Palm Coast Observer 01-16-25

PALM COAST

AdventHealth Palm Coast foundation’s pink army raises $81,000 to support cancer care

The AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s Pink Army Committee raised more than $81,000 to support cancer care in Flagler County. The funds went toward the purchase of a new pink golf cart to assist team members with travel between

facilities on the hospital campus and also covered 82 breast cancer related diagnostic procedures for 44 qualified patients.

Flagler

County Sheriff’s Office appoints first chief deputy in six years

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has a new chief deputy.

On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Flagler

County Sheriff Rick Staly announced his appointment of Cmdr. Joseph Barile to chief deputy, a position that is responsible for law enforcement, court and detention operations, according to a press release.

The FCSO has not had a chief deputy since Undersheriff Jack Bisland retired six years ago.

“I am fortunate that I have many leaders within our staff,” Staly said in the press release. “Chief Deputy Barile graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School and joined FCSO as a deputy sheriff as he continued his college education. He has been promoted through the ranks and is well-respected within the FCSO team. He has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge technology that has helped us reduce crime. FCSO and our community run through his veins, and he will help deliver our vision for a safer community, with the continual challenge of unprecedented growth.”

For the past six years, the duties of chief deputy have been split between Staly and Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge. Barile joined the FCSO in 2007 and previously served in the Community Policing and Investigative Services divisions. Prior to his chief deputy ap-

pointment, he served as the commander of the Homeland Security and Investigations section. “I am very honored to be appointed chief deputy,” Barile said in the press release. “Sheriff Staly has changed the culture and foundation of the Sheriff’s Office, which is now recognized as a leader in law enforcement and detention services across Florida and America. It is my honor to assist in delivering the best

Are work trucks still eyesores?

With state law changes to review, a future workshop will be planned for the new City Council members.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

For much of its history, the City of Palm Coast has wrestled with the question of whether commercial work vehicles should be allowed to be parked overnight in residential driveways. Is the city more like a homeowners association, or is it more like a working class community?

Past City Councils have discussed the issue multiple times over the past 15 years, with minor changes. The current City Council, which has four new members, agreed on Jan. 7 to reopen the discussion once again at a future workshop. The decision came after Emily Fields spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting. She said her husband works for a garage door company and, to comply with Palm Coast regulations, has to cover his work van every night with a tarp.

The family has six young children, Fields said, and her husband is taking extra time away from the family because he has to cover and uncover his work van every night “with a very tacky looking ‘vehicle cover.’”

“Meanwhile,” she continued, “our one family car of the same make and model (a Ford Transit) sits right beside it in the driveway.” The Fieldses are complying

with the city’s rules.

The city defines a commercial vehicle as one “upon which advertising markings have been affixed which occupy in excess of three square feet per side; any motor vehicle having a carrying capacity of more than one ton” and other characteristics.

But to Fields, the rules are unfriendly to blue collar workers in the city.

“We rely on this vehicle,” she told the City Council. Moreover, “we live on a back street with both vans parked neatly in front of our well-kept home. It in no way obstructs views or causes a disturbance to the community.”

The restrictions on commercial vehicle parking “send the wrong message about our beautiful city to the working class.”

Rather than the commercial vehicles being eyesores in neighborhoods, “the required ‘vehicle covers,’ which are just gloried tarps, are the eyesores,” she said.

READDRESS, RECONSIDER City Council member Theresa Pontieri said she believes it’s time to “readdress” the commercial vehicle rules in a future workshop.

“I would wholeheartedly agree with you,” Mayor Mike Norris said. “I’ve had the same issue. […] My neighbor across the street works for an overhead door company, and he did have an oversized van, and someone in the neighborhood did call on him. Those tarps are horrible, and I think we need to reconsider it.”

After a request by a former City Council, in 2021, city staff conducted a survey, asking 16,491 residents if they wanted to see a change in the

ordinance, and the result was a 49% to 49% split.

STATE CHANGES LAWS FOR HOAs

Fields pointed out in her comment that the state passed a law in 2024 regarding commercial vehicles that could be relevant for the city.

The law states that homeowners associations “may not prohibit, regardless of any official insignia or visible designation, a property owner or a tenant, a guest, or an invitee of the property owner from parking his or her work vehicle, which is not a commercial motor vehicle as defined in s. 320.01(25), in the property owner’s driveway.”

The City of Palm Coast is not a homeowners association, so the law doesn’t apply to city codes. But typically, homeowners associations are more restrictive than cities, not less.

Also, the city’s definition of a commercial vehicle includes common pickup trucks with large markings on the doors; the state, on the other hand, defines a commercial motor vehicle in 320.01(25) as: “any vehicle [...] which uses special fuel or motor fuel on the public highways, and which has a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more, or has three or more axles regardless of weight, or is used in combination when the weight of such combination exceeds 26,001 pounds gross vehicle weight.”

In other words, homeowners associations must allow even bigger commercial vehicles in driveways than the City of Palm Coast currently allows.

The workshop on commercial vehicles has not yet been scheduled.

Marquee-like ‘ART’ recommended

Developer Bill Jones is asking the city to allow a 6-foot x 17foot roof sculpture spelling the word ‘art.’

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach developer Bill Jones is hoping to put art in the spotlight in the downtown.

On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Ormond Beach Planning Board recommended approval 6-0 for a special exception to add a lighted sculpture to the Art Spotlight gallery building at 67 W. Granada Blvd. Board Chair Doug Thomas was absent from the meeting.

Jones, who owns the building, is seeking to allow the addition of a 6-foot-tall and 17-foot-wide sculpture spelling the word “art” on the roofline. The city categorized the sculpture as a sign, which would include light bulbs, similar to traditional theater marquee signs.

Jones said that the sign was more an art installation than an advertising sign; he described it as a threedimensional art piece.

“It’s kind of a style that’s more reminiscent of something from the ’30s, which is more contemporary with what’s going on down there,” Jones said. “Most of the buildings are either Turn of the Century like Rose Villa or Buschman Building 1925 and so on. We’re trying to bring that back.”

The request for the special exception comes a month after the Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously

approved murals for the Art Spotlight building. Jones said he has unique plans to improve other buildings.

“We want each one of these buildings to be its own statement,” Jones said.

A letter to Planning Director Steven Spraker from Ormond Beach MainStreet Director Becky Parker stated that the proposed signage had sparked “thoughtful discussion” in past meetings.

“While the majority has been enthusiastic about a new unique feature in the heart of our district, the group also discussed concerns regarding size, brightness and potential impact on the surrounding area,” the letter stated. “... Ultimately, the majority of our board voted in favor of supporting the enhanced signage.

“We believe that its design aligns with our mission to foster creativity and bring attention to the arts within our community.”

Planning Board members were supportive.

“It’s a very simple, declarative statement with respect to the business that operates there, and I like that,” Al Jorczak said.

His only concern was the height of the proposed sign, and thought it would look better if it was a foot shorter.

Dorian Burt, who represents Jones’ company Wivigeco LLC, said the sign helps “to welcome everybody to the arts district.”

Board member G.G. Galloway said he was 100% behind the proposal, and that he hopes Jones and his team will continue to bring creative, unique additions to the downtown. Galloway served on the Ormond MainStreet Board many years ago, he said, adding that “Granada’s finally becoming what we all had wanted it to become 25, 30 years ago.”

“Now, when you drive off that bridge and you look down at Main Street, that’s one of the most unique parts of any town in the state of Florida,” Galloway said.

Board Vice Chair Angie Shull agreed — she only worried initially that the sign would be lit all night long, which Jones said would not take place.

She commended Jones. She said funky downtown areas in small towns are growing in popularity, something she’s seen while visiting family on the west coast.

“That’s what we’ve always wanted here,” Shull said. “I think you’re trying very hard to do that.”

Art Spotlight is located at 67 W. Granada Blvd. in downtown Ormond Beach. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

‘This is a 15-year project’

Reserve at Haw Creek proposes between 6,000 and 8,000 homes at build-out. One of the conditions for the board’s recommendation to approve is a reduction to 5,500 units.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING

EDITOR

Three years ago, developers Chad Grimm and John Latshaw, of Northeast Florida Developers LLC, approached the Bunnell City Commission with a proposal that could quadruple the size of the city. They were conscious of that. Their proposed development, known as Reserve at Haw Creek, could be composed of between 6,000 and 8,000 homes at build-out. Located between State Road 100 West and State Road 11, on an over 2,700-acre parcel, the development proposes to be an integrated master planned community with residential, commercial and light industrial uses. Grimm and Latshaw came before the Bunnell Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, regarding rezoning the property to a Planned Unit Development District from its current agricultural and single-family residential zoning. This came after the City Commission held a joint workshop with the board on the PUD on Jan. 2, and the Dec. 23, 2024, City Commission meeting where the commission upheld the decision made by the board to deny the developers’ application to reduce the open space minimum requirements from 60% to 50%.

Grimm said he and his team have been actively planning for the past two years with the city to avoid challenges faced by other developments — making sure streets are wide enough for first responders and garbage trucks, planning for buffers and trying to avoid on-street parking issues.

“We came in with doing this the right way,” Grimm said. “If you’re going to grow a city this big, do it smart.” City staff recommended approval for the proposed rezoning. The planning board did as well on Jan. 7 — but with conditions.

SIMPLY TOO LARGE?

A public meeting. Comply with new stormwater management standards. Protect historic trees. Reduce the height and square footage of signs.

Include the most current traffic impact study. Reduce the total unit count to 5,500 homes.

These were among the conditions the planning board included in its recommendation for approval. The conditions were a result of the concerns brought up by citizens at the meeting.

Reducing the unit count to 5,500 was proposed by Bunnell resident Barbara Maloney, who said building 8,000 units on the property didn’t seem feasible to her.

“The developers, city manager and planning department, along with others, have worked diligently over the past two years in an attempt to negotiate what we all believe would be the best interest of both parties,” Maloney said. “Well, nothing of this magnitude has occurred in Flagler County, other than perhaps the original Palm Coast development. There isn’t any previous experience to guide any of us. However, the overwhelming outreach and involvement of the community to be a part of that future is very obvious. We are all concerned this project is simply too large to impose all at once on a small town city governance.”

The recommendation to reduce the maximum unit count passed 3-2, with vice chair Gary Masten and alternate board member Cory Romaniuk voting against (Board Chair Carl Lilavois was absent).

In response to the conditions, Grimm told the board that 8,000 units doesn’t happen overnight. Reserve at Haw Creek, he said, is a 15-year project.

“We’ve given in concessions considerably, and we are funding this entire project,” Grimm said. “That

starts to be a dangerous path that we go down, and that starts to impact the business side of not only what we do ... every one of these utilities and services is dedicated to the city, and so is there enough, or are we maximizing, reaching that optimal capacity, to maximize the future of Bunnell?”

Some of the conditions, such as a traffic study and stormwater standards, are “beyond the PUD,” Grimm said. They can include them, but they would have been included at a later step in the development process anyway.

After hearing from Grimm, an attempt was made at the end of the board meeting to remove that recommendation by one of the board members, but it failed due to a lack of a second.

Masten said he and the board looked at the Reserve at Haw Creek PUD application very seriously. The Jan. 7 meeting wasn’t the first time it had come before the board; it was first reviewed on Nov. 5, 2024 — the meeting in which the board denied the developers’ variance request to reduce the minimum open space requirements. Then, it was continued to a Dec. 3, 2024, meeting, and then to Jan. 7.

Masten toured the site with city staff members, and said he later returned a couple more times on his own.

“I was on one of the roads, and I stopped and turned off my car, and I opened the window, and you know what I heard?” Masten said. “Nothing. And that made me think. Development is inevitable — we all know that, but I think our goal is to do it in a thoughtful, controlled environment,

because Bunnell will never look the same.”

FLOODING CONCERNS

In a conversation with the Observer prior to the board meeting, Grimm said that, by land use alone, over 12,000 units could be built on the land. That’s without any stormwater or engineering needs factored in.

“With the wetlands and the environmental that we have, it’s going to be somewhere between 6,000 and 8,000,” Grimm said. “It may not even get up to that, but we felt like, even regardless, that felt like the right number to blend in with the community.”

The developers have held two community meetings since last summer. The top three concerns raised by residents were traffic, schools and flooding, especially regarding to Black Point Road, which is prone to flooding today, and will be one of the development’s internal roads.

Grimm said they have tried to allay residents’ fears that they will improve existing conditions in the area through drainage and other stormwater projects. They have to, he said, if they want to proceed with the project.

“We’re not going to be selling lots if we’re selling lots that keep flooding, or we flood the surrounding property,” he said. Bunnell was impacted by the recent hurricane, he added, and so flooding concerns were highlighted by that. When they see plans for more rooftops, they “only just see more problems.”

“It’s just hard for them to believe it,” Grimm said. “Seeing is believing and right now, they’re still seeing flooding.”

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

If approved by the City Commission and built, Reserve at Haw Creek would include a town center with restaurants, grocery store and other retail uses. Its parks and recreational amenities would be open to all Bunnell residents. Residential units would vary from single-family, to townhomes and apartment units. A portion of the development will be dedicated to industrial uses.

The developers tried to design a community that they believe will not fail, Latshaw said. They’ve incorporated modern elements that have been implemented in other master plan communities. Though some may be surprised by the population it will bring to Bunnell, which currently has a population of about 4,000, Latshaw said the significant acreage allows for better planning.

“We think that if the city wants to grow, that this is as good an opportunity as might’ve come their way,” Latshaw said. “It just so happened the land was available at the time. On another day, it might not have been and it gave us an opportunity to work for a couple of years to design something that we’re pretty happy with.” Grimm said he believes this PUD is the best zoning document he’s ever been involved with — thanks to working with staff and going slow through the process.

“By doing a large-scale, master plan community like this, there are a lot of advantages,” Grimm said. “Even though it’s so much bigger and scarier to the general public, t’s a much better design, better plan. ... There’s so many more eyes on it.” Email jarleene@observerlocal news.com.

Tomoka Reserve developers file federal lawsuit against Ormond Beach

The lawsuit was filed eight months after the City Commission rejected rezoning the golf course for a 300-home subdivision.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

EDITOR

MANAGING

The developers of the proposed Tomoka Reserve subdivision — whose rezoning request that would have led to the construction of 300 homes on the former Tomoka Oaks golf course was denied by the City Commission last April — have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Ormond Beach.

Filed on Dec. 26, 2024, at the U.S. District Court’s Orlando Division, the 91-page lawsuit alleges that the city’s declaration that the golf course property has no allowed zoning uses by right and refusal to issue a new development order is a violation of the developers’ rights. The property is currently zoned as a Planned Residential Development; its previous

development order expired in 2014, four years before the golf course officially closed.

At a City Commission meeting on April 16, 2024, the commission unanimously denied a rezoning of the property to R-2 “Single-family low density,” in line with the Planning Board’s recommendation to deny.

Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I LLC, the developers, were seeking a rezoning after their plans to build a 272-home subdivision under the PRD zoning were sent back to the Planning Board by the commission in November 2023. Commissioners requested the developers submit a new site plan, one with less density and better conformity with the existing Tomoka Oaks neighborhood, whose residents largely oppose the project.

“The city’s determination that Triumph Oaks has no lawful development rights for its property unless and until it negotiates an ‘acceptable’ definition of those private-property rights with area residents and the city’s elected officials constitutes an unlawful taking of the property without payment of just compensa-

However, the city and the developer were not able to reach an agreement in choosing a mediator.

In the federal lawsuit, attorney Karl Sanders, who represents Triumph Oaks, states that the city’s refusal to grant the developers a zoning designation constitutes an “unlawful taking of private property.” The lawsuit argues that the commission’s rezoning denial “reflects an attempt to ‘strong-arm’ Triumph Oaks into relinquishing its constitutional and statutory rights” to be able to develop the property.

tion,” the lawsuit states.

Developers purchased the 147acre golf course property in 2021. The property was zoned R-2 prior to a rezoning to a PRD in 2006, when its owner at the time sought to construct a 122-unit townhome and condominium project. Due to the recession, this never happened.

In October 2024, the developers filed an appeal with the Seventh Judicial Circuit of the City Commission’s decision to deny their rezoning request, a case that could have been heard by a special magistrate.

“For more than four years now, the owners of this property have repeatedly reached out to both area residents and elected officials at City Hall to formulate a development plan that pleased everyone,” Sanders said in a statement to the Observer. “And while significant progress was made in those discussions, there comes a point where elected officials need to make difficult decisions that will inevitably fall short of pleasing everyone involved. That never happened here, and the city has continued to ignore the multiple efforts of Triumph Oaks to have meaningful

discussions about resolving all outstanding issues.”

Sanders said that the biggest misconception is that “local elected officials can trump the constitutional rights of private property owners.”

“When the city repeatedly tells you that your private property has ‘no development rights’ unless and until the city says it does, that’s a real problem,” Sanders said. “And, thanks to the protections afforded by the Constitution, there’s a simple solution to that problem: The government can either decide to have meaningful discussions about resolving the issues or it can pay just compensation for the taking of private property.”

In an email, City Attorney Randy Hayes said that the resolution that was approved by the City Commission last year addresses the developer’s issues.”

“The only strong-arm position that has been taken is by the developer,” Hayes said. “The litigation matters are pending so I cannot address those details. Mediation toward a reasonable solution is always a possibility.”

In 2022, Tomoka Oaks residents placed signs on their front lawns and common areas that advocated for the preservation of the golf course land.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Reserve at Haw Creek could be composed of between 6,000 and 8,000 homes at build-out. Map courtesy of the city of Bunnell/Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board agenda

Development moratorium rejected

Proposed solutions to flooding: no more building on wetlands; clearing canals; purchasing land.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

“Stop flooding Volusia.” “Solutions not moratoriums.”

These were the slogans sported on T-shirts of a few of the several hundred residents who filled Volusia County Council chambers for the council’s special meeting regarding a development moratorium on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The meeting was held after the County Council voted to review a temporary moratorium proposed by Chair Jeff Brower, who has been pushing the council to take action to address flooding issues.

Though a moratorium did not pass, Volusia County Council members unanimously voted to consider seven measures to adopt in the near future, six of which were proposed by County Councilman Troy Kent.

“I’m a no to a moratorium, but I bring solutions that I think that this county should adapt and implement immediately,” Kent said.

The measures to be considered are:

„ No more construction on any wetlands.

„ Developers will not be allowed to pay into a wetland mitigation bank.

„ All county and city canals must be cleared.

„ Put in place a “realistic but aggressive” plan to purchase low-lying homes and lowlying lands that consistently flood.

„ Have a discussion on placing retention ponds on county-owned lands located near flood-prone areas.

unsure if the measure was legal. Kent also proposed a measure — working to ensure water doesn’t runoff into other properties — which the council didn’t include on the basis of lacking authority.

While the moratorium didn’t pass, Kent said this was a “huge step” in the right direction.

“For me, chair, I think that this is a win,” he said. “A win, not only for you, a win for this council, but really a win for the people of Volusia County.”

In response to council’s comments commending him for his passion to pursue a moratorium, Brower said he wasn’t passionate about a moratorium specifically: He said he’s passionate about finding solutions.

“I’m passionate about moving forward,” Brower said. “But what we’re talking about now is what led me to a moratorium, because I don’t see action for two years, so we need to find a way that we start with action.”

The council spoke with county staff for almost three hours during the meeting, which included a presentation of minimum standards for environmental protection and stormwater, the legality of a moratorium, historic data on rain events and capital projects in the works.

County Councilman David Santiago said the county needs action — but a moratorium won’t solve residents’ problems.

“I am sorry you flooded, and certainly we have a huge task to implement some new standards,” Santiago said. “I agree with almost everything staff said today that we need to do. A lot of them are already in the pipeline. Within the next three to six months, probably less than that, you will see a lot of these things start to fall in place.”

„ Speak with cities regarding apartment complexes.

„ Prevent developers from using fill dirt to raise properties to be able to construct.

The latter was voted on separately, as it was proposed by Brower, and the council was

A total of 92 people signed up to speak, and regardless of whether they supported a moratorium or not, many urged the council to take action to mitigate flooding risks across the county.

Ormond Beach resident Tammy Wozniak was among

those in support of a moratorium. Twenty years ago, she purchased her home in Ormond Beach. It never flooded until 2017, the same year Margaritaville began developing.

“Our home flooded with 6-12 inches of brackish sewer water, and then again three more times within the past two years,” Wozniak said. “... It is very obvious that decimation of our area’s wetlands and bringing in fill with over developing are the main cause of flooding in Volusia County. I understand many developers and construction workers are against this moratorium, but honestly, too many residents have lost absolutely everything due to these flooding events.”

Critics of the moratorium worried about the longterm economic impact of a moratorium. David Robinson, director of advocacy for the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, said victims of flooding need immediate attention. However, he quoted a study from Florida Gulf Coast University that reported recovery from a moratorium will last up to two years after it is lifted.

“We are not threatening that jobs will be lost,” Robinson said. “It is a fact. It has been substantiated to result in major employment loss for not only those in the construction and development industry, but for a wide range of industries that service new and expanded business and residential growth.”

On Jan. 13, the Volusia County Elected Officials Roundtable established a resilience subcommittee. County Councilman Jake Johansson will co-chair the committee with Daytona Beach Shores Mayor Nancy Miller. The County Council hopes Johansson’s role as cochair will help with communication within the county’s 16 cities to address flooding.

“We’re going to ask for every city’s study and put them all together and see if we can make sense of the whole thing, so we’re not operating in 16 silos,” Johansson said.

FLAGLER COUNTY: THE HAMMOCK

Bronx House Pizza gets its parking lot

County Commission voted 3-2 to deny citizens’ appeal to overturn the Planning Board’s decision.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Last October, concerned neighbors filed an appeal over a proposed valet overflow parking lot to be utilized by the Bronx House Pizza restaurant in Hammock Beach.

Approved in September 2024, the Flagler County Planning and Development Board reviewed a modification of a special exception for the restaurant which some residents on Sanchez and Hernandez avenues said lacked their input, is not an approved use within the Residential/Limited Commercial Use zoning district, raises safety concerns and is being proposed amid persistent noise level violations.

On Monday, Jan. 13, a group of these citizens went before the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, asking members to approve their appeal and overturn the planning board’s approval to modify the proposed 20,000-square-foot parking lot’s special exception.

“We are frustrated, exhausted, and quite frankly,

fed up with the ongoing disregard for our neighborhood, our rights as residents and the lack of enforcement that has allowed the situation to spiral out of control,” citizen Leah Groom said. “From the very beginning, the introduction of this business has been nothing short of disruptive.”

Ultimately, the commission voted 3-2 to deny the appeal and uphold the planning board’s special exception modification approval. Commissioners Greg Hansen and Kim Carney voted against.

Board Chair Andy Dance said he may not agree with the planning board, but he said the commission was there to clarify whether the planning board went through with appropriate processes.

“Part of what we have to do is judge based on the parameters legal has given us because we’re trying to avoid additional legal issues,” Dance said.

However, he said he was “perturbed” on a few issues, including using the parking lot for employee parking and the safety issue of people parking in the right of way.

Groom, who filed the application for the appeal, said the influx of cars from Bronx Pizza has “created a nightmare” for local residents trying to park on their own streets, citing employees and delivery drivers as the main people who park on her residential street. She argued that if the restau-

rant forgoes its beer garden plan and extended outdoor seating, it would have enough room within its existing parking to accommodate all customer and employee cars.

“This would resolve much of the parking issue without causing further strain on the surrounding community,” Groom said.

The appeal noted two instances where law enforcement was called by neighbors due to noise violations. One took place on Sept. 21, 2024, for a beer garden event, and the other happened on Oct. 5, when the restaurant had a DJ onsite. The latter event also led to 50 motorcycles parked on the corner of 17th Road and A1A, with another 50 in their parking lot and extended lot to the north.

Groom also argued that the proposed parking lot is not an overflow lot, but rather a standalone lot, which is prohibited in the zoning district.

Bronx House Pizza founder Bruno DiFabio said Groom painted an unfair picture of his business; its owners are all Palm Coast residents, and the restaurant has donated $100,000 to charity, all of which stayed local in 2024.

“That doesn’t sound like corporate greed to me,” DiFabio said. “I personally invested my entire life savings in this. When would it be appropriate for me to get some of my money back?”

VOLUSIA COUNTY

Reelected Volusia County Council members take oaths Fired director: City ‘overpromised’ developers

County Council Chair Jeff Brower called for a year of respect on the council.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

After being sworn in for his second term in office, Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower encouraged his fellow councilmen to pursue a year where they deal with each other with respect and “maybe a little less rancor.”

“I feel like my job is to always give [council members] the opportunity to ask another question, even out of order, because the work that we do is that important,” Brower said. “... I would just ask that you give us all that leniency.”

Brower, along with Councilman Troy Kent and Matt Reinhart, took their oaths of office on Thursday, Jan. 9, after being reelected last year to a four year term on the council. This also marks the beginning of the second term on the council for both Reinhart and Kent, who represent Districts 2 and 4, respectively, and were elected in 2020 for a two year term.

Reinhart was also chosen to serve as vice chair.

This was a long campaign season, Brower said, one with “tremendous obstacles to overcome.”

“It wouldn’t have happened without, of course, the support of the voters of Volusia County,” he said. “This is a large county and traveling the entire county and trying to talk to as many people as possible is an arduous task, but it’s also encouraging.”

Councilman David Santiago said he looks forward to the year ahead. “Respectful debate is always good,” he said. “I learn a lot from each and every one of you as we go through debate, and I’m encouraged by your message.”

Reinhart agreed.

“We have a lot of challenges that we face and a lot of them are controversial, and they’re not always easy,” Reinhart said. “They’re not always easy decisions and I look forward to a new beginning.”

Kent said he thought Brower’s comments were “spot on.”

“It’s a new year, new beginnings and I appreciate you stating what you stated — that leadership from the center chair and working more cohesively together and getting things done for Volusia County residents at the end of the day,” Kent said.

Palm Coast city staff will present a plan to address wastewater treatment capacity, but funding remains an obstacle.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Citing “aggressive and inappropriate” behavior with staff, the City of Palm Coast fired its utility director, Amanda Rees, in November, after just five months on the job. In a Dec. 4, 2024, letter, Rees defended herself to the City Council, saying the real reason for being fired is that she was bringing too many uncomfortable truths — about the wastewater treatment plants being overcapacity and growth’s failure to pay for itself — to city leadership.

The city, which has a standard sixmonth probationary period for new employees and so could fire Rees without cause if desired, responded this way: “While we understand that job separations can be emotional, it’s not uncommon for individuals to express their frustration in ways that paint a negative picture. The claims made in the letter are either untrue or misrepresented and do not accurately reflect the City’s operations or values. The City is committed to professionalism, fairness, and transparency in all employment matters.”

Rees indicated in her letter that city leadership suppressed her plans to correct the consequences of overdevelopment.

Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston told the Observer that staff does have a plan. In the coming weeks, city staff will present a Utility Action Plan to the City Council in response to the consent decree issued by the Florida Department Environmental Protection.

The city is in the final stages of expanding capacity at Wastewater Treatment Plant 2 from 2 million gallons per day to 4 million. That will enable the city to divert .5 mil-

lion gallons per day to Plant 2 from Wastewater Treatment Plant 1, which is frequently near 100% capacity. The plan will give some relief to the system — but not enough relief yet to satisfy the state. To fully comply, the City Council will need to figure out how to fund more than $200 million for Wastewater Treatment Plant 3 — and build it by 2028.

‘MOTIVATED BY FEAR’

In her nine-page letter, Rees defends herself against the city’s narrative of her short tenure, giving context to any situation in which she might have been considered aggressive.

Then she explains her allegations about the city’s handling of the Utility Department. Rees says she discovered soon after she was hired that the city had “overpromised water and sewer capacity” to developers. So, she recalls, “I set out to present to City Council a resolution to have the City stop signing Utility Agreements that were sending flow to [Wastewater Treatment Plant 1].”

She expected to review a draft of such a resolution on Nov. 15, 2024, but she was fired the day before, on Nov. 14.

Rees also questioned whether it was appropriate for her to sign the consent decree from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection; she challenged what she believed to be outdated calculations of wastewater treatment capacity; she presented an idea to have developers begin paying for PEP tanks for new homes.

“I suggested that changing the ‘Growth pays for Growth’ line of thinking may be helpful because, in my review of the Utility financials, this was not the conclusion I drew from the numbers. I had heard this phrasing echoed from the council podium, and my advice was that based on the financials and cost of new expansions, this needed to be more accurate to the public.”

Rees concludes her letter by accusing city leadership of being “motivated by fear.” She writes: “The environment created by firing

the previous city manager [Denise Bevan] has the executive team paralyzed with fear, and this is evident in my wrongful termination. The working environment created by top leadership made it difficult to solve problems, which is not helping to increase the quality of life for Palm Coast citizens. I made a significant financial investment in my move to Palm Coast to take the Utility Director position. I was hired to protect the infrastructure and the citizens of Palm Coast and was set up to fail. All of my decisions, suggestions to solve problems, and requests to make changes were to protect the citizens of Palm Coast. I was fired for doing my job that would provide transparency to its citizens.”

‘ABSOLUTELY APPALLING’

Rees’ letter to City Council was made public by residents in the Jan. 7, 2025, City Council meeting.

Resident Ken McDowell said his interpretation of Rees’s letter was that she was unjustly fired, and he was frustrated that the City Council members had not acknowledged the matter publicly already. He said he and others were now distributing it widely.

“We’re going to make this a public event,” McDowell said. “The information in here is absolutely appalling. It gives some insight into how business is conducted not just in our Utility Department but in our city government.”

McDowell asked the City Council members to investigate further and “represent us.” He also warned the council — four members are brand new — that the staff members who are accused in this letter are the same staff members currently training them to do their jobs as City Council members.

In response, newly elected Mayor Mike Norris said, “We did receive those letters, and we are dealing with that situation. At lot of it, we can’t — this is not the forum for it, just say that. There are some legalities we have to consider. […] There will be more to follow on this situation.”

Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent is sowrn in. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Volusia County Councilman Matt Reinhart (right) is sworn into office as he stands alongside his daughter.

JAN. 1 TALKING NONSENSE

10:07 a.m. — 500 block of South Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach

Resisting an officer without violence. A 56-year-old transient man staying in a local motel was arrested after he disrupted other guests; the man claimed to police that people had implanted devices into his body, that he had murdered people and brought them back to life, and other “nonsensical ramblings,” according to his arrest report.

Police, who noted the man likely had a mental illness, escorted him to the front desk where he was issued a refund.

The man told police that he would leave the property in his car, which had no license plate. Police also noted the man’s driving license had been permanently revoked in 2021.

He told officers he would be driving his car despite officers warning him not to, according to the police report.

One officer placed his patrol car behind the man’s vehicle to prevent him from leaving. He was commanded to exit his vehicle, but the man refused. The man had to be forcefully extracted, which included the use of a taser. He was taken to jail.

JAN. 2 TOPICAL CRIME

3:47 p.m. — 1500 block of San Marco Drive, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Police responded to a local apartment complex after a 25-year-old Ormond Beach woman reported her vehicle had been vandalized — with lotion.

According to the incident report, the victim reported that someone had dumped an entire bottle of lotion on her car before leaving the area. She had previously taken her car away from the property after a previous vandalism incident.

Security video showed a woman exiting the passenger side of an SUV and squirting a substance onto the victim’s car, according to the incident report. The suspect then throws the bottle at the car and gets back into the SUV, which then leaves the scene.

Neither the apartment complex staff nor the victim were able to identify the SUV or the suspect. Damages were estimated at $15 and the victim wished to pursue charges.

JAN. 6

SMOKING GUN

10:18 a.m. — Grand Landings Parkway, Palm Coast

Possession of marijuana

Deputies arrested a 27-yearold Titusville man who was found to have marijuana in his truck and lied about the status of his medical marijuana card.

The man said he had smoked on the weekend while out in the woods where he had been shooting guns, according to the report.

Deputies found less than 20 grams of marijuana. They also discovered that the man’s medical marijuana card was expired. He was taken to jail.

JAN. 8

TATTOO BUSINESS

6:08 p.m. — Intersection of U.S. 1 and Karat Path, Palm Coast

Driving with a suspended license. A deputy pulled over a 38-year-old Port Orange man after seeing his car’s front windshield had multiple large cracks across the driver’s side. The man said he was on probation out of Volusia County — but that his probation officer knew he traveled into Flagler County for “tattoo stuff.” But, he wasn’t in Flagler County for that. He was driving his car to a friend’s house in Bunnell to get repair work done. The man tried to call his probation officer several times, but she didn’t answer his calls, he said.

The man’s license was suspended indefinitely after he had failed to pay a traffic fine, which the man said was for speeding. The deputy also found out the man was on probation for drug possession.

During a search of his car, the deputy found drug paraphernalia and .2 grams of fentanyl. He was taken to jail.

BRIEFS

Manslaughter: Flagler Sheriff charges woman in overdose death

Following a yearlong investigation, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit has charged Stephanie Raimundo, 48, of Palm Coast, with manslaughter in connection with the overdose death of 22-year-old Calvin Stull, whose body was discovered in Belle Terre Park on Jan. 3, 2024.

Baggies containing heroin and fentanyl were discovered in Stull’s pockets.

The Major Case Unit, Special Investigations Unit and SWAT team served a search warrant on Raimundo’s residence and uncovered trafficking amounts of various narcotics, including fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana. Raimundo and Charles Brockhaus, who also lived at the residence, were arrested.

“We are committed to holding poison peddlers accountable who contribute to the ongoing drug problem in our community,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “If you are a drug dealer and kill someone, we will investigate until we can arrest you and put you in jail, no matter how long it takes.”

Volusia

Medical Examiner’s Office receives grant for genetic genealogy in cold cases

The Volusia County Medical Examiner’s Office has been awarded a grant of $29,997 from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. This funding will support advanced genetic genealogy techniques to help identify victims involved in unresolved criminal cases whose identities remain unknown, under the Medical Examiner’s custody that meet the grant’s criteria. This effort is aligned with a statewide initiative to leverage modern DNA analy-

sis techniques.

“Each unidentified victim has a family somewhere who needs closure,” Volusia County Medical Examiner Dr. James Fulcher said.

Crash in Palm Coast results in patient being airlifted

A patient was airlifted to Halifax Health’s trauma center on the morning of Jan. 13, after a crash at Whiteview Parkway and U.S. 1. The crash involved a vehicle and a construction vehicle. U.S. 1 in Flagler County is being repaved by the Florida Department of Transportation.

A car crashed into a steamroller on Jan. 13, at Whiteview and U.S. 1. Courtesy photo

Volusia School Board: Haynes is new chair

Jamie Haynes replaces Jessie Thompson, who stepped down from the position last week after backlash from remarks she made during a Moms for Liberty summit.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Following the resignation of Jessie Thompson as chair, of the Volusia County School Board, Jaime Haynes will assume the leadership role for a third term.

The School Board approved the appointment of Haynes as board chair during an organizational meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The meeting took place a week after Thompson, who represents District 3, stepped down from the position. She had been appointed as chair at the board’s Nov. 19 organizational meeting, but in mid-December, after remarks she made during a Moms for Liberty national summit held that summer came to light, the board voted to revisit its decision in January.

In late August 2024, Thompson was part of a session during the 2024 Moms for Liberty Joyful Warriors National Summit titled “How to Work With Your School Board.” During the session, she admitted to feeding fellow

board members false data to get agenda items approved as well as questioned the graduation rate for Deltona High School.

She was also criticized for being unprofessional by Deltona Mayor Santiago Avila on Facebook for referring to District 5 School Board member Ruben Colon as a “tan man.”

In the session, Thompson said she didn’t get along with her fellow board members, saying she was “hated,” and admitted to lying to the district prior to her election to get a medical exemption for her children not to wear masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

At the Dec. 10 School Board meeting, where the board made the decision to revisit Thompson’s appointment to the position, Thompson apologized for her words, calling the incident a “growing moment.”

“I know these words, it’s going to take time, but moving forward, I think that we

From beige and gray

Palm Coast City Council is leaning toward house-color freedom, but for the law to change, a new ordinance would have to be approved twice.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Palm Coast neighborhoods could one day become much more colorful.

The City Council heard a staff presentation Jan. 14 — six months in the making — suggesting that the palette for painting the exterior of houses could be broadened slightly from the pastels, beiges and grays of today, to include “light Bermuda” colors. The Beautification and Environmental Advisory Committee, as well as the Planning and Land Development Regulation Board, recommended approval of the slightly more vibrant pastel palette. Instead, the City Council formed a consensus to not just broaden the palette slightly, but to throw it out the proverbial window.

“I say we get rid of it altogether,” said Mayor Mike Norris, who has professional experience painting houses. “Paint your house whatever color you want.”

After the mostly empty council chamber room took a second to let that sink in, Councilmen Ty Miller and Charles Gambaro, who, like Norris, took their seats on the council within the past few months, agreed to the color freedom almost immediately.

“No restrictions other than the banned colors,” Gambaro said, referring to the staff presentation that recommended fuschia, magenta, purple and orange remain forbidden.

After the city staff showed what other cities are doing — Bunnell, for example, has no restrictions — Miller said, “Go with Bunnell.”

Councilman Ray Stevens, who is also brand new, having been elected in November, was more wary. At first,

will be a stronger, better board, and I will always be focused on putting our students first and making sure that they get the best possible education, because they really are the reason that I’m here,” Thompson said at the Dec. 10 meeting.

Haynes’ appointment as chair was approved with a 4-1 vote, with School Board member Donna Brosemer voting against. Brosemer said Haynes had been chair for two years in a row, and said she thought it was time for another chair.

Additionally, Brosemer said she disagreed with the way Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin’s contract renewal was handled in December; Brosemer voted against the contract at the Dec. 10 meeting as well, wanting more time to review the contract.

“The way the contract for the superintendent was handled was grossly unethical,” Brosemer said. “Unless Miss Haynes when there was public notice given to the board that that contract was even being considered for negotiation — I have not been able to find it.”

Haynes was serving as vice chair, based on the Nov. 19 organizational meeting. As she moved on to chair, the board selected School Board member Ruben Colon as its new vice chair.

The vote passed 3-2, with Thompson and School Board member Krista Goodrich voting nay.

to neon green?

he said, “I think we should just leave it as it is,” reasoning that if more people come to the City Council to voice concerns, “We’re going to be back to square one.”

But as his fellow City Council members continued to move toward removing the restrictions, Stevens said he read it over again and decided to remain silent for the time being. Staff was given direction to come up with an ordinance for future review (it will require two formal votes), with no color restrictions other than the four banned colors.

‘IT’S MY HOUSE!’ Robert MacDonald, a citizen who regularly speaks up during public comment, may have had an impact in the direction of the meeting. He said the City Council should be ashamed for even considering restricting the rights of someone to paint his or her house.

A house on his cul-desac is going to sell for about $400,000, he told the City Council. Putting himself in that homeowner’s shoes, he said, “‘So I’m going to spend $400,000 and buy a brand new house, and some committee is going to tell me what color I can paint my house?

It’s my house!’ Are they going to have an ordinance to say what car you have in your driveway? Or what color car

you can have in your driveway? … What difference does it make? How dare you tell me that I can’t paint it the color I want!”

Another resident who was pleased with the direction the council appears to be taking is Mindy Melendez, broker/ owner at Eaz Realty, in Palm Coast. In 2023, she painted her house navy blue, which is not currently allowed in the city. She is bound to repaint it a lighter color unless the City Council changes the code. When former City Councilwoman Cathy Heighter heard of her situation, she proposed in June 2024 that the city consider allowing more colors, which is what got this whole process started.

After the meeting, Melendez said she favors an unrestricted palette. “It’s your house,” she said.

WHAT ABOUT POLKA

DOTS?

But after the meeting, Stevens suggested that he would be in favor of some restrictions, at least on pattern and design, because if the possible impact on home values.

“If I were a real estate agent, I would have concerns about that,” he said. “If you have to drive down a street every day with a house with black and pink polka dots, it would make it more difficult to sell a house.”

Volusia County School Board Chair Jamie Haynes. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Resident Robert MacDonald made an impassioned plea on Jan. 14 to remove restrictions on house color. City Councilman Ray Stevens (left), pictured here with MacDonald after the meeting, is on board, for now. Photo by Brian McMillan

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Cajun Beach to reapply for live music permit

After a second denial, Patrick McKinney said he plans to soundproof his stage before reapplying.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Patrick McKinney, owner of Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi, was denied an outdoor entertainment permit from the Flagler Beach Commission for the second time. But he’s not giving up. The commission voted 4-0 to deny the restaurant’s application at its Jan. 9 meeting. (Commission Chair Scott Spradley recused himself from the discussion and vote). The next day, McKinney said he met with an architect to redesign his stage with improved soundproofing.

“We have an architect doing the plans for the stage. We have a general contractor who’s going to build it, and we have a sound engineer that’s going to certify the sound after its done,” he said.

His goal is to quickly start the application process again and get back on the commission’s agenda in February.

The commissioners seemed willing to table McKinney’s application if he was willing to meet certain criteria — mainly that speakers be put to the back of the small outdoor stage and the stage’s sound proofing be certified. McKinney generally agreed to the conditions. He said he wanted to have no more than a two-piece acoustic band with no drums and cut off the live music by 9:30 p.m.

He wouldn’t agree to no openmic nights or to a strict limit of two musicians, in case the musicians had a friend in attendance who might join them on stage for a song or two. That might be considered having open mic, McKinney said.

“If some person that’s opposed

to us having live music is here and goes to the city and said, ‘Oh, he had open mic,’ I could lose my license. So, I didn’t want to have that on me as a stipulation,” he said.

Cajun Beach, at 1112 S. Oceanshore Blvd., is on the corner of South 12th Street and A1A with an outdoor bar and seating and an unobstructed view of the ocean. It is near a residential neighborhood and is next door to Golden Magnolia Resort & Spa. Residents have complained about the noise during events.

There have been three incident reports since Aug. 2, 2024. On Aug. 2, a Flagler Beach police officer ordered them to cease playing outdoor music because their permit did not transfer to the new majority owner — McKinney. On Sept. 20, area resident Brenda Wotherspoon, who is on the Flagler Beach Planning and Architectural Review (PAR) Board, called the police but there was no band playing when officers arrived.

And on Oct. 17, a live radio station remote blasted music toward the ocean. McKinney had a hearing with the commission that night that had been delayed by Hurricane Milton. In the report, McKinney said he booked the radio station months in advance thinking he would have his permit by then. He told the commission at the Jan. 9 meeting that he did not know the radio station would have a “boom box.” He thought the broadcast would only be on the radio.

The restaurant was not issued any citations.

Cajun Beach Boil and Sushi opened in Aug. 2023. But McKinney and his former partner, Linda MacDonald, who owned 51% of the business, got into a legal dispute during which the restaurant was closed for three months from May to July, 2024. McKinney now has a new partner and is the majority owner. But the outdoor entertainment permit that was in MacDonald’s name, was no longer valid.

McKinney was denied a permit in October. Commissioner Jane Mealy’s motion was based on the fifth criteria of 14: inadequate parking for a large crowd attending an event. On Jan. 7, the PAR Board added three more criteria in recommending the commission not approve the permit: the event would have an adverse effect or infringe on the rights of property owners within 200 feet of the restaurant’s property line; the applicant violated a condition of the permit in the past; and comments and recommendations of the PAR Board had not been addressed.

But at the Jan. 7 meeting, Commissioner Eric Cooley said the main sticking point appeared to be noise complaints. He asked McKinney if he would be willing to make some guarantees specifically in soundproofing the stage, and the commission would table the application until next month. But McKinney and his lawyer, Hunter Bedard, said McKinney wanted the commissioners to vote that night.

“My attorney said, ‘They’re not going to approve us tonight. We don’t have to wait for them next month to say no,” McKinney said the next day. “I agree to everything they said, except for having an open mic. We’re still going back. It’s just that we have to go back through the process.”

BIZ BUZZ

ORMOND AIR TRAFFIC MANAGER RETIRES

Ormond Beach Municipal Airport’s Air Traffic Manager Steve Brockett was recognized by the Ormond Beach City Commission at its meeting on Jan. 7, for his 20 years of service.

Brockett, of Robinson Aviation, Inc., has served as the manager of the airport’s air traffic control tower since the facility opened in 2004. According to the mayor’s proclamation, Brockett’s “leadership has been instrumental in achieving a perfect safety record for the tower, earning national recognition from the American Association of Airport Executives and the U.S. Contract Tower Association.”

Under his direction, the tower received the 2010 Willie F. Card Contract Tower Service Award from the American Association of Airport Executives and the U.S. Contract Tower Association.

“Steve’s retirement marks the conclusion of a distinguished era at the Ormond Beach Air Traffic Control Tower, leaving a lasting legacy of leadership, safety and service to both the aviation community and the city of Ormond Beach,” the proclamation states.

FLORIDA EYE SPECIALISTS EXPANDS NETWORK

Florida Eye Specialists has rebranded its Palm Coast and Ormond Beach clinics. As of Jan. 1, Atlantic Eye Center and International Eye Associates have become fully integrated into Florida Eye Specialists.

“This transition brings two trusted practices under the Florida Eye Specialists brand,” according to a press release.

Patients will continue to receive care from Florida Eye Specialists providers including Dr. Kenzo Koike and Dr. Joanne Francis.

Florida Eye Specialists also announced that Dr. Samantha Habhab departed from the practice at the end of 2024.

UF, UCF AND EMBRYRIDDLE TEAM UP AS STATE’S SPACE RESEARCH ENTITY

Leaders of the University of Florida, the University of Central Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University formally signed an agreement Wednesday, Jan. 8, to be the state’s space research entity. The partnership is aimed at keeping Florida a leader in space policy and research.

“There are a lot of universities around the country that just battle one another, not just on athletic fields, but battle one another to be better than one another,” Embry-Riddle President Barry Butler said during a signing ceremony at the Kennedy Space Center.

“But … at the end of the day, those folks here at NASA come from a lot of different institutions.”

The Space Florida Board of Directors announced what is known as the Florida University Space Research Consortium during a November meeting. Space Florida is the state’s aerospace agency.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Lt. Gov. Jeanette Nunez, who chairs the Space Florida board, took part in Wednesday’s signing ceremony.

Front row: Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie and airport Air Traffic Manager Steve Brockett. Back row: City Commissioners Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Kristin Deaton and Harold Briley. Photo courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach/Facebook

A musician performs on Cajun Beach’s outdoor stage when the restaurant had an entertainment permit. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Hammock Dunes home

tops list at $1.6 million

Ahouse at 87 Island Estates Parkway in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for Dec. 28 to Jan. 3 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Jan. 3, for $1,599,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 5/4 and has a sauna, a pool, a guest house, a dock, a hot tub and 4,036 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $850,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

FLAGLER BEACH

Rio Mar

A house at 1529 North Central Ave., sold on Jan. 3, for $997,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,246 square feet.

PALM COAST

Colbert Landings

A house at 32 Ararat Drive sold on Jan. 3, for $399,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,193 square feet.

Hammock Dunes

A house at 6 Montilla Place sold on Dec. 30, for $975,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool and 3,540 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $500,000.

Indian Trails

A house at 3 Burning Bush Place sold on Jan. 3, for 382,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,066 square feet.

A house at 182 Bayside Drive sold on Jan. 3, for $429,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,800 square feet.

A house at 74 Belvedere Lane sold on Jan. 3, for $290,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,829 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $235,000.

Matanzas Woods

A house at 10 Lansing Lane sold on Dec. 31, for $428,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.

Ocean Hammock

A house at 24 Ocean Oaks Lane sold on Jan. 3, for $1,429,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 5/4.5 and has an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace, a hot tub and 3,697 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for

BRIEFS

HUD awards

Volusia more than $133 million

Volusia County has been awarded $133,515,000 in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

This funding will support the community’s recovery from Hurricane Milton by focusing on disaster relief, long-term recovery and the restoration of infrastructure and housing. It also aims to promote economic revitalization and implement disaster mitigation measures in the most impacted and distressed areas.

“We are immensely grateful for this crucial support following Hurricane Milton, particularly because previous CDBG-DR funds were allocated only for Hurricane Ian’s aftermath,” Transform386 Director Dona Butler said. Volusia County will administer the funds through its Transform386 initiative, which currently manages

John Anderson home sells for $735,000

Ahouse at 1175 John Anderson Drive is the featured real estate transaction for the week of Dec. 21-27, 2024, in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea. The house sold on Dec. 23, for $735,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 6/5.5 and has two fireplaces and 4,211 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $800,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

$980,000.

Palm Coast Plantation A house at 82 Emerald Lake Drive sold on Dec. 31, for $850,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a boat dock, a pool, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 3,198 square feet.

Palm Harbor A house at 76 Fieldstone Lane sold on Dec. 30, for $235,900. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,435 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $86,500.

Pine Grove A house at 104 Prince Eric Lane sold on Jan. 3, for $285,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,439 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $102,500.

A house at 33 Powder Hill Lane sold on Jan. 2, for $250,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $110,000.

A house at 7 Pillory Lane sold on Dec. 31, for $245,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,274 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $84,000.

A house at 30 Pierce Lane sold on Dec. 31, for $337,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,721 square feet.

Pine Lakes A house at 63 Woodlawn Drive sold on Dec. 31, for $362,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,780 square feet.

Sawmill Branch

A house at 9 Springwood Drive sold on Dec. 30, for $297,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

the $328.9 million in CDBGDR funds for Hurricane Ian. Developing an action plan for the Hurricane Milton-related funds will follow a similar process as those with Hurricane Ian, including public informational meetings across the county.

Conservation corridor expands by 1,335 acres

Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the purchase of 1,335 acres identified as a high priority for acquisition by the Volusia County Council. Adjacent to the county’s Deep Creek Preserve, the property represents an expansion of the preserve and will provide residents and visitors with 9,395 acres to explore and enjoy. The land, which lies in the Volusia Conservation Corridor, also known as the “wild heart of Volusia,” is a key addition to the county’s conservation efforts.

The purchase by the state, through the Florida Forever program, was for $18.5 million.

Condos

The condo at 2220 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 505A, sold on Dec. 27, for $265,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $115,000.

The condo at 3100 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 106, sold on Dec. 27, for $240,000. Built in 1991, the condo is a 2/2 and has 873 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $119,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 313 Rover Road sold on Dec. 23, for $379,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,034 square feet.

The house at 3275 Arch Ave. sold on Dec. 26, for $439,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,108 square feet.

Breakaway Trails

The house at 6 Lake Isle Way sold on Dec. 23, for $620,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,930 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $449,900.

Brookwood

The house at 23 Mayfield Circle sold on Dec. 27, for $365,000. Built in 1976, the

Drive sold on Dec. 27, for $300,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,647 square feet. It last sold in 1988 for $76,500.

Sweetser

The house at 254 Oleander Place sold on Dec. 27, for $305,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,680 square feet. It last sold in June 2024 for $145,000.

The Trails

house is a 3/2 and has 1,955 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $185,000.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 2624 Kinsale Lane sold on Dec. 27, for $299,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,608 square feet.

Lakebridge

The townhome at 483 Lakebridge Drive sold on Dec. 23, for $245,000. Built in 1986, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,410 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $250,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 1843 Old Tomoka Road sold on Dec. 27, for $700,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/2 with a onebedroom guest house, and has a fireplace, a boat dock, detached garage and 3,302 square feet. It last sold in October 2024 for $700,000.

Ormond Station

The house at 23 Melogold Drive sold on Dec. 27, for $319,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 44 N. Ridgewood Ave. sold on Dec. 23, for $330,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,462 square feet. It last sold in 1994 for $55,800.

Ortona Park

The house at 79 Jamestown

The townhome at 3 Eclipse Trail sold on Dec. 27, for $275,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,492 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $119,200.

Tomoka Oaks

The house at 97 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on Dec. 23, for $475,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/3 and has two fireplaces and 2,420 square feet. It last sold in 1986 for $129,000.

Ormond-by-the-Sea

Coquina KeyThe house at 3814 Islamorada Drive sold on Dec. 27, for $630,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,732 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $365,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 190 Magnolia Drive sold on Dec. 27, for $350,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,227 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $295,000.

Seabridge

The house at 13 Sea Hawk Drive sold on Dec. 23, for $485,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,658 square feet. It last sold in April 2024 for $375,000.

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

expect it to work like magic. The Risks of “Just Done” What can go wrong if your plan is half-baked? Plenty. Let’s break it down:

1. Remarriage Surprises: If your spouse remarries after you’re gone, their new spouse could claim 30% of YOUR assets—even the ones you meant for your kids. Your family heirlooms might end up with someone who thinks “antiques” belong on a yard sale table.

2. Divorce Drama: If your child divorces after inheriting, their ex could walk away with part of their share. And if your child passes away? Their former spouse might end up controlling your grandkids’ inheritance. That’s right, your philandering son-in-law could be in control of your grandchild’s inheritance. Yikes!

3.

1175 John Anderson Drive

Photo courtesy of Deana Frechette/Simply Real Estate

The Observer’s mission statement gets an update from the desk of the publisher. Building community spirit

Why we are here

even more time and money to publish a print edition in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach every Thursday?

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

The other day, my 6-yearold son, Luke, agreed to go with me on a bike ride around the neighborhood. He’s still nervous about falling down on the pavement, so he was deep in thought over how to prepare.

“Let’s bring Band-Aids,” he said. “Big Band-Aids. The biggest ones we have.”

As we begin 2025, I sometimes feel like I should have some big Band-Aids handy. In 2024 my wife and I slowly took off our training wheels as new business owners. For those who don’t know, I was the editor of the

newspaper since the Walsh family started the Palm Coast Observer in 2010 and the Ormond Beach Observer in 2012. Then Hailey and I bought the two newspapers (and digital properties), beginning with the first edition in September 2023. Since then, I have thought a lot about the purpose of a newspaper in a community, and since January is a time to look backward and forward, I’d like to take the opportunity to introduce a refreshed mission statement. Thus, I am borrowing the title of my first column in the Observer, from Vol. 1, No. 1, on Feb. 4, 2010. In that edition, I wrote a column called “Why we are here,” and I think it’s appropriate to address the same subject.

Why does the Observer exist? Why are we spending so much time and money to publish local news every day on observerlocalnews.com, and why are we spending

TRIBUTES

Dorothy Dale Schatz

July 28, 1948-December 30, 2024

Dorothy Dale Schatz, 76, of Palm Coast, FL, passed away on December 30, 2024. She was born on July 28, 1948, in Daytona Beach, Florida to the late Robert and Irene Evans.

Dorothy married Edward Schatz on August 22, 1978, in Flagler Beach, Florida. She was the owner of Tree City Nursery, and she loved reading and doing arts and crafts.

Dorothy is survived by her husband of 46 years, Edward Schatz Sr; daughters, Michelle Boyer, Angela Schatz, Kristi Schatz; sons, Dean Hoskins, Edward Schatz Jr; brother, Robert (Flossie) Evans; and eight grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the VFW Post 8696, 47 Old Kings Rd N, Palm Coast, FL, on Saturday, February

The Observer’s mission is to respond to three problems. First, on a society level, we are more divided than ever, and if we ever forget that, the national media reminds us every day. In response, the Observer’s mission is to build bridges of understanding, reminding us instead of what we have in common. We do that through fair, accurate, objective, thorough news reporting and by publishing an opinion page, written by our readers, and curated by professional editors so that if facts and figures are presented alongside opinion, the community can trust that the facts and figures have been verified. In other words, this is not a social media rumor mill. We are committed to providing a reliable source of information.

Second, on the community level, we are less likely to talk to our neighbors than we used to. We are more likely to be sucked into social media. We are more isolated and lonely than we used to be. In response, the Observer’s mission is to build community spirit through compelling

1, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Casual Dress

The family of Mrs. Schatz entrusted her arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.

and comprehensive reporting on you, your neighbors and your neighborhood. We report on the local Corgi that is now working for the Fire Department. We report on the nonprofits that build floats for the holiday parades. We report on the teachers of the year at every school. These are stories that the rest of the nation doesn’t care about, but we know you do. And when we read stories about people who live down the road from us, in our own neighborhoods, we feel connected. We believe there is such a thing as a community. We feel part of something larger than ourselves.

Third, it’s harder than ever to run a business. Once you get your business started, and you set up your social media page and your website and your storefront and your staff, and then you wait for your customers to arrive, sometimes they don’t. They don’t visit your website or like your Facebook page as you had hoped. That’s not necessarily because your business is not serving the community well; it could be that the community doesn’t know about your business. And so, in response, the Observer builds the local

MY VIEW

economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our readers — their customers — in print and online.

To summarize, our mission statement is as follows:

We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our print and online readers.

Thank you for reading. We know there are many things competing for your time, and when you pick up the Observer, you are showing your interest in your community.

Thank you to our advertisers — our partners in fulfilling our mission. Every dollar you spend with the Observer provides us with more resources to write stories about those Eagle Scout projects, those high school musicals, those neighbors who are volunteering their time to worthy causes.

Hailey and I, and everyone else at the Observer, are on a mission to be better than ever in 2025. Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Email brian@ observerlocalnews.com

We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our print and online readers. PALM COAST ORMOND BEACH

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com

Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com

Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com

Marketing Consultants Paula Losinger, Paula@ observerlocalnews.com; April Koehler, akoehler@ observerlocalnews.com; Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com

SUBSCRIBE To subscribe for driveway delivery, visit www.observerlocalnews. com/subscribe.

TO ADVERTISE Call the office at 386-447-9723, or reach out to a marketing consultant above.

Locally Owned / Publishers of the Palm Coast Observer McMillan Ink LLC 50 Leanni Way, Unit C3 Palm Coast, FL 32137

LaShakia Moore: ‘It takes everyone to help play a part’

‘Moving Flagler Forward is about all of us ... working

as a team.’

As we kick off the new year,

I am excited about what lies ahead for all of us. With 2025 comes a chance to reflect on where we’ve been and focus on where we’re going. For Flagler Schools, this year is all about momentum, growth and moving Flagler Forward together. Moving Flagler Forward means providing opportunities that prepare our students, the next generation of Flagler County, for success in the

LETTERS

Letter criticizing lack of diversity portrays doom and gloom that’s not there

Dear Editor: Robert Robinson’s letter (Disappointed to see no African Americans in Standing O edition, Jan. 9), defending the DEI — diversity, equity and inclusion — movement deserves a reply. It should be called the DIE movement

classroom, the community and in life. From Pre-K to Programs of Choice to Post-Secondary options, we’re building pathways that will meet all of our students where they are and take them exactly where they need to be. But progress doesn’t happen alone.

Moving Flagler Forward is about all of us — families, faculty, staff, businesses and the entire community — working as a team. This month, we invite our community to help celebrate our Teachers, Employees and Rookie Teachers of the Year at our annual celebration at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center Jan. 27. Then as we wrap up the 2024-25 school year this May, we will celebrate the graduates of Flagler Palm Coast High School, Matanzas High School and Flagler Technical College as they take the next big step towards college and/or their careers. It’s moments like these that remind us of what’s possible when we come together to

because this kind of warped thinking is killing this once great country. He was upset because not one (Flagler Schools’) Teacher of the Year is African American. He ignores the fact that all these people are supervised by and work for an American lady who happens to be Black. In the same paper on 1B there is a picture of six people that are part of a school band and they are all Black, so what, they are probably good musicians. What you seek, you find.

invest in our students and their futures. It takes everyone to help play a part in our students’ lives each and every day. Within our schools, it means showing up daily to inspire and challenge our students to work hard and reach their full potential. In our community, that means helping this next generation see the opportunities that are awaiting them as they prepare to pursue their dreams, earn their careers and raise their families right here in the Sunshine State. As we step into this new year, let’s carry this theme of Flagler Forward with us in everything we do — pushing for progress, lifting one another up and believing in what’s possible. The work we do together today shapes the Flagler County of tomorrow, and I know we are ready to meet that challenge. I look forward to the incredible things we will accomplish this year as we move Flagler Forward together.

If you look long enough with a jaundiced eye you will find prejudice even if it only exists only in your mind. I was born in 1933, I never spent one day of my life in a classroom, and that includes college, with a Black person. We’ve made a lot of progress and it took too long to do it and it’s not exactly perfect, but it’s not the doom and gloom Robert portrays.

DOUGLAS R. GLOVER Palm Coast

LASHAKIA MOORE SUPERINTENDENT, FLAGLER SCHOOLS

YOUR TOWN

Country music star Lee Greenwood to sing in Palm Coast

Country music artist Lee Greenwood, known for his song “God Bless the USA,” is performing this month at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts

Center in Palm Coast as part of his American Spirit Tour.

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23. Attendees will hear hits such as “Ring on Her Finger” , “Time on Her Hands” , “I.O.U.” and “Dixie Road.”

“We are thrilled to host Lee Greenwood and the American Spirit Tour at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center,” said Amelia Fulmer in a press release. “This is a rare chance for our community to enjoy an evening of incredible music and a celebration of the values that unite us all.”

In over 40 years, Greenwood has earned multiple accolades, including a Grammy Award, CMA Awards, and ACM Awards, the press release states.

Additionally, on Friday, Jan. 17, Grammy-winning country artist Crystal Gayle will perform at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.

Gayle has had 20 No. 1 country singles, beginning with “I’ll Get Over

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You” and including her signature song, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Tickets for both shows start at $64. Visit flaglerentertainment.com or call 386-437-7547.

Rotary Club of Flagler Beach donates AEDs to lifeguards

The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach presented three automated external defibrillators to the Flagler Beach lifeguard captains at their club meeting on Dec. 12. The AEDs, acquired through a grant, will be mounted on the lifeguards’ ATVs, ensuring rapid response to cardiac emergencies along the beach.

The AEDs, combined with Narcan for overdose emergencies, represent a comprehensive approach to improving public safety and health outcomes for residents and visitors of Flagler Beach.

“Equipping our lifeguards with AEDs and Narcan empowers them to respond swiftly to emergencies, potentially saving lives in critical moments,” said Tom Gillan, head of Beach Patrol and Ocean Rescue and a Rotary Club of Flagler Beach member. “This grant-funded initia-

tive underscores our commitment to protecting our community.” Club member Art MacQueen wrote the grant and club members Laura Biddle, Pam Birtolo and Gillan assisted with the process.

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Rotary Club of Flagler Beach President Karen Pastoriza; Flagler Beach lifeguard captain Joe Armellino; Tom Gillian, head of beach patrol and surf rescue; Christian Carre, Flagler Beach firefighter/EMT; Kyle Carre, Flagler County paramedic; Cindy Dalecki, Rotary Club of Flagler Beach member; and Lauren Ramirez, owner of Salus Medical with “Bob”. Courtesy photo

Lee Greenwood. Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Starry, Starry Ormond

“Thirty-five years of gallery strolls has been wonderful. It’s been fun to celebrate. The community loves it.”

STEPHANIE MASON-TEAGUE, OMAM Executive Director

Art enthusiasts walked the grounds of The Casements, listened to a history lesson at the MacDonald House and grabbed a “lite bite” while listening to music at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens during the 35th annual Starry, Starry Night on Friday, Jan. 10.

OMAM hosted the free event that welcomed close to 250 entrants to experience a night of art and culture. Attendees listened to harpist De Luna perform as they perused the permanent art collection of Malcolm Fraser. The artist was instrumental in the creation of the museum after WWII when he offered his paintings to any town on the east coast of Florida interested in opening an art museum. The catch was, the museum would have to pay tribute to veterans. The city of Ormond Beach and its citizens got to work and with help from the returning soldiers, opened the museum in 1946.

Eventgoers also perused OMAM’s Hosseini Family Gallery, the Halifax Health Gallery, the Jill & Gary Yeoman Gallery and the Myrna Sobel Fux Gallery, where artist Charles Humes Jr.’s exhibition is on display. Humes tells visual stories of Black life through a variety of mediums—

drawings, printmaking, mixed media collages, various textiles and paintings. The exhibition opened on Dec. 12, 2024, and will run through Feb. 9.

OMAM Executive Director Stephanie Mason-Teague said Humes is a wonderful, generous artist who offers the viewer a first-person narrative of his life through his art.

“He explained to everyone here, in such a meaningful way, that what we were viewing on the walls was his life experience,” she said. “It was really moving and it brought you into each one of his pieces of work. It’s an amazing experience.You really feel like you can experience what the subjects are going through.”

OMAM has an exhibition committee consisting of artists, professionals and curators who research artists for future shows. Kristin Heron, senior curator of Exhibitions and Education, assembles a list of artists as they are submitted which must then go through a selection process. It is a two-year operation which means the galleries are currently booked through 2027.

People strolled from OMAM to The Casements, some posing with five of the pieces from the Seward Johnson Sculpture Tour located on the south side of Granada Blvd.

There are 13 bronze sculptures total located throughout the city’s downtown area. “Calling Girl” is standing by the MacDonald House where the Ormond Beach Historical Society welcome center and museum are located.

Historical Society President Mary Smith welcomed people while dressed in an early settler’s cotton dress and bonnet. Board member Bill Hoover stood near the Hotel Ormond model and talked about his experiences growing up in Ormond Beach. He is a Seabreeze alumnus and moved back to the area two years ago.

“We have such a great history in this area,” Hoover said. “So many places have not preserved it but Volusia County is getting better at doing this. We want to build a sense of community and educate people about what we have here, what the history is and about the people that were here originally — from the Timucuan Indians to John D. Rockefeller.”

The next event for the Ormond Beach Historical Society is The American Revolution Experience, a traveling exhibit that will open

on Feb. 22, at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building. An exhibition, a variety of reenactors and speakers from the University of Central Florida and Flagler College will be available to the public throughout the length of the event, which ends on Mar. 3.

This is the third time Ormond Beach resident Maryann Radler and Port Orange resident David Manning have gone to the Starry, Starry Night gallery walk. They stopped by The Casements to take a look at artist Carolyn A. Land’s paintings.

“We have made it an annual thing,” Manning said. “We really like doing it because it’s nice to see local artists. I’m amazed because I can’t draw anything or do anything like that. I love to see what creative people come up with.”

Radler is a docent at The Casements. She said she liked seeing the variety of art in Land’s exhibition — “A Retrospective of Works Inspired by Nature”. It consists of multiple realistic paintings of Florida landscapes and wildlife along with a variety of abstract mixed media paintings and collage in dramatic colors.

“I loved the colors and the textures,” she said. “I loved the paintings of the local areas too. It was nice to see something more abstract and something that was reality.”

Dee Dillman takes Land’s art classes at the The Hub on Canal art gallery in New Smyrna Beach. She is currently learning Land’s collage techniques.

“I went to the school of YouTube (for art) during COVID then heard about Carolyn,” Dillman said. “She is awesome. I wanted to pursue art because I had never done it before. I was a first grade teacher so I only had time for first grade art.”

Mason-Teague said it is a lot of responsibility being the museum director but she loves it. She said she hopes the OMAM board of directors keep her around for a while.

“Thirty-five years of gallery strolls has been wonderful,” Mason-Teague said. “It’s been fun to celebrate. The community loves it.”

Palm Coast unveils new tennis courts — including a stadium show court

The project, funded by a $700,000 USTA grant, coincided with the start of a Women’s 35K USTA Pro Circuit event. MICHELE MEYERS

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Palm Coast was once a tennis destination. It was home of the Players Club and U.S. Davis Cup and National Team Coach Tom Gullikson. Monica Seles and Andre Agassi, both reaching the No. 1 world ranking in the 1990s, were among the tennis stars who played here.

On Monday, Jan. 13, the city took another step in its tennis resurgence with a ribbon cutting for five new tennis courts at the Southern Recreation Center. Thanks to a $700,000 growth grant from the United States Tennis Association, the city unveiled the facility’s first stadium show court with seating for over 100 spectators. The center’s additions also include four more clay courts bringing the facility’s total to 15, LED lighting to allow for nighttime tournament play, expansion of the center’s outdoor concrete deck which now overlooks the new show court, artificial turf and fencing between the courts and additional walkways connecting the tennis and pickleball facilities. The ribbon-cutting coincided with the first day of the inaugural Women’s 35K Palm Coast Open, a

$35,000 USTA Pro Circuit event. The tournament continues through Jan. 19 with the singles finals. The doubles finals are scheduled for Jan. 18. On Jan. 27, the Men’s 15K Palm Coast Open returns for the 13th year.

“Palm Coast is so important to the history of Florida tennis, and Florida really is the epicenter of tennis,” said Laura Bowen, the executive director of USTA Florida.

Bowen noted that after the demise of the Players Club, the Palm Coast Flagler Friends of Tennis set a goal of 20 tennis courts at the Palm Coast Tennis Center, which has merged with the year-old Southern Recreation Center. Nearing that goal with 15 courts, the center is now “one of the best-in-class facilities in the state of Florida that’s open to the public,” Bowen said.

Palm Coast Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston said the USTA’s “partnership and belief in Palm Coast” has allowed the city to improve a facility “that will serve not only today’s tennis players, but future generations to come.”

City architect Eric Gebo said the projects, constructed by Gilbane buidling company, were scheduled to be completed last month but were delayed by two hurricanes and a wet fall season. But the courts and other amenities were completed in time for the first day of the women’s tournament. The women’s field includes former world No. 24 player Christina McHale, who received a wild-card entry. McHale announced her retirement from pro tennis in 2022, but is making a comeback at age 32. Also receiving a wild card is Chukwumelije Clarke, who won the Girls 18 Championship at the USTA Winter National Championships in Orlando last month. The top seed in the tournament in Marie Benoit of Belgium with a No. 200 world ranking.

City architect Eric Gebo, USTA Executive Director Laura Bowen, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, Gilbane Project Manager Ty Bliss and Flagler County Tourism Executive Director Amy Lukasik. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Harpist De Luna plays at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum.

Artist Carolyn A. Land exhibits her abstract mixed media paintings. Photos by Michele Meyers

Art enthusiasts (left to right) Margaret Billups, Dee Dillman, Jaye Escudero and Joy Bowen check out the work of artist Carolyn A. Land

Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens Executive Director Stephanie Mason-Teague and board member Dr. Philip Shapiro hold a poster of “Starry Night over the Halifax” by Sherrill Schoening.

Paul Ricci plays the saxophone

OMAM hosts 35th annual gallery stroll event

• Registration fee: Nonprofits: $50, Vendors: $100, Food Trucks: $100

• Registration deadline: Feb. 8, 2025

• Longer hours! 10am - 5pm

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, JAN. 16

ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: The January meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club will be held on Thursday, January 16. Activities will be planned for the District 6 U.S. House Representative special primary election on Jan. 28 and special general election on April 1. Like-minded guests are welcome to attend. Club information can be found at ormondbeachdems.org.

FRIDAY, JAN. 17

ORMOND BEACH

ARBOR DAY

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach Details: Join the Environmental Discovery Center for a tree planting ceremony, followed by crafts and refreshments. Activity recommended for ages 4-12. Space is limited. Call 386-615-7081.

CRYSTAL GAYLE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 S.R. 100, Palm Coast

Details: Grammy-winning Crystal Gayle has had 20 No. 1 country singles, beginning with “I’ll Get Over You” and including her signature song, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” She was awarded “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 1977 and 1978 by the Country Music Association Awards. The Academy of Country

YOUR TOWN

Three Flagler County students perform in All-State Honors Bands

Three Flagler County band students participated in the recent Florida Music Educators Convention in Tampa. Xavier Martinez-Diaz from Buddy Taylor Middle School performed in the All-State Middle School Honors Band. Emma Harris and Matthew Erviti from Flagler Palm Coast High School and Erica Rimstidt from Matanzas High School participated in the All-State High School Honors Band.

First Baptist Christian Academy begins construction on new playground

First Baptist Christian

Music gave her the same award in 1976, 1977 and 1979. Tickets start at $64. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

GOD’S FAMILY BIBLE

CHURCH FOOD PANTRY

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: God’s Family Church parking lot, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell

Details: God’s Family Church distributes food to the community every first and third Saturday of the month. This is a drive-thru event.

MLK PARADE

When: Noon

Where: George W. Carver Community Center, located at 201 E. Drain St., Bunnell

Details: Celebrate Martin Luther King with this “Motor March” parade, to begin at noon from the historic George W. Carver Community Center.

The march will venture north onto U.S. Highway 1 to 100 East, then proceed to South Bacher Street before returning to the community center.

A program will begin at 1 p.m. following the march. A continental prayer breakfast will also be held at 10 a.m. inside the community center.

MEET THE BEAT

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: African American Cultural Society Center, 4422

U.S. 1, Bunnell

Details: The North East Florida Jazz Association’s fourth annual “Meet the Beat” membership drive and social is an opportunity for residents to learn more about NEFJA and for current members to reconnect. “Meet the Beat” will feature live jazz, dancing and snacks. Free event.

A NIGHT OF JAZZ, DANCING & ELEGANCE

When: 6-9 p.m. Where: VFW Post 8696, 47

Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Attend this evening filled with live jazz music, dancing and appetizers. A cash bar will be available. Tickets cost $50. For more information, call 847-722-4036

OPERAZZI

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Presented by Allengang Entertainment, this group of vocalists will bring opera favorites and pop mash-ups to the Performing Arts Center. Known for collaborations with Josh Groban and Sarah Brightman, Operazzi will perform a 90-minute show, including “Nessun Dorma”, “You Raise Me Up”, and a range of hits from artists like Billy Joel, Journey, Lady Gaga and the Beatles. Tickets cost $35. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter. csstix.com.

TUESDAY, JAN. 21

‘THE LOST WEEKEND — THE PHOTOGRAPHY OF MAY PANG’

When: 12-8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, Jan. 21-22

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery for a special exhibition entitled, “The Lost Weekend — The Photography of May Pang.” May Pang, John Lennon’s companion and lover during his “Lost Weekend” era, will showcase her candid photos of Lennon during this two-day event. May Pang will be in the gallery, meeting customers, signing all purchased prints and telling stories. Free and open to the public. Call 386-317-9400.

Academy has begun construction on a new playground for its elementary school students. The playground will offer a variety of state-of-the-art equipment including swings, climbing features, slides and interactive elements that promote both individual and group play. Contributions from parents, teachers and community members made the project possible.

FBCA also held a special ceremony in the chapel on Jan. 9 to celebrate it district volleyball championship — its first district championship in school history. During the ceremony, team members received championship rings. Sanigh Arneaud, Syrenity Arneaud, Joanna Fernandez, Danielle DuBose and Katherine Osterkamp were honored as all-district team members.

Buddy Taylor Middle School’s Xavier Martinez-Diaz, Matanzas High’s Erica Rimstidt and Flagler Palm Coast’s Matthew Erviti and Emma Harris are All-State Honors Band members. Courtesy photo

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COMICS

Cornered

Ziggy

Consolation prize

Seabreeze rallies past FPC in Five Star Conference girls soccer third-place game.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Seabreeze and Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer teams both felt they should have been playing for the Five Star Conference tournament championship.

Instead, two days after suffering frustrating one-goal losses in the semifinals, the Sandcrabs and Bulldogs met in the consolation final.

“I’m not sure why they even have a third-place game,” said Seabreeze junior forward Olivia Chase, who scored the go-ahead goal and then added an insurance goal to give the Sandcrabs a 3-1 victory Friday, Jan. 10, at FPC’s Sal Campanella Stadium.

While they weren’t playing for the the title, the Sandcrabs hope the consolation victory was the beginning of an offensive resurgence after they were shut out by Spruce Creek 1-0 in the conference semifinals.

“We finally finished tonight,” Seabreeze coach Eli Freidus said.

“We’ve had problems finishing all year.”

The Sandcrabs improved to 5-64, while the Bulldogs fell to 10-6-2 two days after suffering a 3-2 loss in double overtime to New Smryna Beach. New Smyrna tied the score on a penalty kick with less than 15 seconds remaining to send the game to overtime before outlasting the Bulldogs.

New Smyrna defeated Spruce Creek 2-0 on Nov. 10 to win the conference title.

Seabreeze and FPC played to a scoreless tie the first time the rivals met this season on Nov. 19. The defense dominated again for most of the rematch. FPC’s Erin Hughes ended the stalemate nearly 12 minutes into the second half, drilling her 19th goal of the season from just inside the 18-yard box into the left corner.

But the Sandcrabs responded with three consecutive goals. They tied the score at 1-1 with 16:32 left on a bad bounce for the Bulldogs. Seabreeze defender Hunter Byers launched a high blooper that FPC goalkeeper Natalie Neal reached up and tipped. But instead of the ball going over the goal and out of bounds, it hit the crossbar and bounced in front of the

goal where Ashlyn Colley was able to tap it into the open side of the net. Seabreeze took the lead a minute and a half later, when Neal came out

“(The Bulldogs are) one of our bigger rivals. We know they’re a good team.”

OLIVIA CHASE,

of the box to play the ball but missed the kick, and Chase buried the ball into the open net.

“I was in the right place at the right time,” she said. “Natalie’s a great goalie. I played with her for a long time (in club).” Chase added her team-leading 13th goal of the season with 5:10 left to put Seabreeze up 3-1.

“I saw an opportunity. I had a (defender) on my right and I turned and shot it,” she said. (The Bulldogs are) one of our bigger rivals. We know

they’re a good team.” Neal had five saves in the loss.

“The game is based on momentum,” FPC coach Pete Hald said. “We had momentum, and then we lost it and never got it back. They were just hungry. When blood is in the water, the sharks go to feast.” FPC and Seabreeze both returned to action on Wednesday, Jan. 15. FPC hosted Timber Creek in its final regular-season home game, while Seabreeze hosted Matanzas in its regular-season home finale.

FPC boys fall short on penalty kicks in Five Star Conference title game

The Bulldogs and New Smyrna Beach played to a scoreless tie through two overtimes before NSB broke the stalemate with a 3-2 advantage in penalty kicks.

Seabreeze (center) BRENT

It has been 10 years since Flagler Palm Coast’s boys soccer team advanced to a title game in any tournament. On Friday, Jan. 10, the Bulldogs played to a 0-0 tie through two overtime periods, before falling to New Smyrna Beach, 3-2 in penalty

kicks, in the Five Star Conference tournament championship game at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex.

“We’re the only team this entire season to not get scored on by them,” FPC coach Ramtin Amiri said. “Penalties are a gamble. It’s the most cruel way to lose. We can’t be upset. We played great the entire time.”

New Smyrna, ranked ninth in the state among Class 5A teams, improved to 12-1-4. If this had been a regular-season game, the Barracudas would have recorded their fifth tie instead of their 12th win and FPC (12-2-3 after a tie with St. Augustine on Jan. 13) would still have just one loss on its record. The Bulldogs held the ’Cudas

scoreless despite missing three starting defenders. “We called up two JV players,

“Penalties are a gamble. It’s the most cruel way to lose. We can’t be upset. We played great the entire time.”

RAMTIN AMIRI, FPC boys soccer coach

one who never played a varsity game,” Amiri said. “We had guys who stepped up. River (Rodriguez), who normally plays striker, played (defense). I think he played great for not (usually) playing there. We came with a gameplan, and it worked. Unfortunately, we lost on penalty kicks.”

New Smyrna opened up a 3-1 lead in the penalty-kick round, but FPC goalkeeper Teagan Paulo made two

stops to set up a final attempt for each team. Paulo took the Bulldogs’ last attempt and missed. The ’Cudas converted their final attempt to clinch the conference title with FPC placing second.

“We live and learn,” Amiri said. “Hopefully, we come back in a situation like that and we take advantage.”

The Bulldogs finish their regular season at home against Tocoi Creek at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16.

FPC’s Isabella Kummernes controls the ball as Sophia Fabulich defends.

Seabreeze’s Ava Arnold (left) battles FPC’s Skyler Strickland. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Seabreeze’s Olivia Chase dribbles between two FPC players.

Flagler Palm Coast players huddle up before the penalty-kick period at New Smyrna Beach. Courtesy photo

Haley Olson’s shot electrifies crowd Hampton’s 27 points leads Bulldogs

The ESE student scored her first basket as the clock ran out in a game against Deltona Trinity Christian Academy.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Haley Olson’s Matanzas High teammates cheered. The coaches cheered. The spectators cheered. The opposing team cheered.

Olson, an Exceptional Student Education senior at Matanzas, scored her first basket on Jan. 7 in the Pirates’ 49-4 home victory over Deltona Trinity Christian in a girls basketball game.

“She’s definitely the star of the week,” Matanzas coach Ethan Buchanan said.

In fact, FOX 35 Orlando came to the high school the following day to do a feature story on Olson.

Olson, who has autism, has been on the bowling team and a sideline cheerleader since she was a freshman. This is her first season on the basketball team.

She took part in summer basketball workouts with with former Matanzas girls coach Travis Boone. When Boone switched to the boys basketball program, he told new coach Buchanan about Olson.

“Her mom asked me if I had any experience coaching or teaching ESE students,” Buchanan said. “I said, ‘No, I don’t.’ She said, ‘Hailey would like to try out. If you have to cut her, cut her.’ I said she’ll have a spot in some capacity, even if it’s ball girl or team manager.” Buchanan did make cuts, but Olson wasn’t one of them.

“I saw how well she worked

with the girls, how hard she worked, how she followed directions. She was a pleasure to have. I wanted to keep that on the team,” Buchanan said.

Whether she’s rooting her bowling teammates on, cheering from the football sidelines or encouraging her basketball teammates from the bench, Olson’s exuberance is contagious.

But on Jan. 7, she got the chance to leave the bench and play in a basketball game for the first time. She played the entire fourth quarter. The Pirates’ mission was to set her up to score a basket. It had been something he team had been practicing all season.

“The trick was figuring the best game she would be comfortable to do it. Trinity Christian turned out to be the right choice,” Buchanan said. “We told her to ‘follow whatever (co-captain) Kate Smith tells you. If she tells you that’s your spot, that’s where you need to go.’ She did it perfect.” In the closing seconds, Olson put up a shot and was fouled. She barely missed both free throw attempts with one bouncing around the rim, Buchanan said.

A couple of plays later, she got the ball again behind the foul line. She dribbled twice into the paint and swished a short jumper just before the

game-ending buzzer sounded.

“That’s the shot we had practiced,” Buchanan said.

Her teammates all gave her a high five. Buchanan came onto the court to give her a high five.

“It was a beautiful thing,” said Jackie Olson, Haley’s mom. “She just celebrated the whole night long with her teammates then all night long at home.”

Haley first participated in a basketball clinic with Coach Boone at Rymfire Elementary School a couple of years ago, Jackie Olson said.

“She does love basketball, so we decided to try it. Coach Boone treats Haley just like everybody else and Coach Buchanan has done the same thing,” Jackie Olson said.

“That’s the key. When you have coaches that understand special abilities, it makes a huge difference. That’s why inclusion is so important. She definitely likes to be with all of her friends and doing the same things they’re doing and she learns from that. She thrives on that.”

Haley hopes to attend the University of North Florida next year in its on-campus transition program. Her goal is to work for Disney World and continue spreading joy to others.

Nateshawn Royal added 14 points in FPC’s 66-52 victory.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Anthony Hampton hit a career-high five 3-point shots on the way to a game-high 27 points as Flagler Palm Coast defeated Nease High School 66-52 on Friday, Jan. 10, at the Bulldogs gym.

Hampton scored 19 of his points in the first half as FPC took a 34-22 lead into halftime. Nateshawn Royal chipped in with a big second half, scoring 11 of his 14 points.

The Bulldogs went on to win their fifth game in a row on Jan. 14 with a 54-49 overtime victory at DeLand. FPC will host four games in a row including a rivalry game against Matanzas on Jan. 23.

“We’ve been playing really well together and buying into what coach says. And we’ve been playing really good defense lately,” said Hampton, who has scored in double figures in all but two games this season. His 27 points nearly matched his career high of 30 that he racked up last month

in a 77-74 overtime win at New Smyrna Beach.

“Anthony Hampton has made himself into a tremendous offensive player,” FPC coach Greg Shirley said. “He’s getting tougher and better on the (defensive) end also.”

After scoring on a drive to the basket early against Nease, Hampton said he began to extend his range.

“I’m getting more confident each game,” he said. Shirley, who is in his first year with FPC, said the Bulldogs have come a long way since starting the season with four straight losses.

“We were still getting to know each other,” Shirley said. “I said we’re going to be a whole different team later in the season, so I’m proud of them. They’re playing hard. They’re playing together. They share the basketball. And I think we work really hard defensively. They care about each other. They love each other, and I’m excited about being here.”

Siah Sanders added 10 points against the Panthers, who fell to 8-10 after a loss to Impact Christian Academy of Jacksonville the following night. FPC went to the free throw line 33 times, converting on 21 attempts. Hampton hit 6 of 7 free throws. Nease connected on 10 of 12 from the free throw line.

Haley Olson with her teammates after scoring her first basket. Courtesy photo

FPC’s Nateshawn Royal dribbles past Nease’s Luke Lindsay.

FPC’s Zac Murphy (11) puts up a shot. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Anthony Hampton scored a game-high 27 points against Nease.

SAVE TIME Email your Legal Notice legal@palmcoastobserver.com legal@observerlocalnews.com

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE NO: 2024-CP-000484 DIVISION 48 IN RE: The Estate of DAISY M. HENRY A/K/A DAISY M. MCKAY, Deceased The formal administration of the estate of DAISY M. HENRY A/K/A DAISY M. MCKAY, deceased, whose date of death was May 3, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd, Ste. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the attorney for the estate and the petitioner are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE

RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2022 CA 000101 THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2007-15CB, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-15CB, Plaintiff, vs. BRUCE E. CASTEEL, et al Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Consent Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 4, 2023 and a Supplemental Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated December 30, 2024, and entered in 2022 CA 000101 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for FLAGLER County, Florida, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2007-15CB, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-15CB, is the Plaintiff and BRUCE E. CASTEEL; VICTORIA D. CASTEEL; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF BRUCE E. CASTEEL; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF VICTORIA D. CASTEEL; RLF MORTGAGE CORPORATION; STATE OF FLORIDA; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 AND UNKNOWN TENANT #2, UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BRUCE E. CASTEEL, are the Defendant(s). The Clerk shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, electronically at www.flagler.realforeclose. com at 9:00 AM on January 31, 2025,

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS

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 THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 9, 2025. Attorney for Estate of DAISY M. HENRY

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000180 LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC

Plaintiff(s), vs. DAVID G. LAIRD; et al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to Plaintiff’s Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on December 12, 2024 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Tom Bexley, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.flagler. realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 7th day of February, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: LOT 20, BLOCK 166, BELLE TERRE - SECTION 35 PALM COAST PARK AT PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE 2, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Property address: 16 Birchview Place, Palm Coast, FL 32137

in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 9, BLOCK 13, ZEBULAH’S TRAIL - SECTION - 63 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 18, PAGES 24 THROUGH 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Property Address: 3 ZODIAC PLACE, 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 WITH THE CLERK BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact court administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. B-206, Deland, FL 32724; (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing impaired call 711. Dated this 6th day of January 2025 BY: /s/Michael V. Supple, Esq._ Michael V. Supple, Esq Bar Number: 92080 Submitted by: DELUCA LAW GROUP, PLLC 2101 NE 26th STREET FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33305 PHONE: (954) 368-1311 | FAX: (954) 200-8649 service@delucalawgroup.com 19-03450 January 9, 16, 2025 25-00005G

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup. com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties.

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, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711. Respectfully submitted, PADGETT LAW GROUP BETZY FALGAS, ESQ. Florida Bar # 76882 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile) attorney@padgettlawgroup.com Attorney for Plaintiff TDP File No. 24-001682-1 January 9, 16, 2025 25-00007G

SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 9, 2025. Personal Representative: Nancy L. Costa 3175 Connemara Drive Ormond Beach, Florida 32174

Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900

Fax: (386) 445-6702

E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com

Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com

January 9, 16, 2025 25-00004G