Palm Coast Observer 4-2-26

PALM COAST

Flagler County waste

Educators lose dog and house in fire

Ormond community has raised $40,000. Jessica Kester teaches at DSC; Jason at Pine Trail Elementary.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A GoFundMe to help two local educators after losing their dog in a house fire has raised almost $40,000.

Ormond Beach Fire Department crews responded to the Kester family home in Ormond Beach at around 10:19 a.m. on Saturday, March 28. Firefighters were able to knock down the fire, according to a Facebook post on the union page, and prevent it from spreading to neighboring homes on Windsail Circle. The home sustained significant smoke and fire damage.

The GoFundMe states the Kester family’s home is a total loss.

“The Kesters are a beloved

COPS CORNER

MARCH 22

GUNS IN THE PARK

4:40 p.m. — 2000 block of North Beach Street, Ormond Beach Culpable negligence, exposure to harm. A 22-year-old Jacksonville man was taken into ICE custody after he and a 24-year-old man were suspected of firing a BB gun in a negligent manner.

family and educators who are always looking to make a positive impact on our community,” the fundraiser states. “Now, they need our help.” Jessica Kester is an English professor at Daytona State College. Her husband Jason is

a fourth grade teacher at Pine Trail Elementary. In 2017, he was named Volusia County Schools Teacher of the Year, representing Mainland High School.

Want to help? Visit https:// gofund.me/f6bb012c9.

NEWS BRIEFS

Serial cigarette thief caught in Palm Coast, sheriff reports

Detectives in Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s General Assignment Unit, with help from the Real Time Crime Center, identified a suspect in multiple cigarette thefts from Palm Coast gas stations as Derek Colamartino, 35, of Palm Coast, and arrested him, the FCSO reported.

In each incident, Colamartino acted as if he was going to pay. Then, he would make a “mad dash” for the door.

According to investigators, the most recent incident occurred Tuesday, March 24, at a RaceTrac located along State Road 100 near Seminole Woods Boulevard. Authorities say the same individual may be responsible for at least three separate thefts in the area.

Earlier thefts tied to the investigation include an incident at a Wawa store in Janu-

ary and another at a Circle K on March 22.

Daytona Beach airport back to normal after airfield breach

Airport operations are continuing as normal at Daytona Beach International Airport after a Holly Hill man crashed through a locked perimeter gate on Wednesday, March 25.

The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested 58-yearold Bryan Parker after he crashed into the gate at a high rate of speed and drove onto the airfield towards the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University aircraft ramp, where the airport reported he tried to gain control to two aircraft.

In a press release, the airport states that Parker was retrained in less than 4 minutes from the time his vehicle crashed through the gate. All people and aircraft remain safe.

The perimeter fencing and gates “meet or exceed federal regulations for airport security,” the press release stated,

and designated airport staff and VSO deputies regularly patrol and inspect the airport’s perimeter fencing and gates.

Parker faces multiple state charges, including attempted aircraft piracy, burglary of conveyance, felony trespass, exposure of sexual organ, criminal mischief, DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to testing.

“We would like to commend the eyewitnesses who immediately called 911 to report the incident, and the air traffic controller who quickly reported the suspicious vehicle and took action to ensure the safety of airfield operations,” the airport stated in its press release. “We want to commend our airport operations agent and the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical security officer who immediately responded to the breach and subsequently chased the suspect on foot and helped detain him. Also, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputies who swiftly took the suspect into custody.” Send news tips to Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

The 24-year-old man was the only one seen by the victim to be holding a BB gun.

MARCH 24 SLIME CRIME

The men denied shooting at anything and initially claimed not to have a BB gun in their possession. The BB gun was later found hidden in a storage space inside one of their relatives’ cars.

8:30 p.m. — 200 block of North Nova Road, Ormond Beach Criminal mischief. A grocery store is pressing charges after two juvenile girls damaged almost $500 worth of merchandise. According to a police report, the juveniles were seen on surveillance footage opening products like glue, shampoo, shaving cream, petroleum

jelly and hair oil before taking them to the store’s baby aisle and spreading them all over the shelves. The pair were in the store for about a half hour before an adult told them something, at which point they left the store.

They only paid for items not used in the incident: heavy whipping cream, half and half creamer, and three deli items.

Two days later, the store manager recognized one of the juveniles — a 9-year-old Ormond Beach girl, who returned to the store with her grandmother.

The girl told police that she and her friend had been trying to make slime, and that they tried to clean it up, but

failed and left the store. The store manager told police the girls had been involved in a similar incident on March 15, resulting in $136 worth of damaged merchandise.

The girl was trespassed from the store and officers are working to make contact with the second girl.

LOST IN THE SAUCE

8:57 p.m. — 5000 block of State Road 100, Flagler County Disorderly intoxication. A Palm Coast man was arrested after he took a seat in a drug store employee’s car.

The employee called 911. When deputies arrived, they placed the suspect under

arrest and realized that he smelled strongly of alcohol and had difficulty staying upright.

The suspect told deputies he did have several drinks but did not know what city he was in, where he was at or how he got there, the report said.

After refusing medical treatment, the man was taken to the county jail.

MARCH 29

CAUGHT GUN-HANDED

11:40 a.m. — first block of Opossum Lane, Bunnell Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. A convicted felon from Ormond Beach was arrested for violating his parole when he went to a local

shooting range to shoot his gun.

Another person at the range, who knew the suspect was a convicted felon, reported the man to the local Sheriff’s Office. When deputies arrived, they found the suspect loading a magazine in one of the range’s shooting lanes, an arrest report said.

When deputies detained him, they found a Smith & Wesson hand gun and two magazines with 21 rounds of ammunition and a third magazine with 15 rounds of ammunition. He was arrested.

The suspect was convicted in 2022 in Volusia County for fleeing and eluding law enforcement.

45 students earn trip to Future Problem Solvers Internationals

Place winners from Flagler:

GLOBAL ISSUES — TEAM

JUNIOR TEAM

„ Fifth place: Chloe Campbell, Adalyn Hurley, Jaxon Letterman, Kamden Weisstein — Indian Trails Middle School. (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach).

SENIOR TEAM

„ Second place: Lily Ames, Spencer Habek, Anabelle Machado, Abbie Blumengarten — Flagler Palm Coast High School (Coaches Danielle Moss and Anabella Fish). Invitation to International Competition

„ Fourth place: Megan Rhee, Lily Lisowski, Ava Muldoon, Amy Leonardi — Matanzas High School (Coach Amy Kopach).

GLOBAL ISSUES — MAGIC (MULTI-AFFILIATE GLOBAL ISSUES COMPETITION)

JUNIOR TEAM

„ First place: Ethan Verdote and Aspen Lester (Rymfire) with Riley MacDonald (Indian Trails)

„ Second place: Layla Verdote, Brayden Wisnewski, Jordyn Maffei (Rymfire)

„ Third place: Xavier Paden and Cole Delacruz (Rymfire)

„ Fourth place: Mariah Mullins and Noelle Castello (Rymfire)

„ Fifth place: Gabe Shuler and Derrick Hatter (Rymfire) with Olleskiy Kulchitsky (Indian Trails)

„ Sixth place: Abdo Aladra and Gabby Manley (Rymfire)

MIDDLE TEAM

„ First place: Lucien Guadagno (Indian Trails) with Kensington Lascano (Buddy Taylor)

„ Second place: Gianna DiBitetto and Sara Villacis (Indian Trails)

„ Third place: Raquel Levy (Indian Trails) with Aisha Isgandarova (FPC)

„ Fourth place: Jenna Baldwin and Tamir Robinson (Indian Trails)

„ Fifth place: Eva Swartzlander and Eli Christlieb (Indian Trails)

„ Sixth place: Kiersten Castine (Indian Trails)

SENIOR TEAM

„ First place: Brianna O’Malley (Matanzas) with Jaeda Weikle (FPC)

„ Second place: Ben Iannotti and Keegan Murray (Matanzas) with Kashvi Sagar (FPC)

Flagler County sent 156 students to the FPS state competition. World Finals will take place in June.

FLAGLER SCHOOLS

The Future Problem Solving Florida Affiliate Competition hosted over 450 students and 20 schools on March 23-25 in Orlando with 156 students representing Flagler Schools. Forty-five Flagler students received invitations to the World Finals on June 10-14 at Indiana University. Eleven Flagler teams and individuals

„ Third place: Matt Carleton and Delaney Pearson (Mantanzas) with Aiyana Cayetano (FPC)

„ Fourth place: Carter Ives and Jordan Sauer (Matanzas) with Bryson and Nikki Isgandarova(FPC)

GLOBAL ISSUES — ACTION PLAN PRESENTATION

SENIOR

„ First place: Team C (Sydney Mahon, Amanda Wu, Laura Herrera, Holden Carleton) — Flagler Palm Coast (Coaches Danielle Moss and Anabella Fish)

„ Third place: Team B (Lily Ames, Spencer Habek, Abbie Blumengarten, Annabelle Machado) — Flagler Palm Coast (Coach: Danielle Moss and Anabella Fish)

„ Fourth place: Team C — Matanzas (Wesley Kopach, Willa Ames, Eva Luis, Mary Grace Seward, Ben Iannotti, Keegan Murray, Jordan Sauer), Coach Amy Kopach.

COMMUNITY PROJECTS — INDIVIDUAL MIDDLE

„ First place: Stitch Space — Mia Puccio, Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach).

Invitation to International Competition

„ Second place: Proyecto UNO — Izzy Cruz, Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach)

COMMUNITY PROJECTS — TEAM JUNIOR

„ First place: Reading to Relatives — Noelle Castello, Connelly Davis, Enzo Gitto, Gabby Manley, Mariah Mullins, Xavier Paden, Gabriel Shuler, Layla Verdote. Rymfire Elementary (Coach Caryn Taylor). Invitation to International Competition „ Second place - Positivity Patrol — Abdo Aladra, Cole Delacruz, Cece Dorozsmay, Mira Gitto, Derrick Hatter, Aspen Lester, Jordyn Maffei, Austin May, Frank Paolucci, Ethan Verdote. Rymfire Elementary. (Coach Amber Acosta). Invitation to International Competition

„ Third place: Volunteer Engineers — Adalyn Hurley, Jaxon Letterman, Kamden Weisstein, Baedan Canfield, Dilan Glodav. Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach).

Invitation to Internationals

MIDDLE

„ First place: Ready Set Work! — Avery Mahon, Maria Saman, Olivia Willems, Illiana Stockman, Elevyn Thompson, Mia Kopcikova, Guiseppina Gitto. Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach). Invitation to International Competition

SENIOR

„ First place: The Real You Project — Diana Kolodiy, Dempsey Manhart, Wesley Kopach, Willa Ames, Mary Grace Seward. Matanzas High School (Coach: Amy Kopach). Invitation to International Competition

CREATIVE WRITING

MIDDLE

„ Fifth place: Elevyn Thompson — ‘No Place Like Home’. Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach)

„ Eighth place: Ameera Toolsie — ‘Pushed Beyond the Skies Limits’. Indian Trails Middle School (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach)

SENIOR „ First place: Ava Muldoon — ‘A Circle in the Sand’. Matanzas High School (Coach Amy Kopach). Invitation to International Competition

„ Second place: Eva Luis — ‘Always Working’. Matanzas High School (Coach Amy Kopach) Invitation to International Competition

STORYTELLING

MIDDLE

„ First place: Katelyn Castello — Indian Trails Middle School. (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach. Invitation to International Competition

„ Third place: Tamir Robinson — Indian Trails Middle School. (Coaches Beth Blumengarten, Hannah Anderson and Neil Kopach).

SENIOR „ First place: Holden Carleton — Flagler Palm Coast. (Coaches Danielle Moss and Anabella Fish). Invitation to International Competition „ Second place: Emma Gilbert — Flagler Palm Coast. (Coaches Danielle Moss and Anabella Fish). Invitation to International Competition

Florida CFO says Flagler County wasted $59 million in taxpayer money

According to the state, Flagler County could reduce its tax rate by 1.40 mills without reducing services.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Flagler County is one of the state’s top wasters of taxpayer money, according to Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingolio.

“The budget increase we have seen in Flagler County represents the single largest increase we have seen out of the 16 spending reviews we have conducted so far, and it should concern every single taxpayer in this county,” Ingoglia said in a press release.

During a March 26 press conference at the Hammock Dunes Club, Ingoglia told local elected officials that Flagler County wasted around $59 million of taxpayer money in the last budget. Flagler County, he said, had the biggest proportional waste, with a general fund budget that increased from $92.5 million in 2019 to $202.7 million in 2025.

Later on March 26, on the “Joe Mullins Radio Show,” hosted by former Flagler Commission Joe Mullins, Ingoglia reiterated that the money “should have never been taxed.”

“That $59 million is the amount of revenue that was taken in over and above what would normally be taken in for inflation in population,” Ingoglia said. “They just took the money, showed zero fiscal restraint, [and] spent it.” Ingoglia’s formula is based on the pre-COVID budgets and calculates waste by taking the base 2019 budget and accounting for inflation and

MY VIEW: CFO Ingoglia is wrong about Flagler spending

“They just took the money, showed zero fiscal

restraint,

[and] spent it.”

BLAISE INGOGLIO, Florida CFO

of Blaise Ingoglia/Facebook

population growth. Anything over that number is considered wasteful spending.

According to Ingoglia and the Florida Agency for Fiscal Oversight press release, Flagler County could apply a 1.40 millage reduction to the upcoming budget “without disrupting any essential services provided to citizens.”

In an official statement released on its Facebook page following the press conference, Flagler County said it has a 16-year record of “national budget excellence” and “award-winning Transparency Dashboards.” It said the state’s new 2026 transparency mandates “mirror the exact standards Flagler established years ago.”

Flagler County said it welcomes the opportunity to discuss fiscal efficiency and accountability.

“We acknowledge the Florida CFO’s role in this process, and we will continue to work side-by-side with the state to ensure our taxpayers receive the maximum benefit from every dollar,” the post said.

“In Flagler, the books are open, the mission is clear, and our commitment to efficiency and accountability is proven.”

The fiscal year 2025-2026

general fund of $202 mil -

lion was a 13% increase from the previous year. Flagler County’s five constitutional officers’ budget accounted for $59 million of the general fund, which is funded through property taxes.

Of that, $48 million went to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Flagler Commission Chair

Leann Pennington said in a March 28 Facebook post that members of the commission have “consistently raised concerns” about rising project costs, staffing and overall government growth.

The county has, she said, taken meaningful steps over the 2019-2026 period to strengthen its financial position. The county has also lowered property taxes every year Pennington has been in office, she said.

But, she said she is glad Ingoglia recognized the issues and “selected our county as an example of wasteful spending.”

“It reinforces what I’ve been saying for some time,” Pennington wrote. “Taxation cannot be the answer to every problem government identifies.”

ROLAND

CLEE GUEST WRITER

Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia claims that Flagler County, since 2019–2020, has seen one of the largest percentage increases in local government spending in the state. According to his calculations, roughly $59 million was collected and spent wastefully from taxpayer-supported funds, mainly the property tax paid by property owners.

I’m no politician’s apologist, but in Flagler County all our elected leaders are very accessible to the citizens. The same goes for appointed officials like fire chiefs and city managers.

CFO Ingoglia’s faulty narrative relies on a simplified assumption which is that local government’s obligated spending should track with household inflation and population growth. That assumption is divorced from operational reality. Local government is not buying groceries. The cost of flour and eggs is not compatible with the replacement cost of a firehouse which serves as a great example.

Consider the modern firehouse: What used to be a basic structure recently is now a hardened public safety facility. It must meet hurricane standards, environmental regulations,

ADA compliance, advanced communications requirements, and redundancy for power and operations. The firehouses of yesterday had zero accommodations for female firefighters. These aren’t enhancements, they are mandates. Many of the added expenses are unfunded federal mandates or unfunded State of Florida statutory directives, the entity that CFO Ingoglia represents.

This same reality applies to procurement. The idea that government can simply “buy cheaper or shop better” no longer reflects the marketplace. Basic is gone. Safety systems, emissions standards, integrated electronics, and supply chain pressures have fundamentally changed what is available. You can’t buy an F-150 with roll-up windows and a radio delete except at extra cost.

Public agencies are not choosing luxury. In another example, many grants obligate local general fund commitments into purchases of alternative fuel vehicles.

Half succeed famously and the other half fail spectacularly, spending an inordinate amount of time out of service on wreckers and in repair bays.

There is also a deception by the CFO regarding capital projects. Roads, stations, and infrastructure do not exist outside the taxpayer equation. They are funded directly or indirectly by the same revenue streams.

Calling something a capital investment does not make the cost disappear. Fiscal scrutiny must be grounded in operational reality, not a

simplified formula. The very essence of wise leadership is planning ahead. It understands the fundamental truth: that it is cheaper to invest in tomorrow with today’s dollars before they depreciate further and prices rise. The principle is ancient and biblical: In Genesis, Joseph stored grain in the seven years of plenty to survive the seven years of famine. Responsible leadership plans, foreseeing a time of need before the crisis arrives.

Fixing a longstanding deficit of firefighters and law enforcement officers when property values rise is prudent and sound leadership. Delayed infrastructure becomes emergency spending. Deferred public safety brings the worst community cost. Growth without preparation is failure.

Flagler County and the municipalities are not exempt from criticism. They are navigating a complex environment where safety, compliance, and growth intersect. It is necessary to mention that CFO Ingoglia, the attacker of our local politicians and appointed officials, is himself both a politician and appointed, not elected, official. The CFO is too experienced and too intelligent to misunderstand these realities, which shows that what is being presented is not incomplete by accident, but selectively framed.

A Flagler Beach resident, Roland Clee served a major Florida police department as a Community Service Officer for more than 26 years. He writes the American Peace Officer newsletter.

Whether you’re planning ahead or in a time of

Masks 4 Miracles fills 42 comfort bags for childhood cancer patients

Live Like Cameron’s Bags of Hope provide tailored comfort items to kids in the hospital.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

The second annual Masks

4 Miracles masquerade ball raised enough funds to fill 42 gift and comfort bags for children with cancer.

The ball and casino night fundraiser was hosted on March 21 at the Hammock Dunes Club. The event benefited the Live Like Cameron nonprofit, which honors the memory of 9-year-old Cameron Fulling, who died of brain cancer in 2017.

The funds raised from the Masks 4 Miracles event filled Easter-themed Bags of Hope for pediatric cancer patients. The Bags of Hope provide tailored comfort items to kids in the hospital, including bedding, crafts, toys, books and pajamas.

The event was organized by RE/MAX Select Professionals owner Pam Capela and

her son Jayd Capela, of Motto Mortgage. The event is run through their nonprofit, Cornerstone 386 LLC.

In a Facebook post, the Cameron team said the team at Remax not only organized the event to raise the money to fill the bags, but also took the time to personally assemble them.

“Now I truly understand just how much these bags mean. They’re not just filled with items,” Pam Capela wrote in a Facebook post fol-

lowing the event. “They’re filled with comfort, distraction, and a reminder that these children and their families are not alone.”

The Live Like Cameron post thanked the Capelas and everyone responsible for organizing the event.

“The entire team is truly something special—going above and beyond to make a real difference for our local childhood cancer families. We are forever grateful for their love, dedication, and will -

ingness to give back in such a meaningful way, and we feel so lucky to have them in our corner.”

The Live Like Cameron team is now preparing for its ninth annual Live Like Cameron Golf Tournament on April 18 at Halifax Plantation Golf Club in

‘I couldn’t have done it by myself’: Palm Coast man’s hospital journey

AdventHealth’s Community Care helps Palm Coast man rebuild, step by step.

ADVENTHEALTH PRESS RELEASE

When Phillip McKinney thinks about healing, he thinks about music.

As a child, he would sit at his grandmother’s piano after church and play the final hymn by ear. It was where he first learned patience and perseverance.

Years later, after losing his mother, his health began to decline.

“I started feeling really sick,” the 52-year-old Palm Coast resident said. “And I didn’t know why.”

He was admitted to AdventHealth Palm Coast and diagnosed with severe anemia caused by internal gastrointestinal bleeding. Doctors

treated the immediate crisis with blood transfusions and identified the source of the bleeding through additional testing.

But once he was well enough to leave the hospital, another challenge surfaced: McKinney did not have reliable transportation. He faced mounting medical bills and needed follow-up care. Lingering cognitive challenges from a previous brain infec-

tion made it difficult to organize paperwork or keep track of appointments.

“I never saw myself in that situation,” he said. “But it can happen to anybody.”

Before he was discharged, an AdventHealth financial specialist asked whether he had a way to return for appointments. When he said no, she connected him to Community Care — a free program operated by AdventHealth for its patients who are facing financial hardship or barriers outside the hospital.

Community Care pairs eligible patients with an AdventHealth social worker who helps coordinate care, connect them to local resources and create a clear path forward. The program is offered at no cost to patients.

Briget Parkins, an AdventHealth social worker with the Community Care team, met McKinney before he left the hospital. She quickly recognized how overwhelmed he

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felt.

“So we slowed down and wrote everything out,” Parkins said. “Then we worked through it step by step.”

Together, they organized his paperwork into a binder and mapped out his follow-up visits. Parkins helped him apply for financial assistance and connected him with transportation support. McKinney purchased a bicycle so he could travel independently to appointments.

Community Care focuses on patients who are at risk of falling through the cracks — those who may be uninsured, underinsured or struggling to meet basic needs while managing complex medical issues.

By addressing obstacles such as transportation, cost and navigating the health system, the program works to prevent delays in care that can lead to complications or repeat hospital visits.

As McKinney regained strength, he began rebuilding

his life. Then another diagnosis brought another wave of uncertainty.

A lesion near his temple was identified as an aggressive form of skin cancer. Treatment required coordination between multiple specialists, financial assistance applications and outside agencies.

“The phone calls. The paperwork. The approvals,” McKinney said. “I couldn’t have done it by myself.”

Parkins remained closely involved until he was able to undergo surgery. The cancer was successfully removed, and today he is cancer-free.

McKinney has since returned to work, secured housing and manages his medical care independently.

In time, he graduated from Community Care — a milestone that indicates a patient is able to navigate care without ongoing support.

For McKinney, the program restored more than his health.

“They treated me like a per-

son,” he said. “Not a problem. Not a bill. A person.” As a faith-based, nonprofit health system, AdventHealth invests in programs like Community Care as part of its mission to extend care beyond the hospital walls — particularly for patients whose medical needs are intertwined with financial or social challenges.

In Flagler County, where many residents face transportation challenges and rising living costs, those social needs can directly affect medical outcomes. Hospital leaders say Community Care helps address the nonmedical factors that often lead to missed appointments, delayed treatment or avoidable hospital visits.

For McKinney, the impact was personal.

“It gave me a chance to get back on my feet,” he said. “Sometimes you just need someone to help you take the next step.”

‘A

vital resource’ for health care: New Daytona Beach free clinic opens

Flagler Free Clinic

Executive Director Terri Belletto said there is a growing need for affordable care.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Daytona Beach’s new free clinic is open for business at 825 Derbyshire Road.

The Hope Community Health Center will fill a gap in the health care services in Daytona Beach, co-director Dr. Rehana Saddiqui and Malik will be the co-directors cutting, Malik said the goal of the health center is to provide

Power of the Purse Flagler County

cannot afford private insurance or regular medical care.

- Garden of Giving Soirée -

Thursday, April 9

The Flagler Free Clinic treated 1,800 unique patients in 2025, providing over 6,000 care visits. The clinic is open Monday through Thursday and provides not only primary care but specialist care as well, including eye care, podiatry, oncology, dental services and more.

at the ribbon cutting that they still are raising funds for the Health Center’s $100,000 endowment funds.

Saddiqui and a colleague have each pledged $25,000 to the fund, getting the endowment halfway to the finish line. The endowment, he said, will be enough to fund the clinic “in perpetuity.”

Belletto said that despite the greater demand, the Flagler Free Clinic does not turn away qualifying patients. With the new Daytona Beach Health Center open, she said patients who live in that area may be referred to the clinic because it is closer, but their clinic does not turn people away.

That is in part because the Flagler clinic does not have any residency or employment requirements. Around 10% of the Flagler clinic’s patients are from Volusia County, Belletto said, and small numbers from surrounding counties.

“People who need health care are desperate for health care, and we’re here to help people access care,” she said. “We just want to help as many people as we possibly can.”

Dr. Mussarat Saddiqui, the husband of Health Clinic Director Dr. Rehana Siddiqui, spearheaded the fundraising for the clinic. He announced

“Going forward, this is only the beginning,” Saddiqui said. “We will be expanding the services to see the needy people of the community are taken care of, irrespective of religions, caste, colors and language.”

Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry announced at the ribbon cutting that he will ask the city manager and the city commission to appropriate $10,000 from the city to the Health Center for the endowment.

This clinic, he said, is a vital resource to the community.

“I want to say to each of you today,” Henry said, “how grateful we, as a city, are to have you, the Islamic community, taking such great leadership in such a great and important role in our community.”

As word about the Health Center gets out, Belletto said, the team may see their endowment needs increase, too, just to be able to care for the number of patients that come to their door.

“They’re going to be inundated,” Belletto said. As the need in the community expands, so, too, does the need for volunteer providers and for donors, she said. Free clinics like Flagler’s and the Health Center survive on grants and donations, Belletto said, as they receive no state funding for operations. The Flagler Free Clinic has an operating budget of around $400,000, 95% goes straight into patient services. Free clinic services treat a gap in care that most people do not discuss. When people hear the political talk about health care, Belletto said, the focus is on reducing insurance costs. But others, including seniors, can’t afford insurance at all.

“You don’t hear about people that will never be able to afford insurance,” she said.

“And there’s a lot of them in our community.”

The need continues to grow. In 2025, the Flagler Free Clinic added 800 new patients. And recently, she said, the clinic broke its internal record, adding almost 70 new patients in January alone, after federal health care subsidies expired.

“Even working people with decent jobs cannot afford their company provided insurance anymore,” Belletto said. “The need just keeps increasing.”

No Kings, from the lens of a rally organizer

‘There was an unmistakable sense that people wanted to stand together.’

SUZANNE MCCARTHY

GUEST WRITER

By 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, half an hour before the rally was scheduled to begin, people were already gathering at the west side of the Granada Bridge at Granada Boulevard and Beach Street in Ormond Beach.

I had expected people to arrive early because they had at the previous rally. As the intersection quickly filled,

I felt encouraged to see the morning unfolding just as we had hoped.

By 10 a.m., protesters lined all four corners. The crowd stretched down Granada Boulevard and up the bridge. We organizers estimated the crowd at 650 to 700 people — noticeably larger than the previous protest, which drew about 500.

What stood out most to me was not just the size of the crowd, but its mood.

The atmosphere was joyful. There were people of all ages in the crowd, from families with children to older residents who said they had been politically active for decades. It reminded me of the previous No Kings rally in Ormond Beach on Oct. 18. Despite the larger turnout this time, the atmosphere was remarkably similar: friendly, supportive and hopeful.

Many had attended the earlier rally as well. Others had driven from out of town.

I spoke with people visiting from Wisconsin and Buffalo, New York, who said they felt compelled to be there. People smiled at strangers, complimented signs and shared why they had come.

There was an unmistakable sense that people wanted to stand together. I spoke with a couple who had arrived from

out of state for vacation the night before and were grateful to be able to attend the rally.

Organizers circulated through the crowd, passing out “Know Your Rights” cards, free water and sunscreen. The morning grew hotter as the rally went on, but people looked out for one another. When a street preacher began causing a disturbance, organizers deescalated the situation before it grew into something larger.

Compared with the last protest, there was also less hostility from passing drivers. At the earlier rally, rude comments from cars had been common. This time, there

Palm Coast holds two ‘No Kings’ protests

Over 1,600 people gathered in Palm Coast on Saturday, March 28, to participate in two “No Kings” protests, part of a nationwide demonstration that drew crowds into cities to voice their opposition to the Trump administration.

One rally took place near State Road 100 and Belle Terre Parkway, while a second was held at the intersection of Old Kings Road and Palm Coast Parkway. More than 3,000 protests were planned across the country Saturday. The demonstrations mark the third round of nationwide “No Kings” protests since the movement launched on President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday in 2025. Participants were protesting issues such as immigration raids and the U.S. military involvement in Iran. Many in attendance also pointed to rising gas prices due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

SYDNEY TEVIN

—

were few negative reactions. Instead, supportive honks, waves and shouted encouragement came steadily from traffic passing through the intersection. I also did not observe any counter-protesters.

The rally remained peaceful throughout the two-hour event.

The signs and conversations carried a common message. Again and again, people said they felt the need to speak out against President

Why I voted yes — even though I don’t want 254 homes either

Now that it has been a week since the Ormond Beach City Commission’s final vote on Tomoka Oaks, I want to take a minute to further explain my rationale for my final vote. I have heard from hundreds of residents, many of whom are friends, expressing their disappointment.

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Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com

Most importantly, I want to make it clear that I have never been and will never be thrilled with 254 new homes on the golf course property. My track record shows my passion for protecting our city’s neighborhoods and green spaces. I appreciate the input and feedback I’ve received on this issue and respect every opinion you have shared with me. I certainly understand your frustration and anger, so let me explain. We were making our decision as a commission with a virtual gun to our heads. The looming state and federal lawsuits were not going Ormond Beach’s way. We were limited in time due to a pending settlement date. Prior to the meeting, I did do my due diligence regarding the federal case and the ability for the developer to indeed

place over three hundred homes in the butterfly space. I confirmed that the developer will be required to perform extensive soil testing and “clean up” if needed, which is part of the permitting process from the Department of Environmental Protection. I confirmed that the traffic study will be updated accordingly. We approved the settlement of 254 homes to avoid a disastrous outcome for all. Anyone who reads the federal court file, was briefed on the depositions, and reads the judge’s rulings to date realizes that defeat was likely. And the outcome would have affected all Ormond residents, not just those in Tomoka Oaks.

Our legal defeat would cost all our residents, doubling most property tax bills. You read that correctly — the average property tax bill in

our city JUST for your city tax portion — would increase by an average of over $500 according to our finance department. I was not willing to jeopardize the finances of all residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes, in what I considered a lose-lose situation.

Then, on top of that, the outcome would have still allowed this developer to build, only with even more homes and an alarming 6-foot setback on each property, including the perimeter. These outcomes, unfortunately, left me with no other logical choice. I care deeply about Tomoka Oaks, but for the reasons above, I could not in good conscience take the high risk “gamble.”

On a personal note, I have served our community for over 35 years. I serve with

integrity, accountability, and honesty and at times must make the hard, unpopular decision on the dais. I have lost friendships and have had threats made against my campaign for mayor over this vote.

I’ve read every comment that’s been sent to me, for better or for worse. I will continue to appreciate you, regardless of how you felt about the issue and whether you’ll continue to support me. Before he was president, Ronald Reagan often said, “The person who agrees with you 80% of the time is a friend and an ally, not a 20% traitor.”

Whether you continue to support or not, I will always value your input and hope that together we can continue to work to make Ormond Beach the wonderful place it is to live, work, and raise our families. I love our city and always will.

CORRECTIONS

Donald Trump, Republicans in Congress and the MAGA movement. Many expressed fear about the direction of the country and said they believed democracy itself is at stake. But even with that urgency, the dominant feeling was not anger, but determination. People talked about the need to work together, to keep showing up and to make their voices heard. For two hours on a Saturday morning, the corners of Granada and Beach became more than an intersection. They became a place where hundreds of people, many of whom had never met, stood side by side and reminded each other that they were not alone.

Protest numbers keep rising

Dear Editor:

Flagler County participated in the third “No Kings” protest of March 28 with an estimated turnout of around 1,600. With momentum growing, that’s close to a double increase over the last October rally, suggesting a substantial heightened awareness and concern about our country’s direction. The local raw numbers may not appear to be very significant, but considering Flagler is viewed politically as “red as a baboon’s behind,” it’s noteworthy.

With the latest nationwide protest turnout numbers estimated at 8 million, a million more than June 2025, and the largest of its kind in U.S. history, it’s interesting to look at a broader perspective. Given a U.S. population of 349 million, it now means 1 out of 50 folks in the entire country showed up.

Excellence Defined by Results

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Easter egg shell-ebration

Children hunted for eggs, rode the train, played games and met the Easter Bunny at Palm Coast’s annual Egg’Stravaganza on Saturday, March 28, at Central Park in Town Center.

Over 4,000 residents and visitors enjoyed a day of family fun, according to the city.

Activities included arts and crafts, face painting and carnival games. Golden eggs containing special prizes were hidden around Town Center. Photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny were available inside the City Hall Community Wing.

–OBSERVER STAFF

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 2

FILM SCREENING:

‘JURASSIC WORLD

REBIRTH’

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Madorsky Theater at the Daytona State College campus, Hosseini Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Free.

ARTS VOCO AWARDS

CELEBRATION

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N.

U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the Arts VoCo Awards Celebration, the signature recognition event of the countywide Arts VoCo Season of the Arts. The celebration features live performances, award presentations, and special keynote moments. The event will begin with a cocktail-style dinner reception. The awards program will begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets cost $55. Visit ormondbeach performingartscenter.csstix. com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3

FIRST FRIDAY GARDEN WALK

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park,6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: No registration necessary; the walk is included with the park’s entry fees. Meet at garden parking lot.

DAYTONA BEACH ARTWALK

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: 100-200 block of Beach Street, Daytona Beach

Details: Downtown Daytona Beach invites the community to stroll along Beach Street every first Friday of each month to enjoy ArtWalk. Meet artists, enjoy refreshments and visit local galleries.

FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Details: Create a mixed media tulip basket. Free program. All art supplies provided. All ages welcome.

SATURDAY, APRIL 4

EASTER PARTY AND EGG HUNT

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Tomoka United Methodist Church will host a free Easter Party and Egg Hunt for children in preschool through fifth grade. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Activities will include a snack, storytime, games, coloring and a visit by the Easter Bunny with photo opportunities. Children will be divided into three age groups for the egg hunt.

SECOND ANNUAL ITALIAN FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Family Life Center, in partnership with the City of Bunnell, is hosting this festival. Proceeds will benefit survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. Food, live music, games and activities. $1 per person. Children under 12 are free. Visit https://flcfv. org/italian-festival.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Parking lot across Gods Family Bible Church, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell

Details: God’s Family Bible Church distributes food every first and third Saturday in this drive-thru event.

EGGCEPTIONAL EGG HUNT

When: 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Calvary Christian Center, 1687 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Special needs egg hunt. Sign up at CalvaryFL. link/eggceptional2026 to choose a time slot.

‘MEAN GIRLS’ When: 2-4 p.m.

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

Details: See this production by DSC Theatre. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and for Volusia and Flagler County students. Event is free for DSC students, faculty and staff with a college ID.

ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join 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.

CELEBRATING CELINE!

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast

Details: Experience the magic of Celine Dion in this tribute production featuring Jenene Caramielo. Tickets cost $54$64. Visit flaglerentertain ment.com.

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

PIANO MEN: GENERATIONS

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: See this father-son duo and band perform this concert that promises to be a rollercoaster of iconic hits. Tickets cost $40-$60. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8

MR. & MISS SEABREEZE 2026

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Seabreeze High

School auditorium, 2700 N. Oleander Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: Attend this annual competition at Seabreeze High School, where one male and female junior will be crowned Mr. and Miss Seabreeze 2026-2027. Tickets cost $11. Visit bit.ly/4s4mC2k.

AARP MEETING

When: 10 a.m. to Noon

Where: Ormond Beach

Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: This month’s guest speaker will be Jeff Boyle, who will speak about local government issues. Public invited. $5 optional light lunch. Call Boyle at 386-341-9013.

‘FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON TO FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: AN AMERICAN LANDSCAPE’

When: 11:15-12:15 p.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: The Cherry Laurel Garden Club is hosting a free lecture honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Guest speaker Roy Young will talk about historic preservation and landscape design at Fallingwater and Mount Vernon. RSVP to andreahoy@cfl. rr.com by Friday, April 3.

THURSDAY, APRIL 9

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING

When: 1:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: This is the monthly meeting of the Halifax Genealogical Society. All are welcome. This month’s topic is “Cecilia Dougherty Memorial Presentation: DNA and Indirect Evidence,” presented by Irene Sheridan.

ART OF HEALING WORKSHOP

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

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

Details: This workshop focuses on self-expression, growth and relaxation, often with a meditative component. Appropriate for all artistic skill levels. No art experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. Free program but registration is required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH PALM COAST CITY MANAGER

When: 9-10 a.m.

Where: Panera Bread, 5880 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: The City of Palm Coast invites residents to grab a cup of coffee with City Manager Mike McGlothlin. Free event. Registration required. Visit www.parksandrec.fun.

For full listings, visit the calendar at observerlocalnews. com.

FOCUS ON FAITH

to you by:

First United Methodist of Ormond holds Easter egg hunt

On Saturday, March 28, First United Methodist Church of Ormond Beach hosted an Easter egg hunt at Beachside Elementary School.

About 175 children with 125 adults registered. Additionally, there were 52 volunteers and staff, totaling about 350 people total.

“It’s important for the neighbors, the children, and the community, and for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus,” said Tony Iorlano, First United Methodist Church volunteer.

Following registration, each child received an Easter bag filled with tickets to play games or make crafts, an Easter egg hunt chapstick, pencils and crayons, an Easter bandana, paper for a scavenger hunt and a coloring activity book.

“The Easter Egg Hunt is always one of my favorite events First United gets to host,” said Caitlin Booth, First United Methodist Church director of Children’s Ministries. “Being at Beachside allows us to reach more than just the families that attend on Sunday mornings. It allows us to make connections in the community and with the Beachside families. Being

Easter: When hope rises again

The following is an excerpt from a column by Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in Palm Coast:

Long before the coming of Jesus Christ, human beings tried to understand the mystery of life, death, and what lies beyond. In their longing, they created stories, echoes of a hope planted deep within the human heart.

One such story comes from ancient Greek mythology, the story of Persephone. She was the beloved daughter of Demeter, the goddess of the harvest. One day, Persephone was taken into the underworld by Hades. Her mother searched for her in anguish, and in her grief, the earth

itself became barren. Crops failed, flowers withered, and the world entered a season of lifelessness.

But the story does not end there. After a time, Persephone is allowed to return. When she comes back from the underworld, her mother rejoices, and the earth bursts into life again.

Flowers bloom, trees regain their leaves, and warmth returns. The Greeks used this story to explain the changing seasons, winter giving way to spring, but beneath it lies something deeper: a human intuition that life can return.

Across cultures and centuries, these stories express a universal hope: that death is not the end, that something new can emerge even from loss and destruction. And yet, these are only stories, beautiful, poetic, but imagined.

able to share God’s love in a unique way and watching how God works through the egg hunt is truly amazing. Even more amazing that the rain held off until it was over.” — ABBIE PACE

St. Thomas Episcopal to host rummage sale

St. Thomas Episcopal Church is hosting its annual rummage sale, located at 5400 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast, on Friday, April 17 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Saturday, April 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shopping bags will be provided. On Saturday, April 18, from noon to 1 p.m., bags will be $5 for one, or $10 for three bags. Bags for the boutique section will cost $15 during the one-hour time frame. Shoppers will find a wide variety of gently used items, including men, women, and children’s clothing, household goods, jewelry, books, toys, and more. Breakfast and lunch items are available for purchase, as well as homemade treats.

St. Thomas Episcopal Church will be accepting donations of clean, gently used items beginning Monday, April 13 through Wednesday, April 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is also seeking volunteers to assist in organizing and running the sale. If interested, contact Judy at 305-219-1539. Send faith-related news to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

On Easter morning, something happened that was not imagined. The women who went to the tomb of Jesus were not expecting a miracle. They carried spices to anoint a dead body. Their hearts were heavy with grief. For them, Good Friday had ended everything. Their hopes had been buried with Jesus. The stone placed over the tomb was not just a physical barrier; it was a symbol of finality, of defeat, of a dream that had come to an end. But when they arrived, the stone had been rolled away. The tomb was empty. And soon they would hear the words that would change the course of history: “He is not here; he has been raised” (Luke 24:6).

Easter is not a myth like Persephone’s return. Because He lives, we too shall live.

YOUR SCHOOLS

Winning speeches: Leon for president! Lucy wants

An aspiring wildlife vet and a presidential hopeful recited their winning speeches for Flagler School Board.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Old Kings Elementary School fourth grader Lucy David wants to be a wildlife veterinarian when she grows up. Old Kings Elementary fifth grader Leon Krawczyk wants to be president.

Lucy and Leon won the Flagler County School District’s

4H Public Speaking Contest for fourth and fifth graders on Feb. 25 at the Palm Coast Community Center. They recited their winning speeches at the March 24 Flagler

CLASS NOTES

FPC’s Hurry wins Flagler County’s Voter’s Guide cover contest

School Board meeting. Flagler Schools has participated in the 4H Public Speaking Contest for over 15 years, Frank said.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved animals,” Lucy said in her speech. “If I can spend time with them and help them when they are sick or injured, it would make me happy every day. A wildlife vet takes care of animals like lions, snakes, tigers, turtles, penguins, monkeys, giraffes and more. Many of them are not the type to sit still for an appointment, so this job can be challenging, but never boring. One day I might be helping a penguin, and the next day I might be telling a monkey to stop stealing my lunch. … Wild animals can get hurt by cars, pollution, fires or by destroying their homes. … Being a wildlife vet is an

Flagler Palm Coast High School student Jacoby Hurry has won the Flagler County 2026 Voter’s Guide cover design contest. Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart presented Hurry with his winning certificate at the Flagler County School Board meeting on March 24. Hurry also received a $50 gift card. Over 80 FPC and Matanzas High School digital design students submitted cover designs for the county’s Voter’s Guide. School Board members on March 10 selected Hurry’s design as the winner. This is the 16th year of the

important job, because they help make sure that animals don’t go extinct. Without these vets, the world would be a much quieter and less interesting place. And zoos would be very awkwardly empty.”

Lucy went on to say that she was inspired by her great uncle

contest, Lenhart said.

“It’s really a great way for teachers to use this as civics education in the classroom, because our Voter’s Guide is a publication that we hand out at events and to new registrants when they come into the office to register to vote,” Lenha said. The Voter’s Guide provides information on how to register, where to vote, offices up for election, and the upcoming election schedule.

First

Baptist Academy receives full accreditation

First Baptist Christian Academy in Palm Coast has received full accreditation again this year, the school announced in a

who was an animal trainer at SeaWorld and also traveled the world helping rehabilitate animals and releasing them back in the wild.

Leon sounded like the politician he aspires to be in his speech, “Leon for President.”

“Today I’m running for the presidency,” he said. “Why? Because I believe this country needs more fun, more snacks and a lot less homework. First of all, if I become president, I promise longer weekends. Friday will be optional, but you will get some rewards for coming to school. Monday will be canceled and Wednesday will be called Fun Day. Second, the teachers, all teachers, must get a 500% rate. We’ll also include a private lounge filled with coffee machines, donuts and treadmills.

“Kids, let me ask you a question. Have you ever tried school lunch? Well, imagine it being a five-star meal with anything you can imagine. All the kids will have Ice Cream Tuesday. ... I have not forgotten about our wonderful parents. For all moms I’ll reward them for their hard

work, I’ll give each mom a car … while the dads will get a $100 gift card to buy their wives anything they want, because, as they say, ‘Happy wife, happy life.’ Let’s not forget about education. As your president, I will make a new law for every book that you will read, you will get a free donut. Yum, donuts. As president, I will also fix important problems. For example, why do socks disappear in the washing machine? I will find them, I’ll bring them home, and I’ll make sure each sock has a best friend again. And finally, I promise to listen to the people, especially kids, because kids know what really matters: fun, kindness and snacks.”

Kristin Frank is Flagler Schools’ teaching and learning specialist for English Language Arts, K-5.

press release. FBCA is accredited through multiple organizations, including the Middle States Association, Cognia, the Florida Association of Christian Colleges and Schools and the National

Council for Private School Accreditation.

“In today’s educational landscape, families deserve both transparency and choice,” Dr. Max Fernandez, FBCA’s head of school, said. “Accreditation al-

lows us to demonstrate that we are not only committed to our mission, but also to excellence, accountability, and serving students well in every area.”

YOUR TOWN

Grand Haven Woman’s Club, in its 20th year, supports community causes

The Grand Haven Woman’s Club made multiple donations to community organizations on March 26, at the Grand Haven Village Center.

Fundraising was accomplished through GHWC volunteers. Since inception, the GHWC has raised over $600,000 in support of local organizations, and contributed over 126,700 volunteer hours to over 30 organizations.

Organizations partnering with the GHWC include: Advent Health Foundation, Alpha Women’s Center, American Legion Post 115, Boggy Creek Camp, City Repertory Theatre, Daytona State College, Family Life Center, Feed Flagler/Grace Food Pantry, Fitzgerald Performing Arts, Flagler County Education Foundation, Flager County Historical Society, Flagler Free Clinic, Flagler Humane Society, Flagler Turtle Patrol, Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park, Friends of Washington Oaks State Park, Habitat for Humanity, Kids, Rock the Nation, Palm Coast Historical Society, PCUMC/ Our Father’s Table, PC Volunteer Fire Rescue, Provision Packs, Rise above the Violence, St Vincent DePaul, UF Whitney Laboratory, Vincent’s Clubhouse and Whispering Meadows Ranch.

According to GHWC President Awilda Hamilton, “The GHWC has much about which to be proud. Our volunteer efforts, paired with the generous support and leadership of our annual partners, make it possible for us to assist local nonprofit organizations as they fulfill their diverse mis-

sions.”

GHWC members volunteer with and provide financial support to numerous local organizations that promote the arts, education, conservation, healthy lifestyles, and civic engagement. One hundred percent of net proceeds from fundraising goes directly back to the community.

NCCAA Sports Clinics draw crowds to Holland Park, Palm Harbor Golf

The City of Palm Coast presented its annual NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) Sports Clinics on Saturday March 28 — an annual city event for the past 18 years. This year continued the tradition, as nearly 200 local

youths took to the fields and courts at James F. Holland Park and the practice facilities at nearby Palm Harbor Golf Club for a day of sports, community and perfect weather conditions. This year’s roster of sports

included baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball and golf – all instructed by student-athletes from Trinity College in Jacksonville.

“We are very thankful for the tremendous partnership we have with the NCCAA, and

their continuous efforts to making these sports clinics a memorable experience for the kids in our community,” said City of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst. In addition to the clinics,

12-pump gas station and retail planned for Sesame and Seminole Woods, in Palm Coast

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A gas station and drive-thru commercial building with additional retail space is being planned for the north end of Sesame Boulevard along Seminole Woods Boulevard.

The project is still under review by the city of Palm Coast, but city documents show renderings of a 12-pump gas station and an L-shaped retail space. The preliminary designs show space for a convenience store, a drivethrough restaurant and four office or retail store spaces. The project is located at the north entrance into Sesame Boulevard from Seminole Woods. The convenience store will have 4,000 square feet

BIZ BUZZ

Halifax Humane Society offers male neutering for a nickel Halifax Humane Society is offering 5-cent male cat neuter surgeries from April 1 to June 30, with a goal to complete 900 procedures in 90 days to control overpopulation.

The “Neuter Scooter for a Nickel” initiative comes as the organization prepares to celebrate its 90th anniversary, a press release stated.

“Neutering male cats is a relatively quick, noninvasive procedure,” said Sean Hawkins, chief executive

in size.

The three smaller spaces will have 1,150 square feet and 54 parking spaces will be provided. Though some aspects of the technical site plan are still under review, a development permit was issued for the property owner, PC Lane, LLC, to begin construction work.

No specific gas station company, restaurant or business was listed in the city documents at this time.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Swillerbees Craft Donuts and Coffee Flagler Beach location is moving across the street into a bigger space, all to create community gathering space.

In a March 25 Facebook post, the Wehde family announced that the current Swillerbees in Flagler Beach will be moving across the street to the Ocean Bliss Spa building at 205 N. Central Ave. The space will allow for more parking and community-focused gatherings, the post said.

families, business people, friends, creatives, and anyone who just needs a spot to breathe.”

The new location will be open in early April and will have a private room available for meetings and a kidfriendly space for children to play.

“We’d love to hear what you would love to have there,” coowner Holly Wehde said in the video announcement.

Swillerbees,

officer of Halifax Humane Society. “Because of this — and thanks to our highly trained veterinary team — we can safely accommodate additional surgeries each day. By focusing on male cats, we can immediately reduce the number of unwanted kitten births and make a meaningful impact on animal homelessness in our community.”

The surgeries will take place at the HHS Spay and Neuter Clinic at 600 Mason Ave., Suite 150, in Daytona Beach. Feral cat surgeries are available on Wednesdays, and pet cat surgeries will be conducted on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Appointments for male cat neuter surgeries are required and must be made online by visiting https://www. halifaxhumanesociety.org/

of retail space while the restaurant and the largest retail space will be 1,250 square feet

spay-neuter-clinic. Feral cats must arrive in a humane box trap. Pet cats must arrive in sturdy plastic carriers.

In addition to the surgery, the initiative includes postoperative pain medication, rabies vaccination, microchip for pet cats and an ear tip for feral cats.

Additional services — including vaccinations, testing, and flea prevention — will be available at the time of surgery for an additional cost.

Novel Tea Book Shop to host literary experience

Ormond’s Novel Tea Book Shop will debut “The Book End,” a curated literary experience, at the 2026 Daytona

In that same area of Sesame Boulevard is an application for a 394-lot, age-restricted residential project, called Soleta Lakes.

Beach Arts Festival, to be held

April 11-12 in the Beach Street Arts District.

According to a press release, The Book End will transform Federal Lane between Starry Night Gallery and the former Little Italy space into a destination for readers, writers and families featuring local and regional authors, live poetry readings, storytelling, creative activities and family-friendly programming throughout the weekend.

Visitors will have the opportunity to meet authors, explore books across multiple genres, and participate in interactive experiences such as bookmark decorating, zine demonstrations and literarythemed activities.

Novel Tea Book Shop will also host a central activation

“We want to build a community hub. Because people need community more than ever,” the post said. “We’re creating a space where you can come, stay, connect, and belong. A place for moms,

space offering tea, books and featured author signings.

“The arts festival has always been an incredible showcase for visual and performing arts,” said Stephanie Gonter, coowner of Novel Tea Book Shop.

“The Book End expands that celebration to include literature and storytelling, creating a space where readers can meet authors and experience books as part of the creative community.”

The Book End will feature a curated group of authors representing a variety of genres, including fiction, fantasy, romance, young adult and children’s literature.

For more information visit www.novelteabookshop.com or contact Gonter at stephanie@novelteabookshop.com or 386-317-6820.

Dahlia closes in Daytona Beach

Dahlia Mexican Kitchen closed its Daytona Beach location on Sunday, March 28.

“We want to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you who supported us, dined with us, celebrated with us, and became part of our Dahlia family,” the restaurant’s Facebook post stated. “The memories made here mean more than we can put into words.” The restaurant was located in the Shoppes at One Daytona. The owners still operate one restaurant at One Daytona — BurgenTen and ChickenToo — as well as a Dahlia location in Port Orange. Changes will be coming soon to the Port Orange restaurant, according to the post.

REAL ESTATE

Flagler Beach home sells for $1.77 million

Ahouse at 3341 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., in Flagler Beach, was the top real estate transaction for March 14-20 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Mar. 16 for $1,770,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 4/4 and has a dunewalk and 2,336 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $1,050,000. The home was listed by Alexia Cipollone and Lawrence Cipollone, of DJ and Lindsey Real Estate.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 200 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 141, sold on March 19, for $700,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,003 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $825,000.

A condo at 102 Yacht Harbor Drive, Unit 271, sold on March 17, for $385,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,570 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $740,000.

A condo at 6 Greenbriar Court, Unit 6, sold on March 17, for $169,000. Built in 1980, the condo is a 1/1.5 and has 912 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $56,000.

A condo at 80 Surfview Drive, Unit 602, sold on March 16, for $515,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $535,000.

A condo at 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit C334, sold on

March 17, for $177,500. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,125 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $169,900.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 610, sold on March 16, for $1,319,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 4/3 and has 2,179 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $1,270,000.

A condo at 400 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 321, sold on March 16, for $598,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,003 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $750,000.

PALM COAST

Harbor Marina Village

A house at 228 Yacht Harbor Drive sold on March 16, for $1,570,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a pool and 4,487 square feet.

Palm Coast Plantation

A house at 119 South Riverwalk Drive sold on March 19, for $1,075,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a boat house, a boat lift, a shared dock and 3,109 square feet.

Palm Harbor A house at 68 Colechester Lane sold on March 16, for

$750,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,865 square feet.

A house at 61 Comanche Court sold on March 18, for $715,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a dock, a boat house and 1,720 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $290,000.

A house at 3 Colleen Court sold on March 18, for $725,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a fireplace, a dock, a boat house and 2,167 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $405,000.

Seminole Woods

A house at 3 Seton Court sold on March 20, for $380,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,307 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $277,800.

Tidelands

A house at 54 Longview Way N. sold on March 20, for $680,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,534 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $725,000.

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

Nashville’s top writers to perform in Palm Coast

Eighth annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival is April 23-26.

OBSERVER STAFF

The eighth annual Palm Coast Songwriters Festival takes center stage April 23-26, with the theme Stars, Stripes & Stories, a tribute to the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. The event features a lineup of over 45 singer/songwriters with more than 200 No. 1 hits between them, telling the stories behind their songs.

The festival also helps raise funds to support Daytona State College Foundation, Flagler County Education Foundation, Neighbor to Family Organization, Gold Star Mentors Foundation, and The Lori Fund which supports various veteran organizations.

Among the lineup of artists are Tyler Farr, Jeffrey Steele, Ira Dean, Jamie O’Neal, The Warren Brothers, Jimmy Yeary, Chris DeStefano and Lydia Vaughan.

“(This festival is) truly legendary,” DeStefano said in a press release. “Countless ‘highlight reel’ moments with wall-to-wall talent and smash hit songs.”

The festival schedule: „ Wednesday, April 22: Free preview show at the Golden Lion Café (4-8 p.m.)

„ Thursday, April 23: Free show at Hammock Grill by JT’s (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), followed by ticketed kickoff show, at the Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater (4:30-10:15 p.m.) „ Friday, April 24: Exclusive shows for members and guests only, at Hammock Beach Resort (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and evening ticketed performances at the DSC amphitheater (5- 10 p.m.), with a dedication to veterans „ Saturday, April 25: Bloody Mary Brunch Bash at The Landing Strip Tavern, a ticketed show that’s sold out, followed by evening ticketed performances at the DSC amphitheater (5-10 p.m.) „ Sunday, April 26th: Grand finale with performances from 1:00 PM to 6:30 PM at the DSC amphitheater

Visit the festival’s YouTube Channel or see www.palm coastsongwritersfestival. com. Send your local news to Brent Woronoff at brent@observer localnews.com.

Down under

Despite Five Star loss, new delivery working for Flagler Palm Coast pitcher

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jordan Gonzalez is pleased with his new submarine style pitching delivery, but he and his Flagler Palm Coast teammates and coaches were not pleased with the Bulldogs’ 5-3 home loss to Orange City University on Monday, March 30, in the first round of the Five Star Conference baseball tournament.

FPC, the second seed in the tourney, dropped into the consolation bracket where the Bulldogs (13-7) hosted New Smyrna Beach (4-12-1) on Tuesday, March 31. FPC won 9-1, advancing to the fifthplace game on April 2.

On March 30, Gonzalez pitched 6.1 innings allowing four earned runs on seven hits including a second-inning home run to Aiden Shaw.

FPC scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth to take a 3-2 lead with Gonzalez contributing with a run-scoring single. But the Titans (10-9) scored a run in the sixth and two more in the seventh while University starter Tyler Kniebbe and

reliever Jaden Palmer kept the Bulldogs off the scoreboard in the last two innings.

Nole Hemmerle had a big day for FPC with a solo home run in the third inning and a single and a run scored in the fifth. Hemmerle went 3 for 4 on the night. But the Bulldogs as a team left eight men on base and struck out 11 times.

“We didn’t play well

tonight,” FPC coach Kyle Marsh said. “We didn’t make the routine plays in the beginning of the game, and it came back and bit us, and we didn’t make adjustments at the plate. We just struggled all night. Props to (Kniebbe). He came in and did his job, but we weren’t prepared.”

Gonzalez, who has a 3.16 earned run average over a team-high 37.2 innings, has been solid all season with his new submarine delivery, bending his torso and releasing the ball almost near dirt level.

“Gonzo did what Gonzo has done all season,” Marsh said. “He gave us a chance to win.”

The senior made the switch from the more conventional over-the-top delivery in the fall.

“I like throwing sub a lot more. I tore my MCL over the summer, so I couldn’t throw for a while, and I came back and I was throwing pretty bad from over the top, so I just switched.”

JORDAN GONZALEZ

“I like throwing sub a lot more,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like it’s a lot better. I tore my MCL over the summer, so I couldn’t throw for a while, and I came back and I was throwing pretty bad from over the top, so I just switched. It’s been a lot better since. Every start, I feel like I get a little better, and my stuff gets a little better.”

Marsh said the submarine delivery will give Gonzalez a better chance of getting an opportunity to pitch in college.

“He’s grown into it and doing a really good job at it,” Marsh said. “It takes a lot of time, and a lot of practice, and I think he’s putting a lot of time and effort into really mastering it. And this is just the beginning for him. I just think it

gives him more opportunities in college to come in and be a spot relief guy or be a closer. I look forward to see what he can do at the next level.”

The Bulldogs came into the University game having won six of their last seven games. They are currently ranked third in both their district and region. Each win can make a difference for their postseason position.

“We play two more games (in the Five Star tournament), and they matter for our record to get a high regional seed,” Gonzalez said after the University game. “Win a regional, and no one cares if we lost Five Star.”

The Bulldogs have three more regular-season games after the conference tournament.

Seabreeze honors its four seniors on baseball Senior Night

The Sandcrabs celebrated Austin Upchurch, Tommy Hayes, Jacob McKinnon and JT Gilbert.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Seabreeze baseball team honored its four seniors at its Senior Night celebration before its game with St. Augustine on March 25 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The Sandcrabs recognized seniors Austin Upchurch, Tommy Hayes, Jacob McKinnon and JT Gilbert.

Seabreeze fell to the Yellow Jackets 4-2. Freshman Dallas Newkirk had two hits, including a double, and scored both runs for the Sandcrabs. Seabreeze won five of seven games from Feb. 26 to March 17 but then lost five in a row. Two of the losses came on the games’ final at-bat. Palm Harbor won 7-6 in the eighth inning on a walk-off single on March 18. On March 27, Seabreeze fell to Spruce Creek 2-1. The Hawks, 17-3 and the fifthranked team in Class 7A, won on a bases-loaded walk in the bottom of the seventh inning. It was a hard-luck loss for Hayes, who allowed three hits and one earned run in 6.1

The fifth-seeded

fighting. That’s what I just love about this team: the heart. They’re a good group of girls. They love each other. They’re playing for each other, and they just battled and battled.”

Following the Buccaneers’ 20-0 loss to the Sharks the previous week, Simpson and his staff made a few adjustments before heading into the March 30 game. He moved their star rusher, Natalie “Uno” Williams, to the offensive line, where her speed was used at running back. He also told quarterback Natalie Williams that it was not necessary to throw the ball every play and, as an athlete, to trust her feet.

‘What I love about this team: the heart’

Natalie Williams scored the Buccaneers’ first touchdown of the game, on a quarterback keeper, passed for 179 yards, had 11 rushing yards, and made two interceptions. She finished with two rushing and two passing touchdowns.

Ubi Patel coached offense and defense with the Mainland flag football team for four years before becoming the defensive coordinator for Daytona State College’s flag football team last year. He is currently the Buccaneers’ defensive coach and said the adjustments made the difference.

“We went to a zone defense, and then once we went to the zone defense, after that, we got three interceptions, a bunch of sacks, and shut them out,” he said.

Mainland alumna Alexa Wilson, who was also a quarterback for the Bucs, coaches the offense. She recently graduated from Thomas University, where she had a successful career as a quarterback for the Night Hawks. She said it is emotional coaching her team.

“I wish that I could be playing still,” she said. “It’s weird to be in these close game situations with this team and not be able to do anything but trust that they’re going to take the call. But Nat (quar terback Natalie Williams) did, and she did a great job. I love to pour myself into her and try to just make her a better quarterback every day. She’s amazing.”

Natalie “Uno” Williams finished the game with one rushing touchdown as a run ning back, tight end Terri Williams had one touch down, and tight end/line backer Zariah Blue solidified the win with a last-quarter touchdown reception. Blue recently committed to play flag football with the Daytona State College Falcons. Rusher Shamya Scott cur rently leads the Bucs with 14 sacks this season.

“I wish that I could be playing still. It’s weird to be in these close game situations with this team and not be able to do anything but trust that they’re going to take the call. But Nat (quarterback Natalie Williams) did, and she did a great job. I love to pour myself into her and try to just make her a better quarterback every day. She’s amazing.”

ALEXA WILSON

FPC advances to Five Star Conference flag football championship game

Tori Spann ran for a touchdown and threw for the extra point in FPC’s 7-6 victory over Spruce Creek.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s flag football players knew their game against Spruce Creek on March 30 would come down to defense.

The Bulldogs got the job done, keeping the Hawks out of the end zone when it mattered in a 7-6 home victory in the first round of the Five Star Conference flag football tournament. FPC (8-2) went on to defeat New Smyrna Beach 19-0 on March 31 to advance to the championship game at top seed Deltona on April 2 at 6 p.m.

“Their offense is very disciplined,” FPC senior Nereyda Campos said of Spruce Creek.

“We just knew from the start that we had to come out strong and we had to protect the (fly routes) and (stop routes), and we executed very well.”

The Bulldogs took the lead with 1:52 left in the second quarter on Tori Spann’s 3-yard touchdown run. Spann then connected with Stephanie Turner on an extra-point pass which turned out to be the difference in the game.

“We stopped them in the red zone at least four times, and it’s just a testament to the girls,” FPC coach John King said. “It doesn’t matter what happens, they’re going to keep fighting.”

Spruce Creek scored in the third quarter on quarterback Khloe Jackson’s touchdown pass to Nina Macy, but the Bulldogs kept Hawks receiver Mateja Santo Domingo out of the end zone on the extra point attempt.

Creek moved to within 7 yards of a score in the waning moments of the second quarter and then moved to within 10 yards of a score with 1:09 left in the game before turning the ball over on downs.

FPC won its fourth game in a row but was playing for the first time in 18 days because of a rainout following spring break.

“You could tell we were a little rusty, but the girls showed up and got it done,” King said.

The win was the Bulldogs’ second against the Hawks this season. FPC also defeated Creek 6-0 in overtime in the season opener on Feb. 18.

Spann scored the Bulldogs’ only touchdown in that game too.

“Spruce Creek is a great program, and they have been for a long time,” King said. “They’re well respected in the area. And we’ve had to battle them twice now. I fully expect to play them at least one more time and possibly even in the regional playoffs, because that’s a really good team.”

Campos, who plays quarterback, running back and defensive back for the Bulldogs, said her team has good chemistry. Spann, Tuner and Campos first developed that chemistry with the Bulldogs’ basketball team, Campos said.

“We all work together well from basketball to flag football,” she said.

Matanzas girls lacrosse tops FPC to clinch first winning season in 10 years

‘Tonight was such a memorable night’: Pirates celebrate after winning final home game on Senior Night.

Matanzas girls lacrosse coach

Brandie Alred has the Pirates’ program on the upswing. Flagler Palm Coast’s longtime coach, Katie Kastner, is excited about the potential of her young players.

It’s not easy running a lacrosse program in Flagler County, where the sport is essentially on an island. There are no high school lacrosse programs in neighboring Volusia County. And there is no feeder program in Flagler.

“We’re kind of like a dry zone,” Kastner said. “(The players) come to us at the high school level, and they’ve never even seen lacrosse, let alone know how to play. So you’re really starting from the ground up.”

Yet, both programs have experienced some success over the years as new players

fall in love with the game and make up for lost time. Alred took over a team that was coming off multiple winless seasons and has led the Pirates to 16 wins in three years.

Matanzas’ 10-5 win over FPC on Wednesday, March 25, clinched the Pirates’ first winning record since 2016 when they went 14-4.

With the win over the Bulldogs on Matanzas’ Senior Night, the Pirates improved to 6-4. Their final regularseason game was April 1 at Beachside.

“We clinched it,” Matanzas senior midfielder and co-captain Mia Apfelbach exclaimed. “Our first winning season in 10 years. We’re going to remember that for the rest of our lives.”

Sophomore Trinity Johnston and junior Addison

session of eight ground balls and had six draw controls.

Johnston won six draws for the Pirates, while Apfelbach had seven ground balls.

At halftime, the Pirates honored seniors Apfelbach, Taylor Basiger, Kenna Hardee, Paityn Lawrence and Openshaw.

“It was a very fun night but also a very sad night, because I’ll be leaving my team and moving to college,” said Lawrence, who is a defender and co-captain. “It’s bittersweet, but it’s definitely fun to celebrate with my team. I’m going to miss them a lot next year.”

With the win, the Pirates tied their all-time series with the Bulldogs at 11-11. Matanzas has won four in a row against FPC, including both games this season, and five of the last six. The Bulldogs had won five in a row before that.

Alred each scored three goals for Matanzas. Apfelbach and Amirah Kardas scored two goals apiece and senior Taylor Openshaw scored one goal.

Juniors Sofia Fretterd and Brianna Long scored all five goals for FPC. Fretterd scored three goals and Long scored two. Long also gained pos -

The latest game was close into the third quarter when FPC pulled to within 5-3, but the Pirates scored five goals in a row to take a 10-3 lead with 6:58 left in the game.

“We just couldn’t sustain through the 48 minutes,” Kastner said. “You’re not going to win a game playing one or two good quarters. You got to play the whole 48.”

FPC followed the loss with wins over Menendez and St. Joseph to improve to 3-9.

The Bulldogs have only three seniors this year — Gianna Seifert, Riley Nousaath and goalie Emma Haggard — with most of their key players returning next year.

“We have a lot of young girls, a lot of good potential,” Kastner said. “Most of our attack’s coming back, twothirds of our midfield is coming back, and we should have a good class coming in, so it’s exciting.”

Brandie Alred said she was pleased with the Pirates’ ball movement against FPC.

“They play hard defense and they play very aggressive,” she said. “So, the fact that we were able to keep the ball moving to keep their defense on their toes was great. That opened up a lot of different shots from different points, from the X from behind the goal, from the top, and we had some great fast breaks.”

FPC and Matanzas will play on the road in the District 4-2A quarterfinals on April 9. The other four teams in the district are all in Seminole County. But for one final night, the Pirates’ seniors were able to celebrate at the Ship.

“I loved being with my team for the last home game,” Apfelbach said. “Tonight was such a memorable night, and I loved every moment of it.”

Strawser wins two titles, McFall breaks record SIDELINES

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s Matt McFall set a school record and Cody Strawser won two titles as the Bulldogs placed second in both competitions at the Five Star Conference boys weightlifting championships on Wednesday, March 25, at FPC.

Spruce Creek won both titles. The Hawks defeated FPC by one point, 53-52, in the Olympic competition. Creek won by a more comfortable margin the traditional competition, 61-42.

“I’d rather get beat by 100 points than get beat by one point,” FPC coach Duane Hagstrom said. “One made lift here, one made lift there and it’s a different (outcome).”

New Smyrna Beach finished third in both competitions. Seabreeze was fourth in

FPC’s Matt McFall gets set to snatch 265 pounds. McFall had a career day with a school record in the clean and jerk and another PR in the bench press. He won the unlimited weight class in Olympic and tied for the top total in traditional but placed second based on the body-weight tiebreaker.

strom said. “He made a crazy jump on his third clean and jerk (attempting 300 pounds after lifting 280) just because he had already won after his opener (of 270). We were just playing around with some things moving forward. We’re just trying to progress as we get towards state.”

Nya Williams wins Miss Weightlifting honor was state’s top girls lifter

FPC lacrosse goalie passes milestone

Olympic with 23 points and fifth in traditional, also with 23 points, one point behind DeLand. Mainland finished seventh in traditional and ninth in Olympic.

McFall won the Olympic title in the unlimited class by 90 pounds over Spruce Creek’s Jeremiah Hall with a 620-pound total. McFall set a school record in the clean and jerk with a 355-pound lift. He also hoisted a personal-record 355 pounds in the bench press for a 710-pound traditional total, tying Hall for first place.

But Hall won the tie-breaker with a lower body weight.

Strawser won both titles in the 129-pound class going 9-for-9 on his lifts. He totaled 450 pounds in the Olympic lifts (snatch and clean and jerk) and 475 in traditional (clean and jerk and bench).

Jackson Fedun won the 169-pound Olympic title with a 505-pound total and placed second in traditional with a 525-pound total.

“Cody won two titles. Matt had a great day. Jackson Fedun had a great day,” Hag-

Also placing among the top three for the Bulldogs were Anthony Giacobbe (second in Olympic, third in traditional, 119 pounds), Landon Gates (second in Olympic, third in traditional, 183 pounds), Marlon Alvarado (second in Olympic, 199 pounds), Mathias Parker (third in Olympic, second in traditional, 199 pounds), Joseph Casanova (second in Olympic, third in traditional, 238 pounds), and Wendell Weaver (third in Olympic, unlimited).

For Seabreeze, Ezra Williams placed second in traditional at 183 pounds with a 525-pound total, Vincent Pedersen was third in Olympic at 129 pounds, Dean Hayes was third in Olympic at 139 pounds and Jace Perez placed third in traditional at 154 pounds.

Mainland’s Ray Tatro (119 pounds) and Mason Durrance (219 pounds) both placed third in traditional.

The Bulldogs host their final regular-season meet on April 1. They will face Spruce Creek and Mainland again, along with Matanzas, in the District 4-3A tournament on April 8 at FPC. Seabreeze will compete in the District 8-2A meet at New Smyrna Beach.

“In 2022 when we won state, we didn’t win conference, we didn’t win districts and we didn’t win regionals,” Hagstrom said. “As you move farther down the road, the field thins out. So, anything’s possible.”

Flagler Palm Coast state weightlifting champion Nya Williams has been selected as the 2026 Florida Dairy Farmers Miss Weightlifting. The award goes to the top girls weightlifter in the state. Williams, a junior, dominated the 119-pound division at the Class 3A state championships, winning the traditional and Olympic titles. She set a new state clean-and-jerk record with a 210-pound lift.

Williams won three gold medals at the 2025 USA Weightlifting national championships last June and has been accepted USA Weightlifting’s National Team Program. On Tuesday, March 31, Sports Illustrated Kids visited FPC to do a photo shoot with Williams for an upcoming feature.

Pirate commits to Oglethorpe University for lacrosse Matanzas boys lacrosse attacker Vincent Ferrugiaro committed to Oglethorpe University in Atlanta to play lacrosse next year.

Mad Dogs realignment

Mad Dogs Flag Football President Jay Maxwell announced on Facebook that he is stepping away from day-to-day operations of the Flagler County organization. Maxwell’s new title with Mad Dogs will be CEO with Joey Arzuaga the new president and Rick Vaders vice president. Nicole Nichols Magsino will work with the Mad Dogs women’s league

FPC boys lacrosse goalie Aiden Commendatore surpassed 600 saves with the Bulldogs during a game on March 25. Commendatore, who has signed with Savannah College of Art and Design to play college lacrosse next year, has reached the saves milestone in three seasons after transferring to FPC before his sophomore year.

Track and field standouts

FPC’s La’Darius Simmons placed second in javelin at the FSU Relays with a throw of 190 feet, 8 inches. Matanzas’ Peyton Cerasi was 26th in the girls 3,200 meters at the Relays in 11:04.5. At the Coach McPherson Invitational in Sanford, FPC’s Jordan Haymon won the 200 with a PR 21.39, Naji Eddins won 110 hurdles, Tony Coates won 400 hurdles. Anna Grigoruk won the girls 1,600 meters. Mainland’s Ethan Figeueroa won high jump and long jump. Mainland’s Michael London won discus. Mainland’s Makayla Doe won girls triple jump and Sydney Noelien won girls discus. At the Royal Invitational at The First Academy, Matanzas’ Kamryn Miller won girls discus, Kevin Gilpin won boys 400. Jaden Hart-Dormevil, Jez McCoy, Josh Mills and Jayden McCoy won the 4x400 relay. At the Deltona Tuneup, Seabreeze’s Aiden O’Brien won both the boys 100 and 200, Hunter Shuler won the 1,600, Dominic Dowell won the 400 hurdles, Drayton Bracket won the 110 hurdles and Dowell, Brackett, Kjon Willis and Jacob McKinnon won the 4x400.

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TRIBUTES

Peter James Loprete

December 29, 1924 - March 24, 2026

Corporal and MP overseas. He was a successful insurance agent with Allstate for 37 years. Pete and Yolanda, his wife of 68 years, spent time between New Jersey and Palm Coast, Florida. They enjoyed golfing together and Lindy was Pete’s biggest fan watching him play softball for Wadsworth and the Senior Olympics. Pete pitched until he was 90. They were members of the Italian American Club, American Legion, Elks, VFW, and the Palm Coast Yacht Club. He was a practicing Catholic and charitable to friends and causes. Pete was always ready with a song or a joke to brighten up your day. He was predeceased by his wife, and three brothers, John, Martin, Louis, and sister, Mildred. He will be greatly missed by his children Robert (Deborah), Leslie (Bob), Donna; grandchildren Robbie, Michael, Jeffrey, Ali, and Nick; great grandchildren Steven, Harper, Lily; and many friends and teammates in Palm Coast especially Beth and Charlie Corallo who were so kind

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until the end. A service and celebration of Life will take place at a later date. Pete is now coaching and pitching for God’s softball team and telling the outfield where to play. Love you Dad. Rest in peace. Go Yankees!

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7763-340934 Apr. 2, 2026 IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA HIDDEN LAKES OF PALM COAST HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC., A FLORIDA NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION, PLAINTIFF, V. CHRISTOPHER R. SMITH, MICHELE ROSE-SMITH, ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, TENANTS, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, IF ANY, DEFENDANTS CASE NO.: 2025-CC-000553 NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the ORDER GRANTING PLAINTIFF'S MOTION TO RESCHEDULE FORECLOSURE SALE entered March 25, 2026 in Case No.: 2025-CC-000553 of the County Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida in which HIDDEN LAKES OF PALM COAST HOMEOWNER'S ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida Not For Profit Corporation, is the Plaintiff and Defendants, CHRISTOPHER R. SMITH and MICHELE ROSE-SMITH, et. al., Tom Bexley, Clerk of the Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on www. flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with chapter 45 Florida Statutes, Flagler County, Florida on May 1, 2026 at 11:00 am , EST the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 37, HIDDEN LAKES

1

PROPERTY ADDRESS: 73 Auberry Drive, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. The Court, in its discretion, may enlarge the time of the sale. Notice of the changed time of sale shall be published as provided herein.

By: /s/ Krista Garcia Krista Garcia, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 1058818 THE ORLANDO LAW GROUP, PL 12301 Lake Underhill Road, Suite 213 Orlando, Florida 32828-7365 Telephone: 407-512-4394

Facsimile: 407-955-4654

E-Mail:

KGarcia@theorlandolawgroup.com JReedy@theorlandolawgroup.com

Attorney for Plaintiff 7763-340636 Apr. 2, 9, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF MARTHA WOOLLEY DECEASED. FILE NO. 2026-CP-000130 DIVISION 48

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

The administration of the estate of MARTHA WOOLLEY, deceased, whose date of death was January 5, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216- 732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is April 2, 2026.

Attorney for Personal Representative:

/s/ Edward John Welch Edward John Welch, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 685089 Welch Law, PLLC 641 University Blvd, Ste. 108 Jupiter, Florida 33458 Telephone: (561) 413-9536 E-Mail: ew@welch.law Personal Representative: /s/ Angela A. Lipari ANGELA A. LIPARI 15 Stoney Drive Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410 7763-340365 Apr. 2, 9, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF HENRY E. CLAIR DECEASED. FILE NO. 2026 CP 000102

DIVISION 48 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

(SUMMARY ADMINISTRATION) TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE

ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Henry E. Clair, deceased, File Number 2026 CP 000102, by the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent's date of death was December 21, 2025; that the total value of the estate is $69,153.35 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Harry James Clair 19 Red Fox Lane Flagler Beach, FL 32126

Steven Edward Clair Post Office Box 904 Bunnell, Florida 32110 David Paul Clair 270 Osprey Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32136 Dawn Lisa Clair 16 Edge Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32164 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.288 Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. The date of first publication of this Notice is April 2, 2026. Attorney for Person Giving Notice: s/Lloyd Bowers, Esq. Lloyd Bowers, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0135607 WICKERSHAM & BOWERS

501 N. Grandview Avenue Suite 115 Daytona Beach, FL 32118 Telephone: (386) 252-3000 Fax: (386) 239-5133

E-Mail:

lbowers@wickershamandbowers.com

Secondary E-Mail: randi@wickershamandbowers.com

Person Giving Notice: Harry James Clair 19 Red Fox Lane Flagler Beach, Florida 32126 7763-340476 Apr. 2, 9, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING TOMOKA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Tomoka Community Development District (“District ”) will hold its regular meeting of the Board of Supervisors on April 14, 2026, at 4:00 p.m., at 150 Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast, FL 32137. A copy of the agenda for the meeting can be obtained from the District Office at PFM Group Consulting LLC, 3501 Quadrangle Boulevard, Suite 270, Orlando, FL 32817 or by phone at (407) 723-5900. Additionally, a copy of the agenda, along with any meeting materials available in an electronic format, may be obtained at https://tomokacdd.com/. The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at such meeting. There may be occasions when Board Supervisors or District Staff may participate by speaker telephone.

Any person requiring special accommodations at the meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing

or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office.

Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

Vivian Carvalho District Manager 7764-340460 7763-340460 Apr. 2, 2026

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Robin J Kissel the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No:2022 / 29 Year of Issuance:2022

Description of Property:

That portion of Section 24, Township 10 South, Range 28 East, Flagler County, Florida, described as follows: Commence at the Northeast corner of said Section 24; Thence run S0°-10'-00"E, along the East line of said Section 24, 1143.65 feet; Thence run due West, 2678.60 feet to the Point of Beginning of the hereinafter described parcel of land; Thence continue due West, 330.00 feet; Thence run due South, 165.00 feet; Thence run due East, 330.00 feet; Thence run due North, 165.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Less the East 30 feet for road, utility and drainage purposes. Also described as Tract 256 of Unit IV of the unrecorded plat of Flagler Estates. That portion of Section 24, Township 10 South, Range 28 East, Flagler County, Florida, described as follows: Commence at the Northeast corner of said Section 24; Thence run S0°-10'-00"E, along the East line of said Section 24, 1308.65 feet; Thence run due West, 2679.08 feet. to the Point of Beginning of the hereinafter described parcel of land; Thence continue due West, 330.0 feet; Thence run due South, 165.00 feet; Thence run due East, 330.00 feet; Thence run due North, 165.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Less the East 30 feet for road, utility and drainage purposes and also being subject to the South 20 feet for utility and drainage purposes. Also described as Tract 257 of Unit IV of the unrecorded plat of Flagler Estates. Name in which assessed:

EDWARD S GREGOREK JR (DECEASED)

All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.gov/ TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of May, 2026 at 9 a.m. Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 26-001 TDC 7763-337843

Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on 04/10/2026 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 2004 SKYO HS 04610447S. Last Tenants: CHRISTOPHER GEORGE GRIFFITHS and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs. Sale to be at MHC BULOW PLANTATION, LLC, 3345 OLD KINGS RD., FLAGLER BEACH, FL 32136. 813282-6754. 7763-340326 Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 2026

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

Notice is hereby given that on 04/10/2026 at 10:30 am, the following mobile home will be sold at public auction pursuant to F.S. 715.109. 0 UNKNOW HS NOVIN0200741204. Last Tenants: AURTHOR JOSEPH BLUMENFELD AKA JOSEPH BLUMENFELD and all unknown parties beneficiaries heirs. Sale to be at MHC BULOW PLANTATION, LLC, 3345 OLD KINGS RD., FLAGLER BEACH, FL 32136. 813-282-6754. 7763-340325

Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 2026

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON, COUNTY OF CLARK IN RE:

PETITIONER/S: DANIELA NIKORICH RESPONDENT/S: ANDRIAN NIKORICH NO. 2530179506

EXPARTE Order to Allow Service by Publication The court has considered the Petitioner's Motion to Serve by Publication. The Motion shows a valid reason to serve by publication. The Summons in this case may be served on Andrian Nikorich by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in this county once a week for six weeks. Proof of publication must be filed with the court. The serving party may use the Summons Served by Publication form (FL All Family 110). Ordered . Date: 3/10/2026 /s/ Juliet C. Laycoe

Commissioner Presented by: Petitioner

of

Daniela Nikorich

Respondent: Andrian

not file and serve your Response or a Notice of Appearance by the deadline:

• No one has to notify you about other hearings in this case, and

• The court may approve the Petitioner's requests without hearing your side. (This Is called a default judgment.) Lawyer not required. It Is a good idea to talk to a lawyer, but you may file and serve your Response without one. Follow these steps:

1. Read the Petition and any other documents you receive with this Summons. These documents explain what Petitioner is asking for.

2. Fill out the Response on one of these forms:

• Response to Petition about a Marriage (FL Divorce 211) if you are married, or

• Response to Petition about a Registered Domestic Partnership (FL Divorce 212) if you are a domestic partner. You can get the Response and other forms at:

• The Washington State Courts' website: www.courts.wa.gov/forms

• Washington Law Help: www. washlngtonlawhelp.org, or

• The Superior Court Clerk's office or county law library(for a fee).

3. Serve (give) a copy of your Response to Petitioner at the petitioner's address for service listed on page 1.

4. File your original Response with the clerk of the court at the court's address for filing listed on page 1. /s/ Daniela Nikorich

Daniela Nikorich November 6, 2025 7763-339296

Mar. 26, Apr. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION REAL TIME RESOLUTIONS, INC., PLAINTIFF, VS. CARLINE LUBIN; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CARLINE LUBIN; CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA,

LLC. A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, vs. RELATED DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC. A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order of Final Judgement of foreclosure dated September 30, 2025, and entered in Case No.: 2025-CA-000526 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein the property will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.flagler. realforeclose.com , the Clerk’s website for on-line auctions at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th day of April, 2026 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgement, to wit: UNIT A104, Grand Vista Condominium at Grand Haven, Phase 1, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 2835, page 150, and all exhibits and amendments thereof, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. PARCEL ID: 22-11-31-3995-00C10A104 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 455 RIVERFRONT DR. UNIT A104, Palm Coast, Florida 32137

The above is to be published in the Business Observer. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within sixty (60) days after the sale. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provisions of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at least 7 days before your scheduled appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Respectfully Submitted, Charles R. Pinson, Esq. Pinson Law, P.A. 7821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 110 Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: (813) 574-7736 Fax: (813) 200-1057 Charles@pinsonlawpa.com Fla. Bar No.: 125279 Attorney for Plaintiff April 2, 9, 2026 26-00099G

INSERTION

Pursuant to Florida Statute 456.057 and Fla Admin Code Ann R 64B8-10.002 take notice that Avecina Medical, P.A., Saman Soleymani, M.D., and Dmitriy Model, M.D.

JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000790 PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. YAUHENI BOIKA, et al., Defendant. To: YAUHENI BOIKA, 25 POSTMAN LN, PALM

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025-CA-000526

NATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND, BUILD OUT COMPANY, LLC. A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY

Plaintiff, vs. RELATED DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC. A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN , pursuant to an Order of Final Judgement of foreclosure dated September 30, 2025, and entered in Case No.: 2025-CA-000526 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein the property will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.flagler. realforeclose.com , the Clerk’s website for on-line auctions at 11:00 a.m. on the 24th day of April, 2026 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgement, to wit: UNIT A201, Grand Vista Condominium at Grand Haven, Phase 1, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 2835, page 150, and all exhibits and amendments thereof, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. PARCEL ID: 22-11-31-3995-00C10A201 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 455 RIVERFRONT DR. UNIT A201, Palm Coast, Florida 32137

The above is to be published in the Business Observer. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens, must file a claim within sixty (60) days after the sale. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provisions of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at least 7 days before your scheduled appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Respectfully Submitted, Charles R. Pinson, Esq. Pinson Law, P.A. 7821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 110 Tampa, FL 33614

Phone: (813) 574-7736

Fax: (813) 200-1057

Charles@pinsonlawpa.com

Fla. Bar No.: 125279 Attorney for Plaintiff April 2, 9, 2026 26-00100G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2026 CP 000034 Division: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF Lynn M. Angrisani, a/k/a Lynn Marie Angrisani, deceased. The administration of the estate of Lynn M. Angrisani, deceased, File Number 2026 CP 000034, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 . The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, on whom a copy of this notice is served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent's estate, including unmatured, contingent or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OF MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Eric Gerrard, Personal Representative Osterndorf Law, P.A. MaryEllen P. Osterndorf, Esq. Attorney for Pers. Rep. Florida Bar No. 0880050

P.O. Box 2352

Daytona Beach, FL 32115-2352

Telephone (386) 255-9171

Primary Email:

Eservice@OsterndorfLaw.com

Secondary email: MaryEllen@OsterndorfLaw.com

April 2, 2026 26-00101G

RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 CA 001003

U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006-HE10, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-HE10, Plaintiff, vs. LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA M. DAWSON; DISCOVER BANK; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendant(s) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order rescheduling Foreclosure Sale filed March 10, 2026 and entered in Case No. 2023 CA 001003, of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for FLAGLER County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-INTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2006HE10, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-HE10 is Plaintiff and LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA M. DAWSON; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; DISCOVER BANK; are defendants. TOM W. BEXLEY, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell

the highest and best bidder for cash BY

Fictitious Name of Reintegration Science Institute located at 5 Selene Place in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler, FL 32164 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 3rd day of April, 2026 Dr. Pamela Y. Keye April 2, 2026 26-00106G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000066 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF Douglas R. Glover Deceased. The administration of the estate of Douglas R. Glover, deceased, whose date of death was January 4th, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building #1 – Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative's attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AF-

TER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent's estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent's death by the decedent or the decedent's surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT'S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is April 2, 2026. Petitioner: HEATHER TRITT

c/o Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, P.A. 12276 San Jose Blvd., Suite 520 Jacksonville, FL 32223 /s/ Mark F. Moss Attorney for Petitioner MARK F. MOSS, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 119573 Law Offices of Mark F. Moss, P.A. 12276

public comment. For more information regarding the public hearing, the Proposed Rule, or for a copy of the Proposed Rule, please contact the District Manager in writing at District Manager, Wrathall, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, FL 33431, or by phone at 561-571-0010 during regular business hours (“District Manager’s Office”) or email, romd@whhassociates.com

The specific grant of rulemaking authority for the adoption of the Proposed Rule includes sections 120.54 and 190.011, Florida Statutes. The specific laws implemented in the Proposed Rule include, but are not limited to, 120.69, 190.012, 190.035 and 190.041, Florida Statutes. Pursuant to Sections 190.011(5) and 190.012(3), Florida Statutes, the Proposed Rule will not require legislative ratification.

A statement of estimated regulatory costs, as defined in Section 120.541(2), Florida Statutes, has not been prepared relative to the Proposed Rule. Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by Section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, must do so in writing to the District Manager’s Office within twenty-one (21) days after publication of this notice.

The public hearing may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at the hearing. If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and should accordingly ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. At the hearing, one or more Supervisors may participate in the public hearing by speaker telephone. Pursuant to provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations to participate in this hearing is asked to advise the District Manager at least forty-eight (48)

thy Allen Kisner, Deceased, whose date of death was January 12, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bldg. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of

applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by the surviving spouse or a beneficiary as specified under §732.2211. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 26, 2026. S. LARUE WILLIAMS Personal Representative 150 S. Palmetto Avenue, Ste 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 S. LaRue

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION 48 File # 2026 CP 160 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LAVERNE FLEMING GUINES AKA LAVERNE F. GUINES, Deceased. The administration of the Estate of LaVerne Fleming Guines a/k/a LaVerne F. Guines, Deceased, whose date of death was September 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Bldg. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The name and address of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the Decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this Notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of Decedent and other persons having claims or demands against Decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA STATUTES WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Lynn Biot-Gordon, 8 Frederick Street, W. Orange, NJ, 07052, Personal Representative

The first publication of this notice is March 26, 2026. /s/ Andrea Burns ANDREA BURNS, ESQ. Florida Bar Number: 1031966 Geiger Law, PLLC Post Office Box 352951 Palm Coast, FL 32135 (386) 264-6937 telephone Attorney for Personal Representative andrea@386lawfirm.com March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00096G

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2023CA000704 FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. ESTATE OF CURTIS WILLS, et al., Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Summary Judgment entered on March 13, 2026, in Case 2023CA000704 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION is Plaintiff, and ESTATE OF CURTIS WILLS, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF CURTIS WILLS, MARY STINSON, REBECCA MCGEE, KATHY CAROL, RICHARD MCGEE and UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A KIMBERLY SMITH are Defendants, the Office of Tom Bexley, Flagler County Clerk of the Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash beginning at 11:00 A.M. on-line at www.flagler.realforeclose.com on the 17th day of April 2026, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 9, BLOCK 9, PALM COAST, MAP OF FLORIDA PARK, SECTION 1, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 5, PAGE(S) 90, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, PAGE 528, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Also known as 24 FELTER LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32137 together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures.

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes.

Dated this 16th day of March 2026.

Sokolof Remtulla, LLP

By : /s/ Benjamin D. Ladouceur

Benjamin D. Ladouceur, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 73863

SOKOLOF REMTULLA, LLP

1800 NW Corporate Blvd., Ste. 302 Boca Raton, FL 33431

Telephone: 561-507-5252

Facsimile: 561-342-4842

E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com

Counsel for Plaintiff March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00095G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000062 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF LEON MITCHELL Deceased. The administration of the estate of Leon Mitchell, deceased, whose date of death was November 29, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address