPC (seventh) and Spruce Creek (11th).
The 5-foot-6 Siharaj intercepted his seventh pass of the year to lead all Class 7A players in his first season playing varsity football. He said Spruce Creek’s win made the pick even more imperative.
“I saw that ball in the air, and I just said, ‘I got to go get that ball,’” he said. “‘We got to win this game,’ because I hear on the speaker that Spruce Creek had beaten University, so I was like, ‘I want to win that district championship.’”
Fish said Siharaj is always in the right spot at the right time.
“His story is just incredible. He’s one of the most coachable kids you’ll find,” Fish said. “He’s just not intimidated by anybody. That dude’s had to guard guys that were a foot taller than him, and he fights his
“He was battling through cramps and stuff, and he was able to get open and make a big-time play in a big-time moment.”
HAYDEN HAYES on sophomore Braylyn “Juice” Simmons
(butt) off to get off those blocks.”
Siharaj said he owes his success to his position coach, and also to his size.
“I think it’s just because I’m undersized, and they just want to (throw) it over my head, but it’s not going to happen,” he said, “because I work with my coach, Chris Parks, and he’s helped me through everything. I wouldn’t be anything without him.”
It was the second week in a row that FPC scored more than 60 points and the seventh time in 10 games that the Bulldogs scored 48 points or more. But they have also allowed at least 24 points in each of their last six games. Fish has not been happy with the defense, but in crucial situations, they have been making plays.
Besides Siharaj’s game-clinching pick, Corinthians Watson scored on an 80-yard interception return with 2.8 seconds left in the first half off a DeLand fourth-down pass. The touchdown tied the score at 28-28 at the half.
But FPC was not able to contain DeLand running backs Taihj Moore and Marceles Carey, who combined for 385 rushing yards, according to WNZF Flagler Radio statistics. Moore, a freshman, rushed for 227 yards and scored five touchdowns.
FPC running back Marcus Mitchell ran for 230 yards and two touchdowns of 45 and 41 yards. FPC quarterback Hayden Hayes accounted for six touchdowns, rushing for three scores including a 56-yard touchdown run, and throwing for 240 yards and three more touchdowns.
“That’s the first (long) run I’ve ever broken, because I’m not that fast,” he said. “So that will be cool to say in a while.”
Hayes has thrown a school-record 32 touchdowns this season, including 18 in the Bulldogs’ last four games.
Mikhail Zysek caught two touchdown passes for FPC to give
him 10 in his last four games. Zysek caught four passes for 87 yards and also gained 123 yards on four kickoff returns.
DeLand went ahead 57-56 with 6:10 remaining in the game on Carey’s 5-yard touchdown run followed by his two-point conversion run.
Simmons caught four passes for 117 yards. A week after scoring four touchdowns against Matanzas, the sophomore was held to one, but it turned out to be the biggest touchdown of the game and clinched home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
“I saw him, I saw he was open,” Hayes said. “He does a great job. It’s crazy to believe he’s a sophomore. He was battling through cramps and stuff, and he was able to get open and make a big-time play in a big-time moment to propel us to 9-1 and put a cap on the end of it.”
To watch a replay of the game, go to https://www.youtube.com/@flaglerbroadcasting.
FPC quarterback Hayden Hayes runs for one of his three touchdowns.
Lucas Siharaj intercepts a pass with 59 seconds left in the game to secure FPC’s 62-57 victory over DeLand on Nov. 7. Photo by Keishia McLendon
FPC running back Marcus Mitchell (4) rushed for 230 yards with two touchdowns. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Da’Veon Brown embraces the brotherhood at Jones College
Seabreeze graduate
Da’Veon Brown misses his hometown food while embracing his newfound cheerleading team at Jones College in Mississippi.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Da’Veon Brown was sitting in his dormitory at Jones College daydreaming of eating Jamaican food. More specifically, he wanted some jerk chicken and plantains.
The recent Seabreeze graduate moved to Ellisville, Mississippi, on a full cheerleading scholarship in August and has not been back home since then. He said he misses all the food choices offered in his hometown of Daytona Beach.
“There’s no soul food, no Bethune Grill, no Huey Magoo’s (in Ellisville),” he said. “I’m going home and get me some. I’m counting down the days until I get the plate.”
Jones head cheerleading coach Kate Ewing, associate head coach Kayla Hankins and assistant coach Hanna Burnett selected him to join the Bobcats following a tryout event the first week of May, just three weeks before he graduated from Seabreeze High School.
“The first few weeks were a little overwhelming,” Brown said. “It’s way different going from high school to college. There is much more commitment and way less free time. It’s even more busy than before. I haven’t had a chance to go back to Florida because of how busy it is.”
That is saying a lot considering Brown worked out with the Seabreeze cheerleading team at 6 a.m., attended school, then went to football practice after school in the fall of 2023. He then would get a ride to Hope Place after practice and start the whole process over the next day. Now, Brown said, his schedule is class, cheer, study and the occasional game, if he has time.
Currently, Brown said he is working on his general education in preparation for Jones’ nursing program. Next semester he will be taking biology followed by anatomy and physiology.
“I have always wanted to be a nurse because, when I was younger, my mom was in the field,” he said. “I feel excited and scared about it — a little bit of both.”
The Bobcats practice Tuesday through Thursday 1-4 p.m. and occasionally add a six hour session on Friday. Brown said they will go to two-a-days soon due to the impending national championships coming up at the beginning of the new year.
The team also cheers at football and basketball games, pep rallies, parades and any other Jones function that involves school spirit.
Brown is one of 16 men on the Jones cheerleading squad out of 28 total. Eight athletes are from Flor-
ida with three of their sophomores originating from DeLand — Anthony Medeiros, Sebastian Coley and Valentin Conner Hernandez.
“It feels like when I was playing football,” Brown said. “There’s a lot of brotherhood on the team.”
He said his coaches like his progress but, as a freshman, he will more than likely be cheering his team on at nationals. So far, he said the hardest stunt he has learned is called a toss cupie where the base tosses a flyer up and catches them with one arm.
Jones College has won three Universal Cheerleaders Association National Championships since 2021 in the Open Coed Division. The UCA College Nationals to be held at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, January 17-19, 2025.
Brown said he is looking forward to having some long overdue family time during nationals and a big plate of Jamaican food.
Seabreeze graduate Da’Veon Brown cheers with his new teammate Emma Patty at Jones College. Courtesy photos
Seabreeze High School graduate Da’Veon Brown cheers on the sidelines with his new team at Jones College.
Flagler Palm Coast wrestlers help Team USA win gold in Bahrain
Christina Borgmann won a silver medal and Mariah Mills took home bronze at the AAU/ISF Bahrain Gymnasiade.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Christina Borgmann and Mariah Mills have won state wrestling championships. They’ve competed in some of the top tournaments in the United States.
Last month, the two Flagler Palm Coast High School wrestlers added another achievement to their growing resumes. They flew with Team USA to Bahrain, an island nation in the Persian Gulf, and helped the United States win gold at the AAU/ ISF Bahrain Gymnasiade U17 women’s wrestling championships.
Borgmann won the silver medal in the 61-kilogram (134.5 pounds)
Mainland hits the road for playoffs
If Mainland is to repeat as a state football champion, the Buccaneers will have to be road warriors. The seventhseeded Bucs (5-5) will travel to No. 2 Tallhassee Lincoln (8-2) for a Region 1-5A quarterfinal 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15. If they win, the will play the winner of the Fleming IslandMosley game on the road.
Pirates’ Saterfield commits to Utah State
Matanzas defensive lineman Jackson Saterfield has committed to play at Utah State, where he will join his father, Tyrone Saterfield, who is a defensive analyst with the Aggies.
Titans 12U team repeats as ECC champ
The 12U Flagler Titans won the Football Team won the East Coast Conference Pop Warner championship for the second year in a row. Their season ended with a loss in the regional playoffs.
weight class. Mills won the bronze in the 53-kilogram (116.8 pounds) class.
They both came away with the experience of a lifetime.
“It was my first time out of the country,” Borgmann said. “I got to see different things, learn different things, and obviously the wrestling was a little different.”
There were over 5,000 athletes from nearly 70 countries competing in 26 different sports. Mills said the large crowds at the opening and closing ceremonies made her feel as if she were in the Olympics.
They learned about the culture. As young women in a Muslim country they were told not to wear shorts in public places. They were also told not to bring attention to themselves.
“They told us it’s better to be seen and not heard. They didn’t want that much attention drawn to us because we were from the U.S.,” Borgmann said.
They visited museums and a souk (marketplace), and they spent a day in Doha, Qatar. They also had a
Lopez’s stellar swim season continues
The Father Lopez girls placed third and the boys were fifth at the Region 1-1A swim championships at Bolles School in Jacksonville. The girls qualified three individuals and two relay teams for state. Zoe Fulton advanced in the 200-yard individual medley and the 100 breaststroke. Nelanee Fulton qualified in the 200 IM and the 100 butterfly. And Evie Kate Carnathan qualified in the 100 breaststroke. Zoe Fulton broke the team record in the 100 breaststroke with a time of 1:06.40. Carnathan also broke a team record, swimming 54.63 seconds in the 100 freestyle. The Green Wave also set team records and qualified in the 200 medley relay (1:53.09) and the 400 freestyle relay (3:44.25). Matt Alvarez qualified in the 100 breaststroke. The Green Wave boys also advanced in the 200 (1:31.74) and 400 freestyle relays (3:23.75), breaking teams records that have been on the books since 2000.
Elks Lodge Hoop Shoot set
The Palm Coast Elks Lodge 2709 will hold its Hoop Shoot contest on Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Matanzas High School Gym. Registration is at 9-10 a.m. The local contest is part of a nationwide series, free to all participants, that provides youth an opportunity to compete, connect and succeed.
Local champions move on to district, regional and state contests. The Hoop Shoot National Finals are held in Chicago. One boy and one girl from each age group will win a national title and have
nations night where they were able to trade with athletes from other countries.
“I traded a shirt with a girl from Cyprus,” Borgmann said. “I never even knew that was a country.”
Their trip started with three or four days of training in Chicago with their Team USA teammates. The entire trip was about two weeks long.
“Knowing what these girls want to do after high school, traveling overseas to international competition will help prepare them,” FPC wrestling coach David Bossardet said.
Bossardet said one of the first things Mills said to him when she began training with the team was that she wants to be an Olympic champion some day.
Borgmann lost to a Chinese wrestler in the championship match after defeating wrestlers from Romania and the Ukraine, she said. Mills pinned a Romanian wrestler in the third-place match after losing 3-2 to a wrestler from Taipei in the semifinals.
their name inscribed in the Basketball Hall of Fame. For more information, go to Elks. org/hoopshoot.
Seabreeze’s Fletcher advances to golf final
Seabreeze’s Riley Fletcher qualified for the Class 2A girls golf tournament Nov. 15-16 at Mission Resort in Howeyin-the-Hills. Fletcher tied for fourth place with an 80 at the Region 2-2A tourney at Dubsdread Golf Course in Orlando.
Father Lopez’s Jack Rossheim advanced to the Class 1A boys golf tournament Nov. 12-13 at Mission Resort. He shot 82 on the first day.
FPC, Seabreeze head to state cross country championships
The Flagler Palm Coast girls cross country team has not advanced to the state championships as a team since 2009. Thanks to a third-place finish at the Region 1-4A meet on Nov. 8 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, they are headed to the state meet on Saturday, Nov. 16, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.
They will be joined by the FPC boys team, which finished seventh at the regional.
Freshman Peyton Cerasi led the FPC girls with a fourthplace finish. Her time of 18:34.6 broke her own school record.
Ari Slaughter ran her second-best time of 19:10.1 to place 14th. Madison Lagard ran a PR time of 19:57 to finish 27th. Cassidy De Young finished 29th with a time of 20:04.2.
Jevin Luna led the FPC boys with a time of 16:38 for 25th place. Brant Tarsitano
Seth 12th at middle school national XC championships
Douglas Seth is an All-American. The Buddy Taylor Middle School eighth grader who runs for the Imagine Town Center club team, placed 12th out of 325 runners in the 4K race at the Middle School Cross Country National Championships on Nov. 9 in Louisville, Kentucky. Seth earned All-American honors. His time of 13:33.50 was secondfastest among runners from Florida, which was the winning state team. On Oct. 26, Seth won the club division in the Florida Youth Runners Association Middle School State Championships. He finished the 3K race with a time of 9:37.82, just shy of his personal record. Seth, 14, will take a short break before heading into the indoor and outdoor track seasons, his coach, Mike Pane, said.
Douglas Seth placed 12th in the 4K race at the Middle School Cross Country National Championships. Courtesy photo
Mariah Mills won bronze and Christina Borgmann won silver at the AAU/ISF Bahrain Gymnasiade 2024. Photo by Rachel Mills
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF MEETING DATE CHANGE TOWN CENTER AT PALM COAST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT The regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Town Center at Palm Coast Community Development District (“District”) scheduled for Friday, November 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. has been rescheduled to Friday, December 6, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast/Town Center, located at 55 Town Center Boulevard, Palm Coast, Florida 32164. There may be occasions when one or more Supervisors will participate via telephone. Any interested person can attend the meetings at the above location and be fully informed of the discussions taking place. The meetings may be continued to a date, time and location to be specified on the record at the meetings without additional publication of notice. Any person requiring special accommodations at these meetings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at (954) 603-0033 at least 48 hours prior to the meetings. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 7-1-1, or 800-955-8771 (TTY)/800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office. Each person who decides to appeal any action taken by the Board at these meetings is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and accordingly, the person may need to ensure a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.
Bob Koncar District Manager Nov. 14 24-00437F
FIRST INSERTION
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 first publication of this notice is: November 14, 2024. REBECCA ROBEAUX Personal Representative 2906 Janet Street Benton, Arkansas 72015 Erik P. Shuman, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 990681 Gray-Robinson, P.A. P.O. Box 1870 Melbourne, FL 32902 Telephone: (321) 727-8100 Email: erik.shuman@gray-robinson.com Secondary Email: barbara.shuman@gray-robinson.com November 14, 21, 2024 24-00271G
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE UNDER FICTITIOUS NAME LAW
Pursuant to F.S. §865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of Dryer Vent Cleaning of Palm Coast LLC, located at 389 Palm Coast Prkw SW Suite 4, in the City of Palm Coast, County of Flagler, State of FL, 32137, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Florida Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 7 of November, 2024. DVC OF PC LLC 389 Palm Coast Prkw SW Suite 4 Palm Coast, FL 32137 Nov. 14 24-00436F
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice is hereby given that on 11/29/2024 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 1998 COAC TV 1TC2B3372W3001580 . Last Tenants: RACHEL LYNETTE HOLTON AND DEWEY THOMAS HOLTON III and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs . Sale to be at MHC BULOW PLANTATION LLC, 3345 OLD KINGS RD, FLAGLER BEACH, FL 32136. 813-282-6754. Nov. 14/21 24-00440F
FIRST INSERTION
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law
According to Florida Statute Number 865.09
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Colton Senior Care Advisors located at 34 Claridge Court North, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 12th day of November, 2024 Scott Colton Nov. 14 24-00439F
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2018 CA 000256 U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. ANNEKE DILLARD TURNER, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 28, 2019, and entered in 2018 CA 000256 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and ANNEKE DILLARD TURNER; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ANNEKE DILLARD TURNER; JAMES KUYKENDALL; CARLYN KUYKENDALL ; FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION are the Defendant(s). TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on December 06, 2024, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 3, OF BLOCK 47, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE, SECTION 28, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGE 51, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 21 PORT ROYAL DR, PALM COAST, FL 32164
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 in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.
To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 11 day of November, 2024. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Telephone: 561-241-6901
Facsimile: 561-997-6909
Service Email: flmail@raslg.com
By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248
Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 18-151107 - RaO November 14, 21, 2024 24-00272G
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 CP 000588 Div:48 IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES JOSEPH BENNETT Deceased. The administration of the estate of CHARLES JOSEPH BENNETT, Deceased, whose date of death was February 28, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211.
The date of first publication of this notice is November 7, 2024. DAVID BONNER, Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative: Scott R. Bugay, Esquire Florida Bar No. 5207 Citicentre, Suite P600 290 NW 165th Street Miami FL 33169 Telephone: (305) 956-9040 Fax: (305) 945-2905
Primary Email: Scott@srblawyers.com Secondary Email: angelica@srblawyers.com November 7, 14, 2024 24-00266G
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA FILE # 2024 CP 000638 PROBATE, DIVISION # 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF MAYNARD LEROY VANCE, JR. a/k/a MAYNARD L. VANCE, JR., Deceased. The administration of the estate of MAYNARD LEROY VANCE, JR. a/k/a MAYNARD L. VANCE, JR., deceased, File Number 2024 CP 000638, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler, County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of
estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on
copy of this notice is served must
with
court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE 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 the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. [ Fl. Prob. R. 5.241] The date of first publication of this Notice is November 7, 2024. SONJA
