Flagler Palm Coast High goes on lockdown
Flagler Palm Coast High School was placed in lockdown at 12:52 p.m. on Sept. 4 after a threat was made to the campus, according to Flagler Schools’ Facebook page.
The school was in lockdown for around an hour until 1:50 p.m. when Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies gave the all-clear, a FCSO post said. The school was able to transition to a “secure status” just after 1 p.m., allowing students to remain indoors, in their current locations but otherwise continue on with their days, one Flagler Schools post said. Despite the all-clear, FCSO is still investigating.
“School safety is our top priority, and we take every threat seriously,” the FCSO post said. “This is a great example of why we have depu-
AUG. 19
GRAFFITI GALORE
6:21 p.m. — 100 block of Inglewood Court, Ormond Beach
Burglary of unoccupied dwelling. Smiley faces. Peace signs. Crude depictions of the male genitalia.
That’s what police observed inside a residence after a homeowner called to file a report about a burglary.
ties on every Flagler Schools campus, which allows us to take immediate action to quickly respond to any threat or incident.”
Because of the investigation, bus transportation was delayed in the afternoon by approximately 20-30 minutes, Flagler Schools’ posts said.
Teen arrested for pointing gun at student, Flagler sheriff
A 15-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student was arrested on Sept. 5 after he pointed a gun at another student, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The incident did not occur on school grounds but at the McDonald’s near Town Center in Palm Coast, according to a FCSO press release. The victim told deputies he was hanging out with the suspect and a group of other students at the McDonald’s restaurant off State Road 100 after school when the suspect pointed the gun at him in the
bathroom.
The victim reported the incident on Sept. 5 to his school resource deputy. He said he believed the suspect had the gun on his person throughout the school day on Sept. 4.
FCSO deputies immediately removed the suspect from class and searched his backpack and person, but he did not have weapons on Sept. 5, the press release said.
The suspect initially denied having and pointing a gun at the victim, but another student reported that a video had been posted to the suspect’s Instagram showing the incident, the press release said. The post had since been deleted from the account.
When deputies confronted the suspect about the video, he turned over his phone and admitted the gun was in his bedroom closet. Deputies recovered a 9 mm pistol and magazine loaded with ammunition.
The suspect admitted to pointing the gun at the victim and bringing it to school on Sept. 4, but said he was “just playing around.”
Sheriff Rick Staly said the FCSO “will not tolerate this behavior.”
“If you bring a gun to school or point it at someone else, you will be arrested,” Staly said. “It doesn’t matter if you think you were just playing around.”
A man recently extradited to Flagler County to face child sexual assault charges has entered a not guilty plea to the charges.
Kermit Booth, 72, was 5659 years old when he allegedly sexually assaulted a girl between the years of 2006 and 2009, when she was between 6 and 9 years old, according to the original sworn complaint from the victim. Booth was extradited to the custody of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 1 Booth was arrested on Aug. 1 in Macon County, North Carolina, as a fugitive from Flagler County. Booth was
wanted for two counts of sexual battery on a person of 12 years of age, with a bond of $500,000, a FCSO press release said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the extradition order for Booth on Aug. 20. Booth is facing life in prison if convicted. He submitted his plea on Sept. 4 and his case is being heard by Flagler County Judge Dawn Nichols.
The victim first reached out to the FCSO in 2015, where she told deputies Booth molested her between the years of 2006 and 2009. She told deputies that Booth forced her to perform oral sex on him and forced it on her, the complaint said. In 2023, the victim reached out to the FCSO again after Booth messaged her on social media.
With the messages as new evidence, FCSO’s Major Case Unit relaunched the investigation in 2023. The FCSO Digital Forensics Unit was able to identify new evidence against Booth in February 2025, allowing for FCSO to obtain a warrant in July.
Booth was temporarily
released from North Carolina law enforcement custody on a $35,000 bond. Sheriff Rick Staly was appointed in DeSantis’ extradition request to “receive, convey, and transport Booth from North Carolina to Florida to be held accountable for his crimes,” a press release said. Staly and FCSO deputies traveled to Franklin, North Carolina, to take custody of Booth on Sept. 5. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson provided the FCSO a forestry aircraft for Booth’s extradition.
“I hope he enjoyed his flight back to Florida because it’ll probably be the last flight he takes,” Staly said. Staly thanked DeSantis, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, Simpson and Macon County Sheriff Holbrooks for their assistance.
“While our efforts today cannot erase the deep emotional scars that this pervert caused, it is my hope that his victim may now begin the healing process knowing that justice is finally coming,” he said.
AUG. 23 HELP WANTED
5:46 p.m. — First block of Big Buck Trail, Ormond Beach Trespassing. A 65-year-old Ormond Beach woman called police after a man entered her opened garage and knocked on outside windows, trying to get her attention. The woman confronted him and told him to leave, and the
The homeowner told police that the neighborhood’s homeowners association had warned him to be careful due to reports of transient activity, carbreaks and burglaries in the area. A neighbor also told police she remembered seeing two teen boys in the area with black spray cans during the time of the incident. Also missing from the home was a kitchen cabinet, valued at $3,800.
man, a 23-year-old from Georgia, complied, “slowly walking away,” according to a report.
Police located the man in the area; he was barefoot and told police that he was trying to get away from a girl he had been “hooking up” with. He also told police he was drunk.
When asked what he drank, the man said “everything.” He explained he had knocked on the woman’s door to get help.
The man’s vehicle was found nearby. One shoe was behind it and another about 100-200 feet in front. The man was taken to the hospital and issued a trespass warning.
SEPT. 5
UNDERAGE DUIs
9:53 p.m. – State Road 100,
Roberts Road, Flagler Beach
DUI. A 19-year-old was caught driving drunk with three minors in the backseat of his car.
A Florida Highway Patrol officer saw the suspect driving over the Flagler Beach bridge while he was out on patrol. The car was weaving in the lane and one of the rear passengers was leaning out of the back window, clearly not wearing a seatbelt, according to the driver’s arrest report.
The officer pulled the car over and asked the driver to step out of the car to conduct a sobriety test. The driver failed almost every portion of the sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level of .058 and .061, the report said.
The 19-year-old admitted to getting alcohol from a location in Palm Coast that does not ask for identification, the report said. He said he drank two beers and admitted to having another five beers in a cooler in the car.
The man was arrested.
SEPT. 7
COINCIDENTAL TIMING
8:52 p.m. – 5000 block of State Road 100 East, Flagler County Petit theft. A Daytona Beach woman was caught stealing over $100 in makeup from a store when a Sheriff’s Office deputy happened to walk into the same store and spot her.
The deputy caught the woman,36, taking makeup out of its packaging and hiding them in her pants, according to an arrest report. The deputy followed the woman around the store, asking her what she was doing and asking the store’s employees for surveillance footage.
The woman told the deputy she was just putting things back on the shelves, and then left the store. The deputy detained the woman outside the store, where she admitted to taking cosmetic products. She had attempted to take $108.70 worth of makeup and skin products. The suspect was trespassed from the store, placed under arrest and taken to the county jail.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The Ormond Beach City Commission has unanimously approved a property tax rate and budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. But the road to approval saw some roadblocks: public misinformation, misinterpretation of financial data and tension — between commissioners, the mayor, city staff and the residents they all serve. Did the mayor really want to cut youth sports? Did officials need to call on Tallahassee to “DOGE” the city budget? And with $1.64 million needing to be cut to avoid a tax increase, where would those funds come from, if not for public safety — which accounts for 46% of the city’s expenditures — and Leisure Services?
At the first budget hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 3, the commission approved a millage rate of 4.4497 mills, or $4.4497 per $1,000 in taxable property value. The millage is less than the tentative millage rate set in July, which would have been a 10% tax rate increase, and also less than the millage discussed by the commission at its Aug. 19 workshop.
“Residents deserve to know how decisions are made, how tax dollars are spent, and how policies affect their neighborhoods. But when misinformation spreads, that clarity becomes clouded. False and incomplete information creates confusion, and confusion often spreads suspicion.”
Following that workshop, staff reduced the tax rate by another 0.03 mills. Finance Director Kelly McGuire said in an email to the Observer that this reduction came after an update from the city’s brokers that the insurance market would likely provide a flat renewal, reducing the budget by $175,000. Then, a post on Facebook began circulating claiming Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie — who at the Aug. 19 workshop had voiced a desire to cut the budget further to avoid raising taxes — was going to propose cutting funding from youth sports.
The mayor brought a trophy to the budget hearing, sharing his experience with being in a little league at 8 years old.
“I am the last person that wants to cut youth sports,” Leslie said. “And when I heard about this thing, I was outraged, and I wanted to bring this tonight to show everybody.”
NO TAX INCREASE IS ‘NOT A SOLUTION’ It was standing room only at the commission’s budget hearing.
A total of 34 people spoke Wednesday night, the majority of whom asked the commission to move forward with a tax rate increase, which is 6.94% above the current rate.
On the heels of the city recognizing the Ormond Beach Soccer Club for recently representing the city at the IberCup in Portugal, citizens, community leaders and city advisory board members spoke about the importance of funding youth sports.
“Ormond is made up of different social and political classes, and as a resident, we may not always agree on everything, but one thing I can guarantee is that despite our financial and political differences, we’re on the same page about one thing, and that’s our children,” citizen Stephanie Watson said. “... We want to do everything in our power to assure that our children do not suffer the consequences of a politician just because he wants to be able to tell residents that he didn’t change or raise the taxes in our area.”
Budget Advisory Board member Josh Pringle said the tax rate increase was a result of past commissions “kicking this can down the road over and over and over again.”
“No millage rate increases is not a solution for the city,” Pringle said. “Failure to account for cost increases was not a solution. It was not your
problem to fix, but it is your problem to fix tonight. You must rip the band-aid off.”
Pringle also admonished Leslie, saying “leadership by the mayor through the media is not leadership at all.”
“Creating buzz in the Observer or on Twitter is not leadership of this city,” Pringle said. “The community loses when our leadership is absent.”
There were also a few speakers who did not express support for a tax rate increase; they too were not in favor of cutting funding for youth sports.
Ormond Beach resident Anna Hannon said she didn’t understand why there were only two options, both of which are “negative to homeowners,” as the first option is to increase taxes and the second is to cut funding for public safety and leisure services.
“It seems very unfair to the residents and homeowners to just have only these two options, just reducing the most valued services and pulling at our heartstrings,” Hannon said. “It just doesn’t seem very fair, and I just cannot even comprehend why youth sports has been put on the chopping block, to have parents become outraged and come here and beg you to increase taxes. It just doesn’t feel right.”
In attendance were also over 20 police officers and firefighters. The budget includes $1 million to fund police wage increases, $1.8 million for anticipated collective bargaining agreement costs and $100,000 for public safety vehicles and equipment replacement.
Ormond Beach Police Sgt. Ray Llanes, the department’s union vice president, said he received a call during the last election from one of the mayoral candidates, alluding to Leslie, asking why the union didn’t endorse him. The budget discourse has reinforced their decision, Llanes said.
This year marks the first in the almost nine years Llanes has been with OBPD that the department is nearly fully staffed. He cited instances in previous years where the city only had three officers and one supervisor on the night shift.
“While rising cost of living and wages are genuine concern, politicizing this issue to advance personal agendas reveals a troubling priority, a greater concern for self-interest than that of our community,” Llanes said. “If you choose to support a flat budget and prioritize political ambitions over the welfare of our citizens, you’re effectively voting to defund the police.”
CITY ATTORNEY’S OPINION
Prior to speaking on the budget, Commissioner Lori Tolland asked the city clerk to
Prior to the meeting, about 15 people rallied at the Granada bridge and in front of City Hall to protest a tax rate increase. An email from the mayor’s campaign had been sent out, informing people of the rally. “We need to stop overspending,” the email read, incorrectly stating that the city’s budget had increased 90% since 2020.
The city’s transparency portal budget figure is different from the city’s operating budget. The portal — which shows a $170 million budget — is a working number that reflects adjustments for previously budgeted capital projects that need to be reappropri-
read a memo by City Attorney Randy Hayes into the record.
The memo, which was dated Sept. 3 and included in the meeting’s agenda packet, explained the two options up for consideration that evening. The first option was a tax rate increase. The second option was to go to rollback, a rate of 3.9672 mills.
“This option is based on the mayor’s withdrawal of support for Option 1 that he agreed to at the August 19 workshop, and his stated intention on social media posts to seek further budget reductions,” Hayes wrote.
“Option 2 will require the city commission to make significant reductions to the budget in funding for police, fire, utilities, recreation and leisure services (for children and elderly people), general services, and facilities.”
Hayes encouraged the commission to approve a tax rate increase, citing previous unanimous support, due to “financial risks and liabilities associated with the mayor’s intention to seek deep reductions in the millage rate and the budget, and the uncertainties those reductions would have on the ability of the city to deliver quality services to residents.”
“Sound fiscal management and responsible leadership require it.” Hayes wrote.
When he was first elected, Leslie said, he was told that his first budget process would be challenging. That proved true, said the mayor.
During his remarks, he said he’s reviewed the budget line by line and spotted areas where the city can make adjustments in the future.
“This is stuff that is going to take time,” Leslie said. “It’s not going to be anything that’s going to happen tonight.”
ated to the current year.
The operating budget for the current fiscal year $131 million. The one approved by the commission Wednesday totals $143 million, about a 9% increase.
In 2020, the commission approved a $96.5 million operating budget. That year, the commission decreased the budget by over 5% and adopted the rollback rate, despite financial strains caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
From the 2020-2021 fiscal year to 2025-2026, the budget has increased by about 48%. In those five years, the commission has added dedicated millage to fund Leisure Services, maintenance facilities and public safety.
The mayor said the city could look at its auto-renew contracts, leasing vehicles, utilizing more in-house legal counsel in litigation and clarifying its two assistant city manager positions — which he said would not mean salary decreases or eliminating roles.
He said he would support the millage rate and the budget because this wasn’t about politics.
“By joining together on this and being unanimous on this vote, I ask everybody in the commission here, ‘Let’s start working together,’” Leslie said. “We work together, to work as a team, and we put all the things aside that we had, whatever it was — it was a little wedge.”
“But that’s okay,” he added. “I’m the new guy, right? I’m ready to do this. I wanted to make a difference in this community, and by cutting services that people love and enjoy, is not what I want to do.”
As the mayor spoke, a few people in the audience asked for him to “call the vote.”
Tolland said she appreciated the mayor’s comments.
“I think your role as a leade is to build consensus and to try to bring back the trust up on this dais and serve our residents,” she said. “And, forgive me that I’m a little bit skeptical, because I feel like we’ve been burned a few times when we come to this consensus and then we read in the paper that next day that you’ve said other things. I sincerely hope that you mean what you say and you stick to what you say.”
The final public hearing for the budget and millage rate will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at the City Commission chambers at City Hall.
When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they picture mansions, yachts, and maybe a butler named Jeeves polishing the silver. The truth is, estate planning has very little to do with wealth and everything to do with making sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones aren’t left scrambling.
Simply put, estate planning is the process of setting up legal documents that explain how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and distributed after your death. It can be as basic as a will or as detailed as creating trusts that protect assets, reduce taxes, or provide long-term support for your family. Think of it as giving your loved ones a roadmap, instead of sending them on a scavenger hunt with missing clues.
Estate planning isn’t just about “who gets what.” It also covers who makes decisions if you can’t. Powers of attorney and health care directives let you choose the person who will step in if you’re incapacitated. Without those documents, a judge could end up making the decision—and judges are great at many things, but guessing who you’d want to pay your bills usually isn’t one of them. For families, estate planning prevents confusion and conflict. Without a will, state law decides who inherits your property. That default plan might not reflect your wishes. For example, the law doesn’t know that your cousin Jerry still owes you $200 from 1993. Estate planning is also highly flexible. Parents can name guardians for children. Business owners can decide who will take over the company. Retirees can prepare for longterm care. And yes, wealthy families can minimize taxes— but for most people, the real benefit is peace of mind. Starting the process doesn’t have to be scary. A qualified attorney can walk you through your options and create a plan tailored to your needs. Estate planning isn’t about focusing on death—it’s about making thoughtful decisions now, so your family doesn’t face chaos later. In short, estate planning is one of the most loving (and practical) gifts you can give. And unlike that fruitcake you left behind last Christmas, this one won’t get regifted.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Volusia County Council moved to lower taxes marginally during the county’s first budget hearing on Thursday, Sept. 4, by going to rollback in its fire rescue fund.
The council voted 5-2 — with Councilmen Matt Reinhart and Danny Robbins voting against — to adopt the rollback rate of 3.6236 mills, or $3.6236 per $1,000 in taxable property value. Going to rollback, a 5.7% tax rate decrease, will still fully fund all current service levels within unincorporated Volusia County, which includes Ormond-by-the-Sea, and avoids cuts to the final budget request submitted by Volusia County Fire Rescue, according to staff.
The rollback rate would result in a $32.64 savings, based on a taxable value of $150,000, while adding over $4 million to the fire rescue fund’s reserves. The millage
would bring in over $47 million in revenue.
Commissioner Jake Johansson asked staff if, in years past, the county overtaxed its residents in the fire rescue fund. County Director Ryan Ossowki replied that one of the ways government builds up reserves is to tax more than what is needed for expenditures in a given year.
Volusia County is forecasted to have $30 million in reserves, including grant match dollars and emergency funds, for fiscal year 20252026, at the rollback rate.
“So as I understand it, we have a decent reserve,” Johansson said. “We can pay for some of the nice-to-haves that are on our option list and we can go to the rollback rate and not over-tax, at least for one year, to let it normalize — see how it goes.”
FIRE RESCUE FUND
Going to a flat millage rate of 3.8412 mills in the fire rescue fund would have generated
an extra $2.8 million in revenue. Those funds could’ve been used to add a tender truck and three firefighters in rural Volusia County; add three quick response vehicles to respond to scenes before a crew can arrive; help purchase land for Station 47 near Ormond Beach; and advance funding for a new logistics center that is forecasted for fiscal year 2027-2028.
Councilman David Santiago asked if these projects could be funded using $5 million in one-time dollars due to excess funds in the county’s Volunteer Firefighter Pension Fund. Emergency Services Director Aaron Van Kleek said that was an option, as the majority of the funds were slated to go into reserves.
Robins, however, said that because the governor has been toying with the idea of eliminating property tax on homesteaded properties, he would rather go with a flat fee for the fire services fund.
“Imagine the ballot lan -
Staff will now negotiate an extension to Brown and Brown’s current contract.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
A potential switch for a new broker for the city’s employee benefit plans will not be happening anytime soon.
On Wednesday, Sept. 3, the Ormond Beach City Commission voted 3-0 to reject bids from both Brown and Brown,
its existing broker, and Foundation Risk Partners. Staff will negotiate an extension to Brown and Brown’s current contract, and the topic will be discussed at a future commission workshop before the contract is rebid.
Commissioners Travis Sargent and Lori Tolland abstained from the vote; Sargent and Tolland’s son both work for Foundation Risk Partners.
“We had a discussion at the last meeting in terms of, if you want additional information, it has to be within the foot-
print of the RFP (Request for Proposals) that was issued, because otherwise it creates an unfair advantage to one party over the other party,” City Attorney Randy Hayes said. The vote to select a broker was previously tabled at the commission meeting on Aug. 5, following a workshop where commissioners questioned the fee disparity between the two companies. Brown and Brown proposed an annual fee of $50,000. Foundation Risk Partners proposed an annual fee of $99,102.
guage: ‘Vote yes to end property taxes.’” Robins said. “... It’s going to be better than sliced bread. We’re going to have to figure this out. I want to fully fund our first responders across the board, the best we can, plan for it, so we don’t have to possibly come back and hit them hard.”
Every department head, Kent said, would be thrilled with an additional $2.8 million and find ways to spend it. But rollback, he explained, funds what the county wants in the present.
The County Council will also be requesting an appeal of the Volusia County Property Appraiser’s budget.
The property appraiser, a constitutional officer, is seeking a $1.5 million building renovation. This, Ossowkski said, increases the county’s general fund contribution by over a million dollars.
Santiago asked for the council to request an appeal
But some commissioners wondered if Foundation Risk Partners could offer more cost-savings in the long run.
Brown and Brown’s current five-year agreement with the city is set to expire by the end of September, and was based on a 3% commission, rather than a flat broker’s fee.
Hayes said part of the workshop discussion revolved around the commission’s desire to look at alternative approaches. If that was still what they wanted to do, then they should reject the bids.
“Alternatives are great, but we need to have an even playing field and your staff needs to have an opportunity to evaluate actually what’s being
to the property appraiser’s budget back to the state because of this, adding that he recently learned that the property appraiser would also be proposing a $2,000 bonus for every employee and for his office to pay for health care for employees and their families.
No other county employees have this benefit, Santiago said.
“In today’s world, with DOGE and the pushback we’re getting with the budgets, this is not acceptable,” he said.
Additionally, the property appraiser doesn’t yet own the building it is seeking a $1.5 million renovation for.
Johansson asked if, before requesting an appeal, the county speak with Property Appraiser Larry Bartlett about his budget. But Santiago said requesting an appeal would be a statement that “the process is broken.”
“The current structure is almost like a rubber stamp, which was what we’ve been doing with all the constitu-
proposed,” Hayes said.
Assistant City Manager Claire Whitley added that the city also behind in renewing and getting insurance coverage for employees.
“That time clock should have started a little bit ago,” she said.
Whitley said staff would need at least a year to prepare to go out for bid again.
“I say that because the negotiation and implementing that plan for the employees is a long process, and to ask a broker to do that and then put it up for RFP right after that work does not fall on our timeline or our employee timeline in terms of changing brokers,” she said.
tionals — we’ve been rubber stamping and taking the blame for the tax increases, or whatever you want to call it, or decreases,” Santiago said.
FULL ROLLBACK?
The County Council rolled back four other unds and kept a flat tax rate for the rest, including the general fund at 3.2007 mills.
Chair Jeff Brower asked if the county could go to rollback for its general fund. The answer was yes, but it would mean about $10 million in cuts.
“I just caution that a full rollback would be extremely difficult,” County Manager George Recktenwald said.
The Library, Ponce De Leon Inlet & Port District, Silver Sands Bethune Beach Municipal Service District, and East Volusia Mosquito Control funds were the funds that went to rollback.
Volusia’s operating budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is $1.4 billion.
Commissioner Kristin Deaton said she wanted to give staff time to review this. She’d like the city to see if the current contract could be renegotiated at a lower commission fee in the meantime.
“I was heavily scrutinized online for taking the time to be educated and not just immediately picking the quicker bid, but not picking the quicker bid could save us $200,000 — I don’t know,” Deaton said. Commissioner Harold Briley said that holding two workshops on the issue may be beneficial. Deaton agreed, saying she’d like information that was provided to previous commissions regarding the overall employee benefits too.
Following arrests of unlicensed contractors, the Flagler Home Builders Association asks residents to be cautious.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Flagler Home Builders Association Executive Director
Annamaria Long said she sees multiple people pretending to be licensed contractors advertising their services every day on social media.
Unfortunately, scam artists offering discounted services for construction work is common, she said, and Palm Coast’s older and incomerestricted populations are the prime targeted demographics.
“It’s especially common with the elderly and with people who are on a very tight budget or financially strained,” she said. “Those are the two people that are the easiest to take advantage of in these situations.”
On Sept. 4, as part of an undercover operation, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested four individuals who were pretending to be licensed contractors in Palm Coast. There were 15 other individuals and 45 unlicensed businesses the FCSO were investigating who were not arrested that were identified from multiple complaints filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division and the Palm Coast Building Department.
The Flagler Home Builders Association is grateful for the FCSO’s and DBPR’s work on the undercover operation, Long said. The public needs to understand the importance of ensuring their contractor has a license and insurance.
“I hope to see that there are more consumers aware of this being a crime and why it is a crime,” she said.
The four individuals who
were arrested – Patrick Branigan, 34, of DeLand, Thomas Rush, 30, of Palm Coast; Jacob Gayle, 31, of Jacksonville and Aristides Chavez Martinez, 68, of Palm Coast – are facing various charges of operating without a license or as an unregistered contractor. Branigan and Rush were released on $1,000 bond and Gayle on a $500 bond, while Chavez was turned over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when the FCSO determined he was in the country illegally.
Each of the four men’s charges are first-degree misdemeanors, with potential penalties ranging from fines, probation or jail time. Long said that is not enough.
“Slaps on the wrist over and over again don’t cut it,” Long said. “That just allows people to continue doing crimes. And I think that we see that throughout all levels of crime.”
Long said she knows some people who may be more concerned with the cost may not care about their contractor’s licenses and insurances. But, she said, working with an unlicensed and uninsured individual will have “There’s a number of repercussions that can and will happen,” she said.
First and foremost, she said, a homeowner will be liable if an uninsured person working
Checking to see if a contractor is licensed and insured is simple. Long said individuals should always ask to see their contractors license and proof of insurance.
While some trades are not licensed through the state, she said, all forms of building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and roofing are, she said. The Department
on their home is injured.
Worse would be if something were to happen to the home, the home insurance won’t cover damages if the individual performing the work is unlicensed or uninsured, Long said.
Long used an example a unlicensed electrician performing work on the electrical box. If a fire occurs in the home, she said, and it is in any way linked back to that work, the insurance won’t cover the damages.
“You can lose your entire life savings,” she said.
Long said she has also heard people say that they could be scammed just as easily by a licensed contractor. That’s true, she said: having a license “doesn’t make you an angel.” But licenses and insurances are investments contractors make into their businesses. It’s not just financial investments, either, because contractors are required to continue their education to stay up to date in the industry.
It may cost a little more, she said, but it is a layer of safety and protection for the consumer, too.
“You have a much higher likelihood of doing or of having your job done correctly the first time,” she said. “And if something does go wrong, then you have opportunity for getting that rectified.”
of Business and Professional Regulation requires contractors to display their license numbers on their websites and their advertisements.
“It’s very, very easy to check,” she said.
Residents can verify contracting licenses through the following website through myfloridalicense. com. Flagler County’s website flaglercounty.gov/ Growth-Building/Contractor-Licensing, has more information on contracting licensing requirements.
Blood pressure kits, monitors available at Volusia libraries Volusia County Library users can now borrow kits to monitor their
at all 14 branch locations. “We’re excited to offer this free service to our patrons,” said Barry KuKes, marketing specialist with Volusia County Public Library. “Our goal is to provide community members with resources to enhance their health knowledge and encourage positive life changes.”
Each kit includes a blood pressure monitor and related resources to help guide users. The Libraries with Heart Initiative program will begin in September 2025.
$5,191,682
($33,457)
$5,225,139
$6,148,897
Ormond Beach Police opened an investigation on Aug. 18, after receiving a tip concerning sexual allegations from the 2000s.
MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Protestors met on a small strip of land between the entrance to the Riverbend Community Church and Old Tomoka Farm Road on Sunday, Sept. 7, to show support for victims who recently accused church leaders of sexual and psychological abuse, some of it dating back 20 years.
The protestors also opposed the ideologies about women and children taught by the church and Riverbend Academy, which are located at 2080 W. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach Police opened an investigation into Riverbend on Aug. 18, after receiving a tip concerning sexual allegations.
On Aug. 21, an anonymous letter was published on Substack, a media platform, sharing accounts of the abuse that victims say took place at the church by members in positions of authority. The letter, which included statistics from a survey of 63 women within the church community, stated that 66.7% of them said they were actively discouraged by church leadership from pursuing higher education. A majority, 77.8%, reported feeling inferior to men because “they had been taught it was their ‘biblical role,’” according to the letter.
One worship leader at the church has since been removed from his position due to the allegations. Pastor Josh Brown told members in a meeting on Aug. 13 that the church was “exploring a third-party orga-
bers and fear of retribution. Patricia Redman, the owner of Haute Mess Beauty & Wellness in Ormond Beach, was joined by her daughters Alaina and Makayla Hamrick.
Redman, whose sons attended Riverbend Academy, said she was there to stand up for all the women that have said they were sexually abused when they were minors by church staff and people in leadership positions.
She also questioned the academy’s viewpoint on women.
Flagler’s Barrs is expected to be confirmed by the Senate as head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler County School Board member Derek Barrs submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis, effec
nization to potentially do an evaluation to determine where there is any truth, where there is any falsehood, to seek to exonerate any names that are accused, and as well as know how we can improve overall, our church as an organization.”
Many of the protest’s organizers requested to remain anonymous, in consideration of community mem-
“Men should learn how to stand up and be protective and not suppress women and children in order for them to feel masculine. That is not masculinity and it’s not biblical masculinity. That’s actually abuse.”
“No person’s value is found in a man,” she said. “A person’s value is found in Jesus Christ. Self-worth is not based on whether you’re married, can have children or choose to have children or even choose to be mar ried. A person’s value is not found in any other individual, let alone a sup pressive man. Men should learn how to stand up and be protective and not suppress women and children in order for them to feel masculine. That is not masculinity and it’s not Biblical masculinity. That’s actually abuse.”
The Observer reached out to River bend Community Church for com ment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas contributed to this story.
uled before Barrs’ resignation takes At the Aug. 26 business meeting, Barrs closed his comments with anity that I’ve had to be appointed to this position and proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Barrs said. “What has always inspired me about Flagler Schools since I walked in the front door, of being able to go through the orientation, is a sharedues and the guiding principles that this organization has. Our mission is to ensure that every student has a
“… I want to leave you with this: How we carry ourselves matters even when we disagree with one another. … We owe it to our students, our staff, our community, to show the respect and professionalism and
“People are watching what we do. And how we lead in Flagler County Schools should remain an example of
“To our teachers and staff, thanktrict. Every classroom lesson, every act of support, every behind the scenes effort makes the difference from small to large. It takes all of us working together, as I mentioned, to give every kid the very best, and you Email Brent Woronoff at brent@
The Hammock project started in April and was originally planned to take 120 days.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Camino del Mar intersection expansion project will be under construction until the end of the year.
The Hammock Dunes Bridge and the roads on the east side of are managed by the Hammock Dunes Community Development District. District Manager Gregory Peugh said in a phone interview with the Observer that the project has seen delays. Construction began at the intersection in April. Initial-
ly, in an April interview with the Observer, Peugh said the project contract was for 120 days. With the delays, Peugh said they’re estimating construction will instead finish by Christmas.
“Hopefully sooner,” he said. But, he said, a hurricane could cause further delays.
The Hammock Dunes CDD is adding three dedicated turn lanes to the intersection: a dedicated left turn lane coming east off the Hammock Dunes bridge, a dedicated right turn onto the bridge from Camino del Mar when coming from State Road A1A, and a dedicated right turn lane when coming from the east side of Hammock Dunes Parkway.
Despite the delays, work is still ongoing at the intersection. Overnight for two nights
from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Wednesday Sept. 10, Hammock Dunes Parkway was closed for construction work between Camino del Mar and Granada Boulevard.
Peugh said the closures were so the construction crews could pull up pavers along the road in preparation for repaving. The pavers will be reused in other CDD projects, he said.
Phase one of the project is to construct the turn lanes.
Phase two will be to add a traffic signal, Peugh said, if it is necessary.
“The plan at the moment is, once this construction is finished, then we will evaluate how much it’s improved the intersection, and if the traffic signal is needed at that point or not,” he said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released $178 million in storm recovery funds to Florida, including over $12 million for Flagler County and Flagler Beach.
The $8.7 million earmarked for Flagler County are for dune restoration specific to damage created by Hurricane Milton, while $3.7 million is for Flagler Beach’s pier replacement project, a Flagler County press release said. The funds were released on Sept. 4.
A FEMA press release said the total amount given to Florida is more than $804 million since Jan. 20.
The $8.7 million is the same money Congressman Randy Fine said he had gotten on behalf of Flagler County during a press conference on Aug. 27. The funding will be applied to the beaches from MalaCompra Park to Marineland and could begin in November. The total work for that section is expected to cost $11 million, the county press release said. Flagler County already has dune restoration projects ongoing, and the county would just need to extend the contract with the current contractor, according to information in the Aug. 27 press conference.
FEMA is reimbursing the work costs at a 75% federal share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, the Flagler press release said. The program provides funding to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, for disaster response and recovery work.
Beach-Volusia buried sea wall is
The Florida Department of Transportation’s buried seawall in Flagler Beach has finished construction, while the Ormond Beach seawall project is “progressing steadily,” an FDOT press release said.
The FDOT is been working on constructing two buried seawalls in Flagler Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea since early 2024. The north wall is located north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County to South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach.
The work on the Flagler Beach wall, including restoring dune walkovers, is finished but for some landscaping, the press release said. The only remaining work in an area with an active sea turtle nest and once that nest is empty FDOT crews will finish dune shaping and planting.
The southern seawall project is in Ormond-by-theSea, from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive. Work on this wall is completed, including the piles and concrete cap and most of the dune reshaping completed, the press release said, excepting another few areas with turtle nests.
Landscaping is around 70% complete and 20% of the dune walkovers have been restored. The FDOT teams estimate the work will largely finish by late fall in 2025 and finish entirely in early 2026, the press release said.
Below are the FDOT’s project information website for up-to-date information.
For the northern wall: www.cflroads.com/project/452444-1
For the southern wall: www.cflroads.com/project/452443-1
The Volusia County Council approved the first phase of a new inmate farming program on Thursday, Sept. 4, designed to reduce costs and create future job opportunities for incarcerated individuals after release. The initiative not only supports daily operations at the correctional facility but also invests in programs that help prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community.
Phase I expands the Corrections Division’s existing gardening program to include an additional 1-acre area at the correctional facility. The expansion will enable inmates to cultivate a variety of seasonal crops, including lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables are among the most commonly used in inmate meals, making the program a natural way to supplement food supplies and reduce reliance on outside providers.
Additionally, the outdoor activity and skills-based learning can support mental health well-being and help prepare inmates for reentry into the community, further decreasing the likelihood of recidivism. This effort is part of Volusia County’s broader Second Chance Reentry Services program, which also includes GED preparation and exams, forklift training and certification, barbering, virtual welding, and other programs designed to provide practical skills and pathways for rehabilitation.
Planting is scheduled to start in early 2026. Phase II, which could introduce a chicken program and further expand fresh food production, skill-building, and reentry opportunities for inmates, is scheduled for future consideration.
District responsible for Family Empowerment Scholarships to 1,926 students, totaling over $17 million.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler County School Board adopted a final budget of $338,224,969 and a mandatory Required Local Effort millage rate of 3.1010 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, for the July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 fiscal year. The RLE millage rate of 3.1010 mills, or $3.1010 per $1,000 in taxable property value, is set by the Florida Department of Education. The district’s rate has gone down for the 11th straight year.
“We’re the only taxing municipality that cannot set its own millage,” Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck said. “As our property values go up,
state funding goes down, so higher property values is not actually a benefit for us.”
While the RLE millage rate has dropped, the amount of money the district will be responsible for in Family Empowerment Scholarships, or vouchers, has increased with 1,926 students choosing private or home school options and receiving a total of $17,095,511 in scholarship funds. In 2024-2025, 1,606 students received the scholarships totaling 14,174,041.
The district’s general fund, or main operating fund, will have an expected fund balance of $7,591,692 at the end of the fiscal year. The total general fund revenue, with a 20242025 estimated fund balance of $9 million, is $163,338,897, with expenditures totaling 155,747,205.
A pie chart in Wormeck’s presentation showed the vast majority of the general fund expenditures — 83% — covering employee salaries and benefits with 11% paying for purchase services.
The RLE millage rate will
raise $59,673,112. Two other taxes include a capital improvement tax of 0.7480 mills generating $14,393,902 and a discretionary millage of 1.5000 generating $28,864,775.
The total millage rate exceeds the roll-back rate by 2.8%.
The board unanimously adopted the final budget and millage at a public hearing following its agenda workshop.
School Board member Derek Barrs said the two meetings would be the final board meetings that he’d attend live. He is planning to attend the Sept. 23 workshop and business meeting virtually before his resignation goes into effect on Sept. 30.
Barrs is slated to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, though that vote could be delayed. He said he would be a senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation pending confirmation.
School Board member Brosemer voted no, uncomfortable with the budget increase from $1.1 billion.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Volusia County School’s budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is coming in higher than expected.
In late July, the School Board had approved a tentative budget and millage rate of $1.17 billion and 5.279 mills, respectively. While the tax rate, a 2.99% increase over the rollback rate, remained the same at the district’s first budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the budget rose to $1.36 billion.
Chief Financial Officer
Todd Seis said this was a result of a late entry from the Florida Department of Education, which came in on Sept. 2.
The School Board approved the tax rate and budget with a 4-1 vote, with School Board member Donna Brosemer voting against.
“I confess I was a lot more comfortable at the workshop when the projected budget was going to be closer to $1.1 billion,” Brosemer said.
Looking at student enrollment data from 10 years ago compared to today, Brosemer said numbers were similar but that the district’s budget had increased by almost 75%.
She was also concerned about how much of the operating budget — now 71.5% according to staff —was dedicated to salaries and benefits, adding that she’d like for the district to look at its internal structure for next fiscal year.
VCS is projecting to have about 54,127 traditional students in 2026, based on
DOE’s forecast model. That is a reduction of about 1,412 students from the second survey conducted in 2025.
Where the district is seeing growth, Seis said, is in its scholarship programs — about 1,627 more are projected for 2025.
Due to the late entry by DOE, the new budget breakdown is:
$702,959,023 for the general fund, up from $635,350,398.
$42,711,195 in the debt service fund, down from $49,427,506.
$468,944,109 in the capital projects fund, up from $361,949,672.
$132,480,245 in the special revenue fund (which includes federal programs), down from $208,747,010.
$18,937,641 in the internal services fund, down from $19,762,627.
Seis said the district is continuing its controlled spend down approach, using reserves to balance the budget. The district is at a $12 million operating deficit, leaving VCS with a little over 5% in its unassigned fund balance.
School Board Chair Jamie Haynes said it’s often said in the community that the district has a large budget; people often divide the total amount by the number of students enrolled to find the amount of dollars spent per student.
Haynes said this isn’t an accurate representation.
“They just believe that that is all cash flow — that we have a choice of how we spend it,” she said. “But under this, even our debt is included as part of that amount of money, along with our capital projects funding, our special revenue funding, our internal service funding, and the charter school money that comes in to us and goes out the door is also part of that money.”
In response to Brosemer’s
“I just don’t know that it’s a fair comparison, because it’s costing more to do all of these things and to keep up with what we’re doing.”
JAMIE HAYNES, School Board Chair
concerns, Haynes said that costs have increased for capital projects since the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything is more expensive — including personnel costs as teachers are now getting paid more. Seven years ago, the starting salary for a teacher in Volusia County was $39,200. Last year, it was $49,201.
“I just don’t know that it’s a fair comparison, because it’s costing more to do all of these things and to keep up with what we’re doing,” Haynes said.
School Board member Krista Goodrich agreed, stating during her closing comments that it’s “not apples to apples to compare 2015 to 2025.” In addition to salary increases, the district has felt the impacts of a higher costs for insurance, supplies, cost of materials for building and fortifying schools – mandates for which were amped up after the Parkland shooting in 2018. Board members, overall, commended Seis and the finance department for their work on the budget, which was provided to the board in a line item format.
“I know the state throws wrenches into that budget constantly, so I do appreciate you putting that for us all together and having it out there for the public to see,” School Board member Jessie Thompson said.
Make yourself at home
“And how do you know this?” I asked.
“I went to Publix, and I weighed myself,” he explained. “Then, I ate a cookie.”
With some professorial excitement, he concluded:
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
One morning as we were walking to the bus stop, my 7-year-old son, Luke, revealed a crumb of wisdom for the ages.
“Did you know that if you eat a cookie while you’re walking around Publix, you will lose one pound?” he said. On one hand, someone as skinny as Luke might know a thing or two about weight loss. On the other hand, no.
“And when I left, I weighed myself again.” There you go. It’s settled. Time to call the TV stations. Time to tell the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro that they’re wasting their time. The cure for obesity has been right under our noses all this time: sugar cookies.
“I’m guessing you didn’t read the scale correctly,” I said.
Luke was indignant. “Dad! I read it correctly!”
Over the next few days, I couldn’t stop thinking about this wild claim. I daydreamed of eating cookies while my
pants got looser and looser around the waist. So much easier than fasting or forcing myself to eat another cucumber.
Kennedy, Luke’s 10-yearold sister, wasn’t too convinced. When Luke explained his discovery to her after school, she raised an eyebrow and said, “Umm, no. That’s just confusing.” I rushed to Luke’s defense. “Kennedy, it was a science experiment. Science.”
“I think he was remembering his weight wrong,” Kennedy said.
There was only one way to settle this: We had to replicate the results.
I drove Luke and Kennedy to Publix. We parked. We approached the industrial scale in front of the rows of shopping carts, and Luke climbed onto the platform.
P-Section ‘lanes’ are in need of resurfacing
Dear Editor: Palm Coast is a nice place to live and retire. We have lived here since 2018.
However, one thing we notice are the streets, especially those ending in “lanes,” that are showing signs of aging, with cracks and bumps.
We are referring to the street “lanes,” i.e, Pinnell Lane, Pinwheel Lane, Pinto Lane. We think that the roads along these “lanes” need a re-pavement, considering the increase in residents and cars driving along the road. We hope that the City Council gives attention and provides much needed uplift to the affected roads in the P-Section and in other sections and neighborhoods as well. This will enhance and maintain the beauty of Palm Coast for years to come! Thank you.
CORINNA MARTINEZ Palm Coast
Editor’s note: Brittany Kershaw, Palm Coast’s director of communications and marketing, explains the city’s
road maintenance process and how it sets priorities for resurfacing:
“The Palm Coast City Council has adopted a proactive maintenance plan for residential roads using a process called High-Performance Micro-Surfacing. This treatment applies a protective layer made from granite aggregate and polymerized asphalt emulsion, which extends pavement life, improves durability, and enhances appearance.
“To ensure maintenance is done fairly and effectively, the city uses a data-driven approach to select roads for resurfacing. Residential neighborhood roads are evaluated using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which rates streets on a scale of 1 to 100. Roads with a PCI rating between 73 and 80 are prioritized for preventive treatment before more significant wear occurs. Culde-sacs and collector roads are excluded, as they are not good candidates for this use and require different treatments.
“For efficiency, roads in similar conditions and within the same neighborhoods are grouped together, while also balancing mainte-
nance across different areas of the city. Each year, about $1 million is budgeted for this program. In 2024, the city completed resurfacing on 29 neighborhood roads, and in 2025, 33 roads were completed, and the city’s goal to is to include another grouping of approximately 30 roads as part of the upcoming (fiscal year 2026) budget.
“City Council remains committed to caring for Palm Coast’s infrastructure in a way that is both costeffective and beneficial to residents.”
Dear Editor:
Instead of trying to respond to the many comments regarding the budget of the City of Ormond Beach on social media, many from individuals who don’t even live in the city limits, I thought I would write a letter to the editor.
Over the past 35-plus years, I have been honored to serve on the Planning Board, the Development Review Board and have served as executive director of the
Fifty four pounds. I took a picture so that there would be no confusion afterward. We then headed straight for the cookies, and both of my children chose the sprinkle variety.
Anticipating that the results would confirm his previous findings, Luke began some preliminary extrapolations: “Maybe two cookies would make me lose two pounds?”
We wound our way up and down several aisles to pick up some groceries, before, as if fate had planned this moment centuries ago, we ended up right back in front of the scale!
Up he climbed. This time, I recorded a video, so that the celebration would live forever in history museums, alongside the footage of Neil Armstrong walking on the
Ormond Beach Chamber. I have observed firsthand the past mayors and commissioners take stands to keep our city and our ad valorem taxes the lowest in the county. I will not include the City of DeBary as the lowest, as they contract out their fire and police, a significant portion of their budget, and that is not a fair comparison.
Our past commissions have worked hard to develop Ormond Beach as an amazing family community. They were the leaders in introducing competitive government, allowing private enterprises to bid on city services. They saved millions by replacing our city waste management, landscaping expenses and transferring much of those costs to private businesses that they contracted with. And then they worked hard to pass the savings on to the parks, sports programs and senior programs that made our community special.
Plus, the residents rallied by volunteers building the Magic Forest Rainbow Park and taxing themselves to create the Andy Romano Beachfront Park in partnership with the county. In addition, thanks to Mayor Fred Costello and Mayor David Hood, they raised money from the business community to sponsor the beautification medians along West Granada Boulevard. I know this firsthand, as I collected the donations from the businesses as executive director of the Ormond Chamber. I also collected the donations from the North U.S. 1 Coalition businesses to beautify that corridor.
Our city ad valorem taxes have remained low for as long as I can remember, so when our current City Commission, city manager and staff confirm that we need to increase our ad valorem taxes slightly, many of us agree.
moon.
The needle bounced around the 52-pound mark. Was it possible? Two pounds lost?
Eureka!
“This is one small step for cookies, one giant leap for —”
But then I looked down at him more closely …
“Luke, get your hands off the handlebars!”
He looked up with a sheepish smile. Oops. With his hands at his side, sure enough, the needle rose back up to 54 pounds exactly.
So much for scientific discovery.
We drove home, sadder and wiser.
But, the more I think of it, while we didn’t prove that cookies cause weight loss, we did prove that they don’t cause weight gain, either. Can’t argue with science.
are playing politics to get their candidates elected, or re-elected.
PEGGY FARMER Ormond Beach
Dear Editor:
Here’s an interesting historical reminder to our antiscience governor and his less than enlightened surgeon general with their controversial scheme to discard vaccine mandates for school kids. It’s possible that the U.S. could still be the British colony that it was in 1777 if it wasn’t for George Washington during the American Revolution “mandating” that the entire Continental Army be inoculated against smallpox.
That disease was rampantly spreading, decimating his army and crippling their ability to carry on. Smallpox was more of a threat to the Continental Army than the British Army, and by spearheading and mandating the first ever mass inoculation effort, Washington changed the war’s trajectory.
Although the soldiers then likely whined about and feared the forced inoculations, and some may have even howled “my body, my choice,” the mandate worked. It was done for the “greater common good” and in essence saved the country. And it’s the greater good that remains of vital importance today even in the microcosm of a Florida schoolroom setting.
It is very unfortunate that most of the negative comments that I read on social media regarding our amazing city are either from newcomers who do not realize that we have the second lowest ad valorem taxes in the county, or they don’t even live in Ormond Beach and
for U.S. House seat
Former Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller has endorsed Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro in Florida’s 6th Congressional District race, Gambaro’s campaign announced in a press release.
Miller served as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense from Nov. 9, 2020, to Jan. 20, 2021. Gambaro, a brigadier general in the U.S.
But Florida has twisted the logic, discarded the science, dismissed the immense successes of vaccines, and interjected some nonsensical, disingenuous and unbridled “Free State of Florida” gibberish to replace the greater good concept.
There is an indisputable, and what should be selfevident, understanding that anyone’s freedom to choose is rightfully and quickly disallowed when the exercise
Army Reserve and former Pentagon adviser, worked closely with Miller at the time. In his endorsement, Miller said, “I have seen Charles Gambaro in numerous pressure-filled and life-and-death situations. He’s unflappable. Florida is lucky to have him as a citizen and America is fortunate that he has decided to continue his service by entering the arena of politics.
A man of profound courage, commitment, high personal and professional standards, Charlie will give voice to those that all too often aren’t heard and selflessly serve the citizens of Florida with integrity,
A headline in the Ormond Beach Observer’s Sept. 4 edition incorrectly stated Heyward Evans was an elder at Riverbend Community Church. His title at the church was worship leader, and his role was to lead singing during worship services. CORRECTION
of that choice puts at risk the health, safety and well being of others. What Florida is proposing represents just the opposite. It actually rises to the level of child endangerment — inconsiderate parents putting at risk their own kids and the kids they interact with in a classroom. You don’t take away disease protection from the majority just to satisfy a selfish few. If a subset of parents are so hellbent against mandated vaccines, they should exercise that “Free State of Florida” right to homeschool their children. The sensible, considerate parents, their vulnerable kids, and schoolhouse staff will thank them.
And of course we all should thank George Washington and the soldiers of the Continental Army for respecting their mandate and the greater good it represented, and for demonstrating and advancing the proven wonders of vaccines.
To serve in today’s U.S. military, almost the identical series of school vaccinations are “mandated” once again for the greater common good, and curiously incompatible with Florida’s governor’s position.
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
Send letters up to 400 words to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.
empathy and fortitude. I am honored and humbled to endorse this great military officer and American.” Gambaro said he is “honored and humbled” by Miller’s endorsement. Gambaro said in the press release: “Chris also served 27 years as an officer in the U.S. Army’s elite Green Berets. I am extremely honored by his endorsement and proud to call him my friend.”
Gambaro is running against U.S. Rep. Randy Fine for the Republican nomination in the 6th District. Flagler County School Board Chair Will Furry has also filed for the seat.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Ormond Beach Composite Squadron celebrated the opening of its new cadet training facility with an open house and ribbon-cutting on Saturday, Sept. 6.
The new Aerospace Education Center, housed in a modular classroom, provides cadets with their own dedicated learning space. As a composite squadron, Ormond Beach’s Civil Air Patrol is an Air Force Auxiliary unit and also has senior members. Previously, both groups operated out of one main building, a 1970s hangar at the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport. That building has also now been renovated, and will serve CAP’s seniors and house a professional meeting facility for air operations.
“Couldn’t have done it without the city and the support of the mayor and the city folks who put a tremendous amount of effort and work into this to make this program work for us,” said Squadron Cmdr. Lt. Col. Joseph Wisnieski. “So now we have a professional building to train our cadets and move forward in the future.”
According to Civil Air Patrol, the new building came
“It’s not just one person — it’s the team, and they have been successful in converting what was a very hot building when it was a hangar into this stateof-the-art facility.”
LARRY SPANGLER, Lt. Col.
after a potential donor asked if there was something the squadron could benefit from, which could also serve to honor the memory of a former aviator, educator and mentor. And now, the new Aerospace Education Center honors the late William Brown, an Air Force veteran who worked as a professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
The concrete connecting the two buildings was donated by Kathy and Dave Traber.
Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol holds ribbon-cutting for new cadet training facility
Wisnieski said Civil Air Patrol has been very successful with its cadet training program in the last 24-36 months, with several cadets either currently in, or graduated, from the Air Force and Naval academies.
“And they’ve all started right here in this little building,” Wisnieski said. “So as we grow and get a bigger building and better facilities, and more professional, we’re going to be able to do a better job than what we have.”
During the ribbon-cutting, Airport Manager Steven Lichliter presented K&G Aviation and Mayor Jason Leslie with certificates of appreciation, as well as presented the city, represented at the event by Leslie and City Commissioner Travis Sargent, with a proclamation of appreciation.
Leslie said the expansion of Civil Air Patrol’s facility is a credit to past commissions.
“We’re really glad to be part of that upgrade and help you facilitate that,” he said.
Lt. Col. Larry Spangler, commander for Group 2 Florida Wing Civil Air Patrol, said the Ormond squadron is “extremely blessed and unique” to have its current leadership.
into
“It’s not just one person — it’s the team, and they have been successful in converting what was a very hot building when it was a
facility,”
said.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
9/11 TRIBUTE CEREMONY
When: 8 a.m.
Where: Elks Lodge, 53 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast
Details: Speaker Rich Glover, retired lieutenant from the Fire Department of New York, who responded on Sept. 11, 2001.
FIFTH ANNUAL 9/11
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE CLIMB
When: 8:15 a.m.
Where: Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast
Details: A tribute ceremony in memory of the first responders who died on 9/11. Free.
LITTLE ARTISTS WORKSHOP
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: For ages 3-5. Visit ormondartmuseum.org.
‘WEAVING A TAPESTRY’: GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: The Halifax Genealogy Society member Linda Vivian will speak on the distinction between genealogy and family history and how to get started,
ART OF HEALING WORKSHOP
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Visit ormondartmuseum.org/classes-programs.
LIVE LIKE CAMERON MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
When: 6 p..m.
Where: Palm Coast Lanes, 11 Old Kings Road N.
Details: Raise funds for Live Like Cameron. First three rounds are free. Bonus round cards are $10 each. There will be food and beverages available for purchase.
SEPT. 11 CANDLELIGHT
MEMORIAL SERVICE
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coat Parkway NW, Palm Coast
Details: Palm Coast Fire Department’s annual 9/11 Candlelight Vigil. Candles will be provided. The public is encouraged to attend.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12
ORMOND BEACH GARDEN
CLUB GARAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: 14 Concord Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: The Ormond Beach Garden Club is having a garage sale. Proceeds will go toward the garden club’s
outreach projects and its 75th anniversary celebration.
VETERANS LUNCH AND LEARN
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
Details: Open to veterans and current service members only. Free admission. Registration required. Visit ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
HOW-TO FESTIVAL
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library
Details: Attend this festival at the library and attend free sessions about designing buttons, family crafting, discovering microscopes, gardening with native plants, birding, genealogy and more. For more information, visit https://volusialibrary.libcal.com.
CARDBOARD REGATTA
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Moody’s Boat Ramp, 825 Moody Lane, Flagler
Beach
Details: Get ready to race or sink at the Flagler Beach Centennial Cardboard Regatta. Build your vessel from cardboard, duct tape and latex paint. There will be awards for fastest boat, best design, and the most dramatic sinking. Register at City Hall or online at cityofflaglerbeach.com.
GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: This is a free, oneon-one research assistance program offered by volunteers with the Halifax Genealogy Society. The next session convenes in Meeting Room 3. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.
CIRCUS DU CANINE
When: 7 p.m.
noted percussionist Terry “Doc” Handy, with his cymonian jazz ensemble. Tickets cost $40. Visit nefja.org.
Sunday, Sept. 14
BULOW PLANTATION RUINS
HISTORIC STATE PARK HISTORY TOUR
When: 2-3 p.m.
Where: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Road S, Flagler
Beach
Details: Join this one-hourlong tour that will take park visitors through the rise and fall of the sugar economy during the Second Seminole War. Tour involves a half-mile round trip walk across a nature trail with uneven footing. Bring sunscreen, bug protection and water.
MONDAY, SEPT. 15
ALL ABOUT MEDICARE
OPEN ENROLLMENT
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Carrie Petesch, SHINE Advocate with ElderSource will present about Medicare open enrollment this year.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 16
FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY
When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Food Truck Tuesday, presented in partnership with the Observer, is back, and this month’s event supports the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation and the Pink Army 5K. Order appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Registration is not required.
KIWANIS CLUB OF FLAGLER COUNTY OPEN HOUSE
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Displays, food and beverages and presentations.
FILM SCREENING:
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Details: Attend this celebration of the arts featuring adopted and rescued dogs performing stunts. Tickets cost $20 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Visit FlaglerEntertainment.com.
THE JEEP MCCOY
MEMORIAL CONCERT
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Daytona State College Amphitheater, Palm Coast Campus, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast Details: This concert features
‘KON-TIKI’ When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Hosseini Center, 1200 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: See “Kon-Tiki,” an adventure film based on explorer Thor Heyerdahl as he attempts to travel across the Pacific Ocean on a raft made of balsa wood. Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17
ISEA’S ART INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM
When: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to Friday, Sept. 19
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
Details: OMAM is hosting the International Society of Experimental Artists for their 2025 Art Innovation Symposium. Six workshops are scheduled over three days; workshop tuitions range from $150 to $345. Register directly with ISEA at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
PROBUS CLUB
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Speaker is Hewitt Dupont. Contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@ gmail.com.
FLAGLER TIGER BAY
SPEAKER SERIES
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Avenue Royale, Palm Coast
Details: Roger B. Handberg, a former U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, will be the keynote speaker. Tickets cost $35 for members; $40 for guests. Preregistration is required. Visit flaglertigerbayclub.com.
PALM COAST WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOURS
When: 2-4 p.m.
Where: Water Treatment Plant 3, 400 Peavey Grade, Palm Coast
Details: Learn how water travels from the Floridan Aquifer to your taps. Register at http://bit.ly/4g8Esgr.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 LET’S TALK PALM COAST — A TOWN HALL SERIES When: 5-6 p.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Meet Council member Charles Gambaro as he hosts a town hall. Get a chance to ask questions and learn more about local government in this open forum.
ORMOND BEACH AREA
DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend the September meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Danny Fuqua, president of the Florida Democratic Veterans Caucus. For more information, visit ormondbeachdems. org.
New to the downtown at 157 W. Granada Blvd., The Flower Bar is a florist and luxury goods retailer.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Business owner Yvonne McCutchen had a running joke with her family: When she retired from the wedding industry, she would operate a flower cart outside a Dollar Tree.
After 22 years helping brides and grooms plan their nuptials, McCutchen decided it was time to follow her dream — and despite her ongoing inside joke, it was bigger than a flower cart.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, McCutchen opened The Flower Bar, a florist and luxury goods retailer, at 157 W. Granada Blvd. in downtown Ormond Beach. McCutchen, a Mainland High School grad, opened her business almost three years ago, originally out of Palm Plaza on 600 S. Yonge St.
The business model was inspired by her wedding vows.
“I always said, ‘Flowers mean I like you, but Louis Vuitton means I love you,’” McCutchen said. “And [my husband] goes, ‘What better thing would that be for us to open up a flower shop where you could buy Louis Vuitton and flowers at the same time?’
So here we are.”
The Flower Bar is a wedding and event floral company,
and in addition to that, they also offer a monthly flower subscription, a build-yourown bouquet station with new weekly themes, as well as grab-and-go fresh flowers.
Their new shop at Granada also offers workshops and classes for the community.
McCutchen said they had been thinking of moving to the downtown for a while.
When they first opened in Palm Plaza, they did so around the same time as local bookstore Fern & Fable, and once the bookstore moved to the downtown in 2023, McCutchen often told them she would be willing to relocate her shop if a space became available.
About three weeks ago, she and her husband were driving down Granada Boulevard to get ice cream when they saw a “For Rent” sign.
“We said, ‘Well, there’s our sign,’” McCutchen said. “That’s what we needed.”
The Flower Bar has provided florals for different organizations and local events, including the annual Margarita Ball in Volusia County, United Way’s Power of the Purse and the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual Wishing gala.
McCutchen said a portion of the florals are donated to the organizations as a way for The Flower Bar to give back. At the core of the business is McCutchen’s love of flowers. Being in the wedding industry, she said you get to witness how much joy flowers can bring others.
Since opening, many people have come into her shop and told her how much a florist was needed in the downtown
“Whether you come buy one stem from us, or you get a large arrangement, or we do your wedding — we want to be your flower bestie. I always tell people, ‘We’re not a florist, we’re a vibe.’”
YVONNE MCCUTCHEN, The Flower Bar owner
district — an area she often frequents herself as a customer.
On the first day of business, McCutchen said that 52 people walked inside, many of them welcoming The Flower Bar into the neighborhood. Being in the downtown is overwhelming, but in a good way, she said.
“It’s wonderful to be in the neighborhood of people that you already put your money into,” she said.
McCutchen said she aims to establish a space that is not like your typical florist. She wants the community to come hang out; Wheelhouse Coffee will be in the shop on Fridays.
This is their forever home, McCutchen said.
“Whether you come buy one stem from us, or you get a large arrangement, or we do your wedding — we want to be your flower bestie,” she said. “I always tell people, ‘We’re not a florist, we’re a vibe.’”
The Flower Bar is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shop is active on instagram @ theflowerbar_sby
St. Thomas Episcopal Church hosts mother of late track star
St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Palm Coast hosted a guest speaker, Carmen Gray, on Saturday, Sept. 6. Gray spoke on the topic, “From Grief to Grace: A Mother’s Mission to End
Brought to you by:
Violence.” She is the mother of Curtis Gray, a local track star at Matanzas High School and Flagler Palm Coast High School who was killed in 2019. He was also a Little League Coach and part of the young readers’ book club. Carmen Gray is the founder of Long Live Curtis, Rise Above the Violence Inc., a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to “preventing violence through positive mental health education, trauma support, and youth outreach”. St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Palm Coast is located at 5400 Belle Terre Parkway.
The Arc of Volusia, Breeze Airways and the Daytona Beach International Airport co-hosted a program on Saturday, Sept. 6
to provide people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to rehearse boarding an airplane.
The program, Wings for All, was founded by The Arc in 2014, according to a press release.
“The program goal is to alleviate the stress of air travel with practice and to educate airport and airline personnel and TSA on ways to improve the experience for passengers of
all ages with autism spectrum disorders and IDD,” the press release states. The event allowed families to experience the check-in process, as well as board and deboard a Breeze Airways plane.
We want to publish your expansions and milestones! Send business news to Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.
Intracoastal Bank has been an essential partner for local small businesses, nurturing their success and sustaining the vibrancy of our community.
Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hosts event for ages 18-35
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Young Adults Group, at the Catholic church at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, is hosting an event for young adults (ages 18-35), according to a Facebook post by the church. “Join us to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals game! Food, faith and FUN!” Pizza, wings, snacks, drinks available. RSVP at (https:// seaspcfl.org/youngadults).
Send news from your church or synagogue to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.
Hosted by: Judy O’Neill (203) 592-4173 (11-1) Annie Kim (386) 449-9851 (3-5)
Hosted by: Stephanie Presley (386) 801-8935
Acondo at 20 Porto Mar, Unit 605, in Savona at Hammock Beach, was a top recent residential real estate transaction in Flagler County and the Ormond Beach area. The condo sold on Aug. 29, for $1,650,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 4/3.5 and has 2,950 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $899,000.
ALEXIS MILLER
JARLEENE ALMENAS
FLAGLER BEACH
Reserve East
A house at 34 Orion Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $534,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,468 square feet.
A house at 47 Perseus Ave. sold on Aug. 29, for $452,490. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,055 square feet.
ORMOND BEACH
A house on the Halifax River at 2852 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Aug. 15-22. The house sold on Aug. 15, for $1,375,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 5/3 with two half-baths, and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,808 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1,025,000.
Archer’s Mill
The house at 3333 Arch Ave. sold on Aug. 21, for $394,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,034 square feet.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 22 Forestview Way sold on Aug. 19, for $507,500. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,456 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $283,000.
The house at 14 Deep Woods Way sold on Aug. 21, for $457,500. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,658 square feet. It last sold in June 2025 for $330,100.
Carrollwood
The house at 1821 Palmer Drive sold on Aug. 15, for $135,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/1.5 and has 1,044 square feet. It last sold in
Country Acres
The house at 140 Rodeo Road sold on Aug. 18, for $675,000. Built in 1988, the house sits on six acres, is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a barn and 1,717 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $295,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 1314 Middle Lake Drive sold on Aug. 18, for $315,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $360,000.
Hunter’s Ridge
The house at 129 Briargate Look sold on Aug. 21, for $485,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,997 square feet.
Laurel Oaks
The house at 723 Fleming Ave. sold on Aug. 20, for $387,900. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,560 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $369,000.
New Britain
The townhome at 60 Chippingwood Lane sold on Aug. 18, for $275,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,360 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $190,000.
Northbrook
The house at 1322 Overbrook Drive sold on Aug. 18, for $285,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 1,728 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $152,000.
Oak Forest
The house at 1300 Oak Forest Drive sold on Aug. 22, for $432,500. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a spa and 1,718 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $320,000.
Ormond Terrace
The house at 556 N. Beach St. sold on Aug. 21, for $392,500. Built in 1956, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,388 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $213,000.
Tomoka Oaks
The house at 1 River Bluff Court sold on Aug. 20, for $500,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,472 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $170,000.
Tomoka Park
The house at 25 Knollwood Estates Drive sold on Aug. 22,
for $280,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace and 1,903 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $105,000.
Wexford Reserve
The house at 4119 Clifden Drive sold on Aug. 22, for $455,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,298 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $404,300.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Atlantic Shores The house at 107 Marlin Drive sold on Aug. 20, for $329,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,595 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $89,000.
PALM COAST
Belle Terre
75 Randolph Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $345,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,873 square feet. A house at 20 Peppercorn Lane, sold on Aug. 29, for $359,900. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,752 square feet.
Grand Haven A house at 4 Midden Lane, sold on Aug. 28, for $940,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,695 square feet.
A house at 143 West Waterside Parkway, sold on Aug. 29, for $330,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,755 square feet.
Lake View A house at 8 Lakeside Place West, sold on Aug. 29, for $415,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,344 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $605,000.
Palm Harbor A house at 41 Felwood Lane, sold on Aug. 29, for $326,317. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,596 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $319,000.
Pine Lakes A house at 6 Westburg Place, sold on Aug. 29, for $295,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,040 square feet.
Reverie at Palm Coast A house at 45 Reverie Drive, sold on Aug. 29, for $520,793. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,864 square feet.
Seminole Woods A house at 10 Sea Shark Path, sold on Aug. 29, for $316,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,455 square feet.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, and John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed.
After falling behind, Mainland rushes past Flagler Palm Coast.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mainland coach Jerrime Bell
knew Flagler Palm Coast would be ready to play against the Bucs in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 5. The contest at Daytona Stadium had all the makings of a trap game, Bell said. The Bucs were coming off a victory against three-time defending state champ Cocoa on Aug. 29 and will host undefeated Spruce Creek in a rivalry game on Sept. 12.
Mainland (2-0) fell behind
Spruce Creek (next week). FPC, after coming off a loss, was going to be a trap game, but my job as a head coach is to fight against that.”
On the game’s first possession, FPC (1-2) drove 72 yards for a touchdown with quarterback Caden Burchfield connecting with Logan Jacobelli on a 34-yard scoring pass.
Then, as Mainland followed with a long drive of its own on four straight running plays by Josh Dudley, FPC’s Josiah Hathaway intercepted a Sebastian Johnson pass at the Bulldogs’ 2-yard line and the momentum seemed to be in the Bulldos’ favor.
But on FPC’s ensuing drive, Mainland’s Amarion Long forced a fumble by running back
Ehimen Ajede and the Bucs’ Kiarin Sullivan recovered at the Bulldogs’ 33-yard line.
Mainland capitalized on the turnover with Dudley scoring from the 1, and the Bucs never looked
Johnson passed for 172 yards and a touchdown and ran for a 1-yard score.
Mainland also piled up 232 yards rushing.
“Coming into the game, we were very confident,” Dudley said. “And I guess you could say we put our guard down a little bit.”
Dudley rushed for 88 yards and FPC transfer Braylyn Simmons ran for 75 yards
with a 2-yard touchdown run. RayQuan Mitchell added 54 yards on four carries.
“We have a great stable of backs with Josh Dudley, Braylyn Simmons, RayQuan and Demarion Phillips,” Bell said. “We have four guys that we truly believe in. Even if we don’t have Braylyn, we’re fine, but Braylyn makes us more dynamic because we can get him out of the backfield and do more things.”
Bucs receiver Christian Cooper caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Burchfield made his second consecutive start at quarterback with La’Darius Simmons nursing an ankle injury. But Burchfield left with a knee injury in the third quarter.
“We were down to quarterback three,” FPC coach Patrick Turner said. “When it gets to that, it gets really, real-
ly tough. And we were playing with a tight end (Case Dennis) who was playing tight end for one week. He did a phenomenal job. He played to the final whistle, and so did our entire offensive line.”
The Bulldogs rushed for 164 yards, with Ajede running for 76 yards. Burchfield ran for 62 yards and passed for 60 yards.
Jason Ebding completed one pass for 25 yards. Simmons ran four times for 2 yards.
“His ankle was still bothering him. He still has no burst. We subbed him out (on the Bulldogs’ last possession). I didn’t want him to hurt it even more,” Turner said.
Turner was pleased with his team’s effort a week after falling to Lake Howell.
“The kids played extremely hard. That’s the best effort that I had seen so far,” he said. “The defense flew around to
the ball. The offense got after it all night long, and we stuck with the game plan of just running straight ahead and get what we can get, because (the Bucs) are extremely athletic. They’re super fast on the edges. We were able to put some drives together. We just kind of stalled out a couple times.”
Bell and Turner battled in 2022 and 2023 when Bell coached at Atlantic and Turner was Palatka’s coach. Turner’s team prevailed in both of those contests.
“He’s a great coach, and he’s going to have his team prepared, so it’s always fun to go against people you have a good relationship with,” Bell said. “We knew they were going to fight. They weren’t going to lay down because they’re playing Mainland High School.”
Matanzas freshman Dylan Ciardi placed sixth in the boys race, and senior Megan Rhee placed seventh in the girls race.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi said she was running on tired legs at the Run Matanzas Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Cerasi still finished second among 161 runners behind Bartram Trail freshman Avery Hartley, who is already one of the top cross country runners in the state.
“Avery is a great runner.
I’ve known her since middle school,” Cerasi said. “I tried to wheel her in. I’m running on tired legs. I’ve been training really hard this week.”
Cerasi started slow, beginning the race in the middle of the pack. She picked up the pace at the mile mark and finished with a time of 19:33.93, well off her personal record of 18:19.2, set at last year’s Class
4A state championships, where she placed seventh overall.
Hartley won the Run Matanzas girls title with personal record of 17:54.9.
Cerasi, who ran 19:09 at the season-opening Cecil Field Summer Classic on Aug. 22, said her times will go down as the season progresses and she begins to taper her training.
Matanzas placed third behind Nease and Bartram Trail in both the boys and girls races. Seabreeze placed fifth in the boys standings, while Mainland was ninth and Father Lopez was 12th among 20 teams. In the girls standings, Father Lopez placed seventh and Seabreeze was ninth.
Matanzas senior Megan Rhee set a personal record for the second week in a row with a time of of 20:42.49 to place seventh. Sara Van Buren also medaled for the Pirates, placing 17th with a time of 21:58.07.
“Megan really worked hard over the summer,” Matanzas coach Katie Hoover said.
“Every practice she puts in so much energy, and it’s really paying off this season.”
Freshman Dylan Ciardi led
the Matanzas boys with a time of 16:40.6 to place sixth.
“It’s really exciting to see him running fast times early this season,” Hoover said.
Pirates teammates Brant Tarsitano (ninth, 17:11.2), Matt Ciardi (13th, 17:38.5) and Enzo McGovern (17th, 18:02.3) also finished in the top 20.
Senior Hunter Shuler led Seabreeze with a time of 18:25.3 to place 20th. Seabreeze’s Joseph Davis (18:49.07) was 27th.
Nease’s Matt Ishee won the boys race in 16:08.6.
Hoover said she was happy with the turnout which included 26 schools participating in the middle school race.
“I’d like to expand that next year,” she said. “As a former middle school coach (at Indian Trails) I like having the middle schoolers out there with all of their passion and energy.”
Father Lopez coach Sue O’Malley said Hoover put on a first-class meet.
“Bartram Trail brought their No. 1 runner here; that’s kudos to the program Matanzas has here,” O’Malley said.
Father Lopez is celebrating its 10th anniversary of win -
ning the 2015 Class 1A boys state championship.
“As a gift to honor their legacy, the team wants to make it to state this year,” O’Malley said. “Right now, our girls are leading district (with the top average time). They’re buying into the program.”
One Father Lopez runner who went the extra mile, so to speak, at the Matanzas meet was junior Savannah Cox, who, after she finished her own race, gave all 230 boys finishers a high five, telling each one, “Good job,” as they exited the stadium to return to
Flagler Palm Coast senior Arianna Slaughter placed 14th and freshman Douglas Seth placed 22nd at the ultracompetitive Horse Park Invitational on Sept. 6 in Ocala.
Slaughter ran a time of 19:25.7 in the girls race and Seth ran a time of time of 16:17.7 in the boys race.
Nine boys ran sub-16 minute times with Belin Jesuit’s Marcelo Mantecon winning with a time of 15:10.8. He had an average mile time of 4:53.1 Orlando Bishop Moore’s Annabella Tomasic won the girls race with a time of 17:33.3.
their team tents.
“Usually I just do that for my own team,” she said. “But I saw they all had to walk through this gate, so I decided to stand here and (high-five them all). Usually everyone just disperses in different directions,” she said.
Cole Walker passed for 285 yards and three touchdowns in win.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
For the second week in a row, the Matanzas football team scored 40 or more points. The Pirates defeated Deltona 40-14 on Friday, Sept. 6, on the road.
Cole Walker passed for 285 yards and three touchdown passes, and running back Wiley Conner ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
“Our offense is finally showing what (it’s) capable of,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said. “But we still need to clean some things up. We really need to work on limiting our penalties along with the turnovers.”
The Pirates (2-1) had two turnovers — one lost fumble, one interception — and committed 11 penalties for 144 yards.
Matanzas overcame the miscues with 415 yards of offense and three takeways on defense. Walker completed 28 of 35 passes a week after setting a school record with 314 passing yards in a 43-24 victory over University. The senior has seven touchdown passes in three games. Jordan Schendorf, LaDarien Baker and Thomas Larywon each caught touchdown passes against Deltona (2-1). Baker caught seven passes for 99 yards, Andrew Bass caught nine passes for 61 yards, Larywon caught four passes for 89 yards and Schendorf caught eight passes for 36 yards.
“Cole is a talented player. He’s doing a good job distributing the ball. This was his best game spreading the ball around,” Forrest said. “And the offensive line is doing a great job.”
The Pirates had three interceptions on defense. Cooper May returned an interception 91 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Jaden Dormevil and Chase Johnson also had picks. Baker also blocked a field goal, and Jack Ferguson had two sacks.
“We’re playing better defensively, and we’re playing better offensively,” Forrest said. “We’re focusing on what our players do best. If they’re confident in what they’re doing, they’ll execute on a high level.”
The Pirates are back on the road on Friday, Sept. 12, at Jackson High School in Jacksonville.
The Sandcrabs, who evened their record at 1-1, will host Rockledge in a district game on Sept. 12, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
Seabreeze defeated Halifax Academy 24-0 on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex to even its record at 1-1.
Zach Voltaire scored two touchdowns — one on special teams, one on defense. Matthew Wells scored a touchdown on a 2-yard run. And Luke Zboch kicked a field goal and three extra points.
Head coach Mike Klein told his players that wins are hard to come by, so they should enjoy the victory for the next 24 hours.
“I feel like we’re capable of more, and that’s what I told them,” he said. “We still have things that we’ve got to get to click and we’ve got to get going, so we’ll be back to work immediately. We have a big, big district game this week, so we have to be ready to roll.”
The Sandcrabs host District 6-4A foe Rockledge on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Wells scored the game’s first touchdown early in the second quarter. He also had six tackles and a tackle for a loss on defense.
“Wells always comes up big in big situations,” Klein said. “He’s a smart player and bigtime leader on the defense.”
Smith told Klein that he was starting to get very tired.
Klein decided it was time to really push hard in conditioning. This game, his players said they felt better, so the coaches will continue pushing the two-way players and focus on overall conditioning for the team.
“He (Smith) almost gets better as the game goes on because he continues to run physical, and guys start to not tackle as well,” Klein said.
“He’s a tough runner, so we definitely counted on the run game tonight.”
Smith, who also caught a Jace Gainer pass for 8 yards, said the Sandcrabs had a lot of confidence coming into the game and were hoping for a blowout.
“I think offense is capable of a lot more, but it’s early in the season,” Smith said. “We can get the work in and put some more points on the board going forward, for sure. Every week is a game week now, so we have to come to practice with intensity and be locked in — know what we’re doing. No days off. Just got to come with that mentality of, we want to put as many points on the board, no stopping, no plays off and as many points as we can.”
Klein said there is still some competition on the offensive line that needs to be figured out heading into the first district game.
“I love all my teammates. It’s going to be a game to watch — our first district game. We all have to come to play ball. We all have to be amped. I wouldn’t go to war with anybody else but this team.”
ZACH VOLTAIRE, Seabreeze team captain
with a leader’s mentality to win.
“I love all my teammates,” he said. “It’s going to be a game to watch — our first district game. We all have to come to play ball. We all have to be amped. I wouldn’t go to war with anybody else but this team.”
Voltaire is a playmaker and he did not disappoint, Klein said. The senior captain blocked a punt in the second quarter and ran the ball back for 25 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, he had a 54-yard pick-six. On offense, Voltaire ran for 107 yards on just eight carries. The Sandcrabs faced Halifax Academy during a sevenon-seven summer league, Voltaire said.
ly talked back. We just said, ‘We’ll see you Week 3.’ It was real fun when it wasn’t sevenon-seven any more. We came out to play ball and look at the outcome. We came out victorious.”
“They were just talking a lot,” he said. “We never real-
Klein said Halifax always plays tough despite having a small team with a large percentage of two-way play-
ers. As the game progressed, Klein said, the Knights (0-3) began to wear down, making it harder for them to tackle Seabreeze’s physical runners like running back Logan Smith, who led the Sandcrabs with 65 yards rushing on 11 carries.
During Seabreeze’s seasonopener against Spruce Creek,
“I don’t foresee any huge changes being made (before the Rockledge game), but we still have some positional battles happening,” he said. “It’s a no-excuses mentality from here on. They’ve got to work and get the job done — got to compete.”
Voltaire said as a team captain, he has got to be a great influence and lead by example. He said he takes the field
The teams battled for five sets and danced to the Cupid Shuffle.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
They held a volleyball match and a line dance broke out.
During an intermission between sets of Seabreeze’s five-set victory over Flagler Palm Coast on Thursday, Sept. 4, both teams lined up in front of their benches and performed an extended dance to the Cupid Shuffle.
“Our teams love each other,” explained FPC coach Lindsey
“It’s surreal. I don’t think we’ve ever had this winning streak (to start the season).”
Stewart, who is good friends with Seabreeze coach Janet Bruce. The friendship has trickled down to the players.
“They play each other so much (in beach and indoor volleyball) they’ve developed a relationship,” Stewart said.
The match itself, at FPC’s gym, was so good that even the losing coach could smile afterward. From the first set, you could tell that neither team was going down without a fight — even with a jaunty Cupid Shuffle mixed in.
The Sandcrabs won the opening set, needing five extra points to win by two at 30-28. Seabreeze also won the second set, 25-20, and seemed poised to sweep until FPC won the next two, 25-14 and 25-21, to force a deciding fifth set.
The Sandcrabs broke a 5-5 tie and led the rest of the way to win the fifth set 15-10 and remain undefeated on the season with a 6-0 record.
“You could be upset you didn’t win, but at the same time, it was a great match,” Stewart said. “Both sides gave it their all and thrived on each other’s energy.”
Seabreeze appears to be on its way to its best season since 2021 when it finished with a
19-8 record and advanced to the playoffs. But, unlike this year, the Sandcrabs started that season with four straight losses.
“It’s surreal,” said Bruce, the Sandcrabs’ third-year coach. “I don’t think we’ve ever had this winning streak (to start the season). We have an all-around team, and I’m able to play the entire team in pretty much every single set. But they all have a specific role.”
The Sandcrabs had 18 blocks in the match, with Carley Bandell in on eight of them. Alexandria Dingman led the Sandcrabs with 13 kills, and libero Lilli Litz had 38 digs including a key “pancake” dig with the back of her hand.
“Those are hard to get to,” Litz said. “It’s hard (playing libero). You’ve got to put your body out there.”
“She’s able to get underneath a lot of balls,” Bruce
said of the junior. “She’s a great digger and a great leader in the back row. She’s finding her voice.”
FPC beat Seabreeze in the preseason, but since then the Sandcrabs have been unflappable, winning three of their matches in five sets.
“I think we’re just all connected. We’re all good friends,” Litz said.
The Bulldogs fell to 2-8, but that includes six losses in the Nike Tournament of Champions Aug. 29-30 in Gainesville. The Labor Day weekend event is known as the toughest high school volleyball tournament in the Southeast.
FPC hosts Menendez on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Taylor on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Seabreeze plays at Deltona on Monday, Sept. 8, hosts Taylor on Tuesday and visits Matanzas on Sept. 11.
The Pirates won the boys match 7-0 while the Bulldogs won the girls match 5-2 on the strength of a 188 Baker game.
OBSERVER STAFF
Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas split their bowling match on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Palm Coast Lanes with the FPC girls winning 5-2 on the strength of a 188 Baker game, and the Matanzas boys winning with a 7-0 shutout.
In the boys match, Matanzas won the total pin count, 2,114 to 1,893, but the match was closer than the score indicates with the Pirates winning the second game by one pin. Kaleb Castello bowled the high game for Matanzas with a 210. FPC’s Trey Wood bowled
Matanzas’ Kaleb Castello.
a 205.
“It’s always a great competition when FPC and MHS face off,” said Laura Oliva, who is coaching the Matanzas boys team this year after coaching the FPC girls for the past five years.
The Matanzas boys are 3-1 on the season with Castello leading the way with a 181.8 average followed by Jesus Duran (167.2), Timmy Rock (166.3) and Trey O’Janovec (162.3).
The FPC girls also improved to 3-1. The Bulldogs’ Victoria Dasilva-Carvalheira (190) and Destiny Bonvouloir (152) led the way against the Pirates.
The two teams will meet again on Oct. 6.
Spartan Academy athletes earn medals at world championships
Spartan Academy is continuing to put Palm Coast on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu map, with athletes in all age groups earning podium finishes at some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
At the 2025 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship in Long Beach, California, 15-year-old Spartan Academy athlete
Calvin DuBose earned a bronze medal in the highly competitive Juvenile Blue Belt division. DuBose is in his first year competing at this level.
Weeks later, Spartan Academy’s youth team made history at the IBJJF Pan Kids Championship in Kissimmee, the largest and most renowned kids’ jiu-jitsu tournament in the world. Spartan Academy’s students earned seven medals: Camilla Stone and Ella Desario won gold; Connor Stone, Hasan Ganiev, Maximus Bocanegra and Amaries Daily earned silver; and Jonathan DuBose earned bronze.
The academy’s success continued in the adult divisions at the IBJJF World Master Championship in Las Vegas, the biggest master level jiu-jitsu tournament in the world. Spartan Academy sent a team of seven athletes, with three reaching the podium: Sherif Goma, gold; Jeff Kriesen, silver; and Josh Sammons, bronze. Led by Professor Igor Mancebo, a second-degree black belt, Spartan Academy has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for its structured programs, technical instruction and strong team culture. The academy is affiliated with the Renato Tavares Association, a respected Brazilian JiuJitsu organization dedicated to high level athlete development.
Spartan Academy sent seven athletes to the IBJJF World Master Championship in Las Vegas. Courtesy photo by Hivinna Dineas For more information about Spartan Academy or to schedule a free class, email spartanpalmcoast@gmail. com, text/call (386) 3388068 or (772) 212-6527, or go to www.spartanpalmcoast. com.
Jenkins leads Seabreeze, Stich leads FPC in ninehole challenge
Seabreeze won the VolusiaFlagler Girls Nine-Hole Challenge on Sept. 3 at Daytona Beach Golf Club. Seven schools competed. The Sandcrabs defeated secondplace Flagler Palm Coast by two strokes, 184-186. Hailey Jenkins (41) and Jillian Heller (43) led Seabreeze. FPC’s Sophia Stiwich shot 37, while her teammate, Ivey Tsouklaris, shot 44.
Matanzas scored 203 with Scarlett Mackenzie shooting 46 and Mary Grace Seward shooting 47.
See House. Do Not Text 386-437-7058
Palm Coast Selling 2 lots, Side by Side, Equal To 1/2 Acre In Size. Call to Get More Information . Do Not Text 386-437-7058
Yard Sale WANTED MEN - A special sale just for you! Bring wife to help you select a new wardrobe. Shoes 11 & 12, Pants, Shorts 40-42x30/31, Shirts and More!
You will find TOOLS and MORE TOOLS and Yard Equipment! All Must go! Sat Sept 13 8-? 31 Robinson Dr. PC
Wanted
Palatka Housing Authority (PHA) is requesting proposals from qualified firms with prior experience in public housing authority financial management to provide interim Chief Financial Officer (CFO) services. The selected firm will support the agency in stabilizing financial operations, training incoming financial leadership,
and
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NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024-10589-CIDL FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff, vs. RUSSELL CHARLES ASH, et al., Defendants. NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Summary Judgment entered on September 3, 2025, in Case No2024-10589-CIDL of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION is Plaintiff, and RUSSELL CHARLES ASH, ROBYN F. ASH, and SECRETARY OF THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, are Defendants, the Office of Laura E. Roth, Volusia County Clerk of the Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash beginning at 11:00 A.M. on-line at www. volusia.realforeclose.com on the 14th day of October 2025, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: THE NORTH 1/2 OF LOT 5, BLOCK “E”, PLANTATION ESTATES, UNIT NO. 2, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE 183, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Also known as 19 NARANJA RD, DEBARY, FL 32713 together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures.
Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770. Dated this 5th day of September 2025. Sokolof Remtulla, LLP By : /s/ Benjamin D. Ladouceur Benjamin D. Ladouceur, Esq. Florida Bar No.: 73863 SOKOLOF REMTULLA, LLP 6801 Lake Worth Road, Suite 100E Greenacres, FL 33467 Telephone: 561-507-5252 Facsimile: 561-342-4842 E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com Counsel for Plaintiff September 11, 18, 2025 25-00427I
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12565 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF ANN ALICE MARY JAMES, A/K/A ANN JAMES A/K/A ANN A. JAMES Deceased.
The administration of the estate of ANN ALICE MARY JAMES, also known as ANN JAMES, also known as ANN A. JAMES, deceased, whose date of death was July 8, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.
The date of first publication of this notice is: SEPTEMBER 11, 2025. Signed on this 6th day of AUGUST, 2025. /s/ J. James JEAN ELIZABETH JAMES Personal Representative 6 Merlins Court, Queens Promenad Ramsey IM8IER, Isle of Mann, British Isles /s/ Robert Kit Korey
Robert Kit Korey
Attorney for Personal Representative
Florida Bar No. 147787
Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd. Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174
Telephone: 386-677-3431
Email: kit@koreylawpa.com
Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com September 11, 18, 2025 25-00428I
OF SUSAN KEMBLE WILTSE Deceased. The administration of the estate of Susan Kemble Wiltse, deceased, whose date of death was March 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. 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 September 11, 2025.
Attorney for Personal Representative: Samantha Chechele
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0775592 7127 First Avenue South SAINT PETERSBURG, FL 33707
Telephone: (727) 381-6001
Fax: (727) 381-7900
E-Mail: samantha@chechelelaw.com September 11, 18, 2025 25-00424I
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s
Jennifer Vazquez Deputy Clerk MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLP 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email: AccountsPayable@mccalla.com
Judicial Circuit IN RE: ESTATE OF JACK F. CARSON, SR., Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: The administration of the estate of Jack F. Carson, Sr., deceased, whose date of
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 13481 CICI DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2007-BR5, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-BR5, Plaintiff, vs. RIVERWOOD PLANTATION HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; RIVERWOOD GREENBRIAR HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; PALMAS BAY CLUB HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; PATRICIA L. DEAN A/K/A PATRICIA DEAN; PAMELA S. ROSS; UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF DAVID HAMPTON A/K/A DAVE HAMPTON A/K/A DAVID P. HAMPTON A/K/A DAVID PAUL HAMPTON, DECEASED; EMILY DEAN, Defendant(s). TO: Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, and all other parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Estate of David Hampton a/k/a Dave Hampton a/k/a David P. Hampton a/k/a David Paul Hampton, deceased 6339 Palmas Bay Circle Port Orange, Florida 32127 YOU
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2023 12299 CIDL PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. RYAN HAYDEN KOLLER; OAKWOOD HILLS HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC; AZREAL JAE APPLEGATE; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendants.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), LAURA E. ROTH as the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www.volusia.realforeclose.com at, 11:00 AM on the 30 day of September, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 22, OAKWOOD HILLS, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 43, PAGE 143, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1901 KNOLTON AVENUE, ORANGE CITY, FL 32763 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK
LLP, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is 2800 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 500, Miami, Florida 33137, Attn: Vivian A. Jaime, Esq.; Vivian@rzllaw.com and efile@rzllaw.com, WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE and the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court on Aug 29, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH As Clerk of said Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk
Submitted by:: Vivian A. Jaime, Esq. Ritter, Zaretsky, Lieber & Jaime, LLP 2800 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 500 Miami, Florida 33137 (305) 372-0933, ext. 225 Email: Vivian@rzllaw.com and Denise@rzllaw.com September 11, 18, 2025 25-00423I
NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023 12738 CIDL U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2006-OA2 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OA2, Plaintiff, vs. JULIE B. ZALLOUM A/K/A JULE BAKER ZALLOUM A/K/A JULIE ANNE BAKER; OSAMA AHMED ZALLOUM; RIVER OAKS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, INC.; RIVER OAKS III HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC., Defendant(s).
NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the order of Consent Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 28, 2025, and entered in Case No. 2023 12738 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the 7TH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2006-OA2 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Series 2006-OA2, is Plaintiff and Julie B. Zalloum a/k/a Jule Baker Zalloum a/k/a Julie Anne Baker; Osama Ahmed Zalloum; River Oaks Community Association, Inc.; River Oaks III Homeowners’ Association, Inc., are Defendants, the Office of the Clerk, Volusia County Clerk of the Court will sell via online auction at www. volusia.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m. on the 14th day of October, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said
Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 14, RIVER OAKS III, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 46, PAGES 29 THROUGH 32, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 217 River Village Drive, Debary, Florida 32713 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff’s mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk
Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY CASE NO. 2025 11052 CIDL LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, vs. MIRIAM MERCADO, et al., Defendant. To the following Defendant(s): ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ESTATE OF ANTONIO OLMO VILA A/K/A ANTONIO O. VILA A/K/A ANTONIO VILA, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS 1388 FERENDINA DR DELTONA, FL 32725 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 13, BLOCK 507, DELTONA LAKES UNIT FOURTEEN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGES 223 THROUGH 225, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS AND ADOPTION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 170.07 AND 197.3632(4)(b), FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT AND NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) of the Deering Park Stewardship District (“District”) will hold public hearings and a regular board meeting on September 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Storch Law Firm, 420 S Nova Road, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, to consider the adoption of an assessment roll, the imposition of special assessments to secure proposed bonds on benefited lands within the Deering Park Stewardship District (“District”), a depiction of which lands is shown below, and to provide for the levy, collection and enforcement of the special assessments. The streets and areas to be improved and property subject to the special assessments are geographically depicted below and in the District’s Master and Supplemental Engineers Report for DPSD JV1 #1, dated August 12, 2025, (the “Improvement Plan”).
The public hearings are being conducted pursuant to Chapter 2017-206, Laws of Florida, and Chapters 170, 189 and 197, Florida Statutes.
A description of the property to be assessed and the amount to be assessed to each piece or parcel of property may be ascertained at the District Manager’s Office located at 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 571-0010. The District is a unit of special-purpose local government responsible for providing infrastructure improvements for lands within the District. The infrastructure improvements (“Improvements”) are currently expected to include, but are not limited to, roadways, alleys, mobility trails, stormwater management facilities, water distribution system, wastewater system, reclaim water system, landscaping, hardscaping and irrigation system improvements, recreation improvements, street lighting improvements, and other improvements, all as more specifically described in the Improvement Plan, on file and available during normal business hours at the address provided above. The District intends to impose assessments on benefited lands within the District in the manner set forth in the District’s Master Special Assessment Methodology Report for the DPSD JV1 #1, dated August 12, 2025 (the “Assessment Report”), which is on file and available during normal business hours at the address provided above. The purpose of any such assessment is to secure the bonds issued to fund the Improvements. As described in more detail in the Assessment Report, the District’s assessments will be levied against all benefitted lands within the District. The Assessment Report identifies the legal description of the property within the District which will be subject to the assessments and the assessment amounts per parcel for each land use category that is currently expected to be assessed. The method of allocating assessments for the Improvements to be funded by the District will initially be determined on an equal assessment per gross acre basis. The methodology is explained in more detail in the Assessment Report. Also as described in more detail in the Assessment Report, the District’s assessments will be levied against all assessable lands within the District. Please consult the Assessment Report for more details. The annual principal assessment levied against each parcel will be based on repayment over thirty (30) years of the total debt allocated to each parcel. The District expects to collect sufficient
be considered by the District. The Board meeting and hearings are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law for special districts. The Board meeting and/ or the public hearings may be continued in progress to a date and time certain announced at the meeting and/or hearings. If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meeting or hearings, such person will need a record of the proceedings and should accordingly ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which includes the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. Any person requiring special accommodations at the meeting or hearings because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at (561) 571-0010 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8770 for aid in contacting the District Manager’s office. RESOLUTION 2025-17 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT RESCINDING RESOLUTIONS 2025-04, 2025-05, AND 2025-08 IN THEIR ENTIRETY; DECLARING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; INDICATING THE LOCATION, NATURE AND ESTIMATED COST OF THOSE INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS WHOSE COST IS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE PORTION OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE DEFRAYED BY THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING THE MANNER IN WHICH SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE MADE; PROVIDING WHEN SUCH SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE PAID; DESIGNATING LANDS UPON WHICH THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED; PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT PLAT; ADOPTING A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS
OF THE DEERING PARK STEWARDSHIP DISTRICT:
1. Assessments shall be levied to defray a portion of the cost of the Improvements.
2. The nature and general location of, and plans and specifications for, the Improvements are described in Exhibit A, which is on file at the District Records Office. Exhibit B is also on file and available for public inspection at the same location.
3. The total estimated cost of the Improvements is $87,335,000 (the “Estimated Cost”).
4. The Assessments will defray approximately $119,790,000, which amount includes the Estimated Cost, plus financing-related costs, capitalized interest and a debt service reserve.
5. The manner in which the Assessments shall be apportioned and paid is set forth in Exhibit B including provisions for supplemental assessment resolutions.
6. The Assessments shall be levied, within the District, on all lots and lands adjoining and contiguous or bounding and abutting upon the Improvements or specially benefitted thereby and further designated by the assessment plat hereinafter provided for.
7. There is on file, at the District Records Office, an assessment plat showing the area to be assessed, with certain plans and specifications describing the Improvements and the estimated cost of the Improvements, all of which shall be open to inspection by the public.
8. Commencing with the year in which the Assessments are levied and confirmed, the Assessments shall be paid in not more than (30) thirty annual installments. The Assessments may be payable at the same time and in the same manner as are ad-valorem taxes and collected pursuant to Chapter 197, Florida Statutes; provided, however, that in the event the uniform non ad-valorem assessment method of collecting the Assessments is not available to the District in any year, or if determined by the District to be in its best interest, the Assessments may be collected as is otherwise permitted by law.
9. The District Manager has caused to be made a preliminary assessment roll, in accordance with the method of assessment described in Exhibit B hereto, which shows the lots and lands assessed, the amount of benefit to and the assessment against each lot or parcel of land and the number of annual installments into which the assessment may be divided, which assessment roll is hereby adopted and approved as the District’s preliminary assessment roll.
10. The Board shall adopt a subsequent resolution to fix a time and place at which the owners of property to be assessed or any other persons interested therein may appear before the Board and be heard as to the propriety and advisability of the assessments or the making of the Improvements, the cost thereof, the manner of payment therefore, or the amount thereof to be assessed against each property as improved.
11. The District Manager is hereby directed to cause this Resolution to be published twice (once a week for two (2) consecutive weeks) in a newspaper of general circulation within Brevard County and Volusia County and to provide such other
