The Hammock Observer 3-5-26

Flagler County hopes bill will help fund the beach

Hammock Community Association hosts Q+A with county employees.

last day will be July 14.

Hammock residents had an opportunity on March 3 to talk to county employees about projects going on in The Hammock.

The Hammock Community Association invited HCA members and Hammock residents to the MalaCompra Community Center on March 3 to hear from Flagler County employees about projects ongoing in The Hammock. HCA President Lora Stillman said this was a great opportunity for Hammock residents to get to know who works for them at the county and to ask questions.

“A lot of the residents in The Hammock either don’t have time and the capability to get into the County Commission meetings,” Stillman said. “And at the County Commission meetings, you don’t generally get the department heads speaking.”

Three department heads came out to the HCA meeting to answer questions: Parks & Recreation manager Denny Bobik, Public Lands and Natural Resource and Environmentally Sensitive Lands manager Erick Revuelta and county engineer Hamid Tabassian. Commissioner Greg Hansen was scheduled to attend but had to cancel at the last minute.

Tabassian’s department deals with construction projects and the beach management projects.

In The Hammock, his department is working on a road improvement project in Jungle Hut Road that will begin construction in 2029 and he is working on submitting a grant for a pedestrian hybrid signal at MalaCompra Road and A1A.

The drainage improvement project for First Avenue is now in the permitting phase, and is anticipated to send the project to bid over the summer and construction completed “by the end of the year.”

The MalaCompra Canal expansion is still in the design phase, he said.

Once the design is finished, he said, they will likely have another public workshop with Hammock residents.

The Hammock falls into Reach 3 of the county’s beach renourishment plan, Varn Park to Washington Oaks State Park, which is still in the design phase.

“That work is going to be challenging, to be honest, to get that done, because we have a lot of hardbottom in this area,” Tabassian said. In the meantime, the county has submitted paperwork to designate Reach 3 as critically eroded. If approved, that will give the county more state funding for the renourishment of that area of shoreline.

“We are very optimistic that that is going to go through,” Tabassian said. “Out of the 18 miles of the coast, a little bit over 10 miles is already designated as critically eroded.”

Revuelta said the Land Management Office was recently moved over to the River-to-Sea Preserve. Their office manages invasive species on conservation lands in the county, and works on procuxring

more conservation land for the county.

The ESL program has acquired around 6,000 acres of conservation land. In The Hammock, he said, they are working on buy land from JDI Marineland and 40 acres of land between the Intracoastal and S.R. A1A near the Beach Haven development on the north end of the county and the 21-acre Cedar Point property.

In the case of the 40 acre property and the Cedar Point property, the county is not looking to turn those into a park, Revuelta said, but instead place a conservation easement.

Conservation easements limit the type and amount of development that can occur on a property and are less expensive while still preserving land.

“So it stretches your money while still having some protection, but it’s not going to be a park,” he

said.

Parks and Recreation maintains the trails and parks across the county, including the 32 parks, with a crew of just 12. Bobik said he gets a lot of emails from The Hammock residents and it helps his team tremendously.

“There are times where we need y’all’s eyes on to let us know this has happened or a tree has fallen,” Bobik said.

Stillman said listening to the projects under the county’s eye, she is always thinking of other areas of improvement, especially when it comes to land conservation. For every oak tree cut down, she said, the environment and wildlife on the barrier island is impacted.

“It’s just something that we on the board of directors feel really, really committed to making sure that we try to preserve the nature, try to preserve the lifestyle,” Stillman said.

Burn ban in effect in Volusia County

Volusia County, including the cities of Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach, are under a burn ban.

The ban went into effect on Feb. 20, and is ongoing due to elevated drought conditions and increased wildfire risks. A 227-acre brush fire in Daytona Beach was contained on Feb. 24, the second fire in the area in recent days.

Under the burn ban, all outdoor burning is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Florida Forest Service, including burning of yard debris, household waste, bonfires, campfires, warming fires and open cooking fires, according to the Ormond Beach Fire Department.

“This ban is in place to protect our community, prevent wildfires, and ensure the safety of residents and first responders,” OBFD wrote on its Facebook post. “Violations may result in fines and other penalties.”

Additionally, the National Weather Service in Melbourne issued a Red Flag warning from 1-6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Daytona area. A Red Flag Warning, explained the Daytona Beach Fire Department, means “critical fire weather conditions are occurring and any fires that develop have the potential to spread quickly.”

VoRide expands to east Volusia, adds night service in Daytona VoRide, Volusia County’s on-demand rideshare public transit service, has expanded to areas on the east side of the county, increasing trans-

portation options for residents in North Ormond and Southeast Volusia, including New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, and Oak Hill. The expansion also includes night service in the mainland Daytona Beach area. Fares begin at $2 for trips up to five miles. An additional $1 per mile applies for trips beyond five miles, up to 10 miles. Reduced fares for disabled and youth are available. VoRide began in 2023. To book a ride, download the VoTran On Demand app, or call 386-761-7700.

TASER deployment, Williams complied and deputies secured him.

COPS CORNER NEWS BRIEFS

“Our deputies displayed extreme restraint in dealing with this violent and armed drunk,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “... I commend our deputies for using less-lethal weapons when legally they could have used deadly force. This is exactly why we train extensively in de-escalation tactics.”

After Williams was medically cleared from the hospital, deputies transported him to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond.

Ormond man

pulls knife on deputies during domestic incident

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested an Ormond Beach man Feb. 27 following a domestic disturbance during which the suspect pulled a knife on deputies inside the home, resulting in one deputy being cut with the knife during the struggle, the FCSO reported.

At approximately 8:58 p.m. on Feb. 27, deputies responded to an Ormond Beach residence after receiving a report that a woman and her elderly mother had been locked out of the home by Andrew Mark Williams, 36, of Ormond Beach, who was inside the home and reportedly intoxicated. The 90-year-old homeowner was distraught and worried about her 91-year-old husband who was also inside the home and suffers from dementia. While deputies attempted to secure Williams, a struggle ensued and Williams cut one of the deputies on the palm of his left hand with the knife. Deputies used a TASER, and Williams fell to the ground and dropped the knife; however, he continued to resist deputies’ efforts to place him in handcuffs, the FCSO reported. Following a second

Illegal gambling busted at bowling alley and three bars, FCSO says

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Unit (SIU), in coordination with the Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC), recently conducted an undercover operation – dubbed “Reels of Fortune” – which focused on reports of illegal gambling at Flagler County businesses, seizing illegal gaming machines and cash.

The undercover operation was part of a multi-agency investigation across Brevard, Duval, Flagler and Volusia counties. The Flagler County businesses raided during the Feb. 24 operation include Palm Coast Lanes (11 Old Kings Road), 1405 Saloon (1405 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell), Ike’s Saloon (801 S. State St., Unit 10 and 11, Bunnell) and Crossroads Tavern (111 N. State St., Bunnell).

In total, detectives seized 20 illegal gaming machines and $16,856.80 in cash as a result of the raids.

“These unregulated machines rarely pay out because they are set for the house to win,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.

“Illegal gambling is not a victimless crime. Often, it fuels other crime and preys on resi-

dents who are often elderly and on a limited income in the hopes of a big win.”

No arrests were made, and the investigation continues in partnership with the Florida Gaming Control Commission. The business owners could face up to $10,000 in fines per machine.

‘Career criminal’ from Volusia caught by K-9 in Palm Coast

Deputies arrested a Volusia County man after he fled a traffic stop in a stolen pickup truck and hid under someone’s house. He was eventually found by a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K-9, who “took a bite out of crime,” an FCSO press release stated.

Around 2 a.m. on March 2, a Flagler deputy responded to the area of Mahogany Boulevard in Bunnell to reports of a stolen vehicle in the area. The deputy located the vehicle as it ran two stop signs on the dirt road at a high speed. Radar indicated the stolen vehicle was traveling 92 mph in a 30 mph area.

At this point, the deputy

activated his lights , but the driver, later identified as James Myers, 33, of DeLand, did not pull over but sped up instead. Myers drove the truck at high speeds though a yard on County Road 2006 and while trying to get back onto the roadway, Myers crashed in a ditch.

The deputy observed Myers and a female passenger exit the vehicle and run south on Cheryl Elaine Drive.

K9 Uno and partner Deputy Towns quickly located Myers hiding under a home on Cheryl Elaine Drive. Myers crawled out to deputies with K9 Uno attached to his arm.

He was transported to AdventHealth Palm Coast for medical clearance and then transported to the Flagler County Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held on no bond.

“Myers thought he could hide, but you can’t fool Uno,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.

Aggravated assault charges without intent to kill were filed March 1 with the 7th Judicial Circuit State against Myers by the Bunnell Police Department stemming from a separate incident.

driver’s seat at the time of the crash. When he awoke, he refused to answer any questions or provide samples of his breath, blood or urine. He was taken to the hospital for medical clearance before he was sent to jail. Police report the man was out on probation; he was arrested in 2024 on battery by strangulation charges.

FEB. 26

911, I HAVE AN ‘EMERGENCY’ 8:43 p.m. — 100 block of South Nova Road, Ormond Beach Misuse of 911 system. Police arrested a 49-year-old Washington man after he called 911 to report that an officer who was questioning him about an expired tag was “wasting his time.”

According to an arrest report, the officer had been dispatched to a local fast food restaurant after the man said his cardboard was taken by another man at the scene. The man told the officer he had “made the sign for some ladies.”

The man was detained and told the officer he was afraid he was going to get a ticket for his tag, which is why he called 911. Instead of a ticket, he was taken to jail.

MARCH 1

REPEAT TRESPASSER

1:49 p.m. — 200 block of Pine Lakes Parkway

Trespass. A gas station manager, fed up, pressed charges against a man who would repeatedly litter at a gas station.

The suspect had been trespassed from the gas station multiple times in 2022 and 2025, and had most recently received a trespass warning on Jan. 11. The gas station manager told a Sheriff’s Office deputy that the suspect was “constantly violating the [trespass] warnings,” according to the arrest report. She said the suspect would show up to the gas station daily, idle in the parking lot and leave litter. The suspect was arrested and taken to the county jail.

According

No finish line for Flagler Palm Coast’s super achievers

Edelstein and Alonso are National Merit Scholarship Finalists. Haider and Mello are Commended Scholars.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The background was perfect for a photo of four Flagler Palm Coast High School seniors holding up framed certificates from the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Giant black letters affixed to the wall behind them read, “THERE IS NO FINISH LINE.” For these students, achievement is a daily quest. Adniel Alonso and Mitchell Spencer Edelstein have been selected as National Merit Scholar Finalists. They are among about 15,000 finalists nationwide. Syed Haider and Ava Mello just missed out on becoming Merit Scholarship semifinalists and were named National Merit Commended Scholars.

“These four students have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to academic excellence, and this honor is well deserved,” FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet said. “They represent the very best of FPC — driven, disciplined and determined to succeed.”

Haider, who is ranked first in FPC’s senior class with a 5.5 weighted grade point average, is also one of 2,550 students in the nation to be awarded a QuestBridge Match Scholarship, worth over $325,000. He will major in biomedical engineering at Cornell University.

Mello, who wants to one day become a Disney Imagineer, is one of 100 students out of thousands who applied, to be selected to the Disney Dreamers Academy.

“For four days I get to meet Imagineers and celebrities, and it’s all paid for,” she said. “So, it’s a great opportunity.”

Mello is third in the senior class with a GPA over 5.3. She had planned to major in mechanical engineering but said she might switch to industrial engineering. She is leaning toward attending the University of Florida but is still waiting to receive acceptance notices from other universities.

Edelstein is just 15. He skipped first grade. His mother, Cheryl Edelstein, combined fourth and fifth grade studies together when she homeschooled him in Minnesota. When they moved to Florida, he finished the school year at Old Kings Elementary and began seventh grade at Buddy Taylor Middle School at age

10. He began his high school career in 10th grade, taking a couple of courses through Florida Virtual School that summer.

“He has a natural love for learning and curiosity, and he just soaked things up so quickly. He was just so passionate about learning things,” Cheryl Edelstein said.

“When I was in pre-K,” Mitchell said, “they would take us down to the library, and I had an instinct to go towards the human anatomy books. I just thought it was cool. I’ve never been into fantasy or anything like that. Non-fiction is more of my style.”

Edelstein has been dualenrolled at Daytona State College since he was in eighth grade and will receive his associate degree from DSC this May when he receives his high school diploma. He plans to major in finance. He wore a University of Miami sweatshirt when he and the others received their certificates on Feb. 26, but his National Merit Benacquisto Scholarship will cover all expenses at a Florida public university. He ranks fifth in the senior class with a 5.34 GPA.

“My passion has sort of changed over time,” he said of his decision to focus on finance. “I used to be more into math or science, but now I’m focused on money, and I really like the corporate world, the business world. I sort of want to be an entrepreneur, but I feel like going to college and getting the finance degree and working in the finance departments of big businesses would give me the personal experience I could apply towards my own life and being successful.”

Alonso said he feels like

“a bit of an oddball” in the group, because he has a 5.24 GPA ranking 13th in FPC’s senior class. He plans to major in engineering and is leaning toward UF under his Benacquisto Scholarship.

“I’ve always had this passion for math, and more recently, I took IB physics (standard level), which showed that I also have a passion for that kind of applied math in the field of physics and possibly engineering,” Alonso said. “Right now, I’m considering majoring in electrical engineering.”

All four of the students are board members of FPC’s Mu Alpha Theta mathematics honor society. Alonso and Haider are the top scorers in their division in the competitions.

“Originally, I was actually planning to major in mathematics,” Alonso said. “When I took physics, I ended up spending a lot of time studying for the exam at the end of the year, and I think that’s when my passion for it really came out. Of course, it has that strong connection to math. And the fact that it can be physically applied to the real world is just very enticing to me. It really piques my interest.”

Reaching their achievements have taken a lot of hard work. They’ve studied to improve their scores on the PSAT and SAT since they were sophomores to be considered by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. But sometimes a serendipitous event can make all the difference. Haider had never heard about the QuestBridge Scholarship until he found a pamphlet about it in his math teacher’s classroom.

“I was like, ‘What is this?’ Only then when I found out

WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DO GREAT THINGS?

Mitchell Spencer Edelstein: “At my age there’s a lot of responsibility and selfreflection you have to take, because this is the period in your life that’s going to decide a lot of the path that you take in your adult life and your work. And what a lot of students should understand is that this time matters possibly the most, and you’ve got to decide what you do with it.”

YOU’RE AMONG THE BRIGHTEST MINDS IN FLAGLER COUNTY. HOW DO YOU HELP TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

Syed Haider: “I think every day that you wake up, you should make the best out of it, and that’s how you should keep moving forward, instead of trying to plan everything out, because mishaps happen. That’s part of life, so how I make the world a better place in the future will be through my growth.”

Ava Mello: “Nothing great ever just was. People had to work to actually fix it and problem solve. Everybody here, they’re able to problem solve. They’re able

about it, I ended up filling the application about a day before it was due,” he said. “If I never went into his classroom that day, or if I never remembered to fill out the application, I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now. So, I’m just really thankful for that opportunity.”

They all agree that their

to push past challenges, no matter what. And that’s what’s going to make them pillars of humanity.”

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

Mello: Definitely my parents inspire me. I have a twin brother, and he’s probably like the most important person in my life, Ryan Mello. I love him so much, and I think I just want to be a great person for him. And for my parents because they’ve put so much work and effort into me, and I just hope to do make them proud.”

Edelstein: “My grandmother. She immigrated from the Philippines. She was a fighter. In the 1960s, it was a lot harder. They struggled to find a job for a while, but they always kept up their spirits, and they raised my mom and her siblings, and then they raised me. She helped raise me. She was a big inspiration to me of the fighting spirit. Unfortunately, she’s not here with us anymore, but the lessons she taught me resonate with me.”

Haider: “The person that inspires me the most is my mother. Every single day, she’s the one that puts in the most work in our family.

success had come from following their passion.

“There’s a quote I like,” Edelstein said. “‘You can’t have everything in life, but you could have anything.’

It’s just her, my father and I. She used to be a teacher at Sunshine Academy. Now she works for a private company from. 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then she tutors from 4 p.m. all the way to 9 p.m., and then she stays up until 1 a.m. doing extra work. She’s been my inspiration from the very start, and so I just want to make her, my dad, and the rest of my family proud, especially since I’m the first one in my family to ever go to an Ivy League school, so I just want to be someone they can all look up to.

Adniel Alonso: “Last year, there was a senior, Leon Grigoruk, who taught me a lot about what it means to be dedicated and passionate about something. He was very dedicated to his math. He took Calc 3 in his in the first semester of his senior year and took differential equations the second, and it really inspired me to also go down that same path. So, I’m taking dual enrollment with UF Calc 3 this semester. He really showed me what it means to truly have that dedication with everything.”

— RICH CARROLL AND BRENT WORONOFF

And I believe, if you’re passionate about something and you have goals, just stick to it. Have the self-discipline, because whatever you want to accomplish, things might not work out all the time, but every mistake, every failure is a learning opportunity. And if you continue to persevere at what you really want, and you have all of that passion behind you, you’ll definitely get it someday.”

Flagler Beach Commissioner Belhumeur’s concerns with Martin fizzle

‘Is this just an agenda to complain?’ Commissioner Eric Cooley asked.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A discussion item about Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin’s performance fizzled and died without any action by the commission.

“This is a waste of time,” one Flagler Beach resident said.

Commissioner Rick Belhumeur requested the discussion at the Feb. 12 meeting, saying he had found several areas of concerns with Martin’s performance. Listed on the Feb. 26 City Commission meeting agenda, the issues included improper hiring procedures, permitting processes and concerns capital projects are not seeing any forward momentum.

“I have concerns about how

some things are going wrong and the city manager just makes excuses for the individual that’s responsible,” Belhumeur said. “We’re not getting things done as a city.”

But, excepting Commission Chair James Sherman, the other commissioners did not feel there was anything actionable.

“What are we doing? Is this just an agenda to complain,” Commissioner Eric Cooley said. “We’re up here debating, without purpose.”

Repeatedly during the discussion, Cooley asked for what direction the conversation was supposed to be going in.

“I really only see the conversation going two different directions,” he said.

Cooley wanted to know if the point was to gain information to work out concerns or if Commissioner Belhumeur was not happy with the city manager’s job and seeking termination. Cooley said he felt some items were just issues between two employees.

“We are interjecting ourselves into a matter between two employees,” he said.

“That seems very odd for a political body.”

Many of the issues presented by Belhumeur had simple answers: An employee was hired quickly not because he knew another employee but because that person had a college degree and the city was trying to fill the position quickly. A city engineer

was hired without the correct degree qualifications, Martin said, because instead they had more than the required experience in the construction field.

“It’s been commonly recognized around here that if you have experience with home building, you are an expert with water, wastewater, and storm water,” Martin said.

Regarding the stormwater projects, Martin said city staff is trying to figure out how to fund some of the capital projects and maintenance items.

“But at a million dollars a year, we’re not going to get very far tackling the most significant stormwater issues facing this community,” Martin said.

After an hour trudging through Belhumeur’s list — both issues submitted in advance and items that weren’t in the agenda — Belhumeur said he wasn’t going to motion for any action on the item.

“I’m not going to dig into

this any further,” he said. “Just forget it.”

Sherman also submitted a number of questions he would like answered, ranging from the city’s policy on the use of city vehicles, public safety and site conditions — like using extension cords at the monthly First Friday event — and compensation and budget practices. He said he’s looking to “tighten some loose ends around town.”

“What’s been presented before us here could be alleviated if we had a little bit tighter grasp on some of these things,” Sherman said.

Cooley said he agreed with that but worried about “the other side of the coin,” where employees would be worried every action they took, even public works stopping for a drink on a hot day, might come back to them.

“There’s groups out there that think all the city employees are just terrible, [that they] sit around and do nothing,” Cooley said. “...Our

employees, the vast majority of them, are great people. They’re doing a great job.” Belhumeur said he agreed, but that his concern was with their leadership. Commissioner Scott Spradley disagreed.

“There’s always ways we can all improve, whether it’s me, whether it’s you,” he said. Cooley said he receives similar complaints from residents but submits them to Martin and they “usually get corrected without any issues.” There were valid concerns in what was presented, he said, but some of what he is seeing “just seems to be brow beating” employees.

“We as a body need to support our employees,” Cooley said. “If they’re doing something wrong, let’s acknowledge [it] and have frank conversations about it. But we can’t spend hours on end talking about how terrible our employees are, because they’re good and they’re doing a good job.”

CITY WATCH

Referendum now required to sell city-owned utilities

Palm Coast has passed an ordinance to prevent commercial companies from purchasing the city’s utilities.

Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri requested the ordinance in a previous council meeting. She said she wanted to protect Palm Cost’s utilities from being purchased or leased long-term by third parties. With this ordinance, that can no longer happen without a supermajority vote and a citywide referendum. The ordinance also would require at least two public hearings; it would also require that the sale pay off any outstanding debt.

In the Feb. 18 meeting, Mayor Mike Norris said the ordinance could be repealed by future councils. He called it a bit like “virtue signaling.”

Despite those comments, Norris supported the ordinance, which passed in a 3-0 vote on March 3.

“It has limited strength, but I think in this day and age, with changes we see happening in the country, it makes sense to add that extra step,” Councilman Dave Sullivan said.

City Council looks to ban ‘toilet to tap’ in Palm Coast

The Palm Coast City Council is exploring banning the use of specially treated wastewater as drinking water.

Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked for the council to look into an ordinance prohibiting potable reuse water in Palm Coast. The state, she said, currently allows municipalities to augment drinking water in the aquifer with specially treated wastewater.

The issue — known otherwise as “toilet to tap” water or blackwater — has popped up in discussion in surrounding municipalities in Volusia County. The process requires an advanced purification process to ensure the water meets drinking water standards, Pontieri said, but she did not want it in Palm Coast anytime soon.

“I don’t want us to engage in that process, but I also know that we know that we have water shortage issues in the state,” she said.

Pontieri said an ordinance prohib-

iting the use of it could also send a message to the state to stop “tying our hands” over locally-controlled development.

“If we are getting so desperate for water that we are looking into the potable reuse of water, there’s a problem,” she said. “I encourage other cities and counties to also take this step, to say no.”

The March 3 City Council meeting only had a three-person quorum, with Mayor Mike Norris and Councilman Dave Sullivan present beside Pontieri. Both of them agreed the issue requires more looking into.

“I think that’s a long way, as far as technology for us, to do,” Norris said. “I’m kind of in agreement, but I’d like a little bit more information.”

Sullivan agreed, and the council agreed to have Palm Coast’s utility come out to present more information about the process at a future workshop meeting. Palm Coast as a council has not discussed the item before but several members of the

Historic Fire Station 22 design shows return of old bell tower

Palm Coast’s design plan to restore the city’s original Fire Station 22 shows a return of an old bell tower, among other changes.

Several years ago, the previous Palm Coast City Council decided to renovate the historic building located on Palm Coast Parkway instead of demolishing it for additional parking spaces. The new design still adds 92 parking space for the neighboring Palm Coast Community Center, but will also function as a historic landmark for tourism in Palm Coast.

The fire station is also set to become the new home of Palm Coast’s Historical Society.

The design includes rebuilding a brick bell tower that was ordinal to the fire station and turning the bay areas in to a 11,000-square-foot space that the city will be able to rent out. The building will have office

spaces for the Historical Society, a multiuse room, a catering kitchen, art spaces and an outdoor patio.

The city’s historic fire truck will also be displayed on a concrete pad. Renderings for the renovation show large glass walls where the main entrance will be.

Inside, the Historical Society has submitted plans for a large display wall to showcase pictures of Palm Coast over the years, as both an educational and artistic display.

“This design — specifically resurrecting the bell tower — I think is just amazing,” Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said. “I think that’s just a really cool idea.”

The council approved the design in a 3-0 vote, with Councilmen Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller absent from the meeting.

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“If we are getting so desperate for water that we are looking into the potable reuse of water, there’s a problem. I encourage other cities and counties to also take this step, to say no.”

THERESA CARLI PONTIERI, vice mayor

public have brought up a ban for potable reuse water before.

In August 2025, Palm Coast’s Utility Deputy Director Peter Rousell presented data about the city’s projected water demand. In that presentation, Rousell said the city is already looking into alternative potable water sources by 2030.

By that point, according to that presentation, the city will have an estimated service population of 128,000. Palm Coast is using less than its projected demand at the

moment, Rousell said, using 9.6 million gallons per day, instead of a projected demand of 10.89 MGD in 2025. By 2050, the data projects Palm Coast will have a potable water demand of 15.9 MGD, and the city is looking into sourcing some of that potable water from outside the aquifers.

But that does not necessarily include potable reuse water, according to that August presentation. The data showed Palm Coast utility exploring alternative sources from brackish groundwater, surface water and treated concentrate and reclaimed water.

Pontieri said she doesn’t believe potable reuse water would happen anytime soon in Palm Coast, but its the council’s job to protect the city.

“I just think it’s incumbent upon us to protect … what I think is our most precious asset,” she said. “And that’s our water.”

Email sierra@observerlocalnews. com.

The design adds 92 parking spaces for the neighboring Community Center and adds a 11,000-square-foot open space for events and displays. It will be the new home of the Palm Coast Historical Society.

Heidi Petito says separation is a way for Flagler County ‘to move forward’

Petito will serve as county administrator until either an interim is appointed or July 14, whichever comes first.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

County Administrator Heidi Petito is on her way out, having filed a separation agreement with the county.

Though her final day is not until July 14, the Flagler County Commission will begin the search for an interim administrator immediately. Petito said during the March 2 Flagler County Commission meeting that her resignation is a response to “the tension” that has begun building on the board over the last several months.

Her leaving the county, she said, is her way of “providing a clear path, a responsible path forward.”

“This tension has started to impact our employees and the organization’s ability to focus on the important work that we do,” she said. “I’ve dedicated the last five years in this role and we have built strength within the organization. To me, it’s important that we leave things better than we found them.”

Petito has served as the county administrator for five years, but has in recent months been at odds with several members of the Flagler Board of County Commissioners. In January, Commissioner Kim Carney attempted to fire Petito, without success.

Petito leaving the administration leaves no seasoned personnel in either the county or deputy administrator positions. Former Deputy Administrator Percy Sayles’ final day was March 3, and no one has been selected to fill the posi-

tion yet. With a 3-2 approval, the board agreed on a mutual separation which, per Petito’s employment contract, allows her a 20-week severance package.

Commissioners Kim Carney and Pam Richardson, the dissenting votes, disagreed that Petito should be given the severance package. Carney said as Petito is submitting her resignation, the board should just let her go effective immediately.

“I think if there’s a separation there needs to be a separation,” Carney said. “I would not be looking for somebody who’s not happy where they are to be staying until July.”

Initially, Petito filed a separation agreement for the board’s approval that asked for her severance package and tuition reimbursement for the business administration degree she achieved for her work at the county.

But to qualify for the severance package, the board would either need to agree to a mutual separation, not her resignation, or fire her without cause outright. The motion approved by the commission changed the language to a mutual separation, allowing her the 20-week severance package in her contract.

It also included stipulations that the county would begin searching for an interim administrator to take over before July 14, Petito’s final date. July 14 is when the county should have the 2026-2027 fiscal year tentative budget ironed out.

“Let her leave,” Carney said. “Let her resign.”

Commission Chair Leann Pennington suggested the county begin looking for an interim administrator as soon as possible. She said it would not be fair to have Petito continue in a position that she finds it difficult to work in.

“I don’t think it’s fair to Mrs. Petito, if she’s uncomfortable in her situation, to drag her through the mud till July 14,” Pennington said. “And vice versa. I think we do need to move on and find an interim.”

HOW WE GOT HERE

Many staff members showed up wearing black to the commission meeting, leaving after the vote. Communications manager Karen Callahan confirmed with the Observer that the employees decided to wear black to show Petito their support.

“In solidarity,” Callahan said.

Commissioner Greg Hansen said that it was important for the board to understand how it got this point — and Hansen laid the blame at Carney’s feet.

“The problem is what’s going on on the third floor,” Hansen said. “And Ms. Carney is responsible for that.”

Hansen said Carney has developed a hostile work environment. Carney tried

to rebut Hansen’s comments but Pennington shut down any attempts to lay blame, keeping the discussion on the separation agreement before them.

“I’d rather not have every discussion of how we got here. I’d rather have a discussion of how we’d like to handle this severance agreement,” she said.

Richardson asked why the board could not just look at this as Petito choosing to resign, instead of “digging in the weeds.” She said she was hearing all of these “angles and concerns” for the first time at the meeting, despite being on an email Petito sent to the commissioners that explained a growing hostile work environment.

“You got the same email we all did on Feb. 10,” Dance said to Richardson. “So, you’re not oblivious to what’s been going on that that led to Percy’s resignation.”

The Feb. 10 email started with an email to Petito from Carney, in response to the

announcement that Sayles was leaving the deputy administrator position.

Carney wrote to Petito: “Really? He gives you a resignation letter five days ago and we just hear about it at a public meeting five days later? You should probably seek some help figuring out what went wrong with this hire. He had an awesome career. There is more to this that you should probably get advise [sic] with before you rehire.”

Petito replied, that she had only received the letter on Feb. 9, writing that it had become “increasingly clear” the board was looking for new leadership and the “administration has faced hostility, anger, accusations, and unprofessional behavior.” The uncertainty, she wrote, trickled down into the workforce, “creating an environment where employees feel intimidated and, in some cases, afraid to work.”

“These behaviors have had unintended consequences that are now affecting our ability to function effectively,” she wrote.

WHAT IS THE WAY FORWARD?

The Flagler County Commission asked staff to organize a workshop for March 16 to go over options to fill the administrator position. Carney also suggested that existing county department heads step in to fill the workload for either position, but Dance said that would be unfair to staff.

“We’d be looking at two of the highest level vacancies in the department,” Dance said, “and trying to fill them immediately with existing staff who already are in the midst of their workload — it is unfair to our staff to ask them to do that.”

Petito said her willingness to stay on until July is to ensure a smooth transition and financial stability.

“We’d be looking at two of the highest level vacancies in the department and trying to fill them immediately with existing staff who already are in the midst of their workload — it is unfair to our staff to ask them to do that.”

ANDY DANCE, County Commissioner

Once an interim is selected, the county will begin the process of looking for permanent selections for both the county and deputy administrator positions. But with tensions high across the board and staff, the county may see difficulty in the hiring process, as recently demonstrated in Palm Coast.

In the spring of 2025, Palm Coast City Council had difficulty retaining city manager candidates as the council butted heads over the appointments of Councilmen Charles Gambaro and Dave Sullivan, a lawsuit filed by Mayor Mike Norris over Gambaro’s appointment against Palm Coast, and two censures levied against Norris and an investigation into a hostile work environment.

Dance reminded the rest of the board that it had adopted a code of ethics to its rules and procedures that included being respectful to employees and colleagues.

“I fear if we don’t take that to heart, we will be not improving, but we are doomed to repeat the instances that we’re going through,” Dance said. “I find it a little disheartening.”

Santore, Spradley are in

Incumbent Rick Belhumeur lost with 21% of the vote.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

Flagler Beach has elected R.J. Santore and incumbent Scott Spradley to serve on its City Commission.

Incumbent Commissioner

Rick Belhumeur lost with 21% of the vote, while Spradley took 37% and Santore led the way with 41% of the vote, according to the Flagler Supervisor of Elections website. Flagler Beach has 4,647 registered voters.

Spradley and Belhumeur were first elected in 2023, replacing Commissioners Ken Bryan and Deborah Phillips. This reelection marks Spradley’s second term on the board.

Flagler Beach had 537 mailin ballots. In addition, 1,355 people — 29% of Flagler Beach voters — turned out to vote on election day.

Beverly Beach and Bunnell would have had their elections on March 3 as well, but their candidates ran unopposed.

Carney calls Veranda Bay an ‘illegal annexation’

‘They’re using every loophole they can find to get this property annexed,’ Flagler commissioner says.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

After wrapping up one possible lawsuit with Flagler Beach, the Flagler County Commission is considering its legal options over the Veranda Bay development.

Michael Chiumento have told the Flagler Beach City Commission that they do not need the individual signatures of the property owners, as they have deed restrictions for annexation written into the closing contracts of those homes.

Carney disagrees that this is sufficient.

Now, Flagler County will discuss its options at a March 16 workshop. A special meeting will follow immediately after the workshop should the county decide to file another dispute resolution.

In Bunnell, John Rogers and Peter Young were reelected by default at the end of the qualifying period in January. In Beverly Beach, James Howard and Jeffrey Borges will join the commission.

The Flagler County Commission, the Flagler County School Board and the Palm Coast City Council do not have their primary elections until August. The Flagler Commission’s District 2 and 4 seats — representing The Hammock and west side of Flagler County, respectively — are up for election in 2026. School Board Districts 1, 2 and 4 are up for election as are Palm Coast City Council Districts 2, 3 and 4. The qualifying period ends in June.

The Veranda Bay development is one of two controversial and large properties being annexed into Flagler Beach from Flagler County. Flagler County just closed out dispute resolution negotiations over the Summertown development’s alignment with the Flagler County and Beach comprehensive plans.

In the March 2 meeting, Flagler County Commission Kim Carney said that, in her opinion, the Veranda Bay annexation is illegal.

“They’re using every loophole they can find to get this property annexed,” Carney said.

The Veranda Bay development, 234 acres of land located on the east side of John Anderson Parkway, will have a 150-slip marina with retail, restaurants and fuel, surrounded by 157 condominium units. There will also be 98 new homes built near the existing 122 homes.

The issue stems from existing homes in the Veranda Bay development. State statute, she said, requires all existing property owners to agree to an annexation and the Veranda Bay developer does not have that.

Developer representative Ken Belshe and attorney

Dispute resolution is a legal process two municipalities must enter into before a lawsuit can be filed in the courts, per state statutes. Flagler County cited five areas of concern with the Summertown development, chiefly around environmental land preservation, the maintenance of John Anderson Parkway, and who will be providing water and reuse water to the development.

The county began the dispute resolution process in January and finalized agreements with Flagler Beach on Feb. 23.

With the seeming end of potential lawsuits from Flagler County, the Flagler Beach City Commission went forward with approving the Veranda Bay development and annexation applications.

The City Commission voted 4-1 with Commissioner John Cunningham dissenting, on Feb. 26 to approve the Veranda Bay applications.

The City Commission had specifically delayed the second vote on the Veranda Bay applications until the Summertown dispute with Flagler County was worked out.

At the Feb. 26 Flagler Beach meeting, several members of the public and Cunning -

ham brought up the signature issue. Though Belshe and Chiumento maintain the have the authority through a declaration of covenant, City Attorney Drew Smith said, “It is a litigable issue.”

At a January meeting, Smith said this would be a novel issue the city would have to litigate, with no court precedent to fall on.

But the County Commission’s hesitation to file another lawsuit is tied to the 153 acres it is attempting to purchase from the developer. So far, Belshe has said they are a willing seller, and in the Summertown dispute negotiations, has agreed to a period of three years to work out price negotiations and give the county time to gather potential grant funding.

But some commissioners are leery that willingness will dissolve with another dispute resolution against Veranda Bay.

“Worst case scenario, if we go into this agreement, we say, ‘Show us the signatures,’” Commission Chair Leann Pennington said, “[and] the developer may at that time pull those houses out of the

agreement and still continue to annex, just leaving those folks there, but also we lose the ability to purchase [the land].”

Pennington said does not feel the county has strong enough language to guarantee the continued sale of the property to Flagler County. She said she felt the state statutes were clear in that there needs to be a voluntary position for annexation. But there is no case law that decides that based on deed restrictions, like the Veranda Bay developer has. It is also, she said, on Flagler Beach to ensure the signatures are there, not on Flagler County.

“It is very foolish, in my opinion, what Flagler Beach is doing,” Pennington said. Ultimately, she said, this might not be a case for the county, but for the existing property owners within Verdana Bay. Carney said it is a difficult situation the county is in, but, ultimately, she swore an oath to uphold state statutes.

“If I, or we as a board, decide to overlook this, we are basically in violation,” Carney said.

Leek’s Senate bill may be last hope to help Flagler County fund the beach

“We have a chance. Slim, but a chance,”

Commissioner Greg Hansen said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

One of the bills in the Florida legislature designed to aid in beach management has died, leaving Flagler County with one last hope for help with its county program.

A Florida bill to help rebuild beaches after major storm events died on the Florida House floor, according to County Administrator Heidi Petito, though its sister bill in the Senate is still being discussed.

HB 1297 was proposed by

Flagler’s Rep. Sam Greco, and now, the Flagler County Commission is bidding just on Senate Bill 636, proposed by Sen. Tom Leek, who represents Flagler County as well. Both bills propose making it easier for counties to declare a beach critically eroded, which helps those counties apply for, and obtain, funding for beach nourishment projects.

SB 636 would also reduce the local match requirement for state funding, down to as little as 25%.

Flagler County needs all the help it can get. It has the funding to finish the initial beach renourishments for its fourphase beach management program, but not funding to continue maintenance. And, should a large storm wipe out a portion of the county’s dunes,

it would have a difficult time putting together the standard 50% local match requirement.

Commissioner Greg Hansen, who has championed the county’s beach renourishment plan, asked the board for consensus to represent the county in the legislature over SB 636, if need be.

“I don’t know whether that’ll be in committee or whatever, but I would like your permission if it looks like it would help that I would drive to Tallahassee and speak,” Hansen said.

Dance said they don’t need to give Hansen their permission.

“You’re our most wellversed beach commissioner,” Dance said. “So it would make sense if you wanted to go, that you would go.”

SB 636 is in its last week on the Florida Senate’s floor. On Feb. 12, the bill received unanimous support from the Fiscal Policy Committee, according to the Florida Senate website. Hammock Dunes Owners Association’s Greg Davis said they are backing SB 636. As an organization, he said, the HDOA has had to spend “over $10 million” in beach renourishment.

“It’s one of the most important things you can do,” Davis said. “... The economic benefit to the county is substantial.”

Today’s Palm Coast would probably not exist as it does without the shoreline community, Davis said.

“We are fully committed to doing anything we can do to get 636 in,” Davis said.

But there may not be much the commission can do. Commissioner Kim Carney asked what the commission could do to help out the bill as its considered on the Senate floor. There’s not anything, Hansen said, as the commis-

community

• The chance to meet our leadership team, caregivers, and residents

• A themed prize wheel with fun green goodies and giveaways

• Cheerful decor, friendly conversation, and a little Irish charm

Come see why our residents feel so lucky to call Paradise Pointe home!

YOUR TOWN

Honors for Museum of Black History, Seeking Insights

Solutions

Civic, business and community leaders gathered at Palm Coast United Methodist Church on Friday, Feb. 27, for “A Day of Celebration,” a special morning event honoring the Florida Museum of Black History and Seeking Insights for Solutions Inc.

The event, which was presented by Dwyer & Knight Law Firm and Evolve Communications Group, recognized the work of organizations and leaders who are shaping education, culture, and opportunity throughout Florida and beyond.

Joy Andrews, the St. Johns County administrator, and Greg White, the president and founder of the West Augustine Community Development Corporation, were honored on behalf of the many contributors who played a role in St. Johns County’s selection

in June 2024 as the site for the Florida Museum of Black History. Seeking Insights for Solutions is an organization committed to help build a society empowered by racial equality, social justice and mutual respect. Accepting the recognition on behalf of its members were Trish Lenet and Dr. Barbara Holley, co-presidents of SIS.

The celebration included a special tribute to former Flagler County School Board member Dr. Jim Guines, who died last year at age 93.

“Through decades of service, (Guines) worked to ensure every child is seen, supported, and given the opportunity to succeed,” a tribute on the church’s giant

video screen read.

Howard Holley, founder and CEO of Evolve Communications Group and Mark Dwyer of Dwyer & Knight, organized the event.

“Marc Dwyer and I created A Day of Celebration to honor extraordinary leadership and accomplishments,”

Howard Holley said. “It is both powerful and inspirational to see business, civic and community voices in one room, united around legacy, impact and purpose.”

Ormond Beach cadet to represent Florida Wing in Washington, D.C.

Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol cadet Lt. Col. Brenden Mues-

sig was chosen to be part of the Florida Wing Civil Air Patrol delegation on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C. National Legislative Day is the CAP’s opportunity to educate elected national representatives on CAP’s mission, community

support and stewardship of annual appropriated funds.

The cadets chosen to represent the Florida Wing visit Washington for three days. In addition, the cadets tour D.C. and have an opportunity to lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery.

Flagler

Literacy Endowment Fund established to help

kids learn to read

A new endowment has been established to support children’s literacy in Flagler County.

Founded by local resident Linda Mahran in partnership with the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, the Flagler County Early Literacy Endowment aims to deliver free, age-appropriate books every month to children from birth to age 5. The endowment supports the local Dolly Parton Imagination Library program and will be coordinated locally by the Early Learning Coalition, which raises donations and grant funding to cover monthly operating costs exceeding $6,000.

Mahran said reading at a young age prepares students to enter the work force later.

“It has a multi-generational effect — literacy can help break poverty cycles,” she said.

To support the Flagler County Early Literacy Endow-

ment, visit https://bit.ly/ FlaglerLiteracy.

Community Foundation, United Way is accepting grant applications

The Community Foundation and United Way of VolusiaFlagler Counties recently announced it is accepting grant applications for its 20262028 Community Impact Grants, in the following priority areas: Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Healthy Community and Community Resiliency. Applications must be submitted by March 13 and are available through CF/UWVFC’s online grant database system at ConnectVFC.org/our-impact/grantseekers.

Announcement of the application process follows CF/ UWVFC’s $800,000 investment across 25 nonprofit partners during the 20252026 funding cycle.

“The challenges facing our neighbors in Volusia and Flagler Counties are real and evolving — from economic insecurity to health disparities,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of CF/ UWVFC. “Our Community Impact Grants are designed to meet those challenges

head-on.”

“I have seen firsthand how transformative these grants can be — for the nonprofits that receive funding and for the thousands of individuals and families whose lives are changed as a result,” said Jan Miller, board chair of CF/ UWVFC.

Ormond Beach Lions offer free vision, blood sugar screenings

The Ormond Beach and Port Orange Lions Club provided free vision and blood sugar screenings during a recent seminar hosted by local nonprofit Healthier. Wealthier. Wiser. Inc. The Lions will offer free screenings again from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 14 at the fourth annual Family Health and Business Expo at 5111 S. Ridgewood Ave., Port Orange. The Lions will also collect used eyeglasses and hearing aids.

Plantation Bay to host 22nd

art show

Plantation Bay will host its 22nd annual Art Show and Sale from 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 at the Founders Club.

The show will feature original oil, acrylic and water-

Decades in the making, Ormond Beach Founder’s Day set for April 25

Road around Sports Complex paves way for what Doug Thomas hopes

will be a new community tradition.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach resident Doug Thomas has always been intrigued by the idea of large community events.

They run in his blood, as his family is from Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, a town known for its annual Groundhog Day celebration, which his family has been a part of in the past. Twenty years ago, when the city started planning to construct a perimeter road around the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, Thomas thought that would create an avenue to hold a community celebration in the sports fields.

One, he said, that would bring unity to the community while celebrating history.

“My hope is that it makes people stop for a moment to realize how wonderful of a community that Ormond Beach seems to have always been and still is,” Thomas said.

But such a celebration needed to wait. Logistically, Thomas knew that the perimeter road needed to be completed first.

Which, it is today.

The first Ormond Beach Founder’s Day event will be held from 1-9 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at the Sports Complex, located at 700 Hull Road. The event will feature food trucks, a kids zone, fire-

works, live music, vendors and more, with proceeds benefiting the Ormond Beach Police Athletic League; Thomas chairs the nonprofit’s board.

In addition, the Ormond Beach Youth Baseball and Softball Association will host T-ball games. There will also be baseball and soccer games going on.

“We started planning over a year ago — officially started our group, and it’s made up of members throughout the community and about two or three board members from PAL,” Thomas said. “We’ve relied on the expertise of some past city commissioners for advice on how to do this. We’re truly trying to make this a total community [event].”

The celebration will commemorate the date Ormond Beach was incorporated: April 22, 1880.

Businesses including S.R. Perrott and community groups like Ormond MainStreet, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and the Ormond Beach Historical Society have been major supporters. So has Seabreeze High School, Thomas said, with performances planned by the school’s marching band, theater group and chorus.

Seeing the event come together has been great, he said, though many years have passed since he first thought of the idea.

“I’ve had to sharpen a skill that I’m not very good at, and that’s called patience,” Thomas said with a laugh. “It’s been a long time coming.”

Thomas has been involved in championing recreation in Ormond Beach for almost 50

“My hope is that it makes people stop for a moment to realize how wonderful of a community that Ormond Beach seems to have always been and still is.”

DOUG THOMAS

years. When asked why, Thomas said it’s because his father and grandfather instilled a certain principle in him.

“One of the most important things that they ever told me was to always give back more than what you get from your community — than what your community gives you,” Thomas said.

Thomas is entering his 36th year on the city’s Planning Board, of which he serves as chair. He’s served on the OBPAL board since around 1996. He’s served on the city’s Parks and Recreation board since 1994. His service to the community, he said, would not have been possible without the support of his late wife.

In January 2025, the city celebrated the opening of a 2,150-feet road extension connecting Hull Road to the Sports Complex. They named it Doug Thomas Way. But Thomas never refers to it as such. To him, it’ll always be the “perimeter road.”

“What I tell people is that I’m just lucky because they picked that name out of the phone book,” Thomas said. Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.

Ormond Beach DAR chapter memorializes slice of history at Sanchez Park

Historical marker is part of national effort to honor lesser-known patriots in the U.S.

In celebration of the United State’s 250th anniversary, a national nonprofit has been helping the Daughters of the American Revolution uncover — and memorialize — the stories of lesser-known patriots. Ormond Beach’s Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the

DAR received a grant from the William G. Pomeroy Foundation for one of these markers: One for Francisco Xavier Sanchez, the namesake behind Sanchez Park at 329 Sanchez Ave. “We wanted to bring recognition to the American Revo-

lution to that area,” said Stacey Simmons, a DAR member who serves on the historic preservation committee.

Sanchez was a Spanish soldier born in St. Augustine on Dec. 3, 1736, who aided American patriots during the Revolutionary War. His fam-

ily ran a cattle ranch north of St. Augustine for 200 years, according to the foundation.

The DAR discovered his history when a member was doing research on her genealogy. She had looked more into his attributions and saw that there was no spotlight on his legacy. The DAR wanted to commemorate his impact.

During the American Revolution, many Americans were held in the prison by the British, and Sanchez helped supply them with food and clothing. He was one of the only Spanish residents who remained in St. Augustine after the Seven Years War, and sold meat to the British.

The DAR and the William F. Pomeroy Foundation dedicated the historical marker during a ceremony held on Nov. 15, 2025. It was one of the first markers in the state for the group’s “Revolutionary America 1775–1783” partner program, and the 19th overall application.

The memorial service and

dedication of the marker was attended by two of Sanchez’s descendants, Rev. Dee Graham and Diana Sanchez Zimmerman, both members of the Los Floridanos Society.

“It’s so special to have an ancestor of honor and to hear you all speak so warmly about him and the things he did,” Graham said.

The dedication ceremony was presided over by DAR Chapter Regent Sue Demorsky and featured the Daytona Ormond Sons of the American Revolution color guard.

“This is like what real revolutionary patriots dressed like,” Demorsky said. Future plans by the Daughters of the American Revolution include a “Patriots in the Park” event to further commemorate the area’s revolutionary history. The event will spotlight local soldiers who impacted history around Ormond Beach, giving locals the opportunity to meet reenactors and learn about the cities’ patriots.

Princess Place Preserve Pow Wow celebrates Native American culture

11th annual festival brought together families, performers, and artisans.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The 11th annual Princess Place Preserve Pow Wow brought Native American culture, tradition and education to Flagler County during the twoday Native American festival held Feb. 28 and March 1 at Princess Place Preserve.

The event featured traditional dancing, drum performances, weapon demonstrations, wildlife exhibits and historical encampments. Dancers in colorful regalia performed throughout the weekend, drawing large crowds to the central arena.

Visitors explored trading booths showcasing handmade crafts, jewelry and artwork, while food vendors and refreshment stands added to the festival atmosphere. Children and families participated in interactive activities, and several demonstrations

encouraged audience involvement, including the “Luck of the Draw” dance.

100 WORDS (OR SO) A DAY

Wisdom of Bob Ross

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

For the past couple of weeks, my 7-year-old son, Luke, and I have been watching YouTube clips of Bob Ross painting landscapes. Calling a few dabs of paint a “happy little

accident” is, on one hand, goofy, and on the other hand, his soothing voice is so boldly supportive and friendly that you can’t help but feel empowered, not just in art, but in being yourself. And so, when I have seen Luke with a pen and sketch pad in his hand lately, I have to think that he is developing much more than drawing skills — he’s learning to love creating, and he’s learning to be confident that the way he sees the world matters.

‘OBSERVER NOW’

Feb. 25, 2026

Today, I met up with some talented people to try a test of our new TV-style news show, “Observer Now.” More details to follow, but as we’ve been preparing, I have learned an important lesson: Hire people who can do things better than you can.

THIS REQUIRES MY FULL ATTENTION

Feb. 26, 2026

In the ongoing quest to make peace, I have noticed that it often requires my full attention. As soon as I get distracted, the peacemaking stalls. The most common

reason it stalls is this: trying to prove who was right and who was wrong.

INTEGRITY AND PEACE

Feb. 28, 2026

Jay Scherr recently posted about integrity, encouraging people to “live and lead in a way that if everything became public, nothing would need to be explained.” That got me thinking about the relationship between integrity and peacemaking. Political peace depends on armies and rulers having integrity, which includes honoring truces and treaties. Peace in a household depends on family members having

integrity, which includes being honest, and being humble when others are being honest. Personal peace depends only on oneself and not on outside circumstances — it depends on doing what makes us feel whole. The Latin root suggest as much: integritas means wholeness and soundness (an integer is a whole number).

LUKE ASKED ME TO GUESS ... March 2, 2026 ... a number between 1 and 100. I guessed right on the first try: 67. Email brian@observerlocal news.com.

MY VIEW DERRICK CHUBBS, CEO OF SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK

Hunger in 2026 is worse than it was a year ago

DERRICK CHUBBS GUEST WRITER

Frank and Gloria did everything right. They took their finances seriously — saved money, earned an education, and put their kids through school. But now, retired from their careers as teachers, they find themselves struggling to stretch their income to the end of every month. And they’re not the only ones. You’ll find people like Frank and Gloria in lines at food banks across Central Florida. Retirees. Parents with fulltime jobs. Folks who worked

hard and earned enough to make ends meet — or used to. Now their income isn’t keeping pace with the cost of living, and they have to decide which necessities they can survive without, which bills they can afford not to pay, and what meals they can skip to make up the difference.

As 2026 gets underway, hunger in Central Florida is in a worse state than it was a year ago. More people are missing meals. Prices are still increasing, as tariffs drive up the retail cost of clothing, groceries and other essentials. The cost of health insurance is going up — and while the House is passing an extension of subsidies to soften the blow, it will take time to go into effect.

For families who already need help, it’s become that much harder to find food

assistance. While many of the SNAP benefits that were revoked last year have been restored, it will take time for families to re-certify. At the same time, the increase in senior work requirements will leave many retired Central Floridians — including family caregivers and those living with health issues — without access to benefits.

At nonprofits like Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, we are working hard to narrow the gap. Second Harvest’s network currently distributes enough food for 330,000 meals a day, and we have the capacity to expand our services to meet the growing need. But we can only distribute as much food as we can source, and we rely heavily on the support of volunteers and donors.

But the real challenge —

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Would Randy Fine return campaign contribution from a developer? Not likely

Dear Editor:

Palm Coast City Council

Vice Chair Theresa Pontieri plans to return $5,000 in campaign contributions from entities associated with real estate developer ICI Homes. Irrespective of what she claims is an altruistic gesture or whether it was more a purely political move, she has ended up buckling to the pervasive local hysteria that such donations, regardless of size, automatically suggest something sinister is at foot, a notion that has not been substantiated, at least not in Palm Coast. However, such a notion, that corporate donations are inherently corruption prone and are raw influence peddling intended to priori-

tize profit rather than some societal ideology, does have merit, at least from a perception standpoint. And in politics perception is everything. So, from that standpoint, Pontieri did the savvy thing regardless of motive.

It’s noteworthy that home building related companies, including ICI Homes and its complex web of subsidiaries, are top-tier donors funneling hundreds or thousands of campaign donations to highranking Florida Republicans like Randy Fine, who is vying to represent our district in Congress, and even our governor.

The owner of ICI is widely considered one of the most powerful behind-the-scenes figures in Florida politics due to his vast real estate holdings and the money he dishes out to broker that power. It’s little surprise then that Randy Fine’s legislative voting

record aligns with a broader trend in the Florida GOP that prioritizes streamlining development and curbing the power of local governments to block new construction, a voting record that runs counter to what so many in our town loudly rail about at our City Council meetings and in social media.

Among those masses in Palm Coast who hold strong the belief that there is some evil pact with developers in play, it’s reasonable to assume that there is a large percentage that are also fans of Randy Fine. But, will those same folks hold him, and his consistent support of developer friendly legislation, to the same standard come election time? Especially since from a dollar amount collected perspective, Pontieri’s relatively tiny donation should present little in the way of influence peddling

and one we’ll need to learn to live with — is that we don’t know what’s coming next. The past year of shifting priorities in funding and policy for hunger relief has proven that unpredictability is the only constant. We can’t count on having the same options tomorrow as we do today. All we can do is continue to pursue our mission, day by day, using what resources we have.

As grim as that sounds, it’s worth it — because we are making a difference.

We’re making sure neighbors like Frank and Gloria can bring home groceries. We’re expanding service for our meal delivery program for seniors and disabled Central Floridians. We’re partnering with over 80 schools — and counting — through our School Markets program, so

concerns compared to Randy Fine’s haul.

Would Fine, as Pontieri did, ever buckle to a call to return his even much bigger developer donations? Not likely.

MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast

What has changed in development of Tomoka Oaks golf course, in Ormond?

Dear Editor:

It’s time for Ormond Beach residents to come out again to witness two commissioners meetings in Ormond Beach, one on March 13 at 6 p.m. and the other on March 24 at 7 p.m. at the City Commission Chambers at City Hall in Ormond Beach.

The meeting on March 24 will be a regular commissioners meeting with the Tomoka Oaks Golf Course issue on the agenda. The

all kids can have fresh, nutritious meals at school and at home.

We’ll continue fighting hunger and feeding hope in 2026, but we can’t do it alone. Hunger is with us 365 days a year. The need for volunteer support is at its highest right now, in the first quarter of the new year — and whether you’re delivering meals, sorting donations, or packing grocery boxes, every shift puts food on the tables of neighbors who would otherwise go without.

If you can lend a hand, please do – and don’t wait. Learn more about our mission and volunteer opportunities at www.feedhopenow. org/get-involved.

Derrick Chubbs is president of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. As the region’s largest emergency food provider, Second Harvest secures and distributes enough food for 330,000 meals a day to more than 800 nonprofit feeding partners.

meetings will focus on the developers’ five-year fight to convince everyone that their idea of building homes on the golf course is not a safety or a quality-of-life issue.

I assume that the developers who want to build on the golf course in the middle of the Tomoka Oaks Development will present their case to the city, and the public, about what has changed that makes this the right time to build 254 homes on the golf course. Could it be that since we last met with the developers that sidewalks have been put in on the sides of the roads leading to the proposed new development or perhaps roads have been widened?

Have the 119 species of wildlife packed their bags and moved out of harm’s way?

Maybe the residents have convinced themselves that their property values will increase despite the incompatible new homes that would be built in the middle

CORRECTION

The Feb. 26 edition of the Ormond Beach Observer incorrectly identified Samantha Monahan.

of their long-established neighborhood?

Will the developers be able to convince us that the inevitable traffic congestion accompanying the new homes will not be a public safety issue? Not only would Tomoka Oaks Development be affected, but its four surrounding communities of Escondido, Tomoka Oakwood North, Tallaquah and The Trails.

Many of us who attend the meetings will be waiting to hear the answers to these questions and using our three minutes to voice our concerns as we have for five years. I hope to see everyone there. I’ll be wearing my red shirt.

DARLA WIDNALL Ormond Beach

Submit letters up to 400 words to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com. Letters may be edited for clarity and/or length.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Terminal velocity

Record 649 runners participate in 16th annual

Race of the Runways 5K at Flagler Executive Airport.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

For Denise Cavalli, the Race of the Runways has become a family reunion. Cavalli, 64, of Orlando, placed second in her age group on Saturday, Feb. 28, in the 16th annual 5K race at Flagler Executive Airport in Palm Coast.

“My brothers run here every year,” she said. “My older brother, Mike Taylor, who is a year older, lives in Flagler Beach. My younger brother lives in St. Augustine. My nephew ran this year, my youngest son ran. We had a few walkers, a 7-year-old. What a great concept this race is. We want to make it a family tradition.”

A record 649 runners and walkers participated in this year’s Race of the Runways, which is hosted by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach. The race is unique with the entire 5K course run on the airport’s runways. The event, which also includes a kiddie dash, begins shortly before sunset. Runners wear glow-inthe-dark gear. Runway lights guide them. A helicopter with a searchlight flies overhead. The post-race party, inside and outside of a hangar, is just that — a party with dancing, food and beverages.

Race winner Bryant Cordova flew in from his home in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to stay with his cousin in Daytona Beach and run in the race. His cousin also ran. His sister, Nellie, came in from Tampa to watch them.

“It’s 32 degrees in New Jersey right now, and it’s real hilly where I live,” Cordova said. “This is amazing. It’s an airport and there’s a helicopter flying over you. You don’t get this experience a lot.”

Cordova, 29, won with a time of 16 minutes, 51.45 seconds. He ran cross county and track at Seton Hall University. He still competes in middle distance events.

“You could say I’m semipro,” he said. “I don’t really do anything above a mile, but every now and them I can fit (a 5K) into my training.”

And the Daytona Beach area holds a special place in his heart, he said.

“I raced here at EmbryRiddle twice when I was in college,” he said. “There were some big races when I came down to Daytona. It’s fun racing here.”

14-YEAR-OLD IS TOP

FEMALE FINISHER

Avery Wisniewski, 14, of Palm Coast was the female winner with a time of 20:05.67. Avery, who placed 13th overall, was one of 16 members of the Imagine School at Town Center middle school cross country and track club who ran in the race. Aspen Lester, 11, another member of the imagine School club team, finished second among females with a time of 20:29.92. With Avery winning the overall female award, Aspen won first place in the 10-14 female age group.

Avery said she knew she was running first among females.

“I had an idea [I’d win],” she said. “I looked back to make sure no one was catching up.”

Realty Executives Oceanside’s “Running on Island Time” team won the bestdressed team award.

Other members of the Imagine School club team who finished among the top 10 were Aidan Moylan, 13, with a time of 19:27.83 for sixth place and Korbin Purdy, 13, who was ninth in 19:36.27.

The rest of the top 10 included Brian Sharbono, 43, of Port Orange (second, 16:59.99); Joshua Brands, 28, of Palm Coast (third, 17:57.45); Erik Hansen, 38, of Ormond Beach (fourth, 18:13.31); Alex Mikhas, 21, of Flagler Beach (fifth, 18:15.12); Jan Vandermark, 40, of Orange City (seventh, 19:31.86); Vijay Weeden, 21, of Palm Coast (eighth, 19:35.25); and Aiden Sharbono, 14, of Port Orange (10th, 19:38.18). Cavalli, who has been running since 1979 when she was a college student, finished the 3.1-mile distance in 28:40.55. She said she will be turning 65 soon, so next year she will be running in a different age group.

For complete results, including age group winners, go to runsignup.com/Race/ Results/5866

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR 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. Ask questions, share ideas, and discuss what matters most to you. Free event. Registration required. Visit www. parksandrec.fun.

HER STORY, IN COLOR OPENING RECEPTION

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Gallery 500, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach

Details: In conjunction with Women’s History Month, this exhibition by the Florida Women’s Art Association challenges local women artists to explore their identity, memory, resilience and heritage.The artists will express their visions from classic realism to bold abstracts in various media. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibit will be on display through April 26. Visit flwaa. com.

FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Beach

Details: This month’s art night event invites families to make a faux quilt hanging collage with instructors Linda King and Emma Dennison. Free. All art supplies provided.

‘SHIRLEY CHISHOLM: UNBOSSED & UNBOWED’

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. U.S. 1, Palm Coast

Details: New York awardwinning writer and performer Ingrid Griffith will present her acclaimed solo play, “Shirley Chisholm: Unbossed & Unbowed.” This is a one-woman show about the first African American woman to win a seat in Congress and the first to run for president in the U.S. Tickets cost $35. Visit https:// www.zeffy.com/en-US/ ticketing/womens-historymonth-opening-event-shirleychisholm-unbossed-and-unbowed-by-ingrid-griffith..

FLAGLER BEACH FIRST FRIDAY

When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach Details: Enjoy community, music and vendors. Entertainment will be provided by Anthony Wild.

CONCORDIA CHICAGO KAPELLE CHOIR

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Shepherd of the Coast Lutheran Church, 101 Pine Lakes Parkway, Palm Coast,

Details: Attend this free concert featuring the Concordia Chicago Kapelle Choir. Under the direction of Dr. Charles P. Brown, the choir will be performing classical Christian music with piano and organ accompaniments. A freewill offering will be collected to support the Kapelle Choir. For more information, visit www. sotcpc.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

GLADIUS

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach

Details: Experience Gladius, an award-winning composer and classical/flamenco style guitarist. This event is cosponsored by Volusia County Public Library and Friends of the Daytona Beach Regional Library. Registration is not required.

RECIPES AND READS

CULINARY LAB: BASIC

COOKING — SPICE LAB: JUNIPER BERRIES

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Learn all about juniper berries and their uses in this cooking demonstration,

FIRST SATURDAY 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.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

PLANTATION BAY 22ND

ANNUAL ART SHOW AND SALE

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Founders Club, 301 Plantation Bay Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: See original oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, photography, jewelry, sculptures, prints and more by professional and amateur artists of all ages. Free and open to the public.

FIRST MUSEUM MEMBER

BEACH BONFIRE

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Beach at 10th St. North, Flagler Beach

Details: Hosted by the Flagler Beach Historical Museum, this beach bonfire is open to museum members and their families. Bring blankets or chairs.The Eastern Surfing Association is sponsoring marshmallows and drinks for the event. Non-members can attend for $15. Visit flaglerbeachhistoricalmuseum.org.

MONDAY, MARCH 9

ORMOND BEACH LIONS

GIVEBACK EVENT

When: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Where: PopStroke, 1283 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Lions Club for a fundraiser at PopStroke in Daytona. Mention the Lions at checkout and 20% of the golf pass sales will be donated.

LA HORA DEL CUENTO

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Children and their caregivers are introduced to basic building blocks of literacy, in English and Spanish, through stories, rhymes and music. Free program. Registration is not required.

THE GARDEN CLUB AT PALM COAST MONTHLY

MEETING

When: 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Club 51 Social Club, 51 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Join the Garden Club at Palm Coast for its monthly meeting. Arrive early and buy lunch, mingle and check out the plant sale. The gathering begins at noon for registration and raffle tickets. The meeting starts at 1 p.m. This month’s guest speaker is Master Gardener Sharon Smith.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

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 is Jan Gillespie, Regions Bank branch manager, who will speak about protection from scams, identity theft and financial exploitation. The public is invited; A $5 optional light lunch to follow. for more information, call Jeff Boyle at 386-341-9013.

PLEIN AIR WORKSHOP IN THE GARDENS

When: 12-3 p.m.

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

Beach

Details: Priscilla Humay will lead this outdoor painting workshop where she will teach composition, perspective, color, value, form, line and texture in nature and will provide individual assistance, demonstrations and handouts. Workshop includes an open critique and discussion of the finished pieces. Students may use any medium of their choice [dry, wet, or both] and are responsible for bringing their own supplies. Workshop costs $45 for members; $55 for future members.

WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOURS

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where:

Details: Take a behind-thescenes tour of the Palm Coast water and wastewater treatment operations. Sign up at parksandrec.fun.

THE HUNGER GAMES TRIVIA HANG OUT

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach

Details: Compete in The Hunger Games trivia, held at the

teen area. This program is for those in grades 6-12. Registration is not required.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

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 “Using Technology to Organize Your Research,” presented by Miles Meyer.

54TH ANNUAL VOLUSIA STUDENTS CREATE OPENING RECEPTION When: 5-7 p.m.

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

Beach

Details: Celebrate the opening of this student art reception. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and music. Free admission.

DSC MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION PRESENTS ‘MPT ROCKS!’

When: 5:30 p.m.

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

Details: This is a free event. For more information, call the box office at 386-226-1888 or email boxoffice@daytonastate.edu.

TOBY — THE EXPERIENCE When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: See this Toby Keith tribute concert, featuring Hollywood Yates performing classics like “How Do You Like Me Now,” “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” and “I Love This Bar.” Tickets cost $40-$60. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13 THE LUCK OF THE PICKLE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT

When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, March 13-15

Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Open to all skill levels and features double elimination format. Singles are on Friday, March 13; men’s and women’s doubles are on Saturday, March 14; and mixed doubles are on Sunday, March 15. Participants must be 13 years and older. Registration fee is $50. Visit parksandrec. fun.

FOCUS ON FAITH

Chabad of Palm Coast celebrates ‘Purim in Paris’

Chabad of Palm Coast’s Purim in Paris celebration on Monday, March 2, took participants to another time and place.

Celebrants dressed like Parisians, listened to the reading of the biblical book of Esther from a megillah, or scroll, in Hebrew, and danced and partied at the Palm Coast Community Center.

The story of Purim, which was celebrated this year on March 2-3, takes place in ancient Persia. The evil Haman, an advisor to King Ahasu-

erus, plotted to kill the Jews. But his plans were foiled by Queen Esther and her cousin, Mordecai.

Every time Haman’s name is mentioned in the reading of the book, it is drowned out by noisemakers.

Rabbi Levi Ezagui said Purim is more relevant now than ever, because ancient Persia is present-day Iran.

“Haman was an evil man, but we prayed to God and we prevailed,” Ezagui said.

— BRENT WORONOFF

Cars and Cookies draws crowd at Oasis Church in Ormond Beach

Engines weren’t the only things revving at Oasis Church on Wednesday, Feb. 25, as families gathered for the church’s first “Cars and Cookies” event — a combination of Pinewood Derby-style racing and a cookie bake-off. Planned in less than two months, the event followed the success of the church’s

2025 Fall Fest Trunk-or-Treat and chili cookout. Encouraged by strong community turnout last fall, leaders at Oasis Church decided to bring families together again.

Children’s Ministry Director Kaylee Morgan said the event was designed with community in mind.

“We are hoping this will become an annual event,” Morgan said. “But obviously the goal is it is something that is well received and it just meets a need for our people of community and fun.”

The church’s midweek children’s program, Midweek Kids, gave participants several weeks to design their Pinewood Derby cars. To help bring the children’s ideas to life, a volunteer came in to cut the wooden blocks into each child’s chosen shape before paint and customization began.

By race night, 77 cars were ready to compete across two divisions. The kids division included racers as young as 2 years old through fifth grade, while the adult division

welcomed participants from sixth grade and up.

Cheers erupted as cars sped down the track in heat after heat. Winners from each division advanced, with the top three finishers in both the kids and adult categories racing for the overall championship. The grand prize winner received a gift card to local restaurant Ormond Garage.

Meanwhile, the sweet smell of competition filled another corner of the church, where 24 cookie stations showcased homemade creations. To ensure fairness, the church appointed “cookie commissioners” of varying ages to secretly judge the entries.

The bake-off champion was awarded a whimsical “Spoon Award” in recognition of their culinary skills.

—ALEXIS MILLER

First Baptist Palm Coast to celebrate senior pastor’s 10th anniversary

First Baptist Palm Coast will mark a milestone on Sunday, March 8, as the church gathers to celebrate 10 years of leadership by Senior Pastor Kevin Lautar and First Lady

Ann Lautar. Following the noon third service, members and guests will meet in the church’s Activity Center for a special anniversary luncheon. The event will focus on fellowship, gratitude, and reflecting on the impact the Lautars have had on the congregation since arriving in Palm Coast. Over the past 10 years, the Lautars have devoted themselves to shepherding the church community, emphasizing spiritual growth, unity and service. Church leaders say the celebration will thank and recognize their leadership.

“This celebration is a time for our church family to express love and appreciation for Pastor Kevin and Ann and to thank God for the blessing they have been to us over the past decade,” the church shared in a statement announcing the event. The gathering will include a covered-dish luncheon, with attendees encouraged to bring a favorite main dish, side dish, or dessert to share. Those planning to attend are asked to register in advance through the church’s website at fbcpc.org.

—ALEXIS MILLER

YOUR SCHOOLS

Matanzas concert bands receive straight superior ratings at MPA

Matanzas High School’s wind ensemble and concert band each achieved straight Superior ratings while the symphonic band received an overall Excellent rating on a very demanding program at Concert MPA (Music Performance Assessment).

“The program has grown so much in six years and I am

proud of the culture we have created,” said Ryan Schulz, the school’s director of bands.

“These kids love music but most of all will help each other in any way possible.”

Seabreeze custodians lend helping hand to Beachside

Last week, Beachside Elementary found itself with no custodians on campus, just as the school was preparing to welcome community leaders for its African-American ReadIn event.

Seabreeze High School

stepped in to help. On Feb. 26, after receiving a call from Beachside, a team of Seabreeze custodians came out to the elementary school to clean the school.

“That’s what collaboration, leadership, and community truly look like,” a Beachside Elementary Facebook post read.

Volusia County Schools recognized the collaboration on its own Facebook page, saying the Seabreeze team “showed up with heart, hustle, and leadership.”

“Your willingness to jump in speaks volumes about the culture we are building across Volusia County Schools,” VCS stated.

History comes to life at Rymfire Elementary School

Walmart confirmed as new retailer for SR 100, west of BJ’s Wholesale

The 185,500-squarefoot store is expected to generate around 1,100 traffic trips.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

BIZ BUZZ

Halifax Health named a top place to work in health care

Halifax Health was named one of Becker’s Hospital Review’s “165 Top Places to Work in Healthcare” in 2026, a press release announced Monday.

Becker’s Hospital Review highlighted the hospital’s scope of employee benefits, promotion of diversity through annual training and community partnerships, investment in professional development and employee appreciation programs, such as the “Halifax 100 Club” for team members with over 30 years of service.

“Being named one of the top places to work in healthcare is a meaningful affirmation of the culture we work tirelessly to uphold,” said Jeff Feasel, president and CEO at Halifax Health. “Our team members are the foundation of Halifax Health. Their dedication, compassion, and resilience inspire us every day, and we remain committed to providing an environment that supports their growth, wellbeing, and passion for serving our community.”

Boss Lady group launches first Women in the Workplace survey

The Boss Lady Women’s Leadership Community recently launched its Volusia-Flagler Women in the Workplace Survey, inviting women in both counties to share insights on opportunities, pressure, confidence, leadership, support and belonging at work.

“Women in the region navigate complex workplace realities and balance work and home responsibilities,” said Teresa Rand, founder of the Boss Lady Community. “Their voices are essential to understanding what support systems, policies, and cultural shifts are needed to help them thrive.”

The anonymous survey is open to women at every stage of their career, across every industry. To participate, visit https://www.laddernetwork. org/women-in-the-workplace.

A new 185,500-square-foot retailer recently approved by the Palm Coast City Council for State Road 100 will be a second Walmart. In October, the Palm Coast City Council approved an application for the retail store, which is expected to generate around 1,100 peak pm-

Flush Fasteners wins gold for product design

Flush Fasteners, a Daytona Beach-based manufacturing company, was recently awarded a 2026 gold iF Design Award for its F-Head Flush Fastener.

The F-Head Flush Fastener was one of 75 to be awarded gold from over 10,000 submissions from 68 nations vying for the global design award.

“The high-caliber jury, consisting of 129 independent design experts from all over the world, was particularly impressed by the complete innovation to such a common item like a screw to solve an existing problem,” a press release stated. “The award-winning F-Head Flush Fastener was convincing in the Product Design discipline and was awarded gold in the category Industry/ Tools/Machinery.”

Flush Fasteners was founded in 2022 by Brandon Serle, of Daytona Beach, and Jeff Serle, of Ormond Beach.

hour trips, according to city documents. The 38.8-acre lot, owned by Flagler Pines Properties LLC, is the west lot adjacent to BJ’s Wholesale Club, and will share the McCormick Drive-BJ’s Wholesale Club turn signal in and out of the parking lots.

The plan on city documents

Smart Technologies certified as a Microsoft partner

Smart Technologies of Florida, a Daytona Beach-based managed technology services provider, has been designated as a Microsoft Solutions Partner, a certification placing the company in the top 5% of all Microsoft providers worldwide, according to a press release.

“Our designation as a Microsoft Solutions Partner reflects years of dedication to providing our customers with the best solutions,” said Robert Doucette, president at Smart Technologies. “It means we’re not just using Microsoft tools; we’re maximizing their potential to help businesses succeed.”

Kistemaker Business Law Group receives platinum award

Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group received a platinum award from the Florida Community Association Journal’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Award winners in its March issue.

The firm received the publication’s gold award in 2025, according to a press release.

Erum S. Kistemaker is the managing attorney and shareholder of the local firm, founded in 2007.

“Being recognized by FLCAJ’s audience and receiving the Platinum Award this year for our expertise within this very important category of professionals in the state of Florida is incredibly meaningful and appreciated,” Kistemaker said.

This year, over 13,000 ballots were cast and more than 250

at the Oct. 21 meeting showed a 171,000-square-foot retailer, smaller than plans submitted to the city later on.

A second, 55,000-squarefoot retailer will also be located in the southwest corner of the lot, according to city documents, next to a 253,000 square foot stormwater pond.

companies were recognized as award recipients.

New Sprouts Farmer’s Market opens in Daytona, near Tanger

The new Sprouts Farmer’s Market has opened in Daytona Beach.

Located at 1591 N. Williamson Blvd. near the Tanger Outlets shopping center, Sprouts opened its doors on Feb. 27, celebrating with a ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry.

“This is such a great addition to our community, especially for those who are passionate about health, fresh produce, and quality food options,” Henry wrote on a Facebook post.

“Having access to more wholesome grocery choices makes a real difference for families and individuals who prioritize wellness.”

The store is open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. According to Sprouts’ website the grocery store chain offers fresh, natural and organic food to shoppers. There are more than 440 store locations across 23 states in the the United States.

One of Sprouts’ direct competitors recently opened near the Sprouts Williamson Boulevard location. In November, Daytona Beach’s first Trader Joe’s opened in Tanger Outlets.

New businesses like Sprouts do not just offer products, Henry wrote in his post.

“They create jobs, strengthen our local economy, and give residents more choices,” he wrote. “This is the kind of growth that moves Daytona Beach forward.”

That area of North Williamson Boulevard and LPGA Bou-

A 24-pump gas station is positioned in the northeast corner of the property.

According to design plans, two turn lanes off of eastbound S.R. 100 will provide entrance into the parking lot, as well as two entrances on the east side of the property along BJ’s intersection. A total of 899 parking spaces take up the majority of the lot with an additional 44 pickup order spaces, city documents show.

levard has

The project is still under review by city staff. What lots do you see under construction? Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observer local news.com.

REAL ESTATE

Hammock

Dunes

home is top sale at $2.7M

Ahouse at 17 Rue Grande Mer, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for Feb.14-20 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Feb. 20 for $2,749,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 4,686 square feet. The house was listed by Krista Libby, of Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 803, sold on Feb. 20, for $660,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,640 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $290,000.

A condo at 35 Riverview Bend

S., Unit 1825, sold on Feb. 20, for $380,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,575 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $400,000.

A condo at 4600 E. Moody Blvd., Unit 9E, sold on Feb. 20, for $145,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 951 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $38,500.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre

A house at 186 Palmwood Drive sold on Feb. 20, for $219,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,247 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $82,000.

A house at 11 Robin Place sold on Feb. 20, for $385,000.

Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,200 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $262,300.

Cypress Knoll A house at 102 Evans Drive sold on Feb. 18, for $718,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 5/4 and has a pool, a hot tub and 3,483 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $372,000.

Indian Trails A house at 70 Burbank Drive sold on Feb. 20, for $462,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,187 square feet. It sold in 1993 for $28,000.

Lehigh Woods A house at 12 Ryecrest Lane sold on Feb. 20, for $309,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $301,700.

A house at 3 Ripley Place sold on Feb. 18, for $336,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,596 square feet.

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

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Ormond Beach 3BR/2BA home with river views just 4 homes from the Intracoastal! Bright split plan with 500 SF owner’s suite & spa-like bath. Large lot with huge backyard, deck & room for pool. 1-car garage with mudroom, wine cooler & RV-friendly

Oceanfront luxury 3BR/3BA condo at Dimucci Twin Towers with milestone report completed. 7thfloor unit with 2,000+ SF, stunning Atlantic views & private balcony. Fully furnished with spacious layout. Resort amenities include oceanfront pool, fitness center, clubroom & secure access. Turnkey coastal living! #1220197 $679,000. Roger Maynard 386-562-5307.

Plantation Bay home is Ormond’s top sale

A

house in Plantation Bay at 596 Aldenham Lane was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Feb. 7-13. The house sold on Feb. 13, for $695,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,608 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $660,000. The house was listed by Mark Polakovich, of Deuces Realty.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 2780 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 9S, sold on Feb. 9, for $188,000. Built in 1968, the condo is a 2/1 and has 837 square feet.

The condo at 203 S. Orchard St., Unit 3D, sold on Feb. 11, for $182,500. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,083 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $126,000.

The condo at 1239 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 7E5, sold on Feb. 13, for $450,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,699 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $400,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Daytona Shores

The house at 752 N. Beach St. sold on Feb. 11, for $470,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,266 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $277,000.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3203 Galty

Circle sold on Feb. 12, for $485,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,412 square feet.

The townhome at 1510 Kinnard Circle sold on Feb. 12, for $360,000. Built in 2017, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,717 square feet. It last

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

Grande Champion

The townhome at 104 Aston Grande Drive sold on Feb. 13, for $222,500. Built in 2007, the townhome is a 4/3 and has 1,310 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $223,000.

Latitude Margaritaville

The house at 597 Lost Shaker Way sold on Feb. 9, for $530,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,848 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $675,000.

sold in 2017 for $230,200.

Hickory Village The house at 48 Aaron Circle sold on Feb. 12, for $325,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,389 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $309,900.

Laurel Oaks The house at 507 Laurel Drive sold on Feb. 9, for $318,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,299 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $315,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Ocean Shores

The house at 25 Ocean Shore Drive sold on Feb.9, for $275,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1 and has 844 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $45,000.

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

The house at 613 Good Life Way sold on Feb. 12, for $338,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,204 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $248,400.

The house at 745 Landshark Blvd. sold on Feb. 13, for $610,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,922 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $387,800.

The house at 488 High Tide Lane sold on Feb. 13, for $375,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,308 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $282,300.

PICK-OFF SPECIALISTS

Flagler Palm Coast’s flag football team improved to 3-1 behind a stifling defense

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

John King, Flagler Palm Coast’s first-year flag football coach, said his players are starting to understand the “why” behind what they are doing. By the end of the season, he said, he hopes the Bulldogs will be pretty tough to deal with. After four games, however, their defense has already proven to be tough to deal with.

The Bulldogs improved to 3-1 with a 14-0 win against Palatka on Feb. 25 at Sal Cam-

panella Stadium. It was their second shutout of the season. They also blanked highly regarded Spruce Creek 6-0 in overtime in their season opener. In four games, FPC has allowed a total of just 12 points.

The Bulldogs intercepted four passes against Palatka and six passes in a 25-6 win against Matanzas on Feb. 24. Freshman cornerback Stephanie Turner had three interceptions aganst the Panthers and has six picks in four games. Linebacker Tori Spann intercepted three passes against Matanzas, one against Palatka and one in the Bulldogs’ 6-0 loss at Seabreeze on Feb. 19.

“Our defense has just been lights out,” King said. “Tori Spann has been a basketball player. But she is just a special

athlete. She is who you want in the middle of the defense.”

Spann scored on a 19-yard touchdown run and tossed an option pass to Turner for the extra point against Palatka. Four-year starter Nereyda Campos scored the other touchdown.

Four FPC players, including Spann, Campos and Turner, were also on the basketball team and got a late start to flag football with the Bulldogs reaching the basketball playoffs.

“The basketball girls had only two or three practices before we played Spruce Creek and Seabreeze,” King said. “Now, our spacing is getting better. We’re getting the timing down.”

FPC has a completely new coaching staff this year with

King and assistants Marisa Kong and Charlie Washington. Kong, an FPC graduate, played flag football in college.

King has been coaching co-ed flag football with the Mad Dogs league for the past three or four years, he said.

While many of FPC’s players have never played flag football before, King is familiar with Campos and Makayla Barbel, who both compete in the co-ed league. Campos is the team’s primary quarterback, but she moves around in different situations.

“We’re maximizing Nereyda’s abilities,” King said. “I never had her on my team in Mad Dogs, but I know what she’s capable of, and I’m pretty excited I finally get to coach her.”

The Bulldogs fell to 1-3 with

FPC’s fab four ready for state girls wrestling championships

The reigning state champion Bulldogs are reminiscent of the team that placed second two years ago,

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE

Flagler Palm Coast returns to the girls state wrestling championships on March 5 as the defending state champion. The Bulldogs graduated their two individual state champs and three other medal winners but return three state qualifiers.

Joslyn Johnson placed third last year, while Alexa Calidonio placed fifth. Juliana Mills qualified for state as a freshman. They all qualified again along with junior Alisha Vilar, who placed third at region after missing state qualification by one match each of the past two years.

“We’re bringing four girls to the state tournament,” FPC wrestling coach David Bossardet said. “We brought four girls to the state tourna-

ment two years ago when we finished second. This group is very similar to the group we brought two years ago. They have their individual goals, and if they go out and meet those goals, I like our chances from a team standpoint, too.”

Calidonio, a senior, won the region title in her weight class for the third year in a row. She has never lost a regional match. She has placed at state two years in a row — she was fourth as a sophomore. This year, she is the No. 1 seed at 170 pounds.

“I do think Alexas is the best wrestler in that weight class,” Bossardet said. “I tell her that every single day. She’s got to believe that. When Alexa is confident and getting to [her] attacks, I don’t think there’s anybody that could beat her. And when I say anybody, I mean anybody in the country.”

Calidonio pinned topranked 170-pounder Tor’Ina Rushing of Lynn Haven Mosley in the region final.

“I took her down in the first period,” Calidonio recalled. “In the second period she chose top, got four back points and I almost got pinned, but I

didn’t. And the third period, I took her down again and pinned her.”

Winning a state championship would be amazing, Calidonio said.

“It’d be like a dream come true,” she said.

Johnson won a state championship two years ago as a sophomore. She is the No. 1 seed at 105 pounds after winning a region title for the first time in her career. She finished third at state last year in a loaded weight class.

“[As a sophomore], I was the underdog and it kind of showed in my wrestling,” Johnson said. “That was my only my second year in wrestling. Now, being in the room for two more years, having good wrestlers to practice with, I feel like I have the experience to go out there and win it again.”

Bossardet said he would never bet against her.

“Jocelyn wrestles best when the stakes are high,” he said. “I think a state tournament her senior year, the stakes couldn’t get much higher.”

Vilar placed third at region in the 145-pound weight class.

After losing in the semifinals, she found herself back in wrestlebacks for the third year in a row. The previous two years, she lost in the blood round. This year, she won that match to clinch a spot at state and then won the third-place match to improve her seeding.

“In the past, I felt like there was a lot of pressure and I went out and started doing crazy things, and it just made me wrestle bad, and then I lost,” she said. “It was definitely mental. This year, I had to regroup going back to the blood round. I just felt a lot better going into the match. I

just knew I had to get the job done.”

Mills placed second at 110 pounds at the regional, losing in the final to Gulf Breeze’s Camdyn Elliott, who won the state title at 105 pounds last year. Johnson and Elliott had battled the past two years with Johnson winning a 4-3 decision over Elliott in 2024 in the 100-pound championship match. Now, Elliott is aiming for her second title, this time in Mills’ weight class.

“My goal is to meet Camdyn Elliott in the finals,” said Mills, who is seeded seventh and is in the other side of the bracket

from No. 1 seed Elliott.

If Mills wins a medal at state, she will become the fourth member of her family to do so. Her brother Jordan and sister Mariah each won state championships, while her brother Tyson placed second as a senior.

“Obviously, Juliana comes from a wrestling family,” Bosardet said. “And she’s kind of finding her way her sophomore year. We got her down to her right weight class. She started at 120 [this season], went down to 115. Now she’s at 110 [where she’s] had some success. Juliana’s going to wrestle as hard as she can every single match, and she’s going to get on top, and she’s going to try to pin you, and that’s what we need her to do this weekend.”

Matanzas’ Cardy Michel and Briana Durry have also qualified for state for the second straight year. Michel, a senior, placed fourth at region and is seeded 13th in the 125-pound weight class. Durry placed third at region in the 235-pound bracket and is seeded 10th at state.

HOME COURT

The Sandcrabs swept the Pirates on their new on-campus sand courts.

MICHELE

MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze opened the beach volleyball season with a 5-0 sweep of Matanzas on Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Sandcrabs’ new sand courts.

Matches were played simultaneously across three courts. Sandcrabs’ No. 1 duo Lilli Litz and Baylee Brown defeated Pirates Sanigh Arneaud and Carly Owens, while Seabreeze No. 2 Alex Dingman and Pearl Kelly beat Matanzas’ Sofia Kubler and Lazara Kenny, and the No. 3 Sandcrabs pair of Abigail Mai and Sienna Dixon defeated Julisia Wheeler and Myranda Valdes.

Seabreeze coach Janet Bruce

ADVANTAGE

said the majority of her team plays indoor volleyball but lacks the experience playing beach volleyball. They are adjusting to the different rules and the sport’s difficulty, Bruce said.

“Everybody had a great time,” she said. “Both teams came out and did a great job. Everybody’s smiling, and that’s the best part. It’s very relaxed in comparison to indoor, and it’s fun to watch them just smile, even if they make a mistake, because they know it’s a very difficult sport.”

Beach volleyball became a sanctioned FHSAA sport in the spring of 2022. Sara Swayze was the Sandcrabs’ coach at the time. Bruce became Seabreeze’s beach volleyball coach in the spring of 2024 after taking over the indoor volleyball program earlier that school year.

Last year, Bruce knew it would be advantageous to

have beach volleyball courts installed on campus. The team had played their matches at a local park with only one court and at rented courts at DME Academy, which is about 30 minutes from the school.

Following the installation of sand courts at DeLand, New Smyrna Beach, and Spruce Creek high schools in 2023, there was sufficient funding remaining to install sand courts at one additional school.

Seabreeze principal Tucker Harris reached out to Volusia County Schools Chief Operating Officer Patricia Corr to inquire about funding availability for the courts. He said his “why” for the request was for the kids, his community and its beach culture.

“We are a beachside institution,” he said. “It just fits our lifestyle. It fits us and what we do. Patty Corr and the district willingly listened and made it happen. It was super smooth — amazing.”

Harris said Bruce has solidified the volleyball program over the past couple of years, and with the on-campus sand courts, more girls have been drawn to the sport. Seabreeze can now host indoor and beach volleyball tournaments, along with regular-season games.

“Having the three new courts on campus has been a game-changer for all of the players,” Bruce said. “They are getting more court time for practicing, and they are all improving their skills faster than in past seasons.”

This is Matanzas coach Sharell Arneaud’s first year coaching the Pirates’ beach volleyball team. She was the head indoor volleyball coach for four years at First Baptist Christian Academy and decided to “step back” from the position last year. When volleyball coach Julie Menendez left Matanzas after taking over the indoor team this past season, Arneaud returned to coaching.

“I am here, and I’m looking forward to working with the girls,” she said.

The Pirates have two players with beach volleyball experience. Like the Sandcrabs, the remaining athletes have only played indoor volleyball.

“I think it’s definitely just an adjustment of recognizing how the passes are different, how the strategy is different compared to indoor, and the rules are different,” Arneaud said. “We’re all learning. I think it’s about them learning how to adjust and read differently than they would do indoor. Where indoor you might have more power, here’s a lot more strategy.”

Seabreeze lost to New Smyrna Beach in District 6-2A championship and in the regional quarterfinals last season. New Smyrna, the local beach volleyball power, advanced to the state championship match last season.

The Barracudas won the state championship in 2022 and

2023.

“I would love to beat New Smyrna Beach, one day,” Bruce said. “They’re a great athletic school, and that’s a goal for everybody. We’re going to work hard to beat them.”

Arneaud said hopefully her players maximize their mental toughness, which will enable them to work through the adversities of a new sport.

“They did say they were having fun,” she said. “At the end of the day, we’re not winning any prizes, so have fun. I don’t like to lose, but y’all don’t like to lose, so let’s figure out how we move forward

“Having the three new courts on campus has been a game-changer for all of the players. They are getting more court time for practicing, and they are all improving their skills faster than in past seasons.”

JANET

Six Flagler Palm Coast wrestlers qualify for boys state championships

Kevin McLean and JoJo Foalima won region championships.

Six Flagler Palm Coast boys wrestlers qualified for the state championships at the Region 1-3A meet on Feb. 28 at DeLand High School.

Sophomore Kevin McLean and freshman JoJo Foalima each won region champion -

ships. McLean won a 3-0 decision against DeLand’s Kaiden Olavarria to win the 120-pound title. He pinned his first three opponents to get to the final. Foalima won the 165-pound championship with a 17-1 technical fall over Benjamin Wolgamuth of Oviedo Hagerty in the final. Both McLean and Foalima also won Five Star Conference and district championships to start the postseason. They will be joined at state by teammates Jacob Hald (106

pounds), Trey Twilley (132 pounds) and Michael Fries (150 pounds), who all placed second at regional, and Braden Dailey, who placed third at 113 pounds.

Twilley lost to Hagerty’s Brentley Crawley by a 3-1 decision in the final. It was the third time the two wrestled this season. Crawley won 4-2 at state duals while Twilley won 4-2 at the Flagler Rotary Tournament.

McLean placed third at state at 113 pounds last season, while Twilley placed fourth

at 126 pounds. Three other Bulldog wrestlers lost in the blood round (one spot away from qualifying): freshman Buster Bossardet, junior Ronden Ricks and senior Doyvonne Leadon.

The Bulldogs placed second as a team at regional with 157 points. Hagerty won the team trophy with 216.5 points. The state championships are March 5-7 at the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee.

SIDELINES

FPC

wins boys weightlifting dual meet against Matanzas

Heavyweight Matt McFall was one of five Flagler Palm Coast lifters to win double titles as the Bulldogs defeated Matanzas in both Olympic and traditional competitions in a boys weightlifting dual meet on Feb. 25 at the Pirates’ gym.

FPC won Olympic 55-34 and traditional 54-35.

McFall had the top lifts on the night with a 265-pound snatch, 320-pound clean and jerk and 330-pound bench press. He had a 585-pound Olympic total and 650-pound traditional total.

FPC’s other double winners were 119-pound Anthony

Giacobbe (290-pound Olympic total, 300-pound traditional total), 139-pound Memphis Hambly (270 Olympic, 310 traditional), 169-pound Jackson Fedun (475 Olympic, 495 traditional) and 238-pound Joseph Casanova (480 Olympic, 500 traditional).

Matanzs had two double winners: 129-pound Joshua Schottey (210 Olympic, 265 traditional) and 219-pound Jack Ferguson (440 Olympic, 515 traditional). The Pirates’ other winner was 183-pound Wiley Conner (495-pound traditional).

The Bulldogs’ other winners were 154-pound Chris Lightsey (335 Olympic), 183-pound Landon Gates (460 Olympic), 199-pound Marlon Alvarado (420 Olympic) and 199-pound Mathias Parker (480 traditional).

Matanzas 219-pounder Jack Ferguson won the Olympic title with a 440-pound total and the traditional title with a 515-pound total.

Matanzas, Seabreeze, FPC track standouts

Matanzas distance runners

Peyton Cerasi and Dylan Ciardi each broke school records at the Craig Speziale Track and Field Invitational on Feb. 28 at Ponte Vedra High School.

Cerasi won both the girls 1,600-meter and 3,200-meter runs, setting a new school record of 10:55.53 in the 3,200. Her time in the 1,600 was 5:11.91.

Ciardi set a new school record in the boys 3,200 with a time of 9:42.53, leading a trio of Pirates to third-, fourth(Brant Tarsitano) and fifthplace (Blaine Vogel) finishes. Jayden McCoy placed third in boys triple jump (40 feet, 9¾ inches).

Seabreeze’s Dominic Dowell

placed third at the meet in the 400 hurdles (1:00.06).

Drayton Bracket place fourth in the 110 hurdles (16.48 seconds) and fifth in the 400 hurdles. Aiden O’Brien placed fourth in both the 100 (11.18) and the 200 (22.91). Zach Wilson placed fourth in long jump (18 feet, 9.75 inches) and the boys 4x100 relay placed second.

Flagler Palm Coast won 18 events at the Cocoa Invitational. Boys winners included Logan Jacobell (50.11) in the 400, Douglas Seth in the 800 (2:07.15), Mateo Almeida in the 1,600 (4:39.78), Evan Johnson in the 3,200 (11:35.02), Ernest Fingers in the 110 hurdles (18.16), Isaiah Chatman in the 400 hurdles (1:02.63), Mekhi Joes in the shot put (42 feet, 0.5 inches), Ethan Ruiz in the discus (114 feet, 7 inches) and La’Darius Simmos (163 feet, 0 inches).

FPC girls winners were:

Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi and freshman Dylan Ciardi broke distance records at Ponte Vedra’s track meet. Cerasi won two events.

Jayden Wright in the 400 (1:01.43), Arianna Slaughter in the 800 (2:24.80), Anna Grigoruk in the 1,600 (5:35.16), Favour Jageda in the high jump (4 feet, 9.75 inches), Karina Marcelus in the long jump (17 feet, 6 inches), Jazmin Tishenko in the triple jump (31 feet, 2.5

inches), Danteria Rankin in the shot put (34 feet, 5.5 inches), Laniyah Walker in the discus (93 feet, 10 inches) and Grace Taylor in the javelin (99 feet, 11 inches). At the Carl Friedland Invitational at Orlando Bishop Moore, Father Lopez’s Lauren Lancing set a school record in winning the 100 hurdles in 15.63 seconds. She also placed third in the 100. Borgmann, Mills qualify for NCAA championships Former Flagler Palm Coast wrestlers Christina Borgmann and Mariah Mills qualified for the first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships as freshmen. Borgmann of Felician University in Rutherford, New Jersey, placed first in her region at 131 pounds. Mills placed third in her region at 124 pounds.

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TRIBUTES

Sandra Hairston

September 15, 1942 - February 10, 2026

Sandra Hairston, 83, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026. Born September 15, 1942, in Beckley, West Virginia, she later moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she completed her education and graduated from Franklin K. Lane High School. Sandra was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and family matriarch whose life was marked by strength, resilience, and quiet determination. She was predeceased by her husband, Andrew Hairston, and daughter, Terri Gill. Sandra is survived by her son, Cecil Hairston, and grandchildren, Nyakinyua Gill and Alyssa Gill; Memorial March 7, 2026, Mt Calvery Baptist Church of Palm Coast 11:00 am

Shirley B. Tobin passed away on February 17, 2026, at the age of 89, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Shirley was a resident of Palm Coast, Fla. She was born In Denver, Colorado on August 27, 1936.

After graduating from North High School in Denver, Shirley began a career that focused mostly on administrative services but included time as a travel agent and heavy involvement in local politics. She retired in 2019 from an administrative position at the Daytona International Airport.

Shirley and her first husband, Michael Brooks, raised three children, moving from Hamilton, New York, to Boston, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Urbana, Illinois, and Ames, Iowa, as Mike pursued his academic career. While in Illinois, she ran for public office twice.

Throughout these moves, Shirley exhibited her remarkable ability to make lifelong friends, gathering them as honeybees gather pollen. Friends’ memories of Shirley always bring smiles. Clearly, everyone who knew her cherished her deeply and loved her dearly.

She moved to Wild Dunes, near Charleston, S.C., in the mid-1990s where, in 1997, she met Toby Tobin. It was a match made in Heaven. Suddenly, both of their lives blossomed. They were married on April 15, 2000, and moved to Palm Coast, where they built a new home in Grand Haven.

Shirley was always active, be it golf, tennis, pickleball, politics, or entertaining. A party was not a party without Shirley. For years, her group of golfing friends, “Shirley’s Shooters,” could be found weekly on the Grand Haven Golf Course and in the clubhouse afterwards.

Shirley’s relationship with her sister, Sharon, was defined

in their early years. Like twins, their bond could not be stronger. For years, they spoke on the phone cross-country daily (sometimes more than once), even when long-distance calls were not free.

To her children, Shirley was, quite simply, sunshine. She loved to laugh, and her laugh was bright and contagious. She also loved to tell jokes, though delivering a punchline cleanly was never her strength. Of course, that only made the jokes better.

Shirley was a deeply devoted and loving mother. She gave her children time, attention, and steady reassurance as they grew older. There were music lessons, swimming practices, and tennis matches. There were afternoons at the kitchen table painting balsa wood Christmas ornaments that still hang on trees today, dyeing Easter eggs, and getting lost together on hikes in the woods. She brought her children along when she went door-to-door for causes she believed in, explaining that responsibility to community mattered.

Shirley and Toby shared an “Ozzie and Harriet” marriage, enjoying over 25 years together without a single fight. Each was welcomed by the other’s family. They created countless wonderful memories, watching their grandchildren mature, golfing together, entertaining, visiting friends in Hawaii, cruising with Grand Haven friends (winning the onboard Twist Contest twice), and simply enjoying each other.

Shirley had no enemies, only friends. She will be remembered mostly as the person everyone wanted to know and be with. Her many circles of friends were as varied as a wild VEN diagram.

Family and Loved Ones

Shirley was preceded in death by her beloved mother,

Alma Rhoad, her father, Sheridan Rhoad, and her cherished granddaughter, Faith Shaw. She leaves behind a devoted family who will forever treasure her memory. Shirley is survived by her husband, Toby Tobin, and her sister, Sharon Crowell, along with Sharon’s husband, Calvin. From her first marriage, she is survived by her children: David Brooks, Tim Brooks and his wife, Fiona, and Susan Shaw. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Kelsey Biggers and her husband, Jarrett; Jennifer Wilson and her husband, James; Michael Brooks; Charlotte Butcher and her husband, Mathew; and Hannah Brooks. Shirley was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Kyla Biggers. She is fondly remembered by her nieces, Lori Coble and her husband, Jim, and Carrie MacNeil and her husband, Sean.

In addition to her immediate family, Shirley’s warmth and kindness extended to Toby’s family, where she is survived by three stepchildren, nine step-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren. Her memory lives on in the hearts of her family, who will always remember her as

sister,

and friend.

Harry Franklin “Frank” Clegg went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 27, 2026. Frank was born in the Haw Creek community of west Flagler County, Florida on February 5, 1928, and there he grew up on the family farm. He loved the country life, the woods and fields where he spent much of his time in his younger days. His family also spent summers at their Flagler Beach house. He graduated from Bunnell High School in 1945 as Salutatorian and president of his class before going into the U.S. Army, training to be a cryptologist in Intelligence, but World War II ended while he was still in training. He then graduated after three years at the University of Florida in 1950 with a degree in Agriculture. In September of 1951, Frank married Odell Strickland, a pretty and spirited girl he had known from childhood days when he was a farmboy and she was a young cowgirl (and fellow Bunnell High School graduate) from the Favorita area. Frank worked on Clegg Farms with his father Harry and brother George, then worked as a forester in Hastings and New Smyrna where he was tract manager. Frank loved hiking the timber tracts, and hiking the woods

remained a favorite pastime for him long after he retired. He returned to farm work for several years before becoming a “punch list” carpenter, working with Bob Danner and Bobby Sizemore, favorite local builders. He later used his skills to help Rev. Shelton Brooks start mission churches out of First Baptist of Bunnell.

The two most important areas of Frank’s life were faith and family. He was involved in the Methodist church as a boy, and in later years, in several Baptist churches he volunteered as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir, or served as a deacon. Frank and Odell used their camper to volunteer in construction projects with Campers on Missions around the USA.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife of almost 66 years, Odell; his father, Harry Clegg; his mother, Julia Ferguson Clegg; sisters Elizabeth Clegg Gatlin and Ruth Clegg Townsend; and brothers John A.”Jack” Clegg and George F. Clegg. He is survived by two children, Marvin (Melissa) Clegg; and Dale (Tracey) Clegg; also three grandchildren : Hailey and Keeton (children of Marvin and Melissa), and Keira (daughter of Dale and Tracey), along with his sister-in-law Kathy (George)

Clegg, and many nieces and nephews in the Clegg and Strickland families. Celebration of Life: Flagler Beach Community Church, at 3pm Thursday, March 5, 2026; visitation at 2:30 pm. Graveside service : 4:45pm at Seville Cemetery, followed by supper nearby. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Florida Baptist Children’s Home ( https://onemorechild. org/give/ ) , the Methodist Children’s Home program ( https://residinghope.org/ donate/ ) or the Annie Armstrong missionary programs ( https://anniearmstrong.com/ checkout/ ) in memory of Frank Clegg, Box 233, Pierson, FL 32180. Johnson-Overturf Funeral Homes of Palatka, 386-3254521 is in charge of arrangements.

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

public notice is hereby given that the East Flagler Mosquito Control District may apply control products by helicopter over or adjacent to congested areas of Flagler County and its municipalities. The purpose of these flights is for surveillance of mosquito breeding sites and the suppression of mosquito populations. Should the need arise, we may also contract Clarke and Dynamic Aviation, Inc. and Ag Air Services for the same purposes. Flights will normally be performed at an altitude of 500 feet or below.

Control of mosquitoes by helicopter is a common practice in populated areas of Florida. The District has conducted aerial mosquito control operations since 1990. All flights will be in the public interest and maximize public safety and mosquito control effectiveness. All control products are approved for control purposes by the Florida Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environment Protection Agency.

For more information, please visit the District website at flaglermosquito. gov where you can view an interactive treatment map of areas to be treated. Updates are also shared on the District's social media channels: Facebook, Ring Neighbors, Next Door, Instagram, and X. For questions, please email info@flaglermosquito.gov. 7763-336967

Mar. 5, Apr. 2, May. 7, Jun. 4, Jul. 2, Aug. 6, Sep. 3, Oct. 1, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT in accordance with Section 177.101 of the Florida Statutes, David Lesser and Nancy F. Lesser intend to petition the Board of County Commissioners of Flagler County, Florida, on March 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible during its regular scheduled meeting to vacate the rear 20 foot wide grading, drainage and utility easement within Lot 15 of Sea Scape Subdivision, as recorded in Map Book 28, Page 62, in the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 286.0105, EACH BOARD, COMMISSION, OR AGENCY OF THIS STATE OR OF ANY POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF SHALL INCLUDE IN THE NOTICE OF ANY MEETING OR HEARING, IF NOTICE OF THE MEETING OR HEARING IS REQUIRED, OF SUCH BOARD, COMMISSION OR AGENCY, CONSPICUOUSLY ON SUCH NOTICE, THE ADVICE THAT, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD, AGENCY,

OR COMMISSION WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT SUCH MEETING OR HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE OR SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED.

7763-337148

Mar. 5, 12, 2026

NOTICE OF TIME CHANGE

The East Flagler Mosquito Control District Regular Meeting

Notice is hereby given that the regularly scheduled meeting of the East Flagler Mosquito Control District scheduled for March 16, 2026, will now be held at 4:00 PM. The location remains unchanged, 210 Fin Way, Palm Coast, Florida. The agenda of the meeting will be available online and prior to the meeting at flaglermosquito.gov. In accordance with Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing a special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Office Manager 386-4370002 ext. 201, at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting.

7763-337325

Mar. 5, 2026

NOTICE

Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

The Board of Directors for the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (FRED)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Hearing and In Person Board Meeting of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Florida Resiliency and Energy District (“FRED”) will be held at the 156 Tuskawilla Road, Suite 2340 Florida 32708 on March 12, 2026 beginning at 10:00 A.M. (EST), or as soon thereafter as practicable. INTERESTED PERSONS MAY ALSO ATTEND BY TELEPHONE CONFERENCE USING THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Dial the phone number 888-475-4499, then use Meeting ID: 842 0436 8184 and Passcode: 065842. 1. Resolution No. F26-03 – Assessment Resolution, Relating to Special Assessment Revenue Note (910 Suemac Road , Commercial PACE Project), Series 2026 (Vote Required) 2. Resolution No. F26-04 – Assessment Resolution, Relating to Special Assessment Revenue Note (1380 Flamingo Road, Commercial PACE Project), Series 206 (Vote Required) The title of Resolutions F26-03 and F26-04 is as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT RELATING TO THE FINANCING OF QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS

UNDER THE FLORIDA PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) ACT; ESTABLISHING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IMPOSING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO SUCH QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; DIRECTING THAT THE ASSESSMENT ROLL BE CERTIFIED TO THE APPROPRIATE TAX COLLECTORS; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF THE ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

3. Resolution No. F26-05 – Assessment Resolution, Relating to Special Assessment Revenue Note (2320 North Liberty Street, Commercial PACE Project), Series 206 (Vote Required) The title of Resolution F26-05 is as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE FLORIDA RESILIENCY AND ENERGY DISTRICT RELATING TO THE FINANCING OF QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS UNDER THE FLORIDA PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY (PACE) ACT; ESTABLISHING THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR IMPOSING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS RELATED TO SUCH QUALIFYING IMPROVEMENTS; APPROVING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL; DIRECTING THAT THE ASSESSMENT ROLL BE CERTIFIED TO THE APPROPRIATE TAX COLLECTORS; PROVIDING FOR COLLECTION OF THE ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE; AND REPEALING

RESOLUTION NO. F26-02.

The Board may consider any business which may properly come before it. Persons desiring to provide public comment will be given the opportunity to be heard and to express their views. Written comments may also be submitted in advance to the FRED Administrator, Florida Development Finance Corporation, 156 Tuskawilla Road, Suite 2340, Winter Springs, FL 32708. In addition, public comment may be submitted in advance via email to the FRED Administrator at info@fdfcbonds. com. Written comments and emails received in advance of the meeting will be read aloud to the Board and the public and will be incorporated into the meeting minutes.

A copy of the agenda may be obtained online at www.fdfcbonds.com/notices or at the offices of the FRED Administrator, Florida Development Finance Corporation, 156 Tuskawilla Road, Suite 2340, Winter Springs, FL 32708, during normal business hours. The meetings are open to the public and conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. Meetings may be continued as found necessary to a time and place specified on record. If any person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter

considered at this meeting, such person will need a record of the proceedings and such person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made at his or her own expense and which record includes the testimony and evidence on which the appeal is based.

In accordance with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations or an interpreter to participate at this meeting should contact FRED at (407) 712-6352 at least two (2) days prior to the meeting.

Persons who are hearing or speech impaired can contact the Florida Dual Party Relay System at 1-800-955-8770 (Voice) and 1-800-955-8771 (TDD). Florida Resiliency and Energy

District Publication Date: March 4, 2026 7763-337644

Mar. 5, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE

To Whom It May Concern:

You are hereby notified that the following described livestock: Black intact Agus Bull as of February 24, 2026, is impounded at Square M Ranch. The amount due by reason of such impounding is $216.00 dollars through February 27,2026, with an additional fee of $72.00 per day for every day after. The above-described livestock will, unless redeemed within 3 days from date hereof, be offered for sale at public auction to the highest and best bidder for cash. 02/24/2026 Sheriff Rick Staly of Flagler County, Florida 7763-337765 Mar. 5, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: ESTATE OF JONATHAN I. CARLTON, A/K/A JONATHAN ISAAC CARLTON, DECEASED. CASE NUMBER: 2026 CP 000016

NOTICE TO CREDITORS The administration of the estate of JONATHAN I. CARLTON, A/K/A JONATHAN ISAAC CARLTON, deceased, whose date of death was July 17, 2024, 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, and the mailing 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

and other PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE DECEDENT'S ESTATE, whether due

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000393

CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6, Plaintiff, VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, AS; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL REYES; 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, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on January 13, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2024 CA 000393, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6 is the Plaintiff, and UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, AS; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL REYES; 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, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS are Defendants.

The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com/ on April 24, 2026 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 38, BLOCK 10, OF PALM COAST MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 11, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGES 59 THROUGH 67, INCLUSIVE, AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, PAGE 528, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA

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. IMPORTANT

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT: If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711.

Dated this 26th day of February, 2026. ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff

401 W. Linton Blvd. Suite 202-B

Delray Beach, FL 33444

Telephone: 561-392-6391

Facsimile: 561-392-6965

By: /s/ Zachary Ullman

Digitally signed by Zachary Ullman

DN: CN=Zachary Ullman, E=zullman@aldridgepite.com

Reason: I am the author of this document Location: Date: 2026.02.27 10:41:32-05’00’ Foxit PDF Editor Version: 13.1.7 FBN: 106751

Primary E-Mail: ServiceMail@aldridgepite.com

1221-15879B March 5, 12, 2026 26-00069G

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. 732.216732.228, 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 March 5, 2026. Personal Representative: Rachel Moses Ryals 67 Woodlawn Dr. Palm Coast, Florida 32164

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Michelle A. Berglund-Harper, Esq. Michelle A. Berglund-Harper, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0084028 Murphy & Berglund, PLLC 1101 Douglas Avenue, Suite 1006

Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 Telephone: (407) 865-9553

Fax: (407) 865-5742

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 Natale James Ballato, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 000796, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was September 30, 2025; that the total value of the estate is $10,000 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:

Name Address

Angela Ballato 13 Whetstone Lane Palm Coast, FL 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 date of first publication of this Notice is March 5, 2026.

Person Giving Notice: Angela Ballato 13 Whetstone Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32164

Attorney for Person Giving Notice

Diane A. Vidal

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324

CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164

Telephone: (386) 445.8900

Fax: (386) 445.6702

E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com

Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00070G

E-Mail: michelle@murphyberglund.com

Secondary E-Mail: eservice@murphyberglund.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00067G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000086 IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS HAROLD KONEN, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of THOMAS HAROLD KONEN, deceased, whose date of death was October 6, 2025; File Number 2026 CP 000086, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, PROBATE Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 1, Bunnell, FL 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 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. 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. 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 5, 2026. Signed on February 19, 2026. SANDRA ANN KONEN Personal Representative

Sean F. Bogle, Esq. Email: sean@boglelawfirm.com

Florida Bar No. 0106313

Douglas A. Cohen, Esq. Email: doug@boglelawfirm.com Florida Bar No.: 124063 Attorneys for Petitioner BOGLE LAW FIRM 101 S. New York Ave., Suite 205 Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: 407-834-3311

26-00068G FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000796 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF NATALE JAMES BALLATO Deceased.

Fax: 407-834-3302 March 5,

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-14037-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF MELISSA NICOLE COLLINS Deceased. The administration of the Estate of Melissa Nicole Collins, deceased, whose date of death was June 18, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., Deland, FL 32724. 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.

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 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 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 February 26, 2026.

Personal Representative: Joyce Hope Collins 1310 West Church St. Deland, Florida 32720

Attorney for Personal Representative: Cyrus Malhotra, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Boulevard, Suite 100E Tampa, Florida 33624 Telephone: (813) 902-2119

Fax: (727) 290-4044 E-Mail: filings@FLprobatesolutions.com Secondary E-Mail: cortney@FLprobatesolutions.com Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 25-00064G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: 53 CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000675 RTL REO LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ZANDER HOLDING GROUP LLC A/K/A PALM COAST HOLDING GROUP LLC, et al., Defendants. TO: UNKNOWN TRUSTEE OF THE 5 WOOD ARBOR B LAND TRUST 250 PALM COAST PKWY NE, APT 607224, PALM COAST, FL 32137 UNKNOWN TRUSTEE OF THE BASFOR TRUST 5 WOOD ARBOR LN, PALM COAST, FL 32164 QUEENS CREEK, LLC 4601 E MOODY BLVD, BUNNELL, FL 32110 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: Lot 2, Block 56, Palm Coast, Map of Wynnfield, Section 27, according to the Plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 9, Page (s) 36 through 50, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on De Cubas & Lewis, P.A., Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is PO BOX 5026, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 on or before 30 DAYS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION, a date at least thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the (Please publish in BUSINESS OBSERVER) and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-6096 Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this day of 2/19/2026. TOM W. BEXLEY As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) By /s/ Amy Perez As Deputy Clerk De Cubas & Lewis, P.A. Attorney for Plaintiff PO BOX 5026 CORAL SPRINGS, FL 33310 25-02876 Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00057G

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-CP-000039 IN RE: ESTATE OF WARNER F. MARTIN, Deceased. The administration of the estate of WARNER F. MARTIN, deceased, whose date of death was November 1, 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 #5 Building #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, 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. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

A personal representative or curator 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 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under Section 732.2211. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. Dated this 6th day of January, 2026. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 26, 2026. MAYER W. MARTIN

Personal Representative 1742 Long Green Drive Annapolis, Maryland 21409

NORMA STANLEY

Attorney for Personal Representative

Florida Bar No. 0778450

Lowndes, Drosdick, Doster, Kantor & Reed, P.A. 215 North Eola Drive Orlando, Florida 32801

Telephone: (407) 843-4600

Fax: (407) 843-4444

E-Mail: norma.stanley@lowndes-law.com

Secondary E-Mail: probate@lowndes-law.com Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00062G

NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2026 CP 000070 IN RE: ESTATE OF GERMAN CHAVEZ, Deceased.

The Administration of the Estate of German Chavez, deceased, 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 Estate is intestate.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer–client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.

Any interested person on whom a copy of the Notice of Administration is served who challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objection with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, or those objections are forever barred. The 3-month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue, or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-CP-000775 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF GEZINA HOLTRUST Deceased. The administration of the estate of Gezina Holtrust, deceased, File No. 2024-CP000775, whose date of death was August 24, 2024, 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. 732.216732.228, 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 February 26, 2026. Personal Representative Yari Moni-Chowdhury 34 Juniper Dr. Ormond Beach, Florida 32176

Attorney for Personal Representative Jonathan P. Hermes, Esq., B.C.S.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1011335

Ginn & Patrou, PLLC 460 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080

Telephone: (904) 461-3000

Fax: (844) 730-9828

E-Mail: service@ginnpatrou.com

Secondary E-Mail: jhermes@ginnpatrou.com Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00063G

no later than the earlier of the entry of an Order of Final Discharge of the Personal Representative or 1 year after service of the notice of administration.

A petition for determination of exempt property is required to be filed by or on behalf of any person entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such person or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceeding involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property, or the right of such person to exempt property is deemed waived.

An election to take an elective share must be filed by or on behalf of the surviving spouse entitled to an elective share under Sections 732.201—732.2155 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent’s death. The time for filing an election to take an elective share may be extended as provided in the Florida Probate Rules.

Personal Representative: /s/ Alex Chavez Alex Chavez, Petitioner Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Alexis B. Diaz Alexis Bucelo Diaz, Esq. BUCELO DIAZ LAW PLLC 2645 Executive Park Drive, Suite 643 Weston, FL 33331 Telephone: (954)

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-CA-000260

VILLAGE CAPITAL & INVESTMENT

LLC, Plaintiff, v. PAUL R. MORAND, et al., Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given that Tom Bexley, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, will on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, via the online auction site at www.flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, F.S., offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Flagler County, Florida, to wit: Lot 4, Block 22, ZEBULAH’S TRAIL-SECTION 63, SEMINOLE WOODS AT PALM COAST, according to plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 18, Pages 24-35, inclusive, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property Address: 17 Zinnia Trail, Palm Coast, FL 32164 pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in a case pending in said Court, the style and case number of which is set forth above. 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. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT

TIFFANY & BOSCO, P.A. /s/ Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. Anthony R. Smith, Esq. FL Bar #157147 Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. FL Bar #621188 Attorneys

OF COUNSEL: Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 1201 S. Orlando Ave, Suite

Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: (205) 930-5200 Facsimile: (407) 7 12-9201 Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00059G

for cash, the following described property situated in Flagler County, Florida, to wit: Lot 67, GRAND RESERVE PHASE 2, according to the plat as Recorded in Plat Book 39, Page(s) 68 through 73, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Property Address: 655 Grand Reserve Drive, Bunnell, FL 32110 pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in a case pending in said Court, the style and case number of which is set forth above.

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. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. SUBMITTED on this 23rd day of February, 2026. TIFFANY & BOSCO, P.A. /s/ Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. Anthony R. Smith, Esq. FL Bar #157147 Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. FL Bar #621188 Attorneys for Plaintiff OF COUNSEL: Tiffany & Bosco, P.A. 1201 S. Orlando Ave, Suite 430 Winter Park, FL 32789 Telephone: (205) 930-5200 Facsimile: (407) 7 12-9201 Feb. 26; Mar. 5, 2026 26-00065G