Ormond Beach Observer 05-22-25

ORMOND BEACH

Team Candy Crushers drivers Gianna Tolko and Alexis Watson hand out candy as they cruise in the parade. Photo by Michele Meyers

City Council reverses decision by planning board, OKs storage facility

The facility will be located on Pine Lakes Parkway, north of Palm Coast Parkway.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast City Council has reversed a denial from the city’s planning board, making way for a 850-unit storage facility on Pine Lakes Parkway, north of Palm Coast Parkway.

The council reversed the decision in a 4-0 vote, with Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris absent from the May 20 meeting. When the application went before the Planning and Land Development Review Board on May 6, city staff said the application met all the technical requirements for approval.

The planning board, though, ultimately voted 4-2 against the application, citing that the proposed project did not meet the criteria to “not be in conflict with or contrary to the public interest,” according to meeting documents. The board felt the project would contribute to “an oversaturation” of storage units in the area, and that the project did not fit with the area’s current walkability and mixed-use potential.

The facility, Hill Pointe Way Self Storage, is 99,500 square feet in size and located near the north intersection of Pine Lakes Parkway and Belle Terre Parkway. In addition to the 850 climate-controlled units, the site will also have 26 RV and boat storage spaces.

The 6.83-acre lot is locat-

ed near several residential neighborhoods. Because it is zoned Commercial 2, which allows for only limited types of commercial development, the applicant filed a special exception application to build the storage unit.

City planner Michael Hanson said staff determined the project met all the criteria for the special exception, including being compatible with public interest. Storage units are generally low-impact, he said, and generate much less traffic than other commercial businesses as well as use much less water, he said.

Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked what proof the planning board had to say that the facility would contribute to an oversaturation in the area. Hanson said there was none, to his knowledge, but said the planning board had asked him to pull up a map showing how many other storage units were in the area. But, Hanson said, he reminded the board that the map didn’t qualify as evidence towards the criteria.

“There’s an existing selfstorage facility already, a third of a mile just to the south of this particular project, that’s been there for a number of years,” Hanson said. “It shows that a self-storage facility can exist within this neighborhood.”

Natalie Smith, representing the Johnson Development, said that the applicant conducted a market analysis study based on a 3-mile radius around the location and found that the market was at 50% for climate-controlled units, based on the population in the area.

Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner told the council that there is a need for boat and RV storage in the city, since the city code does not allow residents to keep them at their homes.

“We’re a little bit unique in that way, where our citizens need a place to store their boats or their RV for outside storage,” Tyner said. “So as we continue to grow, the need is here.”

Residents ask city to reopen Riverbend

City Commissioners direct staff to ask the FAA if this is possible, and if it is, can the city find an operator?

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Though the City of Ormond Beach is proceeding with finding other uses for the former Riverbend Golf Course next to the airport — one such use being a 67-acre park with running and biking trails — some Ormond Beach residents remain adamant: the property should be reverted back to a golf course.

The Ormond Beach City Commission was set to approve via its consent agenda for its meeting on Tuesday, May 20, a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration containing conceptual designs for the former 172-acre golf course property. The letter asked the federal agency to review the proposed land use concepts for approval. In addition to a park, proposed for land southeast of the airport next to the Tomoka River, the city is seeking approval to add hangars, fixed-base operator facilities and commercial office space to the 58-acres where the golf course clubhouse was previously located.

The last golf course parcel, a 94-acre tract of land between the airport and the Bear Creek community, would remain undeveloped for now, with a potential for additional aviation uses in the future, according to the letter.

However, residents who spoke at the meeting largely echoed the same sentiments: They want Riverbend Golf

Course back, and they don’t want further development at the airport.

“Reopening the golf course would create only income and no expenses for the city,” Bear Creek resident Patricia Franzen said. “Senior adults have no recreation in the city of Ormond Beach. We need your help. There are far more voters who golf than fly out of the airport.”

The Riverbend Golf Course first opened in 1991. It was operated by a private lessee until December 2020 when its last operator, Riverbend Management Group, filed for bankruptcy. In January 2021, the city asked the FAA whether the property could remain a golf course, but in light of the runway extension that was being considered at the time, the FAA responded that it seemed “counter intuitive” for the city to reassign the golf course lease, according to a letter to Airport Manager Steve Lichliter.

Now that the runway extension isn’t happening, Ormond Beach City Commissioners seek a concrete answer from the FAA — can it be a golf course, or not?

And if it can, is there an interest for an operator to take over and perform the needed repairs to the property?

Commissioners voted to send the letter to the FAA, but add a section to inquire specifically about a golf course, though they expressed doubt on whether an operator would want to take over.

“I like the idea of a private entity coming in and taking the golf course and putting it back to what it once was,” Commissioner Harold Briley said. “I don’t think the reality is we’ll find anybody who’s willing to spend that kind of

money and not own the property, because they’ll still have to pay the city a lease. No one’s going to spend $8-10 million to renovate the old golf course and not have ownership of it.” It’s unfortunate that the golf course became abandoned, Briley said, but the lessee was no longer paying the lease to the city or paying property taxes to the county. Since 2018, the city of Ormond Beach has been in a dispute with the Volusia County Property Appraiser over $240,848 of unpaid taxes, which date back to 2013. The city argues that the property was tax exempt, and the property appraiser counters that it lost the exemption when it leased it to a for-profit company. However, tax notices, the city attorney told the Observer in 2022, were sent to the golf course operator, and not the city. The new proposed uses have been in the works for a year. The city held a workshop in May 2024 where the past commission reached a consensus on the park, commercial aviation area and undeveloped green space.

Commissioner Travis Sargent said he asked the city two years ago to put out a request for bids to see if an operator was interested in the golf course. But, he’s not willing to have the taxpayers subsidize the golf course, or have the city spend millions of dollars to repair the facility.

“We are asking someone to invest, or the taxpayers to invest, in the property and someone take it over and they don’t own it,” he said. “And the city of Ormond Beach does not set what that lease would be. The FAA sets that and that price is roughly upwards of $100,000 a year.”

A rendering of the proposed storage unit facility for Pine Lakes Parkway. Courtesy of City of Palm Coast

‘Believe with us’

Pace Center for Girls

Volusia-Flagler surpasses $100K fundraising goal at annual breakfast.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Pace Center for Girls VolusiaFlagler raised $119,590 at its annual “Believing in Girls” breakfast, held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University on Friday, May 16.

It’s the first time the event’s donations have reached six figures, and the community’s support is coming at a time of transformation for the Ormond Beach school as it moves ahead with constructing a new $6.2 million campus. During the breakfast, Executive Director Sheila Jordan announced that Pace had closed on land for the new 12,000-squarefoot school, to be located at 410 Clyde Morris Blvd. in Ormond Beach.

The school, Jordan said, will allow the Pace Center to not just continue serving its current 52 students, but expand services to 85 girls as well as offer extension services to those who simply need counseling.

The work the Pace does, Jordan said, is about belief and possibilities for the girls.

“We’re helping them believe — believe that something can be dif-

ferent than it has been,” Jordan said.

“And we watch a girl come from ‘I can’t,’ to ‘I think I can,’ to ‘I know I can,’ to ‘I am’ to ‘I did’ and that’s all because we encourage them to believe and to try and try and try again.”

‘I’VE DISCOVERED MY VOICE’

Pace serves middle school and high school girls in Volusia and Flagler County. The girls often need help with academics, and are in need of counseling, social services or mental health resources. A day program, the girls are assigned a counselor and an academic advisor for support as they work toward graduation.

Every year, the breakfast event allows Pace girls to share their stories. This year was no exception.

One student read a poem and three others — all 16-year-olds who are graduating this year — spoke about how the school has helped them. For Jordan, Pace helped her with her depression and anxiety.

“Today, I can proudly say that I’m not the same person who I was when I first walked through those doors,” she said. “I’m more confident, more self aware and more hopeful. I’ve discovered my voice and I’ve learned that it matters.”

Gabby came to Pace when she was 13 years old. She said she had been “falling into the wrong crowd” and making choices that didn’t reflect who she was.

“I was lost, but then I found Pace, or maybe Pace found me,” she said.

“This school didn’t just give me an education, it gave me a second chance. It gave me hope. It gave me the tools to believe in myself when I didn’t know how. The staff here saw potential in me, when I couldn’t see it for myself. They lifted me up, and day by day, helped me build a better me.”

The third girl to speak at the breakfast, Alexis, enrolled in Pace as a sophomore in September 2024. Before coming to Pace, she said she struggled with motivation and selfconfidence, and school felt like a place of anxiety rather than growth.

Pace changed that, she said.

“I am now able to walk into school with confidence,” she said. “I feel

comfortable participating, learning and growing, not just academically, but emotionally and personally. Pace has not only helped me reclaim my education, but it’s also helped me believe in myself for that I will always be grateful.”

It is most rewarding to see the girls’ transformations, said Pace Center teacher Charlene DanielsMcDuffie, who has worked for the nonprofit since 2014. Being part of the team, she said, has allowed her to witness the students’ growth, many of whom have gone on to work in careers in medicine, law, education, counseling, therapy and science.

“Now, please note that the girls would sometimes start out in the program, reluctant, ambivalent, and even resistant to our support, but that’s because our genuine care, love and consideration sometimes was foreign to some of them,” DanielsMcDuffie said.

FROM PACE TO PHD

Before Sajan Green came to Pace in 2015, she was struggling with depression, anxiety and self-harm. At 13, she was smoking and doing drugs, and she and her mom became homeless after her mom’s boyfriend was murdered in their home.

Green dropped out of school. She spent every day smoking marijuana.

Then at 15, she gave school another go, but dropped out once again. She and mother lived in a home with other drug addicts, and Green said it was then that she realized she needed to make a change.

That’s when she found Pace.

“I vividly remembered the day that I got the call,” Green said. “’I got in.’ I remember this day so sweetly, because it was the first time that I felt hope in years. But Pace gave me more than hope. Pace gave me a solid foundation of support that I will continue to build upon for years.”

Green only spent nine months at Pace, but she said the program’s impact “will last a lifetime.”

Now, 10 years later, Green is a third-year doctorate student at

“Today, I can proudly say that I’m not the same person who I was when I first walked through those doors. I’m more confident, more self aware and more hopeful. I’ve discovered my voice and I’ve learned that it matters.”

JORDAN, 16, Pace Center for Girls student

the University of Florida, studying chemical biology and working at the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Sciences in St. Augustine, where she looks for new medicines like antibiotics and cancer treatments derived from natural sources.

“If you had met me 10 years ago and you had seen the teenager that I was, you wouldn’t have looked at me and said I could become a PhD level scientist looking for new drugs to help people, except the people at Pace did,” Green said. “They didn’t see my circumstance. They didn’t see my sometimes bad attitude, and they didn’t see who I statistically should have become. They saw who I could be and they nurtured and supported that girl, and that’s the beauty of Pace. They see a girl for who she can be, and they incessantly fight to get her to see it too.”

IMAGINE THE POSSIBILITIES

At last year’s breakfast, Jordan said she asked attendees to close their eyes and believe. She asked them to remember Pace’s dedication to

providing girls with support, guidance and opportunities, and see the day-to-day transformation in the students.

Then, she asked them to imagine doing it in a 100-year-old building — one with spotty internet, and one where a hurricane displaced them all to a facility with no walls and one bathroom stall.

Pace is currently located at 208 Central Ave. in Ormond Beach in the former Rigby Elementary school building, which used to be the city’s school for Black students. After Hurricane Ian damaged the school’s roof in 2022, students and staff relocated to the gymnasium at Nova Community Center for eight months.

“And I said, ‘Imagine with me the possibilities of a new place, and in less than a year, we have land for a new place,’” Jordan said. “You believed with us.”

The breakfast was attended by community leaders, elected officials and both the superintendents of Volusia and Flagler Schools.

Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin congratulated Pace on their work. Speaking directly to the Pace girls, Balgobin said they have a community that believes in them.

“I had a conversation with some of you this morning, and you have great aspirations, and I have no doubt in my mind that every single one of you will excel in those dreams that you have for yourself,” Balgobin said. “And always remember as community members, that when we’re behind our girls and we’re supporting our girls, we will always have a successful community, because you are the bedrock of this community.”

Next year, Pace will be celebrating a major milestone: its 30th anniversary. To mark the occasion, the organization will be hosting an anniversary gala.

“Please continue to believe with us, continue to invest in us, continue to visit us and just stay along the journey,” Jordan said. “It’s going to be incredibly exciting.”

Pace Center for Girls Executive Director Sheila Jordan

A rendering of what the Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler campus will look like. Courtesy of Klar & Klar Architects, Inc.

Pace Center for Girls students are celebrated.

Pace Center teacher Charlene DanielsMcDuffie

Pace Center alumna Sajan Green shares her story.

Pace Center for Girls students. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Alexis, a student at the Pace Center for Girls, will be graduating in June. She, along with her stepmother, was one of the speakers.

Scott A. Selis, Esq.

Scott A. Selis is an estate planning and elder law attorney with offices in Ormond Beach & Palm Coast. Mr. Selis was an Elder Law Attorney of the Year selected by the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section in 2016.

If the word probate makes you feel like taking a nap or breaking into a mild sweat, you’re not alone. It sounds like something complicated and expensive—and to be honest, sometimes it is. That’s why so many people want to avoid it. But let’s clear the fog and take a look at what probate is—and why it tends to get such a bad rap.

Probate 101

Probate is the legal process of settling someone’s estate after they pass away. A court steps in to make sure any debts are paid and assets go to the rightful heirs. Sounds reasonable, right? After all, we don’t want Uncle Larry’s coin collection to end up in the wrong hands. The process involves filing paperwork with the court, notifying heirs and creditors, collecting assets, and eventually distributing what’s left. If there’s a will, the court verifies it. If there isn’t, well… that’s when things can get a bit spicy. The state follows a set formula to decide who gets what, and let’s just say it doesn’t usually involve your best friend or your favorite charity.

So why do people try to avoid it?

Because probate can be slow, public, and expensive. It’s like the DMV of estate law—necessary, but not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. In some cases, it can take months or even years to resolve. Court fees and legal costs can chip away at the estate’s value, and everything might become a matter of public record. So yes, that means your nosy neighbor might see what you left to whom.

Avoiding probate doesn’t mean dodging the law—it means planning smartly. Tools like living trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations can help your assets pass directly to loved ones without court interference.

Think of probate like a toll road: sometimes it’s the only way through—but with a good map (ahem, an estate plan), you can often take a quicker, cheaper route.

Flagler Teacher of the Year is a state finalist

Brandy Anderson teaches seventh-grade civics at Indian Trails Middle School.

Flagler County Teacher of the Year Brandy Anderson has been named one of five finalists for the 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year award, Flagler Schools announced. Anderson, a seventh-grade civics teacher at Indian Trails Middle School, was selected as a finalist from among the state’s 76 district teachers of the year. The 2026 Teacher of

the Year will be announced in July.

Florida Department of Education representatives and Flagler Schools officials walked in on Anderson’s civics class on May 15 to surprise her with the news of her selection.

“Congratulations to Ms. Anderson for being named a 2026 Teacher of the Year finalist,” Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr. said in a press release. “Ms. Anderson has set an incredible example for other teachers to follow and her commitment to her students is apparent.”

After she was nominated by ITMS for Flagler’s Teacher of the Year honor, Anderson told the Observer that she learned

early on during her 16-year teaching career that relationships are everything in the classroom.

“My favorite thing about teaching is the kids,” she said. “They are my ‘why.’ The relationships you build over the

school year become meaningful, and they make everything great about waking up in the morning and coming to school.”

Anderson was announced as Flagler County’s Teacher of the Year on Jan. 28 during the district’s annual Teacher and Employee of the Year Gala at the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.

“As a civics teacher at Indian Trails Middle School, Brandy encourages a deep understanding of government and civic responsibility within her students, as well a passion for critical thinking,” Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said in a district press release. “Brandy is a role model of integrity, resilience and passion for education.”

The five finalists made it through three rounds of

selections from among nearly 175,000 public school teachers. A committee of teachers, principals, parents and business leaders selected the finalists on the basis of teaching and communicating the subject, professional learning and school and community service, according to the press release.

The winner will serve for one year as the Christa McAuliffe Ambassador for Education and will represent the FLDOE and teachers throughout the state.

Anderson holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Kent State University and earned her AVID certification, the Gifted Endorsement and the Civics Seal of Excellence. She also serves as the ITMS Social Studies Department chair and is the school’s assistant track and field coach.

Volusia County Schools to update impact fees

The school district expects the calculation of students living in multifamily units and mobile homes to increase.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County Schools is due for an impact fee study in 2026, and district staff is expecting the study will show that there are more students today living in multifamily units and mobile homes compared to 10 years ago.

During a workshop on planning for student growth and the school concurrency process on Tuesday, May 13, district staff reported that the number of students living in multifamily units was up 31% in 2022 from 2013, based on the previous impact fee study’s student generation rate, which calculates how many students would likely be generated per 100 dwelling units. Students living in mobile homes units were also up 44% from 2013.

At the same time, the 2022 study found that the number of students in single-family homes was down 15% from 2013.

“Over the past few years of this impact fee study, [the student generation rate] has changed as the demographics have changed,” said James Roberts, Planning and GIS specialist for VCS.

In years prior, multifamily developments in Volusia County traditionally didn’t generate many students, but that has changed significantly, Roberts said, adding that impact fee studies can only capture what is happening at the moment.

“They can’t predict what’s going to happen in the future, so we can only adjust with those impact fee studies based on what’s come before,” he said.

VCS adopted its current impact fees in January 2023, and they went into effect on April 24, 2024. They are:

„ Single-family: $7,022.70

„ Multi-family: $3,728.95

„ Mobile homes: $1,415.25

When compared to other school districts,VCS’ impact fees for single-family homes are somewhere in the “middle of the road,” Roberts said. On the higher end, Osceola County Schools’ impact fees are $12,923 for single-family. On the lower end, Marion County Public Schools’ is $4,307. Neighboring Flagler Schools’ impact fees are $5,450. The district’s consultant for the 2022 study recommended higher impact fees — over $8,000 for single-family, over $4,000 for multi-family and over $1,600 for mobile homes.

The Volusia County School Board opted to adopt lower fees.

“It was a tough subject,” said Chair Jamie Haynes, who along with Board member Ruben Colon, are the only ones still in office. “But I still think that we did the right thing at that point, because based on the data that we had, we needed single-family homes.” Haynes said she believed the shift to multifamily and mobile homes is due to the lack of affordable housing. In the last few years, several new apartment developments have been constructed in the county, and most notably, along LPGA and Williamson Boulevard.

“I’m running into a lot of families that that’s what they’re doing, and/or they relocated to Florida, and that’s what they were used to doing from one of the large cities where they lived — was renting apartments,” she said. “So I think it’s going to continue to change.” Haynes also noted, however, that there are several single-family home communities in the works, particularly in the Ormond Beach area. These include Ormond Crossings, Avalon Park and Ormond Station, an upcoming development within the Flagler County portion of Hunter’s Ridge, whose students will be allowed to attend Volusia schools, per a recently approved interlocal agreement.

The school district plans to form a committee and hire a consultant by winter 2025.

(left to right) Florida Department of Education Senior Chancellor Paul Burns, Indian Trails Middle School Assistant Principal Katie Hansen, ITMS teacher Brandy Anderson, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore and School Board member Lauren Ramirez. Courtesy photo/Flagler Schools

Flagler County approves two more final plats for Veranda Bay

The commissioners approved the final plats in a 3-0 vote, though they did have flooding concerns.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Despite having some reservations concerning flooding, the Flagler County Commission approved two final plats on Monday, May 19, for phases of the upcoming Veranda Bay development.

The 3-0 approval of the final plats, for 65 lots is Phase 2B and 59 lots in Phase 2C, also included the acceptance of draft performance and maintenance bonds — about $341,000 for the performance bond, $707,000 for the maintenance bond and $878,000 for the performance bond for the roadway connecting Phases 1A and 2B of Veranda Bay. These bonds were made between developer Palm Coast Intracoastal LLC and the county for security regarding the completion of site improvements for Veranda Bay. Commissioners Leann Pennington and Pam Richardson were absent.

The Flagler County Commission previously approved the preliminary plats for six phases of the almost 900acre Veranda Bay development in 2020. A total of 335 lots have been platted since, meeting the concurrency requirement for construction of the spine road and the golf course, which the Planned Unit Development outlined as taking place prior to the platting of 453 lots, of which 150 could be multifamily.

“Certainly, that’s still potentially possible on the remainder here on the east side, or something for the west,” County Growth Management Director Adam Mengel said. “But as of this point, the completion of these two final plats finishes out what we have previously approved for the preliminary plat.”

Commissioner Greg Hansen said he wasn’t convinced that the developer had addressed his flooding concerns on the property.

“I’ve been out there, watched heavy rainfall, and it’s going to leave the property,” Hansen said. “And they’ve assured me that it’s not going to leave the property, but it’s going to leave the property and affect their neighbors.”

Hansen said he’ll be watching that issue closely, as he doesn’t trust the assurances made by the development’s engineer. During heavy rains, Hansen said, the water flows to the north.

Flagler Beach resident San-

dra Schultheiss attested to this. She resides south of the Veranda Bay property on John Anderson Highway, and said the residents on the north side are experiencing flooding. So is she.

“There is a huge drainage problem on this property, and they’re never going to build a golf course — Don’t let them fool you on this,” Schultheiss said. “...This is over development at its worst.”

Attorney John Tanner, representing Preserve Flagler Beach & Bulow Creek Inc., asked the board to table the item at the meeting, seeing as only three of its five members were present. He cited citizen concerns on flooding and “vagueness” of the developer’s plans

“John Anderson Scenic Highway is unique,” Tanner said. “If this type of development continues at this level, in this area, I fear that it’s going to be faced with a prospect of being compelled, or perhaps, even forced to four lane John Anderson Highway, which would totally ruin the scenic aspect of John Anderson.”

Attorney Michael Chiumento, on behalf of the developer, said the Veranda Bay development has gone through about 20 hours of hearings and four different approval processes, and spent about $20 million for the development’s infrastructure. The final pat is the end of the first part of the construction process.

“I wanted to make sure that, not only you all were on the same page of what we were doing today, but the community understood that this is the last piece — making you see that the box of Legos has been assembled correctly,” Chiumento said. “There’s a bond out there to ensure all the infrastructure has its warranty.”

If people are experiencing flooding today, Commissioner Kim Carney asked Chiumento when they would have the chance to address it. Chiumento said detailed analysis addressing stormwater have long been approved.

“Just to be very simple, both state and federal law prohibit any development, including this development, to allow their water to go off site and flood adjacent properties,” Chiumento said. “... Obviously, during the hurricane, there was flooding, but I think that happened all along, and I don’t know that there’s any indication or studies that even suggest that this project floods those people.”

Carney said that while the development is “high scale,” it’s “over development.” If people are saying their properties are flooding, the county needs to deal with it.

“Their plan says that no water will leave that development. ... So, I’m waiting to see, but I think it behooves us to watch it very closely to make sure that there is no flooding, north or south.”

GREG HANSEN, Flagler

County Commissioner

“Somebody’s going to lie that their that their home is flooding or or there’s flooding in their driveway? That doesn’t make sense,” she said.

Flagler County attorney Sean Moylan said the commission’s hands are tied on the matter. The county defers to the St. Johns Water Management District for stormwater standards, and if the commission seeks to instate more stringent standards, they can do so through the comprehensive planning process.

“As your legal counsel, I have to tell you that if you find that [the final plat] meets the statutory requirements, you must approve it, or else you’re putting us in legal jeopardy,” Moylan said. “You’d put us in a lawsuit that would be difficult to win.”

Chair Andy Dance said the commission has had a lot of conversations about implementing more stringent stormwater standards, and that it should be a priority for the commission.

“But, there have been instances where the state Legislature has overridden those as well, so it’s a constant battle with home rule,” Dance said.

Hansen said he will give the developer the “benefit of the doubt” until Veranda Bay is finished.

“Their plan says that no water will leave that development,” he said. “It flows from one pond to the next pond and then to the intercostal waterway, if it really overflows. So, I’m waiting to see, but I think it behooves us to watch it very closely to make sure that there is no flooding, north or south.”

BRIEFS

Lenny’s Pizza owner arrested on drug charges

Lenny’s Pizza owner Leonard Fries Jr. was arrested last week by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on several drug charges after detectives seized cocaine and almost a kilogram of marijuana.

The FCSO Special Investigations Unit, SWAT team, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, joined by Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, served a narcotics-related search warrant at Fries’ home on Winchester Road in the Ormond Beach area of Flagler County in the early morning of May 16. According to a press release, in addition to drugs, detectives also seized seven firearms, three vehicles and over $5,000 in cash. Fries, 49, was arrested on multiple drug charges and resisting arrest without violence. He was transported to jail.

Fries owned two Lenny’s Pizza locations in Ormond Beach: One at 298 S. Nova Road, and another at 1456 Ocean Shore Blvd.

Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis honors law enforcement

Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis held its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, to honor an officer from each Flagler County agency. Kiwanian Frank Consentino conducted the awards ceremony. Flagler Beach Police Chief Matthew Doughney introduced Morgan Snyder as Flagler Beach’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Snyder, who has been in the department since 2023, has made 16 DUI arrests so far

4th Annual Saturday, May 24, 2025 10 am -1 pm

this year, Doughney said.

Safety Officer Rommel Scalf is Bunnell’s recipient, Police Chief Dave Brannon announced. Scalf, a former law enforcement officer in Holly Hill, serves in a civilian role as an instructor, working in evidence and records and as a street crossing guard. He will soon be providing firearms instruction.

Sheriff Rick Staly introduced Flagler County Sheriff’s Office recipient Master Deputy Nick Champion, who came to the FCSO from Holly Hill Police Department in 2017. Champion is a School Resource Officer at FPC High School and a K-9 Officer with a dog that detects explosives. He also revitalized the Explorer program, which allows young people to learn more about a career in criminal justice, the rule of law and good citizenship. Next month, Champion will receive the National Sheriffs’ Association’s 2025 Law Enforcement

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

Explorer Post Advisor of the Year award.

Sheriff Staly spoke about crime being down more than 50% since 2017. However, with a county population of 140,000 people, there were about 3,000 arrests made last year by the three departments. Those included 162 for DUI. The jail has also won awards for its programs to help inmates change their lives. Inmates can earn a GED and also can participate in a culinary program coordinated with a local restaurant. After completing that program, the individual is licensed by the state to work as a cook upon release. Staly said the jail is certified by ICE as a detainee jail.

Jail in Daytona Beach now offers inmates a barber training program

The Volusia County Branch Jail in Daytona Beach has begun offering its inmates a new trade skill program on May 5: barber training.

The program stems from a partnership between Volusia County and Daytona State College and provides handson instruction and technical knowledge to help participants prepare for the state license exam, a county press release said. The program teaches a structured curriculum covering hair-cutting techniques, customer service and sanitation practices.

Participants train three days a week for four hours per day over a six-week period. The pilot program has

COPS CORNER

MAY 7

INSUFFICIENT EVIDENCE

7:07 p.m. — 1500 block of San Marco Drive, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Police responded to an apartment complex after an employee reported that a tenant’s 11-year-old son had been vandalizing fire extinguishers and pulling on fire escape signs.

The employee told the reporting officer that the apartment complex wished to pursue charges and said a neighbor had a video of the alleged incident as evidence. The officer then spoke with the neighbor, who said they had an ongoing problem with kids damaging property.

The footage provided to police showed the boy walking toward the fire extinguisher box on the wall, touching it and looking inside, before he walked away. The neighbor said that after the video was taken, on March 4, he inspected the fire extinguisher and noticed its plastic lid was on the ground. However, the the boy was not seen removing it.

The officer spoke with the

eight inmates participating, the press release said.

“This program is about more than just learning how to cut hair — it’s about giving these individuals a second chance,” said Volusia County Corrections Director Joe DeMore.

Palm Coast to charge fees for card payments beginning June 1

Palm Coast will begin charging processing fees for credit, debit card and ACH/eCheck payments starting June 1.

The fees will apply to both online and in-person payments for a variety of city services, including utility bills, code enforcement fines, business licenses, building and planning permits, business inspection fees and other payments, a Palm Coast press release said.

The fees were absorbed by the city in the past, but the city will begin passing them along to customers “as part of Palm Coast’s cost management and fiscal responsibility strategy.”

No fees will be charged for the following payment methods: cash, personal or company checks, money orders or bill payments initiated directly through the bank. The change is projected to save the city $700,000 annually, the press release said. The discussion on changing the fee system occurred at the Feb. 18 Palm Coast City Council meeting. Below is the fee structure changes, effective June 1:

boy’s mother, who believed he had committed the crime.

MAY 8 ONLINE THREATS

1:42 p.m. — First block of Choctaw Trail, Ormond Beach Harassing call. A 31-year-old Ormond Beach woman told police that she and another woman (“the suspect”) used to play “Call of Duty” and make streaming videos together, but that one day, the suspect started to make videos to harass her. Unsure of the woman’s real name, police made attempts to identify her using two “heavily filtered” photos, but were unsuccessful.

MAY 12

STEP ON IT

2:18 p.m. — Intersection of Palm Coast Parkway and Pine Lakes Parkway, Palm Coast Tampering with evidence in criminal proceeding. Deputies pulled over a 42-year-old Palm Coast man for having a dark window tint and driving without his headlights while it was raining.

The deputy observed the man, who was sitting in the driver side rear passenger seat, “moving frantically within the vehicle.” The deputy asked him why he was

State Sen. Travis Hutson joins St. Johns Clerks Office Former

Hutson will be joining the St. Johns County Clerk of the Circuit Court and County Comptroller’s Office as senior advisor for intergovernmental affairs, effective May 19, according to a press release. Hutson represented

7

Flagler, St. Johns and northern Volusia counties in the State Senate from 2016-24. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2012-16. Send news tips to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

moving so much, to which the man said he had dropped his ash tray and there were ashes everywhere.

The deputy noted a slight odor of burnt cannabis coming from the car, and spotted an ash tray and half-burnt blunt on the floor. He watched as the man tried to destroy the blunt with his foot. He was taken to jail.

MAY 17 DOMESTIC DISPUTE 9:10 p.m. — First block of Forest Hill Drive, Palm Coast Battery on a law enforcement officer. A 51-year-old Palm Coast woman called deputies, wishing for her boyfriend to leave her home. The boyfriend told deputies that the woman had seen him texting a friend and assumed it had been another woman, at which point she punched him in the face and took his cell phone. The man had no visible injuries.

As the deputy was speaking with him, the woman began yelling at him to leave. A deputy instructed her to stop yelling, but the woman told him this was her house and the deputy couldn’t tell her what to do. She then slapped him on his left forearm. She was taken to jail.

Ormond Beach veteran fights silent battle to raise awareness for tinnitus

For over a decade, Sal Gentile has helped others with tinnitus as a support group leader for the American Tinnitus Association.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Fifteen years ago, on the morning after his birthday, Ormond Beach resident Sal Gentile woke up with four noises blasting through his head, but they were ones only he could hear.

Gentile doesn’t drink. He leads a generally healthy lifestyle, regularly going to the gym or cycling long distances. So, on that morning in 2010, he had no idea what he was experiencing.

After four days in bed, he went to go see a doctor and got his answer: Tinnitus.

“I said, ‘Well, what is it?’” Gentile recalled. “He said, ‘It’s ringing in your ears.’ So I said, ‘Well, what do you do

YOUR TOWN

Civil Air Patrol plays softball with Miracle League

The Ormond Beach Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol participated in the Miracle League of Volusia County softball games at the New Smyrna Beach Sports Complex on Saturday, May 17. A total of 32 squadron repre-

for it?’ And he said, ‘You live with it.’”

It was an answer Gentile, an Army National Guard veteran, refused to accept. And because of that, he’s spent the last 15 years helping people manage their symptoms as a support group leader with the American Tinnitus Association.

Gentile enlisted in the National Guard in 1970, and he believes that his experiences during his time in the military is what led to his tinnitus diagnosis.

sentatives — including cadets and senior members — took part, each partnering with a child or young adult with a disability.

“Together, they played two spirited games of softball, fostering joy, camaraderie, and inclusivity,” Civil Air Patrol statement read. “The players and volunteers alike brought an abundance of energy and enthusiasm to the games, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. This event was a meaningful opportunity for the Civil Air Patrol Ormond Beach Squadron to connect with the com-

Basic training was different back then compared to today, he said.

“There were a lot of loud explosions,” Gentile said. “We didn’t really use hearing protection, because honestly, they didn’t want us to use it.”

One day, he recalls practicing throwing grenades when one got really close to his group, and another guardsmen had to pick it up and toss it, causing all of them to duck from the explosion.

“It was an accident and so it was very close to me,” Gen-

tile said. “I mean, my ears just rang and rang and rang.”

After six months of training, he went home to his fiancé, and now wife, Mattie. He would ask her, “do you hear those crickets?” And she wouldn’t know what he was talking about.

The issue worsened over the years, to the point where sometimes when he was out cycling, he was unable to hear directions shouted by his friends.

After receiving his diagnosis, Gentile said he saw multiple different audiologists before he started doing his own research and came across the ATA, which is a nonprofit organization. Then, he came across Dr. Christopher Spankovich, who was the University of Florida at the time. They spent four hours speaking, and ultimately, Spankovich recommended hearing aids to create white noise to mask Gentile’s tinnitus.

That gave Gentile his life back, he said.

“The hearing aids allowed me to hear the chirping birds,” Gentile said. “They allowed

munity and make a positive impact while enjoying a day of fun and

me to hear road noise, things I couldn’t hear before, which actually mask the tinnitus. So that was very helpful.”

Gentile started volunteering with different organizations in Tampa, where he lived at the time. That’s when an ATA staff member suggested he become a peer-to-peer support group leader.

Since then, Gentile has helped people ages 10-84, veterans and non-veterans.

He’s hoping to start a group in the Ormond Beach area, but he’s looking for a space to conduct meetings.

But, he said, the issue about raising awareness is that tinnitus is subjective. Different people have different kinds of tinnitus, which can be triggered by a variety of incidents or sounds. He’s helped people who have the national anthem playing over and over in their head, or others where it sounds like Morse code in their ears.

“There are over 700 million people that have some sort of tinnitus, and some of them are disabled veterans, and what we hear, or what these people

hear, are phantom noises, and nobody listens,” Gentile said. “That’s the problem. If I can make someone happier and make the quality of their life just a little bit better, then I did something to conquer this disability in the world.”

In 2012, Gentile was recognized by the city of Tampa for his efforts in raising awareness for tinnitus. In 2013, he also organized a long distance bicycle ride fundraiser for the ATA, raising over $20,000.

Veterans also face an additional hurdle: getting recognized as disabled by Veterans Affairs for tinnitus. Gentile was finally recognized as a disabled vet three months ago, but for anxiety, not tinnitus.

“How do you prove, going back to 1970 that the VA, the army was responsible, or the National Guard at that time, was responsible for tinnitus?” Gentile said. “So a lot of these veterans that have it and that I work with are struggling.” Email Gentile at tvtinnitus@gmail.com.

teamwork.”

The Miracle League of

Volusia County is a nonprofit formed in 2015 that gives special needs individuals the opportunity to play baseball.

The Ormond Beach Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol takes part in softball games with the Miracle League. Courtesy photo

Sal Gentile is a veteran of the National Guard who was first diagnosed with tinnitus 15 years ago. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

OPINION

Mayor Norris’ actions have disrupted city’s operations

After investigation, rather than being reflective, Norris has abandoned key mayoral responsibilities.

CHARLES A. GAMBARO

PALM COAST CITY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 4

As your City Councilman, I feel compelled to address the deeply concerning situation currently unfolding in our city government. Recent events have created significant disruption to our city’s operations, damaged public trust and diverted valuable attention and resources away from the important work of serving our residents. It is with a heavy heart but a firm commitment to transparency that I share these thoughts with you today.

I joined the Palm Coast City Council in full accordance with all established city and state procedures through a process that was carefully designed and unanimously approved by the previous council. My appointment followed all legal requirements and proper protocols as outlined in our City Charter and state law.

Despite this lawful and

LETTERS

‘Quid pro quo:’ yet another controversy involving the mayor

Dear Editor: In yet another controversy regarding Mayor Norris, now we are presented with vague and veiled allegations of corrupt behavior by a mysterious unnamed developer. The mayor cryptically refers to it as a “quid pro quo” offer made to him, but thus far has not been forthcoming with the details and refuses to do so, other than to say it relates to the city’s Comprehensive Plan for area development. Given that he believes the incident is worthy of a law enforcement referral, it must be his assessment that it is criminal in nature. And, although he’s content with just teasing us about what actually occurred, it’s reasonable to conclude it’s bribery. And that’s a big deal. Why he opted to offer only hints that are likely to stir up the rampant ongoing corruption conspiracy theory rhetoric and hysteria is unclear. But, drawing the conclusion that that was his intent would be reasonable. When asked about any existing documentation, Norris surprisingly responded that none at all exists because it’s all “in his mind” and, in a rather snide and threatening tone, dared a constituent who inquired about evidence and documents to “try and get it if you like.”

It’s further reasonable to presume that any law enforcement agency would be reluctant to act solely upon what has been stored in his and his wife’s mind for months. Why, immediately after the alleged bribe attempt, Norris didn’t head straight to the authorities is a mystery in need of an explanation. Also complicating any meaningful law enforcement referral is that he blurted out publicly, accidentally or otherwise, who the suspects are by referring

transparent appointment, Mayor Norris has chosen to file a frivolous lawsuit against the city he was elected to serve, the Supervisor of Elections who upholds our democratic processes, and myself personally. This unprecedented legal action appears to be nothing more than a calculated attempt to deflect attention from the serious and well-documented concerns about his own troubling conduct in office since taking the oath in November of 2024. The facts in this matter speak clearly for themselves and have been documented through proper channels. An independent and thorough investigation confirmed that Mayor Norris attempted to force the resignation of senior city staff without council approval or knowledge — a clear and direct violation of our City Charter which explicitly outlines the separation of powers within our government.

This comprehensive investigation, conducted with the utmost professionalism and impartiality, led to a formal ethics complaint signed by four Council members and culminated in an official vote of no confidence and censure in April 2025. These were not actions taken lightly, but were necessary responses to protect the integrity of our city government.

Rather than addressing these substantiated findings in a constructive and reflective manner, Mayor Norris has responded by systematically abandoning key mayoral

responsibilities that our citizens expect and deserve. He has publicly refused to fulfill council liaison appointments — duties that are essential for coordination between the council and various city departments and community organizations.

Even more troubling, he has physically removed his belongings from the shared council office, symbolically and literally withdrawing from collaborative governance. These actions represent a troubling and unprecedented abdication of the fundamental duties he swore to uphold when taking office and deprive our citizens of full representation in their government.

Perhaps most concerning to many residents and officials alike is the consistent pattern of behavior that has emerged throughout Mayor Norris’ brief tenure. The mayor has repeatedly made unsubstantiated and serious accusations against respected local business leaders without providing evidence when requested. He has promoted unfounded conspiracy theories involving federal agencies supposedly targeting him personally, creating unnecessary alarm and division within our community. Furthermore, he has engaged in inappropriate personal attacks against fellow council members on social media platforms, referring to duly appointed officials as “illegal and illegitimate.” These attacks undermine the very foundation of civil discourse

that effective governance requires.

It’s worth noting that even Sheriff Staly has publicly cautioned the mayor about the seriousness of making criminal accusations without supporting evidence — a warning that speaks volumes about the gravity of this situation.

Palm Coast deserves and should demand leadership that unites our diverse community rather than divides it, that builds productive relationships rather than tears them down and that focuses on solutions rather than creating new problems. Our growing city faces real and complex challenges that require thoughtful collaboration among elected officials, professional city staff, community organizations and engaged citizens.

The current atmosphere of hostility and distrust created by the mayor’s actions makes addressing these challenges unnecessarily difficult and threatens the progress we’ve worked so hard to achieve together over many years of community building.

I want to assure all residents that I remain steadfastly committed to working constructively with all stakeholders to address the important issues facing our community. This includes improving infrastructure, ensuring public safety, promoting economic development, protecting our natural environment and maintaining the quality of life that has attracted so many to call Palm Coast home.

My commitment to these priorities remains unwavering despite the distractions created by the current situation. I believe deeply in Palm Coast’s tremendous potential and will continue to serve with the same dedication, integrity and collaborative spirit that I have brought to my previous roles in public service both in our community and in service to our nation. With sincere respect and commitment to our shared future.

Editor’s Note: After filing the lawsuit seeking to remove Councilman Gambaro, Norris’ attorney, Anthony Sabatini, told the Observer that Gambaro’s appointment should have ended on Election Day, Nov. 5, 2024, in accordance to City Charter.

“The charter says that the tenure of the person you appoint ends on Nov. 5,” Sabatini said. “So on Nov. 5, whether they called the election or not, Gambaro — his tenure ended on the General Election Day.”

After a hearing was set for July 3 on the lawsuit, Norris wrote on his Facebook page, “We are confident given the responses from the judge that on July 4th 2025, the un-elected and illegitimate Gambaro will be removed from the council.”

In an interview with the law firm that conducted the investigation on accusations that Mayor Norris violated the City Charter, Norris said, “There has been a lot of confusion surrounding a conversation I had with

to two developers who were included as witnesses in the recent Ethics Commission complaint filed by the City Council against him for a Charter violation and other issues.

From what little we know about the allegation, coupled with how the mayor has handled it thus far, unfortunately garners little in the way of credibility. And openly tantalizing the City Council and the public with serious, but intentionally cryptic criminal allegations, is irresponsible and reckless.

If something eventually pans out and his allegations are proven to have merit, so be it, but at this time, given the curious timing of this bribery bombshell, there is a nagging feeling that this may turn out to be viewed as just an opportunistic diversion from the Ethics Committee complaint he is currently facing.

BOB GORDON Palm Coast

Pests and diseases among issues with backyard chickens

Dear Editor: I have an idea. Instead of the residential backyard chicken coop “pilot study” proposed by the Palm Coast City Council, all five City Council members should build chicken coops in their own backyards and after around a year, render their opinions.

And make sure, during hurricane season they are prepared to shelter them inside their own home or else the poor chickens and their coop may end up in Georgia. And they should get honest feedback from their neighbors including their tolerance for chicken droppings odor and also do a headcount of the rodents that the coop attracts, the number of chicken-loving predators that show up, along with

the number of flies, roaches, ants, lice and fleas. And per the CDC, they should make sure children under 5, who are more susceptible to the various diseases chickens carry, stay away. They could further toss in a cost/benefit analysis including the price and effort to build a decent coop, the ongoing cost of chicken feed and nesting material, the time spent regularly cleaning the cage, and the number of eggs four chickens actually produce.

The backyard chicken dwelling idea is so farcical, for so many reasons, I’m actually a bit embarrassed to write about it.

LEN KORMAN Palm Coast

Mayor suing city is a new low for Palm Coast

Dear Editor:

So, I heard that Palm Coast Mayor Norris is suing the city. Seriously? He behaved badly at work, thus creating a hostile workplace. But instead of resigning, he manufactured a “distraction,” by filing a lawsuit. This is a new low for Palm Coast. It’s no surprise that we can’t attract a qualified city manager. And frankly, the only folks who should be filing lawsuits are the victims of Mike Norris. I emailed Governor DeSantis about this debacle last week. Today, I will follow up with written letters and phone calls to Tallahassee. Mayor Norris is a true hazard to our great city, and if he won’t resign, Governor DeSantis needs to remove him.

ROBERT KARROS Palm Coast

A civics lesson and the Ormond mayor

Dear Editor: I am no expert on politics, but because I do have a

pretty good understanding of municipal government, I thought it would be helpful to provide somewhat of a civics lesson, especially given the recent controversy about the Ormond Beach mayor’s actions.

Here is my disclaimer though: This is not an attack on the mayor. I don’t know the mayor.

Ormond operates under the city manager form of municipal government, wherein there is a 1) City Commission, 2) city manager and a 3) city attorney.

Key point: Places like Orange County have a “strong mayor” form of government. We do not.

Our City Commission consists of five equal voting members, four commissioners and one mayor.

As the City Commission, by majority vote of the five, they hire the city manager, adopt the budget created by the manager, pass laws and ordinances, and set policy.

Under Florida state law, no one on the commission may direct city staff. It would be a crime if they did.

Everything goes through the manager.

The city manager, like all the good ones, stays invisible and runs the business of government. They create the budget and importantly, prepare the commission agenda.

Our municipal code states that the mayor “is the head of city government for all ceremonial purposes” and “represents the city in all agreements with other governmental entities.”

Here is where the mayor may have a misunderstanding of what “represents” means. It means representing the city’s position, which can only be established by the commission.

Hopefully our current mayor will come to realize he has mistakenly overstepped his authority and will join with the full commission in the future.

I hope this helps.

STAN DRISCOLL Ormond Beach

Mayor Leslie’s accountability

Dear Editor: Mayor Jason Leslie’s April 14 negative comments to the First Step Shelter board completely misrepresented the Ormond Beach history of strong support, so much so that Executive Director Victoria Fahlberg and board member Bill Milano felt compelled to come to the city to address the May 6 commission meeting and seek clarification.

All four commissioners refuted the mayor’s false claims reported verbatim in local newspapers, and the commission’s unconditional votes of confidence were put in a letter to the First Step board at the suggestion of Commissioner Travis Sargent. Mayor Leslie did not verbally endorse this written communication and remained silent until the end of the meeting, when he referenced challenges to his misrepresentations as “finger-pointing.”

Upon receiving the city’s glowing letter of support at their May 12 meeting, the First Step board thanked the City Commission, not Mayor Leslie, as he claims. At that meeting, Leslie made no attempt to explain the letter’s clear rejection of the positions he had falsely attributed to the Ormond Beach City Commission a month earlier.

In his May 15 Observer response, Mayor Leslie still does not deny or acknowledge his false representations, which have diminished the credibility of our city government. The mayor believes he is under “attack” when he is simply being held accountable for his public statements.

We in the community need Mayor Leslie to succeed so that Ormond Beach can succeed. As spokesperson and the face of our city, the mayor’s continued miscommunications undermine that success. We continue to plead for him to unify and lead all of us, not just a handful of negative supporters.

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(Intern City Manager) Lauren Johnston and (Chief of Staff) Jason DeLorenzo. I want to be clear: I did not demand their resignations.” Instead, he said, “I requested their resignations.”

In achieving and maintaining fragile public trust, truth matters.

JEFF BOYLE Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: Mayor Jason Leslie was given a chance to respond. He wrote: “As the elected mayor of Ormond Beach, it is my fiduciary responsibility to review the city’s expenditures. While First Step is a great undertaking, one of great merit, it must not be overlooked that it hasn’t lived up to expectations, has been mired in controversy, and, in my opinion, the City of Ormond Beach has not received the expected value for the $80,000+ paid. The mere act of speaking about the shelter, in a perceived negative or positive manner, should not be taken as if decisions regarding my opinions have already been made. In fact, I supported the program by donating food. Without conversation, without ideas, and without sharing those ideas, we are left in a predicament of funding programs year after year without effective governance. I was elected by the people to serve and will continue to do so by asking questions, raising concerns, and listening to the community. I was also thanked by the First Step board members for the letter of continued support — being that I did sign the letter along with the commission and was the only representative from the city at the time of the meeting. You have been fixated on wording from a meeting that you didn’t even attend. If you had attended, you would know exactly what was said, and that the one major concern I mentioned was the timing of the contract. Mr. Boyle, thank you for your concern about our homelessness problem. Please call me — I am always available for further discussion. I think we can come to a better consensus by seeking common ground and solutions for a better city.”

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Ormond Beach Police De-

partment officer Danielle Henderson arrived at Pathways Elementary on Friday, May 16, where she runs the nine-week D.A.R.E. program. This time, she showed up with a custom-made OBPD derby car complete with working cop lights and decals to compete in the 20th annual “Most Spectacular Awe Inspiring Derby.”

This year’s race consisted of 28 entries with 56 drivers, including Henderson. She has been a DARE officer for five years.

“It’s important for us to come out,” she said. “These are all of our DARE students that created these cars so (at the derby) we can continue our relationship with them that we have been building the whole year. My dad Mike Reagan built this for us. He put a lot of time and effort in and it looks awesome.”

Reagan said it took him two months to remodel the donated chassis for his daughter. After its completion, and getting signatures on the derby from his grandsons — ten-year-old Alex and six-yearold Nathan — it was race ready.

Students gathered under tents along the race course as Kona Ice trucks were on standby to offer cool treats on the blisteringly hot morning. Seabreeze senior and Pathways graduate Annabel Thistle sang the national anthem before the start of the derby.

Race director and Pathways third grade teacher Matt Cole-

DARE to Derby

man said he hopes to get the fire department involved next year — a play into their friendly rivalry with the OBPD.

“I feel like this event is as much an Ormond Observer tradition as it is a Pathways tradition,” he said.

– MICHELE MEYERS

Ormond Beach Police Department DARE officers Danielle Henderson and Andy Rossi pose with their ride.

Team Stars and Strikes drivers Ryliegh West and Gabby DuBose cruise in the parade at Pathway Elementary’s 20th annual “Most Spectacular Awe Inspiring Derby” on Saturday, May 16. Photos by Michele Meyers

Fortnite Kids Kenney Lewis and Anthony Scaber finish first in both the drift race and the push race in the future division.

Team Mini Minions drivers Raelyn Guerin and Brenna Whaley give out candy.

The Alliance drivers LeSean Moses (left) and Bryten Hawley-Mixon (right) give out candy as they cruise the parade.

The Banana Boyz Nolan Apperson and Gavin Forester drive in the parade.

American Oilers Ethan Keech and Walker Teate take home the “Most Pathways Spirit” award.

Black Inferno teammates Mason Georg and Samuel Rodriguez

YOUR TOWN

Daytona coastal photographer to be featured in pop-up exhibition

Daytona Beach photographer

Brandon Stanley’s art will be on display from May 22-25 in a pop-up exhibition at The Renaissance Daytona Beach Oceanfront Hotel.

Curated by Gallery500, this exhibition offers a glimpse into Stanley’s connection with the ocean; Stanley is a lifeguard, according to a press release.

“This collaboration represents a shared commitment to showcasing local talent and fostering cultural engagement in the region,” the press release states. “The exhibition will transform the hotel’s public space into a coastal art gallery, bringing both guests and locals into direct contact with the area’s creative energy.”

An opening reception will take place on Thursday, May 22, from 5-8 p.m.. Attendees are invited to meet the artist, explore his work and learn more about his creative process. A Q&A; session with Stanley will be held at 7 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

Ormond women raise almost $12K for Halifax Humane Society

A team of 11 Ormond Beach women won first place in the Halifax Humane Society Brownie’s Mutt Strut held on Saturday, May 3.

The team, “Dogs and Divas,” raised $11,550 for HHS.

The Mutt Strut, presented by Subaru of Daytona, is the largest community event for

HHS, according to a press release. Held this year at the Riverfront Esplanade in downtown Daytona Beach, the festival featured the “All-Star Stunt Dogs” show, a pet adoption zone and a canine sports zone, where dogs could participate in Swift Paws lure coursing.

Subaru of Daytona Beach also presented HHS with a $50,000. In addition to Dogs and Divas, the following teams were recognized: „ Bitty Pitty Committee —

$6,456

„ Bandit & Olivia to the Rescue — $5,000

„ Cooper’s Troopers — $2,100

„ Release the Hounds —

$1,670

The top individual fundraisers were:

„ Sarah Bates — $2,888

„ Suzanne Zappala — $1,170

„ Isabella Lentine —

$1,019.90

„ Sherry Gailey — $1,000

„ Diane Cooper — $760

‘On Golden Pond’ coming to Daytona’s NewsJournal Center

“On Golden Pond,” one of the most beloved stage plays of American Theater, will be presented live May 29 to June 1 at the News-Journal Center on Beach Street in Daytona Beach.

Produced by Positively Florida Theater Company and directed by Michael Funero, the performance schedule features three evening shows — Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Michael Funaro and Joanne van Zyl play the elder Thayers, with Kayleigh Mollycheck as Chelsea and Dennis Amaral as Chelsea’s fiancé, Billy Rae Sr. Braeden is featured as Billy Ray Jr. Tickets cost $22.50 online at www.positivelyflorida.com or in person at Aberrant Art Gallery, 118 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, MAY 23

TURTLE TALK

When: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

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

Details: Learn about the role sea turtles play in Florida and how your actions can help preserve these animals for generations. All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Park entry fee applies.

SATURDAY, MAY 24

SPEAKER SERIES: THE HISTORY OF MANUFACTURING IN VOLUSIA COUNTY

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Anderson Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Jayne Fifer, retired president/CEO of the Volusia Manufacturers Association, will take attendees on a journey through Volusia County’s manufacturing history and explore how these industries shaped its growth and success. Presented by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

NATURE JOURNALING: NATIVE BEES

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Learn about native bees while journaling. Program is designed for ages 13 and older. Beginners are welcome, and materials will be provided if needed.

COMMUNITY HOT DOG DAY

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, 1520 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: The Flagler Beach United Methodist Church is hosting a Community Hot Dog Day. Stop on by for a free hotdog, chips and a drink.

STAINED GLASS FOR BEGINNERS

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Art League of Daytona Beach, 433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: This is the first of a three-week class series with instructor Peter Berman. The other two classes will be held

on May 31 and June 7. Visit artleague.org.

MONDAY, MAY 26

ORMOND BEACH

MEMORIAL DAY

REMEMBRANCE SERVICE

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: Join the city of Ormond Beach Department of Leisure Services, The Memorial Remembrance Committee, American Legion Post 267 and American Legion Unit 267 for this free annual remembrance service. The service will include patriotic music, guest speakers, a wreath-laying ceremony and a moment of silence. All are welcome.

THURSDAY, MAY 29

HISTORICAL WALKING

TOUR

When: 10:30 a.m. to noon

Where: MacDonald House, 38 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Step back in time with the Ormond Beach Historical Society during the last historical walking tour of the season. Learn the stories of Ormond’s historical sites and local legends. Costs $20 per person. Visit ormondhistory. org/walking-tour.

PALM COAST CONCERT SERIES

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Stage at Town Center, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: The Palm Coast Concert Series is back, and Chillula will kick off the free community event. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, yard games, and beer and wine. Bring a chair. This concert will also featuure the “Biz & Brews” pop-up event.

SATURDAY, MAY 31

NATURE JOURNALING WITH ECOLOGY ELLIE: OTTERS

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach Details: Learn about otters while journaling. Program is designed for ages 13 and older. Beginners are welcome, and materials will be provided if needed.

SUMMER WELLNESS JAM When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: The City of Palm Coast, in partnership with the Palm Coast-Flagler Health Alliance, is inviting the community to this free, familyfriendly event promoting healthy living through fitness, fun and food awareness. The event will feature “To Dye For,” a documentary, as well as youth pickleball clinic & kids fitness classes, a Q&A; session with the documentary creators, and pickleball and fitness demonstrations.

SMOKIN’ AT THE HOUSE When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Flagler Beach Fire Station 11, 320 S. Flagler Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites the community to celebrate the men and women of the Flagler Beach police and fire departments Hometown award-winning barbecue champ Tom Snow of the Parrot Head Porkers will be serving up pulled pork with sides. A $12 donation is requested. Eat in or take out. Call Kathi at 908-839-8862 or Mary at 386-569-7813 for more information.

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST When: 8 a.m. to noon

Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The Father Eamonn Gill Council 13018 Knights of Columbus will serve its famous pancake breakfasvt in the social hall. The meal includes all the pancakes you can eat, scrambled eggs, a sausage link, orange juice and endless coffee. The breakfast costs $6 and children under 12 eat free.

See the Dance & Act with Ms. Debby 2025 June recital, a 1920s review that follows the antics of Charlotte and the Newsies. Tickets cost $25. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

Sherry Gailey and Starr. Courtesy Photo

Brandon Stanley’s pop-up exhibition will run from May 22-25. Courtesy photo

YOUR SCHOOLS

Paige Civil an inspiration as Matanzas High School’s Turn Around Senior

After getting sent home for the final quarter of her junior year, Civil has become a model student.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Paige Civil had been involved in fights before. But the fight she got into in March of 2024 was the last straw. Civil, then a junior at Matanzas High School, was suspended for the rest of the school year. Finishing her junior year in Florida Virtual School, she used the time to reassess her life and the direction she was headed.

“It was a struggle. I was looking forward to ending my first year at Matanzas with the people I bonded with,” said Civil, who had moved from Jacksonville. “But I had to realize I brought it on myself, so I had to struggle my way out of that position, and I didn’t want to be there any-

CLASS NOTES

Matanzas High School’s 2025 wall of fame honorees unveiled

Matanzas High School unveiled the 2025 Wall of Fame class on May 16. The Wall of Fame honors four students who have made a major impact during their four years at Matanzas. The honorees are Landon Smith with the Citizenship Award, Violet Ochrietor with the Principal’s Award, Paige Duckworth with the Pirate Award and Leah Stevens with the Scholarship Award. Their pictures will be displayed on the Wall of Fame in the main office for the next year.

Mitchell, Mills earn scholarships from the Nehemiah Gilyard Foundation

Flagler Palm Coast High School athletes Mariah Mills and Marcus Mitchell each received a $1,000 scholarship from the Nehemiah Gilyard Scholarship Foundation.

Nehemiah Gilyard, a former football player at FPC, died during his junior year in a single-car crash on County Road 302 on Feb. 14, 2021.

more. That’s why I wanted to change as a person.”

Civil is Matanzas High School’s 2025 Turn Around Senior. Since returning to school this year, she has been on the A/B honor roll for two quarters and earned straight A’s the other two quarters. She has participated in the African American Mentoring Program for Girls. During lunch period she volunteers in the front office, helping out however she can. She also helps other students.

“I’ve made a role like a big sister,” she said. “I feel like the underclassmen can talk to me and express themselves.”

Chris Reeder, Matanzas High School’s behavior interventionist, interviewed Civil in a video that will be shown at freshman orientation in August.

“I was constantly into fights,” she says in the video. “I was very disrespectful. I wasn’t making great grades. I always had an excuse why I didn’t want to do what I was told to do. (Starting from) my sixth grade

His family established the scholarship after community members offered to donate money for his funeral. The family decided instead to set up the scholarship foundation in his name. Mills and Mitchell each received a plaque that reads, “In honor of the Nehemiah Scholarship Foundation. In recognition of academic achievement and personal growth.”

Mitchell, a running back at FPC, is the school’s all-time leading rusher.

He will continue his football career at Missouri Valley College in Marshall,

year (I could have) prevented the situations I was in, the people I disrespected, the hearts that I broke. It really does take a village. I’ve had multiple villages behind me.”

She said she has been motivated by staff and faculty at school and family members, especially her Aunt Janet in Jacksonville.

“It just took a lot of challenges to see where I want to be as a person,” she said. “It feels like a weight is off my shoulders. I’m getting straight A’s or A/B honor roll, my GPA is high. I can come talk to staff members. They understand the route I want to go, and I’m able to take constructive criticism. Last year, I would snap. Now I realize they want nothing but the best for me.”

She plans to work two jobs over the summer and has talked to a recruiter about joining the National Guard, She is also considering the merchant marines. Her ultimate goal, she said, is to become the first billionaire in her family.

“I want to make money and save money,” she said. “I want to pay my dad’s mortgage, and I don’t ever want my parents to be in a nursing home.”

Missouri.

Mills, a home-school student, receives her associate degree with high honors from Daytona State College along with her high school diploma. She wrestled for three years at Matanzas High School and one year at FPC, winning a girls state championship as a junior with Matanzas and placing among the top three at the state tournament four years in a row. She also is a two-time national champ at the NHSCA High School Nationals. Mills will continue her wrestling career at West Liberty University, where her brother, Tyson Mills, will be joining her and will wrestle on the men’s team.

Volusia receives second national recognition for music education

For the second year in a row, Volusia County Schools has received the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from The National Assocition of Music Merchants Foundation for its support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 26th year, the designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students, according to a press release. Two awards are given each year: “Best Communities for Music Education” for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award for individual school sites.

Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites, including private and religious, were recognized.

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said in the press release: “Music’s impact on our health — emotional, physical, mental, social, and beyond — cannot be understated. We are fortunate to have outstanding music education programs all throughout VCS.”

VCS offers music education for students from elementary through high school. All elementary students receive general music instruction, and as students advance, they can explore programs like band, orchestra, chorus, piano, guitar, and music theory. Advanced options like AP music theory and IB music are also available.

Volusia students also regularly perform on national and international stages, including Carnegie Hall, the London New Year’s Day Parade, and Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Two Belle Terre Elementary students win design challenge

In celebration of National Bicycle Month, the Florida Department of Transportation and six Central Florida schools, including Belle Terre Elementary School, unveiled student-created bike safety symbol icons. This initiative is part of FDOT’s ongoing efforts to promote transportation safety and the Target Zero campaign’s goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities and

A big reason for her downward spiral, Civil said, was social media. She got into disputes, sometimes defending her younger sister.

“I was like, if she’s going to go, I’m going to go. I just never knew the full stories behind every situation.”

Reeder said he plans to share Civil’s story with future students “who need a little inspiration to get back on track.”

“It has truly been a joy and a privilege to get to know Paige,” he said.

“She’s an incredible young woman with such a bright future ahead. I have no doubt she’s destined for amazing things.”

She is looking forward to walking across the stage at graduation on May 28. But she isn’t walking away from Matanzas.

“Of course I’m going to visit,” she said. “This will always be like home. I actually love it here, and I’m appreciative that they gave me the opportunity to be me as a person, and show them who I actually am.”

serious injuries in Florida. Last fall, FDOT collaborated with art teachers to engage students in designing their own bike safety symbols. Out of 99 submissions, winning designs were selected to be painted on local roads or sidewalks near the schools. Design contest student winners for Flagler County were Belle Terre Elementary’s Aubrey Engler, second grade; and Sean Nelson, fifth grade. Each student winner was recognized during a special bike lane artwork reveal event, which included a certificate presentation and a safety session led by FDOT and its community safety partners. Families and school staff joined to recognize the students’ creativity and commitment to safe cycling.

Paige Civil is Matanzas High School’s Turn Around Senior. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Violet Ochrietor

Paige Duckworth Leah Stevens was at a softball game and was unable to attend the unvailing

Belle Terre Elementary School fifth grader Sean Nelson (left) and second grader Aubrey Engler won the bicycle icon design competition. Courtesy of FDOT

Landon Smith

Seabreeze Red and White game highlights community and camaraderie

Head football coach Mike Klein used the event to showcase his players’ efforts and build relationships.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Seabreeze football coaches and players welcomed family, friends and the community to the annual Red and White spring scrimmage on Saturday, May 17, for a fun-filled day of football, hot dogs and friendship.

Head coach Mike Klein said the goal was to host a family event that would support the efforts of his players and showcase the work they have put into the program. He said it was an excellent opportunity for people to begin building a relationship with the Seabreeze family.

“For us to be a great team, we have to love one another as brothers,” he said. “We’re not always best friends … but we have to be able to love one another, care about one another and work with one another to reach our goals. For our program as a whole to be successful, we need our parents, our families, our community to be on that exact same page.”

Gary Yeomans Ford established a partnership with Seabreeze when Tucker Harris became the principal three years ago. They have been instrumental in supporting athletic and academic programs at the high school. Prior to the game, Harris presented the Volusia Partner of the Year award to assistant football coach Nello Faulk who accepted it on behalf of the dealership where he works as a finance manager.

Klein and his coaches ran the players through position specific drills

before starting the game. Junior quarterback Jayce Gainer and last year’s junior varsity quarterback Michael “Bear Hog” McDonough took turns passing to various receivers.

“Right now I think Gainer is ahead — he is slotted as our starter,” Klein said. “We have a great, young backup coming up behind him — Michael McDonough. He is showing a lot of potential. It is competitive. There are no spots that are given. There are no freebees out here. Everything is earned.”

The competition between players this year is great, Klein said.

“That’s the one thing that this year we have that I didn’t feel last year we had as much,” he said. “Across the board, offense and defense, in just about every position, we have great competition. That’s really a driving force. We say it all the time, ‘iron sharpens iron.’ That competition is making us better.”

Gainer has been a quarterback since his freshman year. He started playing football when he was 12 years old and previously played out-

side linebacker and safety. He said he likes his teammates who are always there to support him when he is not doing his best.

“Our team is getting a lot better — fixing a lot of mental errors, but we’re going to get there,” he said. “I’m training myself mentally to be prepared (for the spring game). I like being able to take agency and run the offense. I like my coach (Mike Klein)—he pushes me. He’s a good person and he wants all of us to do our best to succeed as men and as football players.”

Seabreeze will travel to Crescent City for a spring jamboree with University at 6 p.m. Friday, May 23. Last season, Seabreeze had 10 seniors and 31 underclassmen. Klein

“For us to be a great team, we have to love one another as brothers. We’re not always best friends … but we have to be able to love one another, care about one another and work with one another to reach our goals. For our program as a whole to be successful, we need our parents, our families, our community to be on that exact same page.”

MIKE KLEIN, Seabreeze head football coach

said the beauty of having a young team was the players who were not quite ready to play varsity got that experience early.

“That experience means a lot,” he said. “We have a lot of guys going into this year as seniors, juniors and sophomores who have already had a lot of varsity playing experience last year. That experience is a big reason why our leadership and focus have been so great because a lot of those guys went through the fire last year. Now we’re ready for the work.”

Klein has made some additions to the staff — secondary coach Zeke Adkins, offensive line coach Bob Bodine and offensive coordinator Matt Dickman. Bodine brings a plethora of Division 1 college experience. Dickman was the head coach at Harrison High School when it won the Class 6A state championship in Georgia.

“He is an offensive guru,” Klein said. “As a man, he is the kind of man that we want here to help build our young men and help lead in this community. We have a whole new offensive system. It’s a winning, proven system.”

For the Sandcrabs, off season

training started in the weight room in January. Klein said the players have been extremely focused on the task at hand and have gotten bigger, faster and stronger.

“Just really proud of the guys,” Klein said. “We’ve had a great off season. They are working hard together and pushing each other. Everything is very competitive. Practices are fast and fun and we’re having great improvements because of those things. As we wrap up spring, I hope the guys have a great showing in the spring jamboree when we go over to play Crescent City and University. ”

Matanzas falls 1-0 in thriller, ending best softball season in school history

Leah Stevens pitched a nohitter in her final high school game, but it wasn’t enough to knock off No. 1-ranked Niceville.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Matanzas softball team’s greatest season in school history ended Thursday night, May 15, with a heart wrenching 1-0 loss at Niceville in the Region 1-5A final.

“It was a tough loss, a really sad night,” Matanzas coach Sabrina Manhart said.

The Pirates finished their season with a 23-2 record after advancing to the regional final for the first time. The loss ended their 15-game winning streak.

Ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, Matanzas fell to the No. 1 team in yet another pitching duel. The Pirates scored three runs in their three playoff games and allowed just two.

University of Florida signee Leah

Stevens pitched her second nohitter in three games for Matanzas, but Niceville (21-6) scored the only run of the game in the bottom of the sixth inning on a throwing error. The Eagles advanced to the state semifinals on May 22 in Longwood.

“Our girls definitely had an amazing year,” Manhart said. “They’ve done something that no other team at Matanzas has done. They have a lot to hold their heads up high about.”

Stevens pitched six innings and allowed no hits and two walks. One of the walks was intentional. She

struck out nine batters. Niceville sophomore Chloe Bailey was just as good in the pitching circle allowing two hits on no walks over seven innings. Bailey struck out 13.

Stevens had a perfect game through five innings. She walked her first batter — No. 8 hitter Emma Sites — with one out in the sixth on a 3-2 count. Sites went to second on a passed ball. With two outs, the Pirates intentionally walked Briana Noles, the Eagles’ best hitter.

Stevens threw a two-strike changeup to Niceville’s next batter, a pitch that the Pirates thought was strike three and the end of the inning, but it was called a ball. With Sites and Noles running on the pitch, freshman catcher Mary Grace Seward threw to third to try to get the lead runner. The ball got past shortstop Juliet Fogel, who relayed to her sister, third baseman Ruby Fogel, who tagged out Noles. But by that time, Sites had scored the go-ahead run.

Bailey closed out Niceville’s win in the seventh. Manhart said she believes the game was a battle between the two best pitchers and

the two best teams in Class 5A.

“That was a state championship game,” she said. “We were the No. 1 and 2 ranked teams and we had to play the regional final at their place. But our girls weren’t fazed by that. I’m proud of the way they travel.”

The Pirates are graduating just three seniors in Stevens, Juliet Fogel and Ashley Sampselle, so they will have an experienced core coming back next season, including rising senior leaders Mckenzie Manhart, Ruby Fogel and Addison Rio and three sophomores-to-be in catcher Seward, outfielder Camryn Williams and pitcher Trinity Wright, who all got the chance to contribute as freshmen.

“Mary Grace can say she caught the best pitcher in Florida and she handled that extremely well with literally the Grace that’s in her name,” Manhart said. “Camryn Williams is going to be huge leader for us in the future.” Wright, meanwhile, will likely take over the role of lead pitcher next year from Stevens, who will join the Gators after completing a high school career with out-of-this-world num-

bers. She finished this season with a 17-1 record, a 0.32 earned run average and 249 strikeouts in 108.2 innings pitched.

Stevens pitched three seasons — she did not pitch her sophomore year because she was on blood thinners to dissolve a blood clot. She finished her high school career with a 0.88 ERA and a 33-10 record. She allowed 82 hits and 67 walks and struck out 574 batters in 253.2 innings pitched.

“At Florida, she is going to have so many resources at her fingertips,” Manhart said. “We’re going to be blown away with how much she’s going to improve in the next few years. She has so much potential that she hasn’t even tapped into yet.”

As for the Pirates next year, Manhart expects to have another squad that will compete in the playoffs.

“I’ve never coached a team like this one, that loved each other so much and worked so hard for each other,” she said. “But we’re pretty fortunate. Our culture is in place. We’re going to continue to thrive.”

Leah Stevens pitching in a playoff game during her freshman season. File photo by Jake Montgomery

Seabreeze wide receiver Caiden Smith (14) dives for the ball.

Seabreeze quarterback Jayce Gainer launches a pass.

Seabreeze wide receiver and defensive back Zachary Voltaire (1) breaks free of the chaos while running drills.

FPC coach pleased with scrimmage

The Bulldogs will end spring practice with a game at Orlando Bishop Moore.

New Flagler Palm Coast football coach Patrick Turner was pleased with his players’ excitement and grasp of the schemes in the team’s Green and White scrimmage on Friday, May 16.

The Bulldogs have been practicing for just three weeks learning their new coach’s plays.

“They were excited. They were flying around on both sides of the football. The offensive players showed confidence in the scheme and knowledge of the plays. The defense was flying around. There were not a lot of penalties. There were a lot of positives,” Turner said. “I’m so happy with what I saw today.” Turner said there were good transitions by the offense, defense and special teams. He said the linebackers played at a high-level, specifically mentioning Josiah Hathaway and Caleb Shamblin and was impressed by the back side of the defense.

“The entire secondary was lights out. Michael London at jack linebacker was all over the field,” Turner added.

On offense, Turner said quarterback La’Darius Simmons and running back Darwin Harris did some good things. But he was especially excited about the offensive line, which returns starters Angel De Leon, Zach Farrell and Gavin Petty and other players who provided depth last year.

“They’re probably the strength of our team,” Turner said.

The Bulldogs did not keep score in the scrimmage which was only about an hour long on a hot evening. Fans brought packs of Gatorade and cases of water for the players as admission to the game.

The Bulldogs will end spring practice with a game at Orlando Bishop Moore on Friday, May 23, at 7 p.m.

SIDELINES

Cronk will miss ‘second’ sport

Two-time state shot put champ Colby Cronk might never have picked up the 12-pound iron ball if not for a suggestion when he was in eighth grade by Buddy Taylor Middle School assistant principal Stacia Collier.

Collier, now a Flagler Palm Coast assistant principal, told the budding football star that he should try shot put when he got to FPC.

“Her husband (Steve Collier) was the throws coach at the time,” Cronk said. “She said it was something to do between seasons. I’m happy I was introduced to it and I was able to compete in it.”

Cronk started the season late after recovering from shoulder surgery and needed his final throw on May 10 to win the Class 4A state title for the second straight year. He also repeated as the runnerup in Class 4A state discus. His out-of-bounds throw on his third shot put attempt

would have matched the Class 4A state record at 19.9 meters had it counted.

Getting the state record had been one of his goals in his final competition. Cronk has surpassed the mark in practice.

He now will become a one-sport athlete again. A defensive end who owns

FPC’s career school sacks record, is beginning his first college semester at North Carolina State University and

preparing for his freshman football season.

“I really like participating in both (sports),” he said. “The competition (track and field) is really fun. And I enjoy just being at practice every single day. Maybe if I earn my keep (on the football field), they’ll let me (join the Wolfpack’s track and field team). I really would like to keep it going because I love doing it.”

Ormond Lions deliver Athletes of the Month plaque to Seabreeze High

The Ormond Beach Lions Club presented Seabreeze High School athletic director Anthony Campanella with the composite plaque for the club’s 2024 Seabreeze Athletes of the Month. The plaque lists each winner of the month for the year. Plaques from the Lions’ last 10 years of Athletes of the Month are on display in the Seabreeze office.

Romero &

Quarterback La’Darius Simmons runs for a touchdown in FPC’s Green and White spring scrimmage.

JV quarterback Creed Smith runs with the ball in the Green and White scrimmage. Photos by Brent Woronoff

JV quarterback Bobby Starr throws a pass in the Green and White scrimmage.

FPC shot put and discus throwers Colby Cronk and Maya Tyson each won two medals in their final state meet. Photo by Brent Woronoff

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Daniel Fish to coach new FBCA football team

First Baptist Christian Academy announced it is launching a varsity football program with former Flagler Palm Coast High School football coach Daniel Fish coaching the team. FBCA has not had a varsity football team since 2020 when it ended its eight-man football program. This fall, the plan is to play 11-man football in the Sunshine State Athletic Association. The school fielded a middle school football team last year competing against St. Johns County teams. Players attending other Flagler County middle schools were allowed to join FBCA’s team.

Consistency key to Pirates’ football staff

Several of Matanzas High School’s assistant football coaches have been with the program longer than head coach Matt Forrest. Three assistants are former Matanzas players.

Kyle Johnson and Shevon Patton are entering their ninth season as Matanzas assistants. Tim Sandersfield, who will be the assistant head coach this year, is entering his fourth season. They are all highly invested in the program.

“The head coach gets a lot of credit and blame,” Forrest said. “But the whole staff deserves credit. They develop the kids not only physically, but also spiritually and emotionally.”

Forrest is entering his sixth season with the Pirates. He is the program’s winningest coach. During that time he has promoted from within. Few assistant coaches have left the program during his tenure.

“We’ve had a lot of consistency on the staff,” Forrest said. “We’re not where we want to be yet as a program, but we’ve been competitive, and that’s a direct reflection of every single person involved in our program.”

One coach, Donny LaFleur, is leaving at the end of the school year to return home to Tennessee with his family and coach again at his former school.

“It’s pretty impressive,” Sandersfield said of the staff retention.

“(LaFleur) is the only coach who’s left since I’ve been here, and he’s going back because of family. We have a pretty tight-knit staff. We’re all very close, and that makes it

pretty special. I think consistency is good for the kids. We do a good job preaching family. They know we’re always going to be here. Stability is a big deal for the kids.”

When new coaches are brought on board they usually come with years of experience or they are former Matanzas players like Devin Mathews, Jarrett Patton and Bryce Petellat.

Nelson Pardo is in his second year with the team. He has over 40 years coaching experience. This year he will be the head JV coach. John Malone, Dell Arneaud and Palm Coast Fire Department Battalion Chief Tommy Ascone have joined the

program this year and will work with the JV team. Malone is new to the area and wanted to help out, Forrest said. He has over 20 years experience as a coach and game official.

Ascone and Arneaud both have extensive Pop Warner coaching experience in the community and are familiar with many of the players. Arneaud coached First Baptist Christian Academy’s middle school team last year. His son will be a freshman with the Pirates this fall.

“I was locked into coaching my middle school group, but I’ve always admired coach Forrest,” he said.

“At the end of the day, we always do right by the kids,” Forrest said.

Bucs encouraged by jamboree performance

Mainland High School played two of the top football teams in South Florida in the Palm Beach Garden Spring Jamboree on March 17. The Bucs lost both halves but came away encouraged heading into summer workouts.

The Bucs fell to Delray Beach Atlantic 7-6 and Southridge, 14-6. Southridge advanced to the Class 6A state final four last season, losing to eventual state champ West Boca Raton. Delray Beach Atlantic lost to eventual Class 5A state champ St. Thomas Aquinas in the regional final. Flagler Palm Coast transfer Braylyn Simmons scored the Bucs’ touchdown against Atlantic on a 4-yard run. in an inteview after the games with Central Florida Preps, Mainland coach Jerrime Bell said he liked what he saw coming off a rebuilding year, but the squad will have to learn how to finish, noting they had three chances to score inside the 6-yard line against Southridge.

“I wanted to play teams like this to see where we are, and I loved what I saw,” Bell said.

“Our guys competed.”

PUZZLED

Tim Sandersfield will be Matanzas’ assistant head coach this season. Photo by Brent Woronoff

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Dressed for success

Professional Women of Flagler County celebrates five years with annual Tea Party.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Professional Women of Flagler County celebrated its fifth anniversary with its second annual Tea Party on May 13 at the Conservatory at Hammock Beach in Palm Coast.

“We are thrilled to share that Professional Women of Flagler County celebrated a major milestone — five incredible years in business — with our second annual Tea Party,” PWFC President Vanessa Cole said. “Thanks to our wonderful community, this was a sold-out event filled with celebration, inspiration and purpose. This Tea Party is one of our most enjoyable fundraisers of the year.” Cole said the event raised over $5,000 for the PWFC’s signature initiative, the Go Girl Grant, a community

program that helps women in Flagler County expand their reach. Last year the PWFC helped 18 women with $30,000 in grants. The grants can be used for seminars, marketing, education, finance or technology, Cole said.

“This grant is designed to provide support and resources to local women pursuing education, training or career advancement,” she said.

Two of the 2024 Go Girl Grant recipients — Kay Click, owner of Furniture Facelifts & More; and Erica Flores, executive director of Vincent’s Clubhouse — spoke at the Tea Party.

Palm Coast Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston was the event’s keynote speaker, and Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri read the Proclamation for Professional Women’s Day in the City of Palm Coast.

“(Johnston’s) heartfelt and empowering message truly resonated with all in attendance,” Cole said. For more information on the Professional Women of Flagler County, go to professionalwomenflagler.org

BIZ BUZZ

TERRANOVA’S CELEBRATES 30 YEARS IN FLAGLER

Terranova’s Restaurant and Pizzeria, 208 N. State St., Bunnell, is hosting its 30th anniversary party from Wednesday, May 21, through Saturday, May 24. The outdoor celebration will include live music from noon to 8 p.m. each day, outdoor cooking, games and a bounce house for the kids.

Frank Terranova Sr. opened Terranova’s in 1995 in Flagler Beach. It expanded with a second restaurant in Bunnell in 2006 and sold the original Flagler Beach location two years later. Terranova died in 2017. His son, Frankie Terranova, now runs the restaurant with other members of the family assisting in the business.

The menu hasn’t changed much over the past 30 years, Frankie Terranova said.

“We use the same sauce and pizza recipe my dad brought down from New Jersey when he had a pizzeria up there,” he said.

Terranova’s planned to have a 25th anniversary celebration but that was canceled due to the pandemic, so they decided to put on a four-day celebration for the 30th.

COMPLETE HEALTH STARTS FACILITY EXPANSION IN ORMOND BEACH

Compelte Health has begun an expansion project at its Ormond Beach East location at 77 W. Granada Blvd. in the downtown.

The expansion will add five new exam rooms, more provider offices and a larger wait-

ing room, according to a press release. The contractor for the project is Marshall B. Bone, Inc.

To commemorate the start of construction, key leaders and physicians took the first swings during demolition.

“This expansion is an exciting next step for our team and the community we serve,” said Dr. Brittany Jones, primary care physician at Complete Health, in the press release. “We’re creating space that reflects our commitment to patient-first care and a workplace where our team can thrive.”

Construction is expected to be completed this summer.

“This expansion is a testament to the trust our patients place in us and the dedication of our team,” said Jose Bermudez, newly appointed practice manager. “By adding more space and enhancing our facilities, we are ensuring that our commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care continues to grow along with our beautiful Ormond Beach community.”

Complete Health is privately owned and has eight locations across Volusia County specializing in senior-focused primary care. To learn more, visit CompleteHealth.com or call

386-677-0453 to schedule an appointment.

BACKWATER PROVISIONS OPENS NEW LOCATION IN ORMOND BEACH

Backwater Provisions, a new fishing apparel and outdoor lifestyle gear store, celebrated its grand opening in Ormond Beach on May 10. The store is located at 177 E. Granada Blvd., inside Granada Plaza on the beachside. It is the company’s second storefront, with its first being located in the Tampa area, in Safety Harbor.

“We’re excited to plant roots

in Ormond Beach, a place that embodies everything our brand stands for— salt air, local pride, and a passion for adventure,”

Tracie Cotto, Stephanie Ellis, Kelly Chapman, Dr. Erika Equizi, Vanessa Cole, Amy Dumas and Erica Flores. Courtesy photo

The Terranova family, at Terranova’s Restaurant and Pizzeria in Bunnell. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach City Commissioner Lori Tolland, franchise owner Tony Puglia, Chamber of Commerce Vice Chair Michelle Tisdale, Backwater Provisions owner Darren Loscalzo and Ormond Beach City Commissioner Travis Sargent. Courtesy photos

REAL ESTATE

Flagler Beach home is county’s top sale

Ahouse at 2716 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., in Flagler Beach, was the top real estate transaction for May 3-9 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on May 5, for $1,285,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, an outdoor kitchen and 2,611 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $615,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Medow Subdivision

A house at 2568 S. Central Ave. sold on May 9, for $735,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,806 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $430,000.

Seaside Landings

A house at 154 Seaside Point sold on May 9, for $1,125,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat house, a boat lift, a dock, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 2,014 square feet.

PALM COAST

Aspire at Palm Coast

sold on May 5, for $160,000. Built in 1975, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,006 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $128,000.

A condo at 25 Lake Forest Place, sold on May 5, for $174,800. Built in 1989, the condo is a 2/1 and has 801 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $80,000.

A house at 30 Price Lane, Unit 33, sold on May 7, for $313,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,353 square feet.

Cypress Knoll

A house at 34 Ellesworth Drive sold on May 9, for $530,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,163 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $250,000.

Verona townhome tops sales list at over $1.2M

Atownhome at 15 Marden Drive in the new Verona subdivision in Ormond-by-the-Sea was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of April 26 to May 2. The townhome sold on April 30, for $1,293,124. Built in 2024, the townhome is a 2/3.5 and has a private elevator and 2,289 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Halifax Plantation

The house at 2986 Arranmore Drive sold on April 28, for $575,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,721 square feet.

Northbrook

The house at 911 Northbrook Drive sold on April 29, for $393,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a 1/1 cottage, separate workshop and 2,214 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $188,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 115 John Anderson Drive sold on April 29, for $1,125,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and

4,162 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1,090,000.

Ormond Heights

The house at 345 Fir St. sold on April 29, for $310,000. Built in 1967, the house is a 4/3 and has 1,965 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $52,000.

Park Ridge

The house at 8 Parkview Lane sold on April 28, for $324,999. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,471 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $205,000.

Tanglewood

The house at 340 Tulip Tree Lane sold on April 30, for $337,500. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,485 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $193,500.

27 Flemington Lane sold on May 9, for $500,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,919 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $390,000.

A house at 36 Fulton Place sold on May 9, for $375,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,878 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $45,000.

Pine Grove A house at 85 Pickering Drive sold on May 9, for $409,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,911 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $287,000.

Sawmill Branch A house at 15 Summerwood Road North sold on May 9, for $398,990. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,363 square feet.

A house at 47 Springwood Drive South sold on May 8, for $304,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

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

The Trails The house at 5 Crooked Tree Trail sold on April 28, for $525,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,616 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $365,000.

Tomoka Meadows The townhome at 17 Tomoka Meadows Blvd. sold on April 29, for $179,900. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,434 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $88,100.

Trails South Forty The townhome at 208 Saddle Creek Trail sold on April 29, for $240,000. Built in 1986, the townhome is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,500 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $130,000.

Whispering Oaks The house at 13 Fernery Trail sold on April 29, for $568,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,901 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $178,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Windswept Estates The house at 3019 John Anderson Drive sold on April 30, for $400,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,745 square feet. It last sold in 1983 for $90,000.

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

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Housekeeping

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

Estate Palm Coast Investors Alert

2 Side by Side Lots

Half Acre of Land. at 9 and 11 Pine Lark Lane.Low Taxes call 1-386-437-7058 my house phone.

Buy Cars, Trucks, Vans, SUVs, Classic Cars, Commercial vehicles and

Flagler County. Celena Mariano 386225-0487

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO: 2025 10010 PRDL IN RE: Estate of GEORGE ROSS WARREN a/k/a GEORGE WARREN a/k/a GEORGE R. WARREN Deceased. The administration of the Estate of GEORGE ROSS WARREN, deceased, whose date of death was Sept. 6, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, Florida 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME 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 15, 2025. SUSAN JONES Personal Representative 535 Janice Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114

DAVID A. BURT Florida Bar No. 197955

ADAM D. WARREN Florida Bar No. 940501 Hawkins, Hawkins & Burt, LLP 501 South Ridgewood Avenue Daytona Beach, Florida 32114

davidburt@hawkinsandburt.com adamwarren@hawkinsandburt.com May 15, 22, 2025 25-00227I

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE: 2024-31688-CODL ANSLEY PARKE AT ORANGE CITY, LLC, a Florida Limited Liability Company Plaintiff, JEAN REILLY and JAMES REILLY, Individually and as Agent for JEAN REILLY. Defendants. TO: JEAN REILLY, and the unknown spouse, heirs, devisees, grantees, creditors of Jean Reilly and all other parties claiming by, through, under, or against Jean Reilly and all unknown natural persons if alive, and if dead or not known to be dead or alive, their several and respective unknown spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, and creditors, or other parties claiming interests by, through or under those unknown natural persons; YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action requesting judgment for damages and other relief involving a breach in a landlord/ tenant agreement in Polk County, Florida that has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on: RICHARD A. LOPEZ, Esq., the Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 933 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33803, on or before the 30th day of May, 2025, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on the Plaintiff’s attorney, or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

DATED on this 30th day of April, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH AS CLERK OF COURT (COURT SEAL) BY: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith AS DEPUTY CLERK Richard A. Lopez, Esq. The Law Office of Richard A. Lopez, P.A. 933 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, Florida 33803 Attorney for Plaintiff May 8, 15, 22, 29, 2025 25-00204I

RE-NOTICE OF SALE

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 12581 CIDL

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SAXON ASSET SECURITIES TRUST 2006-2 MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff, vs. SANDRA S. LEHAN A/K/A SANDRA LEHAN F/K/A SANDRA W. SMITH A/K/A SANDRA SMITH; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SANDRA S. LEHAN A/K/A SANDRA LEHAN F/K/A SANDRA W. SMITH A/K/A SANDRA SMITH; ISPC, INC.; CASTLE CREDIT CO HOLDINGS,