Palm Coast Observer 02-09-17 by Brian McMillan

PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 8, NO. 2

STATE BUDGET BATTLE

Is time running out for tourism funding?

FREE

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LOOKING BACK PAGE 15A THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

FEMA withholds $1.1 million The Federal Emergency Management Agency won’t reimburse Flagler County for some of the Hurricane Matthew debris clean-up. PAGE 11A

INSIDE

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

LOVE LOCAL

Mix+mingle with local singles

With state programs being challenged by Rep. Paul Renner’s bill, what’s at stake for Flagler County?

For our first Love Local edition, we asked you to help us identify some of the best fish in the sea. Check out the nominees — and how to meet them. PAGES 4-5

INSIDE Gift Guide: Here are some ways to mix it up if you’re tired of the same old chocolates and teddy bears. PAGE 3

PAGE 10A

INSIDE High school sweathearts: How one Seabreeze High School couple has stuck it out for 40 years. PAGES 6-7

INSIDE Flagler Palm Coast connections: These couples tell how love has lasted well past graduation. PAGE 8

YOUR TOWN BIRDS OF A FEATHER FEST

INSIDE CITY MANAGER GETS A RAISE

PAGE 4A

PALM COAST SHOOTER

Super volunteer Howard Tessler spends hours every week trying to help people connect with adoptable dogs. Can’t find ‘the one’? These are just samplers, he says. There are more at the Humane Society. PAGE 20A

According to witnesses, Dominic Neeley shot Anthony Fields in Daytona Beach and then stood over him and shot him again multiple times. PAGE 9A

COUNTY PROPOSES AG MUSEUM PLAN Flagler County could get almost 400 acres of Florida Agricultural Museum land in exchange for paying off a mortgage on another Ag Museum parcel and giving the museum a grant of $25,000 for five years. PAGE 14A

The welcoming committee Pleased to meet you! THINK group helps out the new kids. 3A

Photography, woodcarving and other media will be featured at the Birds of a Feather Fest Art Show being held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave. Admission is free. The “Rooted in Nature” themed art show will be indoors at the City Hall Community Wing. The Flagler County Art League is assisting the city in managing the show. The Birds of a Feather Fest Art Show is a new feature of the festival, which will run Feb. 10-12 — offering a weekend of birding, photography, workshops, social events and family activities in addition to the art show. Another highlight for Saturday at the festival will be PeaCee’s Kids Nest, under the big tent on the lawn from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit birdingfest. com or call 986-2484.w

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

The Rymfire Elementary THINK team welcomes new students.

THINK “This started by us realizing that students weren’t getting welcomed properly.” MADISON MURPHY, THINK member

like a new kid

JACQUE ESTES

Being the new kid in school can be overwhelming, unless you’re a new Roadrunner.

COMMUNITY EDITOR

ince Thanksgiving, nearly 30 new students have started school at Rymfire Elementary. Each of those students was welcomed by a member of the nine-student THINK problem solving team. The acronym describes the Community Problem Solver’s mission perfectly — To Help Include New Kids. “This started by us realizing that students weren’t getting welcomed properly,” member Madison Murphy said. “We wanted to help them feel more confident in their new surroundings.” “We also researched this particular issue, and we found that

Photos by Jacque Estes

Academic Coach Tim Ruddy checks out a welcome box held by Ben Kopach while other members of Project THINK look on.

new students tend to drop grades,” Jack Petocz added. “That’s where we got the idea of the mentoring program where we can encourage them and inspire them to get good grades.” A goody box filled with school necessities, a gift certificate for the school store and one for the snack cart is given to each child as they begin their tour of the school. The tour encompasses the 254,489-square-foot campus, which includes eight buildings — a challenge for anyone to navigate. The connection with the new student doesn’t end with the tour. “We are trying to move into meeting them every two weeks so we can chat, so that we’re not really a stranger to them,” Cameron Driggers said. “Make them feel more like a friend.” “We know their names and get all of their information and put it down in Google Docs, so if we ever see them we know their names, it’s not like, ‘Hey you over there,’” Ben Kopach added. Each member of THINK has a specific job within the group, from keeping an up-to-date database of new students to planning after school parties, emailing parents and making sure goody boxes are filled and ready. Jake Bumengarten keeps the records and sends out reminders to make sure no team members forget a mentoring appointment with a new student. Once a student has been welcomed, their

team member sticks with them throughout the year, meeting at least every two weeks. “We are having our first after school party next week, so all of the kids can be at the same party and meet together,” academic coach Tim Ruddy said. “We will do some ‘get to know you’ activities and go outside to play games. It will be more people around that can relate to them, and more people for them to know.” Feedback has been positive. “We were welcoming two kids, one in kindergarten and the other in second grade, and their brother, who was hearing impaired, was with them,” Cameron said. “We were able to talk to him because Tori (student Victoria Ganung) actually knows a little sign language. The registrar told us the mom was happy with that.” The team is waiting to see if their project has been accepted for the state competition at the end of March. “Currently we are trying to get this project settled in this school, but we also had planned, after we got it all done, to spread it across the other schools,” Cameron said.

BIG SCHOOLS Rymfire Elementary is the largest in size in the Flagler County School District: 254,489 square feet and eight buildings. Belle Terre Elementary is the next largest with 198,348 square feet and eight buildings.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

(386) 437-0106 20 Airport Road, Suite C, Palm Coast

www.flaglerchamber.org

Our Mission: Engaging, promoting and sustaining a thriving business climate in Flagler County

Landon will receive automatic 1% raises in following years, through 2021.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!

10SUN. 12

ABC Fine Wine & Spirits Cerrato Associates, LLC Christie Digital Systems USA, Inc. Focaccia Johnson Wealth Management Medicare Plan Options My Pro Computer Repairs Superwash Express Palm Coast Total Vision of Palm Coast Vacasa WingWoman4Hire, LLC

BIRDS OF A FEATHER FEST

This weekend! Art show 9-5 Saturday, Kids Nest fun from 9-12:30 at Palm Coast City Hall Plus free beginner bird walks! birdingfest.com

EVENTS FEBRUARY

THURS. LITTLE PICASSOS

Your little artist (ages 2-3) can learn art & create a unique work of art! 10-11am; $8 Must pre-register by 10 am Feb. 12

FRI.

LUNCH N’ LECTURE

SAT.

NEWS EDITOR

“It looks to me like we’ve got someone who is doing the job that we expect him to do, for a pay package that is, from what I can determine with independent research, in line with the responsibilities of that job.”

THANK YOU TO OUR RENEWING MEMBERS:

Calendar of

JONATHAN SIMMONS

Learn about Peripheral Artery/ Vascular Disease FREE lunch & lecture 11am-12:30pm City Hall Community Wing Must pre-register by Feb. 15 (while space available)

RECREATION ON THE GO

10am-noon; Free recreation activities for adults & children ages 5+. This month: Games at Seminole Woods Neighborhood Park 350 Sesame Blvd. (equipment provided)

Accu-Temp Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. African American Cultural Society, Inc. Air Pros of Flagler County Allstate Insurance Company - Ken Moscone, Agent American Cancer Society - Volusia/Flagler Ameris Bank Chick-fil-A of Palm Coast Continuing Education Company, Inc. Covenant Closing & Title Services Cut Up And Sew Daytona Beach News-Journal East Coast Premier Properties Edible Arrangements Fair Trade Cafe Flagler Auditorium Flagler County Board of County Commissioners Flagler County Branch NAACP Flagler County Education Foundation Flagler County Fair & Youth Show, Inc Flagler Humane Society, Inc. Granny Nannies Hammock Decor Hammock Hardware & Supply, Inc. House 2 Home Inspection Services Intracoastal Bank JHB - GROWTH - RIA John Whelan Law Offices of Scott W. Spradley, P.A. Legacy Landscaping, LLC Mezzaluna Pizzeria New Spring Chiropractic Peak Fitness & Rehab Phelan, Schroeder & Taylor, LLC Pinch-A-Penny Real Estate Services of Palm Coast Ripple Effect Ecotours SeaGate Homes, LLC. Spherion Staffing Stephenson, Wilcox & Associates, Inc. Susan B. Weise-Realtor Take Action Properties, LLC TechTalk Studios, Inc. TECO Energy The Reserve at Brookhaven Total Comfort Heat & Air Conditioning, Inc. Town & Country Homes / Mullen Construction Town Center Medical U Name It-Apparel & Graphics United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, Inc. Vacation Rental Pros Yellowstone Landscape Yoga Studio 8

ROBERT CUFF, City Councilman

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City Council approves 4% — or $6,800 — raise for City Manager Jim Landon

Palm Coast City Manager Jim Landon will get a 4% raise, bringing his salary up $6,755 to a total of $175,633. He didn’t get everything he’d asked for: The City Council rejected Landon’s request for 2% annual raises in future years, opting instead, following the suggestion of City Councilman Robert Cuff, to give Landon 1% annual raises through 2021. Landon has not received a raise for eight years. He requested a raise last year before the new, current City Council was elected and sworn in. The previous City Council — which had only two of the current members — voted against the raise, 3-2. Council member Heidi Shipley was one of the three members who voted against a proposed 2.9% raise for Landon last July. This time, she voted for the 4% raise. “I think he’s earned it; I think he’s done a great job,” she said at a Feb. 7 City Council meeting before the council’s vote. Shipley said after the meeting that at the time of the previous vote, she’d wanted to address a few issues with Landon that have since been resolved. City Councilman Steve Nobile said it bothered him that while he’d gotten many emails from residents opposing a raise for Landon, when major budget issues come up, there’s little interest shown from the community. “We’re talking about a $6,000 raise here, and last year when we had a $154 million budget meeting, nobody said a word,” Nobile said. “And it just confuses me that we would go to bat and write sixand seven-page letters for a man’s raise, who’s doing a good job, but

Community Center project groundbreaking set for Feb. 14 The city of Palm Coast will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Palm Coast Community Center Renovation and Expansion Project at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, and the public is invited to attend. Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland and the Palm Coast City Council will host the ceremony outside at the Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE (corner of Palm Coast Parkway and Club House Drive). Construction will soon begin on the project, which will provide more program space, meeting rooms and parking. The Community Center was built in the mid-1970s, and the city is updating the center and adding more recreational space. Much of the current structure will be torn down to make way for a 21,000-square-foot facility, three times the size of the current Community Center. The design preserves the property’s historic oak trees. Construc-

Jim Landon

when it comes to the total package of $154 million, we’re silent and we’re OK with everything. ... We have the focus of a single person that we’re attacking negatively. Jim does his job, and he does his job very well.” Several residents spoke during the meeting’s public comment period to oppose the proposed raise, pointing out that Landon’s pay is higher than that of many state governors and that the raise would put him above the 2017 base salary of most U.S. senators ($174,000). Council members Nobile and Nick Klufas said they’d researched salaries for city managers managing cities comparable in size, revenue and number of employees to Palm Coast, and found that Landon was in about the middle of the pay range for cities comparable to Palm Coast. Cuff acknowledged the concerns of the residents who’d spoken to oppose the raise, saying he understood that it was the council’s job to make sure citizens are “getting their tax dollars’ worth.” But, he said, there is a small number of people qualified to do Landon’s job. “We need to evaluate what the position is worth,” he said. “And from what I’ve seen as a citizen, and admittedly only for a few months as a City Council member, it’s a job that not many people can do. ... It looks to me like we’ve got someone who is doing the job that we expect him to do, for a pay package that is, from what I can determine with independent research, in line with the responsibilities of that job.”

tion and move-in are expected to take a little over a year. To see renderings, site and floor plans, and follow the construction progress, visit www.palmcoastgov. com/communitycenter. The Community Center is now closed for construction, and the Parks & Recreation Department has moved temporarily to offices at Frieda Zamba Swimming Pool, 339 Parkview Drive, Palm Coast. Call 986-2323.

Deadline for Housing Rehabilitation grant program is Feb. 17 The city of Palm Coast will accept applications for the Housing Rehabilitation grant program through Friday, Feb. 17. Grant funds are available for qualified individuals who need to repair and upgrade their singlefamily homes to bring the home back up to minimum standards. The repair needs can be interior or exterior. The program is part of the federal Community Development Block Grant program. Call Ida Meehan at 986-2482.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

City finalizes medical pot moratorium The 270-day moratorium is intended to give city officials time to respond to possible changes in state regulation. NEWS EDITOR

City Councilman Steve Nobile

Palm Coast has finalized passage of an ordinance banning medical marijuana facilities within the city limits for 270 days. The temporary ban lets the city wait for the state Legislature to enact potential rules that could affect what kinds of marijuana facilities could open legally, and where. That way, the city would not pass local regulations, or allow the opening of a facility, that would ultimately be at odds with state law. “Just as we anticipated, Tallahassee is certainly throwing a big stick around to ensure that they’re serving what they believe was the intent of the language on the ballot,” Palm Coast Mayor Milissa Holland said at a Feb. 7 City Council meeting. “So right now there are discussions on allowing industries that create a whole mode of delivery in regards to the growing, dispensing, those types of practices. I know that they’re looking at different companies that do that, and they’re discussing adopting similar ordinances as they did with the pill mill ordinance. .... It’s a long way to go, and I believe the House and the Senate are very divided on this issue.”

City Attorney Bill Reischmann noted that some of the proposals at the state level are more restrictive than the language of the ballot ordinance that was approved in the last general election allowing for medical marijuana. “The proposals that have been made are not necessarily consistent with the language that’s contained in the amendment itself,” he said. “The regulations are, to a large degree, very similar to the regulations that are already in existence for the low-THC marijuana that is already legal.” As of late January, Reischmann said, city staff had looked at 63 other local governments dealing with regulation related to the medical marijuana issue. Most have passed moratoriums, he said, and of those that have passed other regulations, most of the regulations have dealt with land use. Once the state’s actions are clear, Reischmann said, he will bring information to the council so it can enact regulations consistent with state law and regulations. The council vote in favor of the moratorium Feb. 7 was unanimous. It was the council’s second and final vote on the moratorium. The initial vote, in December, went 4-1 in favor, with Councilman Nick Klufas dissenting.

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PALM COAST

Tourism funding makes a big local impact Dear Editor: Not quite two years ago, my husband and I packed up our house in Birmingham, Alabama, and moved to Flagler Beach to open a restaurant. We didn’t know a single person when we first got here, but we joined the local chamber of commerce and became involved with the Flagler County Tourism Development

Office. Getting involved with our local Tourist Development Council was one of the best things we ever did. When we opened VESSEL Sandwich Co. a little more than a year ago, they helped us gain exposure through catering jobs. Their marketing efforts brought Southern Living Magazine to town and generated a mention

of our restaurant in one of the magazine’s article. That single article has brought us so much business from tourists and has made our first year in business a successful one. We are so thankful for tourism marketing efforts, such as these, that exist at the state and local level. That kind of support makes the difference between profit and loss

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.”

for small businesses like ours. As state and local leaders consider funding for tourism promotion, I hope they’ll see the tremendous impact it has had on our lives and the lives of our employees.

FRIEDRICH HAYEK “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

HALEY KIRK owner, VESSEL Sandwich Co. Flagler Beach

PALM COAST

Do not approve salary increase for Jim Landon Dear Editor: City Manager Jim Landon’s base salary of $168,878 excludes Landon’s life insurance premiums the city pays. It also pays the city’s portion of his health insurance premiums, plus a $7,200 car allowance. Mr. Landon’s combined compensation package adds up to $218,296.00. It is most interesting to note that Mr. Landon’s package of compensation is greater than more than 40 governors of our states, as well as all members of Congress. It is also interesting to note that the last time he was evaluated by the City Council, his job satisfaction was 70%; very slightly over a D: barely passing. And he believes he is entitled to a raise. It is my understanding that the city of Palm Coast is considering a salary increase in excess of $6,000. Mr. Landon does not deserve the $218,196 that he is now receiving, and yet he has the unmitigated gall to ask for a raise. It is Mr. Landon’s responsibility to be in charge; that’s what managers are supposed to do, and yet he has grossly shirked his duties in overseeing the renovation of Holland Park. There were problems and delays of one type or another, but it is his obligation to make certain that the park is completed within the anticipated time frame. He has been appointed to solve the problems. No lame excuses, just get it done. That’s what we pay him $218,196 in compensation for. A raise? He must be kidding; he should be fired. EUGENE W. HOLLAND Palm Coast

Bullying story has given others the bravery to speak out Dear Editor: Thank you, for giving Ashley Stuart’s story about the bul-

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

lying she endured the space that it deserves. A story of this magnitude can only be told by the victim, and I am thankful and proud of the bravery of Ashley and the Stuart family for allowing it to be told. When you know the depth and breadth of her story, it only serves as a reminder that this is just the first step. Her story has allowed others to speak in their own voice about this and other challenges that face students, parents and teachers in Flagler County. A bright Flagler Auditorium spotlight needs to shine throughout the district, the Government Services Building and the School Board into the nooks and crannies of others’ stories that have either been swept into the corner, have been hidden behind a curtain or a thin coat of paint. For far too long, many have been afraid or have been encouraged to keep quiet about the things they see and experience in the life of Flagler Schools. Perhaps the bravery of an 18-year-old girl and her family will give others the strength and courage to tell their stories as well. PAUL ANDERSON Palm Coast

Kudos to the founders of the American Flag Project Dear Editor: Like many others, quite often I find myself composing emails and letters expressing my displeasure about one thing or another. I am pleased to say that today I am writing for the exact opposite reason. Larry and Nikki White are the founders of The American Flag Project. The name is pretty self-explanatory, as is the group’s mission: to deliver 1 million American flags every year. Lofty goal? Yep. Will they ever reach their goal? Does it really matter? What matters to me are these two dedicated souls are doing things we mere mortals could only dream of. They are present at nearly

File photo

Larry and Nikki White, founders of The American Flag Project, stand on Conley Court, a street they’ve adopted as a part of their project.

VOLUME 8, NO. 1

You ask, ‘Who gets in?’ I ask, ‘What happened to the Observer?’ Dear Editor: Has anyone else noticed that the Observer is practically blanking out their front page with dark colors, instead of news? Just this week, half the page is covered with a dark blue graphic, asking, “Who gets in?” It’s a story about one Palm Coast family that is affected by our new president’s timely decisions! So sorry this family almost lost touch with their parents, who are not even citizens. They chose to come here, leaving the parents behind in a suspect country that happens to be on the president’s watch list (with good reason). Thousands of people from the various countries on the president’s list have come into our country, several of whom were caught promoting terrorism. Sure, some become great citizens, but history shows us that many do not believe in the values of the country they came to live in. I found the story to be repetitious, with the writer repeating over and over one of the subject’s opinions, taking up almost three pages of the little paper. It’s no wonder the Flagler News-Tribune is now included in the Pennysaver. That little paper now rivals the Observer in local news and has surpassed it in the last three months. Where’s the good old Observer? CAROL PROPPER Palm Coast

FREE

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SOCCER CHAMPS! PAGE 13 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2017

WHO GETS IN? Find out how President Trump’s executive order restricting travel from seven Muslim-majority nations impacted one Palm Coast family. PAGE 3

INSIDE

HELP FOR DUNES

“Our hope is to be able to beef up, not just replace, and create a stronger dune environment here.” NATE McLAUGHLIN, County Commissioner

PAGE 5

TOWN CENTER’S FUTURE

Palm Coast Holdings to close in March. What’s next for Town Center? PAGE 4

CHAMBER INSTALLATION

Jimmy Millhollin is the new chairman of the chamber of commerce. PAGE 25

RAISE FOR CITY MANAGER?

City Manager Jim Landon hasn’t had a raise in eight years. Will the City Council vote to give him one? PAGE 9

Executive order could provoke the very violence it’s intended to stop Dear Editor: I think most people agree that the rollout of Trump’s refugee ban was a bit sloppy. Some people believe (and it will continue to be debated) that it was un-American and even unconstitutional. What is really not debatable is the proposition that actions have consequences. In this regard, the consequences may not be benign in that it may very well energize Islamic terrorists. National security decisions require great insight, finesse, and — most importantly — foresight. I worry that these criteria were not fully met in his executive action. Given that refugees from the seven banned countries have not killed anyone in terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in 40 years, and given that refugees are already being thoroughly vetted, I wonder how much of Trump’s actions were based on perceived rather than real danger. In other words, in this case, could the perceived danger cause itself to become true by the very terms of the perception? BOB GORDON Palm Coast

every Palm Coast and Flagler County event. If given the chance, these tireless workhorses will not hesitate to engage you about their mission. Sure they’ll hit you up for a couple of bucks to help fund this ambitious endeavor, but the lion’s share of their solicitation is simply to share an American flag and their pride in what it represents. The result of their efforts is the wallpapering of Flagler County with this lasting symbol of patriotism. We live in a very tumultuous time when events transpire around the world and even in our own backyards that have

Publisher / John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor / Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com News Editor / Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Sports Editor / Jeff Dawsey, jeff@palmcoastobserver.com Community Editor / Jacquelynn Estes, jacque@palmcoastobserver.com, Advertising Manager / Jaclyn Centofanti, jaclyn@palmcoastobserver.com Account Managers / Hallie Hydrick, hallie@palmcoastobserver.com, Josh McPherson, josh@ormondbeachobserver. com, Susan Moore, susan@ palmcoastobserver.com, Jaclyn Miklos, jmiklos@ormondbeachobserver.com Advertising Coordinator / Shawne Ordonez, shawne@ ormondbeachobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@palmcoastobserver.com Classified Account Manager / Randi Schaefer, randi@palmcoastobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designer / Jenn Hogg, jhogg@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com

most of us scratching our heads. Though it is our constitutional right to turn our back on the American flag or even burn it, in this day and age the stars and stripes are one of the few iconic representations that unites the great majority of us. Kudos to Larry and Nikki. Keep us the good work! TOM BEXLEY Palm Coast

FAX: 386-447-9963 The Palm Coast Observer is published weekly on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to most neighborhoods in the Palm Coast area, plus areas of Flagler Beach. The Palm Coast Observer also can be found in more than a dozen commercial locations throughout Palm Coast and at our office, 1 Florida Park Drive, N., Unit 103. To discontinue home delivery, call David Brooks at 338-5080.

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Until Now Until Now

Hearing Aids Hearing Aids Hearing HearingAids Aids

PalmCoastObserver.com

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

High Tech CALVATASRISAEINSINNOGW L Solutions, LLC ABLE!

Fugitive escapes, but gets caught hiding in tree

We Buy, Sell, Trade and Repair:

PC, Mac, Tablets, Cellphone & TV’s We also do Business Work and Home Repairs 229484

George Wood, 31, was wanted in Louisiana on a burglary charge. FREE ESTIMATES

2323 N. State Street, Unit 61, Bunnell, FL 32110 in Atlantis Plaza

Like us on Facebook! | www.facebook/hightechsolutionspc Email: Htech2012@gmail.com | www.hightechsolutionspc.com

386-246-2254 | MON - SUN 9am-8pm

145 City Pl, Suite 104, Palm Coast, Fl. 32164

www.parksiderealtygroup.net

Salt Water Canal Home

With 80 ft. of waterfront, only minutes to the Intracoastal 3 bedrooms, screen porch with fenced yard, Adams waterway. Metal roof, good flow to the floor plan w/ built 1591 LSF. Handyman condition, needs a lot of formal living, dining & family rooms. Large screen porch work. Short sale, but lender is asking for full price is great for entertaining friends! Modern tiled floors in common areas, carpet in bedrooms. Small dock for contract. #226327 $140,000 fishing! #221794 $289,000 , ce SE Pla U d HO bir s EN ing ing OP mm and -3PM L 2 u . H nd h 1 9 S Gra 11t 1 1 b Fe

Gail Downs

Broker Associate

386 - 503-7181

GRAND LANDINGS

Reduced! Charming, well-appointed quality KB home with a large back yard & covered Lanai overlooking the Preserve. 4 bedrooms, with a gourmet kitchen featuring double wall ovens, solid surface counters, 42" cabinets w/Crown molding. New clubhouse coming in March! #2246597

Cypress Knoll Pool Home

3 bedrooms + Den, oversized lot with fenced yard for pets or kids to play. In the past few years, original owners have renovated: solar heated saltwater system pool was resurfaced, new screen enclosure & brick pavers; double paned windows, HVAC new in 2012, freshly painted, and $234,567 the list goes on! #226292 $279,900

Furnished Yacht Harbor Top Floor

2/2 with a gorgeous views of the intracoastal waterway. This unit is selling turn key with all furniture and includes upgraded Stainless appliances and is already in the rental program with Vacation Rental Pros. Hammock Beach Club membership will covey with this condo- a $20,000 value. Hammock beach club membership you will enjoy tennis, boating, spa, heated pools, lazy river, private restaurant, fitness center and much more. NOTE: Do to relocation, Owner is open to trades for properties in south Florida area. Will consider owner financing. $279,900 MLS#218563 Call Kristin Matthews 386-283-3347

CYPRESS KNOLL POOL HOME

3/2 home has cathedral ceilings in the living room and dining room, a eat in breakfast bar in kitchen, wood burning fireplace, Jacuzzi tub in the master bathroom and a large walk in shower. Outside features include: sprinkler system on well, gutters, side entry garage, and a beautiful pool with gorgeous views of the golf course. MLS#226558 $259,000 Call Sam Perkovich 386-931-3145

NE GORGEOUS CYPRESS KNOLL HOME

4/3.5/3 NEW A/C Unit. Upgraded features include columns, rounded arches, niches, tray ceilings, mitered window, crown molding. The kitchen features maple cabinets w/molding, granite counter tops, breakfast bar and eat-in kitchen. The large master suite on main floor has entry to lanai, double vanity sinks, garden tub w/separate shower. Salt Water Pool, relaxing Spa, complete with summer kitchen.MLS # Call Sam Perkovich 386-931-3145 $409,000

IC PR

Charming Home in Bunnell

The owner is continuing to fix up. 2 bedroom 1 bath with a spacious bonus room in the loft. This home has lots of potential and charm. Located in the heart of Bunnell close to shopping, schools, and easy access to US1 and SR 100. Come by and see it for yourself. MLS# 225166 Call Sam Perkovich 386-931-3145 $109,900

36 Pittman Dr Fresh Water Canal .............$23,000

34 Eric Dr.............................................. $69,900 4 Edith Ln ............................................. $56,000 Call Sam Perkovich 386-931-3145

Broker/Owner

386 - 931- 3145

A 31-year-old Palm Coast man wanted on a Louisiana warrant struck with a Taser, escaped from a patrol car, led officers on a chase and then was caught in a tree in the woods Jan. 31. George Garland Wood, a felon and a resident of Pineland Drive in Palm Coast, was at the door of a Dodge Ram arguing with the pickup’s driver in the parking lot of the Circle K at the intersection of State Road 100 and U.S. 1. at about 9:25 p.m. The argument was getting loud, blocking traffic and attracting the attention of a local deputy, the deputy wrote in an arrest report. Somebody chucked an unopened can of beer out of the truck and it struck the ground and exploded. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy ordered Wood to come speak with him. But Wood replied, “What do I need to talk to you for,” then walked over to a 2006 Chevy van. He jumped, head-first, into the van through an open window, yelling “Go, Babe, go!” to the woman at the wheel, later determined to be 23-year-old Emily Burguez, who lived at the same home as Wood, according to the deputy’s report. Wood reached over Burguez and pressed the gas pedal with his hand, according to a report by a Bunnell Police officer who was also at the scene. The van “jerked forward violently,” according to the Sheriff’s Office deputy’s report, and the deputy grabbed Wood through the open window. Wood put the van in reverse, driving over a curb, striking a pole and forcing the Bunnell officer to leap out of the way. With the van wedged against the pole, the Bunnell officer told Wood to get out, but Wood kept trying to shift it into drive. The officer used his Taser and struck Wood with it for five seconds, taking him to the ground. The deputy dragged Wood out of the van to the ground — handcuffing him as Wood kept trying to pull away — and placed him in a Sheriff’s Office patrol car. The deputy ran Wood’s name through a crime information database and found that Wood had a warrant out of Louisiana for burglary, with

George Garland Wood

nationwide extradition. The deputy found a loaded handgun, a round still in its chamber and six more in its magazine, sitting in plain sight between the driver’s and passenger’s seat of the van. Burguez said that the gun wasn’t hers, that she hadn’t known it was there, and that Wood had borrowed the van from a friend. As the deputy was speaking with Burguez, he saw the Bunnell officer take off running: Wood had managed to move his cuffed hands from behind his body to the front of his body, rip the cage from the patrol car’s prisoner compartment, and bolt, running down North Anderson Street and into nearby woods. The Sheriff’s Office set up a perimeter and brought in police dogs, and called out Volusia County’s emergency helicopter, Air One. Air One picked up a heat signal in a tree near East Howe Street and North Cherry Street, and deputies followed on the ground and arrested Wood, who they found — after he yelled “I’m over here,” — sitting in a tree. Wood is charged in Flagler County with resisting arrest without violence, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, driving on a suspended license, aiding escape, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and felony criminal mischief. He is in jail with no bail permitted. The Sheriff’s Office is investigating to find out how Wood was able to pry his way out of the patrol car, according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. The news release noted that the patrol car was a 2012 Chevrolet Caprice, which doesn’t have the solid door panel used in newer patrol cars. “We are inspecting the remaining seven Caprices in service and will take corrective action if necessary,” the news release stated.

S E E S O M E T H I N G, SAY S O M E T H I N G

CHECK OUT THESE LOTS 20 Ellington Drive ...................... $69,900

147 Eric Dr........................................... $59,000

Sam Perkovich

NEWS EDITOR

If you see something suspicious, call the Sheriff's Office today.

MASTERPIECE POOL HOME

This home has been completely remodeled. 4/2 plus den/ office has new life! Brand new floor, paint, brand new upgraded kitchen and appliances, new updated bathrooms. Outside has all new sod and landscaping. Home also features a Central-vac and water softener system there really is too much to list you must come see it today! MLS#227236 Call Sam Perkovich 386-931-3145

For Emergencies: Dial 911 For Non-Emergencies: (386) 437-4116 Sheriff Rick Staly

www.flaglersheriff.com

229796

FIXER UPPER, PERFECT PROJECT HERE!

JONATHAN SIMMONS

$254,900

Sherm The Derm Is Back ! Palm Coast’s Original Dermatology Practice

Ronald W. Sherman, D.O. If you can't find what you want to buy why not build? Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm. Sunday 12-5pm. Built by Palm Coast Homes Construction. Starting at $150,000 on your lot.

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NEW BUILD OPEN HOUSE - 7 EMERSON DRIVE

Decorated Air Force Veteran Physician Board Certified Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology 1984

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

Airport Auto

Palm Coast shooter held without bond

BRIEFS

Five killed in crash at Old Dixie Highway and U.S. 1 Five South Florida residents died the morning of Sunday, Feb. 5, in a car crash at the intersection of Old Dixie Highway and U.S. 1. The five people killed were all in a 2008 Mazda Tribute SUV. Miramar resident Edwin Santana, 58, was driving the Tribute west on Old Dixie Highway toward its intersection with U.S. one in Korona, and pulled out onto U.S. 1 to turn left in front of a northbound Ford F-250 pickup driven by Bunnell

resident Christopher Rose, 34. The pickup struck the Mazda, and both vehicles spun and struck a southbound Toyota Camry driven by 72-year-old Ormond Beach resident Louis Krombholz. Santana and his four passengers — 74-year-old Miami resident Maria Rosario Cedeno, 70-yearold Miramar resident Olga Melania Nunez, 53-year-old Pembroke Pines resident Gloria Santana and 64-year-old Pembroke Pines resident Sonia Elena Melendez — died at the scene of the crash. Krombholz and two passengers in the F-250 had minor injuries.

Storm Damage Claim?

Storm Damage Claim? Denied or Underpaid? Denied or Underpaid?

Our firm specializes in the handling of property insurance claim disputes.

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airportautosalesandupholstery.com 2001 Chrysler 2008 Pontiac 2008 Saturn 2008 Grand ColleCtible Cars Concord LXI Solstice XR SUV Caravan SXT 1993 CadillaC 4DR, 3.2 V6, Auto, Leather, Sun allante Conv. Conv., Auto, 55,000 V6, Auto, Navigation, V6, Auto, Entertainment Center, Roof, Much More. 1 Owner, All OriginAl, 72,000 Miles Miles, Silver Ext. Clean, 85K Miles Stow-go Seats, 69K Miles 52,000 Miles, New Cond. CarFax, $13,900 - oFFers $9,500 $8,999 $8,999 $5,999 2005 2005 Kia WE BUY Hyundai Spectra 5 CLEAN Hatchback - 4 USED 4DR,Tucson SUV, Blue, 4Cyl., Cyl, 5-Speed CARS W/ Auto, Exc.Cond. LOW MILES! $5,999 $2,999 $3,999 $3,999 2000 2004 4Winds 2002 Chrysler 2002 Chevy 2006 Hyundai 2004 Hyundai 2011 Chevrolet 2000 Dodge Subaru Hurricane 30' Sebring Conv. Cruze LX Durango 4X4 S10 Tucson SUV Sonata GLS Outback Motor Home 4 DR, Auto, Like Hemi, V8, 3 Reg Cab PU 4DR, 4Cyl, 5 Spd, 4DR, Auto, Air, Power, All Self Green, V6, Auto, New timing belt New, 52K Miles Contained, Tow Pkg, Hi Miles Every Option and Great Condition 4 Cyl, 5 speed, air, water pump, A Steal, Ext. Clean All Options only 18K Miles Ext. clean $10,999 $2,999 $4,999 $3,999 $2,999 $3,999 $4,999 $4,499 $24,500 1996 Ford 2011 Nissan 2000 Jeep 2000 GMC 2001 Ford 23' Ctr 2004 F-150 Mustang Jimmy Console Boat XLT 4x4 PK Mustang Versa 5DR Wrangler Hatchback 4x4 - Lift Kit 4DR, V6, Auto, Air, Convertible 225HP, Johnson, V8, Power, GT 4DR, 4-Cyl, Auto, 6 Cyl, Auto, Air, Power, 90K - Red, V6, Auto, 03 Alum Trailer Leather, 4DR, great condition Auto, Power, Light Pkg, Ext. Nice Super Cab Low miles 90K Miles, Ex Clean V8 62K Miles $12,500 $5,999 $7,999 $4,999 $4,499 $9,500 $4,999 $7,999 Boats . Cars . Trucks . Seats . Leather Interiors . Repair Factory Originals . Headlines Vinyl Tops (any and all) . Trim work . Airplanes/Auto Carpet . Convertible Tops Something New! We now do home furniture with an experienced upholsterer!

229983

Dominic Neeley

After a 110-mph car chase through Flagler County, Palm Coast resident Dominic Neeley was handcuffed and brought to jail Feb. 5 on multiple charges, including the first-degree murder of his ex-girlfriend’s father, who lives in Daytona Beach. The incident began when Neeley had an argument with Chakera Fields, who is his ex-girlfriend and mother of their infant girl, at Chakera’s parents’ apartment on Carolina Lake Drive, in Daytona Beach. Neeley’s mother arrived and got into a physical fight with Fields’ mother, Chaka Fields. Neeley threatened to put someone in a “body bag” and went to his car and returned with a Glock handgun. According to multiple witnesses, Neeley shot Chakera Fields’ father, 44-year-old Anthony Fields, and then stood over him, aimed at his head and shot him again multiple times. Chakera Fields posted on Facebook shortly after the incident, saying, “Praying my daddy is okay!” But when the paramedics arrived at the scene, they pronounced Anthony Fields dead. Neeley also shot Chakera Fields’ mother, Chaka Fields. She was hospitalized for surgery. Neeley fled the area before authorities arrived. He was known to law enforcement at that time only by his description: a shirtless black male with dread locks and khaki shorts, seen leaving the location driving a black Dodge Charger. The car was spotted again at 6:32 p.m., and Volu-

sia and Flagler deputies began the chase, reaching 110 mph. One Facebook user in Palm Coast reported that the chase crossed right in front of him, with the Charger crossing three lanes of traffic, narrowly avoiding a crash. The chase ended at Peppercorn Lane in Palm Coast, where a man matching the description got out of the car. After being caught, Neeley, 21, of 23 Pierce Lane, complained of chest pains from his asthma and was brought to Florida Hospital Flagler, accompanied by a deputy in the ambulance. At the hospital, the reporting deputy said Neeley agreed to be interviewed and admitted that he knew he was being pursued by law enforcement, but he didn’t want to stop because “he did not want to get shot by cops.” He had been arrested one other time in Flagler County: in 2015, for eluding law enforcement and driving with a suspended license. Neeley had been active on Facebook. Under “education,” he lists Mainland High School. His profile picture shows him wearing red shorts, sitting on the hood of a white car. On Jan. 27 he posted a Facebook Live video of himself admiring his gold teeth at a restaurant with a young woman who appears to be Chakera Fields. A week earlier, he tagged Chakera Fields in a video in which he is holding their baby girl while the infant gets her ears pierced. Neeley wrote in the post, “Daddy’s girl,” with heart symbols. Neeley is being held without bond at the Flagler County Inmate Facility.

Palm Coast United Methodist Church Concert Series 2016-2017 Presents...

Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale

230519

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

SR100 & MIDWAY DR., FLAGLER (Across from Airport)

According to witnesses, Dominic Neeley shot Anthony Fields in Daytona Beach, killing him. BRIAN MCMILLAN

Sunday, February 12, 2017 3:30 PM Freewill Donation And Open To All University founder Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune organized Bethune-Cookman College’s first choral ensemble in 1904. Establishing its reputation in the 1950’s and ‘60s as one of the nation’s premier HBCU Concert Choirs the “Concert Chorale” was established. The Chorale performed at Carnegie Hall in 1960, traveled to Israel in 1969, and produced its first album in 1971. Known as “The Ambassadors of Good Will,” the Chorale has traveled across the US, Canada, The Bahamas and other countries. The Chorale has performed for 105th Congress, the White House, and Howard University. The BC-U continues, led by Damon H, Dandridge since 2013 and in December 2016, the Chorale performed at the White House and had an exclusive audience with former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

Palm Coast United Methodist Church 5200 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast FL, 32137

For Information, Call: 386-445-1600

The new Koningsdam Sep 30-Oct 15 2017

18-night Hosted Transatlantic Package includes 15 Night Trans-Atlantic, 2 nights Deluxe Rome Hotel and Air Package from Daytona Beach to Rome. Cruise to Alicante, Malaga, and Cadiz, Spain; overnight in Madeira, Portugal; to Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Priced from $2,964 with special veranda pricing from $3,464 which includes all transfers, hotel, airfare, cruise, city tour and taxes.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Flagler’s local and state leaders clash over the future of Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida With two state programs being challenged by Rep. Paul Renner’s bill, what’s at stake for Flagler County?

Tension can be felt from Tallahassee throughout the state of Florida as the House Careers and Competition Subcommittee holds the first hearing for a bill that could eliminate Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida. The 172-page proposal, presented by House Speaker Richard Corcoran, also addresses eliminating sales tax exemptions for filmmaking, and would stop professional teams from using money from unrealized hotel bed taxes to fund or renovate stadiums. A week ago, Gov. Rick Scott proposed an $83.5 billion state budget with $76 million for Visit Florida and $85 million for Enterprise Florida. State Rep. Paul Renner’s concerns around Visit Florida stem from issues that have brought the quasi-government agency into the news concerning recent multimillion dollar contracts with rapper Pit Bull ($1 million to attract people to the beaches); a British soccer team for $1.2 million; and a Le Mans-style car racing team for $2.8 million. Renner, who sponsored the bill and was elected to represent Flagler County in the House, expressed concern as to how the taxpayers’ money was being spent. Helga van Eckert, the executive

GOV. RICK SCOTT RESPONDS

Gov. Rick Scott’s press office recently released a transcript of an interview he gave to the Florida Channel, addressing the challenges he is facing with the budget. “The Florida House — they don’t care about people’s jobs. These are individuals who haven’t experienced what I went through as a child; have never been in business; don’t know the difficulty of building a business; must not think about the importance of business or jobs; are not thinking about their constituents. ... “When the House wants to stop Enterprise Florida, they’re hurting our poorest communities, they’re hurting our rural communities. When they want to say that we don’t need to do anymore marketing for Visit Florida, what they are saying is we don’t need any more jobs in tourism.”

director of Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity, said she was disappointed in the bill.

New Tax Collector’s Office opens in Flagler Beach Flagler County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen, County Administrator Craig Coffey and Commission Chair Nate McLaughlin helped Tax Collector Suzanne Johnston celebrate the opening Feb. 1 of her new office, at 2525 Moody Blvd., in Flagler Beach. Scores of people came to the celebration, including Johnston’s mother, who cut the ribbon.

JACQUE ESTES COMMUNITY EDITOR

BRIEFS

File photo

A dolphin soars above Marineland. Gov. Rick Scott says that when he took office, there were about 82 million annual visitors to Florida, but thanks in part to Visit Florida, the number has risen to 110 million.

“We rely heavily on Enterprise Florida and the state initiatives we use to encourage business to come to Flagler County,” van Eckert said. “We have to look at the big picture. The scorched earth process is not productive.” Van Eckert spoke about a company currently considering moving operations to Flagler and bringing 250 jobs, with an average salary of $47,000. Flagler County Chamber of Commerce President Rebecca DeLorenzo also weighed in on the issue, sending an “action alert” to chamber members asking them to contact Renner and other representatives to save Visit Florida and Enterprise Florida, which she called “two important economic development partners in Tallahassee.” If Renner’s bill passes, millions

of dollars would return to the general revenue fund to be used for education, a trimmer marketing program and other uses. “There are a lot of critical places we could apply the money, including returning it to the taxpayer,” Renner said. “Elected officials, government programs, smaller agencies, local, county and federal — none have the guarantee of eternity.” Moreover, despite the governor’s statement that tourism has risen from 82 million visitors per year to 110 million since Scott was elected (see the box), Renner questioned the need to market Florida as a tourist destination in the first place. “Florida is not a secret, and Disney is not a secret,” he said. “It’s an opportunity for us to make a substantial change.”

Free help preparing taxes offered Two organizations are offering help with taxes this year. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers will be available Feb. 1 to April 15, at multiple sites in Flagler County, for free tax preparation. This service is available to all residents, regardless of age. It is not necessary to be an AARP member. Sites are on an appointmentonly basis. Call 313-4048 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to make an appointment. Also, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program offers free help to people who make $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance. By appointment only. For more information, call 2-1-1 or 2530564. Visit unitedwayvfc.com or myfreetaxes.com.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

11A

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The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied — at least, for now — Flagler County’s request to be reimbursed for Hurricane Matthew debris removal performed in private communities like Ocean Hammock and Bulow Plantation. “We have been denied at this point — as we’ve heard verbally; we’ve not received a letter yet from a reporting officer from FEMA — but we’re anticipating receiving that this week some time,” Flagler County Public Safety Emergency Manager Steve Garten told the County Commission at a Feb. 6 County Commission workshop. The county spent about $7 million on debris removal countywide, Garten said. About $1.1 million of that money was spent inside private communities. Those communities got only one “pass” of debris removal, while the rest of the county got three, because the county was told after that initial pass that FEMA wouldn’t reimburse the county for debris removal in those communities. There’s also another problem, County Administrator Craig Coffey said. The state, which usually splits with the county whatever costs remain after FEMA reimbursement, has denied its portion, “and said it’s all on the county.” “We’ve taken the approach that

those people pay for garbage out in front of their house, whether it’s a private or public street; they are homeowners just like everybody else, they pay taxes and stuff to the state — why they’d be treated differently is beyond me,” Coffey said. Once the county receives the FEMA denial in writing, the county will have 60 days to appeal, Garten said. Garten said FEMA usually gives communities 180 days to provide details to back up their requests for funding. He said it was unusual to receive a verbal denial before that time period expired. “I’ve asked them for additional time, because we don’t have that paperwork yet,” Garten said. “We’re given six months, actually 180 days, to provide that information, and they’re basically denying us well before that time frame ... based on a determination being made by somebody or someone that — I don’t know. I don’t know why they’re doing it. But obviously we’ll do that appeal process to fight that.” It’s still not clear to what extent the county will be reimbursed for the other $5.9 million worth of debris cleanup. Although the bulk will likely be covered by state and federal agencies. Coffey said, “I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re going to be out another million.”

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Varn Park will close for several months to accommodate dune restoration efforts. Beginning Feb. 13, the park will be closed, as heavy truck traffic is expected seven days a week. Heavy equipment will be provided access to the beach both at Varn Park and from Jungle Hut Road. “This is inconvenient for bathers, but is good news for our communities,” County Adminis-

trator Craig Coffey said. “Residents and visitors should plan to use the beach access north of Jungle Hut, or south of Varn Park.” The Department of Environmental Protection issued a permit to the Hammock Dunes Owners Association to assist with its restoration efforts. The permit is in effect until May 1. Additional project approvals are expected in the near future, which may further limit beach access.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

WHAT WERE THE ORIGINAL CHARGES?

Judge considers motion to dismiss case against former elections supervisor Weeks

There were originally 12 counts against Kimberle Weeks, of which three — counts seven, eight and nine — have since been thrown out. The counts are as follows: Count 1: Weeks is charged with recording an April 7, 2014 telephone conversation with Palm Coast City Clerk Virginia Smith. Count 2: Weeks is charged with recording a May 6, 2014 conversation with Shannon Brown, the ex-wife of a man Weeks’ daughter was dating. Count 3: Weeks is charged with recording a conversation with Michael Coomans, a police officer heading a criminal investigation in which Weeks’ son was a suspect. Count 4: Weeks is charged with recording a private conversation between Judge Melissa Moore Stens and a news reporter. Count 5: Weeks is charged with recording a private conversation between County Attorney Al Hadeed and County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen. Count 6: Weeks is charged with disseminating the recording of Hadeed and Ericksen by playing it at a Sept. 12, 2014 Canvassing Board meeting. Counts 7, 8 and 9 (These three have been thrown out): Weeks is charged with disseminating the recording of Hadeed and Ericksen by sending it to media outlets and to Dennis McDonald, a former County Commission candidate. Count 10: Weeks is charged with recording an April 3, 2014 phone call between herself and Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, Andrew Atkinson, Ronald Labasky and/or Gary Holland, against their wishes. Count 11: Weeks is charged with disseminating the recording of Detzner and others by playing it for her aunt and uncle. Count 12: Weeks is charged with recording a phone conversation between herself and Gerry Hammond and/or Whitney Anderson, staff at the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

The defense team for Kimberle Weeks is challenging the validity of each count in the case, and of a search warrant that led to much of the prosecution’s evidence.

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

The defense team for former Flagler County Elections Supervisor Kimberle Weeks is challenging the validity of each of the nine criminal charges remaining in her case, and challenging a search warrant that led to much of the prosecution’s evidence. Judge Margaret Hudson is considering a motion presented in court Feb. 3 to dismiss the case. The defense at that hearing asked for more time to complete its presentation of a motion to suppress a search warrant that led to much of the prosecution’s evidence.

Jonathan Simmons

Kimberle Weeks appeared in court Feb. 3 as her attorneys sought to have the case against her dismissed.

Hudson continued the case to a hearing set for 9:30 a.m. Feb. 24. Weeks has been charged with surreptitiously recording the conversations of private individuals and local and state officials, including Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner, County Attorney Al Hadeed and County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen, to “have leverage” over them, in the words of the prosecution. The defense has asked Hudson to dismiss the whole case, arguing that in each instance, the individuals Weeks had surreptitiously recorded did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. The prosecution countered that they did have a reasonable expectation of privacy. Hudson in June threw out three of the original 12 charges filed against Weeks. Those charges involved the release of one of Weeks’ recordings — of a conversation between Ericksen and Hadeed — after she’d played it at a public meeting, making it public record. In the courtroom Feb. 3, Weeks’ attorney, Dean Bartzokiz, argued that the people she’d recorded didn’t have a reasonable expectation of privacy — even

though they weren’t aware they were being recorded — because, in various instances, they were in a public office, speaking on a public phone line, there were other people around, or they were speaking in a building that had a sign on the door starting recordings might take place. “There’s a subjective expectation of privacy ... and whether or not society is willing to recognize the expectation as reasonable,” defense attorney Dean Bartzokis said in the courtroom Feb. 3. The defense argued that in the specific instances in question, there were other relevant factors: Yes, some of the conversations took place in government offices, Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis said, but they were within an employee’s private office; or the phone lines in question were not main lines but lines to a particular staff member; other people were present during a conversation, but weren’t strangers to the people involved; the conversation that took place in a building with a sign that warned about recording also took place after Weeks had specifically told people that audio recording would not take place.

Responding to Bartzokis’ statement that the people involved in many of the recordings were public officials discussing public business, Assistant State Attorney Jason Lewis said that didn’t mean they did not have a reasonable expectation of privacy. “Judge, that’s just not what the law is,” he said. “Otherwise, it would eviscerate any kind of privacy any public officials have.” The defense is also challenging a search warrant that let the FDLE search the Supervisor of Elections offices. That search led investigators to many of the surreptitious recordings that are the subject of the case. Lewis wanted Weeks to take the stand Feb. 3 to establish her standing to challenge that warrant, which would mean establishing that some of the items seized were her personal items, or ones only she had access to at the elections office. The defense declined to put Weeks on the stand. Instead, the defense asked for, and received, a continuation in order to bring the Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigator who’d directed the search back to court for questioning.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

County may get Agricultural Museum land

Flagler County Commissioner Nate McLaughlin speaks at a County Commission workshop Feb. 6.

Three commissioners questioned the proposal to take ownership of 400 acres of Florida Agricultural Museum property, citing cost concerns. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Jonathan Simmons

Plantation Bay water still discolored The county will enter negotiations with Daytona Beach-based engineering firm McKim and Creed Inc. to fix it. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Flagler County will negotiate with Daytona Beach-based engineering firm McKim and Creed Inc. for engineering on the Plantation Bay Water Utility. The plant has long irked residents with its yellow-brown water, which has at times failed state environmental tests. “It’s one of these things where, probably, some things in the beginning could have been done differently,” said Commissioner Dave Sullivan said at a County Commission meeting Feb. 7. “But we are where we are, and we have

to go forward to help the people of Plantation Bay.” The problem has been in the wells: One is fine, but the water coming through the others is discolored, and the treatment train at the plant — which the county bought from the city of Bunnell for $5.5 million in order to upgrade it — hasn’t been able to fix the discoloration. McKim and Creed’s task will be to design a treatment train that will. That might include well field development as well as design for treatment and distribution systems. Any potential contract will come back before the Board of County Commissioners for approval. The commission voted unanimously at the meeting to give the county administration permission to move forward with contract negotiations.

Flagler County could get almost 400 acres of Florida Agricultural Museum land in exchange for paying off a mortgage on another Ag Museum plot and giving the museum a grant for five years. “We don’t want to lose the museum,” County Commissioner Nate McLaughlin said at a County Commission workshop Feb. 6. “We don’t want them to have to shut it down, or go somewhere else, God forbid. ... Overall, going forward, stabilizing them is good for the county.” The proposed deal is the latest iteration of the county’s negotiations with the museum’s leadership after the county bailed out the museum last October. The county at that time agreed to lease the museum temporarily for $1 per month to prevent its closure when it was unable to get insurance for its equestrian activities, which provide much of the museum’s income. The lease with the county allowed the county’s insurance to cover the equestrian activities, which couldn’t otherwise continue. At the time, the county was considering taking over the museum as a county park. As a park, the property would bring in about $190,000 in revenue annually, County Administrator Craig Coffey told commissioners in an Oct. 20 workshop, but it would take $340,000-$360,000 annually to

operate, with much of that money going toward staffing. That proposal, which made commissioners wary because of its expense, was off the table when the commission met again about the museum Feb. 6. “This new proposal keeps us out of all that, and limits our exposure,” Coffey said. Under the new proposal, the museum’s employees would remain museum employees rather than becoming county employees. The county would pay off a $185,000 mortgage for the museum, then provide $25,000 per year (to be matched by the state) for five years in the form of a grant. The money for the mortgage and the grant would come from Tourism Development Council funding. There would also be some costs associated with taking on the additional 400 acres, which would consists of two parcels, with the largest connecting to the Princess Place Preserve. The county may have to add and train one employee to care for the new 400-acre tract, he said, and that could cost, “worst case,” $50,000 to $100,000 for basic maintenance. If the land is developed in the future, that would cost more. McLaughlin —the sole commissioner to vote against the $1 per month lease for the Ag Museum in October —was the most vocal supporter of the new proposal when other commissioners challenged it in the workshop Feb. 6.

Commissioner Donald O’Brien expressed wariness of the deal, but said he supported getting the additional land. “That’s what it’s all about,” McLaughlin said, “It’s about a lot more than that,” O’Brien replied. Commissioner Dave Sullivan said he thought the project still had a few “loose ends.” “The museum is not a big success,” he said. “Is anything we’re doing now going to make it a bigger success?” Coffey replied that the new deal was about acquiring land, not about managing the museum itself. Commissioner Greg Hansen, like McLaughlin, supported the plan, saying, “My take on it is, let’s move forward. ... This is the minimum we can do to give them the opportunity to succeed.” County Commissioner Charlie Ericksen felt the proposal lacked detail and accountability. “I haven’t heard anything about what we’re going to measure, and how we’re going to measure success,” he said. “I still think we’re trying to take this whole thing on as a major plan, and we’re talking about adding to it, when we don’t even have what we’ve got under control.” There wasn’t a resolution on the issue during the workshop. Any proposed agreement will have to come before the County Commission again for a vote at a regular board meeting.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2017

SPORTS Limited coverage

JEFF DAWSEY SPORTS EDITOR

How the Observer attempts to cover sports news.

Bella Giuliano says she’s going to miss everything about playing soccer with FPC, from the bond with her teammates to the everyday grind of trying to be the best.

A SEASON TO REMEMBER FPC girls soccer says goodbye to one of its most successful senior classes. JEFF DAWSEY SPORTS EDITOR

heir tears didn’t merely symbolize the final loss of the season at the 5A Regional Championship. The tears represented the end of a four-year bond with the Lady Bulldogs program and a 10-year connection with each other on the soccer field. Standing on Oviedo’s artificial turf after a 3-0 loss to the Lady Lions on Friday, Feb. 3, seniors Madi Hald and Bella Giuliano consoled one another for the last time as teammates. They didn’t want to leave the field. Through watered eyes, Bella told her “soccer sister” it had been a great four years playing high school soccer together. SOCCER SISTERS Photos by Jeff Dawsey

Madi Hald goes up to head a pass to her teammate Giuliano.

On the way home from the game, Giuliano and Hald reminisced on their past decade together. They went all the way back to when they first met and became friends — on a soccer field. SEE SEASON PAGE 17

WELL DONE, LADY BULLDOGS FPC went 18-4-5 this year, reaching the 5A Regional Championship for the fifth time in program history. After losing to Spruce Creek 3-1 in the district final, the Bulldogs went on to upset Buchholz (19-3-2) 2-1 in overtime in the first round of the region tournament. They would also upset thenundefeated Spruce Creek (12-1-4) 2-0 in the semifinal. The Bulldogs scored 108 total goals while only allowing 32 this season. Dalzell finished the season with 147 saves and 12 shutouts. On offense, Tanagna Payne led the Bulldogs with 33 goals and 11 assists. Bella Giuliano had 20 goals and 15 assists, and Madi Hald scored 15 goals and assisted on another 15. The Bulldogs played against 12 district champions and a district runnerup. They’ve reached 20 district championship finals, including 15 in a row, and won eight, in the program’s history.

hroughout the year, I tend to get many questions about how the Observer covers sports. Usually, readers want to know why a particular game or team isn’t getting in print. So, at the risk of taking up more space on something other than results of games, I’d like to explain our approach. The Observer publishes two weekly sports sections in print, one in Palm Coast, one in Ormond Beach. We cover all sports for five high schools — Flagler Palm Coast, Matanzas, Mainland, Seabreeze and Father Lopez — all youth leagues and other community sports. Unfortunately, we aren’t able to cover every game, although that does sound like fun. As a weekly newspaper, our coverage is more like Sports Illustrated than “SportsCenter.” Our aim is to center on human interest stories and capture the few games that spark interest from the most readers (i.e., crosstown matchups). Mainland football is the most successful and popular program I cover, but I’m still not able to cover every game they play. By presenting news this way, we can also draw attention to the less-popular sports. Most readers may not care about golf, but they will read about a particular high school golfer who overcame a rough upbringing to win a state championship. If we merely focus on the best golf team competing against another great golf team, only golf enthusiasts, the players’ and friends will give the story a read. I often reach out to athletes and coaches for any feature story ideas, and coaches can send in all scores, stats and accomplishments. From those submissions, I select the stories that I believe will interest the most readers. With that said, I look forward to hearing from players, coaches and fans. What stories am I missing? Who should be recognized for a job well done, both on and off the field? Have you taken a great sports action shot that everyone needs to see? Most weeks, we not only publish a couple of longer stories, but also a half-page of shorter stories called Sidelines, in an attempt to be more comprehensive. Email your story ideas and Sidelines submissions at jeff@ palmcoastobserver.com. Thanks for reading the sports section!

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

SIDELINES

PALM COAST OBSERVER

File photo

Tiara Sankar

FLAGLER COUNTY GIRL WEIGHTLIFTERS PLACE TOP 20 AT STATE MEET Matanzas senior Sarah Dillon and FPC’s Taylor Eddy led a large group of Flagler County weightlifters who placed in the Top 20 at the FHSAA Weightlifting Championships on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 3 and 4, at Belleview High School. The Pirates competed in the 1A finals, while the Bulldogs lifted in 2A. Matanzas: Dillon placed seventh (310 total weight) in her division; Lorien Givens, 13th (210); Danielle Thompson, seventh (250); Katie Welker, 11th (235); Bianca Secor, 15th (245), Chiara Longo 16th (315), Julianna Smith, 20th (255). For the Bulldogs, Eddy also placed seventh (310); Tiara Sankar, eighth (245); Eryel

Gilyard, 10th (250); Anisa Zwolinski, 12th (310); Jael Jara 13th (300). All of the Bulldogs lifters set new PRs.

BULLDOGS WRESTLING CAPTURES ANOTHER CONFERENCE TITLE For the fourth consecutive season, FPC dominated its conference foes to win the Five-Star Conference championship. FPC finished with 231.50 team points, while the others scored the following: University (157.50). Atlantic (154), DeLand (126.50), New Smyrna (64), Seabreeze (46), Pine Ridge (29) and Deltona (21). Christian Sheppard, Michael DeAugustino, Avery Holder, Damion Figuoera, Michael Martins, Tyrone Jones, Eddie Bryant and Vincent Ebanks all placed first. Curtis Brock, Keith Boswell and Steve Canidate took runner-up.

Mike DeAugustino and Avery Holder

DeAugustino also avenged one of his two season losses by defeating Osceola’s Malyke Hines last Thursday in a dual meet. Up next the Bulldogs will wrestle crosstown rivals Matanzas at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Matanzas.

SPRING SPORTS TO WATCH THIS WEEK As the winter sports come to an end, this week many of the spring sports will go into play. Those will include lacrosse, boys weightlifting, baseball, football, track and field, softball and tennis. Home spring events from Feb. 9 to 16:

For Matanzas: lacrosse boys play Father Lopez at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Matanzas weightlifting will host its preseason classic on Friday and Saturday, beginning at 3 p.m. And Pirates baseball will host Father Lopez at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14. And, for softball, Matanzas will host a preseason classic on Friday and Saturday. For FPC, girls softball will participate in the Matanzas preseason class; tennis will host Seabreeze at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14; track and field will host its annual Flagler Pinnacle Class preseason event at 3:30 Friday, Feb. 10; FPC girls host Buchholz at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

UP FOR SOME DODGEBALL? The Daytona State College Psychology Club will host a dodgeball tournament at 3 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at the FPC campus. The charity event will raise money for the Family Life Center. The cost to participate is $2 per person ($20 for a 10-person team). Grilled food will be available for purchase. Contact club President Bobi Mason at 568-9925 for more information.

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SPORTS Limited coverage

JEFF DAWSEY SPORTS EDITOR

How the Observer attempts to cover sports news.

Bella Giuliano says she’s going to miss everything about playing soccer with FPC, from the bond with her teammates to the everyday grind of trying to be the best.

A SEASON TO REMEMBER FPC girls soccer says goodbye to one of its most successful senior classes. JEFF DAWSEY SPORTS EDITOR

Madi Hald goes up to head a pass to her teammate Giuliano.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

FROM PAGE 15

“When I moved down to Florida at age of 6, our dads (Michael Giuliano and Pete Hald) were coaching together at the local club in town,” Giuliano said. “They introduced us at the Indian Trails Sports Complex. We were standing over a sewage drain next to the field, and Madi told me to be careful because alligators lived in them. We’ve been best friends ever since.” As they continued to grow and play together, Madi says she and Bella went through a phase where they always wanted to dress alike. “I’m not sure why we thought we were twins, considering we look nothing alike,” she said with a laugh. “But we always tried to buy matching stuff when we shopped together.” They would often irritate their fathers on the way to games with their constant laughter in the back seat. “Coach Hald never failed to tell us, ‘Nothing is that funny,’” Bella laughed. Now that Bella is headed to Rollins College in Winter Park, and Madi has yet to decide where she will next play, it is likely the two will suit up next season in different uniforms for the first time in over 10 years. MADI’S NEXT COACH — NOT DAD?

Splitting from her best friend, Madi will also leave behind her lifelong coach — Pete Hald — who happens to be her dad. He has coached her throughout

CYPRESS KNOLL

PALM HARBOR

JAN. 23: Low Net: 1st Flight: Barb Bergquist 72, Jan Graham 73; 2nd Flight: Ginny Nicewonger 81; Chips: No. 4 Bergquist; Birdies: No. 5 Deb Crowley, No. 13 Graham. JAN. 25: Mutt and Jeff: 1st Flight: Jan Graham 46, Barb Bergquist 47.5; 2nd Flight: Carolyn Nicolin 51; Birdies: No. 18 Graham, No. 12 and 18 Bergquist, No. 13 Nicolin; Chips: No. 4 Deb Aldinger and Alice Manthey.

JAN. 24: Fairway Points: 1st Flight: Pat Larsen -41, Shay Hall -39, Linda Heinke -37; 2nd Flight: Linda Daily -34, Joan Mott -33, Kathy Devanna -32; 3rd Flight: Ann Steele -39, Alma Sinclair -35, Roberta Harney -33; CTP: No. 8 Mynn Lanphier; Birdies: No. 11 Larsen, Judy Smith and Ann Steele; Chips: No. 17 Hall.

WOMEN

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Junior Saba Amiri gets around an Oviedo defender with tricky footwork.

her entire soccer life. “It’s been a great experience,” Madi said. “There’s no one who is harder on me. He’s always been my biggest fan and has always wanted the best for me. I’m so grateful I was fortunate enough to be guided and coached by him; he’s truly an amazing coach.” “Everyone joked with me — when she was a freshman — and said, ‘It took your daughter to get you to the Final Four,’” Coach Hald said. “I’m just happy her high school career has been a very successful one.” THANK YOU, SENIORS

Along with Hald and Giuliano, seniors Tanagna Payne and Baylee Mills and Madison Friedman donned a Lady Bull-

dogs jersey for the last time last Friday. These seniors went to a state Final Four, reached two region championship matches and won three district championships. BEST FOOT FORWARD

As Coach Hald has proven over his 25-year career, he will return next year with hopes of making it just as far with upperclassmen and younger players. Lady Bulldogs Saba Amiri, Jade Jean-Louise, Malia Dalzell and Brittany Murphy — to name a few — will be returning. Next year will not merely be a rebuilding year for FPC girls soccer.

JAN. 24: Scotch (foursome): tie for 1st, 2nd and third Marilyn Gingles, Sandy Pearson, Catherine Whitby and Chrysta White -62, Pat Driscoll, Kaye BoyerRyan and Sheila Tebbano -62, Louise Dyke, Lynn Lefler and Judy Riley -62.

MEN

JAN. 25: Chicago Points: 1st Flight: Chuck Culver +7, tie Peter Bianchi and Jim Golomb +3; 2nd Flight: Mike O‚ÄôBrien +7, tie Jim Porter and Al Fatone +5; 3rd Flight: Jack Hinsch +13, Rich Kawa +8, John Douglas +4; 4th Flight: Jim Lynch +8, Doug March +7, Richard Boulds +6; CTP: No. 5 Jose Moctezuma, No. 8 Mike Rowlands, No. 14 Rick White, No. 17 Bob Aiken.

MATANZAS WOODS MEN

JAN. 26: Stableford Points: 1st Gold Flight: Jay Wallace 89-36, Frank Mento 95-35, Stew Manthey 97-33; CTP: No. 5 Wallace, No. 14 and 18 Scott Dell.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9 , 2017

WOMEN

MEN

JAN. 25: No Alibi: 1st Green Flight: Smitty Marvin 66MC, Carlos Borges 66MC, Joe Lewis 67; 2nd Green: Anthony Martinez 60, Frank Falciano 63, John Thompson 65; 1st White Flight: David Tiernan 60, Robert Fleury 61, John E. Thompson 64; 2nd White: Lou Kanda 56, Gary Mallak 58, Art Robinson 64; 3rd White: Bob Clarke 60, Walter Schaaf 61, John Durish 62; 4th Flight: Chip Cooper 59, Dennis Lynch 60, John Ruid 61; 1st Gold Flight: Joe McNeice 58, John Newhoff 62MC, Bob Palmer 62MC; 2nd Gold: Jack Derrig 58, Bill Ilavsky 60, Dale Bell 62.

GOLF SCORES

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JAN. 27: Net at Hole: 1st White Flight: Bob Leatherman 88-29, Mickie Mann 84-32MC, Rodney Russell 88-32MC; 2nd White: Peter Weber 90-27, Charlie Fiorentino 103-30, Mark Walters 94-31; 1st Gold Flight: Leo Blessing 86-28, Foster Vestal 85-30MC, Gordon Patrick 8630MC; 2nd Flight: John Botta 95-27, David Bouchard 98-28, Tommy Harr 94-29; Forward Tees: Bob Hunter 103-31, Tom Clutter 105-32.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

Palm Coast Tennis Center seeks to entice more national tournaments The tennis center needs more amenities to accommodate more tournaments. JEFF DAWSEY SPORTS EDITOR

Jeff Dawsey

Tommy Paul gets a point from a backhand winner. Courtesy photo by Adelet Kegley

USTA PRO CIRCUIT MEN’S FUTURES TOURNAMENT WINNERS

Facundo Arguello, Juan Ignacio Londero, Julian Bradley and Isaiah Strode

as a beautiful recreational community.” Dunn and Tournament Director and Palm Coast Tennis Center Supervisor Debbie Stanfield both mentioned the goal of hosting more tournaments, including other USTA adult tournaments and junior and women’s tournaments.

“If we could get some more courts, that would be helpful, Stanfield said. “And we would also need a bigger facility as far as the clubhouse. Right now, we use fire station showers. It would be great if we had more amenities here. Ladies tournaments are required to have showers on premises, so we need to get locker room facilities.”

In the men’s singles final, Tommy Paul (USA) held off Renta Tokuda (JPN) to win 6-3, 4-6 and 6-3 on Sunday, Feb. 5. Facundo Arguello (ARG) and Juan Ignacio Londero (ARG) defeated Julian Bradley (IRL) and Isaiah Strode (USA) 6-2and 6-3 on Saturday, Feb. 4. The visiting pros competed for a $10,000 purse and the ranking points players need to ascend to the next level.

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The Palm Coast Tennis Center recently wrapped up two weeks of hosting the USTA Pro Circuit Men’s Futures Tournament for the eighth straight year. The tournament attracted tourists from around the U.S. as well as from other countries. “The length of stay for the tournament is very attractive for us,” said Executive Director of the Flagler County Tourist Development Office Matt Dunn, who watched the men’s final. “This is not your typical weekend activity. We always look forward to studying each year to see what effect this tournament has on our tourism and hospitality communities.” Also in attendance were City Council Member Nick Klufas and Mayor Melissa Holland, who said she often draws inspiration from the “real pros” to use in her play. “Anytime we can get a professional tournament to one of our facilities, it really adds value and brings recognition,” she said. “It’s an economic boost. Those visitors are spending money on our businesses, eating in our restaurants, and they’re looking at Palm Coast

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

Hope Brock gives an appreciative pig a pat during the Agronomy ribbon cutting at BTMS.

Buddy Taylor had a farm ... Children can start studying agriscience in elementary school and continue learning until they graduate high school.

JACQUE ESTES COMMUNITY EDITOR

Leaning her head against the fence, tail curled, a pig entices Hope Brock to reach over and scratch its head. Without hesitation, Hope, a freshman at Flagler Palm Coast High School, obliges. Hope and other high school students weren’t out in the farmlands of western Flagler County but right in the middle of Palm Coast, at their middle school alma mater, for the Agronomy ribbon cutting on Feb. 1 at Buddy Taylor Middle School. Grants from a variety of sources were used for the expansion and of the agronomy learning areas. “We received about $19,000 in grants,” said Andrew Medearis, Flagship Program STEM teacher. “The American Farm Bureau, Farm Bureau of Florida, Tara Tech grant for education, and Weyerhaeuser, all gave us grants. We also received $5,000 from the (Flagler County) Education Foundation.” The tours started in the CLUTCH (Collaborative Learning Using Technology To Cultivate Higher-order thinking) and DELTA labs. These labs are learning spaces with hydroponic growing systems, where students are learning about technology, including the use of drones in agriculture. Earlier in the day, herbs and vegetables were harvested from the BTMS gardens for the evening’s hors d’oeuvres. The FPC and BTMS students provided tours and answered questions about the livestock, hydroponics and the switch grass being grown for biofuel. While the students learn about raising and caring for animals they will show at the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show in April, they also are learning about keeping records and time

Daphne the goat is a teacher’s pet.

management. Each student has an assigned time for animal care duties. Gardens and animals have always been part of the BTMS landscape. Agriscience teacher R.D. Davis, who was named Buddy Taylor’s Teacher of the Year, said they were there when he began 20 years ago. The area, about the length of a football field, is expected to double or triple in size the future. One of the two steers, No. 40, was donated by the Henry family to be raised, cared for and shown by students at the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show. The family bought the steer and pays for his feed, while the students care for the animal. When sold, the proceeds will benefit a youth scholarship program for two seniors. None of the animals “officially” have names, with the exception of Daphne the goat, who is an actual “teacher’s pet.” Four pigs were housed in the pen, and there’s room for two more. The two steers have their own stalls. While Daphne is the only goat in residence at the moment, there is room for more. The expansion of the pens and stalls decreases the time the teachers and students have to spend traveling between the stalls on County Road 13 and increases the interaction with the animals during the school day. Long white pipes formed an

Photos by Jacque Estes

inverted “V” hydroponic system, on one side of the greenhouse, where the students will be growing lettuce, spinach and tomatoes. “The goal is to harvest before the end of the school year,” FPC teacher Johanna Davis said. Students will also be using drones, in the air and submersible. “They will learn how to fly a drone that can be used for land survey and other agricultural needs,” R.D. Davis said. The program is one that can span a student’s entire school experience. “There are agriculture programs at Old Kings, here, and at FPC,” Medearis said. “It allows us to space different aspects through the three schools.” As FPC student Erica Samples was heading to put some animals away for the night, she stopped to talk about her future. “I want to be an aquatic surgeon,” Erica said. “Like in the movie, ‘Dolphin Tale,’ I want to help marine life like dolphin and sea turtles.” Samples said she might be interested in working at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which was the inspiration for the movie “Dolphin Tale.”

FPC senior and future aquatic surgeon Erica Samples stands next to hydroponic systems during a tour of the new labs at BTMS.

FLAGLER COUNTY FAIR AND YOUTH SHOW April 5-9 4H and FFA Youth Livestock Shows 4H and FFA Youth Exhibits and Contests April 7 and 8 Rockin Rib Fest http://bit. ly/2l1Uagl

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PET DISH

PALM COAST OBSERVER

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

The dogs are glad Howard Tessler is working for them TESSLER’S USUAL HOURS n PetCo at Island Walk: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday and Saturday n PetSmart on State Road 100: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday and Sunday

JACQUE ESTES COMMUNITY EDITOR

A part-time job that pays in tail wags and licks is enough for this volunteer.

itting on the concrete walkway in front of the PetCo at Island Walk, Susan Harrison nearly engulfed Bubba with her arms and legs in a mammoth hug. It still wasn’t close enough for Bubba, a young pit bull, who pushed his body even closer and licked her face. Bubba had found a new home. It was the first adoption of the week from a Flagler Humane Society outreach program, which is successful because of its volunteers — and specifically one volunteer, who oversees the program: Howard Tessler. Tessler moved to Palm Coast from San Diego, where he supported the local humane society in a less “hands on”

ONLINE

Photo by Jacque Estes

Howard Tessler takes dogs from the Flagler Humane Society to local pet supply stores in hopes of getting them adopted.

approach. “In San Diego, I would walk in and donate $20 and walk out,” Tessler said. “I didn’t put in any time at the shelter.” His wife, Malinny, changed that. During her studies to become a vet tech, she was looking for externship job to complete requirements. There were no openings at any of the local veterinarian offices, so she checked out the Flagler

For more photos, visit

PalmCoastObserver.com

Humane Society, and Amy Carotenuto hired her. Soon she was bringing stories home to her husband about the homeless animals at the shelter, including a pup named Christopher, a severely emaciated dog. The couple began cooking for the dog, and Tessler’s days of just dropping $20 off and leaving were over. He became an active volunteer. Malinny died, but Tessler continued taking dogs out as part of the outreach program, giving them time away from their kennels and into the public eye. For the past 11 years, before there was a PetCo or PetSmart in town, Tessler was a regular with the dogs at the Flagler Beach Farmer’s market. Carotenuto stopped by PetCo on Friday and teased Tessler about his donation jar, a beat-up plastic jug prominently placed by the door. “We bought him a nice new jar, one with cute paws all over it, but he didn’t collect as much money,” Carotenuto laughed. “He does much better

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with this sad one.” Over the holidays, one donor wrote Tessler a $500 check for the animals. While he appreciates every dime that goes into the jug, it was more important that the four dogs he brought that day were getting exposure. The weekend before, four dogs found new homes thanks to Tessler and his volunteers. Tessler refers to his pups as “samplers.” “If someone tells me they don’t see a dog they like, I always tell them these are our samplers; there are more at the shelter,” Tessler said. The pups that go out are hand-picked by Tessler and the staff, and they are the dogs that are often overlooked at the shelter. You aren’t likely to find a poodle or other small dog; they have no problem getting adopted. But larger dogs and black dogs traditionally spend more time at the shelter waiting for a home. For Tessler, it’s a volunteer part-time job he loves. He sets up the tent and crates of dogs from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. When there is a special community event, like Earth Day at Washington Oaks Garden State Park, Tessler is there. “I consider myself the lynchpin,” he said. “I don’t want this outreach program to fail.”

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Locals compete in annual chili cook-off to raise funds for Family Life Center.

ichelle Keith entered Jordan Farrell’s thirdannual Chili Cook-off, the first time she has ever participated in a cook-off of any kind, on Super Bowl Sunday at Break Awayz in Flagler Beach— and she won. “I Googled on Pinterest different chicken chilis, because I knew everyone would do beef,” Keith said, “and I felt like if someone would do chicken, it was going to be white chicken. And my Facebook friends suggested chicken enchilada, so I went with that and included my own secret datil sauce. I can’t believe it; especially because of how much I hang out here (at Break Awayz).” Farrell, a broker associate at Parkside Realty Group, created the event several years ago with

the hope of assisting locals at the Family Life Center. “When I was serving on the Rotary board a few years ago,” he said, “I was looking for a local charity I could help out, and they came in and spoke. Who doesn’t want to help out a battered woman or someone in need of assistance?” Between costs to taste the 15 pots of chili in the competition and to buy tickets for raffle prizes, Farrell says the cook-off raised nearly $2,000. “It touches my heart when I go around and start collecting,” he said. “People don’t even ask me anymore, when I walk in their businesses; they just start giving me stuff. They all have a huge giving spirit.” — JEFF DAWSEY

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Kristy Doyle said the way to try all 15 chili dishes is to try three, eat a cracker or two, and then try a few more.

All of chili cook-off winner Michelle Keith’s Datil Chicken Enchilada Chili was eaten.

HELPING HANDS Dozens of Flagler County businesses donated over 100 items and gift cards to Jordan Farrell’s Chili Cook-off to be raffled off. All of the proceeds from ticket sales benefitted Family Life Center.

Right: Kallisa Edwards won this photo from local photographer Bradley Krisher.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

YOUR TOWN

ART LEAGUE ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF RECENT SHOW

PALM COAST ROTARY DONATES TO WHISPERING MEADOWS

Palm Coast Rotary Club recently donated $4,500 to Whispering Meadows Ranch, on John Anderson Drive. In the photo, Dick Davis and Kristine Aguirre, of the ranch, accept the check from Chris Hall, Rotary president. Joining them were Mary Stetler, John Sullivan, Karen Merrill, Bebe Kelly, Kim Carney and Susan Hall.

The Flagler County Art League has announced the winners of its fifth-annual Juried Photography Show, held Jan. 14. Best of Show went to Joe Campanellie, for his black and white photograph, “Boneyard Beach.” First of show went to Rick McAllister, second to Ted Jurkuta and third was another entry by Joe Campanellie. Campanellie also won first place in the animal category. Other first place winners in various categories are as follows: Thomas Silvey, Dennis Weinman, Mary Jean Campanelli, Ted Jurkuta (twice), Adelet

Kegley, Dave Bowers, and Bub Currul.

KAYAKING TRIPS PLANNED TO MARK FLAGLER CENTENNIAL To help people join in celebrating Flagler County’s 100th birthday, the Flagler County Centennial Committee has organized two kayak paddles, one on Haw Creek and another on the water route from Longs Landing Palm Coast City Park, to Bings Landing County Park.

“Both are challenging routes for kayakers,” said John Dalton, a member of the Centennial Committee. “On the Haw Creek Paddle you’ll spend a couple hours on the water and not see a house or anything other than the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the early settlers of Flagler County saw.” Both trips are $15 and require advance registration; lunch at nearby restaurants is also available for $11. The Haw Creek paddle is scheduled for launch at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 4; registration closes Feb. 20.

WICKEL MEMORIAL TREE TO BE PLANTED

honor at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at the Community Garden in Bunnell. A dedication will be given by members of the Community Garden Advisory Council, Flagler Boys & Girls Club, as well as friends and family members of Margaret. Call Stephanie Ecklin-Hope at 313-1988 or Cheryl Massaro at 437-7540, ext. 5101.

On Jan. 26, relatives and friends buried Terri Wickel and her daughter, Margaret Wickel, who were killed in a car crash. To celebrate the life of Margaret Wickel, a Matanzas High School student and daily attendee at the Flagler County Boys & Girls Club, a memorial citrus tree will be planted in her

229801

Courtesy photos

Dave Bowers won first place in the still life category last month, at the juried photography show at FCAL.

The second trip is planned for a 9 a.m. Saturday, April 22; registration closes March 20. For more, visit flaglercounty. org or facebook.com/ flaglercountycentennial. Email centennialcommittee@ flaglercounty.org.

FEBRUARY 9, 2016

BUSINESS OBSERVER Alec Manfre, Flagler Palm Coast High School alumnus and son of former Sheriff Jim Manfre, was recognized by Energy Manager Today this week. Alec is CEO of Texas-based Bractlet, a provider of a software-as-a-service energy analytics platform powered by simulation models, and the company earned the Top Product of the Year Award. A year ago, Alec was among Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in the energy category.

Photo by Jaci Centofanti

Bedtops owner Gary Lemay, left, and BAC consultant Mike Oppenheim worked together to plan a successful opening for Palm Coast’s new Bedtops Mattress Clearance Center Visit the Lemays’ store at 19 Hargrove Grade, Suite 2, or call 627-4188. Contact the BAC at 986-2499 or visit bac.palmcoastgov. com. Photo courtesy of Florida SBDC

Palm Coast program helps mattress company rest easier Judy and Gary Lemay recently moved to Palm Coast and launched a new business at the same time: Bedtops Mattress Clearance Center. And while they had their difficulties, their business is springing to life, thanks in part to the city of Palm Coast Business Assistance Center. The Lemays had a clear starting point: Bedtops Mattress Clearance Center sells new, name-brand mattresses. But they had a lot of questions. “We didn’t know the market. We didn’t know what location to pick. We didn’t know if we’d get a warehouse,” Gary Lemay said in a press release. The Lemays went to the BAC and found Mike Oppenheim, a consultant with the Florida Small Business Development Center,

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Del Hydrick and Jerry Unger.

operated in conjunction with the University of Central Florida. The Florida SBDC offers entrepreneurs and business owners expert, no-cost consulting and access to major market research databases. “At the beginning, I’m not sure how fast we would have moved,” Judy Lemay said. “We were pretty sure we could be successful. But after we met with Mike Oppenheim, we said, ‘We can do this. We can make this happen.’ And so we did.” The FSBDC provided the Lemays with the outline for how to open their business in Palm Coast, including help with tax information and other data and real estate considerations.

The 7-Eleven gas station and convenience store in front of Beach Village on State Road 100 isn 100% complete as of Jan. 30, according to the city of Palm Coast’s Week in Review. Also highlighted in the WIR report: Tuscan Garden at Palm Coast is 2% complete; Protea Senior Living/Sable Palms 40%, and Dunkin Donut/Basking Robbins rebuild (the originally building on Palm Coast Parkway burned down last July) is 25% done.

Jerry Unger is back in the automotive industry and working side-by-side with his long-time friend and former co-worker Del Hydrick at Del’s Garage. To schedule an appointment at Del’s Garage, 2700 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, call 313-5997.

JOB FAIR PLANNED FOR MARCH 3

If your business is hiring, don’t miss this opportunity to get a free table at the Flagler County Job Fair. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, March 3, at Daytona State College’s Flagler Campus. Employers must be actively seeking to fill at least one non-commission-based position. If you have questions, contact Katrina Austin at 313-4070.

ONLINE

SON OF FORMER SHERIFF WINS BUSINESS AWARD

‘CAR GUYS’ REUNITE AT DEL’S GARAGE

Read more permits at PalmCoastObserver.com

OTHER BUSINESS NEWS THIS WEEK:

SIXTEEN NEW HOMES TO BE BUILT IN PALM COAST

The city of Palm Coast issued 16 permits for single-family residences last week. The most expensive was for a $400,000 home by Intervest Construction at 5 Turkey Oak Lane. Also, D.R. Horton is building four homes on Coopers Hawk Court and another on Coopers Hawk Drive.

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PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

An oceanfront condo was the top seller WAYNE GRANT NEWS EDITOR

$299,999. Built in 1995, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,844 square feet. It sold in 1995 for $156,600.

condominium was the top real estate transaction for the week of Dec. 29 to Jan. 4. Alfred and Cheryl Sweeney, of Palm Coast, sold 19 Avenue de la Mer, Unit 904, to Neil and Debbie Youngerman, of Hillsborough, New Jersey, for $920,000. Built in 2005, the condo has three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a theater room and 2,873 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $995,000.

Matanzas Woods Laura Defeo, of Palm City, sold 4 Ludlow Lane East to Thomas and Gigett Owens, of Palm Coast, for $167,890. Built in 2014, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,342 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $152,500. Courtesy photo

The top selling real estate transaction was a condo on the beach.

Grand Haven Philip and Barbara Teston sold 18 Village Drive N. to Robert and Tina Ulaner, of Orwigsburg, Pennsylania, for $330,000. Built in 2005, the house has three bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace and 2,293 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $400,000.

Mario and Rose Roberti, of Palm Coast, sold 6 Crosslink Court to Daniel and Giselda Brocksmith, of Palm Coast, for $209,900. Built in 2006, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,763 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $329,800. Hammock Dunes Real Estate Solutions Home Sellers LLC sold 13 San Marco

Court to Salam Slim, of Dearborn Heights, Michigan, for $515,000. Built in 1990, the house has four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a fireplace, swimming pool and 3,535 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $396,000. Lehigh Woods Paul Janaszek, of Palm Coast, sold 6 Red Birch Lane to Volodymyr Yavrumov and Alina Dokshakova, of Palm Coast, for $145,000. Built in 2005, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,819 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $191,400.

Lakeside at Matanzas Shores Diane Beaudoin, of Montreal, sold 10 San Carlos Drive to Barrett Scala and Raymond Johnson, of Palm Coast, for

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Palm Harbor Andre and Debra Tessier, of Chinook, Washington, sold 10 Cedarview Court to Guy Lathrop, of Palm Coast, for $373,000. Built in 1994, the house has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a swimming pool, boat dock and 1,986 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $475,000.

Harold and Maria Guess, of LaFollette, Tennessee, sold 7 Cadillac Place to James and Barbara Abbott, for $320,000. Built in 1991, the house has three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a fireplace and 2,477 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $275,000. Barbara Simbol, individually and as trustee, sold 11 Filbert Lane to John and Cynthia Fowler, of Palm Coast, for $161,500. Built in 1981, the house has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,592 square feet. It sold in 2000 for $84,700.

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Pine Grove Walter and Delores Shedlock, of Palm Coast, sold 2 Pine Grove Drive to Gayland Rancourt, of Palm Coast, for $175,000. Built in 2001, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,892 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $115,000. Pine Lakes Victoria and Tellier, of Flagler Beach, sold 19 Woodshire Lane to Charles and Janice Lewis, of Palm Coast, for $235,000. Built in 1988, the house has three bedrooms, two baths, a fireplace, swimming pool and 1,798 square feet. It sold in 1993 for $87,000.

Lannie Thomas, of Concord, North Carolina, sold 68 Wellington Drive to Collins and Collina Igiebor, of Southfallsburg, New York, for $226,400. Built in 1989, the house has four bedrooms, three baths, a swimming pool, fireplace and 2,501 square feet. It sold in 1989 for $153,600. Alfred and Myriam Green, of Palm Coast, sold 53 Whittingham Lane to Jamie and Christine Alcazar, of Palm Coast, for $209,900. Built in 2000, the house has four bedrooms, two baths and 2,216 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $273,900. Richard and Barbara Shaw, of Harrisonburg, Virginia, sold

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Quail Hollow Richard and Rosemarie Santa Maria, as trustees, sold 67 Kashmir Trail to Patrick and Tamatha Mahoney, of Palm Coast, for $265,000. Built in 2004, the house has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a swimming pool and 2,226 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $221,500.

Sunset Inlet D.R. Horton Inc. Jacksonville, sold 2710 Sunset Inlet Drive to David and Anzhelika Barker, of Flagler Beach, for $564,500. Built in 2016, the house has three bedrooms, 3.5 baths, an elevator and 2,624 square feet. The Reserve 5 Hummingbird Circle LLC, of Santa Rosa, California, sold 12 Humming Bird Circle to Eric and Michelle Finnicum, of Bunnell, for $400,000. Built in 2015, the house has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,648 square feet.

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Seminole Woods Adams Homes of Northwest Florida, of Gulf Breeze, sold 64 Sloganeer Trail to Watonya Tonkphontong, of Palm Coast, for $174,103. Built in 2016, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,505 square feet.