Despite the results of the investigation, Mayor Mike Norris’ supporters spoke out in his defense.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council has agreed to send an investigation into Mayor Mike Norris’ actions violating the Palm Coast City Charter to the Florida Ethics Commission, but with the witness statements sworn under oath.
The investigation — performed by Adam Brandon of the third-party firm Lawson Huck Gonzales, PLLC — was to see if Norris violated the City Charter. Brandon received witness statements from 13 people, including Norris, as part of his investigation, which he presented to the council at a May 1 special business meeting.
The investigation found, based on the witness statements, that Norris had violated the City Charter: By asking for the resignations of Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo, Norris was interfering with their jobs, Brandon said at the May 1 meeting — an act that is expressly prohibited in the city charter.
“We are following the proper process that needs to be taken,” Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said on May 6. “This is the natural next step because there was an admitted charter violation.”
At the May 1 meeting, the council decided to have all the witnesses swear to their statements under oath.
The statements will be sent with the investigation and an approved cover letter, which was approved during the May 6 meeting. The cover letter will include a paragraph that explains how the council passed a vote of no confidence in Norris on April 22 in a 4-0 vote and that Norris made inappropriate comments and used profane language to intimidate staff.
Brandon said the city should also update the City Charter.
“You have a situation where you
have a very clear charter, but you don’t have clear enforcement mechanisms,” Brandon said.
REMOVAL OF NORRIS?
Councilman Charles Gambaro also made another motion at the May 1 meeting to send a letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis for Norris’ removal, but that motion failed 4-1, with all but Gambaro voting against it. Pontieri and Councilman Dave Sullivan said they felt the ethics commission should be the next step.
“I still feel as I did at the previous meeting, that the next step is to the ethics board. It does not make sense right now to go directly to the governor,” Sullivan said.
During Brandon’s presentation of his findings, he said that he also found that the mayor had made inappropriate comments to female staff, made demeaning comments to staff, and used profane language that may have intimidated employees.
Gambaro point-blank asked Brandon if he thought Norris violated the city’s charter.
“Yes,” Brandon said.
‘A PUBLIC LYNCHING’
Norris denied the use of the word “demand,” stating that he “certainly did not demand anyone’s resignation,” just requested it.
Brandon responded: “The question in my mind is not whether this was a demand or request, but whether under the charter this constituted interference. I don’t see how you can take one council member asking for two key employees to resign as anything other than interference.”
Multiple times, Norris said he didn’t understand why any of the complaints weren’t brought to him personally if people had an issue with his behavior.
In his 24 years of active duty service, Norris said, he’s never had a single HR complaint. He called this a “public lynching.”
“I have never, ever been treated like this,” Norris said. “I would never treat anyone on the dais this way.”
Pontieri said her concerns were not just about the charter violation
but about Norris’ behavior outlined in the investigation.
“There is definitely a hat you have to put on when you sit in that seat, and when we sit in these seats, and conduct ourselves probably in a different manner than we would with our friends or even in our other jobs,” Pontieri said,
To Norris’ supporters in the audience, Pontieri asked if they would be as supportive of the behavior if it were former Mayor David Alfin behaving this way.
“Would you be condoning it in the same way?” she asked.
Pontieri said she was a supporter of Norris’ too, but she couldn’t “condone this behavior.”
“There’s a correct way to go about doing these things,” she said.
SUPPORTERS OF NORRIS
The investigation has not deterred many of Norris supporters.
“It’s not the duly elected mayor who’s creating this hostile environment,” one resident said, “it is the entrenched powers within the city government, past and present. That’s what we elected him to do, was clean house.”
Several members of the public trivialized the contents of the investigation and placed the blame on Gambaro. In March, he was the first person to bring up the accusations against Norris unilaterally asking for Johnston’s and DeLorenzo’s resignations.
Many residents have stated multiple times since Gambaro replaced Cathy Heighter in October that they believed he should never have been appointed to the seat.
“Your problem is right there,” resident Candace Stevens said, gesturing to Gambaro. “How come everything against you, Mr. Mayor, is coming out of your (Gambaro’s) mouth?”
Resident Donna McGevna said that she supported Norris and believed him to be sincere, but pointed out that the mayor should adapt his military-style behavior to the workplace.
“That may be suitable for after hours, but when it’s in the workplace, it just can’t be,” she said.
Mayor Norris sues his city
SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris is suing the city — as well as City Councilman Charles Gambaro and the Flagler County Supervisor of Elections — for allegendly not following the City Charter.
In an unrelated matter, he also said this week that, some time ago, he received a “quid pro quo” offer from a developer that he believes was criminal in nature. He refused to disclose any further details because he doesn’t want to risk the city being exposed to any lawsuits.
SUING THE CITY
Norris and many of his supporters have said repeatedly that Gambaro’s placement on the council was “illegitimate.” Gambaro was appointed in October 2024 to replace former Councilwoman Cathy Heighter.
In a phone interview with the Observer, Norris’ attorney Anthony Sabatini said the issue is “black and white” in the Palm Coast City Charter.
“It’s totally clear,” he said. “They were supposed to call the election and they just didn’t.”
Sabatini filed the case on May 5 in Flagler County’s Circuit Court of the Judicial Circuit. According to a statement Sabatini posted on his X social media account, Norris is seeking a “writ of quo warranto” to remove Gambaro from office, a court declaration that Gambaro’s District 4 seat is vacant, and an order compelling a special election.
Sabatini, who is also a Lake County Commissioner, said the city might be able to make the argument that it was too close to the election, but, he said, the charter does not make an exception for that.
Sabatini said he and Norris only want to uphold the charter.
‘QUID PRO QUO’
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris said during the past two City Council meetings that he was offered a “quid pro quo” by a property owner. Although he said the alleged brib-
ery attempt happened some time ago, he did not bring it up until the May 1 City Council meeting, when the council was discussing the investigation into Norris violating the city’s charter. Norris said he was “offered a ‘quid pro quo’” by one of the witnesses in the investigation. Norris believes that speaking on the issue in a public forum would violate confidentiality requirements outlined Florida Statute 288.075, so he declined to elaborate.
“I will start out with the sheriff and I’ll work my way up to the state level,” Norris said, “FDLE (Florida Department of Law Enforcement) or whoever. The Department of State or the ethics commission — whatever I need to do.”
Norris said he did not want to risk opening the city up to litigation or to waste taxpayer money in a lawsuit.
“I am not about wasting the city’s money,” Norris said. “I don’t want our city ever to be sued.”
But the rest of the council expressed concern that such an important issue is now left without a resolution for the foreseeable future.
“Presumably, you received this quid pro quo quite a while ago,” Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said at the May 6 City Council meeting. “ ... Why throw the grenade last week, then?”
“I just wanted my colleagues to be aware that this happened and some of those sworn statements were by the people that did it,” Norris said. Later, Norris said he brought it up because the council caused him to “put [his] dukes up” in defense of himself and his character.
Pontieri and Councilman Dave Sullivan said Norris should have consulted with an attorney before making his comments. Sullivan said, as council members, they should be cautious of bringing something to the council that won’t then have a resolution.
“You leave the general feeling of, well there’s this quid pro quo, really nasty thing going on and there’s no resolution to it,” Sullivan said. “And we may never know what the result is.”
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Flagler’s Richardson and Carney push for beach funding alternatives
Staff was directed to work on a secondary plan, one that may involve only funding beach renourishment in unincorporated areas. Or, a referendum?
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
$42 million.
If the Flagler County Commission doesn’t move forward with a half-cent sales tax, that’s how much the county would need in three years to begin construction for its countywide beach renourishment plan.
During a workshop on Monday, May 5, staff provided the commission with a budget overview to receive direction on a funding plan for the beach. Whatever the commission decides regarding the beach affects the budget for the 2026 fiscal year — and whether the county will start with nourishment in the unincorporated areas only. But Commission Chair Andy Dance said countywide construction needs are immediate.
“We’ve got residences that need as a quick of a relief on the beach, so we can construct those areas and then start to go into maintenance,” Dance said.
While county officials support the idea of a beach management plan, they remain split on having a half-cent sales tax funding it, with Commissioners Kim Carney and Pam Richardson being among the most vocal against it. To pass, the sales tax would need a supermajority vote of 4-1.
Carney said she believed the presentation would include information about the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands program, which sunsets in 2028. She wanted to have a conversation now about whether that would go
for reapproval before the voters in a referendum.
“If that doesn’t pass referendum, then I would be much more open to have an additional half-cent,” Carney said, who added she believed the county was overtaxing its citizens.
Commissioner Leann Pennington said she didn’t think doing nothing for beach nourishment was an option this year. If the board can’t agree on the half-cent sales tax, then they should move forward with a plan for the unincorporated areas.
Richardson said she wants to vet every opportunity to fund what is needed without a half-cent sales tax.
“I just don’t want to raise taxes,” she said. “I just don’t. I said I would hold the line. I want to hold the line. People are not willing to pay more taxes for something that they’re not living on.”
Richardson said that to her, the beach is environmentally sensitive and doesn’t know why the county can’t use its ESL funds for beach management.
“No, I don’t want to have a half-a-cent sales tax for anybody,” she said. “Not at this point. Not when we’re supposed to be DOGE-ing. Let’s cut back some other things and let’s make it happen.”
The county’s ESL program was created in 1988 via a referendum for the acquisition of environmentally sensitive lands, recreation areas and water recharge areas.
Dance said you can’t use that fund for construction and maintenance projects on the beach.
“The language in the referendum is clear,” he said.
Carney said she doesn’t want to use those funds now — but that when it sunsets in 2028, the county will need to make a decision regarding the $20 million in the fund today.
“It is an option,” she said. “I asked for options and I did not get one option.”
Carney also suggested
“I just don’t want to raise taxes. ... People are not willing to pay more taxes for something that they’re not living on.”
PAM RICHARDSON, Flagler County commissioner
increasing the contract cost with the City of Palm Coast to use the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement, and using those dollars to fund the beach.
“Our general fund was able to find $9 million to build the Nexus Center,” she said. “... How did they find $9 million in two years to build the Nexus Center?”
It’s “apples and oranges,” Dance said, and County Manager Heidi Petito later clarified that the Nexus Center was funded largely with one-time federal coronavirus relief dollars.
If the commission gives guidance, staff will find what it can from the budget, Dance said. But it won’t be enough to fund the beach countywide.
“We can’t DOGE our way to $42 million in the next three years,” he said. “... If anybody had a plan to raise $42 million in the next three years, they would like to see that.”
After that, the county would need $12 million a year for ongoing maintenance.
Pennington said the commission can move forward with proposing a half-cent sales tax and see how the community feels about it. In the meantime, the county can be working on a secondary plan that would either limit the beach renourishment to unincorporated areas, or perhaps place the half-cent sales tax on a referendum.
“We need to give them some sort of authority to push forward somewhere, but continue to workshop, just like we do,” she said.
Placing a sales tax on a referendum on the next election would delay the process by a year and put the county behind, County Manager Heidi Petito said in an email to the Observer.
“Still doable, but would likely need to kick in some additional funding to keep it on schedule,” she wrote.
If the sales tax is approved by a supermajority, officials can set a limit on the term. The county needs it for a minimum of six years, Petito said. It could be placed on the ballot after that.
“Our beach nourishment intervals are every six years,” she said. “So we just need to cover the first six years. Hopefully the public would realize the benefit and would support the initiative.”
Palm Coast City Council considers selling Palm Harbor Golf Course
The council is adamant that they would only sell if Palm Harbor will remain a golf course.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council could be looking to sell Palm Harbor Golf Course, if it can guarantee the property would remain a golf course.
“This property should always remain a golf course,”
Councilman Charles Gambaro said at the April 22 meeting.
“My question is, as we look at efficiencies, cost savings and efficiencies, is it worth the time to take a look to see if a private entity would do a better job in running it?”
Gambaro suggested the city send out a request for proposal, or RFP, to see what the city’s options are.
“I don’t think it hurts to pursue an RFP,” he said. “We can decide not to do anything
at all.”
The city-owned golf course has been operating at a sixfigure loss for the last several years, according to data presented to the council on April 22. It lost $168,274 in fiscal year 2023-2024 and $435,128 in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, after the city needed to purchase several replacement golf carts.
The city has made changes to its operational costs over the last year to attempt to reach cost recovery with golf course expenses, including increasing certain fees and group rates and going down to seven full-time staff members, Parks and Recreation Director James Hirst said.
Based on last year’s sales, Palm Harbor is estimated to recover 99.8% of its operational costs for this year because of the operational cost changes. But that is just the operational costs — it does not include any revenue for future upgrades or replacement items, Hirst said.
Council member Ty Miller pointed out that just looking at operational costs is not
Volusia OKs voluntary low impact development
Councilman Troy Kent and Chair Jeff Brower wanted a stricter LID approach. The rest of the council felt the county was ‘on the right path’ with a voluntary process.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
When it comes to low impact development, most of the Volusia County Council remains unwaverin on one opinion: It should be voluntary.
The council unanimously approved an amendment to its future land use element in the county’s comprehensive plan on Tuesday, May 6, to create a flexible and voluntary process for implementing LID and green stormwater infrastructure standards with incentives. This was the second hearing of the issue, with the council voting 6-1 back in February to adopt two voluntary LID ordinances.
Should developers implement LID standards, they may be offered incentives such as increased density, flexible lot sizes and higher maximum building heights. Since the council approved the voluntary process in February, the county has heard from two developers interested in implementing LID standards, in the form of pre-applications.
“They have not finalized the plans yet, so we’re hearing people are interested — just haven’t fully followed up on it,” said Clay Ervin, the county’s director of Growth and Resource Management. If the council wished to have its Environmental and Natural Resources Advisory Committee look at a future program to implement either a hybrid or mandatory approach, Ervin said staff was ready to follow through.
Local environmentalists had pushed for a hybrid approach earlier this year, which would have included both mandatory and voluntary standards for developers.
However, the majority of the councilmen thought the voluntary process was enough for now.
“I think we’re on the right path,” Councilman David Santiago said. “Certainly, I hope for it to work, but if it doesn’t, then maybe we go to that step (to make it mandatory).”
“In my mind, nothing’s more important than saying, ‘If you want to develop in Volusia County, you do it in a way that provides the maximum protection to our environment, our quality of life, potentially reducing flooding.”
ing, ‘If you want to develop in Volusia County, you do it in a way that provides the maximum protection to our environment, our quality of life, potentially reducing flooding,” he said. If the county wants to be known as one that protects residents, Brower said, why implement a voluntary process instead of a mandatory one?
“Will we lose a potential developer?” he asked. “We might and I can live with that. What I would prefer to see is developers that come in and have the same respect and love for our community and the residents around where they’re building as we do.” If there was data that would show mandatory LID practices would solve the county’s flooding concerns, Robins said “there wouldn’t be any question up here.”
“We have to pay attention to the data and the facts, and I think it’s very important,” he said. “We’ve been down this road several times and I’m ready to vote.”
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, a holistic implementation of LID — which includes standards to preserve natural drainage processes or mimic them for replacement — “reduces the volume and speed of stormwater runoff and decreases costly flooding and property damage” as well as help retain more rainfall onsite.
true cost recovery. He said the city needs to be able to save for future improvement projects.
“I want to make sure that cost recovery is actually cost recovery,” Miller said.
Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri agreed.
“If you’re not putting aside for these things,” she said, “we could look great on the bottom line in years one through four and then really eat it in year five because we have to invest in these capital projects.”
With the exception of Mayor Mike Norris — who was absent from the April 22 workshop meeting — the rest of the council members agreed to send out an RFP, but only if the city can ensure the property won’t be developed if it is sold.
“There’s no intent here for it to ever be anything other than a golf course,” Miller said.
Gambaro also said that if the city sold the golf course, that would give the city more business tax revenue.
“It’ll give us an immediate opportunity to potentially diversify the tax base,” he said.
About five projects in the last year have proposed using some LID elements, added Councilman Jake Johansson, though Ervin explained that the difference is that the voluntary process is a more cohesive way of ensuring a project meets multiple LID development criteria.
Johansson said that was further confirmation for his conclusion that voluntary LID is starting to take hold.
“As time goes on and things get more common, they will become more common,” he said.
Councilman Danny Robins said the council is “trying not to add bureaucracy and more red tape.” Only two out of the state’s 67 counties mandate LID, he said.
“Every county is different,” Robins said. “Some of them may not work here and once we put some of these in place, or make mandates, it’s hard to get out of [it].”
Councilman Troy Kent and Chair Jeff Brower were the only ones to express a desire for a stricter LID approach. Kent favored a hybrid approach and Brower, who said he struggled with providing incentives for a voluntary process, wanted a mandatory process.
“In my mind, nothing’s more important than say-
Councilman Don Dempsey said he didn’t like government mandates — but he does like incentives. He’s not convinced LID is a “silver bullet.”
“I think it’s dangerous territory to act like we know what the cure is, when truth be known, we really don’t,” Dempsey said. “We’re just trying to steer the ship to get it where we want to be.” Additionally, Dempsey said that if economic experts are correct about a looming real estate market crash, then development will slow down anyway. What he said could be pulled back are the incentives for affordable housing.
“I would rather see much more incentivization going towards LID than to affordable housing,” he said.
LID is not an unproven system to mitigate flooding impacts, Brower said. He also knows it’s not a “silver bullet.”
“It’s not going to solve our flooding problem this hurricane season, but it can slow it doesn’t in the future by the way that we build, where we build, how we build and we have a responsibility to the people that will live here in 50 years or 100 years,” Brower said. “We also have a responsibility to people who live here now who want this.”
JEFF BROWER , Volusia County Council Chair
Chair Jeff Brower. File photo
BRIEFS
‘See
Something, Say Something’ leads to arrest of Texas fugitive in Palm Coast
On April 28, after responding to a call from a concerned resident about a suspicious car parked at a construction site on Columbia Lane in Palm Coast, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested two Texas residents; one being a fugitive with two warrants.
Upon arrival, deputies found Michelle Molina, 28, from Dallas, Texas, and Javier Davila, 48, from Quitman, Texas, illegally parked and trespassing at the construction site.
After providing several false identities, deputies scanned Davila’s fingerprint using FCSO’s Rapid ID, which provided his real name. Deputies determined that Davila was a fugitive from Texas and was wanted for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, various drug charges, and evading arrest.
Davila was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where he is being held without bond. Deputies also arrested Michelle Molina on muliptle charges.
“I want to thank the witness who ‘saw something and said something,’” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “It allowed us to get these dirtbags off the street and in jail.”
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is now offering comprehensive, nationwide background check services to Flagler County residents through ACCESS Background Check Services.
ACCESS Background Check Services is a certified, streamlined service available for anyone needing a nationwide background check in Florida for employment, volunteering, or licensing and permitting, including firearms permits. The service covers national criminal background checks, national sex offender background checks, terrorist watch list checks, and more. Background checks and fingerprinting services are
available at both the Flagler Sheriff’s Operations Center, located at 61 Sheriff E.W. Johnston Drive in Bunnell, and the District 2 - Palm Coast Office, located at 14 Palm Harbor Village Way in Palm Coast. Background checks and fingerprinting services will generally be available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A valid email address, government-issued photo ID, and credit or debit card are required to register for a background check. The cost of a background check ranges between $60 and $105.
ACCESS Background Check Services is available through a partnership between the National Sheriffs’ Association and BI2 Technologies. The service is provided to FCSO at no cost to taxpayers.
Putnam County inmate wanted for burglary of Palm Coast resident while part of inmate work crew
A man who was caught on camera stealing cigarettes and a lighter from a Palm Coast home in April was identified as a member of an inmate work crew hired by the city of Palm Coast. The homeowner reported the theft, caught on her home surveillance cameras, to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. FCSO detectives determined the suspect was a part of the inmate work crew working behind the victim’s home.
The inmate was identified as Jay Working, 33, who was sentenced to prison on drug possession charges, but also has previous convictions of burglary and petit theft charges, the press release said. The video footage shows an inmate walking up to the vitcim’s screened porch, and then, an hour later, Working approaching the porch, running inside, grabbing the cigarettes and lighter, then leaving.
Working is now facing additional charges of burglary of an unoccupied dwelling and petit theft. When he finishes his current sentence on May 31, he will be transferred to the Flagler County jail.
“We are working with the city of Palm Coast and the Florida Department of Corrections to ensure that state inmates assigned to the city’s work crews and supervised
by the city are more closely watched so that something like this will not happen again,” Sheriff Rick Staly said.
Volusia County Council member
Troy Kent to host district meeting
Volusia County Council District 4 Member Troy Kent will host a community meeting from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday, May 19, at Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. Residents can ask questions and voice concerns during this open discussion.
This is part of Kent’s quarterly District Dialogue 4 Residents series. His district includes Ormond Beach, Ormond-by-the-Sea, Holly Hill, the western half of Daytona Beach, and eastern portions of DeLand and DeLeon Springs.
Reservations are not required. For more information, call the County Manager’s Office at 386-736-5920.
Second Harvest unveils new mobile farmers market
Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida unveiled a new mobile farmers market in conjunction with the Florida Department of Health in Volusia County on April 28.
The MFM initiative expands Second Harvest’s “Food is Medicine” programming by increasing access to fresh produce for adults with hypertension.
Volusia County residents who receive a referral to the MFM will be able to shop for $36 worth of fresh produce each week when Second Harvest’s specially outfitted refrigerated vehicle visits one of three DOH-Volusia locations in Daytona Beach or Orange City. Mobile Farmers Market participants will be able to select from a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables and then learn how to prepare the food in a way that tastes good.
A grant from Publix secured the vehicle that was outfitted into a refrigerated mobile market for Second Harvest. Funding from the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program covers the cost to purchase produce.
“This Mobile Farmers Market is an exciting step forward in our ‘Food is Medicine’ efforts,” said Derrick Chubbs,
president and CEO at Second Harvest.
During a 16-week pilot program, healthcare professionals will monitor the effects of fresh produce on patients’ blood pressure. The goal is to provide a clear connection between nutrition and improving medical outcomes for individuals who are also experiencing food insecurity.
For more information about Second Harvest Food Bank and/or to find assistance, visit www.FeedHopeNow.org.
Volusia County launches volunteer response corps
In response to requests from the community, Volusia County is launching the Volusia Ready Response Corps to engage and empower residents who want to help their community prepare for and recover from emergencies.
Open to ages 18 and up, the VRRC trains and mobilizes local volunteers to assist the community in preparing for and responding to crisis events. With a focus on the needs of more vulnerable residents, corps volunteers may be called upon during hurricanes, wildfires, heat waves, cold weather events, and other emergencies. Assignments could include tasks such as distributing sandbags, disseminating supplies and information, organizing and sorting resources, placing tarps on roofs, removing debris and fallen trees, mucking out homes, and supporting shelters.
Those who want to learn more are encouraged to attend the VRRC open house from 4 to 5 p.m. June 5 at the Emergency Operations Center, 3825 Tiger Bay Road, Daytona Beach. An orientation session will immediately follow from 5 to 6 p.m. Calling 386-943-7039.
COPS CORNER
APRIL 23 MISSING ITEMS?
10:44 a.m. — 200 block of North Yonge Street, Ormond Beach Information. A 60-year-old Daytona Beach woman arrived at the police station to report missing items. Items, she said, were taken while she was sleeping in her locked car.
According to an incident report, the woman said she fell asleep in her car in the parking lot of a local alcohol and drug prevention education center after it closed because she was not feeling well and didn’t want to drive home. When she woke up around 4 a.m. the following morning, she said someone had gone through her backpack and purse in the front seat.
APRIL 24
MAFIOSO
1:53 p.m. — First block of South Beach Street, Ormond Beach
Suspicious incident. Police responded to City Hall after clerks in the Finance Department reported a citizen made threats to involve the Italian mafia due to his past-due water bill.
The clerks stated that the 62-year-old Ormond Beach man entered the office to pay his bill and have his water service reconnected. The man appeared annoyed during the interaction, according to the incident report, and told the clerks, “This department is as bad as the Italian mafia.” He then added, “Maybe I should get someone to take care of you all,” subsequently asking one of the clerks if she was Italian.
The clerk didn’t answer and the man left. She told police that the man may be mentally ill, and that they deal with him almost every month.
APRIL 30 BACKYARD THREATS
2:35 p.m. — Blare Castle Drive, Palm Coast. Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, without intent to kill: A 62-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested after he pointed BB a gun at his neighbor.
The Sheriff’s Office reported that the two men got into an argument after the man started blasting music in his backyard as his neighbor was doing yard work.
Deputies spoke with the man, who said he had been playing music in his lanai when his neighbor started making threats in between songs that he would stab him. The man said he pointed his BB gun to get him to stop. He was taken to jail.
MAY 2
DANCING GUNS
6:48 p.m. — Intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Old Kings Road, Palm Coast. DUI. Deputies pulled a vehicle over after receiving a call about a man waving two guns and dancing in his car while driving down Palm Coast Parkway.
According to an arrest report, after the deputy initiated the traffic stop, the driver — a 28-year-old Palm Coast man — and his passenger exited the vehicle, at which point they were placed in handcuffs. The man asked what was going on, and the reporting deputy explained why they were called and asked if he had any guns in the car. The man, who is a convicted felon, said the guns were his brother’s, and the deputy noted his speech was slurred. An 8-month old baby was also in the car. The man said he had consumed “one beer maybe,” according to the report, but later said “one or two cups, two cups” of beer. The passenger was released on the scene. The man was taken to jail.
MY VIEW LAUREN JOHNSTON, PALM COAST ACTING CITY MANAGER
Our job is to establish a culture of integrity, respect and collaboration
The Council and staff has the opportunity, and the obligation, to guide this city forward. Not by dwelling on blame, but by embracing solutions.
Editor’s note: Lauren Johnston is the acting city manager of Palm Coast. She read the following at the conclusion of the May 1 City Council workshop: Thank you, Mayor and members of the Council. I want to take a moment tonight to speak not just as your City Manager, but as a fellow member of this community. The tone we set — at this dais, in our organization, and
LETTERS
City, county officials on Humane Society board would be a conflict of interest
Dear Editor: Regarding your April 29 article about the Flagler Humane Society (FHS), Flagler County and Palm Coast government officials seem misinformed about the shelter and about issues of nepotism and conflicts of interest.
For the last few months, I have been volunteering about once a week as a dog walker at FHS. In that time, I have found the staff and other volunteers to be helpful and to want the best for the animals there. These people choose stressful jobs with animals — which in many cases have experienced trauma and abandonment — because they want to make a difference in their community.
As for “nepotism”, county and city officials appear to be concerned that two husband-and-wife duos serve on the FHS Board of Direc-
tors. Yet, I think of nepotism as bestowing some benefit or privilege on the person who is being favored — and it is hard to understand what benefit or privilege these husband-and-wife duos would receive since their positions are unpaid. I have served as an unpaid board member on different nonprofits, and these are usually thankless jobs that no one else wants to do. The fact that two sets of couples want to volunteer together to serve their community and help unfortunate animals is something to be applauded, not excoriated. As for “conflicts of interest,” no one wants to have board members or employees at any organization benefitting by self-dealing, accepting gifts from vendors, working for competing organizations, etc. — and FHS should have policies in place to prevent both conflicts of interest and nepotism. But county and city officials’ suggestion that members of their bodies serve on the FHS
across our city — matters. The hostility and divisiveness we’re seeing, both inside and outside of this chamber, are damaging to the very fabric of our community. At the end of the day, we are all human. We all make mistakes. We are sinners. None of us is perfect. We are all learning, growing, and, yes, sometimes falling short.
Board of Directors seems to create its own set of conflicts of interest.
Even if these board members do not vote on direct contractual matters with the county and city, would they also recuse themselves from any votes regarding contractors, vendors, or other organizations that do business with the county and city?
If Flagler County and Palm Coast are concerned about the funding they provide to FHS, they should focus on better contractual oversight to allay their concerns — as opposed to trying to insert themselves into the FHS Board of Directors.
And, if they are truly worried about allegations regarding FHS’ conditions and staff, they should arrange a visit to the shelter to see for themselves the hard work FHS’ employees and volunteers do there on a daily basis.
LEWIS J. BEILMAN III Palm Coast
But that doesn’t mean we stop working toward better outcomes.
Our job as public servants — and as neighbors — is to establish a culture that reflects integrity, mutual respect, and collaboration. That starts with each of us.
We must acknowledge that many of the challenges we face today didn’t begin yesterday. They are inherited — some rooted in decisions made long before any of you took office or we assumed
Fuel storage facility a potential catastrophe
Dear Editor:
In a recent letter regarding the proposed establishment of a fuel storage facility with an attached rail link to be placed in our community the author asked, “When was the last time you read or saw on TV anything about a major incident?”
In February of 2023 a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Toxic fumes from a number of cars were released causing mass evacuations of nearby citizens and unknown long-term damage to their health, soil and water supplies. Sound familiar?
In February, 1988, a newspaper reported: “On Robin Hood Lane on Tuesday, residents of this Long Island community anxiously traded news about an 800,000-gallon gasoline leak oozing underground toward their homes. Northville Industries said Monday that a plume of leaded gasoline, spread over 30 acres and nearly seven feet deep in places, had leaked for as long as a decade from a pin-sized hole in an eight-inch pipe at its storage terminal here. The spill is 100 feet underground. The fumes, primarily benzene, a carcinogen, could seep into basements. In extreme cases, vapors could build up and explode.”
My home was far enough from the spill that it wasn’t affected. The homes of some of my friends were not so lucky. Sound familiar?
As to the planning and design of the facility being sound it is well to remem-
our current roles. But the responsibility to address them lies with us now.
The Council and staff has the opportunity, and the obligation, to guide this city forward. Not by dwelling on blame, but by embracing solutions. Not by tearing down, but by building up.
Let us move forward as one city, one community, committed to unity, and to the wellbeing of all residents. Thank you.
ber that airplanes are also planned and designed well but occasionally fall from the sky.
When an event happens to someone else it’s termed an “incident.” When it happens to you it is termed a “catastrophe.” | admit to being lazy and have done no further research in this matter. However, I’m quite sure there are many other such reports. This is a potential catastrophe that can easily be avoided.
When an incident occurs behind your left shoulder interested parties will tell you to look to the right. I hope our officials are not so easily distracted.
MARK VOGEL Palm Coast
Palm Coast City Council did not listen to residents’ wishes in filling vacant seat
Dear Editor: Recently Palm Coast City Council members voted to fill the District 3 seat left vacant by Ray Stevens’ health. These members lost my respect and trust. Once trust is broken, it is nearly impossible to earn it back.
Palm Coast residents voted them in office by their platforms and desire to represent us. We thought the council would listen and for a couple of months it was true, but I can see the honeymoon is over.
Palm Coast’s organizational chart lists its citizens at the top above the mayor, council and city staff. Yet council members paid no heed and
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voted for who they wanted even though residents spoke for Candace Stevens and even against David Sullivan. I do not recall one person speak for Mr. Sullivan or Mr. Ferguson who wasn’t even mentioned by council. We voted out the old mayor, and council members even when they ran for county commissioner jobs. In two years we can do the same unless the council can earn back our trust, but it will be a long two years for all of us.
DENISE HENRY 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.
Ormond Police hold Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
The 1-mile fun run was held Saturday at Limitless Park in the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
JARLEENE
The Ormond Beach Police Department hosted its second Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida on Saturday, May 3. Held at Limitless Park in the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, the 1-mile fun run was attended by Special Olympic athletes, community members, the Ormond Beach Fire Department and law enforcement officers from local agencies including OBPD, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, Florida Highway Patrol, Daytona Beach Police, Orange City Police, Holly Hill Police, Daytona Beach Shores, Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Corrections. A Representative from the FBI and the State Attorney’s Office also took part in the race.
Ken Roop, director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida, said the statewide initiative, which has a few more runs
left, will culminate with a final leg on Friday, May 16, at the Disney Wild Word of Sports.
“In two years, we have grown from 60,000 athletes to 78,000 in the state of Florida,” Roop said. “Our athletes don’t pay for anything. Everything is provided — lodging, transportation, uniforms, everything is pro-
Palm Coast hosts Arbor Day event
OBSERVER STAFF
Palm Coast hosted its 20th annual Arbor Day Celebration on Saturday, May 3. The event, held at Central Park in Town Center, included a tree giveaway provided by Flowing Well Tree Farm, as well as a walk-through butterfly tent.
Residents received a free 3-gallon tree in exchange for a non-perishable food item
donation for the local food bank.
“For 20 years, Palm Coast’s Arbor Day has been about celebrating our environment, giving back and bringing the community together,” said City of Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini in a press release prior to the event. “This year, we’re making it bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to celebrate with everyone!”
vided by Special Olympics. We couldn’t do it without the help of law enforcement.”
Since the first Law Enforcement Torch Run was held in Wichita, Kansas, in 1981, the event has raised $1.2 billion worldwide, Roop said.
Ormond Beach Police Chief thanked people for participating.
“We appreciate you,” he
Ormond Beach hosts 51st annual Art in the Park
Many of the artists have been attending the event as vendors for multiple years.
CONNOR MCCARTHY
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The 51st annual Art in the Park festival was held May 3 and 4 at Rockefeller Gardens in Ormond Beach. Many of the artists have been attending the event as vendors for multiple years.
“I’ve been selling my original pen and ink drawings at this festival for at least 10 years,” artist Carolyn Flynn said. “I try
to do this one every year. It’s always a great turnout and I really like the organization. It’s a great show.”
The show provides an opportunity for artists to display and sell their artwork, and for art enthusiasts to meet the artists and purchase their works. Everything from sculptures to painting, to 3D printing was present at the festival.
Breanna Wright, artist for Salty 3D Prints, was among those showcasing their works.
“We’ve really enjoyed being here today,” she said. “The kids love the fossil dig. It’s been our first time bringing the giant velociraptor and showing her off. People got
see her from the beginning stages all the way to the end, so this has been the perfect place to do the final unveiling,
we’ve loved the reception from the community and the other vendors have been incredible.”
Jamie Miceli paints an ocean wave. Photo by Connor McCarthy
Annette Reyes and Ricardo Reyes receive a tree on Arbor Day. Photos by Hannah Hodge
Palm Coast Urban Forester Carol Mini smiles for the camera.
Carolyn Flynn and her colorful pen and ink drawings.
said. “We appreciate your support for law enforcement.” He recognized event sponsors and donors, including the Adams Cameron Foundation, Toni Wright and Richard McNerney.
Carson Frasier, of Seabreeze High School, finishes first.
Ormond Beach Police Public Safety Officer Pauline Dulang sings the national anthem during the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Florida.
Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Mayor Jason Leslie, Sgt. Jay Brennan, Officer Danielle Henderson, Capt. Chris Roos, City Commissioner Travis Sargent and Sgt. Michael Garner. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
YOUR TOWN
Provision Packs’ River Scramble raises funds to provide 120,000 meals to 220 children
Provision Packs’ 2025 River Scramble and Charity Concert raised $70,000, enough funds to provide 120,000 meals to support 220 children for a school year.
According to a press release, the fundraising weekend began with a charity concert at the Broken Spoke Saloon on April 11, featuring performances by Matt Stell, Josh Ross and Dylan Schneider.
On the following day, the River Scramble Par-Tee on the Halifax — where boats replaced golf carts and there were floating greens — took place, with teams navigating the Halifax River in a scavenger-style challenge with themed costumes. In total, over 600 people attended the events.
“River Scramble brings our community together in such a unique
and special way, while still celebrating our mission of feeding children,” said Casey Roush, events coordinator at Provision Packs. “Most of all it’s about strengthening the bonds of our community and coming together to build a stronger tomorrow for the kids who need us most.”
To learn more, visit www.provisionpacks.org.
Palm Coast Arts Festival set for May 17
The annual Palm Coast Spring Arts Festival will be held on May 17 at Central Park in Town Center.
The festival will showcase the talents of local artists and crafters from across Flagler County, a Palm Coast press release said. The festival is presented by Palm Coast, the Flagler County Cultural Council and Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches.
The event and parking are free for all to attend from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Local vendors will showcase their art and music will be performed by by Planet e Studios and the Palm Coast Community Band, the press release said.
For more information, visit www. flaglerartsandculture.org/springarts-fesitval-vendor-application.
Ormond DAR chapter adds new members
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution welcomed four new members at its April meeting. The new members were: Megan Rasmussen, Cassie Rasmussen, Allison Annon and Betty Bullock.
To learn more about the local DAR chapter, visit fssdar.com/CaptainJamesOrmondDAR.
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, MAY 8
SECOND ANNUAL WOMEN’S GOLF
TOURNAMENT
When: 9 a.m.
Where: Cypress Knoll Golf and Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Christmas Come True and Flagler County Bold Ladies in Business have partnered to create the second annual Women’s Golf tournament, benefiting families struggling with financial and medical challenges. Registration costs $110 and includes the 9-hole scramble, a country club luncheon, swag bags and awards. There will also be a strolling fashion show. Visit Christmascometrue.org.
TEA PARTY
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524
S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach
Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club is hosting a tea party with traditional tea party fare, music, games and raffles. Dress up in your spring attire, including hats and jewelry. Tickets cost $20 and support educational programs benefiting Flagler County students in need. Contact Sue at nocellas@gmail.com for reservations.
HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL
SOCIETY MAY PROGRAM
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Library Auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond
Beach Details: Greta Daigle will present, “Who do you think you are?” Daigle has been interested in genealogy for over 50 years and has compiled six family histories. This is a free presentation.
SWING INTO SPRING
When: 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend this free spring concert on the north lawn of The Casements, featuring Lucy Spotts. Bring a chair or blanket. For more information, call 386-676-3216.
4th Annual Saturday, May 24, 2025 10 am -1 pm 511 Old Kings Rd. S. Flagler Beach
• $10 entry fee
• 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
FRIDAY, MAY 9
A SALUTE/TRIBUTE TO MOM
JAZZ EXTRAVAGANZA
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: United Methodist Church of Palm Coast, 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Themed “A Garden in Time,” this show is headlined by The Divas of Jazz with an opening performance of the Mighty Men of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and the voices of Faith Choir of the United Methodist Church. Tickets cost $32 per person. Call 609-412-3049.
‘MURDER AT SHIVERING TIMBERS’ MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW
When: 6-9:15 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, May 9 and 10
Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway Northeast, Palm Coast Details: The Seawolf Privateers invite you to step into a world of mystery, laughter and adventure at this fundraising event benefitting local foster and displaced children. Enjoy a three-course meal and bid on items during the silent auction. Tickets cost $60. Visit https://seawolfprivateers.org/fundraisers.
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 https://crtpalmcoast.com/rockabilliewillie.
SATURDAY, MAY 10
ARTS AND CRAFTS WALK
When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Beach Front Grille, 2444 S. Ocean Shore Blvd. Flagler Beach Details: See over 20 vendors and enjoy live music at this free monthly event.
TUESDAY, MAY 13
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E.
Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Paint along with watercolor artist Stewart Jones. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee. No drawing is required. Call 386-3179400.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14
SPRING BIRD WALKS
When: 8-10 a.m.
Where: Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach
Details: Join Master Naturalist Joan Tague, of the Halifax River Audubon, for a casual bird walk along the trails of Central Park. Bring water. Walking shoes and sunscreen recommended. Free event.
TOWN HALL When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast United Methodist Church, 6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: David Holly, policy analyst for MSNBC and CNN, will lead a town hall about national policies impacting Floridians. Guests from across the political spectrum are encouraged to attend. Seating is limited. Register at https://bit. ly/44dfJ6G.
Details: The Citizens for Ormond Beach Program will host Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie as he discusses the issues that he sees in Ormond Beach. The public is invited to participate. For more information, contact billdenny105@gmil.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
ORMOND BEACH AREA
DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend the May meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. There will be discussion of current national and local issues, activities, gatherings and planning activities to continue standing up, showing up and speaking up. Likeminded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.
DAR Registrar Denise Sikes; Regent Susan Demorsky; new members Megan Rasmussen, Cassie Rasmussen, Allison Annon and Betty Bullock; and Chaplain Karen Knowles.
YOUR SCHOOLS Senior swan song: Ormond Ballet to present ‘Swan Lake’
High school seniors
Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan take on major roles for their final show.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
As Ormond Ballet planned its final production of the school year, Artistic Director Michelle Boutros faced a dilemma.
Three of her dancers were graduating high school, and she likes to showcase seniors in major roles. Which ballet could she adapt to have three major leads? She came up with “Swan Lake.” Flagler Palm Coast
High School senior Baylee Rogan will play the part of “White Swan,” Seabreeze High School senior Eris Potts will play “Black Swan” and Father Lopez Catholic High School senior Mira Khanna will perform a version of a pas de deux originally part of the Tchaikovsky ballet, but later omitted from the final production.
“It’s supposed to be one girl that does this, but that’s so hard,” Boutros said. “And I wanted them all to get a chance to do something major before they graduate.”
“Swan Lake” tells the story of Odette, a princess who is transformed into a white swan, a curse that can only be broken by her true love, Prince Siegried. Ormond Ballet is using choreography by Mari-
us Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and restaged with additional choreography by Boutros.
The ballet features a cast of 40 dancers, which include several of the school’s preballet and level 1 dancers in the show in the roles of “little swans.” Boutros typically doesn’t combine these levels with the more advanced in her studio.
Khanna said it’s been fun to dance with the younger girls.
“It’s really cute — they’re always watching us,” she said. “... They’ll be in the back of the room following along and I think it’s really sweet. You know that they are looking at our roles and are wanting to do that one day.”
NEW ROLES
Khanna, Potts and Rogan have all been dancing since they were 2 or 3 years old. Still, their roles in “Swan Lake” have challenged them.
Potts said it’s her first time playing an evil role — and one that takes a lot of acting and being in character to pull off. She recently performed the Sugar Plum Faerie role in Ormond Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” in December.
“The 32 fuoettés is going to be a huge deal for me,” Potts said, referring to the 32 turns Black Swan, or Odile, performs in the coda of Act III.
“White Swan,” or Odette, has also provided Rogan with a new kind of role to play. Her past roles, including Dew Drop Fairy in “The Nutcracker,” have been upbeat.
“You’re smiling the whole time, the music is very happy,” Rogan said. “But White Swan is the opposite of that.”
Boutros has coined Khan-
na’s part as the “Villager’s pas de deux,” telling the story of a forbidden love between the prince and a village girl.
Technique-wise, Boutros said it’s the hardest pas de deux in the show.
“It literally fits her to a ‘T’ in my opinion, and shows off all of her partnering abilities,” Boutros said.
BITTERSWEET GOODBYE
Knowing that “Swan Lake” will be their last show as seniors at Ormond Ballet is strange, Potts said.
“I plan on taking classes in college, but it’s going to be nothing like what I’ve been doing my whole life,” she said. “It’s definitely rewarding, but it’s just going to be so sad as well.”
In the fall, Potts will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, New York, where she will major in fashion business management.
It’s hard to wrap your head around it being the last show, Khanna said. She’s excited though, and said it’ll be a “good last show to have.”
CLASS NOTES
TAKE STOCK IN CHILDREN OF FLAGLER COUNTY HONORS SENIORS
Take Stock in Children of Flagler County honored its graduating seniors at its annual Senior Awards Night on April 29
“After every show, you’re like, ‘On to the next one,’ and then this one’s the last one, so it’s definitely bittersweet,” she said.
Khanna will be majoring in psychology on a pre-law track at the University of Florida. She and her twin sister are the salutatorians at Father Lopez. Rogan share the same bittersweet feelings about the show as her fellow senior dancers.
“We’ve been doing it for so long,” Rogan said. “Every year, it’s something you look forward to, and so this being the last one is weird to think about.”
Rogan will be attending Jacksonville University and majoring in exercise science.
“Swan Lake” is also giving the seniors a chance to do something they haven’t done before — share the stage with Boutros, who will be dancing the part of “Queen Mother.” Boutros, who is finally feeling well enough to dance following two hip replacements, missed being onstage. Her co-director, Jeremiah Garner regularly dances with their students, so she is looking forward to doing the same.
“It’s going to be wonderful,” she said. “I adore my dancers.”
at the Palm Coast Community Center.
The event recognized the hard work, dedication and perseverance of students who have benefited from Take Stock in Children’s unique model of providing mentorship, college and career readiness support and college scholarships to lowincome, academically promising students. The program’s aim is to break the cycle of poverty through education.
Ormond Ballet senior students Eris Potts, Mira Khanna and Baylee Rogan. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
A “little swan” performs a jump.
Same old Mainland: Buccaneers coach sees an abundance of promise
Head football coach Jerrime Bell says his team is young, but it is full of talent and leadership ability.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Footballs were flying through the air across Florida as high schools held the first day of spring practice on April 28.
This is the second spring with the Buccaneers for Mainland head football coach Jerrime “Squatty” Bell after stepping into the position in March 2024. The team is losing 28 senior,s but Bell said his young group is special and believes they will be really good this fall and even “scarier” the following year.
Mainland lost its first five games last season but followed with five wins to win the District 4-5A title and gain its 31st consecutive playoff berth.
“I’ve seen a lot of hustle and a lot of attention to detail in practice,” Bell said. “The guys that went through the downs last year, the 0-5, you can see a hunger in them to never let it happen again. I’ve seen a lot of leadership step up and a lot of back to the old Mainland way — the Buc way. Everyone is holding each other accountable but having fun doing it.”
Rising senior Sebastian Johnson
takes the helm as the starting quarterback again. In addition to gaining two inches in height, Bell said Johnson took offseason conditioning seriously and has put on some weight.
“Leadership-wise he’s taken that next step to be a vocal guy on offense,” Bell said. “He’s always the one that smiles and doesn’t say anything in the back. He gives you that nice smile that brightens up the room, but now we’re trying to get him to be a little more assertive.”
At practice, Johnson said he sees his teammates coming together and growing as one. He said they will be ready for the spring jamboree which is less than two weeks away.
“We have got to learn a little faster, though,” he said. “We have less days to get ready this year so we have to learn faster.”
Mainland will travel to Palm Beach Gardens High School for the Spring Jamboree on May 17. They will play Palm Beach Gardens at 5 p.m. and Delray Beach Atlantic at 6.
“That jamboree is a big deal — they do it every year,” Bell said. “College coaches from all over come down. That’s why I’m driving that far, to give our guys some exposure and we play against a team that we might see late in the playoffs in Atlantic who made a semifinal run last year.”
Bell said the Bucs’ linebackers and secondary will once again be a team strength. Senior Jahvin “Bubba”
Westbrook has returned to take over as safety following knee surgery in July last year to repair a torn ACL. He will help anchor the secondary with Kieran Sullivan at nickelback and Tre Prince. He believes Mainland has four of the best cornerbacks in Volusia County in Marcus Day, Tyrell Edwards III, Theo Bryant and Denzel Shropshire.
Linebacker Tamaj Woodard is part of the group of approximately 15 sophomores on the team. Bell said a lot of the young players are not on
anyone’s radar yet and will be something to watch. Two juniors he thinks will be standouts in fall will be Westbrook and Day.
“Jahvin Westbrook sat out last year with an injury so I think he’s coming back for a lot this year,” Bell said. “Corner Marcus Day hasn’t been in the spotlight yet so I think he is ready to show what he can do his senior year.”
Sophomore Chevin Davis Jr. is excited to face the competition at the upcoming jamboree. He plays on
the offensive line and is currently the center.
“We have a good defense,” he said. “I think offensively we need to be more competitive and score for the defense — take all the weight off their shoulders this year. We’re just going to go down there and play hard.”
New to the coaching staff are Chris Fricke, Gordon Cohagan, Rick Rumph and Adam Elam. Coach Jeremy Victor has returned to coach the offensive line. He coached in 2023 when Mainland won the state championship. Bell said he is hoping to fill a few more coaching positions before the start of the upcoming season.
“We have a team full of leaders now,” Bell said. “I’m looking forward to seeing them grow more in their leadership roles. No changes really to the lineup or plays. Only changes are the new faces and new places. We’re going to be the same old Mainland — what you see is what you get. We are not going to window dress much. We may add some things here and there, but we’re the same old Mainland High School.”
Mainland assistant coach Jeremy Victor jokes around with the players during the first week of spring practice
Mainland senior Bubba Westbrook returns for spring practice after undergoing knee surgery in July last year.
A Mainland running back works with coach Arthur Westbrook during the first week of spring practice
Mainland receivers keep their eyes on the ball. Photos by Michele Meyers
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LOAN REQUIREMENTS
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OF LOTS 13, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PART OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO
IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION, AS A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE N 00°58’53” W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 12 AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 893.68 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S 84°21’29” W, A DISTANCE OF 295.03 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 07°49’28” E, A DISTANCE OF 75.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 79°44’00” E, A DISTANCE OF 306.98 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S 00°58’53”E ALONG THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 100.03 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 18 FEET. PARCEL 2: A PORTION OF LOTS 13, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PART OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTH-
EAST CORNER OF LOT 12, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, AS A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE N 00°58’53”W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 12 AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 793.65 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S 89°20’19” W, A DISTANCE OF 285.12 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 07°49’28” W, A DISTANCE OF 75.00 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 84°21’29” E, A DISTANCE OF 295.03 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S 00°58’53”E ALONG THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 100.03 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 18 FEET. PARCEL 3: A PORTION OF LOTS 12 AND 13, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PART OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION AS A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE N 00°58’ 53”W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 12 AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 641.15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S 89°10’07” W, A DISTANCE OF 237.04 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 40°12’30” W, A DISTANCE OF 54.90 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 07°49’28” W, A DISTANCE OF 111.74 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 89°20’19” E, A DISTANCE OF 285.08 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S 00°58’53”E ALONG THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 152.50 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 18 FEET. PARCEL 4: A PORTION OF LOTS 12, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PART OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION, AS A POINT OF REFERENCE; THENCE N 00°58’53” W ALONG
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2024-13375-PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY MASTERSON KATES, Deceased. The administration of the estate of MARY MASTERSON KATES, deceased, whose date of death was March 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is PO Box 6043, Deland, FL 327216043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: May 1, 2025.
JESSICA R. CLABAUGH Personal Representative 774 Elwood St. Deltona, FL 32725 Robert D. Hines, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0413550 Hines Norman Hines, P.L. 1312 W. Fletcher Avenue, Suite B Tampa, FL 33612 Telephone: 813-265-0100 Email: rhines@hnh-law.com Secondary Email: jrivera@hnh-law.com May 1, 8, 2025 25-00197I
THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 12 AND THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 493.15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S 89°34’42” W, A DISTANCE OF 116.65 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 40°12’30” W, A DISTANCE OF 190.38 FEET TO A POINT; THENCE N 89°10’07” E, A DISTANCE OF 237.04 FEET TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S 00°58’53”E ALONG THE WESTERLY RIGHT OF WAY OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 148.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS AND EXCEPT THE EASTERLY 18 FEET Now known as: PARCEL 1 -A PORTION OF LOTS 12 & 13, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH. RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE S.E. CORNER OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION; RUN THENCE N00”58’53”W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SUBDIVISION, ALSO BEING THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 644.06 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S89°38’15”W A DISTANCE OF 141.15 FEET; THENCE N00°57’04”W A DISTANCE OF 235.43 FEET; THENCE S89°38’15”W A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET; THENCE S00°57’04”F. A DISTANCE OF 165.01 FEET; THENCE S89°38’15”W A DISTANCE OF 81.88 FEET; THENCE N08°27’08”W A DISTANCE OF 261.74 FEET; THENCE N79”25’30”E A DISTANCE OF 306.98 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF LOT 13 OF SAID SUBDIVISION, SAID POINT ALSO BEING ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S00”58’53’E ALONG SAID EAST LINE OF LOT 13 AND ALSO ALONG SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 350.28 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; AND PARCEL 2 - A PORTION OF LOTS 12 & 13, JOHN M. HIRES SUBDIVISION OF PAUL DUPON GRANT, SECTION 39, TOWNSHIP 18 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 2, PAGE 9, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS; COMMENCE AT
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2023 11758 CIDL LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. SHAD C. DONOVAN A/K/A SHAD CHRISTOPHER DONOVAN, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered March 18, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2023 11758 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Volusia County, Deland, Florida, wherein LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC is Plaintiff and Shad C. Donovan a/k/a Shad Christopher Donovan, et al., are Defendants, the Clerk of Court, LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ., will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www. volusia.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 20th day of May, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: Lots 8 and 9, Block C, together with the North 1/2 of vacated Snyder Street abutting and adjacent to said Lots 8 and 9, Block C, Cole’s Subdivision, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 23, Page 63, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida.
Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770. By: /s/Robyn Katz Robyn Katz, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email:
THE S.E. CORNER OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION; RUN THENCE N00°58’ 53”W ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SUBDIVISION, ALSO BEING THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 493.65 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE S89”38’15”W A DISTANCE OF 116.53 FEET; THENCE N40”29’47”W, A DISTANCE OF 127.77 FEET; THENCE N39°06’ 15”W, A DISTANCE OF 114.65 FEET; THENCE N08”27’08”W, A DISTANCE OF 34.06 FEET; THENCE N89°38’15” E, A DISTANCE OF 81.88 FEET; THENCE N00”57’04”W A DISTANCE OF 165.01 FEET; THENCE N89”38’15”E A DISTANCE OF 50.00 FEET; THENCE S00°57’04”E A DISTANCE OF 235.43 FEET; THENCE N89°38’15”E A DISTANCE OF 141.25 FEET TO A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF LOT 12 OF SAID SUBDIVISION, SAID POINT ALSO BEING ON THE WEST RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD; THENCE S00°58’53’E ALONG SAID EAST LINE OF LOT 12 AND ALSO ALONG SAID WEST RIGHTOF-WAY LINE OF MILLS ROAD, A DISTANCE OF 150.41 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. PARCEL IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS: 603908000111 and 603908000122
Property Addresses: 4450 Mills Road, Deland, Florida 32724, and 4440 Mills Road, Deland, Florida 32724 1 ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THEN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS.
DATED this 21st day of February, 2025. DUANE MORRIS LLP Counsel for Plaintiff TD Bank, N.A.
By: /s/ Danielle Rundlett Burns Danielle Rundlett Burns Florida Bar No.: 0722561 Duane Morris LLP 5100 Town Center Circle, Suite 400 Boca Raton, FL 33486
Telephone: (561) 962-2119
Facsimile: (561) 962-2101
E-mail: DRBurns@duanemorris.com
JFGarcia@duanemorris.com
MLChapski@duanemorris.com
The last vesting deed split the subject property into two separate parcels (603908000111 and 603908000122), both of which are encumbered by TD Bank’s mortgage. May 1, 8, 2025 25-00189I
FOURTH INSERTION
METHOD
any other lawful improvements or services of the District. Owners of the properties to be assessed and other interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard regarding the use of the Uniform Method. This hearing is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions
