ORMOND BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 13, NO. 11
ALL-AMERICAN GIRL PAGE 1B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2024
Brush hour: hurricane cleanup nearly complete Has your vegetative debris been picked up? If not, Ormond says it will be within the next two weeks. PAGE 5A
Commissioner says goodbye Ormond Beach honors Susan Persis at her final meeting.
THE SOUND OF PATRIOTS Pathways Elementary School honor those who served with a musical tribute for Veterans Day. PAGE 4A
PAGE 2A INSIDE THANK YOU, VETS
Ormond Beach honors its veterans with annual event. PAGE 4A
DRINK UP
Ormond Beach’s first ‘dirty’ soda shop to open soon. PAGE 9A
MAKING AN IMPACT
Volusia County School Board recognizes departing members Carl Persis, Anita Burnette. PAGE 5A
CHEER SUCCESS
Pathways Elementary first graders sing “Oh, I Love America.” Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Seabreeze graduate Da’Veon Brown embraces brotherhood at Jones College. PAGE 8B
Mainland principal to move to district role
INNOVATIONS
Halifax Health, Volusia Flagler Family YMCA introduce new EGYM system to members. PAGE 9A
INDEX
Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Comics ....................... PAGE 6B Cops Corner............... PAGE 6A Public Notices............ PAGE 9B Sports..........................PAGE 7B Real Estate................. PAGE 9A
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Good foundation Seabreeze fall in overtime in final game of the season.
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ON NEWSSTANDS.
Come January, Mainland High School Principal Joseph Castelli will be taking on a district position. On Tuesday, Nov. 12, the Volusia County School Board approved Castelli’s appointment as the district’s new director of secondary schools under the Teaching, Leading and Learning department, effective Jan. 15, 2025. Castelli has been Mainland’s principal since 2020. “I am truly honored and humbled to accept this new role as secondary director,” Castelli said. “Serving
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Roles on pointe Ormond Ballet places its top seniors in soloist positions for upcoming production of “The Nutcracker.”
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Joeseph Castelli. File photo
as Mainland High School’s principal has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, and I owe a debt of gratitude to our incredible staff, students and the Mainland community for trusting me to lead our school.” Prior to his principalship at Mainland, Castelli worked as a principal for Hillsborough County. The position as director of secondary schools will allow Casteli to provide support to teams across the district, and he said he’s excited to “continue to build a culture of excellence in each school.” “Every day, I’ve been inspired by the passion and resilience of our students and staff,” Castelli said. “Together, we have made strides in fostering a truly unique learning environment that has led to earning a ‘B’ rating, and this year, our team continues to surpass our academic goals.” Under Castelli, Mainland improved from a “C” to a “B” for the 2023-2024 school year. School Board member Jes-
sie Thompson said Castelli’s appointment to a district position is exciting, as he’s done so much for Mainland. “I’m sad for Mainland ... but I love that you are still in that umbrella of the high schools, and I know you’ll be around there,” she said. School Board member Carl Persis congratulated Castelli on his new appointment. “I know you’ll do a super job,” Persis said. “You’ve done well. I know Mainland folks are already wondering, ‘Who’s coming? Who’s coming?’ So let’s hope the board can make that decision quickly.” School Board member Ruben Colon said that he believes Castelli will do a great job, though he is leaving a gap at Mainland, but that the district will work to ensure a smooth transition. “I look forward to learning who will be the next principal at the Mainland High, home of the Buc Pride that never dies,” Colon said.