Palm Coast Observer 01-30-25

PALM COAST

City to golf course: Balance the budget

Unimpressed, council cuts manager pool from 38 to 6

Palm Coast City Council wants a ‘rockstar,’ potentially local, and doesn’t want to rush, so the deadline for applicants will be extended.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

After a consultant reviewed many of the 38 candidates who have applied to become Palm Coast’s

BRIEFS

Pontieri asks AdventHealth to help increase OB-GYN options in county

On the campaign trail, Mayor Mike Norris heard a recurring question: Why is there so little maternity care in Flagler County?

Denyse Bales-Chubb, president/

CEO for AdventHealth Palm Coast, told the City Council on Jan. 28 that since the fastest growing demographic in the area is the over-65 population, the company has not offered baby delivery facilities in Palm Coast, although it does deliver babies in its Daytona Beach hospital.

“We want to make sure we are delivering only exceptional care,” Bales-Cubb said. Due to the low numbers of babies that would be delivered in Palm Coast, Advent Health wouldn’t be able to retain the physicians to provide care, she said. City Councilwoman Theresa

next city manager, the City Council was unimpressed, reaching a consensus to extend the request for resumes for another month.

“We can’t afford to get this decision wrong,” City Councilman Charles Gambaro said at the Jan. 28 workshop, “and there’s absolutely no reason to rush to failure. Our community deserves the right fit for us to move forward.”

At the recommendation of the consultant, Doug Thomas of Strategic Government Resources, the council did rank 16 candidates on a scale of 1 to 3, and the top 6 will be interviewed further:

Pontieri, who had a baby recently herself, wasn’t satisfied. “That’s a business response,” she said.

She said she hadn’t been able to find a local OB-GYN who was accepting patients. Instead, Flagler residents have to get care in Daytona Beach or St. Augustine.

“It’s a struggle,” she said.

She challenged AdventHealth to “show a partnership with the community.” “We need a true outreach” to add more OB-GYN services.

Bales-Chubb and Wally DeAquino, president and CEO of AdventHealth’s Palm Coast Parkway hospital, visited the City Council workshop on Jan. 28 to provide an update on the company’s work in the community, which includes opening the $30 million Freytag Cancer Center and Health Plaza, which will allow locals to receive specialized cancer treatment services without leaving Flagler.

AdventHealth, which is a nonprofit institution, tallied over 63,300 Emergency Department visits in Flagler County last year. About 73% of AdventHealth’s local staff also live in Flagler County.

Paul Trombino Ill, Kara Boyles, Richard Hough, Jerome (Jay) Wilverding, Michael Reese and Robert Hemminger.

The top local candidate, attorney and former sheriff Jim Manfre, did not make the next round.

City Councilman Ty Miller indicated a desire to try to recruit a “rockstar” who might already be serving as a city manager somewhere else.

Mayor Mike Norris indicated that he preferred a local candidate.

“I’m really leery of hiring someone from across the country,” he said. Later in the meeting, he made

Flagler Schools mother gets onto school bus and yells at alleged bullies

An incident at a Matanzas High School bus stop in December remains a concern for at least one parent. According to reports, the mother of a student became upset about her son being called names. So she stepped in and threatened to “whoop any kid’s a - -” who wouldn’t stop.

The mother then followed some of the students onto the bus itself.

A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy later interviewed the bus driver, who said that, at first, she thought the mother was a student. The deputy reported that he contacted the transportation department at Flagler Schools and watched the video of the incident. The video, which is not public record and could not be confirmed by the Observer, showed the mother “getting on the bus and telling everyone to stop bullying her son,” the deputy reported.

a plea for more local, qualified candidates: “For the community at large, apply for the job.” City Councilwoman Theresa Pontieri was concerned that many of the candidates who applied had also applied to other searches conducted by Strategic Government Resources. Will the next round be any better?

In the coming weeks, the top six candidate will be interviewed via questionnaires and video clips.

“This is a big deal for the city, and we want to do it right,” Norris said. Email brian@observerlocalnews. com.

The mother was then issued a trespass warning for the bus. No threats were made to specific students, only in general, the notes said.

Flagler Schools did not respond to specifics about the incident.

One parent, who asked to remain anonymous, said she was “angry and concerned” that a mother would get on a bus and have no consequences.

The mother who got on the bus later told the Observer that she had contacted the FCSO and Flagler Schools many times to advocate for her son, who had been bullied, and she felt that she had to take more drastic action to stand up for him.

US-6 primary winners: Fine, Weil

Florida Republican Sen. Randy Fine and Orlando Democrat Josh Weil prevailed over their opponents in the special primary election for Congressional District 6 on Tuesday,

Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year Brandy Anderson and Employee of the Year Brande Martz with School Board members Janie Ruddy, Lauren Ramirez, Will Furry, Christy Chong and Derek Barrs. Photo by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Syed Haider selected as Sunshine State STEM Scholar, Rhee alternate

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Schools announced the district’s Sunshine State STEM Scholar and alternate at the School Board’s Jan. 28 business meeting.

Each Florida school district selects two high school juniors who plan to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering or math. To qualify, the students must have at least a 3.9 weighted GPA and be on track to receive a Florida Bright Futures Scholarship.

Flagler Palm Coast’s Syed Haider was announced as Flagler’s Sunshine State Scholar. Matanzas’ Megan Rhee was selected as the district’s alternate.

Haider is in FPC’s International Baccalaureate program. He aspires to major in biomedical engineering at the University of Florida with the goal of working in the field to enhance patient care, FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet told the board. Haider excels in his AP and IB coursework and scored a 1440 on the PSAT, which is in the 98th percentile. Haider also has a full load of extracurricular activities, including Red Cross Club, the Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society where he competes in the pre-calculus and trigonometry divisions. He is also in a local bridge club and volunteers on Teen Court.

Rhee has been involved with STEM from a young age, hanging around her father’s dental office, Matanzas Principal Kristin Bozeman said. Rhee aspires to follow in her father’s footsteps in dentistry. She has taken just about every AP and AICE course that is offered, Bozeman said. Rhee is also involved in Student Government Association; Future Problem

Solvers, where she is a two-time state champ; marching band; and the cross country and track teams, qualifying for state in both sports.

The two-day Sunshine State

Scholars program will be held on April 10-11 in Orlando. The scholars are honored for their significant academic accomplishments and are connected with employers

that specialize in the STEM fields. Representatives from state colleges and universities discuss academic opportunities and provide workshops.

Sunshine State STEM Scholar Syed Haider and alternate Megan Rhee with their principals, Kristin Bozeman and Bobby Bossardet, district teaching and learning specialists Sarah Lombardo and Heidi Alves and (back row) Superintendent LaShakia Moore, School Board members Will Furry, Christy Chong, Derek Barrs, Lauren Ramirez and Janie Ruddy and Student board members Jeh-Hanni Strong and Dani Nieves. Photo courtesy of Flagler Schools.

Football coach is out after inflating grades

Daniel Fish had been reprimanded in December relating to grading and teaching practices at FPC.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Daniel Fish told Flagler Palm Coast athletic director Scott Drabczyk on Jan. 15 that he was considering stepping down as the team’s head football coach, according to documents released by Flagler Schools.

Fish was dismissed as the team’s coach on Jan. 21 after leading the Bulldogs to a 9-2 record and a playoff appearance.

After the school district released a statement announcing the dismissal, the team’s second-year coach responded to a text by the Observer, saying, “I was never given an explanation as to why I’m not the head football coach anymore and I was reassigned as a teacher.”

But according to documents, Fish and administrators had several meetings and Fish has been investigated twice, the second time leading to a reprimand.

In a response to texts seeking comment to this story, Fish wrote, “I’ve been advised not to speak to the media right now. I would love to comment at a later date.”

According to a timeline written by FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet, on Jan. 15, “Coach Fish asked Mr. Drabczyk if he was aware that his Assistant Coach, Jake Medlock, accepted a job (at Seminole High School in Sanford), and that Coach Medlock’s last day at FPC would be today. Coach Fish then stated, ‘I don’t know what my future holds for me at FPC’, and that he had been ‘thinking a lot lately’, and doesn’t know what he wants to do. He then informed Mr. Drabczyk that he was considering stepping down as the Head Football Coach for Flagler Palm Coast High School.”

The documents were released in response to a public records request by the Observer . Fish had been the subject of two investigations since he was hired on April 5, 2023. The second investigation led Bossardet to issue Fish a letter of reprimand on Dec. 17, 2024, “for being negligent in performing his duties and responsibilities in his teaching assignment.”

Bossardet reported to Michael Rinaldi, the district’s coordinator of professional standards, on Dec. 5 that Fish was inflating grades and not teaching any of the standards in the Personal Fitness and Fitness Issues for Adolescence classes. The Personal Fitness class includes health education and is a single-semester class required for graduation.

According to the timeline, “every student in all of his classes received a 100% for every activity [...] It was also found that Coach Fish had identical gradebooks for all of his classes, despite the fact that he was responsible for teaching two completely different courses […] In addition, it was also confirmed that Coach Fish was entering 100% grades for students who were no longer in his class.”

On Dec. 10, Bossardet wrote in the timeline, he met with Fish to discuss grading and instructional integrity.

“During the meeting it was confirmed Coach Fish had failed to plan and effectively implement instructional activities designed to achieve goals and objectives of the curriculum,” and “Coach Fish admitted that he had set his gradebook to automatically enter a 100% for every assignment listed,” Bossardet wrote. In the timeline, Bossardet

included the professional supports that Fish received and were available to help.

‘A DIFFERENT DIRECTION’

During Drabczyk’s meeting with Fish on Jan. 15, according to the timeline, the athletic director told Fish he should focus on the football team’s banquet the following day and they would have another meeting on Friday, Dec. 17. At the end of the school day on Jan. 15, Bossardet wrote in his timeline, Drabczyk informed him that Fish was considering stepping down as head coach, and “I told Scott that I believe, at this time, it is within everyone’s best interest … that we move in a different direction with our football program.”

Fish had taught three Personal Fitness/Fitness Issues classes and three weightlifting/aerobic classes The students in five of Fish’s classes were all football players. In his reassignment, his second-semester Fitness Issues classes will not include football players.

Flagler School Superintendent LaShakia Moore told the Observer that a series of events led to the decision to remove Fish as coach, but it was initiated by Fish indicating he was considering stepping down. As for his status as a teacher, Moore said that teacher contracts are renewed at the end of the school year and an investigation of Fish is still pending.

FIRST INVESTIGATION

The first investigation was based on football players being unsupervised in the locker room during practice on Sept. 19, 2023, in Fish’s first season. Horseplay in the locker room turned into a fight that spilled onto the field.

One player said another grabbed his football girdle and tried to put a stick down his pants. “He tried to stick it in my butt,” the player said in a statement. The player was irritated when he got on the field, yelling profanities and punching a player in the back of his helmet, breaking the helmet, Fish said a statement, noting that coaches were unaware of what had happened in the locker room. According to statements, the player’s mother then arrived at the field, yelling at coaches.

Other players who had been in the room said the stick, which two of the players called a “pipe,” was used to help defensive linemen with their hip positioning. The defensive players were getting dressed for practice after a film session. The teacher/ coach who was responsible for locking the locker room or supervising students if they were still inside was directed to be outside with another group of players. According to the report, Fish did not designate a back-up for securing the locker room. Fish was issued a “Letter of Caution” for failure to assign adult supervision.

On Dec. 5, 2024, when Fish was being investigated for his practices in teaching Personal Fitness, Bossardet met with Fish regarding an email he received from the registrar regarding improper contact with a student athlete at another school.

“I stated that I had serious concerns,” Bossardet wrote. “These concerns included, his absences from faculty meetings, failure to follow proper sign out procedures, failure to follow processes for submitting leave and requesting substitutes,” Bossardet wrote in the timeline.

Bossardet told the Observer on Jan. 23 that the school is planning to begin advertising for a new coach next week.

“This week we’re focusing on the kids,” he said.

Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com.

City Council: Palm Harbor needs to break even

Council was split over whether the city course should ever be sold but agreed the course should be preserved.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Directing staff to balance the budget of the city-owned Palm Harbor Golf Course, the Palm Coast City Council also sought to reassure residents, at the Jan. 28 workshop, that it has no intention of letting the course ever be developed for any other use than golf.

The course has cost the City of Palm Coast an average of $176,634 per year for the past five years, according to a presentation by Director of Parks and Recreation James Hirst.

‘WE

CAN’T BE BLEEDING MONEY’

The issue was brought to the “fore” on Jan. 7 by City Councilman Charles Gambaro. Holding up a folder containing the course’s financials, he said: “We lose hundreds of thousands of dollars every year. […] Do we need to sell it — but still keep it a golf course? I think it’s important that that land remains a golf course for our community. Could an investor come in and turn it into something different that becomes a destination, get it back on the tax rolls? I don’t know, but I think those are all options I think we should consider.”

He found little support for the option of selling the golf course, at the Jan. 28 workshop, although others did agree that the course should reduce expenses and/or increase revenues.

Mayor Mike Norris said: “There’s no reason we should be playing 50,000 rounds of golf out there and we’re bleeding money. That’s ridiculous.”

To prevent theft, Norris said, the city should not allow cash transactions at the golf course, but he didn’t receive support from other council members. Attorney Marcus Duffey said a decision about method of payment was more appropriate from the city manager, according to the City Charter.

City Councilman Ray Stevens’ main concern was that the land never be used for something other than a golf course. “Before we even consider selling it,” he said on Jan. 7, “we should look into a resolution, a covenant, making that property for perpetuity either a golf course or used for public recreation, so that someone doesn’t come along, buy it, say, ‘We’re going make a golf course,’ and then turn around and turn it into condos.”

In an attempt to soothe the golf course advocates in the community, Norris said, “Don’t make the mistake of thinking we’re moving forward and putting out that we’re trying to selling the golf corse. No. We’re just trying to improve our community.”

Councilman Ty Miller weighed in at the Jan. 28 workshop, saying that he also believes the course needs to stop losing money. He added that the course is different from other city park amenities because it competes with other local golf courses.

“I’d be in favor, at minimum, of this being full cost recovery,” Miller said.

PAST AND PRESENT

The city’s golf course was designed in 1973, and Nancy Lopez became the touring pro in 1978. It was donated to the city in 2009, and was operated by a third party, Kemper Sports, until 2017, when the city of Palm Coast took over operations management, alongside Troon, which now maintains the course.

Upcoming maintenance costs in the capital improvement plan include $150,00 for irrigation pump station

repairs, $20,000 for gravel parking lot repairs, and $500,000 for greens renovations.

More than 960 homes surround the golf course.

Of the 52,661 rounds played in 2024, 91% were by local residents. Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high school teams use the course, along with other organizations, including the Special Olympics.

The cost of an 18-hole round typically costs 8% less at a municipal course than at a non-resort course, according to city staff.

COMPETITION WITH OTHER COURSES

Miller and Norris agreed that the city’s course should not have lower costs than the marketplace suggests.

Two golf course owners agreed in public comment at the Jan. 28 meeting.

Doug Brown, owner of Cypress Knoll Golf Course, reminded the City Council: “We have a big stake in what

you guys are doing here.”

His main concern was that the city offers lower golf rates — at taxpayers’ expense. If a golfer plays three rounds per week, saving $10 each time by playing at Palm Harbor instead of, for example, playing at Cypress Knoll, that comes to $30 per week, or about $1,500 per year — “for one golfer to play golf, subsidized by the city.” Meanwhile, Cypress Knoll loses that business.

Doreen Holl, owner of Pine Lakes Golf Course, said it is “an uphill battle” to run a private course. And while the city has been losing money on its course without paying taxes, she has been trying to run her business in addition to paying taxes. She advocated for the city to sell Palm Harbor and let another company manage it.

Several residents spoke against raising rates at Palm Harbor, or selling the golf course, for fear that the course could, one day, be turned into houses, causing property val-

ues to fall.

Miller’s perspective was that the health of the private courses was also in the city’s interest.

“We’re potentially talking about that same catastrophic thing happening that everybody is all up in arms about — a sale at this golf course — happening at those other golf courses because they fail,” he said. “This is an earnest effort to prevent all of that and provide everybody with the amenities that they have now. Talking about a sale — that’s just one consideration. It isn’t anybody pushing for that.” Gambaro maintained that selling the course to another management company should be an option, so that it would go back on the tax rolls. He also suggested that the City Council should look into how and why the city may be “losing” money at other parks and amenities.

Email letters to the editor to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

About 960 homes line the Palm Harbor Golf Course. Image from city drone video

Help Inspire Change

PROPOSED ‘RESERVE

‘Great project’ vs. ‘too much, too fast’

Mayor Robinson says caution is necessary before moving forward with the development proposal that could add 8,000 units.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

When it comes to the proposed Reserve at Haw Creek development, the Bunnell City Commission needs to spend a lot of time reviewing its zoning document.

That was the sentiment said by Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson during a joint workshop with the city’s Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board on Monday, Jan. 27. The developers of Reserve at Haw Creek are seeking a rezoning for a 2,700-acre parcel, located between State Road 100 West and State Road 11, from its current agricultural and single-family residential zoning to a Planned Unit Development — a step in the development process that may lead to the construction of between 6,000 and 8,000 residential units.

This is something Bunnell has never seen before, Robinson said. Bunnell currently has a population of about 4,000 people.

“It’s going to increase our population by up to five times what it is right now,” she said. “ ... I feel like development and movement forward is good as long as it’s done the right way.”

Northeast Florida Developers have spent the past two years working on their pro-

posal with the city of Bunnell. Reserve at Haw Creek proposes to be an integrated master planned community with residential, commercial and light industrial uses, as well as parks and recreational amenities. During a meeting with the planning board on Jan. 7, the board recommended the PUD proposal move forward, but with certain considerations: reduce the unit count to a 5,500 maximum, ensure developer complies with new stormwater standards and include the most current traffic impact study.

At the workshop, Chad Grimm, of Northeast Florida Developers, said something that has been missing from recent meetings on the development is “how great of a project this really is.”

Nature trails. Recreation. Multiple housing types. A commercial town center. Industrial space. Public infrastructure.

All components, Grimm said, that were integrated in the community plans.

“This isn’t a typical development that just gets rubberstamped in,” Grimm said. “This was a custom designed, well thought out [plan], based on what the city of Bunnell’s desires are.”

Planning Board Co-Chair Gary Masten said he appreciated Grimm’s passionate speech.

“We’ve been at quite a few meetings, and I truly do believe you come in here with the best heart and mind, but the people sitting behind you are equally as passionate, and we cannot forget them,” Masten said.

Concerns expressed by citizens at the workshop included a burden on city services, traf-

COPS CORNER

JAN. 5

ROAD RAGE

9:01 p.m. — 1000 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach

Shooting. A 31-year-old Ormond Beach man was driving eastbound on West Granada Boulevard when the vehicle in front of him stopped abruptly.

The man was forced to brake hard, leading the driver in the vehicle behind him to do so as well, according to a police report.

The man turned into the left lane, at which point the driver that had been behind him pulled up to his passenger side and rolled their window.

The parties exchanged words, and then the man heard gunshots, the report states.

The man adjusted his seat to lay flat in his car to avoid being in the line of gunfire during the shooting, which the report states occurred while both vehicles were in motion. When the gunshots stopped, the man fled to a local gas station, where called police.

Officers reported a tight grouping of bullet holes under his car window’s lining, with glass and pieces of plastic inside the passenger seat.

BRIEFS

There was also a hole in the driver side door’s interior.

The man wished to pursue charges.

JAN. 16

SNACK THIEVES

8:14 a.m. — 1900 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Petit theft. A manager of a local convenience store is pursuing charges on a Port Orange man and woman suspected of stealing $35 worth of Slim Jims and candy.

The couple grabbed a pizza and asked the employee to cook it for them, and as the employee did that, the man grabbed more candy to steal.

Initially, the store manager told police that they weren’t going to press charges because they had no way to identify the couple. However, on the morning of Jan. 16, the woman returned to the store, giving employees a chance to photograph her license plate.

Police soon identified the male suspect, who had an open warrant for driving under the influence.

JAN. 17

A BAGGIE? NO BIGGIE

8:15 p.m. — Intersection of U.S. 1 and White View Parkway, Palm Coast Possession of drugs. A 56-year-old Bunnell man admitted to deputies that he

her former high school in Ohio. The video was widely viewed by students at the Ohio high school, causing “significant concern to students, parents and school officials.”

Detectives determined that the student’s threats “were intentional.”

The student was arrested for a charge of “Written or Electronic Threats to Kill” with a hate crime enhancement. She was transported to the Volusia County Juvenile Detention Center.

The FCSO received a $354,896 grant in 2023 from the Department of Justice to help with its monitoring and reporting capabilities of potential hate crimes and

fic, the loss of rural lifestyle, and flooding.

Resident Cheryl Trujillo said she’s not against development — but the proposal is “too much, too fast.”

“This isn’t just somebody going to build a couple of roofs,” Trujillo said. “You want to have Palm Coast in my backyard, and that’s what it amounts to.”

She asked the commissioners and planning board members to hold a longer meeting, one where they can thoroughly dissect the PUD. Monday’s workshop was capped at an hour, as there was a regular commission meeting following it.

Two people spoke in favor of the project, one of whom was Dan Wilcox, who operates a cattle ranch on several thousand acres west of town. He said Reserve at Haw Creek is “in tune with what we need.”

“We need this development,” Wilcox said. “It will allow us a more diverse population, a better base to draw funds from, a better market to work from. It will give us the footing we need.”

The development has a potential to be great, if done properly, Robinson said, but she said it’s important for the commission to understand the intricacies.

“Every single thing that we bring up rabbit holes into another thing,” Robinson said. “And the reason that it rabbit holes is because, again, the complexity and the size of this development, and so either we have to hone in and understand every aspect before it’s voted on, or the other option is ... consideration that this is too big of a project for our small town.”

smoked cocaine, and said it wasn’t a “big deal” after he was detained during a traffic stop.

The man, who was a passenger in the vehicle, was not wearing a seat belt, which lead the deputy to ask for his ID, according to his arrest report. He was taken to jail.

ERRAND INTERRUPTED 9:02 p.m. — 300 block of South Anderson Street, Bunnell

Driving without a license. Deputies arrested a 23-yearold Bunnell man who was reportedly running an errand to a local big box store to purchase sweat pants for himself and his grandmother.

According to the man’s arrest report, deputies spotted the man driving 10 miles over the posted speed limit, as well as rolling through a stop sign, leading to a traffic stop. When asked for his driver’s license, the man told deputies that he “already knew he was going to jail” and that he didn’t have a valid license, the report states, and informed them of his errand run.

During a search of his vehicle, deputies also found 17 grams of marijuana as well as a firearm, which led to an additional charge since he had been convicted of a felony as a juvenile. He was taken to jail.

targeted violence before they are committed.

“We will not tolerate any threat of violence, especially those that are made with hate and prejudice,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in the press release. “If you threaten to hurt or kill someone just because of what they look like, where they’re from, or who they love, we will arrest you no matter how old you are. Parents, I urge you to be the sheriff in your home and teach your children that all people are created equally and hating someone just because they are different than you is not acceptable behavior.”

Ormond removes fluoride from water

The change, which went into effect last week, follows a policy decision by the City Commission.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING

EDITOR

The city of Ormond Beach is no longer adding fluoride to its water supply.

The change, which went into effect the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 22, follows a unanimous policy decision by the City Commission at its meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21. During his closing comments of the meeting, City Commissioner Travis Sargent made a motion to stop fluoridating the city’s water, citing recent guidance by the state surgeon general.

The city had been adding fluoride to its water since 1957.

“I think a lot has changed since the ‘50s,” Sargent said at the meeting. “I think we are seeing the results of this chemical in our water — what it’s doing to our children, just the long-term effects that we are just now seeing.”

In late November, State Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo recommended against community water fluoridation due to the “neuropsychiatric risk associated with fluoride exposure,” a press release by the Florida Department of Health stated. It listed safety concerns for children such as the reduction of IQ, cognitive impairment and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as the chance for increased neurobehavioral problems in children whose mothers ingested fluoride during pregnancy. The Health Department also reported sleep cycle disturbance, skeletal fluorosis, puberty impacts for adolescent girls and suppression of the thyroid gland as other safety concerns.

“It is clear more research is necessary to address safety and efficacy concerns regarding community water fluoridation,” Ladapo said in the press release. “The previously considered benefit of community water fluoridation does not outweigh the current known risks, especially for

special populations like pregnant women and children.”

However, health organizations such as the American Dental Association, Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Medical Association all support community water fluoridation.

According to the ADA, fluoridation is the most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.

In September, a California federal district court ruled in favor of a group of citizens who sued the Environmental Protection Agency after it denied a petition to stop community water fluoridation.

The ADA and 12 other groups have issued a letter to the EPA to file an appeal on the court’s ruling, according to a press release.

In the letter, the ADA challenged the August 2024 report from the federal National Toxicology Program that led to the claim that of lowered IQs for children who are exposed to fluoride at more than twice the recommended level, stating the report is based on “only 19 studies that rely on atypical fluoride exposure levels, invalid biomarkers, and insufficient sample size,” alleging the agency changed peer reviewers after its original ones reported the first two drafts “would not survive scientific scrutiny.”

“It would be regrettable to compromise nearly 80 years of public health success due to challenges in effectively communicating the science, which often extends beyond the simplicity of a sound bite,” the letter states.

Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent, who served on the Ormond Beach City Commission from 2003 to 2022, spent 16 years advocating for the removal of fluoride from the city’s water.

“I am so proud of the leadership of Ormond Beach,” Kent said. “They were able to get something across the finish line that I was unable to do, and to me, this is some of the most positive news that I could hear coming out of Ormond Beach City Hall.”

At best, fluoride is a medicine, Kent said.

“At worst, it’s a poison, but we should not be medicating

our residents with the water that they’re consuming,” he said. “It’s wildly inappropriate and should not be happening.”

In 2017, the city of Ormond Beach received no bids for hydrofluosilicic acid, the chemical used to fluoridate city water supplies. Though he urged the commissioners to stop water fluoridation then, the commission voted 4-1 to continue.

Sargent told the Observer that he was pleased that it was a unanimous vote to remove fluoride from the city’s water this time around. Stopping the practice, he added, is saving the city about $14,800 a year.

He also referenced the California federal district court ruling and said that the new information is further proof of why the city needed to act now.

“Back in the ‘50s, maybe we didn’t have this information and this was a way to provide fluoride to people for better teeth, to help with that” Sargent said. “But now, I think fluoride’s in almost every toothpaste.”

Additionally, both Kent and Sargent said the state surgeon general’s guidance carries significant weight.

“My hope now is that other local communities and communities beyond Volusia County will follow the lead of Ormond Beach and stop medicating and/or poisoning their resident with the water,” Kent said.

According to DOH, five Volusia County cities currently add fluoride to their water: Daytona Beach, DeLand, Holly Hill, New Smyrna Beach and Port Orange.

In a statement on Facebook, the city of Ormond Beach said that fluoride is readily available today in toothpaste, mouth rinses and dental treatments; it’s also found in several processed foods and drinks.

“This change ensures Ormond Beach residents still receive clean, safe, and highquality water while allowing individuals to make their own choices about fluoride use,” the city wrote.

Construction of Flagler pier to cost $14M

Construction will begin by May, with July 4, 2026, as the target date for completion.

The Flagler Beach City Commission unanimously approved a bid of $14,142,027 by Vocellio & Grogan to build a new pier.

Project manager Gabe Perdomo of Moffat & Nichol told the commission at its Jan. 23 meeting that construction will begin at the latest by May with a target date of July 4, 2026, for completion.

Perdomo said the best case scenario for work to begin is March or April with May as the worst case scenario. He said the July 4 target date might be ambitious “at this point” and would depend on weather and other variables, but he said the contractor understands how important it is to the city for the pier to be completed in time for next year’s Fourth of July festivities.

Vocellio & Grogan was the only company to bid on the project. Among other similar projects, the company rebuilt the Jacksonville Beach Pier in 2022.

FEMA is funding 75% of the cost of the project with two state agencies — the Department of Emergency Management and the Department of

A rendering of the reconstructed Flagler Beach pier design. File photo courtesy of Moffatt & Nichol

Environmental Protection — funding the rest. Because the funding will be through reimbursements, the city has secured a short-term loan to timely fund the project. The pier was originally constructed nearly 100 years ago. It has been closed since the fall of 2022 due to hurricane damage. The pier project should not have a major effect on traffic, but it will temporarily eliminate some parking on A1A, Perdomo said. During construction, there will be a restricted zone in the parking area on the east side of A1A between South Third and Fifth streets. Traffic lanes on A1A in that area may have to be shifted and restriped, but, Perdomo said, road closures are not anticipated. During construction, Perdomo said, the contractor will provide and maintain access to beach goers with a safe passageway beneath the pier.

Perdomo said the beach walk project — which includes renovating and expanding the pier’s bathrooms, surf radio

station and bait shop, constructing a 4,200-squarefoot promenade on the south side of the pier and renovating the boardwalk in front of the pier and promenade — will begin with surveyor and geotechnical work in the next week or two.

He said Phase 1 of the beach walk project could be completed in early 2026.

“Potentially, Phase 1 — the expanded building — and the new pier, could be completed around same time; that’s the intent,” Perdomo said. “Once the contractor for the pier demobilizes, that’s when the promenade construction would begin. So those pieces would fit right into place with regards to timing and expected duration.”

He said, if Vocellio & Grogan is interested in constructing the promenade, it could save the project a couple of months of mobilization. The promenade’s construction is expected to take 4-6 months, with completion expected in the latter part of 2026, Perdomo said.

LETTERS

City Council chaos, below-market salaries hinder Palm Coast city manager search

Dear Editor:

Years of council chaos, poor treatment of previous executives, and below market compensation have hindered the Palm Coast city manager search as local reports lament the “lack of top-flight candidates.”

Many qualified executives with experience in communities of comparable size do not want to sign up for this dumpster fire. Palm Coast is where city manager careers go to die. This is reinforced by the fact that neither the acting city manager nor any other internal applicants have applied for the position and the dearth of Florida candidates.

Furthermore, the two previous city managers exited public service after lengthy local government careers. Recently, the City Council has been tight-fisted on salary. They brought Matthew Morton in at a rate significantly lower than his predecessor and Denise Bevan was paid below market. Then you have multiple state laws that discourage the best candidates from applying. Throughout the country, city managers in cities with a population greater than 100,000 people customarily get 12 months of severance when terminated without cause. In Florida, where college football coaches and university deans can walk away with millions when fired, state law limits municipal chief executive officers, who can be fired on a whim, to just 20 weeks of severance protection.

State open record laws expose candidates to risk back home with their current

governing body. Executives are routinely run out of town by jealous and vindictive councils when they find out their manager is applying for other jobs. Why would a candidate risk that relationship for a job that will most assuredly pay below market?

All for the privilege of working for a City Council that has a history of undermining the executive and interfering with personnel. To give you an idea of where the market is trending nationally, Springfield, Missouri, is offering a starting salary of $350,000 and it will most assuredly come with a lower cost of living and a severance package greater than 20 weeks.

Finally, many local elected officials, journalists and citizens mistakenly believe that executives leading much smaller communities in terms of population are somehow less qualified than “big city” managers. Small town managers are often more engaged with community stakeholders and hands-on when it comes to operations. This is because executives in larger communities are often deluged with meetings and tend to focus on managing.

JOE TURNER CEO American Association of Municipal Executives, Palm Coast

Removal of fluoride

Editor’s note: This letter was originally sent as an email to the Ormond Beach City Commission. The letter writer requested its inclusion in the Observer.

Dear Editor: The Observer reports that you and all council members voted to remove fluoride from our water.

This demonstrates support of our incompetent surgeon general and hate-filled right wing nuts. The vast majority of the nation’s dentists support fluoride in drinking water. Do you and fellow council members think you know more about dental health than the nation’s dentists?

For the sake of our children, reverse your stupid decision.

CHARLES RUSSELL

Ormond Beach

Consider historic importance of Palm Harbor Golf Club

Dear Editor:

When reporting and discussing whether or not the City of Palm Coast should sell or keep the Palm Harbor Golf Club please note its historic importance to this community.

It was designed by renowned golf-course architect William Amick. The first nine holes opened in September 1971. The second nine holes opened two years later. At the time, it was known as the Palm Coast Golf Club since it was the only one that existed in the small community opened by ITT in 1970.

Arnold Palmer and Nancy Lopez collaborated on the design of the Pine Lakes Golf Course which opened in 1981. The name of the Palm Coast Golf Course was later changed to Palm Harbor. ITT hired LPGA golf champion Nancy Lopez as its resident golf pro from 1978 to 1983. In 2021, the Palm Coast Historical Society celebrated the 50th anniversary of each set of successive openings with Nine & Dine golf fundraisers at the course. William Amick, now in his 80s, attended the first event and spoke about his experiences working in what was then a pine-covered swamp filled

with alligators, snakes and mosquitoes.

He donated maps containing his original designs along with film footage of the construction process that the society later paid to have digitized. Mr. Amick also visited the PCHS Museum in Holland Park where I interviewed him for an article that later appeared in Sun and Surf magazine. You can find it on our website www. palmcoasthistory.org.

To commemorate the significance of this site, PCHS Board Member Mery Gable sponsored the Arts Foundation Turtle “Nancy Marie” which was installed behind the deck of the golf club’s restaurant in 2020. Nancy Lopez herself attended the dedication, much to the delight of area residents who remembered her from the early days.

Please consider the importance of honoring our history when discussing the value of keeping or selling our community’s first golf course.

KATHY REICHARDELLAVSKY

Past PCHS president and interim museum director, Palm Coast

Palm Coast is on the brink of degradation

Dear Editor:

Recently the new Palm Coast mayor, Mike Norris, in talking about the longtime regulations such as house paint color, replied pithily that “Palm Coast is not an HOA” (homeowners association).

While so very concerned about the freedom of new homebuilders, he seems to have forgotten those of us who have been here a while (in our case, 21 years) and would see our home value plummet if someone arrived next door with an outlandish paint job (imagine purple, magenta, or a fluorescent kaleidoscope) or parked a garish commercial vehicle (or boat).

And it’s hardly just home coloration or what’s in the driveway. That’s just emblematic of a general and deeply disturbing trend away from the aesthetic that led so many of us to move here. Few seem to remember a man named Lewis Wadsworth, who once owned much of the area (before ITT), was involved in the initial Palm Coast project, and intently wanted the area to maintain its natural beauty. Indeed, the city’s own website says, “Quality of life is paramount in Palm Coast. The vibrant lifestyle and the natural environment go hand-in-hand here.” Is that still an operative statement, Mr. Mayor?

The simple fact is that what was initially and for a good number of years highly thoughtful local leadership has become something less than that, and the gem that was Palm Coast now teeters at the brink of degradation.

The city allows a gas station to plop itself in the midst of a tranquil Pine Lakes neighborhood with no regard for the traffic and litter that was attendant to it. It OKs all kinds of residential construction. Many would be shocked if they walked around the city and saw just how many apartments and homes are being built and trees mowed down, despite the more than 1,000 existing homes that are for sale and stagnant on the market (such that Palm Coast was even mentioned recently in a national article about overconstruction). This while the city already has serious traffic problems. True, Mr. Mayor, Palm Coast is not an HOA. But it is also not a REF (real estate firm).

MICHAEL BROWN Palm Coast

Email letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

Relaxing commercial vehicle rules? Not OK

Dear Editor:

As a resident of Palm Coast for 35 years, I am now a member of the over 65 club. Yes, I moved here at age 30, a working class member of this community. I signed all the papers when I bought my house in 1989, that were called “Covenants and Restrictions” if I remember correctly. I have since bought a couple more homes and signed similar papers. I’ve followed the rules for 35 years and will continue.

I’m now retired and I must say I disagree with our new mayor. Palm Coast has remained a retirement destination all these years because of its appeal and cleanliness. I can live with different house colors, but to park trucks and cars decorated with commercial signage in their driveways, I believe will lead to junk vehicles and trashy looking front yards becoming more acceptable.

I totally agree with the comments from Robert Gordon and Dennis C. Rathsam in the January 22 Observer In short, relaxing the house color rules might be OK. Relaxing the commercial vehicle parking in driveways is not OK.

BRYAN BOUTOUT Palm Coast

Home values matter

Dear Editor: True, the city of Palm Coast is not an HOA, but it is made up of several HOAs.

Working class community or not, what is wrong with homeowners following some pretty simple guidelines, which they knew about before buying a home here?

I couldn’t care less what the mayor says, allowing commercial vehicles with advertising to be parked in the open in an HOA only lowers the value of the homes in that HOA. What would be next, park any vehicle anywhere on your property? It does not matter because this is a “working class community?”

Well surprise, working class people have standards also, and understand that home values matter. I wonder how these commercial vehicles have been taken care of in the past. There has always been a “path” for working people who have commercial vehicles. It may not be as easy as parking it in front of your house.

As far as the mayor’s comment about painting, “paint your house whatever color you want” — how ridiculous of a comment. He apparently believes the working class do not have any standards or care about their property.

RON HOOPER Flagler County

HOA-type rules kill a city’s vibe

Dear Editor:

Regarding your interview with Mayor Mike Norris, in which he said, “Palm Coast is not an HOA,” I sit with the mayor and our fire chief on this one.

I once lived in an HOA community, and if that’s what people want, they should move to an HOA community. These types of superrestrictive rules kill a city’s vibe. They should get rid of all of them, not just the paint and driveway parking ones.

WARREN MUDD Palm Coast

Retain commercial vehicle, house color regulations

Dear Editor:

My husband and I agree with Dennis C. Rathsam’s Letter to the Editor in the Jan. 23 edition of the Observer We lived in a middle-class

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; Travis Hurlbut, Travis@ 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

neighborhood where a family had a school bus in its front yard that they intended to make into a travel home. Their next door neighbor asked if he would consider moving it to his backyard, which he did. We had a couple other neighbors who had business vans or trucks but had side-of-the-house driveways or large enough garages that they parked on/in. Another neighbor parked a pop-up camper and a boat on his driveway, neither one in nice condition. Now for the icing on the cake: A retired farming couple moved into a home where two streets intersected and put up two full-size horse statues with an antique plow attached. Someone in the neighborhood did approach them about putting them on their side yard or behind the house but to no avail. Whenever we go back to visit old friends, it’s still there. Our neighborhood had a HOA at one time, but we were told it had expired. As far as house colors, we feel the current code of light pastels, beige and gray with a light reflective value of 80 or more should remain in place.

DEB (AND DAVE) POWERS Palm Coast

Let people decide

Dear Editor:

In reference to your article on colors on the house, if I live nextdoor and I painted my house a deep, dark purple, you might get upset, especially if you were trying to sell it. If I went one step further and I painted my house to look like the pride flag you might get upset. I know this seems a little over the top, but there’s always that 1% out there that’ll do it. We have a code for signs on vehicles, and people don’t comply with that. If I owned a strip club and brought my van home with all the pictures all over the outside, you might not like that. But once you open that can of worms you can’t close it. I had a meeting with the mayor and I told him if he wanted to settle those issues let the people vote on it. That way it doesn’t fall on his back; it’s on the people’s back.

TERRY WEBB Palm Coast

TRIBUTES

Dr. Thomas Chapin Brama 1939-2025

Dr. Thomas Chapin Braman (1939-2025)

Dr. Braman, a resident of Palm Coast, Florida, for more than twenty years passed away on January 18, 2025. He was the son of former Palm Coasters Hunnewell and Ruth Braman. Dr. Braman was born in Princeton, New Jersey, but grew up in Ephrata, a small town in central Pennsylvania and maintained strong ties there. He left Ephrata in his high school junior year to attend The Gunnery, (now the Frederick Gunn School) a college preparatory school located in Washington, Connecticut, that was founded by his great, great grandfather, Frederick William Gunn, in 1850. He represents one of six generations of extended family who graduated from the school. He recently was inducted into the school’s Arts and Letters Hall of Fame. Dr. Braman was particularly proud of his Scottish/ Norse/English ancestral roots on both sides of his family. He played football and basketball at the Gunnery and won a scholarship to Princeton University, but a senior year knee injury had already ended his athletic career. He transferred to Franklin and Marshall College where he earned a BA Degree in History. He went on to the University of Florida earning an MA Degree in Latin American Studies and a PhD in Latin American History. He has long remained a loyal Florida Gator, serving on the Board of the International Center and for more than fifteen years assisting Boren Scholarship applicants through their review process. (Go Gators!) Dr. Braman began a more than 40-year career in analysis and operations with the Central Intelligence Agency in 1964. He has often described his career as “relatively inconsequential, but eventful” and has echoed the words of a friend and colleague who said, “With what other organization could two small town boys from Pennsylvania see so much of the world?” Indeed, during his career he lived in, had temporary assignments in, or visited more than fifty countries. Of course, he always said, “There are more than a million stories in the Naked City,” and, after a few wee drams of Johnny Walker, he could tell at least a hundred of them. (And, then there were the single malts.) As he said, “Some of the stories might even be true.” While he enjoyed all of his CIA assignments, he frequently reminisced about meeting his future wife in South America, writing his PhD dissertation in post-coup Chile, being captured by insurgents during the first attack on the US Embassy in Tehran during the 1979 revolution, representing US intelligence liaison in the UK during the Falklands War, sleeping in former KGB Chief Lavrentiy Beria’s bed in Moscow, traveling to Asia and Africa with the White House Drug Czar, being

expelled from Sri Lanka during a political dispute between the President and Prime Minister of the country, and, during his first retirement, meeting, greeting and escorting friends and colleagues in Belgium. His favorite spots were Bruges and the battlefield at Waterloo.

After the terrorist attack on 9/11, Dr. Braman, like many colleagues, returned to the Agency and served overseas as a trainer, analysis instructor, and military liaison officer in various countries in the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. He had six assignments in Iraq and is one of the few CIA officers to have served in both Iran and Iraq.

He is survived by his wife, Lillian. They have traveled all over the world. He said many times that, “Lillian has always been my wife, best friend, partner, and colleague and has made life worth living, especially during the various health issues I have faced.” He is also survived by his sister, Kathleen Braman Allen of Palm Coast, and his brother, Dr. Robert G. Braman of The Villages, Florida, and many friends in the States and abroad.

The family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Thomas’ name to either F.W. Gunn School (Attn: The Class of 1957 Fund), 99 Green Hill Road, Washington, CT 06793 or the Gunn Historical Museum, 5 Wykeham Road, Washington, CT 06793. Please include your name and address so the family can properly thank you.

The celebration of life will be held at a later date with family and friends.

The family of Dr. Braman entrusted his arrangements to Clymer Funeral Home & Cremations.

Alice Teresa Callahan

Sept. 14, 1926 - Jan. 18, 2025

The family of Alice Teresa Callahan is saddened to announce that she passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at the age of 98. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she was well known for her infectious smile, her abundant kindness, and her unwavering dedication to her family and countless friends. Alice lived by the motto “There are no strangers, only friends I haven’t met yet.” She was known simply as Grandma Alice to her grandchildren, as well as to the many friends of her children in their respective communities.

A proud graduate of the University of Mount St. Vincent, class of 1948, enjoying four wonderful years there making many lifelong friends. In 1951 she married Arthur Paul Callahan (affectionately known as Chub), and together they began building their life together. Alice dedicated over 30 years to raising her children and creating a loving home for them in East Northport, NY. In 1989, she and her beloved husband, Chub, moved to Palm Coast, Florida.

In her leisure time, Alice kept herself remarkably busy. She enjoyed a good round of golf with her friends from the Palm Coast Nifty Niners and never missed an outing with the ladies from the Palm Coast Red Hat Society. As a woman of deep faith, she found joy in serving as eucharist minister and as a lector for her beloved St Elizabeth Ann Seaton Catholic Church. Ever proud of her Irish heritage, she served as President of the Irish Social Club in Palm Coast, FL for several years. When not volunteering her time and talents, Alice could be found traveling the world or entertaining family and friends.

Alice was pre-deceased by her loving husband, Arthur Paul Callahan (“Chub”), who

Joan Dupray McReynolds was born August 10th, 1934, in Vista, California to Donald and Emma Dupray. Joan met and married the love of her life James “Jim” Newton McReynolds while he was stationed in California, and they remained together for 46 years until his passing. She was a proud military wife and lived in Germany through three separate deployments, with her husband and three boys while Jim was on active duty.

After living in Germany, Jim and Joan settled in Athens, Ohio where Joan ran and operated her shop, Quick Printer, with Jim by her side. The couple retired and spent a few years travelling around the States. It wasn’t long before they relocated to Florida where she started a new career as a broker and realtor, again working alongside her husband. After a second semi-retirement as a full-time realtor, she dove into professional writing and published four books.

Joan always had an adventurous spirit and natural ability to capture anyone’s attention while reading or telling a story. Following high school, Joan was awarded a scholarship to attend acting school, which she turned down for different opportunities. She enjoyed her daily bicycle rides, morning prayer time, writing stories of her childhood and family gatherings. She was an active member in a variety of groups with her church and community, including acting in a local theater production of The Music Man.

Joan wore many hats in her lifetime; wife, mother, grandma, great grandma, business owner, and published author. However, those that crossed her path knew without a doubt “Joan the Baptist” was her favorite hat. She was a strong devoted Christian woman, who

passed away in 1993 and her siblings Robert Donahue and Margaret Donahue Reydel. She is survived by her devoted children – Michael (Charrvelle), Christopher (Kathleen), Matthew, Mary Alice (Robert Fish), Susan (Gary Watters) and Chelsea – as well as ten grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. All who had the privilege of knowing Alice, and especially her family, will forever cherish the memories of this extraordinary woman.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 4600 Belle Terre Pkwy, Palm Coast, FL 32164 on March 12, at 11:00 am, followed by internment at Volusia Memorial Park. No flowers by request – please send donations to University of Mount St Vincent https://mountsaintvincent.edu/supportthe-mount/give-online/annual-fund

remained faithful to the word until her last breath.

Joan is survived by her three sons, Don McReynolds (wife Melissa), Jim McReynolds (wife Mary) and Mark McReynolds, Stephanie Tatalos, who remained a cherished part of the family, 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, all of which who knew her as “Big Grandma” and “Grandma Mac”. She was deeply loved by many and will be greatly missed.

A celebration of life will be held at DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W University Dr Denton, TX 76201, February 15th, 2025, at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joan McReynolds memory can be given to your local Salvation Army or church.

Joan Dupray McReynolds

Exceptional Sound Quality

From the very first fit, you'll experience a perfect

Reduced Listening Fatigue

Many users report feeling 21% less fatigued at the end of the day

Spheric Speech Clarity

This feature ensures that you can hear every word from any direction

Enhanced Connectivity

Market-leading connectivity with uninterrupted hands-free calls and

I recently purchased Phonak Sphere 70 hearing aids and I can hear much better. I'm super happy with these. I think anybody would be very happy with them. It's how hearing aids should really work. I highly recommend them. Thank you.

-Morris G., Patient

Seabreeze girls win district title, boys are runners-up

Both Sandcrab squads won semifinal games at home to advance to district championships.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Seabreeze girls soccer team clawed its way through a difficult season to clinch the District 6-5A championship in a 1-0 win over New Smyrna Beach on Monday, Jan. 27.

The New Smyrna Beach boys soccer team grabbed the championship title with an 8-1 win against Seabreeze.

With 3:30 left in the girls title game, senior Annabel Thistle zinged the ball into the net from the 16-yard line. Striker Skya Horth answered with a drive toward the ’Cudas’ goal which led to a corner kick, a free kick and a save by Seabreeze goalie Logan Fletcher. The score remained 1-0.

Seabreeze girls head soccer coach Eli Freidus was jubilant

after his five-second countdown to the final buzzer. He spoke to his players after they received the championship trophy.

“We are the best team in the area,” said. “We are the only team that has (beaten) everybody else. You kept fighting. You kept fighting. You kept fighting. That is one of the games I’m most proud of as a coach. I love the fight.”

Thistle said it was what the team needed after finishing third in the Five Star Conference tournament.

“It’s so exciting to see our season turn around like this because we had a rough start and this showed us that we were capable of doing it,”

Thistle said. “It was unexpected so I felt a wave of excitement because I knew the goal uplifted my team. I think this is what we needed.”

Seabreeze’s boys scored the first goal 22 minutes into the district championship game after Owen Applegarth dropped a corner kick amid the chaos in the box and the ball went in. The Sandcrabs

trailed the ’Cudas 2-1 before halftime. New Smyrna Beach scored its remaining six goals after Seabreeze goalkeeper Chandler Klepper was replaced at the start of the second half due to a serious concussion.

Both Seabreeze teams won their District 6-5A semifinal games in a doubleheader against Pine Ridge on Friday, Jan. 24, which guaranteed they would both play New Smyrna Beach in the championship games. The Sandcrabs dominated early in the first half of their games against the Panthers. The girls won 6-2 and the boys triumphed 6-1.

Freidus said the starters performed well in the first half of the semifinal which allowed him to play new players.

“We won,” he said. “Our goal was to come out with the win. We have a bunch of nagging injuries with a lot of players so we just want to heal up. We get the win, we stay healthy. That’s what we

wanted.”

The district semifinal game against the Panthers was Kirsten Glaenzer’s first back after missing most of the season due to a stress fracture sustained while running cross country. Glaenzer had the assist to freshman Ava Arnold’s final goal of the game.

“I am so excited to be back,” Glaenzer said. “When coach called my name to go out, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy. I asked if I could play the whole game.”

Thistle scored two goals, Olivia Chase had one goal and two assists, Cora Clayton had one goal and one assist and Emily Barnes had one goal in the district semifinal.

Luke Harrell led the Seabreeze boys against Pine Ridge with two goals and two assists. One assist came from a penalty kick that soared above a wall of Panther players and dropped in front of Gavin Dioquino who headed it in for

Seabreeze’s final goal of the game. Dioquino was honored as the Seabreeze High School Student-Athlete of the Month last week by the Ormond Beach Lions Club. Harrell is ranked first in goals for the team with 14 and second in assists with 9 this season. He said he could not have scored his goals without his teammates.

“It is a great result from the boys because we lost to this team (Pine Ridge) 4-2 at the start of the season,” Harrell said. “It’s just great for us to grab ourselves off the floor and push through for the win. We were motivated to beat them this time, especially since they were posting stuff about it. We had to get our business done.”

Seabreeze boys head coach Alex Perez said at the start of the season it was a big transition for the team when he came in as the new coach

Dynamic duo Davis and Perry lead Matanzas to 53-36 win over

The Pirates avenged a loss to the Bulldogs in December.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas boys basketball coach Eric Guerrero says Nate

Perry and Alex Davis are his Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal.

The Pirates’ duo weren’t even born when Penny and

Shaq were a providing a lethal inside-out combination for the Orlando Magic in the 1990s. But just like the former Magic guard and center, they are proving to be a lethal combination in their own right.

Perry scored 20 points with a pair of 3-pointers, while the 6-foot-8 Davis scored 12 points, pulled down 20 rebounds and blocked six shots in the Pirates’ 53-36 victory over Flagler Palm Coast on Jan. 23 at the Bulldogs’ gym.

“Those two on the floor working together are really hard for the other teams to stop,” Guerrero said.

Matanzas led 34-29 after three quarters and then outscored FPC 19-7 in the fourth quarter to put the game away.

“I feel like we can win the district title and put (the banner) on the wall at our school.”

ALEX DAVIS, Matanzas

FPC

Perry scored eight of his points in the final quarter. The victory avenged FPC’s 56-48 win against Matanzas on Dec. 13 at the Pirates’ gym.

did a good job of rebounding, and Nate Perry played extremely well,” FPC

coach Greg Shirley said. “We are two talented teams. Flagler County should be very proud of both teams.” Both teams are playing well heading into

Seabreeze wing Kirsten Glaenzer (1) passes against Pine Ridge Panther Liliana Deal (4) in the Sandcrabs District 6-5A semifinal game.

Seabreeze sophomore Connor Gould (left) and freshman Logan Torok (right) celebrate with Gavin Dioqiuno (center) after Dioquino scored the final goal of the night in the district boys semifinal against Pine Ridge. Photos by Michele Meyers

Matanzas center Alex Davis (0) defends against FPC’s Nateshawn Royal. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas’ Jackson Lowitz takes a 3-point shot from the corner.

Seabreeze soccer

implementing a new system. They lost six games in the first half of the season. On Dec. 10, they won 3-2 against DeLand which launched a four-game win streak.

“When this team is under pressure, they play like it’s the last chance we’ve got — win and move forward or lose and go home,” Perez said. “The way we played tonight is like the way we’ve practiced the past three days — the intensity, the passing, the scoring goals, the shooting. That’s what we’re looking for as a team.”

Perez said the district semifinal game was over in 20 minutes because they played together as a team.

“They prepared themselves also,” Perez said. “I can say, the way they have been practicing is like never before. The message we sent as the coaches is, it’s only one night and it’s got to be your night.”

Perez said mentally, his players could not get back into the district final game after their goalkeeper was injured.

“We are the best team in the area. We are the only team that has (beaten) everybody else. You kept fighting ... That is one of the games I’m most proud of as a coach. I love the fight.”

ELI FREIDUS, Seabreeze girls soccer coach to his players

“It wasn’t a very good second half after what happened with our goalkeeper,” Perez said. “Everyone was more concerned about his health than on the game. We gave them a run for the money first half but after that incident, players were there physically but not mentally.”

Before the district final, Freidus said he really did not strategize with his team about the game against New Smyrna Beach. He and assistant coach George Bellingham discussed how good their players are versus the New Smyrna Beach players.

“We have good players and we feel like we can play our

game against anybody but we have to do it for the whole game,” Freidus said. “We played 80 minutes of tough soccer. That’s what I like. They fought. They had their heads in the game. They had that mental toughness. Win or lose, that’s what we want.”

The Seabreeze girls will play in the regional quarterfinals on Feb. 4.

Freidus said his players will spend the week healing injuries and working on their touches.

“On paper, I don’t think there is anybody in our region that on the right day we couldn’t beat,” he said.

Basketball

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

stretch.

The Bulldogs had their Senior Night the following day and rebounded with a 71-67 victory over Jacksonville Westside to improve to 13-9 on the season. FPC honored seniors R.J. Watson and Roman Caliendo. The win was the Bulldogs’ seventh in nine games heading into the Five Star Conference tournament.

Fifth-seeded FPC lost to No. 4 DeLand in a quarterfinal Monday, Jan. 27. Matanzas improved to 11-8 with the win against FPC. The Pirates have won six of their last seven games.

“Coming into the game I knew we had to do the little things,” Guerrero said. “I told the boys, the mindset is like a playoff atmosphere. Don’t get out of your heads, stay focused. And they produced.

I’m really proud of them.”

La’Darien Baker added eight points and nine rebounds for the Pirates. Nateshawn Royal led the Bulldogs with 12 points. FPC struggled at the free throw line, hitting just 4 of 14 shots.

“The crowd really fired everybody up,” Davis said.

“I just loved the intensity of the game. We’ve been looking forward to this game for a while, but we just haven’t been doing all the back and forth on the internet. We were ready to play a friendly, rivalry

game and just come to win.”

Guerrero said the junior center, who missed the first part of the two previous seasons, is beginning to take a leadership role.

“Alex is maturing so much,” Guerrero said. “He’s getting this full year of basketball in, and he’s averaging 20 points a game with two, three people (guarding) him. He’s being patient, he’s being disciplined and he’s working really hard.” Davis said the team is aiming for a district championship.

“I feel like we can win the district title and put (the banner) on the wall at our school,” he said. “I think we’re pretty good this year. I think we’re going to win it.”

SIDELINES

Sheriff on the basketball bench

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood served as a special assistant coach for the Atlantic girls basketball team on Jan. 23.

Atlantic coach John Rogers, who is also a Bunnell City Commissioner, said Chitwood was a big hit with the fans and players.

“The fans lined up for pictures as soon as he entered the gym,” Rogers said.

With Chitwood on the bench, the Sharks defeated the visiting Seabreeze Sandcrabs 47-33.

“Sheriff Chitwood delivered an impactful pregame speech and was instrumental at halftime, emphasizing the importance of boxing out and rebounding after we struggled on the offensive glass,” Rogers said. “His encouragement and guidance helped us secure the win.

We’re grateful for Sheriff Chitwood’s involvement and everything he does for the community.”

Seabreeze (10-9) bounced back with a 37-36 victory over Pine Ridge on Jan. 27 and a 52-12 drubbing of Taylor on Jan. 28.

Five star basketball

Fourth-seeded Mainland defeated No. 5 Flagler Palm Coast 48-42 in a Five Star Conference girls basketball quarterfinal on Jan. 27. Alexandra Perez led FPC (136) with 10 points. Mainland (12-9) lost in the semifinals to No. seed New Smyrna Beach.

In the boys Five Star tournament, No. 4 DeLand defeated fifth seed FPC 69-51 on Jan. 27. Secondseed Mainland defeated No. 7 Seabreeze 60-43. Three players scored in double figures for the Bucs (13-9): Canyon Powers 14 points, Seven Simmons 13 points and Kade Manley 12 points. Mainland defeated Spruce Creek in the semifinals 96-55 on Jan. 28.

First Baptist improves to 13-2

The First Baptist Christian Academy girls basketball team defeated Matanzas 44-42 on the Pirates’ senior Night, Jan. 24. The Crusaders outscored the Pirates 16-9 in the fourth quarter. Julia Rose led FBCA with 21 points. Katelynn Smith scored 14 for Matanzas. FBCA defeated Global Charter Academy three days later, 48-21, to improve to 13-2.

District soccer Flagler Palm Coast’s boys and girls soccer teams each lost by one goal in District 1-7A semifinals. The boys finished the season with a 12-4-3 record after falling to Sandalwood 1-0. The girls ended the year at 10-8-2 with a 2-1 loss to Atlantic Coast. The Matanzas girls lost 1-0 to Gainesville Buchholz in a District 3-6A quarterfinal on Jan. 22. The Pirates ended the season with an 8-7-1 record.

Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood gives Atlantic player Essence Johnson a congratulatory hand slap as she comes out of the game. Courtesy photo

FPC’s Nateshawn Royal (2) and Jasiah Sanders (1) guard Matanzas’ Nate Perry.

Seabreeze’s Gabby Dioquino (left) and Alaina Harden (right) fight for control of the ball in the District 6-5A championship game.

Seabreeze junior Luke Harrell celebrates his first of two goals in the game against Pine Ridge.

Five wins, six forfeits propel FPC

Bulldogs top Matanzas 61-15 in what may be last dual between rivals.

Matanzas senior wrestler A.J. Sanchez was wrestling for the first time after breaking his nose 10 days earlier.

“I just got cleared today,” he said. “I was wearing a mask. It was hard to see, but I kind of just went with the flow to did what I practiced.”

Sanchez was one of three Matanzas wrestlers to win their matches in a boys dual meet against Flagler Palm Coast on Jan. 22 at the Bulldogs’ gym.

FPC won 61-15 on the Bulldogs’ Senior Night. The score included six Matanzas forfeits. The Pirates sent only eight wrestlers to the mat, losing five of those matches.

Sanchez won a 12-6 decision over Gabriel Moy at 144 pounds. He broke his nose in practice when his partner popped his head up and hit

FPC FALLS AT STATE DUALS

Oviedo Hagerty defeated Flagler Palm Coast 4325 in the Region 1-3A dual championship final on Jan. 24 at Kissimmee Osceola High School.

Hagerty fell to Wellington 40-28 in the state semifinals on Jan. 25.

South Dade stormed to the Class 3A state dual championship with a 65-6 win over George Jenkins in the semifinals and a 64-3 win over Welington in the final.

FPC won six matches against Hagerty: Kevin McLean at 113 pounds, T.J. McLean (120), Trey Twilley (126), Austin Cochran (138), Ronden Ricks (150) and Aiden Korth (285).

Sanchez in the face.

“This was my first match back and I could barely see, but I wrestled hard and I just kept pushing,” he said. “I hit a bar tilt, and that caught me up by a bunch of points. And then I hit a couple doubles.”

Matanzas is a rebuilding program under new head coach Dennis Kitko, while FPC has a full squad that won its regional quarterfinal and semifinal duals a week earlier to advance to the Class 3A state dual championships on Jan. 24.

“The beginning of the season, we had a lot more kids,” said Matanzas assistant coach Caleb Bower. “We were almost able to fill every weight class, and then when our dual (tournament) season ended, some of them left. Most of them are first-year wrestlers and they’re kind of figuring out if they really like it. We’ve got eight strong and a lot of them are freshmen and sophomores.”

FPC coach David Bossardet gave a “hats off” to Kitko who wanted his team to wrestle the Bulldogs a year after the Pirates canceled because they only had a few wrestlers who were healthy.

But Bossardet said dual meets with several of his wrestlers forced to sit out are not helping his program, especially with state duals just two days away. As a result, FPC may end the county rivalry, at least for the immedicate future, he said.

“Is us taking a day out of training to wrestle (eight) guys, when we have state duals on Friday, is that in our best interest? I don’t think it is,” Bossardet said. “We’ve got to wrestle schools with full lineups, and our guys got to get matches. We need to be smarter with our scheduling, and that’s obviously on my shoulders.”

The Bulldogs honored their six seniors — T.J. McLean, Austin Cochran, Carson Baert, Yousef Hashem, Harlem Slay and Melique Joseph.

“It was a good night for our seniors, and we had a great crowd,” Bossardet said. “Our

lady wrestlers have the week off, so they put (the senior celebration) together. Ana Vilar put it all together. She did a great job.”

In Matanzas’ other two wins, Jackson Marchman pinned Hashem at 2:47 in the 190-pound match, and Landen Blackburn pinned Cochran at 3:35 at 138 pounds.

Marchman, who transferred from Atlanta last April, said when he was down 7-3, he was able to set up the pin with a lat drop.

“It was a very big win (for me),” Marchman said. “We fought well. For having half a team, we did good.”

In the other contested matches, FPC’s Braden Dailey pinned Jacob Gibson in 2:41 at 106 pounds, McLean pinned Terry Marchman in 3:35 at 120 pounds, Lenny Fries pinned Matanzas’ Xachary Heselton in 1:27 at 132 pounds, FPC’s Randen Ricks won a 9-1 major decision over Andrew Kerek at 150 pounds and Baert won a 15-9 decision over Mason Obama at 157 pounds.

“Hats off to them. They came in and they wrestled hard. And they beat us at three weights,” Bossardet said. “(But) I feel those matches we lost were winnable matches. We were winning all three of those matches, and then we get pinned in two of them and we get decisioned in the other one. And that’s not good wrestling on our part.”

Midway Specialty Care Center welcomes Dr. Daniel Warner MD, MS, AAHIVS to our team. Daniel Warner MD, MS, AAHIVS

Dr. Warner comes to us with extensive experience in Infectious Disease and HIV care. His passion for his patients, commitment to excellence, and collaborative approach align perfectly with the values we uphold here at Midway. We are excited to see how his expertise will enhance our services and help us continue to provide the highest level of care to our community.

Expert care for HIV and related conditions from Florida’s Infectious Disease Specialists

SPECIALTY CARE CENTER

MENTOR A FOSTER TEEN

Make A Difference for a Lifetime in Your Spare Time

J

anuary is National Mentoring Month – a fitting start to the new year that honors the mentors who help youth embark on their new journey to adulthood. This annual celebration provides the perfect time to consider volunteering as a mentor in our community.

Dozens of local youth who will soon “age out” of the foster care system need mentors to provide compassionate guidance. Mentors serve as positive role models and build impactful friendships with youth as they prepare to enter the next phase of their lives. Being a mentor means being a consistent source of support, wisdom, and encouragement. Foster teens have experienced instability while growing up, and having a trusted, reliable adult mentor can be truly transformative.

Mentorship requires only a modest time commitment and involves taking the teen to participate in activities you both enjoy. From dining out, to afternoons at a museum or park, the opportunities for creating a positive connection with youth are nearly endless. Mentors find the time they spend with their young friends fun as well as rewarding.

Community Partnership for Children administers the Mentorship Program in our community. CPC provides the skills and support you need to become a successful mentor to a young person aged 14-17. Three levels of mentoring are available, and volunteers also receive thorough training, a mentor handbook, and on-call support from the program manager and other experienced

mentors.

Take the first step on your mentoring journey today by contacting CPC. Visit CommunityPartnershipForChildren.org today for more information on becoming a mentor, or call (386) 238-4900. You really can make a difference for a lifetime in your spare time as a volunteer mentor!

Community Partnership for Children is the nonprofit lead agency that cares for abused, neglected, and abandoned children in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties.

LEARN MORE

Visit CommunityPartnershipForChildren.org today for more information on how to become a foster or adoptive parent. You can help a local teen enjoy a brighter future in the New Year – and for many years to come.

“We have a window of opportunity to have a positive impact on these children.”

FPC’s Braden Dailey attempts a single-leg takedown on Matanzas’ Jacob Gibson. Dailey won the wrestling match with a pin in 2:41. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s T.J. McLean wins the 120-pound match.

Non Sequitur

Nancy

Mother Goose and Grimm

The Duplex

In the Bleachers

Cornered Ziggy

The Fusco Brothers

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

Hammock Dunes home sells for over $3 million

Ahouse at 146 Island Estates Parkway East in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for Jan. 11-17 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Jan. 15, for $3,050,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/5.5 and has a pool, a dock, a boathouse, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 5,581 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $1,700,000.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 16 Viscaya Drive sold on Jan. 17, for $525,000. Built in 1998, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,837 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $325,000.

A condo at 29 Veranda Way sold on Jan. 17, for $240,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,143 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $118,000.

A condo at 100 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit 11, sold on Jan. 14, for $280,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $215,000.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre

A house at 22 Palmyra Lane sold on Jan. 13, for $293,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,866 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $290,000.

Cypress Knoll

A house at 6 Edgemont Place sold on Jan. 17, for $280,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,795 square feet.

Grand Landings

A house at 195 S. Coopers Hawk Way sold on Jan. 17, for $550,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 5/4 and has 2,913 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $599,000.

Indian Trails

A house at 56 Burroughs Drive sold on Jan. 17, for $460,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,551 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $325,000.

A house at 64 Bressler Lane sold on Jan. 16, for $320,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,917 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $255,000.

Lehigh Woods A house at 37 Radford Lane sold on Jan. 17, for $243,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,730 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $144,000.

Matanzas Cove

A house at 44 Matanzas Cove Drive sold on Jan. 17, for $432,170. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,034 square feet.

Matanzas Woods

A house at 62 Lindsay Drive sold on Jan. 15, for $575,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, a hot tub and 3,200 square feet.

Pine Lakes

A house at 19 Westbriar Lane sold on Jan. 16, for $410,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,032 square feet. It sold in 2010 for $105,100.

Quail Hollow

A house at 49 Zephyr Lily Trail sold on Jan. 17, for $415,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,130 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $280,000.

Seminole Woods

A house at 70 Sea Breeze Trail sold on Jan. 17, for $373,500. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,208 square feet.

A house at 17 Unimay Court sold on Jan. 16, for $489,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,389 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $328,000.

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

Halifax Plantation house tops sales list

Ahouse at 1208 Kirkpatrick Circle at Halifax Plantation was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of Jan. 4-10. The house sold on Jan. 10, for $777,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3, sits on 1 acre and has 3,429 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Coquina Pointe

The house at 44 Coquina Point Drive sold on Jan. 7, for $420,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,562 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 2872 Monaghan Drive sold on Jan. 9, for $532,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,839 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $519,000.

The house at 3247 Galty Circle sold on Jan. 9, for $415,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,088 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $425,000.

The townhome at 3168 Kailani Court sold on Jan. 10, for $329,000. Built in 2001, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $322,500.

Lakebridge

The townhome at 7 Hunters

Run Circle sold on Jan. 6, for $275,000. Built in 1987, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,492 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $215,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 761 Pineland Trail sold on Jan. 6, for $350,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/1 and has 1,260 square feet.

Trails North Forty The townhome at 141 Deer Lake Circle sold on Jan. 9, for $293,000. Built in 1985, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,600 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $245,000.

Twin River Estates

The house at 36 Twin River Drive sold on Jan. 7, for $450,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,490 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $222,500.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Avalon by the Sea

The house at 155 Capri Drive sold on Jan. 6, for $417,000. Built in 2016, the house is

a 3/2 and has 1,227 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $270,000.

Barrier Isle The house at 119 Barrier Isle Drive sold on Jan. 9, for $464,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,528 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $325,000.

Breakers The house at 16 Kathy Drive sold on Jan. 8, for $415,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,584 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $168,000.

Not in subdivision The house at 57 Azalea Drive sold on Jan. 9, for $205,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 775 square feet. It last sold in 1975 for $27,000. The house at 153 Holland Road sold on Jan. 4, for $330,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,021 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $265,000.

Ocean Breeze The house at 4 Ocean Breeze Circle sold on Jan. 10, for $400,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/2 and has 997 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $325,000.

Seabridge South The house at 16 Sea Swallow Terrace sold on Jan. 7, for $630,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a spa and 1,750 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $451,000.

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

FLAGLER COUNTY ORMOND BEACH

Indira Alvarez,

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source.

Patients will report “ringing,” “humming,” “buzzing,” and “crickets.” It can be constant or come and go, it can be soft sometimes and loud other times. Although there is no external source for tinnitus, it is not a phantom sound; there is real neural activity in your brain. While tinnitus typically begins with a hearing loss, it is not exclusively an auditory problem. It is a result of neurological changes within the auditory system and within the parts of the brain that influence conscious attention and emotional state. No single explanation applies to all cases, but the process outlined below describes one of the more commonly accepted theories. When the natural balance is upset by a hearing loss, the neurological activity is altered, and this altered activity is then interpreted by the brain as sound. This results in whistling or ringing sounds commonly known as tinnitus.

Tinnitus most commonly results from hearing loss caused by exposure to excessive or loud noises; however, it can also be caused by aging, ototoxic drugs, temporal-mandibular joint disorder (TMJ), depression, anxiety, Lyme disease, thyroid disorders, ear infections, or even wax in the ear. Normally, background neurological activity in the brain is covered up by everyday sounds. Neurological changes may then cause the perceived sound to be more noticeable and disturbing. For some people, the presence of tinnitus is troubling, and so the brain treats it as a threat and focuses on it, increasing awareness. This “increased awareness” can lead to stress, resulting in further amplification of the tinnitus. Additionally, the brain can try to compensate for the hearing loss by “turning up” the sensitivity of the hearing system. This not only amplifies the tinnitus but can also make ordinary sounds uncomfortably loud for some people (hyperacusis), further adding to stress and anxiety. The result is a cycle of symptoms that can be self-reinforcing. Although there is no cure for tinnitus, there are treatment programs that can significantly reduce tinnitus awareness and disturbance for over 90% of suitable patients. Palm Coast Hearing Center & Ormond Hearing Center is one of the few clinics that offer evidenced-based tinnitus evaluation and management services. I have been certified by the Tinnitus Practitioners Association since 2016 and am a professional member of the America Tinnitus Association. I have successfully treated hundreds of patients with mild to severe tinnitus and helped them achieve a better quality of life. Our combination of treatment modalities is the only evidenced-based solution available in Central Florida. Visits are offered either in person at one of our clinics in Palm Coast or Ormond Beach or virtually via your computer or smartphone from the comfort of your home. Many patients find relief after just a few sessions. Affordable treatment options and financing are available.

Anderson, Martz named Flagler Teacher, Employee of the Year

ITMS civics teacher

Brandy Anderson, Wadsworth in-school suspension monitor

Brande Martz take top district’s honors.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Indian Trails Middle School

civics teacher Brandy Anderson had taught in several states and districts before finding a home in Flagler County.

“My husband was in the military, so I taught in Ohio, North Carolina, New York,” she said.

Anderson was named Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year on Monday, Jan. 28, at the district’s Teacher and Employee of the Year gala at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.

Anderson has been a teacher for 16 years. She is the social studies and civics department lead at Indian Trails, where she has been teaching for 10 years.

“She is one of the hardest working teachers we have on our campus,” Indian Trails Principal Ryan Andrews said. “She’s always the first to step in if you need anything. She is just always smiling. She’s always happy. She helps out students anytime they need anything. It’s just such an exciting opportunity for her to represent Flagler County and Indian Trails and move on to the next stage in this competition.”

Anderson said she has wanted to be a teacher since she was in the first grade. Winning Teacher of the Year honors for the county is “an amazing honor,” she said.

“This is a dream come true and I can’t wait to represent Flagler County (at the state competition),” Anderson said.

Brande Martz, Wadsworth Elementary School’s inschool suspension monitor, was named Flagler Schools Employee of the Year. She has been working at the school for a year and a half after volunteering for many years, Wadsworth Principal Amy Neuen-

feldt said.

“She was nominated multiple times by her peers,” Neuenfeldt said. “She is amazing. She works with some of our most difficult children with a smile on her face every day. And while

directing traffic, she’s got a cone on her head, she’s got a unicorn costume on. She definitely brings good character morale and inspires all of our students each and every day.”

Martz said she is grateful to her boss, Neuenfeldt, for giving her the opportunity.

“I love my job and I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” she said. “I do it for the kids, and (the administrators) just welcomed me. So I’m grateful for it. And I’m surprised and I was shocked that they think so highly of me. It’s amazing, I’m speechless.”

The theme of this year’s gala was “Mission: Flagler Forward/The Stars of Flagler Schools.” Last year’s Teacher of the Year, Allison Kucharski of Rymfire Elementary School, and Employee of the Year Jimmy Sorrentio of Buddy Taylor Middle School, spoke at the gala.

The district also honored Principal of the Year Kristin Bozeman and Assistant Principal of the Year Mandy Kraverotis, whose selections were announced in December.

Bozeman is in her third year as principal at Matanzas High School while Kraverotis is in her third year as an assistant principal at Flagler Palm Coast High School after working at Matanzas for 16 years.

Speaking at the gala, Bozeman thanked Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore, faculty, staff, students and parents at Matanzas, her fellow principals and

her parents, grandparents and sisters. She also thanked former Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt, who selected her for her “dream job of high school principal.” And she thanked her husband, Ryan, and her daughter, Lucy, for their support and understanding.

“The job of the high school principal involves many long hours, many evening events and it is 24-7, 365. I truly could not do this job without Ryan picking up the slack at home and always being understanding of phone calls and texts on evenings and weekends that interrupt our lives.

“Representing an outstanding group of leaders working to move Flagler forward,” she said, “I could not be prouder to be the captain of the Ship.” Kraverotis thanked the FPC community for welcoming her into the Bulldog family. I have been a member of the Flagler family since 2006, immediately after graduating from college, and to those in the general public, Flagler Family is just a hashtag. To me it’s a reality.

“... While I hold tremendous pride in my Bulldog family. I also recognize the relationships and collaboration we build across our district are what truly makes Flagler County exceptional. What I’ve learned is that we are all truly one Flagler family and that when we are leaning on each other, we are stronger.”

LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore presents the Principal of the Year plaque to Matanzas High Principal Kristin Bozeman with Matanzas Student School Board member Jeh-Hanni Strong who introduced her principal. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Assistant Principal of the Year Mandy Kraverotis with FPC Student Government President Kayleigh Phillips who introduced her.

Flagler Schools Teacher of the Year Brandy Anderson and Employee of the Year Brande Martz.

Physicians honored as Adventhealth Palm Coast’s Humanitarians of the Year

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

The AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation recenty recognized Dr. Steven Bower and Dr. Terrence Regan as its 2024 Humanitarians of the Year.

“They’ve always been very involved in our foundation, supporting our events and supporting our patients, and always willing to go the extra mile and talk to our constituents when they have an issue,” said John Subers, director of the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation.

Bower, a general surgeon, joined AdventHealth in 2003.

Growing up, his mother was an operating room scrub nurse and she’d often share stories about a general surgeon she worked with — how he was the doctor people called when they needed help.

Those stories helped shape Bower’s decision to pursue medicine, even though it wasn’t an easy path. He had professors along the way that told him he wasn’t good enough, and initially didn’t match with a general surgery residency program after

medical school. But he didn’t give up.

“I wanted to be the guy that came in and helped people,” he said.

Regan, a urologist, has been involved with the foundation since its inception, having moved to area from Washington D.C. in 1997. He was introduced to urology during his residency at Georgetown University Hospital, drawn to the fact it had a mix of both surgery and medicine.

During his residency, he recalls an instance where a patient had a challenging condition. Regan reached out to one of the hospital’s urologists on call for help, and the

doctor’s response created what Regan referred to as a “very defining moment for me in medicine.”

“He would say, ‘You know what we’re going to do, kid? We’re going to do the right thing. We’re going to take care of this patient,’” Regan recalled. “... No matter how busy you are, no matter whatever else you have going on, that each patient that comes in has a unique problem that needs to be dealt with, and that’s what you’re there for.”

When Bower learned he had been named as this year’s Humanitarian of the Year alongside Regan, he joked that he thought they made a mistake. He’d always approached his work as a physician with a “soup, soap and salvation” mentality, he said, one he gained while working for the Salvation Army during his college years.

“When you see somebody in need, you help them meet their physical needs and then try to meet their spiritual needs at the same time,” Bower said. “... Someone who is a humanitarian, in my opinion, is somebody who deeply cares

for mankind.”

When patients come to see him, Bower wants to address their medical problems, but he also wants to share the hope of Jesus and Christian faith, he said.

Before any procedure, Bower takes a moment to pray with his patients. It helps set a tone, for both himself and his patients, he said.

“The conversation in the room is different,” Bower said. “My approach is different. How I feel is different, so it dramatically has changed me and my life by praying with patients.”

While Regan said it’s a great honor to receive the award with Bower, he also said it makes him a little embarrassed — he doesn’t feel like he’s done anything special.

“We feel both like we’re just trying to do our job and do what’s best for the patient, the community and the like,” Regan said. “I think we’re both very happy to be recognized for it, but we also feel like it’s part of our job.”

It feels like a recognition of their patient-centered approach, Regan said.

Regan has also extended his work as a physician outside of the hospital. He volunteered in Haiti after the 2010 earthquakes, and a few years ago, graduated with a master’s in health policy. He had spent a lot of time working to shape policy to focus on patientcentered care, and he’s used his degree to apply what he learned in the hospital setting, as well as within his group, Advanced Urology Institute.

During the award recognition in December, Subers said the foundation asked the room how many people were past or current patients of Bower and Regan. The majority of the estimated 150 attendees raised their hands.

Bower said the event was a bit overwhelming, but seeing an audience where 20-30 people said he had positively impacted their lives is “one of the more touching things that can happen in your life.”

“It’s very easy to go along and to say, ‘I’m not making a difference,’ but that award made me think about the fact that I do make a difference, and I am making a positive difference in people’s lives,”

Bower said. “It’s very easy to hear negative voices inside your head. For me, I hear a lot of negative voices in my head saying that you’re not good enough, and you make mistakes and and I think that the award really let me see that I do make a difference.”

Regan said his hope is that the work he and Bower do is followed by those that will come after them.

“My hope is that being named the Humanitarian of the Year is somewhat inspirational to some of the people behind us, and hopefully they will continue to do the good work, and even better than Dr. Bower and I — and even add more to the community,” Regan said.

Bower and Regan embody the foundation’s humanitarian award based on their dayto-day service level and their patient care, Subers said.

“They don’t work any harder because they’re humanitarians of the year,” he said. “They work hard because they’re fabulous doctors and they care about their patients more than anybody else.”

3BR/2BA

& expertise in licensed area(s). Various pre-& post-analytical work processes. Follows lab policies & procedures; maintains QC practices in the Lab. Reqmts: Bach’s deg (or foreign equiv) in

Lab, Chemical, or Biological Science, or related field. Valid State of FL Clinical Lab Technologist license. Mail resume to Anna Colon Negron at 900 Hope Way, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

Dr. Terrence Regan and Dr. Steven Bower

Flagler County Fair

For the youth Putting on a show

Board members write of history, passion, and helping Flagler County youth for generations.

Who’s running this fair? And why?

We asked some of the board members to tell how they got involved, and here are their responses, in their own words.

MICHAEL C. BOYD

In 1989, the then-University of Florida Extension Director for Flagler County, Dan Schrader, called five local men into his office, which was located where the courthouse stands today.

When Martin Tucker, Philip Zimmerle, Walton Cowart, Dan Cody and myself met with him, he stated that it was time to bring back the county fair.

The six of us organized the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show.

These six men were all very dedicated to the youth of this county and to the FFA and 4-H organizations.

With the county’s help, we managed to get the fair barns built, where we house and show the fair animals.

Much too soon, Martin, Philip and Dan Schrader left us, but their participation, hard work and leadership were invaluable.

Walton, Dan Cody and myself have remained continuously on the fair board all these years. Each of us has taken turns as president of the fair for several years. Today Penny Buckles serves as fair president. In my humble opinion, she is the best president the Fair and Youth Show has ever had. She works tirelessly all year long to ensure the fair’s success. It is a pleasure to serve with her.

I guess if I had to sum up why I continue to do this, I would do it in two words: the youth.

Our fair is unique in that it is a closed fair, open only to Flagler County youth who attend Flagler County schools and are members of the Flagler County FFA or 4-H chapters.

Over the past 35 years, we have enjoyed the participation of some amazing youth. In some cases, we have had three generations of families showing animals in the fair. In the early days, the county helped by paying for advertising and insurance. They maintain the buildings and the fairgrounds. We have always enjoyed the support of our county administrators, including Heidi Petito and her staff.

A lot of work and man hours go into planning and running the Fair and Youth Show. We have a great 12-member Fair Board that is very dedicated.

One of our goals is to introduce and educate our youth about agriculture. We want them to know where their food comes from and what it takes to produce it. Participation in the fair teaches them responsibility. They learn how to raise and take care of animals and what it takes to get them to market.

Our youth can raise and show rabbits, chickens, sheep, goats, hogs, heifers and steers. This can take anywhere from five to eight months of feeding, watering, grooming and training these animals. It can be a lot of work.

We have also enjoyed great support

Wow! More than 60 youth are showing animals at the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show in April. See their photos, sorted by which animals they are showing, on Pages 1C, 3C and 4C. Find out how to support the fair and meet the fair board, on Page 2C

Showing Steers Showing Heifers

Not pictured: Casey Jaeger, goat and swine. Brylee Cody, pullet and rabbit

Paisley Boyd, heifer and swine

Micah Evensen, goat and swine

Saige Strickland, heifer and steer

Connor Barton, pullet and swine

Hazel Holland, rabbit and swine

Madelina Lodato, steer and swine

Coralynn Soard, pullet and swine

Emily Parks, goat (2), rabbit

Skylar Draper, pullet and rabbit

Laci Westbrook, steer and swine

Madison Myers, goat, steer and swine

Blake Zammit

Ruth “Eva” Robinson

Skyler Strickland

Fair Board

from the community. Businesses and individuals attend and support our Fair and Youth shows. They attend our sales and bid on and purchase all the animals our youth raise. All in all, the Fair and Youth Show is a community event, and I have always been proud to be a small part of it. All my children and some of my grandchildren have participated and still do. It’s a family thing to us. I hope it continues for many years to come.

PENNY BUCKLES

I am the president of the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show. I have served as a volunteer in many capacities on this board for 28 years. My youngest daughter at the age of 12 showed an interest in FFA. This interest pointed me in the direction of being a lifelong volunteer to this organization. It turned out to be one of my greatest passions.

I feel like if we do not educate today’s youth in Florida agriculture through the 4-H and FFA programs, that the future of our agriculture industry will be a thing of the past. Agriculture is more than just planting seeds in the ground or raising cattle, it is planting a seed in the minds of our next generation. If we can wake up one mind to want to be a farmer, cattleman, veterinarian, bee keeper, farm equipment dealer, ag education teacher or even be in aquaculture raising shellfish and fish, then we have done our jobs. The 4-H and FFA programs teach leadership skills, public speaking, problem solving, communication and financial responsibilities as well as teaching them hands on learning

that will help them through their lives.

The programs like 4-H and FFA really look very promising for making agriculture an exciting opportunity to attract and retain youth in agriculture, including effective leadership in agriculture. I strongly believe such programs deserve to be expanded everywhere across the world, to make agriculture a glamorous and attractive entrepreneurship option for young men and women.

R.D. CODY

I got involved in the Flagler County Fair when I was 8 years old. When I got involved, it was the first year of the Flagler County Fair and Youth show. We had one steer and not many pigs. I have been a resident of

2025 Flagler County Fair and Youth Show’s Livestock Show

Sponsorship Form

April 7-11, 2025

Flagler County Fairgrounds

150 Sawgrass Road

Bunnell, Fl. 32110

Thank you for your tax-deductible contribution! Please choose a sponsorship level from the list below:

__Platinum Sponsor $5,000

__Diamond Sponsor $2,500

__Gold Sponsor $1,000

__Silver Sponsor $500

__Bronze Sponsor $250

__Friend of the Fair $150

__Sponsor any amount $________

Phone:_____________________________

Email:______________________________

Mail to: Flagler County Fair, PO Box 544

Bunnell, Fl. 32110

You can pay by Zelle using 386-437- 2551 or mail a check along with application, if paying by or zelle, please email application to flaglerctyfair@bellsouth.net

For more information call Penny Buckles at 386-931- 6597

Flagler County my whole life, and

this was an opportunity to show animals within my county. I had always been around the farm animals but now was able to raise them and show something I raised, broke, and trained. I was proud that I was able to take an animal that had never been touched by human and get that animal to lead and be show quality. I was able to show this off to my county.

As a young boy I was able to do just this with the help of several people in my life. At that time any adult you asked was willing to assist you in any way they could. My father spent several hours with me working with my animals. This time made a bond that was and still is unbreakable.

As I grew up and got older while still showing animals, I realized that

Sponsorship recognition announcements made throughout the Fair Show and Sale

Thank you in program

PLATINUM SPONSORS $5000 RECEIVE:

Logo at the top of sign board above the main show

ring

1 full page color ad in the program

Logo on the front of the program

Logo on website and facebook page

Announced through out our shows and sale

DIAMOND SPONSORS - $2500 RECEIVE:

Logo on Board

Logo on sign above main show ring

Logo on printed materials

1/2 full page color ad in the program

Logo on website and facebook page

Announced through out our shows and sale

GOLD SPONSORS $1000 RECEIVE

Banner 5 x7 provided by sponsor

Business name on printed materials

1/4 page full color ad in program

Business name on website and facebook

Business name above show ring

Announced through out our shows and sale

SILVER SPONSORSHIP $500 RECEIVE

1/8 page color ad in program

Business name on website and facebook

Business name above show ring

Announced through out our shows and sale

BRONZE SPONSORSHIP $250 RECEIVE

Business card size color ad in program

Business name on sign

FRIENDS OF THE FAIR $150 RECEIVE

Name listed in program

one day I would like to raise my children in this life. Once I graduated, my time in the show ring was over, and it was time for me to move on. The first year out of school, I was at the fair and watching other young people showing animals and I still had a passion for this life. I realized that the participants in the fair gain knowledge and skills that will last a lifetime. I knew that I wanted to be and stay a part of this. I knew that if I was able to be a part of this organization that I may have a very small part in a young person’s life that could make a change. I decided to do my part and stay involved.

I continued to be a part of the fair, even though I had no children involved. I moved to Tennessee in 2005 and lived there for two years. I would take vacation to return to Flagler for the fair just to be a part of it. I returned home for good in 2008 and have not missed a fair since.

I was asked if I would be on the board, and I knew the only answer that was appropriate was yes. I started on the Fair Board and remain on it to this day, as an officer. I know in my heart that I can have a little part in changing someone’s life through the fair.

Some children that show animals come to the fair and you can see in their face that this is the best thing in the world to them. You have children that come and give you a hug and just thank you for being a part of their life. You have children that see you on the street and will go out of their way to come and speak with you just because they know you from the fair. You have children that ask you for help. Some of these times you are tired or you might be in a bad mood or even you just want to be alone. What do you do? You go help that child, and I guarantee that whatever your issue was, when that

child gives you a hug or just a thank you, that issue is gone. And this is the reason I am still a part of this. This is the same reason I will be a part of this organization as long as the board allows me to be.

CATIE COX

As a previous member of 4-H, I showed in the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show for 12 years.

After graduating, I had the opportunity to be a part of the advisory board for the fair, where I then got honor and privilege to be on the fair board as one of the Board of Directors.

My mother, Jeanette Jones, has held the position of secretary for the Fair Board since I started showing. I have and still continue to look up to the members that have made this board what it is. The commitment, compassion and eagerness they all have for not only the fair but the kids involved is something worth respecting in anyone’s eyes.

This opened my mind to wanting to be involved in something that meant a lot to kids and become a role model for them as the Fair Board did for me.

I enjoy watching the kids thrive in something that still means so much to me in my heart. Also getting to be involved in helping kids learn a big role in responsibility and hard work but also to have fun with their projects is truly amazing.

Being a part of the fair and raising livestock shows kids how this is program is more than just that. This opportunity allows for kids to learn about a “profit or loss” in business, shows a glimpse of how thousands of livestock farmers make their living each year and makes them a part of a really awesome community of those who share the same passion and dedication to their livestock.

The 2025 Flagler County Fair and Youth Show Board: back row: Dowlin Cody, Jacob Boyd, Craig Barton, Jeremy Barton, Catie Cox; middle: Dan Cody, Kristen Hoffman, Penny Buckles, Jeanette Jones; front: Jaxon Cox, Mike Boyd and Walton Cowart. Courtesy photo

Showing Goats

Showing Swine

Averi Nelson

Jay Steffen

Brylynn Rodgers

Charlee Crawford

Bryson Holmes

Christopher Lightsey

Payton Urbina

Emma Lauremore

Jaycee Harper

Alice Lauremore

Autumn Buckles

Kadlee Rush

Makayla Barbel

Dylan Prpich

Makayla Elliot

Cash Copsy

Tucker Boyd

Hannah Rush

Julia Rose

Alyssa Verdel

Ava Hatten

Knox Miller

Jackson Branstrator

Zoey Zimmerle

Ariana Soler

Riley Lauremore

Lucas Copsy

Adam Branstator

Kinley Musgrove

Not pictured: Dominick Miller and Lacey Weber

Not pictured: Noah Green

Showing Pullets

Showing Rabbits

Addiyn Watson

Baylee Rodgers

Bennett Beam

Cole Johnston

Alora Landes

Cara McDougald

Grayson Norten-Henry

Brielle Nelson

Elliot Chase

Clementine Soard

Liliana “Lily” Morello

Kingston Jones

Mason Herr

Cayson Dutton

Twila Lafferty

Thea Sutton

Amilynn Sheeler

Chloe Sheeler

Emersyn Jones

Not pictured: Kinsley Booth, Emma Greenslade, Lilliana Grillo

Oaklynn and Loretta Giddens

Maddox Nelson

Jensin McGauley

Lyndie Barton

Havana Dominguez

Landon Rouse

Madison Dominguez

Grantham Holland

Michael “Leo” Morello

Lillian Castle

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JAN. 31

RUMMAGE SALE

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, and Saturday, Feb. 1

Where: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, 1520 S.

Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: Find men’s and women’s clothing, coats, handbags, belts, shoes, linens, toys, pet supplies and more. There will be homemade chili to go. Free admission.

I LOVE YOU, YOU’RE

PERFECT, NOW CHANGE

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31 and Feb. 1; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2

Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona

Beach

Details: Halifax Repertory Theatre is presenting this musical comedy exploring the ups and downs of relationships. Tickets cost $35. Visit https://our.show/nowchange.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

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.

GRANADA GRAND

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Details: See story on this page.

GUNS & HOSES CHILI

CHALLENGE

When: 12-2 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 101 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler

Beach

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites the community to attend its Guns & Hoses

Chili Challenge between fire responders. For $10, participants will get to sample all the various chilies and vote on their favorite. There will be music, a bake sale and raffles. Any active or retired first responders wanting to enter the challenge should call Mary Louk at 386-569-7813.

ORMOND ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Beach

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

A BOLD PALETTE OPENING ART RECEPTION

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Art Spotlight, 67 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond

Beach

Details: See this exhibition by the Florida Women’s Arts Association showcasing a collection of works by local female artists and their use of color. Works range from bold abstracts to intricate landscapes, realism and sculptures. Free event. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 22. Visit flwaa.com.

SUNDAY, FEB. 2

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to noon

Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: The Father Eamonn Gill Council 13018 Knights of Columbus will serve its famous pancake breakfast in the social hall. The meal includes all the pancakes you can eat, scrambled eggs, a sausage link, orange juice and endless coffee. The breakfast costs $6 and children under 12 eat free. All are welcome.

MONDAY, FEB. 3

PALM COAST

ASTRONOMY CLUB

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast

Details: “Investigating the Starship and New Glenn rocket malfunctions.” Everyone interested in astronomy is welcome.

TUESDAY, FEB. 4

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP

When: 1-4 p.m.

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

Details: Learn to paint in watercolor with artist Bibi Gromling. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee and no drawing is required. Class is limited to six students. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve a seat.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 5

VETERANS CREATIVE

EXPRESSION

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Veterans and current service members are invited to join Outreach Curator Diamond Johnson to create an art project. All supplies are provided. No experience needed. A family member or friend (16 years or older) may also participate. Free program. Advance registration is required. Visit ormondartmuseum.org/classes-programs.

FRIDAY, FEB. 7

RUMMAGE SALE

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, and Saturday, Feb. 8

Where: Care Cupboard Food Pantry, 205 N. Pine St., Bunnell

Details: Care Cupboard Food Pantry is having a rummage sale. There will be new items for sale as well. All proceeds to benefit the food pantry.

YOUR TOWN

Palm Coast resident produced awardwinning baseball documentary

Flagler College professors Tracy Halcomb, a resident of Palm Coast, and H. James Gilmore have screened their award-winning documentary, “Fielding Dreams: A Celebration of Baseball Scouts” around the world. It premiered at the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, in January of 2024 and most recently was screened during the St. Augustine Film Festival on Jan. 11.

The documentary was directed by Gilmore and produced by Halcomb. Gilmore is a veteran documentary filmmaker who is currently the Visiting Filmmaker for Cinematic Arts at Flagler College, where Halcomb is a professor in the Communication Department and program coordinator for the new Cinematic Arts major.

Fielding Dreams is an intimate portrait of the lives of baseball scouts, whose role in the game often goes unrecognized.

It has been recognized for excellence in documentary filmmaking by the Indie Fest and Telly Awards. It was named Best Sports Documentary at the Seattle Film Festival, received the Audience Choice and Best Sports Feature Award at the Las Vegas International Film and Screenwriting Festival and recently garnered a Special Award at the Paladino D’Oro Film Festival in Palermo, Italy.

“Even though this is a baseball story, I look at it as really kind of a very heartwarming human film,” Halcomb said.

Granada Grand Festival of the Arts returns to Ormond

The 11th annual Granada Grand Festival of the Arts is coming back to Ormond Beach from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1.

The free festival will have two music stages, 80 artists and crafters, a chalk art festival and a wine tasting, as well as a slam poetry competition by MACDeland Slam and Creative Happiness Institute featuring poets from the eastern U.S, a kids’ book swap and more, according to a press release. The festival lines both sides of New Britain Avenue between North Beach Street and Ridgewood Avenue. The “Pop-up Plaza” will host musical performances from The Locals Mix and a food court with local restaurants, beer and wine. There will also be youth art zone.

The festival also hosts an annual ArtHaus Chalk Art Competition where artists create chalk masterpieces in seven hours, the press release states. Judging will take place at 3 pm and votes helps determine the “People’s Choice” winner. Funds collected in the chalk art area will support art education programs at ArtHaus.

For more information and a an updated schedule of festival events, visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com.

Bunnell cleans up local streets

A single cigarette butt seems harmless. But it’s rarely just one. That becomes evident when a heavy rain comes, and cigarette butts end up in the stormwater system.

“You can have one spot with thousands of cigarette butts,” said Bunnell Infrastructure Director Dustin Vost, who is also a Flagler Palm Coast High School grad and former U.S. Marine. “Next rain we get, that butt washes out to Crescent Lake and pollutes our water.” Vost joined Mayor Catherine Robinson, about a dozen city staff members and about two dozen more community volunteers on Jan. 25, at the annual Beautify Bunnell event, hosted by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Volunteers were given gloves, garbage bags and grabbers and scoured the neighborhood by the following streets: Moody, Palmetto, Magnolia and State (U.S. 1).

“It’s a big deal to keep our streets clean,” Robinson said. “We are near the elementary school, and the kids walk by here every day. We want to keep it clean and safe for them.” All told, the volunteers collected about 30 bags of garbage.

Bunnell city staff: Joseph Parsons, Mary Anne Atwood, Dustin Vost, Mayor Catherine Robinson, Bradley Reed and Jessica Sheeler. Photo by Brian McMillan