Daytona Beach Observer 3-19-26

Grant Administrator Donna Dooley, President and CEO Roy F. Young II, Marketing Manager Nicole Campon and volunteer and silent auction coordinator Betsy Rider of Halifax Urban Ministries during the Empty Bowls 2026 event. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Volusia Sheriff says water bottles caused Spring Break panic, not guns

Meanwhile over the March 14-15 weekend, four separate Daytona Beach shootings are under investigation.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

It was a busy weekend in Daytona Beach and Volusia County, with five separate shooting incidents, multiple events, over 100 arrests, and Spring Break crowds filling the beaches.

Several social media posts went viral over the March 14-15 weekend, claiming shots were fired on the beaches in Daytona Beach among crowds of people. In a press conference on March 16, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said those claims were false.

“There were zero gunshots on the beach,” Chitwood said.

“What they were doing was crushing a water bottle to make it sound like a gunshot to stampede the crowd.”

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office made 133 arrests in Spring Break crowds March 14-15, 84 in the Daytona Beach area and 49 in New Smyrna Beach. The beach is under the jurisdiction of the VSO.

From Main Street to Seabreeze Boulevard, there were over 50 deputies inside the beach crowd, including Chitwood. Everyone the VSO came in contact with was polite, he said.

The VSO was busy covering multiple events over the weekend, including crowds of about 2,000 people at the Hands Up Guns Down event

COPS CORNER

MARCH 12 FORCED TO STEAL?

at the Volusia County Fairgrounds and Big Daddy’s Block Party in the Spring Hill area of DeLand, a VSO press release said.

Six weapons were seized during the weekend arrests, Chitwood said, but people need to understand that it is legal for people to carry a gun, concealed or otherwise, in Florida, so long as they are of age. Law enforcement came across many beachgoers carrying firearms who were allowed to do so, he said.

FOUR SHOOTING

INVESTIGATIONS

ONGOING

There were four separate shootings in Daytona Beach on March 14. No one was killed though several were injured in these unrelated incidents.

In three cases, the suspects are still at large, as of a March 16 Daytona Beach Police Department press release.

The first shooting took place at 12:36 a.m. at The Joint, at 308 Seabreeze Blvd. According to witness reports, several women in the bar sprayed mace at a man who had become aggressive.

The man then fired his gun, and the other patrons panicked and fled the building. No one was injured by the gun, though several people were injured in the mass exit, the press release said. It’s believed those involved were visitors to Daytona Beach, not residents.

At 12:44 a.m., at 244 N. Nova Road in Daytona Beach, officers on patrol were flagged down by a group of people stating someone had been shot, the press release said. DBPD officers rendered aid until the victim was taken to the hospital. As of March 16,

12:15 a.m. — First block of Ormond Shores Drive, Ormond Beach Grand theft. An Ormond Beach couple called police after a shirtless man rang their doorbell in the early morning hours to inform them that he had stolen their car — and that he had been forced to do so at gunpoint. According to an incident report, the 26-year-old man said he had taken their vehicle and left it on the corner of the street. The victim told police that she had never seen the man before and that she had left her car unlocked with the keys to the vehicle inside. She hadn’t been aware the car had been stolen until the man rang her doorbell. She wished to press charges.

The man was arrested. He told police he stole the car because he believed he was chased by law enforcement, according to the incident report, adding that he hadn’t slept since the weekend before.

He was taken to jail.

MARCH 13

CHECKED OUT

11:35 a.m. — first block of Pine Cone Drive, Flagler County Assault. A Bunnell man was arrested after he threatened bank employees when there was a problem cashing his check.

The suspect walked into the bank and waited his turn in line. When it was his turn, he threw his driver’s license and a check on the counter and told the clerk he wanted it cashed.

The clerk tried to cash it, but told the suspect there was an error with the check. According to his arrest report,

the victim is stable.

The DBPD believes that the shooter, who remains unidentified, is not local. The victim is also from out of town.

At 10:47 p.m., near Kingston and Flinders avenues, the DBPD received calls that one person had been shot. The victim had two gunshot wounds; DBPD officers rendered first aid until emergency medical personnel arrived on scene, the press release said.

The suspect was still unidentified and at large as of March 16.

At around 11:16 p.m. on South Atlantic Avenue, a large, multi-person fight broke out in front of Cruisin’ Cafe. One person pulled out a firearm and began shooting, hitting one person.

The victim was taken to the hospital, and the DBPD is still working to identify and locate the suspect.

If anyone has information on the shootings, contact either DBPD Det. Luis Campoverde at campoverdeluis@daytonabeach.gov or 386-671-5232, or Det. Andre Walker at walkerandre@daytonabeach.gov or 386-6715229. Anonymous tips can be submitted by either texting DBTIPS to 274637 or calling Crime Stoppers at 1-888-277TIPS (8477).

PORT ORANGE SHOOTING

In the early hours of March 15, South Daytona Police Department Officer Jake Fessenden, 23, was shot twice in the arm while assisting Port Orange police in pursuing a shooting suspect.

Fessenden was in stable condition as of late afternoon on March 15.

that’s when the man began to yell at the employees, refusing to leave until his check was cashed.

The man then began threatening the employees with what he had in his backpack and threatening to hit them. One employee called 911 while another hit bank’s alarm.

The suspect, as it turned out, did not have any kind of weapon in his backpack. Instead, he sat in the lobby and ate a bag of chips until law enforcement arrived.

He was placed under arrest and taken to the county jail.

MARCH 14

ASSAULT SUSPECTS

WANTED

8:39 p.m. — First block of Williamson Boulevard, Ormond Beach

Battery touch, strike. A 23-year-old fast food employee had to be taken to the hospital for injuries sustained when a group of people upset about the restaurant’s nachoflavored fries dragged him

NEWS BRIEFS

Woman in wheelchair killed while crossing Granada Blvd

A 42-year-old Ormond Beach woman on a wheelchair was killed in a crash on Monday, March 16, while trying to cross Granada Boulevard west of Booth Road.

Florida Highway Patrol reports that the woman was not in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by an SUV.

The driver and passenger, an 18-year-old Ormond Beach woman and a 19-year-old Delaware woman, were not injured in the crash.

The woman was transported to the hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Seventh Judicial Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe to retire in 2027

After nearly 21 years on the bench, Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe, III announces that he plans to retire next year when his current term of office ends on Jan. 4, 2027.

In December 2005, Rowe was appointed by Gov. Jeb Bush to fill a newly created circuit judge position in Volusia County. Subsequently, he was elected and then twice

outside and beat him up.

Police report that a car with six people inside came through the drive-thru and began arguing and using profane language while at the speaker. When they drove up to the window for their order, they started to complain about the number of nacho-flavored fries they had received. The employees gave them more fries, but the group drove through the drive-thru once again and said they hadn’t received their fries.

One of the suspects then threw a drink at the employees, causing one of them to throw the drink back at the suspects. The car drove around the building and parked at the front door, with all six suspects exiting the vehicle.

The victim tried to lock the doors to keep them from coming inside, but was dragged outside where he was beaten and kicked for 5-10 minutes, according to

re-elected unopposed.

Rowe is a former officer and director of the Volusia County Bar Association and a two-term past president of the Flagler County Bar Association.

Rowe is a graduate of the 1983 centennial class of Stetson University and holds a bachelor of Business Administration degree in finance. Thereafter, he received his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law of Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama.

Volusia County: Plan ahead, as Spring Break continues

With Spring Break underway, Volusia County is encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead and keep safety in mind while enjoying the beaches. Volusia County recommends using the Volusia Beaches mobile app, which provides real-time information on beach conditions, access points, and amenities along the coastline. As portions of the county’s beaches allow vehicle access, drivers should remain alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and other beach users, particularly during periods of heavy activity. Beach driving is permitted only in designated areas where standard traffic laws apply. The speed limit is 10 mph, headlights must remain on, and at least one front-seat window must remain open while driving. Residents who have not yet done so are encouraged to register their vehicles through ParkVolusia to receive free beach driving access and off-beach parking at Countyowned lots. For non-residents, daily and annual beach driving and off-beach parking passes are for sale at www. parkvolusia.org.

the police report. A witness told police that it appeared the suspects — two males and four females — were mostly teenagers, with one adult. The victim was transported to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries. He wished to press charges if the suspects are identified.

MARCH 15

TIPSY, TOPLESS, BUSTED 6:02 p.m. — Ulaturn Trail and Seminole Woods Boulevard, Palm Coast DUI hit and run. A Palm Coast woman driving topless was arrested on a DUI charge with a blood alcohol content four times the legal limit. The deputy asked the woman to fix her bra so she wasn’t exposing herself, but the woman was ultimately “unable to fix it herself,” the report said.

The driver was taken to the county jail. She was arrested but later was released from jail on $5,500 bond.

Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe, III. Courtesy photo

Risk management

with residents watching from an overflow area as the city’s fire marshal kept count. Many residents wore red T-shirts, some with the slogan “Save Tomoka Oaks,” to reflect their opposition to the project, which will add up to 254 single-family homes on the 147-acre shuttered golf course property, located in the center of the Tomoka Oaks neighborhood.

As she spotted someone laughing in the audience during her comments, Tolland said she was sorry to see that. This isn’t an easy decision, she said.

“Nobody likes to see growth in our community that impacts people negatively, and you all are here because you feel like it’s going to impact you negatively. But it’s my responsibility to evaluate my decisions based on our land development code, our comprehensive plan and remain compliant to state statute.”

LORI TOLLAND, city commissioner

“We take an oath and we have certain responsibilities, but one of those responsibilities is to manage land use and growth,” Tolland said. “Nobody likes to see growth in our community that impacts people negatively, and you all are here because you feel like it’s going to impact you negatively. But it’s my responsibility to evaluate my decisions based on our land development code, our comprehensive plan and remain compliant to state statute.”

And this time, unlike past hearings, city staff recommended the commission approve the development order for Tomoka Reserve.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

From the time Tomoka Oaks was built in 1961, the neighborhood was marketed as a community surrounding an 18-hole golf course. But the property at 20 Tomoka Oaks Blvd. always held a residential zoning of R-2, “Single-Family Low Density.”

Then, in 2006, the Ormond Beach City Commission at the time approved a rezoning to Planned Residential Development for the Tomoka Oaks Golf Village project by Tomoka Oaks resident Dr. Richard Ryals, who died in 2024. His

property in 1979 and sold it 31 years later to Putnam State Bank. Amid claims that the golf course property was forever restricted to being a golf course, Ryals told the Observer in 2022 that residents were misinformed. He cited the lack of a restriction on why he held on to the property.

“I was afraid some unscrupulous developer would come in and start building homes back there, which is exactly what’s happening,” he told the Observer at the time.

The golf course officially closed in 2018.

In 2021, it was purchased by Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach, LLC — developers Carl Velie, Ray Barshay and Sheldon and Emily Rubin — for $2.6 million. Velie and Barshay are locals.

Preliminary neighborhood meetings for the development were held in the summer of 2021 to discuss a 300-home development. Then, two official neighborhood meetings took place in February 2023. This was followed by three Planning Board hearings later that year, resulting in a recommendation of denial for 272 homes to the City Commission, who remanded it back to the Planning Board; commissioners opposed the project, asking for less homes and less density. (Three remain on the commission today: Tolland, Travis Sargent and Harold Briley.)

It was then that the developers chose to pursue a rezoning for the development, wishing to revert back to the original R-2 designation, which would allow for over 300 homes. If rezoned R-2, the development would only need to meet certain requirements to be approved by city staff, bypassing the commission approval process.

In January 2024, the Planning Board unanimously recommended denial for rezoning, a decision the City Commission upheld in April 2024.

In October 2024, the developers filed an appeal with the Seventh Judicial Circuit for the rezoning denial. Then, in late December 2024, they filed a federal lawsuit at the U.S. District Court’s Orlando Division. The lawsuit alleged that

Based on preliminary arguments, the federal judge appeared to agree.

A recent order answering the city’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit stated in part that, as argued by the developers’ attorney in one of the legal arguments, “it ‘logically makes sense’ to hold governments accountable for uncodified policies that may be applied arbitrarily and capriciously, and which are by their nature arbitrary and capricious.”

RESIDENTS’ OPPOSITION

About 25 residents spoke against the development at the March 13 hearing. The concerns raised have stayed constant since the beginning: increased traffic, negative impact to the existing quality of life, potential flooding concerns for Tomoka Oaks, lack of compatible lot sizes, the $12 million traffic signal the developer will need to install, and environmental impacts.

Tomoka Oaks volunteer Homeowners Association’s lawyer Dennis Bayer questioned the city’s legal opinion that the March 13 hearing was a continuation of past hearings. It should’ve gone before the Planning Board, he said, like it had in the past. He also criticized the lack of the HOA expert’s testimony in the agenda documents, when the city used it in the past to support its recommendation to deny the development.

“I think for you all to consider this matter tonight is premature,” Bayer said. “It’s a violation of our due process rights.”

Tomoka Oaks resident Mary Greenlees said she understood the commission was in a tough position: Take a chance and continue pursuing the lawsuit, which could result in more lots and the loss of a 50-foot natural buffer (an R-2 zoning only requires a 6-foot buffer), or approve the development order for 254 homes.

“I understand the commission’s position, but we need answers,” Greenlees said. “Why is this moving so fast? What I don’t understand is how we were left out of any of the negotiations.”

Resident Barbara Doliner

the City Commission if they were really listening to the residents.

“We do not want this project in Tomoka Oaks,” Doliner said. “It does not fit, no matter how they’re going to package this. No matter how many different ways they’re going to come to you. It doesn’t fit, and which one of you sold us out?”

WHAT IS A ‘WIN’?

In response to Bayer’s claim, City Attorney Randy Hayes said no one’s due process has been violated.

“We are within the legal, procedural parameters for this commission to hear this,” Hayes said. “Anybody can sue anybody at anytime for anything. They can say whatever they want, but we have made sure that this item before this commission this evening has followed the proper procedural processes.”

Karl Sanders, the attorney representing Triumph Oaks, kept his statements brief during the meeting. The developers weren’t going to make further concessions that evening, he said to the commission.

The current site plan proposes a density of 1.72 units per acre, down from the 1.84 units per acre proposed in 2023. Lot sizes will be a minimum of 80 feet by 120 feet for the homes around the perimeter of the golf course, and 60 feet by 120 feet for interior lots. From the beginning, Tomoka Oaks residents have been asking for 100-foot lots, citing compatibility with their homes.

In response to concerns that the development’s traffic study is outdated, city staff said that traffic studies have no expiration date, something Commissioner Travis Sargent said the city should look into addressing within its regulations in the future.

Mayor Jason Leslie asked: If the city chose to deny the application, and therefore further pursue litigation, what would a “win” for the city in court look like?

A win, Hayes said, would be that the judge decides the property can remain a PRD, granting them “the oppor-

becomes, in the best case scenario ... if we repeat this process — we go through the development application again and again and again — how much better do you think you’re going to get than the proposal that you have?” Hayes said. “What you have, I believe, is a good faith effort by the parties.”

Hayes’ statement was met by laughs and shouts of dissent from the residents, many of whom later called the commission “sellouts” and yelled at them on their way out of the commission chambers after the vote.

Commissioner Harold Briley referred back to the 2006 rezoning. If it hadn’t been rezoned to PRD, the property would still have an R-2 zoning designation today.

“Look at it either way, forcibly or luckily, it was PRD because if it was still zoned R-2 today, or when the current applicant bought the property, he could build 300-plus homes in there with a stroke of a pen in the planning department office,” Briley said.

Risking continuing the legal fight, Briley added, may place the ultimate decision in the hands of someone who doesn’t live in the community, and 254 homes is better than over 300.

Mayor Jason Leslie said one of the roles of the commission is to manage “risk and liabilities,” saying the legal fight could cost the city millions of dollars.

“I just don’t think that the risk to what I’m hearing and learning on this thing is really the path in the right direction,” Leslie said.

In simple terms, Tolland said, the project doesn’t meet the legal criteria for denial.

“The project checks the boxes and cannot be legally denied because it meets the criteria above the land development code and comprehensive plan,” she said. “This is not how I saw this project ending when we first chose to deny the developer.”

A second hearing for Tomoka Reserve will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, at City Hall.

Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.

Map courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

NEWS BRIEFS

Ormond Beach Police CSO Champion retires

after 26 years

Ormond Beach Police Community Service Officer Shannon Champion has retired after 26 years of service.

Champion was recognized for her work helping care for animals, supporting employees during hurricanes and emergency events and helping the community in a Facebook post shared by OBPD on March 13.

“Shannon, thank you for your years of service, your heart for the job, your reliability, and the countless ways you’ve made our community and department better through your integrity,” the post stated. “You’ve been someone the younger generation can look up to — someone who serves for all the right reasons.”

Champion implemented a Trap, Neuter, Release program in the city almost 20 years ago. She was named OBPD’s Civilian of the Year for 2022.

Champion celebrates her retirement at Houligan’s. Photo courtesy of the Ormond Beach Police Department

After outcry, County Council cancels review of Volusia Forever

for Volusia Forever.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Volusia Forever program will remain as is.

The Volusia County Council was set to discuss the land conservation program — and possible policy changes — at its meeting on Tuesday, March 17. This came after the council directed staff last December to come back with a review of the voter-approved program, following concerns on whether properties proposed for acquisition meet the criteria of being “environmentally sensitive.” Some council members worried that Volusia Forever was being used to take properties off the tax rolls to avoid future development.

Following hundreds of emails and citizen pushback, the majority of the council decided against proposing any modifications to the program.

“It’s a testament and a clear indication of how this program is widely accepted, and the public does understand pretty much what they voted for,”

Councilman Danny Robins said. “But in my opinion, any further discussion in terms of modifications to it goes against the will of the people.”

The item was removed from the council meeting’s agenda in a 5-1 vote; Councilman Don Dempsey voted against and Councilman Troy Kent was absent.

As part of the approved motion, staff will place a discussion at the council’s next meeting to discuss bonding

Meanwhile, Dempsey remains concerned over conservation easements, saying partnerships with the state could harm the county in the future should water needs arise. The easements, he said, prevent the county from pumping stormwater to prevent flooding or putting commercial wells in the land.

“Is that what you would want so that we can never access fresh water after our current aquifer goes?” he said.

Volusia Forever, created in 2000, was approved for another 20 years in 2020 by 75.6% of voters. Since then, the county has conserved almost 7,000 acres through fee simple acquisitions and conservation easements, leveraging $27.2 million in partner contributions against $38.3 million in total project costs, according to the county.

Community Services Director Brad Burbaugh said that the county can and does store water in its natural state on a property with a conservation easement. However, if the desire was to alter the hydrology to construct a wastewater treatment plant, for example, it would need to work with the partners who pitched in for the purchase of the land.

Properties acquired through easements remain on the tax rolls — the easements simply dictate that the land can only be used for conservation purposes.

There are 20 properties on the county’s top priority list for acquisition, spanning a total of 11,852 acres. Of those, over 4,739 acres are wetlands, which the county states is equivalent to over $232.9 million in flood infrastructure.

Robins said he understood Dempsey’s concerns, but that there are other ways the council can address them, such as

putting certain stipulations in land acquisition contracts. He suggested the council hold a workshop on the issue.

Dempsey agreed, but still wanted to go over the program at the meeting.

“It’s about having an intelligent discussion about the program, because again, the words perpetuity are attached to it,” he said.

The county has been fighting preemption from the state, and Dempsey argued that the county gives the state its water rights in every single conservation easement, disguised as partnerships.

“We’ve contractually got into bed with the very people that are trying to take control of water and we’re giving it to them one easement at a time,” Dempsey said. “And you don’t even want to talk about it? This is surreal.”

Chair Jeff Brower said they are talking about it — and that the county doesn’t partner with the state for every acquisition.

“Sometimes we pull in the state as a partner, and I agree with that, or St John’s Water Management District or somebody else,” he said, “Because it stretches our constituents’ tax dollars so that we can buy more land. The reason that there’s restrictions on those is to protect our water. It’s to keep from pumping more water out of the ground and keeping it in the ground where it needs.”

If there was an emergency and the county needed water, Brower said he believed they could talk about it and make changes. Nothing in politics, he said, is permanent.

“We just went through one of the most restrictive legislation seasons that I’ve ever seen, potentially dangerous for losing local control,” Brower said. “But still in 25

years, they’ve never backed out of a Volusia Forever contract.”

In response to Dempsey’s comment about Volusia Forever being in perpetuity, Councilman Matt Reinhart said that’s the very definition of “forever.” The county needs partnerships to make the Volusia Forever program successful, he said.

“I think what we’re doing is for the protection of water,” Reinhart said.

During his closing comments, Dempsey broached the topic of a workshop again, asking for the courtesy to be allowed to discuss conservation easements — and relevant federal legislation — for Volusia Forever.

“To gag me, to not even present the stuff that I’ve been studying for nearly a year, I think it’s wrong,” he said. “I think it’s a disservice to the community. I know it’s an election year. I know it’s not the politically correct way to talk about Volusia Forever, but it’s something that needs to be talked about.”

Shooting down the discussion, he said, was disrespectful.

“Are we preserving all this water just for the turtles?” he asked. “Is this people over fish, or fish over people? I feel like I’m amongst a bunch of Gavin Newsoms out here. This isn’t California, guys.” Robins cautioned Dempsey that “insulting or lecturing colleagues is not a good way to get support.”

The council discussed holding a workshop, or educational session, to discuss conservation easements and land acquisitions, but County Manager George Recktenwald advised them to narrow the topic.

“When you bring the whole thing, I think that it brings the impression that you are trying to overhaul,” he said. Dempsey said he doesn’t want Volusia Forever to be defunded. But, he was still wary of partnerships.

“It’s not Volusia Preempted Forever,” he said. “It’s not Volusia in Partnership with the State of Florida Forever. It’s Volusia Forever.” A motion to hold a future workshop to receive information on easements and national trends was approved 6-0.

Ormond Beach Police Community Service Officer Shannon

District 1 Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey. File photo

House, Senate OK School Board bill

State law advances, inspired by Volusia School Board member Donna Brosemer’s public record woes.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The District School Board Member’s Bill of Rights, legislation sparked by public record issues on the Volusia County School Board, has passed unanimously in the Florida House and Senate.

The legislation, if signed by the governor, will establish that school board members have a right to “free and timely access to all school district documents” necessary to fulfill their duties and responsibilities. It also provides board members reasonable access to line items in the district’s budget and that they may comment publicly during or outside school board meetings on matters pertaining to their elected position, except for student and employee disciplinary hearings.

Senate Bill 1620, filed by Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, was substituted as House Bill 1073 last week. It passed on March 9 in the Florida House with a 37-0 vote. On March 12, the Senate voted 108-0 in favor of the bill.

“I was proud to lead Florida’s District School Board Bill of Rights, SB 1620, which allows for increased accountability and transparency when individual school board members seek information from school district staff and the superintendent,” Leek said in a statement to the Observer

“This is critical when school board members need information in order to make the best informed decisions for the betterment of students,

teachers, parents, and the district in which they represent.”

SB 1620 was created after Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer brought her concerns to Leek over being charged by Volusia County Schools for public records. In some instances, she said, her requests were also ignored.

Brosemer expressed her gratitude to Leek for taking her concerns seriously and spending much more time on the issue than she envisioned.

“There were some changes that had been made, but my priorities were kept in the bill and they will allow me to do a more thorough job than I had previously been allowed to do by the district,” said Brosemer, who represents District 4. The bill also bans school districts from asking employees to sign non-disclosure agreements, an issue that led to controversy in VCS last year.

In August 2025, Brosemer asked the district to rescind an NDA it had asked about 110 employees to sign, arguing that it was unconstitutional under Florida’s public record laws. Though School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans argued they were valid and that the district created them to protect VCS from liability, the NDAs sunsetted in December. Two clauses originally included in the bill were taken

out: having a separate school board attorney and providing a line item budget. Brosemer, who spent time in Tallahassee speaking in favor of the bill, said small school districts were concerned about the additional expense of hiring two attorneys — one for the district and one for the school board.

As for the line item budget clause, she said, the bill text cited the wrong statute, and time ran out before it could be changed.

On Friday, March 12, after the bill passed in the Senate, Volusia County Schools issued the following statement:

“We’re grateful to Senator Leek for the time and effort he took to engage with us and refine House Bill 1073, which passed earlier today. The policy the bill addresses largely reflects practices already in place in Volusia County. Through his collaboration, the bill recognizes the work already being accomplished, while providing a framework we can responsibly support moving forward.”

While similar issues have occurred in other school districts, VCS became the “poster child” for what not to do regarding public records and application of the Sunshine Law, Brosemer said.

“The bill addressed specific things that this district has implemented — specific rules, policies, procedures,” she said. “Had they already been doing what was in the bill, the bill would never have been necessary.”

She expects the bill to be signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis later this year.

“It was bipartisan,” Brosemer said. “Its need was broadly understood, and as we have experienced in the years that he’s been governor, the governor likes Bills of Rights.”

Six Flagler roads make FDOT list

‘We want to make sure that we’re getting it right,’ Flagler County engineer Zion said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Six Flagler County road projects could be receiving funding from the Florida Department of Transportation over the next five years.

The FDOT has listed six Flagler County projects on its five-year work plan for funding for fiscal years 20272031. One project is for design funding and five are pending funding for construction.

“These are projects where we do have funding that’s either tentatively programmed or programmed for funding that’s upcoming for our budget that’s set aside in their work program,” Flagler County engineer Richard Zion said to the County Commission on March 16.

Funding for the design of resurfacing Roberts Road is planned for the FDOT’s fiscal year 2028 budget. That same budget will fund the construction portion of resurfacing multiple roads in Armand Beach and the East Daytona North Project’s phase 1.

The Rima Ridge resurfacing project construction funding is planned for fiscal year 2027 while the Jungle Hut Road resurfacing is planned for fiscal year 2029.

Construction funding for Roberts Road resurfacing is planned out for fiscal year 2030.

The cost per mile to resurface a road can vary from $750,000 to $2 million per mile, depending on the road and the type of resurfacing or the extent of the project, Zion said.

“We like to take advantage of the time to go out and do

these construction projects where we can get our most bang for the buck,” he said.

The county’s Road & Bridge department had a budget of $7.5 million in the approved 2025-2026 budget, and is responsible for the repair and maintenance of 230 miles of paved and unpaved roads, 37 bridges and 15 miles of sidewalks. The maintenance of the 45 miles of county canals is also under its purview.

While the department has completed multiple projects in 2025, other projects in the county have been “sitting on the shelf,” Zion said, for several years, waiting on funding.

Multiple projects have completed design and are awaiting construction funding. One such project is the widening and resurfacing of County Road 205 from State Road 100 to the end. The project has been in the works since 2016, Zion said.

Right now, the project is waiting on the FDOT to execute a funding agreement.

Zion said once it is signed off the county can begin advertising for construction.

“This is a project that’s desperately in need of getting rebuilt,” he said. “The road-

way pavement conditions out there are really in poor shape.” The department’s prioritization process depends on several factors. Pavement conditions, maintenance issues, safety, traffic, cost and environmental concerns are all areas weighed against each other to determine a project’s spot on the list.

“We take these evaluations very seriously,” Zion said. “We want to make sure that we’re getting it right so that we can provide the best service or at least the best recommendation to you all for our prioritization each year.”

Among the top unfunded projects on the priority list are the resurfacing of County Roads 304 and 305 and replacing four bridges along C.R. 304. Several of the unfunded projects have flooding issues, including Walnut Avenue, Hargrove Grade and Forest Park Street.

Zion said they are continuing to search for funding for these projects as swiftly as possible before any obtained permits expire.

“We don’t take it lightly,” he said. “We try to provide the best benefit to the community.”

The county’s Road & Bridge department had a budget of $7.5 million in the approved 2025-2026 budget, and is responsible for the repair and maintenance of 230 miles of paved and unpaved roads, 37 bridges and 15 miles of sidewalks.

School Board member Donna Brosemer. File photo

A widening and resurfacing project on County Road 205, pictured above, may soon be getting the green light to go forward. Photo courtesy of Flagler County

Verizon cell tower approved at agricultural center, in north Flagler County

The tower will net the museum $15,000 upfront, plus $3,000 a month thereafter and 40% from Verizon.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

The Flagler County Commission has approved a new cell tower by Verizon next to what used to be known as the Florida Agricultural Museum. The lease of a 20-acre parcel at 7900 Old Kings Road N. will garner the museum, renamed as the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, a source of revenue for operations. Upfront, the Learning Center will receive

$15,000, and $3,000 each month thereafter. Additionally, Verizon will pay the Learning Center 40% of any additional client.

The tower will be on a 50-by-50 foot space and reach up to 185 feet tall, plus an additional 10-foot lighting rod at the top. The lot is 92 feet from the Old Kings Road right of way and will have a chain link fence surrounding it, with a 50-foot buffer for wetlands.

The bottom portion of the monopole will be painted green, per county codes, to help it blend in with the land. A break point will be incorporated into the design so, should the tower break, it will fall on the parcel, not on the road.

The commission voted 3-1

in favor of the cell tower, with Vice Chair Kim Carney voting against it and Chairwoman Leann Pennington absent from the March 16 business meeting.

“I just see this morphing into something that is not the intended use,” Carney said.

Carney said she understood the need for additional revenue and cell coverage in the area. But the property has a deed restriction, instituted by the county in 1997, that limits the use of the land as a museum and “related and ancillary uses from which the museum derives a continuing benefit.”

“I don’t believe this is an ancillary use for this property,” Carney said. “You go put your boat in the water, you might have a bait shop. You go to a marina, you might

“I just see this morphing into something that is not the intended use.”

KIM CARNEY, County Comission Vice Chair

have a restaurant. So on and so forth,” she said.

The argument by the museum and other board members is the “continuing benefit” is the revenue stream this would provide to the museum. Additionally, the tower will provide increased emergency communications services and would potentially ease modernization of the museum, county planner Simone Kenny said.

County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said the decision is at the discretion of the board, which placed the deed restriction 20 years ago. Rodriguez said: “It’s up

to you either to waive the restriction or, if your action is to allow the tower to be built, then you have deemed that the tower is consistent with the language of the deed.”

Commissioner Pam Richardson voted for the cell tower, but, she said, specifically for the health and safety benefit of residents in the area who may need additional cell service.

“When I think ag, I think of grass,” Richardson said. “And then I think of the tower.

That’s sort of a little interesting for me. But I understand the need for it.”

The Learning Center’s Director Kara Hoblick said the museum cannot survive without other streams of income. Already, the location leases two billboards and rents out the facility for events.

“We need to have other sources of income,” she said. “We need to have several profit centers to sustain ourselves.”

Ormond Beach Chamber to host free political campaign training

The training is part of a nonpartisan initiative by the Florida Chamber.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Florida Institute for Political Leadership, will be hosting a virtual training for those interested in becoming elected officials or working campaigns.

The Campaign School & Community Leadership Training, a nonpartisan initiative by the Florida Chamber of Commerce, is a free two-day program, to be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on April 7 and 8. It is open to everyone in the community and recommended for elected officials, current or future candidates, campaign workers or anyone interested in serving in an appointed position, according to a news release.

This is the second year the

chamber has hosted the program.

“We decided we needed to be the organization that educates our members on 1) different issues, which we try and do, and 2) who’s running for office,” said Debbie Cotton, president and CEO of the chamber. “And, I think more importantly, encourage people to run for office that want to try and be a part of this community.”

The chamber doesn’t endorse candidates, so Cotton said this is a way to help candidates running for local, county or state offices with tools to be successful.

The Florida Institute for Political Leadership program was designed to recruit, train and guide people across the state with the purpose of getting better candidates overall in office. To date, FIPL has hosted 38 campaign schools and partnered with 286 chambers and 27 community partners to put on the program. According to the news release, the program has trained 2,160 people, with 1,041 graduates.

Of those, 70% plan to run for office.

The first day of the training consists of learning how to prepare to run and operate your campaign. The second session is about fundraising. For someone who is considering to run, this could help outline the pros and cons, and what it takes to run a campaign or be a part of it, Cotton said.

It’s also a good catalyst, she added, to get the business community involved.

“We want the business community to be able to go in and say, ‘We can help do this. We know how to run a business,’” Cotton said. “So, let’s see what we can do to help make our our communities better, no matter what level you’re at. ... We want the Chamber to be the business resource for doing this.” To register, visit www.fipl. org/register. What do you see happening in your town? Send news tips and video footage to Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

A new Verizon cell tower was approved for a parcel at the Flagler agricultural museum. Map courtesy of Flagler County

BUSINESS

Free clinic to open at Islamic Center

The Hope Community Health Center will open on March 28 in Daytona Beach.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A new free clinic is opening later this month, at The Islamic Center of Daytona Beach, filling a gap in medical care in the local community.

Many people in the Derbyshire Road area have not seen a doctor in years, said Dr. Rehana Siddiqui, the general practitioner who will be running the facility. At the new clinic, patients can receive a full health exam and receive necessary family medicine care, including prescriptions for hypertension and diabetes and more.

Siddiqui said she became a doctor to care for her patients as individuals, not just as numbers. Working at a free clinic, she said, it’s especially important to get to know your patients.

“I think you treat the patient half [by] listening to them,” she said. “If you listen to them, they know somebody is caring.”

Located at 825 Derbyshire Road, adjacent to the Islamic Center, the Hope Community Health Center will be open to anyone, regardless of religious affiliation or race, who meet the income requirements.

This clinic will bring people from all over and from different backgrounds, Siddiqui said. And the Hope Community Health Center will treat them with a smile and dignity, just as their tagline states: “Care with compassion and dignity.”

A grand opening ceremony will be held on March 27, with the doors opening for opera-

tion at 9 a.m. on March 28. It will be open on weekends, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

The clinic will serve as a general family medicine practice, not as an emergency room or for trauma care.

“There is a lot of need this will fill, and this will be irrespective of religion, color, creed, language,” said Siddiqui’s husband, anesthesiologist Dr. Mussarat Siddiqui. The clinic will not have any cash or narcotics on hand, but will be able to refer patients in need of more specialized care to the right offices.

The idea for a free clinic started in 2025 when Siddiqui was asked by the Islamic Center to pick a community project. As someone who has worked in the Flagler Free Clinic for years, Siddiqui said she immediately knew she wanted help with a free clinic in the community.

But it was more of a process than she initially bargained for: Siddiqui would need to fundraise $280,000 to build out the clinic and organize staff, equipment and training. Thankfully, her husband stepped in to help. In 10 days, Mussarat Siddiqui had a majority of the funds raised from pledges from his fellow doctors and community members.

“All this money came from our friends,” he said. And not just from the Muslim community, he said, but from multiple backgrounds, all committing funding to a good cause.

Even people outside of the medical community have stepped in to help get the clinic up and running, he said, donating their time and skills to help get the word out and the clinic operational.

“Different people from

Drs. Rehana and Mussarat Siddiqui. Photo by Sierra Williams

different walks of life have come together to help us out, and they really understand the compassion we are coming with,” he said. “I’m very thankful.”

The Siddiquis have been practicing medicine in the local communities since the 1980s, with Rehana Siddiqui volunteering at the Flagler Free Clinic alongside her private practice work. Mussarat Siddiqui is the former Advent Health Palm Coast Hospital’s chief of staff. Both are now retired but continue working part time in their respective fields.

While Rehana Siddiqui will lead daily operations at the clinic — alongside a volunteer staff of eight doctors and four nurse practitioners, plus trained reception staff — Mussarat Siddiqui will finalize the Hope Community Health Care Endowment so the clinic can be self-sufficient. Rehana Siddiqui said they expect to be extremely busy right away, as the local community is very underserved.

“In free clinic [work], you have to use clinical judgement,” she said, instead of relying on referrals and technology. “And I think it makes you a better doctor.”

Parking plights pause application

New Hammock restaurant seeks variance to help save tree; Flagler County wants more info.

SIERRA

WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

A new 90-seat restaurant planned to replace the Fusion 386 in The Hammock has hit a roadblock in its application with Flagler County.

The owners of Modern Mexx are planning to move the former Fusion 386 restaurant at 5949 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. into the northeast corner of the L-shaped lot. The existing building will be demolished and a new 2,800-square foot building with a 1,800-square foot dining space will be built.

Co-owner Michael Goodman said the restaurant will have around 90 seats. But because of the size of the lot and an existing large oak tree Goodman said they are trying to preserve, they have applied for a parking space variance. Instead of the required 41 parking spaces, the owners would like approval for 33 spaces, plus room for six bicycles.

Goodman argued that the 33 spaces and the legal parallel parking available along the shoulder of State Road A1A is enough to accommodate the restaurant.

“It’s justified parking,” he said. “It’s allowed.”

For their employees — of which Goodman said there will be around five, total — the owners have worked out an agreement with the neighboring business Debra Jean’s to use five of its overflow parking spaces in the back.

But Flagler County Commissioners were unconvinced that was enough, voting 4-0, with Chairwoman Leann Pennington absent from the meeting, to table the application.

Commissioners Andy Dance and Greg Hansen had specific reservations. Hansen said the board has been “hornswaggled” every time over parking at the restaurants in The Hammock, and it’s time to have them comply with county regulations.

“We have an opportunity here to put our foot down on this parking issue and send the applicant back to the drawing board to refigure it, make it smaller, whatever, to reach the number of spaces that our regulations require,” he said. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask.”

Parking has been a longstanding issue in The Hammock, with many businesses along State Road A1A having minimal parking. Overflow parking along the shoulders of S.R. A1A is legal, but in the past Hammock residents have found cars parked along residential streets or in front of driveways.

For Dance, the information was lacking. He said, per his own research on industry standards, a restaurant of this size would have between 10-15 employees from hosts to management.

“I’ve got a math problem that I can’t get past,” Dance said. “I can’t approve this until I get verification from the applicant that references an industry standard for employees.”

Hammock residents from the local Hammock Com -

munity Association and Scenic A1A Pride organizations showed up to ask commissioners to require a smaller building that meets current codes with the required parking.

“We are looking forward to the tacos,” HCA representative Ed White said. “That’s a true statement. We need another restaurant. We just need it built in the right way.”

Goodman and Lads Coastal Construction’s Jeffrey Ladman said they had no problem removing the oak tree and moving back the building to gain the extra parking.

“If the commissioners’ plans are to deny this project over the parking spaces,” Ladman said, “our plan is to move that building back to our setback limit, removing the tree, and picking up six more parking spaces.”

As for the building size, Ladman said the existing restaurant seated 64 in a 1,900 square foot dining room, but only eight parking spaces on site.

Vice Chairwoman Kim Carney said nearly all the businesses in The Hammock, much like Flagler Beach, do not have enough parking or fail to meet the county requirements in some manner.

“Every restaurant in the Hammock has violations,” she said. “100% of them.” The application will return at the April 6 business meeting.

The reason for gates at European Village: Hammock Dunes CDD responds

OBSERVER STAFF

After a fence was constructed outside European Village, business owners raised concerns in a previous article. On March 17, the Hammock Dunes CDD District Manager Gregory Peugh responded in an email to the Observer: On Aug. 5, 2025, a renewal of the agreement that has been in place since 2002, for the use of the Dunes Community Development District’s property was sent to European Village’s Management Company. This license agreement outlined a required payment of $35,000, Insurance requirements and a due date of Oct. 1, 2025.

At 4:23 p.m. on Oct. 1, 2025, a representative from EV dropped off a partial payment in the amount of $20,000, as well as an unsigned letter requesting vague information that the DCDD was under no obligation to respond to. No insurance certificate was received, nor a signed agreement. The check was summarily rejected. Typically, renters do not receive the opportunity to pay whatever amount they feel like paying. Additionally, until this check and correspondence were received there was absolutely no communication from EV regarding the amount

or any request to reduce the amount. The DCDD also feels that the license agreement amount is appropriate in relation to the property value.

After Oct. 1, the DCDD’s attorney wrote several letters requesting payment and a resolution to this situation. The DCDD’s attorney also called Mr. Campion, who is a representative of the EV Home Owners Association. Again, there was absolutely no response from EV.

Temporary fencing was then erected to protect the DCDD’s property and hopefully elicit communication from EV. Still no communication from EV. At this point EV was tres -

passed from DCDD property. (EV has been trespassed off DCDD property at least three times since initiation of this arrangement in 2002 due to these same issues.)

The article stated no one knew what was going on. EV HOA members knew all along that they did not pay the full License Agreement amount nor provide Insurance Documentation. It appears that the EV HOA is as incapable of communication with their constituents as it is with the DCDD.

In the past, EV rarely pays their annual License Agreement payment on time and is usually many months

late. This has been an ongoing problem since the initial agreement in 2002. EV also forgot to mention that their rent was reduced during the economic downturn in the early 2000’s to help with the difficulties of the economy.

The DCDD has also suggested that EV install its own entrance off Palm Harbor Parkway or find alternative parking if they do not want to pay the DCDD fees. EV is a constant late payment problem for the DCDD where thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees have been expended to compel them to pay license fees in the past.

The DCDD installed gates to protect their property and ensure insurance is in place if EV wants to use the DCDD property for a fee. There would be no gates if EV would pay their license fee on time and provide insurance or at a minimum discuss this issue with the DCDD. Patrons of EV do not need to worry about the DCDD locking the gates at a moment’s notice. The DCDD will install a 4-foot by 8-foot sign near the entrance to the parking lot that outlines the date the gates will be locked should EV not pay the license fee or provide insurance in the future. There will be approximately 30 days notice prior to closure of the parking lot.

Modern Mexx, formerly Fusion 386, in The Hammock. Photo by Sierra Williams

Ormond business owners seek legislative help with ‘drive-by’ ADA lawsuits

In a meeting with Rep. Randy Fine, businesses said a wave of ‘frivolous’ lawsuits cost thousands to settle.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

Ormond Beach business owners are asking for legislative help to protect themselves from “drive-by” ADA lawsuits.

On Thursday, March 12, a small group representing the local business community attended a roundtable meeting at City Hall with U.S. Rep. Randy Fine. The meeting comes after dozens of Volusia businesses have been hit with a wave of lawsuits alleging violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. These violations, business owners

argue, are “frivolous” — often minor and easily corrected — but without a process in place to address them, lead to settlements costing them thousands of dollars.

“Nobody here would ever argue that we are not trying to do the right thing and want to do the right thing,” said Wes Dunn, owner of Dunn’s Attic, during the roundtable. “But they’ll come in one of our sites and ... they’ll take pictures. Then it goes back to their investigator, they put it in a form, and, before you even get a copy of it, the lawsuit is filed in federal court.”

Dunn’s Attic was sued in 2020 for violations including failing to provide an ADAcompliant number of accessible parking spaces, number of exterior table seating, restroom signage and toilet paper location, according to the complaint filed in in the U.S. District Court Middle District

of Florida. Dunn paid $15,000 to settle the suit; his landlord, Highlander Corp., paid $10,000.

More recently, local businesses throughout Volusia County have been sued by one person, prompting business owners in recent months to warn others on social media.

Tavia Wagner has filed 351 ADA lawsuits with the Florida Middle District Court in the last 10 years.

The Observer contacted her attorney, Anthony T. Litsch III, but did not receive a response in time for publication.

A bulk of the discussion with the congressman during the roundtable, organized by Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie, revolved around recent lawsuits by Wagner, who has spina bifida.

In May 2025, Wagner sued Ormond Beach restaurateur Kevin Wakefield for

ADA violations in his New Smyrna Beach restaurant, Avanu on Flagler. The complaint cited failure to provide ADA-compliant slope grading in entrances, doormats, bar counter heights and floor space, and bathroom infractions such as an ADA-compliant toilet paper dispenser location.

The lawsuit was settled in late June 2025. Wakefield said he paid over $10,000.

The issue, he said, is that it’s hard to defend yourself as a business owner because it would end up costing more to litigate the alleged violations.

“It takes so many experts to defend on all the different things that they’re suing you for,” Wakefield said.

The solution to these kinds of lawsuits, he said, would be to give business owners a set time to address the issues before the matter goes to court.

It should be noted that under the ADA, plaintiffs in these lawsuits do not collect monetary damages. However, the Florida Civil Rights Act allows for “compensatory and punitive damages” in conjunction with ADA lawsuits and many businesses often settle to avoid litigation costs. Plaintiffs can also recover attorney’s fees and court costs.

In a November interview with the Observer , local attorney Brooks Casey said the ADA was crafted with two enforcement mechanisms: one through the Department of Justice and one through private enforcement. Wagner is exercising the second option.

Another challenge is that the ADA was written in vague terms, leaving room for complaints.

Casey said he’s been an advocate for the federal government to include a notice provision under the ADA. In most areas of the law, that’s a standard process.

“But in ADA cases, there’s no incentive to do that because then the attorney sending the letter doesn’t get attorney’s fees, and so it has taken away the incentive to notice people,” he said. “But my assumption is if you send people a 60or 90-day notice, they would fix the issues if they can figure out how.”

But a notice period would require a law change.

And Fine said at the roundtable that he wasn’t sure that was the solution. A cure period, he said, would only help with people who file violations in good faith.

“If you’re just looking to sue to get the quick settlement, you’re just going to say, ‘Well, they didn’t cure it,’” Fine said. He also worried about adding new layers of bureaucracy

to the process, such as requiring federal inspections. This isn’t a new problem, the congressman said. It’s a national problem.

“There will be some legislative solutions out there that have already been developed by some trade association or something to deal with this,” he said. “We just need to track down what those are and where they are in the process.”

In recent years, bills have been introduced at both the state and federal level to provide cure periods to allow for remedying ADA violations. H.R. 6453 was introduced in Congress in December and calls for a 30-day cure period to allow business owners to correct the violations or provide a written outline on how they plan to fix them. The legislation also seeks more details on the alleged violations and how an individual was denied access as a result.

Similar filed resolutions have not advanced in Congress.

How can business owners protect themselves in the meantime against “drive-by” ADA lawsuits? Casey said they can hire ADA experts and surveyors to assess their businesses, a proactive approach that would allow them to work through any issues.

Local governments, if they don’t include this already, should also require a review for ADA compliance when a new business opens. That would both raise awareness and compliance, Casey said.

In the City Of Ormond Beach, new construction of buildings requires an ADA inspection before receiving a certificate of occupancy. However, changes of use within existing buildings, with no alterations, only require a Business Tax Receipt; these do not require ADA inspections.

Mayor Jason Leslie speaks during the roundtable meeting with Rep. Randy Fine (left) on Thursday, March 12. In attendance were local business representatives, city staff and Edgewater Mayor Diezel Depew. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Will Captain’s BBQ get lease till 2031?

Hammock restaurant owner hopes for September ground breaking for 4,600square-foot building.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Flagler County is preparing to extend Captain’s BBQ’s lease at Bing’s Landing Park for another five years as the restaurant begins construction of a larger replacement building.

The lease extension to 2031 was requested by the Captain’s BBQ owners, who have rented the existing building since 2011. Captain’s coowner Chris Herrera said he estimates the project will have the permits in a month and a half. He hopes to break ground in September. From there, he said, the new building should be completed “within two years.”

The Flagler County Commission reviewed the agreement at its March 16 meeting, but the extension is not without reservations from some board members.

Commissioners Andy Dance and Leann Pennington expressed concern that there was no defined timeline for the permitting and construction process. The lease only requires Captain’s BBQ be diligently pursuing the project.

County Attorney Michael Rodriguez said “diligent pursuit” is defined as “at least there is some effort,” and no evidence of abandoning the project.

“That’s the only thing that really kind of stuck out for me the most was, what defines whether or not you’re pursuing [the project] in good faith?” Pennington said. “I think my only concern is —

and I do believe you’ll start sooner — having to do another extension.”

Herrera said if it were up to him, “I’d pull them [the permits] today,” but he is waiting on the designs. His architect is moving “fairly quick,” he said.

Captain’s BBQ sued Flagler County in 2018 after the county reversed a decision approving a lease that would allow the restaurant owner to build a larger building on site.

In 2023, Flagler County settled the five-year lawsuit with Captain’s; the county agreed to pay the owner $800,000 for past and future construction and renovation of the restaurant, as well as the restaurant’s legal fees.

The proposed building will be around 4,600 square feet in size with a stem wall behind it, according to elevation documents provided to Flagler County.

The commission has the ability to add language into the lease to outline a specific timeline for the project if the board wants to. Dance wanted to know if there was a construction bond in place in case the project stalled for any reason. Rodriguez said there isn’t, but the county could negotiate one into the lease.

“I just don’t want to get stuck with half the bill,” Dance said, should something hap -

pen to stop construction.

The lease requires the new building to be built on an approved foundation that would minimize the necessity of fill dirt and avoid flooding risks. To mitigate potential flooding, Herrera said the floor elevations will be 8 feet high.

Commissioner Kim Carney noted that the design is different from what the county had expected. Herrera said the design is not “drastically different,” and was based on feedback from customers.

“They love the current setup, the outdoor field, the patio field,” he said. “And I think moving forward after I vacate the premises, it’ll be a good location for the county to be able to rent it out.”

The new building will revert to Flagler County’s ownership, and the existing building will be demolished and turned into a parking lot, according to Carney.

“I doubt that we’re going to want two buildings in this very close proximity to each other. And they need the parking,” Carney said.

The board will vote on it at a future business meeting and agreed to add language to incorporate a performance bond into the lease agreement.

BIZ BUZZ

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach to add Lululemon, VAV New York

Tanger Outlets Daytona Beach will be adding two new retailers this spring: lululemon and VAV New York.

“Adding lululemon and VAV New York to Tanger Daytona Beach gives our guests access to some of the most recognized brands in both activewear and fashion,” said Shelley Sloan, marketing director at Tanger Daytona Beach. “Our goal is to continue evolving with the community and meeting the needs of our shoppers, who look for the best brands at the best value.”

Founded in 1998, lululemon offers exercise apparel, footwear and accessories. The new store will span 5,000-square feet and be located near Old Navy.

VAV New York, which sells contemporary footwear and fashion, will open in a 2-000-square-foot space near American Eagle/Aerie.

Gold’s

Gym to close in Ormond Beach, move to Daytona Beach

Gold’s Gym at 333 W. Granada Blvd., Unit 200, in Ormond Beach, will close on Friday, May 20.

The gym stated on its Facebook page that the closure comes “due to unexpected circumstances involving the building and our lease.”

“While we worked hard to find a solution, the situation developed quickly and required us to make a difficult decision,” the gym stated.

Operations will be transitioned to the Daytona Beach location at 1808 W. International Speedway Blvd., Suite 601. Memberships will remain reciprocal.

Little Italy Ristorante relocates, opens in Ormond Beach

Little Italy’s Ristorante has relocated to Ormond Beach and is now open for lunch and dinner at 814 S. Atlantic Ave.

Owned by Mario Recupido, the restaurant offers pizzas, calzones, pastas, seafood

and meat dishes. It moved to Ormond from Beach Street in Daytona and occupies a vacant space that used to house the Dalmare Italian Chophouse, which closed in 2024.

Precision Eye Institute adds new doctor from Daytona Beach

A Daytona Beach native has joined the Precision Eye Institute team.

Dr. Tulsi Amin earned her undergraduate degrees from the University of Florida and completed her Doctor of Optometry at Nova Southeastern University’s College of Optometry. Her clinical training included primary eye care, ocular disease management, and advanced contact lens fitting, including scleral lenses and specialty myopia management.

“I’m honored to serve the community that helped shape me,” Amin said. “My goal is to provide clear communication, thorough evaluations, and care that patients feel confident in.”

Amin holds specialty certifications supporting advanced contact lens services and myopia management for pediatric and adult patients.

Vidya celebrates expansion, possibly adding ‘hundreds’ of jobs in Bunnell Vidya Herbs USA celebrated the expansion of its Bunnell manufacturing facility’s new building on March 12.

Vidya USA opened its first United States-based manufacturing plant in Bunnell in 2023, located on Otis Stone Hunter Road at U.S. 1. The grand opening of that initial building brought 100 new jobs to the Flagler County community. Local elected officials and the Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber of Commerce members attended a ribbon cutting on its new building. Once fully staffed, the expansion will add hundreds of additional jobs to Flagler County, a Palm Coast-Flagler Chamber press release said. Vidya produces herbal extracts, with manufacturing facilities and research and development centers across the world,

Vidya USA in Bunnell celebrated the expansion of its facility on March 13. Photo courtesy of Palm Coast-Flagler

Captain’s BBQ at Bing’s Landing in The Hammock. Photo by Sierra Williams

The team at Little Italy’s Ristorante: Owner Mario Recupido, Fillippo Como, Giuseppe Ailto and Gennaro De Liso. Photo courtesy of Little Italy’s Ristorante/Facebook

Dr. Tulsi Amin. Courtesy photo

Attention span of a bird

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

I watched a mockingbird sing on a power line, near my front lawn, at dusk today. It felt personal, as if this was all happening for a reason, and I was meant to be here. The song changed, as if on a schedule, from mournful to cheerful, from staccato

to legato, offering no end of delight and wonder to anyone who could hear it. Then I was alarmed to find that I was drawn to look at my phone instead. Is my attention span really shorter than a mockingbird’s?

Technology’s addictiveness will likely be, unfortunately, a defining characteristic of our age, when the social science books are written in the future.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

March 11, 2026

In the Observer, Roland

MY VIEW CHRISTY CHONG

Clee wrote the following: “A young, now-retired police chief once explained: ... Law enforcement agencies do not have a ‘research and development’ budget. Everything they receive must be deployed immediately to protect the public.”

That got me thinking: What is the Observer’s research and development budget? If I can’t spend cash, how much time can I spend? For that matter, what is my research and development budget in other aspects of my life? What am I doing to improve my family’s health? How am I helping my children research and develop their future opportunities?

TELLING TIME BY MOCKINGBIRDS

March 13, 2026

I’ve noticed recently that when I wake up before dawn, I can hear a bird singing in my backyard. A little research revealed that male mockingbirds sing at night from about March to June, as they try to attract mates.

Imagine a world before technology — even before calendars — when time was measured by birds singing at night, by buds forming at the ends of limbs, by the meadows putting on their wildflowers.

OVERWHELMED IN THE BEST WAY

March 14, 2026

I’m still living in the paint-

No one should ever feel they have no safe option

Florida’s Safe Haven law provides a compassionate, legal and anonymous way to surrender an infant.

CHRISTY CHONG GUEST WRITER

LETTERS

Do your homework before voting

Dear Editor: Hats off and a sincere thank you to both Hugo Rojas and Luz Harshman for their letters to the editor in the March 12 issue of the Observer You both have restored my hope that there are still people in this state paying attention. Both letters pointed out that we as citizens of this state and country must start paying attention to what is happening and do something.

The only way we can do that is at the voting booth. Stop electing these shams who care nothing about us and only about lining their pockets (see Cory Mills) or advancing their own agendas (see Randy Fine).

If you are a registered voter, I ask you to do your homework before voting. Consult reliable sources both locally (like the Observer and the Daytona Beach NewsJournal) and nationally like Reuters, AP, and the major news networks ... not Facebook. This nonsense must stop. It is up to us to stop it, or it will just go on and on.

EDWIN STUNDA Palm Coast

Founder’s Day?

But no Bostrom?

Dear Editor: What is the definition of a “founder”? A founder is a person who establishes, initiates or creates something new. He/she is one who often provides the initial vision, funding and effort and who takes an idea and turns it into reality.

Ormond Beach founder John Andrew Bostrom was such a man. He was the first permanent settler of present day Ormond Beach. His citrus plantation and boarding house “Bosarve” was a beacon to visitors and settlers in 1868. His partnership in the building of the Hotel Ormond and the first bridge across the Halifax

As a mother and family nurse practitioner, I was deeply saddened by a recent tragic event in our community involving an infant. These heartbreaking situations remind us of the urgent need to ensure every family knows about the lifesaving options available under Florida’s Safe Haven law.

In my years working in family medicine, as well as my earlier experience as an RN in labor and delivery and the emergency department, I have counseled many young people facing unplanned pregnancies. While I firmly

believe abstinence is the ideal way to prevent pregnancy, the reality is that crises happen, and young people sometimes need support and information to make safe choices.

Florida’s Safe Haven law provides a compassionate, legal and anonymous way for a parent in crisis to surrender an infant (up to 30 days old) without fear of prosecution, ensuring the child receives immediate medical care and a path to a loving home. Infants can be safely surrendered at:

„ Any hospital „ Any fire station

TO THE EDITOR

River, encouraged travel to our area. John Andrew Bostrom served as mayor for 15 years. His service to the community, and his ability to work together with John Anderson, Joseph Price and many others, inspired early visitors to become permanent residents. As such, his achievements for the New Britain colony (to become Ormond on April 22, 1880) should be recognized and celebrated during the upcoming Founder’s Day event. Let us not forget the true importance of Founder’s Day. So let us honor the man who began it all, as we participate with food, fireworks and fun of the day.

A plaque in memory of John Andrew Bostrom rests at the Ormond Beach City Hall/Library courtyard.

It reads:

“In Memory of John Andrew Bostrom 1836-1927 Pioneer Settler and Founder of Ormond Beach Dedicated on February 14, 1996”

What is a Founder’s Day celebration without the recognition of its founder, John Andrew Bostrom!

ALICE HOWELL Ormond Beach

Requiem for Ormond Beach

Dear Editor: Ormond Beach self-government was pronounced dead at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 13, when our elected representatives voted to accept a settlement agreement to allow development of the former Tomoka Oaks golf course. Commissioners reluctantly approved a plan for 254 homes to settle a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by the developer in federal court.

The settlement also provided for a waiver of $220,000 in developer impact fees as credit toward the purchase of a traffic signal at the intersection of Tomoka Oaks Boulevard and Nova Road. The city and

its taxpayers must now pay $220,000 toward a traffic light never needed until an approved plan for the developer’s additional 254 homes, behind a narrow bottleneck entrance to a subdivision our citizens opposed.

Commissioner Kristin Deaton, who directly represents impacted Zone 3 residents, voted “no.” The other four commissioners voted “yes,” with a $14 million gun to their heads, compromised by loopholes in weak development rules and a legal defense team (with several hundred thousand dollars already paid to outside counsel) that was no match for developer attorneys.

The settlement came after five years of neighborhood meetings, planning board hearings, and City Commission hearings where hundreds of residents and their professional experts testified against the proposed density. City meetings had to be relocated to large churches to accommodate masses of impacted citizens. The planning board and City Commission subsequently voted unanimously to deny the development. That denial led to the lawsuit in federal court.

Rationales for the denial were clear: potential flooding from high ground and acres of impervious streets, sidewalks, driveways, and foundations, with runoff into the Tomoka River. Problematic, unsafe traffic clogging residential streets with only three total exits to Nova Road and Granada Boulevard. Environmental risks from golf course soil toxins. Density incompatible with the lot sizes and character of existing Tomoka Oaks homes. Inadequate hurricane evacuation routes.

The Tomoka Oaks golf course property has long served as a pristine greenspace in a city celebrated for its tree canopies. Many oak trees will now be removed, the property desecrated, and paradise paved. Our city officials and heartbroken citizens no longer control the density of proposed develop-

ings I saw this week at Gallerie Elan, in Daytona Beach. J.J. Graham, one of Flagler County’s most influential artists, has a show there, curated by Gregory Graham Grant (no relation), and as soon as I walked into the gallery, unannounced, after a meeting nearby, I felt overwhelmed by these expressionist windows into Old Florida.

Graham wasn’t there, but Grant was. We chatted for a while, admiring the paintings, and afterward, I felt so full of gratitude that I had to text Graham and thank him. They both agreed to an interview next week, so I hope to be able to share a video of our conversation next week. Stay tuned!

sations early, before a crisis arises, can prevent tragedy and save lives.

„ Staffed emergency medical services (EMS) stations

In addition, many locations now offer Safe Haven Baby Boxes — secure, climate-controlled devices installed at 24-hour staffed fire stations or hospitals. A parent can place the infant inside anonymously, triggering an immediate alert so responders provide care within minutes. No one should ever feel they have no safe option. I urge all parents and guardians to openly discuss this law with teens and young adults. Having these conver-

ment. That process is now controlled by out-of-town profiteers, their lawyers, courts and judges.

At the moment of truth, our elected city commissioners capitulated. A bully took our lunch money without a fight.

Other bullies will be coming for what’s left.

JEFF BOYLE

Ormond Beach

City flips on Tomoka

Dear Editor:

After attending the Ormond Beach Commissioners meeting on Friday, March 13, regarding whether the developers’ latest application for development on the Tomoka Oaks Golf Course will be accepted, I feel that the city basically said to us, “A drone is heading your way with a bomb on it, but you will have to take the hit to save the city.”

The commissioners voted to accept the latest plan of the developers but one more public vote is needed. The next vote will be on March 24 at the Commissioners meeting and we will be there.

Let me tell you: We were blindsided at the meeting on March 13 after fighting this development for five years and getting support from the city. The city agreed that previous plans submitted by the developers did not meet our land codes. We were told that the latest plan meets “all” the land codes. How did that happen?

For five years we pointed out all the land codes that would drastically be violated. Did our words fall on deaf ears? Why would our commissioners decide that this plan, not much different than the others, was meeting “all” the Ormond Beach land codes? The reason is because the builders are in court right now threatening the city. We expect our city leaders to fight this fight against the developers.

According to our land codes, the developers plan cannot negatively impact the surrounding area. That is laughable. The effects of 254 homes being built on the golf

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

SUBSCRIBE For driveway

Resources are available to those facing an unexpected pregnancy or newborn crisis, and it is my hope that we can share this with our community. The number for the national Safe Haven hotline is 1-866-99BABY1. Together, we can ensure no infant is left in harm’s way. Please note that these are my personal views as a concerned mother and health care professional, and they do not reflect the official stance of the Flagler County School Board.

Christy Chong is the Flagler County School Board chair.

course land would drastically affect the surrounding area. We have pointed out for five years (with much research and testimony by our experts and residents) that a high density of homes on the golf course would have a lifealtering effect on the residents. Neighbors outside our area also see this as unjust. Please join us as the commission votes on March 24 at 7 p.m. at the Ormond Beach City Hall. It will tell you whether commissioners truly support the residents of Ormond Beach and whether future developers will get away with bullying us.

DARLA WIDNALL Ormond Beach

Can we swap land?

Dear Mayor and Commissioners:

I urge you to pursue a better outcome than the current 254-home plan for the former Tomoka Oaks Golf Course. This development, placed in the heart of our non-gated Tomoka Oaks community, threatens the open space, safety, tranquility, and quality of life that define our neighborhood. It would permanently impact the surrounding 1,732 homes through increased traffic, potential flooding, incompatible lot sizes and housing styles, and the loss of cherished greenspace. We recognize the ongoing lawsuits (federal case and circuit appeal) make outright denial risky, but past votes to protect Tomoka Oaks showed real courage. We need that same resolve now — for a solution that improves rather than harms our community. Approving this plan may satisfy legal requirements, but it fails the community test. You have an opportunity to create a better story for Ormond Beach: one of preserved green space, thoughtful growth, and mutual benefit.

I propose a practical land swap to achieve this:

„ Exchange the 148-acre Tomoka Oaks golf course parcel for the city-owned former Riverbend Golf Course (172 acres) at 730 Airport Road.

CORRECTION

In an article in March 12 version of the Ormond Beach Observer, it was reported that over 9,000 employees received an excess amount of retroactive pay last year; this specific incident occured on Feb. 24, though there were payroll issues last fall as well.

This could:

„ Resolve or eliminate lawsuit threats by satisfying the developer’s (Triumph Oaks/ Mr. Rubin) entitlement to residential development under city ordinances.

„ Allow housing construction on a more suitable site.

„ Preserve the tranquility and greenspace of Tomoka Oaks for the existing community.

„ Eliminate incompatibility issues with housing styles, lot sizes, and neighborhood integration.

Why Riverbend is better:

„ It’s larger and offers superior access to major roads, minimizing traffic on residential streets like Nova Road.

„ It avoids direct adjacency to existing homes, reducing conflicts.

„ The city has considered various uses for Riverbend (park/trails, aviation, golf reactivation), but a swap could enable productive residential development while protecting Tomoka Oaks.

„ Municipal land exchanges for community benefit have precedent and could include buffers, infrastructure commitments, or other conditions.

Please explore this or a similar creative resolution before the final hearing on March 24. It would show visionary leadership, honor resident input, and potentially end years of litigation in a way that benefits all. Residents stand ready to support you. Choose the harder right over the easier path — preserve what makes Ormond Beach special.

KIRK THRUSH Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: This letter was originally sent to the City Commission and republished in the Observer. Additionally, it should be noted that Riverbend Golf Course sits on airport property; any non-aeronautical land use would need approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, which considers new residential developments as anincompatible usenear airports.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

SOUP FOR THE SOUL

Local high school students created more than 400 ceramic bowls for HUM’s Empty Bowls event.

SUZANNE MCCARTHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Halifax Urban Ministries held its annual Empty Bowls fundraiser March 14 at the Ocean Center, raising awareness of food insecurity and supporting the organization’s meal programs.

Attendees were served soup by volunteers after receiving small bowls to carry to serving stations, symbolizing the experience of those who rely on soup kitchens and food assistance programs.

“We are serving hope to the community,” Halifax Urban Ministries Board Chair Clint Bagwell said.

Halifax Urban Ministries has served the Daytona Beach area for 45 years and provided

more than 130,000 hot meals last year through programs that include Barracks of Hope, which provides housing and support services for veterans in the community.

Local high school students created more than 400 ceramic bowls for the event, and guests selected one to take home as a reminder of the cause.

Soups for the event were donated by Bliss Beach, Steve’s Diner, Giuseppe’s, Kale Café, DogHouse, Riptides, Ocean Deck, Rossellini’s, Caribbean Jack’s, Fraze’s Scratch Cookin’, Riviera Country Club, Wawa, Miller’s Ale House and Monkey Morning.

Kale Cafe owner Camille Holder-Brown donated soup and volunteered at the event.

“This is my community,” Holder-Brown said. “Everyone has a story when struggling with food insecurity.”

Proceeds from the event support Halifax Urban Ministries’ programs providing meals and assistance to individuals and families in need.

The Casements Camera Club presents 33rd ‘Ebony & Ivory Show’

The exhibit, which features black and white images, is open to the public through March 26 at The Casements.

MICHELE OLIVER, GUEST WRITER, THE CASEMENTS CAMERA CLUB

The Casements Camera Club is presenting its 33rd “Ebony & Ivory Show” at The Casements, located at 25 Riverside Drive in Ormond Beach. The exhibit, which features black and white images, is open to the public through March 26, a press release announced. An awards reception was held on March 7. Entries were judged by photographer Juliana Romnes,

who is the gallery coordinator for Arts on Douglas in New Smyrna Beach. The Casements Award was selected by the city staff at The Casements.

“This exhibit is really worth seeing,” Club President Ans van Beek Torkington said.

“We encourage the public to visit The Casements to see these beautiful black and white photos.”

Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday.

Kale Cafe owner Camille Holder-Brown and Bethune-Cookman University student Jala’ Delancy serve soup during Urban Ministries Empty Bowl 2026 fundraiser. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Seabreeze High School Arts teacher Christine Colby; Bryce Hammond, Volusia County Schools Visual Arts specialist; and Spruce Creek High School Ceramics teacher Heather Alexander.

Bree Johnson, Seabreeze High School junior and National Honor Society member, volunteered for the event.

“Prayer” by Vicki Payne. Courtesy photos

The winners were

„ Best of Show:

“It’s Cool Inside” by Tom Silvey

„ The Casements Award: “The Way Across” by Tom Silvey

„ First place:

“High Seas” by Vicki Payne

„ Second place: “Prayer” by Vicki Payne

„ Third place:

“Calla Lily” by Janet Bernardini

“High Seas” by Vicki Payne.

“It’s Cool Inside” by Tom Silvey.

“The Way Across” by Tom Silvey.

LOCAL EVENTS

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 Sunday, March 20 and 22

Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast Details: Cash only sale. Call the temple at 386-445-3006 to arrange drop-off and/or item pickup for the sale.

BLOOMING BUDDIES

YOUTH WORKSHOP

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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

Details: Students ages 5-12 are invited to tour the OMAM gardens and then create garden-inspired art. Supplies and a pizza snack with fresh veggies included. Costs $20 for members; $25 for nonmembers. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org to register.

YACHT ROCK PARTY

When: 5-10 p.m.

Where: FCAR Building, 4101 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell

Details: Benefitting Family Life Center, this fundraiser invites attendees to put on nautical or “resort chic” attire for a ight of music, a silent auction and more. Tickets

cost $25 per person, or two for $45. Visit https://flcfv. org/events.

FJ-TRIBUTE TO FOREIGNER AND JOURNEY

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Experience the music and energy of these legendary rock bands in this tribute concert. Tickets cost $40$65. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

FLAGLER FLICKS: ‘APOLLO 13’

When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach Details: See the 2012 “Apollo 13,” rated PG. Bring a chair or blanket. Free event.

CITY REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS ‘ART’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, March 20, 21, 27 and 28; and 3 p.m. Sundays, March 22 and 29

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B-207, Palm Coast

Details: See this comedy examining art and friendship by Yasmina Reza. While the original play is usually done by three men, CRT’s production will star three women: Sue Pope, Bethany Stillion and Julia Truilo. Tickets cost $25 for adults; $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 21

PALM COAST PLANTATION

ANNUAL GARAGE SALE

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Colbert Lane, Palm Coast

Details: Browse a variety of items for sale in the neighborhood. Both gates on Colbert will be open.

YARD SALE

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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

Details: Indoor sale.

FOURTH ANNUAL FLAGLER

WELLNESS EXPO

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 State Route 100 E., Palm Coast

Details: Celebrate health and wellness at this expo featuring over 50 vendors, live demos, free health screenings and more. Admission is $5. Visit https://www.intuitivelivinginstitute.org/expo.

HONEYBEE BUZZ: HEROES OF OUR PLANET, MAKING HONEY HAPPEN

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Join beekeepers Bill and Barry for an educational program on Florida native “bee friendly” plants and what is involved in raising honeybees and harvesting the honey. $5 per vehicle.

ISLANDFEST

When: 12-11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 21-22

Where: Town Center at Palm Coast, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy live music, food trucks and vendors. There will be a kids’ zone with face painting, games, and more. Tickets start at $8. Event benefits One Family At A Time. Visit https://www.facebook. com/IslandFestivalPC.

ARTWAVE YOUTH WORKSHOP

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

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

Details: Students ages 11-14 are invited to join youth curator Emma Dennison for this art enrichment workshop. Participants will learn about still life drawing, referencing works by Caravaggio, Cezanne, and Van Gogh. All supplies included. Seats are

limited. Costs $15 for members; $20 for non-members. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org to register.

IN SONG WITH MARC

BLACK: GROWING UP IN THE WOODSTOCK GENERATION

When: 2 p.m.

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

Beach

Details: Experience popular music of the ‘50s and ‘60s and American culture with Marc Black, New York Blues Hall of Fame inductee. This event is co-sponsored by Volusia County Public Library and Friends of the Daytona Beach Regional Library. Registration is not required.

BUNCO

When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to come and enjoy an evening of Bunco. The Spring Fling-themed buffet will feature ham. Bring a dish to share. A $10 donation at the door is requested. Call Debbie at 312-607-8200 or Beth at 407-506-6585.

SUNDAY, MARCH 22

THREE CHIMNEY’S FAMILY DAY OPEN HOUSE

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Three Chimney’s archaeological ruins, 715 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond

Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Historical Society at the Three Chimney’s archaeological ruins, where guides ill bring to life the history of this 18th-century rum distillery and sugar mill. Park at the Granada Professional Center at 725 W. Granada Blvd.

HERMAN’S HERMITS STARRING PETER NOONE

When: 3 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N.

U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: Peter Noone is back with a repertoire of hits from the 1960s. Tickets cost $49$79. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter. csstix.com/.

CHORAL AND ORCHESTRA

CONCERT: REQUIEM

When: 3-4 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 South Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: St. James Episcopal Church will present Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, featuring the St. James Festival Choir and the Daytona Solisti String Ensemble. Free concert. Donations accepted.

HAPPY WANDERERS WALK

When: 7:30-10 a.m.

Where: Hobby Lobby, 250 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Happy Wanderers for this walk or bike event. Meet in front of Hobby Lobby. Walk begins at 9 a.m. Costs $4.

MONDAY, MARCH 23

INTRODUCTION TO BRIDGE

When: 5-6:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. Details: Learn how to play bridge with the Metropolitan Bridge Club. Text your name to 386-871-469 to reserve a spot.

TUESDAY, MARCH 24

WILD EDIBLES HIKE

When: 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach

Details: Join Master Naturalist and park volunteer Missy Clauson for a guided hike on the Joe Kenner Nature Trail and discover the edible treasures of the maritime forest. Costs $10 per person. Proceeds benefit the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. Park entry fee separate. Space is limited to 10. Registration required.

FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Avenue Royale, Palm Coast

Details: This month’s guest speaker will be David Weis, regional president and CEO of AdventHealth Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns County Markets. Costs $45 for members; $50 for guests. Register at www.flaglertigerbayclub.com/ event-6490558.

FILM SCREENING: ‘HAMNET’ When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Madorsky Theater at the Daytona State College campus, Hosseini Center, 1200 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach Details: See this Oscar-nominated film directed by Chloé Zhao and based on Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel. Historical drama about the grief of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley) following the death of their 11-year-old son, Hamnet, in 1590s England. Free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 VETERANS CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP

When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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

Details: Artist Mary Wentzel will guide participants in creating a metal embossed picture frame. All materials are provided. No art experience necessary. Open to U.S. veterans and current service members, but a family member or friend 16 and older may also register. Free program. Registration required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

Send your nonprofit or entertainment events to Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

YOUR SCHOOLS

Students Create art now at OMAM

The 54th annual exhibit showcases 120 artworks from students in K-12 in 50 Volusia schools.

SYDNEY TEVIN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The 54th annual Volusia Students Create exhibition is now on display at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Garden. The show will run through April 26.

The opening reception ran from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, March 12, and featured over 120 pieces of art from 50 Volusia County schools from grades kindergarten to 12th. The event also featured both 2D and 3D pieces on display. All artwork was selected by teachers, who submitted pieces to the district. Board members then chose the top works to display and award. Ribbons were given for first, second and third place.

Second place award winner: “Mike Wheeler” by Clover Demonica, fifth grader at Pine Trail Elementary. Photos by Sydney Tevin

The Dorothy Johnson Award, the Best of Show honor for high school AP art students, was presented to Chloe Sebastian, a soph omore at Seabreeze High School. This award commemo rates excellence in AP art and is the highest recognition at the event. Sebas tian created a piece named “Chains,” a piece that was made to be perceived dif ferently to many people based on challenges in their life. The chains were to express struggles that were connected to the vase. Sebastian sculpted her piece in Seabreeze teacher Christine Colby’s AP 3D art class. “I made this piece to show how sometimes we let our chains hold us back,” Sebastian wrote in her artist statement.

Award

winners

ELEMENTARY

„ First place: “The Way of Life” by Angelina Escalana, fifth grade, Cypress Creek Elementary „ Second place: “Mike Wheeler” by Clover Demonica, fifth grade, Pine Trail Elementary „ Third place: (Tie) “Coolest Flamingo Ever” by Wiley Farrington, third grade, Port Orange Elementary; and “Spring” by Dominique Rodriguez, fourth grade, Spirit Elementary

MIDDLE SCHOOL

„ First place: “The Fulani Root” by Ankie Shi, eighth grade, Deltona Middle „ Second place: “Silver Spirit” by Brooke Birkhead, seventh grade, Silver Sands Middle „ Third place: “A God’s Despair” by Kira Sellers, eighth grade, Ivy Hawn Charter

HIGH SCHOOL

First place: “Lake Winona” by Taylor Nissen, junior, University High Second place: “The Wolf, I Disguise Myself” by Leila Marty, junior, Spruce Creek High Third place: “Hours Below the Surface” by Amya Mountain, junior, University High

The Dorothy Johnson Award winner: Chloe Sebastian’s sculpture titled “Chains.”

CLASS NOTES

FTC gets financial literacy grant

Flagler Technical College has been awarded a $5,000 grant for the second consecutive year from the Florida Financial Literacy Initiative. This statewide program, managed by the Florida Literacy Coalition and supported by Wells Fargo, will allow FTC to continue and expand its financial literacy programming for Adult General Education students and their families.

A solid understanding of personal finance is essential for economic independence and individual empowerment. Navigating modern banking, credit, and household budgeting often presents unique challenges. By continuing to weave financial education into its Adult General Education framework spanning Adult Basic Education, GED preparation and English for Speakers of Other Languages, FTC equips students with the

practical tools required to confidently manage their finances.

FPC winners at Expressions exhibit

Flagler Palm Coast artists received awards in the Expressions Art Gallery’s FPC and Matanzas High School Student Exhibit.

Jace Aguilar won Best in Show. Other winners: Photography: 1st Place, Adian Blizard; 2nd Place, Brayden Roe; 3rd Place, Sydney Young. Drawing 1: 1st Place, Sophia Oquendo; 2nd Place, Kalleigh Aguirre; 3rd Place, Ruari Voisey. Advanced: 1st Place, Juan Russell; 2nd Place, Eliana Dos Santos; 3rd Place, Kiley Craft. The exhibit at Expressions Art Gallery on

Living Realty, 2298 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast, runs through April 29. The gallery is open, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

FPC’s Mu Alpha Theta places third FPC’s Mu Alpha Theta students placed third in the sweepstakes in their last regional of the year. Also, Suki Liu placed third in Statistics Individual; Tatev

Colbert at Grand

Matanzas National Honor Socety induction ceremony.

Sophia Oquendo, first place Drawing 1.

FPC Mu Alpha Theta competitors earn trophies and medals. Courtesy photos

Daytona Retail Market Faces Slower Demand, But Key Segments Remain Strong

By Jamie Cuzzocreo, CommercialAdvisor | Watson Commercial Realty, Inc.

Daytona Beach’s retail market has benefited from steady population growth and a resilient tourism industry in recent years. But over the past year, demand for retail space has begun to soften, reflecting broader shifts across the commercial real estate sector.

During the first quarter, the market recorded a loss of roughly 190,000 square feet of occupied retail space, reversing the 85,000 square feet of absorption seen during the same period last year.

Most of that decline occurred within neighborhood shopping centers, which accounted for about 170,000 square feet of lost space. In contrast, freestanding retail properties continued to perform well, while power centers and strip centers posted modest gains.

Even with the recent slowdown, overall vacancy remains relatively stable. The market’s vacancy rate now stands at 4.5%, closely tracking the national average of 4.4%.

One of the market’s biggest challenges is the limited supply of larger, highquality retail spaces. Only a handful of properties in the region can accommodate tenants seeking spaces of 10,000 square feet or more, and options become even more limited at the higher end of the market. Currently, only two shopping centers in North Daytona Beach offer available spaces exceeding 20,000 square feet.

Despite these constraints, leasing activity has improved slightly compared to last year. Over 20 leases for spaces larger than 10,000 square feet were signed during the past year, with the average lease size reaching approximately 4,200 square feet and lease terms averaging 57 months.

New tenants entering the market include Aldi, AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, ChipShot, Spirit Halloween, and Sprouts Farmers Market, reflecting continued interest from both national retailers and expanding regional brands.

Meanwhile, construction of new retail properties has slowed significantly. Elevated interest rates and rising insurance costs—particularly in coastal markets—have made it more difficult for developers to justify new projects. As a result, only about 58,000 square feet of retail space is currently under construction, down sharply from the 140,000 square feet delivered last year.

Even with these headwinds, rent growth has remained relatively healthy. Asking rents have increased 2.1% over the past year, slightly outpacing the national average of 1.9%.

However, industry forecasts suggest that rent growth may moderate in the near term as the market adjusts to softer demand. Longer term, rents could begin to accelerate again as supply remains limited and new development continues to slow.

What Does This Mean For You?

For property owners, investors, and retailers, Daytona’s retail market appears to be entering a period of adjustment rather than decline. Demand may be moderating, but limited supply—particularly for larger, high-quality spaces— continues to support the market’s fundamentals.

Strategize Your Next Smart Move.

Thinking of buying, selling, or repositioning a retail asset?

Contact me, Jamie Cuzzocreo at Watson Commercial Realty, Inc. for insightdriven guidance backed by real market data. Get the same information today’s top investors are using to make smarter moves.

386.415.3577

jcuzz@watsoncommercial.com

REAL ESTATE

Hammock Dunes home sells for $3 million

Ahouse at 146 Island Estates Parkway, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 28 to March 6 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on March 6 for $3 million. Built in 2003, the house is a 5/5.5 and has a pool, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, a boat house, a boat lift, a dock and 5,581 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $3,050,000. Shelley DeVito, of Hammock Real Estate Group, was the listing agent.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 41 Veranda Way, Unit 41, sold on Mar. 6, for $280,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,369 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $155,000.

A condo at 455 Riverfront Drive, Unit A203, sold on Mar. 6, for $645,000. Built in 2024, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,762 square feet.

A condo at 60 Surview Drive, Unit 718, sold on Mar. 5, for $640,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,640 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $645,000.

A house at 5 Ocean Crest Way, Unit 1432, sold on Mar. 2, for $410,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,264 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $470,000.

PALM COAST

Flagler Village

A house at 12 Dilly Court sold on Mar. 6, for $311,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,483 square feet.

Grand Haven A house at 18 Lakeview Lane sold on Mar. 6, for $660,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,796 square feet.

Indian Trails A house at 22 Birchwood Place sold on Mar. 6, for $405,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,253 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $150,000.

Lehigh Woods A house at 4 Rolls Royce Court S. sold on Mar. 6, for

$302,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,236 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $110,300.

A house at 37 Rose Drive sold on Mar. 6, for $303,700. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,505 square feet.

Ocean Hammock A house at 7 Cinnamon Beach Way sold on Mar. 6, for $1,350,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 6/5 and has 2 half bathrooms and 4,231 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $1,185,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 13 Clarendon Court S. sold on Mar. 6, for $580,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a boat lift, a dock and 2,388 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $375,000. A house at 8 Cochran Lane sold on Mar. 6, for $760,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,211 square feet.

A house at 13 Cedarwood Court sold on Mar. 5, for $552,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has a dock and 1,881 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $590,000.

Sawmill Branch A house at 62 Sawdust Lane sold on Mar. 6, for $312,485. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet. A house at 58 Lumber Jack Trail sold on Mar. 6, for $445,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3.5 and has an in-law suite and 2,498 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $468,200.

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

PALM COAST

John Anderson home sells for $1.14 million

Ahouse on the Halifax river at 2900 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of Feb. 21-27. The house sold on Feb. 27, for $1.14 million. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a boat dock and 2,737 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $830,000.

The house was listed by Ryan Adams, with Adams, Cameron & Co., Realtors.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 1 John Anderson Drive, Unit 615, sold on Feb. 23, for $405,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,745 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $475,000.

The condo at 2220 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 505A, sold on Feb. 26, for $235,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $265,000.

The condo at 1575 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 405, sold on Feb. 27, for $410,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,227 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $160,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archers Mill

The house at 3386 Arch Ave. sold on Feb. 26, for $382,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,034 square feet.

Daytona Shores

The house at 814 E. River

Oak Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $415,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,300 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $210,000.

Halifax Plantation

The townhome at 3205 Bailey Ann Drive sold on Feb. 26, for $353,500. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,695 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $271,200.

The house at 1479 Pecos Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $649,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/4 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,336 square feet.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 83 Sanchez Ave. sold on Feb. 25, for $422,500. Built in 1973, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,336 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $315,000.

Ortona

The house at 915 Princeton Ave. sold on Feb. 25, for $505,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,869 square feet. It last

sold in 2017 for $275,000.

River Oaks in Triton Beach

The house at 116 Neptune Ave. sold on Feb. 25, for $710,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,278 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $432,000.

Saddlers Run

The house at 63 Saddlers Run sold on Feb. 26, for $505,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,991 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $435,000.

Sweetser

The house at 246 Willow Place sold on Feb. 23, for $85,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/1 and has 800 square feet.

The Trails

The townhome at 15 Morning Dew Trail sold on Feb. 25, for $270,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,817 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $137,500.

The townhome at 343 Timberline Trail sold on Feb. 27, for $255,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,348 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $120,000.

University Circle

The house at 122 University Circle sold on Feb. 26, for $590,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,312 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $470,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Not in subdivision

The house at 13 Palmetto Drive sold on Feb. 23, for $270,000. Built in 1954, the house is a 2/1 and has 960 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $166,900.

The house at 37 Berkley Road sold on Feb. 27, for $310,000.

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

Latitude Margaritaville

The townhome at 546 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Feb. 23, for $510,000, Built in 2021, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,848 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $372,100.

The house at 422 Lime Ave. sold on Feb. 23, for $359,900. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,466 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $275,000.

The house at 316 Gypsy Palace Lane sold on Feb. 26, for $410,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,466 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $415,400.

The house at 272 Pop Top Lane sold on Feb. 24, for $356,500. Built in 2023, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,321 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $352,900.

The house at 192 Gypsy Palace Lane sold on Feb. 27, for $362,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,321 square feet. It last sold

Sponsored Content

Historic Riverfront Estate

458 S. Beach St. Ormond Beach

A rare opportunity to own a meticulously restored circa 1908 historic riverfront estate on approximately 1.6 acres along the Halifax River, just minutes from downtown Ormond Beach, Rockefeller Gardens, public beaches, boat ramps, fishing piers, and riverside parks. This extraordinary property seamlessly marries preserved early-20th-century craftsmanship with thoughtful modern upgrades, offering timeless character, privacy, and waterfront living at its finest. Spanning over 4,500 square feet, the residence features five bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, and an additional bath in the four-car garage. Three bedrooms offer private full baths, one includes a private half bath, and two share a full bath. Gorgeous

Built in 1958, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,237 square feet. It last sold in 1990 for $60,000.

The house at1596 John Anderson Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $1 million. Built in 1953, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift, a boat house and 3,667 square feet. It last sold in 1979 for $108,000.

Ormond Ocean Gardens

The house at 39 Carol Road sold on Feb. 24, for $234,000. Built in 1961, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,042 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $75,300.

in 2024 for $390,000.

The house at 134 Salt Shaker St. sold on Feb. 25, for $430,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $309,900.

The house at 378 Landshark Blvd. sold on Feb. 26, for $415,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $304,900.

The house at 765 Attitude Ave. sold on Feb. 27, for $930,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,493 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $454,000.

The house was listed by Didi Womack, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty.

Legends Preserve

The house at 1220 Pampus Drive sold on Feb. 23, for $355,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,908 square feet.

Lennar at Preserve at LPGA

The house at 1151 Cabot

Sun Oaks The house at 114 Royal Palm Ave. sold on Feb. 26, for $570,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,474 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $220,000.

Verona Oceanside The house at 41 Marden Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $899,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,770 square feet. It last sold in John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.

Cliffs Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $332,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 1,870 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $349,800. The house at 2219 Green Valley St. sold on Feb. 27, for $384,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/2.5 and has 2,326 square feet.

LPGA

The house at 1230 Champions Drive sold on Feb. 26, for $427,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,017 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $274,000.

Mosaic The house at 212 Fuchsia St. sold on Feb. 23, for $650,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,425 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $475,300.

The house at 418 Aquamarine Way sold on Feb. 23, for $465,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,992 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $523,500.

hardwood floors flow throughout, complemented by period built-ins, bench seating with hidden storage, and beautifully restored millwork. A wood-burning fireplace anchors the living room, while the formal dining room showcases original cabinetry and a butler's pantry.

The home offers exceptional

flexibility with a kitchen, family room, living room, formal dining room, office, upstairs office area, laundry room, enclosed sun porch, and screened side porch. Upstairs storage includes linen closets and walkup attic access, with additional attic space in the attached garage. The downstairs bath features a charming clawfoot tub, while the primary suite enjoys a dedicated water heater and a private deck overlooking the pool and river.

Outdoors, the estate truly shines. Enjoy approximately 169 feet of river frontage with riparian rights and a renewed seawall (2026). The grounds include a saltwater swimming pool, expansive paver patios, gazebo, covered patio, large backyard, private side yard, shed, and mature landscaping

serviced by a nine-zone irrigation system fed by a dedicated well. A circular paver driveway leads to a four-car garage built in 2010, complete with a full bathroom with shower, utility sink, built-in shelving, prewired attic space, plumbing, and a dedicated electrical panel, ideal for future expansion or renovation to accommodate guests.

Extensive improvements provide peace of mind, including new roofs (2025), a professionally engineered backyard drainage system (2025), cellar sump pump, updated pool

equipment, restored fencing, refreshed exterior paint, remodeled baths, upgraded HVAC systems, and a composite master deck. High-speed internet options include cable, fiber, and cellular availability, and a monitored security system is in place.

This one-of-a-kind Ormond Beach landmark offers breathtaking sunrises, park-like grounds, and historic elegance, while delivering modern comfort, infrastructure, and location. A truly exceptional riverfront estate with unmatched character and condition.

The house at 2900 John Anderson Drive sold on Feb. 27, for $1.14 million. Photo courtesy of Adams, Cameron and Co. Realtors

FOCUS ON FAITH

Prince of Peace celebrates dedication of Mary’s Peace Garden, 60th anniversary

Prince of Peace Catholic Church celebrated the opening of its new Mary’s Peace Garden during a dedication ceremony and ribbon-cutting on Sunday, March 15.

The garden, which spans 6,000 square feet and features a 6-foot marble statue of Virgin Mary atop a 5-foot base, broke ground in August 2025. The garden includes a 170-foot-long and 16-footwide plaza, bordered by Stations of the Cross on each

side. “The Garden will be an enduring sanctuary of serenity in the heart of Ormond Beach, where all are welcome to encounter peace, pray, and re-

flect, in addition to providing an area for outdoor Marian events, parish services, and gatherings,” a press release stated. “The project is funded by a generous bequest from a parishioner, donations from many other parishioners, and support from the Vietnamese Catholic community at the parish.”

Sunday’s ceremony was of-

ficiated by Diocese of Orlando Bishop John Noonan. The parish also celebrated its 60th anniversary and held its Rite of Confirmation ceremony.

The parish was officially decreed on March 4, 1966, and the original church was dedicated in 1969. The present church was completed in 1991, at which time the original church was converted into a parish hall.

Today, the parish has approximately 1,800 registered member households. Rev. Justin K. Vakko is Parish Pastor, and he is assisted by

Deacons Bruce Gesinski and Carlos Bom Conselho.

Local wildlife rescue to speak at Ormond Beach church

Wildlife rehabilitators from Samadhi Wildlife Rescue will speak at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach on Sunday, March 22, beginning at 10:30 AM.

The mission of Samadhi is to rehabilitate sick, injured,

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

and orphaned native wildlife and to release flourishing animals back to their natural habitat.

“We honor the interdependent web of all existence,” Ormond Beach Congregation President Ludy Goodson said.

“With reverence for the great web of life and with humility, we acknowledge our place in it.”

The public is welcome, and Samadhi will be bringing spring newborn animals to the event. The Unitarian Universalist Congregation located at 56 N. Halifax Drive in Ormond Beach. It is open to the public, and light refreshments follow the presentation. Visit uuormond.info for additional information and opportunities.

Virgin Mary’s statue is unveiled at Mary’s Peace Garden.

Prince of Peace celebrates a ribbon-cutting for Mary’s Peace Garden.

Prince of Peace celebrates a ribbon-cutting for Mary’s Peace Garden on Sunday, March 15. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Women honor Virgin Mary with dance.

Smokin’ at the House fundraiser sells out

Plates of smoked pork, by Parrothead Porkers’ Tom Snow, were sold for Flagler Beach first responders.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For the first time, the Flagler Woman’s Club’s annual Smokin’ at the House fundraiser sold out of all 115 pounds of meat.

The fundraiser benefits Flagler Beach’s fire and police departments, with the funds split evenly between the two, Woman’s Club President Barbara Macready said. The departments will be able to use the money however they see fit. “We just have to give some thanks for what they [first responders] do,” Macready

FBPD to host fraud seminar on March 21

The Flagler Beach Police Department was also in attendance at Smokin’ at the House through Lt. Michael Schoenbrod.

Schoenbrod said he was there to connect with the community and educate them on the kind of tools the police use and how they protect the community. Most people only interact with police when they get pulled over, he said.

“It’s nice to educate the community and give them information about what we do outside of normal traffic stops,” Schoenbrod said. Being out and connecting with the community also helps bring awareness to the less visible crimes, like fraud, Schoenbrod said. In 2025, he said, around $1.3 million was scammed from Flagler Beach, he said, and another $400,000 has been attempted in just the 10 weeks of 2026.

“I would say, on average, about five times a week we get a fraud or a scam in our community that gets reported to us,” he said. To combat this, the FBPD is holding multiple fraud seminars for its community. The first will be held at 4 p.m. on March 21 at the Wickline Center, and everyone is invited to attend.

said.

This year, to increase turnout and support, the Flagler Woman’s Club pushed harder on its marketing, Macready said. Guests who showed up purchased a plate of smoked and pulled pork sandwiches and sides of coleslaw and baked beans.

The March 14 event was the third annual Smokin’ at the House fundraiser, and the most meat that award-winning BBQ smoker Tom Snow had cooked for the event. Snow owns the Parrothead Porkers.

A land surveyor by profession, Snow began cooking pork competitively in 2009 and has won several awards, including multiple awards at the 16th Annual Pigz in Z’Hills BBQ & Blues Festival in February, taking home fifth place in chicken, third place in ribs, second place in pork and overall second place.

“I’ve made some really good friends and I just enjoy it,” he said. “And I’m not going to lie to you — I’ve gotten pretty good and I like winning.” Snow is a neighbor of the Flagler Woman’s Club and has volunteered his services for each Smokin’ at the House event. This year, he made smoked pork butt for the public and ribs for the first responders’ lunch.

“Flagler Beach is my home, and I love being here,” Snow

said. “Whatever I can do to help out, that’s what I do. I was raised in a family that participated in our community and we helped with whatever we could help with.”

He said he hopes to see the fundraiser continue to grow until he’s cooking 300 pounds of pork and selling out at the end of the day.

“Every year it’s a little bigger, a little better,” he said.

Flagler Beach Fire Chief Stephen Cox said they are extremely grateful for the Flagler Woman’s Club’s support. This year is the FBFD’s 100th anniversary and the FBFD takes a lot of pride in being part of a small community, he said.

“That’s what makes us unique, it’s what makes us special,” he said.

YOUR TOWN

Inspiration of Hope Community Resources teaches teens

Inspiration of Hope Community Resources, Inc., completed a five-week Life Skills training class for middle and high school students in Flagler County.

Participants explored several key topics designed to support personal growth and practical decision-making.

The sessions focused on effective communication, including how messages are sent, received and interpreted. Participants also examined problem-solving strategies and learned about conflict, including the stages of conflict and constructive ways to respond to disagreements.

In addition, sessions addressed personal financial literacy, where participants discussed budgeting, responsible money management, and planning for financial stability. The series concluded with career exploration activities that encouraged participants to identify interests, strengths and potential

career pathways. Overall, the sessions aimed to build essential skills that support positive relationships, sound financial habits and informed future planning.

Garden Club at Palm Coast hosting bus trip to convention

The Garden Club at Palm Coast is organizing a bus trip to the Florida Federation of Garden Clubs’ State Flower Show and Convention on April 15 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Orlando. The price of $45 per person includes the bus trip, driver’s tip

Former Flagler Beach Commissioner Deborah Phillips and Greg Philips with Joan Soman at the Smokin’ at the House event. Photos by Sierra Williams

Flagler Beach fire fighters were served pork ribs, specially cooked by award-winning BBQ smoker Tom Snow.

Inspiration of Hope Community Resources completed a five-week Life Skills training class for middle and high school students in Flagler County. Courtesy photo

Former Flagler Beach Commissioner Jane Mealy

Sue Busch served pork sandwiches at the fundraiser.

‘SOFTBALL IS OUR THING’

Pirates defeat Flagler Palm Coast 9-1 and celebrate seniors

McKenzie Manhart, Ruby Fogel and Sahara Meyers.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas softball coach

Sabrina Manhart was able to compartmentalize through the preliminary Senior Night activities. She was able to focus on the game that followed, a 9-1 victory over rival Flagler Palm Coast on Wednesday, March 11, at the Ship. And she was able to keep her emotions in check after the game as she stood with family to celebrate her daughter

McKenzie’s four-year Matanzas softball career during the Pirates’ Senior Night ceremony. And then Sabrina Manhart saw McKenzie’s friends stream onto the field — former Matanzas softball players who drove over from their colleges at the last minute, Matanzas swim teammates, fellow lifeguards.

“I think I really had my game face on,” Sabrina Manhart said. “But then to see McKenzie’s friends come out on the field, the tears got to me. So, that’s really what got to my heart, to see so many people out here supporting her.”

McKenzie Manhart, Sahara Meyers and Ruby Fogel were honored at the Pirates’ Senior Night. This is Meyers’ first year on the team. Her family moved from Nebraska, and she will be moving back after high school to attend the University of Nebraska.

“She’s been a delight to have on the team and a great addition to our outfield,” Sabrina Manhart said.

Fogel, the Pirates’ third baseman, has not yet played this year because of an injury suffered during basketball season.

“Ruby has just been such a great, big part of the program for her three years. And we can’t wait till she gets healthy and gets back on the field,” Sabrina Manhart said.

Fogel will play softball next year at Florida Gateway College in Lake City, a junior college program. Her sister, Juliet, now a freshman softball player at St. Johns River State College in Palatka, came back to celebrate with her sister and other former Matanzas teammates.

McKenzie Manhart will play softball at Pensacola State College next year. Being the daughter of a softball coach, the sport has been a big part of her life for as long as she can remember.

“It’s not always easy playing for your parent, but it’s been so special,” McKenzie said. “That’s our thing to bond over. That’s what we do, we go

watch softball, we play softball together. I ride to school with her every morning. That’s our thing is softball. So it’s just been really nice, especially in my high school years to connect with my mom and be able to have something in common with her that can be our thing that we do.”

McKenzie said she wasn’t expecting everyone to show up, including a friend who drove over from the University of South Florida; former softball teammates Leah Stevens, a pitcher with the University of Florida, who had to be back that night to fly with her team the next day for a three-game series at the University of Kentucky; and Ashley Sampselle, who also drove over from UF.

“It’s just so special to have everyone come, and my cousins. My little cousins came to their first game tonight, so it was really special and cool.”

CLANTON PITCHES COMPLETE GAME

The game was originally scheduled on March 12 but was moved up a day because of rain in the forecast for Friday. The Pirates improved to 5-3 with the victory. Junior Destiny Clanton, who is in her first season with Matanzas after moving from Georgia, pitched the Pirates’ first

complete game of the season. Clanton allowed four hits and four walks and struck out eight batters.

Ava Henige went 3 for 3 with two RBIs for the Pirates. Alondra Vincenty hit a double and a triple and drove in three runs. Sophia Staub had two doubles and two RBIs.

The Bulldogs (2-7) pulled to within 3-1 in the third as Eleanor Snedeker scored on Layla Sackett’s base hit. But the Pirates scored four runs in the bottom of the fourth to go up 7-1 and scored two more runs in the sixth.

FPC coach Brooklyn Jimeson said her young team has been progressing since a 15-0, four-inning loss to Matanzas in the season opener on Feb. 17.

“We’ve been talking with our girls about trusting the process, about getting better every day.” Jimeson said.

“We’re really young. We only have three upperclassmen starting in the field right now. We’re really excited for the future. We know these girls have a lot of talent, and they work hard. Even in the last month from when we started, we’ve gotten so much better.

That’s all we can ask for.”

After spring break, Matanzas will host Taylor on March 24. FPC will travel to Seabreeze on March 23.

Matanzas’ Ava Henige is safe at third in a rundown play.

Matanzas’ Camryn Williams slides into third base ahead of Ava Zublionis’ tag.

FPC’s Alexia Taylor catches a grounder down the line.

Matanzas players celebrate their 9-1 victory against FPC.

FPC pitcher Kyndall Cercy

Matanzas softball seniors McKenzie Manhart, Ruby Fogel and Sahara Meyers. Photos by Brent Woronoff

HEAT CHECK

Despite quality atbats, Seabreeze comes up short one run in loss against Horizon.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It’s the bottom of the fourth. Score is Horizon 8, Seabreeze zilch. First baseman Austin Upchurch steps to the plate with Wrigley Zweifel on first and Nathaniel Anderson on second. Upchurch hits a double deep into left field. Anderson and Zweifel score. Upchurch runs in following a single by Mason Sisk.

The Sandcrabs finish the inning with a double by Cole Sager and a sacrifice bunt by shortstop Dallas Newkirk, bringing home Sisk and Jacob Imhoff, respectively. Their rally ended with a run in the sixth by Imhoff and a triple by Upchurch in the seventh, driving Campbell in and leading to a run by Upchurch. Seabreeze fell short 9-8 to Horizon on Wednesday, March 11, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.

Seabreeze head coach Jeff Lemon said he has been talking to his team about quality at-bats all season. The first time through the lineup, the Sandcrabs were two for nine with quality at-bats, and the second time through the lineup, they scored five runs and were eight for nine in quality at-bats.

“The more quality at-bats you have through the lineup and nine guys, the better chances you have to create some heat on the defense and create some havoc on them,” he said. “As long as our offense stays mentally understanding that we have a lethal offense that will compete one through nine, which to this point of the season, it’s shown that no atbat is going to be just given away from our offense.”

Lemon said Dane Wisneski, the Horizon head coach, is his best friend. They both knew that after scheduling homeand-away games against each other, the teams would be

competitive.

“We knew going into this we were setting up two quality baseball teams to compete, and at the end of the day, that’s all we can ask for, is seeing two quality baseball teams compete to the highest level,” Lemond said. “Unfortunately, there has to be a loser, and it was us tonight, but I strongly believe in our guys’ ability to bounce back.”

Every season, the players vote on who they would like to have as their team captains. Lemon said they call the group the leadership team. Seniors Jacob McKinnon, Upchurch, Tommy Hayes, and junior Zweifel are this season’s leaders. Lemon meets with them a couple of times throughout the fall and again in the spring, to get a player-to-player “heat check”.

“It’s morphed into something really cool, to where you can get young men out of their comfort zone, present to them an itinerary of what we’re going to go over that evening, and then they’re able to then go back to their teammates and regurgitate information that we’ve gone over,” Lemon said. “In a sense, it creates a leadership kind of montage.”

The Sandcrabs are spending their spring break

playing in the State Farm Bureau Invitational on the west coast of Florida this week. Seabreeze won 9-2 in the first round against River Ridge on Tuesday, March 17. Newkirk was instrumental in solidifying the win over the Royal Knights after driving in three runs with a double in

the fifth inning and another run following a single in the fourth.

The Sandcrabs lost 14-10 to Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Spring Hill, the same day. They will play Palm Harbor University High School on Wednesday, March 18.

Lemond said this is their fifth year traveling to participate in tournaments during spring break.

“This gets these guys out of their comfort zone,” Lemon said. “I tell the guys, as long as they do what we’re asking them to do, as far as being a good human, a good person and a good player, or a good student and a good player, then we’ll continue to take

them on these trips, because it is rewarding them for all the work and all the time that they put in. Being able to reap the benefits of their hard work throughout the season kind of keeps them inspired and motivated.”

Lemon got teary-eyed when he talked about his team.

“Obviously, we make changes where they’re warranted, but for the most part, to allow these guys to feel the consistency, we come out here with the same attitude every day,” he said. “Are there days that I come out here upset? Absolutely, but as soon as I walk through the threshold in the dugout, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.”

“The more quality at-bats you have through the lineup and nine guys, the better chances you have to create some heat on the defense and create some havoc on them.”

Seabreeze’s Wrigley Zweifel bats. Photos by Michele Meyers

Seabreeze freshman shortstop Dallas Newkirk grabs a hit as Horizon’s Denver Patton attempts to get back to second.

Seabreeze pitcher Parker Chieppa replaces Tommy Hayes in the fifth inning.

Seabreeze first baseman Austin Upchurch is safe at home against Horizon.

JEFF LEMON,Seabreeze head baseball coach

Tie goes to the Horizon runner as Seabreeze first baseman Austin Upchurch attempts to tag him out.

The Seabreeze catcher Nathaniel Anderson warms up with pitcher Tommy Hayes before the game.

FPC MEETS CHALLENGE

Javelin thrower

Simmons and track standouts Haymon, Slaughter and Marcelus led FPC.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast track and field coach Dave Halliday sat his juniors and seniors down for a midseason pow wow last week. The highly competitive North vs. South Challenge at FPC was in two days. The state championships were just eight weeks away.

“I told them [the North vs. South Challenge] with these Miami teams coming in is a great opportunity, and they shouldn’t shy away from it,” Halliday said. “I told them to embrace it. ‘Whether it’s win or lose, are you getting better? How are you improving every week?’ I was telling them, ‘How do you want to write your story and how do you want it to look in the next eight weeks to the state championships?’”

The Bulldogs accepted Halliday’s challenge with the boys team, placing second and the girls team placing third at the fifth annual North vs. South Challenge on Friday, March 13, at Sal Campanella Stadium.

Along the way, the Bulldogs demolished personal records, approached and surpassed school records and moved up in the state rankings.

“We had some pretty big breakthroughs,” Halliday said. “We did very well.”

Karina Marcelus won both the girls 100-meter hurdles, with her second best time of 14.32 seconds, and the triple jump with a personal best 39 feet, 1.25 inches.

But it was javelin thrower

La’Darius Simmons who made the biggest leap. Simmons set a PR by almost nine meters with a throw of 62.09 meters (203 feet, 8 inches), shattering the old school record of 57.04 meters set by Levi Hayworth in 2024. Simmons now ranks first in the state in Class 4A and second among all classifications behind New Smyrna Beach’s Brison Smith (63.41).

Halliday said Simmons is following a trend of other standout throwers who

showed potential in practice weeks before suddenly breaking through at a meet.

“They would start doing it in practice, but it would take about two or three weeks, and then all of a sudden, wham, it would happen,” Halliday said. “LaDarius has been practicing very well.”

He won the event by almost 6 meters over Miami Belen Jesuit Prep’s Jaime Saavedra. And Simmons’ winning throw was no fluke, Halliday said, because all three of his throws were in the same range.

Arianna Slaughter also destroyed her personal record in winning the 1,600 meters with a time of 5:09.76, less than seven-tenths of a second behind Jada Williams’ school mark of 5:09.08. Slaughter’s previous best time was a 5:24.66, which she ran a year ago.

Jordan Haymon won the boys 200 meters in 21.42 seconds, the second fastest time in school history behind Tyler Cue’s mark of 21.01 set in 2011. What made the performance more remarkable is Haymon felt his hamstring tighten at the end of the curve, about halfway through the race,

and then managed to pass the leader.

“I was like 10 meters down,” he said. “I had to play catchup.”

Both Haymon and Logan Jacobelli appeared to break the school record of 10.66 seconds in the 100 meters, but a technical malfunction invalidated the race and forced a do-over.

“It was unfortunate. I think they probably ran 10.5,” Halliday said.

Jacobelli wound up finishing fourth with a time of 10.74 seconds. Haymon was fifth with a PR time of 10.77. Playing it safe with his hamstring, Haymon did not run in the 4x400 relay. He also didn’t run in the 400, his best event, because the faster runners at

the meet were in the 100- and 200-meter dashes, Halliday said. Haymon’s top 400 time of 47.74 seconds ranks first in Class 4A and is second in the school record books.

Haymon will run in only the 400 and 4x400 at the Bob Hayes Invitational on March 21 at UNF, Halliday said, adding that Haymon loves the 400. But that wasn’t always the case.

“I used to hate it,” Haymon said. “But I don’t know, it just grew on me.”

The senior missed the state championships last year with an injury, so he is being cautious with his hamstring. In Haymon’s absence, FPC’s Will Roberts won the 400 with a time of 50.09 seconds.

“I told them [the North vs. South Challenge] with these Miami teams coming in is a great opportunity, and they shouldn’t shy away from it. I told them to embrace it.”

Michael Najpaver, Jacobelli, Roberts and Haymon placed second in the 4x200. The Bulldogs also placed second in the 4x400 without Haymon. And Douglas Seth, Ayden Peterson, Owen Stackpole and Justin Goings placed second in the 4x800 with a PR time of 8:04.97, just seven-hundredths of a second behind Fleming Island. Peterson consoled Goings who lost the lead at the end.

“Ayden said, ‘Hey it doesn’t matter what we do today. It matters what we do in eight weeks, but today you helped us get better,’’’ Halliday said. “The other three guys didn’t care that we got second. They’re like, ‘Golly, we finally put a PR and we finally put four legs together.’ And now they’re ranked fourth in 4A.” Seth placed second in the 3,200 with a PR time of 9:44.17. Anna Grigoruk was third in the girls 800 with a PR time of 2:23.11. Audrey Bowman was third in the 3,200 in 12:28.6. And Grace Taylor was third in javelin with a throw of 30.39 meters (99 feet, 8 inches).

Tallahassee Lincoln won the boys team title with 115 points, topping FPC (86 points) and Miami Columbus (82 points). Miami Northwestern cruised to the girls title with 163 points. Oakleaf was second with 68, edging FPC with 66 and Lincoln and Spruce Creek, each with 64 points. Email brent@observerlocal news.com.

Pandich pitches complete-game shutout, FPC beats Matanzas 10-0

Making his first start of the season, Pandich allowed just two hits in six innings against his former team.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast junior Nick Pandich had pitched just 1.2 innings heading into his first start of the season against Matanzas on Thursday, March 12. With the Bulldogs’ baseball team playing four games in five days, it needed an emergency starter.

Pitching against his former team, Pandich gave FPC the start it needed with a sixinning complete game in the Bulldogs’ 10-0 home victory.

The right-hander allowed just two hits and struck out six while not walking a batter.

“The conversation came up earlier today at school,” FPC pitching coach Alexis Herrera said. “‘What’s going to be the plan when Nick is done?’ The first thing I said was, ‘I hope he goes all seven.’”

With the Bulldogs (7-5) scoring three runs in the sixth to end the game on the 10-run rule, Pandich didn’t have to pitch seven innings. But the way he commanded the strike zone and throwing just 73 pitches, another inning probably wouldn’t have been a problem.

“For him to do that and exceed my expectations was pretty impressive,” Herrera said. “He was just filling up the strike zone. Whatever I called, he was comfortable

throwing and putting it in the strike zone. He trusted his guys to make plays behind him.”

Matanzas starter Wiley Conner also pitched well, allowing just one earned run in four innings. But the Pirates (2-7) committed seven errors and gave up seven unearned runs.

“I don’t think it was our best night hitting-wise,” FPC head coach Kyle Marsh said. “But we got a couple of bunts down in good positions, made them field the baseball and just create a little bit of havoc on the base paths. I think it kind of kickstarted some of the runs that we scored.”

The Bulldogs collected nine hits with Nole Hemmerle and Jordan Gonzalez smacking two hits apiece. Carson Flis drove in two runs. Pandich said his goal in the

game was to throw strikes and allow his fielders to make plays. They did. The Bulldogs did not commit an error.

“I wasn’t even looking at the batter,” he said. “I was just focusing on the glove. I just wanted to hit my spots.”

Pandich said he was throwing well while warming up in the bullpen before the game, so he had confidence coming in.

“My offspeeds were really good today,” he said. “They were getting weak contact or swinging misses.

“It was definitely a big thing coming against my old team,” said Pandich, who transferred before the school year. “Coming in and doing what I had to do, I think it’s going to carry over for the rest of the season.”

The Bulldogs got another strong pitching performance on March 13 in a 2-1 home loss

“I wasn’t even looking at the batter. I was just focusing on the glove. I just wanted to hit my spots.”

to Lake Minneola. Kameron Roberts pitched a complete game, allowing two unearned runs in seven innings. Lake Minneola scored both runs in the top of the seventh. Flis drove in the Bulldogs’ only run on their only hit of the game gainst pitchers Dylan Montrowl and Chase Dougherty. FPC has another busy week with four games in five days at the Sanford Spring Break Classic that began on Monday, March 16, against IMG Academy Silver. So, Pandich could be getting more work on the mound.

“We can’t let our foot off the gas at any time soon,” Herrera said. “We want to win games. So, if we see him in a position that’s going to help us do that, as coaches we got to make some hard decisions: ‘Hey, we got to give that ball to Nick.’”

Ayden Peterson runs in the 800. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Anna Grigoruk runs in the 800-meter run. Grigoruk placed third with a personal-record time of 2:23.11.

DAVE HALLIDAY, FPC track and field coach

FPC’s Nick Pandich pitched six shutout innings, allowing two hits and no walks while striking out six.

FPC left fielder Kyle Gordon makes the catch. Photos by Brent Woronoff

NICK PANDICH, Flagler Palm Coast junior

NORTH VS. SOUTH

SIDE LINES

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seabreeze, Mainland girls place second at Fresh-Soph meet

Seabreeze sophomores

Aidan O’Brien and Alex Schargen each won two individual events to help the Sandcrabs’ boys team finish second at the Volusia-Flagler Freshman-Sophomore Track and Field Championships on Wednesday, March 11, at Spruce Creek High School. O’Brien won the 100- and 200-meter dashes with times of 11 seconds and 22.55 seconds, respectively. Schargen won the 110 and 400 hurdles with times of 16.19 seconds and 59.89 seconds, respectively.

Mainland sophomore

Jae’lyn Thompson won the boys high jump with a PR leap of 5 feet,11.5 inches. Thompson was also a member of two winning relay teams: the 4x400 with Maddox Howe, Faunte Stubbs and Khristian Williams in 3:39.41 and the 4x800 with Trevor Howe, Elijah Griggs and Maddox Howe in 9:06.09. Other boys winners included FPC’s Gage Herndon in the 400 (52.14), Seabreeze’s Barrett Jones in 1,600 (4:53.25), FPC’s Zach Peterson in the 3,200 (11:04.74, a PR), Seabreeze’s Jacob McBroom in the long jump (20 feet, 8.5 inches) and Matanzas’ Jayden McCoy in the triple jump (44-11.75).

In the girls events, Mainland’s Tylar Darius won both the 100 and 400 hurdles with PR times of 13.02 and 1:05.08, respectively.

Mainland’s Makayla Doe won high jump (4 feet, 6 inches, a PR) and triple jump (33 feet, 8 inches). Father Lopez’s Emma Loach won shot put with a PR throw of 23 feet, 2.5 inches.

Luck of the Pickle packs Palm Coast courts

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The courts at the Southern Recreation Center were packed with energy and competition over the weekend as dozens of players took part in the “Luck of the Pickle” Pickleball Tournament.

Held March 13-15 at the Southern Recreation Center on Belle Terre Parkway, the tournament brought together 77 registered player, from teens to seniors in their 80s.

The tournament featured a double elimination format and was open to all skill levels, with divisions organized by both age and ability. Competitors paid a $50 registration fee for a chance to earn medals, with the top three finishers in each category taking home medals.

Saturday’s competition included men’s and women’s doubles matches, while Sunday highlighted mixed doubles teams. Across all divisions, players from Palm Coast, Flagler County and surrounding areas including Jacksonville and Orlando competed in what organizers described as a highly competitive yet welcoming environment.

Joseph Trinkle, an athletic specialist with the city of Palm Coast, said pickleball’s appeal comes from its accessibility and social nature.

“It’s more of a social game,” Trinkle said. “Pretty much anyone, any age … doesn’t matter where you’re from or your athletic background. Anyone can play the sport, pick up a paddle and play. It’s like a community.”

That sense of community was on

full display throughout the weekend, with players cheering each other on between matches and spectators lining the courts.

In mixed doubles competition on Sunday, Harry Dresner and Ana Dresner took home gold in Group A, while Erik Viera and Mirilys Viera claimed the top spot in Group B. Jim Pan and Alice Edington secured gold in Group C.

Saturday’s men’s doubles saw Mike Derbaum and John MacCorkle win gold in the 60 and older division, while Rusty Hoce and Eric Ellis topped the 50 to 59 bracket. Daniel Johnson and Eric Mirilys earned first place in the 25 to 49 division.

In women’s doubles, Amy Zhang and Tracy Zhou captured gold in the 55 to 69 advanced division, while Lisa Mills and Sall Kaplan led the 55 to 69 intermediate group. Tracy Lavino and Jeanne Ray finished first in the 25 to 49 division.

The level of play throughout the tournament drew participants from across the region.

“Fantastic,” Trinkle said. “We have

people from Jacksonville, Orlando … of course our home, Flagler County … so it’s a good mix of people.”

Beyond the competition, organizers emphasized the accessibility of pickleball and encouraged new players to get involved. The Southern Recreation Center offers open play throughout the week, making it easy for residents to try the sport.

“It’s very welcoming,” Trinkle said. “You can play within your skill level … so you’re not trying to play someone way better than you.”

As pickleball continues to grow in popularity across Palm Coast, events like the “Luck of the Pickle” tournament highlight not only the competitive side of the sport but also its role in building community connections.

“Just come out, support the pickleball community and support Palm Coast Parks and Rec,” Trinkle said.

See a video interview with Trinkle on Observer Now. Visit youtube. com/@palmcoastobserver.

Send your video sports highlights to Rich Carroll at rich@ observerlocalnews.com

Our River Cruise Departures and Groups Includes:

• Transportation from Home or Group Parking area to Airport & Hotel Air, Gratuities, Excursions, Alcohol, Culinary, Entertainment, History

• Lower/ Upper MS. - Snake River – Alaska - FloridaGreat Lakes

• Chesapeake Bay - Yellowstone-Ohio - Tennessee & Great Smoky Mountains

Call to Meet w/ Stefan in person or attend our Monthly Travel Presentations

Join the Fun Tours

Escorted Cruise Tour

Lower MS. & Beau Rivage Feb. 21- March 3, 2027 (11) Days

Departs Ormond & Palm Coast

Par 3 is back at Pine Lakes All 18 holes will become a par 3 at the sixth annual Masters Par 3 Tournament on March 28 at Pine Lakes Golf Club. The event is sponsored by the Pine Lakes Men’s golf Association. Entry fee is $75 per person, Sign up by March 21. Call the pro shop at 386-445-0852, opt 1.

Three titles in a row for Bulldogs

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys weightlifting team won its third tournament in three weeks. The Bulldogs won the Suwannee Inivitational on March 13, edging host Suwannee High of Live Oak 46-44. The Bulldogs will host the Five Star Conference Tournament on March 25.

Matanzas girls soccer coach steps down Scott Crooke, the Matanzas girls soccer coach for the past five and a half seasons, has stepped down.

Crooke is a dean at Indian Trails Middle School. His daughter, Adasyn, is a freshman at Flagler Palm Coast and played on the Bulldogs’ JV soccer team this year.

Silver, bronze winners

Father Lopez’s Lucy Fulton earned a silver medal and two bronze medals at the Lake Mary Invitational track and field meet on March 14. Fulton placed second in the 3,200 meters with a time of 13:12 and third in the 1,600 in 5:54. She was also ran anchor leg on the third-place 4x800 relay team. The Green Wave’s girls 4x400 relay also placed third. Caroline Curtis and Izy Kosko ran on both relays. Kosko was also fourth in high jump. Matanzas also brought athletes to Lake Mary with Kevin Gilpin placing third in the boys 400 (51.61 seconds), Enzo McGovern placing second in the 1,600 (4:47.71) and Brant Tarsitano placing second in the 3,200 (10:02.02), Jayden McCoy placing second in triple jump (12.97 meters) and the 4x400 relay (Gilpin, Jez McCoy, Matt Ciardi and Jayden McCoy) also placing second in 3:35.88.

Photos courtesy of the City of Palm Coast

Sunrise Bank*

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.

Carving

Like New Gas Trimmer $40, New Scott’s Lawn Fertilizer $20, Black Plastic Edging 60’ $10 386-586-8745 Cleaning services Ana’s Personal housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonalhousekeeping@gmail.com 386-868-9662

Employment

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

Hospitalist Physician (Palm Coast, FL) Multiple openings. Sound Physicians of Florida IV, LLC: Diagnose, treat, & provide inpatient care for hospitalized adult patients. Must possess or be eligible to possess a valid state license to practice medicine in Florida and have completed three years of residency training in family or internal medicine. Medical degree or foreign equivalent required. To apply, email Maggie McCluney at belong@soundphysicians. com.

For Rent

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.

For Sale

Floating Dock “JET DOCK” 12’x 20’ Electric/Manual Winch Steps. Excellent Condition. Palm Coast 954-445-0221

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

Community Yard Sale April 10th &11th 9am-2pm At Plantation Oaks on Old Kings Rd Flagler Beach

Spring Market at Integra

Woods Saturday, March 21st from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM! This family-friendly event will feature a community-wide garage sale, local vendors, and delicious food trucks. If you would like to set up a vendor spot please RSVP by Friday 3/20. (386) 586-7710

1239 South Central Avenue, Flagler Beach. Saturday, March 21. 9a, - 1p Collectables, household items, glassware, kitchen goods, diamond ring, coastal items, pictures, outdoor furniture, TV stand, bookshelves, much more.

Garage Sale 68 Columbia Ln PC Fri 3/20 - Sat 3/21 7:301:30 Good STUFF!!

Wanted

Cash Reward Serious Collector Buying Coins, Stamps, Paper $, and Collectables 917504-6165

TRIBUTES

Douglas Kendall Pineo

February 2, 1949 - March 1, 2026

Douglas Kendall Pineo, 77, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away suddenly on 3/1/2026. He was born on February 2, 1949 in Hartford, Connecticut to Kendall Pineo and Lillian Andresen Pineo. He was a 1967 graduate of Northfield Mount Hermon Preparatory School, served in the US Army, and completed his education at the University of New Hampshire, where he received his degree in Civil Engineering in 1980. He married Edwina Dunkle on 6/6/2020 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Doug’s career as a Civil Engineer began at the time telecommunications was a growing industry, and this soon became Doug’s area of expertise. His career spanned the United States and he also spent time in Sri Lanka. His final career move landed him in Pittsburgh, PA where he was recruited by Crown Castle International to help build what became a structural engineering team highly recognized across the industry for excellence and integrity. This legacy was formed through diligence and tireless effort. He was passionate about teaching and mentoring young engineers. Doug served as a professional role model to many, with his patient guidance and enthusiasm for the profession shaping the early stages of countless careers in the field. Doug took pride in his work, not for the titles or recognition, but because he truly loved what he did. He was never too busy to teach or learn and had a special ability to simplify and explain complicated issues to enable

Irene A. Strasser

others to succeed. Doug was a trusted advisor at Crown Castle and his time was marked with the sales and marketing “Saving Our Bacon” award where he was given a Rolex Submariner watch. Doug created value and lasting impact in the lives of many and the organization as a whole. We are all better engineers and better people having known and worked with Doug.

A bachelor for much of his life, Doug’s career didn’t leave much time for romance. After retiring in 2015, he decided he wanted to give love one more try, and met Edwina Dunkle through an online dating app. Their relationship quickly blossomed, and in 2020, at the age of 71, Doug married for the first time.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Doug’s great passion for whitewater kayaking led him on decades of adventures with paddling comrades. Always a positive role model, Doug’s quest for both adventure and competence on the river was much admired by fellow paddlers. Doug’s company on the river was a tremendous asset and full of entertaining shenanigans. Whether paddling the big water rivers of Costa Rica, Colorado or the narrow, rocky creeks of New England, Doug’s expertise and positive outlook kindled long lasting friendships with fellow river rats.

He has been a resident of Palm Coast since 2020, first as a “snow bird” and just recently moving permanently with Edwina into their retirement dream home. Always active, Doug jumped at the chance

August 15, 1935 - February 14, 2026

Irene A. Strasser, 90, of Ormond Beach, FL peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior surrounded by family on Saturday, February 14, 2026. Irene grew up in High Point, NC and graduated from High Point High School in 1953. She earned her Bachelor Degree in English in 1957 from the University of NC- Women’s College. Her first job though was as a receptionist in the Emergency Room at Durham Hospital. That same year she met her husband of 63 years, Bernard Strasser. In 1958, they were married and moved to Volusia County, Florida. She taught at Riverview School then moved to Seabreeze Junior High School. Many of her English and History students still reside in Ormond Beach. Irene was involved and volunteered with many charitable, community,

church and school organizations. She held offices as the President of the Law Wives organization, President and Vice-President of the Ormond Beach Women’s Club and volunteered at many local Parent Teacher Associations (PTA). She was a Paul Harris Fellow award recipient from the Rotary Club. She enjoyed being a member of the Questers group and loved visiting antique and craft shows. She was known for her beautifully decorated Christmas trees at the Casements Guild and Museum Christmas galas for over 20 years. She was a devoted daughter, wife, sister, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to meet her.

She is survived by her son, Drew Strasser (Lori) of Ormond Beach, daughter, Michelle S. Warden (Ste-

to join a local pool league and loved his time as a member of the Bullsharks Billiard Team at the Cue Note Billiard Room in Palm Coast.

Doug is survived by his beloved wife Edwina, sisters Joanne (Jody) Lorenz, Martha (Marty) Etsell, brother David Pineo, nieces Jennifer Etsell, Heather Daniels, Amanda Ampon (Edwin), Hannah Lorenz, nephews Adam Etsell, Peter Leavitt, great nephews Mason Ampon and Levi Ampon, step-daughters Rachael French (William Ommert), Lydia French (Brad Reed) and grandsons Theo Ommert and August Ommert. He was preceded in death by his sister Julianne Daniels.

Doug was an extraordinary, kind soul who cared deeply about the world; he truly treasured his friendships, was devoted to and loved his family even more than he loved chocolate.

A private memorial will be held for family and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Doug’s name to American Whitewater (https://www. americanwhitewater.org).

phen) of Boynton Beach,

Janet

NY., as well as 5 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her memorial service will be at the Holly Hill Church of Christ on March 21, 2026, @ 11:00am.

Condolences to the family may be shared at www.dalewoodwardfuneralhomes.com.

son, Brian Strasser (Rosalind) Polk County, brother, Bill Abernethy, Naperville, IL, sisterin-law,

Purdy, Ithaca,

on April 10, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 2, CAROLYN TERRACE, AC-

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10185 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF LINDA LEE OSTRANDER, a/k/a Linda L. Ostrander, Deceased. The administration of the estate of Linda Lee Ostrander, deceased, whose date of death was August 26, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. 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 19, 2026. Personal Representative: Leanne Ostrander 762 Tarry Town Trail Port Orange, Florida 32127 Attorney for Personal Representative: Cyrus Malhotra Florida Bar No. 0022751 THE MALHOTRA LAW FIRM P.A. 3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa, FL 33624 Telephone: (813) 902-2119 Fax Number: (727)290-4044

Email: filings@FLprobatesolutions.com Secondary: cortney@FLprobatesolutions.com March 19, 26, 2026 26-00192I

CORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 19, PAGE 257, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 101 CAROLYN TERRACE, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32119 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 13 day of March, 2026. 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 By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 23-153660 - NaP March 19, 26, 2026 26-00199I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10049 PRDL Division Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF ELIZABETH C. DE WEIL Deceased. The administration of the estate of Elizabeth C. de Weil, deceased, whose date of death was November 18, 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 19, 2026. Personal Representative: Scott D. de Weil 643 Azalea Oaks Drive Orange City, Florida 32763 Attorney for Personal Representative: Michael Newman, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 00901114 1540 International Parkway, Suite 2000 Lake Mary, Florida 32746 Telephone: (407) 413-2588 E-Mail: attynewman@outlook.com Secondary E-Mail: cynthia@flestateparalegal.com March 19, 26, 2026 26-00193I

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No.: 25CA012955 BCL-CRE 3, LLC, a foreign limited liability company, Plaintiff, v. ARKAGAS, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, WORLD FUEL SERVICES, INC. d/b/a WORLD FUEL, INC., a foreign corporation, CITY OF PORT ORANGE, and ALL UNKNOWN PERSONS IN POSSESSION, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to the Order Granting BCLCRE 3, LLC, to reschedule the Foreclosure Sale entered following the Default Final Judgment of Commercial Foreclosure entered on November 7, 2025, in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Volusia County, Florida, Case No. 25CA012955, Laura E. Roth, as the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, on April 22, 2026 starting at 11:00 a.m.by electronic sale at www.volusia.realforeclose.com (website), the property situated in Volusia County, Florida, described on Exhibit A attached hereto. EXHBIT A A portion of Lot One (1), PLAT NUMBER TWO OF CRAIG FARMS, as recorded in Map Book 11, Page 90, Public Records of Volusia County, Florida, being more particularly described as follows: For a Point of Beginning commence at the Southwest corner of said Lot 1; thence North 89° 42’ 45” East along the South line of said Lot 1, the same being the Northerly Right-of-Way line of Journeys End Drive (a 50 foot right of way formerly known as Herbert Road and/or Taylor Road), a distance of 228.09 feet to its intersection with the Southwesterly Rightof-Way line of Taylor Branch Road (a 70 foot Right-of-Way formerly known

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No: 2026 10542 PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF ANNETTE EBERHEART STURDIVANT, Deceased.

The administration of the Estate of ANNETTE EBERHEART STURDIVANT, deceased, whose date of death was November 17, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

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 this notice was first published is March 19, 2026. Personal Representative: /s/ Adrienne Ross-Askew Adrienne Ross-Askew 135 Gala Circle Daytona Beach, FL 32124

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Elan R. Kaney

Elan R. Kaney, Esq. Florida Bar No. 0538302 Elan R. Kaney, PLLC 523 N. Halifax Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32118 (386) 281-5777

Email: Elan.Kaney@KaneyLaw.com March 19, 26, 2026 26-00194I

as Taylor Road and/or Access Road); thence North 29° 39’ 29” West along said Southwesterly Right-of-Way line of Taylor Branch Road, a distance of 247.87 feet to its intersection with the Southeasterly limited access Right-ofWay line of State Road 421 or Dunlawton Avenue (a variable width Right-ofWay as shown on Florida Department of Transportation Right-of-Way maps, Section 792302504, and formerly known as Herbert Street and formerly being a 200 foot wide Right-of-Way); thence in a Southwesterly direction along the arc of a curve in said Southeasterly limited access Right- of-Way line of Dunlawton Avenue, said curve being concave Northwesterly and having a radius of 1116.47 feet, through a central angle of 09° 53’ 00”, an arc distance of 192.59 feet to its intersection with the West line of said Lot 1, PLAT NUMBER TWO OF CRAIG FARMS, said arc being subtended by a chord bearing and distance of South 29° 03’ 53” West, 192.35 feet; thence South 13° 54’ 49” West along said West line of Lot 1, also being the Easterly Rightof-Way line of a 50 foot road as shown on said PLAT NUMBER TWO OF CRAIG FARMS, a distance of 49.88 feet to the Point of Beginning. Property Address: 5784 Taylor Branch Road, Port Orange, Florida 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. Dated this 16th day of March 2026. HAHN LOESER & PARKS, LLP 2400 First Street, Suite 300 Fort Myers, FL 33901

Phone: (239) 337-6700

Fax: (239) 337-6701

/s/ Gary D. Rhodes, Esq. GARY D. RHODES, JR., ESQ. Florida Bar No. 121653 grhodes@hahnlaw.com knweatherington@hahnlaw.com FL-eservice@hahnlaw.com 21385489 March 19, 26, 2026 26-00200I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION (formal notice by publication) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 13679 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF SUMNER G. OLDHAM, aka SUMNER GERALD OLDHAM, and SUMNER OLDHAM Deceased.

TO: William David Oldham

Address Unknown James Sumner G. Oldham, aka James Sumner Oldham

Address Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that a Notice of Administration and Petition to Determine Homestead Status of Real Property has been filed in this court. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner’s attorney, whose name and address are: Robert M. Holland, Legacy Law Associates, P.L., 313 S. Palmetto Avenue, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 on or before April 24, 2026, and to file the original of the written defenses with the clerk of this court either before service or immediately thereafter. Failure to serve and file written defenses as required may result in a judgment or order for the relief demanded, without further notice.

Signed on this 10 day of March, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: Tara Coker As Deputy Clerk

First Publication on: March 19, 2026. Mar. 19, 26; Apr. 2, 9, 2026 26-00196I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE

The following personal property of JOHN ANTHONY PARTICA will, on April 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at 22 Honey Bear Path, Lot #64, Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida 32174; be sold for cash to satisfy storage fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 715.109: 1984 PALM MOBILE HOME, VIN: PH19345AFL, TITLE NO.: 0041095936, and VIN: PH19345BFL, TITLE NO.: 0041118789 and all other personal property located therein PREPARED BY: J. Matthew Bobo Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A. 2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 500 Sarasota, Florida 34236 (PO#3326-3226) March 19, 26, 2026 26-00201I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12808 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF SAMIR DANIEL BOULOS, aka SAMIR DANIAL BOULOS Deceased.

The administration of the estate of SAMIR DANIEL BOULOS, also known as SAMIR DANIAL BOULOS, deceased, whose date of death was July 15, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 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 19, 2026. Signed on this 16th day of MARCH, 2026. /s/ David Boulos DAVID BOULOS Personal Representative 36 Brookdale Avenue Milford, CT 06460 /s/ Robert Kit Korey for R. Kevin Korey

SUBSEQUENT

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