Palm Coast Observer 1-6-22

PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR PAGE 15

VOLUME 12, NO. 48

Introducing the 2021 Standing O’s:

THURSDAY, JANUARY 6, 2022

JANICE MIKUTEL PAGE 5

PENNY BENNETT PAGE 6 “Penny is so generous with her time. She personifies the volunteer spirit that we value so much in our community. A very skilled crafter, I particularly liked wearing some of the unique masks she created during COVID, whether a spiderweb for Halloween or one decorated with Christmas ornaments. Even more so, knowing she donates the proceeds to local causes.”

“If anybody needs anything, she’s there.”

See the good in your community

MERCEDES BRUNELL, teacher who works in the classroom with Janice Mikutel

RICHARD HAMILTON

How they made a difference BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

RYAN DEISING PAGE 12

School Board responds to disruptions Proposed School Board resolution would denounce behavior, not hate groups PAGE 2

Noise, traffic concerns near storage units? Despite neighbors’ opposition, Palm Coast City Council approves selfstorage facility in split vote, 4-1 PAGE 3 INDEX

Briefs...................... PAGES 2, 4 Public Notices.............PAGE 22 Real Estate..................PAGE 20

PUBLIC NOTICES Beginning this week, the Palm Coast Observer now publishes legal notices, thanks to a state law change in eligilibility.

MICHELE SEYFERT PAGE 11

MARCUS ELLISON PAGE 9

Someone recently asked me how the Standing O nomination process works. It’s pretty simple: One Standing O picks his or her successor. There’s no committee, no narrowing of candidates, no final vote. It’s one good person passing the baton to another good person. The series of stories in the Jan. 6 edition, I hope, encourages people to see the good in each other — and hopefully inspires us all to intentionally do some good today for someone else. Thanks to all the Standing O’s for making a difference.

“We’re where we are today because of his vision, and he continues to have foresight for the years ahead.”

“Marcus is not only very outgoing, helpful, resourceful and kind but is also always putting the needs of others before himself. Marcus can be relied upon to step up on a moment’s notice to lend a hand to help with any type of emergency situation.”

“So many people have her phone number and they call her for whatever they need, and she helps.” MARY McGOWAN, volunteer

PATTY MERCER

2021 STANDING O

MARIA McGOVERN, Flagler Schools technology coordinator

TATE WINECOFF PAGE 13

MICHELE FICOCELLO PAGE 8 “For victims, the goal is to give them back some control through resources and validation, and to ensure that their rights are protected. ... [Michele] knows her job well, and you can always count on her.”

“He probably has the most school spirit of anyone I’ve seen come through Matanzas in a long time. ... On Western Day, he’ll come in a full cowboy outfit. If he could bring a horse on campus, he would.”

DONNA KEARNEY, victim advocate coordinator

ROB ROE, Matanzas SGA advisor

BETH BOYLES PAGE 10

STEVE DeAUGUSTINO PAGE 13

“Beth (Boyles) should be recognized. She has been a tremendous help with everything since Caleb’s accident. She contacted us shortly after his injury and asked if she could start a GoFundMe for our family, and she has handled press related to Caleb’s injury and she has gotten Flagler Beach and Tortugas (Florida Kitchen & Bar) involved to support our family as well. These efforts have made it possible for us to stay with our son during his rehab in order to help him through this.”

“Coach D takes a lot of pride in FPC athletics. He was determined to have a top-notch program that put kids first. Through sports, he’s provided a lot of opportunities for students in our county. He’s a hometown hero.”

BETTY STRUBLE

BOBBY BOSSARDET