ORMOND BEACH
Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
VOLUME 14, NO. 19
Starry, Starry Night PAGE 1B
FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Ormond Crossings becomes a reality More than two decades in the making, the development in northern Ormond Beach has broken ground. PAGE 3A
If property taxes mostly go away ...
Savoring the moment Seabreeze honors culinary program founder June Bigham with commemorative brick. PAGE 4B
State tax reform could cause $110 million loss of revenue for Volusia. PAGE 3A INSIDE GRADUATION RATES Volusia reports highest graduation rate in district history. PAGE 4A
NDA REPLACED
Volusia County Schools to replace NDAs with policy updates. PAGE 4A
LEADER ARRESTED
Ormond Beach American Legion Post commander arrested on child porn charges. PAGE 2A
INDEX
Business..................... PAGE 3B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters........................ PAGE 8A McMillan..................... PAGE 8A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Sports......................... PAGE 5B Tributes ...................... PAGE 4C Real Estate................. PAGE 6A
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Samantha Couch gifts flowers to June Bigham, who founded the Seabreeze High School culinary program. Photo by Sydney Tevin
‘Out for Good’ Ormond and Daytona Beach hold anti-ICE protests during Nationwide Weekend of Action. PAGE 8A
Seabreeze is 3rd 90-year-old Carol Andrews (right) commends Dawn Hunter’s (left) daughter Jaya Hunter (center) for coming out to the ICE Out for Good protest in Ormond Beach on Saturday, Jan. 10. Photo by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze girls soccer team grabs third place in Five Star Conference tournament.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
NEWS BRIEFS Flagler inmate dies of apparent alcohol poisoning An inmate died of apparent alcohol poisoning on Jan. 9. Vadim Valenteychik, 54 of Palm Coast, was found unresponsive in a single-person cell at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility shortly after 6 a.m. FCSO detention deputies and medical staff immediately began lifesaving measures, including using an automated external defibrillator, while waiting for Flagler County Fire Rescue to arrive, an FCSO press release said. FCFR personnel later pronounced Valenteychik deceased. Sheriff Rick Staly has requested the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate the death for complete transparency. After the FDLE completes its investigations, the FCSO will conduct an internal review “to ensure all policies and procedures were followed.” A clinical medical review is also being conducted by the jail’s medical provider as required by FCSO’s contract. Valenteychik was being held on pending DUI charges. He was arrested on Jan. 8 after he crashed his car into a building at 2 Corporate Drive at around 9:43 a.m. and had a blood alcohol content of .340. Valenteychik told FCSO deputies he drove over the curb into the bushes and then hit the building, according to his arrest report. A 25-ounce beer can was found open and spilled in Valenteychik’s driver seat. Deputies brought Valenteychik to AdventHealth North Palm Coast for medical clearance. There, FCSO Master Deputy Faircloth administered a breathalyzer test and Valenteychik blew first a .325 and then a .340 at 11:44 a.m. That is over four times the legal limit, the report said. Valenteychik was cleared by the hospital and taken to the county jail and booked into the single-person cell where deputies “conducted regular checks” throughout the night, the press release said. Court and Detention Services Chief Dan Engert said that though Valenteychik’s exact cause of death is yet to be determined, research “has shown that blood alcohol content levels between 0.30% and 0.35% have an extremely high risk of coma or death.” “Sadly, it is not uncommon for local jails to house inmates with significant health issues related to illicit drug and alcohol use,” Engert said. “Losing a loved one is never easy, especially so unexpectedly. We extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
Ormond American Legion leader arrested on child porn charges
The commander of the American Legion Post 267 in Ormond Beach has been arrested on 40 counts of child pornography charges. The Volusia Sheriff’s Office reports that 57-year-old John Delage was arrested the evening of Friday, Jan. 9, at Post 267, for 40 counts of possession of sexual performance by a child. VSO stated that Post 267 staff cooperated with deputies who arrived to make the arrest and that the case began with a tip to the VSO Child Exploitation Unit from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. According to a VSO report, the agency received the tip on July 29, 2025. The tip originated from a sex chat room website. A VSO detective tracked the provided IP addresses to an Ormond Beach home in Breakaway Trails, owned by Delage and his wife. The VSO Child Exploitation Unit executed a search warrant on the home on Dec. 12, 2025. The repot states that Delage “answered some background information, however requested an attorney when asked about sex chat websites.” A total of 22 electronic devices were seized. During their investigation, detectives found over 200 pornographic images and almost 50 videos of children ages 1-12. Detectives also found sexually explicit messages exchanged on different applications. Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood responded to Delage’s arrest on social media. “Sickening and disturbing is the only way to describe this,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Thank you to our Volusia Sheriff’s Office CEU detectives who do all they can to protect kids from the worst of society. Thank you to the deputies who took this scumbag into custody. And thank you to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for staying vigilant and tipping off law enforcement about these sick cases all over the country!!”
22-year-old Palm Coast man exposed himself to teen, sheriff says A 22-year-old Palm Coast man has been arrested after he exposed himself to, and performed a sex act on himself in front of, a teenage girl walking on Rickenbacker Drive. Stephen Caputo, of Riddle Drive, was arrested on Jan. 9 and is being charged with lewd or lascivious exhibition by an offender over 18 in the presence of a victim under 16, according to a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release. The incident occurred on Dec. 26. The victim told depu-
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
ties she was walking along Rickenbacker Drive when a black Kia hatchback pulled alongside her and the driver exposed his genitals to her, the press release said. The man then drove off but then returned, slowing down beside the victim a second time. The victim said the man then “made a sexually explicit comment toward her about his prior actions, asking her if she liked it,” the press release said. The victim reported the crime to FCSO the same day. FCSO deputies canvassed the area and, using the Real Time Crime Center and Criminal Intelligence Unit, identified the car and Caputo as the suspect. Caputo did not own the Kia but was involved in a crash in it weeks prior. FCSO Major Case Unit detectives took over the investigation and found Caputo at his work in Ormond Beach on Jan. 8 and interviewed him. Caputo initially said he was “fixing himself,” but then admitted to masturbating while driving, the press release said. Caputo said he did not know the age of the girl and that he had never done this before. He was arrested the next day. Caputo was transported to jail, where he was later released on a $7,500 bond.
Cuban national sentenced for child sexual abuse charges A Cuban national arrested in Flagler County in March 2025 on child sexual abuse charges has been sentenced to six years in prison. Jose Valerio-Rodriguez, 70, is in the United States illegally. He was sentenced by Flagler County Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols after ValerioRodriguez pleaded guilty to unlawful sexual activity with a minor and two counts of lewd or lascivious touching of a minor on Jan. 7. Once he is released, ValerioRodriguez will be on sex offender probation and registration for nine years, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said. The Department of Homeland Security will also deport Valerio-Rodriguez. Valerio-Rodriguez, who was living in a tent at the time behind Circle K on Palm Harbor Parkway, was arrested after a 16-year-old girl contacted FCSO deputies in February 2025. She told deputies that the suspect had digitally penetrated her while she was with him in his tent, according to the original arrest report. The victim told deputies that she had visited ValerioRodriguez multiple times from December 2024 until February 2025 for cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana. She said he had kissed her multiple times before the February 2025 incident. In exchange for pleading guilty on the three counts, prosecutors dropped one count of child abuse against Valerio-Rodriguez, the press release said.
Matanzas gets a scare, then all clear FCSO had been told that a vehicle was possibly connected to two recent ‘explosive incidents’ in the city. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Matanzas High School was put on hold status from 1 p.m. until dismissal on Wednesday, Jan. 7, as a vehicle parked on campus was being investigated for the presence of an explosive device. The St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit was called in during the afternoon. No explosive devices were located and the vehicle was cleared, according to a 5:20 p.m. Flagler County Sheriff’s Office post on Wednesday. During a hold status, students remain in the classroom they are in at the time. In a 4 p.m. press conference on school property, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said neither Matanzas High School nor any students were targeted. “I want to make one thing very clear, there was no threat to Matanzas High School or to any student here,” Staly said. “An investigation that we were conducting led us to Matanzas High School.” Staly, who was joined in the press conference by Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore, said his office had been investigating two “suspicious explosive incidents” the previous few days in the S and L sections of Palm Coast. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received information on Wednesday morning about a vehicle that was parked at the school and driven by a
COPS CORNER JAN. 1
NIGHT WALKER 2:38 a.m. — 200 block of Willow Place, Ormond Beach Possession of marijuana. A 27-year-old Daytona Beach man was arrested on drug charges after a woman called police upon seeing him walking through her backyard. According to the police report, the woman said the man appeared to be intoxicated. As police spoke with him, the reporting officer noted he couldn’t hold his balance. Upon searching him, police found 10 grams of marijuana. The man was taken to jail.
JAN. 8
WE HAVE THE MEATS 9:27 a.m. — 1400 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Petit theft. Police arrested a
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore hold a press conference outside of Matanzas High School on Wednesday, Jan. 7, regarding a student’s vehicle, parked on campus, that was connected to an investigation of two Palm Coast “explosive incidents.” Photo courtesy of the FCSO
suspect, a male student at Matanzas. Staly said the FCSO spotted the vehicle parked by the tennis courts, which are on the south side of the campus. Staly said when law enforcement talked to the student, he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights, “which is exactly his right to do,” Staly said. As a result, the FCSO obtained a search warrant for the vehicle. An FCSO K-9 trained in explosive detection had a positive hit on vehicle leading the Sheriff’s Office to call in the St. Johns EOD unit. Staly said a positive hit only means that “there was something chemical in the vehicle” that would prompt a positive response from the K-9. Staly said the St. Johns EOD unit used X-ray equipment before entering the vehicle. Moore said students were released under a staggered dismissal. Students whose vehicles were parked within 300 feet of the suspect vehicle could not approach their cars until the vehicle was cleared. They were allowed to return to school later in the evening to
pick up their cars. The FCSO’s first social media post of the incident, at 1:59 p.m. Wednesday, said, “The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office received information about the potential presence of modified fireworks located inside a student’s vehicle parked near the tennis courts of Matanzas High School.” During the press conference, Staly said the student and his mother were at the school and no arrest had been made. On the afternoon of Friday, Jan. 9, an FCSO spokesperson said in an email that the investigation is still active and ongoing. “I just want to thank the Sheriff’s Office,” Moore said. “I also want to thank St. Johns Sheriff’s Office as well. And again, just reiterate that this had nothing to do with Matanzas High School outside of the individual being here and the vehicle being identified as here as well. And so we look forward to resuming normal activity (Thursday) here at Matanzas High School, as well as all of our Flagler schools.” Email brent@observerlocal news.com.
67-year-old Daytona Beach man who attempted to steal $390 worth of meat by placing it in a store trash can and covering it with a shirt. The store’s assistant manager notified police of the incident and provided surveillance footage that showed the man entering the store and placing food items and the meat into his cart. He then put the meat into the trashcan and then put a sandwich, bottle of tea and cup of popcorn chicken in his backpack. The store manager confronted the man about the theft, at which point, the man exited the store with his backpack, leaving the trash can behind. The prepared food items totaled $14.67. He was taken to jail.
A Bunnell man was arrested after he was caught stealing power tools from a residential neighborhood. A resident called 911 about a suspicious person walking around with a cooler full of power tools, according to an arrest report. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the neighborhood and canvassed the area, finding the suspect as he threw objects from the road into the woods. The suspect had called a friend to come pick him up, but deputies detained the suspect before he could leave. The suspect was searched, and deputies found a knife, a cigarette carton with a meth-soaked cotton ball and a needle with fentanyl on the man’s person. The man was arrested.
JAN. 8
JAN. 10
TOOLS OF THE TRADE 2:31 a.m. — First block of Rockne Lane, Palm Coast. Burglary, drug possession.
BANGS FOR THE BUCK 4 p.m. — First block of Fernwood Lane, Palm Coast. Grand theft. A woman and her boyfriend are facing grand theft charges after they reportedly stole her father’s guns and pawned them. The victim called Sheriff’s Office deputies and reported that multiple guns, ammunition, a compound bow and a crossbow were missing. He said since there was no forced entry into the home, he believed his daughter and her boyfriend and stolen them, according to an arrest report. Using a law enforcement database, deputies found that both suspects had pawned multiple boxes of ammunition, a bow and multiple firearms on multiple occasions, the report said. The couple were located the next day at a separate service call, and, when questioned, admitted to stealing and pawning the items, the report said. The man had prior felony convictions for cocaine possession. The two are facing multiple grand theft charges, dealing in stolen property and more charges for possessing a weapon or ammunition by a convicted felon.
ObserverLocalNews.com
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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More than two decades in the making Ormond Crossings breaks ground. Planning for the almost 3,000acre development began in 2002. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
After over 20 years of planning, the developers of Ormond Crossings have broken ground on the almost 3,000-acre community. An event celebrating the recent groundbreaking of the first phase of the development was held on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Security First Insurance headquarters. Ormond Crossings is a mixed-use project located south of U.S. 1 and along both the east and west sides of I-95, with land in both Volusia and Flagler counties. In addition to building about 2,550 residential units, Ormond Cross-
ings will have a commerce park and a town center with retail, restaurants and outdoor areas. Planning for the development began in 2002 and is the result of a partnership with the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia County and Tomoka Holdings. The property was acquired by the Ford family, of DeLand, in 2016; they then sold it in December 2023 to Bradford Kline and Associates, of Maryland, for $62 million. Company owner Brad Kline said he’s been developing mixed-use properties for about 40 years. A site like Ormond Crossings is hard to find, he said. “It takes patience, but it’s a wonderful opportunity,” Kline said. “We already have had more interest from retailers — major retailers, without going out to the market — that I’ve had in any other project over the last 40-some years.” The Ormond Crossings land was annexed into the City of Ormond Beach in 2004. At the groundbreaking event, Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie said the occasion marked a “major step forward for the future of our community.” “Ormond Crossings began with a simple but powerful question back in 2004: What should Ormond Beach look like 20, 30, and even 50 years into the future?” Leslie said. Infrastructure for Ormond Crossings is currently being constructed. Part of that is a connector road connecting U.S. 1 at the Pine Tree Drive intersection to the residential portion of the development
ORMOND CROSSINGS
Ormond Beach Economic Development Director Brian Rademacher Masterplan
Ormond Beach, FL
The Bradford Kline and Associates developers: Beau Kline, Brad Kline and Bobby Sewell. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
via a bridge over the existing Florida East Coast railroad. Construction of the bridge will begin within 60-90 days. The first phase of residential development will be composed of about 450 lots. A lot has changed in the past 20 years, the mayor said, but the vision for Ormond Crossings remains the same: to create a place where people can live, work and play in their community. Leslie highlighted the economic development opportunities that will come with Ormond Crossings to create high-paying jobs for locals. Security First, he said, is an example. When Security First was founded 21 years ago, the three-person company was based out of a small office on the beachside at 140 S. Atlantic Ave. As the company grew to its peak of over 450 employees, they started thinking
about long-term plans, said Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance. “We loved being in Ormond Beach, but when we started growing, we wondered, ‘Can we stay here?’” DeVriese said. Ormond Crossings gave them that opportunity. Security First’s current headquarters was the first building to be constructed in Ormond Crossings. The company purchased 48 acres, developing 13 of them. They opened their doors in 2019. “What’s been great about the location that we purchased is that we have lots of room to expand, and we know that we can grow here,” DeVriese said. In addition to business retention and allowing companies an option to expand locally, Ormond Crossings provides an economic development opportunity for busi-
LEGEND Single-family Residential (Detached) Single-family Residential (Attached) Town Center Business Park Commercial Light Industrial K-8 School Regional Park Park / Open Space
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A map showing the Ormond Crossings master plan. Courtesy of Bradford Kline and Associates
Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie
ness attraction, said Brian Rademacher, city economic development director. Over the last year, the city has worked alongside Florida Power and Light and Team Volusia to have the development’s commerce park be designated as a “Florida First Site.” This is an FPL program that showcases investmentready industrial properties. Ormond Crossings will give a boost to the North U.S. 1 corridor, Rademacher said. “The opportunities that are brought through the retail, the commerce center and the residential development will play significantly into our ability to bring more vibrancy to this corridor that is essentially a gateway to the City of Ormond Beach, and also provide an opportunity, again for our residents, to be able to live, work and play in this area,” he said. Ormond Crossings is “smart growth,” Leslie said. It’s how the city is preparing for the future. “Today is proof that persistence matters,” he said. “Vision matters, and longterm thinking matters. As we stand here today, we’re looking at new opportunities for our workforce, new homes for future residents, new places for businesses to grow, new revenue to support city services, and a long-term investment in the prosperity of Ormond Beach. This is more than a groundbreaking; this is a turning point.”
“Today is proof that persistence matters. Vision matters, and long-term thinking matters. As we stand here today, we’re looking at new opportunities for our workforce, new homes for future residents, new places for businesses to grow, new revenue to support city services, and a long-term investment in the prosperity of Ormond Beach. This is more than a groundbreaking; this is a turning point.” JASON LESLIE, mayor of Ormond Beach
Florida’s property tax reform could cause $110M revenue loss for Volusia House Joint Resolution 201 proposes an exemption of property taxes for homesteads. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Property tax reform was at the forefront of discussion during the Volusia County Council workshop on its goals for 2026, held on Thursday, Jan. 8. Volusia County is bracing itself for a possible elimination or reduction of homestead property taxes, as well as continuing to eye increasing state regulation that local elected officials say encroaches upon home rule. With these chal-
lenges in mind, councilmen discussed the need to reduce the county’s tax rate while pursuing efforts for expanded recreation, tourism, resiliency and economic growth. House Joint Resolution 201 was filed in October 2025 and proposes an exemption of property taxes for homesteads, save for school district levies. It also prohibits counties and municipalities from reducing total funding for law enforcement. If passed, it would go into effect in January 2027. Because impacts would be a few years out, Councilman David Santiago said the council should make budget, policy and priority changes based on whether they believe they’re good or not.
“Then, let the chips fall where they may based on the referendum and what the Legislature says,” Santiago said. The councilmen agreed, with Matt Reinhart saying that, if no reform happens on property taxes, the county will have benefited from becoming more fiscally responsible by tightening its budget. “A lot can change in Tallahassee in one day, and then a lot can stall in Tallahassee,” Reinhart said. In Volusia County, 37.5% of county property tax revenue comes from homesteaded properties. County Finance Director Ryan Ossowski said that would result in a loss of $110 million of revenue. The mandated budgets for
constitutional officers, public safety and core administrative government functions like emergency medical services, corrections, and existing Sunrail obligations account for 83% of the county’s budget. The remaining services — parks, veterans services, beach safety, Votran, and others — account for 17%, or $58 million. If the county cut all those programs, it would still need to find about $51 million to fund the mandated budgets. “Here’s the mathematical reality of this: If you’re not going to look at public safety, you’re not going to look at mandated payments, and you have to have a core administration, you’ve got $51 million
to fund and no way to fund it on the expense side of the equation,” Ossowski said. “So you’re looking at an additional revenue source.” Santiago said the governor and others in state leadership have pointed to alternative sources of revenue for local governments, such as sales tax increases. “I don’t think we should go down this rabbit hole with the assumption of responding to the Legislature and what may happen, because we don’t know,” he said. One option the council could consider as an alternate revenue source is implementing a fire assessment fee for unincorporated areas of Volusia and cities within the county’s fire district. It takes
about two-and-a-half years to implement such a fee, said County Manager George Recktenwald, who asked the council for direction to allow staff to start the process. Recktenwald said Volusia’s millage rate has consistently gone down over the last five years, including during the budget restructuring triggered by Amendment 10, which gave constitutional officers like the tax collector and the sheriff control over their budgets. “Every budget season, there’s a lot of tears, and a lot of cutting and a lot of things happen,” Recktenwald said. “So we’ve always been fiscally conservative and will continue.”
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
Volusia County Schools reports highest graduation rate in district history The county’s high school graduation rate for the Class of 2025 rose to 95.6%, which is higher than the state’s rate of 92.2%. OBSERVER STAFF
Volusia County Schools’ high school graduation rate for the Class of 2025 rose to 95.6%, marking the third consecutive year of improvement for
the school district, and the highest rate in district history. VCS announced the graduation rate in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 13. The 20242025 graduation rate is 1.9 percentage points higher than the previous year’s graduation rate of 93.7%. Volusia’s graduation rate is now 3.4 percentage points higher than the state’s average of 92.2%, which the Department of Education reported was a record; the rate is up 2.5 percentage points over last year, and has risen by 4.9 percentage points since the 2021-
2022 school year. The graduation rate for Seabreeze High School was 98.6%, up from 97.8% last year. Mainland’s graduation rate was 95.8%, up from 94.88% last year. Spruce Creek High School had the highest graduation rate of the district’s 11 high schools at 99.5%, up from 95.1% last year. “VCS’s continued upward trend in graduation rate, including improvements across student subgroups, is a reflection of our ongoing efforts to provide a top-tier
education to our students, including individualized support that ensures students are prepared for success after high school,” said Dr. Carmen Balgobin, superintendent of Volusia County Schools, in the news release. “Congratulations to our graduates, and thank you to our educators, staff, families, community partners, and School Board for their dedication to student achievement.” Volusia ranks ninth out of the 67 school districts in Florida, as well as second of the 11 school districts in the Central
Florida Coalition. VCS also shared the following highlights from the 20242025 graduation data: The graduation rate for only the 11 traditional Volusia County high schools increased by 2.3 percentage points from 96.3% in 2023-2024 to 98.6% in 2024-2025. Nine of the district’s 11 traditional high schools saw an increase in graduation rates. The graduation rate for only traditional district schools reached an all-time high of 98.6%. In addition, the district saw
growth across these demographic groups: White students: 1.9 percentage points Black students: 2.1 percentage points Hispanic students: 2.1 percentage points Students with disabilities: 1.6 percentage points Economically disadvantaged students: 2.5 percentage points English Language Learners: 12.1 percentage points At-risk students: 31.5 percentage points
Volusia County Schools to replace controversial NDAs with policy updates The non-disclosure agreements signed by about 110 employees sunsetted in December. JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
In lieu of having some district staff members sign non-disclosure agreements to safeguard confidential information, Volusia County Schools is updating a personnel policy. Updates to the district’s Policy 418 on standards of conduct were presented to the Volusia County School Board during a workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Board members were also informed that the NDAs previously signed by about 110 employees sunsetted in December 2025. “I’m happy to know that,” said School Board member Donna Brosemer, who was a vocal critic of the NDAs last year. “I had understood also
that the purpose of this language was to accommodate the concerns that the NDA was intended to address.” B rose m e r p rev i o u s ly called the district’s NDAs “unconstitutional”under Florida’s public record laws and submitted a legal opinion to the district on the issue, written by a third-party attorney on her behalf. At that time, the district defended its position, with School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans arguing the NDAs were valid and created to protect the school district from liability. Policy 418 was last updated in 2002. The proposed changes include adding two paragraphs. The first states that employees who have a need to access “sensitive and confidential” information are required to “safeguard such information and must not disclose it outside the scope of their official responsibilities.” The second paragraph states that failure to comply with the requirements may result in
disciplinary action, including termination of employment, and that violations may be subject to civil and criminal penalties. The only change Brosemer suggested was adding the phrase “as defined by state and federal law” to describe what is confidential information. However, School Board member Jamie Haynes was concerned that adding this definition could create confusion due to the kind of sensitive information concerning schools. “I want to ensure that we’re not going to be risking or leaving open a door for interpretation for someone to share information that’s sensitive,” Haynes said. VCS staff attorney Heidi Crimins said such a risk did exist. “A perfect example would be our safety and security department,” she said. “The information that they have is sensitive information handled among staff and then the
schools, but it is not technically labeled confidential. But, it is exempt from public records law.” That’s why staff didn’t define it in the proposed changes, Crimins said. Brosemer said she understood that what is considered sensitive might be determined by circumstance, but that the state has specific laws about what is confidential. “We have to have a baseline, and we have to know what that baseline is, and for me, stating it as ‘state and federal law’ establishes that baseline,” she said. A baseline, she explained, that still allows for a broad interpretation of the policy. Agreeing with Brosemer, School Board member Krista Goodrich said the suggested changes were broad and covered what they aimed to do with the policy. “We’re trying to make sure that we’re protecting what needs to be protected, but not violating Sunshine [Law], or not hiding information,” she
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New policy
Volusia County Schools is creating a new policy to establish a process for school attendance boundary changes, operational efficiency regarding school capacity and the repurposing, consolidation and closures of schools. Policy 616 on “District Reimaging” defines the criteria that need to be met for these district actions and outlines a process once decisions have been made. VCS Chief of Staff John Cash said that several months ago, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin
said. Brosemer suggested adding the word “applicable” to define state and federal law, which board members agreed with. VCS is also updating the following policies with minor changes in language:
directed staff to create a mechanism in place to analyze district information concerning school attendance and utilization in light of legislative changes, such as Schools of Hope, a program that allows a charter school to occupy a public school space for free. “We looked at creating this policy to guide our work so that it would take away any subjectivity, and there would be a set of criteria and metrics in place that would guide the work on some of the changes that may have to be forthcoming,” Cash said.
Policy 305: Physical Education Policy 717: School District Promotion and Public Relations Policy 809: School Advisory Councils
calendar of events January • Morning Member Meetup Jan. 20th 8-9 • City Commission Meeting Jan. 20th 7pm • 81st Annual Installation Gala Jan. 22nd 6-930 • 1st annual senior expo Jan. 23rd 10-2 • MasterMind Roundtable Jan. 26th 9-10-30 • Ribbon Cutting Daytona Beach Association of Realtors Jan. 29th 4-5
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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Halifax Humane Society to reimburse ECHO $186K for grant violations Boarding, grooming facility has been used since 2023 to shelters animals of domestic violence victims. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Halifax Humane Society will be reimbursing Volusia County a total of $186,000 for using an ECHO grant-funded building as an animal shelter for pets belonging to victims of domestic violence. In 2014, Volusia issued the Halifax Humane Society a $400,000 ECHO grant to open a community dog park and a publicly accessible pet services building, named the Lee C. & Patricia Culler Boarding and Grooming facility. Halifax Humane Society converted the Culler facility to offer limited wellness services before closing the building to the public entirely in late 2023 and using it for the domestic violence animal shelter, according to ECHO Advisory Committee meeting documents. This violated the terms of
NEWS BRIEFS VoTran launches Uber-powered ondemand pilot for eligible riders Volusia County has been awarded $450,000 in grant funding from the Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged to launch a new Uber-powered,
the grant because the building was no longer accessible to the public. ECHO Committee member Doug Pettit said he was disturbed the organization did not comply with grant requirements for a taxpayerfunded grant. “We gave this organization taxpayer money,” he said, “and they basically just gave us a raspberry on it and said, ‘We’re not gonna comply, it doesn’t matter, we’re not going to report it. And so what if it’s taxpayer money?’ I don’t operate like that.” Recipients of grant funding must use the funding for approved, community programs and services. The program is a voter-supported initiative that supplies tax-payer funded grants to qualifying nonprofits and quality-of-life projects, while the Advisory Committee oversees the use of those funds. Though Halifax Humane Society initially applied for the building to be used as the crisis animal shelter for families fleeing domestic violence, it was denied because the building would not be available for public use. The dog park opened in
2016 and has been available for public use since. However, Halifax Humane Society Chief Executive Officer Sean Hawkins emailed ECHO manager Daniel Marsh in April 2025 to inform him that the building has not been available to the public since the fourth quarter of 2023. Hawkins told the ECHO Committee at its Jan. 6 meeting that the building was not in use when he came on board 20 months ago. He said Halifax Humane Society had a two-year period of four CEOs. He can’t speak to decisions made by previous CEOs but he can “tell you that I was hired to come in and fix them.” Hawkins is the one who noticed the discrepancy in the use of ECHO funds and reached out to Marsh. Following Hawkins’ email, ECHO investigated. Hawkins said the ECHO Program is not the only grant or donation made to Halifax Humane Society that he is reviewing. He said he is working to ensure the shelter is in compliance with the donor funds and is offering to repay funds if they “have made a misstep.”
on-demand transportation pilot program for eligible riders. The pilot program provides Transportation Disadvantaged eligible riders with a same-day, on-demand transportation option using Uber. The service is designed for short, local trips and will operate on a trial basis through the end of June. Eligible riders may request trips of 15 miles or less. Fares are $3.50 each way, consistent with existing Transportation Disadvantaged program rates. Riders are limited to
two trips per day, one trip to their destination and one return trip. To participate, Transportation Disadvantaged eligible riders must first opt in by calling VoTran. Once enrolled, riders may request rides through the VoTran mobile app or by calling VoTran. Trips will be fulfilled using Uber. This curb-to-curb service is only available to riders who can walk independently. The service is limited to one rider per trip. Residents interested in
Halifax Humane Society’s Lee C. & Patricia Culler boarding and grooming services building, and the neighboring dog park, were created through a taxpayer-funded grant. Photo by Sierra Williams
“I have been leading the organization through transformational change that includes incredible leaps forward with our transparency that were not in place previously,” Hawkins said. Hawkins said the shelter for animals from houses with domestic violence is “desperately needed.” Neither Flagler, Volusia or Brevard County have services for animal victims in domestic violence situations, he said, though 70%
of human victims of domestic violence report that they have animals in their household. “Once those human victims are able to flee,” he said, “50% of those people have reported that the abuser has either killed or threatened to kill or injure the animal, forcing the families to stay in the abusive environment.” Regardless, the building was committed for public use through the grant, and Hawkins has agreed to repay
the $186,539. “We are making the taxpayer whole by paying back in full the proportional amount of the grant that was expended,” he said. The Halifax Humane Society will make four payments of $46,634.75 to the county on Jan. 1, April 1, July 1 and Oct. 1 of 2026. The money for the dog park will not need to be repaid; the park has remained open to the public and is maintained by the shelter.
learning more about Transportation Disadvantaged eligibility or enrolling in the program may visit www.votran.org or call 386-761-7700.
Blvd. in Ormond Beach. Law firm Cobb Cole will conduct the meeting — to be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St. — to discuss the Yoon Townhomes development. The developer, Engineer Realty, LLC, is seeking a small-scale comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning to construct 12 townhome units on the 2.81-acre property along Yoon Way. The property is currently zoned Special Environmental.
The developer is seeking a rezoning to R-4 Single Family Cluster and Town House District. This is not the first time the developer has proposed a townhome development on this parcel of land. In 2021, the City Commission denied a land use amendment for the property that would have allowed up to 18 townhomes.
Neighborhood meeting for new townhomes near Yoon Way A neighborhood meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 26, for a new townhome development proposed to be constructed at 1190 W. Granada
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
REAL ESTATE FLAGLER COUNTY
A house at 2693 Beech Blvd. sold on Dec. 31, for $222,888. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,114 square feet.
Top seller: $1 million A
house at 2569 Palm Ave., in Cedar Island, was the top real estate transaction for Dec. 27, 2025, to Jan. 2 in Flagler County. The house sold on Dec. 29, for $1 million. Built in 2018, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,985 square feet. The house was listed by Debra Meyer, of Compass Florida. ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Blvd. sold on Dec. 31, for $250,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,114 square feet.
BUNNELL
Daytona North A house at 5845 Mahogany
PALM COAST
Enclave at Seminole Palms A house at 34 Enclave Ave. sold on Dec. 30, for $565,900. Built in 2025, the 5/4.5 house has 3,059 square feet. Matanzas Woods A house at 15 Lake Placid Lane sold on Jan. 1, for $625,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, an in-law suite and 2,552 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $329,300.
Palm Harbor A house at 14 Fenwood Lane sold on Jan. 1, for $357,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,801 square feet.
A house at 15 Cold Spring Court sold on Dec. 29, for $620,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,852 square feet.
A house at 26 Claymont Court S. sold on Dec. 31, for $506,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,925 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $445,000.
Pine Lakes A house at 20 Wood Center Lane sold on Jan. 2, for $370,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,861 square feet. It sold in 2003 for $177,500.
A house at 17 Ferngate Lane sold on Dec. 30, for $438,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,306 square feet. A house at 3 Ferber Lane sold on Dec. 30, for $284,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,569 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $205,000.
A house at 39 Bird of Paradise Drive sold on Jan. 2, for $222,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,197 square feet. It sold in 2006 for $39,100. A house at 2 Woodborn Lane sold on Dec. 31, for $380,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,955 square feet.
It sold in 2018 for $230,000. A house at 3 Tucahoe Way sold on Dec. 30, for $402,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 1,923 square feet. It sold in 2002 for $143,400. Seminole Woods A house at 20 Selma Trail sold on Jan. 2, for $366,400. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,117 square feet.
A house at 27 Sea breeze Trail sold on Dec. 31 for $380,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,873 square feet. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
Coastal living at its best offered by the best 54 Hammock Beach Circle S.
LISTED
LISTED
259 Yacht Harbor Drive
Stunning, light-filled waterfront home offers refined coastal living with quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Adjoining lot included. 3 / 3.5 / 2,704 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $1,149,000
215 Willow Oak Way Grand Haven
LISTED
Exceptional home in the Wild Oaks neighborhood has been elevated to a new level of sophistication. 3 / 2.5 2,584 sq. ft. LIST PRICE $975,000
Exceptional opportunity to build on this premier homesite offering an ideal setting with ocean and golf course views. 0.16 acres LIST PRICE $999,900
judy barnes
rich hottinger, sr.
krista libby
Judy@HammockDunesFL.com
Rich@HammockDunesFL.com
Krista@HammockDunesFL.com
386.931.5707
386.503.0509
612.298.4040
2 Camino Del Mar | Palm Coast CoastalProsFL.com
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service, and it may include approximations. Site plan is artist rendering, not to scale. Prices, plans and specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. One or more photos have been staged. CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the City Commission of the City of Flagler Beach on (1) January 22, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance No. 2025-21; and (2) February 26, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida the purpose of this hearing is to act upon and 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 Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. The subject property comprising of approximately 210.70 acres is located south of State Road 100/Moody Blvd, east of John Anderson Hwy and west of the Intracoastal Waterway, as depicted in the map below. 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. 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.
CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-24 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 234 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Zoning Map designation for 234 acres of real property from Planned Unit Development (PUD), Reserved (R), and Single Family Residential (R1) Zoning Districts to the Master Planned Development (MPD) Zoning District. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below. The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed Zoning Map amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-24; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-24. The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed Zoning Map amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary 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. 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.
CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-23 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 233.92 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation for 233.92 acres of real property from Flagler County Agriculture, Conservation, and Mixed Use: High Intensity and City of Flagler Beach Low and Medium Density to City of Flagler Beach Low Density Residential and Commercial. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below. The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed FLUM amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-23; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-23. The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed FLUM amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary 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. 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
LOCATION MAP
LOCATION MAP
7763-331205 Jan. 8, 15, 2026 7763-331208 Jan. 8, 15, 2026
7763-331206 Jan. 8, 15, 2026
ObserverLocalNews.com
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
JOAN BURNETT
REAL ESTATE
REALTOR® Broker Associate
ORMOND BEACH
Riverside Drive home sells for $2.4 million A
3/1.5 and has a fireplace and 1,420 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $235,000.
house on the river at 846 Riverside Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Dec. 20-26, 2025. The house sold on Dec. 22, for $2.4 million. Built in 1992, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, a boat dock, a boat house and 6,498 square feet. The house was listed by Sheriff Guindi of Realty Pros Assured. and has 1,200 square feet. It last sold in 1971 for $36,500.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Trails South Forty The townhome at 96 Old Barn Trail sold on Dec. 23, for $280,000. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 4/2.5 and has 2,148 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $141,000. Not in subdivision The house at 56 Poinsettia Drive sold on Dec. 24, for $335,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,486 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $230,000.
Ormond Ocean Gardens The house at 48 Carol Road sold on Dec. 23, for $215,000. Built in 1961, the house is a 2/1 and has a pool and 1,000 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $170,000.
ORMOND BEACH
The condo at 1155 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 201, sold on Dec. 23, for $433,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2
Not in subdivision The house at 345 Grove St. sold on Dec. 23, for $325,000. Built in 1963, the house is a
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
WEST DAYTONA BEACH
for $432,000. Built in 2021, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,558 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $510,000.
Drive sold on Dec. 22, for $395,310. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,190 square feet.
The house at 901 Barnacle Bay Court sold on Dec. 23, for $625,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,394 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $518,200.
LPGA The house at 207 Pitching Wedge Drive sold on Dec. 22, for $369,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,708 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $352,100.
Bayberry Lakes The house at 160 Boysenberry Lane sold on Dec. 25, for $560,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,627 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $550,000. Latitude Margaritaville The townhome at 351 Lost Shaker Way sold on Dec. 23,
Legends Preserve The house at 1216 Pampus
Let’s find your dream home.
FLHouseLady.com 386-366-4805 Joan@SimplyREFL.com 73 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Condos Paul Yaneshak and Cynthia Shenette sold 100 Palm Harbor Parkway, Unit 21, to Jennifer Pellegrino, of Palm Coast, for $275,000. Built in 2001, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $135,000.
Breakaway Trails The house at 33 Coquina Ridge Way sold on Dec. 23, for $665,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,602 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $299,000.
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Seabridge South The house at 8 Sea Gull Terrace sold on Dec. 23, for $450,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,561 square feet.
$10K
Ormond By The Sea, Ormond Beach
Stop dreaming and start living the beachside lifestyle! Escape to this updated 2-bed, 2-bath condo steps from the sand. Located in a quiet 14-unit community with a pool, the open layout features a sleek modern kitchen, private patio, and upstairs bedrooms with ocean views and a sunny balcony. An attached garage, updated windows, and pet-friendly, flexible 30-day rentals ensure carefree living. Perfect for full-time residency, vacation, or investment. Strategic Price Update: $279,999
Cherokee Park, Holly Hill
Unlock incredible potential in this massive 4-bedroom corner-lot powerhouse! Boasting 2,500+ sq ft of raw, versatile living space, this home is a visionary’s dream waiting for your modern touch. Enjoy the oversized recreation room or relax by the wood-burning fireplace. With a sun-drenched bonus room, the bones for an artisan masterpiece are already here. If you’re seeking instant sweat equity, this is the high-reward opportunity of 2026! Updated pricing: $280,000—Open for Offers.
Ortona, Daytona Beach
Bring your flip-flops, not your toolbox! This completely renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath concrete bungalow (built 1948) is just a short stroll to the ocean, blending vintage charm with a modern, open floor plan. Major updates complete: 2025 HVAC, remodeled kitchen with Samsung appliances, electrical, tankless water heater, impact windows, and metal roof provide total peace of mind. Unleash your coastal dream in your private, fenced backyard oasis. New Opportunity: $333,000.
ASK US ABOUT
$10K
D UIL RB U O Y OFF
Bayberry Lakes, Daytona Beach
Claim your place in the heart of desirable Bayberry Lakes in this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath retreab. Spanning over 1,800 sq ft, this home has been refreshed for 2026 with brand-new stainless appliances and a crisp, modern palette. Durable vinyl plank flooring flows through the open living areas, leading to a private primary suite boasting dual vanities and a “spa-inspired” garden tub. Unwind on the covered porch overlooking your expansive yard for your dream outdoor oasis. Priced to Sell: $339,900.
Rio Vista, Daytona Beach
386-263-9000 386-263-9000
10 POINT OF WOODS DR. PALM COAST, FL 32164
Ignite your next adventure in this beautifully updated 3-bedroom concrete block home! Command an oversized lot featuring a screened pool and a remodeled open kitchen built for seamless indooroutdoor hosting. Immerse yourself in the massive 26x18 detached workshop, fully equipped with 100amp service for your cars, boats, or creative studio. This home blends comfort, style, and unrivaled versatility from the roomy garage to the expansive fenced backyard. Exceptional value: $389,000
A local builder who listens.
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New homes Additions Commercial
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LPGA International, Daytona Beach
Jay Maxwell Owner, Licensed & Insured
Experience the allure of modern living! This commanding Cayman model shines with sleek style and “climate-resilient” impact windows, a 5-year-old roof, and solid concrete construction. A paver driveway leads to bright, open spaces with soaring ceilings and two inviting living areas. The luxury kitchen and purpose-driven split layout make everyday life feel elevated. Unwind on the screened porch overlooking quiet conservation views. Priced with Competition in mind: $394,900.
A+ Dryer Vent Cleaning PEACE OF MIND
Plantation Pines, Ormond Beach
When you hire Quest Construction, you get weekly updates on the progress of your home from the builder himself, Juan Henao. pcdryervent.com Call Juan’s cell phone today: 407-912-8154.
386.310.2296 Dryervent386@gmail.com
Unlock your private 2026 sanctuary in this commanding Spanish estate on six serene acres! This “energy-smart” home offers “climate-resilient” solar power and absolute privacy west of I-95. A gated entrance leads through a tree-lined path to five bedrooms and a resort-caliber screened pool retreat. From the gourmet kitchen to the calm pond, every inch delivers expansive functionality and beauty. Experience the ultimate in elegant, sustainable acreage. Priceless Opportunity: $1,100,000.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
100 words (give or take) every day (or so) Or, How I learned to stop worrying and start writing about community, family and publishing. me at brian@observerlocalnews.com. A REAL LIVE PAPERBOY!
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
How about this contradiction? 1. Writing is a selfish act: Who am I to say that you should stop what you’re doing and listen to me? 2. Writing is a generous act: I have learned something, and it is my obligation to share it — especially if I’m a writer. Inspired by a Dec. 15, 2025, Calvin Tomkins essay in The New Yorker, I decided to make writing part of my 2026 goals. What follows is my attempt to write 100 words or so every day or so. If you’d be willing to share with me — and the Observer audience — something you learned or observed recently, in 100 words or less, email
Jan. 1, 2026 Every week in my driveway, I receive a bundle of 40 copies of the Palm Coast Observer. Or, rather, my daughter Ellie receives a bundle, and she delivers it to her school, Matanzas High, each week. Since school is out for winter break, she wasn’t able to make the Matanzas delivery, so I hired my two youngest children, Kennedy and Luke, to bag and deliver individual newspapers to all the driveways around our neighborhood. It was a fun way to spend an hour on New Year’s Day: I pulled our wagon, and Kennedy and Luke walked alongside, tossing the papers. A few times, the homeowner was in the driveway, and Luke hand-delivered the paper. The homeowner was delighted: A real live paperboy! I wonder if more kids in
the community would be interested in getting a bundle delivered to their driveway, so they could dish them out to their neighbors? MAKING MEMORIES IS HARD WORK
Jan. 3, 2026 Today, my wife and three youngest children helped the Rotary Club of Flagler County take down Fantasy Lights. Wow. That is a project! Hundreds of 6- or 10-foot poles, dozens of light display parts, and Bill Butler and Trevor Tucker doing some heavy lifting in the trailer. As my wife, Hailey, said afterward, all the effort makes you appreciate the event that much more. A highlight for me was putting our minivan to use. We put the seats down and drove piles of poles across Central Park so that they could be loaded into trailers and stored till next year — saving a lot of time and energy. My kids sat on the back of the van, laughing, their legs dangling over the grass, as I drove. Something I learned: It’s
easy to sit around and waste a Saturday on electronic devices. Making memories takes planning and work. PACE CENTER: ‘I’VE CHANGED A LOT’
Jan. 6, 2026 Accountability and hope are partners. Pace Center for Girls, serving 46 girls from Volusia and Flagler counties, provides both. Shinece Carr, development director for Pace, spoke to the Rotary Club of Flagler County on Jan. 6, and shared a video interview of several girls who transferred to Pace after struggling at their zoned public schools due to fighting, skipping class, lying or other struggles. Teachers at Pace are involved and aware of struggles at home, often asking, “How was your night?” before asking “Where is your homework?” Staff also escorts students to bathroom breaks so that no one can cut class. The students interviewed in the video Carr shared expressed gratitude for Pace and its financial supporters.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Three programs that threaten public education Dear Editor: We applaud the Observer for bringing stories and pictures that feature our students in the Volusia County School system. Teachers and administrators come in for their well-deserved share of accolades too, and our community’s pride in all of their accomplishments provides a warm, feel-good feeling that all is well in public education. However, the broader aspects of a new of political takeover in public education at the state level needs to be explored. At least three programs are gaining traction in Florida:
The Phoenix Curriculum, a thinly veiled parochial initiative; The LifeWise Academy, an offsite religious experience; and Schools of Hope, charter schools seeking to operate in existing public schools. On Nov. 13, 2025, the DOE voted unanimously to support the Phoenix Declaration, identifying the Phoenix Curriculum, a program developed and vigorously promoted by the Heritage Foundation, as approved for use in Florida public schools. If this curriculum is put into place, all subjects in Florida public schools will be taught within an Evangelical Christian framework, something which is antithetical to the non-discrimination require-
ments of any publicly funded education. Passage of the Phoenix Declaration was vigorously objected to by parents, community members and the Florida Education Association, who decried the “political pledge” made by the board to promote a blatant religious framework for public education in Florida. The LifeWise Academy is a program supported by the Southern Baptist Convention, which provides Christian religious instruction during the school day in offsite locations. Target audience is students 6-11 years old who, shockingly, seem to prefer leaving school to attend sociable, snack-generous activities to sitting in a classroom. How can teachers
get every student, whether in class or not, educated to the level required by state standards while some of the students are off in Sunday School? Americans United for the Separation of Church and State is adamant in their opposition to LifeWise Academy. Schools of Hope is a sneaky way for charter schools to drastically cut costs. Safe, clean and comfortable spaces to serve the students will be paid for with public school tax dollars. With this model, the charter school incurs very little in the way of overhead costs. The buildings, security and transportation are provided by the local school district, while educational content is unregulated. As a
Thanks to Pace, one girl said, she focuses on her strengths instead of her weaknesses. Another said that during her years at Pace, “I’ve changed a lot.” As Carr said afterward about the students, “They all hate it the first three months, but the stories they share — it’s just priceless.” SINCERITY AND A SMILE
Jan. 13, 2026 This morning, a woman about as old as my mom said to me, with sincerity and a smile, “I hope you have a great day, Brian.” It was a simple thing for her to say, but I felt blessed and seen. As we parted ways, though, I felt a sense of mourning because this woman's husband died suddenly several months ago, and I wondered if her day might not be “a great” one, but a lonely one. Later, I was doing the dishes, and my mind wandered to my children. Am I doing a good enough job of giving them encouragement and praise — with sincerity and a smile?
business model for a charter school, it is unassailable. For a neighborhood public school, it’s a travesty. A number of charter schools have tentatively expressed an interest in participating in this program in Volusia County. LAUREL ROBINSON Ormond Beach
Editor's note: Laurel Robinson is a co-founder of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education, a local grassroots organization. Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and /or length.
We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism. We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our print and online readers. Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com Marketing Consultants April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com SUBSCRIBE For driveway delivery, visit www.observerlocalnews.com/ subscribe. TO ADVERTISE Call the office at 386-447-9723, or reach out to a marketing consultant above. Locally Owned / Publishers of the Palm Coast Observer McMillan Ink LLC 50 Leanni Way, Unit C3 Palm Coast, FL 32137
CORRECTIONS Jan. 8: Speedi Sign's year of founding was incorrectly reported as 1989. The business opened in 1988. Jan. 8: Observer Standing O Armando Castañeda’s title with FCFR was incorrectly identified as lieutenant. He is a battalion captain. Jan. 8: Observer Standing O Jayla Long’s deceased grandfather’s name is Turline Long Jr. He was incorrectly identified as Eddie Butts. The founders of the Butts Miracle Temple are her great grandparents, incorrectly reported as her grandparents.
Locals rally for anti-ICE protests in Volusia, Flagler County Local communities protest fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, in Minneapolis. MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach joined the hundreds of cities nationwide that held anti-ICE demonstrations on Saturday, Jan. 10, following recent shootings by federal immigration officers. Palm Coast demonstrators also gathered on Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Matanzas Woods Parkway I-95 overpass, according to AskFlagler. The demonstrators displayed a sign stating, "FIRE NOEM", calling for the termination of Kristi Noem, U.S. secretary of homeland security. In Ormond, residents stood at the intersection of Granada Boulevard and Beach Street chanting and holding signs for the ICE Out for Good protest. The Nationwide Weekend
of Action was a mass call by activist groups, including Indivisible and MoveOn, following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Wednesday, Jan. 7, and the shooting of two people outside a hospital in Portland, Oregon, on Thursday, Jan. 8. Ormond Beach resident Suzanne McCarthy joined the mass online call on Thursday and quickly organized the event through the Indivisible website. By Friday, the local protest was on the map and McCarthy said she already had 50 people signed up. “People want to do something,” she said. “So this weekend was just: Get out there and protest.” Carol Andrews, a snowbird from Maine, turned 90 years old the week before the protest. “I’m here to protest because I have children,” she said. “But mostly because I have great grandchildren that I don’t want to see in a civil war or worse. That’s why I’m here.
Congressional candidate Eric Yonce takes part in the Palm Coast demonstration. Photo courtesy of Chris Gollon/AskFlagler
“They (ICE agents) are causing so much unrest and fear. They’re criminals, they’re not trained and they’re not qualified. I’m here hoping to help abolish ICE and fight for democracy.” Sheila Zinkerman, co-founder of Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education.
LISA ELLIS, protestor
I’m also out here because I can be.” Also at the protest where mother-daughter duo Dawn and Jaya Hunter. Dawn said she believes in the importance of teaching her daughter about her rights. Jaya said they were there to protest those rights because they are indigenous. Both of them held signs with the words “No one is illegal on stolen land.” “This world is going to be
Lisa Ellis and Christy Howard protest in honor of Renee Good who was fatally shot by an ICE officer on Wednesday, Jan. 7 in Minneapolis. Photos by Michele Meyers
inherited by our children, and we’re not really leaving much good stuff here,” Dawn said. “I brought my child out here because they have a voice.
ICE Out for Good protestors gather in Ormond Beach.
They have rights and they need to be heard.” In Daytona, protestors rallied in front of City Hall. Christy Howard, 70, and Lisa Ellis were among the first to arrive. They met close to a year ago at a protest. “I did this during the Vietnam War,” Howard said. “Why do I have to keep doing this? I did this for the Iraqi war. Every Wednesday afternoon after work, we would meet on the corner of International and Nova. I’m tired of having to do this. I’m old, I’m a cancer survivor, I’m disabled — I am just tired.” Ellis joined Howard to honor the life of Good and to protest violent actions by immigration officers. “They (ICE agents) are causing so much unrest and fear,” she said. “They’re criminals, they’re not trained and
Michael Devine holds a sign.
they’re not qualified. I’m here hoping to help abolish ICE and fight for democracy.” On the sidewalk in front of the Ormond Beach City Hall, Monica played the song “War,” by Edwin Starr, on her portable speaker. “My parents immigrated here from Colombia,” she said. “I am proud I came to this country when I was 3 years old, but I’m 66 now and I never thought I’d see this (unrest).”
JANUARY 15, 2026
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Richard, Germaine, and Terri, of Ormond Beach, enjoy Starry Starry Night at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy
Zach Stohner, of Ormond Beach Parks and Recreation, welcomes visitors to The Casements
Night at the museum T
Starry Starry Night guests enjoy The Casements’ gallery exhibition featuring the Florida Womens Art Association.
Maggie Evans, of Ormond Beach, enjoyed the art exhibition in the gallery.
he 36th annual Starry, Starry Night Beachside Gallery Walk was held Saturday, Jan. 10, bringing visitors to several cultural venues along Ormond Beach’s riverfront. Participants walked between the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, The Casements Cultural Center and the Ormond Beach Historical Society’s MacDonald House, where they viewed art exhibitions and enjoyed live music and refreshments. Live music by Wispi was performed in the garden at OMAM. Visitors were also able to tour the Historic Cupola in Fortunato Park, which was open to the public during the event. Zach Stohner, an employee with Ormond Beach Parks and Recreation, greeted guests at The Casements. “The event has been wonderful — great turnout and a beautiful sunset,” he said. Starry, Starry Night is held annually and is one of Ormond Beach’s longest-running arts events, bringing together visual art, historic sites and live entertainment in a walkable format. –SUZANNE MCCARTHY
Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens Guild Secretary Andrea Hoy and Board Member Dr. Philip Shapiro greet guests.
YOUR TOWN Ormond Beach resident celebrates 105th birthday Dorothy Engel celebrated her 105th birthday on Thursday, Jan. 8, before her weekly game of Bingo at the Fraternal Order of Eagles club in Ormond Beach.
Engel was born on Jan. 9, 1921 in Milton, Florida. She grew up in Chicago, Illinois, but spent her summers in Florida on a family farm with her cousins. After completing school, Engel worked in her family’s liquor store in Chicago, attended secretarial school and worked as an operator. She later became a courthouse clerk and a real estate agent. While living in California, she worked as a model for Buffums department store.
Harpist De Luna plays for guests
Engel married her husband Charles, a captain in the U.S. Marines, and together, they shared 68 years of marriage. They had two sons, Jack and Ron. “She used to travel with her husband,” said her friend, Lucia McLoughlin. “He loved to travel and they had an RV.” Engel moved to Ormond Beach in 1978. She has received two mayor’s proclamations for past birthdays — one on her 100th, and one on her 103rd.
Berets by OMAM Guild Member Lorelei Shelli were featured at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s Starry Starry Night event.
Lucia McLoughlin, Patty Bonnema, Linda Kolb and Dorothy Engel celebrate her 105th birthday. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
LOCAL EVENTS THURSDAY, JAN. 15
ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING When: 6:30-8:15 p.m. Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Details: The January meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club will have a guest speaker: Bale Dalton, candidate for District 7 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Like-minded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeachdems.org. GARY PUCKETT AND THE UNION GAP When: 7 p.m. Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: Relive the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll with Gary Puckett and The Union Gap. Tickets cost $54-$64. Visit flaglerentertainment.com. ‘FROM MINISKIRT TO HIJAB’ When: 7:3-8:30 p.m. Where: Chabad Jewish Center of Palm Coast, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, A208, Palm Coast Details: Guest speaker Jacqueline Saper will share her personal account of faith, courage and survival. Born and raised Jewish in Tehran, she lived through the Islamic Revolution and the Iran–Iraq War. Free with RSVP; $10 at the door. RSVP at Chabadpalmcoast.com/Lecture.
FRIDAY, JAN. 16
FLORIDA ARBOR DAY IN THE OMAM GARDENS When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Members of the Cherry Laurel Garden Club will join OMAM’s gardeners throughout the day to educate visitors about native pollinator trees and the importance of planting trees. Garden club members will be planting a tree that attracts butterflies. Free event. EASTBOUND GETDOWN When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16; 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17; and 7:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 18 Where: Destination Daytona, 1637 U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: Eastbound Getdown 2026 is returning to Destination Daytona for its fifth year, featuring a range of bespoke and high performance vehicles from across the U.S. $20 wristband for the weekend. Children 12 and under, and active military and first responders, are free. At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, an auction will benefit Sophie’s Circle. Bring donations of cat food, dog food, cleaning supplies. Visit www.eastbound getdownshow.com. FLORIDA ARBOR DAY PLANTING When: 2 p.m. Where: Tomoka State Park, 2099 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: The Friends of Tomoka Basin State Park along with the state park invite the public to join them in planting a Florida Native Mulberry Tree in the park’s native garden. FLAGLER FLICKS: ‘YANKEE DOODLE DANDY’ When: 7 p.m. Where: Veterans Park, 105 S.
2nd St., Flagler Beach Details: See the 1942 “Yankee Doodle Dandy” movie in the park. Bring a chair or blanket. Free event. CITY REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS ‘LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL’ When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 16 and 17; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18 Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast Details: This Tony awardwinning play features Laniece Rose Fagundes as Billie Holiday. The play chronicles her great musical song book, as well as her struggles with drug addiction, and the difficulties of being a Black performer in the 1950s. Tickets cost $30 for adults; $15 for students. Visit https:// crtpalmcoast.com/lady-day.
SATURDAY, JAN. 17
SEASIDE HERB SOCIETY MEETING When: 9:30 a.m. Where: Bailey Riverbridge Gardens meeting house, 1 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: “An introduction to Food Forestry,” a gardening method where edible plants are grown to mimic the structures of a wild forest, using mostly perennial plants or ones that reseed themselves. Free to attend. Visit www. seasideherbsociety.com. ORBIT PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY SHOWCASES When: 10 a.m., 3 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: Competition team showcase at 10, Winter showcase at 3. Tickets $15. Visit https://ormondbeach performingartscenter.csstix. com/
BUTTERFLIES FOR BEGINNERS When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Join Betty and Bill on a stroll down butterfly lane where you will learn butterfly basics, identification and field practices to earn your own butterfly recognition certificate. Park entry fee applies. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. PARADE When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: G.W. Carver Center, 201 E. Drain St., Bunnell Details: Attend the annual breakfast and parade honoring Martin Luther King Jr., presented by The MLK Dream Keepers. The breakfast will start at 10 a.m. and the parade at noon. The parade will begin at the Carver Center, travel north on U.S. 1, east on Moody Boulevard, south onto South Bacher Avenue, west onto Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue and back to the Carver Center. GOD’S FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION When: 10-11 a.m. Where: Parking lot across Gods Family Bible Church, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell Details: Every first and third Saturday drive-thru event. TWO OF A KIND When: 2 p.m. Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach Details: This duet show will feature a blend of Motown songs with a jazz flavor, original compositions and a tribute to the Spinners.
FOCUS ON FAITH
Brought to you by:
Palm Coast churches to hold MLK program
Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates
Churches will come together in Palm Coast on Monday, Jan. 19, to celebrate the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The event will be held at 11 a.m. at Palm Coast Methodist Church, located at 6500 Belle Terre Parkway in Palm Coast. The keynote speaker will be Carol Love Coffie, first lady of
Mt. Calvary Baptist Church. The program is sponsored by New York Transit Retirees of Florida, Chapter 2. Call 386-503-9414.
Interfaith conference to be held on Jan. 24
An upcoming conference presented by the Interfaith and Community Resource Network will focus on human trafficking and domestic
violence. The conference will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24, in the community center of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 201 University Blvd., Daytona Beach. A meet and greet will begin at 9:30 a.m. The theme of the conference is “What You Need to Know.” “Separating facts from fiction about human trafficking and domestic violence can be a first step toward help-
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ing those in the community who are affected by these crimes,” a press release by the IC Resource Network said. “Up-to-date information and advice for addressing these problems will be presented.” The IC Resource Network’s seasonal conferences are geared toward helping service providers and people of faith in and around Volusia County
BUNCO When: 6-9 p.m. Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach Details: Soup-themed buffet at 6 p.m. Bring an appetizer, dish or dessert to share. A $10 donation at the door is requested. Call Debbie at 312-607-8200 or Beth at 407506-6585.
SUNDAY, JAN. 18
SMOKEY ROBINSON PRESENTS: HUMAN NATURE When: 2 p.m. Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: Motown artist Smokey Robinson is collaborating with Australian group Human Nature for this performance that promises to be a celebration of classic R&B.; Tickets cost $54-$64. Visit flaglerentertainment.com.
MONDAY, JAN. 19
ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. BREAKFAST CELEBRATION When: 8:30 a.m. Where: South Ormond Beach Neighborhood Center, 176 Division St., Ormond Beach Details: Attend this celebration honoring Martin Luther King, hosted by the MLK Committee. Held in partnership with the City of Ormond Beach. Free hot breakfast for all attendees.
TUESDAY, JAN. 20
‘FOCUS ON OUR TREES” GARDEN CLUB PROGRAM When: 11 a.m. Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: The Garden Club of Halifax Country invites the public to attend its January program, featuring guest speaker Laura Ureta, environ-
learn from one another and identify opportunities for collaboration. Network leaders encourage houses of worship, nonprofit organizations and government agencies to send participants. The conference is free and open to all. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, including details for organizations interested in having a free table at the event, contact Sue Odena at 407-760-2304 or email news@icresourcenetwork.org. Send faith-related stories to alexis@observerlocalnews. com.
mental improvement officer for the City of Ormond Beach. Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 21
PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST When: 11 a.m. to noon Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast Details: A social club for for retired and semiretired. The guest speaker for this meeting will be Greta Daigle, who will present “An Introduction to Genealogy.” All are welcome. Probus has 345,000 members in 27 countries. Contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com or at 386-597-3055. FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Hammock Dunes Club. 30 Avenue Royale, Palm Coast Details: Featuring Jeff Brandes on the influence of nonpartisan policy organizations. Costs $45 for members; $50 for non-members. Visit www.flaglertigerbayclub. com/event-6487106.
YOUR TOWN Peabody’s Young Audience Series to present ‘The Pout Pout Fish’ The Peabody Auditorium Foundation’s Young Audience Series is presenting TheaterWorksUSA’s family musical, “The Pout Pout Fish,” at the News-Journal Center at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24. The musical features puppets and live performers in an oceanic adventure, according to a press release. The story follows Mr. Fish who sets out on a quest to find Miss Clam’s missing pearl, and discovers there is more to him than his permanently plastered pout. The musical is recommended for children 3 years old and up, and is an adaptation of a book series. Tickets cost $25 per person. Kathy Berman is the executive director of the PAF; Rene Bell Adams is president. The PAF will also welcome another children’s musical — “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” — on April 18. Visit www.peabodyfoundation.org.
Enjoy Local!
ObserverLocalNews.com
3B
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
BUSINESS Where the crowds are: Cristy B Comedy Club moves to downtown Daytona
in Palm Coast, and as much know what we have going the light on their day, their as she loves the city, Barrick on,” McMullin said, “they’re moment, and help to catapult said she needed to be in a not going to realize that we them to more success.” space with more vacationers have something incredible The Cristy B Comedy Club and traffic. right in our backyard, and will host a mixture of local “What I’m doing needs to that you don’t have to neces- talent and celebrities. Barrick be in a bigger city,” Barrick sarily travel outside of the area said she loves working with said. “Palm Coast, my baby to take part in things that you local talent and giving them a SIERRA WILLIAMS club, I’m very grateful. I did really love to do.” space to work out their craft. STAFF WRITER great there. It was wonderful. McMullin said the chamIt can be stressful work runBut I needed to expand and ber hosts ribbon cuttings for ning a comedy club, she said, Cristy B Comedy Club is ready grow my business.” members with new business- shows need a lot of preparato take the stage by storm at its The venue is owned by Pates, new business locations, tion and close attention. But new home in Daytona Beach. ti Miracle, who used to run a grand re-openings after ren- when the show is on and the Located at 242 S. Beach comedy club in Suite 100 for ovations and more. The idea, audience is laughing, they’re St., Suite 100, owner Cristy several years before it closed Cristy Barrick with her children — Hudson, Cristy, Raelyn and she said, is to help with the forgetting any problems they Barrick’s new club location down after the pandemic. Hayden — at her grand opening. Photo by Sierra Williams publicity and promotion to may have, she said. opened its doors on Jan. 9 Miracle said she has known the public. “It’s like an orchestra,” a business owner, I needthe to know that someone has my back. with a red carpet ribbon As cutBarrick since comedian “We’re here to help every- Barrick said. “It’s a beautiAdam team not only have my back, protect my business andexcited she’s edy Club for locals and visi- body with whatever they ful, beautiful thing to be in a ting ceremony. Barrick saidand his performed at her club. does. I’m really it may sound crazy most butBarrick is awatching comic, the Miracle here, andprocess I think—it’ll be a really tors to enjoy. need,” she said. “We want to room full of people laughing myselfto personally, do so while bottom line in the sharing people to open acost comedy andmeasures she hasthat a network strong asset Beach Street.” “If we don’t let people make sure that we can shine and having a good time.” savingclub. and risksaid, reduction helped me get through thetopast 4 years, “I’m betting on me,” she of comedians. With the work The ribbon cutting was if not 18 years and I hope we will continue to stand together as a team said. “It’s a huge risk, but this the city has done to renovate hosted by the Daytona the next 50and years.Beach I put allStreet my faith Regional in Adam! Chamber of Comis my passion, it’s what I’ve for downtown been doing, and I know that in Daytona Beach, she said, merce and attended by local this is where I need to be in it was a good time to try and residents, business owners my life.” reopen the club. | Brilliant Environmental and some elected Philip I. Brilliant, Founder/Owner Services, LLCofficials. Barrick has over 12 years of “I said, ‘I think it’s a good Lori McMullin, director of Puharic and A experience as a comedian and time for you to come back business development with “Committed to protect theand needs of his Inc. is a full service Puharic Associates, You Deserve Professional concierge-style club owner and has a follow- and open it and try it’. So she the Daytona Regional Cham“Committed to protectProfessional the needs of his You Deserve concierge-style risk management clients andfinding ability to coach you through finding firm designed for homeowners ing of VIP guests in the area did,” Miracle said. “It was a ber of Commerce, said it’s One-on-one Customer Service clients and ability to coach you through for homeowners seeking a sole remedy insurance One-on-one Customer Service around Daytona Beach. Pre- beautiful space, and she came important to highlight new the righthasplan ... Adam’s partnership has the right plan ... Adam’s partnership solution for Hom solution for Home,Agent Flood, Business and Health. with a Real Insurancewith Agenta Real Insurance viously, her club was located in and sparkled it up like she businesses like Cristy B Comhelped us further our mission.” helped us further our overtime mission.” We work to protect the enterprise Weyouwork overtim
‘I’m betting on me,’ owner Cristy Barrick said. ‘... I know that this is where I need to be.’
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
YOUR SCHOOLS R.J. Longstreet Elementary’s Erika Kazma is Volusia’s Teacher of the Year Erika Kazma, a physical education teacher from R.J. Longstreet Elementary School in Daytona Beach, was named Volusia County Schools’ 2027 Teacher of the Year during a ceremony held Jan. 10. Kazma was selected from 70 nominees countywide, according to a press release by the school district. She was one of five finalists for the district award and will now represent Volusia County in the state Teacher of the Year program. The VCS Teacher of the Year ceremony was co-hosted by FUTURES Foundation for VCS and presented by AdventHealth at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort. Kazma has been teaching at Longstreet since 2015. She has worked for VCS since 2006, beginning as a fifth grade teacher at Chisholm Elementary and then teaching second through fifth grades at Cypress Creek Elementary School from 2007 to 2015. Through grants, partnerships, and creative programming, Kazma provides opportunities many students would not otherwise have, including bike riding, gardening, golfing, running clubs, and community
Erika Kazma. Courtesy photo
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
Seabreeze honors culinary founder June Bigham Faculty members at Seabreeze High School gathered on Dec. 19, 2025, to honor retired culinary teacher June Bigham with an engraved brick, a tribute to her decades-long impact on the school’s culinary program and its students. Bigham first joined Seabreeze High in 1988, teaching home economics/ consumer science. As the school’s academic offerings evolved, Bigham transformed her class into a culinary program in 2000, which was later established as the Academy of Culinary Design in 2001. To help launch the program, the National Restaurant Association sent Bigham to Johnson & Wales University for a chef certification. She taught for 32 years. Bigham’s influence resonated far beyond the classroom, according to former student and current culinary teacher Hannah Offenberg. “It impacted me tremendously on how I run this program,” Offenberg said. “I
bri events. “At Longstreet, I have made it my mission to lead in ways that ripple far beyond my classroom,” Kazma said in the press release. “When a child rides their first bike, plants their first garden, or proudly wears a medal on field day, their face lights up with joy. In those moments, I am reminded that authentic leadership is not about what I accomplish but about creating opportunities that leave a lasting imprint on a child’s life.” In addition to teaching, Kazma is the head coach for her school’s Girls on the Run and Run clubs. At the ceremony, Superintendent Carmen Balgobin also
Seabreeze High School Principal Tucker Harris, Administrative Assistant Jeanette Oberst, June Bigham, and teachers Jennifer Campanella, Hannah Offenberg and Kasondra Williams. Photo by Sydney Tevin was able to see every single day how she ran it.” During her tenure, Bigham established traditions that still define the program, including catering events for staff and sharing signature recipes like her tuxedo brownies. She helped cater community functions, including the Paul Rice Law Office, the opening dedication of Hinson Middle School, Thanksgiving meals for faculty and even a food parade for the Florida Senate. “I just felt, this is my community,” Bigham said. “The school is part of my community.”
presented awards, along with a $150 check from FUTURES, to the following three teachers: Amy Derstine, kindergarten teacher, Citrus Grove Elementaryl; Celena Tillman-Stephens, Intensive Academic Behavioral Learning Environment teacher, Riverview Learning Center; and Danyalle Miles, an ESE teacher in math and career placement at Spruce Creek High School.
Reserved for senior of the month The Matanzas High School National Honor Society has completed its senior legacy project — designing and painting a designated “Senior of the Month” parking spot
To recognize her legacy, faculty members created a commemorative brick, now placed in the school’s courtyard. Many of Bigham’s students have gone on to successful culinary careers, inspired by her guidance. After COVID-19, Seabreeze High School temporarily discontinued all academies, reclassifying them as programs. Now, the culinary program is set to reclaim its academy status for the 2026-27 school year, with plans underway for a student-led catering café. — SYDNEY TEVIN
Matanzas senior Rhee honored The first person who will get to use that parking spot is Matanas Senior of the Month Megan Rhee. Rhee received her AICE Diploma and she will graduate with both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Daytona State College. She has earned numerous honors, including AICE Marine Science Student of the Month, AP Statistics Student of the Month, Sunshine Scholar Alternate for Flagler County, Volusia/Flagler Athlete of the Week and Straight A Honor Roll from 2022–2025. Rhee is co-captain of the
Matanzas High School Senior of the Month Megan Rhee with Principal Mike Rinaldi.
cross country team, president of the National Honor Society, vice president of Future Problem Solvers. She is also deeply involved in community service through her church, aerial arts and her work at Hammock Beach Resort in the recreation department.
Moore recommends that incoming high school students and their families visit both showcases to make an informed decision. Eighth graders will also get chance to explore careers and programs of study at the middle school career fairs. The Indian Trails Middle School Career Fair will be Jan. 20 at 8:30 to 10 a.m. for students and 10:15 to 11 a.m. for parents. The Buddy Taylor Middle School Career Fair will be Jan. 30 at 8:15 a.m. for students and 9:10 a.m. to 9:55 for parents.
Furniture for top Flagler teachers
Showcases and career fairs at Flagler Schools
The Matanzas Pirate Nation Showcase Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 7:30 on Feb. 5, while the Flagler Palm Coast Showcase will be 5 p.m. to 6:30 on Feb. 10. Both showcases will give incoming ninth graders and other new students an opportunity to explore the schools’ programs of study, clubs and athletics and learn about the course selection process. Superintendent LaShakia
Rymfire Elementary School third grader Kingston Bass is presented with the FCSO’s Great Kids Award for elementary level.
Your Schools content is sponsored by the Flagler County Education Foundation and Arctic Breeze Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.
Flagler Schools Teachers of the Year received furniture to upgrade their workspaces through Meteor Education and the Flagler County Education Foundation. Pictured here is Indian Trails Middle School Teacher of the Year Shannon Russell (center), who teaches Health and Wellness and PE.
Great Kid Award for RES’ Kingston Bass Kingston Bass, a third grader at Rymfire Elementary School, received the elementary schoollevel Great Kids Award from the Flagler county Sheriff’s Office. According to the SRDs and teachers who nominated him, Bass “always tries his best and is an active participant in daily lessons. He works hard to maintain good grades and is an excellent student who sets a terrific example for his fellow classmates.” Send schools stories to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
JANUARY 15, 2026
SPORTS FIVE STAR CHAMPS No longer runner-up, the Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer team wins Five Star tournament championship. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
During the past two seasons, Flagler Palm Coast finished second in the Five Star Conference girls soccer tournament. On Friday, Jan. 9, the Bulldogs finally broke through the barrier, defeating New Smyrna Beach 2-0 for the Five Star championship and preserving their undefeated record. They lost their first game of the season on Jan. 13, 2-1 to
Providence to drop to 13-1-4. “We’ve been working since last May for this win,” junior forward/midfielder Hailey Sammons said of the Five Star title game. “I’ve been striving to win something. I don’t want to keep getting second.” FPC did not allow a goal in the three tournament games. They have one regular-season game remaining before districts, Jan. 15 at Matanzas. “Being undefeated and winning the Five Star tournament is just amazing,” goalkeeper Natalie Neal said. “And this being my senior year, it’s so nice. I feel like all my hard work has paid off.” Neal, a Daytona State College commit, recorded her third straight clean sheet and her eighth of the season. The top-seeded Bulldogs played
all three tournament games at home, defeating Pine Ridge 8-0 on Jan. 6, blanking Spruce Creek 4-0 in the semifinals on Jan. 7 and defeating New Smyrna Beach (10-3-2) for the second time this season. Junior Skyler Strickland scored the game’s first goal with less than three minutes left in the first half. Katherine Ouellette added a breakaway goal about 12 minutes into the second half. At that point, the Bulldogs felt the title was within their grasp. “I kind of got a little relief (after Ouellette’s goal),” FPC coach Pete Hald said. “Like, there’s no way Natalie’s giving up two goals. Just having her, you just feel comfortable.” Strickland was held out SEE FPC SOCCER PAGE 7B
Flagler Palm Coast players celebrate after defeating New Smyrna Beach to win the Five Star Conference girls soccer championship. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Seabreeze girls soccer team grabs third place in Five Star Conference The Sandcrabs defeated Spruce Creek 1-0 in after suffering a heartbreaking loss to New Smyrna Beach. MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
After a heartbreaking, double-overtime, down-tothe-last penalty kick loss to New Smyrna Beach on Jan. 7, Seabreeze defeated Spruce Creek 1-0 two days later to finish third in the Five Star
Conference girls soccer tournament. The New Smyrna game was tied 1-1 through two overtime periods. “I felt like we dominated both 10 minute overtime halves and we ended up in [penalty kicks],” Seabreeze assistant coach Christine Goebel said. “We made our first three, as did they. Then we both missed our fourth, we missed our fifth and they made their fifth. So, we literally ended on the last PK possible. It was a heartbreaker.” Seabreeze head coach Eli Freidus said he knew going
Seabreeze sophomore Madison Opalewski (20) saves the ball from going out
Seabreeze sophomore Gabrielle Dioquino eyes the ball. Photos by Michele Meyers
into the Spruce Creek game that it was going to be difficult for his players after the tough loss. They played 100 minutes against New Smyrna Beach in an extremely physical game, he said. Madison Opalewski scored the only goal of the game against Spruce Creek off of an assist from Katie Clark to help the Sandcrabs secure third place in the Five Star tournament. Seabreeze had won the tournament four years in a row (2022 to 2025). “It’s physically and emotionally draining for the girls,” Freidus said. “Spruce Creek plays physical and everybody really, really wants to beat us. I don’t think the girls and I knew they were going to be tough. For us to squeak it out, I feel like it showed a lot of heart to keep playing, because our girls are really banged up. They need some time off.” Seabreeze won 8-0 in the Five Star quarterfinals against Taylor on Jan. 6. “We’re really young, so it’s good experience for these girls,” Goebel said. “Bright future ahead, for sure, because a lot of them have played club together since 4 or 5 years old. I know a lot of them from when they were little kids and that chemistry goes a long
way. They’re talented too. So you mix talent with chemistry and good things happen.” Seabreeze (8-5-1) has been riddled with injuries. Freidus said they have lost three starters and a player who would have been a major contributor. Sophomore Gyanna Nirschl tore her ACL 15 minutes into a preseason game against Creekside, freshman Avonelle Thomas tore her ACL in the Dec. 15 game against Nease, and striker Liv Chase suffered a sprained knee during the same game. Seven games into the season, goalie Kaia McFarland hit a goal post with her head during club training and had to get 19 stitches. She was recently released from concussion protocol. Chase is hoping to return for districts. She leads the Sandcrabs with 23 goals. Nobody else on the team has more than five. “That was a big point of emphasis after the game [against New Smyrna Beach],” Freidus said. “We feel like we’re getting better and we’re doing it without three starters and another player that would have contributed. I’m personally thrilled with how hard the girls have played. Didn’t look pretty, but they worked hard.” Wrapping up the tourna-
Seabreeze’s Ava Arnold takes off with the pass as Spruce Creek’s Addison Longstreet pursues i
Seabreeze sophomore Addison Sanders (24) and Spruce Creek junior Oceana Brooks (23) sprint toward the ball
ment, Freidus told his players that good teams gut out a win one way or another. He said it was time to prepare for the regular-season finale at Tocoi Creek on Jan. 13. Freshman Ana Bom Conselho scored the only goal
against New Smyrna Beach. Brieylle Long had two goals against Taylor. Bom Conselho, Clark, Ava Arnold, Gabrielle Dioquino, Opalewski and Long also scored against the Wildcats.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach
Rami Amiri finishes hat trick with two seconds to spare; FPC beats ’Crabs The Bulldogs placed fifth, Seabreeze sixth, in the Five Star Conference boys soccer tournament. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Rami Amiri didn’t know how much time remained for his chance to score for the third time in the game, but he knew time was running out. He completed his hat trick with 2.7 seconds left as Flagler Palm Coast defeated Seabreeze 5-1 on Friday, Jan. 9, in a Five Star Conference boys soccer tournament consolation game at FPC’s Sal Campanella Stadium. It was the senior midfielder’s second hat trick of his high school career. His first came in an 8-0 victory against Deltona last season. With the game decided, the only order of business left for
Seabreeze’s Liam Piazza controls the ball.
the Bulldogs was to give Amiri a chance to score one more time. The Bulldogs finished fifth in the tournament with the victory and improved to 12-6 with two games to play before the district tournament. They FPC’s Rami Amiri (10) tries to dribble past Seabreeze players. Photos by Brent Woronoff
FPC’s Dylan Hardesty (17) and Seabreeze’s Luke Clayton.
fell to rival Matanzas on Tuesday, Jan. 13 (see Page 7B), and will host DeLand on Friday, Jan. 16. Amiri’s first goal was on a penalty kick. On his second goal, at the 23-minute mark, he went around two players and booted it in, top right. “I’m happy for him,” FPC coach Ramtin Amiri said of his younger brother. “But overall, I’m really happy for the whole team. That was, in my opinion, the best performance we put out all season, and to do that against a rival in Seabreeze was even better.” Seabreeze finished sixth in the tournament. The Sandcrabs, who continue to have injury issues, fell to 4-7-4.
“I didn't even know how much time was on the clock. I just knew I had to hit it. I just went up the field, hoping I can get a last touch. My teammates just shielded the ball for me, and I got a last hit on it and it went in. And what a game from all of us, to be honest. It was a great game.” RAMI AMIRI
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defeating Atlantic 6-2 and Seabreeze topping Pine Ridge 5-1 — to advance to the fifthplace game. “I’m glad we found that energy,” Ramtin Amiri said. “It’s good that we’ve discovered that we can do that this late into the season, because this is when you’re going to need that energy. If they can play with that intensity going forward, we can do some big things.”
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can, but FPC has very good talent. They dominated the whole game. It wasn’t our night. Hopefully we can get strong enough, and some boys healthy for the districts. We’ll see if we can make something good happen.” Both teams lost their firstround Five Star games, with FPC falling to DeLand 3-0 and New Smyrna Beach shutting out Seabreeze 5-0, but they each won on Jan. 7 — FPC
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They finish the regular season with games at Tocoi Creek (Jan. 12) and DeLand (Jan. 14) and their Senior Night game at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex at 7 p.m. on Jan. 16 against University. “We have three players who were hurt and tried to come back and one of them hurt his ankle during the game, probably a fracture,” Seabreeze coach Alex Perez said. “The boys tried to do the best they
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Seabreeze’s Lane Meyer and FPC’s Rami Amiri.
FPC’s River Rodriguez (9) and Seabreeze’s Sebastian Mendoza engage an airball.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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Two goals in final 10 minutes clinches Matanzas’ 3-0 boys soccer victory Jonathan Acosta, Matthew Ciminera and RJ Cerasi each scored for the Pirates, who won their fifth straight. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
After Matanzas junior Matthew Ciminera chipped a shot over the Flagler Palm Coast goalkeeper’s head to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead, the celebration started. There was over nine minutes left in the game, but to the Pirates, the lead felt insurmountable as they swarmed the field with
FPC’s Garrett Tucker (2) with the ball.
the scrum of players spilling onto the track. RJ Cerasi added a rebound goal off FPC goalkeeper Teagan Paulo’s hands in the 78th minute for the dagger, and the Pirates celebrated again. When the buzzer sounded, they had defeated their rivals 3-0 to win their fifth game in a row and improve to 12-4-2 with one game left in the regular season. FPC fell to 12-7. “Everybody was ecstatic,” Matanzas senior Jonathan Acosta said about Ciminera’s goal. “We just put two past our rivals.” Paulo came out on Ciminera which gave the Matanzas player an open net to shoot at. “Teagan tried to run up on me,” Ciminera said. “I think we got in their heads after that goal.” Acosta gave Matanzas a 1-0 lead in the first half on a shot just outside the 18-yard box. “All I remember is the ball fell to my weak foot, my left, and honestly, I couldn’t hit it any better than I did,” he said. The Pirates kept the pressure on the Bulldogs’ defense but couldn’t convert again until the final 10 minutes. Matanzas avenged a 2-0 loss to FPC last year and improved
The Pirates celebrate after Matthew Ciminera scored their second goal with nine minutes left in the game. Photos by Brent Woronoff
to 12-5-4 overall against its county rival. “We kept their shots to a minimum,” Matanzas coach Beto Aguilar said. “A lot of emotions come into a game like this, but we need to try to stay composed, which is
what we would need to do in a championship game.” The Pirates played a man down in the final two minutes after Sergio Posada received a red card. The Bulldogs host DeLand on Thursday, Jan. 16, in their
final regular-season game and then will await the seedings for the District 1-7A tournament. Matanzas travels to St. Johns Beachside on Jan. 16, and then will host the District 3-6A tournament, which begins on Jan. 21.
SIDELINES FPC topples New Smyrna Beach
Flagler Palm Coast’s boys basketball team has won four games in a row to improve to 11-6 heading into a road game against Father Lopez on Jan. 14. Included in that streak was a 73-60 upset of New Syrna Beach on Jan. 6. The Barracudas (14-3) entered that game with just one loss. The Bulldogs had balanced scoring in the game with Nate Perry and Anthony Hampton each scoring 18 points and Nateshawn Royal and Siah Sanders adding 14 points apiece. Sanders had a doubledouble with a game-high 11 rebounds. Tony Coates added 7 points and 7 rebounds. FPC returns home on Thursday, Jan. 16, for a 7:30 p.m. game against Neptue Beach Fletcher.
Shuler breaks Senior Games record Seabreeze High School
Matanzas girls soccer team poses on Senior Night with seniors in the front. Photo by Brent Woronoff Paul Shuler broke a 31-year-old Florida Senior Games record in the 1,500 meters. Courtesy photo
teacher and coach Paul Shuler broke a 31-year old record at the Florida Senior Games on Dec. 14 in Pasco County. Shuler won the 1,500-meter run in the 60-64 age group with a time of 5:03.53, breaking Everett Crum’s 1994 record of 5:07.00 set in 1994. Shuler also had the fastest time overall in the event. He also placed second in his age
group and overall in the 800 meters with a time of 2:29.99.
Three sandcrabs undefeated at DeLand duals
The Seabreeze wrestling team went 6-3 at the DeLand Duals on Jan. 10. Three Sandcrabs went undefeated, led by senior Jayne Gainer, who was 9-0. Freshman Kaidin Lui and junior Casen MacDonald were each 5-0. The Sandcrabs improved to 10-5 in dual matches.
Gainer is 20-2 at 165 pounds on the season while Zane DePaula in 18-3 at 215 pounds. Seabreeze will compete in the Viper Classic at Space Coast High School on Jan. 17.
BMX racer Ortiz wins in naples Victor Ortiz of Palm Coast won for the second time in a row in the BMX State Series on Jan. 11 in Naples. He will try to wrap up first place in his division at the series’
FPC soccer CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5B
of the Pine Ridge game and played sparingly against Spruce Creek after recovering from a bout with the flu. “I gave (the team) the whole (winter) break off, and it might have been the best decision I made because we came back healthy,” Hald said. “We got (defender) Marlee O’Fallon back. We got Skyler Strickland back. Marlee had a serious hamstring injury. They both had the flu.” Strickland scored her goal from the left side just outside
Matanzas girls soccer honors six seniors on Senior Night The Matanzas girls soccer team celebrated its seniors and their families on Senior Night, Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Pirates stadium. Matanzas recognized players Adrianna Dubon, Emma Skinner, Chloe Harp,
Caleigh Walden, and Addison Rio and team manager Milana Kulynych. Following the celebration, the Pirates defeated St. Augustine St. Joseph 3-1 with Skinner, the Pirates’ team captain, scoring two goals. Sophomore Carsyn O’Linn scored the other goal. The Pirates improved to 5-6-2. They travel to DeLand on Monday, Jan. 12, and then host county rival Flagler Palm Coast on Thursday, Jan. 15.
“Being undefeated and winning the Five Star tournament is just amazing. And this being my senior year, it’s so nice. I feel like all my hard work has paid off.”
of the 18-yard box. “It was definitely surprising,” said the midfielder, who had scored one goal this season coming into the game. “I saw Hailey down at the 6-yard box, and I saw no one was around me, so I called for it. She looked up, found me, and I just knew I had to hit it right away before there was pressure. And then I watched as it floated over the top.” She angled a shot that hit the crossbar and dropped in. “Opportunities like that, you just got to take and hope for the best,” she said.
NATALIE NEAL, FPC goalkeeper
FPC defender Makayla Barbel (7) moves to the ball. Photos by Brent Woronoff
FPC’s Katherine Ouellette (9) and Hailey Sammons (17).
fourth event Feb. 20-22 in St. Augustine.
Hald moved Sammons to the front line to join wingers Lauralee Macleod and Ouellette to put pressure on the Barracudas’ defense, but New Smyrna goalkeeper Molly Andriola made several outstanding saves before Strickland put the Bulldogs on the scoreboard. “I knew going into the game that we need to pressure their four backs, make them make mistakes.” Hald said. “I told
them at halftime I was super happy with Skyler’s late goal, because of the work we put in for 40 minutes, because Hailey should have had a goal, Lauralee should have had a goal.” Ten minutes into the second half, NSB put a ball in the net off a free kick, but the refs called offsides, waving the goal off. About three minutes later, Ouellette scored the Bulldogs’ insurance goal.
“Once we got up, we got more confident,” Sammons said. “But we knew we had to keep it up, we had to win this game. And we knew the last 40, 20 minutes, it’s all or nothing.” Neal preserved the shutout with several big saves of her own. Her biggest, she said, came early. “It was a 1v1. I think it was a very hard save,” Neal said. “I had to travel across the goal, because the girl was standing right there at the far post. My entire body was out. She hit it right to my legs. It was a nice shot.” The Five Star title is FPC’s first since the conference went to a tournament in 2021. The Bulldogs broke Seabreeze’s four-year title streak. FPC edged NSB in consecutive semifinals, winning a penalty-kick shootout in 2024 and in double overtime in 2025. But the Sandcrabs beat the Bulldogs in the final in both years by 3-1 scores. “This whole tournament has been a battle every year since I walked in as a freshman,” Strickland said. “So this feels amazing.” Assistant coach Cat Bradley
FPC assistant coach Cat Bradley and co-captain Skyler Strickland with the Five Star trophy. Courtesy photo
said the players are playing for each other, and they refuse to lose. “We have an incredible group,” she said. “When you’re having fun, your athletes enjoy working hard and you make sure they know you believe in them, really good things happen. We believe in all of them, and we try to make sure that they all understand how important their role is. Confidence is huge for athletes, especially female athletes. These girls deserve it.”
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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Joann Ridaught O’Grady
How do our readers compare with the local population?
September 7, 1938 - December 28, 2025 JoAnn’s love extended beyond her immediate family to her beloved community at Nelsons Point. There, she cultivated deep friendships and embraced her neighbors as family. Her warmth and compassion were a beacon of light, and she delighted in participating in community gatherings and celebrations. Family was the heart of JoAnn’s world. She was a nurturing presence who delighted in family gatherings and took great pride in watching her family grow and succeed. Her generous spirit and love for others will be forever remembered. JoAnn is survived by her daughter, Susanna Sumpter (Rusty); granddaughter Joanna McKinney (Wes) and great-grandson Tanner Thornton; grandson George McKinney (Brittany); son Richard Barton Jr.(Amy); grandsons Wyatt Barton, Rick and Randall Grice; granddaughter Shaina Grice and great-grandchildren Zaine, Titan, and Shalin; granddaughter Ashlee Johnson (Steven) and great-grandson Landon; grandson Adam Dotson (Jennie) with great-grandchildren Oliver and Rosie. She is also survived by her brother Les Ridaught (Evelyn); sisters
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44% of the local Kathy Scates, Sandra Roberts (Perman), Vie Paul (Rodney), and June Cassala. Best friend Diana Combs; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. JoAnn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John F. “Jack” O’Grady, her daughter Tonda Jo Dotson, and her sister Lee Johnson. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, January 10th, at Woodlawn Baptist Church, located at 818 Co Rd 20A, Hawthorne, FL 32640. In lieu of flowers, JoAnn has kindly requested that donations be made in her name to Woodlawn Baptist Church. “What we once enjoyed and loved so deeply, we can never lose.” — Unknown JoAnn’s enduring legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
PALM COAST
Ormond Beach Planning Board denies rezoning request for former Tomoka Oaks golf course property.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024
‘The hole in the doughnut’ “We want an opportunity to have the same rights for our property. We’re entitled to have development rights for our property, just like everyone else, and what everyone is entitled to,
anyYEAR jurisdiction, is a zoning code that lists zoning districts, allowed uses and development TEACHERS OF in THE standards. We don’t have that anymore because the PRD expired, so we’re in limbo.” The developers of the proposed PAGE 1B Tomoka Reserve subdivision are MANAGING EDITOR
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MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS Two Flagler County middle school cross country runners were runners-up at the middle school state championships in Lakeland this season. Buddy Taylor Middle School’s Douglas Seth and Indian Trails Middle School’s Peyton Ceraci were honored at the Dec. 19 Flagler County School Board meeting. Seth set goals during summer team camp of breaking 10 minutes in the 3-kilometer distance and winning the state championship. At state, he placed second with a time of 9:58. While he achieved one of his goals, he’ll have the opportunity to reach the other at next year’s state championships when he will be an eighth grader. During the season, Seth won two meets, including the county championship, finished among the top five in seven meets. He finished the season ranked fifth in the nation among seventh grade boys. Ceraci won the girls county championship and finished second at state. She set a personal record of 11:08 and finished in the top four in all seven of her races, winning three times. She finished the season ranked 27th in the nation among eighth grade girls.
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Nadine King ...............PAGE 4A Laura Jenkins............ PAGE 5A Sue Packman ............ PAGE 6A Jeff Murphy ............... PAGE 6A Marty Feilder............ PAGE 11A Joseph Fajardo ........PAGE 12A Cole Hash .................PAGE 13A Ron Steinwehr .........PAGE 13A
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Have you ever known someone who you felt deserved a standing ovation? Extraordinary people are all around us, every day. This year, as we do every year, the Observer asked last year’s winners to nominate someone for a Standing O in our first edition in January. On these pages, you can read their stories and get to know some of your community’s unsung heroes — people who give of their time selflessly, never asking for praise. Who else should we write about throughout the year? Email me at brian@observerlocalnews.com.
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EXECUTIVE EDITOR
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BRIAN MCMILLAN
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Good news from good people, in Flagler County.
development order state the land use will revert to R-2,” Davis said, citing the city’s 2006 PRD development order. That order was for a maximum of 119 units, and the 2006 developer was represented by Rob Merrell, who is also part of the legal team representing the current developers. If the Planning Board members inquire about an acceptable density, that’s what she would point to. “In fact, Rob Merrell described it as the poster child for smart development,” Davis said. “I could not agree more.” The PRD process was working, Tomoka Oaks resident Michelle Zirkelbach said. What failed is that it didn’t give the developers exactly what they wanted. “I have my daughter’s seventh grade citizenship project,” she said. “On here, what we want: Open land. We want space. What we don’t want: A bunch of junk jammed in a doughnut hole.”
KARL SANDERS, attorney representing the developers leaving another Ormond Beach Planning Board public hearing with a recommendation of denial. THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024 On Thursday, Jan. 11, the board reviewed a request to rezone the 147.94-acre former Tomoka Oaks 1 golf course property from a Planned Residential Development to R-2 “Single-family low density” during its meeting, held at Tomoka Christian Church. Developers Carl Velie, Ray Barshay, Sheldon Rubin and Emily Rubin are pursuing a rezoning since their previous plan to construct 272-homes was turned down by the City Commission last November. BOARD: WE TOLD DEVELOPERS The property was zoned R-2 prior WHAT WE WANTED to 2006, when it was rezoned PRD to Board member Mike Scudiero said allow a developer to build 35 townthat when he buys something, he homes and six condo buildings on 30 likes to know what he’s buying. acres of the golf course, a develop“It sure seems to me like the appliment that never took place due to the cant bought a piece of property with recession. no entitlements, as was said here But the board believed that, just tonight,” Scudiero said. “It’s like because it was previously zoned buying a car without an engine — R-2, doesn’t mean it should be today, seems like a bad idea to me.” voting unanimously to recommend Board member Barry du Mouthe commission deny the rezoning lin said he didn’t understand why request. the developer insists on building “Just because it used to be, to me, as many homes as possible on the is not meeting the burden of proof,” property. He raised concerns about Board Chair Doug Thomas said. infrastructure and traffic and said The golf course has been coined the the property could instead be devel“hole in the doughnut” by Tomoka oped similar to Broadwater, which Oaks residents and Dennis Bayer, the has large estate homes. attorney representing its homeown“If you develop these kinds of ers’ association, because it is comestates on that property, I think that pletely surrounded by the neighwould be a jewel for the developer,” borhood. Planning Board member du Moulin said. Troy Railsback said the developers If something is to be developed purchased the former golf course on the former golf course property, property knowing that it came with board member Al Jorczak said it a lack of entitlements since it was should be “above and beyond” anyzoned PRD for the last 17 years. a PRD zoning provides the oppor- status at about 4:50 p.m. Thursday. thing ever done in Ormond Beach. “If you fill the doughnut with a “We should be moving toward tunity to “harmonize the challenges The Planning Board meeting started non-conforming use, or bad ingreexcellence and not just whatever the presented by the proposed devel- at 6 p.m. dients, it’s going to taste bad and it’s Bayer said he didn’t want to fur- common practices are, even in other opment of the former golf course going to make us sick,” Railsback land in a manner that best satisfies ther delay the process, but that they communities,” Jorczak said. “It’s a said. “They’re looking for sweet the goals and objectives of the city’s would raise the issue when it came special community and it’s a special jelly to explode the whole doughnut comprehensive plan and land devel- before the City Commission as they spot.” hole.” Maybe, it requires a special zoning opment code regulations,” according believe they have sufficient evidence MISCOMMUNICATION OR to support a party-intervenor status. district too, he added. to a staff report. BULLYING? “My clients are the doughnut The developers and their attorneys “The actions taken by Triumph Planning Board members were on Oaks of Ormond Beach I, LLC, show that surround the hole,” Bayer said. kept telling the board at previous “It’s now time that we stand alert since the start of the meeting. an unwillingness by the applicant “They’re the hole that’s trying to hearings that the board needed to tell up to the land use attorneys Earlier that morning, they had to address concerns that have been come in now and affect substantially them what they wanted for Tomoka each received a letter from Karl and we work together instead Reserve, board member Angeline identified by the Planning Board, the our neighborhood.” Sanders, the attorney representing If the developers are given an R-2 Schull said. City Commission, and the residents of threaten us with words like, the developers, opposing that the “We did,” she said. “We told you of Tomoka Oaks subdivision,” the zoning, they can then “paint the ‘I’m going to go nuclear on HOA be granted “party-intervenor” canvas however they want,” Bayer less density and you weren’t willstaff report states. status, which allows them to present The board was not there to rehash said. A site plan review is all they ing — we had the slightest change of you.’” their case before the board and the the previous 272-home development would need to develop the property, like three or four homes, so it’s very City Commission. and that’s a technical process. frustrating for you to come back now order application, Sanders said. GG GALLOWAY, Planning Board The board saw it as an intimida“As your staff has pointed out, if and say, ‘Oh, well now we want R-2 All the developers are asking now, member tion tactic and said it was an examhe said, is that the city revert the that canvas is painted under a PRD so we can put more homes in there.’” ple of how developers are bullying Thomas said that when the develzoning district back to what it was designation, then you’re going to volunteer boards and commissions help pick the colors, you can help opers bought the property in 2021, historically: R-2. he deemed necessary, to provide a their way. “So to the extent that there are any pick the confines,” Bayer said. “We it was zoned PRD. In his opinion, it “I do not like getting an email at meaningful opportunity to present questions or concerns of any kind go through the same process that should remain zoned as such. 7:18 this morning with the applicant his clients’ objections and concerns,” about any proposed development was there before.” “Three times we have told them sending out a letter with all kinds of Sanders said. Tomoka Oaks resident Carolyn what we want, and three times they on this piece of property, we’re not objections and conditions and everygoing to talk about that tonight,” Davis said that the property isn’t in have just walked away and said, thing else,” Thomas said. “I look at ‘WE’RE ENTITLED TO HAVE Sanders said. “That was the pur- “limbo,” as the attorney argued. The ‘The heck with that, we’re not doing that as either being totally unpre- DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS’ pose of the prior hearings, where the developers can bring back a develop- that,’” Thomas said. “So here we are, pared or intimidation — and if you’re The previous 272-home develop- PRD development was an attempt ment order under a PRD zoning to be and it’s going to be ... a unanimous going to try and intimidate me, you ment order application was direct- to negotiate an agreement that was considered by the commission. decision.” might as well hit me upside the head ed by the City Commission to be acceptable to both the city and to the “Nowhere does the now-expired with a two-by-four, because you’re reviewed again by the Planning neighbors. That failed, so we move Board due to concerns about den- forward.” going to get my attention.” Thomas said he didn’t appreci- sity, traffic and irrigation in the bufThe property has no zoning entiate being notified at the last min- fer. Instead of continuing to pursue tlements under a PRD without a ute, saying it was unfair to both the this, the developers opted to ask for a development order, Sanders said. board members and the residents rezoning, which could allow them to There’s nothing the developers can build more homes than their previ- do on the property without a rezonwho attended the meeting. Board member GG Galloway said ous proposal. ing granting them new entitlements, Planning Director Steven Spraker he argued. coming to the board with threats or with the intent to bully the board to said there’s been a lot of numbers “We want an opportunity to have floating around regarding the num- the same rights for our property,” approve a project is inappropriate. “It’s now time that we stand up to ber of homes that could be built on Sanders said. “We’re entitled to have the land use attorneys and we work the former golf course. development rights for our proper“Quite honestly, we don’t know ty, just like everyone else, and what together instead of threaten us with words like, ‘I’m going to go nuclear until we see a site plan that’s been everyone is entitled to, in any jurisengineered, it’s taken into (consid- diction, is a zoning code that lists on you,’” Galloway said. Sanders apologized to the board, eration) tree preservation, natural zoning districts, allowed uses and saying that the letter he wrote was areas,” Spraker said. “So we’re not development standards. We don’t not written for the board, but for going to be able to answer it.” have that anymore because the PRD The city’s planning staff recom- expired, so we’re in limbo.” City Attorney Randy Hayes, and that the opposition has to be raised to be mended the Planning Board deny the developers’ rezoning request to PRD INSTEAD OF R-2 part of the record. “My communication was designed R-2, stating that the PRD should be Bayer said he was made aware that to ensure that Mr. Bayer had as much preserved because of the property’s the developers were opposing the time as this board deemed necessary, unique characteristics and because HOA be granted party-intervenor Doug Thomas. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
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Revive Fitness hosts grand reopening Located at 180 S. Yonge St. in Ormond Beach, the fitness studio has expanded by 1,800 square feet.
ed from 5,400 square feet to 7,200 square feet, allowing more members to join and more equipment and classes to be added. At the age of 24, Arnold Kolozsvari, owner of Revive Fitness, moved from Hungary ALEXIS MILLER to the United States in 1999 to CONTRIBUTING WRITER follow his dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder Revive Fitness and Lifestyle like Arnold Schwarzenegger. hosted a grand reopening on “I saw a picture of him one Saturday, Oct. 28, to celebrate day, and it helped me create the renovation of the facility a path and goal for myself,” and workout equipment. Kolozsvari said, “FirstWilliams and FCSO Deputy Laura Jenkins with her trunk full of goodies that she keeps on hand for people in need. Photo by Sierra Revive Fitness first opened foremost, I wanted to become 13 years ago. Located at 180 S. a successful bodybuilder, and Yonge St. in Ormond Beach, I want to live from my knowlthe fitness studio has expand- edge and not from my physi-
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Christopher Bailey, Kelly Chanfrau and their trainer, Revive Fitness owner Arnold Kolozsvari
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JoAnn Ridaught O’Grady, aged 87, peacefully passed away on the afternoon of December 28th, surrounded by the love and warmth of her family and friends. Born on September 7th, 1938, in Palatka, Florida, JoAnn was the cherished daughter of the late Harold Leslie Ridaught and Winona Louise Ridaught. JoAnn, affectionately known as “Go Go Jo” for her vivacious spirit, lived life to the fullest. Her journey was marked by love, faith, and dedication. She built a rewarding career at the University of Florida, where she earned numerous accolades, including the distinguished Employee of the Year award. A devoted Christian, JoAnn was an active member of the Woodlawn Baptist Church. She found joy in her service with the Ladies of the Church and cherished her Sundays in the nursery and Sunday School. Her love for plants, traveling, and spending time with her sisters brought her immense joy. Always up for an adventure, JoAnn recently fulfilled a dream by traveling and exploring nearly 20 states, visiting iconic landmarks such as Mount Rushmore and Yellowstone.
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cal strength. I knew there was no better place to do that than in the United States, so I took the first opportunity I got and moved to the states.” Before he was able to open his own gym, he worked at other fitness facilities and did at-home personal training. In 2010, when Kolozsvari opened Revive, he had 13 clients follow him to Revive from the gym he worked at previously.
Revive trainers work with people 10-87 years old, and half of their clients are over the age of 50. They focus on creating strength, stamina, functionality and well-being on top of offering nutritional consultation and programs to each client. Each member of Revive receives a personalized fitness and nutrition plan based on their body, health, fitness
level, goals and concerns. A movement screening takes place before their plan is created to find exactly where the body is lacking and to see how the body moves. Kolozsvari said a big part of his and Revive’s vision is that knowledge is more powerful than physical strength. Carlo Solorzano has been an employee at Revive for four years and a manager for a little
over a year. He has a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. “Even with my background and experience, I have learned so much from Arnold,” Solorzano said. “He is constantly on us and himself about keeping up on our education and critiquing us so we can be better all around.”
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PUBLIC NOTICES
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 CA 000361 FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF KAREN D. JACKSON, DECEASED, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 06, 2025, and entered in 2024 CA 000361 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-1 is the Plaintiff and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF KAREN D. JACKSON, DECEASED; DAVID HAIRELSON are the Defendant(s). TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on February 06, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit:
LOT 8, BLOCK 7, PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS, SECTION 31 ACCORDING TO MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGES 43 THROUGH 53, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 29 RIPPLING BROOK RD, PALM COAST, FL 32164 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. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. 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, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 12 day of January, 2026. By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com 24-196126 - ErS January 15, 22, 2026 26-00014G
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 CA 000228 U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. LINDA S. GREENE, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 06, 2025, and entered in 2024 CA 000228 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and LINDA S. GREENE are the Defendant(s). TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on February 06, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 30, PLANTATION BAY 1-A, UNIT 3, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGE(S) 40 THROUGH 48, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RE-
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000030 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. VITA KRAMARENKO A/K/A V KRAMARENKO, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered December 04, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2025 CA 000030 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Flagler County, Bunnell, Florida, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is Plaintiff and Vita Kramarenko a/k/a V Kramarenko, et al., are Defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of Court, TOM W. BEXLEY, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash online via https://flagler. realforeclose.com/index.cfm in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 6th day of February, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: Lot 7, Block 17, ROYAL PALMS SECTION 33, PALM COAST, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 10, Pages 67 through 77, of the Public Records of Flagler 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 24-10608FL January 15, 22, 2026 26-00012G
CORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 30 LANDINGS LN #30, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174 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. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. 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, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 12 day of January, 2026. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 24-196649 - RaO January 15, 22, 2026 26-00015G
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000808 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN JOSEPH ROSS, Deceased. The administration of the estate of JOHN JOSEPH ROSS, deceased, whose date of death was May 24, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 15, 2026. JOAN BEATY Personal Representative Heidi S. Webb Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 73958 The Law Office of Heidi S. Webb 210 South Beach Street, Ste. 202 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 257-3332 Email: heidi@heidiwebb.com January 15, 22, 2026 26-00009G
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 9th day of February 2026, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading for Ordinance 2026-03, before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-03 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE BUNNELL LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 10 – FLOODS AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT TO CREATE ARTICLE IV – EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL TO COMPLY WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes) 7763-331931 Jan. 15, 2026 FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000184 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR SPRINGBOARD CDFI; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www.flagler.realforeclose.com at, 11:00 AM on the 06 day of February, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 18, PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE SECTION 26, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE(S) 20 THROUGH 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30 PINE CREST LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER
THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS. 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 711. Dated this 09 day of January 2026. By: /s/ Lindsay Maisonet Lindsay Maisonet, Esq. Bar Number: 93156 Submitted by: De Cubas & Lewis, P.A. PO Box 5026 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310 Telephone: (954) 453-0365 Facsimile: (954) 771-6052 Toll Free: 1-800-441-2438 DESIGNATED PRIMARY E-MAIL FOR SERVICE PURSUANT TO FLA. R. JUD. ADMIN 2.516 eservice@decubaslewis.com 25-01123 January 15, 22, 2026 26-00010G
first insertion
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 Somex Systems located at 59 Flagler Drive in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler, FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 9th day of January, 2026 James A. Sommer January 15, 2026 26-00011G
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 Painting Mamas Co located at 7 Poinsettia Lane in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler, FL 321646765 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 12th day of January, 2026 Christopher M Walden January 15, 2026 26-00013G
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 26th day of January 2026, for the purpose of Second and Final Reading of Ordinance 2026-01 before the City Commission, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-01 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 0.23+/- ACRES, BEARING PARCEL ID: 12-12-300650-000A0-0102 AND LOCATED AT 325 OLD BRICK ROAD IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “MIXED USE: HIGH INTENSITY” TO CITY OF BUNNELL “COMMERCIAL-MEDIUM”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the City Commission on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)
7763-331181 Jan. 15, 2026
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Palm Coast
THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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 Ridgewood Rapid Wash, located at 921 S Ridgewood Ave, in the City of Edgewater, Volusia County, FL 32132, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 1/12/2026. Ridgewood Laundry LLC 7764-332379 Jan. 15, 2026 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 SUNSHINE CLEANING, located at 527 Daiquiri Place, in the City of Daytona Beach, Volusia County, FL 32124, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 1/12/2026. NL&MT SERVICES LLC 7764-332458 Jan. 15, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following personal property of Matias Calva Calva and Angelica Leal, herein described, on the 22nd day of January, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., on the property located at 396 Circle Drive, Volusia County, DeLand, Florida 32724, be sold for cash to satisfy storage fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 715.109: Year/Make: 1982/LIBE Mobile Home VIN No.: 10L15509 Title No.: 0020066654 All Other Personal Property Therein PREPARED BY: Charles Lovings, Attorney Vector Law PLLC 1309 Thomasville Road, Suite 302 Tallahassee, Florida 32303 7764-330226 Jan. 8, 15, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following personal property of
Jorge Juarez and Rickey Jo Cole, herein described, on the 22nd day of January, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., on the property located at 148 Seabreeze Manor Court, Volusia County, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114, be sold for cash to satisfy storage fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 715.109: Year/Make: 1964/RITZ Mobile Home VIN No.: 0367724 Title No.: 0007731397 All Other Personal Property Therein PREPARED BY: Charles Lovings, Attorney Vector Law PLLC 1309 Thomasville Road, Suite 302 Tallahassee, Florida 32303 7764-330390 Jan. 8, 15, 2026 NOTICE TO PATIENTS OF DR. HURSEL ADKINS Effective January 7, 2026, Dr. Hursel Adkins will no longer be practicing with Complete Health. Upon his departure, Dr. Fabiola Fairgrieve and Marry Izzo, APP, will be available to continue the care for his patients to ensure there is no interruption. Patient medical records will be maintained and available at 999 W. Plymouth Ave., Deland, FL, 32720. Patients may contact (800) 659-4035 or visit completehealth.com/medicalrecords to request copies of their medical records. 7764-330846 Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026 NOTICE TO PATIENTS OF DR. ARLETTY SMITH Effective January 16, 2026, Dr. Arletty Smith will no longer be practicing with Complete Health. To ensure there is no interruption in patient’s care, the clinic will welcome a new provider prior to her departure. In addition, Kristine Ilgenfritz, PA-C, and Casey Wilson, PA-C, will also continue to care for her patients as part of her care team. Patient medical records will be maintained and available at 77 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach, FL 32174. Patients may contact (800) 6594035 or visit completehealth.com/ medical-records to request copies of their medical records. 7764-330189 Jan. 1, 8, 15, 22, 2026
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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. 2025 10833 CIDL NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. WAYNE J RUSSELL, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered December 18, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2025 10833 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Volusia County, Deland, Florida, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is Plaintiff and Wayne J Russell, 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 5th day of February, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: Unit C-135, Pine Valley Condominium Association Inc. f/k/a Sugar Mill Golf Townhouses, a Condominium, according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded in Official Records Book 1745, Page 127, and Revised Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 4293, Page 4840, and all amendments thereto, and as also recorded in Plat Book 33, Pages 116 through 129, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida, together with its undivided share in the common elements. 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. /s/ Sara Collins Sara Collins, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 225 E. Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1673 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email: MRService@mccalla.com Fla. Bar No.: 53992 25-11239FL January 15, 22, 2026 26-00038I
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FIRST INSERTION AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION Case No.: 2025 10862 CICI YBOR PRIVATE MORTGAGE, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, vs. RE EQUITY INVESTMENT GROUP LLC, a Florida limited liability company, JONATHAN PAULINO, an individual and UNKNOWN TENANTS IN POSSESSION, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the “Final Judgment of Foreclosure,” entered in Case No. 2025 10862 CICI on December 10, 2025, in the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court, in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein Ybor Private Mortgage, LLC, Plaintiff, and RE Equity Investment Group LLC, Defendant, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the real property situated in Volusia County, Florida, described below to the highest bidder, for cash, www.volusia. realforeclose.com at 11:00 A.M. on the 28th day of January 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: Lot 2, except the North 25 feet of the West 60 feet thereof, and except the North 20 feet of the East 40 feet thereof, and all of Lot 3, and all of Lot 12, and all of Lot 13, except the West 5 feet of the North 20 feet thereof, and all of Lot 14, except the West 5 feet thereof, Block 9, ALLANDALE, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 4, Page 146, Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. Together with that portion of the Easterly 1/2 of Allan Avenue vacated in Deed Book 419, Page 139, Public Records of Volusia County, Florida, as adjoins said property. and The land lying Easterly of Lots 12, 13 and 14, lying between Riverside Drive and the Halifax River Block 9, Allandale, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 4, Page 146, Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. Property Address: 5202 Riverside Drive, Port Orange, FL 32127 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 within 60 days after the sale. /s/ Frank A. Lafalce FRANK A. LAFALCE, ESQUIRE Florida Bar Number: 0980609 flafalce@anthonyandpartners.com C. PAIGE ANDRINGA Florida Bar No.: 1028374 cpandringa@anthonyandpartners.com Anthony & Partners, LLC 100 S. Ashley Drive, Ste 1600 Tampa, Florida 33602 Telephone: 813/273-5616 Telecopier: 813/221-4113 Attorney for the Plaintiff January 15, 22, 2026 26-00039I
SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 14084 CIDL CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES LLC, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF DARLENE A. TREMBLAY A/K/A DARLENE ANN TREMBLAY, DECEASED; MATTHEW TREMBLAY; AMY HOULIHAN; JUSTIN LEE TREMBLAY; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, Defendant(s). TO: Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, and all other parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Estate of Darlene A. Tremblay a/k/a Darlene Ann Tremblay, deceased 421 South Blue Lake Avenue Deland, Florida 32724 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 1, WEST OAKS, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 44, AT PAGE 92, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Street Address: 421 South Blue Lake Avenue, Deland, Florida 32724 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Plaintiff ’s attorney, whose address is 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, within 30 days after the date of the first publication of this notice on or before JAN 28 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated on Dec 29, 2025. Laura E. Roth Clerk of said Court (SEAL) By: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400 FLpleadings@MWC-law.com File#:25-400509 January 8, 15, 2026 26-00021I
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SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2019 11283 CIDL WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAM D. ARD JR. A/K/A WILLIAM DAVID ARD JR., et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated February 21, 2020, and entered in 2019 11283 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and WILLIAM D. ARD JR. A/K/A WILLIAM DAVID ARD JR.; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF WILLIAM D. ARD JR. A/K/A WILLIAM DAVID ARD JR. are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www. volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on January 29, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: ALL THAT CERTAIN LAND LOT 3, BLOCK 316, DELTONA LAKES UNIT SEVEN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORD-
ED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGES 149 THROUGH 162 INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 1346 FERENDINA DR, DELTONA, FL 32725 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. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. 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, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 6 day of January, 2026. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 19-283344 - EuE January 8, 15, 2026 26-00025I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 12260 CIDL CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBIN ZIARNIK SCHLICHT, et al., Defendant. To: ROBIN ZIARNIK SCHLICHT 162 MAPLE DRIVE, DEBARY, FL 32713 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROBIN ZIARNIK SCHLICHT 162 MAPLE DRIVE, DEBARY, FL 32713 MICHELLE T. JOHNSON 331 SAN JUAN AVE, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114 MICHELLE T. JOHNSON 162 MAPLE DRIVE, DEBARY, FL 32713 MICHELLE T. JOHNSON 1215 N BENOIST FARMS RD, APT 107 WEST PALM BEACH FL 33411 LAST KNOWN ADDRESS STATED, CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: THE EAST 88 FEET OF THE WEST 861 FEET OF THE SOUTH 55 FEET OF THE NORTH 370 FEET OF GOVERNMENT LOT 2, SECTION 8, TOWNSHIP 19 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, ALSO KNOWN AS LOT 23, BLOCK “D”, LEISURE WORLD PARK, ACCORDING TO EXHIBIT “B” ATTACHED TO THE DECLARATIONS OF COVENANTS, CON-
DITIONS OF THE RESTRICTIONS AS RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 1376, PAGE 599, AND AMENDED IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 1386, PAGE 483, AND AMENDED IN OFFICIAL RECORD BOOK 1518, PAGE 304, AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO ALL RECORDED IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. TOGETHER WITH A 1986 MANA MOBILE HOME VIN#S 336475C5649A AND 336475C5649B. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of you written defenses, if any, to it, on Sara Collins, Esq, McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP, 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 and file the original with the Clerk of the above- styled Court on or before JAN 20 2026 or 30 days from the first publication, otherwise a Judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 19th day of Dec, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ. CLERK OF COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY As Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith Deputy Clerk MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLP 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email: AccountsPayable@mccalla.com 24-09960FL January 8, 15, 2026 26-00022I
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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2026
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NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 11926 CIDL ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC.,, Plaintiff, vs. RICHARD SZAREJKO A/K/A RICHARD J. SZAREJKO, et al., Defendant. To the following Defendant(s): ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ESTATE OF RICHARD SZAREJKO A/K/A RICHARD J. SZAREJKO A/K/A RICHARD JAMES SZAREJKO, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES OR OTHER CLAIMANTS ADDRESS: UNKNOWN YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 18, BLOCK 764, DELTONA LAKES UNIT THIRTY-TWO, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 27, PAGE 101, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of you written defenses, if any, to it, on McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP, Sara Collins, Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 on or before JAN 20 2026, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demand in the complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 18th day of Dec, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ. CLERK OF COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY By /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk Submitted by: MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLP 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Email: AccountsPayable@mccalla.com 24-09890FL January 8, 15, 2026 26-00011I
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE #2025 13512 PRDL IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RICHARD ALEXANDER ROBERTS, aka RICHARD ROBERTS, Deceased. The administration of the estate of Richard Alexander Roberts, aka Richard Roberts deceased, whose date of death was September 2, 2025 is pending in the Circuit Court of Volusia County, Florida, the address of which is 101 N Alabama Ave, DeLand FL 32724101 N. Alabama Ave, DeLand, FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claim with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is: January 8, 2026. Personal Representative: Katherine Ahlene Nielsen 633 Art Center Ave, New Smyrna Beach FL 32168 Attorney For Personal Representative: JOHN A. GRANT, JR. FL Bar No. 107989 10025 Orange Grove Dr Tampa FL 33618 Telephone: (813) 787-9900 E-Mail: john.grant@johngrant.net January 8, 15, 2026 26-00013I
NOTICE OF ACTION CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 13869 CIDL WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF CROSS 2024-H5 MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. KIMBER JADE TANNER AND SCOTT DOUGLAS BLAND A/K/A SCOTT BLAND, et. al. Defendant(s), TO: SCOTT DOUGLAS BLAND A/K/A SCOTT BLAND, UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SCOTT DOUGLAS BLAND A/K/A SCOTT BLAND,. whose residence is unknown and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein. YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: LOT 261, OF VINELAND RESERVE PHASE 3, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 64, PAGE 133, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 6409 Congress Avenue, Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before JAN 23 2026 /(30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein. THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Volusia County, Florida, this 23rd day of Dec, 2025. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith DEPUTY CLERK Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com 25-318431 January 8, 15, 2026 26-00012I
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY CASE NO. 2025 12407 CIDL ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. EMMA LOVETTE, et al., Defendant. To the following Defendants: EMMA LOVETTE 3404 HEATH DR. DELTONA, FL 32725 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF EMMA LOVETTE 3404 HEATH DR. DELTONA, FL 32725 LAST KNOWN ADDRESS STATED, CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose Mortgage covering the following real and personal property described as follows, to-wit: LOT 364, ARBOR RIDGE, UNIT 4, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 53, PAGES 39 THROUGH 41, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of you written defenses, if any, to it, on McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP, 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 and file the original with the Clerk of the abovestyled Court on or before JAN 20 2026 or 30 days from the first publication, otherwise a Judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. WITNESS my hand and seal of this Court this 18th day of Dec, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ. CLERK OF COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY As Clerk of the Court BY: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith Deputy Clerk MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLP 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155, Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Email: AccountsPayable@mccalla.com 25-12380FL January 8, 15, 2026 26-00009I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 13963 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF LORETTA JEAN BARRETT Deceased. The administration of the estate of LORETTA JEAN BARRETT, deceased, whose date of death was May 8, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 327216043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is January 8, 2026. Personal Representative: TRACEY LOUISE GRACE Attorney for Personal Representative: JOHN A.WILLIAMS, ESQ. Florida Bar No. 0486728 The Law Offices of John A. Williams, PLLC 7408 Van Dyke Road Odessa, Florida 33556 Office (813) 402-0442 Fax (813) 210-8514 E-Mail: john@johnawilliamslaw.com Secondary E-Mail: service@johnawilliamslaw.com January 8, 15, 2026 26-00015I
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SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12496 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF SUSAN M. TEDRICK 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: SUSAN M. TEDRICK, File Number 2025 12496 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: 04/14/2025. The date of first publication of this notice is: 01/08/2026. The second week of publication is: 01/15/2026. Personal Representative(s): Bobbie Tinsley. 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 January 8, 15, 2026 26-00018I
SECOND INSERTION AMENDED NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 13882 CIDL MIDFLORIDA CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. MIA PAGANO; THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MIA PAGANO; STGO PRO4MANCE, LLC; TENANT #1; TENANT #2; AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, AND UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED DEFENDANTS WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS, Defendants. TO: MIA PAGANO; THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MIA PAGANO; TENANT #1; TENANT #2; and ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, AND UNDER, AND AGAINST THE HEREIN-NAMED DEFENDANTS WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose on the following real property in Volusia County, Florida: Lot 21, Block 1117, DELTONA LAKES UNIT FORTY-ONE, a subdivision according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 27, Pages 246 through 261, inclusive, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. Parcel ID Number: 813041320210 Property Address: 649 Eldron Avenue, Deltona, Florida 32738 has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, Volusia County, Florida, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses to the Complaint, if any, to Gregory A. Sanoba, Esquire, 422 South Florida Avenue, Lakeland, Florida 33801, on or before February 19, 2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. B-206, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. DATE: January 5, 2026 LAURA E. ROTH Clerk of Circuit Court By: Shawnee S. Smith, Deputy Clerk Gregory A. Sanoba, Esquire 422 South Florida Avenue Lakeland, Florida 33801 January 8, 15, 2026 26-00016I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 13347 PRDL Division: 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF TIMOTHY TIVON PROFFITT A/K/A TIMOTHY T. PROFFITT Deceased. The administration of the estate of TIMOTHY TIVON PROFFITT A/K/A TIMOTHY T. PROFFITT, deceased, whose date of death was August 13, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Post Office Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721-6043. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: January 8, 2026. Signed on this 13th day of OCTOBER, 2025. /s/Christine Hampton CHRISTINE REBECCA HAMPTON Personal Representative 5525 W. Bayshore Drive Port Orange, FL 32127 /s/ Robert Kit Korey ROBERT KIT KOREY, ESQUIRE Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 ROBERT KIT KOREY, P. A. 595 W. Granada Blvd., Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Telephone: (386) 677-3431 Email: Kit@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com January 8, 15, 2026 26-00014I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE The following personal property of GEORGE ALAN PIVONKA and DONNA MAE PIVONKA will, on January 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at 47 Grizzly Bear Path, Lot #265, Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida 32174; be sold for cash to satisfy storage fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 715.109: 1998 FLEE MOBILE HOME, VIN: FLFLV79A13293, TITLE NO.: 0076578000, and VIN: FLFLV79B13293, TITLE NO.: 0076577979 and all other personal property located therein PREPARED BY: J. Matthew Bobo Lutz, Bobo & Telfair, P.A. 2 North Tamiami Trail, Suite 500 Sarasota, Florida 34236 (PO#3326-3223) January 8, 15, 2026 26-00019I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 12496 CICI CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF BRAVO RESIDENTIAL FUNDING TRUST 2023-NQM6, Plaintiff, vs. KARISSA PATRICE LEE; HARBOUR BEACH RESORT CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNKNOWN PERSON IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; IVAN LEE, Defendant(s) To the following Defendant(s): KARISSA PATRICE LEE (LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 701 S. ATLANTIC AVE # 504 DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA 32118 KARISSA PATRICE LEE 3740 SWAN CREEK DRIVE PORTAGE. MI 49024 IVAN LEE LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 701 S. ATLANTIC AVE # 504 DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA 32118 IVAN LEE 3740 SWAN CREEK DRIVE PORTAGE. MI 49024 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: UNIT 504 OF HARBOUR BEACH RESORT, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 3984, PAGE(S) 2153, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED SHARE IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS. a/k/a 701 S. ATLANTIC AVE # 504,,
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA 32118 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Kahane & Associates, P.A., Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220, Sunrise, FLORIDA 33323 on or before JAN 23 2026, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the BUSINESS OBSERVER and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No.2.065. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to provisions of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator at Suite 300, Courthouse Annex, 125 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32114; call (386)257-6096 within two (2) working days of your receipt of this notice or pleading; if you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD); THIS IS NOT A COURT INFORMATION LINE; if you are voice impaired, call 1-800995-8770 (V) (Via Florida Relay Services). WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 23rd day of Dec, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) By /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk Submitted by: Kahane & Associates, P.A. 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220 Sunrise, Florida 33323 Telephone: (954) 382-3486 Telefacsimile: (954) 382-5380 Designated service email: notice@kahaneandassociates.com File No.: 25-00915 SM, LLC January 8, 15, 2026 26-00017I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 11544 CIDL FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED LOANS STRUCTURED TRANSACTION TRUST, SERIES 2019-1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BERNICE P. BROCKMAN, DECEASED, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 28, 2025, and entered in 2024 11544 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED LOANS STRUCTURED TRANSACTION TRUST, SERIES 2019-1 is the Plaintiff and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF BERNICE P. BROCKMAN, DECEASED; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF LORI BROCKMAN, DECEASED; APRIL BROCKMAN A/K/A APRIL BROCK are the Defendant(s). Laura E. Roth as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the
highest and best bidder for cash at www. volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on January 27, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 4, BLOCK 1730, DELTONA LAKES UNIT SIXTY-SIX, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 28, PAGES 124 THROUGH 127, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 927 LOREN DRIVE, DELTONA, FL 32725 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. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. 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, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 6 day of January, 2026 By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com 23-173438 - MiM January 8, 15, 2026 26-00026I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2023 12450 CIDL DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY IXIS REAL ESTATE CAPITAL TRUST 20061 MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, Plaintiff, vs. JACKIE WHITEHORN, ET AL. Defendants To the following Defendant(s): DARRICE JACKSON (CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN) Last Known Address: 895 MCAFINA TRL, VALDOSTA, GA 31602 Additional Address: 148 W FERN DRIVE, ORANGE CITY, FL 32763 Additional Address: 1505 E. PARK AVE., UNIT I4, VALDOSTA, GA 31602 JAMES EDWARD JACKSON, JR. (CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN) Last Known Address: 2161 NW 26TH AVE, FT. LAUDERDALE, FL 33311 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 35, OF HERITAGE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 45, PAGE 176 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A 370 HERITAGE ESTATES LANE, DELAND FL 32720 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to J. Anthony Van Ness, Esq. at VAN NESS LAW FIRM, PLC, Attorney for the Plaintiff, whose address is 1239 E. NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE #110, DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33442 on or before FEB 9, 2026 and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. This notice is provided to Administrative Order No. 2065. 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 711. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una person con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 dias de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días ; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 24th day of Dec, 2025. Laura E. Roth VOLUSIA COUNTY CLERK OF COURT (SEAL) By /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk J. Anthony Van Ness, Esq. VAN NESS LAW FIRM, PLC Attorney for the Plaintiff 1239 E. NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE #110 DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33442 PHH18458-23/cam January 8, 15, 2026 26-00024I
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