Ormond Beach Observer 07-17-25

Noah Clark, as “Nathan Detroit,” and Jennifer McGill as “Miss Adelaide.” Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Steve Hall reminiscing on his first photo in front of his

BRIEFS

Flagler launches kitten foster program for inmates

Earlier this month, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office introduced a new homeless kitten foster program to inmates at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

In collaboration with the Flagler Humane Society, FCSO’s nationally recognized SMART (Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Program launched the kitten-fostering initiative to allow participating inmates to care for homeless kittens in need, providing a unique therapeutic experience aimed at long-term recovery for both the kitten and the inmates.

The initiative is part of the FCSO’s ongoing efforts to support mental health and promote a deeper sense

COPS CORNER

JUNE 26 HERE YOU GO

8:51 p.m. — 100 block of South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach Possession of drugs. A 51-year-old Ormond Beach man handed over less than a gram of cocaine after police pulled him over and asked if he was in possession of any illicit drugs. Police had pulled the man over

of accountability and emotional connection among inmates.

“Addiction often creates isolation and self-centered patterns,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Fostering kittens requires empathy, structure, and consistency — qualities that support recovery and rehabilitation. It’s another tool we’re using.”

The idea for the program came from an inmate who shared a suggestion during a talk with medical staff.

The concept led to the partnership with the Flagler Humane Society.

Participants in the program take part in daily kitten care routines, including feeding, socializing and bottle-feeding.

This innovative approach to rehabilitation is expected to be implemented more broadly with other inmates at the jail in the coming weeks. The male inmates are scheduled to begin assisting the Humane Society with building projects for the animals in need of adoption at the Palm Coast location.

To adopt a kitten, contact the Flagler Humane Society. Visit flaglerhumanesociety.org.

Flagler Schools cuts ribbon on Engagement Center

Flagler Schools held a ribbon cutting at the renovated Historic County Courthouse on the morning of Thursday, July 10.

The nearly 100-year-old building at 200 E. Moody Blvd. will be known as the Flagler Schools Engagement Center for emergency response

after seeing him speed on a South Yonge Street, as well as noticing that one of the vehicle’s tail lights had “so much tape on it that it appeared to be out,” according to a report.

JUNE 29

DOG FOUND

8:19 p.m. — 200 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Animal complaint. Police took custody of a dog found wandering into a local convenience store while holding its own leash in its mouth. Police arrived on the scene and spoke with store employees, who

clarity.

The building will house the Rise Up alternative school, the TRAIL vocational program for young adults, age 18-22 with disabilities and the Step Up life skils program for adults with special needs. It will also provide space for iFlagler virtual school and the district federal programs department

The school district will be leasing the historic building for at least two years. Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson and Bunnell

Commissioner David John Atkinson took part in the ribbon cutting along with Flagler Schools district staff and administrators.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore thanked the School Board, plant services and the custodial crew “and all the amazing employees who

said the gray pit bull had entered the store the day before as well in the same manner. The store clerk said he would hold on to the dog if he could, but that he was unable to and wanted police to take the dog.

JULY 8 DAILY DRINKER

6:11 p.m. — 300 block of South Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach DUI. A 76-year-old Flagler Beach man was approached by police following a verbal altercation in a nearby business. When asked how much he’d had to drink, the man re-

brought this vision to life.”

Daytona man arrested from home under construction

A Daytona man was arrested on July 9 after he stole an air conditioning unit from a home under construction on Eric Drive, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The FCSO received a call from the residence’s future homeowner on May 6. The homeowner had driven by to check on the property when they saw a truck leaving the residence with a tarp covering something large in the truck bed, a FCSO press release said. The homeowner reported the vehicle when the AC unit was found to be missing.

FCSO detectives investigated the theft and found the truck was rented

plied, “I’m retired; I drink every day.” He was taken to jail.

JULY 9 WRONG TURN

9:52 p.m. — 6000 block of North Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast DUI. Deputies arrested a 79-year-old Palm Coast drunk woman who came to a citizen’s front door asking for help after she “took the wrong turn into the ditch” while driving. According to her arrest report, deputies found the woman in the driver seat of her vehicle, which was indeed disabled within a ditch on the

to Andrew Atkerson, 36, of Daytona Beach. When detectives interviewed Atkerson, he admitted to stealing the unit to give to someone in need, though the unit didn’t work with the house, the press release said.

Atkerson said he regretted stealing the unit and later had a friend deliver it to the FCSO Operation Center.

Atkerson was later arrested on July 9 during a traffic stop in Flagler County. He is being held at the Flagler County jail without bond. Atkerson has an extensive criminal history, the press release said.

Man arrested on over 40 counts related to child pornography

A 25-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested on July 12 on 40 counts of viewing and distributing child pornography.

Amais Mabini was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Cyber Crimes/ICAC Unit. The FCSO first received a tip in January from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that child sexual abuse material was being shared by a Kik-app user last September. The user was identified as Mabini, who was living in Palm Coast at the time and has since moved to Jacksonville, a FCSO press release said. FCSO detectives documented 40 instances of Mabini viewing and transmitting child sexual abuse material.

He is being held at the Flagler County jail on a $480,000 bond.

shoulder of the roadway. They noted signs of impairment right away, and the woman told them she had just left a party a couple of blocks away. She advised she was not injured or in need of medical attention. Deputies had her perform field sobriety exercises, one of which she failed because she was continuously laughing, the report notes. The woman told deputies that she had made the drinks for the party. Throughout the investigation, she continued to laugh and repeat that she was diagnosed with “trigger finger” that day.

Female Inmates spend time and care for kittens at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

Flagler Schools holds a ribbon cutting for the Flagler Schools Engagement Center at the County Historic Courthouse. Courtesy photos

Phones away:

It’s the law.

Volusia, Flagler school districts discuss enforcement of state law.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Cell phones now have further restrictions in schools, as a new law prohibits elementary and middle school students from using their devices during the entire school day.

Florida House Bill 1105 went into effect on July 1. The education bill — which contained a compilation of other unrelated measures, such as allowing parents to convert a public school to a charter and letting students in marching bands get a physical education or performing arts credit — essentially restricts students from using any wireless devices (phones and tablets) from “bell to bell.” High school students are still permitted to use their phones outside of class and during class if permitted by their teachers, but the bill also includes a pilot program to test a phone ban on six school districts during the entire school day. Flagler and Volusia County are not included in the pilot.

In Flagler County, the major impact of HB 1105 will be on the school district’s two middle schools, Flagler Schools superintendent LaShakia Moore said.

The district already had a policy in place that banned cellphone use “from bell to bell” in the elementary schools.

“Middle school is where the major change is for us,” Moore said. “The fact that those students will now have to have those devices off the entire day, will be very different.”

Mike Micallef, Volusia County School’s executive director for graduation assurance and student services, echoed a similar sentiment.

“House Bill 1105 is going to be a rude awakening and eye-opening, I think, for some of our middle school students,” he said.

As a district, Micallef said they will need to put a policy in place that is enforceable, holds students accountable and follows the new law.

“Ideally, phones are just going to have to be not in sight from the time they walk on campus until the time they get home,” he said.

So what will that look like?

POLICY CHANGES

John Fanelli, Flagler Schools’ director of student services, said sixth graders entering middle school are already accustomed to the elementary school policy, so there will be no change for them.

“We’re really talking about two grade levels, seventh and eighth grade,” Fanelli said. “We may have to break some bad habits and continue to remind them to turn their phones off and put them away.”

Moore said the district has begun sharing information with families

about changes for the new school year, so parents and students will know about the policy change.

Doug Glasco, the district’s coordinator of student behavior and conduct management, said enforcement policies have yet to be decided.

“We’re going to try to work with our families, making sure kids are engaged in their education and not be punitive with them,” Glasco said.

“There could be a roll-out period with just warnings, calling home. It will really be a learning period for them.”

VCS will start doing announcements regarding the change in cell phone allowances on social media, Micallef said. Previously, middle school students were allowed to use their phones before or after school.

“Pretty much, it’s going to be the same thing that we’ve been doing, normal business as usual with cell phones aren’t supposed to be visible while they’re in class, unless they’re directed by a teacher for instructional use,” Micallef said.

But, it will be up to the School Board, he explained, to set the policy.

Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer said the new law may impact how teachers manage their classrooms.

“One of the things that teachers tend to do is to use the devices as a way to control the class, to just keep them quiet, and removing the cell phones might complicate that,” she said.

REFERRALS

History shows that it may take time for students to adjust. Two years ago, during the first year of the statute that banned the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time, Flagler Schools had almost 3,000 device referrals. This past school year, that number dropped to 1,652. Of those, 1,042 were in high schools, 596 in middle schools and 14 in elementary schools. The most serious punishments were 10 instances of full-day suspensions.

“We were able this year to reduce (the number of referrals) by 44%,” Fanelli said. “So I do expect to see out the gate, we’re going to have to give a lot of reminders. We’re going to have to work very closely with our families to continue to reinforce that new policy across our campuses.”

In Volusia County Schools, there were a total of 14 referrals due to cell phones in elementary schools, 914 in middle schools, 2,466 in high schools and 243 in combination schools for the 2024-2025 school year.

Students first receive a warning, and if further violations occur, then parent contact would be made. A referral is the last step.

What VCS doesn’t want, Micallef said, is for students to stop learning because classroom time is being disrupted as teachers try to enforce this new law.

“We don’t want [teachers] to stop educating the students and getting into a battle with the student over a cell phone,” he said. “... We’re here to educate kids, and that’s our number one priority, and also keeping them

7:30

Thursday, July 17, 2025 Volusia County Schools

2024-2025 cell phone referrals

2,466 243 914 14

safe. But, if a student’s got a cell phone out and they’re not complying with it, they’re expected to go on with normal instruction as normal for everybody in the class, and then we will deal with that as an administrative consequence.”

Elizabeth Albert, president of teachers’ union Volusia United Educators, said the new law is “fabulous.”

“If we can limit the distractions from learning, from pulling kids attention away from the core instruction that is being provided in the classroom, that is a win every day, all day,” Albert said.

But, she added, any law is only as good as the ability to enforce it. VCS already had a policy in place restricting cell phone use in elementary and middle schools, so teachers are somewhat already experienced.

“Their expectation is to just make sure that they set the standard in the classroom, and then they move to enforce the policy as much as they can,” Albert said.

If a student or two continue to be non-compliant, then teachers expect the administrative team to come in and hold them accountable.

Initial concerns from union members, Albert said, revolved around having support from administration and the district to enforce this new law, particularly with questions like who will be responsible for a phone should it have to be taken away from a student.

“We just want to make sure that there are some clear, defined expectations for our instructional personnel and our clerical personnel on what to do if we go beyond that initial ‘Everybody put your phone away,’” Albert said.

WORKING WITH FAMILIES

Moore said the district understands it will be difficult for some middle school students to adjust.

“We will work with them,” she said. “We will work with their families in order to ensure that all of our students are following the law, but also following what our Code of Conduct outlines are as well,” she said. “So for several of these students, they’re going to get a warning, and that’ll be it, and it’ll be done, and they’ll adjust. For some of them, they may need more than one warning.”

Flagler County School Board member Lauren Ramirez, who has children in both middle and elementary schools, said she welcomes the new statute as both a parent and board member.

“I do think this is the right direction,” she said. “There is a book, ‘The Anxious Generation,’ by Jonathan Haidt. It clearly shows how the use of smartphones is linked to anxiety, depression, isolation with our children. When this law was coming forth, I thought of that book. There are other districts that have started

this before the law went into effect. And a lot of those school board members said that was one of the toughest decisions they had to make, and now that it has been a policy for over a year they said it was one of the best decisions they made as a board.”

Cell phones in the classroom is part of this day and age, Micallef said. But, he does believe this new law will promote higher academic learning.

Again, Albert said it goes back to enforcement and ensuring learning time is not disruptive.

“It’s always progress, not perfection,” Albert said. “So as we start to show the students that they are going to be held accountable to this expectation, and as much as our colleagues are willing to hold the line, if you will, then I believe will things will start to get exponentially better.”

REINFORCING EXPECTATIONS

Orange County is one of the districts that has banned personal electronic devices in all schools, including high schools, throughout the school day. Currently, state statute allows high school students to use their devices outside of instructional time.

Ramirez said that, in a panel of high school students whose districts banned cellphones throughout the day, the students were angry at first and eventually accepted the policy.

“They said they were actually happy because they were having conversations at lunchtime,” she said.

Moore said some families have contacted the district to make sure that they will be able to get important information to their children. Moore reminds them that ParentSquare, previously Remind, is a way families can get information back and forth to their children’s teachers in an efficient manner.

“We always encourage our families that they can call the front desk if there’s important information that they need to share with their child, such as, there’s been a change in the schedule, you go home in a different way, those things that are urgent” Moore said. “And once (the student) get out of the school day, they turn their devices back on.

“What we ask the families for is that they reinforce what the expectations are at home and they do what our families do for us already, that they be great partners and just help to support us as we implement the state statute,” Moore said.

As educators, Albert said they should be able to make the new expectations aware to both students and their families.

“It’s about making sure that they’re aware of what the expectations are, and having conversations with them about what’s allowable and what isn’t,” Albert said. “... I think you’ll find that most parents will engage with that.”

“House Bill 1105 is going to be a rude awakening and eye-opening, I think, for some of our middle school students.”

MIKE MICALLEF, Volusia County School’s executive director for graduation assurance and student services

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Ormond Beach OKs Walmart’s plans for expansion, with more visibility

The board also discussed the recent clearing of the buffer, and directed Walmart to continue increasing visibility to prevent homeless camps.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Walmart’s plans to expand its Ormond Beach store to serve its online grocery pickup area has taken a step forward.

On Thursday, July 10, the Ormond Beach Planning Board approved an amendment to Walmart’s Planned Business Development with a 6-0 vote. Walmart plans to construct a 5,101-squarefoot building expansion at the northeast corner of the store located at 1521 W. Granada Blvd. In addition, Walmart seeks to improve the existing façade to a “Mediterranean Beach style,” as well as update signage, improve landscaping and make some parking lot modifications to accommodate the expansion.

The Planning Board had tabled the amendment in March because members had concerns about transients, the overgrown green belt buffer, security and the store’s aesthetics.

Since then, Walmart’s project team met with city staff and cleaned the greenbelt buffer, eliminating invasive plants.

Ormond Beach Police Capt. Chris Roos said Walmart had been “receptive from day one,” and cleared the overgrown vegetation, including lifting the buffer to increase visibility from the road.

“I want my cars to be able to drive by and see if there’s transients, homeless people hiding in there,” Roos said. “... They’re doing what we asked them to do.”

At the March meeting, board members discussed placing a masonry wall in lieu of the proposed chainlink fence within the greenbelt buffer, but Roos said that would block police’s visibility of the buffer area. Transients are likely to jump over it and hide from law enforcement, he explained.

“We’ll be in the same situation we are now,” Roos said. “Now, I hate to say we don’t have time for our officers to get out of the car three or four times a day to walk the property, but we can drive by it 30 times a day and look in there, if we have the ability to see.”

When asked by the board, Roos said that call activity has reduced in the store since the greenbelt buffer fronting Granada Boulevard was cleared.

The board reached a consensus to move the amendment forward, without requiring a new masonry wall.

On behalf of Walmart, attorney Rebecca Wilson said the company “really took to heart what they heard in the last meeting” in regard to the board’s concerns. Additionally, if the board wanted Walmart to continue to clean up the buffer on the west side of Williamson Boulevard, they would do so.

“Previously, our development order didn’t allow us to clean that up, but I agree with you, coming off the interstate, it’s going to look so much better,” Wilson said. “I think we’re in a middle place right now. It doesn’t look great because we pulled everything out, but putting in nice looking landscape with irrigation and keeping that, we think will look really great.”

As a condition of their recommendation to approve the amendment, the Planning Board asked the western of the greenbelt buffer be cleared within 18 months.

Board Chair Doug Thomas commended Walmart for working with the city on the outlined concerns.

“I’ve got to tell you that they were extremely pleasant to work with and very cooperative,” Thomas said.

Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.

Flagler Beach makes plans to sell golf course

Ocean Palms Golf Club LLC said it would reconfigure the course into a 12-hole design, rebuild the clubhouse and add digital golf simulators.

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler Beach City Commission has agreed to negotiate with Ocean Palms Golf Club LLC and principal manager Jeff Ryan for the purchase of the city-owned nine-hole golf course at 3600 S. Central Ave.

Ryan’s group has held the lease on the Ocean Palm Golf Course since January 2024.

The commission voted 4-1 on Thursday, July 10, to enter negotiations with Ocean Palms for a deed-restricted sale that would limit the use of the property solely for golf course operations.

“I think it would be a disservice not to have the conversation,” Commissioner Eric Cooley said. “Everybody but a couple of folks want it to be a golf course and a really nice one. We’ve clearly demonstrated we can’t do it. We’ve been there. We’ve done that. I’m all for having the discussion. It’s in the city’s best interest. It’s in the citizens’ best interest.”

Commission Vice Chairman Rick Belhumeur said it’s time for the city to get out of the golf business.

“It’s cost us a lot of money,” he said. “As long as we keep it, it’s going to cost us a lot more.”

The course is in disrepair.

During public comment, Chris Conklin, whose house is along the course, said, “(Right now), I would not allow my kids to play football on it. It’s not a golf course.”

In a letter of intent to purchase the property, OPGC said it plans to redesign the course from a nine-hole con-

figuration to 12 holes. It would build a new clubhouse which would have a restaurant, bar, indoor putting lab and short game practice area, digital golf simulators and fitness area. It would replace the current turf with seashore paspalum, which has a high salt tolerance. A timeline of 28 weeks after purchase to rebuild the course and clubhouse was included.

After the purchase, the OPGC would finance the renovations, a lawyer for the group said.

A conceptual site plan has been presented to the city’s Planning and Architectural Review Board and the St. Johns River Water Management District has issued stormwater permits for the proposed redevelopment, according to city documents.

John Cunningham was the only commissioner to vote against the motion to negotiate a sale. He said he would like to see the city look into other options for use of the property. Although he said he was fine with negotiating, he ultimately voted against moving forward because he felt more information was needed.

Mark Imhoff, who lives along the course, submitted a letter asking the city to retain ownership of the golf course and allow a citizens’ nonprofit to manage it. During public comment, he said he would like the city to survey residents for their opinions on the future of the course.

Some residents said Ryan hasn’t been able to maintain the property since he took over the lease and didn’t want to see Flagler Beach sell such a valuable property, while others were in favor of the city entering into negotiations with Ryan’s group. The city had two appraisals done of the 38-acre course earlier this year with Cooksey and Associates valuing the property on Jan. 9 at $810,000 and Huffington and Associates on March 10 giving it a market value of $794,000.

The area where the new building expansion will be constructed. Photo courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

Policies for proficiency

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

District 4 Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer said some of the highlights during her first six months in office were the graduations.

Not only was it a chance to watch students cross the stage, but as board members and district staff spent four days together, it became a team building experience, she said.

“It was an opportunity for all of us to spend time around each other that was not in a formal setting,” Brosemer said. “... I was, of course, impressed, to say the least, with the quality of the speakers. The student speakers, in particular.”

The Observer recently spoke with Brosemer about priorities, challenges and goals for the upcoming school year. Here’s what she had to say.

Addressing disruptive student classroom behaviors was part of your platform when you ran for School Board. What have you seen the district do to improve this, and are there other things that you would like to see done in the future?

It still is my top priority because I still see it as the critical factor in our proficiency rates. Teachers are interrupted constantly during their day by a variety of things, not the least of which is having to control a classroom.

School safety seems to be a very big topic, but classroom conditions are the first step in school safety. Safety for the students and safety for the teachers begins in the classroom. We just adopted a new student code of conduct, and much of it is clearer and more specific than the previous code, and so I’m going to be looking in this next school year for consistency of enforcement because I think that’s where a lot of our gaps might be. One of the things that I have been asked for by numerous principals in my district is in-school suspension. We don’t do very much of it. and part of it is the staffing problem because there has to be somebody there. But one of the things I learned from going up to Putnam County to see what they did with a school where they were hemorrhaging students — because they had gang fights every day and it was just really dangerous — was that they established a two-tier in-school suspension system and then if the student still doesn’t have his act together, then he goes to the alternative school, but that calmed everything down to the point where their seventh grade enrollment went way up, just in the first year following the implementation and and

I would love to see us look more into doing something like that.

Nobody wants to send these kids home because we know that that doesn’t necessarily solve the problem, but having more oversight and in-school suspension and having them get their work done while they’re there, and that kind of thing, I think would be more productive.

Volusia County Schools is now an A district for the first time since the 2008-2009 school year. What were some of the strategies that the district implemented to help achieve this?

There is still a disconnect between our proficiency rates and our graduation rates. I know that the teachers work very hard to get their kids over the finish line. There are other strategies that that the district uses that are a little harder to explain, and that includes transferring out the lower performing students who they know are not likely to graduate, so that they are in either online school or alternative schools or charter schools, and they don’t count against their assigned school’s graduation rate.

I’m still trying to find out exactly how that works and see what we can do to make our numbers between proficiency and graduation come closer together.

The district’s operating deficit is expected to be $8 million for the next school year, down from last year’s $25 million. Do you expect further cuts in the future, and if so, what are some areas that can be looked at?

This touches on one of my greatest priorities and concerns in the district, and that is the matter of transparency. We not only are anticipating another

shortfall, but we just had federal funds frozen, as I think the whole state of Florida did. It affected a number of our programs that are federally funded, and so that begs the question: Where do we get the money? How do we cover these programs in addition to what we’re already expecting? We know that school choice has an effect on our enrollment numbers, but we are also — I can’t get past this point, I made it during the campaign, and I can’t get past this point — we have approximately the same number of students we had 10 years ago, but we have twice the budget.

Some of that can be accounted for additional state mandates, for instance, for school safety provisions and things like that, and of course, the higher costs, inflation — That will also affect our budget. But, not to this extent, and so my focus has been on the number of employees that we have at the district level who have no contact with students because we always cut the front line first. We always cut the teachers and the programs first, and the most we’ve ever done that I know of with the administration is a hiring freeze. But that doesn’t reduce the actual payroll that’s required in each of our departments. I would love to be able to know what those numbers are. The board’s job is oversight, and it’s very hard to do oversight when we can’t get the information we need in order to evaluate exactly what you’re asking us to do.

Volusia County Schools has an interlocal agreement with Flagler to allow students to attend schools in both districts, whichever is closest to home. Do you expect this to have a significant impact on student enrollment?

The district’s initial calculation is that it will affect very few students. I think it’s a wonderful idea.

I’m all about the efficiency that allows to each of the districts because the transportation impacts and obligations for Volusia County, for instance, were so great from having the students who were up closer to Flagler County Schools that it just makes so much more sense to do this.

My instinct is that this may be related in some respect to some of the development plans for northern Volusia County in the Ormond area. So I think it kind of sets a precedent that might be more valuable then than its impact would be right now.

Three bills expanding school choice are now in effect, including HB 1105 which allows a majority of parents to convert a public school into a charter. Is this a good thing for families, or are there concerns about unintended consequences? I think there are always concerns about unintended consequences. I see this as another provision by the state to enhance school choice. School Choice is a product of the desire to make public schools competitive, and so I think this is another way to push public schools into being more competitive, because obviously, parents are not going to go to that much trouble to set up their own school if their needs are being met by the public school system. It’s a tool for them to use. Whether or not it’s effective or even used very much, I think, will be a reflection of whatever county they’re in. I don’t know what effect it might have in Volusia

County, but we’ll just have to wait and see how it plays out because I don’t have a good sense of whether this can work and how well parents can put their own schools together.

The district is due for an impact fee study in 2026. In 2023, the School Board adopted fees that were lower than what its consultant recommended. Could this happen again? I am not a fan of impact fees. I think too often they’re used, generally speaking, as just a way to get the sign-off on the school concurrency requirements, and so my hope is that we will continue the trend that we set in the last study period.

Unfortunately, when we’re under budget pressure, the tendency is to look to things like that to try to fill that gap. But I would much rather that we started looking internally first to make better use of the dollars we already have before we start raising fees to

everybody else.

What are some of your goals for the upcoming school year?

When I was running for office, I talked about realigning the relationship between the board and the district administration, and that is still my top priority for non-school related policy. I think we need to be as transparent as we tell people we are and during this budget period, it’s becoming more apparent that we have some work to do in that area. For instance, when we consider the budget, we are not given a line item budget, and it’s not posted on our website. There’s a narrative and there are descriptions and there are some general figures, block figures, that are given, but we don’t get line items, and I think that makes it difficult for us to to know what we’re talking about with the budget whenever it’s presented to us. So my priorities have to do with how we function and make ourselves as transparent and efficient as possible, and how the board is allowed to exercise its oversight without micromanaging the district. Over this next school year, I’m going to be looking at what we can do to make ourselves more efficient, and hopefully in that efficiency, address some of the needs of the principals who and teachers who are asking for better alternatives to control their classrooms. I think ultimately that raises our proficiency rates, and it can’t help but make us a better school district.

Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer greets the crowd during the district’s first State of Our Schools address on Thursday, Feb. 27. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Flagler County proposes tax rate, still searching for ways to fund beach

County will not pursue a special assessment district to help fund the beach in fiscal year 2025. Is that a ‘missed opportunity’?

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

For the fifth consecutive year, Flagler County is proposing a lower millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year’s $329 million budget. On Monday, July 14, the County Commission unanimously set the maximum proposed operating millage and debt service millage rates. The property tax rate for the operating budget is being proposed to remain the same as last year’s — 7.9945 mills, or $7.9945 per $1,000 in taxable property value —while its debt service millage rate is going down by over 20%. This is due to a lower millage rate needed for the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands debt and a 2015 refinancing of a previous bond to construct the Judicial Center.

BRIEFS

Bill Partington gets Appreciation Award for 2025

The Florida League of Cities recently recognized Florida Rep. Bill Partington with its 2025 Legislative Appreciation Award for his work during the 2025 Legislative Session to protect local decision making of Florida’s municipalities.

“Thank you to the Florida League of Cities for this in-

The general fund millage rate, according to Flagler County, will generate over $135 million, an increase of $12.4 million, or 10.12%, from the 2024-2025 revenue.

“The fiscal year 26 tentative budget aligns closely with the board’s policies and strategic priorities,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said. “It strengthens our financial position with an increase in general fund reserves and it includes, as I mentioned, the fifth consecutive millage rate reduction.”

Key allocations to be funded by property tax revenue include increased funding for employee benefits, 15 new firefighter/paramedics, three new deputies for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, support for the transition of the 911 dispatch center to the county and three new positions at the Nexus Center.

The first public hearing to adopt the budget and tax rate will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

BUDGET CUTS

The budget is also setting aside $12.55 million for capital projects, which is $11.55 million less than what the

credible honor,” Partington said. “I’m deeply grateful to be recognized with the 2025 Legislative Appreciation Award for defending local decision making and empowering municipal leadership across our great state.” Legislative Appreciation

county set aside in the 2025 budget. The $12.55 million, Petito said, doesn’t include stormwater or beach projects — those were included under operating costs.

County Commissioner Greg Hansen addressed some of the budget cuts, saying they “are going to hurt the public.”

“Some of the reductions, they’re going to feel right away,” Hansen said, citing reduced library services as an example.

Others, like cuts to stormwater, road maintenance and beach replenishment projects, will be felt later.

“New people are going to come and they’re going to have to deal with this downstream,” Hansen said. “We haven’t sufficiently made infrastructure gains in this budget, and I’m just afraid that’s going to hurt the county.”

Petito said the county has about $14 million set aside for stormwater, roads and the beach. But, she acknowledged, they are one-time funds.

“We do need to work on probably coming up with some more dedicated funding that is recurring moving forward, but it is the start of

Award recipients are legislators who have consistently advocated for the Florida League of Cities and its members. Throughout the 2025 Legislative Session, these lawmakers actively supported or defended local decisionmaking. Their actions included consistent support of the League’s policy platform, proposing amendments to prevent preemptions and unfunded mandates, and garnering support for local self-governance behind the scenes.

funding,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that we stop the conversation on trying to come up with creative ways to continue to move that needle.”

In roadways alone, she said the county will need to start looking at ways to generate $10 million to $12 million a year. The beach and stormwater will likely need similar amounts.

“All of them are important, but this year does have us at least building and starting to put money towards that,” Petito said.

NO MSBU FOR THE BEACH

In addition to the tax rates, the County Commission also established the proposed special assessment rates for fiscal year 2025.

Which, do not include a Municipal Services Benefit Unit to fund beach renourishment.

County Commissioner Kim Carney said that the board received a memo on July 3 regarding a timeline for a special assessment, and that the memo outlined using an MSBU for construction versus maintenance of the beach.

Not including a special assessment district to fund

the beach in 2026 is a “missed opportunity,” Carney said.

“This is part of I think what Commissioner Hansen wants — which is the continual funding source that I always thought was part of the plan,” Carney said, adding that she and Petito are planning to meet with the City of Flagler Beach to present the idea of an MSBU.

“I know there are many people in The Hammock anticipating this MSBU, and I don’t know that we fully executed based on what our timeline was back in 2024,” Carney said.

Petito said that the discussion has been on the table for at least two years, and it’s taken different forms. When talking about construction on the beach, the county wasn’t looking at an MSBU; it was aimed to help maintain the beach.

“If we were able to get the cities on board earlier in the year, then, yeah, we probably would have done the MSBU because it serves a different path moving forward,” Petito said.

Discussions fell apart, but there is still time, she said. An MSBU could help the county

commit to maintaining an easement for Reach III (north of Varn Park and south of Mala Compra), but the county wouldn’t look to use it to fund construction.

“It was brought up in discussions that we wouldn’t look to do it as part of the construction, because we didn’t charge the people south of the northern 10 for coming to the table with funding,” Petito said. “We just arbitrarily applied funding received at a starting point and started moving north, and then as we start moving north and we run out of funding, is it fair and equitable to charge the people there, when no fault of their own, we applied the money somewhere else? It could have been applied in their area, but we chose to apply it somewhere else.”

Carney said that the county needs to identify the funding and complete Reach III, as no matter who pays for it, everyone in the county will benefit. The county does have $8.1 million in the budget next year for the beach.

How should Flagler County fund the beach? Email ideas to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

Bunnell family to lease Bull Creek

The restaurant is set to be leased to Pam White and her family. During a Flagler County Commission workshop, White said she is planning a Southern-style menu.

NINA SCHWELM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Flagler County is one step closer to finalizing a lease for the Bull Creek Fish Camp restaurant, placing a local family in charge after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole flooded the previous building in November 2022.

The restaurant is set to be leased to Pam White and her family, of Bunnell. During a Flagler County Commission workshop on Monday, July 14, White said she is planning a Southern-style menu to cater to farmers and fishermen. She has already met with county staff, covering the kitchen layout and operational details.

The White family will lease the restaurant for $500 a month, with annual adjustments to follow. The family will cover all utilities and building maintenance, and the lease will be for a five-year term, with options for two more five-year extensions.

“We were very excited about the low rent because it makes us feel more secure, like we are not going to fail,” White said. “I feel like you’re setting us up for success with the lower rent, and we appreciate that.”

The lease requires the restaurant to be open at least six hours for six days a week between Oct. 15 and March 16, and four hours per day for at least five days a week between March 16 and Oct. 14.

During the July 14 workshop, commissioners still had questions about warranties and building disclosures. What protections, they asked, would the county offer regarding the brand-new kitchen and building? Before the lease is finalized, commissioners want all relevant warranties outlined in writing.

Commissioner Kim Carney emphasized that the tenants should clearly communicate any known building conditions to the county.

Commissioner Pam Richardson also inquired about the monthly rent.

“Normally, if it’s someplace ... more accessible, we would probably do a market rate study,” Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas said. “In this case, there’s not a lot of restaurants out there that we can actually compare, so we recommend the board to consider a lower rate.”

The lease provides the option for a full liquor license,

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but White expressed she’s only interested in obtaining a license for beer and wine. Officials voiced concerns about liability, given the campground’s location away from population centers.

“I would say because it’s such a distant location from the majority of the population that there could be the need for some kind of security with alcohol,” Richardson said. “... It was just unusual, because I didn’t think there was any out there before.”

One resident, Ron Long, spoke at the workshop, praising the county’s work toward a lease. But, he did suggest they reevaluate the annual rent increase. A Consumer Price Index adjustment, he said, would raise the rent by about $150 in a 15-year time span.

“I just see that as not the best business practice in this,” Long said.

The restaurant is just one part of a larger, $1.57 million redevelopment project which includes seawall repairs, new floating docks and a septic system. With construction scheduled to begin this summer, the building and kitchen’s delivery are scheduled for September. That timing allows for the interior buildout in October, all targeting a full completion and grant closeout in March 2026. The updated lease is expected back before the board after legal review and revisions.

Observer Fundraising benefits The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties

BRIAN MCMILLAN

PUBLISHER

Thanks to the 32 people who subscribed for weekly driveway delivery of the Ormond Beach Observer in the past month or so, we were able to make a $640 donation to The Jewish Federation of Volusia & Flagler Counties this week, in support of the Jerry Doliner Food Bank. It was a successful launch of Observer Fundraising, a new initiative in which we donate $20 to a charitable cause for every $52 annual subscription to the newspaper. This is one way we are trying to fulfill our mission to build community spirit. I was inspired by the many people who called our office, saying they wanted to support the food bank.

YOUR TOWN

The Casements Guild installs new officers

The Casements Guild recently installed new officers at their year-end meeting.

Outgoing President Christine Davenport passed the gavel to President Jayde Lyle. Other inducted Board

Members included: Joyce Kresge, Lari Knochenmus, Barb Rhees, Louise Musselwhite, Paula McMurraySchwartz and Jeremy Feedore.

Since 1979, The Casements Guild has been providing tours of the Casements, hosting special events (including the annual Christmas Gala) and supporting the preservation and enhancement of The Casements.

Junior League of Daytona

Beach elects first Black president in its 90-year

history

The Junior League of Daytona Beach has announced the appointment of Veronika “Roni” PeGee as its new president – the first Black woman to hold the position in the League’s 90-year history.

A member of the League since 2014 and an inspiring community leader, PeGee’s path to this role is one she defines by faith and unwavering commitment to service. Her election marks a powerful milestone in the League’s continued mission to advance women’s leadership for meaningful community impact.

“My journey to the Junior League of Daytona Beach is deeply personal and rooted in resilience,” said PeGee. “I joined while rebuilding my life as a single mother. I knew I needed to surround myself with strong,

Rabbi Dr. Robert B. Lennick was happy to hear about the donation. I met him in the construction trailer on July 15, outside the Jewish Federation offices, which are being renovated for the first time in 50 years, at 470 Andalusia Ave., Ormond Beach.

When I asked him what motivates him to help feed the hungry in the community, he told a story. One day a rabbi asked his class what was the most important commandment.

The answer? The most repeated commandment must be the most important. This one is repeated 36 times in the Torah: “Remember the heart of the stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”

In other words, it’s a commandment to have empathy.

“Put yourself in other people’s shoes,” Lennick said. “Everything else that’s good can flow out of that, and it’s probably repeated so often because it’s so hard for people to do.”

To receive food from the Jerry Doliner Food Bank, all you need to do is show up sometime between 11:30

Observer Publisher Brian McMillan, with Jewish Federation Rabbi Dr. Robert Lennick, at the construction trailer at 470 Andalusia Ave., Ormond Beach. In the corner, you can see the the Yad Vashem Memorial Light, “commemorating the 6 million Jewish martyrs” from the Holocaust. It was presented by Stuart Jeff Doliner, in honor of his bar mitzvah in 1970. Photo by Elizabeth McMillan

a.m. and 1 p.m. on Wednesdays, with proof of address. People of all faiths — or no faith — are welcome.

purpose-driven women. The League became not only a space for me to give back, but a tribe that stood by me, even through my toughest battle fighting cancer.”

Surviving breast cancer has profoundly shaped PeGee’s leadership style. Now she leads with what she calls “superpower faith” and a servant’s heart.

“Cancer didn’t break me,” she said. “It deepened my compassion and gave me a renewed sense of purpose.”

That purpose is now helping to shape the Junior League of Daytona Beach with her historic presidency; not just for its symbolism but for the transformation it represents within the League and the greater Daytona Beach community.

“I see myself as a bridge between our history and our future,” she said.

“I often wondered if I belonged when I first joined because the women didn’t look like me. But I also knew representation matters, especially in an organization committed to serving the community.”

As president, PeGee has outlined three clear priorities: mission, membership, and sustainability. Her focus is on elevating the League’s mission through impactful programming, cultivating a culture of inclusion and

“Anyone who’s hungry can come here,” Lennick said. “No questions asked.”

belonging, and strengthening the League through strategic partnerships and stewardship.

She also plans to launch several initiatives during her term, including:

„ Scholarship & mentorship programs for young women

„ Expanded leadership training for members

„ A renewed focus on mental well-being and holistic support for women

Looking ahead, PeGee sees the Junior League of Daytona Beach as a powerful catalyst in shaping the city’s future.

“I believe the next generation of women who will shape business and civic and nonprofit leadership will come through our doors,” she said.

“We are cultivating leaders who will lift communities, break barriers, and leave a lasting impact.”

As for the legacy PeGee hopes to leave behind, “I want to be remembered for creating space where every woman felt empowered to rise, and for instilling the belief that no challenge is too great when purpose leads the way.”

Family donates books to NICU at Halifax Health

After their baby was born prematurely, one local family started a fundraiser that contributed over 1,000 children’s books for families with babies at the Halifax HealthNeonatal ICU.

According to a press release, the Nardi family spent every day with their baby girl, holding and feeding her while they awaited the day she could come home. One day, Mr. Nardi mentioned to his wife that he wished he could better connect with his child. She suggested he read to their daughter.

“We brought in one of my own children’s books that I had stored away at home and began reading to our daughter every day and we haven’t stopped,” Mrs. Nardi said in

The food bank and its volunteers are on pace to help 20,000 individuals in 2025, up from 13,000 in 2023, Lennick said.

The Jewish Federation also is giving away backpacks for the 30th year in a row. If you need a backpack, contact the guidance department at your school, and they will help make arrangements.

What’s next for Observer Fundraising? Whenever you buy a $52 subscription for driveway delivery of the Observer at www.observerlocalnews.com/subscribe for the next month or so, you can also select a school to support, and the Observer will then donate $20 to the parentteacher association, to help local students.

As a reminder, the newspaper is still free to pick up in newsstands around town, and you can also see an electronic version of the print newspaper by clicking “e-newspaper” at www.observerlocalnews.com.

the press release. “Now I’m involved in a company that gives back to communities by donating books.”

Halifax Health stated that studies show reading to children has significant and lasting effects on their development, like social and thinking skills. In the hospital NICU, children’s books are available for parents to read to their baby which promote bonding, comfort, language development, and literacy, and to reduce parent stress.

“Mrs. Nardi was so moved by the care and progress her daughter received at Halifax Health, and believed the books made such a difference in her progress, that her family began a fundraiser that contributed over 1,000 children’s books for families with babies the NICU,” said Tanya Wolfe, NICU nurse manager.

“Now, each NICU family will be able to go home with a book to read to their child to continue the bonding and language development.”

Outgoing President Christine Davenport passes the gavel to new President Jayde Lyle. Courtesy photos

Veronika “Roni” PeGee

The Nardi family

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chickens in backyard, trucks in the driveway are not fine for Palm Coast

Dear Editor:

Responding to the comments of Bob Gordon and Mary Zito from the Observer on Thursday, July 10: I wish these two folks had run for Palm Coast City Council.

Bob and Mary are right on!

My son tried raising chickens in his backyard in a pretty little town up in Georiga. Cost him money for the babies, feed and a wire chicken run to house the babies. Later he built an air-conditioned coop for them but allowed them out to feed on the grass in the daytime.

His wife came home one day to find eight headless chickens in their yard and a fox galloping off with their ninth. Three had already died mysteriously. He gave up on getting 12 “free” eggs every day.

And regarding Mary’s feedback: I bought here precisely because there are restrictions on what un-civil people can do in our neighborhood. For those who want to park trucks and RVs and boats and junk cars in their driveway, they should consider living in the county where there are no restrictions. Leave the rest of us to wallow in our misery in our clean and civil neighborhoods. The mayor certainly cannot possibly represent a majority of homeowners here on these two ordinances. Put both items to a vote! Please!

WILLIAM LYON

Palm Coast

Taxpayers are paying for mayor’s mistake

Dear Editor:

What happens when someone knows or should have known that what they were doing is wrong, yet proceeds anyway? And what if that wrongful action causes a monetary loss to someone else?

The ethical answer, if you’re a “stand up guy,” is to acknowledge the mistake and make restitution. This principle applies to Mayor Mike Norris suing the city in his fruitless attempt to remove a council member. He lost the lawsuit, first and foremost because the court found the lawsuit had “no standing,” as well as failing on its merits.

“No standing” legalese means, in essence, that it was

a mistake to file the lawsuit in the first place, i.e., a wrongful action. City Attorney Marcus Duffy said he told Norris in advance that he did not have the necessary standing to file it, yet the mayor proceeded anyway only to find that indeed his action was fatally flawed from the outset.

The mayor’s wrongful action shifted the burden of his sound defeat onto our city, dipping into our taxpayer pockets to pay substantial legal fees to defend his lawsuit. Norris lost because he was wrong on legal principle, but the real losers, the real victims of the mayor’s action are obviously the taxpayers.

The mayor, however, had a whole different perspective. In a City Council meeting following the court ruling, Norris had no remorse and took no responsibility. There was no attempt at reconciliation or any interest in restoring any semblance of camaraderie on the City Council. Instead, he took a combative position, scoffed at and refused the council’s suggestion that he voluntarily reimburse taxpayers, goaded them to sue him, while wildly proclaiming he didn’t care if he cost the city $1 million. And curiously, that proclamation may, at least partially, come to fruition since Norris had promised a lawsuit appeal to the Supreme Court, yet another very poorly considered and vastly more costly notion.

So much for the “stand up guy” principle, so much for taking responsibility for filing a “fool’s game” lawsuit and, of course, so much for recouping the lost taxpayer money from the mayor. And so much for expecting any relief from the troubling continual controversies this mayor has become well known for.

BOB GORDON Palm Coast

Editor’s note: From a July 9 Observer story: Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked Duffy if he had advised the mayor on the lawsuit’s lack of standing and why the decisions were made at the time, and Duffy said he did. Norris said he was not advised on those issues.

Keep Palm Coast house color rules

Dear Editor: The restrictions should stay just the way they are.

Move to Bunnell if you don’t like it. Sorry I voted for Mayor Mike Norris.

MARIA MENENDEZ Palm Coast

Welcome DC Blox and Google

Dear Editor:

Flagler County is at a pivotal moment. We’re uniquely positioned for meaningful growth, but that window won’t stay open forever. To move forward, we must act with intention, and resist the loud but shortsighted “Heck no, we won’t grow” mindset that continues to hold us back.

This attitude isn’t just unproductive, it’s harming our reputation in the national business community and limiting the opportunities we can attract. Enter DC Blox and Google. Welcoming these companies isn’t just another development project, it could be a defining moment for our region. This is exactly the type of forward-thinking, techdriven investment we need to support if we want to become more than just a bedroom community. With our proximity to the Space Coast, we have a real chance to become a hub for the aerospace and high-tech industry. But we must take action now to lay the necessary groundwork. Let’s be realistic: This specific project won’t bring hundreds of jobs overnight. But it’s a vital first step. The infrastructure involved, including subsea cables and a modest hub facility, has far less impact than many fear. The hub uses a closed-loop refrigerant cooling system, similar to a household refrigerator. So it won’t tax the local water supply, and FPL confirms they can handle the power needs.

Placing the facility in Town Center is also a smart move. It will improve the area’s appearance and help transform it into the vibrant business and residential district it was always meant to be, not just a cluster of apartments and a government office.

As for community impact, this is the equivalent of a small office or call center. It will quietly generate tax revenue and impact fees, nothing huge, but certainly valuable. More importantly, it represents momentum.

Real progress doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect project. It comes from seizing smart opportunities

when they arise. This project is one such opportunity. The long-term benefits, strategic positioning, improved reputation, and a message to the tech world that we’re ready to grow, far outweigh any drawbacks.

In the end, this modest, low-impact investment sends a powerful signal: Flagler County and Palm Coast are open for business. Despite the noise on social media or in anonymous blog posts, we are a forwardlooking community, ready to welcome smart, sustainable growth. It’s time to take that first step, before someone else does.

RON LONG Flagler County

Inconsiderate residents put trash cans in front of mail boxes or in roadway

Dear Editor:

I am amazed as I walk around my development on trash pick-up days. It is hard to believe that many households put their trash cans and their vehicles directly in front of their mailboxes. And sometimes they actually put their trash cans on the roadway.

The roadway is for vehicles, not trash cans. Do they have to be told that because of this, the mail person has to get out of their vehicle to put mail in their box? Don’t they realize that this is not acceptable?

I would like to see the Post Office and/or code enforcement crack down on these inconsiderable individuals and just not deliver their mail on trash pick-up days. They need to give the postal people a break and put their trash and vehicles “away” from their mailbox and not on the road.

JOYCE EARLEY Palm Coast

Sunshine violation cast shadow on Charles Gambaro appointment

Dear Editor:

In regard to the article as to Mayor Norris costing taxpayers money in his recent lawsuit, what all residents may not be aware of is that, in the Observer’s Oct. 2, 2024, article “Sunshine violation casts shadow on Brig. Gen. Charles Gambaro Jr. appointment to Palm Coast Council,” the past mayor, along with thenCouncilmen Ed Danko and Nick Klufas, wanted to rush

Vaccines are essential for keeping cats healthy

Kittens require multiple vaccines over the course of the first few months of life.

AMY CAROTENUTO

FLAGLER HUMANE SOCIETY

What do all those initials in my cat’s vaccine stand for?

Just as we humans need vaccines and our dogs need vaccines, cats also need vaccines, especially when they are kittens. There are several lifethreatening and even communicable diseases that cats are susceptible to. Vaccinations are an essential component of keeping cats healthy.

Kittens require multiple vaccines over the course of the first few months of life starting around 6 weeks of age. Adult cats require less frequent vaccination, about once every one to three years. Vaccines contain modified (weakened or killed) virus or bacteria that trigger the cat’s immune system to develop antibodies which can help fight off future infection, if exposed to the disease. The FVRCP vaccine is a core vaccine for cats, protecting

against three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases:

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) Rhinotracheitis, also called feline herpes is the cause of up to 80-90% of all upper respiratory diseases in cats and kittens. Symptoms include fever, sneezing, inflamed eyes and nose with discharge. In healthy adult cats these symptoms may be mild and begin to clear up after about 5-10 days; however, in more severe cases, symptoms can last for months. Even after the symptoms of FVR have cleared up, the virus remains dormant in your cat’s body and can flare up repeatedly over your kitty’s lifetime.

2. Feline Calicivirus (C)

Calici is a major cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation and clear or yellow discharge from the infected cat’s nose or eyes. Cats often develop painful ulcers on their tongue, gums or lips. Often cats infected with feline calicivirus suffer from loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting and lethargy.

Certain strains can cause pneumonia, and still others can lead to joint pain and lameness.

3. Feline Panleukopenia (P)

Panleuk, often nicknamed feline parvo is a common and serious virus in cats that causes damage to bone marrow, lymph nodes and the cells lining your cat’s intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy and dehydration.

Cats infected with panleuk frequently develop secondary infections as well, due to the weakened state of their immune systems. Although

and appoint Mr. Gambaro to fill the vacant seat. However, Theresa Pontieri interrupted before a vote could be cast to bring up a sunshine violation over an email about supporting Gambaro for that seat. Gambaro was voted in on a 3-1 vote, Pontieri dissenting.

The article states, “The Florida Sunshine Law prohibits elected officials from conversing with each other on matters that will come up to a vote in meetings outside of public meetings, even by email.” So to read on, there was also a second email which speaks for itself.

(Editor’s Note: Theresa Pontieri commented during that meeting: “Let me be clear. I don’t think this person meant to violate sunshine, but it allowed us to know how they would be voting tonight, so it’s relevant.”)

However, these past disgruntled council members and mayor lost their elections.

City Attorney Duffy was asked by Mayor Alfin at the time if the ethics violation impacted the council’s ability to vote. Duffy commented that this was the first time he was hearing about it? And then said, “I do not have enough facts to make the conclusion.”

Right then and there, this appointment should have been tabled or ruled unethical and a violation. The scales of justice did not prevail, first with our well-paid city attorney, and secondly with the judge dismissing the case, especially with this ethics violation prior.

Mayor Norris represents all the people, not the developers. He campaigned against over-development, fixing much needed infrastructure, i.e. water and sewer treatment upgrading.

Had our city attorney done his job in the illegal council appointment, the June 3, 2025, court matter would never have happened.

CAROL STOUGHTON Palm Coast

Walmart expansion doesn’t resolve homeless situation

Dear Editor: While the Ormond Beach Walmart Supercenter expansion is exciting, there’s still a big issue with homelessness that won’t just go away. Instead of solving the problem, it might just push people to different spots in town. The city leaders really need to focus on helping

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CORRECTION

„ In the July 10 story, “Broken elevator leaves some seniors stuck,” the third paragraph said residents and families were informed on Jan. 19 that the elevator would be replaced. It should have said they were informed on June 19.

„ Carrie Meng, who was featured in a story last week for finishing the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run in under 30 hours, lives in Flagler Beach, not Palm Coast.

the homeless, too, because ignoring it is like trying to hit a mole in a game — every time you think you’ve got it, another one pops up!

JOE PEREZ Ormond Beach

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

this disease can attack cats of any age it is most common in kittens.

Treating panleukopenia can require intensive nursing care and constant IV therapy.

The FVRCP vaccine is an extremely effective way to protect your kitty against these three highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases.

Also, don’t forget your cat’s rabies vaccine. Keeping pets current on rabies vaccines is Florida law, due to the fact that rabies can cause a human health risk.

Feline Leukemia is a lot like the HIV virus in humans. Some cats can live long lives with leukemia. If your cat is completely indoors, your vet may not even recommend the vaccine.

Besides vaccines, also make sure your cats and kittens are regularly dewormed and treated with flea prevention. In return for the care that you provide for a cat, cats have a calming, stress-reducing impact on our health. Cat ownership may improve heart health, alleviate social isolation, protect against allergies/asthma and boost mental health.

The following stories and lightly edited comments were posted on the Observer’s Facebook pages. What’s your take? Email letters to brian@ observerlocalnews.com.

Flagler County proposes tentative tax rate, still searching for ways to fund the beach

Andrew Werner: Tax increase from the city and now from the county?

Jessica Aquata: That should be done at state level in my opinion.

Sandra Cooper: People that live on/at the beach should be paying to ensure their yards don’t wash away. They sure don’t use tax dollars to keep anyone else’s yard from washing away.

Eric Cooley: The stormwater fees that everyone pays into keeps all the inland yards from washing away so that statement is incorrect.

Another thing to notice, is everyone pays the stormwater fees if it affects them directly or not.

Sandra Cooper: When we have storms and our yards wash into the ditches, who pays to replace the dirt for

that? The county? lol Never that I have seen. The homeowner is the responsible party. It should be the same for the beachside residents also.

Eric Cooley: When both stormwater and the beach are properly done, erosion is kept to a minimum. Everyone has seen that in action with the new section of beach that got reworked and many successful stormwater projects.

Joan Barry Harris: It is not about yards. It is about protecting historic A1A from washing away. People from all over enjoy the beach. The county profits from visitors.

Ormond Beach seeks FEMA funds for Fleming Avenue pump station project Stephen Breyette: Needed this done 5 years ago. Dab Dave: That area going from Ormond, down through Port Orange between Ridgewood (old beach head) and the Coquina Ridge that runs along Clyde Morris (old beach head) was at one time like the Halifax river. It was water. It’s gonna keep filling up from time to time. Geology 101

Courtesy photo

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Ormond’s Halifax Repertory Theatre to present ‘Guys and Dolls’

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach’s Halifax Repertory Theatre hopes audiences fall in love with their upcoming production — perhaps enough for “a bushel and a peck.”

Through special arrangement with Music Theater International, the nonprofit theatre company is presenting Tony Award winning Broadway musical “Guys and Dolls” at the News-Journal Center, opening at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 25.

Set in the streets of New York City in the late 1940s, the romantic comedy follows two love stories — that of gambler Sky Masterson (played by HRT’s producer Jack Cook) and mission worker Sarah Brown (played by Ashley Ricci Garcia), and the story of showgirl Adelaide (played by HRT’s Artistic Director Jennifer McGill) and her fiancé Nathan Detroit (played by Noah Clark).

The show features a large cast of 30 actors, from as young as 10 years old.

The range in age reinforces what HRT often talks about — how it is a professional hybrid of a theatre company, McGill said.

“We are not a community theatre, we are your community’s theatre,” said McGill, an Ormond Beach resident.

“That is represented by the age range, by the diversity of our group.”

This will be Garcia’s first show with HRT. The New York-based actress

Luck Be a Lady

wanted to do for a long time. Garcia has been acting for 14 years, and said being part of the cast of “Guys and Dolls” has been a fun experience.

“I love doing big shows, and it’s been a while since I’ve done one, so I’m so excited to meet all these new people, and the energy that a big cast brings is always really fun,”

Both of her grandparents were actors. She has many memories of them singing scores to older musicals, like “Guys and Dolls.” That makes this show nostalgic to her, and she said she’ll be happy if she can activate similar memories for people in the audience.

“My goal as an actress is to really help people get through that mundane part of their lives,” Garcia said. “If they’re down in the dumps and they need a laugh, I want to give them that. If they need to feel, a nostalgia, I love giving them that.”

Bringing talent into Ormond Beach is a large part of why Cook and his wife Sandra, executive director of HRT, wanted to start the theatre company. It’s why they recruited McGill, a former Disney Channel Mouseketeer, and moved her to Ormond, where the Cooks grew up.

“We all benefit from it — from the kids here to our audiences out there,” Cook said. “They come out of our show saying, ‘Wow, this

was just a lot more than we expected.’ The caliber, the quality of it all, and that’s exactly what we hope to continue to deliver to the community by being able to bring in talent like this.”

Having Sandra Cook direct “Guys and Dolls” gives the musical a strong female perspective, which Jack Cook said is what is setting HRT’s production apart from others. When the show was written, the “dolls” were plot points, but HRT has taken a different approach. What are they thinking? How can lines be delivered to convey that?

“So I love this approach because both of these lead female characters have added such a complexity on it that you find the guys back on their heels to the dolls,” Cook said.

In addition to putting on productions, HRT hosts dance classes, voice lessons and acting workshops. A portion of proceeds from every show is donated to organizations such as Children’s Musical Theatre Workshop to continue fostering a love of theatre and arts in the community.

Making sure education is at the center of everything HRT does is a goal of McGill’s.

“We make sure that we’re educating and supporting and nurturing up and coming talent,” she said. “Not just people who have already arrived and are awesome at what they do because they’ve been doing it forever. We also really nurture the community

IF YOU GO

GUYS AND DOLLS

When: 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, and Aug. 1 and 2; and 2 p.m. on Sundays, July 27 and Aug. 3.

Where: Davidson Theater at the News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach Details: Tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for children under 12; and $30 for seniors over 65. Visit www. halifaxrep.com.

who wants to get into the arts more and see more people like them up there.”

The Cooks founded HRT because they saw that the community wished to be an “art center” in Central Florida.

They were on board with that mission.

“We’re going to make sure that that can happen with performance and live art, and that’s we’re going to continue to do,” Cook said. “The only help we need from the community is put your butts in the seats. Tell everyone you know because as long as we have the people coming out and loving what we do, we’re going to keep bringing them more.”

PHOTOS PAGE 3B

The cast of Halifax Repertory Theatre’s production of “Guys and Dolls.”

Lily Zelman, Molly Johnson, Ania Zalewski, Jennifer McGill, and Tara Tallulah. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Nathan Juliano and Chase Cook.

Roman Dimayuga opens the show.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 18

SUMMER SOUNDS

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See Derek Trull & EasyStreet perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.

SIXTH ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

DINNER AND COMEDY NIGHT

When: 6-9:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Elks Lodge, 53 Old Kings Road, N, Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy a night of dinner, laughter, a silent auction and support local nonprofit Christmas Come True. Check-in and cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.; the show, featuring comedian Cristy B, will begin at 8 p.m. Costs $55 per person with the cocktail hour; $25 per person for the comedy show only. Visit christmascometrue.org/events.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20 and 27.

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Unit B207, Palm Coast

Details: Tony- and Drama Deskaward-winning play: the story of an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship

of a lifetime. Tickets: $32.70/$17.17. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

PEDAL IN THE PARK

When: 8-10:30 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 3005 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Formerly known as Tour de Palm Coast, this bike ride will begin at 8 a.m. and take participants through Linear and Waterfront Parks. Bring a reusable water bottle. All riders must wear a helmet. Light refreshments served. Free event.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Granada Boulevard, from A1A to Orchard Street, Ormond Beach

Details: Support local businesses and celebrate summer with a holiday vibe. There will be visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a familyfriendly “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt, live entertainment and more. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com/ christmasinjuly.

RUMMAGE, BAKE AND DOLL

SALE WITH CAR SHOW

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Rummage of all kinds will be available. Dolls will be 75% off. Event includes the Wheels in Motion antique car show. Free admission.

BOOK SIGNING BY LUSINE

TOROSSIAN

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: Vedic Moons, 4984 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Unit 4

Details: Lusine Torossian will sign her novel, “Light Weaver,” a young adult dark fairy tale woven with mythology. Author swag for the first 15 arrivals. Call 386-585-5167.

‘PETER PAN AND THE HOOK’

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Daytona Playhouse, 100 Jessamine Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Production by the Playhouse’s Young Actors Company. This musical comedy is a retelling of Peter Pan, featuring Hook’s drive for revenge front and center after he loses his hand. Tickets: $15/$10. Visit daytonaplayhouse.org.

SALVE REGINA ORGAN RECITAL

When: 3-4 p.m.

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

Details: See “Salve Regina: Organ Devotionals to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” featuring Caleb R. Klinzing on the Cornel-Zimmer Organ. Free.

DRIVE TO 55K

FLAGLER BEACH POLICE

DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER

When: 3-9 p.m.

Where: Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar parking lot, 600 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Hosted by Flagler Strong, help raise money for safety equipment for the Flagler Beach Police Department. There will be live music by Red Foot, Signal 20 Band and Alias Band. Cristy B of Cristy B Comedy Club will emcee.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

‘MAGNIFIED’ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday,

July 24, to Saturday, July 26

Where: St. Thomas Episcopal

Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Ages 5-13 are invited to make friends, create crafts, sing and explore the details of God’s world at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 27.

LET’S TALK PALM COAST — A TOWN HALL SERIES

When: 5-6 p.m.

Where: Southern Recreation Center, second floor, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Meet City Council member

Ty Miller as he hosts a town hall. Get a chance to ask questions and learn more about local government in this open forum.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

SUMMER SOUNDS

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See Cool Breeze perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

FAMILY MATTERS: FREE SEMINAR SATURDAY SERIES

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

Where: Ormond Beach library

Details: Explore strategies for family empowerment and principles of child development. Hosted by Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Inc. Free lunch, resources provided while supplies last. All are welcome. To RSVP, email Belinda Davis at investinhealth@gmail.com.

YOUR TOWN

Palm Coast resident travels to Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary

Joey Malheiros of Palm Coast has been a fan of the iconic Steven Spielberg movie, “Jaws,” for 25 of his 31 years. He estimates he has seen the movie 1,000 times, including one year when he watched it every day. Last month, he and his friend Hannah made a pilgrimage to Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, where Jaws was filmed, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the shark thriller.

“The town was Oak Bluff where our ferry took port and as soon as I stepped on the island it was like stepping into a dream,” Malheiros said. “It was a regular living, breathing town. But what was a normal town to some was a timeless set to one of the greatest films in cinema history.”

The Wharf Pub in Edgartown on the island was a hub for the celebration bringing in actors from the movie who signed autographs. The owner of the Wharf Pub, Jeffrey Voorhees, was one of the actors himself. The Martha’s Vineyard native played Alex Kintner, a boy who was devoured by the shark. One of the Wharf Pub’s sandwiches is called the Alex Kintner.

Malheiros said he didn’t set foot on the beach, but he did walk on the “Jaws Bridge,” seen in the movie.

Ormond Beach’s East Coast Insurors celebrates 50 years in business

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Steve Hall started East Coast Insurors with only $1,500 in his pocket.

With only two years of experience in the insurance world as an underwriter for Allstate insurance, Hall decided he wanted to do more. With the help of his uncle, he was able to rent a room out of an office on Seabreeze Boulevard in Daytona Beach to start his own insurance company in 1975.

“I realized that there was more money in selling insurance then there was in underwriting so I asked Allstate if I could be an Allstate agent and they said no, they didn’t like their underwriters leaving and trying to become agents,”

Steve Hall said, “So I said ‘Well I’m going to start my own insurance company then’ and that’s exactly what I did.”

On July 5, Hall celebrated 50 years in business.

After a year and a half of working out of the rental room, Hall had enough money and clientele to purchase

Luck Be a Lady

his first building off of Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach. Since then, he has relocated this office to Ormond Beach,

at 801 S. Yonge St., Suite 1.

In 1989, he opened a second location in Palm Coast, located at 4845 Belle Terre Parkway, Suite E. Vicky Hall, Steve’s wife, joined the company in 2007 shortly after they got married. She said the coincidence of East Coast Insurors’ Palm Coast location being located in Victoria Plaza was “a sign that we belonged together.”

The agency transfers clients risks’ to insurance companies, providing financial protection, post losses. This may include houses, cars or other personal property that was lost or damaged in accidents or natural disasters. Their goal is to help their clients get back to where they were before the loss.

“ It’s a lot of work, but it’s satisfying to get rewarded when you know you’re doing a good job for your clients; when something happens and they know that they’re correctly insured because you

took care of them,” Vicky Hall said.

Things haven’t always been smooth sailing though. In 1993, the impact of Hurricane Andrew led to many insurance companies going bankrupt due to not having the money to pay out all of their claims.

Luckily, East Coast Insurors only had one company they were affiliated with go bankrupt. They stayed on their feet and kept growing from there, despite the minor setbacks.

The Halls have spent time and money educating their employees on insurance contracts and how to help clients understand their personalized policy and what it provides.

Vicky Hall said they believe this is an important aspect of their company as everyone who works for them should know how to read insurance policies and how to help and assist clients find the right one.

Vicky Hall and a few of their associates came together to

surprise

“I’m very fortunate to have great people that not only work with me now, but have also worked with me in the past,” Steve Hall said. “It helps make things better and Vicky is one of those great people.”

Steve Hall with a party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his business. The surprise was almost ruined when Steve’s car broke down, but the associates had a plan and put all of Vicky’s ideas together for the surprise party.

Steve and Vicky Hall at their surprise 50th anniversary party.

Steve Hall on July 5th 1975, on the day of his business opening. Photo courtesy of Vicky Hall

PHOTOS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1B

Adam Campbell.

Jack Cook, as “Sky Masterson,” and Ashley Ricci Garcia, as “Sarah Brown.”

Victoria Rivera, as “Agatha.”

Hot Box girl Sophie Hodges.

Soleil DeGraide, Isaiah Mcmillon and Emily Odom.

Jack Cook, as “Sky Masterson,” and Noah Clark as “Nathan Detroit.”

Michael Funaro as “Arvide Abernathy.”

Molly Johnson as a “Hot Box girl.”

Farentino Lennox, as “Benny Southstreet,” and Stephens Simmons, as “Nicely-Nicely Johnson.”

BIZ BUZZ

Ormond attorney is ‘Florida Super Lawyer’ for 10th consecutive year

Erum Kistemaker, managing attorney and shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group, has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers for the 10th consecutive year.

According to a press release, the condo, construction, HOA, real estate, business law and landlord and tenant law attorney has had an active role in new and changing legislation regarding Florida condo law — being featured as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation authority on various state-wide panels discussing the latest regulatory changes and Legislative updates.

Since 2004, Kistemaker has

served on the Real Property, Probate, Trust Law Section and is a voting and executive member on the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee where she serves as co-chair of the Education Sub-Committee, among others. Additionally, she serves on the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee.

This is the 12th straight year Kistemaker, a Seabreeze High School alumna, has been recognized by the organization (voted a Rising Star previously).

“It’s an incredible honor to be selected by peers in this capacity and to be working with the ever-evolving condo law legislation in our state,” she said.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven rating service of outstanding lawyers. No more than 5% of attorneys are selected annually.

Passalaqua receives SCI leadership award

Craig Flagler Palms Area Manager Sal Passalaqua, Jr. was presented with the Service Corporation International Operations Leadership Service Excellence Award on Tuesday, June 18m, at Craig Flagler Palms, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach.

Passalaqua, who has been with the company since 2004, was recognized for his exceptional commitment to serving families.

Passalaqua was one of only seven recipients selected from Dignity Memorial’s 25,000 employees nationwide.

“Sal’s application immediately stood out,” said John Faulk, senior vice president and chief operating officer of SCI, who flew in from Houston to celebrate Passalaqua’s achievement. “I like things short, concise and to the point, but

when I got to Sal’s application, I didn’t want to put it down — I didn’t want it to end. It truly exemplified what makes our team members spectacular.”

Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came when Passalaqua’s 16-year-old daughter, Alyna, delivered a tribute that brought tears to many in attendance.

“Words will never be enough to express how proud I am of you,” she said, acknowledg-

ing that her father’s work “is more than just a job — it’s a responsibility that many people may not be able to handle, but my dad handled it with heart, grace and absolutely relentless effort. You’ve shown me what it means to work hard as you’ve carried others in their darkest moments.”

The SCI Service Excellence Award program, created in 2007, recognizes and honors SCI and Dignity Memorial associates across North America for exceeding expectations through exemplary service.

“I’m grateful for the trust that families place in us and for the amazing team at Craig Flagler Palms who make it possible to serve our community with dignity and compassion,” Passalaqua said. “After more than two decades with this company, I’m reminded daily that our work is about so much more than business — it’s about being there for families when they need us most.”

DG Market in Bunnell to host

A new DG Market at 4530 U.S. 1 North in Bunnell is now open and offering an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, Dollar General announced.

To celebrate, the company plans to host a grand opening event on Saturday, July 19, at 8 a.m., which will include $10 complimentary gift cards to the first 50 adult customers and DG tote bags to the first 100 customers.

The store is expected to employ 10-15 people. Individuals interested in joining the DG team may review available positions and apply online at www. dollargeneral.com/careers. The Bunnell store opens the opportunity to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. Visit www.dgliteracy.com.

Sal Passalaqua with his daughter, Alyna. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE

A house in Venice Park tops sales list in Flagler

Ahouse at 143 N. Palmetto Ave., in Venice Park, was the top real estate transaction for June 28 to July 4 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on June 30, for $1,030,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat house and 2,233 square feet.

Condos

A condo at 25 Casa Bella Circle, Unit 303, sold on July 3, for $665,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 2,480 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $525,000.

A condo at 13 Oakmont Court, Unit 13, sold on July 3, for $225,000. Built in 1980, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $70,000.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 908, sold on June 30, for $650,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $670,000.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 427, sold on July 1, for $284,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 1/1 and has 678 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $260,000.

A condo at 60 Surfview

Drive, Unit 317, sold on June 30, for $475,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,640 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $675,000.

PALM COAST

Lehigh Woods A house at 19 Richelieu Lane sold on July 3, for $354,923. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,265 square feet.

A house at 74 Rocking Horse Drive sold on July 3, for $300,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,719 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $305,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 13 Cedarfield Court sold on July 2, for $975,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool, a boat dock, a fireplace, a boat house and 3,080 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $735,000.

Pine Grove A house at 143 Persimmon

Riverbend Acres home sells for $1 million

Ahouse at 260 Spreading Oak Lane in Riverbend Acres was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week of June 21-27. The house sold on June 27, for $1,000,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 3,028 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condo

The condo at 150 Limewood Place, Unit B, sold on June 23, for $137,500. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,316 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $78,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 3228 Arch Ave. sold on June 23, for $499,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,787 square feet.

Coquina Point

The house at 35 China Moon Drive sold on June 24, for $450,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,150 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $335,000.

Donald Heights

The house at 1909 Nelson Ave. sold on June 23, for $240,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/1.5 and has 1,028 square feet. It last sold in January 2025 for $125,000.

Fiesta Heights

The house at 110 Cuadro Place sold on June 25, for $265,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,671 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $220,000.

Fountain View

The house at 1263 Big Bass Drive sold on June 25, for $371,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3140 Kailani Court sold on June 23, for $325,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $300,100.

Not in subdivision

The house at 464 Druid Circle sold on June 27, for $500,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,325 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $250,000.

Ocean Village

The villa at 20 Oriole Circle, Unit A, sold on June 25, for $165,000. Built in 1947, the villa is a 1/1 and has 504 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $145,000.

Plantation Bay

The house at 1293 Harwick Lane sold on June 23, for $545,000. Built in 2011, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,144 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $360,000.

Rio Vista Gardens

The house at 621 Santa Fe Ave. sold on June 27, for $422,100. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,896 square feet.

The Trails The house at 4 Eagle Rock Trail sold on June 27, for $310,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a

2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,605 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $255,000.

River Oaks in The Hammock A house at 15 River Oaks Way sold on July 1, for $860,500. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and

2021 for $295,000.

A house at 93 Ulysses Trail sold on July 1, for $409,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,992 square feet.

A house at 298 Montgomery Court sold on June 30, for 357,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,895 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report fireplace and 2,411 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $124,900.

The house at 128 Shady Branch Trail sold on June 27, for $575,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,629 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $310,000.

Tomoka Park

The house at 35 Knollwood Estates Drive sold on June 23, for $415,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 1,858 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $265,000.

Tropical Mobile Home Village The manufactured house at 1300 Arroyo Parkway sold on June 24, for $165,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,709 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $42,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Beau Rivage Shores The house at 137 Beau Rivage Drive sold on June 25, for $340,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,419 square feet. It last sold in January 2025 for $300,000.

Not in subdivision The house at 22 Morning Star Ave. sold in June 23, for $289,900. Built in 1967, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,204 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $558,500.

Oakview Heights The house at 52 Oakview Circle sold on June 23, for $335,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,6630 square feet. It last sold in 1987 for $72,000.

Sunrise Cove The house at 149 Sunrise Cove Circle sold on June 25, for $650,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a spa and 1,639 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $542,500.

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

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Go to Goal

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The start of Pete Hald’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp can mean only one thing — another Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer season is on the way.

This will be Hald’s 35th season as the Bulldogs’ coach. His goal, he said, has been to reach that milestone. At some point during the 2025-26 season he should reach another milestone. He’s currently eight wins shy of 550 victories.

But with every milestone that Hald reaches, another draws near.

Hald, a Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach, can think of reasons to extend his career past this milestone season. He has a special junior class. Seven of them contributed on varsity as freshmen. There were games last season when eight of them started as sophomores. He’d like to see that group through their senior season in 2027.

And he’d like to present his son, Jacob, an incoming freshman, with his high school diploma in four years.

But mostly, Hald doesn’t need an excuse to keep coaching. He loves it too much. As long as he’s teaching at FPC, he wants to coach.

“Coaching, obviously, has become my life,” he said. “I love teaching, but I love teaching soccer the most. I can’t see myself teaching if I’m not coaching.”

“I love teaching, but I love teaching soccer the most. I can’t see myself teaching if I’m not coaching.”

FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS

The Go to Goal camp is all about learning fundamentals. The first evening of the four-day camp on Monday, July 14, marked another milestone for Hald. This is the 25th year he has led the camp, though he has been involved as a coach with the camp even before that.

Most of the campers are FPC players. Hald will also allow incoming seventh and eighth graders with high

skill levels to participate.

Hailey Sammons, one of the rising juniors, has been coming to the camp since she was in seventh grade.

“I came in with one other (seventh grader), Ivy Chen. We were scared,” Sammons said. “But it gave me experience. It was a huge game changer.”

The Go to Goal camp is intense but fun, said senior goalkeeper Natalie Neal, who is participating in the camp for the fifth year.

The first two days of the camp are the hardest because they focus on skill development, Hald said. The third day focuses on shooting and finishing, which everybody loves to do, he said. And the final day is heavy on scrimmaging and combination drills.

“It’s really good, especially because we don’t play (games) that much over the summer, except for (the 7v7 league),” rising senior Eva Sites said. “This is perfect, because for three hours we’re playing. We’re doing technical drills, we’re shooting and then we scrimmage at the end. I would say this is kind of like a taste of what you’ll get during the season for players who haven’t played for him before.

“Coach Hald is one of the best coaches I’ve played for,” Sites said. “You can tell from the beginning,

Ormond Beach’s Scott Baker to wheel in NYC Marathon using arm bike

This will be the first marathon for Baker, who became paralyzed after a crash in 1982.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Last year, Ormond Beach resident Scott Baker watched his youngest son run the New York City Marathon.

He also saw people in wheelchairs completing the marathon. That motivated him to do the same.

“It’s so inspiring watching those people,” Baker said. “I’ve always been an athlete.”

Originally from Canada, playing hockey was a way of life. He attended Kent State University in Ohio on a hockey scholarship, and at 21 years old, he was the co-captain of the university hockey team.

Then one night in 1982, Baker became paralyzed from the waist down after two drunk drivers, who were drag racing, crashed into a car occupied by Baker and two of his college friends. Baker doesn’t remember the crash. He remembers waking up in the hos-

pital and being told he’d never walk again. That wasn’t the hard part.

It was watching his parents react to the news.

“I accepted it,” Baker said. “I said, ‘It is what it is — wrong place, wrong time. Get on with your life’. But watching everybody else suffer? That was the toughest [part.]

I couldn’t imagine what it was like for my parents to drive from Canada down to Kent, Ohio, not knowing what happened to me.”

Baker, who works at the Publix in Ormond-by-the-Sea, said his life’s outlook has been if he can help someone, he’ll try his best to do so, and that includes raising money.

So when he made the decision to wheel in the Nov. 2 New York City marathon — which will be his first ever — he did so with the same intention. Baker will be joined by his sons Joey and Matthew, and niece Carly, who are all part of a team that is aiming to raise $25,000 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to benefit spinal cord injury research.

The foundation also helps people with mobility impairment diagnoses including strokes, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy and others.

“Team Reeve” marathoners have

participated in major marathons in Boston, Chicago, and NYC, raising over $1 million with 135 team members last year.

This year, Team Reeve has over 100 athletes participating in these marathons and is aiming to raise $800,000 for research and resource programs.

So far, Baker and his team have raised about $11,600.

Spinal cord research has been a big part of Baker’s life. His twins, Joey and daughter Kelly, were the first twins born in Canada through in vitro fertilization from a paraplegic.

“That was all through spinal cord research,” Baker said. “But the stuff they’re doing nowadays, they’re connecting stuff, making people walk. If I can help anybody to not go through what I went through, that’s the whole goal.”

If it wasn’t to help raise money for spinal cord research, Baker said, he doesn’t know if he’d take part in the marathon. Before his injury, he wasn’t a runner.

“Never even intrigued me,” Baker said. “We had to train for hockey, but long distance? Not a chance. Wasn’t doing it.”

Pete Hald watches the players scrimmage on the first day of the Go to Goal camp. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Natalie Neal makes a save in the net as players in the background line up to participate in a drill.

Pete Hald leads his 25th Go to Goal camp and looks forward to his latest milestone.

Hailey Sammons and Zoe Almberg battle in a drill as coach Pete Hald watches in the background.

PETE HALD, FPC girls soccer coach

Scott Baker will take part in the Nov. 2 NYC Marathon using this arm bike. Courtesy photo

FPC girls soccer

he’s no nonsense. I’ve learned a lot from him. Coming in after eighth grade and then after my freshman year, the difference was incredible. My skill level skyrocketed. So, he’s done a lot for me.” Neal said even though goalkeeping is not Hald’s specialty, he’s taught her a lot.

“He brings out the best version of myself,” she said.

HALD’S DAUGHTER

JOINING STAFF

Normally, the Go to Goal camp is in June. But Hald underwent shoulder surgery on March 21 to repair his rotator cuff and a torn labrum and wasn’t recovered enough last month to run drills. He’s still not 100%, he said.

“I’m too old for this,” he

laughed. “When I get here and get going, I’m happy, I’m excited. And when I finish up, I always think it’s a good camp. But I’m relieved that it’s over. Leading up to the camp I struggle a little bit, because I know it’s going to be four hot days.”

Heading into the camp, the Bulldogs had already done 30 team activities this summer including beach workouts, the 7v7 league against other teams, weight-room training and free play.

“I think they are prepared a little bit more. They’re acclimated to the summer heat, and so I almost think it’s better doing it (in July),” he said. Hald’s 35th season will be different. Madi Gaines, his daughter, will be joining his coaching staff. Madi was a member of Hald’s final-four

team in 2014 and went on to play soccer at Florida Southern College.

Hald will now have two of his former players as assistants. Cat Bradley is enter-

ing her 15th year as FPC’s JV coach and varsity assistant. Having his daughter on his coaching staff is yet another reason to reach for more milestones.

His son Matthew wasn’t a runner either before he ran for Team Reeve last year in the NYC marathon. In fact, Matthew played minor pro hockey. His older son Joey is a fireman in Canada.

Sports remained a big part of Baker’s life after his injury.

Following his recovery, he went back to Kent State to help coach the hockey team, and began dating his wife Ellen. Over the years, he also did some scouting.

About three months ago, he purchased an arm bike and started training, going for 15-20 miles. Locals may spot him biking north on Beach

Street toward Tomoka State Park and back.

“Here in Florida, it’s all flat, so I’ve been training a lot,” Baker said. “I think I can do it, no problem. My son said the hills are pretty wicked though in the New York marathon, so it’s pretty hard.” Baker has a plan for that too though: As the date for the marathon approaches, he’ll take on biking over the Granada bridge. To donate to Baker’s team, visit https://give.reeve.org/ fundraiser/6165216.

Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

Gabby Guerrera takes a shot at FPC’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp.

Lacie Clay and Kadyn Davis battle during a drill at FPC’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp.

Aliya Padilla takes a shot on goal during a drill at the Go to Goal Soccer Camp at Flagler Palm Coast. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Scott Baker and his sons, Joey and Matthew. Courtesy photo

You can pick it up for free on newsstands everywhere.

Or skip the trip into town and get it on your driveway.

TRIBUTES

Irene Joan Donaghy

August 9, 1934 - July 2, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Irene “Renee” Joan Donaghy (née Fleming) of Flagler Beach, Florida, who left this earthly realm on July 2, 2025. She lived a beautiful life filled with over 90 years of family, friends, travel, adventure, and endless love and laughter.

Renee was born on August 9, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Emily (Novosel) and John Fleming. Growing up in the “city of brotherly love,” she developed a passion for singing, dancing, and acting in her high school plays and musicals. Her voice graced the choir at St. Malachy’s Church, and in 1952, she proudly graduated from the first all-girls Catholic high school in the country, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School.

After graduation, Renee worked as a private secretary, biller/receptionist, and telephone operator. It was during this time that she fell in love with Thomas “Tom” Joseph

Donaghy. When Tom asked for her parents’ blessing to marry Renee, her mother asked what he was going to do for her daughter. Tom promised he would take her around the world — and he was true to his word. They married in January 1957 at St. Veronica’s Church in Philadelphia and began a life together filled with shared experiences that would last for 67 years. They traveled extensively, with very few places that they did not visit; their favorite destinations were Hawaii, Australia, and their ancestral home of Ireland.

The couple started their married life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then moved to Center City, New Jersey, followed by Bel Air, Maryland, and eventually they settled down in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, all while growing their family and raising four children. Renee was the heart of the Donaghy household, and her kitchen and dining room table were where everyone would gather for delicious dinners, holiday celebrations,

ON TARGET

birthdays, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, and even an occasional wedding or two. She had a remarkable gift for cooking and making everyone feel welcome and loved around her table. Her homemade potato salad, rice pudding, and Kahlua beans were legendary. She happily shared her recipes, but no one could recreate that special “extra touch” she always added to each dish that made it perfect: her LOVE.

When their children finished school, Tom retired and took on consulting work, which sent them to Illinois, New Jersey, and Alabama. In 1988, they moved to their own personal “paradise” — Flagler Beach,

Florida — where they continued to open their home to family and friends, creating new memories and traditions. Even though many relatives lived in the Northeast, their Flagler Beach home became a hub for holiday celebrations, and over the years, more children and grandchildren joined them in Florida. Renee’s heart was fullest when she could pass down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren her love for family gatherings, an appreciation for good food, and an embrace of life’s joyful moments; these are all a part of her legacy.

Renee took great pleasure in entertaining, boating, traveling, and socializing, but what she valued most was simply being with Tom. Their allegiance and affection for each other was obvious to anyone who met them. They truly were inseparable; their love and commitment to each other served as an inspiration to their family and community.

Renee was a faithful member of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church and gave her time generously to commu-

nity organizations. She was a founding member and former Treasurer of the Flagler Beach Yacht Club, and a former member of the Facawee Boat Club, Crescent Yacht Club, Bodkin Yacht Club, and the Galley Slaves. Renee had a way of making friends wherever she went, and her warm, welcoming spirit left a mark on countless people over the years.

Renee’s life will always be cherished and remembered well by her children: Thomas Donaghy Jr. of Flagler Beach, FL; Kathleen Donaghy of Palm Coast, FL; Sharon Kochenour of Palm Coast, FL; and Michael Donaghy and his wife, Cinda, of York, PA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Justin (Katelynn), Tiffany, Caitlin, Brendan (Marissa), Dylan (Danette), Daniel, and Devin (Edgar); and her three great-grandchildren: Riley, Reef, and Finnegan. She leaves behind sisters-in-law Joanne (Robert), Carmella (Richard), and Pat (Richard), as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Tom (11/20/2024), her parents Emily and John, her brothers John (Lorraine), Robert, and Richard, and her sister Isabel (Clement). While her family will deeply miss her vital persona and engaging presence, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited again with our father, her beloved Tom. A Mass will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Ave, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Renee will be laid to rest beside her husband on July 16 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, North Mims, FL 32754, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Surfside Beach, SC, during the family’s annual reunion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate, Gentiva Hospice, or Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach.

Kenneth Cole soft leather computer bag Like new! Can send pic. 386-793-3155. $50. Sells for 145.

Items under $200

Targus TSB 212 Laptop Backpack. New, tags, 12 compartments, warranty, $65. (386) 316-9990.

Schlemmertopf Clay Baker For roasts and bread Like New $15 (386) 283-4367

Assorted plants Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, and Multiple Other Types of Plants Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387

3 Wheel Green Bicycle Mint Condition w Basket $199 570-854-5957

Girls 24” Huffy Bicycle $50. Elkay Hot/cold Water Dispenser $50. 20” Mower $99 386-597-3684

Sunny Health and Fitness Flywheel Exercise Bike, New, Hardly Used. $80. PC 386-569-6579

MOVING SALE Printer or Microwave Cart Still In Box Sacrifice $25 obo Tan And Black Adjustable Bar Stool. In Box Never Opened, $25.00. 386-346-5117 /C-239-671-2580

Carving Trikke Ride like inline skating Also good for Exercising Good Condition $65. Car Bicycle

Carrier $40. Will Consider Best Offer 386-627-6562

For Rent

Room For Rent. Female Only.

Large Room w/ Cable TV. No Smoking. No Drugs. No Excess Alcohol. Share Bathroom, Refrigerator w/ 1 P. Kitchen Privileges. $700/mo 386-283-2663

Duplex 3b/2b $1500/mo No Smoking, No Pets 516-729-0912

1b For Rent in PC with Private Bath, Parking Space Available, Internet Included, Access to Washer and Dryer, Shared Kitchen Space, Affordable. Call 386-336-2849

For Sale

Retired Reloader w/ Excess Supplies 386-986-6496

Taylor Made Golf Clubs R9

Stiff Shaft #3-Wedge + New Golf Bag. Total on Ebay $525 + Shipping. Will Sell for $400 386-237-2553

Handyman

HARPER’S HANDYMAN SERVICES AND POWERWASHING Count on us for all your handyman services and powerwashing needs. Licensed and Insured happyharpers@att.net 386-843-5906

Paul McLaughlinHandyman. Residential Remedies. No Job Too Small. Licensed and Insured. Low Prices. Reliable 386-503-3219 Handyman

Servicing Ormond Beach Only All Painting Needs Flooring-trim Wood Rot Decking Fencing Pressure Washing And More... Licensed and Insured. Free Estimates. Call Arnold 386-314-9985

Housekeeping

Ana’s Personal Housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonal-

been entered in the estate of Anh V. Northcutt, deceased, File Number 2025 10450 PRDL, by the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724; that the decedent’s date of death was April 14, 2024; that the total value of the estate is $54,000.00 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Address Vladimir Mandracken 2994 Cropley Ave San Jose, CA 95132 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 17, 2025. Person Giving Notice: Vladimir Mandracken 2994 Cropley Ave San Jose, California 95132 Attorney for Person Giving Notice Matthew Goodwin Florida Bar Number:

Division, the address of which is PO Box 6043, Deland, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

The date of first publication of this notice is July 17, 2025. /s/ Ryan McCready Ryan McCready Personal Representative 439 Stoney Point Drive Forked River, New Jersey 08731 /s/ Wendy A. Mara Wendy A. Mara, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar Number: 0069872 Mara Law. P.A. 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste.D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 672-8081 Fax: (386) 265-5995 E-Mail: wamara@maralawpa.com

Secondary E-Mail: paralegalm@maralawpa.com July 17, 24, 2025 25-00326I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION FILE NO.: 2025 10958 PRDL DIVISION: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF WILLIAM F. MURPHY a/k/a WILLIAM MURPHY, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of WILLIAM F. MURPHY a/k/a WILLIAM MURPHY, deceased, whose date of death was February 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

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)

Florida 32118

Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Robert J. Naberhaus III Robert J. Naberhaus III

Attorney for Beverly Alfimow Florida Bar Number: 476684

Dean, Mead, Egerton, Bloodworth, Capouano & Bozarth, P.A. 7380 Murrell Road, Suite 200 Melbourne, Florida 32940

Telephone: (321) 259-8900

Fax: (321) 254-4479

E-Mail: rnaberhaus@deanmead.com

Secondary E-Mail: probate@deanmead.com July 17, 24, 2025 25-00328I FIRST

A RECENT SUCCESS STORY

Innovative Financial Solutions paid for one ad for the Flagler Free Clinic in January. The week after, the clinic’s new patient sign-ups doubled — and they added a volunteer to their staff. Philanthropic advertising in the Observer works: win-win-win!