Daytona Beach Observer 6-11-26

weighs ethics concerns in

Sally Rae, Lucy Warren and Gwendolyn Coy dance to the ‘80s hits performed by The Spazmatics. Photos by Rachel Mills

NEWS BRIEFS

Body found after RV fire in Bunnell

Bunnell Police Department officers and detectives are investigating a fire involving a recreational vehicle on Lake Drive in Bunnell.

On Tuesday, June 2, at 11:47 p.m., a neighbor called 9-1-1 to report their neighbor’s RV was engulfed in flames.

Bunnell Police Department officers, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Flagler County Fire Rescue, and the Palm Coast Fire Department responded to the scene and found the recreational vehicle engulfed in flames. After firefighters extinguished the fire, responders discovered the remains of one deceased person inside the vehicle.

The deceased person has not been positively identified due to the condition of the remains. The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Medical Examiner’s Office are assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information

COPS CORNER

JUNE 2

TRADING CARDS AND A TACKLE

6:50 p.m. — 100 block of Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast Petit theft. A Palm Coast man was arrested after deputies say he attempted to flee with stolen trading cards and sports cards.

related is encouraged to contact the Bunnell Police Department at 386-600-7954.

Daytona Beach man sentenced in 2025 child sex crime case

A Daytona Beach man arrested in May 2025 after he committed a sex act in front of a young child and recorded it has been convicted and sentenced to 180 days in jail.

On June 3, Timothy Williams IV, 27, pleaded guilty to lewd or lascivious exhibition. Following Williams’ plea agreement, Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols sentenced him to 180 days in jail. He will also be required to register as a sex offender, will be on sex offender probation for 10 years after his release from jail, and is prohibited from having contact with the child victim.

The investigation that resulted in Williams’ arrest was led by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Cyber Crimes/Internet Crimes Against Children Unit following a Cyber Tip reported by the FBI and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. FCSO was assisted

in the investigation by Homeland Security Investigations and the Northeast Florida Inter-Agency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force.

Williams is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he will serve his jail sentence.

Palm Coast man engaged in sexual relationship with minor convicted

Brandon Raymond, 20, of Palm Coast, who was arrested in November 2025 after an investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office revealed he was in a sexual relationship with a minor, has been convicted and sentenced.

On June 3, Raymond pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd or lascivious battery.

Following Raymond’s plea agreement, Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols sentenced him to four years in state prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender and will be on sex offender probation for 11 years after his release from prison.

Raymond is currently being held at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility awaiting transfer to Florida Department of Corrections custody.

Bunnell Police chief completes FBI executive leadership course

Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon recently completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Command Course, an executive leadership program designed for law enforcement leaders who serve agencies with 50 or fewer sworn officers.

Brannon attended the course with 51 law enforcement executives from across the United States. The program brought together chiefs and executive leaders who face many of the same challenges common to smaller agencies, including staffing limitations, budget constraints, officer wellness, public trust, organizational leadership, and the demand to deliver professional police services with limited resources.

The FBI National Command

Course provides advanced instruction, peer collaboration, and leadership development for executives responsible for guiding their agencies through complex public safety issues. The course also gives participants direct access to experienced instructors, national-level resources, and fellow law enforcement leaders from across the country. The week-long training course is provided by the FBI at no cost to the attendees or their respective agency.

“Small agencies do not have small missions,” Brannon said. “We carry the same duty to protect, lead, adapt, and build trust as any agency in the country. In many cases, we do it with fewer people, tighter budgets, and a closer daily connection to the communities we serve. This course strengthened my commitment to keep growing as a leader and to keep building a police department our community trusts and respects.”

Court hands down sentences in two Flagler child sex crime cases

Two men arrested last year

following separate Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit investigations into sex offenses involving minors have been convicted and sentenced in recent days. Josiah Morales, 19, of Palm Coast, was arrested in August 2025 after Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Major Case Unit detectives determined he had sex multiple times with a minor. On June 3, Morales pled guilty to child abuse and was sentenced to five years on probation without the possibility of early termination. Morales is also required to follow certain sex offender restrictions.

Jordan Pittmon, 27, of Daytona Beach, was arrested in February 2025 following an eight-month investigation into the sexual battery of a 14-year-old victim. On June 3, Pittmon pled no contest to lewd or lascivious battery and traveling to meet a minor. Following Pittmon’s plea agreement, he was adjudicated guilty and sentenced him to 85 1/2 months, or just over seven years, in state prison. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life and will be on sex offender probation for five years after his release from prison.

As deputies moved in to detain him, the man allegedly threw some of the merchandise into the air and ran from the front entrance. A deputy chased him on foot, repeatedly ordering him to stop. He was eventually taken into custody after a brief foot pursuit.

Store representatives advised they wished to press charges.

Most of the stolen items were trading cards and sports cards. Deputies also recov-

According to an arrest report, loss prevention employees contacted law enforcement after observing a man concealing merchandise inside a retail store. Deputies waited with store employees until the suspect passed all points of sale and exited the business.

ered two knives from the man’s possession, though investigators determined the knives belonged to him and were not stolen. The knives were entered into evidence. He was taken to jail.

JUNE 3 A SOCK SURPRISE

Time not listed in report —

5100 block of State Road 100, Palm Coast Petit theft. A Palm Coast man was arrested after deputies linked him to a shoplifting incident involving characterthemed socks.

According to an arrest report, a loss prevention officer contacted deputies after

spotting a suspected shoplifter inside a retail store. The suspect was already known to store personnel because of a theft reported the previous day.

Surveillance footage showed the man entering the girls’ hosiery section, concealing merchandise and then moving to the boys’ department, where he gathered additional socks before hiding them on his person. He later exited the store without paying, passing all points of sale. While the footage was being reviewed, deputies located a man matching the suspect’s description nearby. He was detained and identified as the

person seen in the surveillance video.

A search of the man’s belongings uncovered socks with store tags still attached. According to the report, he admitted the socks had been stolen from the store.

JUNE 4

911, THAT’S NOT AN EMERGENCY

1:18 a.m. — 300 block of Timberline Trail, Ormond Beach Misuse of 911 services. A 52-year-old Ormond Beach woman is facing a misdemeanor charge after making 171 calls to 911 in a three-week period. According to a police re-

•

port, the most recent call surrounded a complaint that all her neighbors were “bickering” in the area. She called 911 four times that night, with the first call occurring at 1:18 a.m. and the fourth at 3:05 a.m. The report notes that during her third call, the dispatcher informed her that law enforcement would come to her house if she kept calling the emergency line, “to which she was very unhappy about and disconnected the call.” During her fourth and final call that night, she made “nonsensical statements” about Christians and Pagans. Police reported the woman has at least one prior charge for misusing the 911 system. As police were writing the report, the woman called 911 a fifth time — at 3:42 a.m., to report more bickering.

ONE MAN’S TRASH ... 4:30 p.m. — 600 block of North Ridgewood Avenue, Ormond Beach Theft. Police responded to an Ormond Beach home after two citizens reported an unknown suspect had stolen their trash cans. The residents said that the suspect walked onto their property sometime in the early afternoon and emptied six of their trash cans into a dumpster in the driveway. The suspect then took all of the trash cans, along with two coolers, a yard cart and a package that had been delivered to the front door. The value of the items stolen totaled $999, according to the police report. The residents wished to pursue charges.

Ormond plans to keep millage rate flat. Tax reform may cause $8.2M loss.

City staff delivered a blunt outlook on the governor’s property tax reform: Services will need to be cut.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

As municipalities brace themselves for revenue shortfalls caused by the governor’s proposal for property tax reform, the City of Ormond Beach is looking to adopt a flat tax rate for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

During a workshop on Tuesday, June 9, the City Commission directed staff to prepare a budget based on a tax rate of 4.3202 mills, or $4.3202 per $1,000 in taxable property value, for its general fund. This tax rate, according to city staff, would provide funding to maintain current services and account for the increases caused by collective bargaining agreements and operating expenses.

“We gave staff direction in the last couple meetings to stay flat, and I think I’m still on board with staying flat this year because of what’s coming down the pipeline,” Commissioner Travis Sargent said.

Last week, Florida lawmakers passed a constitutional amendment that will give voters a choice this November on raising the homesteaded

BY THE NUMBERS

$11.2M in tax revenue generated by the city’s 12,561 homesteaded properties.

$5.7M in tax revenue generated by 4,656 non-homesteaded properties.

$4.78M in tax revenue generated by commercial properties.

$1.893B in taxable values will be eliminated from the tax rolls by 2028, if governor's property tax reform amendment is approved by voters.

property tax exemption. The amendment would increase the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027, and then $250,000 in 2028, for nonschool property taxes.

New residents moving into the state after Dec. 31, 2026, would begin with a $50,000 exemption, and would need to have five years of residency before reaching the $250,000 exemption.

IMPACT OF LOWER REVENUE

Cities like Ormond Beach are looking at what that would mean for future fiscal years, as property taxes account for significant shares of their operating budgets. In Ormond, homesteaded properties currently bring in $11.2 million and account for 44% of tax revenue.

If the property tax reform amendment passes, almost $1.9 billion in taxable values will be lost in the city as 7,412 would be exempt from the tax roll — about 59% of homes in the city won’t pay property taxes.

That will translate to about a $8.2 million shortfall in Ormond Beach by 2028, said Finance Director Kelly McGuire.

City staff did outline a bud-

get forecast if the commission opted to go to rollback next year, but the rollback rate (which generates the same amount of tax revenue as the previous year) would increase the budget shortfall caused by property tax reform to $10.2 million because the city would have a deficit of $3 million in the next fiscal year.

Those deficits would save taxpayers about $70 on average, for the year.

“We’re already gathering all the data right now, and it’s going to take us a number of months to do that, and really dig into everything that the commission will need to make these decisions if this amendment passes,” McGuire said.

And that will likely mean cutting services, she explained to the commission. A loss of property tax revenue means a permanent reduction in services, or the addition or increase in other fees to generate new revenue.

“When the tax goes away, the tax revenue goes away,” McGuire said. “It goes away forever ... which means the expenditures have to also go away forever.”

To put the deficit in perspective, McGuire explained that the city could cut its entire parks and rec depart-

Livestreaming meetings?

Commissioners also discussed livestreaming City Commission meetings in the future, a line item that was cut from last year’s budget. City staff informed the commission that it would cost $50,000 to start livestreaming meetings, which includes a $26,000 startup cost. After the first year, livestreaming would cost the city $24,000 a year. City Commissioner Travis Sargent

ment — which includes grounds maintenance for the whole city — and still be about $1 million short of the $8.2 million tax loss.

“Just so we understand the gravity of what we’re talking about,” McGuire said.

Commissioner Harold Briley said that “fiscally prudent and responsible” cities are the ones that will feel the brunt of the impact caused by the governor’s property tax reform proposal.

“This commission and prior commissions have always boasted about how fiscally

has been a proponent of livestreaming meetings since he took office. “I think this is like Leisure Services — non-negotiable for me,” Sargent said, adding that many other cities provide video livestreaming for their meetings. The rest of the commission wasn’t ready to make a decision, asking for more time to think on the issue. If and when the commission wants to move forward, city staff said the service could go live in about six weeks.

prudent and sound Ormond Beach is,” Briley said. “... I think right now we’re number two, second lowest [millage rate] in the county, which means we don’t overspend.” Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland agreed, and said that while there are always projects she’d like the city to do, this isn’t the time to add to the budget.

“I’m very much in favor of staying flat, and I would hate to go to rollback because getting out of that hole and cutting services that we can’t get back? I think our residents deserve more,” she said.

VCS honors the Lohmans for continuing science program at The Brown

The program will continue for at least the next six years in memory of the late Lowell Lohman.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Volusia County School Board honored the Lohmans for their contributions in helping cultivate a love of science in every fifth and eighth grade student in the district. Since its launch in 2021, over 40,000 Volusia County Schools students have participated in the Lohman’s Museum of Arts and Sciences Field Study program. The Lohmans — Nancy and her late husband, Lowell, of Ormond Beach — established the program by

way of a $340,000 donation to the FUTURES Foundation after a conversation between VCS K-12 Science Coordinator Jen Taylor, former School Board member Carl Persis and Superintendent Carmen Balgobin six years ago.

“The vision was to really take a love for learning in the field of science and bring experiences to life for our students,” Balgobin said. “I still remember the meeting as if it was yesterday. There was so much passion in that room.”

The program has been running for five years now, and grants an opportunity for every fifth and eighth grade VCS student to attend a free field trip to MOAS as part of their class curriculum. Since the museum is undergoing a rebranding as The Brown, the program will be named “The Lohmans’ Day at The Brown.”

Lowell Lohman, who died last October, believed that every child deserved to be a part of the program, regardless of financial circumstance, Taylor said. She shared that every year, at their budget meeting, he’d turn to her and ask which students would be selected for the field study.

“’I’d look at him and it was like a trick question every year, and he’d get this little grin on his face, and I’d say, ‘Well, you’ve already pay for all the kids to go,’” Taylor recalled.

“And he’s like, ‘Well, that’s what I wanted to hear, and so he just continued on. It made him so happy.” Taylor said students’ science testing scores have grown all five years of the field study program. The Lohmans have continued to fund the program year after year, and Nancy Lohman

“Lowell is smiling from ear to ear down on all of us to know that we get to continue to be a part of that.”

LOHMAN

NANCY

will carry on that legacy.

“I can’t imagine, truthfully never, never supporting the initiative, but I have made it a very firm commitment for at least the next six years,” Nancy Lohman said. “But honestly, that’s just what’s in writing. I can’t really imagine saying no.”

As MOAS continues its transition into The Brown, the planetarium will continue to carry the Lohman name.

“Lowell is smiling from ear to ear down on all of us to know that we get to continue

to be a part of that,” Nancy Lohman said.

Lowell’s presence is memorialized in the planetarium’s lobby, with one of his quotes, “Adventure in life begins with learning.” It’s the last thing visitors see before they leave, said

“So even though Lowell is not here with us today, those words still echo in our hallways and in our planetarium,” said Seth Mayo, curator of science at the museum. Email jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.

Nancy Lohman (center) is recognized by the Volusia County School Board. From left: School Board members Krista Goodrich, Jessie Thompson, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin, Science Coordinator Jen Taylor, Nancy Lohman, MOAS/The Brown Curator of Science Seth Mayo, and School Board members Donna Brosemer and Chair Ruben Colon. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools

Ormond, FAA to discuss River Bend

A petition referenced at the city Tuesday night to reopen River Bend was signed by 2,601 residents.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

At least 2,601 Ormond Beach residents want to see River Bend Golf Course reopen, according to a petition referenced at the City Commission meeting on Tuesday, June 9.

“No more studies, no more kicking it down the road,” said Coleen McMahon, a candidate for the City Commission Zone 1 seat who spoke about the petition. “... This isn’t a request for another study, it’s a direction from the people you serve. Residents have spoken: Open River Bend now.” City officials say they have not yet seen the petition themselves.

The 172-acre municipal golf course closed in December 2020 after its operator filed for bankruptcy. Since its closure, there’s been a backand-forth between residents, city staff and the Federal Aviation Administration on reopening the golf course, as River Bend abuts the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport and sits on airport property. Most recently, Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher told the Observer that the FAA would not consider using the land for purposes other than aeronautical purposes, or allow it to be sold, without a master plan update projecting 20-year aeronautical demand.

Additionally, River Bend would require millions of dollars in renovation, and both officials and city staff have voiced doubt on whether a

new operator would take on the project without land ownership or a long-term lease.

Still, the city is inching forward on the issue after receiving direction from the City Commission in late May. Rademacher told the officials that staff has a meeting scheduled with the FAA next week.

“What we’re going to do is we’re going to gain greater clarity on whether or not they’re going to allow us to move forward with the idea of an RFQ or an RFP or an RFI,” Rademacher said, referencing putting out requests for qualifications, proposals or information for a new operator.

Planning Board member GG Galloway spoke at the meeting. Over 30 years ago, he and his senior partner helped put a lease together for the original operators of River Bend.

“I think everyone in this room right now would love to see a golf course, yet I haven’t seen a business plan or business model to say one, who’s going to pay for it — how much my tax dollars going to be used to pay for it,” Galloway said. “And it’s no longer going to be a $45-a-round golf course.”

Could a feasible business model exist? Some think so.

Mayor Jason Leslie informed the commission that he had arranged a meeting between two golf industry professionals and city staff to discuss the feasibility of reopening River Bend. The professionals — Harrison Minchew and Gerry James — reviewed a 2019 study prepared for the city on the golf course, Leslie said.

“After reviewing that report, discussing current market conditions, both men reached the same conclusion: Riverbend was not a dying golf course, it was a thriving golf course,” Leslie said.

The mayor also read into the record an email from the FAA to the city’s former airport director, dated July 23, 2025.

The email references an advisory from the FAA that provides guidance on land uses that may attract hazardous wildlife on or near airports.

The advisory states that existing golf courses that have been documented to attract hazardous wildlife, like Canada geese, develop a program to reduce the attractiveness of the site for these species. It also recommends against the construction of new golf courses, if it is determined it would attract hazardous wildlife.

“So the way I’m interpreting it is that if golf courses are located on or near airport property, airport operators should be alert to any wildlife use or habitat changes,” Leslie said.

About two years ago, City Commissioner Travis Sargent inquired about reopening the golf course too and putting it out for bid. Sargent added that he submitted his own Freedom of Information Act request for all emails between the FAA and the last airport manager, which came at a cost of $140.

He will be reviewing those emails soon, he said.

“In the meantime, I wonder if maybe we can put out a request for qualifications to see if there’s anyone out there that’s qualified to take over this operation, pending the answer from the FAA,” Sargent said. “... If not, I think this is a way for us to either see if there’s someone that wants to take it over, or we close it for good and move on to the next phase, but at least we can give our residents the opportunity to officially open it or close it. Whichever direction it goes, I’m OK with.”

Ethics versus nonprofit funding?

Ordinance that would restrict commissioner sponsorship of nonprofit funding stalls in Daytona.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

A debate over ethics, nonprofit funding and potential conflicts of interest led to a split vote Wednesday as the Daytona Beach City Commission considered a proposal that would restrict commissioners from sponsoring donations to organizations in which they hold membership.

The discussion unfolded during consideration of mayoral zone support fund allocations, when Commissioner Stacy Cantu questioned whether anyone connected to the dais belonged to organizations scheduled to receive funding.

Commissioner Paula Reed acknowledged she was a member of the Links Foundation, while City Manager Deric Feacher disclosed that he belonged to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The discussion prompted Cantu to raise concerns about whether elected officials should be permitted to recommend city funding for organizations in which they hold membership.

Cantu then proposed an ordinance that would prohibit commissioners from recommending city donations to organizations of which they are members.

“I would like to make a motion that we propose an ordinance prohibiting donations to any group of which any commissioner is a member of,” Cantu said.

City Attorney Ben Gross told commissioners he would

need to conduct additional research regarding potential ethics implications under Florida law, though he later clarified that the commission could legally adopt such an ordinance if it chose to do so.

The proposal quickly sparked a debate between Cantu and Reed over whether membership in a nonprofit organization constitutes a conflict of interest.

“We have given funds to the Links Foundation for years,” Reed said, explaining that donations are routed through the national foundation before supporting local programs.

When Cantu asked whether Reed paid dues to the organization and how much those dues were, Reed replied, “Four hundred and some odd dollars a year.”

Cantu maintained that membership alone creates at least the appearance of a conflict.

“I don’t think anyone should be giving money to their organization that they are a member of,” she said.

Reed strongly disagreed.

“I don’t think any organization in Daytona Beach that is supporting our citizens, made up of citizens, should suffer that the city is not willing to give them funding so they continue to provide the services they provide,” Reed said.

Vice Mayor Dannette Henry repeatedly sought clarification from Cantu regarding exactly where she believed the conflict existed.

“What do you believe the conflict of interest is?” Henry asked.

“If you’re a member of this organization and you are giving money to your organization, that’s a conflict to me,” Cantu responded.

Henry then questioned whether the same logic would

apply to veterans organizations.

“So does that mean, like the veterans, you wouldn’t give money to the veterans?” Henry asked. Cantu responded that her involvement with veterans groups is different because she is not a veteran and does not consider herself a member of those organizations.

“Veterans is nonpartisan. I advocate for veterans, but I’m actually not a member. I’m not a veteran, but I advocate for veterans,” Cantu said. “I am auxiliary ... I don’t pay dues.”

The discussion later shifted to whether some organizations receiving city funding were partisan in nature. Cantu said she had reviewed several of the organizations online and raised concerns about political activity.

“I looked at these organizations,” Cantu said. Referring to the Midtown Community Development Corporation, she added, “I saw lots of things up there on that Facebook page about voting.” Reed disputed that characterization and defended MCDC.

“Actually, it’s not partisan at all,” Reed said, noting that nonprofit organizations are prohibited from supporting political candidates.

After nearly 25 minutes of discussion, commissioners voted on whether to move forward with drafting the ordinance. The proposal failed in a 3-3 tie vote, with Commissioners Stacy Cantu, Quanita May and Monica Paris voting in favor, while Commissioners Paula Reed, Ken Strickland and Dannette Henry voted against it. Mayor Derrick Henry was absent from the meeting, leaving no tiebreaking vote and causing the measure to fail.

On affordability, a flat tax rate and banning AI data centers

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

As Ormond Beach begins to prepare its next fiscal year’s budget, affordability is a top priority for Ormond Beach City Commissioner Kristin Deaton.

“We have to keep our taxes low for people on fixed incomes,” she said. “Of course, the challenge is maintaining all our great services at the same time. Every dollar we collect from a senior on a fixed income or retiree living their golden years in our great community is a dollar they can’t spend on the things important at their kitchen table. I’m very mindful of this.”

Deaton, who represents Zone 3 on the commission, recently participated in a Q+A with the Observer on issues including the budget, code enforcement and recent commission decisions. Here is what she said.

What are some things you think the city is doing well for its residents, and what are some things you think can be improved?

Our services are exceptional. From our parks and activities for residents of all ages, Ormond Beach is the tip of the spear on providing welcoming communal spaces. We must always work more on infrastructure and keeping up with our road repairs, sidewalks, and paving. This is a city-wide issue that could use more focus.

You were vocal about the importance of cleaning up the buffer between Walmart and Granada Boulevard. Are you satisfied with the progress? Why was that important to you as a city official?

The homeless problems, poor landscaping and trash problems along a major entry point to our city were unacceptable to me and most of the commission. Walmart needed approval to do something new, and it was our best and only chance to hold their feet to the fire to improve our gateway, of which they are a significant part of. The progress so far looks great in my opinion.

In February, you asked the city to increase lighting and signage at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Can you give an update on this? We had been asked sev-

eral times to get lighting on fields 11 and 12 at the sports complex so that additional sports could safely use them in the evening hours. After an instance where first responders were needed at the sports complex fields, and they couldn’t quickly find the proper fields, I realized better signage was needed, prompting my request. Underground electrical for the lights is underway, and the lighting project is anticipated to be complete this fall.

You voted against the Tomoka Reserve development despite the looming lawsuit from the developers. What factors contributed toward your decision?

When I ran for this seat two years ago, my slogan was, “putting our residents first.” I stand by that today just as I did two years ago. It’s no secret that I am not scared of a challenge. I was fighting for my community. Tomoka Oaks deserved for me to make a credible argument and vote no on both votes.

The governor recently signed a law allowing local governments to regulate AI data centers. What are your thoughts on this issue? I have actually proposed from the dais that we ban all data centers in Ormond Beach. Legal is bringing this matter back to us on a future agenda. AI is the future for all of us

whether we like it or not, but I am not a fan of draining our local resources to support a data center.

During an April workshop, city staff outlined the need to add staff to its Neighborhood Improvement Division to, hopefully, be able to be more proactive in code enforcement in the future. Do you see code enforcement concerns in your zone? And if so, which ones are the most common? Code enforcement in our city is definitely a concern of many residents. Admittedly, Zone 3 doesn’t seem to have as many of these problems as other parts of the city, but we are a team and we have to look out for all residents, so this will continue to be a focus of mine, even if not specific to Zone 3.

As budget season kicks off, what are some line items and projects you think should be a priority for the upcoming fiscal year?

My top priority is going flat for this years’ property taxes, meaning no millage increases. I set this precedence with staff going into all my capital improvement and budget meetings. Affordability is a primary concern for so many, and I want to be protective of all of the tax dollars our city generates so as to use them properly and keep taxing and spending to a minimum.

Cleanup, security efforts underway for Makai Resort

Efforts to clean up and secure the Makai Beach Resort property in Ormond Beach are underway.

The City of Ormond Beach shared an update about the

blighted property on its Facebook page on Monday, June 8. The resort, located at 707 S. Atlantic Ave., has been closed since sustaining significant damage during Hurricane Milton in 2024. On May 8, the property experienced an electrical fire, believed to have been caused by someone trying to steal copper wire.

“This property has sat vacant and deteriorating for years, and after the May 8 fire it became a clear safety concern for the surround-

ing area,” the city wrote on its Facebook post. “Since then, the city has kept steady pressure on the current owners (they only took over the property a few months ago) to clean it up and secure it, and some of that work is now underway.”

The city reported that the owners have removed graffiti and trash, as well as cut back vegetation and cleared remaining storm debris. The resort will also soon be fenced off for security purposes.

Kristin Deaton. Courtesy photo

Flagler’s constitutional officers defend pay increases as commission signals budget worries

Requests for pay increases draw scrutiny as county leaders prepare for uncertain budget year.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Flagler County’s constitutional officers began making their case for employee pay increases and staffing needs Monday, June 8, as county commissioners reviewed preliminary budget requests amid growing concerns about future revenue uncertainty.

Requests from several constitutional offices include a combination of cost-of-living adjustments, merit increases and additional staffing positions.

The budget conversations came shortly after auditors from James Moore & Company presented a clean audit for fiscal year 2025. Auditor Zach Chalifour described the county’s reserve position as “healthy,” noting that Flagler County maintains roughly five months of reserves, well above the Government Finance Officers Association’s minimum recommendation of two months.

While the audit offered reassurance about the county’s financial position, commissioners made clear that the upcoming budget cycle will be challenging.

Among the first budgets reviewed was the Clerk of Court and Comptroller’s Office, which is requesting a 3% cost-of-living adjustment, a 2% merit increase and two additional full-time positions.

Clerk Tom Bexley told commissioners that approximately 90% of his office’s budget is tied directly to personnel costs and described the proposal as largely a continuation budget.

“A COLA is not a bonus. It is a tool of equality,” Bexley said. “It is what we all use to try to keep our people equal, reflecting the changes in the economy and inflation.”

Bexley said constitutional officers met prior to the

workshop and agreed that a 3% cost-of-living adjustment reflected current economic conditions.

The clerk’s office is also seeking funding for two positions designed to support financial operations between the comptroller’s office and county administration.

According to Bexley, roughly $310,000 of the proposed increase is tied to employee compensation, while approximately $190,000 would fund the new positions.

Not all commissioners appeared convinced the requests would be affordable.

Vice Chair Kim Carney warned that the county may soon be forced to make difficult decisions regarding personnel spending.

“I can tell you, this is not going to be a good year and we’re going to have to say no,” Carney said. “There’s just no money there to do a $500,000 increase.”

Carney questioned whether constitutional offices should expect both cost-of-living increases and additional staffing positions in the coming year as county leaders prepare for what could be a difficult budget cycle.

Commission Chair Leann Pennington also scrutinized the clerk’s budget after comparing it with similarly sized Florida counties.

Pennington said her review found Flagler’s clerk budget substantially higher than several comparable counties when measured on a perresident basis and questioned whether efficiencies could be identified to reduce longterm costs.

“I don’t know if there’s software that they have. I don’t know what it is, but we are 36%, 55%, 200% more than our peers with this type of population size,” Pennington said.

Bexley defended the request, arguing that comparisons between counties can be difficult because responsibilities and organizational structures vary. He emphasized that the office’s primary responsibility is ensuring taxpayer dollars are properly accounted for and managed.

“The first goal, though,

“A

COLA

is

not a bonus.

It

is a tool of equality, It is what we all use to try to keep our people equal, reflecting the changes in the economy and inflation.”

TOM BEXLEY, Clerk of Courts

is to serve the people,” Bexley said. “If I feel like I need more resources to do that and continue the great work that we’re doing, I’m not going to be afraid to ask for them.”

Bexley also noted that Flagler County continues to experience significant population growth, creating additional demands on the clerk’s office.

The Property Appraiser’s Office received a far warmer reception from commissioners.

Property Appraiser Jay Gardner’s budget proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 2% merit increase but does not add any new employees.

Pennington praised the office’s staffing levels and budget performance after reviewing comparable counties.

“I looked at Martin, Sumter, Indian River, Nassau, all within our population range, and you have far less FTE [full time employees]. Your budget’s less. It’s a very good budget,”

“I can tell you, this is not going to be a good year and we’re going to have to say no, There’s just no money there to do a $500,000 increase.”

KIM CARNEY, County Commissioner

Pennington told Gardner.

A significant increase in the property appraiser’s nonoperating budget category generated questions from commissioners before staff explained it was largely an accounting adjustment.

Officials from the Property Appraiser’s Office said the Florida Department of Revenue instructed them to place proposed COLA and merit increases in a contingency account until compensation decisions are finalized, making the increase appear larger than it actually is.

Tax Collector Shelly Edmonson and Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart also presented budget overviews during the workshop.

The Sheriff’s Office budget presentation followed.

With Sheriff Rick Staly attending the National Sheriffs’ Association conference, Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge presented the agency’s proposed spending plan. The Sheriff’s Office is seeking a budget of approximately $68.3 million for the upcom-

13 New deputies requested 9 Of the

ing fiscal year, an increase of about $6.7 million, or 10.8%, over the current year’s budget. The proposal also includes funding for 13 additional deputy positions. Nine of those deputies would be assigned to Palm Coast, while four would serve countywide operations. The staffing request is consistent with proposals submitted by the agency during each of the previous two budget cycles. The workshop marked the beginning of what is expected to be several months of budget discussions before a final spending plan is adopted later this year.

While commissioners expressed appreciation for the work performed by constitutional officers, Monday’s discussion made clear that requests for additional staffing and compensation increases will face heightened scrutiny as county leaders navigate what several described as an uncertain financial environment. County officials are expected to continue budget workshops throughout the summer before adopting a final budget in September.

“I don’t know if there’s software that they have. I don’t know what it is, but we are 36%, 55%, 200% more than our peers with this type of population size.”

LEANN PENNINGTON, commission chair, on the Clerk of Courts budget

Byron Donalds campaigns across Flagler during weekend visit

Florida gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds spent the weekend campaigning across Flagler County alongside campaign team member Jearlyn “Pastor J” Dennie. According to Dennie, Donalds’ visit included a stop at the Defending the Florida Dream Tour event at the VFW in Palm Coast, breakfast at Southern Table in Bunnell, worship services at New Way Church in Palm Coast and door-to-door campaigning in Flagler Beach.

Donalds is seeking the Republican nomination for governor and has received President Donald Trump’s endorsement.

Signatures certified for City Council candidate John Kvederis

Flagler County Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart has certified 188 voter signatures for Palm Coast City Council candidate John Thomas Kvederis.

Kvederis is one of four candidates running for the District 4 seat. Also running in District 4 are Dylana Justine

Galery, Ramon

Byron Donalds poses during a campaign stop in Flagler County. Photo courtesy of Jearlyn Dennie

Palm Coast City Council District

John Kvederis

New school leaders: VCS approves principal appointments

Seabreeze, Beachside, Champion and Tomoka get new principals.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Volusia County School Board approved new principal and assistant principal appointments at its meeting on Tuesday, June 2, with several Ormond area schools seeing new leadership for the 2026-2027 school year.

Seabreeze High School assistant principal Jodi Lewitt will lead the Sandcrabs as their new principal following the departure of Tucker Harris, who is moving on to become the director of secondary schools for Volusia County Schools. Lewitt has been with VCS since 2004, and served as the assistant principal at Seabreeze since 2022.

Under Tucker and Lewitt’s leadership, Seabreeze went from a “C” to an “A” school.

“I’m committed to building upon that foundation while continuing to advance our school’s mission and success,” Lewitt said. “... Thank you for this incredible opportunity. I’m excited, humbled and ready to serve this community with dedication, integrity, and pride. Claws up!”

Seabreeze isn’t the only area school whose most recent principal has moved to a district position. At Beachside Elementary, Christina Donohue will become the new principal, succeeding Dr. Leigh Prokop, who is now the director of elementary schools for the district.

Donohue comes to VCS from Brevard County Public Schools, where she served as a middle school assistant prin-

cipal. She worked for Brevard for 21 years.

“To the students and staff and families at Beachside Elementary, I am thrilled to become a part of your school community,” Donohue said.

“I look forward to getting to know each one of you, celebrate the great work already happening and partnering together to ensure every child is supported, challenged, and inspired.”

Tomoka recently said goodbye to Principal Julie Roseboom, who retired at the end of this school year after a 40-year career with VCS. Roseboom had been Tomoka’s principal since 2018.

Now, Kelly Moore will lead the Braves. Moore was previously the assistant principal at Chisholm Elementary and

has been with the district since 2013.

“It is important that every child feel supported, inspired, and valued each and every day and I know I’m entering a building with this strong belief,” she said. “I’m excited for all that lies ahead and feel incredibly proud to become a part of the Tomoka family.”

Champion Elementary in Daytona is also getting an new principal, as Steffan Mallory will become the coordinator of education enhancement for the district’s alternative education sites. The school’s new principal will be Samantha Fabulich, who had been Champion’s assistant principal since November 2025. She has been with the district since 2000, and worked as a teacher at Pathways Elementary for 21 years.

“We are champions on the move,” Fabulich said. “We have moved, we have progressed in a great direction, and I am just so excited to keep it going even further.”

Other principal appointments in the district include Dr. Faith Harris of Lake County Public Schools to Blue Lake Elementary in DeLand; Amy Carey, ESE assistant principal at Heritage Middle to George Marks Elementary in DeLand; Hilary Blum, assistant principal at Mainland High, to Volusia Pines Elementary in Lake Helen; and Bobbie Jo Grieve, assistant principal at University High, to River Springs Middle in Orange City.

The School Board also approved seven assistant principal appointments, including Peggy Trinidad at Hinson Middle School. Trini-

dad was recently an administrative dean at the school. She has been with VCS since 2017.

“I accept this position of assistant principal with great pride and humility,” Trinidad told the School Board.

Mainland is also getting a new assistant principal in Dr. Vonda Morris, who recently worked as a dean at Spruce Creek. Morris has worked for the district since 2001, including almost 20 years as a teacher at Spruce Creek.

“Now I fly from the nest, morphing into a Buccaneer, adorning the gold and the blue,” Morris said. “Thank you for this opportunity to grow professionally as I embrace that Buc pride.”

Other assistant principal appointments include: DawnMarie Boggs, dean at Silver Sands Middle, to Discovery Elementary; Esther Morse, resource teacher at the district level, to Starke Elementary; Rylee Bryant, teacher on assignment at Timbercrest Elementary, to Timbercrest Elementary; Angel Jordan, dean at Palm Terrace Elementary, to Turie T. Small Elementary; and Octavius King, dean at Orange County Public Schools, to Pine Ridge High.

Blue Lake Elementary Assistant Principal Cheryl Selesky was also promoted to coordinator of ESE for the district.

Additionally, 21 transfers were approved. Among those is Chief of Staff John Cash, who will now be the principal at Creekside Middle.

Tomoka Elementary Assistant Principal Wendy Reaves has been transferred to Chisholm Elementary. Turie T. Assistant Principal Charles Bennett was transferred to Tomoka and Hinson Middle Assistant Principal William Case was transferred to Seabreeze.

County offers free summer meals for kids at 57 sites

Children 18 and under can receive free breakfast and lunch at 57 locations across Volusia County through a federally funded summer meals program through Aug. 7. There are no income restrictions, and parents do not need to apply or register their children to receive meals. For more information, call Volusia County Community Assistance at 386-736-5956. Here is a partial list of sites:

DAYTONA BEACH

„ Boys & Girls Club John Dickerson, 308 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. (June 1 through July 31; closed June 19 and June 29 through July 3); Breakfast: 8:30-9:30 a.m.; lunch: 12:30-1:30 p.m. „ Cherry Sr. Cultural & Education Center, 925 George Engram Blvd. (June 1 through Aug. 1); Breakfast: 8-9 a.m., lunch: 12-1 p.m.

„ Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway (June 1 through Aug. 7); Breakfast: 9-10 a.m.; lunch: 12-1 p.m. „ Hope Place Public Library, 1310 Wright St. (June 1 through Aug. 7); Breakfast: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ORMOND BEACH „ Nova Community Center, 440 N. Nova Road (June 15 through July 23; closed Fridays); Lunch: 12-1 p.m. „ Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. (June 1 through Aug 7); Breakfast: 9-10 a.m.; lunch: 12-1 p.m. „ South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave. (June 8 through July 31); Breakfast: 9-10 a.m.; lunch: 12-1 p.m.

Beachside Elementary’s new principal, Christina Donohue.

Seabreeze High School’s new principal, Jodi Lewitt.

Tomoka Elementary’s new principal, Kelly Moore.

Hinson Middle’s new assistant principal, Peggy Trinidad. Photos courtesy of VCS

Champion Elementary’s new principal, Samantha Fabulich.

Mainland High’s new assistant principal, Dr. Vonda Morris.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What would replace property taxes to fund services?

Dear Editor:

The article about property taxes, (in the June 4 edition of the Observer) is disingenuous at best. No, the state doesn’t get any revenue from property taxes. Property taxes are the main source of revenue at the county and city level. The money collected goes to fund the everyday services that we all depend on.

Getting rid of property taxes is an appealing idea, on the surface. How exactly are our county/city going to replace that income? What other taxes will have to be levied on the citizens to make up for the loss of the revenue? As it is we have budget shortfalls.

The proponents have yet to provide a factual explanation for how that income will be replaced. The governor says he will create a fund to help counties and cities affected by this. Where is the money for that “fund” going to come from. I wouldn’t hold my breath waiting for that help.

EDITH CAMPINS Palm Coast

Dealership violated city code by cutting down

oak trees

Dear Editor: About two or three weeks ago, I was driving east on Palm Coast Parkway, and, upon approaching the Palm Coast Ford dealership, I immediately felt somewhat lost as it was so bright in an area that is normally shaded. At that point I realized that all 10 of the perimeter buffer oak trees had been completely removed from the front landscape buffer!

The stumps had already been ground down to the ground, as evidenced by the sawdust where the trees were. Upon calling the city urban forester to notify her of this removal, she said they had already received some complaints and were aware of it, and no permit had been issued for the removals. This removal was particularly maddening to me, as prior to my retirement as the landscape architect of the city, the urban forester and myself investigated a previous tree removal violation on the same property which was mitigated with the planting of several new trees. The dealership was aware at that point that removal of any tree without a permit on commercially zoned property was a violation of Section 11.02.05, A, 1 of the Land Development Code. The people at the dealership absolutely knew when they cut down these 10 oaks that they could not do what they did without a permit. Mitigation is required for such violation under Section 11.04.02, A, which states in part, “... the total diameter inches of the protected trees removed shall be replaced with a minimum tree size of six-inch caliper.”

Those trees were at least 24 inches or more in diameter so I hope the city makes them pay for this and replace them back in the buffer. The arborist said she would keep me updated on the violation proceedings, but, as of yet, I have not heard from her. The city needs to make an example of this blatant violation of our tree code so others do not think they can get away with doing similar removals on their properties.

By the way, the Chrysler dealer on State Road 100 has also violated our ordinance by “lion-tailing” their trees

in their front landscape buffer. This type of tree destruction and disfigurement must be stopped!

BILL BUTLER Palm Coast

Editor’s note: The city of Palm Coast responded to the above letter:

Palm Coast Ford was cited by the city of Palm Coast on May 11, 2026, for violations related to the unauthorized removal of trees and Palm Coast Parkway Overlay Zone requirements. City staff has met with the property owner, and a mitigation plan is being developed to restore compliance with the city’s Land Development Code. The matter remains an active code enforcement case.

The dealerships did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Facebook reaction to this story was mixed. Eric Thompson wrote, “So you’re concerned about a few trees in front of the business, meanwhile they’re leveling thousands and thousands of acres of trees for asphalt. Okay.”

Michael J. Martucci wrote, “Fine all the developers as well for clearing right up to the roads!”

‘Toilet-to-tap’ is

not a credible issue in Ormond Beach

Dear Editor:

The “toilet to tap” question is not a credible issue facing our city.

I write to present facts and relevant questions on the beneficial reuse of nonpotable wastewaters based on my decades-long public health/ environmental engineering background ensuring safe drinking water for metropolitan Baltimore and our U.S.

Army worldwide. Did you know that Ormond Beach already practices safe recycling of nonpotable wastewaters, and has for many years? Here are two prominent instances.

First, there are approximately 300 septic tanks in Ormond and another 4,000 in Ormond-by-the-Sea, parts of which we supply with drinking water. After natural soil filtration, some resulting leachate from these tanks percolates into our aquifer where extensive dilution occurs.

Second, there are 4 million to 5 million gallons of highly treated wastewater applied daily to irrigate and enhance lawns and landscapes throughout our city. This reclaimed water is used by 4,500+ residents (about 10% of our population), commercial businesses and in public areas. Eventually, residual leachate from treated wastewater irrigating lawns also finds its way into our aquifer where tremendous dilution occurs.

If a public referendum is authorized and all toilet-totap (recycling of nonpotable wastewaters) is banned, then would septic tanks be outlawed? Must lawn and landscape irrigation cease to the detriment of our paradise? How would the city replace these critical services? How quickly? At what cost? How would these major projects be funded? These critical questions must be addressed.

Also, why is this being raised now? No direct toiletto-tap plans have been announced by our city or county.

We know Ormond’s treatment of aquifer water, with space-age technological advancements, produces the safe, fine quality of potable water we enjoy today.

As a side note, direct

toilet-to-tap reuse occurs on the space station. The only water sources there are urine, sweat, cabin air humidity and hygiene water (from teeth brushing, handwashing and shower runoff). A sophisticated, highly efficient closed loop recovery system produces their potable water.

Ormond has sufficient potable water supply into the future. When additional drinking water is needed, the desalination option has been studied by the St. Johns Water District, and consumer water conservation can save up to 30% applying guidance from the American Water Works Association.

So, why would we implement a ban now that limits our future options for potable use of recycled water in the event conditions point to its serious consideration?

Again, indirect toilet to tap exists here now in a very beneficial way. Direct reuse is not being considered and our city will not inject wastewater into tap water as some suggest, so why waste taxpayer funds on a referendum of this non-issue?

Facts are essential in intelligently addressing the challenges facing our city. Toilet to tap is not one of those challenges.

JERRY A. VALCIK Ormond Beach

Serve and protect

Dear Editor: I enjoyed the Cops Corner about the restaurant owner who called police to aid an “overserved” patron. Beside the owner’s concern, I was heartened that police still observe “to serve and protect” rather than “gotcha!” The policeman drove the patron, obviously not a fre-

quent imbiber, home safely.

BARBARA MORGAN Daytona Beach

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

‘Hopes, Dreams & Promises’

Art League of Daytona Beach opens new exhibit, debuts a new director.

SUZANNE MCCARTHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Art League of Daytona Beach hosted an opening reception on Sunday, June 7, for “Hopes, Dreams and Promises,” an exhibition featuring 135 works of art by a seven-member group of women artists from the Orlando area.

The exhibit showcases artwork by Beatrice Athanas, Lillian Verkins, Debbie Smith, Marianna Ross, Bonnie Shapiro, Vera Gubnitskaia and Eliza Pineau, with paintings and sculptures in media ranging from oil, watercolor and pastel to clay, wood and repurposed materials.

“We meet every other month to encourage each other, support each other and check on each other’s progress,” Pineau said. “We bring two pieces each to critique and have all grown so much as artists.”

The group was founded by Ross, an artist and educator who spent 34 years teaching art, most recently at Seminole State College, where she taught studio art and art his-

Monique Cohen, of Daytona Beach, who assumed the position May 1. Cohen also serves as the organization’s membership chair.

“I came in to pick up my artwork and the president asked me if I wanted to be director, and I said yes,” Cohen said. “The reason I said yes is because I have a love for the Art League, and everyone is much older than me. The way I grew up is that you do for your elders whatever they need — we show up and we

Founded in 1927, the Art League of Daytona Beach is the oldest arts organization in Volusia County. Established by local artists who formed an association to sketch at locations throughout Volusia County, the Art League of Daytona Beach today promotes the visual arts through exhibitions, education and community involvement. Hopes, Dreams and Promises will remain on display at the Art League of Daytona Beach through July 4.

Strumming interest in summer concerts

One Daytona launches new Summer Soundtrack series.

ABE MILLS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

One Daytona launched the Summer Soundtrack Series with a special three concert weekend on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, June 4-6, at Victory Circle, finishing off with 1980s tribute band, The Spazmatics.

The Spazmatics, a nationally touring band, delivered a high-energy performance and performed ’80s hits with slapstick humor thrown in.

They dressed in thick nerd glasses, pocket protectors, and high-waisted plaid pants with suspenders.

The band had three generations of audience members dancing and singing. Their concert was a part of the special extended opening weekend.

Russell Dorvee, senior events and planning manager at One Daytona, said they created the series to get more people to come out from the local community to experience One Daytona.

“We hope it will bring people out with their friends and family to experience the property and have fun,” Dorvee said.

The summer-long series will feature concerts each Thursday and Friday night from 6-8:30 p.m. through the month of August.

Thursday night concerts will feature the music of regional standout Jon Cabrera, of New Smyrna Beach.

Cabrera is known for blending acoustic guitar, beatboxing, live looping and audience singalongs pedal as a part of his show.

“Jon will bring his unplugged series and be interactive with the crowd,” Dorvee said.

Friday nights concerts will feature a Piano bar style concert from Blake Guyer.

“Blake is a talented musician out of Orlando,” Dor-

vee said. “He will be taking requests from the audience. You can pick any song that you like. He’s also super interactive with the crowd.” Splashpad Saturdays will be from 12-3 p.m. each Saturday and will feature a live DJ and games while the splash pad is in full operation.

“It’s something different every week,” Dorvee said.

“You can expect a different theme, different songs. It’s not the same experience every week. Expect something different each time you come out.” In case of inclement weather, concerts will be held inside The Retreat at Victory Circle.

Tatum Tweed poses with the Orlando Storm mascot and a cheerleader.

Featured artists Beatrice Athanas, Lillian Verkins, Debbie Smith, Marianna Ross, Bonnie Shapiro, Vera Gubnitskaia, and Eliza Pineau. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Seven artists each created an 18-inch by 18-inch work of art for the exhibition.

Marianna Ross and her mixed media piece “Family Vine.”

“Focus” by Vera Gubnitskaia.

“Clown Fish” by Debbie Smith.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

2026 DIRT DONATION

PROGRAM

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, June 12-13

Where: 4283 Old Kings Road

N., Palm Coast

Details: The City of Palm Coast is providing free dirt for citizens to improve drainage on their properties. Residents may receive up to 5 cubic yards of dirt. ID required. Dirt cannot be resold. A grading permit may be required if machinery is used for spreading. Download and complete a form before arriving. Visit palmcoast.gov/stormwater.

TURTLE TALK: A SEA

TURTLE’S JOURNEY

When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Discover the world of sea turtles and why they matter to our coastal ecosystem. Learn how to make a difference. Meet at the beachside pavilion. Register at www. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ turtle-talk-a-sea-turtlesjourney.

COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR CITY MANAGER

When: 9-10 a.m.

Where: Loopers, 100 Cooper Lane, Palm Coast

Details: The City of Palm Coast invites residents to grab a cup of coffee with City Manager Mike McGlothlin. Ask questions, share ideas, and discuss what matters most to you. Free event. Registration required. Visit parksandrec.fun.

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT THE FARM

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, 7900

Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Presented by the museum, this food truck event features a “Summer kick off” theme. There will be an artisan market, line dancing, kids’ zone nd live entertainment. Visit floridaagmuseum.org.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

PHOENIX CROSSINGS CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

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

Where: Palm Harbor Golf Club, 20 Palm Harbor Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Take part in this golf tournament to benefit Phoenix Crossings, which serves Flagler County residents through permanent supportive housing. The organization serves low-income families, youth aging out of foster care and individuals with disabilities. Registration costs $150 for individual golfer; $600 for a foursome. Lunch included. Visit https://www.almhhi.org/ phoenix-crossings-inauguralcharity-golf-tournament-2/.

PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 9-11:30 a.m.

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

Details: Join the Flagler Woman’s Club for its annual pancake breakfast. A $6 donation gets you pancakes, sausage, coffee, juice or ice tea. All donations benefit the Education Fund to support scholarships. For more information, call Nancy at 386-986-8392.

SECOND SATURDAY PLANT SALE

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for a plant sale. Free with paid park admission. Please bring cash.

DAYTONA BEACH

JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL

When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Cypress Park, 981 W.

George Engram Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Celebrate the heritage and resilience of African Americans with this year’s theme, “Juneteenth: Celebrating One Community in Unity.”

There will be live music, local vendors, food, art and educational experiences. Attendees can also enjoy traditional African dance performances, the Sankofa African Traveling Museum and a pound cake competition. Free festival.

JUNETEENTH

FREEDOM DAY

When: 12-6 p.m.

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

Details: Celebrate Juneteenth with the African American Cultural Society. There will be vendors, music, drumming, food vendors, an African fashion show and family activities. The Juneteenth program will begin at 2 p.m. Visit aacs palmcoast.org.

TOMOKA BASIN

STATE PARKS

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

Regional Library, 30 S. Beach

St., Ormond Beach

Details: Mark Adams, a park services specialist at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, will discuss the Tomoka Basin State Parks and the area’s ecology. Free.

THE COPPER CREEK BAND

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Daytona Beach

Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach

Details: Experience classic country, outlaw and southern rock with this local group. Free program.

GAMBLE JAM

When: 2-4 p.m.

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

Details: Join in for the Gamble Jam where musicians of all skill levels are invited to bring their acoustic instruments. Park entry fee applies.

CMTW PRESENTS ‘THE MAGIC OF DREAMS’ 2026 DANCE SHOWCASE

When: 7 p.m.

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

Details: See this dance showcase at the PAC. Tickets cost $18. Visit https://ormond beachperformingartscenter. csstix.com.

TUESDAY, JUNE 16

AMERICA250 — COMMUNITY DAY

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Daytona Beach

Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach

Details: Children can meet with community representatives, learn about valuable resources and services, and ask questions. Free program.

JUST ADD RHYTHM

When: 1 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Embark on a sonic adventure that centers on finding your inner rhythm and integrating it with everyone else’s to create a groove. Free.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast

play Bridge (progressive and non-progressive) or other games. All are welcome. A $4 donation is requested at the door. Call Suzanne at 386503-1893 to reserve a spot.

GAME ON! AMERICAN HISTORY JEOPARDY

When: 2 p.m.

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

Beach

Details: Teens can drop by to play or compete in a variety of games from tabletop to screen. Free program.

THURSDAY, JUNE 18

COASTAL CRAFTING

WITH SEA GLASS

When: 10 a.m. to noon

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

Details: Using sea glass, recycled corks and mixed media techniques, participants will design a seaside-inspired artwork to take home. Materials provided. Bring your own sea glass and cork (cut in half) for personalization. There’s a $5 material fee in cash. Park entry fee applies. Space limited to 10. Children welcome with an adult. Register at zeffy. com/en-US/ticketing/coastal-crafting-with-sea-glass.

THIRD THURSDAY DOCENT TOUR

When: 11 a.m. to noon

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

cies or disasters, to participate in our Disaster Volunteer Training Series. This program is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to help with traffic management during special events and emergencies.

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB

MEETING

When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the June meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Barry Powell, a candidate for Volusia County Council at-large. Likeminded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeach dems.org.

DSC MUSIC PRESENTS SUMMER JAZZ CONCERT

When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Details: Attend this free concert. For more information, contact the box office at 386226-1888 or at boxoffice@ daytonastate.edu.

FRIDAY, JUNE 19 GOPHER TORTOISE: SUPERHERO OF THE SCRUB When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Take a tour of the reception gallery, the stairway gallery and a walk through the gardens and historic Emmons Cottage. The tour concludes with tea on the rooftop terrace. Free for museum members and U.S. veterans; included with museum admission for all others. Meet at the reception gallery by 11 a.m.

FOODS THAT BUILT

AMERICA — ICE CREAM

When: 2 p.m.

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

Details: This is a social club for the retired and semiretired that meets monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest, with other social events during the month. This month’s guest speaker is Tabitha Schmidt, CEO of the Museum of Arts & Sciences/ The Brown in Daytona Beach. All are welcome. Stay for lunch if you like. Explore the benefits of joining Probus, a worldwide organization. For more information, contact Larry Wright at palmcoast probusclub@gmail.com or at 386-597-3055.

FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB

JUNE 2026 MEETING

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 Bill Galvano, former member and majority leader of the Florida Senate. The topic will be: “25 Years of Policy, Growth, and Results: What Florida Got Right and What comes Next.” Costs $45 for members; $50 for guests. Registration required. Visit www.flaglertigerbayclub.com/ event-6621941.

BRIDGE AND GAMES

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 South Central Avenue, Flagler Beach

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites you to come and

Details: Learn about ice cream as library staff does a cooking demonstration during this Recipes and Reads Culinary Lab program. Free.

FLORIDA VISTA BOOK CLUB

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: Halifax Historical Museum, 262 S. Beach St.

Daytona Beach

Details: The book club is hosting local author Jeff Boyle. Public is invited. Admission is free for Halifax Historical Museum members and $10 for non-members.

CIVILIAN TRAFFIC CONTROL TRAINING

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell

Details: Flagler County Emergency Management and Flagler Volunteer Services invite residents who are interested in learning how to support our community during emergen-

Details: Discover the world of the gopher tortoise. After the talk, stick around for an optional stroll through the park to spot active burrows. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Program open to all ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register at www. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ gopher-tortoise-superheroof-the-scrub.

FLORIDA HEAT, COOL WATER FAMILY PADDLE When: 5-7 p.m.

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

Details: Learn about the estuary and marine life during this paddle program, which includes a kayak, paddles and personal flotation devices. Ages 6-13 are $20 per person, in a tandem vessel with adult. Single vessel, ages 14 and up are $30 per person. Bringing your own vessel? ages 14 and up are $20 per person. Park entry fee is separate. Space is limited. Call 386-517-2086.

SATURDAY, JUNE 20

OCEAN TO ESTUARY GUIDED NATURE WALK AND CITIZEN SCIENCE When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: River to Sea Preserve, 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd, Marineland

Details: Take a free guided walk with a master naturalist. Meet at the pavilion. There will also be a hands-on citizen science activity. Register at gtmness.org/calendars.

YOUR SCHOOLS

Original Owl: Old Kings Elementary’s Allesee retires after 39-year career

Nancy Allesee has worked under nine superintendents and nine principals at Flagler Schools.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Nancy Allesee was 25 when Flagler Schools Superintendent Donn Kaupke told her to come on down from Indiana and apply for a teaching position. Thirty-nine years later, Allesee has retired from the school district.

Allesee taught for three years at Bunnell Elementary School, and in 1990 she moved over with some of her teaching friends to a brand new school opening in Flagler Beach — Old Kings Elementary. She has been there ever since, saying goodbye to students, faculty, staff and administrators during a surprise send-off on May 27. “I was totally shocked,” she said. “I had no idea when I walked out in the hall.” She was beckoned to the principal’s office for the final

CLASS NOTES

Mainland Junior ROTC performs 4,000 hours of community service

The Mainland High School Air Force Junior ROTC program completed the school year with 38 cadets up in the air — at an indoor skydiving experience, during a field trip to iFLY in Orlando. According to a press release, the cadets earned over 4,000 hours of community service during the school year. They supported numerous veteran activities, including presenting the colors, cleaning the Oakridge Cemetery with the Vietnam veterans, planting flags in multiple cemeteries for Memorial Day and assisting at the VA nursing home in Daytona Beach. Cadets also took 10 field trips, including an overnight visit to the USS Alabama Battleship Park and Pensacola Naval Aviation Museum. The program hosted a drill meet for 11 schools, held a military ball, ran an awards ceremony that provided over $7,000 for graduating seniors, and is now preparing 10 cadets for a week-long summer leadership course at The Citadel in South Carolina.

time after 36 years of “dedication, love and service to our school.” She passed by an end-of-the-year celebration for two first-grade classes, turned the corner and saw the hallways lined on both sides with students and staff applauding.

“The students had signs and banners and flowers, and when I got to the end, (Superintendent) LaShakia Moore was there and the administration, and I thought, ‘oh, this is great, this is such a nice sendoff,’” Allesee said. “And then I turned and looked outside and saw the rest of the school in the courtyard.”

‘IT JUST FELT LIKE HOME’ Kaupke had been Allesee’s superintendent in Merrillville, Indiana, when she was growing up. When she arrived in Flagler County for her interview, it was a culture shock. She grew up outside of Chicago, and Palm Coast in 1987 had one traffic light.

“My parents were like, ‘hey, go try it out. If you want to stay a year, you can stay a year, and then see if you like it.’ Well, here I am still, 39 years later,” Allesee said. “So it’s certainly been a big change from when

I first moved here.”

Allesee taught first grade for 20 years and second grade for the past 19 years. With her family in Indiana, OKES became her family, she said.

“I had wonderful friends at Old Kings, and it just felt like home,” she said.

The family atmosphere trickled down to the students who stayed together in the same group from kindergarten through fifth grade.

“They were actually called, ‘the family,’ Allesee said. “They were very close-knit, and so were the teachers. And we had school-staff child care. So, both of my children, who are now 27 and 24, they came to school with me as infants and went to Old Kings all the way up through fifth grade. We were the only district in the state that provided that for our teachers, which was phenomenal.”

It’s been very rewarding, she said, to see so many of her former students go on to become teachers themselves.

“I always have thought Flagler has been a very progressive and top of the line school district,” she said. “I’ve been through nine superintendents and nine principals, and each

one brought something a little unique and different to the table.”

The addition of unique flagship career programs to each school made all of the schools special, she said. She’s also seen the elementary curriculum become more rigorous.

“When I first start teaching first grade, you would get them learning the alphabet to start teaching them to read and sound out words, and now they’re expected to be reading in first grade,” she said. “In second, it’s more focusing on comprehension, and a lot of the students are aren’t quite

ready for that, especially if they come from other places where they don’t start school until September and they’re already almost five, six weeks behind where we are.”

Allesee said now that she is retired, she and her husband are planning to go on a cruise. She is also planning trips to visit family. She wants to read more, and she said she has a lot of crafting to do that she’s had to put aside.

“I just want to really enjoy life and be able to go to the beach whenever I want to see sunrises,” she said. “And I still want to go to the school

WATCH THE VIDEO To watch Flagler Schools’ video of Allesee send-off: https:// www.facebook.com/reel /1999513694008248.

and volunteer for a couple of friends in their classrooms, just so I don’t totally miss working with the children.”

Mainland ROTC teacher, Maj. Michael Miglioranzi, is retiring this month. He and fellow instructor Master Sgt. Garthwaite said they are “extremely proud of our cadets’ accomplishments and wish the best for their future success,” the press release states.

Mainland’s ROTC program is looking for interested students to join. Cadets are not recruited nor expected to join the military. For more information, contact Garthwaite at 386-2584665, ext. 54338.

Seabreeze senior receives $2,500 scholarship

Lucy Kimble, a recent graduate of Seabreeze High School, is a recipient of a $2,500 STAR scholarship from the Philanthropic Educational Organization Sisterhood, The PEO STAR Scholarship was established in 2009 to provide funds for exceptional

high school senior women to attend an accredited postsecondary educational institution in the U.S. or Canada in the next academic year, according to a press release. Chapter BD of Daytona Beach recommended Kimble for the scholarship.

While at Seabreeze, Kimble was on the softball team, the swim team, a member of the Allied Health Academy and the school advisory council. She will attend the University of Florida in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s in biology, with the goal to have a medical career in the future.

Mainland High School Air Force Junior ROTC program recently went indoor skydiving at iFLY in Orlando. Courtesy photo

Students hold signs honoring Old Kings Elementary School teacher Nancy Allesee at her final call on May 27. Photo courtesy of Flagler Schools

Lucy Kimble, Seabreeze senior. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE

Historic home on Beach Street sells

for $1.2M

Ahistoric riverfront estate on about 1.6 acres along the Halifax River at 458 S. Beach St. was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of May 16-22. The house sold on May 19, for $1.2 million. Built in 1908, the house is a 5/6 with two half baths, and has a fireplace, a pool, a gazebo, a four-car garage and 4,529 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $750,000. The house was listed by Doug Gernert, of RE/MAX Signature.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Archers Mill

The house at 331 Bracer Way sold on May 18, for $419,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,108 square feet.

The house at 3005 Kingsman Trail sold on May 18, for $379,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,034 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 1324 Tullamore Blvd. sold on May 18, for

$667,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,598 square feet.

The house at 1313 Runaby Lane sold on May 18, for $345,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,810 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $220,000.

The house at 3356 Newbliss Circle sold on May 20, for $370,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,083 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $219,000.

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 77 Abacus Ave. sold on May 18, for $410,000. Built in 2009, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,221 square feet. It last sold in March 2026 for $400,000.

The house at 32 Allenwood Look sold on May 20, for $849,999. Built in 2001, the house is a 5/4 and has a pool and 4,335 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $505,000.

Lakevue

The townhome at 133 Nature Trail sold on May 21, for $330,800. Built in 1998, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,782 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $269,900.

Not in subdivision

The manufactured home at 365 Creek Lane sold on May 19, for $27,000. Built in 1968, the manufactured home is a 2/1 and has 672 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $32,000.

The manufactured home at 702 Virginia Terrace sold on May 22, for $199,000. Built in 2026, the manufactured home is a 2/2 and has 849 square feet.

Ormond Lakes

The house at 4 Cliffside Drive sold on May 22, for $460,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,973 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $242,000.

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 202 Catamaran Cove was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of May 16-22. The house sold on May 20, for $820,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,468 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $604,500. The house was listed by Kelley Sarantis, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty.

Grande Champion

The house at 988 Champion Ridge Drive sold on May 22, for $374,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Plantation Bay

The house at 1404 Sunningdale Lane sold on May 20, for $495,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,172 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $253,000.

The house at 1216 Sunningdale Lane sold on May 22, for $490,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,930 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $310,000.

The house at 440 Long Cove Road sold on May 22, for $556,100. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,172 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $538,000.

Ridgehaven

The house at 1126 Cliffhaven Court sold on May 19, for $486,990. Built in 2025, the

Latitude Margaritaville

The house at 488 Hang Loose Way sold on May 18, for $705,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a pool and 2,139 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $577,300.

The house at 1169 Fins Up Court sold on May 18, for $455,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $480,000.

The house at 533 Hang Loose Way sold on May 18, for $418,500. Built in 2025, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $396,100.

The house at 595 Good Life

house is a 3/3 and has 2,344 square feet.

The house at 1130 Cliffhaven Court sold on May 19, for $490,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,275 square feet.

The house at 580 Brookhaven Trail sold on May 19, for $418,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/4 and has 3,000 square feet.

The house at 186 Parkhaven Drive sold on May 21, for $280,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,454 square feet.

The Trails The house at 4 Eagle Rock Trail sold on May 21, for $520,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 5/2.5 and has two fireplaces and 2,411 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $310,000.

Way sold on May 19, for $385,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $268,700.

LPGA

The house at 1262 Champions Drive sold on May 20, for $517,500. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3.5 and has 3,098 square feet.

Preserve at LPGA The house at 253 Eagle Harbor Way sold on May 18, for $395,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,017 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $387,900.

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

Oaks The house at 110 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on May 18, for $595,000. Built in 1975, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,263 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $495,000.

Trails North Forty The townhome at 12 Big Buck Trail sold on May 22, for $325,000. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,475 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $390,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Surfside Estates The house at 3009 Anchor Drive sold on May 18, for $424,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,748 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $230,000.

Tomoka

ORMOND BEACH

A historic home at 458 S. Beach St. was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Or-

Ocean Hammock home sells for almost $2M

Ahouse at 10 Hammock Beach Circle S., in Ocean Hammock, was the top real estate transaction for May 23-29 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on May 28, for $1,984,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a summer kitchen and 3,562 square feet. The house was listed by Luke O’Reilly and Renee Molitor, of Hammock Real Estate Group.

1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,331 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $261,000.

Condos

A condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 123, sold on May 29, for $465,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $237,900.

A condo at 4600 E. Moody Blvd., Unit 14G, sold on May 28, for $150,000. Built in. 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 971 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $165,000.

A condo at 1601 N. Central Ave., Unit 103, sold on May 28, for $250,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,215 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $169,000.

A condo at 3600 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 212, sold on May 26, for $315,000. Built in

A condo at 13 N. Ocean Palm Villa, sold on May 26, for $227,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,184 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $145,000.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre

A house at 31 Burning View Lane sold on May 29, for $354,000. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,754 square feet.

A house at 28 Eastmoor Lane sold on May 27, for $419,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.

Grand Haven A house at 6 Ibis Court N. sold on May 29, for $485,000.

Built in 2000, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,276 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $335,000.

A house at 67 Lagare St. sold on May 29, for $435,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,446 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $395,000.

Hammock Beach

A house at 401 Bourganville Drive sold on May 29, for $940,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 2,457 square feet.

Hammock Dunes

A house at 5 Avenue Monet sold on May 28, for $1,050,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a fireplace, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,948 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $830,000.

A house at 10 Cordoba Court sold on May 26, for $1,480,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 5/5 and has a pool, a hot tub, two fireplaces and 4,605 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $727,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 5 Clark Lane sold on May 29, for $288,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,216 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $269,000.

Sawmill Branch

A house at 47 Springwood Drive sold on May 28, for $285,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

A house at 167 Greenwood Drive sold on May 28, for $372,910. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,986 square feet.

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

Spacious Johnson-built home featuring 4BR/2BA, 2-car garage & built-in safe room. Major updates include 2019 roof,

Ormond Beach home offers nearly 1,800 sq ft, an oversized 2-car garage, remodeled chef’s kitchen with granite countertops, screened pool, and spacious outdoor living area. Boathouse, boat lift, jet ski lift & quick access to the Tomoka River. Built in 2016 with whole-house Generac generator and no HOA! #1227065 $650,000. Jonathan Gildon 386-451-2412.

BUSINESS

Past and future of Split Oak Ranch

Naftali and Nicole DeJesus are venturing into agritourism in western Flagler County.

RICH CARROLL

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

A new chapter is underway at Split Oak Ranch, where the owners of the Flagler County equestrian facility are working to transform the property into a destination for horseback riding, community events and outdoor recreation.

Neftali and Nicole DeJesus purchased the 54-acre property in January and have spent the past several

months upgrading facilities while preserving the foundation established by previous owners Connie and Chase McDougald. The couple said the McDougalds remain involved as partners as they work together to expand the ranch’s offerings and community presence. The ranch, formerly known as Split Oak Farm, has operated for roughly five years and remains focused on equestrian activities, but the new owners have broader plans for the future.

“We’re keeping everything the same, but expanding and growing and trying to upgrade all the facilities,” Neftali DeJesus said. “We’re trying to make it more accessible not

just for horse riders, but for the community as a whole.”

Among the most significant additions is a new 5,000-square-foot agritourism event center currently under construction. The climate-controlled facility is expected to open within the next month and a half and will be available for weddings, fundraisers, corporate gatherings, homeschool groups, reunions and other community events.

The building will feature ADA-compliant restrooms, a preparation kitchen, a bridal suite area and a 1,200-squarefoot front porch overlooking the ranch property. According to the owners, several events have already been scheduled before construction is complete. Four events are currently on the calendar for the facility’s opening month.

A grand opening is scheduled for 5-8 p.m. July 11, featuring food trucks, vendors — and mechanical bull. Visit splitoakranchfl.com.

While the event center represents the ranch’s future growth, horses remain at the heart of the operation.

Split Oak Ranch currently offers full boarding services, pasture boarding, riding lessons for beginners through advanced riders, horse training and access to a full-size lighted rodeo arena. The property also features approximately 18 acres of wooded riding trails and another 10 acres of open riding space. Demand has grown so rapidly that the ranch has established a waiting list for lessons and is exploring the purchase of additional horses to expand its program.

The ranch has already undergone extensive upgrades since the ownership change.

Improvements include new arena lighting, upgraded irrigation systems, fencing replacements, expanded tack room facilities and improvements to horse stalls and pasture areas. Ranch officials said roughly 3,700 feet of fencing has already been replaced as part of the ongoing improvements.

For Nicole DeJesus, the ranch represents more than a business venture.

She said the family’s involvement with horses began through their daughter, who developed an interest in horseback riding at an early age. After moving to Florida from Texas, the family searched for riding opportunities and eventually became immersed in the local equestrian community.

Their daughter now competes in barrel racing events, but Nicole said the family’s interest eventually grew into a desire to preserve a place where children and adults alike could learn about horses.

“We didn’t want to see it shut down,” Nicole DeJesus said. “We wanted a place for kids to come, for adults to come, to learn how to ride a horse and learn about the care of a horse.”

The couple said one of their primary goals is to create a gathering place where residents can reconnect with the out doors.

“We want everyone to be a part of it,” Neftali DeJe sus said. “We want to share this with the community so everyone has a place to come be out in nature and enjoy it.”

Neftali DeJesus said the ranch has already seen

firsthand how horses can positively impact people’s lives. He recalled one lesson student with nonverbal autism who has begun expanding her vocabulary through interactions with horses and riding lessons.

The owners hope the facility becomes a place where residents can experience not only horseback riding but also the benefits of spending time outdoors and connecting with animals.

The property regularly hosts ranch nights and equestrian competitions, attracting anywhere from 100 to 300 participants and spectators. The events include barrel racing, pole bending and other rodeo-style competitions for riders of varying skill levels. Food trucks, concession stands and family activities are part of many of the events hosted at the ranch.

Beyond equestrian activities, the owners envision farmers markets, food truck rallies, car shows, homeschool programs, 4-H activities and community gatherings taking place on the property. The ranch has also offered the future event center to local organizations,

Sheriff’s Office, for meetings and training sessions.

The property also contains one of Flagler County’s oldest surviving homesteads. According to the owners, the home dates back more than a century and is connected to several longtime farming and ranching families in the area.

Surrounded by hundreds of mature live oak trees, some estimated to be between 100 and 300 years old, the ranch’s owners believe the property’s natural setting is one of its greatest assets.

Future plans include additional gathering spaces, a lounge area, offices, expanded tack facilities and outdoor ceremony areas designed to take advantage of the property’s scenic views and sprawling oak canopy.

“This isn’t something we’re buying as our private oasis,” Neftali DeJesus said. “We want people to come experience it.”

With construction nearing completion and bookings already underway, the DeJesus family hopes Split Oak Ranch will become a destination where residents can experience rural Flagler County while creating a new gathering

Beach Shores location earlier this spring, according to a press release.

the Bowler and Ufheil families, founders of Daytona Beverages, as the 2026 Herbert M. Davidson Honorees at this year’s Annual Celebration of Philanthropy on June 3 at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The organization also rec-

ognized Ida Babazadeh as the 2026 Community Champion. A heartfelt tribute to her was delivered by her cousin, Nellie Lupoli, a past Community Champion recipient The event brought together leaders, philanthropists, and community partners to celebrate the generosity and impact throughout Volusia and Flagler Counties. Among the evening’s most memorable moments were inspiring tributes from Kelly Kwiatek, Chief Legal Counsel of Halifax Health, and Hyatt Brown, both longtime friends of the Bowler and Ufheil families, who shared stories highlighting the recipients’ character, leadership, and commitment to giving back.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Daytona Beverages Community First Fund, established in honor of the Bowler and Ufheil families to provide practical, life-changing support for individuals and families throughout our community.

FPL to trim 222 miles of trees along power lines in Ormond Beach

Florida Power & Light plans to complete several infrastructure improvements in Ormond Beach in 2026 in its mission to reduce outages and allow for faster power restoration following major storms.

According to a press release, FPL is planning to:

„ Trim trees and vegetation impacting 222 miles of power lines.

„ Inspect 720 power poles, strengthening or replacing those that no longer meet FPL’s standards.

Coldwell Banker relocates in Ormond

Coldwell Banker Premier Properties is relocating its Ormond Beach operations to the Ormond Towne Square shopping center, at 1462 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 220. This comes after the company opened a new Daytona

“Our move to Ormond Towne Square is all about enhancing how we serve the people who matter most, our customers,” said Thomas Heiser, managing broker. “We’ve designed this contemporary office to be an inviting, accessible space for the community to connect with our team. Coldwell Banker Premier Properties has deep roots in Ormond Beach, and though we’ve moved to a new address, we are still the same experienced, local agents who know and love this community.”

To celebrate this milestone, CBPP will host a baseballthemed “Red, White, and Coldwell Banker Blue” Grand Opening Celebration from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, June 12. The community-wide event will feature a ribbon cutting Ceremony at 3 p.m., alongside real estate insights, refreshments and family-friendly festivities.

B-CU to host Day of Giving fundraiser

Bethune-Cookman University will host its annual 24-hour Day of Giving campaign on Thursday, June 18, with a goal to raise $200,000.

“The Big Give Back” initiative is designed to rally alumni, students, faculty, staff and community supporters to invest in the future of the

To support local commerce, CBPP is also launching a shoplocal campaign where people can pick up a “Home Run Card” from now through June 12. Collect stamps by visiting participating retail stores and businesses within Ormond Towne Square. Completed cards will be entered to win a prize package with baseball-themed goodies, trading cards, gameday swag, and five tickets to a Daytona Tortugas home game. The drawing will take place at 5 p.m. on June 12.

(Left to right) CEO Courtney Edgcomb with Kevin Bowler, Jennie Bowler, Maja Bowler and Chris Bowler. Courtesy Photos

2026 Community Champion Ida Babazadeh

The future 5,000-square-foot agritourism event center takes shape at Split Oak Ranch. The building is expected to host weddings, fundraisers and community events. Courtesy photo

Naftali and Nicole DeJesus pose at Split Oak Ranch, where they are leading efforts to expand the property’s equestrian programs and create a new gathering place for the Flagler County community.

A historic homestead believed to be more than a century old stands on the grounds of Split Oak Ranch. Photos by Rich Carroll

SPORTS

Seven, not eleven

he’s familiar with most of the players, having coached them in the Ormond Beach Soccer Club.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Chris Simsek, Seabreeze High School’s new boys soccer coach, was among the coaches who sang the praises of the high school 7v7 summer soccer league at Indian Trails Sports Complex in Palm Coast.

The weekly league opened on Friday, June 8, with four girls games and four boys games.

“As you can tell, I’m not from here,” said Simsek who grew up in England. “And it always makes me smile how the soccer season just comes to an end, and then that’s it, for like six months. So, this kind of stuff is massively beneficial for these boys.”

Simsek and assistants Dylan Reed and Brandt Herron

“We came on board as management, literally about 10 days ago, so we haven’t practiced, we haven’t met the team, so it’s just an opportunity to get to see the boys, and let them play,” he said.

The league will continue through July 31 with games on Friday nights. Nine boys and nine girls teams are participating representing Seabreeze, Flagler Palm Coast, Matanzas, First Baptist Christian Academy, Menendez, St. Joseph Academy and Palatka.

Each of the teams have their own name. Many have their own T-shirts for the league emblazoned with their team names.

“We’ve been doing this league for a handful of years,” FPC girls soccer coach Pete Hald said. “We use this to have fun and get lots of touches on

The FPC girls have two teams — The Flagler Troublemakers with mostly varsity players and the Flagler Knuckleheads which includes a handful of a strong incoming freshman class, Hald said.

The two FPC girls teams each have 14 players, enough for two seven-person squads to rotate in and out of the

The girls teams are divided into varsity and JV divisions, but the boys have one division with the teams mixed or separated anyway they want, said FPC boys soccer coach Ramtin Amiri, who has run the league since it started nine years ago.

The Troublemakers defeated the Seabreeze Big Pinchers,

“Flagler is solid always, so I’m not displeased with how we played,” said Christine Goebel, who has been the Sandcrabs’ assistant girls coach. She is coaching the teams this summer with Seabreeze not yet nam-

“We’ve been doing this league for a handful of years. We use this to have fun and get lots of touches on Friday nights.”

PETE HALD, FPC girls soccer coach

ing a new head girls coach to replace Eli Freidus.

“This league keeps them in shape,” Goebel said. “It’s fun, it’s competitive, and I’m glad we have a JV team and a varsity team.”

Seabreeze’s girls JV team, the Crimson Claws, defeated FPC’s second team, 5-3.

Seabreeze’s boys program has just one team in the league. The Breeze Boys led the Matanzas squad 3-0 before Matanzas tied it up by halftime. Breeze scored the lone goal of the second half.

The Matanzas boys graduated 19 varsity players this year, so both of their summer league teams are young.

“We’ve included some (incoming) freshmen into this group,” Matanzas boys coach Beto Aguilar said of the Haki Oscuro team. “I think that can bring a little bit of breath of fresh air for the upcoming season. I told the boys, we’re going to have mistakes, but we can build from it. When you have new players coming in, there’s going to be gaps,

but I think overall there’s good potential for us, there’s a good future.”

The FPC boys won both of their games. Palms FC 2

defeated Matanzas Armada 3-0 and Palms FC 1 beat Pedro (Menendez) Soccer 5-3.

In the other boys game, the Palatka Panthers edged the FBCA Crusaders 2-1. In the other girls games, the Bounty Hunters of Matanzas defeated the FBCA Crusaders 3-0, and the Lightning Bolts of St. Joseph defeated the Matanzas Bounty Hunters 2.0 team, 5-2.

“Ramtin does a great job with this league,” Simsek said.

“It’s always good when the players get on the grass.”

PAGE 9B

“It always makes me smile how the soccer season just comes to an end, and then that’s it, for like six months. So, this kind of stuff is massively beneficial for these boys.”

Seabreeze’s Luke Clayton (left) tries to dribble past Matanzas’ Michael Petkovsek.

Breeze Boys keeper Finn Kimble kicks the ball out. Photos by Brent Woronoff

First Baptist Christian Academy’s Ethan Bobovcan and Mikey Castillo (in orange) in a game against Palatka.

Matanzas goalkeeper Ella Forbes kicks the ball out.

7v7 soccer league helps fill the summer gap.

CHRIS SIMSEK, New Seabreeze boys soccer coach MORE PHOTOS

FPC baseball coach Kyle Marsh steps down

Marsh led the Bulldogs to the regional playoffs in three out of four years.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast High School baseball coach Kyle Marsh has stepped down, athletic director Scott Drabczyk has confirmed on Thursday, June 4.

“He’s looking at other professional opportunities outside of the area,” Drabczyk said. “That’s what he shared with us. And I respect that.”

Marsh did not respond to requests for comment.

Marsh has been the head baseball coach at FPC for four years, winning one district championship and leading the Bulldogs to the regional playoffs in three out of four years. He led FPC to its first Five Star Conference baseball tournament title in 2024 with wins against Seabreeze, Spruce Creek and Pine Ridge.

Marsh is also a head coach with the Orlando Scorpions travel baseball program, led by his former high school coach, Johnny Goodrich. Marsh graduated from Spruce Creek High in 2014.

As a high school sophomore, he led the Hawks to their first state championship in 2012, pitching to an 11-0 record with a 0.35 earned run average. He played college baseball as an

compiled a 56-55 overall record at FPC, finishing with a winning record in three out of four seasons.

“Kyle has been very successful for us,” Drabczyk said. “He’s worked very hard to put our program into a very respectful state throughout the area.”

Drabczyk said Marsh has also done a great job in helping players find a place to play at the next level, whether in Divison I, Division II or junior college.

Drabczyk said FPC will post the job next week.

“We’re starting the process [of advertising for a new coach],” he said. “We’re looking for someone who is going to continue the direction of where the program has been going the past few years.”

pieces, which includes field maintenance, he said.

“Kyle did an amazing job working on our facility and our field,” Drabczyk said. “He’s got great vision for facilities and branding. Go onto our field — the playing surface, if not the best, is one of the two best playing surfaces in Volusia, Flagler and St. Johns counties.”

High school head coaching experience is not a requirement, he said.

SIDELINES

Mainland AD named FHSAA Male Educator of the Year

Mainland High School athletic director Terrence Anthony was named Male Educator of the Year at the Florida High School Athletic Association’s FLASHY (Florida Leadership & Athletic Sports Honors Yearly) awards show on Sunday, June 7.

McFall is one of the first three members of Tusculum’s team joining another freshman and a transfer from Carter’s Mars Hill team, McFall said.

USA Weightlifting governs college Olympic weightlifting, which is growing as a varsity sport with more schools offering scholarships.

McFall said Tusculum is in “kind of a dream location” for him.

infielder and pitcher at the University of Central Florida (2014-17) and at Embry-Riddle (2017-19). While still playing at Embry-Riddle, Marsh began coaching a youth travel team, Florida Extreme Baseball.

Marsh was an assistant coach at FPC under head coach Anthony Campanella in 2022 and was named the Bulldogs’ head coach after Campanella stepped down at the end of the season. In his first season in 2023, Marsh led the Bulldogs to their first distrist title in eight years. This season, FPC posted its best record under Marsh with a 16-11 mark. Marsh

Drabczyk said in hiring coaches, the Bulldogs look for mentors who love the process of developing young men and women.

“We want them to love practice, love preparing,” he said. “We want transformational coaches, not transactional people. Transformational coaches want to pour into young people, trying to make them better human beings prepared to take on life after high school. Coaches that believe in the process and believe in development are typically the ones who are going to be most successful when it comes to wins and losses.”

Baseball has some added

“We’re never going to paint ourselves in a corner when we’re looking for a candidate,” Drabczyk said. “I do think you have to have a high level of experience. But baseball is a little unique. You have lot of guys who play for a while professionally. We’re going to look at the full body of work, the full resume. Do they meet the Bulldogs’ standard? We’ve hired some coaches who have not had head coaching experience, and they’ve thrived.”

“We’re starting the process [of advertising for a new coach]. We’re looking for someone who is going to continue the direction of where the program has been going the past few years.”

SCOTT DRABCZYK, FPC

Anthony has dedicated 30 years to his high school alma mater as track and field coach, assistant football coach and athletic director. In 2021, Anthony was named the Volusia County School District’s first Mentor of the Year.

He said that he is honored to win the award, but it’s not just about him.

“My mission is to change lives,” he said. “I’m so happy that I have so many coaches under me who have the same vision. It’s not about the wins and losses. It’s about the kids.”

Pirates softball camp on tap

The Matanzas Lady Pirates Summer Softball Camp is scheduled for June 16-17, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The camp will be led by Pirates alumni and coaches with college experience, including Emma Wood, who just finished her college career as a two-way standout at Embry-Riddle, and St. Johns River State College third baseman Juliet Fogel.

Matanzas head softball coach Sabrina Manhart is a National Fastpitch Coaches Association four-star certified coach who is a former college coach and Division I player. Cost for the camp is $125 with discounts upon request for siblings and teams with at least six players. Register at https://bit.ly/4vxTRx3. More info: email manharts@ flaglerschools.com

McFall receives weightlifting scholarship

Flagler Palm Coast state weightlifting champ Matt McFall will attend Tusculum University in Greeneville, Tennessee, under a full weightlifting scholarship.

McFall is FPC’s first weightlifter to receive a full scholarship for the emerging college sport.

Tusculum announced in April that it is starting Olympic weightlifting as a new club sport. Jared Carter, who was hired weeks earlier from Mars Hill University as Tusculum’s director of sports performance, will coach the weightlifting team.

“He just recently recruited me wanting to kickstart the program,” McFall said. “It completely came out of nowhere.”

PopINTO PARADISE

Join us each month for Pop into Paradise – a warm, welcoming luncheon designed just for seniors and their families

want a relaxed, no-pressure way to explore assisted living at Paradise Pointe. This month, enjoy delicious BBQ bites,

lemonade, and a laid-back atmosphere that captures the joy of summer.

“My grandparents have a cabin not too far from there in North Carolina,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful location for a campus up in the mountains.” McFall won the Class 3A Olympic title in the unlimited weight class last month, setting a school-record with a 660-pound total in the snatch and clean and jerk.

More than 150 teams expected at lacrosse tourney

More than 150 youth lacrosse teams are expected to compete in the 18th annual Father’s Day Invitational on June 20-21 at Palm Coast’s Indian Trails Sports Complex. The Florida United Lacrosse event features boys and girls divisions form 8U to high school level. Admission is free for spectators.

The Father’s Day Lacrosse Invitational is one of three annual Florida United Lacrosse tournaments in Palm Coast. The others are the Great Pumpkin Shootout and the Veteran’s Day Invitational.

“For 18 years, this tournament has brought athletes and families from across Florida to Palm Coast, and we’re proud to continue that tradition,” James Hirst, Palm Coast’s director of Parks and Recreation, said in a press release. “Events like this showcase our outstanding sports facilities, generate significant economic impact for local businesses, and create memorable experiences for players, parents, and visitors alike.” The city estimates that the tournament will generate about $1.8 million in economic impact through hotels, dining and other spending by visitors.

Palm Harbor golf family night Palm Harbor Golf Club in Palm Coast will host a Family Night on June 12. Special family packages include the Loop — four holes for $5 per person with tee times available 4:30-7 p.m.; and the Sunset nine — nine holes at $10 per person with tee times available 4:30-6 p.m. Each tee time accommodates up to four players. Larger families can reserve multiple tee times together. Reserve a tee time with the pro shop at 386-9864653.

• A guided tour of our community • The chance to meet our leadership team, caregivers, and residents • Fun giveaways and seasonal surprises • The perfect opportunity to experience the Paradise Pointe difference

Kyle Marsh led FPC to a district championship in his first season as the Bulldogs’ head coach in 2023. File photo by Jake Montgomery

FPC’s Samatha Burgos

Matanzas’ Micah Reynolds

Seabreeze’s Kara Kaiser

Matanzas’ Isabella Hopkins passes the ball.

Matanzas’ Tanner Lagocki battles for the ball.

Matanzas’ Sofia Picozzi (right) tries to keeps the ball away from a St. Joseph Lightning Bolts player.

Matanzas’ Matthew Ciminera (right) marks Seabreeze’s Lane Meyer.

GED® PREPARATION

$50/Semester

$32/GED® Sub-Test

These courses are designed to prepare adults to successfully pass the complete battery of the GED® subject area tests. After successfully passing all four subtests, the student earns a Florida High School Diploma.

FTC offers In-Person Classroom Learning experiences with a robust variety of resources to help students reach their goals.

Virtual Classroom learning and Independent Learning are also offered with instructor permission.

GED® preparation courses are designed to assist students with preparing for each of the four subtest subjects: Reasoning through Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Mathematical Reasoning.

NOTE: AGE REQUIREMENTS: Students 18 years or older may take the GED® exam without pretest requirements. Students 16/17 years of age - According to the rules of the local school board, persons who are at least 16 years of age may be permitted to take the tests under extraordinary circumstances, Section 1003.435(4), F.S. However, 16/17 year old students (permitted to take the tests), must register at a qualified GED® prep program, take and pass the online GED® Practice Tests in order to schedule the GED® exam.

Flagler Technical College

DATE OF DEATH IS

The date of first publication of this

tice

2026. John Carlson Turner a/k/a John C. Turner Personal Representative COPELAND, COVERT & SMITH, PLLC. 631 Palm Springs Drive, Ste. 114 Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-7854

407-830-7220/407-830-4391 (Fax) Attorney for Personal Representative Terry W. Covert Florida Bar No. 590551

Terry@copelandcovert.com

Yvette@copelandcovert.com

June 11, 18, 2026 26-00410I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTIONCONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 14310 CIDL ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF DANIEL D. O’CONNOR, SR. A/K/A DANIEL O’CONNOR, DECEASED. et. al.

Defendant(s), TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL TOHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF DOUGLAS DUANE O’CONNOR, DECEASED, whose residence is unknown if he/she/they be living; and if he/she/they be dead, the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: LOT 19, CROSS CREEK PHASE 1, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 43, PAGES 114 THROUGH 118, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before JUL - 6, 2026 /(30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein. THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Volusia County, Florida, this 4th day of June, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith DEPUTY CLERK ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, AND SCHNEID, PL ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com 25-328088 June 11, 18, 2026 26-00412I

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 12296 CICI THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF ITS AGENCY, THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Plaintiff, v. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF WILDRED T. LEUNG, DECEASED, ET AL., Defendant(s), NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment dated May 21, 2026 entered in Civil Case No. 2025 12296 CICI in the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF ITS AGENCY, THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Plaintiff and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF WILDRED T. LEUNG, DECEASED; RONALD LEUNG, AS PO-

TENTIAL HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF WILDRED T. LEUNG, DECEASED; THE INDEPENDENT SAVINGS PLAN COMPANY d/b/a ISPC; ATLANTIC CREDIT & FINANCE, INC., AS ASSIGNEE OF PROVIDIAN NATIONAL BANK are defendants, Laura E. Roth, Clerk of Court, will sell the property at public sale at www. volusia.realforeclose.com beginning at 11:00 AM on July 10, 2026 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to-wit:. LOT 51, DEVONWOOD SUB, AS PER MAP RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 37, PAGES 118 & 119, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

Property Address: 372 Bent Oak Drive, 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. THE COURT, IN ITS DISCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN.

Kelley Kronenberg 10360 West State Road 84 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33324 Phone: (954) 370-9970 Fax: (954) 252-4571 Service E-mail: ftlrealprop@kelleykronenberg.com /s/ Barron A. Becker Barron A Becker, Esq. FBN: 1031460 File No: DOJ1956-JMV June 11, 18, 2026 26-00407I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Formal Administration) IN THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CASE NO.: 2026-10442-PRDL DIVISION: 10 IN RE: The Estate of HORTENSE BENNETT STOWE, Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the estate of HORTENSE BENNETT STOWE, deceased, whose date of death was July 16, 2025, and whose social security number is XXX-XX-5923, 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

and entered in 2025 13462 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein SELECT PORTFOLIO SERVICING, INC. is the Plaintiff and EMILY VICTORIA CLICQUENNOI are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on June 30, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 7, BLOCK 272, DELTONA LAKES UNIT SEVEN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGES 149 THROUGH 162, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 1142 MANITOBA ST, DELTONA, FL 32725

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 5 day of June, 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

25-313941 - MaM June 11, 18, 2026 26-00405I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 11910 CIDL

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE CIM TRUST 2019-R2, Plaintiff, vs. ANGELA R. FRISBIE, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 16, 2024, and entered in 2023 11910 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE FOR THE CIM TRUST 2019-R2 is the Plaintiff and ANGELA R. FRISBIE; UNKNOWN TENANT N/K/A TIM LUNSFORD are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia. realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on June 30, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 81, 82 AND THE EAST 25 FEET OF 83, PHIPPEN’S SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 191, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA Property Address: 745 EAST RICH AVENUE, DELAND, FL 32724 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 8 day of June, 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 25-322155 - SaR June 11, 18, 2026 26-00406I

against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY (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 THREE (3) MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITH THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE 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.

A Personal Representative or cura-

tor has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the de-

Fax: 1-833-927-3279 E-mail: SG@EasyEstateProbate.com Florida Bar No. 101511 June 11, 18, 2026 26-00408I

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2025 14499 CIDL JAWCO HOMES LLC, Plaintiff, VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF HENRY BOGDANSKI, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF JULIA ESLIN, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF WILLIAM WIDENER, DECEASED; ESTATE OF IRENE BOGDANSKI, DECEASED; JOANE BOGDANSKI, FREDERICK DANNER, ANTOINETTE AUGUSTINE, JOSE HUICE, CARIDAD HUICE, & JAYDEN MARCANO HUICE, Defendants. To: UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF HENRY BOGDANSKI, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF JULIA ESLIN, DECEASED; UNKNOWN HEIRS BENEFICIARIES AND CREDITORS OF WILLIAM WIDENER, DECEASED; YOU ARE NOTIFIED

CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 11341 CICI CHASE HOME LENDING MORTGAGE TRUST 2023-RPL3, Plaintiff, vs. CHRISTOPHER SCOTT BRYAN, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 29, 2026, and entered in 2025 11341 CICI of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein CHASE HOME LENDING MORTGAGE TRUST 2023RPL3 is the Plaintiff and CHRISTOPHER SCOTT BRYAN; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF CHRISTOPHER SCOTT BRYAN; DONALD A. WETMORE; JANET

scribed property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 33 AND THE NORTHERLY 7.00 FEET OF THE WESTERLY 8.00 FEET OF LOT 32, BLOCK 2, ROOSEVELT PARK, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 11, PAGE(S) 125 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.

WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT on this 20 day of May 2026. Laura E Roth As Clerk of said Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Jennifer M. Hamilton As Deputy Clerk Prepared by: Greenspoon Marder, LLP (954) 491-1120; gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com (25-001731-01) June 4, 11, 2026 26-00382I

Property Address: 713 N ST, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 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 28 day of May, 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 25-291175 - MiM June 4, 11, 2026 26-00383I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10248 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY LEE DARIEN Deceased.

The administration of the estate of MARY LEE DARIEN, deceased, whose date of death was December 26, 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. 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

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 13632 CIDL NEWREZ LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING Plaintiff(s), vs. DEAN WATERMANA/K/A DEAN P. WATERMAN Defendant(s).

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to Plaintiff’s Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on May 19, 2026 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Laura E Roth, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia. realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 7th day of July, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: LOTS 5291 AND 5292, BLOCK 180, FLORIDA SHORES UNIT NO. 6, ACCORDING TO THE MAP THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 23, PAGE 109, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property address: 2500 Needle Palm Drive, Edgewater, FL 32141 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.

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 Stat-

utes. 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 June 4, 2026.

Personal Representative: /s/ Sheila Alexander SHEILA ALEXANDER P.O. Box 11095 Daytona Beach, Florida 32120

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Rodolfo Suarez, Jr. RODOLFO SUAREZ, JR. ESQ. Fla. Bar No. 013201

PILAR V. VAZQUEZ, ESQ. Fla. Bar No. 115839

Suarez Law Attorneys for Petitioner 9100 S. Dadeland Blvd., Ste. 1620 Miami, Florida 33156 Tel. (305) 448-4244 / Fax (305) 448-4211

Primary Email: rudy@suarezlawyers.com

Secondary Email: eservice@suarezlawyers.com June 4, 11, 2026 26-00374I

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO ACCESS COURT FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. TO REQUEST SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINISTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE THE SERVICE IS NEEDED: COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Stephen G. Hurley PADGETT LAW GROUP STEVEN G. HURLEY, ESQ. Florida Bar # 99802 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile) attorney@padgettlawgroup.com

Attorney for Plaintiff Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup.com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties. TDP File No. 25-011858-1 June 4, 11, 2026 26-00372I

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO.: 2026 11251 PRDL DIVISION: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF: Sharley J. Porter, Deceased. The administration of the estate of SHARLEY J. PORTER, deceased, whose date of death was March 16, 2026, 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

LARS HOMES LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company (LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 704 FOREST VIEW CT WINTER SPRINGS FL 32708 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 54 AND WEST ½ OF LOT 55, POWERS SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, PAGE 138, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. a/k/a 608 Powers Ave,