Ormond Beach Observer 09-25-25

ORMOND BEACH

Daisie girl scout Rhea Carter (center) is given her winning basket at the annual Ormond Beach Elks Duck Drop on Sept. 20.

Photo by Michele Meyers

Jack Ferguson (9) and Rylee Roberts (15). Photo by Brian McMillan

NEWS BRIEFS

Ormond Beach Fire responds to house fire on Aldenham Lane

The Ormond Beach Fire Department responded to a

COPS CORNER

SEPT. 16

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

11:23 p.m. — 200 block of Williamson Blvd., Ormond Beach Trespass. A 20-year-old man from Honduras is being detained and may be deported from the U.S. after police found him and four others inside the former movie theater in town. According to a police report, officers on patrol heard voices coming from the movie theater building, which they described as “abandoned,” and noticed the front entrance was unsecured. They entered the building and con-

house fire on Aldenham Lane in Plantation Bay at around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The fire, the agency reported on its Facebook page, was caused by unattended candles. There were no injuries to residents or pets, and the fire was contained to the kitchen, where it originated. The house sustained smoke damage.

The fire was quickly extinguished, OBFD reported.

“Please remember to NEVER leave candles burning when unattended,” the Fire Department said.

South Daytona woman

killed in crash on SR 11

A South Daytona woman is dead after two SUVs collided on State Road 11 in southwest Flagler County on Sept. 20.

The woman, 71, was driving north on S.R. 11 at 10:20 a.m. when her SUV left the northbound lane and crossed into oncoming traffic in the southbound lane, according to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report. A second SUV going

ducted a sweep, during which one officer noticed movement coming from behind a curtain in one of the theater rooms.

Officers instructed them to come out, the report states. Initially, no one spoke or came forward, so one officer peeked behind the curtain and saw five people hiding. They were escorted out of the building and detained. All declined to speak with police, but did say they found an open door and wanted to look inside. The man was confirmed to be undocumented.

SEPT. 18

CONSPIRACY THEORY

1:44 p.m. — 700 block of S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach Trespass. Deputies arrested

south was hit head-on by the northbound SUV, blocking the roadway.

The woman, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was pronounced dead at the scene. The second driver, a 61-yearold St. Johns man, sustained only minor injuries.

18-year-old arrested for threatening to kill, FCSO says

An 18-year-old Palm Coast man was arrested on Sept. 18 for threatening to kill a Matanzas High School student, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Karl Wessley, 18, graduated from MHS in the spring On Aug.12, a current MHS student reported to the school’s resource officer that Wessley had sent threats to kill the student over text messages, a FCSO press release said.

FCSO deputies reviewed the texts, which included a picture of pistols, a rifle and an AK-47, the press release said. The texts showed Wessley messaging the student “But if

a 38-year-old Ormond Beach man who refused to leave the premises of a local gas station, leading employees to call law enforcement to have him trespassed.

When deputies arrived and informed him of this, the man “became irate and argumentative,” according to his arrest report. He accused a deputy of being a “conspiracist” and attempting to wrongfully arrest him.

He was asked once again to leave, but the man continued to refuse. He was taken to jail.

RIPE FOR FIGHTING

7:50 p.m. – 4900 block of Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Brawling. A Palm Coast man was arrested for starting a

you want me to kill you, I can, I ain’t scared” and “I could shoot you with which one.”

The case was sent to the FCSO Major Case Unit, and detectives interviewed Wessley on Sept. 18. Wessley told detectives he sent the messages because he believed that the student was spreading rumors about him. He also said he did not own any firearms, but got the pictures that he sent from the internet, the press release said.

Wessley was arrested and is facing a felony charge for written or electronic threats to kill, the press release said.

Sex offender in Palm Coast arrested

A registered sex offender in Palm Coast was arrested on Sept. 16 following a fourmonth investigation.

Gary Durso, 57, is facing possession of child sexual abuse material charges. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received a tip In May about an online account tied to Durso through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Chil-

fight in a local grocery store’s produce section.

The victim told Sheriff’s Office deputies that the suspect was making loud statements about people from New Jersey and, though they were Florida residents, the victim thought he was talking about him and his pregnant girlfriend, according to an arrest report.

Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived after store employees had broken up the fight, but security camera footage of the fight. The footage shows that the suspect then approached the victim and “pushed his stomach against” the victim and yelled at him. The victim pushed the suspect back, and then hits him in the face, the report said.

The two begin to hit and

dren’s CyberTipline, a FCSO press release said.

A review of the files linked to Durso’s account found pornographic images, including confirmed child sexual abuse material identified by NCMEC’s Child Victim Identification Program, the press release said.

The FCSO Cyber Crimes Unit and members of the NEFL Task Force served a search warrant on Durso’s residence on Sept. 16, where “numerous electronics — including laptops, cellphones, and flash drives — containing suspected child sexual abuse material” were found.

Durso was arrested and taken to the Flagler County jail. Additional charges are pending a forensic analysis of the electronics, the press release said.

Durso has been a registered sex offender since 2013 when he was convicted in Osceola County for traveling to meet a minor to commit an unlawful sexual offense, the press release said.

Because he is a repeat offender, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10

push each other until the suspect falls into a produce display.

The suspect later admitted to deputies going into the store and approaching the victim, and was arrested as the aggressor.

SEPT. 19

A BLOCK BUSTER

2:16 p.m. – 1200 block of Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast Criminal mischief. A man in Palm Coast was arrested after he threw a broken piece of a concrete parking stump through a car’s window.

years of prison under Florida law.

Motorcyclist, 18, killed after hitting deer, then being hit by a car

An 18-year-old Palm Coast motorcyclist is dead after he hit a deer, was thrown from his motorcycle and then hit by a passing car. The accident happened in the left westbound lane of State Road 100, just west of the Briarwood Drive intersection, at 9:39 p.m. on Sept. 22, according to a Florida Highway Patrol crash report. The deer ran out in front of the motorcycle, which hit the deer, and sent the driver into the air. The 18-year-old landed in the left lane and was hit by a sedan going west in the left lane. The driver and passengers of the sedan did not know the motorcyclist was there, and the sedan’s front center and right bumper hit the rider, the report said. The sedan stopped in the left turn lane after hitting the victim.

The suspect seemed intoxicated when Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived on scene at the gas station where the incident occurred, according to the arrest report. Witnesses said the man came onto the property and began yelling and screaming at people. The suspect then picked up the concrete block and threw it through the parked car’s window, shattering it and damaging the car door. The suspect then turned around and knocked over several displays outside the gas station, damaging the products. He then grabbed a cardboard display and ran at people while carrying it. The suspect did not provide any statement to law enforcement and is being charged with two counts of criminal mischief, and one count of disorderly conduct. No one was injured during the incident.

The structure fire at the home originated in the kitchen.

Volusia celebrated the milestone with a ceremony featuring Bernard Huggins, a bus driver who has worked for Votran since the very beginning.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Bernard Huggins has been behind the wheel for Votran for as long as Volusia County’s public transit system has existed.

That’s 50 years, a milestone the county celebrated on Friday, Sept. 19, during a special anniversary event held at Votran’s headquarters in South Daytona. The celebration was attended by Votran staff, elected officials and representatives from the Florida Department of Transportation.

Huggins, who — for the second time in his career — was recently awarded Driver of the Year by the Florida Public Transportation Association, was the ceremony’s special guest, which concluded with the unveiling of a bus wrap, containing Votran’s new logo and Huggin’s photograph.

“Obviously, he’s seen it all,” said Bobbie King, county director of Transit Services. “He has no plans to retire. He loves what he does — that makes him the best employee ever.”

WHAT A RIDE! VOTRAN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

King read a statement written by Huggins as he stood alongside her on the platform. Holding the title of bus driver and wearing the uniform, he wrote, has been on of his “greatest blessings.”

“The dictionary defines a bus driver as a person whose job it is to drive a bus, but from the very first day I put on my uniform, the job meant much more to me,” Huggins state -

ment read. “A bus driver is a navigator of the streets and highways of the community he serves. He is a protector for the customers who board his bus, trusting his skills to get them safely from one destination to the other. He is a timekeeper for his timeliness on his routes.”

His career as a bus driver spans over 50 years in total, and Huggins attributed his work ethic to his late mother, Annie Bell Huggins.

“I am grateful to the passengers that have boarded my busses on the hot days, the chilly days, the wet days and the days in between,” his statement said. “I am grateful for their smiles and greetings. Many of them have shared their lives with me — news of marriages, births, jobs, homes and sometimes the pain of the loss of a loved one. I am grateful to my coworkers, fellow drivers, mechanics and office staff, who have been there with me, for me, through these 50 years. Some of the

faces have changed, but the spirit and the commitment to serve our passengers has been constant.”

As part of the ceremony, King unveiled new logos for the county’s three public transit options:

„ Votran, the bus system

„ VoRide, the ridesharing service „ VoAcess, renamed from Votran’s Gold Service, which serves people with physical and mental disabilities, as well as those unable to transport themselves due to age.

King also announced that Votran will be modernizing its system, with plans to add more on-demand options such as VoRide, which is only available on the west side of the county for now. New technology allowing riders to schedule and pay for trips online, along with a new mobile app, are underway.

As the county celebrates 50 years of Votran, it is also celebrating “the future of mobility,” said Volusa County

Councilman Matt Reinhart.

“While Votran honors its past, it is actively building the transportation system for tomorrow — one that makes our county more connected, more competitive and more prepared for what lies ahead,” Reinhart said.

While highlighting the importance transportation plays in the economy, Reinhart said that reliable transit helps employers attract and retain workers while supporting the tourism industry.

“In short, Votran is fueling opportunity across our county,” he said. “We know our roads are busier — trust me. Our economy is more dynamic, and expectations of residents and visitors alike are higher than ever. Public transit remains part of the solution.”

Fifty years is a “huge milestone,” said County Council Chair Jeff Brower.

“You don’t make it 50 years unless you’re doing something right,” he said.

In addition to helping the economy, Votran helps the elderly, the disabled and the financially-disadvantaged be able to attend doctor’s appointments, go shopping and visit friends and family, Brower said. Things most people with a car take for granted, he added.

“We jump in our car and get there,” he said. “Not everybody can do that. Votran is filling that void, and they’re doing it in a way that’s absolutely efficient.”

Down to a 5.3% increase: Commissioners reduce tax rate at final hearing

The City Commission chose to cut two positions and video livestreaming from next year’s budget.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A last-minute proposal to cut Ormond Beach’s property tax rate caused a flurry of questions and degrees of confusion on the dais as some officials — and citizens — expressed vexation at the switch. At the city’s second budget hearing on Wednesday, Sept. 17, City Commissioner Travis Sargent put forth a proposal to adopt a millage rate that would’ve been 0.21% below the current rate. To get here, the commission would’ve needed to:

„ Approve cutting four positions from next year’s budget (two from Parks and Recreation, one from Public Works and one from Risk Management position)

„ Eliminate the initiative to livestream government meetings with video (live audio will remain).

„ Cut the dedicated millage for the city’s Leisure Services and Facilities Renewal and Replacement funds, which were instated by the commission in 2023 to help fund field improvements and needed maintenance projects.

„ Cut the Capital Improve -

ment Program millage by 0.038 mills.

Projects already included in the CIP budget, such as the rebuilding of Riviera Park fishing dock and the installation of solar LED parking lot lights at Ormond Beach Sports Complex and Nova Community Center, would be funded using just over $1 million from the city’s reserves.

“I don’t think the ship has sailed,” Sargent said. “I think we have options. It takes a lot to go through this and to come up with these, because I don’t want to cut any services. This is a plan that will provide the residents with the services they expect and not have to pay additional taxes.”

After about an hour of discussion and questions to city staff, Sargent’s proposal was significantly altered, leading to a unanimous vote to approve a millage rate of 4.3832 mills, or $4.3832 per $1,000 in taxable property value. This rate is 5.3% higher than last year’s rate, down from the initially proposed 10% tax rate increase tentatively set in July. Here is how we got there.

NO CUTS FOR PARKS Commissioners were not keen on eliminating the two Parks and Rec positions, which are for park maintenance.

At Wednesday’s budget hearing, Commissioner Kristin Deaton asked staff if these

ABOUT THAT MAILER WE ALL RECEIVED

Ormond residents opened their mailboxes in recent weeks to see a red and yellow mailer with bold letters proclaiming “No new taxes.”

“Mayor Jason Leslie says, ‘No New Taxes.’ Make sure to tell these arrogant, clueless, out of touch tax & spend commissioners where they can go with their big tax and spend scheme,” it reads on one side, the other naming Commissioners Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Kristin Deaton and Harold Briley by name next to illustrations depicting pickpocketing.

Leslie said he received the mailer two days ago, saying it shocked him as he didn’t know about it.

“I know that we made a consensus here to work together and so I’m probably on the naughty list now as well, from the flyer and the way it says — and that’s OK,” he said. “Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell somebody what to do if they want to do that.”

The mailer states it was independently paid for by resident George Arnold, who lives on an oceanfront home that displays year-round political signage.

Arnold told the Observer that the mayor’s statement claiming he was unaware of the mailer was false; Arnold

said he informed Leslie ahead of time before he sent out the mailer city-wide.

“He’s a flip-flopper,” Arnold said. “... He’s easily cowed. He’s desperate to be liked, and you can’t have both. You either stand on your principle or you cave, and he folded like a cheap suit.”

Screenshots of text messages between Leslie and Arnold shared on social media show that Leslie did know about the mailer. In one message, he asked Arnold to cancel it because he heard the commission wanted to go to rollback.

“He’s not to be trusted and it’s a shame,” Arnold said. “I hate to say that because I backed him, but I never stick with a mistake.”

Arnold said he is now categorizing Leslie with the rest of the commission, whom he has coined the “tax-andspend five.”

“Bottom line is the commission was obviously intimidated enough where they backed down somewhat on their tax increase,” Arnold said. “You can thank the mailer for that because their phones rang off the hook.”

More people spoke about the mailer than the city’s tax increase at the meeting, including former City Commissioners Susan Persis and Jeff Boyle.

“During your short, turbulent time as mayor, you have demonstrated a propensity of taking positions in front of a certain audience and then taking the opposing position in front of another audience,” Persis said. “Proof of this is even your supporter and friend Mr. Arnold doesn’t know where you stand on the property tax increase.”

By failing to condemn the mailer, Persis said, Leslie gives “legitimacy to a message that seeks to tear down rather than build up.”

“Positive leaders demonstrate integrity, fairness and courage to call out harmful behavior, even when it’s politically convenient to stay quiet,” she said.

Boyle said the mailer portrayed Leslie as a “tax hero” by Arnold, who largely funded Leslie’s campaign for mayor.

“Mr. Arnold’s attack signs on A1A are lawfully protected by the First Amendment, but they disrespect our residents and diminish our city,” Boyle said. “Mr. Mayor, you are associated with this mailer and its producer. ... Your political associations undermine the city you took an oath to defend and protect, and residents were disappointed when this showed up in their mailbox to find this negative disinformation mailed to them.” Bejan Bourbour, a resi-

dent of Ormond-by-the-Sea, defended Leslie.

“The amount of bullying that I’ve seen from this commission is unbelievable,” he said. “We’re supposed to work together. We’re supposed to make Ormond Beach great again.” During closing comments, commissioners expressed disappointment in the matter, saying the mailer sought to further divide the community.

“This mailer is exactly the kind of rhetoric that encourages people to hate,” Deaton said. “In Ormond Beach, we deserve leadership that values truth, respect and collaboration. Unattributed attack ads may score political points, but they do not solve problems, and they certainly don’t set the kind of example we should want for our city.”

Tolland said Leslie shook their hands at the last meeting and told them he wished to work together.

“I even questioned whether something like this would happen, and it did,” Tolland said. “I’m kind of speechless. I’m disappointed, but I wasn’t surprised when I got it.” On the dais, Leslie maintained that he wasn’t behind the mailer.

“I think it’s pretty simple — that I just had nothing to do with this thing,” he said.

Bernard Huggins stands in front of the bus recognizing his years with Votran during the 50th anniversary event on Friday, Sept, 19. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Bobbie King, Volusia County director of Transit Services

Hannah Stokes sings during Votran’s 50th anniversary event

Ormond Beach business owner is running for City Commission Zone 3

William Sanchez organized the International Day Festival held this year.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A new candidate is running for Ormond Beach City Commission Zone 3. Businessman William Sanchez filed to run on Aug. 18 for the seat, which is currently held by Commissioner

Kristin Deaton. Sanchez is the president and CEO of Solidus Communications Inc. and has lived in Ormond Beach for five years. He said he decided to run because he’d like to see Ormond retain its quality of life.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur practically my entire life and I think that there is something that I can provide to the city in helping it traverse these current waters that we’re in,” Sanchez said. “We’re going through a period of growth in Ormond Beach, for better or worse, and I think that it

Tolland and Harold Briley were on the same page. All three said they didn’t want to cut from Parks and Rec, including the dedicated millage.

behooves us to ensure that the city puts its best foot forward in order to encourage and also to benefit from that growth,

dedicated millage to Leisure Services and the Facilities R&R fund, she said.

without missing on the lifestyle that Ormond Beach is — because at the end of the day, there’s a reason why I moved to Ormond Beach.”

Sanchez is the founder and executive director of Cultural Awareness Fund, and organized the International Day Festival in town earlier this year. He has served on local boards, including the Cultural Council of Volusia County and the Volusia County Business Incubator. Additionally, Sanchez volunteers for the Volusia County Tech Hub and for the Volusia County Economic

millage back in next year after they “self-DOGE,” he added.

Development Team’s Innovation Challenge Task Force. This is the first time he’s running for office, but Sanchez said he has been keen on political science since he was in college. If elected to the City Commission, Sanchez said his background in business will benefit the city assess contracts and spending, referencing the recent issue in choosing an employee benefits broker.

“That was a wake-up call for me — at least one of the many,” Sanchez said. “I saw

the opportunity to say, ‘Hey, you know what? I think I can provide something.’” Growth, flooding and homelessness are other issues the city needs to work on, he added, and he seeks a chance to have a “fair shake” at representing his zone in this regard.

“I want what’s best for the city,” Sanchez said. “I want to get to meet as many people as I can and I want to be able to impart that philosophy of minds, because at the end of the day, it is about doing what’s right and what’s best for each and every one of us.”

were the positions that Leisure Services Director Robert Carolin told

were needed during the commission’s workshop on July 22. Finance Director Kelly McGuire said they were.

“That’s where I’m struggling,” Deaton said. ‘We sat here and promised people two weeks ago that we weren’t going to cut from Parks and Rec. We promised them.”

Commissioners Lori

“Our residents expect to use safe parks,” Briley said. “They expect for the playground equipment to be safe. They expect the restrooms to be clean, the restrooms be safe — all these types of things.”

Tolland, who before being elected in 2022, served on the city’s Leisure Services advisory board, said projects in the department’s long-range plan tended to be pushed back year after year. That’s why the commission in 2023 added the

“It’s always parks and recreation that gets kicked down the road,” Tolland said. “Is it essential? It’s not like water, but it is your quality of life. You know? It’s what makes Ormond Beach so special.”

SELF-DOGE

Sargent said he was willing to add the Parks and Rec positions back in.

“I don’t really want to take them,” he said. “I’m just trying to get us flat. We’re still providing the services our residents want.”

The commission could add

Once a dedicated millage is removed from the tax rate, it doesn’t come back the following budget year, unless officials tell staff to add it back in.

“They’re not there for ongoing projects year after year after year,” McGuire said.

If the commission had adopted a flat rate, it would see some additional property tax revenue due to growth, she explained. But that growth in taxable value has begun to dip.

“The growth in taxable values is less than it’s been in prior years and I would expect that to continue to come down,” McGuire said. “... Part of the reason that we have this request for a tax increase this year is because the remaining general fund revenues were all flat. I’ve been here 20 years — that has never happened.”

“So we’ll be in the same position next year?” Deaton asked.

McGuire said no. If the commission wants to go flat next year, they will make that happen. They just need to know sooner than three weeks before the budget hearing.

However, going to a flat rate next year while adding

back millage the commission removed this year may not be possible.

Briley said the city can start a self-DOGE process following the budget hearings to prepare for next fiscal year.

“It will give these folks some transparency that at least we did go through the process,” Briley said.

To get to the rate of 4.3832 mills, the commission cut the Public Works and Risk Management positions, whose duties are being covered by Ormond’s two assistant city managers, and livestreaming video for commission meetings, which was expected to cost $120,000 a year.

‘AN EMBARRASSMENT’

After the commission officially voted on its new millage rate and budget — down $380,000 to $142 million — a couple residents stayed behind to speak.

One was Eric Palacios, who serves as the chairman of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce. He told the commission he had come to the meeting to express appreciation for the city’s support on behalf of the chamber. Upon seeing what transpired on the

dais during the budget hearing, he changed his mind, calling Sargent’s last-minute budget proposal “a disgrace and an embarrassment to the city of Ormond Beach.”

“After the public outcry, you all sat up here and talked about how Parks and Rec was important, how police and fire were important and it was a unanimous decision to approve the millage as proposed last time,” Palacios said.

“Yet, tonight we come where it should have been a procedural vote to approve what has already been approved, you decide to say, ‘Well, I welcome DOGE. We need to think about what we do.’ The time for that was months ago.” At the end of the day, Palacios said, what the commission approved is still an tax increase.

Resident Mary Greenlees, whose partner John Olivari serves on the Budget Advisory Board, asked the commission what happened in the two weeks between budget hearings.

“It sounds like some politics got in the way and we really need to change that as Ormond Beach residents,” Greenlees said.

William Sanchez. Courtesy photo

Ruddy: Policy change ‘fuels discord’

The proposed revision states staff cannot display ‘ideological, political or religious symbols or messages’ in Flagler schools.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Volusia County Schools defends staff NDAs

School Board attorney Gilbert Evans said the NDAs, impacting 110 employees, were created to protect the district from liability.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Were Volusia County Schools’ non-disclosure agreements for some of its district staff “unconstitutional?”

According to two attorney — both who have represented Volusia County School Board, past and present — the answer is no.

During a board meeting on Aug. 26, School Board member Donna Brosemer called for the district to rescind an NDA it asked about 110 of its 8,200 employees to sign, calling it unconstitutional under Florida’s public record laws. At that meeting, School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans argued that the NDAs were valid, and his opinion remains the same.

The NDA was created to protect the school district from liability, Evans told the board during their workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

“It was created to ensure that sensitive information, such as information regarding students and staff safety plans, legal proceedings, discussions and proprietary software owned by the district is not compromised,” Evans said. “It was created as a deterrent from sharing unauthorized information.”

The NDA, he said, is not “an instrument used in the district to hide or conceal financial information.”

The School Board received a legal opinion supporting the NDA from former School Board Attorney Aaron Wolfe as well as a legal opinion written by a third-party attorney, on Brosemer’s behalf. They took a recess to allow board members to review both opinions and the district’s response.

Upon returning to the board room, Wolfe went over his legal opinion, countering Brosemer’s and stating that the district’s NDA dictates that confidential information doesn’t include that which is required to be disclosed by law, regulation or court order.

“The Florida Constitution requires the disclosure of public records unless exempted by general law,” Wolfe said. “Thus public records are required to be disclosed by law, and so the NDA does not encompass public records and does not add definitions as to what types of documents are to be considered confidential under state law. Therefore, the NDA is not unconstitutional.”

In regards to claims the NDA violates the First Amendment, Wolfe said that nothing in the NDA prohibits or restricts employees from “making disclosures protected under whistleblower provisions of federal or state law.” A number of courts, he added, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have rejected First Amendment challenges to NDAs. Wolfe added that NDAs are

“No individual was told, if he or she does not sign the NDA, that he or she would be terminated.”

GILBERT EVANS, Volusia County School Board attorney

an operational matter under the administration of the superintendent.

Brosemer said that she wrestled with the fact the justification for the NDA cited the NDA itself, and said that the introductory sentence — the district’s definition of confidential information, which includes budgets, funding sources and allocation of resources — was the most concerning.

Wolfe had stated these included information such as retirement contributions, deductions, income tax information, and other similar financial data.

“I think in a lot of your analysis, there was no distinction made between the way NDAs can be used in the private sector and the way they can be used in the public sector,” Brosemer said.

She also asked if any employees refused to sign the NDAs, and if so, was there an “or else?”

“No individual was told, if he or she does not sign the NDA, that he or she would be terminated,” Evans said.

Three employees didn’t sign the NDA, and Evans said nothing was said to them since.

Brosemer said she felt it was important to raise this issue due to its discussion in the community. Plus, she still feels that NDAs for a public agency are “inappropriate.”

“I do not believe that this has anything to do with interfering with the administration of the school,” she said. “The board’s job is oversight, and so because this appears to me to conflict with constitutional structure, I believe that it was my responsibility as a board member to bring it forward to the Board for discussion. What the board decides to do is up to the board.”

If the NDA was created so that employees would be prevented from speaking about someone else’s retirement contributions, Brosemer said, she would like to think there are existing ethics rules or training to address the issue instead.

She requested that the NDAs be modified to be more specific.

However, the board agreed with the attorney’s opinion: NDAs were an organizational matter.

“I think there’s lanes,” School Board member Jessie Thompson said. “... There are things that come before us, policy being a major one, but that kind of stuff (NDAs) falls under organization. That’s why we pick the superintendent.” Email jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.

Flagler County School Board member Janie Ruddy questions the necessity of a board policy revision spelling out that “staff may not post or display personal advocacy, ideological, political, religious, or comparable symbols or messages on classroom doors, walls, or other areas visible to students or the public, unless expressly approved by the district.”

To Ruddy, the proposed revision to Policy 9700-A is redundant and micromanaging.

“We already have a professional ethics clause, and this rule risks adding redundancy and a level of essentially superseding the leadership of the district and the school in micromanaging what is being displayed and made available in the classroom,” Ruddy said at a School Board workshop on Tuesday, Sept. 23.

She said the policy revision could lead to “additional antagonistic relationships between community members and teachers.”

Later in the discussion, she said the revision “fuels the discord.”

District Special Projects Coordinator Marcus Sanfilippo presented the board with 40 policy revisions and seven technical updates based on new legislation, Department of Education guidance and Board of Education rules, as

well as a review of federal and state law.

The board approved the updates for advertising purposes at its business meeting later that evening, with a final vote expected at the board meeting on Oct. 28.

Of the 47 proposed updates, Policy 9700-A was the only one based on a board member’s request. Sanfilippo said the revision was written by Flagler Schools attorney Sven Smith, based on board member Christy Chong’s request.

In response to Ruddy’s statements on the policy, Chong said, “I would argue that the language that we had was not good enough. This began four or five weeks ago when we had conversations and feedback, so I do think that this better protects us, actually, on what we are allowing. The more clear and concise it is, the easier it is to enforce.”

In February, 2023, Chong asked about a poster in a Matanzas High School classroom that read, “This is a safe space for LGBTQ students and their allies.”

“Let me try to choose my words carefully,” Chong said at the Feb. 22, 2023, board workshop. “Within that classroom, there’s a poster on the wall pushing the LGBTQ agenda, and I want to know how much this is going on in our schools. If we can’t hang Bible verses or pray, then we shouldn’t be pushing any kind of agenda in our schools.”

Chong and Board Chair Will Furry both said that they have continued to hear complaints about material in teachers’ classrooms.

Chief Human Resources Officer Bob Ouelette said messages in classrooms must be related to that teacher’s curriculum.

Superintendent LaSha -

kia Moore said the district has processes for addressing complaints about materials in classrooms. If teachers are not following professional standards and the code of ethics, that would be addressed through disciplinary measures, conversations or corrective coaching.

The language in the board’s new policies as written by policy service provider Neola, was passed by the board just last month.

That language was clear enough for the district, Moore said, adding, “we can add additional language if that is the will of the board.”

Furry said he believes the latest revision makes it pretty clear.

“I have fielded several complaints about these type of issues, I’m dealing with one right now, as a matter of fact,” he said. “I think this (revision) makes it very clear, sends the message … for those that are trying to promote an activism that they’ll have to answer to that through the professional standards. But just like any policy, if an educator, any of our staff, needs clarification before they do something, they can seek counsel for that within our organization.

I think that’s a prudent thing to do if you feel that it falls outside of these descriptions.”

With board member Derek Barrs officially resigning on Sept. 30, the board could have just four members at its next meeting depending on when Gov. Ron DeSantis appoints a replacement. Furry told the Observer that he will reach out to the governor to ask for a speedy appointment, “It really depends on applications,” Furry said. “And I don’t believe they’ll be available until Oct. 1.” Email brent@observerlocalnews.com.

When most people hear the words “estate planning,” they picture big houses, stacks of stock certificates, or maybe a yacht or two. Estate planning is for everyone — and it’s about more than just money. It’s about ensuring your family isn’t left with a legal mess and that your wishes are honored, whether you own a mansion or a modest condo. At its heart, estate planning is about control. You decide who makes decisions if you can’t. You decide how your property is divided. Without a plan, the State of Florida has one waiting for you — and let’s just say the government doesn’t know (or care) which niece promised to take care of your dog or who always hosts Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, wills and trusts are important, but estate planning is also about values. Maybe you want to make sure your children don’t squabble over family heirlooms — like Grandma’s gravy boat that nobody uses but everybody suddenly wants. Or perhaps you want to leave a legacy by supporting your favorite charity. These are the personal touches that plan truly yours.

Then there’s the practical side: health care directives and powers of attorney. Think of them as instructions for life’s “what-ifs.” If you’re in the hospital, who makes medical decisions for you? If bills need to be paid while you’re recovering, who handles them? Planning avoids the costly and stressful process of guardianship. It’s like buying an umbrella before it rains — you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad you have it. And don’t forget the conversations estate planning starts. Sitting down with family to talk about these decisions can feel uncomfortable at first, but it often leads to meaningful discussions. It’s your chance to share not just what you want done, but why — and maybe clear up which child is inheriting the gravy boat once and for all.

Estate planning isn’t about how much you own. It’s about peace of mind, protecting the people you love, and making sure your wishes carry on. A good plan keeps your family out of court, out of conflict, and maybe even out of counseling.

After all, a little planning today can save a lot of drama tomorrow.

Volusia County School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Naval caps in casket found on beach

The hats had been ‘buried at sea’ as part of a tradition celebrating a Navy officer’s promotion.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Turtle Patrol volunteer Mickey Norris was not expecting to find a small wooden casket along the beach just north of Marineland while on turtle patrol on Sunday, Sept. 21. Inside, he said, were white U.S. Navy uniform hats.

“The first thing that we were thinking was, it was a burial casket,” Norris said. Norris and fellow Palm Coast resident Connie Bal -

liet found the casket a little before sunrise. Unfortunately, he said, it was initially missing its U.S. Navy emblem, but he and Balliet were able to find it and get it back from the people who had removed it.

Nobody initially knew where the casket came from, he said, but it didn’t take long for him to find out. Norris said it just took four hours and a few phone calls to find out its origin.

The white hats are known as Dixie Cup hats and they were from a nearby naval station celebrating the promotion of new officers, he said. A person he spoke to at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station told him it was a tradition to place the white hats in small wood caskets, and the casket was likely either from the celebration

at the Jacksonville Naval Air Station or one from a Virginia Beach base.

“They throw them overboard off the ship to indicate their promotion to some type of ranking officer,” Norris said.

The person at the Jacksonville base would not give them the rank the officer achieved, or more information to identify them. Inside one hat the name “Harris, A.C.” can be seen.

Norris said he kept the casket until he could find out if it was from a deceased naval officer.

“I wanted to make sure that the family of the passing sailor would be able to get their possessions back,” Norris said.

“But once I found out about the celebration, they said, ‘Don’t worry anymore about keeping it.

Flagler County passes $335M budget

The county also adopted a millage rate of 7.9945, an 8% increase in ad valorem tax revenue.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Flagler County has adopted a $335 million budget for the 2026 fiscal year.

The millage rate for the 2026 fiscal year is 7.9945, which will generate an 8% increase in ad valorem tax revenue from the 2025 fiscal year. The budget’s general fund — which includes funding for the county’s constitutional officers and is funded in part by ad valorem tax revenue — is $202 million dollars.

The Flagler County Commission adopted the final budget and millage rate at the Sept. 23 special meeting.

To the few Flagler County residents who showed up and asked that the county cut the

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European Village

budget to get to the roll back rate, Commission Chair Andy Dance reminded them that the county has statutory requirements to finalize the budget by Oct. 1.

“The reason you won’t see much movement today, is because there’s no time left,” Dance said.

The budget process is a year-long process, he said, but he hopes to see the residents participating earlier on in the process for the budget.

This was Commissioners Kim Carney and Pam Richardson’s first terms on the board and working on the budget.

Despite being new to the process, Carney said the county did challenge some expenditures, including reducing the cost of living increase from 4% to 2%.

“Yes, I do believe there’s some fluff in there. Yes, I will be looking for it in 2027,” Carney said. “There’s only so much time you can give to a $335 million budget, being a lay person and having to persuade three or two other

officer who was killed in Ormond-by-the-Sea has raised over $63,000.

Edgewater Police Officer David Jewell was shot and killed by a Circle K gas station employee on Sept. 15, after he walked inside the convenience store at 2460 Ocean

people that the expenditure is or is not important.”

Carney did also agree that some of the county’s employees’ salaries may need adjustment, but that is an “ongoing, year-long process.” Richardson also pointed out that the county did not institute merit pay this year, keeping salaries from going higher.

County Administration Heidi Petito said the pay classification plan was the same as was used for the 2025 fiscal year budget, except to eliminate one paygrade classification that was no longer being utilized and what pay changes were negotiated by the union. Carney said if there are services the public feels should be cut back, they should speak out now, so the commission can set priorities and goals for the next budget.

“The last possible day in September to get this to the state in time is not the time to look at our budget,” she said. “We started months and months and months ago.”

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Turtle Patrol volunteer Mickey Norris found a small casket containing naval caps on the beach, just north of Marineland. The hats were “buried at sea” as part of a promotion ceremony.

The name of the cap’s owner was written inside. Photos courtesy of Mickey Norris

Palm Coast requests $30 million from state for Old Kings Road project

Sen. Tom Leek warned city and county officials there will likely be continued pressure on the state budget.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

As Flagler County prepares to advocate for its needs at the upcoming 2026 Florida legislative session, the county’s representatives in the state have warned that the upcoming budget will likely once again be tight.

Florida House Rep. Sam Greco and Florida Sen. Tom Leek met with Flagler County officials on Sept. 19, when county leaders presented their representatives with projects and policy items needing support. Leek said the upcoming session was likely to be another contentious one, with continued pressure on the budget.

“Bluntly, if you look at the revenue projections, you will see that the growth in our costs are outpacing the growth in our revenue,” he said. “At some point in time, those two lines are going to intersect.”

In light of Leek and Greco’s predictions of another tight budget, Leek asked elected officials to provide detailed requests, preferably with local funding to support the project as well.

“My experience is, and I think the state’s experience in general is, we find the more you all have skin in the game, the more committed you are to the project,” Leek said. “So if we give money to the project, it’s more likely to be successful.”

The largest funding request was for Palm Coast’s Old Kings Road widening project, Phase 2A. Phase 2 begins at

Palm Coast Parkway and ends at the Town Center Boulevard and Old Kings Road intersection, where Interstate 95 passes over Town Center Boulevard.

Mayor Mike Norris, on behalf of Palm Coast, requested $30 million from the state.

“That is a choke point in our city,” Norris said. Palm Coast does not have a specific local match designated yet, he said, but they are using impact fees for the project.

“The design alone is going to be like $6 million,” he said.

“So we’re pushing for that.”

The city’s two other specific financial requests came with local match funding already designated.

One is a $300,000 request to help build a stormwater park near Fire Station 23 and Burroughs Drive in Palm Coast’s B Section. The area often floods in strong rain events, and the park would create green space for community use as well as help reduce flooding. Palm Coast is offering a $200,000

match for the project.

The last request was $500,000 for a Woodlands neighborhood’s stormwater improvement project. Palm Coast has already set aside $500,000 as a local match.

“After Milton,” Norris said, “that was one of our hardest hit areas, was the Woodlands. We’re trying to focus on fixing the flooding issues in that area.”

Palm Coast is also pursuing support for other projects, according to a press release sent out after the meeting. Those projects include partnering with Flagler County on animal shelter needs, dredging the saltwater canals and preserving Fire Station 22, among other projects, according to a city press release.

Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance presented the county’s top three requests to Leek and Greco, beginning with improvements to County Road 304. This road, he said, is in “dire need of improvements” especially with the growth in that

LEEK, GRECO GIVEN KEYS TO THE CITY

After the legislative meeting was over, Norris and Council Member Ty Miller presented Sen. Tom Leek and Rep. Sam Greco with keys to the city as a gesture of thanks for their support during the 2025 legislative session.

“We’d like to present you with a key to the city for your accomplishments during the last legislative session and for fulfilling some of our requests,” Nor-

corridor. This was a $5 million request, and the county does have additional funding to back it up, Dance said.

ris said. “Thank you very much, gentlemen, and we appreciate your continued support.”

Palm Coast looks forward to continuing to work closely with state leaders to deliver projects that directly improve residents’ daily lives, the press release said.

The countywide legislative priorities booklet distributed at the meeting includes a detailed overview of the city’s priorities. A digital copy will be shared as soon as it is available.

$126,000 match already designated.

“These are critical to Flagler,” Dance said. But not all the requests were financial. Flagler Schools requested Greco and Leek’s support for two program initiatives with the state.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore asked Leek and Greco to support the education portion of a rural Florida initiative that was proposed in the last legislative session. The bill — Senate Bill 110, called “Florida’s Rural Renaissance” — would, among other things, bolster education offerings in rural communities, according to a March 2025 Florida Senate press release. The bill was passed by the Florida Legislature, only to be vetoed by Gov. Ron DeSantis.

“This is the biggest opportunity for the school district in the 2026 session, and we ask you for your strong support to adopt the education portion of the rural renaissance, as proposed last session,” Moore said.

Moore also asked for the representatives’ support in changing formulas that generate or share capital outlay from recognizing kindergarten through 12th grade students to adding pre-kindergarten and adult career education students.

Leek and Greco said they were committed to helping fight for Flagler County’s needs, but Leek also asked their constituents to look at all their resources. There are other grant programs that don’t require an act of the Legislature, he said.

Finally, Dance said the commission was requesting $548,000 to create a resilience staging site on the west side of Flagler County for emergency management. Flagler has a

The county is also looking for help funding the construction of a north Black Branch drainage system, to be located near the future Florida State Guard site. The commission is seeking $2.6 million to help with this project, not including a local match the county has set aside.

“Don’t put all your eggs in that one basket of going to the state Legislature,” he said, “because quite frankly it’s the hardest route to go down.”

Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews. com.

PCFD Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris and Councilman Ty Miller (front row) present Florida Rep. Sam Greco and Sen. Tom Leek (back row) with keys to the city of Palm Coast. Courtesy photo

Woof Gang celebrates 1 year with new owner

The store first opened in 2021. Tonya Perry assumed ownership of Ormond and Daytona locations in 2024.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming in Ormond Beach is celebrating its first year in business under new ownership.

While the store first opened its doors in 2021, Tonya Perry assumed ownership of the Ormond Beach and Daytona locations in November 2024. Perry has been with the company for almost four years, previously working as a general manager for stores in Savannah, Georgia. She said she dreamed of owning her own store.

“It was a huge sense of accomplishment,” Perry said. “... When you’re around and you have this beautiful store and you love the dogs and the animals, and you love the clients that come in, it’s an incredible experience to own one.”

At Woof Gang, customers can buy pet items ranging from toys, all-natural gourmet treats and food, and take their dogs in for a personalized grooming experience. There is a large dog-owning community in Ormond Beach and Daytona. Perry herself has two pups — a lab named Stella and a terrier named Pippi. They enjoy the treats in the store, too, Perry said.

Being tucked inside The Trails Shopping Center, one of the most common things customers say to Perry is

that they hadn’t known Woof Gang was located in the shopping plaza. “We have a lot of loyal customers that have been with us for years here,” Perry said.

She hopes to celebrate her first year of ownership with the community sometime in November.

“I have an amazing team at both stores, between groom-

ers my retail associates,” Perry said. “It’s just been fabulous.” Woof Gang’s Ormond Beach store is at 274B N. Nova Road.

The Daytona store is located at 2634 LPGA Blvd.

Flagler’s Boston Whaler plant to close

Brunswick said employees at the facility will be offered opportunities to transfer to its Edgewater plant.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE

EDITOR

Brunswick Corp. announced that it is closing its Boston Whaler manufacturing plant in Flagler County, four years after the company refitted and reopened the boat production facility.

The production of the models currently produced at the plant off Roberts Road will be consolidated into Boston Whaler’s Edgewater plant, according to a Sept. 17 press release on Brunswick’s website.

FlaglerLive reported “around 300 workers” are employed in the Flagler County facility. In its press release, Brunswick said, “team members from the Flagler Beach facility will be offered opportunities to transfer to the Edgewater location. The transfer is expected to be fully completed by summer 2026.”

When Boston Whaler held a groundbreaking ceremony on May 21, 2021, at the Flagler plant, it announced plans to hire a total of about 400 employees to work at the facility.

John Phillips, president of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce, said the news was dis-

appointing.

“I was disappointed to read the article in the news about the consolidation of the Boston Whaler facilities to Edgewater, which would potentially result in up to 300 jobs moving out of Flagler County,” he wrote in a text. “We are trying to learn as much as possible about this situation (as quickly as possible) and hope to work alongside our local government leaders and also local business leaders, to see what we can do to help keep these jobs here in this area.”

Brunswick opened the Boston Whaler facility in 2021 at the site of its Sea Ray Boats plant which it closed in 2018. At the groundbreaking ceremony, company officials said high demand of its Boston Whaler boats had outgrown the Edgewater plant’s ability to keep up with supply.

Nick Stickler, then the president of Boston Whaler, said at the 2021 ceremony that it was a bit of luck that Brunswick held on to the Sea Ray Boats plant.

“The thought usually is when you shut a facility down, you sell it, but we didn’t. We certainly would never have been able to put something like this up this quickly,” he said at the time.

In addition to closing the Flagler County Boston Whaler plant, Brunswick announced in the press release that it will close its Reynosa, Mexico, fiberglass boat manufacturing facility, transitioning production to its plants in Merritt Island and Vonore, Tennessee.

Tonya Perry, Nancy Mcphee and her dogs Karma and Peanut smile from inside the Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming store in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

New Chipotle proposed at old gas station site in front of Publix

A new Chipotle restaurant may be taking over an abandoned Squirrel gas station at the corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Palm Coast Parkway South-

Ormond Beach nonprofit donates $500 to Domestic Abuse Council

The Cultural Awareness Fund Inc., an Ormond Beach nonprofit, donated $500 to the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia during its annual Bowl-A-Thon fundraiser, held at Back Alley Lanes VR-Cade in South Daytona on Aug. 30.

The check to Buck James, CEO of the council, was presented by William Sanchez, executive director of the nonprofit. The event was made possible thanks to Maria Trent, Cultural Awareness Fund director and Back Alley Lanes proprietor, who donated the space.

“Supporting the Domestic Abuse Council reflects our belief that no survivor should

west. The lot is located at 4920 Belle Terre Parkway, next to the Publix at Belle Terre Crossings. The application is still under review with the city, and has not yet been approved. The Chipotle, according to the preliminary application submitted to Palm Coast, will be around 2,400 square feet in size and have a mobile pickup drive-thru. The application proposes 950 square feet of interior public space and 350 square feet of additional outdoor patio space.

face violence alone,” Sanchez said in a press release. “This contribution will help provide emergency shelter and support services for survivors in crisis.”

The Cultural Awareness Fund also recently appointed attorney Lloyd Bowers, of Daytona Beach, to its board of directors.

Paradise Pointe to celebrate two 100-year-olds

Paradise Pointe Assisted Living & Memory Care will celebrate National Centenarian’s Day on Monday, Sept. 22, by honoring two residents — each who has surpassed their 100th birthday.

Dorothy “Dee” Hardeman, 101, was born in 1924 in Hartford, Connecticut. She is a

This would be Palm Coast’s second Chipotle location, if approved.

The plans detail 27 – including three mobile order – parking spaces. In an email from Palm Coast Communications & Marketing Director Brittany Kershaw, she said the project manager is at this stage working with the applicant to adjust the parking layout to comply with land development code requirements for parking space dimensions.

Send business story ideas to sierra@observerlocalnews.com.

veteran who grew up in Berlin, Connecticut, according to a press release. She married her husband William in Ormond Beach, and they were married for 54 years, raising a family of children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Hardeman was a nurse and graduate of Daytona Community College, and often offers staff “nursing advice,” the press release states.

Mary Wilson, 100, was born in 1925 in Windom, Minnesota. Adopted at 5 years old, she said her parents gave her “a good life.” She later married her husband Richard, and together, they raised 10 children, two of whom died at an early age. For her 100th birthday, she accomplished one special wish: hitting a golf ball in the Paradise Pointe courtyard.

Beachfront Winery adds distillery

Adding to their homemade wines, the owners have added vodkas, rums and other spirits.

SIERRA

WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Ken and Kelly Tarsitano, owners of the Flagler Beachfront Winery have added a new distilling operation to their 13-year-old business.

Their new Old A1A Distillery is operated out of the Winery at 611 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach. The two have been making their own wines for years, but for the last five months have added a variety of spirits.

The goal, Ken Tarsitano said, is not to create as many different products as they can, but to make new and exciting products.

“Let’s use modern technology to craft really unique, very interesting products,” he said, “and then from there, see what people like.”

Tarsitano has been operating his own vineyards and wineries up north since 2000. The two have been operating the Winery since 2012, creating their own wines and slushies, as well as managing vineyards in Crescent City.

They’ve been considering adding a distillery for a long time, he said. As of April 2025, the two have also added spirit distilling to their repertoire.

The community response has been “overwhelming,” Tarsitano said.

It was a long road to get there, though. Tarsitano said he and his wife have been working since 2023 to get all the approvals in order, and the machinery shipped.

The three still machines —

which can be seen inside the Winery behind large glass walls — were shipped from the Netherlands, and allow the Tarsitanos to control almost every stage of the process, from the boiling and condensing temperatures to the atmospheric pressure.

They started with straight vodka, rum and tequila, which each have a different distilling process. Their tequila, though, is actually labelled as “agave spirits” — only Tequila made in Tequila, Mexico, can be called Tequila, Kelly Tarsitano said, though their product also uses agave sugar.

The most popular so far, she said, has been their Ultra Vodka, which has a smooth taste, perfect for sipping. Their Stingray Vodka, on the other hand, has the kick of flavor at the end.

“The Stingray is beautiful, but if you want just a buttery, clean vodka as a sipper, the Ultra is the way to go,” she said.

The Tequila-side of production is Ken Tarsitano’s favorite. “It really is an art form.”

Since they began selling their spirits, she said, the bottles have been quick to sell.

“We’ve been out of everything at least once,” Kelly Tarsitano said.

The two have tried out several recipes with different infusions, including their hibiscus-rose rum and the habanero-mango agave spirits. Most of their ingredients come from Florida sources, as well, Ken Tarsitano said. There are also more plans to expand their list into gins and whiskeys in the fall and winter with a variety of flavors.

And it is not just the bottles they sell. The Tarsitanos also, alongside their slush beverages, have begun infusing them into the slushes as well,

creating a myriad of recipes to choose from, and also can and sell their own cocktails. Even Winery staff are creating their own cocktails to add, Ken Tarsitano said.

“Then we’ll be able to make it to order for people, too,” he said.

Tarsitano’s family has a history of making things from scratch, stemming from his grandparents living through the Great Depression.

Tarsitano said his wife, a teacher by art and education, is a natural distiller. She pays attention to all the details, he said, and has a lot of technical skill to fine-tune her approach. For himself, he said he has a more “mad scientist” and artistic approach to refining his recipes. It gives them an advantage to have two different distilling styles, he said.

Though she said she never used to like drinking spirits herself, Kelly Tarsitano has found a joy in distilling spirits that surprised her.

“We’re just having fun, making good drinks at the beach,” she said. “We’re doing something we love. It all comes from the heart.”

Flagler Beachfront Winery and Old A1A Distillery now make their own spirits, including rum and vodka. Courtesy of Old A1A Distillery

Dorothy “Dee” Hardeman and Mary Wilson will be be crowned “Paradise Pointe Royalty.”

William Sanchez, executive director of the Cultural Awareness Fund; his wife Maria Beatriz Añez; Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood; Maria Trent, Cultural Awareness Fund director and Back Alley Lanes proprietor; and Buck James, CEO of the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia. Courtesy photos

Built a century ago, Billy’s Tap Room in Ormond Beach to reopen this fall

For developer Bill Jones, the project goes beyond a restaurant’s reopening. It’s about bringing back a piece of Ormond history.

ALMENAS

JARLEENE

MANAGING EDITOR

One of Ormond Beach’s oldest restaurants is en route to a historic comeback later this fall — at least, that’s what local developer Bill Jones has been working on for the past three years.

In 2022, Jones purchased Billy’s Tap Room & Grill, located at 58 E. Granada Blvd., for $1.85 million from restaurateurs Doug and Lillian Rand, who had run the restaurant for 12 years. For Jones, restoring historic properties in Ormond Beach’s downtown has become a labor of love over the past few decades, he said. In his words, if there’s a historic building that can be restored ...

“I’m your huckleberry,” Jones said. “I’m the guy who’s going to do it.”

So Jones set his sights on Billy’s Tap Room, and the challenges that came with restoring a building constructed in 1920, with its 100-year-old iron pipes and cloth-insulated wiring.

“Honest to God, it was a demolition,” Jones said. “It really would have been cheaper to demolish it and build it back, but then it wouldn’t have been Billy’s. That’s my own stubbornness and my own feeling toward the place.”

You can reproduce anything — kind of, Jones added.

“But it never has the spirits,” he said. “It never has the ghosts. It doesn’t have the tales — doesn’t have that aura or feeling that you would have in a real, unique, old building. So therefore, I was glad to get my hands on it — because it wasn’t cheap, but it was well worth everything I did to it.”

Every square inch of Billy’s Tap Room, with cardboard sheets on its windows hiding the work inside, has been scrutinized during the course of the last three years, Jones said.

He’s asked contractors to redo work because it didn’t just need to meet his expectations; the work needed to

honor the community as well.

“People are expecting something from Billy’s that’s going to go far beyond the opening of a new restaurant,” Jones said. “They want their memories back.”

BILLY’S STORY

William “Billy” MacDonald, the founder of Billy’s Tap Room, came to Ormond Beach in 1922 after Hotel Ormond’s managers invited him to run their tea room, according to the Ormond Beach Historical Society. At the time, MacDonald was serving as the lounge manager at the Astor and Plaza Hotels in New York City, and relocated south for the job.

Four years later, he purchased a building on East Granada Boulevard that once housed the Ormond Pharmacy and had an upstairs residence, where he then lived with his wife, Elizabeth. MacDonald opened a combination drug store, soda fountain and restaurant in the building.

MacDonald then reshaped the property, unifying it with the Tudor Revival design that still stands today and is synonymous with Billy’s Tap Room, as well as adding a onestory wing to the east along Halifax Avenue.

In the early days of his business, MacDonald sold fruit, jellies, newspapers, sandwiches and gifts, and the Historical Society states that, during Prohibition, “whispers of homemade beer and slot machines circulated, with patrons slipping through swinging doors unlocked by a button hidden behind the bar.”

By the mid-1930s, the gift shop had been turned into a full restaurant.

“By 1937, with the end of Prohibition, the place was a true pub serving draft beer for a nickel and Manhattans for a quarter,” recalled Frank MacDonald, Billy’s eldest son, in the article by the Historical

Society.

In 1939, the MacDonald family bought a nearby home — now known as the MacDonald House, which serves as the Historical Society’s headquarters — for $3,900.

Frank and Billy Jr. MacDonald ran Billy’s Tap Room until they retired, in 1985. It was then run by the Young family, of New Jersey, for a short period, followed by Kathy Jones and then Monk Noell, who ran the restaurant for 17 years.

In 2006, the restaurant was purchased by Maria AzabadReisch, of Holland. In 2011, Billy’s Tap Room was purchased by the Rands.

THE WEIGHT OF HISTORY

Once reopened, Billy’s Tap Room will be run by restaurateur Joe Oliva, who opened Alexander’s on the west side of downtown last year, another of Jones’ historic restorations.

“He’s doing a sterling, sterling job of [running Alexander’s], and he’s the only person that has the expertise, the knowledge and experience to really pull this off,” Jones said. Oliva said he feels very lucky to have the opportunity.

FIRST INSERTION

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-21 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, TO ANNEX PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CORPORATE AREA AND CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 210.70 ACRES OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THIS ORDINANCE AND LYING IN THE AREAS PROXIMATE TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF REAL PROPERTY/AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE/CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION UPON LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON A VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE

This notice is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 and 171, Florida Statutes, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida as amended and supplemented. Subject annexation meets the statutory criteria for annexation as established in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes.

PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL, 105 S. 2ND STREET, FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M.

1ST READING: CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

2ND READING: CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, NOVEMBNER 13, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be obtained from the office of the City Clerk at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233.

Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at these meetings/hearings, they will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Location Map

“Because of Bill, I have the two most iconic restaurants on the strip now, between Alexander’s and Billy’s,” he said. “We’re just going to try and keep the things that everybody loved about Billy’s and make sure that when they come in, it gives them a little bit of nostalgia to see some of the old dishes still on the menu.”

And Oliva has about 60 years’ worth of menus to choose items for the reopening.

One of the questions Jones said he gets asked the most — aside from the opening date — is whether they’re bringing back the relish tray, which he said contained baby corn, gherkins, two olives and a radish.

The answer is yes, they are bringing it back.

“We’re going to stay as true as we can to this building — and to this history,” Jones said.

As they worked on restoring the restaurant, Jones and his team talked to customers who remembered the heydays, family members, and the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

“We did everything but

have a seance, to be honest with you,” Jones joked.

Restoring Billy’s Tap Room is Jones’ first foray into saving historic properties on the east side of the bridge. And he admitted — it’s a project that makes him slightly nervous.

“Only because I feel there’s a lot of history rested on my shoulders with this building,” Jones said. “Everybody’s got their [memories]. Ever since they held their mother’s hand and came into the place 50 years ago, they’ve got ideas of what it should be, and I hope — I really hope — I can hit and make them happy. That’s what I’m going for.”

Billy’s Tap Room is on track to reopen later this fall. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

The MacDonald Family — Elizabeth, Betty, Frank, Rita and Billy — in 1935. Photos courtesy of the Ormond Beach Historical Society

Billy Macdonald stands outside his drugstore in 1927.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Praise for Ormond budget process

Dear Editor:

On Sept. 17, the Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved a 5.3% property tax increase. Opposing groups on both sides expressed unhappiness, those supporting a higher tax increase and those favoring a zero tax increase.

Commissioner Travis Sargent opened the final budget hearing with a proposal to adopt a zero tax rate increase, to preempt Florida DOGE from making arbitrary budget reductions. Taxpayer relief would also anticipate growing economic storm clouds in a city where many seniors own and maintain homes on fixed incomes.

Florida Sunshine Law precluded any advance warning to his surprised colleagues, so Commissioner Sargent presented a smorgasbord of budget-cutting items to consider. In a difficult eleventh hour public debate, they rejected most and accepted some, voting unanimous consent to a millage rate significantly lower than the one agreed to in the first budget hearing.

The original 10% proposed tax rate increase ended up being reduced to 5%, a compromise where no one got everything they wanted. The city manager, city attorney, and our world-class chief financial officer guided the elected officials through the budgetary minefield.

For his initiative, Commissioner Sargent has been vilified. Ormond Beach Chamber Chairman Eric Palacios called him a “disgrace” for a last minute proposal in a hearing he said “should have been procedural.” But if the second hearing is supposed to rubber-stamp the first, then why have it? Other citizens called Sargent’s efforts “grandstanding” and

“politics.”

Sargent knew he would be taking hits from all sides, risking political capital. But Marine Corps veterans are trained to make personal sacrifice for the common good. All four commissioners performed responsibly under intense pressure. They arrived at the right number, balancing needed services with the required taxes. They honored their oaths, after a widely distributed anti-tax mailer publicly labeled them by name as “arrogant, clueless, out of touch pickpockets.” Commissioners Briley, Deaton, and Sargent grew up in Ormond Beach.

Deputy Mayor Tolland, a nurse, raised seven children here while volunteering countless hours to the community. Dedicated commissioners have faced unprecedented, complex issues. The budget process witnessed active citizen engagement. The system worked. The approved tax rate is the lowest in Volusia County. Ormond Beach is a bargain paradise: two rivers, ocean, beach, the most beautiful homes on the planet. Responsive city governments have maintained the city’s historic, aesthetic, and environmental character over the decades in a unique community of people.

JEFF BOYLE Ormond Beach

Kirk’s view of Christianity is not consistent with country’s values

Dear Editor: In a letter to the editor of the Observer, authored by the Palm Coast mayor’s wife, and in reverence to Charlie Kirk, she portrayed an individual and his beliefs that others view very differently and find troubling. The letter was

FIRST INSERTION

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No 2025-22 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, TO ANNEX PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CORPORATE AREA AND CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 514.06 ACRES OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THIS ORDINANCE AND LYING IN THE AREAS PROXIMATE TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF REAL PROPERTY/AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE/CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION UPON LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON A VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE

This notice is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 and 171, Florida Statutes, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida as amended and supplemented. Subject annexation meets the statutory criteria for annexation as established in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes. PUBLIC HEARINGS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL, 105 S. 2ND STREET, FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M.

1ST READING: CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

2ND READING: CITY COMMISSION: NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AT 5:30 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS POSSIBLE.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be obtained from the office of the City Clerk at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233. Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at these meetings/hearings, they will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Location Map

a church-like eulogy with a biblical age-old “good versus evil” refrain, complete with Bible verses.

It put forth in a sermonlike tone that Charlie was waging a spiritual battle “against the rulers of darkness.” To her, there was some evil, some “spiritual hosts of wickedness,” some enemy, holding some undefined influence lurking among us that Charlie was standing against. She further applauded him for awakening students he lectured as “to what was being done to their minds” and contended as “Christians” we all should become like him.

It was pretty easy to surmise that the letter was as much a veiled political statement as it was religious — the Left as the enemy and the Right as the righteous. After all, Charlie Kirk stated that “Democrats stand for everything that God hates” and the mayor’s wife said “look to Charlie,” who spoke the truth.

Well, Charlie was for sure a Christian, but not at all the kind consistent with our country’s historical values. His was a dogmatic distorted view of Christianity. He was intolerant of non-Christians and advocated a type of radical spiritual warfare that included a reclaiming of America for Christ. He embraced and promoted the extremist ideology called the “Seven Mountain Mandate” that holds that Christians should commandeer and reclaim all aspects of society.

In Charlie’s world, government, education, businesses, family, the media, arts and entertainment, and religion would all be required to relinquish freedom and independence in order to establish the kingdom of his chosen deity on Earth. This Christian “mandate” would also ensure the placement of “righteous” followers in leadership roles to ensure our nation’s culture, laws, values and overall way of life conforms to this Christian Nationalist oppressive dogma and intolerant worldview.

If forcing America to bow down to a one and only Christian nationalistic ideology and indoctrinating students to follow that disturbing, authoritarian and divisive dogma is the mayor’s wife’s idea of what this country stands for, we respect her right and Charlie Kirk’s right to express that stance, but should firmly and forever reject it as dangerous and wholly un-American.

MARY ZITO Palm Coast

Art League seeks artists for ‘Members’ Showcase’

The Art League of Daytona Beach is issuing a call for artists for its “Members’ Showcase” awards exhibit.

The exhibit will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 8. The opening reception is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. The art delivery dates are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6. The exhibit is open to Art League members and nonmembers are encouraged to join. One entry may be

Many of us are ‘Not Charlie’

Dear Editor:

There has been local press coverage about the death of controversial podcaster and youth influencer, Charlie Kirk that included a letter titled “We Are Charlie Kirk” published by the Observer Also published were pictures and comments expressing deep admiration of Kirk by area public officials at his recent vigil that also had a “We Are Charlie” theme with chants.

But, what we haven’t seen thus far is a balanced view of opinions and a differing perspective from those who don’t identify with Charlie. Here are some of his most controversial and concerning quotes and leanings on a few topics that support why many of us are “ Not Charlie:”

On the topic of Black Americans, Kirk stated “We made a huge mistake when we passed the Civil Rights Act in the 1960s.” He referred to Martin Luther King Jr. as “awful” and “not a good person.” He claimed it’s “Happening all the time in urban America, prowling Blacks go around for fun to target white people, that’s a fact.” He also claimed that Black people were “better” in the 1940s, stating they “committed less crimes” then. He declared that, “If I see a Black pilot, I’m going to be like, boy, I hope he’s qualified.”

Further, in the context of an affirmative action discussion implying certain prominent Black women unfairly derived benefit from affirmative action initiatives, he made this comment, “... Yeah, we know. You do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken really seriously. You had to go steal a white person’s slot.”

As for gun violence, Kirk said “I think it’s worth it to have a cost of, unfortunately, some gun deaths every single year, so that we can have the Second Amendment to protect our other God-given rights. That is a prudent deal. It is rational.”

Regarding his view of the gay community, he referenced a Bible verse supporting the execution of homosexuals as “God’s perfect law when it comes to sexual matters.”

His position on church, government and society included “there is no separation of church and state. It’s a fabrication, it’s fiction, it’s not in the constitution. It’s made up by secular humanists.” He leaned towards the core ideas of the “Seven Mountain Mandate” that

submitted per member artist. Visit www.artleague.org.

First Baptist Christian VPK receives an ‘Excellent’ rating

First Baptist Christian Academy’s Voluntary Prekindergarten program has once again received an “Excellent” rating from the Volusia Flagler Early Learning Coalition. This achievement reflects the commitment of FBCA’s team of teachers who have worked side by side since August 2014. Now in their 12th year together, the VPK staff has become the foundation of FBCA’s preschool program.

calls for the takeover of and dominion over every aspect of society by Christian ideology, noting that “finally we have a president who understands the seven mountains of cultural influence.” And in harsh accusatory spiritual terms he proclaimed that Democrats “stand for everything God hates.”

For a lot of us, it’s selfevident that Charlie Kirk’s preferred view of our country fits the very troubling and not praiseworthy definition of White Christian Nationalism.

ETHAN KANTOR Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: Charlie Kirk’s comment about questioning the qualifications of Black pilots is missing some context. In the interview in which he said it, Kirk also made the point that he felt DEI invited those kinds of questions, and that’s why he opposed DEI — because it “invites unwholesome thinking.” Questioning someone because of their race “is not who I am,” Kirk said.

Kirk voiced harmful rhetoric

Dear Editor:

In response to and in rebuttal to the letter to the editor with high praise and admiration for Charlie Kirk authored by the vice chairman of the Volusia County Republican Party, there is a vastly different perspective of Charlie Kirk shared by many. The abhorrent nature of his death is of course not in dispute, and Kirk’s fundamental right to hold and express his views isn’t either. But to suggest his values and views are anything but antithetical to what this country should and does stand for is just plain wrongheaded. There is a very reasonable basis, supported by Kirk’s own quotes, to conclude he was promoting ideas rooted in white supremacy and Christian Nationalism. And he lectured that ideology and divisiveness to college campus crowds of young followers. Kirk was, and again supported by his own troubling comments, not only racist, but was xenophobic, homophobic and misogynistic. He also trafficked in the idea that Christianity has a directive to take total control of our society. Yes, a mandate and yes, full control… and with Christian leaders at the helm of America in God’s new kingdom.

It is easy to research and substantiate Charlie Kirk’s disturbing philosophy because most were videoed and/or recorded. Simply

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A story on page 8A of the Sept. 18 edition titled ‘Flagler County renews oneyear contract with Humane Society’ incorrectly said one Flagler County Commissioner will serve on the FHS board. Instead, two FHS Board members will liase with the Flagler Commission. CORRECTIONS

type Charlie Kirk along with the descriptive bigoted terms referenced above into a search engine, and sure enough, there it is. And as such, it is both befuddling and concerning that the letter’s author and the political party he represents apparently hasn’t done so. Or even worse and more disturbing, maybe they actually have. Charlie Kirk is heading towards martyrdom in conservative circles. The Republican Party and Charlie’s fans are hitching their cart to a Trojan horse, disguised as American values, but in reality, is loaded with hateful rhetoric. And that it is something America should never embrace.

PAT RAHILL Ormond Beach

The FPC Starlets varsity squad is raising money to compete at the 2026 Winter Guard International Color Guard World Championships in Dayton, Ohio. Courtesy photos

FBCA was recently named “Best Childcare” in Daytona’s Community Choice Awards. The VPK program integrates the Abeka Christian curriculum, equipping young Crusaders with the skills and knowledge needed to advance confidently each year.

To learn more about FBCA preschool programs, go to www.crusadersonline.org or call 386-267-2576.

FPC Starlets fundraise for Color Guard World Championships

The Flagler Palm Coast High School Starlets varsity squad is making history.

For the first time in program’s existence, they will compete in the Winter Guard International (WGI) Color Guard World Championships. The event is scheduled for April 9-11, 2026 in Dayton, Ohio. Teams from all over the world will be competing at the championships. The Starlets have begun raising funds for the trip. Travel, lodging and competition expenses will cost $25,000. The Starlets are looking for sponsors. For more information on how to donate, email albertl@flaglerschools.com or fpcstarlets@yahoo.com. Send Your Town stories to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

First Baptist Christian Academy VPK team: JoLyn Robinson, Diane Stade, Director Sandy Emery, Diana Dall’Orto and Susan Wanerka.

• Hat Pins • Silver Boxes

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YOUR NEIGHBORS

DUCK, DUCK, ELK!

Ormond Beach Elks Duck Drop fundraiser continues to be lodge’s biggest event of year.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Over 2,300 ducks boarded a Tomlinson Aviation helicopter on Saturday, Sept. 20, in preparation for the third annual Ormond Beach Elks Duck Drop.

Pilot Joe Horton flew from the Ormond Beach Municipal Airport and hovered over the drop zone located in the Elks parking lot at 285 Wilmette Ave. Shortly after 1 p.m., the ducks were released, some ricocheting off the lodge rooftop and eventually landing on the ground with the others.

Joe Brozyna, who is in his second year as exalted ruler for the Ormond Beach Elks Lodge 2193, said the duck drop is one of the lodge’s biggest events. He praised the dedicated event committee, with Stephen Searle III at the helm this year.

“I know we’ve sold a lot more ducks this year than we have in previous years,” Brozyna said. “So I’m hoping to see a pretty significant increase in how much we’ve made for charity.”

A single duck sold for $5, a five-pack for $20 and the 30 “lucky duck” pack was $100. The purchasers whose ducks landed closest to the bucket in the drop zone would take one of the top three prizes — first prize $500, second $300 and third was a ride in a Super

“The Elks are awesome. They give back to the community all the time, and so Girl Scouts works in conjunction with them to give back to them.”

Petrel seaplane.

This year, people had the opportunity to grab a bite to eat and listen to a variety of music played by DJ Mick Kauffman outside. Philly cheese steak was added to the menu and prepared with the traditional fixings by Elks’ grill master Robert Berardi. Ormond Beach City Commissioner and current Elks trustee Harold Briley acted as a food server. Tickets could be purchased to dunk a favorite Elk or participate in the 50/50 raffle. Everyone could buy an event T-shirt from Greg Dorsey, owner of Lightning Apparel, with $5 from each shirt being donated to the Elks.

Eventgoers could also head inside to join a cakewalk, choose their favorite Chinese auction basket or grab popcorn-filled bags, chilled lemonade and an ice cream sundae. Girl Scout leader Dana Allen brought her troops, 709 and 825, to host a variety of games and fun activities for kids.

“We always do service for the Elks because the Elks are awesome,” she said. “They give back to the community all the time, and so Girl Scouts works in conjunction with them to give back to them. That’s one of our ways to give back to the community.”

Searle participated in all three duck drops. The first year, he parked cars, and, in the second one, he was a cook. He is hoping to take over as

exalted ruler next year, so he became the committee chairman to show he was capable of stepping into a position of leadership.

“I just hope it continues to grow,” he said. “I think (its success) was due to the volunteers. We had a lot of great volunteers. I would probably do it differently next year — try to break things out a little better so they have specific things to take care of.”

Brozyna said money raised at the event will be split between multiple Elks charities. Two of the larger beneficiary programs are the HarryAnna Investment Fund, which supports the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services and youth camps, and the Elks National Foundation.

Beth Thiers has been an occupational therapist with the Florida Elks Children’s Therapy Services for 25 years. They do no-cost occupational and physical therapy throughout the state of Florida, for kids with a variety of abilities and for families with a variety of income levels. She said it is all done in the community, either in home, or at school.

“So what’s wonderful about the Florida Elks is that we do not bill insurance and we do not bill any government programs,” Thiers said. “Our program is fully funded. It’s predominantly funded through various Elks organizations, such as this wonderful Elks Lodge that we’re at here today. We also have a trust fund that we draw upon that Elks will volunteer and put money into.”

ENF grants help the lodge support the Barracks of Hope, a homeless shelter for veterans in Daytona Beach. Each veteran transitioning to his or her own apartment will also be provided with a welcome home kit, which includes the necessities for moving into a new home. Brozyna said they will also utilize funds to continue sponsoring the Fun Time Bowlers, a special needs bowling league in Ormond Beach, and 20 kids from local foster homes. Every year the Elks reach out to local schools to find out which families need Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.

Searle said a big part of the duck drop is that it is also a membership drive — a way to get younger members and families involved with the Elks.

“We’d really like to get some younger people in,” he said. “We want to get new members because it has a stigma of being a place to play bingo and old people. We do so much for the community and we just have this reputation. I’d really like to change that.”

Volunteer Kathy Ahrens Ruth Kelly

Above: Ormond Beach City

Commissioner Harold Briley

Left: Tomlinson Aviation Vice

President Joe Horton pilots the helicopter for the third annual Ormond Beach Elks Duck Drop.

DANA ALLEN, Girl Scout troop leader

Elks Lodge 2193 exalted ruler Joe Brozyna shows off the event Tshirt, provided by Lightning Apparel.

Girl Scout Troop 825 and Daisy Troop 709 volunteer at the 3rd Annual Ormond Beach Elks Duck Drop on Saturday, Sept. 20. Photos by Michele Meyers

FOCUS ON FAITH

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LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, SEPT. 25

WALK FOR 988

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Wadsworth Park, 2200 Moody Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach will host an Awareness Walk to promote the 988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Participants will walk from Wadsworth Park and over the State Road 100 bridge to Veterans Park, where they will gather for a brief ceremony. Free and open to the public.

CONNECTING TO PALM COAST EXPO

When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

SATURDAY, SEPT. 27

ORMOND BEACH LIVE

ORIGINAL MUSIC & ART

FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Presented by Songwriters Showcases of America. There will be 14 stages featuring over 100 local and regional acts, plus over 70 artist and trade booths, food courts, a beer garden, carnival games, a rock climbing wall, art contests, bounce houses and more. A meet-and-greet with three stages at The Casements will take place from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26. Tickets cost $20 in advance; $25 at the gate. Ages 12 and under are free. Visit ormondlive.com.

WORLDWIDE DAY OF PLAY

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.

The event will also celebrate the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach’s 28th anniversary. Free event. RSVP by Sept. 20 at admin@iasdb.org or call 386-882-1694.

HOPS & HOSES

OKTOBERFEST PUB CRAWL

When: 5 p.m.

Where: European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Celebrate Oktoberfest with local firefighters. Tickets cost $25 and include a T-shirt, a beer cup, one free beer at each of the four participating locations and live music.

STEELN’ PEACHES:

CELEBRATING THE ALLMAN BROTHERS BAND

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach

Details: The Palm Coast Citizens Academy Alumni Ambassadors are hosting this expo, designed to welcome and support new and recently settled residents. There will be booths hosted by city departments, local civic organizations and clubs and social services. Free event.

PALM COAST CONCERT SERIES

When: 6-8 p.m.

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

Details: See SoulFire perform. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, yard games, and beer and wine. Bring a chair.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 26

GARDEN TALK: THE P’S IN MY GARDEN

When: 11-12 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Rebekah Mead, of the Seaside Herb Society, will lead this talk in the museum classroom on the joys of gardening as they relate to “Passion, Purpose, Planning, Planting, Patience, Persistence, and Preserving.” Free program. Registration requested. Visit ormondartmuseum.org/classes-programs.

FLAGLER COUNTY

PRO RODEO

When: 5-9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 26-27

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Rodeo by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Tickets cost $25 for adults for one day; $40 for a weekend pass; tickets for kids 5-12 are $10. Visit https:// www.facebook.com/flaglercountyprorodeo.

‘AVENUE Q’

When: 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, Sept. 26 and 27, and Oct. 3, 4; and 3 p.m. on Sundays, Sept. 28 and Oct. 5

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, B-207, Palm Coast

Details: See this Tony Award winning laugh-out-loud musical that tells the story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. What makes the story different is that Princeton and some of his friends just happen to be puppets. Not appropriate for children. Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

Details: Bring children to experience the joy of play at OMAM’s outdoor early learning space, located in the Granada Pavilion Courtyard. Visitors can build with colorful blocks, create a masterpiece at one of the mini art stations, enjoy books, and make music. Free admission.

EXPLORING

GELLI PLATE PRINTING

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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

Details: Attend this workshop with Pam Coffman. Register at artleague.org/allworkshops.

NATIONAL PUBLIC LANDS DAY—HAMMOCK HIKE

When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Join a park ranger for a guided hike beneath twisted live oaks, cabbage palms, and saw palmettos as we explore how this unique ecosystem thrives between the ocean and the mainland. Group size limited to 25. Registration required. Park entry fee applies.

FLAGLER BEACH CENTENNIAL: FALL FAMILY DAY

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach

Details: Attend a centennial celebration of Flagler Beach with a day of family fun activities, including a corn maze, pumpkin bowling, storytime, scarecrow building demonstration, lawn games, vendos and more. Free event.

HOW A FLORIDA

SHIPWRECK SPARKED THE GOLDEN AGE OF PIRACY

When: 10-11 a.m.

Details: See this tribute band celebrating 55 years of Allman Brothers history. Tickets cost $39-$59. Visit https:// ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28

TEACHER APPRECIIATION

When: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 75 Pine Lakes Parkway S., Palm Coast Details: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast will host a worship program to show appreciation to teachers and teacher assistants. The program will include remarks by the Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore, and will be followed by a light lunch. All teachers and teacher assistants present will receive a special gift.

BULOW RUINS NIGHTTIME TOUR When: 7-8:30 p.m.

Where: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Road S., Flagler Beach Details: Attend this afterhours tour of the Bulow Sugar Mill Ruins to uncover the history of the 203-year-old site. Led by a park ranger. Tickets cost $25 per person.

AN EVENING WITH K.I.M When: 7-10 p.m.

Where: Zanzibar Blue Speakeasy, 250A S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach Details: Experience the magic of Keeping It Moving, a band that fuses jazz, funk, soil, R&B;, hip-hop and more. Led by Chicago bassist Jeremiah Hunt. Doors open at 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, SEPT. 30

FILM SCREENING: ‘A PLASTIC OCEAN’ When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Hosted by the Palm Coast Historical Society, this event will feature speaker David Head, who will highlight what took place after the 1715 Spanish treasure fleet sank in the Florida Straits. RSVP at parksandrec.fun or call 386986-2323.

HISTORY OF IRANIAN CINEMA

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Cinematique Theater, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: See a screening of the film, “Razor’s Edge: Legacy of Iranian Actresses,” an stay for a Q+A with filmmaker Bahman Maghsoudlou.

Where: Madorsky Theater at the Daytona State College campus, Hosseini Center, 1200 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach Details: See this documentary about the full impact of plastic pollution on the world’s oceans via nature footage and interviews with conservationists. Free and open to the public.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 1

FC3 ANNUAL MEETING

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center

Details: Attendees will get a preview of the upcoming Creekside Festival 2025 Flagler Palm Coast High School Student Photography Contest with an opportunity to vote for the “People’s Choice” award. Meeting is open to the public. No RSVP required.

Flagler Beach rapper creates an at-home hip-hop haven

Rapper-producer Mike Martinez transforms recovery into rhythm by growing influence in the local rap scene.

Flagler Beach resident Mike Martinez has shaken up the local rap scene by providing an opportunity for rising artists. Within Martinez’s home, a cozy corner room is situated as a recording studio. Beaming hardware samplers, mixing gear, a plethora of records, and his ever-so-reliable Akai MPC one, a standalone music production unit for efficiency and quickness of innovation, are lined throughout the room. Martinez reflects on a journey few would expect: from homelessness and addiction, to headlining local showcases and producing music played on SiriusXM and FM radio.

“I was a drug addict for many years,” Martinez said. “In 2011, I was at a very low point. I was living out of my car, and I had nowhere to go. My mom lived in Palm Coast, and I asked if I could come down. She let me, and that’s when everything started to change.” Martinez, now 41 years old, performs under his real name on all streaming platforms and sells music directly through mikemartinez.bandcamp.com. His Flagler Beach apartment is home to Martinez, his wife, and two daughters, but also transforms into the headquarters for his independent label, Beach Village Records. The studio also serves as a home base for his rap duo, Jezus Martinez, a collaboration with fellow rapper,

Jezus Borgia.

“We’re like the centerpiece of everything,” Martinez said. “But we also use our platform to bring other artists in. We feature different genres at every show — reggae, punk, rock, country, whatever. The only requirement is it has to be original music.”

Martinez’s passion for music began at a young age.

“In second grade, I wrote a poem that I got to read in front of the whole school,” he recalled. “I got recognized for writing words at an early age. Then around fifth grade,

I started making up raps that I’d pass off as freestyles at the lunch table.”

His passion for writing and music led him into hip-hop, then hardcore bands, and eventually into self-production, out of necessity.

“I burned a lot of bridges during my addiction, including with producers I used to work with,” he said. “So I started making beats myself. I got into FL Studio, started learning on my niece’s little laptop when I moved down here.”

Today, Martinez primarily uses the Akai MPC One and

“It connects people. That’s the whole point of music, it’s about connection.”

MIKE MARTINEZ

MPC 2500 samplers to generate beats.

“The MPC has always been that dream piece of gear,” said Martinez. “Once I had a little money and a major artist showed interest in one of my beats in 2022, I finally made the jump.”

Beginning as a case of being at the right place, at the right time, Martinez became more engulfed in the local Flagler Beach music scene. While at a Wednesday open mic night at Tortugas Florida Kitchen and Bar in Flagler Beach, Martinez met different musicians, mostly in the rock and folk genres. But, he said, they welcomed him.

He played his first Florida

gig at the Flagler Beach Phoenix Festival in 2016.

Since then, Martinez has made a name for himself.

Martinez’s monthly showcase at Finn’s Beachside Pub in Flagler Beach became a stomping ground for local, independent artists.

“Each month we feature two acts, and it’s always original,” said Martinez. “It’s like an open mic vibe, but curated, rehearsed, real sets.”

On Oct. 24, the featured artists set to perform at Finn’s are Aconitia and Awaystead.

Martinez is a big advocate for artists receiving pay for their performances. He handles show bookings from St. Augustine to Daytona.

“I’m not saying it’s a ton of money, but every artist who plays my shows gets something,” Martinez said. “Music has value. Period.”

On top of his full-time job, Martinez devotes each weekend to his studio — recording, mixing, producing, or assisting fellow artists develop their own personal sound.

By conscious choice, Martinez’s studio remains “lowtech.”

“This is the nicest it’s ever

been, but I’ve always just had a computer, a mic, and whatever I needed to get the job done,” he said. His main software tools are Adobe Audition and FL Studio, though hardware production is now his dominant workflow.

In recent months, Martinez has shown interest in expanding his sound into local restaurants, cafes, and lounges, more of a live-beat performance, offering three- to four-hour sets of instrumental hip-hop, ambient, chill rhythms.

“Think lo-fi beats to study to, but live,” he said. “It’s not about putting on a big show, it’s about setting a mood. I’ll be there with some lights, some visuals, a vibe. People can eat, talk, and hang. I’m just in the background providing a soundtrack.”

When Martinez was asked what music truly meant to him, a long pause overtook the quiet recording studio.

“I’ve been drawn to it since I was young,” he said. “It’s something in me that has to come out. I’ve met lifelong friends through it. It helps me support my family. And it connects people. That’s the whole point of music, it’s about connection.”

His latest solo album, Transits, was released on Aug. 8, on what is known as the Lions Gate Portal, a symbolic date of manifestation.

“Each track is based on an astrological concept, but it’s really about my life. I just used the themes as a lens,” Martinez said. “I wrote, recorded, and mixed the whole thing in a weekend. It was like the universe lined it up.”

While growing his reputation in the Florida music scene, Martinez holds a clear vision.

“Once I hit a certain number consistently off beats, royalties, sessions, shows, I’m out,” he said. “Music fulltime. That’s the dream.”

As you enter different seasons of life, it’s important to focus your energies on what matters most. Health, wellness and social interaction, but most importantly, having fun. Leave the things that are weighing you down like cleaning, cooking and mowing the grass up to us. At Paradise Pointe, we want you to fall in love with your new home and lifestyle. We are here to make your life easier, while also making it more enjoyable. We have programs, partnerships, amenities and wellness and care services right here to ensure you are living a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.

Mike Martinez (right) performs as part of rap duo Jezus Martinez at Finn’s Beachside Pub in Flagler Beach on Friday, Aug. 8. Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Martinez

Mike Martinez’s passion for music began at a young age. Photo by Abbie Pace

REAL ESTATE

Dupont Estates home tops sales list in Flagler

Ahouse at 7029 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., in Resubdivision of Dupont Estates, was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 6-12 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Sept.12, for $1,450,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 4/3.5 and has an elevator and 3,488 square feet.

Condos

A condo at 900 Cinnamon Beach Way, Unit 862, sold on Sept. 12, for $780,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,682 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $850,000.

FLAGLER BEACH

Atlanta Beach

A house at 2620 S. Central Ave. sold on Sept. 12, for $825,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,801 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $552,500.

Ocean City A house at 470 Lambert Ave. sold on Sept. 8, for $869,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat house, a boat dock, a boat lift and 2,228 square feet. It sold in 1996 for $85,000.

PALM COAST

Belle Terre

A house at 30 Peppercorn Lane sold on Sept. 11, for $339,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,600 square feet.

Palm Coast Plantation A house at 114 Emerald Lake Drive sold on Sept. 12, for $707,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, a boat dock and 3,652 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $610,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 82 Fleetwood Drive sold on Sept. 12, for $299,900. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,576 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $177,000.

A house at 26 Firethorn

A house at 4 Princess Ruth Lane sold on Sept. 12, for $238,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,751 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $217,300.

Colbert Landings

A house at 22 Ararat Drive sold on Sept. 12, for $384,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,193 square feet.

A house at 10 Ararat Drive sold on Sept. 12, for 380,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,193 square feet.

A house at 74 Tequesta Court sold on Sept. 12, for $392,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,193 square feet.

A house at 80 Tequesta Court sold on Sept. 10, for $359,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,817 square feet.

A house at 50 Oconee Drive sold on Sept. 10, for $365,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,764 square feet.

PALM COAST

Hunter’s Ridge pool home tops sales list

Ahouse in Hunter’s Ridge at 15 Cambridge Trace was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Aug. 30 to Sept. 5. The house sold on Sept. 2, for $715,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,948 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $380,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING

Condos

The condo at 1926 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 208, sold on Sept. 2, for $250,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,190 square feet. It last sold in 2008 for $194,500.

The condo at 1 John Anderson Drive, Unit 103, sold on Sept. 3, for $670,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,675 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $515,000.

The condo at 640 N. Nova Road, Unit 104, sold on Sept. 3, for $105,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 932 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $90,000.

The condo at 3180 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 309, sold on Sept. 5, for $270,000. Built in 1994, the condo is a 2/2 and has 876 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $190,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Country Acres

The house at 3531 Red Barn Lane sold on Sept. 2, for $550,000. Built in 1993, the

house sits on three acres and is a 3/2 with a 1/1 detached apartment, and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,537 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3232 Tralee Drive sold on Sept. 4, for $470,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,641 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $495,000.

Lakebridge

The townhome at 539 Lakebridge Drive sold on Sept. 3, for $235,000. Built in 1998, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,599 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $195,000.

Ormond Green

The house at 20 Greenvale Drive sold on Sept. 5, for $355,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,775 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $150,000.

Ormond Lakes

The house at 5 King Phillips Way sold on Sept. 5, for $680,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 3,226 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $685,000.

Plantation Bay

The house at 1316 Harwick Lane sold on Sept. 3, for $640,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 2,328 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $560,000.

Shady Rest

The manufactured home at 1967 Myrtle Jo Drive sold on Sept. 4, for $250,900. Built in 2025, the home is a 3/2 and has 1,493 square feet.

Tomoka Oaks

The house at 73 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on Sept. 5, for $379,900. Built in 1967, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,422 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $159,900.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Beau Rivage Shores

The house at 103 Beau Rivage Drive sold on Sept. 5, for $325,000. Built in 1970, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,799 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $187,500.

Seabridge

The house at 3 Sea Dance Terrace sold on Sept. 3, for $440,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,085 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $409,000.

Seaside Homes

The house at 3 Seaside Drive sold on Sept. 2, for $397,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,424 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $451,000.

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

Sebastian Johnson threw two second-half touchdown passes on Friday, Sept. 19, to lead Mainland to a 14-7 road victory over Coffee High School of Douglas, Georgia.

Johnson connected with Kadin Flores on a 22-yard touchdown strike and tossed a 42-yard scoring pass to Chris Butler.

The Buccaneers improved to 3-1 and have now defeated three teams that they lost to last season — Cocoa, Flagler Palm Coast and Coffee.

Johnson passed for 275 yards with Butler catching four passes for 92 yards and Christian Cooper catching four passes for 62 yards.

The Bucs also rushed

Seabreeze forces five turnovers, scores two defensive touchdowns in win over Matanzas

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Coaches will tell you that football games aren’t decided on Friday nights, they’re decided on the practice field and in the film room the pre-

While Seabreeze was dialed in after suffering a lopsided loss in its previous game, Matanzas wasn’t as sharp as it had been in the weeks leading up to its three-game winning streak, the teams’ coaches

The result was a 21-11 upset win by the Sandcrabs on Friday, Sept. 19, at the Pirates’ stadium.

Seabreeze forced five turnovers, scored two defensive touchdowns and held the ball for over 11 minutes on one second-half possession — converting two third downs and two fourth downs — for its only offensive touchdown.

“I think we knew that this was a crucial game for our season,” Seabreeze running back/linebacker Logan Smith said. “And so, we took that step. We put in the work this week. We definitely had to make a statement. This was a statement win, for sure.”

for 159 yards with Braylyn Simmons leadng the way with 107 yards on 24 carries. Simmons also caught two passes for 32 yards.

Mainland linebackers Dennis King and Tamaj Woodard each recovered a fumble by the Trojans. King led the Bucs with nine tackles. A 53-yard punt return by Coffee’s Tresean Smith set up the Trojans’ only touchdown, a run by KJ Debruce in the second quarter. Coffee (2-3) advanced to the Georgia Class 5A state semifinals last season.

Mainland will play host to Matanzas (3-2) in a District 4-5A game on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Daytona Stadium.

The Sandcrabs, who were coming off a 47-7 loss to Rockledge, evened their record at 2-2. They have matched last season’s win total in just their “Great film study, great preparation. (The players) had a good bead on what was coming, and we executed well,” said Mike Klein, Seabreeze’s second-year head coach. “Our offense struggled at times, but when it really mattered and we had to put it together, we put some really good drives together and we sealed the game. So, I’m just proud of them for stepping up to get it done.”

The Sandcrabs’ best offense was their defense as Zach Voltaire’s second-quarter 65-yard scoop-and-score and Owen O’Rourke’s thirdquarter 86-yard pick-6 gave the visitors a 14-3 lead.

“Those huge plays made the game for us, Klein said. “I’m so proud of those guys.”

Meanwhile, the Sandcrabs’ best defense might have been their offense, as Seabreeze’s 17-play, 60-yard drive that stretched from the third quarter to deep into the fourth quarter kept the ball out of the Pirates’ hands. Smith ended the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to put the visitors up 21-3 with 5:49 left in the game.

“We were a well-oiled machine (on the drive),” Smith said. “That’s what we were preaching in practice all week: intensity to fire off the ball, be physical, just pound the rock.”

The Pirates shot themselves in the foot with a roughingthe-passer penalty on fourthand-5 at the Pirates’ 10-yard

line to give Seabreeze a first down on the 5. Smith scored two plays later.

“Seabreeze delivered a big gut punch to us,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said as the Pirates fell to 3-2. “I think we weren’t as sharp as we were the last three weeks (in practice), and that’s my job, to see that and correct it.”

With time running out, Matanzas put together a furious 80-yard drive with Jordan Schendorf catching a 4-yard touchdown pass from Cole Walker with 3:20 remaining. Earlier in the drive, a 65-yard Walker-to-Schendorf pass was called back for holding, but running back Wiley Conner broke tackles on the way to a 35-yard run to the Sandcrabs’ 9 yard line. On a fake kick, Schendorf threw a 2-point conversion pass to Thomas Larywon to pull the Pirates within 10 points at 21-11. But Seabreeze was able to hold the ball the rest of the way.

Walker threw three interceptions — Cash Kurz and Tristan Miller also had interceptions for the Sandcrabs. The Pirates also lost two fumbles. Each of their turnovers occurred in Seabreeze territory. Their only score before the fourth quarter came on Alex Procek’s 33-yard field goal

early in the second quarter after Matthew Wells sacked Walker on third down.

“It was a little bit of a snowball effect,” Forrest said. “I think we’re that way when we’re doing well, too. Once we get success, it breeds success. For whatever reason, once we make some mistakes, we kind of make more mistakes. But this was Seabreeze causing these issues. When you cause five turnovers, you’re playing really good defense. When you score 14 points on defense, you’re playing really good defense. And their offense executed their game plan.”

The Pirates outgained the Sandcrabs 388 yards to 194. Walker completed 27 of 41 passes for 278 yards to give him 1,216 yards passing in five games.

Matanzas has a short week to prepare for its key District 4-5A game against Mainland on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Daytona Stadium. The winner will be in the driver’s seat of the three-team district.

Seabreeze hosts New Smyrna Beach (3-1) on Sept. 26 at Daytona Stadium as the Sandcrabs (0-1 in District 6-4A) will try to even their district record.

“I think we knew that this was a crucial game for our season. And so, we took that step. We put in the work this week. We definitely had to make a statement.”

LOGAN SMITH

Matanzas’ An drew Bass leaps for a pass while Seabreeze’s Zach Voltaire makes the hit.

Photos by Brian McMillan

Seabreeze cheerleaders dance with Matanzas cheerleaders in the second half.

Seabreeze quarterback Jace Gainer gets set to pass. Photo by Keishia McLendon

FPC golfer’s plan for success: Take 2 years off, then play better than ever

Sophia Stiwich shot a 6-under-par 30, a school record, at St. Augustine Shores Golf Club on Sept. 16. Her sight is now set on a state championship.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast senior

Sophia Stiwich (pronounced Stivick ) says every golfer should try giving up the game for two years. It’s worked for her.

Stiwich — who was possibly the best high school freshman golfer in two states in 2022-2023 — picked up her clubs for the first time in two years just before the current high school season. And, she says, her game is better than it’s ever been.

Certainly, that was the case on Tuesday, Sept. 16, when she shot an FPC nine-hole school record 30 in the Bulldogs’ win over Menendez at St. Augustine Shores Golf Club. She shot 6-under-par with seven birdies, one bogey and one par. And afterward, she was thinking about how close she came to a 29. She started on the second hole and birdied Nos. 2 and 3 before running into a little trouble on the par-5, No. 4 for her only bogey in the round.

“I tried to go after the green on my second shot and I ended up just short,” she said.

Then, she hit her third shot over the green. Her fourth shot was a long putt “with some turns in it,” she said.

“I left it about 10 feet past the hole,” she said. “I missed the 10-footer for par and tapped in for bogey.”

High School in 2022, she tied for sixth in the Class 2A state championship with a 71-77— 148, eight strokes behind state champion Alexandra Gazzoli of Matanzas and four strokes behind Seabreeze’s Amelia Cobb, who tied for third.

After the season, Stiwich’s parents moved to Colorado where the girls golf season is in the spring. So, she got the opportunity to compete for another state title as a freshman. She tied with Brenna Higgins at 143 after two rounds of the Colorado Class 5A championship. Stiwich missed her par putt from the fringe on No. 18 by an inch. On the playoff on the same hole, she hit her tee shot out of bounds, tearing the meniscus in her knee.

“I was able to drive the green in the original round, so I thought I could do that again, and I ended up pushing too hard with my body,” she said.

She tried again and hit out of bounds a second time and conceded, as Higgins played it safe with a shot down the middle of the fairway.

Placing sixth in the state championships in Florida and second in the state championships in Colorado — both during her freshman season — is quite a feat. But it wasn’t enough to motivate her to

“My grandfather drove me to camps and tournaments and practices. He always pushed me to be better, but he was never harsh about it. He had this delicate way of motivating me to make me want to do better.”

SOPHIA STIWICH

keep playing. She didn’t play any golf at all over the next two years.

“I lost the spark, the motivation,” she said. “And it really was too cold in Colorado — too many snow days. Playing on the mats just was not worth it at all.”

HONORING HER GRANDFATHER

Before her senior year, Stiwich’s parents decided to move back to Florida, choosing Palm Coast, where they used to vacation. Sophia said she decided about a week before the high school season to play golf again, partially to honor her grandfather, who died in 2024.

“His biggest passion was to see me play golf,” she said.

PLACING AT STATE AS A FRESHMAN — TWICE

Stiwich grew up in North Port, in Southwest Florida, with a golf club in her hand. She began playing when she was 4, because her older brother

On the next hole, a par-3, her drive was far left of the green. A problem? Not at all. She chipped in from 40 yards for birdie. From there, it was smooth sailing.

played golf and she wanted to be better than he was. He went on to play hockey. She stuck with golf. Stiwich hits a golf ball 300 yards and has a pretty good short game, too.

“She’s a really good putter. She has a great feel around the green, chipping and putting,” FPC girls golf coach Patrick Kleinfelder said. As a freshman at Lemon Bay

“And now I have some unfinished business,” she added. “I got a state championship to win. That’s definitely my main focus.”

Stiwich, who plans to graduate in December, currently has a 34.5 nine-hole average. She is loving everything about the season, especially her team.

“I love the girls. They’re amazing to be around. They’re so encouraging,” she said. “And I love the coach. He’s been the best for my mental (game). He put a smile on my face and got my mind to reset (after the bogey during her record-breaking round of 30).”

“I know it’s a cliche,” Kleinfelder said. “But Sophia is a great player, but an even better teammate. She’s absolutely fabulous to have on the team.” And she’s having the time of her life.

“I think everyone should try to take two years off,” she said. “You’ll come back to do so much better. This is the best golf I’ve ever played since I started.”

“So I decided to play again to honor him and to make my mother proud. My grandfather drove me to camps and tournaments and practices. He always pushed me to be better, but he was never harsh about it. He had this delicate way of motivating me to make me want to do better.

After placing at the high school state tournaments — in two different states — as a freshman, Sophia Stiwich quit golf for two years. Now she’s playing better than ever. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Seabreeze’s Matthew Wells

Seabreeze running back Logan Smith (6) tries to run past Matanzas defenders.

Photo by Keishia McLendon

Seabreeze’s Cash Kurz (7) runs back an interception. Photo by Keishia McLendon

Seabreeze High School’s Jeremias George.

Photos by Brian McMillan

Seabreeze High School band

Matanzas names Cory Curtis new girls basketball coach

Curtis has been a volunteer JV football coach with the Pirates this season.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas athletic director

Zach Rigney was waiting for the right fit to be the Pirates’ new girls basketball coach. Cory Curtis, the 10th applicant since the job was posted in May, turned out to be the one.

Curtis, a first-year ESE teacher at Belle Terre Elementary School, has been a volunteer JV football assistant coach with the Pirates since the preseason. He has earned a reputation as the “juice guy” on the football team, Rigney said.

“He’s a very passionate guy. He has a lot of energy. I’ve

SIDELINES

Cerasi 1st at NSB

Matanzas High School

sophomore Peyton Cerasi won the girls race at the Coach Joe McKinney Classic cross country meet on

Saturday, Sept. 20, at New Smyrna Beach High School. Cerasi, with a time of 19:11.7, won by nine seconds over Ocala Vanguard’s Ava Curtis. Megan Rhee placed 18th

overall for the Pirates in 21:36.5, and Sara Van Buren finished in 31st place in 22:20.9.

Blaine Vogel led the Matanzas boys with a time of 16:44.2 for sixth place. Three other Pirates finished in the top 30 to help Matanzas place fourth out of 21 teams: Brant

“Coaching

is a passion of mine. I love seeing the kids grow, listening to the information you give them and seeing them apply it.”

CORY CURTIS

seen that energy on the sidelines on Thursday nights. The kids respond to him,” Rigney said.

The Pirates hopes Curtis can turn around a program

Tarsitano, 17th, 17:11.9; Enzo McGovern, 24th, 17:34.4; and Matthew Ciardi, 30th, 17:43.6. Seabreeze’s Hunter Shuler placed 32nd with a time of 17:50.9.

Seth 5th at N.C.

Flagler Palm Coast freshman

that has had just one winning season in 19 years and has seen a revolving door of coaches.

Curtis is the Priates’ fourth girls basketball coach in the past five years and the 12th since the 2006-2007 season.

“I was looking for someone who is passionate about the game, has previous experience working with girls basketball and someone who was recommended to us. He fit all those criteria,” Rigney said.

“I’m excited to get him in the gym and start working with the girls.”

Curtis has been coaching since he was 15 when he led an age 13-14 girls basketball team, he said. Now 38, he has coached a lot of recreational and AAU basketball teams, most recently in North Carolina, but this will be his first year coaching high school basketball.

He played basketball and football in high school in New

Douglas Seth placed fifth in the Invitational Division at the Adidas XC Challenge on Sept. 20 in Cary, North Carolina. Seth ran a 16:17.50, his best time so far and the best time ever for an FPC freshman.

Jersey, graduating in 2005. He hoped to make a career as a teacher and a coach, but he left college in 2008 and spent the next 12 years working in warehouses and driving trucks, he said.

Five years ago, he went back to college and earned his teaching degree at Liberty University. He taught at Pierson Elementary School last year.

“I’ve been grinding for 17 years, figuring out my way. I’m grateful I finally found a path,” Curtis said. He said he and his family wanted to settle down in Palm Coast because it reminds them of New Jersey with both a city and suburban feel.

“A couple of our coaches encouraged me to take a strong look at him,” Rigney said. “When other coaches take notice, that’s something you shouldn’t ignore.”

FPC sophomores Owen Stackpole (17:49.6) and Mateo Almeida (17:51.0) placed 75th and 78th. Arianna Slaughter led the FPC girls with a 13th-place finish in 19:52.10. Anna Grigoruk was 17th in 20:12.18, and Audrey Bowman was 41st with a personal-record time of 21:12.10.

Cory Curtis, a volunteer coach with the Matanzas JV football team and an ESE teacher at Belle Terre Elementary School, has been named the Pirates’ girls basketball coach. Photo by Brent Woronoff

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*It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Palm Coast Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

31ft R/O Antoine Durrell Smith Lienor: St Johns River Marina & RV Resort 2999 W St Rd 44 Deland Sep. 25, Oct. 2 25-00099V FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of CD2 Mobile Detailing, located at 602 Arroyo Pkwy, in the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, FL 32174 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 23rd day of September, 2025. Charles Davis Sep. 25 25-00100V

person who decides to appeal any decision made at the meeting with respect to any matter considered at the meeting is advised that person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. District Manager Jane Gaarlandt Sep. 25 25-00097V FIRST INSERTION BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING DATES WALKERS GREEN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026

The

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2023 22213 CODL MALLORY SQUARE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OF DELAND, INC., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. JUSTIN S. GIBSON, individually; WHITNEY M. GIBSON, individually; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/ OWNERS N/K/A AUSTIN GRAY, Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated September 10, 2025, and entered in Case Number: 2023 22213 CODL, of the County Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein MALLORY SQUARE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION OF DELAND, INC. is the Plaintiff, JUSTIN S. GIBSON, individually; WHITNEY M. GIBSON, individually; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/ OWNERS N/K/A AUSTIN GRAY, are the Defendants, the Volusia County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale on-line at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 24th day of October, 2025 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: Property Address: 137 Crawl Key Court, Deland, Florida 32720 Property Description: Lot 29, Mallory Square - Phase 1, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 53, Page 128 through 133, inclusive, of the Public

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2024-10943-CIDL JANICE DAVIS, PLAINTIFF, VS. SOUTH CAROLINA OFFERS, LLC, FLORIDA REI PROPERTIES, LLC, MADDIE ROSE ENTERPRISES, AND ANY AND ALL UNKNWON TENANTS, DEFENDANT(S) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Amended Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 1, 2025, and entered in 2024-10943-CIDL of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein Janice Davis, is the Plaintiff and South Carolina Offers, LLC, Florida REI Properties, LLC, and Maddie Rose Enterprises are the Defendant. Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia. realforeclose.com, at 11:00AM, on October 28, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: The East 100 feet of Lot 4, Block B, Replat of Debary Development Builders, according to the Plat thereof, as recorded in Plat Book 11, Page 288, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. More commonly known as: 15 Monroe Rd., Debary, FL. 32713 (“Property”). Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. Dated this 17th day of September, 2025. FORD LAW, PLLC By: /s/ Albert E. Ford, II ALBERT E. FORD, II, ESQUIRE Florida Bar No: 68586 301 Pine Meadow Drive Debary, FL 32713 Primary: al@ford.law Secondary: jl@ford.law Telephone (386) 243-4323 Facsimile (386) 456-3326 Attorney for Plaintiff Sept. 25; Oct. 2, 2025 25-00452I FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2022 10634 CIDL PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ELLIE W. SEGARRA A/K/A ELLIE W. SEGARRA JIMENEZ, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered August 26, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2022 10634 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Volusia County, Deland, Florida, wherein PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC is Plaintiff and ELLIE W. SEGARRA a/k/a Ellie W. Segarra Jimenez, et al., are Defendants, the Clerk of Court, LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ., will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www. volusia.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 14th day of October, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 1863, DELTONA LAKES UNIT SEVENTY TWO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 28, PAGE 161 TO 167, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770. By: /s/Robyn Katz Robyn Katz, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801

Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email: MRService@mccalla.com Fla. Bar No.: 146803 23-07902FL Sept. 25; Oct. 2, 2025 25-00453I

Records of Volusia County, Florida.

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.

Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Avenue, Suite 300, Daytona Beach, Florida 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 impaired call 711.

/s/ Rebecca Blechman

John L. Di Masi

Florida Bar No.: 0915602

Patrick J. Burton

Florida Bar No.: 0098460

Brian S. Hess

Florida Bar No.: 0725072

Helena G. Malchow

Florida Bar No.: 0968323

Eryn M. McConnell Florida Bar No.: 0018858 Rebecca Blechman

Florida Bar No.: 0121474 Shelby Pfannerstill Florida Bar No.: 1058704 Nelson Crespo

Florida Bar No.: 0121499 Arthur Barksdale

Florida Bar No.: 0040628 Toby Snively Florida Bar No.: 0125998

DI MASI BURTON, P.A.

801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32801 Ph. (407) 839-3383 Fx. (407) 839-3384

Service E-Mail: jdlaw@orlando-law.com

Attorney for Plaintiff, Association Sept. 25; Oct. 2, 2025 25-00451I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12270 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN D. MEYER Deceased.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedents’ estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court, ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH.

The case number and decedent’s name are: JOHN D. MEYER, File Number 2025 12270 PRDL. The address of the court where this probate is pending is: Circuit Court for VOLUSIA County, Florida. 101 N. Alabama Ave., DeLand, FL, 32724. Date of death of the decedent is: 07/04/2024.

The date of first publication of this notice is: September 25, 2025. The second week of publication is: October 2, 2025. Personal Representative(s): Joyel Pearson. Attorney for the representative(s): By: /s/Matthew T. Morrison Matthew T. Morrison, Esquire

Florida Bar No. 1005203 5121 S. Lakeland Dr, Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33813

Telephone: (863) 250-2990 Sept. 25; Oct. 2, 2025 25-00456I

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 10674 CIDL NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. TRACEY MCCLARY; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF TRACEY MCCLARY; BLUE SPRINGS VILLAS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, and ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure dated September 17, 2025, entered in Civil Case No.: 2025 10674 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, and TRACEY MCCLARY; BLUE SPRINGS VILLAS HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; STATE OF FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1, are Defendants. LAURA E. ROTH, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 18th day of November, 2025, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 8, BLOCK G, BLUE SPRINGS VILLAS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 51, PAGES 79 THROUGH 81, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 13180 CODL KOVE ASSOCIATION, INC. OF VOLUSIA., a Florida not-for-profit corporation., Plaintiff, vs. AARON B. JOHNSON, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF AARON B. JOHNSON; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated July 31, 2025, and Order on Motion to Reset Foreclosure Sale, dated September 10, 2025, and entered in Case Number: 2025 13180 CODL, of the County Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein KOVE ASSOCIATION, INC. OF VOLUSIA. is the Plaintiff, AARON B. JOHNSON, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF AARON B. JOHNSON; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, are the Defendants, the Volusia County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale on-line at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 24th day of October, 2025 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: Property Address: 89 South Eagle Point, Osteen,

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