THE HAMMOCK
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 1, NO. 32
The Observer — in your mailbox? Yes, The Hammock Observer was delivered this week to just about every mailbox in Island Estates, Hammock Dunes, Ocean Hammock, Sea Colony, Matanzas Shores, etc. Overall, the circulation this week is over 4,700, while last week it was 1,000. The goal of this expansion is this: When you pick up the front page, you get the feeling that everyone else in your neighborhood is doing the same thing at the same time. All your neighbors are reading the same headlines. That’s the definition of a community moment, and that’s what the Observer is all about. That increased circulation comes with a few changes. First, the U.S. Postal Service delivery arrives on Fridays, which is a day later than we’d like. Hopefully that’s a small sacrifice. Second, our newsstand delivery is being cut in half, since so many of our regulars are now getting the paper in their mailboxes instead. That means routines will be shaken up a bit, but, again, hopefully that’s a small sacrifice. In essence, you just got a free subscription, thanks to the businesses that are choosing to sponsor our front-page ads on our direct mail delivery. If you like what you see, give them a call and say thanks! If you want to be taken off the list, email info@ observerlocalnews.com. If you’re a business that wants to take advantage of this expanded delivery to do your marketing (is it hyperbole to say that this is now the best way to advertise in the history of The Hammock?), email advertise@observerlocalnews.com. The circulation may fluctuate from week to week, as we build our sponsorships, but we hope it’s a regular thing. Thanks for reading your free, hyperlocal newspaper.
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Boat storage OK after all? Flagler’s settlement offer to Hammock Harbour would allow 240-unit facility. PAGE 6A
HCA recommits to preservation with new strategic plan ‘We really thought a lot about the future,’ Hammock Community Association President Stillman said. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
At its first meeting of the new year, the Hammock Community Association announced changes to its strategic plan. The Hammock has changed a lot over the last several years, HCA
— BRIAN AND HAILEY MCMILLAN, OWNERS
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 4B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Crossword.................PAGE 10B Letters....................... PAGE 11A Public Notices............ PAGE 4C Schools....................... PAGE 3B Sports......................... PAGE 8B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 6B
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SPELLING BEE WINNER PAGE 8A
HCA President Lora Stillman. Photo by Sierra Williams
INSIDE NEW SHELTER?
Palm Coast, Flagler County lean toward $2.1 million animal shelter PAGE 5A
President Lora Stillman said, and the HCA board felt the previous strategic plan needed to reflect the issues the HCA has been working for and against. The new strategic plan is not that different, she said, but outlines “a clear vision for the future” with “actionable goals to fulfill the mission statement.” “We really thought a lot about the future,” Stillman said. “It’s hard. You don’t have that crystal ball.” The Hammock Community Association is a nonprofit organization that has the overarching goal to preserve the natural beauty of The Hammock. Over the years, the HCA has provided input to Flagler County on how incoming developments in the area could impact the community. Its mission statement is to “inform and influence community members, organizations and government officials about the importance of protecting and preserving The Hammock.” The new strategic plan, outlined at the Feb. 3 meeting, is divided into four goals, each with actions the HCA and HCA members can do to support those goals. Those goals are: increasing engagement with elected officials, boards and county staff; increase community engagement and fundraising; preserve the natural environment; ensure safe access, responsible recreation and protection of people and property throughout The Hammock. Many of the action items are things the HCA is already doing, including challenging developments proposed for The Hammock area that the group feels do not adhere to county’s Comprehensive Plan or the Scenic Corridor Overlay requirements. The HCA
BRRRR!
Volusia, Flagler County cold-weather shelters operational more than 12 days in 2026 PAGE 9A
Hammock Community Association confirms new board, officers Four HCA board members had terms that expired in 2025 while the officer elections needed to be elected. At the Feb. 3 meeting, the board, with unanimous approval from the members present, voted on filling the seats. All four officers were reelected to their positions for another term: Lora Stillman as HCA president, Jan Sullivan as vice president, Todd Swinderman as secretary and Joyce Skaff as treasurer. Kathy Viehe, Skaff, Dr. Lynne Bravo Rosewater and Carl
has also been active in pushing for safety improvements along State Road A1A. One new way the HCA is hoping to enact its goals is by reaching out to the local homeowner’s associations to share concerns and progress. “What we’re concerned about often will come together. They’re the same thing,” Stillman said, “but we’re not talking together. We’re in little bubbles.” This updated strategic plan has been approved by the board, Stillman said, but despite that, it remains a fluid document. “It’s always fluid,” she said. “You’ve got to be able to adjust, otherwise you get left behind.” But despite that, the strategic plan goals work to preserve The Hammock’s beauty. The number
SUMMER TOWN
Jordan all had terms as board members that expired in 2025. All four were reconfirmed for as board members for another term. Two additional board members were also elected, as the HCA’s bylaws allow up to 13 board members, and the HCA had 11. The two new board members are Donna Contrado and Karen Leader. HCA meetings are held at the Hammock Community Center on Mala Compra Road. The meetings are open to the public but only dues-paying members may vote on action items. Membership dues are $15 per person. The HCA’s website is TheHammock.org.
one thing Hammock residents want, Stillman said, is to keep The Hammock the way it looks now. “We all want to keep trees, we want to keep our dunes, and we want to be able to have the hammock look like it is now,” Stillman said. “The way The Hammock looks when you’re driving down the A1A is why you love this place, and that’s why you chose to live here.” The HCA also elected its constitutional officers and board members at the Feb. 3 meeting. Afterward, the HCA hosted an educational presentation on sea turtles and a question and answer session with Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen, who represents The Hammock in District 2. What’s happening in The Hammock? Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews.com.
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Flagler County begins conflict resolution over annexation PAGE 3A
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