Florida bill seeking to end CRAs passes at the House. How may that impact Ormond? PAGE 3A
A season to remember
Seabreeze’s season of blue cheese and crazies comes to an end. PAGE 5B
Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler, Mainland’s Amyah Watlington each win two individual championships at district. PAGE 7B
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Making it easy to shop local. The new SECTION C also includes public notices, crossword, tributes.
New Mexican restaurant opening soon
Margarita Island Mexican Kitchen & Bar will open in Granada Plaza at the former TGI Friday’s location.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
A new Mexican restaurant is coming to Ormond Beach, and in addition to traditional and elevated dishes, its owners are hoping to bring a new dining experience to town.
Margarita Island Mexican Kitchen and Bar is set to open in the next couple weeks at 24 Ocean Shore Blvd. in the Granada Plaza. The restaurant spans almost 8,000 square feet and has been remodeled in the local franchise’s style — lush tropical themes, with a substantial bar area in the center.
This will be the fourth location, and the biggest yet, for Margarita Island, owned by David Gonzalez and his wife Elizabeth.
“This location has been a great opportunity for us,” he said. “We’re extremely happy to be here and excited.”
The restaurant space Margarita Island is now occupying used to house a former TGI Fridays, which closed in 2024. The Gonzalezes previously lived in Ormond Beach for over a decade, and Gonzalez always had his eye on the location. It was his dream to own a restaurant one day, having started in the industry almost 20 years ago as a busser.
In 2021, the couple decided to make the dream a reality, and moved away for better opportunities, which led them to open the
first Margarita Island restaurant in Merritt Island. Since then, they have opened locations in Flagler Beach as well as Rockledge.
“We waited three years for this location to be open — three long years, but I think it came at the right time,” Gonzalez said.
The restaurant has been in the works since June 2024. Gonzalez said Margarita Island is not your “typical Mexican restaurant,” with decorations inspired by traditional Mexican cowboys, known as charros. Gonzalez is originally from Nayarit, a coastal state in Mexico.
The restaurant’s menu boasts a selection of authentic dishes, but they are not afraid to play with different flavors in their scratch kitchen, Gonzalez said. His favorite dish on the menu?
The Island Piña Loca, a fajita style dish with steak, chicken and shrimp, onions, peppers and pineapple served on half a pineapple.
Margarita Island also serves vegan and vegetarian dishes.
And per its name, it also serves margaritas.
“Ormond Beach, and this community in particular, it’s in need of a good bar — a good margarita bar, and so it’s just the food, our margaritas are also really, really amazing,” Gonzalez said.
It was not easy to acquire the storefront at the Granada Plaza. Gonzalez said there were a lot of bids being considered, but that they were chosen after the landlords visited one of their other locations.
When visiting a restaurant, customers are seeking an experience, Gonzalez said.
“So this is what Margarita Island is going to be doing for Ormond Beach,” he said.
Email jarleene@observerlocal news.com.
Jacob Imhoff scored twice in the Sandcrabs’ 10-0 win. The team lost the series two games to one. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Margarita Island Mexican Kitchen and Bar will be David and Elizabeth Gonzalez’s fourth location in Florida. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Lucy Jackman, president of the Friends of the PAC.
Five votes, no city manager for Palm Coast
In one vote, City Councilman Sullivan, attending virtually, accidentally voted yes for the wrong candidate because of city audio issues.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council remains without a city manager after a series of five votes — including one that required a redo — left the council deadlocked.
The April 29 meeting was designed to give the City Council members a chance to choose between the two remaining candidates who have applied for the Palm Coast city manager position: Paul Trombino and Richard Hough. From the beginning, the council was split: Charles Gambaro stated outright that while both candidates were qualified, he preferred Trombino, while Mayor Mike Norris preffered Hough.
Councilmen Ty Miller and Dave Sullivan said they wanted to hear from their fellow council members first, while Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri said the vote should be unanimous.
“This type of decision needs to be 5-0” she said. “I think that it’s very important that we set up a city manager for success, and if any of us expresses a lack of confidence in their ability to manage the city, I don’t know that we’re setting them up for success.”
But instead of unity, five successive votes were cast that ended in a 3-2 split. Here’s what happened: Mayor Mike Norris passed the gavel to Pontieri and motioned to select Hough for city manager. The council voted 3-2 against Hough, with Pontieri, Gambaro and Miller voting no. Gambaro then nominated Trombino and the council voted 3-2 for Trombino, with Sullivan, Gambaro and Norris voting for him.
But during closing comments, Sullivan said: “I just want to say to Mr. Trombino, you did a great job.
You’re well qualified for the job, but I chose Mr. Hough.”
Sullivan, who had been having difficulty hearing the meeting over zoom due to issues with the audio, had thought he voted to select Hough as city manager.
Sullivan said multiple times during the meeting he had difficulty hearing what was being said, even causing Pontieri to move seats and search for a different microphone to ensure she was heard clearly. Doug Thomas, with Strategic Government Resources, also listening in virtually, said he had similar issues during the meeting.
“It’s very hard to understand everything that’s going on,” Sullivan said. He later added that he could hear Thomas clearly, just not the audio from City Hall.
City attorney Marcus Duffy said, to clarify the record, the council needed to redo the roll call vote on Trombino. The vote was again 3-2, this time against Trombino, with Sullivan joining Pontieri and Miller.
This left the council with only two moves: either someone who had voted against a candidate could nominate that candidate for reconsideration, requiring a subsequent vote be held to select that candidate, or the council could choose to search for more candidates.
Norris, who had voted yes for both candidates, asked multiple times if any of his fellow council members would motion to reconsider either candidate. Sullivan eventually motioned for Trombino to be reconsidered, which passed in a 3-2 vote, with Pontieri and Miller against.
The second vote for Trombino as city manager also failed 3-2 when Sullivan decided to stand with his earlier “no” vote. He said he agreed with the vice mayor that the vote should be unanimous.
NOW WHAT?
The council will not be returning to the drawing board, despite the deadlock. For Pontieri, the biggest issues with the candidates, she said, is that neither had the budgetary experience that she felt was required of a
city manager of Palm Coast, which boasts a $421 million budget.
Pontieri, with the council’s consensus, suggested the two candidates create a whitepaper explaining their experience handling budgets.
The next presentation has been tentatively scheduled for the Tuesday, May 6, business meeting.
NEITHER CANDIDATE
IS A ‘ROCK STAR’
Before the back-to-back failed votes, the council members had their reservations. Miller reminded the council that they were originally asking the search firm to find them “a rock star” of a candidate.
“I question whether we’ve kind of hit that mark of a ‘rock star’ and one that we have full confidence will come fix the problems within our city,” Miller said.
Sullivan said both candidates are qualified but wished there was someone who had the qualities of both candidates.
Pontieri said Trombino and Hough had “high levels of integrity” and a strong work ethic.
“I don’t know that either of them is fully qualified to take on this role at this time,” Pontieri said, “particularly with basically a new council, and I’m including myself in that because I’ve only been on this council for less than three years.”
Some members of the public felt the council should not be pressured into choosing a city manager if the candidates are not a good fit.
“There’s no reason to pick somebody right now,” resident Eddie Lang said. “The indecisiveness that we’re seeing — obviously, nobody’s got full confidence in what we’re choosing. I don’t think this should go through; you should all vote no.”
Resident David Ferguson said the council really needed to consider why they’re voting for the candidates.
“They’re impressive people,” he said. “But are they the ones you really want? Or are you just settling because you’re desperate to have a city manager?”
Friends of Ormond Beach PAC launch brick fundraiser
Personalized bricks will support the theater’s new Legacy Garden.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Friends of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center have launched a new fundraiser, one where participants’ support of local arts will be set in stone.
The Friends of the PAC are inviting the community to purchase a personalized brick for the theater’s new Legacy Garden, to be installed sometime in July 2026. People can purchase a 4-inch-by-8-inch brick for $150, or a larger 8-inch-by-8inch brick for $250. The funds will go toward supporting the PAC and its mission to bring art events and entertainment to the Ormond Beach community.
The Legacy Garden will be located near the PAC box office.
“It’s something that many, many people can see — not just the people going to events, but anyone who might be interested,” said Lucy Jackman, president of the Friends of the Performing Arts Center. “And it’s there for a lifetime.”
Friends of the PAC board members
LC and Tommy Tobey helped make the fundraiser a reality, organizing it within four days after Jackman spoke to them about the idea. They’re hoping that, in addition to supporting the PAC, the brick fundraiser also helps raise awareness that the theater is open.
The PAC reopened in December following a small fire incident in February 2024. At the time of the fire, the PAC had just reopened after a $1.7 million renovation that took over 18 months to complete.
“People don’t realize that we’re open and we are running,” LC Tobey said.
Year to date, the PAC has sold over 9,000 tickets for shows, said LC Tobey, who along with husband
is working as the PAC’s art gallery coordinator.
“A lot of people who are coming, it’s their first time,” LC Tobey said.
“We try to tell them about the gallery and they’re going, ‘Oh I didn’t know you were open.’ I think that’s the biggest thing we’re hearing ... So the impact (of the fundraiser) is to bring people awareness and give them the opportunity to invest in a brick so they can become part of the family.”
So far, the Friends of the PAC have sold 10 bricks. Tommy Tobey said they are hoping the fundraiser helps create a connection between the community and the PAC, as residents can purchase bricks for themselves or family members.
“So if you’ve got a grandchild that you put their name out there on that brick, 20, 30 years down the road, as far as we know, the memorial garden is still going to be there,” he said. “They can go back and see it.”
The Friends of the PAC is an allvolunteer force.
“It’s trying to create that connection with the Performing Arts Center and make it more of a community project where the people from the city of Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach get together and support the Performing Arts Center,” Tommy Tobey said.
When he and LC, both of whom are artists, moved here 10 years ago, there was a big need for local arts. That has only increased, he added.
LC Tobey agreed.
“Art is so vital to the community, because it’s a way of healing,” she said. “It’s been proven scientifically that art will heal the soul and the heart.”
Jackman said that, since reopening, the PAC has had several sold out and almost sold-out shows, often within 15 seats remaining.
“It’s all very, very positive, and when we add the bricks to the outside, to us that enhances the building,” she said.
Visit https://www.thefriends obpac.org/brick.
Angel Pinkerton, CFP® Holland Adviser
Amy Wiliamson, CFP® Holland Adviser
Miranda Mumma, CFP® Holland Adviser
End of CRAs? Here’s the potential local impact of Senate Bill 110
Ormond Beach and Palm Coast have each utilized CRAs to promote economic development in core areas over the past decades.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
A bill that would eliminate all Community Redevelopment Districts by 2045 was passed by the Florida House on Friday, April 25, by a 69-42 vote.
Originally HB 991, the bill was substituted by Senate Bill 110, which was amended a couple days prior by Florida Rep. Mike Giallombardo R-Cape Coral to include the elimination of CRAs. The bill also proposes local governments be barred from beginning any new projects or issuing any new debt within an existing CRA after Oct. 1, unless the project will be completed or the new debt issued matures by the time the CRA sunsets.
If passed, what would that mean for the cities of Ormond Beach and Palm Coast?
“We’re still looking at the bill and seeing what gets passed, and what the true meaning of the bill is,” Ormond Beach City Planning Director Steven Spraker said. “We do have projects that are in our capital improvement plan that are in process, so we’re still waiting to see what the final resolution of the legislation is, and then once they pass it, we’ll comply and adjust accordingly.”
The CRAs in Ormond and Palm Coast are both due to expire long before the 2045 deadline that could be created by the bill. But, in Palm Coast at least, Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo said it could impact some projects that haven’t started yet but could benefit from CRA dollars, like the proposed Palm Coast YMCA in
Town Center.
“Maybe some CRA dollars could go to that if they’re not interrupted by this bill,” DeLorenzo said. “It would limit some opportunity, depending on what the final bill looks like.”
REDEVELOPING DOWNTOWN
The City of Ormond Beach has two CRAs: one in the downtown and one in Ormond Crossings.
The Ormond Crossings CRA’s scope is limited. It was created in 2004, and amended in 2010 for the sole purpose of financing the construction of the flyover of the main road, Ormond Crossings Boulevard.
“My understanding, historically, is that this CRA was created at a time in which CRAs were under scrutiny for how monies were being spent, and this one was designated to promote a project that would readily facilitate relocation or expansion of target industries, thereby creating jobs, which is one of the primary goals of CRA or TIF districts,” Ormond Beach Economic Development Director
Brian Rademacher said.
CRAs are funded by Tax Increment Financing, or TIF, which allow local governments to utilize tax revenues above a certain baseline for redevelopment purposes. Those dollars must stay within the CRA; the taxing authority still receives property tax revenues generated below the baseline for its general fund.
The Ormond Crossings CRA will sunset by 2034, or by the completion of the road.
Ormond Beach’s downtown CRA is vastly different. It was created in 1985 and later extended in 2016 for another 20 years via an agreement with Volusia County. It spans the area along the Granada Boulevard corridor, from Orchard Street to A1A.
It’s purpose? To address blight.
Spraker said the downtown corridor in the early 2000s had empty buildings and wasn’t a place frequently visited by residents or visi-
tors.
“I think that’s really the key and why this area was created, and a lot of it has to do with this area is not like the rest of the city,” he said. “There’s smaller lots, there’s fragmented ownership. So if you try to apply a standard land development code, nothing would ever work.”
Restaurants like The Grind, or the former Lulu’s Oceanside Grill would not have been permitted under the city’s traditional code. So the CRA was aimed at creating a sense of place, promoting economic development and creating jobs for residents, Spraker said.
FOCUS ON TOWN CENTER
The City of Palm Coast only has one CRA, which is the State Road 100 CRA, created in 2004 to encourage redevelopment in that corridor. It encompasses 2,964 acres, located east of Belle Terre Parkway, north of SR 100, south of Royal Palms Parkway and about 0.75 miles east of Interstate 95. It expires in 2034.
Prior to the creation of the CRA, DeLorenzo said, there was a need to encourage investment and economic development in Palm Coast.
Town Center was a big part of that. But development didn’t real-
ly start until the 2010s within the CRA. DeLorenzo said the timing of the CRAs creation was bad, because the country faced a recession a few years later.
“That really lost a lot of momentum in the project right there,” he said.
In June 2018, the city reevaluated Town Center, which had been infrastructure-ready for several years, but hadn’t seen many major projects. That led to the creation of the Innovation Kick Start program, which provided help toward utility impact fees to property owners, developers and business owners to incentivize development in the core area of Town Center.
According to the city’s 2023/2024 CRA annual report, residential projects including The Gables, The Haven, The Retreat, Central Landings Apartments and The Palms at Town Center all received incentives. CRA dollars have helped fund the creation of Central Park, Southern Recreation Center and the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.
Palm Coast has acquired many properties along the SR 100 corridor in the Midway and Whispering Pines community, which the city’s annual report states are antiquated subdivisions with no existing infrastructure except for dirt driveways. The acquisitions were made to reduce blight and aggregate property for future redevelopment.
“I think everyone would agree that you wouldn’t want to have small, individual residential lots on State Road 100,” DeLorenzo said. “That’s not a very good place for them. ... At some point in time, we’ll package them together for redevelopment.”
REINVESTING THE GROWTH
If CRAs are eliminated, local governments wouldn’t lose any tax revenue — those dollars would just not be dictated to remain within the CRA. DeLorenzo said it would be inter-
esting to understand why the Legislature feels its necessary to change CRAs now.
“The Legislature has been really focused on taxes this session, with many different ideas on how to lower taxes or provide tax relief ... I’m not sure what they’re thinking about this,” he said.
CRA dollars, and particularly the master plan, have created the redevelopment of downtown Ormond Beach, Spraker said — through legislation, changes in the land development code, grants and capital projects.
The primary objective of a CRA is economic development in an area that is not seeing investment, Rademacher said.
“By using Tax Increment Financing, it’s a vehicle by which it can reinvest the growth of that area, that district, back into itself, without leaning in or requiring other sources of revenue from the city” Rademacher said. “So it’s sort of a self-serving, in a good way, incentive to drive development of a particular area for the purposes that the city of Ormond Beach has for both downtown as well as Ormond Crossings.”
The CRA elimination is just a portion of SB 110. Prior to the amendment last week, the bill’s scope focused on measures to help develop rural communities, including the creation of an “Office of Rural Prosperity” at the Florida Department of Commerce.
The Senate voted to approve the bill 39-0 on March 19. Because the bill was amended, it will head back to the Senate for a vote.
Local representatives, including former Ormond Beach Mayor and now District 28 Rep. Bill Partington, District 27 Rep. Richard Gentry, District 30 Rep. Chase Tramont, and District 19 Rep. Sam Greco all voted in favor of SB 110. District 29 Rep. Webster Barnaby did not vote.
Flagler Executive Airport breaks ground on $11.2 million terminal
The 15,500-square-foot facility is the ‘capstone’ of 56 airport improvement projects over 16 years and costing $65 million.
The Flagler Executive Airport held a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, April 29, for its capstone project — a 15,500-square-foot General Aviation Terminal.
Airport Director Roy Sieger said he’s calling it a capstone project because the airport has been undergoing a total reconstruction since 2009 with a combined $65 million in improvements.
The $11.2 million terminal will replace the 40-year-old airport administration building and is expected to be completed in 18 months, Sieger said, adding that it will accommodate the airport administration offices, the fixed based operator and operations, and will include a pilots lounge, a flight planning room, public space, restrooms, a meeting space and leasable space for small tenants.
There will also be improvement to the roadway entering the airport with the construction of a new roundabout in front of the terminal building, he said.
“This facility will be a grand gateway into our community,” Sieger said. “The GA Terminal facility is the next step in the evolution of transforming the airport into a career location for people to visit and busi-
nesses to locate at and around its surrounding communities.”
The terminal design was led by Wilbur Mathurin of Hoyle, Tanner and Associates. James Moore of KMA Design Group was the architect. Sauer Construction will lead the construction phase.
Along with Sieger, Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance and former Florida Speaker of the House Paul Renner also spoke during the ceremony. County Administrator Heidi Petito and Commissioners Greg Hansen, Kim Carney and Pam Richardson also participated in the groundbreaking.
Dance noted that the project was originally considered in 2018. It was designed in 2020, and acquiring the funding — the bulk of which came from a Florida Department of Transportation grant and appropriation from the Florida Legislature — took the next five years. Renner played a significant role in helping the county acquire the funding, Dance said.
Renner thanked Sieger and the county commission for their commitment in making the airport into “a jewel.”
“Infrastructure is so important to our communities,” he said. “We’re never going to have a seaport, but we have an airport, and we should make it the best it can possibly be, because it will improve the economic devel-
opment of our area and make Flagler a more attractive place for tourism.”
The airport encompasses almost 1,500 acres. The improvements to the facility began with the construction of an air traffic control tower, which opened in October 2009. That was the first of 56 completed projects, Sieger said. There are now three runways, two heliports and nine taxiways. Every runway and taxiway light has been upgraded to LED lighting. There are five new T-hangar facilities containing 62 units. “We essentially have a brand-new
airport,” Sieger said.
The airport is an enterprise fund, which means it operates on its own, Dance said, but the County Commission has oversight of the improvements.
“It’s an important economic driver, and we’re happy to see under Roy’s supervision the continual improvement of the airport,” Dance said.
But as the airport has grown, nearby residents have complained about noise.
“We had done a study through our transparency dashboard, where resi-
dents were able to log complaints, so we were able to work through that process and find out areas where we can continue to improve our processes,” Dance said.
“We did an internal airport survey among the tenants,” he added. “We just approved an Airport Overlay District. And this summer, we’ll be working on the airport master plan and creating a working group so that we have outside help and support to be able to guide us through that master planning vision.”
31 Supper Club is one of the restaurants within Ormond downtown district. Adobe Stock/Mark Krancer
Flagler County officials participate in the groundbreaking
Terminal at the Flagler Executive Airport. Photos by Brent Woronoff
A rendering of the $11.2 million General Aviation Terminal to be constructed at the Flagler Executive Airport. Courtesy photo
Former Speaker of the House Paul Renner thanked Flagler Executive Airport Director Roy Sieger and the county commission for making the airport into “a jewel.”
BRIEFS
3-month lane closures on Ocean Shore Boulevard
Beginning April 29, the southbound lanes of Ocean Shore Boulevard between Amsden Road and Neptune Avenue in Ormond Beach will be closed for around three months. The lanes will be closed for drainage improvements, curb and gutter installations and pedestrian enhancement construction, according to a press release from the Florida Department of Transportation.
This is the second of three non-concurrent detour segments.
Segment 1, completed in February and March, closed the southbound lanes of Ocean Shore Boulevard between Neptune Avenue and East Granada Boulevard.
Segment 3 has not yet begun, but will close the southbound lanes between Standish Drive and Amsden drive for approximately two months, the press release said.
Below is the anticipated schedule and detour information from the FDOT for segment two’s closure:
Segment 2: The southbound lanes of Ocean Shore Boulevard will be closed between Amsden Road and Neptune Avenue for approximately three months begin-
COPS CORNER
APRIL 12
THOUGHT YOU WERE BUSY
ning as early as Tuesday, April 29.
Detour information:
Motorists traveling south on Ocean Shore Boulevard will be directed to turn right on to Amsden Road, turn left onto North Halifax Drive, and then continue south to East Granada Boulevard. From there, motorists can turn left to return to Ocean Shore Boulevard. Daytime flagging operations will be in place at the intersection of Amsden Road and Halifax Drive to facilitate traffic flow.
For more details, please visit www.cflroads.com/project/442874-1.
VSO arrests suspect believed to have sold fentanyl to Ormond woman who overdosed
A 35-year-old Ormond Beach woman died of a suspected fentanyl overdose on Wednesday, April 23, leading the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office to arrest the man who sold her the drug less than 8 hours after her death.
VSO reported that 32-yearold Trevin Smith, of Daytona Beach, was apprehended at the Rebel convenience store at 700 S. Nova Road in Ormond Beach after detectives found messages in the victim’s cell phone indicating he had sold her approximately
10:55 p.m. — Intersection of North Washington Street and West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Reckless driving. A police officer was handling a traffic stop when he spotted a group of young adults shouting as a car did a burnout in a local gas station parking lot. The officer noted in an incident report that this could have caused the driver to lose control of his car and either crash into the crowd or a nearby gas pump. After the car exited the parking lot, the reporting officer broke from his initial traffic stop to pursue the driver.
2 grams of fentanyl earlier in the day.
According to Smith’s arrest report, detectives arranged a meeting with Smith using the victim’s cell phone, agreeing to meet under the guise of purchasing $60 worth of fentanyl at the 7-Eleven at 690 S. Nova Road. When the meeting time arrived, and the man realized law enforcement was present, he attempted to flee; he discarded his phone and a small plastic bag containing 1.6 grams of fentanyl, both of which were recovered by VSO.
Smith is being held in jail with no bond. His charges include the sale/delivery of fentanyl, resisting law enforcement, use of a two-way communication device to commit a felony, driving with a suspended license, and neglect of a child; his toddler was in the back seat of his car without a car seat.
The investigation into the suspected overdose death is ongoing.
Palm Coast upgrades audio, visual systems
Palm Coast will be making “significant technology upgrades” to its audio/visual system to improve public accessibility, both in-person and online.
The improvements will be centered on the Jon Netts Community Wing at City
The officer asked the 19-year-old driver why he would do a burnout in a crowded parking lot — and right across the street from a cop. The man, an Ormond Beach resident, said that he saw him, but assumed he was busy, and that his friends had encouraged him to do the burnout.
While the officer was speaking with the man, he noticed a plastic bag containing
Hall, where the Palm Coast City Council and other public meetings are held. The improvements will “strengthen the city’s capabilities in video conferencing, live streaming, and assistive listening,” a city press release said. The improvements should be completed by late summer.
The current system is over a decade old. The upgrades will include new assistive listening technology, HD cameras, microphones, updates to the control programming and upgrades to the audio and video in the overflow room.
Palm Coast Fire Department to Light the Night for Brant Gammon
Palm Coast residents are invited to light up their homes, businesses and communities in red in honor of fallen firefighters for National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Weekend event, Light the Night.. Every year, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation sponsors the event and the Palm Coast Fire Department is holding it in honor of firefighter-paramedic Brant Gammon who died Nov. 3, 2022. Gammon served as a volunteer firefighter since 2018 and joined career staff in 2020.
Beginning at dusk from
alcoholic beverages inside the car. The officer detained him and later released him with a notice to appear in court, as well as a citation for reckless driving.
APRIL 13 SHADY BUSINESS
6:05 p.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Petit theft. Police are searching for a man — described as
April 27 to May 4, landmarks, homes, fire service organizations, and businesses across the country will again glow in respect for fallen firefighters and their families, the press release said.
The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation created Light the Night for Fallen Firefighters to honor the 25th anniversary of the foundation and memorial weekend.
After 2-year investigation, Maine man arrested for sending death threats over Xbox
A 32-year-old Maine man has been arrested after he sent multiple death threats to a Palm Coast resident in 2022 through the Xbox game system.
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office detectives began investigating the threats in November 2022, when the Palm Coast resident reported the threats.
The suspect sent threats to the victim twice, in July and November of 2022, under different gamertags after the victim had blocked the suspect. The victim told detectives that he only knew the suspect through Xbox and Snapchat.
Detectives identified the suspect in January 2025 as James Maynard of Pittsfield,
a white man in his 30s or 40s with numerous tattoos on both of his arms — who was seen on surveillance footage ducking under a rope to enter a big box store’s vision center once it was closed. He then took three pairs of sunglasses worth over $560 altogether.
APRIL 19
THIEVING URGES
4:46 p.m. — First block of Garden Street, Palm Coast
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Maine. After receiving an arrest warrant, FCSO detectives traveled to Maine and interviewed and arrested Maynard with the help of local law enforcement, the press release said. Maynard is being held at the local county jail and will later be extradited to Flagler County. Maynard is facing a felony charge of written or electronic threats to kill, the press release said, and additional charges may be pending. Anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact the FCSO non-emergency line at 386-313-4911
Naked Palm Coast man arrested after attempting to break into a home, sheriff says
A naked Palm Coast man was arrested on April 26 after he attempted to break into a home.
Matthew Hunter, 63, was one of 23 arrests the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office made over the April 25-28 weekend, according to a FCSO press release. The homeowner told 911 that it sounded as though the suspect was trying to cut through the lock on her front door with a knife. When deputies arrived, Hunter was walking away from from the home, which had gouges on the door frame and molding.
Shoplifting. Deputies arrested a 49-year-old Palm Coast after he stole almost $350 worth of merchandise from a hardware store. The man told deputies that he had acted on an “urge to steal,” which has been present since he divorced his wife four years ago. He told deputies “he did not feel he deserved to pay for the fan nor the air gun and wanted to act on that urge to steal,” the report states. He was taken to jail.
APRIL 23
DUI BEHIND A DEPUTY 8:52 p.m. — Intersection of Belle Terre Parkways and Braddock Lane, Palm Coast DUI. A 74-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested for drunk driving after a motorist alerted a deputy to the man’s erratic driving by honking. The man, according to his arrest report, was driving behind the deputy. The deputy watched as the man failed to maintain a lane, and switched to allow him to pass. The man then almost side-wiped the deputy’s patrol car. During a traffic stop, the man told the deputy that he was headed to the grocery store to buy some chicken. He was asked to step out of the vehicle, and the deputy noticed he was struggling to keep his balance. He also smelled of alcohol and told the deputy that he had drunk one and a half beers that day around 11 a.m. The man failed the field sobriety exercises and was taken to jail.
Smash burgers. Bacon jam. Drizzles upon drizzles of aioli. Ormond Burger Week is back for the third year in a row, and this time, 20 local restaurants are competing for the title of Best Burger in Ormond Beach. To be held from May 2-11 — a 10-day period that includes two weekends — residents and visitors are invited to taste as many burgers as possible. To participate in the community vote, you must try at least five burgers and receive a restaurant stamp on your passport. Each burger will cost $10.
The competition was founded in 2023 by members of Realty Pros Assured and Realty Pro Title. Since the first competition, the number of restaurants has been increasing, going from 14 to 17, and now 20.
“Now the word is getting
out, so they’re contacting us,” said Carly Krajewski, of Realty Pros Assured, one of the founders of Ormond Burger Week.
BURGERS THAT STAND OUT
Six restaurants are new to the competition: Cafe One, DB Pickles, Good Vibes Scratch Kitchen, Lagerheads, Ormond Beach Sports Corner and Ormond Brewing Company. They join the other 14, all looking to dethrone Pumphouse BBQ, which has won the competition for the past two years.
Krajewski said she’s heard a lot of the restaurants got together months in advance to meet with staff and regular patrons and come up with a special burger for the competition.
She’s already tried all 20 and said they’re “fantastic.”
“There’s a lot that stands out, that are very high in the competition,” Krajewski said.
‘MEAT’ THE NEED
This year’s Burger Week is also benefitting a local charity: Provision Packs, which supplies food to children and families in need on the weekends and during extended
school breaks.
The competition’s tagline is “Meat the Need,” Krajewski said.
“We’re a food-driven event, we wanted to do it for a charity who is in our community that is based in food as well,” she said.
Provision Packs Founder Carrie Torres said she loves the play on words for the tagline. As people sit and enjoy a meal, it may help spark inspiration to help others who are in need, she said.
“Through Burger Week, you get to feed your tummy and your soul,” Torres said.
Supporting local restaurants is also a major benefit of Burger Week, she added. About 85% of Provision Packs’ mission is supported and funded at the local level.
Founded in 2015, Provision Packs helps feed students at nine Volusia County schools, which include all five Ormond Beach area elementary schools. The nonprofit, which is entering its 10th year, also serves five schools in Flagler County.
Come fall, Torres said they will be serving about 1,000 children.
BURGER BINGO
As for Burger Week, Torres said she loves to see how chefs get creative with their burgers.
“I can’t wait to get out there, tell everybody to get out there and ‘meat’ and feed the need,” Torres said.
Adding a charity to benefit from the competition has motivated restaurants to step up, Krajewski said. Many have donated gift cards to incentivize people’s participating and their voting, as this year’s Burger Week passport also includes a Bingo game. If the stamps make a Bingo, the voter will be entered in a drawing to win a $25 gift card. If they try all 20 burgers, they will automatically win a $25 gift card. This year’s competition is being presented by Gary Yeomans Ford in Daytona Beach.
Krajewski said the community should be on the lookout for the Burger Week committee.
“We’ll be wearing our crazy hamburger hats and our Burger Week T-shirts, and we’ll be passing out prizes, T-shirts and gift cards to people we know who are tasting the burgers,” she said.
Lagerheads’ “Lagerheads Smashburger”
Cafe One’s burger “The One!”
Piraña Grille’s the “Piraña Jamburger”
DB Pickles’ “Bruschetta Burger”
Steer In Burger’s “Just a Damn Good Burger”
Good Vibes Scratch Kitchen’s “Good Vibes Creole Burger”
Frida’s “Al Pastor Burger” Jimmy Hulas’ burger “Hulius”
Fugu’s “Wagu Beef Bao”
Kona Tiki Bar’s “The Mustang Patty”
Ormond Garage’s “OG Irishman”
63 Sovereign’s “Maple Sriracha Fry King!”
Fletcher’s “Death by Onions” Alexander’s “Prime A Burger!”
Fat Paulie’s “B.A.M.M. Burger”
31 Supper Club’s “Ultimate Umami Burger!”
Photos by Greg Hunter/ Speedway Custom Photo Lab
Tango’s burger “El Cubano”
REAL ESTATE
Hammock Beach home sells
for $3.6 million
Ahouse at 38 Northshore Drive, in Hammock Beach, was the top real estate transaction for April 12-18 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on April 17, for $3,600,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 6/5 and has 2 half baths, a pool, a hot tub, an elevator, a fireplace and 6,513 square feet.
ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
A condo at 4600 East Moody Blvd., Unit 7J, sold on April 18, for $140,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,050 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $54,000.
A condo at 90 San Juan Drive, Unit B103, sold on April 17, for $170,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,113 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $155,000.
PALM COAST
Country Club Harbor
A house at 1 Cerrudo Lane, sold on April 18, for $287,500. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/2 and has a bonus room and 1,448 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $195,000.
Grand Haven
A house at 13 Shinnecock Drive, sold on April 18, for $445,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a hot
tub and 2,067 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $389,000.
A house at 70 River Trail Drive, sold on April 16, for $1,290,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, a hot tub, a shared dock and 3,883 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $575,000.
Hidden Lakes
A house at 118 Arena Lake Drive, sold on April 17, for $460,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,936 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $367,500.
Indian Trails
A house at 24 Barbara Lane, sold on April 15, for $314,333. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,675 square feet. It sold in 2008 for $138,500.
Lehigh Woods A house at 6 Russell Drive, sold on April 18, for $352,500. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,855 square feet.
House on Orchard
Lane
sells for $1,350,000
Ahouse on a historic street at 163 Orchard Lane was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of April 5-11. The house sold on April 7, for $1,350,000. Built in 1965, the house is a 3/2.5 with a separate 2/2 addition and has a fireplace, 3,732 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $355,000.
JARLEENE ALMENAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ann Rustin Estates
The house at 945 Marie Circle sold on April 7, for $519,500. Built in 1968, the house is a 5/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,698 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $368,000.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 5 Cross Creek Way sold on April 11, for $950,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchen and 4,210 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $585,000.
Cameo Point
The house at 3 Tiffany Circle sold on April 11, for $462,500. Built in 1965, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,528 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $213,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 3743 Longford Circle sold on April 7, for $535,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,332 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $400,000.
The house at 3117 Lizmore Circle sold on April 7, for $605,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,081 square feet.
The house at 1406 Enos Drive sold on April 10, for $540,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,082 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $335,000.
Ocean Crest
The house at 57 Ocean Crest Drive sold on April 7, for $613,000. Built in 1960, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,350 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $138,000.
Built in 2018, the house is a 4/5.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 4,320 square feet.
Palm Harbor A house at 22 Cherrytree Court, sold on April 17, for 624,900. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub, a boat dock and 1,906 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $585,000.
A house at 31 Cherrytree Court, sold on April 15, for 799,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a boat dock and 2,533 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $325,000.
Quail Hollow A house at 38 Llama Trail, sold on April 18, for $407,400. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,508 square feet.
A house at 48 Kathleen Trail, sold on April 18, for $420,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
$330,000. Built in 1970, the 3/2 house has 2,459 square feet. It sold in 1991 for $85,000.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Ormond Beach Estates The house at 28 Berkley Road sold on April 10, for $326,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,151 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $131,000.
Ocean Grove The house at 129 Ocean Grove Drive sold on April 11, for $350,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,580 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $225,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed.
PALM COAST
ORMOND BEACH
LETTERS
Did this headline violate the Palm Coast Observer’s mission?
A reader and the publisher respond
Dear Editor:
This is the first time I have ever written to your newspaper. I find it quite distasteful that you chose to discredit our mayor, Mike Norris, in big print on the front page of the April 24 edition, and again on Page 3A.
You are not standing by your mission statement, found on Page 10A, where you claim: “We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our readers.”
This statement is not how I and others feel, after this blatant attack on Mayor Norris, whom I did not vote for — however, I approve of what he is trying to do to protect our city from all the mass development that has been going on for the last five years. If you care to do good for the community I would suggest you work with him and find out about many of the issues like salaries, and of the overtime pay, which the present council is aware of, and do a story on that. The one councilman not elected and the others are evidently ganging up on the mayor for what he is trying to do and has uncovered. He is trying to do his job, but the builders associations and others are hiding in the back rooms, and that is raising our taxes and much more.
CAROL STOUGHTON
Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: First of all, thank you for reading. I can tell that you have community
spirit and want your community newspaper to serve you well. You say that the Observer “chose to discredit our mayor” with our headlines in the April 24 edition. (For those who didn’t see, the headline on Page 1A was as follows: “Mayor censured in 4-0 vote,” with this as the deck: “Norris admitted he ‘requested’ resignations of staff. Investigation says he’s created a hostile environment.” Those headline teased the stories with similar headlines on Page 3A.) I understand that many people support our mayor, Mike Norris, and are cheering him on. But our role is not to cheer him on; nor is to discredit or cheer against him. The Observer doesn’t take a stand on candidates or elected officials; we only report the facts. In this case, I believe we accomplished that. Perhaps you could say that the City Council members discredited the mayor, since they voted 4-0 to censure him; but the Observer didn’t vote and didn’t do anything to discredit Norris.
(Side note: Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri pointed out on WNZF’s “Free For All Friday” that the vote was not against the mayor, but against his actions, which violated the charter, in the opinion of the City Council.)
You pointed out that the headline was “big.” Perhaps you disagree with our choice to make the 4-0 vote the top headline of the week. In my view, the vote was highly unusual, dramatic, and consequential, so it felt appropriate. But, does that choice follow our mission?
To build bridges of understanding, our goal is to report on opposing sides of an issue sympathetically. We start with a foundation of respect. Regardless of whether community members agree or
disagree with each other, we are better off when we at least clearly understand each other’s opinions. Beyond that, it’s up to others to decide where they stand. In this case, there are several parties — or several sides that need bridges. On one side, you have city staff members who reported that Mayor Norris demeaned them and made it difficult to do their jobs well, potentially violating the charter by doing so and creating a hostile work environment. Their voice deserves to be heard. On the other side, you have Mayor Norris, who said he was only joking, and: “As the mayor, I believe I have the right to request a resignation when I lose confidence in a staff member.” His voice deserves to be heard.
The investigator’s view is that the City Charter does not give the mayor the power to “influence employee status, particularly involving removal or direct supervision.” The community should also be aware of that viewpoint.
The Observer did attempt to talk to Norris after the investigation and again after the City Council’s vote to censure, but he did not respond.
You suggested that the Observer try to work with Norris; the best way for us to do that is to talk with him and report on his views. Despite his lack of interest in talking on the phone, we have reported on his views as best we can. For example, we reported on his State of the City speech, during which he voiced many of the concerns that you have mentioned. We also reported on an interview Norris gave on YouTube regarding his current views on the Oct. 1, 2024, appointment of Charles Gambaro. We reported on his advocacy for a building moratorium and for the Belvedere Terminals fuel terminal.
You concluded that the
• Free admission & lunch at noon.
• Music by DJ Frank Roberts and prizes
• Bring school supplies for the Flagler County Education’s STUFF bus.
• Fundraiser for Wreaths Across America
• Questions, please contact Matt Maxwell 386.439.5400
City Council members’ 4-0 vote is evidence that they are “ganging up on the mayor for what he is trying to do.” However, their stated motivations are regarding his perceived charter violations, not necessarily his policies. City Council members frequently disagree about policies; each member has one vote and equal time to persuade the others during public meetings.
You make an allegation in your letter that builders are “hiding in the back rooms, and that is raising our taxes.”
While many in the community feel the way you do — that our population growth is making it more expensive to live here — the implication is that there is something illegal or inappropriate going on “in the back rooms.” Norris has made similar accusations, though he hasn’t provided any evidence yet.
We will work on building more bridges of understanding on this issue. That is our mission.
— Brian McMillan,
publisher
Help needed for people forced to sleep in public spaces
Dear Editor:
I would like to thank Ty Miller for asking the council and county to look into options to support residents in such need of help that they have to sleep in “public spaces.” The City Council has unanimously passed (on the first reading) an ordinance to ban people from sleeping in public spaces.
Shame on us for not coming together to have plans in place to help people who are in such dire straits that they have to hide to go to the toilet, to sleep and to eat.
I know that there are good folks here who do help provide food, and to open an overnight shelter when it is below 40 degrees and those are wonderful things, and I am grateful to those people. We are a wealthy society. Can’t we do more to help provide the basics of water, food and shelter for everyone?
ANNMARIE BRENNAN Flagler Beach
Palm Coast needs to diversify tax base
Dear Editor:
Over the years, countless businesses have tried to take root here — only to be pushed out or shut down. Originally envisioned as a quiet retirement community for northern transplants, Palm Coast followed a Floridawide model of sleepy suburbs and tourism. But the world has changed since the 1970s. “The best laid plans of mice and men” comes to mind.
It’s been over 50 years since ITT first platted parcels, and now it feels like the city is ready to shut the gates and roll up the welcome mat. Any proposed development is scrutinized to death — unless, of course, it’s a favorite fast food chain or a new bank branch. (Does anyone even use those anymore?) Now that transplants have helped push the city to over 100,000 residents the people say no more. It’s akin to making it up to paradise and then pulling the ladder up behind you because … now it’s full. Let’s look at just a few examples: Amazon, Mercedes, Bass Pro, a sports complex, self-storage, even a Little Caesars —either denied or deterred. In November last year, the Observer reported 12 businesses were turned away due to a lack of pad-ready land. And rumor has it Sea Ray pulled out because Flagler Beach wouldn’t approve a parking lot for its workers. So it’s not just residents. Sometimes, the local governments aren’t making it any easier. Why should we welcome new business with open arms? Say it with me: Tax Base Diversity. Right now, the majority of the money it takes to keep the city running — from road maintenance to emergency services — comes straight from the pockets of everyday residents. Bringing in more commercial development helps share that load and creates a more balanced, sustainable economy for everyone. I understand that people want to preserve their lifestyle, but at the expense of the city’s future?
And we are not the only ones hearing the anti-growth rhetoric. The business community hears it loud and clear too. The more opportunities the city turns away, the fewer options it will have — and the less room it has to be selective. Let’s be realistic: people will keep moving to Florida, to Flagler County, and to Palm Coast. If we don’t plan and manage this growth wisely, we’ll end up as the most overpopulated and overpriced city to live in the state — with nothing to show for it.
RON LONG Flagler County
Parallels in national, local leadership styles
Dear Editor: After reading the recent report of the independent investigative findings of our mayor’s disconcerting actions and behaviors, what comes to mind is how easy it is to see the parallels between the national and our local executive leadership style that we’ve witnessed in just
Grand Haven Women’s Club will host Kentucky Derby Celebration
The Grand Haven Woman’s Club will host its second annual Kentucky Derby Celebration and Casino Night on May 3 at 4 to 8 p.m. at the Grand Haven Golf Club.
The evening will include a buffet, cash bar, live race, bourbon tasting, live auction, gift basket, 50/50 raffle and more. Proceeds support many local nonprofit charitable organizations.
Hall of Fame jockey and Palm Coast resident Bill Boland will be the event’s special guest. Boland won the 1950 Kentucky Derby at age 16 and is still the youngest jockey to ever win the derby. Boland also won the 1950 Belmont Stakes. For more information on sponsorship opportunities or to reserve advance tickets at
$75 per person, contact Kristina Bracciale at braccialek@ gmail.com. The Grand Haven’s Women’s Club is a group of over 200 women who volunteer in the community and provide financial support for local organizations. Club members feed the homeless; provide homemade comfort items to women recovering from cancer; donate shoes, clothing and hygiene items to students in need; provide musical instruments to students, food to the Flagler Humane Society, supplies to the domestic violence shelter and financial scholarships to students. CRT presents ‘Rockabilliewillie,’ John Sbordone’s Shakespeare spoof
City Repertory Theatre will perform “a unique and hilarious look at Shakespeare” called “Rockabilliewillie” May 2-11. Described as “a bastardization of the Bard, conceived in
the few months in office for both.
Chaos and division are the first two analogous takeaways followed by and caused by an authoritarian approach to governing, a disregard for laws, petty retribution towards political opponents, expounding unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, childish name calling, airing personal grievances, playing the victim card and position flip flopping. All have played out on both the national and here on our local stage and all have created a distrustful, divisive and destructive atmosphere. However, even in the face of all these concerns that should be very worrisome to everyone, another parallel is apparent — the steadfast support by ultra-ardent supporters who tenaciously, but disquietingly cling to their position of my leader right or wrong.
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
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.
Chaos and dedicated to the proposition that All’s Well that ENDS,” the show was written by CRT cofounder John Sbordone. The play represented the state of Connecticut at the New England Theater Festival in 1988. For tickets, call the box office at 386-585-9415, or visit www.crtpalmcoast.com. The show includes the acting performances of Ethan Fink and Beau Wade, as well as Jen Chidekel and Lillee Raymond.
Courtesy photo by Mike Kitaif
• Just 83 docks total, accommodating vessels up to 30-50 feet
• Docks will be individually owned and managed by an association
• Each dock is equipped with electrical service, potable water and planned fuel service
• Nestled within a private, secluded Intracoastal canal
• Gated community entry
• Enjoy the Marina del Palma community amenities, including the clubhouse, fitness center, dog park and waterfront pool
YOUR NEIGHBORS
More Than A Race
They ran and they walked in support of veterans and first responders.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The fourth annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk in Palm Coast raised over $15,000 in donations and sponsorships for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, volunteer race director Patrick Appolonia said.
Appolonia said well over 500 runners and walkers signed up for the event held on Saturday, April 26, at Central Park in Town Center. Many current and retired first responders and military personnel, some wearing full gear, ran the course.
Most of the donations were raised by teams of participants, although individuals raised a large portion as well, Appolonia said.
Before the race, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill presented the Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Follow the Footsteps Award to Palm Coast Fire Department Lt. Patrick Juliano. The award recognizes individuals who make a lasting impact in their communities.
Besides Juliano’s duties as a department lieutenant and paramedic, he is also the department’s public information officer and
‘We are art’
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
It all started with a Google search. Five years ago, local photographer James Carey was working on a client project for Black History month, and he entered the phrase “black male” on the online search engine. What was reflected on his computer screen was shocking, he said.
“It was 95% negative imagery,” he said. “Either Black males were incarcerated, on drugs or selling drugs and I was taken aback about that.”
James called his wife LaToya over to take a look at the images, and it also shocked her. The imagery didn’t reflect what they knew to be true about the African American community. So, what did the couple decide to do?
They founded Cultuvue, an annual traveling photography exhibition first launched in 2021 that not only
memorial bagpiper. Juliano and Palm Coast Pipes and Drums performed with the honor guard during the event’s opening ceremonies and the start of the race.
The Tunnel to Towers 5Ks honor Stephen Siller, a Brooklyn firefighter who was one of the 343 first responders killed in New York City on 9/11. He had just gotten off his shift on Sept. 11, 2001 when he heard about the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers. He grabbed his bunker gear and headed to the World Trade Center. After getting stuck in traffic at Brooklyn’s Battery Tunnel he ran in full gear from the tunnel to the towers.
Appolonia, who works in the Communications and Marketing Department for the City of Palm Coast, reached out to the foundation in 2021 about hosting a Tunnel to Towers 5K here. The first one at Town Center was held in 2022, and it has grown each year, he said.
Appolonia said he’s always felt a kinship with firefighters. His great grandfather, grandfather and uncles were all firefighters in New Jersey.
The foundation provides mortgage-free homes to gold star families, families of fallen first responders and homeless and wounded veterans and first responders. The foundation’s Let Us Do Good Village in Land O’ Lakes is a community of smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. The organization has also developed 10 homeless veterans villages across the country with plans for 11 more, including ones in Orlando and
Cultuvue photography exhibition on display at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center
features positive representation of people of color, but shares their stories — from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Dallas Balentine who aims to become the first hearing impaired astronaut in space, to Stephanie Ellis Clark, the vice president of early intervention services at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida who spends her time outside of work aiding education, health and civic engagement initiatives.
All of the portraits in Cultuvue’s exhibition depict locals, from Volusia and Brevard County, as well as the city of Palm Coast. All were nominated by the community.
And now the exhibition is on display in Ormond Beach. The 32-portrait exhibition opened on April 26 at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center gallery, at 399 N. U.S. 1, and will run through June 4.
TREASURES AND HIDDEN GEMS
Cultuvue, a nonprofit, fuses the words “culture” and “view,” which sums up the Careys’ mission.
“The idea is to be able to help the community at large just view our culture from a different lens,” said LaToya, president of Cultuvue.
The Careys, who have been married for 24 years, own and operate Kenneth Grant Inzpirations, a photography and digital design studio based in Daytona Beach.
James has been working in photography for about 10 years, and he quickly realized that he loves capturing people and “making them look good,” he said.
Cultuvue has allowed him to do that while learning, and being inspired by, their stories.
“This everyday person was able to accomplish this in spite of all the
obstacles they may have faced or that stood in their way,” James said. “They were still able to be successful.”
Usually, he added, the people he captures don’t quite understand the scope of the project. They’re flattered to be included, and oftentimes don’t see themselves in the same light as those who nominated them. They see themselves as regular individuals doing their best every day.
“We appreciate learning so much about those types of gems, those hidden gems in the area,” LaToya said.
The nomination period for Cultuvue’s honorees opens in February and runs through April every year.
The youngest honoree is 10 years old, with others ranging in age upward to their 80s.
The Careys are excited to have their exhibition in Ormond beach.
“The hope is that individuals will first, be open to coming to see it and read the stories along with checking out each one of the canvases,” LaToya said. “Together, they make up what we call a collection, and that collection gives you a holistic view of who is this individual, why are they so special and important?”
REPRESENTATION MATTERS
During their 2023 exhibition, the couple recalled one gallery visitor in particular. It was a young lady, who came in to the 7,000 square foot gallery space, and quickly came back to the greeter station where the Careys were. She told them, “I thought there was art in here.”
They explained that Cultuvue is art — that humans are art. So part of Cultuvue is also about helping people of color change their perspective on themselves, LaToya said.
Jacksonville.
“This was something I felt connected to,” Appolonia said about bringing the 5K here. “I’m proud to see it grow every year.”
Many of the participants weren’t able to run, but they could walk or simply line at the finish line and show their support to the finishers, from race winner Julius Dayandante, 55, of Ormond Beach, who finished in 18 minutes, 58 seconds to the last of the walkers who crossed the finish line 1 hour and 25 minutes after the race started. Grace McGovern, 89, of Palm Coast, finished in 1:20:35.5.
“People show their support any way they can,” Appolonia said. Army veteran Tyson Regier ran in full Army gear. Regier is a JROTC instructor at Palatka High School. He and his family moved to Palm
During their research for Cultuvue, the Careys discovered that, according a 2019 study, African Americans accounted for 1.2% of artwork displayed in major U.S. galleries. So what they wanted to do, LaToya said, is help increase that statistic.
“Let’s make that tick up to 1.3%, 1.4%, by what we do and give great representation,” she said.
Cultuvue isn’t political. The Careys said it’s about reshaping the narrative and creating opportunities for
Coast last summer. Danny MacNeil, of Palm Coast, held up an American flag through the entire 5-kilometer run. MaNeil, an Army veteran who was in the 82nd Airborne Division, ran for Team Red, White & Blue (teamrwb.org), a national organization described as America’s health and wellness community for veterans.
Alex Minhas, 20, of Palm Coast, finished second with a time of 20:22.2. M. Yorgey, 12, of Palm Coast, was the female winner with a time of 22:29.6. She placed 10th overall. The youngest participant was K. Steiner Lyons, 4, of Palm Coast, who finished 13th among females under 18. There were seven participants over 80. For complete results, go to https://bit.ly/4lO7ynF.
people to understand and appreciate different cultures. It’s also about showing positive examples for the next generation.
Summed up, it’s inspiration and revelation, James said.
“If you’re only given a negative perspective, the opinion that you form is going to be negative,” he said. “If we could begin to just broaden those visuals ... their opinions will begin to change as well.”
Visit cultuvue.org.
Over 500 participate in Tunnel to Towers 5K in Palm Coast
Azwim Baccus raises his arms as he finishes. Photos by Hannah Hodge
Andrew, Giuliana, Kelli, Aubrey and Olga.
The husband-and-wife duo behind Cultuvue: LaToya Carey, president of the nonprofit, and James Carey, photographer and artist. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
“Beyond the Crescent” by James Carey. Courtesy photo
Steve Rentz and his daughter Jostelyn Rentz at the finish line.
Patricia McGovern, Joann McGovern and Grace McGovern start the 5K.
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, MAY 1
PALM COAST
SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL
When: May 1-4, times vary by performance
Where: Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater, 545 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast
Details: Over 40 songwriters with more than 150 hit songs will perform during this four-day music celebration. Single day passes ($30$55) and four-day passes ($175) available. Visit www. palmcoastsongwritersfestival. com.
FRIDAY, MAY 2
ROCKABILLIEWILLIE
When: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, May 2, 3, 9 and 10; and 3 p.m. on Sundays, May 4 and 11
Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Unit B-207, Palm Coast
Details: This is a Shakespeare mash up of scenes from “The Taming of the Shrew”, “Romeo and Juliet” and “Henry V”, all set to rockabilly hits. Show was adapted by John Sbordone. Tickets cost $25 for adults, $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast. com/rockabilliewillie.
SATURDAY, MAY 3
20TH ANNUAL ARBOR DAY
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Celebrate Arbor Day with the City of Palm Coast. There will be a walk-through butterfly tent, live performances from Palm Coast Community Band and The Dance Method, a children’s activity tent, petting zoo and free craft projects. Residents can receive a free 3-gallon tree in exchange for a nonperishable food item donation for the local food bank.
ART IN THE PARK
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, May 3; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4
Details: The City of Ormond Beach and the Ormond Memorial Art Museum are presenting the 51st annual Art in the Park, showcasing 100 artists and crafters. There will also be a kids craft zone, food trucks and live entertainment. Free admission.
ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.
SECOND ANNUAL KENTUCKY DERBY CELEBRATION AND CASINO NIGHT When: 4-8 p.m.
Where: Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Dr, Palm Coast
Details: The Grand Haven Woman’s Club is presenting this event, where proceeds will support local nonprofits. Tickets cost $75 per person. Contact event spokesperson Kristina Bracciale at braccialek@gmail.com.
FLAGLER HUMANE SOCIETY’S KENTUCKY DERBY CASINO NIGHT When: 4:30-9:30 p.m.
Where: 42 Island Estates Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Don your best Kentucky Derby hat and join the Flagler Humane Society for an evening of games and fundraising. Tickets cost $125 per person or $200 per couple. Event is located in a gated community so tickets must be purchased in advance. Visit https://flagler-
humane.harnessgiving.org/ events/2800.
ORMOND BEACH LIONS
CLUB’S KENTUCKY DERBY PARTY When: 4:30 p.m.
Where: St James Episcopal Church 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Enjoy a buffet, games, door prizes and a crazy hat contest. Tickets cost $35 and will not be sold at the door. Visit ormondbeach-lions-club-foundation. square.site. Proceeds will benefit local services for the vision and hearing impaired. For more information, call 386-310-4834.
SUNDAY, MAY 4
PANCAKE BREAKFAST
When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church social hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 is sponsoring a pancake breakfast. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite and all donors will receive a free pass to the breakfast. Breakfast for non-donors costs $6, and kids under 12 eat free.
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YOUR SCHOOLS
Kennedy McMillan wins districtwide 4-H speech contest for Flagler Schools
Connor Barton was second, S’riyah Smith third, Lilian Graifer fourth, and Caroline Patin fifth.
BRIAN MCMILLAN
PUBLISHER
How annoying are Kennedy McMillan’s brothers? Very, according to her speech. Kennedy, a fifth grader, was the Flagler County winner of the Florida 4-H Public Speak-
CLASS NOTES
FPC RECEIVES
FLORIDA FARM
BUREAU MINIGRANT
A grant from the Florida Farm Bureau will support a special learning experience for a group of students at Flagler Palm Coast High School. The funding was for the current school year under Farm Bureau’s statewide, competitive Mini-Grant Program.
Maggie Reaves, FPC’s agriscience and agritechnology teacher, earned the funding after submitting an application for a project that involves improvements to the school’s student-led garden.
Farm Bureau Mini-Grants up to $250 are offered annually to certified K-12 classroom
Plant,
ing contest, held April 29, at the Emergency Operations Center. Although her brothers sometimes tell bad jokes and follow her around, they also play with her and buy her chocolate, so it’s not all bad, she said in her speech. McMillan, of Ms. Fajardo’s class at Belle Terre Elementary School, was one of five contestants of the countywide competition. Each of the following won his or her school’s competition earlier this month, to qualify: Connor Barton, of Mrs. Lambert’s fifth grade class,
teachers. Florida Farm Bureau awarded mini-grants totaling nearly $10,000 to more than 50 teachers across the state last year.
VCS HONORS STUDENT ADVISORY LEADERSHIP TEAM
The Volusia County School Board recognized the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Leadership Team at its recent meeting on Tuesday, April 22. The team is composed of 28 students from 11 high schools, including Seabreeze and Mainland high schools. Through SALT, students provide input on school issues, topics and recommend agenda items based on needs as a way to include a student voice in the district’s execution of its strategic plan. The program was launched in 2023. “For the past two years,
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represented Bunnell Elementary and finished second for his speech on eating bugs.
S’riyah Smith, of Ms. Baldwin’s fourth grade class, represented Rymfire Elementary and finished third for her speech on her rambunctious pet dogs.
Lilian Graifer, of Mrs. Foster’s fifth grade class, represented Old Kings Elementary and finished fourth for her speech on the Party Animals baseball team.
Caroline Patin, of Mr. Ludecker’s fifth grade class, represented Wadsworth Elementary and finished fifth for her speech on competitive cheerleading. The contest was administered by 4-H Extension Agent Hope Musgrove and Director Laura Valencia. Judges were Valencia, Flagler Schools Teaching and Learning Specialist Kristin Frank, and Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance.
Facilitated by the Flagler County Education Foundation’s Madison Asbill, the winners also were given a share of $300 in monetary prizes by FreeSmartWebsites. com. Company representatives were Macy Baxi, a TEDx speaker; and Saahil
Editor’s
SALT brought many, many great agenda items up — also provided solutions to some of those items and those topics that were presented to us,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said.
The students meet monthly with district personnel and discuss topics and projects such as transportation for athletics and school clubs, safety and security, technology, and random
Call Marylynne for more info: (954) 401-1144 40 Wellington Dr., Palm Coast In case of rain, sale will be indoors.
searches. They also focused on initiatives to address chronic absenteeism, mental health and school cleanliness.
Mainland High School students
Kajuan Curry, Autumn Demarest and Joshua Stubbs, along with Seabreeze High School students Sophia Lin and Rain Schneider were among the students in SALT.
FPC KIWANIS CLUB HONORS SENIORS OF THE MONTH
The Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club honored its High School Seniors of the Month for March, April and May at a luncheon meeting on April 23. Teachers and administrators select a senior each month from Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools. The Seniors of the Month for March were Gavin Winfrey of Matanzas and Shaun Rabatin of FPC. April’s Seniors of the Month were Jeh-Hanni Strong of Matanzas and Jack Mikutel of FPC. The May Seniors of the Month are Kayleigh Phillips of FPC and Joseph Sherman of Matanzas.
The club recognized the accomplishments of each
Graduations
Matanzas High School: May 28, 3-4:30 p.m. at the Ocean Center
Flagler Palm Coast High School: May 28, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Ocean Center
Flagler Technical College/Road to Success: June 3, 6 p.m., at the Flagler Auditorium
Scholarship distributions May 7, Matanzas seniors, 3-7 p.m May 8, FPC, 3-7 p.m.
Seniors walk the halls May 19, Bunnell Elementary, 2 p.m.; Imagine School, 2 p.m.
May 20, Old Kings Elementary, 10 a.m. May 21, Belle Terre Elementary, 10 a.m. May 22, Rymfire Elementary, 10 a.m.; Wadsworth Elementary, 2:30 p.m.
student and rewarded them with a stipend and a certificate. The seniors also discussed their college and career plans. Kiwanis Club board member Frank Consentino presented the awards.
MAINLAND, SEABREEZE GRADUATIONS SET FOR MAY 30
Seabreeze and Mainland will celebrate their Class of 2025 high school graduations at the Ocean Center on Friday, May 30.
Mainland’s graduation will begin at 4 p.m. and Seabreeze’s is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. The Ocean Center is located at 101 N. Atlantic Ave. in Daytona Beach.
Ticket sales will begin on Thursday, May 1, according to Volusia County Schools. Tickets cost $5 and children requiring a seat must also have a ticket.
Mainland and Seabreeze grads have no ticket limit.
Parking costs $1 in the Ocean Center parking garage if purchased in advance, or $15 on the day of the ceremony.
The district states that the dress code for graduates is as follows:
Bunnell Elememtary: VPK, May 23, 10 a.m.; May 27, 10 a.m.; kindergarten, May 22, 10 a.m.; fifth grade, May 27, 1:30 p.m.
Belle Terre Elementary: VPK, May 23, 9:45 p.m.; kindergarten, May 29, 10 a.m.; fifth grade, May 27, 11 a.m., 1 p.m.
Old Kings Elementary: VPK, May 21, 9:45 a.m.; kindergarten, May 22, 9:30 a.m.; fifth grade, May 23, 9:45 a.m.
Rymfire Elementary: VPK, May 29, 9:30 a.m.; kindergarten, May 23, 9:30 a.m.; fifth grade, May 27, 1:30 p.m.
Wadsworth Elementary: VPK, May 22, 9:30 a.m.; kindergarten, May 23, 9:45 a.m.; fifth grade, May 27, 2:15 p.m.
Buddy Taylor Middle: Eighth grade, May 27, 8 a.m., 10 a.m.
Indian Trails Middle: Eighth grade, May 27, 8 a.m., 10 a.m.
Dress pants, skirt or dress (no longer than the graduation gown) with dress shoes for female students
Dark dress pants or khaki pants, black or white buttondown dress shirt, dress shoes and tie (optional) for male students.
Casual attire is not permitted. This includes sneakers, flip-flops, sandals and Crocs. Sashes and cords are al-
well as national or cultural flag sashes are not allowed. Neither are non-academic sashes or cap decoration. For more information, visit k12.vcsedu.org/Graduation-2025.
FARM BUREAU SPONSORS YOUTH AT FLAGLER LIVESTOCK SHOW
The Flagler County Farm Bureau Federation sponsored nine 4-H youth via add-ons during the recent 4-H and FFA Livestock Show and Sale during the Flagler County Fair April 7-11. The Flagler County Farm Bureau has sponsored hundreds of 4-H Youth who were participants in the event over the years.
“The Flagler County Farm Bureau vision is to honor and preserve Flagler County’s agricultural heritage while cultivating the future through education and promotion with local partnerships. I cannot think of a better way to accomplish our vision than supporting tomorrow’s leaders through the livestock fair,” Rob Buckles, Flagler County Farm Bureau board president.
Flagler Farm Bureau is headquartered in Palm Coast and serves over 1,300 memberfamilies.
FLAGLER SCHOOLS FREE PHYSICALS SCHEDULED
AdventHealth’s annual free sports physicals for Flagler Schools students going into grades 6-12 will be May 21 and May 22 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Flagler Palm Coast High School gym. The physicals are open to Flagler Schools athletes, JROTC cadets, fire academy students, marching band members and color guard. Students need to pre-register at www.FSSportsPhysicals.com. The physicals include a free ECG heart screening, which Flagler Schools is requiring one time prior to participation in the above activities. ECGs can detect potentially life-threatening cardiac conditions. Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death among high school athletes.
The Volusia County School Board, district personnel and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood (center) honor SALT members. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools/Facebook
FLAGLER’S END OF YEAR SCHEDULE
Baxi, who has also been invited to speak at a TEDx event. Their parents, Minesh and Kim Baxi, also attended. The family is organizing a TEDx event in Lake Mary in November.
Note: Kennedy’s parents, Hailey and Brian, are owners of the Observer.
4-H speech contestants S’riyah Smith, Connor Barton, Kennedy McMillan, Caroline Patin and Lilian Graifer. Photo by Brian McMillan
SPORTS
Seabreeze’s baseball season of blue cheese and crazies comes to an end
After forcing a third game in the regional playoff series with Wesley Chapel, the ’Crabs fell 6-2 on the road.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Seabreeze’s baseball players set a lofty goal at the start of the season. Along the way, they grew together as they latched on to an unusual rallying cry and inspired a group of “left field crazies.”
The season came to an end on Saturday, April 26, with a 6-2 loss at Wesley Chapel in the final game of the best-of-three Region 2-5A quarterfinal series.
The Sandcrabs won eight of their final 12 games to finish with a 17-13 record. They won their two district tournament games by a combined score of 28-1. They hosted the first two games against Wesley Chapel, losing a classic pitching duel 1-0 on April 23 and crushing the Wildcats 10-0 in Game 2 on April 24 before
lot of experience coming back from last year’s team, and the pieces fell into place at the right time. It made the game fun to watch.”
Senior third baseman Ruston Hurley told the team at the beginning of the season that he would like his final year with the Sandcrabs to be the winningest team in Seabreeze history. “We told them, if you want to do it, you’ll have to play baseball the Seabreeze way,” Lemon said.
The team had its struggles, at one point losing four in a row to fall to 10-9 on March 26. After that, the Sandcrabs’ pitching and hitting started to come together.
“This is probably the closest team we’ve had in my seven years here,” Lemon said. “They were simply enjoying competing every day together.”
A CHEESY CATCHPHRASE
When Tommy Hayes said his curveball was crumbling like blue cheese, the team found a catchphrase.
After putting up seven runs in the fifth inning in the 10-0 win over Wesley Chapel, pitcher Brody Harris said it was “blue cheese from
“It’s a versatile term,” HarThey even had T-shirts made with a cartoon crab wearing a chef’s hat and holding a bowl of stinky cheese under a capital L. The T-shirt read, “Now serving L’s with a side of blue Lemon said the crowd at the game was the largest he has seen
at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
“It felt like there were 1,000 people out there,” he said.
From their two district tournament games to the two home regional games, the Sports Complex crowd got larger and larger.
The crowd outside the stadium in left field, where parents and students stood, some on the beds of pickup trucks, also grew.
“The left-field crazies have been our good luck charm since we started winning in the (post season),” said Harris, who threw his second consecutive shutout in the 10-0 win.
“They just lined up out there recently with that many people. There used to be a tinier section of left field crazies, but it’s been growing after each W.”
After the win over Belleview in the district championship game on April 17 and again after the win over Wesley Chapel, Harris and fellow senior Jake Deising did backflips for the crazies.
GAME 1 DUEL
Wesley Chapel left-hander Aiden Nguyen pitched a masterpiece in Game 1 of the regional quarterfinal, and Hayes hung with him. The Wildcats scored the only run of the game in the first inning on a grounder to shortstop with runners on second and third.
“We had our infield back,” Lemon said. “As a coach, I’m kicking myself because in that situation, if hindsight was 20-20, we would have had the infield in, and that run would have never scored. But in the game of baseball you’ve got to score one to win anyway, so we figured early in the game we’d keep the infield back, and (the batter) did his job.”
Hayes gave up one run on four
hits in six innings. Nguyen pitched a complete-game one-hitter with 13 strikeouts.
“That young man had his stuff working,” Lemon said. “Tommy went toe-toe with him, pitched his tail off and kept us in the ball game. He did everything we could ask as far as giving us an opportunity to win late in the game. It just didn’t happen.”
But the Sandcrabs bats got back on track in Game 2 with 10 hits, including three by sophomore Wrigley Zweifel, who drove in four runs. Zweifel hit two triples and a double. The second triple went under the center fielder’s glove with the bases loaded in the fifth.
“We regrouped and just got it going again,” Zweifel said. “I was just very focused and locked in on everything, seeing everything well.”
In Game 3 at Wesley Chapel, the Sandcrabs committed three errors and gave up four unearned runs.
Wildcats starter Chase Fleming scattered six hits.
The Florida High School Athletic
Association changed the regional playoff format this year from single games to best-of-three series, to put a premium on pitching depth. But after losing the opener, the Sandcrabs were forced to send Harris to the mound in Game 2, instead of saving him for the deciding game.
Seabreeze loses senior position starters Hurley, Deising and Noah Katsikos as well as pitchers Harris, Parker Bauknecht, Jack Barron and Malachi Morgan.
“We have players to replace,” Lemon said. “But we’re confident we’re not going to miss a beat, and if anything we’ll come back stronger next year.”
Introductions necessary at Bulldogs’ first day of spring football practice
New coach Patrick Turner is gradually introducing the Bulldogs’ schemes to a young squad.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The first day of spring football practice at Flagler Palm Coast High School on April 28, was new to everyone — the returning players, the new players coming in and the coaches. New Bulldogs head coach Patrick Turner introduced some of the new playbook but mostly what the struc-
SPRING GAMES
FPC: 7 p.m. May 23, at Orlando Bishop Moore
Matanzas: 7 p.m. May 23, home vs. Pine Ridge
Seabreeze: 6 p.m. May 23, at Crescent City jamboree with University
Mainland: May 23 at Palm Beach Gardens jamboree — vs. Palm Beach Gardens, 5 p.m.; vs. Delray Beach Atlantic, 6 p.m.
ture of the practices will be like.
“The first day was just what practice is supposed to look like, a lot of new things,” Turner said. “The periods, even the stretch was different. Maybe indy (individualized drills and position groups) was different, and just moving them around, getting them moving and understanding where they need to be, and things like that.”
Turner was assisted by a group of returning coaches and a few new coaches but none who have coached with Turner before. He hopes to add some assistants he has previously worked with to the staff in the fall.
While Turner is new to FPC, he is not new to the area. He was the head coach at Palatka High School from 2021 to 2024 and before that he was the head coach at Menendez in St. Augustine from 2013 to 2017.
The Bulldogs installed six plays
on offense and two base plays on defense, Turner said. They planned to add more plays on Day 2, he said. The first two days of practice are no contact with players wearing helmets and shorts.
The Bulldogs will be young this year. They went 9-2 last season with a senior dominated team.
“They graduated a ton of talent, a ton of offensive and defensive explosiveness,” Turner said.
Among the seniors who will be graduating in May are FPC’s alltime sacks leader Colby Cronk, alltime rushing leader Marcus Mitchell
and single-season passing record holder Hayden Hayes in addition to top receivers Roman Caliendo and Mikhail Zysek. The Bulldogs’ other receiving leader, Braylyn Simmons, has transferred to Mainland.
“I wish they can all come back,” Turner said of the departing seniors.
“We are returning zero touchdowns. There isn’t anybody out here that has scored a varsity touchdown for this team.”
The Bulldogs do have transfer players with varsity experience who have scored touchdowns and they return their interception leader from
last year — rising junior Lucas Siharaj who had seven picks last season.
But they all will be starting from square one.
“The kids have great attitudes. They’re listening. They’re trying to learn. The energy was high,” Turner said. “It’s new for everybody. It’s new for the coaches. But I thought it was a really good first day. I’m excited. I can’t wait to get the film uploaded and look at it and tag some stuff and share it and get them watching it and get them excited, just like I am.” Email brent@observerlocalnews. com
Wrigley Zweifel touches home plate in the second inning, but the run didn’t count on the third out in the inning.
Zweifel went 3-for-3 and drove in four runs in the Sandcrabs’ 10-0 win.
New FPC football coach Patrick Turner talks to the team at the end of his first practice with the Bulldogs. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Quarterback Jason Ebding hands the ball off as the Bulldogs go over running plays on the first day of spring practice.
Brody Harris pitched a six-inning shutout. Harris did not allow a run in 10 consecutive innings. Photos by Brent Woronoff
‘It
hasn’t sunk in yet’
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Winning a conference golf championship for Florida State University has always been a dream of former Matanzas High School golfer Alexandra Gazzoli.
“Growing up, I would put myself in certain scenarios to make practice more interesting,” the freshman said. “I have always enjoyed having to make a putt or get up and down to win the final point.”
On April 19, the dream became a reality as the lifelong FSU fan sank the final putt of match-play to give the Seminoles their first Atlantic Coast Conference Women’s Golf Championship. Playing in the final match at Sedgefield Country Club in Greensboro, North Carolina, Gazzoli shot par on the par-5 18th hole to gain a 1-up victory against Wake Forest’s Carolina Lopez-Chacarra. Gazzoli’s second shot was just off the green. She chipped to 15 feet and sank a 2-footer on her second putt to give the Seminoles a 3-2 victory and the ACC championship.
The third-ranked Seminoles have the No. 1 seed in the Lexington, Kentucky NCAA Regional on May 5-7. The Observer spoke with Gazzoli by phone on April 23.
Being a lifelong Seminoles fan, how exciting was it to sink the winning putt and secure FSU’s first ACC championship?
It’s still kind of crazy to think about. I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, but I’m really grateful to have been able to be part of the team that was able to do it. I didn’t expect to be in that position when I saw the lineup for the matches the day before. So when I figured out towards the end of the round (with the score tied 2-2) that I was
going to be in that position, I was a little anxious, but I was really grateful to be able to do that.
What was your immediate reaction? Did you jump in the air?
I guess I don’t really have big reactions like that. I made the putt and then, after I hugged my competitor, everyone on the team ran up. It was like one big group hug. Everyone was so happy. It was a really cool moment.
FSU is now one tournament from advancing to the NCAA championships. Is there more pressure as you get closer?
There is pressure to perform. I think everyone’s confident, but we’re all really focused, and you’re focused on regionals and not looking too far ahead. So we’re confident, but not overlooking anyone.
You’ve said you’ve learned a lot during your freshman season. How has your game improved?
I would say, staying in the moment. I kind of struggle with that sometimes. So I feel like, especially at the ACC I did a good job not worrying about the other matches on the course and what was going on. I was able to focus on myself. I would also say, basic things like course management. I think my short game really has improved, and I feel like it showed in that last match. It really helped me win that.
What are your longrange goals? I know your ultimate goal is to play professionally.
Yes, I would say that’s my ultimate goal. Hopefully, I graduate, get my degree (she’s majoring in criminology). Then I’d be able to go pro after that and be on Tour.
Did you know how strong your team was going to be this year?
Well, obviously having Lottie (Woad) and Mirabel (Ting), the top two amateurs in the world, really helps. But I think everyone played really great this season, and a lot of people stepped up when they had to. And I think, especially now, everyone’s starting to play really well. So, hopefully we’re able to keep going through regionals and nationals.
Have you learned a lot playing with Lottie and Mirabel?
Just being around them and watching them practice, you’re able to learn a lot, especially playing with them, the way they carry themselves, and how they think and function.
How does sinking the final putt to win the ACC title rank with your other accomplishments in golf?
Honestly, I would say, number one. I guess growing up, I’ve always dreamed of being able to win a conference championship, and hopefully one day a national championship for Florida State, but then for it to actually become a reality, and the way it happened, and to do it with such a great, fun team, it just hasn’t sunk in yet.
Alexandra Gazzoli won her match on the final hole of the tourney to secure Florida State’s first ACC Women’s Golf Championship in school history. Photo courtesy of Florida State University.
Matanzas’ Alex Diaz scores two goals in 10th annual East
girls AllStar game, which
out to be a classic. A 1-1 tie was resolved with the Dark team winning on penalty kicks. Nichole Dickinson of Flagler Palm Coast scored the winning PK for the dark uniforms. Bridget Toman of Deltona Trinity Christian and Danny Peralta of Mainland were the game’s coaches. Reg Monsanto, the Classic’s founder and director, thanked FPC boys soccer coach Ramtin Amiri for organizing the girls game.
Shuler, Mainland’s Watlington win two individual titles at district track meet
Mainland’s Amyah Watlington and Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler each won two individual championships at the District 6-3A track and field meet on April 25, at Orlando Bishop Moore.
Watlington won both the girls 100-meter hurdles with a personal record time of 14.31 seconds and the long jump with a leap of 5.09 meters (16 feet, 8.5 inches). She also ran the opening leg on the Bucs’ 4x100 winning relay team and qualified for regionals on the fourth-place 4x400 relay.
Shuler won both boys distance races. He captured the 1,600-meter title with a time of 4:37.93 and won the 3,200 with a time of 10:33.04.
The Bucs were runnersup for the boys team title and placed fifth in the girls standings. Seabreeze won four individual district titles, while Mainland won three.
The Bucs’ Kajuan Curry won the district boys 800-meter title for the second straight year with a time of 2:02.86. Curry was also a member of two district championship relays — the 4x400 and 4x800. Mainland also won the 4x100 title.
Seabreeze’s Drayton Brackett won the 110 hurdles with a PR time of 15.98 seconds. The Sandcrabs’ Emma Uneda won the girls triple jump with a leap of 10.66 meters (34 feet, 11.75 inches).
Other automatic regional qualifiers for the Sandcrabs were: Tabitha Hick (third, 100 hurdles), Cydney Rivard (third, triple jump) among girls; and Rhett Opalewski (third, 400), Dominic Dowell (second, 400 hurdles), Jeremias George (third, triple jump) and Logan Smith
(second, javelin) among boys.
Mainland’s other automatic qualifiers among the boys were: Eddie Lake (second, 100), Kyle Moore (third, 100), Javon Estes (fourth, 200), Houston Cadette (fourth, 110 hurdles), Antonio Wilson (fourth, discus) and Ethan Figueroa (second in both high jump and long jump). Among the girls, the Bucs’ Aquila Rivers placed second in the 400. Both Mainland and Seabreeze were expected to also add at-large qualifiers for the Region 2-3A meet on May 2 at Embry-Riddle.
FPC girls
wrestling team No. 11 in final 2025 national rankings
Flagler Palm Coast is ranked 11th in the final National Girls High School Wrestling Team Rankings for the 2024-25 season. The rankings were released on April 17. FPC jumped 18 spots from No. 29 in the February rankings. The Bulldogs won the Florida girls wrestling championship on March 8 with a state tournament record 150 points. They finished the season with a perfect record winning every tournament they entered. Christina Borgmann and Kendall Bibla won state titles, while Ana Vilar was a runner-up, Joslyn Johnson, Mariah Mills and Tiana Fries placed third and Alexa Calidonio placed fifth. Four FPC wrestlers received individual national rankings — Borgmann (No. 9 at 130 pounds), Mills (No. 15 at 110), Johnson (No. 21 at 105) and Bibla (No. 26 at 170). The rankings are picked by a committee of representatives from USA Wrestling, FloWrestling and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum.
Matanzas winger Alex Diaz (13) defends against DeLand’s Daniel Noyes. Photo by Brent Woronoff.
The girls all-stars at the Florida East Coast Senior All-Star Soccer Classic at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Courtesy photo
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FIRST INSERTION
Sale dated April 23, 2025, entered in Civil Case No.: 2022 11237 CIDL of the Circuit Court of
THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACID-
ADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato alrecibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL
Dated: April 24, 2025 /s/ Brian L. Rosaler By: Brian L. Rosaler Florida Bar No.: 0174882. Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. 1701West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Telephone: (954) 360-9030 Facsimile: (954) 420-5187 24-51374 May 1, 8, 2025 25-00194I
Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein AJAX MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-F, MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021-F, BY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, and REX V. MAYNARD; ZORAIDA E. MAYNARD; UNKNOWN TENANT I; UNKNOWN TENANT II, are Defendants. LAURA E. ROTH, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 10th day of June, 2025, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 8, BLOCK 866, DELTONA LAKES, UNIT 34, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGES 134 THROUGH 142, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After the funds are reported as unclaimed, only the owner of record as of the date of the Lis Pendens may claim the surplus. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-10666 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF ALIREZA KHORASSANI, Deceased.
The administration of the estate of ALIREZA KHORASSANI, deceased, whose date of death was January 17, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 11303 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT NORMAN MUNROE JR. Deceased.
The administration of the estate of ROBERT NORMAN MUNROE JR., deceased, whose date of death was March 16, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for VOLUSIA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Volusia County Courthouse, 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is May 1, 2025.
Personal Representative: /s/ Jon Monroe Jon Monroe 848 Upland Drive. Port Orange, Florida 32127 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Terri Hinks
Terri K Hinks, Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar Number: 122756 811 Kokomo Circle Port Orange, FL 32127 Telephone: (386) 453-6110 E-Mail: thinkslaw@gmail.com May 1, 8, 2025 25-00198I
NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 13531 CIDL DIVISION: 02
CRYSTAL LAKE ESTATES
HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, v. DENNIS L. CARPENTER, UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION #1, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 22, 2025, and entered in Case No. 2024 13531 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein CRYSTAL LAKE ESTATES HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC. is Plaintiff, and DENNIS L. CARPENTER and UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION #1 are the Defendants, that I will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, Volusia County, Florida, at 11:00 A.M. on the 24th day of June, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: Lot 8, Block “B”, CRYSTAL LAKE ESTATES, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 42, Pages 69 through 71, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. Street Address: 2120 Lakebreeze Way, Deltona, Florida 32738. Name of Clerk Making the Sale: Laura E. Roth, Clerk of the Court 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. Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it is required that we state the following to you: THIS DOCUMENT IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. WASSERSTEIN, P.A. 301 Yamato Road Suite 2199 Boca Raton, Florida 33431 Tel.: (561) 288-3999 Primary E-Mail: danw@wassersteinpa.com
By: /s Daniel Wasserstein
DANIEL WASSERSTEIN, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 42840 May 1, 8, 2025 25-00196I
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024 13794 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF JUNE ELEANOR MARTEN Deceased.
The administration of the estate of June Eleanor Marten, deceased, whose date of death was August 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, Florida 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.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is April 24, 2025. Personal Representative: Amanda E. Rayborn 831 Hudson Lane Port Orange, Florida 32129
Attorney for Personal Representative:
COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-10695-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF JOAN ELIZABETH HAYES a/k/a Joan Hayes Deceased. The administration of the Estate of Joan Elizabeth Hayes a/k/a Joan Hayes, deceased, whose date of death was July 15, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., Deland, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this Court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s Estate must file their claims with this Court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.
