State to pursue death penalty for suspect in police officer’s killing
A suspect in an unrelated case — a driver who hit an Ormond Beach car head-on — has also been indicted for firstdegree murder.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office is seeking the death penalty for the suspect who killed an offduty Edgewater police officer in September.
A Volusia County Grand Jury has indicted the suspect, Eduardo Labrada Machado, 24, on a first-degree murder charge.
Two other men who were indicted in unrelated cases.
One is Stevens Charles, who was fleeing Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies when he crashed into the car of a 71-year-old Ormond Beach woman. The second was Brian Whittaker, who is accused of shooting his neighbor multiple times outside of his Deltona condo on Sept. 29. The victim died at the scene.
State Attorney R.J. Larizza announced the grand jury’s indictments in a press conference on Oct. 6.
‘ULTIMATE PUNISHMENT’
Off-duty Edgewater police officer David Jewell, 45, was killed on Sept. 15 after Machado shot Jewell multiple times in the head, at the Circle K gas station at 2460 Ocean Shore Blvd. in Ormond-by-the-Sea.
Larizza said there were 24 shell casings at the scene. The medical examiner said
Photo by Sierra Williams
“I’ve been in this business since 1980, and I’ve seen things that curl my hair. And then I say, ‘Well, I don’t know if there’s anything that can top that. ... This is one of those cases.’”
R.J. LARIZZA, state attorney
there were at least 20 gunshot wounds but “he couldn’t tell for sure because there were so many.”
Larizza said this case was “bizarre and disturbing.”
“I tell you, I’ve been in this business since 1980, and I’ve seen things that curl my hair. And then I say, ‘Well, I don’t know if there’s anything that can top that,’” Larizza said. “But unfortunately, it seems to have happened again, and this is one of those cases.”
In surveillance footage, Machado, an employee at the gas station, is seen walking out of the store after Jewell walks into the store. Macahado goes to his car and returns to shoot Jewell.
The gun used to kill Jewell was purchased several days prior. Jewell then waited to pick it up about two hours
before Jewell was shot.
Family members of Machado said the 24-year-old had mental health issues. But when asked by a reporter at the press conference whether Machado had any mental health problems, Larizza said that, so far, nothing in the investigation points to mental health issues.
“It’s unclear what, if any, motive there actually was,” Larizza said. “But it’s very clear that this was premeditated, and it’s very clear that this case deserves the ultimate punishment.”
Larizza said the intent to seek the death penalty was filed on Oct. 6.
FATAL WRONG-WAY CRASH
Charles, the larceny suspect driving a car that fled from Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies on Sept. 16, is also facing a first-degree murder charge for the death of 71-year-old Julia Wagner, an Ormond Beach resident.
“If he would have stopped and surrendered to law enforcement — that’s all they had to do — he wouldn’t be facing first-degree felony murder charges,” Larizza said. Larizza said Wagner was on her way home from a volunteer shift at a hospital when she was hit by Charles’ car.
“Imagine this, coming off the interstate, you get ready to go home, and all of a sudden, here comes this suburban coming up the wrong way on that exit ramp,” Larizza said. “She just didn’t have a chance, God bless her.”
Charles drove his car the wrong way up an Interstate 95 off-ramp on Highway U.S. 1 in Ormond Beach while fleeing FCSO deputies at speeds “of up to 110 mph,” a SAO press release said.
NEWS BRIEFS
Travel agency defrauded over 100 at Seabreeze High, VSO says
A 56-year-old owner of a Massachusetts travel agency is facing grand theft and fraud charges after detectives say he defrauded 104 Seabreeze High School students and chaperones out of $400,000 for a canceled international trip, the Volusia Sheriff’s Office reports. VSO reports that Robert
COPS CORNER
SEPT. 16
GOING OUT ON A LIMB
1:10 p.m. — 100 block of Williamson Blvd., Ormond Beach
Found property. Police were dispatched to a local restaurant after a prosthetic leg was found on the property.
According to a police incident report, the tan prosthetic leg with a white Reebok sneaker was lying on the grass in front of the restaurant, as observed by the reporting officer. She picked it up and transported it back to the station for safekeeping.
SEPT. 19
SOUNDS OF DISTRESS
9:40 p.m. — 1600 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Suspicious incident. A hotel tenant called police after she heard what sounded like someone screaming for help followed by gunshots, but when police arrived, the property owner advised she hadn’t heard anything unusual. Police later discovered the sounds hadn’t come from inside the hotel property at
Goodwin and his agency, Stone and Compass Travel, canceled the students’ nine-day class trip to Italy and Greece without refunds in May 2024. The students’ trip, which was not schoolsponsored, was set to begin in June 2024.
The agency emailed the students that it was going out of business one month before the trip, stating there was no money to offer refunds. Each traveler had paid a minimum of $3,550 in travel fees for airfare, lodging and excursions, according to a VSO post on Facebook.
Shortly after sending out the email, the agency’s website went down and all
all. They originated from a man who was found lying in the road in front of the hotel, yelling and appearing intoxicated, according to an incident report. The officer determined this is likely what the tenant heard. Police found no evidence of a shooting.
SEPT. 23
DESPERATE NEED FOR A TRIM
6:30 p.m. – Interstate 95, mile marker 287, Flagler County Speeding. A Welaka, Florida, man was caught by a Sheriff’s Office deputy driving 50 mph over the posted speed limit.
The deputy’s radar clocked the suspect’s vehicle as going 107 mph while he was on patrol on I-4. The deputy also noticed the man was “aggressively passing multiple vehicles,” according to the suspect’s arrest report.
The suspect told deputies he was driving so quickly because he had a haircut schedule in New Smyrna Beach, the report said. He was arrested and taken to the county jail.
OCT. 2 MAN BREAKS DEPUTY’S CLIPBOARD 1:35 p.m. – First block of Red-
contact phone numbers and emails were inactive. VSO reports that detectives with its Financial Crimes Unit began their investigation into Stone and Compass Travel in May 2024 after the case was referred to VSO by the State Attorney’s Office.
VSO’s investigation revealed the travel agency was being sued by other organizations for similar allegations, including Flagler College in St. Augustine. Goodwin faces two counts of grand theft (over $100K) and two counts of organized scheme to defraud (over $50K). His bond is set at $4 million.
bud Road, Flagler County Criminal mischief. A Flagler County man was taken to jail for breaking a deputy’s clipboard.
Sheriff’s Office deputies were called out to the home because the suspect said his roommate had hit him. The roommate, who was sleeping when deputies arrived, said it was actually the suspect who had hit him for no reason. Because neither party wanted to prosecute, the deputies started to leave. But not before communications received another call from the suspect, stating that the roommate had punched him, the report said. Once again, the man had no injuries to support his story. While talking to deputies, he “became irate” and grabbed one deputy’s clipboard and broke it over his knee,
The suspect was charged with criminal mischief and petit theft. The suspect was taken to the Flagler County jail, and, the whole way, he kicked the walls of the backseat of the cruiser and spit several times. Send news tips to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.
Hooyah! American Legion Post 267 celebrates its 75th anniversary
Ormond Beach’s Post
267 was chartered on Oct. 6, 1950.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
It was a packed house full of veterans and family members decked in turquoise and chatting over drinks on bar tops as the American Legion Cassin Young Memorial Post 267 celebrated its 75th anniversary on Monday, Oct. 6.
The celebration took place on the same date Post 267 was chartered in 1950. It’s named after World War II war hero and U.S. Navy Capt. Cassin Young, and provides a local space for veterans to connect and continue to serve their communities — this time through outreach and social events.
Post 267 and its auxiliary units raise and donate almost
THE FIRST OFFICERS OF POST 267?
According to the Nov. 7, 1950 edition of the Daytona Beach News Journal, the first officers of Post 267 were elected on Nov. 6, 1950.
Leo F. Foley was chosen to be the first post commander. Other officers elected were:
John Cavanaugh, vice commander
William Givens, second vice commander
Carlton O. Ericksen, adjutant
George Allen, sergeant at arms
Raymond Williford, finance officer
Helen Gaillard, historian
Clifford Tatum, chaplain
Jefferson Meaders, service officer
The historic news article also states the post was planning to hold a dance on Nov. 18, 1950, at the Ormond Beach Hotel.
$80,000 a year to support community programs and veteran organizations, and retires about 7,000 American flags.
American Legion Auxiliary Unit 267 President Toni Elsworth said it was an honor for the auxiliary to be part of the 75th anniversary. The American Legion Auxiliary was founded in 1919 for women who were associated with the Legion.
“Since that time, our sole purpose is to support our veterans and our community,” Elsworth said. “And we have an awesome, awesome auxiliary that supports everyone.”
CHARTERED IN 1950 Post 267, colloquially known as “the friendliest post,” has been a community fixture since 1950, housed in the almost 130-year-old former schoolhouse located at 156 New Britain Ave. since 1952.
Florida American Legion 17th District Commander Jim Bowers, who is a former Post 267 commander, said the difference between the charter date and the lease date is because originally, the building was leased by the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization.
“That’s the discrepancy,” Bowers said. “But they met here and so on and so forth. You’ll find that 75 years ago, the VFW and the American Legion worked very well together.”
beyond ser-
Bowers recognized other past living commanders of Post 267: Richard Yost, Dale Hayes, Gary Spencer, Willie Branch, Frank Sterling, David Jackson, Jack Sadouski and John Delage (current commander).
WALLS OF HISTORY
Some say the historic structure at 156 New Britain Ave., known as the Old Youth Council Building, was built in 1895, but post members point to the memorial plaque on the building’s exterior dating it to 1887. According to Post 267, local folklore suggests the schoolhouse was formerly located on West Granada Boulevard where the current Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce stands today.
It has been referred to as Ormond’s City Hall, but there is no evidence to show it functioned as such. It was, however, used for entertain-
WHO WAS CASSIN YOUNG?
U.S. Navy Capt. Cassin Young served from 1916 to 1942. A Washington, D.C. native, he received a medal of honor for his service during the attack on Pearl Harbor and was killed in battle on Nov. 13, 1942, during the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal.
The USS Cassin Young, a Fletcher-class destroyer, was named after him. The vessel was launched on Sept. 12, 1943 and commissioned on Dec. 31, 1943.
The destroyer was decommissioned after World War II, but was reactivated during the Korean War and
ment purposes, a central voting place and local court proceedings.
Over the past three years, Mayor Jason Leslie, who issued a proclamation for the anniversary, said the American Legion has invested almost $90,000 into building remodels and repairs. The building is owned by the city,
but leased by Post 267. Nearly 50% of the building improvements have been completed directly by the American Legion, Leslie said.
“Post 267 has enhanced the lives of countless residents by honoring our nation’s veterans, supporting local families and fostering unity with charitable outreach extended
Volusia County Council OKs location for dog beach in Daytona
The dog beach will be located in a 1.7-mile section from Williams Boulevard to the Seabreeze Boulevard approach.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Daytona is on track to get its own dog-friendly stretch of beach, with officials selecting a location for the new section.
On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the Volusia County Council approved 6-0 for staff to proceed with amending a county ordinance to add a second dog beach location, proposed for a 1.7-mile sec-
tion from Williams Boulevard to the Seabreeze Boulevard approach. This comes after the council directed staff back in May to begin the process. County Councilman David Santiago was absent from the meeting.
Daytona Dog Beach Inc. will pay for the startup costs — estimated to range between $7,800-$9,760 for signage, dog bag dispensers and water bowls — as well as the $2,500 annual costs. Like for the Ormond dog beach, the nonprofit will also supply dog waste bags and volunteer efforts to keep the beach clean.
Councilmen thanked Nanette McKeel Petrella, president of Daytona Dog Beach, for stepping up for the responsibility. When asked
by Councilman Jeff Brower
if her nonprofit could fund dog beaches throughout the county, Petrella said Daytona Dog Beach is prepared to do so — they would just need to figure out initial costs for dog waste dispensers and the necessary yearly commitment for volunteers.
“I am constantly getting emails or things on Facebook from people in other parts of the county that want this in their areas,” Petrella said. “My feeling has been, ‘Well, we got to take it one step at a time, or one paw at a time,’ as I like to say. But yes, I think we could do it.”
Two other options were presented to the council: a 1.48-mile section from Hartford Avenue to Seabreeze Boulevard, and a 1-mile sec-
tion
Petrella and Daytona Dog Beach supported the approved option, saying that would achieve the most successful longterm outcome.
“We are grateful we were given the chance to provide input to this opportunity based on our experience funding and hosting the dog beach Ormond for two years,” Petrella said. “We appreciate all of you challenging us at times, encouraging us at times, being open and willing to change your positions and then say so. Hopefully you have seen we’ve delivered on our commitments in the past, and that you are confident in our ability to deliver on them again hosting a successful dog beach in Daytona.”
Historic Landmark in 1986.
vice members to benefit the broader community,” the mayor said in the proclamation. “... During this anniversary celebration, we honor the enduring legacy of American Legion Post 267, its firm commitment to veterans and 75 years of distinguished service within the Ormond Beach community.”
“This is still a drop in the bucket and it allows your group (Daytona Dog Beach) to make sure the proof is in the pudding and make that equally as clean as the half-mile in Ormond Beach,”
Troy Kent, Councilman
Deb Coursey, a volunteer with Daytona Dog Beach and board treasurer, said since opening the dog beach in Ormond, volunteers have removed 8,600 pounds of trash on the 0.6-mile stretch of beach in Ormond between Milsap Road and Rockefeller Drive. When factoring the beach cleanups the nonprofit held prior to the launch of the dog beach pilot, that figure rises to 10,157 pounds of trash collected since July 2021. “Every bit of beach you give us will be just that clean and
we thank you for the opportunity,” Coursey said.
Councilman Troy Kent, who has spearheaded the initiative, said the addition of a dog beach in Daytona will equal to 2.3 miles of dog-friendly areas out of the county’s 47 miles of coastline.
“This is still a drop in the bucket and it allows your group (Daytona Dog Beach) to make sure the proof is in the pudding and make that equally as clean as the half-mile in Ormond Beach,” Kent said.
American Legion Post 267 celebrated its 75th anniversary on Monday, Oct. 6. Photos by Jarleene Almenas
American Legion Riders Family Head Rob Smithers, Post 267 Commander John Delage, Mayor Jason Leslie, Sons of the American Legion Family Head Mark Olson, American Legion Auxiliary Unit 267 President Toni Elsworth, and Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland.
The historic schoolhouse that is now home to American Legion Post 267 was said to have formerly fronted West Granada Boulevard where the current Chamber of Commerce stands today.
continued in active service until 1960.
Today, the destroyer is preserved at Boston Navy Yard in Massachusetts. The memorial ship was designated a National
U.S. Navy Capt. Cassin Young. Courtesy photos
from Zelda Boulevard to Seabreeze Boulevard.
Volusia withholds $611K in arts funding over concerns with LGBT events
Councilman Danny Robins said he wants to support familyfriendly arts.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Over 30 cultural organizations in Volusia County had a total of $611,000 of grant funding pulled by the County Council after some officials expressed concern with two theaters hosting third-party drag shows and Pride events.
The council was set to vote via its consent agenda on Tuesday, Oct. 7, on the award of the 2025-2026 community cultural grants, based on recommendations from the Cultural Council of Volusia County, an advisory board. A total of 33 organizations — including the Ormond Memorial Art Museum, Ormond Beach Historical Society, Museum of Arts and Sciences, Daytona Playhouse and the Daytona Beach Symphony Society — applied for $1.4 million in grant funding. The Cultural Council recommended funding for $611,758, the same amount as last year’s grant cycle.
Earlier this year, the County Council made a change in the grant process. Rather than the funds being used for operations and the cultural organizations themselves, the council voted to fund specific programs.
County Councilman Danny Robins pulled the item from the consent agenda and, during a presentation, showed screenshots of DeLand’s Athens Theatre website advertising third-party events held by DeLand Pride, including film screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and pre-show drag performances
on Oct. 30-31, as well as a Mister and Miss DeLand pageant held Sept. 30. At the bottom of the webpage, the theatre listed Volusia County as a partner. The icon has since been removed.
Robins also showcased an advertisement for a 2025 Mister, Miss and Mx Volusia Pride Pageant held at the Shoestring Theatre in Lake Helen on June 28. He said he believed the county has “a moral and societal obligation to promote the arts,” but not like this. After three failed motions — one to approve the funding as is, one to approve funding for all except the grants for Athens Theatre and Shoestring Theatre, and another to approve all funding but make this grant cycle the last ever — the council voted 6-0 during its closing comments to revert the $611,000 back to the general fund and asked for staff to provide direction on where to utilize those dollars. Council Chair Jeff Brower suggested the funds be used for road and sidewalk improvements.
ROBINS VS. ATHENS THEATRE
Athens Theatre, which is owned and operated by nonprofit Sands Theater Center Inc., had applied for $31,066 of grant funds for six performances: “Legally Blonde,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Holiday Inn,” “Alice in Wonderland Jr.,” “Steel Magnolias” and “Sound of Music.” Shoestring Theatre applied for $8,766 for its Lake Helen walking tour and its 2025-2026 program series, which includes “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Lion in Winter,” “Cinderella: Enchanted Edition,” “Moon Over Buffalo,” and “Arsenic and Old Lace.” None of the Pride events singled out by Robins were
part of the grant applications.
But Robins said he didn’t care if the grants were “direct funding, indirect funding, advertising, third-party vendor, general fund, or ECHO.”
“I want these funds, if I’m putting my name on them, to go to healthy family-orientated arts and culture learning and education experiences — period,” Robins said, adding he wasn’t seeking to stifle free speech or expression; he just doesn’t want it on the taxpayers’ dime.
Craig Uppercue, a former artistic director of the Athens Theatre and current president of the Volusia County Cultural Alliance, explained that the Sands Theater Center Inc. nonprofit presents six family-friendly shows a year. The other part of their business acts as a rental venue, operating under Athens Theatre LLC, which pays taxes.
“The County Council asked for all cultural groups to be more self-sustainable and so being a rental house is something that makes you more self-sustainable,” Uppercue said.
The grant funds, Uppercue said, go toward the nonprofit.
When asked by Robins, Athens Theatre Development Director Grace Boynton said they do have a vetting process in place for rentals.
“We make sure that everything we bring in is something that we feel good about and feel good about producing at the Athens, but I think a problem here is ‘family-friendly’ is pretty subjective,” she said.
“It’s not to me,” Robins interjected.
“But it is,” Boynton said. “I think it’s hard to really put a definition to family-friendly because something that’s family-friendly to me might not be family-friendly to other people.”
‘THERE HAVE TO BE CHOICES TO MAKE’
Numerous representatives from other county cultural organizations spoke before the council, asking them to continue to fund the arts.
It’s not been an unusual plea in the Volusia County Council chambers in recent years. In 2023, the County Council briefly considered eliminating, or restructuring, the Cultural Council. Then, in 2024, the topic resurfaced again after a county staff report placed the advisory board as one that could be eliminated or consolidated.
Ormond Beach resident and Volusia County Cultural Alliance board member Julia Truilo said Volusia has long been a place where culture has played an important role.
“Part of raising children is choosing what to expose them to and when,” Truilo said.
“We are in a moment when we are asking that parents be more and more empowered in what their children see, hear and do, but in order to make those choices, there have to be choices to make.”
Each organization has delineated how they intend to use the grant funds, she said.
“Not all offerings will appeal to all comers, but all are equally necessary for a rich cultural climate, one that contributes to quality of life and, as you heard so many people say, economic success,” Truilo said.
Lloyd Bowers, a member of the Cultural Council, said he was concerned about the programs highlighted by Robins, as county code prohibits discrimination based on personal gender identity and sexual orientation in employment, housing and public accommodations.
“Our county definition of public accommodation
the Arts, $3,393
ArtHaus, $31,471
Artists’ Workshop of New Smyrna, $23,779
Atlantic Center for the Arts, $30,905
Bel Canto Singers, $3,384
Cinematique of Daytona Beach, $17,227
Civic Ballet of Volusia County, $29,271
Creative Happiness Institute, $1,141
Daytona Beach Choral Society, $3,412
Daytona Beach Symphony Society, $29,772
Daytona Playhouse, $30,743
DeLand Naval Air Station Museum, $3,393
Fall Festival of the ArtsDeLand, $23,620
Florida Surf Film Festival, $29,934
Florida Wing Commemo-
includes theaters,” Bowers said. “So if that is a concern, then let us look at it, working with legal, to see if that’s appropriate.”
A MORAL OBLIGATION?
Brower said the council’s “moral obligation” is to spend taxpayers’ money wisely.
Funding art, while important, he said, is not one of the county’s “core responsibilities.”
“I think we need to take this $611 (thousand) and move it to the $5 million that we have for roads, sidewalks, for support — because we have very limited funds to maintain our roads,” Brower said. “For me,
rative Air Force, $7,873
Gateway Center for the Arts, $30,257
Halifax Historical Society, $6,724
HUB on Canal, $30,662
IMAGES, $30,662
Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach, $3,162
Little Theatre of New Smyrna Beach, $30,500
Mary S. Harrell Black Heritage Museum, $3,384
Museum of Arts and Sciences, $30,904
Museum of Art DeLand, $30,904
Ormond Beach Historical Society, $11,036
Ormond Memorial Art Museum, $30,311
Pioneer Settlement for the Creative Arts, $30,257
Sands Theater Center (Athens Theatre), $31,066
Shoestring Theatre, $8,766
Southeast Volusia Historical Society, $10,784
USA Dance, $3,356
Volusia Community Arts, $12,351
West Volusia Historical Society, $7,354
that’s more of a core responsibility.”
Councilman Matt Reinhart said that funding cultural arts is a core responsibility.
“Every year we fight for this,” he said. “Every year, I vote for this, and I can tell you that this is not a different year.”
During closing comments, Brower noted that the council has said they want to wean the cultural arts groups off county funding. There are organizations with “tremendous” endowments that were slated to receive funding, he added. Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.
SMALL SIZE , BIG DEAL
Daytona’s redistricting map aims to balance population — using old data
Despite seeing major growth since the 2020 Census, that’s the data officials are required to use for redistricting.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The new redistricting map for the Daytona Beach City Commission prioritizes equalizing the city’s population distribution.
The new district boundaries aim to equally divide the population, with all zones falling between 1.7% and 5.3% deviation from the “ideal” population standard of 11,913. Zone 6 has the largest population with 12,549 people and Zone 4 the least, with 11,557, based on 2020 Census Data.
The new district map — which goes into effect for the November 2026 municipal elections — shows the boundaries for Zones 2 and 3 shifting south, and Zones 1 and 5 eastern borders taking in some of Zone 4. The Zone 6 northern border also moved north into the current Zone 5.
Redistricting Specialist Kurt Spitzer said in an August workshop that the “ideal” population distribution equally divides the population among the districts. Spitzer said in August it would be impossible to create a perfectly equal distribution and balance other statutory requirements, but that generally a “10-point spread” of deviation is acceptable in court.
According to the August workshop presentation, redistricting requires districts to be almost equal in population, be contiguous and compact, not dilute minority voting strength and preserve community interests.
The redistricting also cannot favor or disfavor any candidate based on address. The ACLU lawsuit over the previously adopted map alleged the map “was driven by the desire to protect incumbents and keep each of their residences in their districts,” according to the ACLU Florida’s website. The lawsuit alleged the previous map
The current deviation showed Zone 3 had a negative 18.5% deviation and Zone 4 a plus 28.44% deviation of population, with Zone 4 having a population of 15,300. Only Zones 1 and 6 had less than a 10% deviation from the “ideal” population of 11,913.
The city repealed its previously adopted redistricting earlier in 2025 and the ACLU in turn dropped the lawsuit.
The only other change not on the map adopted on Oct. 1, was a boundary change for the common boundary of Zones 2 and 5 from the west side of Nova road to the east
side, making the boundary a straight line. City Attorney Benjamin Gross said the change did not change the population in the districts.
But the new map is not without drawbacks. The city’s population has increased in the last five years since the 2020 Census, jumping from 71,400 people to over 86,000, according to a 2024 estimate. One resident pointed to Zone 4 as an example of an area that will actually have more residents than other districts, with recent growth.
Latitude Margaritaville Daytona Beach, located in Zone 4 with over 3,700 homes, opened in 2017 and sold out in
NEWS BRIEFS
Volusia County opens new animal intake shelter
Volusia County’s new animal intake shelter opened on Oct. 1, at 2120 E. International Speedway Blvd. in DeLand.
The shelter will house stray animals, quarantined animals, and animals involved in cruelty investigations from unincorporated Volusia County areas, Oak Hill, and Pierson, a Volusia County press release said. The shelter will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, for residents in those areas to be
May 2025 – five years ahead of its projection, according to a press release on the company’s website. The area is also home to the Mosaic neighborhood, which opened in 2018, and other development projects.
But, Gross said, the city is required by law to use the 2020 data, not current population estimates. Using other sources of data to support the redistricting could make the redistricting “increasingly difficult to defend” in a lawsuit.
“And given that we were in a lawsuit once and that most likely producing that data would have required a special
reunited with lost pets.
The shelter staff will make “every effort to reunite stray animals” with their owners.
If no owner is found, Volusia County will continue to work with its three partner organizations, the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Edgewater Animal Shelter, and New Hope Animal Shelter, to assist with potential adoptions, the press release said.
Volusia County Animal Services may be contacted by emailing animalcontrol@ volusia.org or calling 386248-1790.
What residents need to know:
Residents in unincorporated Volusia County, Oak Hill, or Pierson who find stray animals may contact Volusia
study and cost and time,” he said, “I think it’s fair to say it was the decision of this commission to rely on the 2020 Census.”
Zone 4 Commissioner Stacy Cantu said her district is mostly built out, excepting more recently approved developments that will take years to complete.
“I’m sure we’ll be back here again,” she said. “I probably won’t be up here, but we’ll be back again, redistricting again.”
Email news tips to Sierra@ observerlocalnews.com
County Animal Services to arrange care at the county’s shelter or with one of its partner organizations, including Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Edgewater Animal Shelter, or New Hope Animal Shelter.
Residents who find stray animals within incorporated cities outside of the county’s service areas should contact their respective city’s animal control authority for guidance.
Owner-surrendered animals will not be accepted at the county shelter, regardless of residency. Residents wishing to surrender a pet should contact a private, nonprofit animal shelter.
Troop 468 Scout builds new prop for OBFD
The new prop was Robert ‘Trey’ Mattingly III’s Eagle Scout service project.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Ormond Beach Fire Department has a new stage prop for its community events, thanks to one local scout. For his Eagle Scout service project, 16-year-old Robert “Trey” Mattingly III constructed a new house structure for the fire department, a project that took 16 months to come to fruition. Trey’s mom, Krista Mattingly, reached out to OBFD when Trey began looking for service project options. It took about four or five months to get all the paperwork done for the scouts. Cutting the materials for the prop took another couple months, and then suddenly, they received a call: OBFD was hoping to use the prop for National Night Out, which was originally set for Oct. 7, but rescheduled to Nov. 10 due to weather.
“It was the end of August, and we’re like, ‘Yeah we can make this work,’” Krista Mattingly said. “... So then it went quick.”
Trey said he and his dad started looking at the calendar to plan out the time they needed to finish the prop. They enlisted fellow scouts to
help to, and about 19 people showed up to their house one day — scouts and their parents.
“It took about four-and-a-half hours to do,” Trey said. “And about an hour on the pulley system on the back.”
On Saturday, Sept. 27, Trey and several of the scouts presented the prop to OBFD. The reaction from the firefighters was priceless, Krista Mattingly said.
Trey also received a chief’s pin from Ormond Beach Deputy Fire Chief Nate Quartier.
“Only chiefs can get that pin,” Trey said. “No one else. I’m very lucky I got it.”
Was it a fun project? Trey said yes.
“I learned how to use a skill saw, first of all, which was actually kind of fun,” he said. “I made a heart that my dad still has on his keychain, and I made the fire which is out [on the prop].”
Seeing the completed project and knowing he had help from fellow scouts feels good, said Trey, who has been a Scout with Troop 468, of Ormond Beach, since he was little.
The Mattinglys’ advice to fellow Scouts searching for a service project? Do your research and reach out.
“We would have never found this if I wouldn’t have asked,” Krista Mattingly said.
Troop 468 meets at First United Methodist Church at 336 S Halifax Drive, at 7 p.m. every Tuesday.
CLASS NOTES
Over 5,000 Volusia County fifth graders attend Young People’s Concert at the Peabody
More than 5,000 Volusia County fifth graders were treated to a one-hour performance at the Peabody Auditorium on Tuesday, Sept. 23, an initiative held partnership with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra.
The Young People’s Concert has been a tradition for over 20 years and aims to help students build cultural literacy, listening skills and a connection to the arts.
This year’s performance was titled, “Where in the World is the OPO?”
“This annual tradition gives our students the chance to see how what they learn in the classroom comes alive through the arts,” Volusia County Schools wrote on its Facebook page.
“From the first note to the final bow, it was an unforgettable morning filled with music, learning, and inspiration.”
Carmen Balgobin named NASS Superintendent of the Year
Volusia County Schools’ Carmen Balgobin has been named the 2025 Superintendent of the Year by the
YOUR TOWN
Ormond’s Seaside Herb Society cleans up community garden at Bailey Riverbridge
Seaside Herb Society members cleaned up their community garden at Bailey Riverbridge Gardens on Saturday, Sept. 27. The community garden has been located in the park since 1993, accord-
National Association of School Superintendents.
The school district announced the award on Friday, Oct. 3, stating in a press release that the recognition honors Balgobin’s “extraordinary leadership, resilience, and unwavering commitment to creating educational opportunities for all students.”
“Balgobin has transformed her district into a high-performing learning organization rooted in safety, innovation, and student well-being,” the press release states. “Under her guidance, the district has expanded diverse instruction, strengthened continuous improvement practices, and created pathways for every student to succeed. Her leadership during times of challenge has been described as steady, collaborative, and bold, reflecting her belief that students deserve
ing to a press release. Members Jennifer Campbell, Sue Gavette, Rebekah Mead, Andrea Forster and her husband Carl and nephew Rico completed the recent major cleanup effort.
Andrea Forester contributed a large aloe plant to the garden and Gavette planted a large marshmallow plant she started from seed last spring.
Mead contributed two mustard varieties that were cultivated from seed, and Campbell subsequently transplanted them into the garden beds.
Mead also cut back the butterfly pea vine and Rico pulled weeds. Additionally, Trish Vevera, a local artist and member, painted bricks to
nothing less than excellence and care in their schools.”
Balgobin credited the VCS community for the district’s success.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our staff, families, and community who work tirelessly to give every one of our students a worldclass education,” Balgobin said. “True academic achievement is the product of intentional leadership, data-driven decision making, and a culture that unites every stakeholder in service of students.”
NASS Founder Theresa Daem said in the press release that Balgobin is “a prime example of the optimal educational leadership needed for today’s school systems.”
“We need to do more than recognize excellence,” Daem said. “It’s time to capitalize on the combined knowledge and expertise of exceptional school district superintendents like Dr. Balgobin.”
label various herbs in the garden to help visitors identify the plants, adding an educational element to the garden, the press release states.
The Seaside Herb Society meets every third Saturday of the month from September to May at 9:30 a.m at the Bailey Riverbridge Gardens meeting house, 1 N. Beach St. New members are welcome.
Rotary Club to hold poker tournament for Pace Center
The Rotary Club of Downtown Ormond Beach is presenting a Texas Hold ‘Em Charity Tournament on Friday, Oct. 24, to benefit the Pace Center for Girls.
The poker tournament will take place from 5:30-9:30 p.m. at Oceanside Country Club, 75 N. Halifax Drive in Ormond Beach. Tickets cost $75 until Oct. 10 for players; $45 for spectators. Player tickets include one seat at the table, appetizers, two drink tickets and one raffle ticket. Spectator tickets include entry, appetizers and one raffle ticket.
After Oct. 10, player tickets will go up to $100.
“This professionally hosted tournament promises more than just poker — it’s a chance to ‘go all-in’ for a brighter future for local girls,” a press release states. “Attendees will enjoy a fun, social atmosphere while making a tangible impact.”
Sponsorships are available at https://bit.ly/pokersponsor. The Pace Center for Girls Volusia-Flagler is a nonprofit organization for middle and high school girls to receive both an academic education and comprehensive mental health support.
For tickets, visit https://www.zeffy. com/en-US/ticketing/rotary-hold-emnight.
A firefighter tests out the new house prop. Courtesy photo
Robert “Trey” Mattingly III chose rebuilding the house-shaped stage prop for OBFD as his Eagle Scout service project. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Tomoka Elementary students attend the Young People’s Concert on Tuesday, Sept. 23. Courtesy photo
Rebekah Mead, Jennifer Campbell, Andrea Forster, her nephew Rico and her husband Carl. Courtesy photo
Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin speaks during the district’s first State of Our Schools address on Feb. 27. File photo by Jarleene Almenas
United Way Volusia-Flagler honors volunteers at annual celebration
The nonprofit also spoke on its strategic plan and how it’s been put into action at the celebration.
OBSERVER STAFF
Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties held its Annual Impact Celebration on Friday, Sept. 26, highlighting the impact of the nonprofit’s work in the community and recognizing individuals who have made a difference.
The theme of the celebration was “Rooted in Local Giving.”
United’s four pillars are philanthropy, impact, communication and organizational excellence.
“Philanthropy in Volusia and Flagler Counties isn’t just about generosity — it’s about strategy, sustainability, and unity,” Women United
YOUR TOWN
Iranian American Society of Daytona hosts Persian filmmaker
The Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach celebrated its 28th anniversary on Sept. 27, with a film screening featuring filmmaker Bahman Maghsoudlou, at Cinematique Theater.
The featured film was “Razor’s Edge: Legacy of Iranian Actresses,” a Persian documentary on Iranian actresses and the challenges they face in a patriarchal society.
Cabinet Volunteer of the Year; Cindy Dalecki Morrissey, Women United - Flagler Volunteer of the Year; and Ryan Page, President & CEO, Intracoastal Bank, President’s Award Honoree. Courtesy photo
Volusia Vice Chair Lauren Wilmot said. “At the Community Foundation and United Way, we define philanthropy as a powerful partnership between donors, nonprofits, and community volunteers, all working together to create
lasting change.”
United Way’s workplace campaigns raised $1.5 million in 2024-2025, and the nonprofit has seeded two new community endowments this year: one to address food insecurity, and a second to
strengthen the Flagler community.
Since last year’s Annual Impact Celebration, the Community Foundation and United Way saw 12 new funds established.
“This now brings us to over
40 unique funds to serve our community at large — from arts and culture to faith-based organizations, financial education programs and many more,” said board member and former chair Nicole Miller. “These charitable funds mean continuous, sustainable funding for our nonprofit partners, investments in solutions for our community’s most pressing issues, and a commitment to philanthropy.”
This year, the nonprofit reached a milestone of $20 million in assets under management, meaning more dollars invested into education, grants and community initiatives, she said.
The celebration also recognized the following honorees:
Michelle Bennett, VITA Volunteer of the Year
Karen Jacobs, Board Member of the Year
Emmanuel Kamel, CF/ UWVFC Staff Member of the Year
Robin King, Impact Circle
Maghsoudlou, who holds a doctorate from Columbia, is a member of PEN America. According to a press release, he is known for his mono-
graph-style documentaries on iconic Iranian artists and filmmakers, including Ahmad Shamlou, Abbas Kiarostami, and Bahram Beyzaie.
The IASDB’s mission is to promote the Iranian culture and engage in a cross-cultural, educational exchange through literacy and social events, the press release states. Visit IASDB.org.
Grand Haven Woman’s Club hosting fundraising cruise
Grand Haven Woman’s Club is hosting a luxury cruise to raise money for its charities. The club supports about 30 organizations in the Palm Coast area.
The cruise will be April
26-30, 2026, aboard the MSC Seashore. The ship departs from Cape Canaveral. Destinations are Nassau and Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (MSC’s private island).
Yacht club cabins include balcony, 24-hour butler service, premium extra drink and wi-fi package, ship-wide VIP treatment, dedicated restaurants, thermal spa access. The price is $1,899 per person, all-inclusive with taxes, services and Grand Haven Woman’s Club donation included. A $99 reservation fee is applied to the invoice.
Contact Pam Walker of walkeradventures.com at pam@ walkeradventures.com.
Pinning Honoree
Teresa Wiggins, 2024–2025
Generation IMPACT Volunteer of the Year
Stephanie Renick, Women United - Volusia Volunteer of the Year
Stephanie Parks, Community Impact Cabinet Volunteer of the Year
Cindy Dalecki Morrissey, Women United - Flagler Volunteer of the Year
Ryan Page, President & CEO, Intracoastal Bank, President’s Award Honoree
“As we look ahead, we’re excited about what’s on the horizon: Fund Choice giving opportunities, continued fund growth, a refresh of our strategic plan, and bold new pillars that will spark a true grant-making revolution,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO of CF/ UWVFC. “And, we’ll be celebrating a major milestone — our 85th anniversary — with even more ways to engage and give back.”
Flagler American Legion Post hosts annual fundraiser golf tournament
American Legion Post 115 held its fifth annual fundraiser golf tournament on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Palm Harbor Golf Course.
The tournament offered an enjoyable day on the course for over 90 participants and raised funds to support the Flagler County post’s programs and services. The event exceeded its fundraising expectations, according to a press release.
The American Legion supports groups such as Florida Sheriff’s Ranch, FHP Cadet Academy, Flagler Special Olympics, Emory Bennett VA Nursing Home and many more. The presenting sponsor for the tournament was SmartTechnologies with additional support from Palm Coast Ford. A committee of more than a dozen volunteers helped recruit sponsors, players and prizes and ensured that the players had a firstclass experience on the golf course.
Email Your Town stories to brent@observerlocalnews. com.
The 2025 Annual Impact Celebration Honorees: Michelle Bennett, VITA Volunteer of the Year; Karen Jacobs, Board Member of the Year; Emmanuel Kamel, CF/UWVFC Staff Member of the Year; Robin King, Impact Circle Pinning Honoree; Teresa Wiggins, 2024–2025 Generation IMPACT Volunteer of the Year; Stephanie Renick, Women United - Volusia Volunteer of the Year; Stephanie Parks, Community Impact
School districts can’t use NDAs to restrict public information
Volusia County Schools’ staff NDAs hinder the School Board from doing its job: district oversight.
DONNA BROSEMER GUEST WRITER
Always in search of unique ways to discourage public scrutiny while touting transparency, the Volusia County School District got creative. They drafted non-disclosure agreements for 113 of their staff to sign, because what they do is none of your business unless they say it is, and then it can only be shared in district-approved spin. They say the NDA “ensures only accurate information, information in its proper context, and correct interpretation is circulated.”
In other words, we are guaranteed nothing but the district’s spin, with no opportunity for opinion,
analysis, or alternative perspective. What they do, how they do it, and who pays for it, is none of your business. Three of the School Board members agree.
The school district administration — not the board — created in the NDA at least five new categories of information and communication that they have decided are now confidential. Breach can result in “irreparable harm” to this “public” agency. The definition they actually changed is that of “public.” But what else is new? Even as a board member, I have no access to legal counsel on board matters, and I have to pay for any records I request. There is a reason Florida school districts don’t use NDAs in this way: The Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes say they can’t. Only the Legislature can remove public information — written or oral — from disclosure, by first filing a bill that defends the public purpose to be served, and then getting two-thirds of both the House and Senate to approve it.
Volusia County Schools has decided that doesn’t apply to them. They made up their own reasons. Under the law, their reasons don’t matter.
So two weeks ago, I broached this subject with the board. Our job is oversight of the district’s operation. When a constitutional issue is raised by district action, one might expect at least some measure of curiosity on the part of the elected officials. But no.
I analyze these questions as I did for eight years in legal research and writing for circuit and appellate courts in South Florida. I found the answers alarming, so I prepared and shared my legal memo with the board members.
Of course, my memo was easy to dismiss because I am not properly credentialed in the world of “listen to the experts,” and “consider the source.” It also had not been publicly noticed and posted, so the consensus was to workshop it. The district’s general counsel said he would provide a memo from outside counsel to explain where I was wrong.
For the workshop, I paid for and provided a properly-credentialed attorney’s memo six days before the meeting, asking for it to be attached to the agenda item. It wasn’t. It still isn’t.
MY VIEW VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOLS
Neither was the district’s memo. It was given to us as the agenda item was being introduced for discussion. We were given 15 minutes to read it.
The legal questions are clear, because the language of the NDA is clear. The district’s defenses did not cite either Constitution or statute, but relied on case law that in most cases applied to the private sector. And of course, we were treated to the obligatory MYOB message from the administration to the board — or rather, to me.
That was just fine with the board majority, who has yet to grasp the concept of oversight.
The obvious question is “why”? Why did the district need this NDA?
Beyond that are several equally important questions:
1. What are the board’s statutory obligations?
Section 1001.41, F.S., outlines the long list. Included among them, under “General Powers,” the board is charged with “[determining] policies and programs for operating the school district.” The board has no policy regarding NDAs, and apparently believes they don’t need one; they ignored my recommen-
dation that we create one.
That’s easier. They won’t have to fully understand the legalities, and can just accept what they’re told.
2. Why does the district have both a staff lawyer and outside counsel with attorney-client privilege, and the board has neither, either individually or collectively?
At the workshop, both the staff attorney and outside counsel represented the district’s legal position. The district’s general counsel’s title includes “board attorney,” but we have neither equal access nor privilege. When I noted the obvious conflict, I was told that it had become “too costly” for the board to have that access.
The board members lost theirs. The district did not.
The board has surrendered its ability to challenge, question, or research any action by the district, and the district makes it as difficult as possible to get answers or information in any form.
How will we know whether information provided by any staff member in any form is all there is to know, and not just what the district wants us to know?
This board doesn’t care.
District NDAs are narrow and protect sensitive information
Editor’s note: This is a response to School Board member Donna Brosemer’s My View above.
VOLUSIA COUNTY SCHOOLS
The concerns raised about Volusia County Schools’ use of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) are not new; they have been addressed in School Board meetings, workshops, legal memoranda, and public inquiries.
USE OF NON-DISCLOSURE
AGREEMENTS
The claims criticize the district’s decision to implement NDAs for approximately 100 district staff members, suggesting this undermines transparency and public accountability. That char-
acterization is misleading. NDAs are a standard and lawful tool used to protect sensitive information. The district’s intent is not to obscure information, but to preserve the integrity of what is shared publicly. Transparency and accountability remain guiding principles, but they must be balanced with responsible information management.
CONFIDENTIALITY AND PUBLIC INFORMATION
The claim that the district has unilaterally created new categories of confidential information misrepresents both the intent and the legal framework guiding these actions. This argument overlooks the plain language of the NDA which is not inconsistent with Article 1,
Section 24(a) of the Florida Constitution. Also, it is important to note that the plain language of the definition set forth in the NDA is “for this agreement only”; it is not to expand the laws or Constitution of the State of Florida.
Moreover, the NDA specifically provides that “Confidential Information does not include information that is required to be disclosed by law, regulation, or court order.” The district fully complies with Florida’s constitutional and statutory requirements for public records. NDAs are narrowly tailored to protect specific types of information that, if disclosed improperly, could cause significant harm to district operations. These protections are not arbitrary;
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Issue on Palm Coast advertising dollars was subterfuge to punish free speech
Dear Editor: National partisan politics and issues of free speech surprisingly made an appearance at a recent Palm Coast City Council meeting. A podium speaker asked for a motion to cease advertising dollars the city expends for public information and announcements published on FlaglerLive because of some inconvenient truths that the local blog wrote critical of Charlie Kirk’s very controversial views. The issue of advertising dollars was clearly a “red herring” to disguise the speaker’s true intent, which was to punish speech he didn’t agree with. It was disingenuous rhetoric.
From past observations of City Council meetings, the usual protocol exercised in response to gripes and spiels from speakers is to just politely thank them for their comment and simply move on. However, the council took the bait. They bought the subterfuge and decided to litigate free speech under
the guise of taxpayer-funded advertising dollars. They entertained the stunt and spent 15 minutes doing so, seemingly failing to recognize what it really was from the get-go. This is a council that regularly fails to disallow or correct misinformation, call out conspiracy theories and decry slanderous comments when they are too often presented by speakers at council meetings. But, on this occasion, they opted to engage in and entertain a topic involving blatant retribution and the suppression of free speech while seemingly pretending to be good stewards of tax dollars.
A momentary return to sensibility concluded with the issue being rejected by the council, at least for now, but not before the expected dig at FlaglerLive by the mayor, who has been FlaglerLive’s poster boy of bad behavior and poor city leadership. The mayor, the only one in support of the move to cancel FlaglerLive’s advertising contract, spoke in disingenuous reverence for the First Amendment, while in the same breath wanting to kill it, a common phenomenon witnessed nowadays,
and even more pronounced as a result of the Charlie Kirk matter.
Admittedly, I’m a fan of FlaglerLive, its detailed fact-based reporting and well thought-out opinions, and was appalled by a staged effort to stifle it by attaching a dollar value to its right to exist simply because someone disagrees at times with its content. The City Council should never have considered the speaker’s politically biased presentation to be anything more than a “thank you for your comment, next speaker please.”
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
Palm Coast firefighters union endorses Gambaro for Congress
Dear Editor: The Palm Coast Professional Firefighters Union Local 4807 has endorsed Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro in Florida’s 6th Congressional District race. In its endorsement, union President Daniel Hackney
they are consistent with legal standards and operational necessities.
LEGAL AND OVERSIGHT CONCERNS
The questions about the board’s oversight role and access to legal counsel overlook and misrepresent several key facts. The School Board functions as a collegial body — individual members do not possess independent authority unless explicitly granted by the board as a whole. Legal counsel represents the board, not individual members.
Volusia County Schools employs a general counsel who provides legal guidance, policy review, and litigation support to both the district and the board. The board attorney is and always has been available to discuss
matters with any member of the board. In arranging for outside counsel to independently review the issues raised, Board Attorney Dr. Evans acted ethically and within the scope of his professional responsibilities. His obligation is to advise the board in accordance with Florida law.
It is also important to clarify that communications between individual board members and the board attorney are not privileged. The client is the board as a whole. Furthermore, discussions involving the board and its attorney are subject to Florida’s Government in the Sunshine Law, with limited exceptions for settlement negotiations and litigation strategy. These parameters are dictated by state law,
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Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com
said, “Charlie Gambaro is a leader, veteran and patriot who has been fighting for what’s right in his community and our nation for decades. He has stood by our firefighters without hesitation, advocating for longterm benefits that matter to our union members and the Palm Coast Fire Department. Charlie is exactly the kind of leader that our community deserves representing us in Congress. We are proud to offer Charlie our full support and endorsement.”
Gambaro said he is honored to have earned the support and endorsement of the union.
“The men and women of the Palm Coast Fire Department represent the very best of our community and I am proud to stand with them,” Gambaro said. “I look forward to working with Local 4807 to drive positive solutions for issues that are important to the fire service.”
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.
not by the board attorney or superintendent.
CLARIFYING GOVERNANCE ROLES
Finally, the distinction between the roles of the School Board and the superintendent must be clearly understood. The board governs, establishes policy, requests information, approves annual budgets, employs the superintendent, monitors progress, and represents the public interest. The superintendent implements board policies, oversees daily operations of district, reports progress, and acts in the public interest.
This division of responsibilities is fundamental and is firmly rooted in Florida law.
FACEBOOK FEEDBACK
The following story and lightly edited comments were posted on the Palm Coast Observer’s Facebook page.
New analysis supports market for sports complex, but some Flagler commissioners express caution
Derrick El Dorado Griffin
All the teenagers here that are active in sports are a part of AAU. We travel to other cities often to participate in sports when we can keep that money local. ... If the city wants to get ahead of things they should focus on the youth.
Nicole Nichols Magsino
Our 15U Mad Dogs Elite Flag Football made it to the Junior Olympics this year and brought the bronze medal back home. This achievement resulted from traveling to tournaments outside of Palm Coast. But…Palm Coast could easily host IF they would consider the youth are an important piece to our community.
Kerry Sheahan-Ball I agree, a lot of youth sports organizations here. We’ve been to a lot of really nice multi sports complexes for baseball
in other cities, and I always wondered why we don’t have something like that. They would make money off hosting tournaments as well as the local teams paying to practice there. Let’s face it, there isn’t much for kids to do in this city other than sports. And the field space we have at the parks now is so limited
Andrew Werner Investing in our youth is an investment in the future of our county. As long as the numbers make sense, and our tax payers are not unfairly burdened and on the hook, we should move forward.
Dan Priotti Great let the private sector fund it. Only thing government should do is give property tax breaks, nothing more
Johnny Hampton I always find posts like this interesting. The same people who will complain about the youth in our county getting into trouble are the very same ones who never want the city to build anything to keep our youth out of trouble.
Sandcrab royalty crowned
Hayden Alexander was named Seabreeze Homecoming Queen and Shane Triplett was named Seabreeze Homecoming King on Friday, Oct. 3. The Sandcrabs held their Homecoming Court ceremony during halftime of their football game against Atlantic at Daytona Stadium.
–OBSERVER STAFF
Seabreeze Homecoming junior class representatives: Jade Benchetrit and Dallas Cannon.
Seabreeze senior Homecoming Court representative Jonas Cook
Seabreeze Homecoming sophomore representatives: Brady Walters and Zaraphina Ann.
Seabreeze Homecoming freshman representatives: Bailey Sparkman and Zaydin Keeler.
Seabreeze senior Homecoming Court representative Isaac Murraine
Details: Over 16 schools will battle it out in head-to-head robot competitions. The event will also feature the Volusia STEM bus, a bomb squad and Embry-Riddle clubs. Tickets cost $5 in advance per individual and 10 per family; or $10 per individual and $20 per family at the door. For tickets, visit vmaonline.com.
SECOND ANNUAL
ITALIAN FESTIVAL
When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
Details: Family Life Center, in partnership with the City of Bunnell, is hosting the second annual Italian Festival. Proceeds will benefit survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault. Admission is $1 per person. Children under 12 are
Details: Celebrate the last day of Banned Book Week with Citizens for Truth and Justice in Education and the National Coalition Against Censorship Right to Read Network. Students are encouraged to drop by starting Oct. 4 to pick up their “Break the Tape kits” and decorate their backpacks with caution tape to spread awareness about book bans.
1940S EXHIBIT
OPENING PARTY
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Inspired by “Casablanca,” this kick-off event will feature 1940s themed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Then step into the museum’s re-created Rick’s Café Américain as the party moves upstairs to the rooftop terrace for dancing and live music. Tickets cost $35.
FLAGLER COUNTY NAACP FREEDOM FUND
LUNCHEON
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Coquina Ballroom at Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach
Details: “The Fierce Urgency of Now.” The event will feature Monique Worrell, state attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit of Florida as thee keynote speaker. Reception and luncheon costs $125; luncheon only is $85. Visit fcbnaacp.org.
ISLAND FEST 8
When: 12-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 11-12
Where: The Stage at Town Center, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Attend this two-day Caribbean and Latin music and food festival, featuring vendors, a kids’ zone, food trucks and live music. Tickets: $15 for one day, $20 for both. Visit https://www.ofaatinc. com.
Details: This is a free, oneon-one research assistance program offered by Halifax Genealogical Society volunteers to anyone interested in researching family history. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.
SIT DOWN FOR STAND UP
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Performing Arts Ceter, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See this live comedy show known for its rotating lineup of stand-up talent. This show is for those 18 and older. Tickets cost $25-$40. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com.
MONDAY, OCT. 13
GOLF BENEFIT
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Drive, Palm Coast
Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 11961 are hosting their second annual golf benefit for the St. Joseph Carmelite Monastery. To register or become a sponsor, go to Carmelite.perfectgolfevent.com or contact the golf committee at jjthomas.10@ icloud.com or the monastery at 386-437-2910.
SCHOOL’S OUT FOR ART
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Ages 5-12 will learn how to make their own weaving loom and weave fabric. Costs $13 for members and $16 for future members. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
Details: Guest speaker is Amelia Fulmer, from the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center. Contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@ gmail.com or 386-597-3055.
FOCUS ON FAITH
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church hosts Fiesta Latina
On Saturday, Sept. 27, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Palm Coast held a Fiesta in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through Oct. 15.
Father Rob Trujillo organized the event in “celebration of culture and faith.”
The congregation expressed their thanks to the Hispanic community for sharing their heritage, music, food and stories.
One parishioner stated that the “Fiesta was more than fun and festivity. It was a living testament to our unity in Christ, and a beautiful way to honor” another culture.
Recovery Church of Palm Coast to host conference
Recovery Church of Palm Coast is hosting the 2025 Breaker Conference from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2, at The Rock Transformation Center in Bunnell. Maribeth Motosicky, a member of Recovery Church, said that there will be “multiple pastors speaking at the event and we anticipate a great couple days together. Register at Onefamilyfl. com/event-details/2025breaker-conference-flaglercounty.
Tomoka Christian Church to hold
festival Halloween is right around the corner, and Tomoka Christian Church invites the community 6-8:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, for a street festival. Located at 1450 Hand Ave. in Ormond Beach, the church’s festival will feature candy, games, music, a
BUSINESS
Rockefeller’s in Ormond Beach launches first food menu
An outdoor deck is also in the works next month, bringing total seating to 100.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Almost two years after opening, Rockefeller’s full kitchen is up and running, just in time for its busiest time of year.
Slate Gray, who co-owns Rockefeller’s with his father Kevin, said the addition of food, prepared by local Chef
Angie Lutts, will aid in the transition to a cafe and brasserie. They launched their food menu on Friday, Oct. 3, during a special “Taste of Rockefeller” event. Regular offerings will include sliders, flatbreads, sandwiches, soups and appetizers. Rockefeller’s will soon also offer coffee and brunch items. Their outdoor deck, Gray said, will be completed in the next month, and once that is in place, Rockefeller’s will be able to seat 100 people, counting space in the plaza’s courtyard and inside bar seat-
Hot Yoga Lounge grows, adding Ormond Beach
Shortly after opening in Ormond, owners Doutrick and Erdman acquired One Love Yoga in Flagler Beach.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Hot Yoga Lounge in Palm Coast has expanded to Ormond Beach — and a third studio in Flagler Beach is coming soon.
Studio owners Heather Doutrick and Stephaney Erdman celebrated the opening of their new Hot Yoga Lounge location in Ormond Beach in early September. Located at 400 S. Atlantic Ave. on the second floor of the Aliki Plaza, the studio offers group classes, private instruction and workshops.
Doutrick, an Ormond Beach resident, said they wanted to establish a new yoga community in her hometown. She opened Hot Yoga Lounge in Palm Coast 15 years ago, where she lived at the time, having moved to raise her family.
“I’ve always wanted to expand, and my partner gave me the push, the fire, to say, ‘Let’s do this,’” Doutrick said.
Yoga has been a part of her life for 18 years. Doutrick said it’s not only benefitted her physical health, but her mental wellness, too.
Before Erdman was her business partner, she was a student at the Palm Coast studio. Erdman started taking classes in 2012, and, five years later, the two began running teacher training programs. They had talked about opening new studios in years past, but the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold.
The Ormond Beach location was up and running on Sept. 5. “It’s been wonderful,” Erdman said. “It’s super exciting to see something come to fruition that we’ve dreamed
ing.
“We get great feedback for Rockefeller’s — we truly do,” Slate Gray said. “People always say all the time we have the best energy in town, all types of really kind compliments, but we know ... that food is always going to be the thing that separates us from everybody else.”
It’s what people have been requesting the most since Rockefeller’s opened, he added. Gray’s vision is to turn Rockefeller’s into a place for people to come by all day, not just for late nights.
“We know that with food finally being here, it’s truly
going to be full-service,” Gray said, explaining that customers won’t have to eat dinner elsewhere when planning to visit Rockefeller’s for a drink.
They’ve always wanted to be a place for locals, hosting networking groups, music DJs and events like karaoke nights. This month, Rockefeller’s has transformed its interior into all things spooky to act as a Halloween pop-up bar; a costume contest will be held on Oct. 31.
Kevin Gray said their vision has always been to make it a home for people of all ages.
“I think the biggest thing that we want to do is we want
to give it back to the community,” he said. Last karaoke night, they had about 35 people sign up to sing. Rockefeller’s stayed open until they each got their turn.
“If they sign up, they want to sing,” Kevin Gray said. Good food, good drinks and good entertainment — that’s what Slate Gray said he wants Rockefeller’s to be known for.
“Every city needs one place that goes above and beyond and is just truly for the community and truly for the city, and that’s what we truly want to be,” Slate Gray said. “... That’s what we envision.”
about.”
Shortly after getting started in Ormond, the chance to acquire One Love Yoga in Flagler Beach came about.
Doutrick and Erdman jumped at the opportunity.
“It was kind of a synchronicity moment,” Erdman said. “We had one baby we were nurturing and then we were offered another.”
They took ownership of the Flagler Beach studio on Oct. 1.
The location in Ormond also presents opportunities for Hot Yoga Lounge to offer classes
“It’s super exciting to see something come to fruition that we’ve dreamed about.”
STEPHANEY ERDMAN
like sunrise and beach yoga in the future, Doutrick said.
“Everybody’s been very welcoming and very excited that we’re here to give them a few other options in the community,” she said. “Or, if they don’t practice yoga, a new home, maybe, for them. Ideally, what we want is this will be their second home.”
Expanding Hot Yoga Lounge has been a “dream come true,” said Erdman. After putting in so much work to open the Ormond Beach studio, it meant a lot to her to see students and instructors celebrate their opening on Sept. 5. “We tore it down from what it was,” she said. “We built it up to what it is, and walking in and seeing everyone see it for the first time, it melted my heart because there was such a great reception.”
Visit www.myhotyoga lounge.com.
Scott A. Selis, Esq.
Scott A. Selis is an estate planning and elder law attorney with offices in Ormond Beach & Palm Coast. Mr. Selis was an Elder Law Attorney of the Year selected by the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section in 2016.
When most people hear the words “estate planning,” they picture big houses, stacks of stock certificates, or maybe a yacht or two. Estate planning is for everyone — and it’s about more than just money. It’s about ensuring your family isn’t left with a legal mess and that your wishes are honored, whether you own a mansion or a modest condo.
At its heart, estate planning is about control. You decide who makes decisions if you can’t. You decide how your property is divided. Without a plan, the State of Florida has one waiting for you — and let’s just say the government doesn’t know (or care) which niece promised to take care of your dog or who always hosts Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, wills and trusts are important, but estate planning is also about values. Maybe you want to make sure your children don’t squabble over family heirlooms — like Grandma’s gravy boat that nobody uses but everybody suddenly wants. Or perhaps you want to leave a legacy by supporting your favorite charity. These are the personal touches that plan truly yours.
Then there’s the practical side: health care directives and powers of attorney. Think of them as instructions for life’s “what-ifs.” If you’re in the hospital, who makes medical decisions for you? If bills need to be paid while you’re recovering, who handles them? Planning avoids the costly and stressful process of guardianship. It’s like buying an umbrella before it rains — you hope you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad you have it. And don’t forget the conversations estate planning starts. Sitting down with family to talk about these decisions can feel uncomfortable at first, but it often leads to meaningful discussions. It’s your chance to share not just what you want done, but why — and maybe clear up which child is inheriting the gravy boat once and for all.
Estate planning isn’t about how much you own. It’s about peace of mind, protecting the people you love, and making sure your wishes carry on. A good plan keeps your family out of court, out of conflict, and maybe even out of counseling. After all, a little planning today can save a lot of drama tomorrow.
Palm Coast studio owners Heather Doutrick and Stephaney Erdman. Photo courtesy of Paola Ohlson
REAL ESTATE
House in Palm Harbor sells for over $1.4M
Ahouse at 78 Old Oak Drive S., in Palm Harbor, was the top real estate transaction for Sept. 20-26 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Sept. 12, for $1,425,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 4/3 and has an outdoor kitchen, a pool, a hot tub, a boat dock, a boat house and 3,011 square feet.
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
FLAGLER BEACH
Reserve East
A house at 45 Perseus Ave. sold on Sept. 26, for $374,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,786 square feet.
A house at 40 Perseus Ave. sold on Sept. 25, for $439,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,319 square feet.
A house at 69 Pegasus Road sold on Sept. 24, for $524,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,823 square feet.
PALM COAST
Cypress Knoll
A house at 45 E. Diamond Drive sold on Sept. 25, for $395,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 1,944 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $241,000.
A house at 29 Ethan Allen Drive sold on Sept. 25, for $325,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,610
the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,971 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $101,000.
Ocean Hammock A house at 7 Atlantic Place sold on Sept. 25, for $1,050,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/4.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 3,823 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $735,000.
Palm Harbor A house at 4 Crossleaf Court E. sold on Sept. 26, for $515,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2
square feet.
A house at 17 Emmons Lane sold on Sept. 25, for $347,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,157 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $250,000.
Flagler Village A house at 28 Derbyshire Drive sold on Sept. 26, for $329,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,607 square feet.
Grand Haven
A house at 89 Southlake Drive sold on Sept. 22, for $495,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,334 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $620,000.
Grand Landings A house at 304 Grand Landings Parkway sold on Sept. 26, for $482,500. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,493 square feet.
Indian Trails A house at 36 Birchshire Lane sold on Sept. 26, for $490,000. Built in 2004,
COAST
House on North Beach Street tops list: $1.9M
A
house in the Ormond Terrace neighborhood at 297 N. Beach St. was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea for the week of Sept. 13-19. The house sold on Sept. 18, for $1,925,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, a boat lift, a boat house, a boat dock and 2,895 square feet. It last sold in March 2025 for $1.9 million.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 1183 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 602, sold on Sept. 16, for $435,000. Built in 1995, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,198 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $315,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Archer’s Mill
The house at 3330 Arch Ave. sold on Sept. 15, for $484,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/4.5 and has 3,345 square feet.
Coquina Point
The house at 30 Coquina Point Drive sold on Sept. 17, for $334,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,988 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $310,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 3189 Connemara Drive sold on Sept. 15, for $400,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,919 square feet.
The house at 1442 Carlow Circle sold on Sept. 17, for $312,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $205,000.
The house at 2798 Portadown St. sold on Sept. 17, for $349,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.
The house at 3018 Glin Circle sold on Sept. 18, for $334,500. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,658 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $289,000.
Hunter’s Ridge
The house at 115 Pergola Place sold on Sept. 16, for $355,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,983 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $254,000.
Northbrook
The house at 948 Northbrook Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $402,000. Built in 1980, the
house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,482 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $157,500.
Not in subdivision
The house at 85 John Anderson Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $815,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,895 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $725,000.
Oak Forest The house at 65 Sycamore Circle sold on Sept. 19, for $425,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,078 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $109,000.
Pineland The house at 258 Sandoval Drive sold on Sept. 15, for $385,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,334 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $284,500.
Plantation Bay
The house at 1324 Dovercourt Lane sold on Sept. 19, for $830,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,605 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $560,000.
Reflections Village
The house at 25 Reflections Village Drive sold on Sept. 17, for $359,900. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,630 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $250,000.
The Trails
The house at 119 Shady Branch Trail sold on Sept. 19, for $650,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2.5 and has two fireplaces and 2,601 square feet. It last sold in 1983 for $250,000.
Tomoka Oaks
The house at 3 Tomoka View Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $1 million. Built 1967m the house is a 5/4 and has two fireplaces, a pool, a spa, a boat lift, a boat dock, a boat house and 3,060 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $637,500.
Woodmere
The house at 130 Kimberly Drive sold on Sept. 16, for $300,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,824 square feet.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Raymonde Shores
The house at 11 Briggs Drive sold on Sept. 18, for $252,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,269 square feet. It last sold in 1981 for $51,000.
Seabridge South
The house at 31 Sea Harbor Drive E. sold on Sept. 17, for $515,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,748 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $230,000.
DAYTONA BEACH
Latitude Margaritaville
A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 894 Attitude Ave. was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of Sept. 13-19. The house sold on Sept. 15, for $735,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,493 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $410,600.
The house sold on Sept. 15, for $735,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,493 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $410,600.
Grande Champion
The house at 320 Wentworth Ave. sold on Sept. 15, for $470,000. Built in 2016, the house is 4/3 and has 2,097 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $264,000.
The house at 1063 Morfontaine St. sold on Sept. 18, for $399,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,601 square feet.
LPGA
The house at 276 Gala Circle sold on Sept. 18, for $295,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,318 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $116,353.
Mosaic
The house at 165 Azure Mist Way sold on Sept. 15, for $486,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,647 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $460,000.
The house at 597 Mosaic Blvd. sold on Sept. 19, for $485,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,979 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $478,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
For this new business, it’s personal
After surviving domestic violence, a mother-daughter duo opened B.S.A. Cleaning & Restoration.
ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Fourteen years ago, Cherina Ezell packed up her life, loaded her three children into the car and headed south in search of a new beginning. On Sept. 2, that journey came full circle when Ezell and her daughter, Savannah Hernandez, officially opened their own business: B.S.A. Cleaning & Restoration.
The company provides residential and commercial cleaning services throughout Palm Coast and Flagler Beach. While the business currently focuses on everyday cleaning, Ezell has her sights set on expanding into crime scene and hazmat cleanup.
Ezell said that mission shapes every part of their work.
“We aren’t just a cleaning service,” she said. “We bring our strengths to families who might not have it in them. We help create space for people to spend more time with their families without worrying about a chaotic house.”
For Ezell, the venture is more than just a business — it’s the continuation of her family’s story. Her life on the move began in 1998, traveling the country for her former husband’s job. When circumstances shifted, she took her children and everything they could fit in the car, determined to build a safe, stable home.
That spirit of resilience is woven into the logo of B.S.A. Cleaning & Restoration.
Designed by Ezell’s son, Walter — nicknamed “Bobo,” the inspiration for the “B” in the company name — the logo is based on a tattoo Ezell carries on her arm, which represents the initials of her children’s names in front of a purple ribbon.
“The ribbon is the awareness symbol for domestic violence and abuse, which makes it deeply personal for me,” Ezell said. “But my children walked that journey with me. We are all survivors. For us, it’s more than just a logo — it’s a symbol of strength and compassion that we carry into our business and our community.”
The company also makes community support a priority, offering discounts to U.S. veterans and first responders. For Hernandez, the real reward has been working side by side with her mother.
“This has been such a great opportunity to spend more time together,” she said. “Every day, I learn something new about her. Watching her determination and fearlessness has been inspiring. I believed in this business from the start because I believe in my mom. I’ve seen her strength and resilience, and I knew if she was determined to make it happen, she would succeed. My belief in B.S.A. comes from my belief in her.”
Despite having no prior business experience, Ezell and Hernandez dove headfirst into entrepreneurship. They applied for their LLC in July 2025 and received their official licensing on Sept. 2. “I don’t have a background in business,” Hernandez said. “But learning how to build the infrastructure — everything from documentation to sending out quotes, tracking hours and money, and handling social media — has been really exciting. Doing it alongside my mom has made it even more meaningful.”
ORMOND BEACH AND WEST DAYTONA BEACH
B.S.A. Cleaning & Restoration owners, Cherina Ezell and her daughter Savannah Hernandez. Photo courtesy of Cherina Ezell
SPORTS
On the comeback trail
Cole Walker tossed a touchdown pass to Ladarien Baker to give the Pirates a 17-13 win over Mount
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Matanzas Pirates raised the Jolly Roger on Friday
night, Oct. 3, signifying a football victory for all the people driving by on Matanzas Woods Parkway to see.
Matanzas snapped a twogame losing streak, defeating Mount Dora 17-13 on Senior Night at “the Ship” in a game they likely had to win to keep their playoff hopes alive.
The Pirates dominated the Hurricanes in just about every statistical category, yet they trailed 13-10 with less
than two minutes left before Cole Walker hit a wide-open Ladarien Baker on a slant for an 18-yard touchdown pass.
“Wow,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said. “What an amazing football game.”
Matanzas produced 394 yards of offense while holding Mount Dora to 192 and led in time of possession (31:15 to 16:45), total offensive plays (78-42) and first downs (279). But the Hurricanes tied the score at 10-10 in the third quarter on Cayden McCoy’s 42-yard field goal. And then, early in the fourth quarter, with rain pouring down, McCoy booted a 54-yard field goal to give Mount Dora the lead.
The Pirates’ ensuing drive stalled at midfield, but they got the ball back with 3:32 left after Jack Ferguson sacked Mount Dora quarterback Nicholas Kerr on third-and-2.
“That was the best complementary football I think we could possibly play,” Forrest said. “The defense stood tall. They gave us the ball back when it mattered most.”
Starting at their own 20, the Pirates marched down the field with Walker completing six passes for 78 yards to three different receivers. Bak-
er caught the final three passes including a 23-yard catch to the Mount Dora 18-yard line despite pass interference.
On the next play, Walker faked a hand off and hit Baker for the touch down with 1:44 left.
“That whole drive, and pretty much the whole game, we kept running inside zone over and over, and we got that backer to creep up to the box really tight,” Walker said. “So, that last play we knew he was going to crash down into the box and leave that slant window wide open for Ladarien to score.”
reach the playoffs is with an at-large bid.
After the Mount Dora win, they moved up one spot to 10th in the Region 1-5A rankings. Only eight teams make the playoffs. So, they would need to pass two teams in the rankings.
The Hurricanes turned the ball over on downs with 1:08 left, and the Pirates ran out the clock.
Walker completed 23 of 33 passes for 226 yards with Baker catching eight passes for 99 yards. The Pirates also rushed for 168 yards with Wiley Conner gaining 99 yards on 28 carries and Antone Jenkins adding 68 yards on 12 carries.
“This win feels good, because we know we got to win out,” Baker said. “So we have to go game by game, win by win.”
Matanzas improved to 4-3 with three games to play. The Pirates host Belleview (1-6) on Friday, Oct. 10, in their final district game on Homecom-
“This is basically round one of the playoffs for us. We have to win out the rest of the season to have any chance of getting back to the playoffs. So, this win is huge.”
JACK FERGUSON, Matanzas linebacker
The Florida High School Athletic Association informed its member schools on Oct. 2 that it is adding a second postseason tournament, the Florida Invitational Tournament, for 16 teams in each classification that do not make the playoffs. But the Pirates’ goal is to make the playoffs.
“This is basically round one of the playoffs for us,” said Ferguson, who had two sacks and 3.5 of the Pirates’ six tackles for loss. “We have to win out the rest of the season to have any chance of getting back to the playoffs. So, this win is huge.”
Matanzas held the ball for 20:11 out of 24 minutes in the
first half. The Pirates took a 10-7 lead on Alex Procek’s 33-yard field goal and Walker’s 1-yard touchdown run. But late in the second quarter they missed opportunities to add to their lead.
Jenkins’ 20-yard touchdown run was called back for holding. Later in that drive, with the ball at 5-yard-line, Walker, under pressure, threw a pass into double coverage which was intercepted by Chase Strickland. The Pirates got the ball back, and drove inside the 10 again, but time ran out in the half as Thomas Larywon was tackled at the 8 after making a catch.
“It’s been one of those seasons where we’ve just had so many ups and downs,” Forrest said. “(Mount Dora) beat us really handedly last year (360). That is a really good football team. So, for these guys to fight through all that and win a football game, I’m just really proud of our team.”
REFEREE MIC-ED UP
Fans in attendance at the Mount Dora-Matanzas football game on Oct. 3 were treated to an amenity that rarely occurs at high school games.
The referee was mic-ed up, so everyone in the stadium could hear the calls directly from the officials.
The game was officiated by the North Florida Officials Association, because the local A-1 Officials Association was short for the night, Matanzas athletic director Zach Rigney said.
“[The NFOA] made it happen. I thought it was the next level for us,” Ri-
gney said. “It really contributed to the atmosphere of the ship.”
NFOA has the mics if the schools have the technology to hook them up, and Flagler County does, Rigney said.
“Ryan Diesling (Flagler Schools’ chief of technology) and our technology department had us hooked up and ready to go,” he said. “Flagler technology can handle it, so what a great night to have it. It helps with confusion. Not everybody knows the signals, so, to get the explanation clarified helps a lot.”
Matanzas receiver Ladarien Baker, right, tries to make a onehanded catch.
Dora.
Matanzas Army JROTC seniors were honored on Senior Night.
Matanzas senior band members were honored on Senior Night.
Matanzas honored senior cheerleaders on Senior Night.
Matanzas honored senior football players on Senior Night.
Seabreeze fired up in second half of victory
The Sandcrabs beat Atlantic 26-6 on Homecoming to even their record at 3-3.
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Swimming in a sea of pink, Seabreeze fans celebrated a 26-6 Homecoming win over the Atlantic Sharks on Friday, Oct. 3, at Daytona Stadium.
With the win, the Sandcrabs evened their record at 3-3 and surpassed their win total from last year in coach Mike Klein’s first season when they went 2-7.
But Klein said his team came out flat and informed them of that at halftime.
“There were some interesting calls, some interesting penalties and just a lot of delays,” he said. “So it was kind of a funky first half.”
Seabreeze led 12-6 at halftime. The Sandcrabs scored early on a safety as Stephen Williams Jr. and Owen O’Rourke tackled Atlantic punter Nicholas Piper in the end zone. They added a 2-yard touchdown run by Logan Smith and a field goal by Luke Zboch.
At halftime, Klein said he was “fired up” and employed the use of especially motivating words to impart the emotion.
Avery McMillian scored for the Sharks with Cash Kurz blocking the extra-point attempt.
“We were a lot disappointed with ourselves, and I was a little fired up in the locker room at halftime,” he said. “They came out fired up too, so they did exactly what we said they needed to do in the second half. I’m so proud of them.
“... I always tell them we don’t want to lose games at home to begin with and especially on a game like tonight where you’re playing for the pride of your school. With 100 years at Seabreeze, there’s a lot of pride to play for.”
Smith maneuvered through traffic for a 1-yard touchdown midway into the third quarter. The Sandcrabs rushed for 229 yards. Smith finished with 80 yards rushing on 14 carries. Klein said Smith has gotten better every week since team captain Zach Voltaire broke his arm.
“Logan is one of our leaders,” Klein said. “He’s never played a ton of running back and he’s obviously playing a bunch for us now at that position. We’re trying to build an identity of physicality and of toughness and he’s really
embodied that for us on both sides of the ball. I’m extremely proud of the young man — day in, day out. He gets it done in practice, in the classroom in school and out on the field.”
Smith said he attributes his continuous growth as a running back to in-game scenarios along with Klein’s tough practice regimen. But, Smith said he felt the Sandcrabs took the game against Atlantic for granted.
“Nobody liked the way we played in the first half,” he said. “Honestly, I think we came out and we thought that the win was just going to be handed to us because Atlantic was 0-5. We just didn’t come out with that fight. If we played the way we played against New Smyrna against Atlantic, it would have been
a completely different game.
But we came out in the second half and got things done.”
Kurz and Edison Parra led the defense with five tackles each. Simeon Daffin and Parra had two sacks apiece.
Klein said that as the Sandcrabs continue to build on their offense, quarterback Jayce Gainer is getting more comfortable with the passing game. Gainer completed two passes to Parra for 45 yards.
“People will criticize the quarterback, but it’s not always on the quarterback,” Klein said. “Sometimes the protection is bad or it’s a bad route or maybe even a bad snap. As the leader in that position, he’ll take it and he never shies away from being that guy.”
Seabreeze visits Deltona in a
District 6-4A game on Friday, Oct. 10. The Wolves beat the Sandcrabs 13-10 in overtime last season.
“It was a game very similar to the New Smyrna game this year (which New Smyrna won 28-27 in double overtime on Sept. 26) where we kind of had them, we kind of let them off the hook, they came back and won in overtime. So, I don’t think I’m going to have to do a lot extra to get my players fired up … It’ll be a great week of preparation, but we want to come get a little revenge.”
Smith said it is definitely a redemption game.
“They beat us last year — that one hurt,” he said. “But we’re a much different team this year, and I’m excited for that. I have a lot of confidence in our team to get that done.”
Seabreeze’s Stephen Williams Jr. (right) gains yards before the tackle by Atlantic’s Carlos Smith III.
Photos by Michele Meyers
Seabreeze fans ‘pink out’ at Daytona Stadium during the Homecoming game against Atlantic on Oct. 3.
Seabreeze junior Jeremias George (center) holds onto the ball after a big hit.
DeLand’s Moore too much for Mainland in Bulldogs’ 28-20 win over Bucs
Running back Taihj Moore scored three touchdowns, passed one; Bulldogs stop Bucs in red zone twice.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mainland drove inside the DeLand 20-yard line twice in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs held the Buccaneers to zero points during both trips to preserve a 28-20 victory Friday, Oct. 3, in DeLand. The Bulldogs snapped a four-game losing streak to their east county rivals with their first win against the Bucs since 2019.
Sophomore running back
Taihj Moore had a hand in all four DeLand touchdowns. Moore ran for three touchdowns and threw for a 29-yard score on a doublepass play on fourth down late in the second quarter. Moore rushed for 153 yards on 19 carries. Marceles Carey added 53 yards rushing on 12 carries for the Bulldogs, who improved to 6-0 and moved up to No. 2 in the Class 7A rankings behind Vero Beach. Braylyn Simmons rushed for 97 yards with two touchdowns for the Bucs (4-2).
Kadin Flores scored on a kickoff return in the second quarter. Simmons scored on a 23-yard run on the last play of the third quarter. The Bucs missed the extra point to trail 21-20. But Moore scored his third touchdown early in the
fourth quarter to extend the Bulldogs’ lead.
With a chance to tie, Simmons fumbled inside the 20-yard line. The Bucs got the ball back and moved inside the Bulldogs’ 10-yard line with under three minutes left, but were held to 1 yard on four plays.
Mainland coach Jerrime Bell said DeLand and Coffee, Georgia, were probably the two best football teams the Bucs have played this season.
“They’re a really good football team,” he said of DeLand. “They’re about on par with Coffee. They’re both tough in the trenches, have really good running backs and stout defenses. They have similar style offenses as well.”
The Bucs defeated Coffee 14-7 on the road on Sept. 19.
Bell said linebackers Tamaj Woodard (12 tackles) and Dennis King (10 tackles) had big games even with the Bulldogs piling up 315 yards of offense.
“They both played lights out,” Bell said. “You’re not going to stop that offense. They did a good job of containing the run game.”
Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson completed 10 of 18 passes for 126 yards. It was the first game this season that the Bucs were held to under 200 yards passing.
Mainland has a bye this week. The Bucs will be back home on Oct. 17 against Palm Bay Heritage.
“We need (the bye week) to get healthy,” Bell said. “With a schedule like we’ve had, it’s good to rest and get healthy and get ready for another deep playoff run.”
Mainland linebackers Tamaj Woodard (3) and Dennis King (1) celebrate a defensive stop against Matanzas on Sept. 25. File photo by Keishia McLendon
SIDELINES
Bowling Senior Night for Matanzas, FPC
High school senior nights are always a joyous time for seniors, their families and their coaches.
The Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas bowling teams’ Senior Night on Monday, Oct. 6, at Palm Coast Lanes was one that Matanzas boys bowling coach Laura Oliva will always remember. Oliva coached the FPC girls team up until this season.
“It was nice because I got to present for both teams and say goodbye to my bowlers that I have had and known for all four years of high school,” Oliva said. “My niece (FPC’s Isabella Oliva) was one of them.”
Five FPC seniors were honored: Isabella Oliva, Victoria DeSilva-Carvalheira, Kailyn Ball, Anthony Seeley and Jason Gall. Matanzas
honored its three seniors: Timmy Rock, Olivia Rabbat and Skyleen Ramos. Because of the senior presentations, the teams played only two five-person games. They did not play the Baker games. FPC’s boys won both games, 912-744 and 956-909, while the girls split with FPC winning the first game 714-651 and Matanzas winning the second game 666-637.
FPC’s boys had three bowlers roll 200 games: Cole Osypian (225), Trey Wood (216) and Seeley
Leaves are falling, and so are new beginnings at Paradise
(208). Matanzas’ JP Rabbat averaged 203 and Trey
O’Janovic bowled a 204. Olivia Rabbat led the Matanzas girls with a 186 average for the match.
Seabreeze boys bowlers prevail
Seabreeze and Flagler Palm Coast split in their bowling match on Monday, Sept. 29, at Palm Coast Lanes. Seabreeze won the boys match 7-0, while FPC won the girls match 7-0 with only two Seabreeze girls bowling. In the boys match, the Sandcrabs posted a Game 2 score of 1,131 with Russell Brayden bowling 289, Dalton Boice 279 and Xavier Subia 233. In the first game, Boice bowled a 234 and Subia a 208 as Seabreeze topped FPC, 985-952.
Cole Osypian led the Bulldogs with a 221 and a 204. Anthony Seeley (216) and Trey Wood (203) also scored in the 200s in the first game. Seabreeze won the Baker points, winning two out of three games. The Sandcrabs won total series, 2,664 to 2,280. FPC’s Isabella Oliva had the high games in the girls match with a 170 and 158. Casey Martin bowled a 155 and Victoria DaSilva-Carvalheira bowled a 154. Katelyn Miller bowled a 154 for Seabreeze. Pirates 2nd at night cross country meet The Matanzas boys and girls each finished second behind host school Ponte Vedra in the Craig Speziale Shark Bite at Night Cross Country Invitational on Friday, Oct. 3. Three Matanzas boys finished in the top 10: Brant Tarsitano, third in 16:57; Enzo McGovern, seventh in 17:31; and Matthe Ciardi eighth in 17:38. Sara Van Buren led the Matanzas girls in 12th place in 20:56 and Megan Rhee was 14th in 21:10. The Ponte Vedra girls compiled a perfect team score of 15 points, while the Pirates had 79 points. The Ponte Vedra boys were near perfect with 17 points with Matanzas totaling 44 points.
Volleyball season winding down Volleyball season is winding down. Seabreeze improved to 12-9 with a 3-0 win over Pine Ridge on Oct. 6. The Sandcrabs play their final regular-season match at Father Lopez on Thursday, Oct. 9. Matanzas (8-8) was scheduled to visit county rival FPC (9-9) on Oct. 8. The Flagler teams also close out the regular season on Oct. 9 — Matanzas at Spruce Creek and FPC at home against Atlantic. Mainland finished the regular season with a 2-18 record. After losing 16 in a row, the Bucs won two of their final four matches.
Email brent@ observerlocalnews.com
FPC’s Fred Denker.
Seabreeze’s Jonathan King bowls in a match against FPC at Palm Coast Lanes.
FPC’s Victoria DaSilva-Carvalheira bowls in a match against Seabreeze at Palm Coast Lanes. Photos by Brent Woronoff
CLASSIFIEDS
Items under $200
PLANT LADY HAS ASSORTED PLANTS FOR SALE!!! Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, Plus Many Other Types of Plants. Call for Appointment. Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387
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Electric Roaster $10, Waffle Maker $10, Bread Machine $20, Set of 12 Avon Harley Motorcycle Replicas $100 For Set. 6’ Mini Blind $10, Temptations Green Old World Serving Pieces $10 Ea. Princess House Bowl $100. Text 386-444-1851
Decorative Garden and base of Trees Landscaping curving, Various sizes $30 386-437-7058
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Room for Rent $900/mo First and Last Months Required, No pets, No Drugs. Working person Required. Text me at 386-444-1851
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2017 Chevrolet Colorado 2 and 4 Wheel Drive. Silver. Excellent Condition New Tires 40,000mi $20,000 386-341-0667
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. 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 Sections 732.216-732.228,
DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 9, 2025. Signed on this 18 day of August, 2025. MICHAEL WADE, Personal Representative 304 Smokerise Boulevard Longwood, Florida 32779
ALYSON C.
Email: alyson.hoffman@lowndes-law.com
Email: julia.frey@lowndes-law.com
Secondary Email: probate@lowndes-law.com October 9, 16, 2025 25-00477I
FIRST 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 11993 CIDL ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. BRIAN MOZZILLO, et al., Defendant. To the following Defendant(s): ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER, AND AGAINST ESTATE OF IRENE M MOZZILLO A/K/A IRENE MOZZILLO, 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 19, OLIVER SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO MAP RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 8, PAGE 245, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 12410 CICI SANDPOINT CONDOMINIUM MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC., a Florida not-for-profit corporation, Plaintiff, vs. DONNA DILLON, individually; SHIRLEY M. DILLON, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF DONNA DILLON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SHIRLEY M. DILLON; GEORGE HERNANDEZ; PECK & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, INC; ADS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES; A.F HAGER DBA FH&A CONSTRUCTION INC; JOHN FARRELL; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, Defendants. NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, dated September 25, 2025, and entered in Case Number: 2025 12410 CICI, of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein SANDPOINT CONDOMINIUM MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION, INC. is the Plaintiff, DONNA DILLON, individually; SHIRLEY M. DILLON, individually; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF DONNA DILLON; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SHIRLEY M. DILLON; GEORGE HERNANDEZ; PECK & ASSOCIATES CONSTRUCTION, INC; ADS CONSTRUCTION SERVICES; A.F HAGER DBA FH&A CONSTRUCTION INC; JOHN FARRELL; and ALL UNKNOWN TENANTS/OWNERS, are the Defendants, the Volusia County Clerk of the Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, by electronic sale on-line at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, beginning at 11:00 o’clock A.M. on the 24th day of October, 2025 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure and Award of Attorneys Fees and Costs, to-wit: Property Address: 2615 S. Atlantic Avenue #3C, Daytona Beach Shores, Florida 32118
Property Description: Unit 3C, Sandpoint, A Condomini-
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 NOV 3 2025, 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 3rd day of Oct, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH CLERK OF COURT OF VOLUSIA COUNTY (SEAL) By /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk MCCALLA RAYMER LEIBERT PIERCE, LLP 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Email: AccountsPayable@mccalla.com 25-11917FL October 9, 16, 2025 25-00490I
FIRST INSERTION
um, according to the Declaration of Condominium, recorded in Official Records Book 2625, page 158, Public Records of Volusia County, Florida; together with an undivided 1/70th interest in the common element set forth in the Exhibits to the Declaration of Condominium as recorded, exemplified, referred to and set forth in said Declaration of Condominium and Exhibits thereto; together with the exclusive use of parking space number 3 a/k/a 2615 S. Atlantic Avenue, Unit 3C, Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Avenue, Suite 300, Daytona Beach, Florida 32114; (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing impaired call 711. /s/ Helena G. Malchow
John L. Di Masi
Florida Bar No.: 0915602
Patrick J. Burton
Florida Bar No.: 0098460
Brian S. Hess
Florida Bar No.: 0725072
Helena G. Malchow
Florida Bar No.: 0968323 Eryn M. McConnell
Florida Bar No.: 0018858
Rebecca Blechman
Florida Bar No.: 0121474 Shelby Pfannerstill Florida Bar No.: 1058704 Nelson Crespo Florida Bar No.: 0121499 Arthur Barksdale Florida Bar No.: 0040628
Toby Snively Florida Bar No.: 0125998 DI MASI ‖ BURTON, P.A.
801 N. Orange Avenue, Suite 500 Orlando, Florida 32801 Ph. (407) 839-3383 Fx. (407) 839-3384
Service E-Mail: jdlaw@orlando-law.com
Attorney for Plaintiff, Association October 9, 16, 2025 25-00480I FIRST
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. 2023 32171 CICI WINTRUST MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF BARRINGTON BANK & TRUST CO., N.A., Plaintiff, vs. TERRI BARBRE, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered September 10, 2025 in Civil Case No. 2023 32171 CICI of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Volusia County, Deland, Florida, wherein WINTRUST MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF BARRINGTON BANK & TRUST CO., N.A. is Plaintiff and Terri Barbre, 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 29th day of October, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment, to-wit: THE NORTHERLY 100 FEET OF THE SOUTHERLY 265 FEET OF THE WESTERLY 105 FEET, EXCEPT THE WESTERLY 30 FEET THEREOF, LOT 13, BLOCK 35, MARY C. FLEMMING SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 1, PAGE 1, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770.
225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420
Email: MRService@mccalla.com Fla. Bar No.: 146803 23-07258FL October 9, 16, 2025 25-00485I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45, FLORIDA STATUTES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 10858 CIDL LANDINGS AT SUGAR MILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, vs. RANDOLPH A. MUELLER, et al., Defendant. Notice is given that pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated 9/25/2025, in Case No.: 2025 10858 CIDL of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein LANDINGS AT SUGAR MILL HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., is the Plaintiff and RANDOLPH A. MUELLER, et al., is/are the Defendant. Laura E. Roth, the Clerk of Court for Volusia County, Florida will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at 11:00 a.m., at https://www.volusia.realforeclose. com, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, on 11/13/2025, the following described property set forth in the Final Judgment of Foreclosure: Lot 3, Block D, Landings at Sugar Mill, according to the map or plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 54, Page 50 through 54, inclusive, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO ACCESS COURT FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. TO REQUEST SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINISTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE THE SERVICE IS NEEDED: COURT ADMINISTRATION, 101 N. ALABAMA AVE., STE. D-305, DELAND, FL 32724; (386) 257-6096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, CALL 711. DATED: October 3, 2025 By: /s/Jennifer Sinclair Jennifer Sinclair, Esquire Florida Bar No.: 29559 ARIAS BOSINGER, PLLC 280 W. Canton Avenue, Suite 330 Winter Park, Florida 32789 (407) 636-2549 October 9, 16, 2025 25-00484I
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 23, SUGAR MILL COUNTRY CLUB AND ESTATES, UNIT IV, AC-
DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is October 2, 2025.
Personal Representative: Renee M. Bartlett c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 South Palmetto Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Attorney for Personal Representative: W. Denis Shelley, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 273872 Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 South Palmetto Avenue Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386-) 252-2531
Fax: (386) 258-0392
E-Mail: shelley@legacylaw313.com
Secondary E-Mail: troy@legacylaw313.com October 2, 9, 2025 25-00470I
CORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDEDIN MAP BOOK 35, PAGE 134, 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 OCT 22 2025 /(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 22nd day of Sept, 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 25-294284 October 2, 9, 2025 25-00465I
RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2022 30706 CICI HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-OA4 Plaintiff(s), vs. JESSE ONEILL; TOWN PARK HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS INC. AS A NOMINEE FOR CITIZENS TRUST MORTGAGE CORP.; Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to the Order Granting Motion to Reschedule Foreclosure Sale entered on September 18, 2025 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Laura E Roth, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.volusia.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 31st day of October, 2025 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: LOT 237, TOWN PARK P.U.DPHASE 3, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 49, PAGE(S) 151 THROUGH 153, INCLUSIVE OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property address: 1601 Promenade Circle, Port Orange, FL 32129
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 11602 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF KAY C. VISCONTI Deceased. The administration of the estate of Kay C. Visconti, deceased, whose date of death was April 1, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, Deland, Florida 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representatives and the personal representatives’ 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
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. 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, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Betzy Falgas PADGETT LAW GROUP BETZY FALGAS, ESQ. Florida Bar # 76882 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile) attorney@padgettlawgroup.com
Attorney for Plaintiff Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup.com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties. TDP File No. 25-009230-1 October 2, 9, 2025 25-00463I
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 October 2, 2025.
Personal Representative: James S. Visconti 1622 Almond Avenue Orlando, Florida 32814
Personal Representative: Barbara E. Visconti 1622 Almond Avenue Orlando, Florida 32814
Attorney for Personal Representatives: J. Knox Burns, IV Florida Bar No. 1018499
Email: jknoxbums@cflegal.com October 2, 9, 2025 25-00469I
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 10147 CIDL BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF FRANK M. LATOS, JR. AKA FRANK MICHAEL LATOS, JR., DECEASED, et. al., Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in Case No. 2024 10147 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein, BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, and UNKNOWN SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF FRANK M. LATOS, JR. AKA FRANK MICHAEL LATOS, JR., DECEASED, et. al., are Defendants, Clerk of Circuit Court, Laura E. Roth will sell to the highest bidder for cash at www. volusia.realforeclose.com, on
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
The following personal property of CHERYL ANNE WILLACKER and MARY MacDONALD will, on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at 1084 Larkfield Drive, Lot #1084LAR, Deland, Volusia County, Florida 32724; be sold for cash to satisfy storage fees in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 715.109: 1982 SUNC MOBILE
