Issuu

DAYTONA BEACH

Observer

Theresa’s Garage turns 14 9A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 24

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

773 housing units, 1.6M square feet of commercial Possible future 175-acre development approved in first vote by Daytona Beach Commission. PAGE 4B

Let’s talk about ‘toilet to tap’

THAT’S A WRAP

85th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. PAGE 5A

City Commission to review ban in Daytona Beach. PAGE 6A INSIDE ON HARD TIMES

36% of Flagler, Volusia households face financial hardships. PAGE 8A

NO AMENDMENT

Volusia County won’t pursue a charter amendment related to voluntary annexations. PAGE 4A

TENNIS CHAMPS

Seabreeze High School wins Five Star boys tennis title. PAGE 10B

INDEX

Business..................... PAGE 9A Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters.......................PAGE 12A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Schools....................... PAGE 3B Sports......................... PAGE 8B Tributes ...................... PAGE 4C Real Estate................. PAGE 4B

FREE

ON NEWSSTANDS.

$1/WEEK

ON YOUR DRIVEWAY.

Bikers cruise Main St. during the 85th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week on Saturday, March 7. Photo by Michele Meyers

State of Volusia Schools District cabinet celebrates successes. 3A

Animals in need

The Silver Sands Middle School Choir performs the national anthem during the State of our Schools event on Thursday, March 5. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Halifax Humane Society opens first ever shelter for animal victims of domestic violence

PAGE 11A

Honoring Life's Journey with Grace Cremation & Traditional Funeral Services

Families Deserve Options That Ease Both Emotional and Financial Burdens. When it comes to cremation services, the costs in our community vary greatly. Direct Cremation Starting At:

Lotus Funeral Home

$1,100

NINA GUIGLOTTO NINA GUIGLOTTO

Chief Executive Chief Executive Officer Officer

nina@ lotusfuneral .com nina@lotusfuneral.com

Lohman Funeral Home

$2,099

Clymer Funeral Home

$2,300

386-217-0875 386-217-0875

Craig Flagler Funeral Home

$3,070

LOTUS FUNERAL LOTUS FUNERAL SERVICES SERVICES

460 Pa Palm lm C Coast oast Pa Parkway rkway SW SW, SSte. te 3 3, Pa Palm lm C Coast, oast FL ,

www.lotusfuneralservices.com www.lotusfuneralservices.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026 Paid Advertisement

Putting your aging parents’ wishes first Andrea Gulliksen, CFP®

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Flagler deputy saves former Ormond official from choking Deputy Joe Oliva Jr. performed the Heimlich maneuver on Susan Persis; it was a ‘life saving event.’ JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

As your parents grow older, it may be time to talk with them about financial and aging issues, which may involve difficult conversations. You’ll want to be careful how you approach this. Mention ahead of time that you’d like to talk to them about their future plans and reassure them that you want to understand their wishes, so their affairs will be taken care of as they would like. If your parents are agreeable, choose a comfortable location and ask whom to invite (or not invite). Then, think about how to open the conversation, preferably not with what they want to do with their money, as this could be interpreted as your seeking information about your inheriance or being skeptical about their financial decisions. Instead, build a broader discussion about their vision for their aging years. A series of shorter conersations may allow you to cover topics more comfortably rather than trying to solve everything at once. Try to address these areas: • Health care – Seek to learn whether your parents have established appropriate health-related legal documents such as a health care power of attorney, which gives someone the authority to make decisions about their medical care if they become unable, and a living will, which spells out the extraordinary medical treatments they may or may not want. • Independence – As people age, they may begin to lose their independence. Have your parents considered options for longterm care, such as an assisted living community, a nursing home or a home health aide? If they plan to receive support from family members, do your parents’ expectations match yours? • Financial goals – Focusing on the personal and financial aspects of the legacy your parents want to leave can be a valuable conversation. Have they updated their will or other estate documents, such as a living trust? Have they created a durable power of attorney for a trusted family member to make financial decisions for them if they become incapacitated? Do they have the proper beneficiary designations on their insurance policies, retirement plan and bank accounts? If you position these issues around your parents having control over transferring their assets, rather than curiosity over “who will get what,” you’ll more likely have a productive conversation. • Last wishes – You’ll want to learn whether your parents have instructions in their will about their funerals and last wishes. Express that you or another close family member should know who is responsible for making sure their wishes are met in a timely fashion. Money, independence and aging can be sensitive topics. You don’t have to go it alone, though — enlist help from another close family member. Or, if your parents work with an attorney, financial professional or other trusted advisor, consider asking if they’re interested in having them participate in your talks. You might even be able to introduce your parents to one of your advisors. In any case, keep talking. These conversations can be challenging, but if handled correctly can be of great benefit to your parents and your entire family. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, Member SIPC. Proud sponsor

Proud sponsor Andrea Gulliksen CFP® Financial Advisor 386-298-7024 andrea.gulliksen@edwardjones.com Andrea Gulliksen CFP® Financial Advisor 386-298-7024

At the end of December, former Ormond Beach City Commissioner Susan Persis was having dinner with her husband and a few friends at Alexander’s. While eating an appetizer, a piece of meat got lodged in her throat. She couldn’t breathe. Her attempts to cough were not working. As she stood up, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joe Oliva Jr., who was off-duty, recognized the signs that she was choking. “They always say we’re never really off duty,” Oliva said. “I don’t know who else

NEWS BRIEFS Motorcycle passenger dies in Ormond crash A 57-year-old Wisconsin woman died after being thrown from a motorcycle in a crash at High Bridge Road and Walter Boardman Lane in Ormond Beach on March 5. Florida Highway Patrol reported that the woman was a passenger in a motorcycle driven by a 64-year-old man, who failed to negotiate a curve in the road and entered into the eastbound path of a truck hauling a trailer. The motorcycle crashed into the

COPS CORNER MARCH 3

MECHANICAL MISFUNCTION 10:24 p.m. — 100 block of Lehigh Drive Burglary. A Flagler Beach mechanic is under arrest for trying to take a boat mechanic’s tools in the dead of night. A boat mechanic’s shop alarm sounded after 10 p.m. that night, alerting Sheriff’s Office deputies of a suspected crime in progress. When deputies arrived on the scene, the suspect was nowhere to be seen, but the back door had been kicked open and wiring pulled out of the wall, an estimated $600 in damages. Security footage shows a man jumped onto the shop’s roof from a neighboring rooftop, before falling down and landing on one of

Former Ormond Beach City Commissioner Susan Persis, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Joe Oliva Jr., and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Courtesy photo

was in the restaurant at that time ... Not saying that I was in the right place at the right time, but if nobody else knew how to do it, you can’t go that long without breathing.” So he rushed over and began performing the Heimlich maneuver, and Persis was able to dislodge the food in her throat. She couldn’t believe what just happened — or

trailer, causing the occupants — both from New Berlin, Wisconsin — to be ejected. The man was transported to the hospital with critical injuries. Neither he nor the woman, who died at the scene, was wearing a helmet. The truck was driven by a 65-year-old Palm Coast man, FHP reports he initially was not aware the motorcycle had crashed into his trailer. He was uninjured.

Heiser Foundation donates $4,000 for memorial The Heiser Foundation has donated $4,000 to support the creation of a Gold Star Families memorial planned for installation at Heroes Memorial Park in Palm Coast.

the stored boats. The suspect got up and began searching through the shipping containers before kicking open the shop’s door and ripping out the wiring. The man fled the scene through neighboring yards before deputies arrived, and nothing seemed to be missing, according to an arrest report. Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to identify the suspect from a bystander at a local convenience store, and arrested the man at his own mechanic shop. He was taken to the county jail.

MARCH 4

MISSING TAXES 3:03 p.m. — 400 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Fraud. A local restaurant owner called police after he received a notice from the IRS about payroll taxes owed dating back to the first quarter of 2025. The restaurant owner told

almost had happened. “If he hadn’t been there, I don’t know what would have happened,” she said. “I don’t know if anybody else was trained to perform that procedure or help somebody. It was just so frightening.” That night, she was in shock. But as time went on, she wanted to make sure Oliva was recognized for his quick

action that night. “It was just a life saving event for me, and so I felt like the best way for me to thank him is just let people be aware of what he did, and he needs to be congratulated and thanked,” Persis said. “I just don’t want it to happen to somebody else.” Oliva is a regular at Alexander’s, as his father runs the restaurant and his sister works as a hostess. Because of this, he gets to know some of the frequent customers, which include the Persises. On Valentine’s Day, Sheriff Rick Staly came out to the restaurant for dinner, too. Oliva said the sheriff asked him why he hadn’t let the FCSO know of how he had helped Persis. Oliva said it’s because anybody who wears a badge would do the same. “It’s honor to save somebody, but we don’t do it for that,” Oliva said. He was put in to receive an

David Lydon, Flagler County Veterans Services; Cathy Heighter, Florida Gold Star Families; Tom Heiser, The Heiser Foundation; Jeff Kingdon, chairman Veterans Advisory Council; and Larry Rekart, Veterans Advisory Council. Courtesy photo

The donation, announced by Tom Heiser, president of the foundation, will help fund the memorial, which awaits final approval for placement in the park. The Florida Gold Star Families organization supports

families who have lost loved ones in active-duty service with the U.S. Armed Forces. Founded in 2000 by the late Fran and Gary Heiser of Palm Coast, the Heiser Foundation memorializes their son, Master Sgt. Michael G.

police he had contracted an accountant 10 years ago for general bookkeeping services, including tax filing, according to an incident report. He would forward the payroll tax funds to the accountant, who was then responsible for submitting the funds to the IRS. Then, he received a notice stating he owed over $41,000 in delinquent payroll taxes. The restaurant owner had already paid these to the accountant, whom he tried to contact several times, receiving responses that she was unavailable or “in a meeting,” according to the incident report. He later got an email from his accountant stating it was her intention “to get this paid.” Police are continuing to investigate.

$200 pair of headphones because he left his debit card on the counter. The suspect initially walked into the video game store to sell his used came console controller. When the store employee told the suspect he needed his identification on him, the suspect went out to his truck to grab it, but left his debit card on the table, according to an arrest report. The employee went into the back of the store and when the suspect returned to a seemingly empty store, he grabbed a $199 pair of headphones from the shelf and took off, the report said. Because the store had security cameras and the debit card, Sheriff’s Office deputies were able to quickly track the man down to his home. He was taken to jail.

CARD LEFT BEHIND 1:31 p.m. — 5200 block of State Road 100, Palm Coast Shoplifting. A Palm Coast man was caught stealing a

MARCH 6

ONE MINOR CRACK 7:06 p.m. — 800 block of West River Oak Drive, Ormond

FCSO life saving award later this year. It will be his second; in 2023, he was recognized with the award after helping a man who was trying to save his boat from a vehicle fire. Oliva moved him to safety when he passed out from smoke inhalation. According to the National Safety Council, choking is the fourth leading cause of unintentional injury death. In 2022, over 5,500 people in the U.S. died from choking. Persis said she’s grateful that Oliva knew what to do. “After he performed the Heimlich maneuver on me, he was just very humble ... but for me, it was a big deal,” she said. The second O l i va announced he was a cop and started helping, her husband, Carl Persis, felt relief. “We’re just so grateful that Deputy Oliva was there at the right spot, at the right time for us,” he said.

Heiser, who was killed in the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. The nonprofit the foundation provides economic assistance and support to individuals and organizations facing tragic losses, with a special focus on military-connected families. It also awards scholarships, including to ROTC students in Flagler County, and honors legacies through memorials and community aid. The push for the Gold Star Families memorial in Heroes Memorial Park is led by Jeff Kingdon, chairman of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council, and Larry Rekart, a council delegate. Cathy Heighter of Florida Gold Star Families has also played a key role in advancing the project.

Beach Criminal mischief. Three young adults were walking home when a pickup truck sped past them. They told the driver to slow down on the residential street. In response, the driver hurled profanities at them and ran over one of their skateboards — multiple times, according to an incident report. The owner of the skateboard — a 23-year-old Ormond Beach man — said they got into a verbal altercation due to the profane language used. The three adults had been standing on the sidewalk at the time of the incident, with the skateboard about 30 feet away on the road. The skateboard’s owner wished to pursue charges. Police located the skateboard and found it had “a minor crack in the center.” No charges were filed.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Students are the future Nine elementary schools to offer magnet programs Tomoka Elementary, gifted and talented Chisholm Elementary, technology and innovation Turie T. Small Elementary, visual and performing arts Discovery Elementary, dual language Freedom Elementary, dual language Holly Hill Elementary, dual language George Marks Elementary, dual language Pierson Elementary, dual language Spirit Elementary, dual language The Edgewater Public STOMP performs during the State of our Schools event on Thursday, March 5. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin: VCS is providing students with ‘high levels of learning every day.’ JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

ecoming an “A” school district after 16 years. A decrease in chronic absenteeism. New magnet programs at elementary

BY THE NUMBERS

100%

of all schools are rated either A, B or C

95.6%

overall graduation rate

98.6%

graduation rate for traditional schools

3,100+

high school students are dual enrolled a year

2,800+

high school students are enrolled in work-based learning

schools. The introduction of AICE for sixth and seventh graders. Volusia County Schools celebrated achievements, successes and milestones during its State of Our Schools event on Thursday, March 5, held on the west side of the county at The Center at Deltona. The event, which included student performances, was attended by city officials from throughout the county, community partners and the Volusia County School Board; District 4 representative Donna Brosemer was absent. Volusia County Schools Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin’s address centered on one theme: Students are the future. “If you look at our strategic plan, it says: ‘All students will engage in high levels of learning every day,’” Balgobin said. “... There’s no confusion as to why we exist as an organization. It’s to fulfill that mission.” In three years, the district has increased its Career and Technical Education programs and career academies by 70%, said Chief Academic Officer Dr. Julio Nazario-Valle. The number of programs went from 164 to 279. The number of industry

certifications offered is also up, going from 70 in 20222023 to 126 in 2025-2026. “As our world continues to evolve, we have to evolve as well in terms of offering students what they need,” Nazario-Valle said. He announced six middle schools that will be offering the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education courses, known as AICE, for sixth and seventh grade students. The schools are: Ormond Beach Middle School, Silver Springs Middle School, Campbell Middle School, Taylor Middle School, Galaxy Middle School and Creekside Middle School. In the 2026-2027 school year, all middle schools in the county will offer AICE for sixth through eighth graders. The event also highlighted the four guardrails of the district’s strategic plan and how the district is putting them into practice. One of the guardrails involves recruiting, supporting and retaining staff. As the county’s largest employer, with 8,113 people, VCS has increased the number of programs for people to become educators. In 2023, there were three; now there are seven pathways, including an

Class of 2025 stats

156

associate degrees

$32M

in scholarship money

290

Seals of Biliteracy

2,272

Industry Scholar designations

296,000

hours of community service

The Pine Ridge High School JROTC presents the colors during the State of our Schools event on Thursday, March 5.

Pop INTO PARADISE Join us each month for Pop into Paradise – a warm, welcoming luncheon designed just for seniors and their families who want a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore assisted living at Paradise Pointe. This month, we’re feeling extra lucky… because our residents are “Lucky to Live Here!”

Space is limited! Call or text 386-679-1211 to RSVP.

Mainland High School senior Jayla Long, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Julio Nazario-Valle and Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin share a moment on stage.

exchange teacher program. A total of 75 previous classroom vacancies are staffed today through one of these pathways. “We are doing what’s best for kids and making decisions every day on what’s best for kids,” Chief of Staff Patty Corr said. “But what I’ve noticed in my tenure here — and especially in my time on the cabinet with Dr. Balgobin — is that message is now ingrained throughout our district.” In 2022-2023, the district reported 149 classroom vacancies. In 2024-2025, that number decreased to 47. The district’s chronic absenteeism rate (number of students who miss 18 or more school days) is also down, though it’s not yet at the prepandemic level. In the 20182019 school year, the district’s chronic absenteeism rate was at 14.2%. It rose to 31.3% in 2020-2021, with a peak of 33.9% in 2023-2024, but has since decreased to 22.1%. Last school year, the district implemented an education program to address the issue, said Mike Micallef, executive director for Graduation Assurance and Student Services. But, this isn’t an issue specific to Volusia County, he said. “This is a national issue that we have here,” Micallef

MAR

17 12 PM

“We are doing what’s best for kids and making decisions every day on what’s best for kids. But what I’ve noticed in my tenure here — and especially in my time on the cabinet with Dr. Balgobin — is that message is now ingrained throughout our district.” PATTY CORR, Chief of Staff

said. “... If kids aren’t in our classes, they’re not learning.” At the conclusion of the event, Balgobin shared her thoughts after listening to staff speak about achievements and watching students perform on stage. “It reminded me that the work we do is purposeful and that we’re making an impact together,” she said. School Board Chair Ruben Colon said the work didn’t happen overnight. He spoke about helping Balgobin pack up her office in 2022 in Broward County, where she was working before she was appointed as superintendent for VCS. Last year, Balgobin was named the 2025 National Superintendent of the Year by the National Association of School Superintendents. “God had a plan,” Colon said. “Not for me or us, but for our 64,000 students here in Volusia County.”

GUESTS WILL ENJOY:

• A festive, St. Patrick’s Day–inspired lunch prepared by our culinary team

COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHTS: • A guided tour of our beautiful community 



ECC Licensed Community • The chance to meet our leadership team, caregivers, 24/7 Licensed Nursing Careand residents



• A themed prize wheel with fun green

Pet-Friendly Living goodies and giveaways Celebrate  Restaurant-Style Dining • Cheerful decor, friendly conversation, St. Patrick’s Day and a little Irish charm us Detection at our with Fall Devices Irish-themed Come see why our residents feel so for Added Safety luncheon! lucky to call Paradise Pointe home!

ParadisePointeFL.com 350 Clyde Morris Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Assisted Living Facility License # 13777

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

County nixes stricter annexations Should voters decide if a property can be annexed into a city from the county? Jeff Brower thinks so. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A motion to have staff bring back a charter amendment concerning regulating voluntary annexations died by lack of a second at the Volusia County Council meeting on Tuesday, March 3. A proposal for a charter amendment requires a two-thirds majority vote. Last November, the County Council asked staff to conduct research on establishing rural boundaries, which is a way for counties to control rural land from being voluntarily annexed into municipalities for development. While Senate Bill 180 (passed last year) prohibits charter amendments regarding land use, county staff said it leaves the door open for an “exclusive voluntary annexation method.” As it stands today, property owners with land in the county can request to be annexed into an adjacent municipality. The land needs to be contiguous to the municipality so that it doesn’t create an enclave. County Council Chair Jeff Brower wanted the amendment to give voters the opportunity to decide if the council should have the authority to approve whether a property can be annexed out of the county. It’s a property right issue, Brower said. Not just for the property owner, but for their neighbors as well. “I want to give the people in unincorporated Volusia

County a voice at the table too,” Brower said. They don’t have one now when it comes to annexation in their neighborhood.” Volusia County’s population grew by 1.78% from 2024-2025, according to data shared at the council meeting. From 2014 to 2024, it grew by 18%. It is currently the 10th largest county in the state and the 12th most populated. In 2024, about 80% of the county’s population resided within one of the 16 municipalities. From 2022-2025, the county approved 12 projects with density changes. Four had a rural land use. In that same three-year period, 1,784 new residential permits were issued in unincorporated areas, compared to 8,874 permits in the cities; Daytona issued the most, accounting for 3,150 permits from 2022-2025. Ormond Beach issued 280 new residential permits from 2022-2025. From 2015-2025, a total of 7,655 acres of unincorporated land has been annexed into municipalities, 4,409 acres of which through interlocal service boundary agreements. The county has almost 500,000 acres left of unincorporated land. Some speakers spoke in favor of a charter amendment to protect rural lands. “This amendment is not about stopping progress,” Daytona Beach resident Catherine Pante said. “It’s about guiding responsibly.” But others felt that a charter amendment that hinders voluntary annexation would negatively impact property rights. Retired Circuit Judge James Clayton said the council was imitating Tallahassee, in response to SB 180. “Y’all don’t like it when

the state tells you what to do — which is why we’re having this conversation — with the issues that you can resolve a lot better than Tallahassee can,” Clayton said. “Now you are basically doing to the cities, the 16 municipalities, what Tallahassee has done to you. You’re telling them how to control their property.” Brower disagreed with Clayton. “Right now, the cities are telling us what we can do,” he said. “They come in and annex unincorporated Volusia land that probably has a rural designation ... and then the city annexes it and changes the zoning, changes the land use, and packs in 24 houses per acre, or whatever they can fit there, thinking that it’s going to be a property tax nirvana.” His fellow councilmen, however, said they couldn’t support a charter amendment to regulate voluntary annexation. County Councilman Don Dempsey said it would take away property owners’ choice on which jurisdiction they’d rather be a part of. “If you don’t want your neighborhood changed, you can go to the city meeting and argue, bring everybody with you to object to it,” he said. ... They’re getting a voice. Their voice is just going to be heard before a different commission.” Councilman Jake Johansson said a charter amendment, would be a preemption from the county to limit the authority of municipalities. “I think we’ve heard from a bunch today, and the letters we got from the farmers and ranchers state the same,” Johansson said. “They don’t want us to pick winners and losers, and they want their opportunities to exercise their property rights.”

GET OFFICIAL NEWS AND UPDATES FROM GET OFFICIAL NEWS AND THEFROM CITY OF UPDATES THE CITY ORMOND OF ORMONDBEACH! BEACH!

9,000 VCS employees overpaid in technical glitch, district reports Funds from 152 employees have been recouped, but district employees say issues are ongoing. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Over 9,000 Volusia County Schools employees received an excess amount of retroactive pay last year, a technical mistake the district says was caused by its recently implemented software. District staff reported during the School Board meeting on Tuesday, March 10, that the retroactive pay was put into the district’s FOCUS system — implemented seven months ago — as a separate payment last year. The technical error caused impacted employees to receive close to double, and, in some cases, triple the slated amount of retroactive pay. Of the over 9,000 employees, the district was unable to recover funds from 152; bank accounts in these cases had been depleted or were in an overdraft status. In some cases, these accounts incorrectly received over $1,000. “There were a small number where we couldn’t get it out of their bank account, and so we’re working individually with those individuals to come up with a plan on how to recoup the money from that very small number of people,” said Matt Kuhn, chief technology officer for VCS. This was one example of the district’s ongoing issues with FOCUS, payroll errors and problems with “timely and transparent communication,” said Volusia United Educators

union president Elizabeth Albert. “These are not isolated incidents but are repeated and widespread issues affecting multiple job categories across this district,” Albert said. “This system, I believe, was meant to improve efficiency, but instead has created instability, anxiety and confusion and has broken the trust that employees should have in their employer’s ability to pay them correctly for the work that they do.” Albert said 300 employees in the transportation department learned they had received excess overtime funds in September when they didn’t receive their retroactive payment in February. Of those 300 employees, 118 learned that their retroactive pay wasn’t enough to cover the overpaid funds they had received, resulting in a dock of their regular paycheck. Employees understand they must repay the funds, Albert said, but the district’s decision to “demand immediate lump-sum repayment without speaking to employees is inappropriate.” “This is not a glitch,” Albert said. “This is a financial crisis and hardship.” Teacher Robin Bradshaw said ongoing issues with the FOCUS system have placed consequences on the backs of employees. “For many of us, our paycheck is not just a number on a screen,” she said. “It determines whether we can pay our rent, our mortgage, buy groceries, cover gas to get to work and provide for our families. When payroll errors occurs, even small ones, they can create a domino effect in our lives. Bills do not pause

because FOCUS makes a mistake.” This isn’t the first time the district has had issues with its Enterprise Resource Planning system. Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said the last two “failed attempts” with past systems cost taxpayers thousands of dollars. The district had to change to FOCUS when its last ERP system became outdated, with no more technical support. When the payroll issue arose last year, she met with FOCUS to address it. “We told them — we were very clear — that we need to have systems in place and we needed the supports in place,” Balgobin said. “There are four other districts in Florida that I know ... that are implementing FOCUS as well. So at that point in time, their support system was very thin.” FOCUS assured the district that they would hire an additional systems engineer, dedicated to Volusia County. The district also hired a project manager. Since the last event, Balgobin said, the district has discussed implementing proactive measures to prevent this from happening again. She suggested the board hold a workshop on the issue. “I want to say to our employees who have experienced the discrepancies with their paychecks, with tax deduction — I know it’s not easy and it takes a toll on your family,” Balgobin said. “So we’re very sorry for that, and we will do everything from our end to ensure that those measures, additional measures, are in place to deduct any possible mistakes that could be made in the future.”

If “Complete” doesn’t describe your primary care, something’s wrong with your primary care.

Follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/CityOfOrmondBeach Seniors deserve to be cared for completely. With dedicated physicians that truly get to know you, wraparound care to help in countless ways and more. Learn more at CompleteHealth.com.

#OBaware

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

85th annual Daytona Bike Week hitches to Budweiser Clydesdales The world-famous Clydesdales joined the Bike Week action as Budweiser celebrates 150 years of operation. MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Choppers, sport bikes, trikes and even scooters cruised into Volusia County for the 85th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week bringing the bling, the leather and a party atmosphere. This year, the Budweiser Clydesdales joined the festivities as the company celebrates 150 years of operation. The full-hitch of eight horses pranced down Main Street on Sunday, March 1, and again on Saturday, March 7. They were also seen at Sopotnik’s Cabbage Patch before the women’s coleslaw wrestling event, at Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Flea Market and various cities

throughout the county. Highlights of the event included live music at multiple venues, motorcycle races, stunts and giveaways. Eli Tomac won the Daytona Supercross for the eighth time this year, and Josh Herrin raced to his fifth Daytona 200 win at the Daytona International Speedway. Local band Are Friends Electric opened for 38 Special at Teddy Morse’s Daytona Harley-Davidson’s Pavilion stage on Friday, March 6. In between the acts, Morse rode a 2026 H-D Road Glide to center stage for the Rolling Daytona Bike Giveaway. Nine qualifiers lined up on stage, and each was given a key to start the bike. St. Louis resident Andrea Eggleston turned the key, and the motorcycle started. Riders cruised Main Street and savored the final day of Bike Week on Sunday, March 8. Many will return later this year for the 34th annual Biketoberfest, scheduled for Oct. 15-18.

Ormond-by-the-Sea resident Mary England and Bill Pollock grab a spot before the 38 Special concert at Destination Daytona.

The Budweiser Clydesdales parade down Main Street on March 7 during the 85th annual Daytona Beach Bike Week. Photos by Michele Meyers

Are Friends Electric’s Andrea Mix belts out a song at Destination Daytona.

welcome new members

Michelle Jamison (right), owner of Bandanas by Michelle, hugs customer LauraKathryn Neal at Destination Daytona.

Jean Noble and her nephew Kevin hang out at Destination Daytona.

Burnside performs at the Saints & Sinners Pub at Destination Daytona.

Membership Growth in February: New Members! • Bengals Discount Liquor • Congruent LLC • Debra McKarns Beauty Barista • Florida Business Exchange, Inc. • Jim Taylor Roofing, Inc • KW Digital • Marthana Green, Broker Associate at LPT Realty LLC • Morgan Stanley • NEXGEN Roofing • Ormond In The Pines • Strat & Code • Tina’s Teas & Tumblers

412002-1

Bikers gather for Friday night activities at Destination Daytona.

Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce 165 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174

(386) 677-3454

Bikers show their own style as they cruise Main Street. Motorcycles serve multiple purposes.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Daytona reviews ‘toilet to tap’ ban Flagler County won’t fight annexation An ordinance banning treated reclaimed water from being used as potable water to be discussed March 18. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Daytona Beach City Commission is considering banning “toilet to tap” in Daytona Beach. An ordinance for a charter amendment to ban the use of reclaimed blackwater — recycled and treated wastewater — for potable water was introduced at the March 4 City Commission meeting. The first public hearing and vote on the ban will be at the March 18 meeting. The ordinance would also prohibit injecting treated blackwater into the aquifer. If the Commission approves the ordinance, the measure would then go before voters on the November ballot. A similar charter amendment prohibiting blackwater was killed by the Volusia County Council on Feb. 17. That charter amendment

likewise would have prohibited recycled wastewater from being injected into the aquifer and used as drinking water. But it would only have applied to Volusia County’s utility service, not areas served by local municipalities and their utilities. Eric Smith, Daytona Beach’s deputy utilities director, said using potable reuse is not in the city’s 20-year outlook. Underground injection is highly regulated in Florida, Smith said, with strict treatment requirements, extensive monitoring requirement and oversight and control of well locations and constriction. This is done through the Aquifer Protection Program. “Its sole purpose is to protect the drinking water and the drinking water sources,” Smith said. Reclaimed water, as defined by Florida Statutes, is water that has received at least secondary treatment and basic level disinfection. Smith said Dayton Beach treats to advanced wastewater treatment standards. The city’s process, according to a memo Smith included with the ordinance in the agenda, removes high levels of

Daytona Beach City Hall. Photo by Sierra Williams

nutrients, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus, along with any remaining solids and pathogens. The city has been treating its influent wastewater to these standards since the late 1990s, the memo said. “This is an important distinction to make as the water produced by the treatment process no longer contains ‘blackwater’ but instead meets the definitions of reclaimed water,” the memo said. The city currently uses reclaimed water at golf courses, for landscaping, irrigation in both residential and commercial areas, and wetland rehydration at Bennett Swamp. In 2025, Daytona Beach produced an average of 14.11 million gallons per day of reclaimed water. An average of 8.41 MGD was discharged into the Halifax River and 5.7 MGD was reused. Smith said Daytona Beach is working to meet new reclaimed water regulations that require municipalities to eliminate non-beneficial surface water discharges by 2032 — the 8.41 MGD the city discharges into Halifax River. To meet those requirements, the city will need to find another use for the reclaimed water, and some of the programs are cost-prohibitive. This ordinance would ban three options to eliminate reclaimed water discharge. “What we want to make clear is that if one of those options is found to be cost effective,” Smith said, “eliminating it through this ordinance could lead to the need for a rate increase in the future if a less cost-effective option is chosen.”

Flagler Beach ‘will bear the burden’ of proof in Veranda Bay case, Pennington said. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler County Commission voted 4-1 on March 9 against disputing the annexation of the Veranda Bay development into Flagler Beach. Commission Chair Leann Pennington was the sole dissenting vote. “[Flagler Beach] are the ones, at the end, who will bear the burden of proving that they’re right,” Pennington said. “At the same time, I’m not comfortable with it. I’m not comfortable that we’re doing the best thing in the interest of the people that currently reside in there.” The issue at hand was specific to the 121 existing homes in the 234-acre development. When those homeowners purchased their homes, the deed included a covenant agreement that outlines the rights of the developer to annex into another municipality. County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said the declaration in the deeds signed by the homeowners explicitly gives the developer the right to annex into any of the Flagler County municipalities. “They don’t need to give the developers a consent annex; they’ve already done so,” he said, explaining the covenant. Florida Statutes state that developers need signatures showing the agreement of existing homeowners in a development before that development can be annexed. Flagler Beach and the developer’s opinion is that the covenant is sufficient agreement

from the homeowners. In annexations, Rodriguez said, the Attorney General’s opinion is that the statute should be interpreted very narrowly. No Florida court has ruled on a statutory interpretation similar to this before. If the residents were to sue, it would be against Flagler Beach, not Flagler County. Commissioner Kim Carney, who is opposed to the annexation but ultimately voted to drop the dispute process, said the project was pure “over development.” She said she did not feel the covenant was in line with Florida Statutes on annexation. She said it’s important to ensure the spirit of the Attorney General’s opinion is being followed: Are those impacted signing off on the annexation? “I don’t think it [the covenant] says they agree to annexation,” Carney said. Commissioner Greg Hansen said that, in his understanding, if the existing property owners knowingly signed a document agreeing to the annexation, there is no need to go forward. “If that’s the case, then this whole discussion is moot,” Hansen said. Commissioner Andy Dance agreed with Hansen and said the county shares the opinion of Flagler Beach and developer attorneys that this meets the legal requirements. Going forward with the dispute could further alienate the developer. “There’s a lot of dominos to this,” Dance said. Dance also said that alienating the developer could put the purchase of 153 acres of environmentally sensitive lands at risk. Flagler County is trying to purchase that land from the Veranda Bay sister development, Summertown,

to preserve it. The two parties have thus far worked out a deal to allow Flagler several years to get the funding together to purchase it. “I think we’d be naive to not think that taking 164 action doesn’t affect the negotiations that we have worked out with the developer,” Dance said. But developer Ken Belshe unequivocally said he would not be going back on the agreement made with Flagler County. “I will not, will not back out of that agreement,” Belshe said during public comment. “I want to state that right here today. It would be unreasonable. It would be unfair on my part, and it would be, I feel, unethical on my part to do that.” Carney also said she did not feel the two decisions should be intertwined, and to do so was “quid pro quo.” “It should not be the way we do deals in Flagler County,” Carney said. During public comment, Flagler Property Appraiser Jay Gardner pointed out that none of the 120 homeowners in question were present at the meeting. “The fact that we don’t have 120 something people waving their fingers at us,” Gardner said, “I don’t think it’s appropriate for our commission to step on the city of Flagler Beach.” Though the commission decided against going forward with a dispute and potential lawsuit against Flagler Beach, the board requested Rodriguez send out for the Attorney General’s opinion on the matter, for future reference. “It would be there as a guidance in the future for other people,” Pennington said.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

READY FOR B UY O N E , SPRING 50% G ET O NE off! * SALE FREE

INTRODUCTORY SPECIAL! Monday, December 8th til Friday, December 12th

LIMITED TIME OFFER! MONDAY MAR 9TH til FRIDAY MAR 13TH

SAVE $1000

( PA IR PRI CI NG )

* If a customer chooses to return only one hearing aid, it must be the free one, not the one they paid for. The purchase price is based on the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) and this offer cannot be combined with any other promotions, discounts, or special pricing.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY! We’ll test you for FREE and fit you with

ON OUR MOST by HEARING AIDS POPULAR W e W il l te st FULLY TIC a n d fi t yo u A M O T a for a 45-day trial period b so lu te ly U A

ONLY

895

free!

A BSOL UTE LY F R EE! * FREE

HEARING EXAM!

NORMALLY $1,895

*price is for each Rexton hearing aid

no cost, no obligation

WE FIT & SERVICE THE WORLD’S BEST HEARING AIDS

PLUS, WE ALWAYS PROVIDE THESE SERVICES:

SPEAK TO OUR F R ETEAM! E EXPERT

DEVICE TUNE-UP

DOCTOR F R E E OF AUDIOLOGY

HEARING EXAM

F R E E Scan the

• DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY Meghan Safko, • AUDIOPROSTHOLOGIST Verify that your current It is important to have your Au.D, F-AAA, CH-TM • BOARD-CERTIFIED HEARING PROFESSIONALS hearing aids work properly. hearing checked annually.

FREE

QR code toIN-HOME VIDEO book your TESTING OTOSCOPY

Ensure that your appointment! hearing loss We can test your hearing in the isn’t just earwax buildup! comfort of your own home.

5-Star 5-Star Rated Rated by by Patients Patients on on CONTACT FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES: CONTACT FOR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

info@amhchearing.com info@amhchearing.com

¡Hablamos Español! ¡Hablamos Español!

Clinics located in Florida & Arizona Clinics located in Florida & Arizona

Deland Palm Coast

(386)300-0122 277-5090 (386)

1702 N Woodland Blvd, Ste 102 1000 Palm Coast Pkwy SW, Ste 109

Next to Quest Diagnostics and UPS, across from Walmart Adjacent Plaza from Wells Fargo - Next to Emmanuel’s Closet

Port Orange New(386) Smyrna Beach 387-7315

(386) 308-2180 733 Dunlawton Ave, Ste 101

1333 Saxon Dr from VyStar Credit Union Arman Professional Center - Across In Publix Plaza on beach side, next to PrimeCare Urgent Care

OrangeBeach City Ormond

(386) 230-9499 241-9979 (386)

921 Town Center Dr, Ste 300 1275 W Granada Blvd, Ste 4C

Next to Water’s Edge Dermatology, Westbound on Granada – in plaza across the road from Chipotle Left of Orange City Town Center Clock Tower

New Port Smyrna Beach Orange (386) (386)308-2180 387-7315

NOW OPEN

1333 Saxon Dr Ste 101 733 Dunlawton Ave,

In Publix Plaza- Across on beach side, Arman Professional Center from VyStar Credit Union next to PrimeCare Urgent Care

Ormond Beach Deland (386) 230-9499

Palm Coast Orange City (386) 300-0122

1275 W Granada Blvd, Ste 4C 1702 N Woodland Blvd, Ste 102from Chipotle Westbound on Granada – in plaza across the road

1000 Palm Coast Pkwy SW, Ste 109 Dr, Ste 300 Adjacent Plaza921 fromTown Wells Center Fargo - Next to Emmanuel’s Closet

(386) 277-5090

Next to Quest Diagnostics and UPS, across from Walmart

(386) 241-9979

Next to Water’s Edge Dermatology, Left of Orange City Town Center Clock Tower

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

36% of households in Flagler, Volusia counties face financial hardships With rising rent and home prices, families are priced out of living in the communities they work in. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Some 36% of households in Flagler and Volusia Counties face financial hardships, according to data from a research database on affordability. ALICE — an acronym for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed — measures financial insecurity in households, taking into consideration factors like regional costs of living. According to data in the 2025 report, a family of four needs to bring in a salary of $86,688 to meet the basic household requirements in Florida, from food, utilities and housing to child care, taxes and health care. That’s the state average. In Flagler County, that same family would need to make $92,604 and in Volusia County $90,948. Childcare alone averages $1,500 monthly for two children in Flagler County and $1,600 in Volusia County. But most essential workers are not making that amount

of money. In Volusia County, the average median household income is $66,273 while in Flagler County it is $71,682, according to the ALICE report. Based on that median income, to be considered affordable — where rent or mortgage payments are 30% or less of the household income — housing costs should not be more than $1,600-$1,800 a month. Meanwhile, the costs of rent and home prices have skyrocketed, pricing out many essential and frontline workers from living in the communities they work in. PRICED OUT

The average sale price of single family homes in the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach areas has more than doubled from 2016 to 2025. An average home in 2016 sold for $205,000 while in 2025, it would sell for $426,000, according to data from Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors. But why have homes increased in cost so much? Tony Amaral Jr., owner of Amaral Homes & Pools, is a local builder in Flagler County and is a candidate for the Palm Coast City Council. In his experience, housing costs pre-covid had a natural cycle of ups and down and because of inflation and from seasonal

demands on goods. Post-covid, he said, is a different story. Lumber prices alone keep climbing because of the increased costs to ship the load of wood, between tariffs and, now, the United States’ war with Iran and the disruption to oil and shipping supply chains. Other materials also change frequently enough, he said, that some buyers have to adjust their budget while the home is being built. “It’s just not stable,” Amaral said. Not only have material costs increased, he said, the number of tests required to be performed during the building process, plus other involved fees, have increased. Labor shortage is also a factor. All these little things together, he said, add into the price of a home. Amaral said he looks for ways to keep the price of his homes down, even swallowing some of the cost increases for a lower profit margin. But that is difficult to do when the costs have jumped 15-20%. According to ALICE data, a two-person home, without children, would need to make $52,100 a year to meet their needs, assuming a $1,200 rent. In Volusia County for the same couple, its $50,700, assuming a rent of $1,188.

But there are no apartments to rent for $1,200, said Affordable Housing Advisory Committee Chairwoman Valerie Clymer and a mortgage broker. And there’s no mortgage for that rate, either. The reality is the average person in Flagler County cannot afford to buy a home on their own income, she said. “Typically, you have to have two incomes,” she said. The gap in the system, she said, is that there are not enough resources available for affordable housing. The municipalities need to incorporate more affordable housing initiatives, she said, like pushing more for the Live Local Act with developments. Amaral said the larger and national companies of developers may have a better chance of being able to build affordable, price-restricted housing than local builders like himself. Clymer said there are multiple pieces to the puzzle in obtaining more affordable housing, from rent control, working with banks that will lend money for affordable housing projects, grant opportunities, and more. “If we don’t do something,” Clymer said. “What do we do five to 10 years from now? Who’s going to serve us at a restaurant? Who’s going to be a cashier, if they’ve got no place to live.” ‘ALL ESSENTIAL WORKERS’

In unincorporated Volusia County just outside of Daytona Beach city limits, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Volusia County has begun construction on its first-ever development, a neighborhood of affordable, Habitat for Humanity homes. These homes are sold to Habitat for Humanity program participants at an affordable mortgage rate that

The first home in the first development Habitat for Humanity in Volusia County is being built. Photo by Sierra Williams

is 30% of their income, interest-free for a fixed 30-year period. CEO Lori Gillooly said this regional Habitat for Humanity has built 200 homes over the last 40 years. The recipients fall in an income bracket between 40-80% of the median income. While the people Habitat for Humanity builds homes for are in a lower income bracket, it isn’t just one kind of demographic. Most first responder households would exceed the income requirement, she said, but people in all other kinds of industries apply and need help becoming homeowners. Bus drivers, phlebotomists, manufacturers, cashiers: all these people are essential workers, too, Gillooly said, and deserve the chance to become homeowners. “The homeowners that we work with are also people doing very essential jobs in this community, and they work very hard,” Gillooly said. “It’s just that the income level that they have would not allow them to walk into a bank and to be approved for a conventional mortgage.” FAITH Volusia is a nonprofit in Daytona Beach that is working toward affordable housing in Volusia County. In 2025, the Daytona Beach City Commission approved a linkage fee with new commercial development projects

that will go into a Housing Trust Fund. That fund will be used exclusively for affordable housing initiatives. “It took us six years to get that going,” FAITH member Patty Santopadre said. The fund has already raised $150,000 in three months. “It’s very important that they can be able to afford where they live, especially when they work here,” Santopadre said. “We don’t want them to have to live somewhere else.” FAITH Volusia’s next project is to get a similar program to the linkage fee in operation with Volusia County’s Community Redevelopment Agency money. There are not many other options available for help with affordable housing in Volusia County, she said, and people need help. Santopadre said she has watched young families, veterans and the elderly struggle and be priced out of their rentals. People are working multiple jobs just to afford rent. More and more people, whether renting or attempting to buy homes, need help, she said. “That makes me feel like something needs to be done,” she said. “We need to do something to stabilize this before people become homeless.”

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

BUSINESS Dunn’s Attic gets in Southern Living Being recognized in Southern Living is a form of validation that business is going in the right direction. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Dunn’s Attic in Ormond Beach was recently spotlighted by Southern Living magazine. The article, published on Feb. 26, praises the 12,000-square-foot consignment store for its curation of vintage finds, local reputation — and the store’s $1 mimosas. Owner Wes Dunn said that all goes back to one the found-

BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT

The best piece of advice for small businesses is two-fold, said Wes Dunn. You have to be optimistic, and you have to be willing to change and adjust to the market. Dunn’s Attic has done that, he said, by expanding to online sales and acquiring a license to consign and sell firearms. “What gives us an advantage over the bigger box stores and the bigger businesses is the willingness, the desire and the need to be nimble,” Dunn said. “If something is not working, adjust a little bit, change it, go do something else. Find what will work to keep yourself relevant and in business.”

‘‘

d — sharing st 4 years, m

Nick and Wes Dunn. File photo

ing ideas of Dunn’s Attic: making shopping an experience, like it used to be before the era of big box stores. “Part of the experience is that you can walk around and just have a great time, and many people do,” Dunn said. “They’ll spend sometimes hours in the store.” By combining Dunn’s Attic with Rosie’s Cafe, which seats 80 people, the store at 136 W. Granada Blvd. is able to provide customers with a onestop place to eat and shop. Dunn’s Attic has over 4,800 consigners today. Some customers come in almost every day, Dun said. The store sells an average of 2,000 items a month, including online sales. One of the comments Dunn hears often from consigners is that they’re not too concerned with how much an item sells for; they just want someone else to enjoy it. “That’s been an eye opener for me because you realize that these things that have meant so much to somebody else ... they became a part of them,” Dunn said. “They enjoyed it and it will often-

times do the same thing for somebody else.” In the 13 years Dunn’s Attic has been open, the store has handed checks to consigners approaching $4 million. Where did the $1 mimosa idea come from? Dunn remembers visiting a store many years ago that offered cookies and something to drink at the door to welcome shoppers. It occurred to him that was the kind of interaction only small businesses can have with customers. But, he wanted to bring it up a notch. Thus, mimosas. Dunn’s Attic is one of the largest buyers of champagne in North Central Florida. The store goes through about 250 cases of champagne a year — about 3,000 bottles. Being recognized in Southern Living is an honor, Dunn said. It’s also a form of validation that business is going in the right direction. “If nothing else, it just makes us feel good at a time when we all need good news to know that we’re doing something right, and that other people enjoy and like what we’re doing,” Dunn said.

BIZ BUZZ New Palm Coast retailers include Barnes & Noble, 7Brew coffee

Two upcoming shopping plazas at the State Road 100 and Belle Terre Parkway intersection will bring major retailers to Palm Coast, including a Barnes and Noble and a 7Brew coffee shop. In October, Palm Coast approved a mixed-use commercial development on the southwest corner of the intersection, near the Starbucks. The technical site plan for the 6.65-acre included space for a mixture of fast food restaurants, office space, retail and flex/industrial space. According to development plan documents on Palm Coast’s website, several of those spaces now have tenants. So far, the lots include a 7Brew coffee shop, an Avecina Urgent Care, a Stanton Optical, medical offices, and more, with other spaces still available for lease. A development order was issued in December, and the first phase of the plaza — the buildings on the north end of the property — is now under construction. Meanwhile, across the street at the Palm Coast Landing shopping center, an almost 50,000-square-foot addition is being planned for the empty lot behind the roundabout at Landings Boulevard. The new addition includes three retailers: a Barnes and Noble, a Home Goods and a Five Below. The Home Goods will be the larger space in the center, with 25,000 square feet of space set aside. Barnes and Noble is planned for the west side of the building and has 15,000 square feet, while the proposed Five Below will be at the east end, at 8,500 square feet in size. Almost 250 parking spaces are already in place, with three

entrances and exits into the lot. The new retailers will bring in an estimated additional 1,636 net new daily trips, according to the traffic report. The project is still under review by the city.

Realty Executives Oceanside welcomes two real estate pros Realty Executives Oceanside has added Zach Wirth and Louise Fitzgerald to its team serving Flagler, St. Johns and Volusia counties.

Security First Insurance hosts Storm Response Showcase Security First Insurance hosted its third annual Storm Response Showcase on Feb. 26, with 46 vendors. According to a press release, the event was shaped by the principle that Florida homeowners judge storm preparation by how well it performs before, during and after a storm.

Epic Spa and Wellness moves from Daytona back to Ormond

Gretchen Klein. Courtesy photos

Ormond Beach residents Gretchen and Donnie Klein have moved Epic Spa and Wellness back to Ormond Beach from its location in Daytona. Now at 800 Sterthaus Drive,

Suite A, the new provides the spa with a larger space. Gretchen Klein has over 20 years of experience. She celebrated the grand opening of the new spa location on Jan. 30, during which the Rice to Meet U food truck donated a portion of their proceeds to Matthew’s Gift, a nonprofit that supports hospital complex care units and medical research for children, as well as impacted families. Visit epicspaandwellness.com.

Theresa’s Garage celebrates 14 years in business, in Daytona Beach

Theresa Klaus and Fred

Theresa’s Garage, located at 388 N. Nova Road in Daytona Beach, recently celebrated its 14th anniversary in business. On Friday, March 6, business owner Teresa Klaus hosted a Customer Appreciation Day where she provided hot dogs, chips, potato salad, baked beans, coffee, cookies, cupcakes. “She is very knowledgeable, appreciates her customers and people and she is such a blessing and a gift to not just me but to her customers, the community, her employees, family, friends and everyone she meets,” said her friend Laura Helfrecht to the Observer. “... She even gives rides for her customers to work, school, back home, etc., and picks up people when their vehicles are being repaired.” Helfrecht added that she calls Kalus “a younger Mother Theresa.” Visit theresasgarage.us.

CHARITY MUSIC FEST!

Puharic and Associates, Inc. is a full service

“Committed to protect theand needs of his Inc. is a full service Puharic Associates, You Deserve Professional concierge-style risk management firm designed “Committed to protectProfessional the needs of his You Deserve concierge-style risk management firm designed clients and ability to coach you through finding for homeowners seeking a sole remedy insurance One-on-one Customer Service clients and ability to coach you through finding for homeowners seeking a sole remedy insurance One-on-one Customer Service the right plan ... Adam’s partnership has the right plan ... Adam’s partnership hasa Real Insurance solution for Home, Flood, Business and Health. solution for Home,Agent Flood, Business and Health. with a Real Insurancewith Agent helped us further our mission.” helped us further our overtime mission.” We work to protect the enterprise Weyouwork overtime to protect the enterprise you have worked so hard to build.

have worked so hard to build.

Insurance is part of a plan

for risk management, including contracts, employee policies, concerns, benefits, for risk management, including contracts, assets and future growth.

Puharic and Associates, Inc. protect the enterprise you have nce solutions, Puharic and Associates, Inc. liability, property and auto — s overtime to protect the enterprise you have onally.

employee policies, concerns, benefits, assets and future growth.

The sole-remedy insurance solution for so many businesses, Puharic and Associates, Inc. – Insurance and Risk Managers works overtime to protect the The sole-remedy insurance solution for so many enterprise you have worked so hard to build. We manage businesses, Puharic and Associates, Inc. – Insurance group health, liability, property and auto — seeing your business the way you do, three dimensionally. and Risk Managers works overtime to protect the

OPEN APRIL 12 -12-4pm GATES @11:30AM

group health, liability, property and auto — stand your business. hree dimensionally.

including contracts, employee .

enterprise you have worked so hard to build. We manage Featuring These THREE Incredible Bands, Insurance is part of a plan group health, liability, property and auto — seeing generously donating their time to help raise funds for abused and abandoned dogs.

to understand your business.

for risk management, including contracts, employee your business the way you do, three dimensionally. policies/concerns, benefits, assets and future growth.

o get

anagement, including contracts, employee uture growth. Needinsurance insurancerates ratestoday? today?Scan Scanhere heretotoget Need free, fast, easy comparative rates get free, fast and easy comparative rates.

Insurance is part of a plan

Call 732-655-6200 today and Call 732-655-6200 experience the difference. for risk management, including contracts, employee info @ puharicassociates.com

Call 732-655-6200 experience thesupport difference. Your can make a difference in the lives of these animals info @ puharicassociates.com

Need insurance ratestoday? today? heretoto Puharic and Associates, Inc. Scan is Scan a fullhere service Need insurance rates get concierge-style risk management fi rm designed free, fast, easy comparative get free, fast and easy comparative rates. Puharic andrates Associates, Inc. is a full service

“Committed to protectProfessional the needs of his You Deserve today! e00Business MEANS Malpractice clients and ability to coach you through findingInsurance forofhomeowners seeking a sole remedy insurance One-on-one Customer Service to protect the needs his Deserve Professional concierge-style risk management firm designed | Health“Committed |You@PuharicAssociates

in need. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy great music while contributing to a worthy cause! Business | Health| Home | Flood | Auto Insurance

the right plan ...clients has you through solution Flood, Business and Health. andpartnership ability to coach finding with a RealAdam’s Insurance Agent for homeowners a sole remedy insurance Puharic and Associates, isforaHome, full service seeking concierge-style One-on-one CustomerInc. Service helped us further our mission.” We work to protect the enterprise you the right plan ... Adam’s partnership has overtime solution for Home, Flood, Business and Health. with Real Insurance risk management firmmission.” designed seeking a have for workedhomeowners so hard to build. Puharic andaAssociates, is aAgent full service helped us further ourInc. We work overtime to protect the enterprise you he needs of hissole remedy rofessional insurance solution for Home,have Flood, Business and concierge-style risk management firm designed worked so hard to build. Insurance partenterprise of a plan you have ou through finding for We homeowners a sole remedy insurance omer Service Health. workseeking overtime to protectisthe for Health. risk management, including contracts, partnership has solution for Home, Flood, Business and ists,part of a plan rance Agent worked soemployee hard policies, toInsurance build. concerns, benefi rociates, mission.”Inc. We work overtime to protect the enterprise you risk management, including contracts, assets andfor future growth. employee policies, concerns, benefits, have worked so hard to build. prise you have

PuharicAssociates.com Call 732.655.6200 today | info@puharicassociates.com | PuharicAssociates.com

Insurance is part of a plan

, Puharic and Associates, Inc. assets and future growth. and auto oyprotect the—enterprise you have The sole-remedy insurance solution for so many for risk management, including contracts, Insurance is part businesses, of a plan Puharic and Associates, Inc. – Insurance , liability, property and auto for — riskemployee management, including contracts, policies, concerns, benefits, solution for so many and Risk Managers The workssole-remedy overtime toinsurance protect the ionally. employee policies, concerns, benefits, businesses, Puharic and Associates, Inc. – Insurance

Fun for the whole family - bring your dog!

• LIVE MUSIC • FOOD TRUCKS

Insurance is part of a plan Insurance is part of a plan

Needinsurance insurancerates ratestoday? today?Scan Scanhere heretotoget Need Coast: 386-387-7800 free, fast, easy comparative rates Palm get free, fast and easy comparative rates. Needinsurance insurancerates rates today?Scan Scanhere heretotoget Need today? info@puharicassociates.com for risk management, including free, fast, easy comparative ratesemployee get free, fast and easycontracts, comparative rates.

experience theCalldifference. 732-655-6200 today and info @ puharicassociates.com Call 732-655-6200 Insurance is part of a plan experience the difference. @ puharicassociates.com ay! aricAssociates.com Business | Health| |info Auto Insurance benefits, assets and futureHome growth. || Flood 732.655.6200 todaypolicies/concerns, | info@puharicassociates.com PuharicAssociates.com PuharicAssociates.com Business | Health| Home|| Flood | Auto Insurance Call 732.655.6200 today | info@puharicassociates.com PuharicAssociates.com

oday?Scan Scanhere heretotoget day? tive rates comparative rates.

Call 732-655-6200 today and Call 732-655-6200 experience the difference. info @ puharicassociates.com

• SMART ADOPTIONS • COMMUNITY SUPPORT

SPONSORSHIPS & VENDOR SPOTS AVAILABLE

business. stand your business. cts, employee

assets enterprise and future growth. you have worked so hard to build. We manage assets and future growth. andproperty Risk Managers overtime to protect the group health, liability, and autoworks — seeing you have worked so hard to build. We manage your business the wayenterprise you do, three dimensionally. group health, liability, property and auto — seeing The sole-remedy insurance solution for so many your business the way you do, three dimensionally. including contracts, employee businesses, Puharic and Associates, Inc. – Insurance h. risk management, including contracts, employee and Risk Managers works overtime toforprotect the assets and future growth. enterprise you have worked so hard to build.policies/concerns, We manage benefits, for risk management, including contracts, employee o get group health, liability, property and auto — seeing policies/concerns, benefits, assets and future growth. Call 732-655-6200 today and your business the way you do, three dimensionally. Call 732-655-6200

• VENDORS • TIKI BAR

PRODUCTION COMPANY

COASTAL CABINETS

ENTRY FEE LEARN MORE

386-264-2288 smartflagler.com

Visit Lost Pets of Palm Coast and Flagler County

10A

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Your brand starts with you.

Permanent gates have been installed at European Village’s overflow parking after a dispute with the Dunes CDD. Photo by Sierra Williams

Uncertainty lingers over Hammock Dunes-European Village dispute Follow me!

Shauna McIntosh Branding Photographer shauna@kreativstudios.net

603 • 858 • 0962

The Hammock Dunes CDD increased rent, and when the HOA did not pay on time, blocked the parking. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Uncertainty remains with business owners in European Village in the wake of a recent license disagreement with the Dunes Community Development District. “[There’s been] a lot of questions, really a lot of uncertainty,” Turtle Shack owner Danny Niday said. The issue began several months ago in October, according to Dunes CDD meeting minutes. The Dunes CDD owns the land directly underneath the Hammock Dunes toll bridge, including the overflow parking lot for European Village. For years, the Dunes CDD has leased the use of the parking lot to European Village. Over the last several years, the Dunes CDD increased the annual rental amount from $20,000 to $35,000, said Scott Campion, a member of European Village Commercial Home Owner’s Association. Campion said the HOA sent a partial payment to Dunes CDD asking for documenta-

tion and reasoning behind the increase. But, he said, the Dunes CDD did not send any information over. Instead, according to the Dunes CDD minutes, the CDD rejected the payment and placed first temporary, then permanent, gates at the entrances to its parking lot. (Editor’s note: The CDD did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but the online version of this story will be updated when a response is available.) Without that parking lot, European Village customers can only use a limited number of spots surrounding the buildings or the public parking available across the street, at St. Joe Walkway Trailhead. European Village made the payment in full before a February deadline set by the CDD, and the gates were opened. Mezzaluna Pizzeria Store Manager Lisa DiBitetto said they noticed an impact to business while the gates closed that lingers with the installation of the new gates. The lack of parking especially impacted the guests who are elderly, she said: Many of them can’t walk the extra distance from the other available public parking spaces. “I think it scared a lot of people away,” DiBitetto said. The new permanent gates, she said, also make people nervous that their cars will

be locked in. But, she said, her understanding is that the gates will only be locked if the European Village’s HOA does not continue to pay rent. “It’s there as a warning to the HOA, basically, but it’s scaring our patrons away,” DiBitetto said. “They’re nervous. It’s definitely a deterrent.” Most of Mezzaluna’s customers are regulars, but, DiBitetto said, now that they’ve entered the busy season, she hopes people will quickly get used to the new gates. Niday said the appearance of the gates has impacted their business at the Turtle Shack, too, though it’s hard to tell by how much. He’s had a lot of questions from customers about what is going on, but Niday said not a lot of information has been passed on to the businesses inside European Village. The whole issue, he said, seemed “pretty greedy and selfish” to him. With the way everyone is getting squeezed by the economy, he said, the scary part is there’s no way to know whether the rate will increase again. He’s worried that could mean an increase to the HOA fees he pays. “What’s to stop them [Dunes CDD] from saying $100,000, $200,000, $300,000,” he said. “There’s a lot of uncertainties.”

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

11A

Petito calls process ‘sloppy,’ as Flagler begins search for her replacement ‘If we could continue to act as professionals ... that would be wonderful,’ she said. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Flagler County has decided to start the process of finding a new county administrator to replace Heidi Petito, forgoing an interim administrator for now. The county will go through the Florida Association of County Managers and the process will be led through Flagler County’s Human Resources department. The process could take several months and Commissioner Greg Hansen said the county

YOUR TOWN New traffic signal installed at U.S. 1 and County Road 13 in Bunnell Drivers traveling through Bunnell will soon see a change at the intersection of U.S. 1 and County Road 13, where

New traffic signal at U.S. 1 and County Road 13 in Bunnell

should just start the search. “Why do we need an interim? Why don’t we just go start the process and find somebody?” he said. “We have Heidi here to run the show while we’re doing that.” Petito has served as the county administrator for five years, but on March 3, she submitted a separation agreement with the Flagler County Commission. In recent months, she has been at odds with several members of the board. Her resignation means county administration will have no seasoned personnel serving as county or deputy administrator; former Deputy Administrator Percy Sayles’ final day was March 3. Petito said the discussion at the March 9 meeting was “unnecessary” when it was

already scheduled on the March 16 workshop. “It continues to display a very sloppy approach to trying to find a transition,” Petito told the board. Commissioner Andy Dance suggested asking Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge to step in and fill the deputy position, similar to what Strobridge did for Palm Coast over the summer in 2025. But, Dance said, Strobridge would have to completely break from the FCSO to take over the position. Hansen said he did not see that happening. In a switch from her arguments on March 3, Commissioner Kim Carney said she was not for filling either position with an existing staff

member and instead using a professional service for the county administrator position. Carney did point out there is a possibility of Petito pushing the county’s hand if she found another job before July. Petito said that wasn’t a concern. She said she already stated her willingness to stay on until July 14, through the tentative budget. “I still feel that way because the budget is the most important thing that you guys are responsible for in county government,” Petito said. Several commissioners were leery of the deputy administrator position remaining empty. Commissioner Leann Pennington said she would like to see the deputy position filled soon, not just in case

Petito decides to leave sooner, but for a balance of work responsibilities and to fill and gaps should Petito need to take time off. But the County Commission cannot direct Petito to fill the position. The hiring and firing of county staff falls under the purview of the county administrator, while the board can only hire or fire the administrator and the county attorney. Petito referenced the March 3 meeting where comments were made to “rip the bandaid off” and have an “immediate separation” between Petito and the county. Carney and Richardson were the primary advocates of finding an immediate replacement for the county administrator position.

“This is sloppy. This is not a professional look,” Petito said. “I’m here as a professional. I will stay on. But if we could continue to act as professionals and move forward with the budget while you all search for a permanent replacement, that would be wonderful.”

a new traffic signal has been installed to improve safety and traffic flow. The Florida Department of Transportation recently completed installation of the signal, which is currently operating in flash mode while motorists adjust to the new traffic pattern. Officials say the signal is expected to become fully operational within about two weeks. During the flash phase, drivers should approach the intersection carefully, yield to vehicles already in the intersection and remain alert for pedestrians and bicyclists. County officials say the signal will be especially helpful for traffic heading to the Flagler County Fairgrounds, which hosts several large events throughout the year. County Administrator Heidi Petito said the improvement should make it easier for residents and visitors to access the fairgrounds during events

such as the Flagler County Fair and Youth Show and the rodeos held there each year. The intersection also serves residents attending programs offered by the UF/IFAS Extension office nearby. The new signal is part of a broader Florida Department of Transportation project focused on safety improvements along nearly six miles of U.S. 1 that runs through Palm Coast and Bunnell. That project is expected to be completed in early 2026, depending on weather and other conditions.

Brevard Counties. The Culler Center, located at 2364 LPGA Blvd. in Daytona Beach next to the Halifax Humane Society building, is a dedicated emergency shelter for pets belonging to domestic violence victims. The Halifax Humane Society organized the shelter in partnership with the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County, a Halifax Humane Society press release said. The Halifax Humane Society will provide a 24/7 emergency response hotline for law enforcement, first responders and DAC advocates. The Culler Center will provide animals free housing, food, veterinary care, behavioral support and daily enrichment services for up to 30 days, the press release said. Halifax Humane Society CEO Sean Hawkins said this is not just about animals.

“It is about breaking cycles of abuse, protecting entire families, and ensuring that compassion is stronger than violence in our community,” Hawkins said. The Domestic Abuse Council, which helps domestic violence victims, will provide continuous case management and survivor support for the human family members, the press release said. The ultimate goal is to reunite pets with their families once safety and stability have been secured. A ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the grand opening was held on March 4. For families fleeing a domestic violence situation, call 800-799-SAFE (7233) for 24-hour assistance. The connection between domestic violence and animal abuse is well documented, the press release said. Up to 70% of victims have bets and of those between 48% and

71% report their pets have been abused or killed. Between 20% and 65% delay leaving abusive situations because they do not know how to protect their pets, the press release said. “For many survivors, a pet is not just an animal — it is family, a source of unconditional love, and sometimes the only comfort in an unsafe home,” Hawkins said. “No one should have to choose between personal safety and the life of a beloved companion. The CPR Center ensures they don’t have to.” Buck James, CEO of the Domestic Abuse Council, said this program fills a gap in the region’s services. “It was not uncommon for women and children fleeing abuse to live in their cars because they refused to give up their pets,” he said. “This partnership changes that reality. We are profoundly grateful this program now exists.”

Halifax Humane Society opens first shelter for animals of DV victims

The Halifax Humane Society has opened a first-of-its-kind emergency shelter for pets of domestic violence survivors across Flagler Volusia and

County Administrator Heidi Petito. Screenshot of Flagler County Commission meeting livestream

New Homes, Vacant Lots & Boat Storage

• Dry boat storage with valet boat • Prime Palm Coast Location near service, pool, gym, clubhouse, beaches and city life tennis and dog park • Photos & Details Online • Move-in ready new homes • 2.9% financing available plus • No credit check, no tax returns assumable loans RARE Assumable Loans as low as 5% DaytonaLender.com Patrick Sullivan, Expert Realty Group, Inc. PSULLPSULL@YAHOO.COM cell/text: 386-233-5900

4-BR, 2-BA,to2-CG Serene oasis onoasis 2.34 with acres.aKitchen Welcome yourHome. serene 2.34-acre creek, has beentranquility updated and withnatural new countertops has an offering beauty. Thisand 4-bedroom, abundance cabinet and space. Split bedroom 2-bath homeof features highcountertop ceilings and a spacious living plan. Master features trey fireplace—perfect ceiling, private bath room with abedroom cozy woodburning for and spacious Home features enclosed Florida gatherings or closet. relaxation. Thealso updated kitchen boasts new room and a screened-in with a hot tub. MLS#1112983 countertops and amplepatio storage, providing everything $675,000 needed to create memorable meals for family and friends. Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000. $695,000. Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

Charming remodeled 3-bedroom,condo 2-bath the with heart of Completely fromhome floor toin ceiling highOrmond Beach! Enjoy a spacious living room with high end upgrades! 16th floor with direct ocean views. New AC ceilings, wood and a(2016). cozy fireplace. The kitchen unit (2019) and beams, water heater The community offers features stainless steel appliances, while the primary suite access to their 20th-floor penthouse/clubhouse, game room, offers a private bath and direct access to a tranquil, wooded exercise room, indoor jacuzzi, tranquil sauna, in-ground pool backyard. a 2-car garage and is close to all local and grillingIncludes area. MLS#1110461 $475,000 amenities—don’t miss this opportunity! $299,900. Call Call Buzzy Porter at 386-405-1000. Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

MARINA POINT JOHN ADERSON

Escape to tranquility in this beautifully updated 4-bedroom, Remarkable riverfront estate in Ormond Beach. Designed 4.5-bath pool architect home onBen 1.27Butera acres and in the highly by desirable by renowned executed Forever Village Pine Run inshowcases Ormond Beach. This property offers Homes,ofthis property the pinnacle of luxury and the feel of peaceful living while keeping you just sophistication. 5BR, country 5BA, and 2 half bathrooms, provides minutes from for beaches, parks, andliving all ample space family shopping, and guests.dining, An impressive that Ormond/Daytona areasitting has toonoffer. $949000 area the of over 7,500 sq ft, and almost an acreCall lot. Grace Barbeiro 386-334-9997. $5,500,000 Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

Welcome atop to yourCapriana, dream home on the most sought-after street Perched a distinguished condo complex in Ormond This riverfront offers an unparalleled with directBeach! oceanfront access, house this penthouse redefines living experience withthebreathtaking views ofBeach’s the river from coastal luxury along shores of Ormond coveted every room. 3 bed 3.2 the bath. new dock, lift. no-drive beach. From moment youboathouse arrive, theand building’s Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991. understated elegance hints at the refined living experience within—and this sun-drenched penthouse delivers on every promise. $650,000 Call Grace Barbeiro 386-334-9997.

HOMES ARE SELLING FAST! WE NEED MORE LISTINGS TO SELL!

410017-1

2.9% Interest - Every Lot Includes Indoor or In-Water Boat Storage!

RIVERFRONT ESTATE ORMOND BEACH

OrmondCommercial.com

Remarkable waterfrontlifestyle estate currently owned by aanprivate awardUltimate waterfront at Marina Point, winning musician offers a harmonious blend of opulence and gated community located at the mouth of the Halifax functionality. Presently used as a second home and a music Marina in Daytona Beach. This beautifully 2-bedroom, studio, condo this property presents aviews unique opportunity own a 2-bath offers front-row of yachts glidingtoalong truly Intracoastal exceptional residence. 4-bedroom, 4-bath, 2 half-bath the and the vibrant marina below. Inside, . $2,200,000 you’ll find an open layout featuring tiled floors throughout Call Bill 386-334-9991. most of Navarra the home, with laminate flooring in one of the bedrooms. $399,900. Call Grace Barbeiro 386-334-9997.

CAPRIANA JOHN ANDERSON

PalmCoastBuilder.com

Boats New Homes Land

ORMOND COUNTRY BEACH ACRES

Waterfront-Waterfront.com

ACREAGE DREAM 6-BR,HOA, 4-BA,fully 2-CGbuildable, open floorzoned plan Expansive 20-acreHOME! parcel—no home. Close to town. Private airplane runway, detached A-2A/RCA. Includes a 1,600 SF metal building (200-amp barn/workshop over for 5,000 sq ft. Breathtaking lake fenced views service), paved area RVs/boats, gated entrance, with a floating dock. Home also includes an in-ground section, and gas line easement. Prime location nearpool I-4, with aand summer kitchen andIdeal pool bath. This home isn’t just I-95, Daytona Beach. for building, storage, or a property; it’s an embodiment a luxurious lifestyle. investment—endless possibilitiesof await! $1,200,000. MLS#1112704 Call Buzzy Porter$1,650,000 386-405-1000. Call Buzzy Porter 386-405-1000.

NEW SMYRNA OCEANFRONT BEACH

Boat Storage Homes Land

DAYTONA BEACH 10-ACRE LOT

Boat Owners - Financing as Low as 2.9%!

12A

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

100 WORDS (GIVE OR TAKE) EVERY DAY (OR SO)

Gathering for the arts

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

I got to attend the Neil Diamond tribute show at the

Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center last week, and there wasn’t an empty seat in the building, thanks to the planning of Amelia Fulmer. The size of the crowd impressed me and somehow made me feel like I was in the right place. It got me thinking about the importance of physically gathering under one roof for the arts. How might that

night have been different for all those local residents if they had watched TV at home, alone, instead? As Mother Theresa once said, “The most terrible poverty is loneliness.” As Neil Diamond once wrote: “Me and you are subject to the blues now and then/ But when you take the blues and make a song/ You sing them out again.” GRIEF BECOMES LOVE

March 5, 2026 A friend of mine had a

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR With Flagler’s growth, sheriff may need more deputies than he’s asking for Dear Editor: Flagler County has seen its share of public disagreements between the current sheriff and a former one. That debate produced more heat than light. Let us step back from the personalities for a moment, and two measurable outcomes stand out today: Crime has fallen dramatically, and our current sheriff operates one of the most progressive and forward-thinking jail systems in Florida. Recently, a consulting client shared a University of North Florida study that Sheriff Rick Staly cited when requesting additional deputies. The study had some methodological quirks, including criticizing population-to-officer ratios before ultimately relying on them. Even so, after reviewing the data, I came away with a very different conclusion from many critics (and my client): The sheriff may be asking for fewer deputies than the county will ultimately need.

Does every community throughout Florida deserve a full-service sheriff’s office like we have, with cutting edge capabilities, investments in advanced personnel training, dedication to victims with full-time cold case detectives and a harmonious relationship with other agencies? Yes, but precious few have what we have. A young, now-retired police chief once explained the challenge to me this way: Law enforcement agencies do not have a “research and development” budget. Everything they receive must be deployed immediately to protect the public. Running a sheriff’s office has always been like building an aircraft in flight. Consider the reality facing law enforcement in Flagler County today. Since 2016, the county has grown by roughly 27% — adding nearly 30,000 new residents. Policing a county of 136,000 people is not the same job as policing a county of 107,000. Growth changes everything: call volume, traffic enforcement, investigative workload, jail operations and

community expectations. Debates about budgets and staffing will continue, and they should. That is how healthy communities govern themselves. Growth is not slowing. Neither should our commitment to public safety. Safe and successful communities plan for the future before it arrives. ROLAND CLEE Flagler Beach

Roland Clee writes for AmericanPeaceOfficer.com.

Randy Fine’s concerns are outside of his district Dear Editor: In response to the article by Sierra Williams published on Thursday, Feb. 26, I whole-heartedly agree with Sheriff Chitwood in rescinding his endorsement of U.S. Rep. Randy Fine. Fine would probably get my vote if I lived in Washington, D.C., or Israel, since his primary concerns seem to be either annexing Greenland (H.R. 7012), repealing

death in the family recently, so I bought flowers. What does it mean to mourn with someone? Why does sharing grief help turn it into love? I don’t know, but it’s reassuring to know that we are all in this together. A PARENTING RITE OF PASSAGE

March 9, 2026 We are still working out the technical issues, but my daughter Ellie and I are planning to start a podcast in which we analyze Taylor

the Affordable Care Act, bringing a passport or birth certificate in order to vote, repealing corporate transparency (H.R. 425), prohibiting the use of materials that use the term “West Bank“ in the case of Israel and enhancing bilateral defense pact with Israel (H.R. 1229). Also, a bill (H.R. 5512) to prohibit Sharia law in the USA and the recent gem, protecting puppies from Sharia Law (H.R. 7611). We are paying him a salary and good benefits so that he can spend his time like this? In the next few weeks and months you will see a lot of signs and adds promoting all he has done for us. We should try to analyze all this before voting for Fine again just because he has an “R” next to his name. HUGO ROJAS Palm Coast

No new fees. Trim the budget. Dear Editor: Florida homeowners are rightfully excited about the push for meaningful property tax relief, including the House-passed proposal (HJR

Swift lyrics. We are both Swifties to the extreme. I also have bonded with Ellie recently as she has studied Macbeth at school. I read her essay on culpability not as a dad looking over her homework, but as a fellow Shakespeare lover. Children have many rites of passage. One that I didn’t expect as a parent is the change in my relationship with my children, from strictly parent to that of collaborator and fan and friend.

203) to phase out non-school taxes on homestead properties. If voters approve it in November 2026, families across Volusia County and the state could see substantial savings — potentially thousands of dollars annually — easing the burden of skyrocketing assessments and insurance costs. But let’s be clear: This relief must come from genuine fiscal discipline, not from backdoor maneuvers that replace one tax with another. According to your article, local officials warn that losing millions in property tax revenue (estimated t $11.2M) will force Ormond Beach to hike fees—for permits, utilities, trash collection, impact fees, or even new assessments—or raise other taxes like sales taxes. That isn’t relief; it’s a shell game that shifts the burden onto the same residents, especially renters and lower-income families who pay indirectly through higher costs. The solution isn’t inventing new ways to extract money—it’s cutting government spending. Leaders at the city level should prioritize trimming waste, eliminating redundancies, streamlining bureaucracy, and focusing

We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com Multimedia Producer Rich Carroll, rich@observerlocalnews.com Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com Marketing Consultants April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com TO ADVERTISE Call the office at 386-447-9723. Locally Owned / Publishers McMillan Ink LLC 50 Leanni Way, Unit C3 Palm Coast, FL 32137

taxpayer dollars strictly on essential services: public safety (police, fire, EMS), roads and infrastructure, and education. Proven approaches—like strict spending caps tied to inflation and population growth, performance audits, and zero-based budgeting— have delivered real relief in other states without resorting to fee increases. The county and the city can do the same. True reform means living within our means. LUZ HARSHMAN Ormond Beach

Send letters to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

Honoring Life's Journey with Grace

Cremation & Traditional Funeral Services

Families Deserve Options That Ease Both Emotional and Financial Burdens. When it comes to cremation services, the costs in our community vary greatly. Direct Cremation Starting At: Lotus Funeral Home

$1,100

Lohman Funeral Home

$2,099

Clymer Funeral Home

$2,300

Craig Flagler Funeral Home

NINA GUIGLOTTO NINA GUIGLOTTO

$3,070

LOTUS FUNERAL LOTUS FUNERAL SERVICES SERVICES

386-217-0875 386-217-0875

460 Pa Palm lm C Coast oast Pa Parkway rkway SW SW, SSte. te 3 Palm Palm CCoast, oast FL

nina@ lotusfuneral .com nina@lotusfuneral.com

www.lotusfuneralservices.com www.lotusfuneralservices.com

Chief Executive Chief Executive Officer Officer

MARCH 12, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS Put me in, coach!

A Rays player chooses a somersault to get to first base.

Angels coach attempts to show one of his players what’s happening on the field.

Youth baseball and softball seasons begin. MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Somersaults to first base, fielding ground balls from teammates, lots of laughs, and a few tears were signs of opening day of T-ball for the Ormond Beach Youth Baseball and Softball Association on Saturday, Mar. 7. T-ball league director Doug Wigley has been living in Ormond Beach for 40 years and spent 32 of those years involved with the OBYBSA. Throughout that time, he has been coaching T-ball at inter-

A Pirate celebrates hitting a single.

vals. In 2023, he took over the league again as director when his granddaughter started to play the sport. Wigley collaborated with the City of Ormond Beach on a public-private partnership to have the T-ball fields built and dedicated in Feb. 2013. The Ormond Beach City Commission approved a resolution to name the fields after Wigley the year before the fields were completed. “You can look around and see how nice these fields are — the field of dreams,” he said. “It’s a nice public-private partnership, and the city has stepped up big time, not just with our fields, but the whole sports complex is second to none, from the Wendelstedt baseball fields for the high school kids to the soccer fields. I’m surprised we don’t have some of the FIFA games playing over here.” The league is for kids 5-6

Pirates coach helps his batter.

years old. This spring, there are 130 kids divided into 14 teams, with 14 volunteer coaches and numerous assistant coaches. Two years ago, assistant director Marisa Wigley started volunteering to help her father-in-law with the league. She said they were

Cardinal Asher Hurst waits patiently in-field.

maxing out at 10 teams. “This spring, we had people who wanted to coach, and we didn’t need them,” she said. “That doesn’t happen. Usually, we’re reaching out and asking people to coach, and this year, we didn’t have to do that.” Marisa juggles three children — a 7-month-old, a 3-year-old, and a 7-year-old. She’s also the PTA president at Pathways Elementary. She compiles the league’s rosters and schedules. Her daughter was playing T-ball when she first started helping. “I like to be involved,” she said. “I know a lot of the kids as the PTA president at Pathways where my daughter goes to school, so I get to come out and see the other kids. Now on my father-in-law’s team, we’ve got friends of my husband, who he grew up with, and their kids are on the team. It’s just kind of a generational thing.” Growing up in New York, Doug was inspired by his dad’s commitment to community involvement.He heads to the T-ball fields for positivity. “Anytime I feel like I need a fix on how good the next generation is, I come out here,” he said. “These parents are amazing. It restores your faith in the next generation and the country to see the way they are raising their kids and being involved.”

The Angels celebrate a win.

Marlin Brixton Bearce hustles around the bases.

A Rays player smiles after running in.

A Pirate runs home. Rays coach gives an infield player some assistance.

A Cardinal gets excited about his run.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

FOCUS ON FAITH

LOCAL EVENTS

Brought to you by:

St. Mark By the Sea mission team volunteers at Give Kids the World

St. Mark By the Sea Lutheran Church in Palm Coast recently sent a mission team to volunteer at Give Kids the World Village, an 89-acre nonprofit resort for critically ill children located in Kissimmee. The mission team — composed of team leader Sherri Hunter, Darla and Rick Allison, Donna Calvani Theresa Pisano and Kay Schlegal — volunteered from Feb. 2-6. Over the past 11 years, the church has sent nine mission teams to volunteer for five-day periods, according to a press release. Families at Give Kids the World spend a week at the storybook-themed resort while visiting Orlando attrac-

tions and theme parks, at no-cost to the families. It was founded in 1986 and has welcomed more than 200,000 families from all 50 states and 77 countries. To learn more about how to serve with the church, visit https://www.stmarkbythesea. org.

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

Matanzas grad to serve church mission in Brazil

Keila Brouse, a graduate of Matanzas High School, opened her mission call in front of family and friends on March 6, a tradition among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brouse committed to serve a mission for 18 months but didn’t learn where in the

Team leader Sherri Hunter, Theresa Pisano, Donna Calvani, Kay Schlegel, Darla Allison and Rick Allison. Courtesy photo

Keila Brouse, a graduate of Matanzas High School. Screenshot of Observer reel

world she would be assigned until reading her letter. Her mission assignment is Maceio, Brazil, a beach city of 1 million, and she will begin Portuguese training in June. Her father, mother and older sister — Eddie, Christina and Abbie — have also served missions for the church, all at their own expense. “I can’t wait to meet the people,” Keila Brouse said. “I have already been praying for them. And I’m excited for the tropics — to see all the plants and trees.”

Here’s the deal, home + auto = Your good savings.

neighbor agent.

: 386-449-0114 st.com

avings based on a 2020 of new policyholders who State Farm.

54TH ANNUAL VOLUSIA STUDENTS CREATE OPENING RECEPTION When: 5-7 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Celebrate the opening of this student art reception. Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments and music. Free admission.

Combine home and auto and save an average of $965*. I’m ready to help you get the right coverage at the right price. Call me for a quote. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

nsurance Company

mpany ompany

ance Company of Texas

mpany

www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com

DSC MUSIC TECHNOLOGY PRODUCTION PRESENTS 'MPT ROCKS!' When: 5:30 p.m. Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Details: This is a free event. For more information, call the box office at 386-226-1888 or email boxoffice@daytonastate.edu. TOBY — THE EXPERIENCE When: 7 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: See this Toby Keith tribute concert.. Tickets cost $40-$60. Visit ormondbeach performingartscenter.csstix. com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 13

THE LUCK OF THE PICKLE PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT When: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, March 13-15 Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Open to all skill levels. Double elimination format. Singles are on Friday, March 13; men's and women's doubles are on Saturday, March 14; and mixed doubles are on Sunday, March 15. Participants must be 13 years and older. Registration fee is $50. Visit parksandrec.fun.

Here’s the deal, home + auto = savings. SCHOOL'S OUT FOR ART

YOUTH WORKSHOP When: 2-3:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Jeff Evans, Agent Combine Beachhome and auto and 50 Cypress Point Pkwy Students ages. 5-12 Palm Coast, FL 32164 saveDetails: an average of $965* I’m Bus: 386-446-9594 Fax: 386-449-0114 are invited to create a polka ready to help you get the right www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com dot painting inspired by the Jeff Evans, Agent coverage the rightofprice. “Spotat Paintings” Damien 50 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste C-3 Call me for a quote. are inHirst. All supplies Palm Coast, FL 32164 cluded. Seats are limited, so sign-up is encouraged. Bus: 386-446-9594 Fax: 386-449-0114 Like early a good neighbor, $15 for members; $20 Located near Palm Coast Walmart StateCosts Farm is there.® *Average annual per household savings based on a 2020 for non-members. Visit www. ® national survey by State Farm of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. ormondartmuseum.org. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company Bloomington, IL State Farm County Mutual Insurance Company of Texas State Farm Lloyds Richardson, TX State Farm Florida Insurance Company Winter Haven, FL 2001299

AN EVENING WITH WISHBONE ASH When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: Featuring Argus Live, see classic rock legends Wishbone Ash perform in Ormond Beach. Tickets cost $40-$50. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 14

BUTTERFLIES FOR BEGINNERS When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Join Betty and Bill to learn butterfly basics, identification and field practices. Park entry fee applies. COUNTRY MARKET When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast

Details: Browse through over 70 vendors, food trucks, a bounce house and more. Free and open to the public. SECOND SATURDAY PLANT SALE When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Washington Oaks Garden, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast Details: Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for a plant sale. Proceeds benefit the park. Free with admission into the park. 'WOMEN OF THE AMERICA REVOLUTION: LOST VOICES OF AMERICA'S FIRST GENERATION' When: 11 a.m. Where: Cypress Knoll Golf Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast Details: Roger Smith, historian and adjunct professor of American History at Flagler College and the University of Florida, will be the guest speaker. Email aauwflagler1984@gmail.com to register. Seating for non-members is limited to 35 participants. Attending the presentation only costs $5; lunch is $20. SMOKIN' AT THE HOUSE When: 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Flagler Beach Fire Station 11, 320 S. Flagler Ave., Flagler Beach Details: Join the Flagler Woman’s Club for an open house at Station 11. Tom Snow of the Parrothead Porkers will be serving up pulled pork and the Woman's Club will provide sides of beans, coleslaw and rolls. Call Mary at 386-5697813 or Barbara at 215-2099332 for more information. VAULT ROOM MUSEUM OPENING When: 2-4 p.m. Where: Historic Flagler County Courthouse, 201 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell Details: The Flagler County Historical Society is celebrating the opening of the Vault Room Museum in the Historic 1926 Flagler County Courthouse. The event will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the courthouse. ULTIMATE GARTH AND SHANIA TRIBUTE When: 7:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: Kip Sweeny and Cristi Vale will bring Garth Brooks and Shania Twain to life during this tribute concert. Tickets cost $45. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 15

SPRING BREAK FAMILY KAYAK PADDLE When: 10:30 a.m. to noon and 12:30-2 p.m. on Sunday, March 15; and 10:30 a.m. to noon Sunday, March 16 Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Costs $20 per person per tandem vessel; single vessel for ages 14 and up are $30 per person. Bringing your own kayak? Tour costs $20 per person. Park entry fee is separate.

MONDAY, MARCH 16

TWIST, WEAVE & WOW! DIY GRAPEVINE WREATH WORKSHOP When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Bring your own decorations or use the supplies provided to make a grapevine

wreath. There is a $5 material fee. Cash requested. Space is limited to 10. Park entry fee applies. Registration required. Call 386-517-2086. NARFE ASSOCIATION ORMOND BEACH CHAPTER 2247 MEETING When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Houligan's, 1643 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: This month’s speaker will be chapter treasurer Don Murphy, who will speak on the chapter's new micro-site and NARFE Florida's FEDHub portal. All active and retired federal employees are invited.

TUESDAY, MARCH 17

LEPRECHAUN HUNT When: 10 a.m. to noon Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Look for a leprechaun and snap a photo. Show the staff at the Ranger Station to receive a goodie bag. Available for the first 30 people. Park entry fee applies. OMAM ART BOOK CLUB When: 4:30-5:30 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: This is a new program at the museum. The book is "The Secret Life of Sunflowers" by Marta Molnar. The group will meet every six weeks to discuss an artthemed book.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST When: 11 a.m. to noon Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country; Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast Details: A social club for the retired and semiretired that meets monthly with a guest speaker, with other social events during the month. Guest speaker will be Troy Van Pelt, with the FCSO Community Policing Division, Canine Unit. All are welcome. Lunch is optional. Contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobus club@gmail.com or at 386597-3055. 'THE RAT PACK TOGETHER AGAIN' STARRING TONY SANDS When: 7 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: Enjoy a night filled with the golden era of music with this tribute to the Rat Pack. Tickets cost $40. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19

ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING When: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend the March meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Rob Cooper, candidate for U.S. House District 6. Like-minded guests are welcome. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

FRIDAY, MARCH 20

ANNUAL TEMPLE BETH SHALOM RUMMAGE SALE When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, March 20-21 Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast Details: Cash only rummage sale. Call the temple at 386445-3006 to arrange drop-off and/or item pickup for the sale.

FARMER’S MARKET

THURSDAY 8 AM - 1 PM CITY HALL PLAZA

22 S. BEACH STREET, ORMOND BEACH MORE INFO @ ORMONDBEACHFARMERSMARKET.COM

409636-1

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

YOUR SCHOOLS Tomoka Elementary’s Living Museum

CLASS NOTES

ten to second grade, brought Gifted students from historical figures, notable kindergarten to second Florida icons and national to life during the grade brought history to landmarks school’s Living Museum. Held on Monday, March 9, life on March 9.

Flagler Palm Coast’s Student Government earns top state awards

OBSERVER STAFF

Tomoka Elementary’s gifted students, from kindergar-

parents and students were invited to the school to tour the museum, where students dressed up as part of their project and presented facts

about their topic or person. Kindergartners researched symbols of America and Florida, first graders researched influential African Americans and second graders researched and wrote biographies about famous Americans. Send Volusia school news to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

First grader Jack Caputo dressed up as Chuck Berry.

Second grader Lincoln Kuczmera dressed up as Thomas Edison. Coutesy photos

Kindergartner Madison Henion dressed up as the Statue of Liberty.

Second grader Zara Antoine dressed up as Mary Kay Ash.

Kindergartner Savannah Rowell dressed up as a Florida panther.

Second grader Andrew Ascik dressed up as Babe Ruth.

Second grader Violet Stowell dressed up as Rosa Parks.

Second grader Wilder Singhal dressed up as Henry Ford.

Second grader Sorphea Sey dressed up as Harriet Tubman.

Experience the power and passion in this spectacular tribute

at the Fitz!

CELEBRATING

CELINE WITH

JENENE CARAMIELO APRIL 4 7:00 PM

Get ready to relive the magic and emotion of Celine Dion – one of the world’s most iconic vocalists – in “Celebrating Celine,” a stunning new tribute production dedicated to the unparalleled artistry of Celine Dion set to grace the stage of the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. This breathtaking show promises an unforgettable journey through Celine Dion’s legendary discography – featuring powerhouse vocals, dazzling visuals, and an immersive concert experience that carefully works to capture the essence of a live Celine performance. To quote the brilliant team behind this performance, “We aim to deliver an authentic and heartfelt tribute that will resonate deeply with long-time fans and introduce a new generation to the timeless music of this global superstar.”

5500 EAST HWY 100, PALM COAST • FLAGLERENTERTAINMENT.ORG

The Flagler Palm Coast High School Student Government Association recently traveled to the Florida Association of Student Councils State Conference at Dr. Joaquin Garcia High School in West Palm Beach, where members showcased their leadership skills, earned top honors and secured a major opportunity for the program’s future. FPC’s SGA members presented seven student-led workshops for peers from across Florida. The sessions focused on such topics as innovative school projects, time management strategies, parliamentary procedure and the courage required to step outside one’s comfort zone in leadership. FPC once again earned a gold rating in the Medallion Coun-

cil Book competition, which evaluates a comprehensive portfolio of projects completed throughout the school year. FPC’s parliamentary procedure team captured first place for the second consecutive year. The award-winning team included Caleb Hart, Ava Pascale, Valentina Cannesa and Lennix Sackman-Ruggiero. FPC also submitted 10 projects for state-level judging. Five placed among the top three: School Service Project, “Merry Memories with Your Bulldog Buddies,” third place Membership Motivation Project, “Holiday Extravaganza,” third place State Project, “Tiny Toes,” second place Faculty and Staff Project, “Super Staffulty,” first place School Spirit Project, “50 Years of Bulldog Pride: Door Wars,” first place The conference also highlighted student talent and leadership beyond competitions. Caleb Flinn performed “Santa Fe” during the talent show. Ava Pascale and Sofia Fretterd delivered speeches and were inducted as co-treasurers for the

Florida Executive Board. They will serve on the state board in the upcoming year, representing FPC and student leaders statewide. In another exciting announcement, FPC’s SGA was selected to host the 2027 FASC State Conference. The theme for the event will be “The Heart of Leadership.”

Flagler Palm Coast Formality Singers receive straight superior ratings The Flagler Palm Coast High School Formality Singers received straight superiors at the Florida Vocal Association District 6 Concert Music Performance Assessment in Casselberry. Both the women’s chorus and mixed chorus earned straight superior ratings in both stage performance and sightreading. The performers spent hours of after-school rehearsals and ear-training. Send Flagler school news to brent@observerlocalnews.com.

Flagler Palm Coast SGA members at the state conference. Courtesy photo

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Daytona OKs rezoning for 175 acres REAL ESTATE Property could have up to 773 residential units, 1.6 million square feet of commercial and industrial space. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Daytona Beach City Commission has approved a rezoning for a 175.6-acre

property on the west side of the city. The application is for a future residential and commercial development, to be located between West International Boulevard and Interstate 4. A small portion of the north corner of the property is also going through an annexation application, as it lies in unincorporated Volusia County. The City Commission unanimously approved both

A new future development located between Interstate 4 and the International Speedway. Courtesy of the City of Daytona Beach

comprehensive plan and rezoning amendments for the project, called the Northshore of Daytona Beach Planned District. The land use was changed from low impact urban to mixed use, and the rezoning to a Planned Unit Development. According to city documents, the developers are three different parties: Career Com Partnership, Trident Land Trust and Tomoka World Center Land Trust No. 164. The developers plan to build a mixed-use development for commercial, residential, industrial and natural areas. At a maximum, 25% of the development will be residential, 20% industrial and 15% commercial. The remaining 40% will be preserved natural areas, to include wetlands and unimproved lands. The Planned Development will include a maximum of 773 residential units, a mix of multifamily and single-family homes, 826,000 square feet of commercial and 800,000 square feet of industrial. With this first vote of approval, the application has been sent to the state legislature to review. Once the state has signed off on it, it will return to Daytona Beach on May 20 for a final vote.

OPEN HOUSE

12 S. Lakewalk Drive, Palm Coast Friday, March 13th 12pm to 3pm Saturday, March 14th 12pm to 3pm Sunday, March 15th 12pm to 3pm

7 Old Kings Rd. N. Palm Coast 386-445-1000 · www.Realestateserv.com

Palm Coast Plantation New To The Market! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to view this lovely 3 bedroom home on a cul de sac with water and conservation views in the gated community of Palm Coast Plantation. Offered at $499,000.

PALM COAST

Ocean Hammock home sells for $4.9 million A

house at 354 Ocean Crest Drive in Ocean Hammock was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 21-27 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Feb. 27, for $4.9 million. Built in 2011, the house is a 5/5 and has 2 half baths, a pool and 6,117 square feet. The house was listed by Carlene Reardon, of Coastal Gateway Real Estate. ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PALM COAST

has a fireplace, a pool and 1,489 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $240,000.

Belle Terre A house at 28 Pepper Lane sold on Feb. 27, for $300,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,570 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $140,000.

A house at 31 Radcliffe Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $359,900. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,284 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $155,000.

Colbert Landings A house at 46 Oconee Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $419,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,055 square feet.

A house at 73 London Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $382,500. Built in 2004, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,928 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $310,000.

Grand Haven A house at 59 Lagarde St. sold on Feb. 26, for $575,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,185 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $360,000.

Palm Coast Plantation A house at 14 Heron Drive sold on Feb. 23, for $925,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 3,390 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $790,000.

A house at 8 N. Village Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $525,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,799 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $287,000.

Pine Lakes A house at 102 Waverly Lane sold on Feb. 24, for $316,831. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,632 square feet. A house at 29 Westgrill Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $365,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,117 square feet.

Lehigh Woods A house at 1 Ricker Place sold on Feb. 27, for $325,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and

A house at 97 Westhampton Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $300,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,896 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $167,000. A house at 9 Waldron Place sold on Feb. 26, for $325,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,681 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $330,000. A house at 1 Woodbury Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $437,400. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,648 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $260,000. Sea Colony A house at 7 Bristol Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $645,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,906 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $407,000. Toscana A house at 54 New Water Oak Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $825,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,754 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $539,900.

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

The house at 354 Ocean Crest Drive. Photo courtesy of Coastal Gateway Real Estate

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Coastal Living By Your Coastal Pros! LISTED

113 Calle del Sur

Newly built, extraordinary oceanfront estate where timeless elegance meets modern coastal luxury. This architectural masterpiece offers 100 feet of direct ocean frontage in the coveted Playa Del Sur neighborhood. Panoramic views of the Atlantic are seen from nearly every space. 4 Br, 4.5 Ba - 4,667 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $3,699,000

LISTED

PENDING

13 Anastasia Court

Experience refined coastal living with designer finishes and soaring ceilings. This recently renovated home is on an oversized cul-de-sac lot featuring spectacular golf course and lake views. 4 Br, 4.5 Ba - 4,652 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $2,199,000

Portofino #605

Recently renovated oceanfront condo with open floor plan gracefully connecting all the living spaces. From almost every room, you will experience stunning ocean views. 3 Br, 2.5 Ba - 1,944 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,099,000

LISTED

SOLD

PENDING

59 Calle del Sur

La Grande Provence #2204

16 Island Estates Parkway Expansive living areas and lanai with pool all overlooking the ICW. 4 Br, 4 Ba 4,533 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $2,200,000

Exceptional home with breathtaking ocean and golf views. 4 Br, 4 Ba 4,686 sq. ft. SOLD $2,749,000

LISTED

PENDING

SOLD

54 Hammock Beach Cir. S.

29 Sandpiper Lane

5 Avenue Monet

215 Willow Oak Way

100’ direct oceanfront and views of Lake San Gabriel. No timeframe to build. 0.35 acres LIST PRICE $1,250,00 0

This premier homesite offers an ideal setting with ocean and golf course views. 0.16 acres LIST PRICE $999,900

Light-filled condo with open-concept layout and timeless finishes. 2 Br, 2 Ba 1,458 sq. ft. SOLD $560,000

Build your coastal retreat on this prime lakefront lot in Ocean Hammock. 0.24 acres LIST PRICE $330,000

Beautifully appointed home with elegant architectural details. 4 Br, 3 Ba 2,948 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,124,000

SOLD

17 Rue Grande Mer

Exceptional home in Grand Haven elevated to a new level of sophistication. 3 Br, 2.5 Ba - 2,584 sq. ft. SOLD $975,000

PENDING

LISTED

259 Yacht Harbor Drive

Stunning, light-filled waterfront home offers refined coastal living with quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Includes adjoining lot for the utmost privacy. 3 Br, 3.5 Ba - 2,704 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,149,000

228 Yacht Harbor Drive

Custom built, ICW home with high-end finishes, pool area with summer kitchen, and private elevator. Enjoy dolphin and manatee watching, and gorgeous sunsets all from this stunning location. 4 Br, 4.5 Ba - 4,487 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,699,000

LISTED

12 Crain Court - Palm Harbor

Custom waterfront home on a tip lot offering approx. 220' of water frontage with sweeping canal views. Stunning great room with dramatic 22' ceiling and magnificent curved staircase. 4 Br, 3 Ba, 2 Half Ba - 4,111 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,699,000

4 Cedar Hollow Court - Palm Harbor

Exceptional waterfront home in the desirable Sailboat Country neighborhood designed to maximize natural light and water views. Features two primary suites – one overlooking the canal. 4 Br, 3 Ba - 2,526 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $585,000

TRUST THE POWER OF EXPERIENCE Krista Libby Sales Associate Judy Barnes Broker Associate Rich Hottinger, Sr.

CIPS, TRC, AHD, SRES, CRS, CLHMS, RSPS

Sales Associate

CLHMS, SRES, RSPS

386.627.3000 • 386.931.2007 Judy@CoastalProsFL.com

Rich@HammockDunesFL.com

386.503.0509

612.298.4040

Krista@HammockDunesFL.com

SALES CENTER 2 Camino Del Mar Palm Coast, FL 32137 CoastalProsFL.com

CP COASTAL PROS P OW E R O F E X P E R I E N C E

One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged. Not intended as a solicitation if your property is already listed by another broker. These materials are not intended to be an offer to sell, or solicitation to buy a unit in the new development condominium. Such an offering shall only be made pursuant to the prospectus (offering circular) for the condominium and no statements should be relied upon unless made in the prospectus or in the applicable purchase agreement. In no event shall any solicitation, offer or sale of a unit in the condominium be made in, or to residents of, any state or country in which such activity would be unlawful. Many communities have membership programs and fees, and ownership of a home in such community does not, in and of itself, include access to or use of any particular amenity.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

REAL ESTATE ORMOND BEACH JARLEENE ALMENAS

Chelsea Place home is Ormond’s top sale A

MANAGING EDITOR

house in Chelsea Place at 116 Chelsea Place Ave. was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Feb. 14-20. The house sold on Feb. 18, for $550,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,232 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $464,700. The house was listed by Kirsten Finle, of Fiv Realty Co Florida LLC.

Condos The condo at 111 S. Atlantic Ave., Unit 803, sold on Feb. 19, for $330,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,131 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $103,500.

ORMOND BEACH

Halifax Plantation The house at 4121 Salina Lane sold on Feb. 19, for $422,500. Built in 2000, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,317 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $204,000. Ormond Beach Park The house at 468 Grandview Ave. sold on Feb. 17,

for $495,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 1,368 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $197,000. Ormond Terrace The house at 530 N. Yonge St. sold on Feb. 20, for $249,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,457 square feet. It last sold in 1997 for $75,000. Park Place The townhome at 5 Park Place sold on Feb. 17, for $220,000. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 2/1 and has 919 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $66,000.

• • •

New homes Additions Commercial

We can help you find a lot to build on!

Jay Maxwell Owner, Licensed & Insured

Trails North Forty The townhome at 151 Deer Lake Circle sold Feb. 18, for $325,000. Built in 1985, the townhome is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,662 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $220,000.

The townhome at 108 Wentworth Ave. sold on Feb. 19, for $260,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,288 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $168,000.

$422,000. The house at 519 High Tide Lane sold on Feb. 17, for $418,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $311,300.

Latitude Margaritaville The townhome at 899 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Feb. 17, for $450,000. Built in 2023, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,771 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for

The house at 224 Flip Side Lane sold on Feb. 19, $872,500. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool, a spa and 2,542 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $642,400.

Waterfront Gem! 75 Ocean Palm Villa South Flagler Beach, FL

PEACE OF MIND

386.310.2296 Dryervent386@gmail.com

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

The townhome at 142 Aston Grande Drive sold on Feb. 20, for $221,500. Built in 2014, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,288 square feet. It last sold in 22014 for $141,600.

A+ Dryer Vent Cleaning

When you hire Quest Construction, you get weekly updates on the progress of your home from the builder himself, Juan Henao. pcdryervent.com Call Juan’s cell phone today: 407-912-8154.

Rivocean The house at 33 Rivocean Drive sold on Feb. 17, for $336,600. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,470 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $81,000.

Not in subdivision The house at 8 Hibiscus Drive sold on Feb. 15, for $365,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,548

Grande Champion The house at 133 Formby Grande Ave. sold on Feb. 17, for $337,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,056 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $307,500.

xxxx

Ormond Shores The house at 31 Camellia Drive sold on Feb. 17, for $340,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,021 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $382,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A local builder who listens.

square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $240,000.

Plantation Bay The house at 1157 Kilkenny Lane sold on Feb. 18, for $375,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,910 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $234,000.

Direct Intracoastal waterfront condo in Flagler Beach! 2BR/ 2BA, fully furnished, deeded beach access, stunning water views. Coastal living at its best! $245,000

Deanna Kershner 386-931-3414

SAVE

on Homeowners Insurance!

Flagler & Volusia County Homeowners Insurance Rates

386-597-0287 MooreInsures.com

Email: tyce@mooreinsures.com 2729 E Moody Blvd Ste 105 Bunnell, FL 32110

Coverage Amount

2015 & Newer Home

2002-2014 Built Home

1994-2001 Built Home

1976-1993 Built Home

$300,000

$1024

$1253

$1442

$1522

$350,000

$1236

$1345

$1572

$1640

$400,000

$1327

$1439

$1656

$1762

$450,000

$1423

$1562

$1735

$1878

$500,000

$1569

$1625

$1841

$1939

$550,000

$1654

$1756

$1936

$2059

All rates assume a structurally sound roof with 5+ years of remaining useful life. 4pt and/or Wind Mitigation. Inspections may be required.

BETTER HEARING STARTS WITH

ANSWERS, NOT PRESSURE

If you hear but don’t always understand, have hearing aids that aren’t helping, or you’ve been putting off getting your hearing checked... You are not alone. Join us for a FREE hearing evaluation and get clear answers about your hearing.

P P P

Complimentary hearing test Try today’s technology risk-free We explain clearly - no pressure

Call today to schedule your no-obligation appointment!

160 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste A108 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Jennifer Whaley, BC-HIS

(386) 387-5093

www.atlantichearingbalance.com

Heather Curry, HAS

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Reconnect this March — and enjoy special savings while you do. Sale ends soon.

FRIENDS & FAMILY HEARING EVENT

$2,000 OFF

a new pair of Phonak Infinio Ultra Sphere Level 90 hearing aids* OFFER ENDS 3/31 AND APPOINTMENTS ARE FILLING FAST!

Schedule a FREE HEARING SCREENING!

386-269-8469 • 1474 W Granada Blvd #420, Ormond Beach 111 N Orange St, New Smyrna Beach • 790 Dunlawton Ave., Ste B, Port Orange 1665 Dunlawton Ave #107, Port Orange • 1958 State Road 44, New Smyrna Beach 2 Pine Lakes Parkway N. Ste 4, Palm Coast 2721 S. Woodland Blvd., Deland Not valid with any other offer or discount, private pay only, valid on Phonak Infinio Ultra Sphere Level 90 hearing aids. Offer expires 3/31/26.

SL-AT0219102722

MARCH 12, 2026

SPORTS Medal collectors Flagler Palm Coast’s Alexa Calidonio placed second, four others placed third at state wrestling. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The state wrestling championships were a roller coaster ride for Flagler Palm Coast High School with heartbreak and tears at their lowest point and redemption and celebration at their peak. When the three-day tournament was all over on Saturday, March 7, the Bulldogs left the Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee with a runner-up finish by Alexa Calidonio, four third-place medals by Alisha Vilar, Kevin McLean, Trey Twilley and JoJo Foalima, and eighth-place team finishes in both the girls and boys tournaments. Calidonio ended her high school wrestling career with a silver medal after placing fifth as a junior and fourth as a sophomore at the girls state championship. But her second-place finish was bittersweet after losing a 2-1 decision in the second 30-second tiebreaker in the 170-pound championship match. “Alexa wrestled a great tournament,” FPC head coach David Bossardet said. “She wrestled a great match in the finals. But her goal was to win a state championship, and she was that close to meeting her goal and just came up short in the 30-second ride-out.” After three two-minute

“It’s very hard to wrestle back, and (Alisha Vilar, Kevin McLean, Trey Twilley and JoJo Foalima) all did that. It was a cool experience on the third day to see the joy on their faces and the joy on their families’ faces. And all four are coming back next year.” DAVID BOSSARDET, FPC wrestling coach

periods and a one-minute overtime, Calidonio and Tampa King’s Isabella McFarlane were tied at 1-1. In the first 30-second tiebreaker, McFarlane chose bottom and scored a one-point escape before time ran out. Calidonio then chose bottom for the second 30-second period but couldn’t score a point. “Alexa wrestled this girl a lot and we’ve never taken her down but we have gotten away from her,” Bossardet said of the decision to choose bottom. “All of our guys and girls work extremely hard, but Alexa is the only kid I’ve ever coached who has done every single thing I have asked her to do, whether it’s an optional practice or extra workouts after practice. Because of that, it makes it a little harder. You want it for that girl.” Calidonio and McFarlane have wrestled several times during their high school careers, Bossardet said, and all of the matches have been close. Bossardet said the championships were an “emotional roller coaster.” Day 2, he said, wasn’t a great day for the Bulldogs. Calidonio won her semifinal by a 4-1 decision over Niceville’s Brooke Arbic, but the six FPC boys in the Class 3A tournament and the three other FPC girls in the overall girls tournament all dropped into wrestlebacks. Joslyn Johnson, who won a state title as a sophomore and placed third as a junior, had her title hopes dashed with a pin at 3:28 in the 105-pound quarterfinal by Hernando’s Emerson Webber with Johnson leading 7-3 at the time. “That was a girl I had concerns about. She’s very good on top and pinned Joslyn with an armbar,” Bossardet said. It was a very quick turnaround before Johnson’s second-round consolation match, and she was still reeling from the quarterfinal loss, Bossardet said, when she was pinned by Tiffany Francisco of Davie Western to end her tournament. “It wasn’t in the cards for her, but that tournament didn’t define Joslyn as a wres-

Alisha Vilar (left) placed third at 145 pounds

FPC’s Alexa Calidonio (left) wrestles Tampa King’s Isabella McFarlane in the 170-pound title match.

FPC freshman JoJo Foalima (left) placed third at 165 pounds.

FPC sophomore Kevin McLean (left) placed third at 120 pounds. Photos by Abe Mills

“Alexa wrestled a great tournament. She wrestled a great match in the finals. But her goal was to win a state championship, and she was that close to meeting her goal and just came up short in the 30-second ride-out.” DAVID BOSSARDET, FPC wrestling coach

tler,” Bossardet said, adding that he told her clear her head and taker her time before deciding on her wrestling future. Sophomore Juliana Mills (105 pounds), freshman Jacob Hald (106 pounds), junior Braden Dailey (113 pounds) and senior Michael Fries (150 pounds) were also eliminated in the consolation rounds by the end of Day 2. All of them had great seasons and lost tough matches, Bossardet said. FOURSOME PLACES 3RD ON DAY THREE

Day 3 began with a reversal of fortunes with Vilar, McLean, Twilley and Foalima all winning their consolation semifinals and finals to place third in their weight classes. “It’s very hard to wrestle back, and they all did that,” Bossardet said. “It was a cool experience on the third day to see the joy on their faces and the joy on their families’ faces. And all four are coming back next year.” Vilar, a junior wrestling in her first state tournament, advanced to the girls’ 145-pound semifinals where she faced two-time state

champ Ailee Briggs of Lemon Bay. Briggs pinned Vilar and went on to win her third consecutive state title. Vilar went on to pin both of her opponents in the consolation semis and the third-place match. “Alisha had a great tournament,” Bossardet said. “She works extremely hard, and the result finally showed the work she puts in, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. Now, everyone knows how good Alisha Vilar is, and more important, she knows how good she is.” McLean, a sophomore, placed third at state for the third year in a row. Wrestling for St. Johns Country Day as an eighth grader in 2024, he placed third in Class 1A, and placed third for FPC in Class 3A last year at 113 pounds. On Friday, McLean lost to eventual champ Lazaro Soto of Southwest Miami in the 120-pound semifinals. On Saturday, McLean won with a late pin in the semifinals and a 9-3 decision in the thirdplace match. Twilley, a junior, also placed for the third year in a row. After losing in the 132-pound quarterfinals, he won four straight consolation matches

Trey Twilley (left) placed third at 132 pounds.

including a 14-1 major decision over top-ranked Porter Daniels of Palmetto in the consolation quarterfinals and a 2-1 ultimate tiebreaker win over Hagerty’s Bentley Crawley in the semifinals. It was the fourth time Twilley and Crawley wrestled this season with each wrestler winning twice. Twilley won the thirdplace match by a 4-3 decision. “Trey and Kevin, I often overlook, because you expect results from them,” Bossardet said. Foalima, a freshman, lost in the 165-pound semifinals against eventual champ Tyree Graham of South Dade. Foalima went on to win the thirdplace match by a pin in 5:29. “I think JoJo could be one of the best to ever do it here,” Bossardet said. “He’s wrestling at 165 pounds as a freshman. That’s a grown man’s weight. He’s very powerful and he’s only going to get stronger. He was able to show how good he is this weekend.” Matanzas had two wrestlers in the girls tournament. Briana Durry lost two matches at 235 pounds. Cardy Michel lost two matches at 125 pounds.

Seniors Helping Seniors’ unique approach to Home Health Care focuses on hiring qualified, mature adults to be caregivers. They provide relatability, reliability, empathy, and overall higher quality of care. Visit our website for a list of services, request help, or apply to be a caregiver.

Approved provider of the VA. Serving all of Flagler, St. Johns, and Volusia Counties.

386.985.2292 SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com

License#299996009

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Game on FPC sidearm pitcher Jordan Gonzalez throws to the plate in a game against Jacksonville Providence on March 5. Photos by Keishia McLendon

Marion Clayton had given the Bulldogs a 6-4 lead with a two-run homer in the fifth, but the Stallions stormed back. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FPC’s Nole Hemmerle swings at a pitch.

arion Clayton’s tworun homer gave Flagler Palm Coast a 6-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning against Jacksonville Providence. But the Stallions scored six unearned runs in the sixth to defeat FPC 10-6 on Thursday, March 5, at the Bulldogs’ field. It was the third loss in

FPC catcher Clayton Lamb chases Providence’s Preston Ricchini back to third base in a rundown. The Bulldogs eventually tagged Ricchini out at home plate to end the top of the third inning.

three days for the Bulldogs, who started the season with five consecutive wins. It was the second straight game in which FPC gave up six runs in an inning. “[Pitcher Jordan Gonzalez] started the game off well and gave us a chance to win,” FPC coach Kyle Marsh said. “But at the end of the day, we got to play all seven innings. Right now, we are not playing all seven innings. And it’s showing.” The Bulldogs rallied from a 4-1 deficit to tie the score with two runs in the third inning on Gonzalez’s two-run double and one in the fourth. Gonzalez left the mound after five innings with the Bulldogs ahead. But errors kept the Providence sixth inning alive as the Stallions sent 10 batters to the plate against Nole Hammerle. FPC reliever Brody Youngman struck out the side in the seventh after allowing a leadoff single to Brody Kraft. Kraft was left stranded on third after stealing second and advancing on a wild pitch. But Providence pitcher Jaxson Strough, who entered the game after Clayton’s homer with no outs in the fifth, shut the door on the Bulldogs with three no-hit innings. Clayton’s homer was FPC’s first of the season. He drove in Hemmerle who led off the fifth with a single. “Marion got a good piece of it, a good swing,” Marsh said. “The pitching was good. We had opportunities. We just didn’t capitalize. We just got to get back to it.”

FPC’s three losses came to teams with a combined 25-6 record as of March 5. Spruce Creek (9-1) defeated the Bulldogs 6-4 on March 3 with FPC scoring all four of its runs in the bottom of the seventh. Host West Orange (8-3) knocked out 13 hits in an 11-1 five-inning victory on March 4. Providence improved to 8-2 with the 10-6 victory. The Bulldogs bounced back with a 7-2 victory over Christ’s Church Academy of Jacksonville.

FPC’s Marion Clayton gets set to bunt.

FPC first baseman Paul Bowen (right) is prepared for a possible pickoff throw.

Matanzas baseball rallies from 10-3 deficit to win 11-10 in eight innings The Pirates scored five with two outs in the seventh to send the game to extra innings. on Senior Night. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Matanzas baseball team was losing 10-5 and down to its final out against Belleview on Friday, March 6. The Pirates went on to score five runs in the seventh to send the game into extra innings and then scored the winning run in the eighth to defeat the Rattlers 11-10 on the Pirates’ Senior Night.

“It had been quite the slide recently,” said Matanzas firstyear coach Sean McManus, whose team had lost six in a row heading into the game. “A lot of guys were starting to get down. Seeing them pushing to extras was awsome to see as a coaching staff.” In the eighth, Zach Seifert scored the winning run from third base on a hard grounder by Wiley Conner that scooted off the third baseman’s glove for an error. The fielder recovered in time to throw to first, but Conner beat it out. Winning pitcher Daniel Reyes gave up one run in three innings. The junior held Belleview off the scoreboard in the seventh and eighth innings.

Matanzas honored its six seniors before winning in extra innings on March 6. From left: assistant coach Tommy Ascone, Monte Strickland, Nigel Sejda, Nolan Schmidt, head coach Sean McManus, Roberto Reyes, Damian Paulsen, Tate Conner and assistant coach Robert Bell. Courtesy photo by Zach Rigney

“I’m real proud of the pitching to keep it tied going into the bottom of the eighth,” McManus said. “It was our longest game all season. Just to stay locked in and push to the end and get that last run in was huge.” The Pirates trailed 10-3

going into the bottom of the sixth when P.J. Trettner hit a two-run homer, which McManus said he “smoked” over the left center field fence. It was Trettner’s second home run of the season. Before the game, the Pirates honored seniors Monte

Strickland, Nigel Sejda, Nolan Schmidt, Roberto Reyes, Damian Paulsen and Tate Conner. Matanzas (2-8) has a tough week of games heading into spring break. The Pirates lost on the road 13-3 to St. Joseph Academy (7-2), the eighth-

ranked team in Class 1A, on Monday, March 9. They lost to University Christian 16-6 on March 10, and are scheduled to visit county rival Flagler Palm Coast at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 12. Email brent@observerlocalnews.com.

10B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Matanzas boys lacrosse has reason to celebrate amid tumultuous season Vinny Ferrugiaro scored seven goals in the Pirates’ 15-4 win against Flagler Palm Coast. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Vinny Ferrugiaro and CJ Schouten have played on Matanzas High’s lacrosse team for four years. Though the Pirates have not finished with a winning record during that time, they’ve won at least six games in each of the past three seasons. But this season has not turned out to be the year they had hoped for as seniors. A new head coach hired in the summer was let go in the middle of the season. And the Pirates began the year with six straight losses. “We’ve worked really hard, and this year’s been pretty rough,” Schouten said.

Assistant coach Dominic Tavolacci, who was playing high school lacrosse himself just three years ago, has stepped in as Matanzas’ interim head coach. On Friday, March 6, Tavolacci won his first game against equally struggling Flagler Palm Coast. Ferrugiaro, who reached 100 goals in his career on Feb. 26, scored seven goals against FPC as the Pirates defeated the Bulldogs 15-4 at home. FPC, which graduated 14 seniors last year, fell to 0-7 with the loss to Matanzas and a 10-0 loss to Ocala Forest on March 9. “We have a lot of new players,” said second-year FPC coach Michael Commendatore. “Generally speaking, nine players that get on the field during a game have never played lacrosse before this year. We only have six seniors and not all of them have a lot of experience, so definitely, we are in a rebuilding year.” Shouten added three goals in the win and won every

Matanzas middie CJ Schouten

faceoff he was in to help the Pirates maintain possession of the ball for most of the game. “I practice at home every day to get my hands faster, just to win faceoffs and help Vinny get 100-plus goals,” Schouten said. “It’s been a long journey since freshman year.” Two other Matanzas seniors have been on the team for four years — middie Case Britton and Nick Yacono, who is out for the season with an injury. While Schouten has only been playing lacrosse since he was a freshman, Ferrugiaro, who grew up in New Jersey,

has been playing lacrosse since he was in the fourth grade. Reaching the 100-goal milestone, he said, has been on his mind for a long time. “I’ve been working on that for four years,” Ferrugiaro said. “Ever since I was a young kid I always wanted to have 100 career goals.” Cole Cabrera, Cooper May, Nick Ferrugiaro, Atticus Sims and Michael Lamonica all added a goal for the Pirates against FPC. Tanner Young and Ryan Zapata each scored two second-half goals for the Bulldogs. The four goals are the most FPC has scored in a game this season. The Bulldogs have more experience on defense, especially at goalie with senior Aiden Commendatore, who will play lacrosse at Savannah College of Art and Design next year. Aiden Commendatore, the coach’s son, has played at FPC since he was a sophomore and has over 500 saves in just two and half seasons.

CHANCE TO CELEBRATE

Tavolacci played lacrosse as a freshman and sophomore at Matanzas and then transferred to FPC where he played as a junior and senior. He went on to play one year at Nassau Community College in Garden City, New York, before moving back home last year and joining former Matanzas head coach Adam Frys’ staff. “I didn’t like the cold. I’m definitely a Florida boy,” he said. Tavolacci said the Pirates are working out some kinks. “We’re definitely getting there,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of new kids moving around. Our goalie (Liam O’Connor), this is his first year playing goalie.” For the first time this season, the Pirates had something to celebrate. “Losing the head coach, that was not planned. That was a culture shock to us,” Vinny Ferrugiaro said. “We’re very grateful that Dom stepped in, helped out, to coach us. To get

our first win over FPC, that’s big for us.” Said Schouten: “This is going to help a lot with our team chemistry, because as we saw today, everyone’s happy, and they know what it feels like to win. All we knew this season was losing. So this is going to push us forward and give us some more motivation to get some more wins.” Both Tavolacci and Michael Commendatore said they would like to return next year. Commendatore stepped in last season after the previous FPC coach left. While his son will be playing in college next year, he feels committed to rebuilding FPC’s program. “I definitely want to be here,” Commendatore said. “I’ll speak for [assistant] coach [Andrew] Smith, whose son graduated last year, and he’s come back. We love being here with the players, and we both really want to work to continue to build a program at FPC and get it to be a strong program from year to year.”

Matanzas softball coach encouraged by team’s fight in eight-inning loss Sabrina Manhart was pleased and concerned when Destiny Clanton and Sophia Staub dove for a pop up. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A play in the field in Matanzas High School’s eight-inning softball loss to Spruce Creek on March 9, was an example of what coach Sabrina Manhart is looking for from her team as well as what she never wants

to see. In the top of the seventh inning of the Pirates’ 9-4 home loss, second baseman Destiny Clanton and freshman shortstop Sophia Staub both dived for a popup with the two colliding, Staub catching the ball and Clanton ending up flat on the ground until trainer Michael Doersch helped her up. “They are both very passionate players and are going to be a good pair in the middle of the infield, and they both want the ball,” Manhart said. “I’m not sure if somebody

called it, or maybe they both called it, but they were both going to make sure it didn’t hit the ground, and I was impressed at their effort, but a little taken aback by the fact that they took each other out, almost.” Manhart said Staub did a good job checking on Clanton after the catch. When Manhart got out on the field, she asked Clanton if she was OK, and after she said she was good, Manhart told the infielders there were two outs. “Destiny said, ‘What? She caught the ball?’ So we all got

a good laugh at that,” Manhart said. “That really made that really scary moment for a second, very light-hearted. And [Clanton is] like, ‘I’m ready to play then.’ So that’s just a little bit of her personality. She’s a fighter for sure.” Clanton started in the pitching circle for the Pirates (4-3), who took a 2-0 lead in the first inning against the Hawks (4-3). Creek went ahead 3-2 in the top of the sixth against freshman Payton Zuromski. Matanzas tied the score in the bottom of the seventh with two unearned runs.

SIDELINES Sandcrabs win Five Star boys tennis title

Seabreeze won the Five Star Conference boys tennis championship on Friday, March 6, at the Florida Tennis Center in Daytona Beach. All five Seabreeze singles players reached the finals with the Sandcrabs winning three singles titles and one doubles title. Winning singles championships for Seabreeze were Tej Patel at No. 3 (6-2, 6-2 over Spruce Creek’s Aarav Desai in the final); Jordan Anthony at No. 4 (6-0, 3-6, 10-7 over Creek’s Aiden Cappiello in the final); and Benjamin Upchurch at No. 5 (6-0, 6-1 over Creek’s Brayden Kim in the final). Patel and Anthony won No. 2 doubles over Creek’s Desai and Kim,

6-4, 6-2. The Sandcrabs’ Jeffrey Martin at No. 1 and Hunter Shuler at No. 2 also reached the singles finals. The Sandcrabs entered the tournament with a 4-1 record with their only loss coming to Spruce Creek, 4-3. Patel and Anthony are both undefeated in singles. Patel is 7-0 at No. 3 singles and 1-0 at No. 1. Anthony is 4-0 at No. 4 singles. Shuler is 6-1 at No. 2 singles. Kai Campbell is 4-1 at No. 5 singles. In the Five Star girls tournament, Flagler Palm Coast placed second behind Spruce Creek, while Seabreze was fourth. FPC’s Tatiana Leontyeva (No. 1) and Aasi Bharucha (No. 3) and Seabreeze’s Karma Candelaria (No. 2) and Habiba Nadim (No. 5) reached the singles finals.

But the Hawks scored six runs in the eighth against Zuromski and Clanton. The Pirates added a run in the bottom of the eighth on an RBI double by Camryn Williams, who went 4 for 4 in the game. “Tonight was an exciting night, because we have such a young team this year and we came out with a new intensity that we’ve been trying to pull out of them at practice,” Manhart said. “... I’m really proud of the effort that they put forth to push this game into extra Innings.” The Pirates host Flagler

a freshman at West Liberty University, won two matches and placed among the top 12 in the 124-pound weight class. Borgmann, a freshman at Felician University, placed among the top 18 in the 131-pound weight class. Seabreeze won the Five Star Conference boys tennis championship on March 6. From left: Coach Tom Kelly, Jeffrey Martin, Hunter Shuler, Tej Patel and Jordan Anthony. Courtesy photo

FPC’s Leontyeva and Bharucha reached the No. 1 doubles finals, and Seabreeze’s Hailey Roush and Candelaria reached the No. 2 doubles final.

FPC lifters win tourney title

Flagler Palm Coast won the Olympic competition at the King of the Platform boys weightlifting tournament on March 6 in Leesburg. Five FPC lifters won Olympic

titles: Anthony Giacobbe (119 pounds), Cody Strawser (129), Alex Huynh (139), Jackson Fedun (164) and Matthew McFall (unlimited).

Local wrestlers at NCAAs

Former Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast wrestlers Mariah Mills and Christina Borgmann competed at the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships on March 6-7 in Coralville, Iowa. Mills,

Matanzas boys win track meet; FPC athlete breaks mark Matanzas won the boys title at the Deltona Wolves Showcase track and field meet on March 7 with Blaine Vogel winning the 800-meter run in 2:08.14 and the 1,600-meter run in 4:33.38. The 4x400 relay of Matt Ciardi, Kevin Gilpin, Jayden McCoy and Jez McCoy won with a time of 3:41.57. On the girls’ side, Megan Rhee won the 1,600 meters in 5:51.88. Rena Carlton won the 200 in 2:46.98.

Payton Zuromski throws pitch as a Spruce Creek player runs from second base in the fifth inning. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Palm Coast on Thursday, March 12, at 7 p.m.

FPC won three events at the Bolles Bulldog Classic on March 6: Grace Taylor won the girls javelin with a new school record of 117 feet, 5 inches. La’Darius Simmons won boys javelin with a throw of 167 feet, 9 inches. And Karina Marcelus won the 100 hurdles in 14.66 seconds. Jordan Haymon placed second in the boys 200 with a PR time of 21.70 seconds. At the George Janan Spruce Creek Invitational on March 7, Seabreeze’s Drayton Bracket won the 110 hurdles in 16.09. Dominic Dowell won the 400 hurdles in 59.98 seconds. Mainland’s Sydney Noelien placed second in girls discus with a throw of 161 feet, 1 inch. Father Lopez’s Lauren Lancing placed second in both the 100 meters (12.48) and the 100 hurdles (15.43) setting school records in both events. Email brent@ observerlocalnews.com

Your favorite escape is waiting nearby. Enjoy ocean views, rooftop drinks & effortless resets. 111 S. Daytona Avenue, Flagler Beach (386) 356-8510 www.CompassHotelFlaglerBeach.com

Making it easy to buy local

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

SPECIALS

Old World Authentic Recipes Tuesday - 2 Large Cheese $30 Thursday - Margherita Madness $20 Saturday - All Pasta Dishes $12

ARIA’S PIZZERIA

2451 North Atlantic Blvd, Daytona Beach, FL

(386) 265-5185

@ariaoldworldkitchen

Sunrise Bank* FDIC

At Sunrise Bank, trust and local connections are at the heart of what we do. With decades of experience in Ormond Beach, Jim Hester, Janet Marks and Laura Chavez-Salazar know the community because they've been invested in it for years. Their dedication brings a personal touch to every interactionalways here to support you. Come meet the team that's been supporting your community for years.

Ormond Beach 299 W Granada Blvd. Suite C Ormond Beach, FL 32174 386.676.2222 Lobby Hours of Operation

Monday - Friday 9:00am - 4:00pm

Drive Thru Hours of Operation Monday - Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

www.sunrise.bank

Visit Sunrise Bank and experience the difference of community-driven banking.

Observer Marketing

Print advertising is less expensive than you think. We can fit any budget. Call us today! 386-447-9723 // Advertising@observerlocalnews.com We work hard to fit every budget — really! If we can’t create a plan that works for you, we’ll give you a free digital ad, no strings attached. The free ad includes one standard placement (up to [$X] value) and must be used within 30 days of your original quote. This offer doesn’t include paid media (like Google or Facebook spend) or advanced design work. One offer per business, and we reserve the right to decline campaigns that don’t align with our content or industry guidelines.

FDIC I LT ffl

Member

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Rhonda Richardson, APRN

SENIOR CARE ONLY BETTER

Call (386) 230-4448 to schedule an appointment, or book online:

BE YOU

Senior Helpers stands ready to serve your family’s needs with personalized, in-home care and expertly-trained professional caregivers. Let us ease your mind with a complimentary in-home care assessment.

SENIOR CARE NOW HIRING CNA & HHA ONLY BETTER

The Area’s LARGEST Selection of Lift Chairs & Scooters • Lift Chairs

Senior Helpers s s stands ready to serve your Senior Helpers stands ready to serve your family’s needs seniorhelpers.com/fl/palm-coast family’s needs with personalized, in-home care and with personalized, • Scooters HHA # 299994577 All rights reserved. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. in-home and ©2023care SH Franchising, LLC. expertly-trained professional caregivers. • CPAP & Supplies expertly-trained • Wheelchairs professional Let us ease your mind with a complimentary (Power & Manual) caregivers.

352.323.6232

SENIOR CARE • Portable Oxygen Concentrators ONLY BETTER

Let us ease your • Ramps mind with a complimentary Senior Helpers stands ready to serve your and more! • Walkers in-home family’s needs with personalized, in-home care andcare assesment. MENTION CODE OBS226 & GET

expertly-trained professional caregivers.

Veteran Let10% us ease OFF your mind with a complimentary

With qualified purchases. Rentals Excluded.

in-home care assessment. FINANCING

Your Medical Solutions Provider

386-281-3700 BeActiveMobilty.com

AVAILABLE!

Owned

AHCA Lic #1315108

Medicare Provider

160 Cypress Point Pkwy. • Unit D112 • Palm Coast

& Other Insurance Accepted.

in-home care assessment. SENIOR CARE ONLY BETTER

Senior Helpers stands ready to serve your family’s needsNOW with personalized, in-home care and HIRING CNA s & HHAs expertly-trained professional caregivers.

352.323.6232

Let us ease your mind with a complimentary seniorhelpers.com/fl/palm-coast in-home care assessment. HHA # 299994577 All rights reserved. Senior Helpers locations are independently owned and operated. ©2023 SH Franchising, LLC.

NOW HIRING CNAs & HHAs

352.323.6232

NOW HIRING CNAs & HHAs

352.323.6232

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Cleaning

Houses Wanted

ELIZABETH JONES

SELL YOUR HOUSE TODAY *On Your Time Line *No Repairs Needed *Behind on Payments or Taxes *Foreclosures O.K. *Probate O.K. Cash In Your Pocket Fast

TIRED OF COMING HOME TO A MESSY HOUSE? NEED YOUR ROOMS/CLOSETS ORGANIZED?

I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR DAY!

CLEANING SERVICES SINCE 2003

Small to Large - ANY Detailed Job is Available!

Now Offering Room & Area Rug Carpet Cleaning!

Free Estimates All Supplies Furnished 10% OFF 1st Cleaning

CALL 386-252-5500 CALL 386-241-2033

Residential/Commercial Licensed

References available

OR Sell in MLS - First Trust Realty, Inc.

412518

Call: 386-569-6151

Landscaping & Lawn

Medical

Gutters

Concrete

l loca ts Your g exper ! in roof ce 1995 n i s Metal • Shingle • Tile • Slate • Flat - Roof Replacements & Repairs - New Roof Construction - Competitive Pricing & Free Estimates - Financing & Extended Warranties Visit jandjgutters.net to learn more!

Certified, Licensed, Insured CGC1517313 / CCC1329068

Gutter Cleaning Mortgage

Mark’s Gutter Cleaning

RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION-PERM AND LAND LOAN SPECIALIST

AND HOME REPAIR

Spring Special as low as $59

At Capital City Home Loans, our team delivers decades of experience with a personalized approach. From new construction financing to renovation loans and doctor programs, we have the right loan for all homebuyers.

386-631-3907

Mimi Givarz | 386.951.6557

Dentist

Jay Givarz | 386.951.6466 Mortgage Consultant | NMLS #203728

teamgivarz@cchl.com

Painting

XNLV20197

Call or email today for a FREE consulting session. Do you want more MONEY your life??? Dowant you want more MONEY in your life??? you more MONEY inin your life??? Lora Fickett, CPA, MBA Do you want more MONEY in your life??? Financial Stress Reduction® Coach or email today aFREE FREE consultingsession. session. Call or orCall email today foraforaFREE consulting session. Call email today for consulting

364200

428615 364198

Do you wantFInancial more MONEY in your life??? Services

OR OST NO C ATION G OBLI

Deanna Kershner

Independent Licensed Agent

386.931.3414

Deanna.Kershner@yahoo.com

Landscaping & Lawn

428617 XNLV20200 369733

Medicare Plan Options HMO • PPO • SUPPLEMENTS PART D • DENTAL

cchl.com Equal Housing Lender NMLS #75615

1 Armand Beach Drive | #2C Palm Coast, FL 32137

Insurance

Helping You Select the Medicare Plan That is Right For You!

MEMBER OF

Mortgage Consultant | NMLS #1646040

“Leaf Guard at the fraction of the cost of Leaf Filter”

Licensed/Insured

Interior/Exterior

Belle Terre Painting, LLC Fran Mosher

Owner/Operator belleterrepainting@gmail.com Residental/Commercial

386-344-9113

Senior and Veteran discounts Resort & Condo Free Estimates Veteran Owned Free driveway pressure wash with full exterior paint.

Call today for a FREE consulting session. 8 Week T ele-WFickett, orksor hoemail psCPA, Lora MBA

Lora Lora MBA S peakiFickett, nFickett, g EngaLora gStress eCPA, mCPA, entReduction® s MBA Fickett, CPA, MBA Financial Coach

Stress Reduction® P rivate C8o aecehkiFinancial nTgReduction® Financial Stress CoachCoach Financial Stress W elReduction® e-Workshops Coach

8 Week Tele-Workshops

a-kW nSogpo ahgp 88 W rekErasknkh ig E WeeeekkTSTepeleele -iW sngo oenspgmsaegenmtsents Private Cie ovaam ce hCinnotg S SppeeaakkininggEEnnggaPagrg etem eanscthsing P PrriivvaatteeCCooaacchhiningg

386-319-1917 386-319-1917 Lora@LoraFickett.com 386-319-1917 Lora@LoraFickett.com

www.LoraFickett.com

Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com

If you don’t tell your & where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went! 386-319-1917 www.LoraFickett.com 386-319-1917 If you don’t tell your $ where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went! Lora@LoraFickett.com If you don’t tell your & where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went!

Lora@LoraFickett.com www.LoraFickett.com

www.LoraFickett.com If you don’t tell your & where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went! Handyman

If you don’t tell your & where to go, you’ll always wonder where it went!

Painting With AA Painting With Woman’s Touch Woman’s Touch 386-569-4393 386-569-4393 Interior / Exterior Painting Power Washing Decks · Interior Residential · CommercialPool · Exterior Driveways

Custom Finishes · Epoxy & Insured - #17687Floors Cherie L.Painting Estell· FauxLicensed

House Renovation

J&M Creative Renovations Fast. Reliable. Done Right the First Time.

J&M

Call Guy today and get it fixed the right way!

(386) 290-8064

John Gilvary 904.669.2337 John@paintingfins.com

TREASURES FOUND HERE!

Licensed and insured

TO ADVERTISE CALL 386-447-9723 OR VISIT CLASSIFIEDS.PALMCOASTOBSERVER.COM

MARKET PLACE Plus MADE FOR WHERE YOU LIVE. HERE! TO ADVERTISE CALL 386-447-9723 OR EMAIL ADVERTISE@OBSERVERLOCALNEWS.COM

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Plumbing

Roofing

Roof Leaking?

Building Customers For Life!

EZ Roof Roof ing Inc. Of Flagler County

386-328-5359

“Specialist In Hard to Find Leaks”

• New Roofs • Repairs

• Replacements • FREE Estimates

430456

Residential Roofing Specialist • FREE Roof Inspections & Minor Repairs LIC#CCC1331086

428619

Insurance Inspections Available Reliable Prompt Service

386.677.9265 State Licensed | Insured CCC1328252 | CBC1254280

CBC ROOFING COMPANY

429789

Sliding Doors

ROOF PROBLEMS? Call us for a FREE Estimate

386-347-0366 Whether you need a minor repair or a complete roof replacement, Howard Roofing will guarantee your satisfaction! Licensed and Insured

LIC#CCC1333989

404546

• Roof Repair • Roof Replacement • Emergency Service •

Power Washing

Rick's Power Washing

CLASSIFIEDS Items under $200

PLANT LADY HAS ASSORTED PLANTS FOR SALE!!! Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, Plus Many Other Types of Plants. Call for Appointment. Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387

Houses · Driveways · Pool Enclosures Siding · Concrete Licensed/Insured & Reliable

386-585-5160

428611

Call Rick

TRIBUTES

TV Stand, Black and Chrome, Great Condition, Fits a Large TV $50.00, Floral Rug, Very Good Condition 5x7 round. $50.00. 386-747-0366

June 4, 1958 - February 24, 2026

Employment

For Rent

being with his family—moments that brought him joy, peace, and connection. Paul was a man of faith and a true believer. Paul is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Diane, and by the family he cherished so deeply. He leaves behind his Son Christopher and his Wife Jamie, along with their children Lexi, Luke, and Lindsay, who brought him endless pride and joy. He is also survived by his Daughter Jillian and her fiancé David, and by his youngest Daughter Danielle, her partner Amani, and his beloved Granddaughter Violet. A proud and loving father and grandfather, Paul found immense happiness in each of them and held his family at the center of his life. He is preceded in death by his Father Pasquale D. Chambery. He is also survived by his mother, Beryl Chambery, his three Brothers, Sister in laws as well as many Nieces and Nephews who will forever hold his memory close. Paul will be remembered for

his kindness, his humor, his loyalty, and the steady, comforting presence he offered to everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his family and friends, who will miss him deeply. Private services are under the direction of Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy, Ste 3, Palm Coast. For flowers or charitable contributions, visit: lotusfuneralservices.com

In partnership with the Palm Coast and Ormond Beach Observers, we offer our client families handsome, elegant options to memorialize your loved one with a keepsake Tribute in print and online.

In Memory

CeIebration

n UP TO 500 WORDS WITH PHOTO n $100

n UP TO 750 WORDS WITH PHOTO n $150

Contact the Observer today. 750-1100 WORDS WITH

Accolade PHOTO n $200

Ana’s Personal housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonalhousekeeping@gmail.com 386-868-9662

Newly Remodeled Duplex For Rent. Call For Pics and Videos $1,600.00/ Month Plus Security Deposit . Nicolas Denis 386-931-4147 . Please Call for Appointment.

Honor your loved one with an elegant, affordable Tribute.

Cleaning services

Story Writer Tutor -Journalism BS/Experience 5yr Substitute Teacher - Schoolkids Grades 2-5 954-559-6206 Mr. Jeff

Paul Leonard Chambery Paul Leonard Chambery, born June 4, 1958, passed peacefully at home with his family by his side on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Paul grew up in Smithtown, New York, alongside his three brothers, Keith, Robert, and Vincent. As a teenager, he was an active member of the PJ Folksingers at St. Philip and James Catholic Church, where his love of music took root. He especially enjoyed playing the drums, a passion that remained a meaningful part of his life. Paul pursued his education with dedication, earning an A.S. in Mortuary Science from Florida State College at Jacksonville and later a Bachelor’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University. He approached his work and studies with pride, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility. A devoted sports fan, Paul had an unwavering love for the New York Yankees and the New York Jets. He also cherished time as a Little League Coach and Youth Religious Instructor. Paul also enjoyed time spent fishing and

Tomato slicer. Like new! Used twice Sells for $120 can send pics $50 Call 386-793-3155

386-447-9723 observerlocalnews.com/tributes

1500 sqft Warehouse 10ft Garage Door w/ Restroom and Small Office 415 Parque Dr $1400/mo Plus Security Deposit Call Bob 386-566-6428

Home Services

HARPER’S HANDYMAN SERVICES AND POWERWASHING Count On Us For All Your Handyman Services, Powerwashing Needs and Windows Too. Licensed and Insured happyharpers@att.net 386-843-5906 Construction Cleanup Derrick The Clean Up Man. Haul Trash, Clean Flower Beds, Honey Do’s, Pressure Wash, Construction Cleans. No Job Is TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Licensed. Insured 386-503-5536

Real Estate FOR SALE BY OWNER 4 BEDROOM HOUSE IN THE L SECTION PALM COAST. NEW ROOF, NEW A/C AND MORE. EXCELLENT PRICE. 2025 TAXES ALREADY PAID. 2 MILES FROM MATANZA WOODS GOLF COURSE. Call 1-386-4377058 for more information. No Texting

Yard Sale 614 Ocean Shore Blvd OB Fri 3/13 10:00AM-4:00PM Sat 3/14 10:00AM-1:00PM Jewelry, Golf Items, Books, etc

Wanted Cash Reward Serious Collector Buying Coins, Stamps, Paper $, and Collectables 917-504-6165

Find your notices online at: ObserverLocalNews.com, FloridaPublicNotices.com and BusinessObserverFL.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

Additional Public Notices may be accessed on ObserverLocalNews.com and the statewide legal notice website, FloridaPublicNotices.com

THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

VOLUSIA COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2026 10204 CIDL FINANCE OF AMERICA REVERSE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN GUTEK, DECEASED. et. al. Defendant(s), TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN GUTEK, DECEASED, whose residence is unknown if he/she/they be living; and if he/she/they be dead, the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: UNIT 107-D, BAHAMIAN CLUB, UNIT ONE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 36, PAGE 73, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before April 6, 2026 /(30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein. THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Volusia County, Florida, this 4 day of March, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: /s/ Jennifer Vazquez DEPUTY CLERK ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, AND SCHNEID, PL ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com 25-369799 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00168I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 2025 11400 CICI PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. RAE WILCOX, et al, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated January 23, 2026, and entered in Case No. 2025 11400 CICI of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida in which Planet Home Lending, LLC, is the Plaintiff and Rae Wilcox, ISPC, are defendants, the Volusia County Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on online at electronically/online at http://www.volusia.realforeclose.com, Volusia County, Florida at 11:00AM EST on the April 10, 2026 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 11, BLOCK 1, SWEETWATER HILLS UNIT 3, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 37, PAGE 187, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A 761 TUMBLEBROOK DR PORT ORANGE FL 32127 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim before the Clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. ATTENTION PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., St. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 386-257-6096, within 2 days of your receipt of this notice. If you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771; if you are voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8770. THIS IS NOT A COURT INFORMATION LINE. To file response please contact Volusia County Clerk of Court, 101 N. Alabama Ave., DeLand, Fl 32724, Tel: (386) 736-5907. Dated this 05 day of March, 2026. ALBERTELLI LAW P. O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 Tel: (813) 221-4743 Fax: (813) 221-9171 eService: servealaw@albertellilaw.com By: /s/ Charline Calhoun Florida Bar # 16141 IN/25-005391 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00176I

FIRST INSERTION RE-NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2016 31053 CICI NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. BRUCE L. DINGELDINE, SR., ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA ASSOCIATION, INC., SHERRY ELLIS, UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1 N/K/A CHRISTINE PAXTON UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Summary Final Judgment of foreclosure dated June 24, 2019 and an Order Resetting Sale dated February 25, 2026 and entered in Case No. 2016 31053 CICI of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is Plaintiff and BRUCE L. DINGELDINE, SR., ORMONDBY-THE-SEA ASSOCIATION, INC., SHERRY ELLIS, UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1 N/K/A CHRISTINE PAXTON UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, LAURA E. ROTH, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.volusia.realforeclose.com, 11:00 a.m., on April 1, 2026 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 38, ORMOND BY THE SEA PLAT 10, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 23, PAGE 201, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE

COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptacin para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comunquese con la Oficina de Administracin Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 das de antelacin de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificacin si la cita de comparecencia est dentro de un plazo menos de 7 das; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del odo, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL DATED March 5, 2026. By: /s/ Ian Dolan Ian C. Dolan Florida Bar No.: 757071 Roy Diaz, Attorney of Record Florida Bar No. 767700 Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317 Telephone: (954) 564-0071 Facsimile: (954) 564-9252 Service E-mail: answers@dallegal.com 1422-189265 / SM2 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00167I

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of SnackTracks located at 1235 Providence Blvd in the City of Deltona, Volusia, FL 32725 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 3rd day of March, 2026 Life is a Portrait LLC Reynaldo Rosa-Morales March 12, 2026 26-00170I

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Holland Pump located at 969 Alexander Ave in the City of Port Orange, Volusia, FL 32129 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 5th day of March, 2026 Atlas Dewatering, LLC Dane Bedinger March 12, 2026 26-00171I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2026 10309 CIDL CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC, Plaintiff, vs. RICHARD S. SMITH A/K/A RICHARD SMITH, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF DON ALAN BAILES; JESSICA LYNN BAILES; UNKNOWN SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE OF THE ALAN E. BAILES AND BERTHA M. BAILES REVOCABLE TRUST DATED AUGUST 5, 1998; GARY BAILES A/K/A GARY MICHAEL BAILES; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Defendant(s). TO: Unknown Successor Trustee of the Alan E. Bailes and Bertha M. Bailes Revocable Trust Dated August 5, 1998 1840 Van Cleef Road Deland, Florida 32720 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: THE EASTERLY ONE-HALF (1/2) OF A PARCEL OF LAND LYING IN THE SOUTH ONE-HALF (1/2) OF LOT 22, NORRIS SUBDIVISION OF THE DUPONT AND GAUDRY GRANTS AS RECORDED IN DEED BOOK “C”, PAGE 681, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTH ONE-HALF (1/2) OF SAID LOT 22 AND RUN S 80°00’00” E A DISTANCE OF 713.50 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE LANDS HEREIN DESCRIBED: FROM THE POINT OF BEGINNING CONTINUE S 80°00’00” E A DISTANCE OF 708.11 FEET, THENCE RUN S 10° 34’ 17” E A DISTANCE OF 307.58 FEET, THENCE RUN N 80°00’00” W A DISTANCE OF 708.11 FEET; THENCE RUN N 10°34’17” E A DISTANCE OF 307.58 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING, CONTAINING FIVE (5) ACRES MORE OR LESS,

AND A 45 FOOT EASEMENT, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTH ONE-HALF (1/2) OF LOT 22, NORRIS SUBDIVISION OF THE DUPONT AND GAUDRY GRANTS, THENCE S 80° 00’ 00” E 1421.61 FEET; THENCE IN A NORTHERLY DIRECTION 45 FEET; THENCE N 80° 00’ 00” W A DISTANCE OF 1421.61 FEET TO A POINT SAID LINE INTERSECTS WITH THE EAST SIDE OF GRAND AVENUE; THENCE IN A SOUTHERLY DIRECTION AND PARALLEL WITH GRAND AVENUE TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. Street Address: 1840 Van Cleef Road, Deland, Florida 32720 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Plaintiff ’s attorney, whose address is 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, within 30 days after the date of the first publication of this notice, on or before April 6, 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated on March 3, 2026. Laura E. Roth Clerk of said Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Jennifer Vazquez As Deputy Clerk McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400 FLpleadings@MWC-law.com File#:25-400731 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00174I

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Drug Enforcement Administration of Volusia County , located at Leave me alone I'm low on data, food, and, in the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, FL 32174, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 1/15/1992. DEA of Volusia County 7764-338301 Mar. 12, 2026

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Dunn-Blount American Inn of Court located at 4015 Calusa Lane in the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia, FL 32174 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 9th day of March, 2026 American Inns of Court Paul A. Martin, Treasurer March 12, 2026 26-00179I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024-12331-CIDL FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. JONATAN ENOCH MEDINA BAEZ, et al., Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on February 13, 2026, in Case No. 2024-12331-CIDI of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, is Plaintiff, and JONATAN ENOCH MEDINA BAEZ, HILDA JUDITH BAEZ APONTE, DEBORA NARVAEZ-ROMAN, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, and FERNANDA PLACE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC are Defendants, the Office of Laura E. Roth, Volusia County Clerk of the Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash beginning at 11:00 A.M. on-line at www.volusia.realforeclose. com on the 2nd day of April 2026, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 39, FERNANDA PLACE PHASE 1, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 60, PAGE(S) 69 THROUGH 76, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Also known as 3518 FERNANDA DR, DELTONA, FL 32738 together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes. Dated this 17th day of February 2026. Sokolof Remtulla, LLP By: /s/ Benjamin D. Ladouceur Benjamin D. Ladouceur, Esq. Bar No.: 73863 SOKOLOF REMTULLA, LLP 1800 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 302 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Telephone: 561-507-5252 Facsimile: 561-342-4842 E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com Counsel for Plaintiff March 12, 19, 2026 26-00169I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2026 10155 PRDL DIVISION: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF GARY ALLEN BREAULT a/k/a GARY ALAN BREAULT a/k/a GARY BREAULT, Deceased. The administration of the estate of GARY ALLEN BREAULT a/k/a GARY ALAN BREAULT a/k/a GARY BREAULT, deceased, whose date of death was November 10, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 12, 2026. Signed by: /s/ Starlene Brown Starlene Brown, Personal Representative /s/ Fred B. Share FRED B. SHARE, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No. 256765 1092 Ridgewood Avenue Holly Hill, FL 32117 Telephone: (386) 253-1030 Fax: (386) 248-2425 E-Mail: fredshare@cfl.rr.com 2nd E-Mail: brobins@cfl.rr.com Attorney for Personal Representative March 12, 19, 2026 26-00175I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 12863 CICI U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANDREW J. LAMPART A/K/A ANDREW JOHN LAMPART; TRUIST BANK, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO SUNTRUST BANK; JENNIFER L. MILLER A/K/A JENNIFER LYNN MILLER F/K/A JENNIFER LYNN LAMPART; STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). TO: ANDREW J. LAMPART A/K/A ANDREW JOHN LAMPART Last Known Address 4322 S ATLANTIC AVE #1 PONCE INLET, FL 32127 Current Residence is Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 13, EMERALD ISLE SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 1, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 27, PAGE 159 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., Plaintiff ’s attorneys, whose address is P.O. BOX 19519, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318, (954) 564-0071, answers@dallegal.com, on or before April 13, 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on

Plaintiff ’s attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptacin para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comunquese con la Oficina de Administracin Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 das de antelacin de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificacin si la cita de comparecencia est dentro de un plazo menos de 7 das; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del odo, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL DATED on February 26, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Jennifer Vazquez As Deputy Clerk Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Plaintiff ’s attorneys P.O. BOX 19519 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318 (954) 564-0071 answers@dallegal.com, 1446-209924 / ME2 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00172I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 12863 CICI U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ANDREW J. LAMPART A/K/A ANDREW JOHN LAMPART; TRUIST BANK, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO SUNTRUST BANK; JENNIFER L. MILLER A/K/A JENNIFER LYNN MILLER F/K/A JENNIFER LYNN LAMPART; STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). TO: UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1 4322 S Atlantic Ave., #1 Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 TO: UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2 4322 S Atlantic Ave., #1 Ponce Inlet, FL 32127 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 13, EMERALD ISLE SUBDIVISION UNIT NO. 1, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 27, PAGE 159 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A., Plaintiff ’s attorneys, whose address is P.O. BOX 19519, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318, (954) 564-0071, answers@dallegal.com, on or before April 16, 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on

Plaintiff ’s attorneys or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptacin para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comunquese con la Oficina de Administracin Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 das de antelacin de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificacin si la cita de comparecencia est dentro de un plazo menos de 7 das; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del odo, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL DATED on March 2, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Jennifer Vazquez As Deputy Clerk Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Plaintiff ’s attorneys P.O. BOX 19519 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33318 (954) 564-0071 answers@dallegal.com, 1446-209924 / ME2 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00173I

The Observer is everywhere. Pick one up! The print edition is free. Look for it on more than 100 newsstands.

Let us bring one to you! Sign up for driveway delivery: $52 per year.

Palm Coast

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10460 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHRYN JO WYATT Deceased. The administration of the estate of Kathryn Jo Wyatt, deceased, whose date of death was January 22, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for VOLUSIA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 12, 2026. Personal Representative: David A. Batten 1326 S. Ridgewood Avenue, Suite 18 Daytona Beach, Florida 32114-6190 Attorney for Personal Representative: W. Denis Shelley Attorney Florida Bar Number: 273872 Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 South Palmetto Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 252-2531 Fax: (386) 258-0392 E-Mail: Shelley@legacylaw313.com Secondary E-Mail: troy@legacylaw313.com March 12, 19, 2026 26-00177I

DEAN RIVER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Dean River Community Development District (“District”) will hold a special meeting on March 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., at Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach, 155 Interchange Boulevard, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 for the purpose of considering the Delegated Award Resolution, related financing items and any other business that may properly come before it.

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA Case Number: 2024-11222-CICI SSQUARE STORAGE LLC, a foreign limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. PHIESTA, LLC, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, et. al., Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above-entitled cause in the Circuit Court of Volusia County, Florida, that Laura E. Roth, Esq., the Clerk of this Court will sell the property at public sale, to the highest bidder, in the Volusia County Courthouse, online at www.Volusia.RealForeclose.com at 11:00 A.M. on April 10, 2026 situated in Volusia County, Florida, with the property address 444 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; and 448 South Beach Street, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (hereinafter collectively the “Properties”)., situate and being in Volusia County, Florida as more fully described below: THE EASTERLY 347 FEET OF THE NORTH ½ OF LOT 1, BLOCK 3, OF HODGMAN’S DAYTONA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 82, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. THE EAST 150 FEET OF THE SOUTH ½ OF LOT 1, BLOCK 3, OF HODGMAN’S DAYTONA, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 82, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. Respectfully, /s/ Josh W. Osborn Josh W. Osborn, Esq. ROSENBERG & CUMMINGS PLLC Counsel for Plaintiff 802 NE 20th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 (954) 769-1344 Josh@RosenbergCummings.com Florida Bar Number: 1040437 March 12, 19, 2026 26-00180I

A copy of the agenda may be obtained at the offices of the District Manager, c/o Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC at 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Ph: (877) 276-0889 (“District Manager’s Office”) during normal business hours. The meeting is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for community development districts. The meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at such meeting. There may be an occasion where one or more supervisors will participate by telephone. Any person requiring special accommodations in order to access and participate in the meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office. Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. District Manager March 12, 2026

26-00178I

The Hammock

Ormond Beach

Daytona Beach

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10372 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF RYAN DRUCKER GOLDBLOOM Deceased. The administration of the estate of RYAN DRUCKER GOLDBLOOM, deceased, whose date of death was November 30, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, Florida 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 5, 2026, 2026 Signed on this 24th day of FEBRUARY, 2026. /s/ Ilene Rudo Goldbloom ILENE RUDO GOLDBLOOM Personal Representative 1 High Stepper Ct., Unit 206 Pikesville, Maryland 21208 /s/ Robert Kit Korey ROBERT KIT KOREY Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00151I

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 14422 CICI UNION HOME MORTGAGE CORP., Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST ON THE ESTATE OF DONALD STEVENS YOUNG JR AKA DONALD S YOUNG JR, et al., Defendants. TO: UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST ON THE ESTATE OF DONALD STEVENS YOUNG JR AKA DONALD S YOUNG JR 39 WOODHAVEN CIR, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32176 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 4, WOOD HAVEN SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 26, PAGE 77, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on De Cubas & Lewis, P.A., Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is PO BOX 5026, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 on or before March 30, 2026, a date at least thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the (Please publish in BUSINESS OBSERVER) and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-6096 Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 26 day of February, 2026. LAURA E. ROTH As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) By /s/ Jennifer Vazquez As Deputy Clerk De Cubas & Lewis, P.A. Attorney for Plaintiff PO BOX 5026 FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33310 25-05093 March 5, 12, 2026 26-00154I

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 12498 CIDL THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE BANK OF NEW YORK, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2007-1 ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIE MARION WARE, SR. A/K/A WILLIE M. WARE A/K/A WILLIE WARE, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated November 14, 2025, and entered in 2024 12498 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE BANK OF NEW YORK, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, 2007-1 ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 20071 is the Plaintiff and WILLIE MARION WARE, SR. A/K/A WILLIE M. WARE A/K/A WILLIE WARE; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION N/K/A WILLIE MARION WARE, JR. are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia. realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on March 24, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 30, BLOCK 21, EXCEPTING THEREFROM PART IN ROAD

SECOND INSERTION

RIGHT-OF-WAY, BEARDSLEY’S MAP OF DELEON SPRINGS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 1, PAGE 37, REPRINTED IN MAP BOOK 12, PAGE 46, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA Property Address: 5076 FAIRPORT AVENUE, DE LEON SPRINGS, FL 32130 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 26 day of February, 2026. By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com 24-230883 - MiM March 5, 12, 2026 26-00162I

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2025 12206 CIDL LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. JEMILLIE MARIE ALVARADO; JADEN STEVEN ALVARADO RAMOS; GOODLEAP, LLC; Defendants NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment in Mortgage Foreclosure dated January 29, 2026, and entered in Case No. 2025 12206 CIDL, of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for VOLUSIA County, Florida. LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, is Plaintiff and JEMILLIE MARIE ALVARADO; JADEN STEVEN ALVARADO RAMOS; GOODLEAP, LLC., are defendants. Laura E. Roth, Clerk of Circuit Court for VOLUSIA, County Florida will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash Via the Internet at www.volusia.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m., on the 31ST day of MARCH, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 101 AND ALL OF LOT 102, BON-AIR SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE(S) 63, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Anne Pierce, Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Suite D-305, Deland, Florida

32724 Phone no. 386-626-6561 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Si usted es una persona minusválida que necesita algún acomodamiento para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene derecho, sin tener gastos propios, a que se le provea cierta ayuda. Tenga la amabilidad de ponerse en contacto con Anne Pierce, Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Suite D-305, Deland, Florida 32724 Phone no. 386-626-6561 por lo menos 7 días antes de la cita fijada para su comparecencia en los tribunales, o inmediatamente después de recibir esta notificación si el tiempo antes de la comparecencia que se ha programado es menos de 7 días; si usted tiene discapacitación del oído o de la voz, llame al 711. Si ou se yon moun ki andikape ou enfim ki bezwen akomodasyon pou w ka patisipe nan pwosedi sa, ou kalifye san ou pa gen okenn lajan pou w peye, gen pwovizyon pou jwen kèk èd. Tanpri kontakte Anne Pierce, Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Suite D-305, Deland, Florida 32724 Phone no. 386-626-6561 nan 7 jou anvan dat ou gen randevou pou parèt nan tribinal la, oubyen imedyatman apre ou fin resevwa konvokasyon an si lè ou gen pou w parèt nan tribinal la mwens ke 7 jou; si ou gen pwoblèm pou w tande oubyen pale, rele 711. Dated this 2nd day of March, 2026 VAN NESS LAW FIRM, PLC 1239 E. Newport Center Drive, Suite 110 Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442 Ph: (954) 571-2031 PRIMARY EMAIL: Pleadings@vanlawfl.com /s/ Mark Elia Mark C. Elia, Esq. Florida Bar #: 695734 NS20865-25/sap March 5, 12, 2026 26-00163I

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12624 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY MAY HART Deceased. If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedents’ estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court, ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The case number and decedent’s name are: BETTY MAY HART, File Number 2025 12624PRDL. The address of the court where this probate is pending is: Circuit Court for VOLUSIA County, Florida. 101 N. Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL, 32724. A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. Date of death of the decedent is: 07/03/2025. The date of first publication of this notice is: 03/05/2026. The second week of publication is: 03/12/2026. Personal Representative(s): Yasmine E. Butler. Attorney for the representative(s): By: /s/Matthew T. Morrison Matthew T. Morrison, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1005203 5121 S. Lakeland Dr, Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33813 Telephone: (863) 250-2990 March 5, 12, 2026 26-00149I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10298 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF MOSSIE FAY MAYO A/K/A MOSSIE FAYE MAYO Deceased. The administration of the estate of MOSSIE FAY MAYO A/K/A MOSSIE FAYE MAYO, deceased, whose date of death was December 8, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, Florida 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: March 5, 2026. Signed on this 2ND day of MARCH, 2026. /s/ Craig A. Keeler CRAIG A. KEELER Personal Representative 35 Aspen Street Daytona Beach, Florida 32124 /s/ Robert Kit Korey ROBERT KIT KOREY Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00160I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10244 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF DOROTHY PATRICIA MARTIN aka DOROTHY KULZER MARTIN Deceased. The administration of the estate of DOROTHY PATRICIA MARTIN A/K/A DOROTHY KULZER MARTIN, deceased, whose date of death was December 17, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, Florida 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 5, 2026. Signed on this 2ND day of MARCH, 2026. /s/Brian Martin BRIAN MARTIN Personal Representative 190 Oak Grove Drive Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 /s/ Karen Lynn Martin Maresco KAREN LYNN MARTIN MARESCO Personal Representative 6 Park Ridge Way Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 /s/ Robert Kit Korey ROBERT KIT KOREY Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00159I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 2026 10022 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF GAYLE BUSH Deceased. The administration of the estate of GAYLE BUSH, deceased, whose date of death was October 31, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave. Deland, FL 32724. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENTS DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 5, 2026. /s/ Michael Bush Michael Bush, Personal Representative SYPRETT MESHAD, P.A. Attorneys for Personal Representative 1900 RINGLING BLVD. SARASOTA, FL 34236 Telephone: (941) 365-7171 Florida Bar No. 1026061 Email Address: Fsutton@smrl.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00161I

Contact the Observer for Philanthropic advertising opportunities.

Give a nonprofit a megaphone. Want to buy ad space and donate it to help a nonprofit? Let’s make it happen! 386-447-9723 // advertising@observerlocalnews.com

A RECENT SUCCESS STORY Innovative Financial Solutions paid for one ad for the Flagler Free Clinic in January. The week after, the clinic’s new patient sign-ups doubled — and they added a volunteer to their staff. Philanthropic advertising in the Observer works: win-win-win!

Flagler Free Clinic Executive Director Terri Belletto, with philanthropist and Innovative Financial Solutions Senior Partner Bill Verhagen

SECOND INSERTION LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026-10356-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF PEGGY WEBSTER, Deceased. TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: WHEREAS, PEGGY WEBSTER, a resident of Volusia County, Florida, died on September 23, 2025, owning assets in the State of Florida, and WHEREAS, KIMBERLY ZETTLER has been appointed Personal Representative of the Estate of the Decedent and has performed all acts prerequisite to issuance of Letters of Administration in the estate, NOW, THEREFORE, I, the undersigned Circuit Judge, declare KIMBERLY ZETTLER duly qualified under the laws of the State of Florida to act as Personal Representative of the Estate of PEGGY WEBSTER, deceased, with full power to administer the Estate according to law; to ask, demand, sue for, recover and receive the property of the Decedent; to pay the debts of the Decedent as far as the assets of the Estate will permit and the law directs; and to make distribution of the Estate according to law. DONE AND ORDERED in chambers, DeLand, Volusia County, Florida. e-signed 2/24/2026 10:38 AM 2026 10356 PRDL LINDA L. GAUSTAD CIRCUIT JUDGE March 5, 12, 2026 26-00150I

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 12521 CICI NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, v. APOSTOLAS P. BOUZAS A/K/A APOSTOLOS P. BOUZAS; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF APOSTOLAS P. BOUZAS; DANA N. SANDERS; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF DANA N. SANDERS; COQUINA COVE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ON BEHALF OF SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED; UNKNOWN TENANT #1; UNKNOWN TENANT #2, Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment dated February 11, 2026 entered in Civil Case No. 2025 12521 CICI in the Circuit Court of the Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff and APOSTOLAS P. BOUZAS A/K/A APOSTOLOS P. BOUZAS; DANA N. SANDERS; COQUINA COVE OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ON BEHALF

OF SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT are defendants, Laura E. Roth, Clerk of Court, will sell the property at www.volusia.realforeclose.com beginning at 11:00 AM on April 1, 2026 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit:. LOT NO. 44, COQUINA COVE PHASE I, ACCORDING, TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 53, PAGES 123 THROUGH 127, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 1912 Cove Pt RD, Port Orange, FL 32128 ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE COURT, IN ITS DISCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Kelley Kronenberg 10360 W State Rd 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 Phone: (954) 370-9970 Fax: (954) 252-4571 /s/ Jordan Wainstein Jordan Wainstein FBN: 1039538 Service E-mail: ftlrealprop@kelleykronenberg.com File No: 2390.000726 March 5, 12, 2026 26-00157I

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA, FLORIDA. CASE No. 2025 13384 CICI LONGBRIDGE FINANCIAL, LLC, Plaintiff vs. THADDEUS HENRY BURAK, JR., et al., Defendants TO: THADDEUS HENRY BURAK, JR. 288 JEFFERY AVE, HOLLY HILL, FL 32117 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF THADDEUS HENRY BURAK, JR. 288 JEFFERY AVE, HOLLY HILL, FL 32117 AND TO: All persons claiming an interest by, through, under, or against the aforesaid Defendant(s). YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 17, FAIRGLEN UNIT 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 31, PAGE 145, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attor-

neys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in Business Observer, on or before March 27, 2026; otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. IMPORTANT If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305 DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096 Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT on this 24 day of February, 2026. Laura E Roth As Clerk of said Court (SEAL)By: /s/ Jennifer Vazquez As Deputy Clerk Prepared by: Greenspoon Marder, LLP (954) 491-1120; gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com (25-001735-01) March 5, 12, 2026 26-00156I

SECOND INSERTION

AMENDED NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 13443 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF CORRINE MARIE MANTHEI Deceased. The administration of the estate of Corrine Marie Manthei, deceased, whose date of death was May 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 5, 2026. Personal Representative: Signed by: Michael E. Hoy Michael Hoy 76 Woodstone Way Bozeman, Montana 59718 Attorney for Personal Representative: s/Wendy A. Mara Wendy A. Mara, Esq. Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69872 Mara Law, P.A. 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste. D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 672-8081 Fax: (386) 265-5995 E-Mail: wamara@maralawpa.com Secondary E-Mail: jrhood@maralawpa.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00155I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2026 10285 PRDL DIVISION: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF NATHAN CLARK HALBROOK, Deceased. The administration of the estate of NATHAN CLARK HALBROOK, deceased, whose date of death was December 15, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is March 5, 2026. Personal Representative: JOHN A. HALBROOK 542 Ridgeway Road St. Augustine, FL 32080 Attorney for Personal Representative: CLAY B. TOUSEY III, ESQ. Florida Bar No: 0065086 Fisher, Tousey, Leas & Ball 501 Riverside Avenue, Suite 700 Jacksonville, Florida 32202 (904) 356-2600 Email: clay.tousey@fishertousey.com March 5, 12, 2026 26-00158I

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, MARCH 12, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach