Ormond Beach Observer 11-06-25

NEWS BRIEFS

One dead, one injured after A1A crash in Ormondby-the-Sea

One person died and another is in critical condition after being ejected from their Jeep in a crash on A1A in Ormondby-the-Sea on Saturday, Nov. 1, Florida Highway Patrol reported.

At around 6:03 p.m., the victims — a 72-year-old man from Findlay, Ohio, and a 73-year-old Ormond Beach woman — were traveling northbound on A1A, approaching Sandpiper Ridge Drive, when a 63-year-old man in a Corvette attempted to pass their Jeep in a no passing zone. The front right side of the Corvette struck the Jeep’s rear left side, and both of the victims were ejected from their vehicle, FHP reported.

The Ohio man, who was driving the Jeep, was pro-

nounced dead at the scene. His Ormond Beach passenger was transported to the hospital in critical condition. The driver of the Corvette — Scott March, of Port Barrington, Illinois — was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. He was arrested on Monday, Nov. 3, for vehicular homicide.

VanDeusen named Flagler interim deputy fire chief

Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker has named Battalion Chief Daniel VanDeusen as interim deputy chief, following the selection of former Deputy Chief Percy Sayles as the county’s deputy administrator.

“I have tremendous faith in Daniel VanDeusen and think he will do very well in this position,” Tucker said. “It is a lot of responsibility, but he already had a lot of responsibility and has capably managed and executed everything that has been asked of him.”

into the pool was not damaged, the report states. The HOA, however, seeks to press charges for the damaged fence pickets.

OCT. 8

OCT. 6

POOL VANDALS

12:39 p.m. — 2000 block of Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Vandalism. A local homeowners association community manager called police after two unidentified teenage boys threw 10-15 pool chairs into one of the community pools.

The teens engage in various acts of trespassing, disorderly conduct and vandalism, often entering the pool area by bending the aluminum fence pickets and squeezing inside, the report states. The patio furniture thrown

SCHEME TO DEFRAUD

10:14 a.m. — 100 block of Three Bears Trail, Ormond Beach Fraud. A 76-year-old Ormond Beach man was scammed out of $30,000 after he received a text message appearing to originate from his bank, instructing him to place the cash in boxes to be picked up. According to a police incident report, the victim received a text inquiring if he had made an $800 purchase at a big box store. The victim replied, “no,” at which point he

VanDeusen was hired in 2005 as a probationary firefighter EMT. He is the only member of Flagler County Fire Rescue to have climbed the ladder from the bottom rung to second in command.

“I am grateful for the faith Chief Tucker has in me to assist him in growing and improving Fire Rescue for the benefit of our residents,” VanDeusen said.

Tucker, who took the position of chief in 2021, quickly saw VanDeusen’s promise as a leader. He was one of two promoted that year — along with Barry Brady — from lieutenant to battalion chief out 10 applicants within the organization who took the comprehensive four-day test.

was contacted by someone pretending to work for his bank’s fraud department.

The caller told the victim that a branch manager and employee were stealing money from customers and instructed him to withdraw $30,000 in cash. Someone later came over to his home to pick up a box containing $20,000 in cash, and a second box containing $10,000 was later picked up.

The second box was initially returned, as the driver, who had an Uber sign on his window, told the victim he didn’t have enough gas to deliver the package. A second vehicle then came to pick up the box.

The man was told he would get his money back on Oct. 6. When that didn’t happen,

9/11 Climb and Flagler County partners give $8K to foundation

The 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb Inc., Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa and the Flagler County Fire Rescue Annual Golf Outing presented an $8,000 check to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. The funds were raised through the 2024 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb and Golf Outing, along with early contributions from 2025 events.

The donation supports the foundation’s mission to honor America’s fallen firefighters and assist their families and co-workers. Established by the U.S. Congress in 1992, the NFFF is a 501c3 nonprofit that develops programs to remember fire heroes and prevent future line-of-duty deaths and injuries.

“We are honored to come together for the greater good, to remember the heroes we lost and to give back to those who continue to serve,” said Lacy Martin, founder of the 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb,

and the number he had been calling was disconnected, he contacted police.

OCT. 17

PROFANE ENCOUNTER

1:28 p.m. — 800 block of Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Breach of peace. According to a report by the Sherrif’s Office, a woman called 911 alleging that a man, who was in a truck, was following her car and tailgating. When she parked at a local grocery store, the man continued to scream from his truck as he drove back and forth in the parking lot.

He was confronted by a deputy who tried to calm him down as the man continued to yell profanities. The man yelled that he could go

Inc. “This donation represents the heart of our community and our ongoing commitment to support first responders and their families.”

The annual 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb is hosted by Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa and benefits both national and local causes.

Locally, the event provides scholarships for students pursuing careers in firefighting, law enforcement, nursing and emergency medical services.

“It’s always a privilege to host these meaningful

wherever he wanted — with an expletive. Deputies placed him under arrest and he was taken to jail.

OCT. 25

FLASHING LIGHTS

10:49 p.m. — Intersection of County Road 302 and County Road 75, Bunnell Using red and blue lights Deputies arrested a 22-yearold Bunnell man after responding to a report of a reckless driver equipped with red and blue lights. The caller had been driving on State Road 100 when a truck began to follow closely, later activating flashing red and blue lights. The caller pulled over, thinking the truck was law enforcement. But once he pulled over, the

events,” said Nicole O’Neil of Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. “Each year, our community shows incredible generosity in honoring those who protect and serve.” The Flagler County Professional Firefighters Benevolent Foundation, organizes the Annual Golf Outing in partnership with the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. Together, these events unite local firefighters, businesses and community members to ensure the memory of 9/11 endures.

truck went around them and sped off. The Sheriff’s Office reports the driver, identified as the 22-year-old man, was pulled over on Lemon Street. He told police that he had been on his way to deliver groceries to his mom when a vehicle was traveling slowly in front of him.

The man passed the slow car as soon as they were in a passing zone, and didn’t mention any flashing lights. During the investigation, he did admit to the truck having “police-style lights,” according to the Sheriff’s Office. Ones, he explained, that could be activated by a switch, which he demonstrated.

The man was taken to jail, where he was later released on a $2,500 bond.

Flagler County Fire Chief Michael Tucker, firefighter/paramedic Tracy Farmer, Fire Marshal Jerry Smith, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s Nicole O’Neill, founder of 9/11 Memorial Tribute Climb Lacy Martin, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa’s Adam Dennison and firefigher/paramedic Christopher Ellis. Courtesy photos

Daniel VanDeusen

‘Power and warmth’

Lowell Lohman 1945-2025

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach philanthropist and businessman Lowell Lohman could command a room with a single phrase.

The setting didn’t matter. He could be in a room full of community leaders or in his living room overlooking the Halifax River among his dearest friends. When he wanted the floor, all Lowell ever had to do was raise his hands and ask, “Can I make an observation?”

“The whole place would be quiet,” said his wife, Nancy Lohman. “It was like, ‘The Lowell’ is going to share now.”

When Lowell, who contributed millions of dollars to local causes, called their attention like this, they knew he would say something profound — words that would make an impact.

“He had a presence that when he walked into the room, you could just feel it,” said his son, Ty Lohman. “Everybody else could feel it.”

He always knew who needed to be recognized, and how to recognize them, Nancy added.

Lowell died at 80 years old on Oct. 28. He spent his life building businesses, supporting nonprofits and championing causes for his three biggest passions — diabetes research, animal welfare and teaching the next generation to love science.

“Lowell had the most beautiful blend of power and warmth,” Nancy said.

STARTING A LEGACY

Lowell was born in Vero Beach, Florida, on Feb. 16, 1945. While a student at Vero Beach High School, Lowell was captain and quarterback of the football team. Baseball also had a big presence in his life back then; Lowell set a school record for his batting average of .509, and was a pitcher. He was also voted “Most Athletic” by his senior class. He attended Florida State University on a baseball scholarship, serving as captain of team. Voted Most Valuable Player, he set another record — this time, an FSU record for striking out 19 batters in one game.

Baseball took a backseat when his first son, Brian, was born. Then, Ty. Now a family man, Lowell worked two jobs to be able to support them and be able to take classes at FSU, where he decided to major in biology and chemistry.

One of the jobs was at the Hertz rental car location at the Tallahassee airport, where he met a businessman who would set his life on an entrepreneurial path: Forbes Davis, of Davis Industries, a water and sewer treatment plant construction company. Davis hired Lowell because of his science major at FSU. Prior to this, Lowell had been considering a career teaching high school biol -

ogy and coaching baseball and football, according to his book, “The Lohman Way,” by E.L. Wilks.

The job with Davis Industries led Lowell to Sarasota, and in 1973, he started his first business in the water and sewer industry.

He then moved back to his hometown, where he was inspired to go into the cemetery industry. His stepfather had worked in the business, and had shared with Lowell and his brother Victor that it was a fulfilling career.

So in 1977, Lowell and Victor moved to Ormond Beach and purchased their first cemetery, Volusia Memorial Park.

“They became legendary cemeterians from that point on,” Nancy said. Lowell and Nancy opened Lohman Funeral Home Ormond in 1998, continuing to operate it as a familyowned business until 2012.

From 1977 to 2012, the Lohmans owned and operated 34 cemeteries and funeral homes. They were the largest private owners of cemeteries and funeral homes in the state.

Lowell would own a total of 64 separate companies in his life, totaling over $250 million in value. He and his son Ty also came to own over 4,000 apartments.

But his greatest satisfaction was finding Nancy, said Susan Persis, longtime family friend and former Ormond Beach City Commissioner.

“He was most proud of her,” Persis said. “No doubt in my mind, he loved her as much as anybody can love anybody.”

MEETING HIS CINDERELLA

The day was Aug. 24, 1990. Lowell was in Atlanta, Georgia, in the midst of purchasing a new cemetery, and after a business meeting, he went to a piano lounge called Otto’s in the Buckhead district. He was sitting at the bar when he saw Nancy for the first time.

“It didn’t take us long to figure out that we were meant for each other,” Nancy said.

She remembers thinking Lowell had amazing charisma, that he was full of life and positivity. As she got to know him better, she fell in love with his

“Have

a tremendous blend of power and warmth. It’s the perfect combination in business.”

LOWELL LOHMAN, in his book “The Lohman Way”

diabetes led to his discipline in sports.

“Both of them — being a great athlete and thriving with Type 1 diabetes requires steadfast discipline and a focus, and an eye on the prize,” Nancy said. “On the field, it was to win the game and with diabetes, it was to live a long, healthy life.”

Only 3% of people with Type 1 diabetes live to 80 years old. So Lowell made that his goal. He wanted to live until he was at least 80.

And, he did.

Over the last decade or so, Nancy said, Lowell, who also beat polio as a child, became passionate on finding ways to help others with Type 1 diabetes live an easier life. To “teach and share,” as he often said.

ambition, drive and dedication to excellence, Nancy said.

“It was inspiring, and I never thought I would get married,” she said. “I always thought, ‘I’m never compromising. I’m never going to settle.’ ... But boy, he swept me off my feet.”

Ty said his father and Nancy had a “fairytale” love, and that he wished everybody could experience what the two had.

“He would always say, ‘Hey boys, no reason looking for Cinderella, I already married her,’” Ty said.

They married on Oct. 10, 1991. This year, they celebrated 34 years of marriage.

Whenever Lowell wanted something done, he’d turn to look at Nancy, Susan Persis said.

“There’s no question that he was happy and it was because Nancy kept him happy,” she said. “Nancy was the key.”

He always had a loving word for her, added Carl Persis, former Ormond Beach mayor and family friend.

“They were just a phenomenal team,” he said. “Each one in their own way could grab the spotlight.”

But anytime she was getting credit for something, she’d highlight Lowell’s role in it. Lowell would do the same, Carl said.

Lowell would often say he was “the happiest man you know.” For Nancy, that was a compliment because it showed how much he cherished their marriage.

“Many people hopefully go into a marriage saying, ‘Not only do I love this person, I love the idea that we’re married. I love the idea of being happily married,’” Nancy said. “And he did. He loved the idea of us being together in business, just together, period.”

Lowell’s last social outing happened to be on their anniversary. The couple attended the Halifax Health Foundation Gala, which benefits the Lohman Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology.

Lowell had a chance to speak about supporting diabetes research and that, Nancy said, was perfect.

BEATING STATISTICS

In 1982, Lowell who played competitive 7-on-7 flag football with his brothers Victor and Daryl, won the National U.S. Touch & Flag Football Championship. He was inducted into the National Flag Football Hall of Fame and the Florida Flag Football Hall of Fame.

His team won the state championship three times.

“He persevered with a tremendous amount of dedication and focus,” Nancy said. “... He wouldn’t even mention that he had Type 1 diabetes.”

He was diagnosed at 18, while he was in college.

It never limited him, Nancy said, adding that his endocrinologist Dr. Sheila Gupta told them his discipline with

and Lowell with Nancy.

They made plans to attend an FSU game the next day, kickstarting a friendship between the four that has lasted 25 years. Susan was the one who gave Lowell his nickname of “The Lowell.”

Publicly, Lowell and Carl often ragged on each other.

“We had this unwritten rule, Lowell and I, that we never said anything complimentary about each other publicly,” Carl said.

Like when Carl approached him a few years ago about funding a field study program for students to attend the Museum of Arts and Sciences. Lowell was “all in.”

people up and that’s probably the biggest thing — he shared love, grace and intellect with so many people.”

Ty Lohman said he feels he grew up with a superhero for a dad.

“All through my life, he’s been my hero,” he said.

After Ty graduated from FSU, he was recruited by the University of Cincinnati to play football. He was redshirted, but Lowell never missed a home game, even though Ty told him he was just sitting on the bench.

But Lowell still flew up.

“He just wanted to let me know I’m doing the right thing, and as long as I’m on the bench, he’ll be in the stands watching me,” Ty said.

THE LOHMAN WAY

“He would always say, ‘If someone else can do something almost as good as you, and you do it anyway, you are taking two steps backwards’ — because you haven’t helped that other person grow and blossom,” Nancy said.

In 2018, Lowell was asked to speak at the University of Florida Diabetes Institute in front of endocrinologists, doctorate students and researchers on how diabetes does’t need to limit one’s life. That was one of the most important days of his life, said Nancy.

“It was a huge passion of his to work in our community to create ways to help people have access to clinical health care with endocrinologists, to have educational opportunities in the diabetes space and to provide outreach into the community, which was the catalyst for us working with Halifax Health to open the Lohman Diabetes Center, because it was a way to create an umbrella organization — a brick and mortar — a place where you go for all of that care,” she said.

The center opened in 2021 and it has been a “game changer” for helping patients with diabetes in the community, said John Guthrie, vice president and executive director of the Halifax Health Foundation. The center focuses on providing self-management education and support, and since opening, Guthrie said they’ve touched the lives of over 5,000 people — 3,000 of whom have diabetes.

“Lowell said all along, ‘I want to help every single person with diabetes we can,’” Guthrie said. “... He pushed me and us at Halifax Health to get even more involved and to understand even better what it takes, from a day-today perspective, for people with diabetes to thrive as he wanted them to do. As he did in his life.”

‘THE LOWELL’

The first time Carl met Lowell was in the late 90s. Carl was on the City Commission and they were reviewing a special exception request from the Lohmans as they geared up to construct their funeral home on Granada Boulevard.

“I remember saying to [the commissioners], ‘Well, I don’t know who these people are’ and I really had a vision for what we were going to be building on Granada, and really, a funeral home wasn’t anything that I had in mind,” Carl recalled with a laugh. “I remember him backing up and saying, ‘I promise you, if you let me build this funeral home, it will be the most beautiful building on Granada.”

Carl said he shrugged his shoulders at the time, but voted to approve the special exception.

Then a couple of years later, Nancy was president of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and Carl was mayor. They would run into each other often, and one night, they were each at Stonewood Grill on A1A with their significant others — Carl with Susan,

But when it was time to be recognized for his contribution to the program — which allows every fifth and eighth grader at Volusia County Schools to visit the museum for a day of science education a year, at no cost to the school district or student — Lowell said that being around Carl always cost him money.

“He’d never say, ‘Oh, that was a great idea by Carl,’” he said. “He would just say, ‘The guy’s just a drain on my wallet.’”

It was all spoken with love, Carl said.

“He was a fiercely competitive business person, who was an amazing athlete ... and this generous, kind soul that really wanted to make his community better, as well as helping individuals become the best they could be,” Carl said.

In 2021, MOAS named its planetarium after the Lohmans, who have gifted over $3 million to the museum’s endowment. The Lohman’s Museum of Arts and Sciences Field Study program was also established in 2021.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Tabitha Schmidt, executive director at MOAS, met the Lohmans shortly after starting to work at the museum in the fall of 2022. It was an immediate connection.

Lowell was “one-of-a-kind in the best possible way,” she said.

“There are certain people in the world who make a mark,” Schmidt said. “They make a big difference, and that was Lowell and Nancy too. They’re two peas in a pod.”

They gave — of themselves, of their time, of their talents and their money. But they were also, Schmidt said, genuinely authentic and caring.

“They’re just purely good people, doing good things to make a big difference, and I think that’s why you’re hearing so much about him, because they gave from the heart,” Schmidt said. “There was no other agenda.”

In addition to his business successes, Lowell would want to be remembered as a great family man, Guthrie said. And, as part of the “Nancy and Lowell” duo.

Guthrie has Lowell’s book on his nightstand. He opens it up periodically and looks at the inscription Lowell wrote for him: “The more I’m around you, the more impressed I am.”

“For somebody who is that accomplished to give me those words, that just does nothing but build your confidence in everything you do,” Guthrie said. “I think he really built

Lowell had many “Lowellisms” — Phrases he’d repeat over and over to get his point across.

Teach and share. Learning is the first step in an adventurous life. Lead from the front.

Words that have stuck with people who met him at different points of his life. Many are encapsulated in his book. How would he like to be remembered?

The way he’s being remembered right now, said Nancy and Ty.

Since his death, Nancy and Ty have read numerous stories of how Lowell impacted lives. Nancy’s kitchen countertop is lined with tupperware containers of food. Ty spent two nights in a row reading stories shared on social media, only lasting about 30 minutes each time before he’s overwhelmed.

“It takes some of the pain away,” Ty said.

The Persises said they’re devastated at losing Lowell. Their families have been intertwined for decades. His loss creates a huge gap, Susan said.

“It’s just going to be different without Lowell,” Susan said. “He put a special touch on everything we did.”

Lowell having a “beautiful blend of power and warmth” will be his epitaph on his mausoleum crypt.

Nancy said the phrase is a testament to his leadership skills and ability to motivate people to action, and correct them if needed, in a way that was both strong and loving.

“That was the power that I saw in Lowell,” she said. “He took the time to lead and was the greatest cheerleader you could ever have in business or in life.”

The words also introduce his book, as quoted by Lowell: “Have a tremendous blend of power and warmth. It’s the perfect combination in business.”

The Lohman family will host a closed-casket visitation at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6. His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1. Following the service, the Lohman family invites the community to join in procession to the Lohman Private Estate at Daytona Memorial Park for his entombment service and a special toast to Lowell and Victor Lohman, two legendary cemeterians. Memorial donations can be made to the Halifax Health Lohman Diabetes Center, MOAS Lohman Planetarium, and the Halifax Humane Society.

Lowell and Nancy Lohman during a 2023 trip to Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

Lowell Lohman celebrates winning the national flag football championship in 1982. Courtesy photos

Ty and Lowell Lohman. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

City to seek $1.375M in state funds

Ormond to apply for state appropriations for two water quality projects. What about stormwater needs?

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Water quality is top of mind when it comes to the city of Ormond Beach’s requests for state funding in 2026 — but is there a shovel-ready stormwater project that could be added to the list?

The Ormond Beach City Commission unanimously approved its legislative action agenda at its meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The city is planning to ask the state for $1.375 million to fund two water quality and resiliency capital projects: $750,000 for a new 16-inch reclaimed water main across the Halifax River, estimated to cost a total of $2.9 million; and $625,000 for a new sanitary sewer force main crossing near Granada Boulevard, to cost a total of $2.55 million.

“We were advised to not really go too far at this legislative session,” Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley said. “I think that they’re going to be pretty lean and mean. We would really like to focus on what we can have a good chance at getting.”

According to a city staff report, the reclaimed water main project would add a second crossing connecting the beachside to the mainland reclaimed water facility, addressing customer concerns of reduced delivery pressures as reclaimed water has increased in demand on the beachside. The project would also allow future expansion of reclaim water to

600 properties in the south peninsula.

The sewer force main crossing would replace the existing one, which was installed in 1981 and is now at the end of its intended service life, the city staff report states.

The legislative action agenda item was requested to be pulled from the meeting’s consent agenda by Mayor Jason Leslie, who asked city staff if there were any flood mitigation projects the city could add to the list.

A few minutes earlier, commissioners had heard from two citizens who live on Cumberland Avenue who are experiencing significant flooding and stormwater drainage issues. The Cumberland neighborhood is identified as a problem area in the city’s 2023 stormwater master plan, which identified some possible mitigation projects.

Commissioner Travis Sargent suggested the city move those projects up the priority list.

“This needs to be a top priority to get this whole area ... a resolution sooner than later,” he said.

Finley said the city is working to get those projects to be shovel-ready.

“Having things ready to begin construction gets us a long way to get the money,” Finley said. “That’s our goal right now is to get there. This area was developed in the ‘60s, early ’70s. A lot of the pipes that we’re finding in there ... they aren’t ones that our code today would allow, so we need to get those replaced.”

Then, he added, there’s the tidal issue due to nearby waterways.

Finley said the city is working with Volusia County’s Transform386 program to obtain funding for a stormwater project. The county

“We were advised to not really go too far at this legislative session. I think that they’re going to be pretty lean and mean.”

SHAWN FINLEY, assistant city manager

was allocated $328.9 million for Hurricane Ian and $133.5 million for Hurricane Milton for disaster recovery from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Commissioner Harold Briley said that, in his discussion with a couple of legislators, the expectation is that the upcoming session will be more stringent than 2025’s — for which the city received $350,000 for its “Miracle Field” for its special needs population. A $500,000 request for a stormwater analysis project — for a 500-acre neighborhood with homes developed before 1970 — was vetoed.

“They said we’ll be lucky to see this much money this year from Tallahassee,” Briley said.

Sargent said he knows the state budget will be tight — but that if he were a citizen in the audience, it would feel like an excuse to delay addressing the issue.

“I think it’s time for us to step in and really get a resolution to this area, whether it’s dredging, whatever it may be,” he said. “We need a resolution and we need to probably fast-track it so maybe it can get added into this legislative year.”

Finley said staff would bring the commission some options for additional legislative asks before the week is over.

Off-beach parking revenue is up

ParkVolusia is bringing in $3.8M in off-beach parking revenue — more than the county forecasted.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County’s off-beach parking revenue for fiscal year 2025 is coming in higher than staff anticipated this summer. Earlier this year in June, county staff reported to the Volusia County Council that ParkVolusia, the new offbeach paid parking program launched Jan. 1, was forecasted to generate around $2.9 million in revenue. This was a significant decrease from the projected $7.1 million of revenue staff had originally budgeted with, a figure that was based off a consultant’s estimate.

However, revenues for fiscal year 2025 are coming in

at almost $3.8 million, with an additional $6.8 million in revenue from on-beach parking, for a total of almost $10 million. Bartlett said at the County Council’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 4, that the figure represents a 67% increase in net revenue over last fiscal year.

“We’re looking at a $1.4 million increase in the net revenue,” Bartlett said. “That’s after all our costs, versus the previous fiscal year.”

The ParkVolusia program charges visitors $20 a day, or $100 a year, to park in offbeach lots. Residents and handicap parking permit holders are able to park at no extra cost.

According to the county, a total of 465,610 individual entries, or cars in the lots, have been recognized by the ParkVolusia license plate reader automation program. Of those, 133,868 paid for a daily parking pass.

The county also reported 44,754 valid citations issued;

a total of 5,080 were deemed invalid due to an error.

Staff was seeking direction from the council on whether to continue to allow residents to be eligible for a free on-beach parking annual pass beyond Jan. 31; continue waiving citations and fees for unregistered residents who later registered for ParkVolusia; allow payment plans for citations; continue with cash sales for some on-beach and inlet parks; and implement automatic annual pass renewals with a re-verification interval period. Volusia County Councilman Troy Kent made a motion to direct staff to do all of these, identifying a threeyear re-verification period for resident pass renewals. His motion passed unanimously.

“Implementing a new program is not easy, and I’m appreciative of not only staff, but our vendor for working through those kinks that we had,” Kent said.

ParkVolusia was launched on Jan. 1 and charges visitors $20 a day to park in off-beach lots. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Aura Aero celebrates new Daytona headquarters

The company hosted a ribbon-cutting for its 11,000-square-foot facility at EmbryRiddle’s Research Park.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING

EDITOR

French aircraft design and manufacturing company Aura Aero celebrated the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Daytona Beach on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

The headquarters and production site occupy an 11,000-square-foot facility at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Research Park. This marks the first of two Florida production sites for the company. The Daytona Beach campus will host the North American Delivery and Customer Support Center for its INTEGRAL program, with the initial production line building two-seater, aerobatic-capable training aircraft, a press release stated.

Wednesday’s celebration was a show of Aura Aero’s commitment to “innovation, sustainability and the strong transatlantic partners between France and the United States,” said Drew McEwen, chief commercial officer for Aura Aero.

“Daytona Beach offers something truly unique,” McEwen said. “A community where education, research and industry converge. Between Embry-Riddle’s world-renowned aeronauti-

cal programs, Space Florida’s investment in innovations and the state’s support for advanced manufacturing, this region is ideal for our home and our next chapter.”

It’s not just an investment in technology, McEwen added.

“It’s also an investment in the people, in the community and in the belief that the future of sustainable flight can be built on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Aura Aero was founded in 2018 and is based at France’s Toulouse-Francazal airport. It employs about 250 people.

The company aims to create over 1,000 jobs in the Daytona Beach area at its new campus.

“Florida has long been a leader in aeronautics and space, and the technical expertise of its workforce is a tremendous asset in asserting our leadership in the electric and hybrid-electric aviation sectors,” said Jérémy Caussade, president and cofounder of Aura Aero. “The State of Florida, Space Florida and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have always believed in us and supported us from the beginning in this project, which is now coming to fruition.”

Crossing the Atlantic was a defining step for Aura Aero, said Chief of Staff Antoine Blin. Daytona Beach was the right choice, he said, crediting the presence of the existing aeronautical industry and business community.

“So today we’re celebrating more than just a building,” Blin said. “We’re celebrating a community that made the success possible and helped lay the foundation for a promising future.”

According to the company’s press release, Aura Aero plans

to open a 500,000-squarefoot assembly line in 2028 for its 19-seater aircraft ERA, aiming to be the first in the world to manufacture a hybrid-electric regional aircraft.

Philanthropist and businessman J. Hyatt Brown, chair of the CEO Business Alliance, said that his first meeting with Aura Aero executives lasted about two hours.

“I came to realize that these guys are for real,” Brown said. “Not only are they for real, but they bring to us in this county another level of economic development.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by local elected officials and community leaders, including

“There are a lot of different parts to the future of aviation and aerospace,” Butler said. “Most of them are somewhere in this Research Park.”

Aura Aero is “just one more piece to that puzzle,” he said.

Florida Rep. Bill Partington, State Sen. Tom Wright, Volusia County Councilmen Matt Reinhart and Jake Johansson and ERAU President P. Barry Butler, who said that ceremony attendees were looking at the future of aviation.

As the university gears up to celebrate its 100th anniversary, Butler said the milestone gives them a chance to examine the past and plan for what comes next.

Teachers to get a raise

An agreement between VCS and the union includes a 2% cost-of-living increase.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Volusia County Schools and the Volusia United Educators Instructional union have struck a deal regarding salaries — one that will raise the base teacher pay to $50,000 a year.

The agreement, which will need to be ratified by the Volusia County School Board, also includes a 0.65% salary increase through state-funded Teacher Salary Increase Allocation dollars, two days of paid bereavement leave and an increase of $2 in the retention supplement multiplier for each year of service.

And, a 2% cost-of-living adjustment for instructional staff that have worked for VCS for at least one year.

“Our employees — every single one of them — matter to us,” Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said in a press release. “They are at the heart of everything we do in Volusia County, and we will always do what’s best for our teachers. We are proud that this agreement reflects our efforts to address key areas, including raising the salary for starting teachers and increasing retention pay for mid-year and veteran teachers as they continue to make a lasting impact in our classrooms.”

Previously, the district had proposed a 1.5% cost-of-living increase, which triggered a declaration of an impasse and led VUE to hold a demonstration outside of the district offices on Oct. 14. VUE was initially seeking a 4% increase.

“We have shown once again that when we put our collective effort and energy into something, we will win,” VUE President Elizabeth Albert said in a written update announcing the bargaining agreement. “The declaration of impasse was just one more hurdle that the district put in our path, but we have overcome this challenge and have shown district leaders, parents, community members, and potential members, that we are powerful, united, and determined.”

According to the district’s press release, under the agreement, qualifying teachers will also receive the following pay supplements: • Annual retention supplement ranging from $375 to over $5,000 for teachers with five or more years of experience based on the number of years they have been in VCS • Annual longevity supplement ranging from $100 to $1,500 for teachers with 11 or more years of experience. In her announcement, Albert said that while the deal reached is better than where they started, “it is not the end.”

“We cannot allow the momentum from bargaining to fade away,” she said. “We have work that must be done to improve our working conditions and workload.”

The Volusia County Schools DeLand Administrative Complex. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Aura Aero executives and local elected officials and business leaders cut the ribbon on Wednesday, Oct. 29, for the company’s new facility in Daytona Beach. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Stephen Fiegel and Mike Goulian fly the INTEGRAL R - MSN003 aircraft over Daytona Beach. Photo courtesy of James Darcy

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President P. Barry Butler.

Business leaders and elected officials attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Drew McEwen, chief commercial officer for Aura Aero.

Veteran: ‘It made me a good person’

Military Officers Association of America

Halifax Area will host a Veterans Day ceremony in Daytona Beach on Nov. 11.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Retired Lt. Col. Arnold Leeks is proud that he served his country.

A veteran of the National Guard, Leeks dedicated almost 40 years to the military. He learned a lot, he said. It made him a more rounded person.

“I love my country,” Leeks said. “When you put that uniform on and you walk out there and people are thanking you for your service, it’s a good feeling.”

Leeks is one of the veterans part of the Military Officers Association of America Halifax Area Chapter, who in conjunction with the Volusia County Veterans Council, will host a Veterans Day Ceremony at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11, at Veterans Memorial Plaza, located at 125 E. Orange Ave.

This is the first time this ceremony will be held. Vietnam Veteran Skip Keating, of Ormond Beach, spearheaded the program, which will feature two speakers: Marine Corps veteran Sgt. Matthew Welch, an Ormond Beach native who was stationed in the Persian Gulf and Somalia; and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Don Felt, of Daytona Beach, who served for 30 years.

Keating, who served in the Army, said they wanted to specifically recognize sergeants.

“The guys who really put in the effort, the guys that do all the work, day in and day out, are sergeants,” Keating said.

Keating spent 27 years in the military, serving overseas in Vietnam, Germany and Korea, as well as stateside at Fort Sill, Fort Benning, Fort Bragg and Fort Jackson, mostly as a field artillery officer.

He said he wants the community to honor veterans.

“Veterans stand proud of the community,” he said. “Please don’t forget about them. They enrich the community.”

MOAA’s mission is to support veterans and their families through active engagement at the local, state and national levels through advocating for legislative priorities and protecting benefits for veterans and their spouses.

One of the local efforts for the Halifax Chapter is visiting the Emory L. Bennett Memorial Veterans Nursing Home for bagels and bingo once a month.

Leeks, who worked with Keating while in the service, recently took part in that for the first time.

“We served them coffee and bagels and they played bingo,” Leeks said. “We did this for about an hour, and I felt really good walking out the door after doing that this [Monday] morning.”

Leeks first came to Volusia County shortly after completing basic and advanced training for the Florida Army National Guard in 1977. He enrolled in Bethune-Cookman University, then called Bethune-Cookman College, all the while remaining part of the National Guard.

He was part of an infantry unit for six years and then later was accepted into the Florida Officer Candidate School.

In 1983, he served as a second lieutenant in the Florida Army National Guard as a medical services corps officer. In the years that followed, Leeks was involved with Hurricane Andrew relief efforts in South Florida, treating over 450 people in one month. From there, he was promoted to first lieutenant and later to captain.

During this period, he was also working as a public relations specialist for Florida Power and Light.

For two years, Leeks served as the aide-de-camp to the adjutant general for the Florida National Guard. Once that concluded, he decided he wanted to work in the National Guard full time. So, that’s what he did.

“I’m very fortunate,” Leeks said. “Opportunities just came upon me, and I made the right the decisions at the time with the help of my wife, Dorcas Leeks.”

Leeks worked in the Nation-

al Guard for the next 18 years, during which he was deployed to Iraq for a year.

“I was commander of that unit, took them overseas and brought all of my soldiers back from overseas,” Leeks said. He then was selected to become the deputy state surgeon for the Florida Army National Guard. He fulfilled that role for seven years and then spent a couple more as a state mobilization officer. That’s when he was deployed for another tour, this time to Afghanistan as a senior medical operations officer. Leeks fell ill with Legionnaires’ disease and had to be returned to the U.S. in 2016. Following his recovery, he spent another year in the military before retiring and taking a job at the Pentagon, where he worked for eight years until retiring last April and moving back to Volusia County, to the city of Port Orange.

As he reflects on his service, Leeks said he enjoyed his work — and that Veterans Day is an important day to honor all those who served.

“I think the military was the right move for me, because it was a structured organization,” Leeks said. “... You have to do things right because a lot of things that you do in the military relies on your knowledge, and it could be life or death for not only you, but for your fellow soldiers as well. So it rounded me out. It made me a good person.”

National Guard veteran Arnold Leeks is recognized during his retirement ceremony at Fort Myers in April. Courtesy photo

After graduating from BethuneCookman University in 1982, Arnold Leeks continued to serve in the National Guard.

Vietnam vet Skip Keating served 27 years in the U.S. Army.

‘Borinqueneer’ Arce honored for service in Korean War

‘Ambassador for Peace’ was the third medal, Arce, a veteran of the 65th Infantry Regiment, received. Arce is 93 years old.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

South Korea began giving out Ambassador for Peace medals in 1975 to veterans of UN coalition nations who fought in the Korean War.

Luciano Arce received his on Monday, Nov. 3, at the Flagler Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Bunnell. Arce, who recently celebrated his 93rd birthday, received the medal in front of family and friends in a ceremony led by Army veteran Angel Cordero. “It is a great honor and pleasure to express the everlasting gratitude of the Republic of Korea and our people for the service you and your countrymen have performed in restoring and preserving our freedom and democracy,” Cordero read from South Korea’s proclamation. “We cherish in our hearts, the memory of your boundless sacrifices in helping us reestablish our free nation. With

YOUR TOWN

Veteran Spotlight:

Charlie Miller

Branch of Military: United States Marine Corps.

Dates of Service: 1951–1954

Rank / Occupation: Corporal, Field Radio Operator

Hometown: Williston Park, N.Y.

Charlie Miller enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1951 during the Korean War. Charlie became a field radio operator in the Marine Corps. Upon completion of his training, he was deployed to Korea in February 1952, to serve with the 2nd Amphibian Tractor Battalion.

As a field radio operator, he was responsible for operating and maintaining radio communication systems. This role is critical for ensuring command and control during operations and requires a strong understanding of radio operations and radio technology. After returning from Korea, Charlie was assigned to instruct NATO forces in forward observer and gunfire tactics in the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged in 1954.

While in the Marine Corps,

grateful recognition of your dedicated contributions, it is our privilege to proclaim you an Ambassador for Peace.”

Cordero handed the medal to Arce, and tears came to Arce’s eyes. Arce would not have been able to travel to receive the medal because he is ill and currently on dialysis, his daughter, Ivey (pronounced Evie) Rodriguez said. “We are so proud of him,

he earned the Korean Service Medal with three stars, United Nations Service Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

Charlie had a career with IBM. He was heavily involved in the introduction of computers to workforce. He was in charge of data management and also program managing. He spent time in various parts of the U.S. as well as Europe. Charlie earned his bachelor of science degree while working for IBM. After retiring, he lectured in computer science at Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Charlie received a “50th Anniversary Of The Korean War” medal from the President of the Republic of South Korea in a special ceremony in 2000.

South Korea was offering its gratitude for the U.S veterans that helped the country maintain its democracy.

Charlie is a member of the 1st Sgt. Burdette W. Loucks Jr. Marine Corps League, Detachment 876. He will be the speaker at the Marine Corps Ball in Flagler County on Nov. 8. The U.S. Marine Corps is celebrating its 250th birthday this year.

Charlie has three daughters: Maureen, Kathleen and Geraldine. He and his wife Winnie live in the Flagler County portion of Plantation Bay.

and this is such a great honor, and we couldn’t be happier,” Rodriguez said. “I’m so happy that he’s still around (to receive it).”

Naomi Figueroa Soulet, who produced and directed the 2007 PBS documentary, “The Borinqueneers,” made the celebration possible. Arce, who was born in Puerto Rico, was a member of the 65th Infantry Regiment,

the only Hispanic-segregated unit in the history of the U.S. Army. The regiment, made up almost entirely of Puerto Ricans, was known as the Borinqueneers.

Figueroa Soulet, who lives in Poinciana in Kissimmee, Florida, has a database of soldiers who served in the 65th during the Korean War.

“I have a friend in New York, who’s involved with this sub-

ject matter, and he was going to the Korean Embassy to pick up two of the Ambassador for Peace medals for somebody else,” Figueroa Soulet said.

“So, he said, ‘Do you have any that you need?’ So, I started calling, and I found three from Florida.”

Cordero, who served in the Army for 21 years, recently moved to Palm Coast. He has been working with Figueroa Soulet for 25 years, assisting her in her projects and presentations.

“When she found out that Luciano Arce lived here, she called me up and asked if I would come and join in the presentation,” Cordero said.

Arce has also received two other medals for his service.

He received Bronze Star Medal for saving a sergeant’s life who was wounded in Korea, Rodriguez said.

“My father said they were ambushed, and when the sergeant got wounded and they had to escape from that area, my father picked him up, put him on his back and ran from the chaos that was happening and was able to rescue him.

And (the sergeant) was treated by the medics at the airport.”

Arce also received a Congressional Gold Medal in Orlando a few years ago, his daughter said.

“He never talked about the war until recently. He recalls the things that he went through, and he’s very proud of his service,” Rodriguez said. Figueroa Soulet, who has also written books about the Puerto Rican regiment, estimates that there were 16,000 Borinqueneers, which includes replacements who served in Korea during the 1950-1953 war. She is planning a Facebook Live event for 6 p.m. Nov. 13, profiling generations who served in the unit, beginning in 1899, when the U.S. took over Puerto Rico.

WHERE COTTON GROWS, SHADOWS LINGER

The Sound of the Whippoorwill is a moving memoir set in the postWWII deep south. It narrates the struggles of a fourth-generation white family on a cotton farm, wrestling with hard labor, mental illness, and child abuse. The narrative also explores the complex racial dynamics between the family and their black farm workers, delineating the stark inequities of a racially segregated society. A poignant exploration of resilience and the human spirit, it offers a profound reflection on cultural and social issues.

Angel Cordero reads the proclamation from South Korea honoring Luciano Arce with an Ambassador of Peace medal. Marine Corps veteran Jeff Kingdon is in the background. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Luciano Arce is overcome with emotion after receiving the Ambassador of Peace medal.

Korean War veteran Charlie Miller will be the speaker at the Marine Corps Ball in Flagler County on Nov. 8. Courtesy photo

OBPD honors Gale Lemerand and police foundation for continued support

Lemerand was one of the first to show significant support to the Ormond Beach Police Foundation.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

In recognition of over $130,000 in donations, the Ormond Beach Police Department honored the Ormond Beach Police Foundation and local entrepreneur and philanthropist L. Gale Lemerand during a ceremony on Monday, Nov. 3. Established in 2020, the foundation’s donations to OBPD have aided in funding training for officers, as well as

new equipment such as ballistic shields, drones, fingerprint scanners and pepperball launchers. It was founded by three former Ormond Beach mayors — Fred Costello, Carl Persis and Ed Kelley — and former City Commissioner Dwight Selby during the beginnings of the nationwide demands to “defund the police.”

Lemerand was one of the first people to show significant support to OBPF, said Selby, who serves as president of the foundation.

“The city has been exemplary in its support of police, but we said there are other things that can be done and should be done that really are beyond what would typically be found in a city budget,” Selby said.

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said Lemerand’s contributions to the foundation have helped OBPD in three areas: education and training, technology, and mental health and wellness.

Godfrey said the latter has been the most critical, and includes initiatives like the department’s Compassion Fund, which enables officers to lend a helping hand to people in the community as well as families of fallen officers, as was the case with the late Officer Michael Bakaysa; thanks to the foundation, his wife received a $5,000 donation.

The Compassion Fund, Godfrey explained, came from hearing about officers putting forth their own money to help others in need, like a family

who ran out of gas money or an individual in need of a hotel room for the night.

“As a police chief, those are the stories I love to tell about the men and women that work

here,” Godfrey said.

Most recently, the OBPF helped the department purchase a new golf cart, which will be used for community outreach events.

Lemerand said he was honored to be recognized.

“I do support the police and I’m willing to do everything I can to show that I support the police department,” he said.

Donations needed: Halifax Urban Ministries’ pantries are running low

As community need for food increases, HUM’s pantry shelves are running empty.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Halifax Urban Ministries needs help, Executive Director Roy Young said. Since the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1, HUM, located in Daytona Beach, has seen an uptick in the number of people coming to them for food donations and meals than is typical. More alarming, Young said, is that the pantry shelves are running empty.

“Usually they’re full, so the number of donations we’ve been receiving is down, and

the need is up,” he said. Young said HUM is asking for more food donations from individuals, businesses and local churches to support the community HUM feeds.

Halifax Urban Ministries operates two homeless shelters in Volusia, prepares 350 hot meals a day to low income people in the community and supplies five different pantries with groceries, Young said. In 2024, HUM delivered 125,000 prepared meals and 200,000 tons of groceries. HUM feeds “a substantial number” of people in the community, he said. And with federal SNAP, or food stamps, benefits running out of funding for November, Young said “the need is going to increase substantially.”

In October, the Trump administration warned fund-

ing for SNAP benefits would run out on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown. But two federal judges ruled on Oct. 31 that freezing funding for the program was “unlawful,” according to an NPR news article.

In response to the ruling, the administration announced it will only pay out half the amount of SNAP benefits because of a lack of funding.

According to FLHealthCharts.gov, in 2023, 7.9% of all households in Flagler County received SNAP benefits, while 13.1% of households in Volusia County received them.

In 2025 in Volusia County, 81,850 people — or 14.4% of Volusia County — are food insecure, according to data from Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, which serves the Volusia County area

and six other counties.

Young said he thinks the slow decline in donations can be attributed to the general economy and cost of living increases. Since the shutdown began, he said they have been keeping a close eye on their food stores in the pantries. But at a month in, the situation is concerning.

Food insecurity has direct ties to homelessness, too, Young said, and the lack of SNAP benefits or other access to food could place those in HUM’s homeless prevention programs at risk again.

“What we know to be true, statistically,” Young said, “is that if you are food insecure, if you need to decide whether or not you’re going to pay rent or you’re going to buy food for your family, that’s the first step towards homelessness.”

HUM’s homeless prevention team is concerned there will be an uptick in claims over the next few months as people will not be able to afford their rent because they have to pay more toward food, he said.

HUM’s two homeless shelters are already serving around 150 people between them. Barracks of Hope, which helps veterans, currently has 25 veterans on its campus and at Hope Place, which serves families, there are 125 people. In the community, Young said there are also a few hundred families HUM has helped place in homes through its programs that HUM’s volunteers follow up with.

With the limited housing space available, Young said, “trying to keep people in their housing is really the mission right now by making food available.”

“It takes nothing to get back into a hole,” Young said. “It happens quickly. Families are living paycheck to paycheck, so if all of a sudden your food assistance is gone, it’s only a matter of time until you’re unable to pay your rent or your mortgage.”

HUM typically receives its food donations from churches in the Daytona area and faithbased organizations and has typically been well supported in the past. On Nov. 6, HUM is receiving 850 boxes of food from Volusia County through Second Harvest Food Bank. But there is always a need, Young said.

“The number one line item in my budget every year is still the purchasing of food,” he said. “There’s never enough. As it comes in, we give it out.”

Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, OBPF Dwight Selby, OBFD founder and former mayor Carl Persis, Jill Simpkins, L. Gale Lemerand and OBFD founder and former mayor Ed Kelley. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

When heroes retire, who protects them?

Health care should be included for first responders who retire in their 50s.

CHARLES GAMBARO CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Last month, I met a retired Volusia County firefighter who spent 28 years running into burning buildings. He told me something that breaks my heart: At 54, he’s working night shifts at a warehouse, not because he wants to, but because he needs health insurance. His pension doesn’t start covering health care until he’s 65. That’s an 11-year gap where this hero has to choose between medical care and

making ends meet. This isn’t just his story. It’s the story of thousands of Florida’s retired police officers, firefighters and paramedics who served their communities until their bodies couldn’t take it anymore. We send them home with a thank you and a pension, then leave them stranded in what I call the “retirement health care desert,” that brutal stretch between career’s end and Medicare eligibility. Here’s what really gets me. We already solved this problem for our military veterans. They get care. And they absolutely deserve it, I’m not suggesting otherwise. But why do we treat the cop who’s been shot at in Daytona Beach differently than the soldier who served in Kandahar? Both wore uniforms. Both took an oath. Both sacrificed for us.

A PROBLEM CONGRESS CAN SOLVE NOW

In Washington, everything is partisan these days. But

supporting first responders? That’s not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It’s an American issue. Senators from both parties have introduced legislation allowing retired first responders to buy into Medicare starting at age 50. Not a handout. A buy-in. They’d pay premiums just like anyone else, with help from tax credits, and employer contributions. This works because Medicare already exists. We’re not building something new; we’re just opening the door a little earlier for people who’ve earned it. Compare that to trying to expand military health care systems to millions of civilians, which would cost nearly double and create administrative chaos. Congress could also boost the current $3,000 annual tax break for retired first responders to buy health insurance, perhaps taking it to $12,000 or $15,000. That’s real money that helps real families. Or we could create a federal backstop protect-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

New big-box store would exacerbate traffic on SR 100

Dear Editor: I would just like to share my insights on the proposed big-box retail store along State Road 100.

I agree with Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri regarding the negative impact on traffic and safety along S.R. 100 that this proposal will bring about.

I believe people who want to shop at BJ’s, exercise at Planet Fitness or eat out at

FOCUS ON FAITH

Prince of Peace Catholic Church celebrates Day of the Dead

Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach recently celebrated All Souls Day in connection with the Day of Dead celebrations, in remembrance of all those lost throughout this last year.

“All Souls Day can be a beautiful way to remember one’s loved ones who have died, such as sharing memories, looking at photographs, praying, and singing,” the church posted on Facebook, citing an ABC news article. United Methodist of Palm Coast hosts fundraiser

On Nov. 15 from 4-6 p.m., the United Methodist Christian School in Palm Coast will host its second annual Little Picasso Art Show Fundraiser.

The Facebook post states that patrons will “experience the amazing artwork created by our talented young artists. You won’t want to miss this colorful showcase of imagina-

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

tion, expression, and Godgiven creativity”.

Tomoka Christian seeks help

To prepare for an increase of those in need of food due to the ongoing government shutdown, Tomoka Christian Church of Ormond Beach is seeking donations for its food pantry.

“You can help make a difference by donating non-perishable food or giving financially,” the church stated on Facebook. “Every can, every dollar, and every act of kindness helps. Together, let’s show our community what it means to love our neighbors well!”

The church is seeking donations such as cereal, peanut butter, grape jelly, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned chicken and tuna, soup, applesauce, canned beans, pork and beans, mac and cheese and ramen noodles.

The food pantry is located at 1450 Hand Ave. in Ormond Beach and is open seven days a week.

LongHorn, Miller’s and the like will be disgruntled on the possible traffic congestion; not to mention the ambulances and other emergency vehicles having to navigate the congested S.R. 100 when going to AdventHealth or nearby urgent care centers.

ing local pension funds that still offer retiree health care, making it affordable for cities and counties to keep their promises.

WHAT THIS MEANS

FOR FLORIDA

Florida has over 75,000 law enforcement officers and firefighters. Many face mandatory retirement in their early 50s. In Flagler County alone, think about every deputy, every firefighter, every EMT who’s responded to your emergency. Now imagine them at 52, healthy enough to enjoy retirement but stuck paying $1,800 a month for private insurance. That’s $21,600 a year that is often half their pension. These aren’t numbers on a spreadsheet. These are our neighbors. The woman who delivered your baby when you couldn’t make it to the hospital in time. The officer who talked your kid out of making a terrible mistake. The firefighter who saved your dog from that house fire.

I think a better solution is to divert these future planned big-box stores and assign/ relocate them to U.S.1 where there are still vast areas of land for development. I had made this suggestion to put future big-box stores like IKEA, UNIQLO, etc. along the U.S.1 corridor, during my attendance at the Palm Coast Citizens Acad-

THE AMERICA I BELIEVE IN I’m running for Congress because I believe in an America that keeps its promises. An America where service means something beyond a handshake and a certificate. Where we don’t ask people to sacrifice their health protecting us, then abandon them when they need protection.

This is about dignity. It’s about gratitude, not just in words but in action. It’s about recognizing that the measure of our society isn’t just how we honor heroes when they’re on duty, it’s how we care for them when they’ve given everything they had to give.

When I get to Washington, I’m introducing legislation to give our first responders real health care security in retirement. Not because it’s easy or politically convenient, but because it’s right.

That’s not a Democratic value or a Republican value. That’s an American value.

And it’s worth fighting for.

Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro is running for the Florida District 6 seat in the U.S. House.

emy in November 2023. We hope that S.R. 100 will be limited to essential services only, if possible, in order to provide a smooth, easy and quick driving experience along this route.

CORINNA MARTINEZ Palm Coast

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Flagler County’s future: responding to growth

The Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum on Nov. 4.

BRIAN MCMILLAN

PUBLISHER

Flagler County is the fifthfastest growing county in Florida, with a projected population of 172,000 by 2030.

That was County Administrator Heidi Petito’s report to community leaders at the Flagler Future Forum, hosted Nov. 4 by the Palm CoastFlagler Regional Chamber of Commerce, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.

Growth — its opportunities and challenges — was the theme of many of the presentations by the administrators of Palm Coast, Flagler, Bunnell, the county, and Flagler Schools.

PALM COAST

Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston said Palm Coast is “a city on the rise.”

Over 83% of residents say they plan to stay here for the long term. In addition, $55 million has been committed for investment by the private sector — Google and DC Blox — in Town Center. The Promenade, a mixed-use $70 million complex, is set to open in Town Center in the summer of 2026.

Serenity Falls Mini Golf is also planned for Town Center, along with a mixed-use development on Bulldog Drive. And of course, “My family cannot wait for that Chick-fil-A to

open on State Road 100,” she said.

At the same time, there are signs of a slowing marking. Permitting activity is down 4%, “mirroring statewide trends,” Johnston said.

FLAGLER BEACH

The city of Flagler Beach has been celebrating its 100 year anniversary this year.

City Manager Dale Martin said the biggest project the city is working is the pier construction, for $15 million. After a delay due to turtle nests, it’s “back on track,” he said. Thanks to grants, “not a single local dollar” is being spent on the pier. It is anticipated to be completed by Dec. 31, 2026.

The new pier will be about 830 feet long and be 25 feet wide. There will also be more facilities at the A-frame building, alongside a new openair platform for events. The boardwalks will be elevated and repaired, thanks to a grant from Flagler County.

BUNNELL

Kristen Bates, city clerk, represented the city of Bunnell, which is Florida’s second largest city by land mass.

Among the recent highlights:

Flagler Central Commerce Parkway was completed and opened on Aug. 29, 2025, about 35 years after the need was first identified, Bates said.

The city also has created a performance-based incentive policy, leading to over $28 million in investments in

the city.

Among the developments on the horizon for Bunnell are U.S. 1 Park, Empire Mesa Industrial Park, and Tupelo Townhomes, which will add 308 housing units to Bunnell.

FLAGLER COUNTY

Petito is optimistic about the county’s economic future.

This year, the county created an Industrial Development Authority to offer tax-exempt bond financing, making it easier for businesses to relocate and/or expand in Flagler County. The Flagler Executive Airport has drawn attention around the state, Petito said. About 130 shovel-ready acres are available, she said.

Other highlights include the following:

The Flagler Eco-Discovery Center is being designed on State Road 100 between the airport and Flagler Beach.

The county has planned for $102 million for critical improvements to infrastructure.

The county has acquired 365 acres of conservation land, with another 3,819 acres under contract, for wildlife corridor and water quality concerns.

In the spring or summer of 2026, further beach and dune protection projects will begin.

Emergency response times have improved by 12% since 2023, Petito reported.

FLAGLER SCHOOLS

Moore said the district has one standard in decision making: “We have to first identify, ‘How does this impact our students?’”

There are 13,459 students in Flagler Schools, and 2,405 employees, she said. How can Flagler return to its status as an A-rated district? The main obstacle, Moore said, is that Flagler Schools needs to increase its college and career acceleration by 12%. But, she said, that data is not current.

“We already have that in the bag,” she said. “… We are well on our way not only to being an A, but staying an A.” She said kindergarten is where it all starts. “If we want to see grade 3 improve, we have to improve kindergarten readiness.”

About 75% of students who are unprepared for kindergarten “do not ever catch up,” she said. “We have to make sure they come into kindergarten ready to learn.”

The goal is not just graduation, either. She touted the schools’ emphasis on “Diploma plus,” meaning that every student should also be certified in something, or take advanced classes, to show that they are getting ready for the next stage of life. The certifications also help the local economy, she said: “They’re not just classes. They’re our local talent incubator.”

More than 1/3 of families in Flagler Schools have lived in this community for four years or fewer, said LaShakia Moore, superintendent of Flagler Schools. That means communications have to be targeted accordingly.

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Three Ormond schools recognized as Florida Schools of Excellence

Three Ormond Beach area schools have been recognized as 2024-2025 Florida Schools of Excellence by the Florida Department of Education. Pine Trail Elementary, Ormond Beach Elementary and Seabreeze High School were among six Volusia County Schools that earned the designation, which is awarded to schools performing in the top 20% statewide for sustained academic achievement over multiple years, according to a Facebook post by VCS. The schools are recognized for student performance and continuous improvement, and grants flexibility and autonomy to continue innovative practices, the district stated.

On Thursday, Oct. 30, Mainland High School transformed its parking lot into a festive Halloween celebration. Organized by CTE Teacher of the Year Gina Colubiale, the event featured decorated car trunks from various school clubs, interactive activities, and face-painting stations. Attendees also enjoyed a lineup of food trucks, including The Pony Bar, Double Dipping, Bone of My Bone and Southern State of Mind.

–SYDNEY TEVIN

“Congratulations to

A community fundraiser to support the Ormond Beach Golden Spikes youth baseball team for their trip to Cooperstown next summer will be held at the Iron Horse Saloon at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

The fundraiser is a kid-friendly bingo bash featuring family activities, prizes and games.

The Ormond Beach Spikes are hoping to raise about $60,000 to help send its 12U team of 13 boys to the annual tournament in Coooperstown, New York.

“It’s this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our boys to get to play at this amazing ball field and have this awesome experience,” said Michelle Weisman, a parent of an Ormond Beach

Spikes player. For some of the boys, this will be the first time being away from home. It’s a chance for them to form a bond, not just as a team, but as lifelong friends, Weisman said.

“This is something these kids are going to remember for the rest of their lives,” she said.

Factoring in travel expenses, it costs between $7,000 to $10,000 per player to go to Cooperstown. Whatever is left

over will roll over for the next group of Ormond Beach Spikes players to attend Cooperstown. The team has been fundraising for the past tear, selling banners for the fields and running the concession stands during all of the recreational baseball games.

Tuesday’s fundraiser will have prizes for all 10 bingo games, as well as a hula hoop contest, a limbo contest and a baseball trivia quiz.

Students sit in the courtyard at Seabreeze High School during the World Languages Festival. File photo by Michele Meyers

Kloee Ray and Kenzie Mouton pose together dressed as Alice and the Queen of Hearts from “Alice in Wonderland.”

Mike Bryant stands next to the Mainland High School mascot.

Photos by Sydney Tevin

Left: Kayne Howard and his dog Kona dress as Jason Voorhees from “Friday the 13th” and a witch. Below: Daytona Aquarium’s Ariana Carrasquillo and Leesa Hovius dress as a mermaid and a pirate. The Gathering Place’s Amy Armistead, Alexis Long and Macon Armistead celebrate Christmas in October.

Riley and Micheal Gilmore dress as mermaid and merman.

The Ormond Beach Golden Spikes 12U team. Courtesy photo

THURSDAY, NOV. 6

VETERANS DAY CELEBRATION & LUNCHEON

When: 12-2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Senior Center, 351 Andrews St., Ormond Beach

Details: The City of Ormond Beach will recognize veterans during this annual luncheon. Free for veterans. Guests are $7. Reserve tickets in person at the Ormond Beach Leisure Services Office at 399 N. U.S. 1. Call 386-676-3250.

FRIDAY, NOV. 7

CORNUCOPIA: A JOURNEY OF COLOR AND ABUNDANCE OPENING RECEPTION

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Starry Night Gallery, 230 S. Beach St. Daytona Beach

Details: See this curated showcase features a diverse collection of works by the Florida Women’s Arts Association, showcasing their unique styles interpreting color and abundance of the season. The exhibit runs through Nov. 23. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday to Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

‘TIL DEATH DO US PLUNDER’ MURDER MYSTERY FUNDRAISER DINNER

When: 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 7 and 8

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

Details: The Seawolf Privateers invites guests to witness a pirate wedding gone horribly wrong. Every guest is a suspect, every toast could be their last. Will they uncover the truth? Proceeds support foster children and displaced children. Tickets cost $60. Visit https://seawolfprivateers.org/fundraisers.

SATURDAY, NOV. 8

HOLIDAY BAZAAR

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Tomoka United Methodist Church, 1000 Old Tomoka Road, Ormond Beach

Details: The bazaar will feature a selection of fall, Christmas and year-round crafts, gifts, jewelry, books and plants. This year’s event will also include a themed gift basket raffle. Homemade lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Bake sale items will be available. Free admission.

FALL PLANT SALE

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Bailey Riverbridge Gardens meeting house, 1 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: The Seaside Herb Society is hosting its fall plant sale. For more information, call call Denny Lee Snyder at 443-497-0044. Visit seasideherbsociety.com.

ANNUAL HOLIDAY FAIR

When: 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

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

Details: Browse through holiday crafts, bakery items, jewelry and a rummage sale. There will an antique car show by Wheels in Motion. Free.

PALM COAST FALL ARTS

FESTIVAL

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

Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm

Coast Details: Join the Flagler County Cultural Council for a day of art, music and food. The festival will host regional artists and artisan crafters. Local musicians will provide entertainment. Festival is presented with the City of Palm Coast.

NATIVE PLANT PRESENTATION AND SALES

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond

Beach Details: Learn about native plants for birds and peruse the sale.

GREEN HERITAGE

NURSERY’S FIRST CHILI

COOK-OFF AND FALL MARKET

When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Green Heritage Nursery, 22 Bimini Lane, Bunnell

Details: Bring your best chili recipe, or your just appetite. There will be prizes for best traditional, spiciest and most creative chili, as well as vendors and artisans. Admission costs $5. Kids under 10 are free.

SECOND ANNUAL DAYTONA FOOD FEST & CRAFT FAIR

When: 12-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8; and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9

Where: Tanger Outlets, Daytona Beach, 1100 Cornerstone Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Attend this food festival where a la carte tasting menus are priced between $1-$5 per item. Enjoy a large variety of beverages, contests, entertainment and a craft fair marketplace. There will also be a free kid zone.

NATURE JOURNALING:

MANATEES

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave.

Details: This is a beginnerfriendly adult learning program that includes a presentation about manatees, drawing and writing activities. Bring your own journal if you have one; all materials will be provided. Call 386-610-0615.

BLANK SPACE: THE UNOFFICIAL TAYLOR SWIFT TRIBUTE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: Dancers, a live band and special effects come together to celebrate Taylor Swift’s greatest hits — from the ballads of “Fearless” to the chart-topping anthems of “1989,” to the storytelling magic of “Folklore” and “Evermore.” The one-night production is fronted by Olivia Moretti. Tickets cost $25 for students; $54-$70 for adults. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

MONDAY, NOV. 10

CHARITY GOLF

TOURNAMENT

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Grand Haven Golf Club, 500 Riverfront Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Golf for a cause and support the Cedar Bridge Foundation, benefitting individuals with exceptional needs and abilities. Tournament registration costs $160 per player; $600 for four players. Breakfast and lunch is included. Visit https://www. zeffy.com/ticketing/charitygolf-tournament.

OBPD’S NATIONAL NIGHT OUT When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Police Department for this family-friendly event featuring food trucks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, local vendors, police vehicles and music by DJ tremble. Free event.

TUESDAY, NOV. 11

FALL BIRD WALKS

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Environmental Discovery Center, 601 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Master Naturalist Joan Tague of the Halifax River Audubon for a casual bird walk along the trails of Central Park. Water, walking shoes and sunscreen recommended. Free event.

VETERANS DAY CEREMONY

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Veterans Memorial Plaza, 125 E. Orange Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: The Military Officers Association of America Halifax Area Chapter and the Vietnam Veterans of America invite the community to attend a ceremony to honor those who served, with special recognition of noncommissioned leaders across the services. This is also a Toys for Tots collection so attendees are invited to bring an unwrapped toy to benefit Volusia County children.

VETERANS DAY PARADE When: 10 a.m.

Where: Bunnell City Hall, 200 S. Church St. Bunnell, to Flagler County Courthouse, 1769 E Moody Blvd., Bunnell

Details: The City of Bunnell, Flagler County, City of Palm Coast, City of Flagler Beach, Town of Marineland, and Town of Beverly Beach invite residents to watch this Veterans Day parade, beginning at Bunnell City Hall and heading northeast on East Moody Boulevard to conclude at the Flagler County Courthouse. A ceremony will then take place in front of the Government Services Building. Visit flaglerveteransdayparade.com.

OMAM’S VETERANS DAY TRIBUTE

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum parking lot, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: OMAM will honor veterans with its annual tribute, featuring guest speaker Ormond Beach City Commissioner and Marine Corps veteran Travis Sargent. The tribute will include a performance by the Bombshell Sirens of Halifax Repertory Theatre, LPE Jazz Trio led by Louis Pettinelli, Dry Bar comedian Carmen Vallone and the Daytona Beach Choral Society. Free community event. VFW POST 8696

YOUR TOWN

Kids Rock the Nation’s free

Kids Rock the Nation will host a free Kids Showcase 4-8 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Daytona State College Flagler/Palm Coast Campus Amphitheater.

The event will feature the Buddy Taylor Middle School jazz band and three high school rock bands — Palm Coast’s SB3 and Ruju and New Smyrna Beach’s Busy Sky.

The event will include a food truck. Event sponsors include the City of Palm Coast, the Flagler County Cultural Council and Law Offices of Katz and Green, Anthony Wild, found of Kids Rock the Nation, said.

Kids Rock the Nation has donated thousands of instruments to schools and individuals locally and nationally since 2014, including all of the schools in Flagler County and over $100,000 in instruments to schools in Volusia County, Wild said.

The organization recently promoted Buddy Taylor Middle School with $4,000 worth of instruments with the Kiwanis Club sponsoring, Wild said.

Wild founded Kids Rock the Nation after surviving a long battle with cancer.

“It was payback for the

gift of life I received,” he said. “We feel music is healing. To be involved in something is positive, but not every kid is a Little League kid or a soccer kid. This is a different avenue they can take.”

DAR honors Strong with 30year membership certificate

The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently honored Elizabeth Strong with a 30-year membership certificate at the chapter’s October meeting. Strong served as regent of the chapter twice. The DAR chapter also welcomed a new member, Claudia Colvin.

ISEA Innovations 2025 exhibit honors local artists at OMAM

The Ormond Memorial Art Museum is hosting Innovations 2025, the Interna-

tional Society of Experimental Artists’ 34th annual juried exhibition.

A total of 96 artworks in all mediums and styles from ISEA members now fill the museum’s main galleries. According to a press release, “Innovations” is ISEA’s premier annual exhibition.

“Experimental artists from across the globe explore, learn, and apply new techniques, new compositional approaches, and new concepts to create,” the press release states. “Whether realistic or abstract, an innovative approach to making art is applied.”

The exhibition opened on Sept. 17 and 22 awards were given. Award winners included nine Florida artists, six of whom are based in Central Florida, with two from Ormond Beach.

The local winners were:

„ Nancy McElroy, Ormond Beach — Honorable mention

„ Christine Peloquin, New Smyrna Beach — Juror Award

„ Kathy O’Meara, New Smyrna Beach — Merit Award

„ Robert Shirk, Ormond Beach; and Lillian Verkins, Altamonte Springs — Merit Award

“The challenge in jurying this exhibition was that each submission embodied experimentation in a distinct way,” said Meghan Martin, juror and gallery director of Arts on Douglas. “Each work presented elements of innovation, insight, and exploration. To assemble an exhibition that collectively reflects its focus, I considered both the artwork and the artists’ statements, as well as the questions they raised. In the end, I made selections that best embody the ISEA’s commitment to creative thinking, imagination, and experimentation.”

The exhibition will be on display through Nov. 30. OMAM is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and 12-4 p.m. on Sundays. Admission is by donation.

Anthony Wild (second from right) with Buddy Taylor Middle School students who received new instruments last year.

Nancy McElroy, of Ormond Beach, with her piece, “Solo.”

Lillian Verkins, of Altamonte Springs, with the piece she made in collaboration with Ormond Beach resident Robert Shirk, “Red.” Courtesy photos

Elizabeth Strong and Regent Susan Demorsky.

REAL ESTATE

Breakaway Trails pool home sells for

$914K

Ahouse in Breakaway Trails at 19 Tomoka Cove Way was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week of Oct. 11-17. The house sold on Oct. 15, for $914,650. Built in 1996, the 4/3 has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,798 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $495,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ann Rustin Estates

The house at 159 Ann Rustin Drive sold on Oct. 15, for $525,000. Built in 1967, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,072 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $333,000.

Fleming Fitch

The house at 771 Arroyo Parkway sold on Oct. 14, for $487,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,168 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 1308 Mandan Lane sold on Oct. 14, for $527,500. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,958 square feet. It last sold in 20004 for $230,000.

The house at 1404 Newry Circle sold on Oct. 17, for $575,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,640 square feet.

New Britain

The townhome at 7 Bristol Lane sold on Oct. 15, for $281,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,360 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $245,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 808 S. Beach St. sold on Oct. 14, for $475,000. Built in 1952, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,470 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $432,000.

Ormond Lakes

The house at 26 Wild Fern Lane sold on Oct. 16, for $402,500. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,258

square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $218,300.

Royal Dunes

The house at 217 Royal Dunes Circle sold on Oct. 15, for $600,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a spa and 1,876 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $242,500.

Southern Pines

The house at 29 Chrysanthemum Drive sold on Oct. 16, for $382,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,940 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $223,900.

The Trails The townhome at 311 Timberline Trail sold on Oct. 16, for $257,225. Built in 1981, the

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

Grande Champion

The house at 1007 Morfontain St. sold on Oct. 16, for $383,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Latitude Margaritaville

The townhome at 304 Coral Reef Way sold on Oct. 14, for $425,000. Built in 2018, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,785 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $293,700.

The townhome at 1024 Sea Shell Court sold on Oct. 17, for $414,500. Built in 2019, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $255,800.

townhome is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,348 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $144,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Ormond Ocean Gardens The house at 36 Margaret Road sold on Oct. 13, for $325,000. Built in 1957, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,363 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $203,000.

Pelican Dunes The house at 111 Heron Dunes Drive sold on Oct. 15, for $542,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,638 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $545,900.

Rivocean The house at 45 Rivocean Drive sold on Oct. 17, for $400,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,026 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $399,000.

Seabridge South The house at 24 Sea Gull Drive sold on Oct. 15, for $447,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,500 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $380,000.

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

The house at 957 Attitude Ave. sold on Oct. 17, for $445,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,848 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $399,000.

Lennar at Preserve at LPGA The house at 2291 Green Valley St. sold on Oct. 14, for $345,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,487 square feet.

The house at 1207 Belle Isle Lane sold on Oct. 17, for $305,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,429 square feet.

The house at 597 Beach Bum Blvd. sold on Oct. 15, for $549,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,684 square feet.

ORMOND BEACH

A house in Palm Coast Plantation gets $1.1M

Ahouse at 97 S. Riverwalk Drive, in Palm Coast Plantation, was the top real estate transaction for Oct. 18-24 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Oct. 21, for $1,100,000. Built in 2012, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, a boat dock, a boat lift and 3,032 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $799,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FLAGLER BEACH

Atlanta Beach Subdivision

A house at 2706 South Daytona Ave., sold on Oct. 21, for $540,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,441 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $415,000.

Model Land Co

Subdivision

A house at 1335 North Daytona Ave., sold on Oct. 24, for $885,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,180 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $810,000.

PALM COAST

Cypress Knoll

A house at 20 Ethel Lane, sold on Oct. 24, for $305,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,859 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $175,900.

A house at 21 Egret Trail, sold

3/2 and has a pool and 1,587 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $216,000.

A house at 5 Eisenhower Place, sold on Oct. 22, for $405,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,598 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $235,000.

Hammock Beach

A house at 426 Bourganville Drive, sold on Oct. 24, for $805,718. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,350 square feet.

Indian Trails

A house at 24 Bishop Lane, sold on Oct. 24, for $414,900. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,208 square feet.

A house at 8 Laekside Place West, sold on Oct. 20, for $535,900. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,344 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $415,000.

A house at 37 Lancaster Lane,

sold on Oct. 24, for $335,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,654 square feet.

Palm Harbor A house at 14 Cottagegate Court, sold on Oct. 24, for $720,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat house and 1,921 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $720,100.

A house at 6 Cedardale Court, sold on Oct. 23, for $535,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock and 1,970 square feet.

Pine Lakes A house at 3 White Haven Lane, sold on Oct. 24, for $350,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,832 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $346,000.

A house at 1 Walton Place, sold on Oct. 22, for $329,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 annd has 2,033 square feet.

Sawmill Branch A house at 157 Greenwood Drive, sold on Oct. 24, for $379,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,033 square feet.

A house at 35 Sawdust Lane South, sold on Oct. 24, for $364,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,030 square feet.

A house at 8 Mill Wheel Court South, sold on Oct. 24, for $295,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,490 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

BIZ BUZZ

Mini golf breaking ground in 2026, in Palm Coast’s Town Center

Serenity Falls Mini Golf, a high-tech 18-hole miniature golf course, will soon become the newest attraction in Town Center. The locally owned small business is set to break ground early next year on just over two acres of land directly across from Epic Theatres.

Valued at more than $1 million, this project marks another significant investment in Palm Coast’s up-and-coming Town Center district. Designed with a tropical, park-like feel, Serenity Falls Mini Golf will feature lush natural landscaping, sparkling waterfalls, and Key West–inspired architecture.

The course will include small concessions serving snacks, beer, and wine, as well as a 30-by-20-foot pavilion for hosting birthday parties, graduations, and other celebrations.

The site plan includes a parking lot, with additional street parking available nearby.

The course will be ADA accessible and designed with minimal water and sewer use, incorporating reclaimed water for its scenic ponds.

Miniature Golf Solutions will oversee construction. Once open, hours of operation are expected to be 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

“This is exactly the kind of project we’ve envisioned for Town Center,” said Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri. “It’s something for all generations to enjoy and an example of how local entrepreneurship and thoughtful planning are coming together to bring our community’s vision to life. Seeing projects like Serenity Falls Mini Golf take shape shows that the

future we’ve been working toward in Palm Coast is becoming a reality.”

Steel Oak Coffee in Ormond Beach now open on Fridays

Steel Oak Coffee, a coffee roasted based in Ormond Beach, is extending its roastery’s public hours.

In addition from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays, the roastery is now open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays. The expanded access comes after two of its small-lot coffees — Worka Sakaro, from Ethiopia, and El Oasis, from Colombia — each received 93-point scores during a blind tasting by independent reviewers at CoffeeReview.com, according to a press release.

“We’re excited to see two of our coffees recognized among the top tier by CoffeeReview. com,” said Carl Dupper, CEO and co-founder of Steel Oak. “Worka Sakaro and El Oasis come from small farms, and we roast them to highlight their natural complexity. Opening on Fridays lets more of our neighbors experience these coffees fresh off the roaster and gives us another day to connect with our incredible community.”

The roastery is located at 187 S. Yonge St. Customers can pick up beans, taste limitedrelease drinks and learn about

Wire 3 completes construction in Volusia County

Wire 3, a Florida-based fiber internet provider, recently announced that construction is complete in its initial service areas throughout Volusia County. After two years of construction, the company is now serving Ormond Beach, Ormondby-the-Sea, Daytona Beach, Edgewater, Holly Hill and New Smyrna Beach, a result of its privately funded $50 million starting investment, according to a press release.

“By fully completing initial plans for Volusia County, we have equipped six communities and countless Floridians with access to a future-proof network that will prepare them for the online needs of the future,” said Jai Ramachandran, CEO of Wire 3. “Through our continued expansions, we look forward to lighting up more areas throughout the Sunshine State.” Wire 3 offers up to 10 gigabits per second, the press release states. Future expansion plans include Deltona and DeLand through an additional $60 million investment. Send business news to brent@observerlocalnews.com.

A new mini golf attraction is planned near Epic Theatres in Palm Coast’s Town Center. Photo by Anna Tarazevich/Pexels

SPORTS

Quick start

Mainland dominates Seabreeze in crosstown rivalry matchup.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland stuck another feather in its swashbuckling hat with a 41-6 win over Seabreeze in the last game of the season on Halloween night, Oct. 31. The Sandcrabs hosted their longtime rivals who thanked them by winning for the 15th year straight at Daytona Stadium.

Mainland (7-2) was ranked No. 1 in Region 1-5A heading into the playoffs. Seabreeze finished the season at 5-5.

“For 103 years, this game has been played — now there have been some years missed but it’s a 103-year-old rivalry, one of the best rivalries in the southeast and so it’s passion

all the way around,” Mainland coach Jerrime “Squatty” Bellysaid. “You go to a car dealership, they choose one side, we choose the other side. It is what it is. That’s MainlandSeabreeze.”

Seabreeze head coach Mike Klein said he was hoping to make it a tight game this year but Mainland came out and played a great game.

“For us to have a great shot to win this one, we had to play a really good one,” he said. “We had to take care of a few things and we just weren’t able to do some of that tonight. They’re the better football team and hats off to them. That’s a very talented, good football team.”

Throughout the season, Bell said he has been lecturing his players to start faster. He said they finally executed against Seabreeze.

“Kids on both sides of the ball made all type of plays,” he said. “We wanted to come in and get the game over as soon as possible, so we

could get out healthy for the playoffs. No disrespect to them, but we knew we’re a better team and we wanted to make sure we played a clean, efficient game.”

Senior receiver Christian Cooper rushed for a 3-yard touchdown minutes into the game which set a precedent for the rest of the first quarter.

The Bucs’ defense pressured the Sandcrabs to punt resulting in a 60-yard touchdown return by Kadin Flores and a 2-point conversion by Kiarin Sullivan. Chris Butler scored on a 55-yard catch down the sidelines.

Seabreeze running back Jeremias George answered with a 31-yard touchdown run.

Mainland’s Braylyn Simmons wrapped up the quarter by recovering his own fumble in the end zone for a touchdown.

“Defense played great football — assignment foot-

ball,” Bell said. “The one time we didn’t play assignment football, we gave up a touchdown. I’m glad that happened because it’s easy to coach that so it doesn’t happen in the playoffs.”

Klein said George is probably one of the more underrated players in the area.

“He played his butt off tonight — really looked good,” Klein said. “I think he’s going to have a huge year for us next year if he has a great offseason. He’s a great athlete, he’s a great young man and he’s a really talented player. I think he’s going to blossom into something really special here.”

Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson launched a 61-yard touchdown pass to Butler in the second quarter, then completed a pass to Flores in the third quarter who sprinted for a 65-yard touch-

down. Johnson passed for 205 yards and three touchdowns.

Butler and Seabreeze’s Danny Spada have known each other since they played Pop Warner football in the 14-and-under division. Both of them are juniors now and wide receivers on opposing teams. Butler said most of the boys on both teams grew up playing football together.

“It’s crazy,” Butler said.

“I’m not going to lie, it’s kind of heartbreaking, wishing I was with my dogs this year and years to come. But it’s good. I’m seeing these boys improve. I hope they feel the same way.”

Spada said it gets interesting going up against players that are your friends and were your teammates.

“So, when you’re lined up on their sideline, they’re yelling your name and all that,” Spada said. “It’s something.”

Butler said winning was about executing all week in practice and bringing that preparation to the game. Spada said his team had an opportunity to win but needed to execute better.

“Really comes down to your want to and your will,” Spada said. “But they (Mainland) came out — they played a great first half. Coming out of halftime, our game plan was to just execute. We didn’t worry about the score. We just wanted to go down there, make plays, just move the ball, score and try to make a comeback.”

The playoff brackets will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 6 and are scheduled to begin Nov. 14.

A lot of effort, execution and preparation will be the focus before going into the playoffs, Butler said.

“We’ve just got to get ready,” he said. “We’ve got to get our minds right, our bodies right and be able to come out here and do what we’re supposed to do. We’re supposed to be at home, so that just makes it even better.”

“Defense played great football — assignment football. The one time we didn’t play assignment football, we gave up a touchdown. I’m glad that happened because it’s easy to coach that so it doesn’t happen in the playoffs.”

JERRIME BELL, Mainland football coach

Seabreeze wide receiver Amare Robinson

Mainland’s Kadin Flores sprints toward the end zone.

Mainland’s running back Braylin Simmons (left) runs in for a touchdown.

Mainland’s Kiarin Sullivan sacks Seabreeze quarterback Jace Gainer in the rivalry match at the Daytona Stadium on Friday, Oct. 31. Photo by Michele Meyers

Seabreeze’s Jeremias George scores the sole touchdown for the Sandcrabs in the rivalry game against Mainlandl on Friday, Oct. 31 at Daytona Stadium. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland linebacker Dennis “Tank” King III (1) blocks an extra-point kick by Luke Zboch (23).

Seabreeze’s Cash Kurz (7) intercepts a pass intended for Mainland’s Jaden “Melo” Parks (left).

Mainland’s Christian Cooper (right) tries to break out of Seabreeze’s Grant Losey’s grasp.

When “Set It and Forget It” Doesn’t Work for Your

Estate Plan

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.

We all love a good “set it and forget it” moment. The crockpot, the automatic sprinkler system, maybe even your Netflix subscription. Unfortunately, your estate plan isn’t one of those things.

Too many people treat their will or trust like an old photo album — dust it off once, feel good about it, and never look again. But life changes, and if your documents don’t keep up, your plan may end up protecting the you from 10 years ago instead of the you today.

Major life events demand updates. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, and moves across state lines all have legal consequences. Florida’s laws on homestead property, elective share, and healthcare decisions can make an outdated will about as useful as a VCR manual. If your daughter’s married name isn’t in your documents, or your ex-spouse still is, that’s a sign you’re overdue.

Your assets change, too. Maybe you sold the condo, bought a boat, or decided cryptocurrency was a good idea (we won’t judge). If your estate plan doesn’t reflect what you actually own, your heirs may end up guessing — and guessing usually leads to arguing.

Relationships evolve. The person you trusted as your executor ten years ago may have since moved to Montana, taken up meditation, and sworn off paperwork. Make sure your chosen helpers are still willing, able, and alive.

A good rule of thumb: review your plan every three to five years, or whenever something big happens — new spouse, new child, new state, or new asset that rhymes with “Bitcoin.” Small updates now prevent expensive surprises later.

At Selis Law Firm, we like to think of estate planning as routine maintenance for your peace of mind — like changing the oil in your car, except with fewer wrenches and more witnesses.

So pull those documents out of the drawer, dust them off, and let’s make sure your plan still fits your life. Because unlike your slow cooker, your legacy deserves a little more than “set it and forget it.”

Phone: 386-888-6060

Web: SelisLaw.com

Serving Clients throughout Florida

Offices – Ormond Beach & Palm Coast

2x: Seabreeze boys repeat as state bowling champs

Seabreeze wins second straight state boys bowling championship

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It was déjà vu for the Seabreeze boys bowling team.

The Sandcrabs collected their state championship medals and posed for photos with the trophy at the Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center in Orlando, just as they had done a year ago.

The Sandcrabs won the title in 2024. They clinched it again on Thursday, Oct. 30, with a 199-191 final Baker game victory against the Astronaut High School of Titusville.

With a team of five bowlers and no substitutes, Paul Shuler coached his team through four games of qualifying, four rounds of Baker matches and a two-match final.

“We were all kind of worried since we didn’t have any substitutes to go in like most other teams coming into the state (tournament),” Shuler said. “But they persevered and pushed and they never, ever gave up. Even when they were down a little bit or they [had] a bad game, they’d come right back with something. I’m just so wicked proud of these boys.”

Seabreeze won 3-0 against St. Petersburg Northeast in round one, then went on to win 3-2 in consecutive rounds against Windermere, Sports Leadership and Management of Tampa and Somerset which included a two-pin win in the last Baker game.

The Sandcrabs were undefeated in the double-elimination team bracket going into the final against Astronaut, which came out of the consolation bracket. The War Eagles won the first match 3-1. Seabreeze then won the second match 3-2 to clinch the championship.

“The boys were pretty motivated to do their very best to win. They really wanted to win this state again — to make it two times,” Shuler said.

Mainland, the district runner-up to Seabreeze, joined the Sandcrabs at the threeday tournament. Following the qualification rounds, Seabreeze was seeded No. 6 and Mainland seeded No. 12.

Senior Jonathan King joined the four returning Sandcrabs from last year’s championship team —Dalton Boice, Logan Compton, Braydon Russell and Xavier Suba — this year. He said his dad got him interested and his friend Ryan Barnes sent him a video about how to hold the ball. Shuler said King started learning then became more consistent and filled in perfectly for the team.

“My dad used to bowl 20 years ago,” King said. “He got his stuff out [of] the shed.

I tried it. Loved it. Started bowling practice and played so many games every day. It’s paid off.”

Boice said without King, going to the state championship would not have been possible.

“Just amazing,” Boice said.

“There’s no way else to put it. We have a five-man team. If it wasn’t for [King], we wouldn’t even have had a chance to do this. He not only bowls, but he just bowls at such a high level, not even for how long he’s been bowling. If it wasn’t for him, none of this would have been possible.”

After the War Eagles won the final round’s first Baker match, Boice, the Sandcrabs’ anchor bowler, gathered his teammates in a circle, pointed to the 2024 State Championship banner with Seabreeze listed as the winner and repeatedly questioned if they wanted it. The “pep talk” helped the Sandcrabs win the final match to repeat as state champs.

Boice said he had to get his

team fired up.

“It looked like we were just losing morale, especially after losing 3-2 — we’re not used to that,” Boice said. “Last year,

that didn’t even happen in the finals. We just won without needing a second life. But, this time, we needed a second life. We came down to one and we just gave it every single thing that we had.”

Boice said being older, more experienced and having the “best coach and best teammates in the entire world” contributed to his success in the 10th frame.

“They support me if I make a bad shot in the 10th frame ... they’re not yelling at me,” he said. “They’re not wanting to sub out and put someone else in. They trust me. And that just goes to having a great coach and great teammates who just believe, and that’s why we won two years in a row.”

This was Mainland’s first appearance at the state championships with Joe Giddens, who has been coaching the

team for three years. The Bucs were eliminated in the first round after losing 3-1 to the Melbourne Bulldogs.

“I’m just so super happy for these guys — I have a great group of kids,” Giddens said. “There were some really good bowlers here. But I’ve got a young team, so I plan on being back.”

Giddens, who is also Mainland’s boys basketball coach, said building rapport with his athletes carries over to performance.

“What I love, more importantly, is not just winning,” he said. “A little bit of motivation that I give on a basketball court and in bowling can help them in life. I’m not really a coach, a basketball coach or a bowling coach, I’m more of a life coach because if I can coach the life, sports just becomes easier. That’s just what I do.”

Seabreeze bowler Xavier Subia celebrates another strike during the final Baker matches

Left: Mainland’s Grashawn Ager celebrates a strike.

Above: Mainland’s Riley Boyce practices before the championship bracket rounds.

The Sandcrabs clinched the title on Oct. 30, with a 199-191 final Baker game victory against Astronaut High School of Titusville.

Seabreeze’s Dalton Boice

FPC girls bowling misses final cut by one pin; Matanzas’ Rabbat is 12th

The Bulldogs finished 17th in their second straight appearance at states, while Rabbat moved up 65 places from last year’s finish.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Flagler Palm Coast was one pin away from qualifying for the girls team championship rounds at the state bowling championships Oct. 28-30 at Boardwalk Bowl Entertainment Center in Orlando.

FPC placed 17th in the qualifying standings with a 2,804 pin total. Groveland South Lake took the 16th and final spot with a total of 2,805 pins. Matanzas placed 23rd in the qualifying standings.

Matanzas senior Olivia Rabbat placed 12th in the individual finals. She qualified for the championship bracket with a 791 four-game series to earn the 13th seed.

Rabbat lost to Melbourne’s Isabella Williamson in the first round of finals, and then won a consolation match against Emily Marmolejo of East River before getting eliminated by East River’s Larielle Tharps, who went on to win three more rounds before losing in the consolation final.

Rabbat placed 77th in her first trip to state last year.

FPC’s first-year coach Vicky Eaton said it was very exciting to see the Bulldogs compete this year, win the District 1 championship and advance to state.

“They did amazing,” she said. “We’ve had one injury this year and, of course, regular illnesses, but we got through all of that. We made it. It’s hard because there are not a lot of girl teams. A lot of times, we’d go to matches and there’d be no other team to play but we would always make sure that we bowled our games, so we that we got in the mindset.”

Eaton said the Bulldogs faced some adversity during multiple qualifying rounds at Boardwalk Bowl when the lanes shut down, pins failed to rack and balls were not returned.

“Losing by one pin was devastating, but I never would have imagined, coming into states, that we would have the obstacles that we had,” she said. “You lose your drive, lose your momentum. I think that’s one thing that we need to be more prepared for — just like games outside, you’re not always going to have perfect weather or the perfect day. That’s something that my team has got to learn to overcome.”

Matanzas coach Jennifer Warren said her focus this year was to get the entire team to advance to districts for the first time.

“Last year, when we were here [with only Rabbat qualifying], it was really cool and really exciting, but I felt like it wasn’t as much fun because we were so lonely,” Warren said. “So, my focus all year was to try to get a team together that would advance to districts so there would be people around [Rabbat]. I am so proud of Olivia. She really stepped up this year, attending the practices and mentoring the other bowlers. I think she felt, as well, that she needed that support of others.”

Warren is losing her two top bowlers in seniors Rabbat and Sky Ramos.

“Moving forward, I currently work for Indian trails Middle School, so I really need to start developing a team for next year,” she said. “That’s where my thinking is right now, maybe doing a bowling club at the middle school, something to feed into the high school next year.”

“I am so proud of Olivia (Rabbat). She really stepped up this year, attending the practices and mentoring the other bowlers.”

NOVEMBER 15 . 3-6PM

JENNIFER WARREN, Matanzas girls bowling coach

The Matanzas girls bowling team (left to right): Skyleen Ramos, Mady Hate, Natalie Beaulieu (back), Emma Ball and Julia McNeal cheer for teammate Olivia Rabbat as she competes in round one of the individual matches at the FHSAA state championship tournament in Orlando on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Photos by Michele Meyers

Flagler Palm Coast Bulldog Mya Kelly

Flagler Palm Coast boys bowling coach Kevin Hand FPC’s Destiny Bonvouloir

FPC’s Kailyn Ball and Victoria DaSilva-Carvalheira

Seabreeze falls to NSB 3-1 in opener

Luke Harrell scored the Sandcrabs’ lone goal.

SIDNEY TEVIN

CONTRIBUTING

WRITER

The Seabreeze High School boys soccer team began the season with a tough challenge, falling 3-1 to New Smyrna Beach High School on Monday, Nov. 3. New Smyrna Beach jumped ahead quickly, scoring three goals in the first half and putting Seabreeze on its heels. The Sandcrabs regrouped, with team captain Luke Harrell scoring a goal, but couldn’t overcome the deficit.

FPC girls win 3-0 over St. Augustine

Ouellette scored two goals, and Macleod returned from injury to score for the first time since 2023-24 season.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s first girls soccer game of the season is in the books with a 3-0 home win over St. Augustine on Tuesday, Nov. 4. Coach Pete Hald, starting his 35th season with the Bulldogs, recorded his 543rd career win. Katherine Ouellette scored two goals. Lauralee Macleod, playing her first game in nearly a year because of a seasonending injury, also scored. And senior goalkeeper Natalie Neal produced her 29th career clean sheet.

“We won, but it was a bat-

tle,” Hald said. “They have some talented players that work hard and got some pace. I think the strength of our team is finding our wingers (Ouellette and Macleod), and I thought we did a pretty good job.”

Trying to compensate for the loss of Ivy Chen, who is out for the season with a torn ACL, Hald moved midfielder Hailey Sammons to center forward and center back Eva Sites to a holding midfield spot along with Skyler Strickland.

“Moving Hailey to the top is risky for us, but I think she gives us the best choice,” Hald said. “I pulled Eva forward, so I could put Hailey up top. And it worked out for the most part. Eva’s kind of not used to that position, but I think she will be a really good holding mid because she’s a dynamite center back. She’s smart, she reads the play and she’s got

pace. I think she’s going to have a really good year.”

Neal, a Daytona State College commit, made some outstanding saves in the first half to preserve the shutout.

“I wouldn’t say I was surprised. They were very good shots, but I feel like I had it on lock,” she said. “I’m glad they were good shots, so it’s not like very boring the entire game.”

One shot across the box was a close call.

“The girl was right there,” Neal said. “I did handle it, but if I didn’t she was right there to tap it in.” Neal is a four-year starter who has played in 67 games in her varsity career.

“She’s just super consistent. She knows the position well,” Hald said. “She’s a senior, and she’s playing like a senior.”

Macleod, a junior, scored the third goal of the first half and her first since her freshman season.

“It felt good to score,” she said.

“Hailey played it through the middle, and I took two touches, and then I shot it on the net. It was very nice. But I was upset that I didn’t score two other goals that were very easy.”

Hald said he is happy to finally get the season started and play some meaningful games.

“It’s been a long few months. Since the first week of June, we’ve been trying to get ready for today,” he said. “We met over 70 times since June up to the Thursday before tryouts. A lot of kids worked hard. I’m relieved the season is here, but now it’s going to be a grind.”

The Bulldogs were scheduled to travel to DeLand on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and return home Friday, Nov. 7, for a game against Jacksonville Wolfson.

Hailey Sammons (17) took over the center forward position in the Bulldogs’ season opener, a 3-0 win against St. Augustine. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Lane Meyer scans for teammates.

Luke Harrell (6) with the ball. Photos by Sydney Tevin

Goalkeeper Conor Gould delivers a kick.

Rocco Dall’Orto (17)

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2025

FPC’s Nya Williams dominates in girls weightlifting season opener

Bulldogs were second to Fleming Island in both competitions in the tri-meet.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast weightlifter Nya Williams has picked up where she left off last season.

The 119-pound lifter was FPC’s only double winner in the Bulldogs’ girls weightlifting season opener on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

FPC hosted Fleming Island and DeLand in a tri-meet.

Fleming Island, last season’s Class 2A state champ in Olympic competition, won both Olympic and traditional in the season opener, with FPC placing second in both. Williams had the highest Olympic total of any lifter in the meet in all weight classes

with 340 pounds. She also totaled 340 in traditional, which was the third highest total in that competition.

“The original plan was not to push her today,” FPC coach Duane Hagstrom said. “But the snatch was looking so snappy and quick, and everything looked great, so against my better judgment, I made a 20-pound jump between her second and her third lifts, because her goal this year is not just to win [a state championship], but to break the state records in both the snatch and clean and jerk. And right now, she’s five pounds away from both.”

She missed that third snatch attempt of 160 pounds, but her 140-pound snatch and 200-pound clean-and-jerk for 340 was 80 pounds more than the second-place total of Fleming Island’s Loreanis Maysonet.

“We went for the state record on the third (snatch),” Hagstrom said. “She caught it. She just got a little soft and loosened up at the bottom. But it will be there.”

Williams also had a 140-pound bench press to go with her clean-and-jerk for her 340 traditional total, which was 65 pounds more than the second-place total of Fleming Island’s Alyssa Gordon.

Williams, a junior, was the runner-up at the Class 3A state championships last season in Olympic with a 320 total and placed fourth in traditional with a 315 total. In June, she won three gold med-

Pirates win opener

Matanzas defeated Menendez 58-25 in Olympic competition at the teams’ girls weightlifting season opener on Oct. 29 at the Pirates’ gym. The teams did not do bench press. In

als in the women’s U17 age group at the USA Weightlifting National Championships in Colorado Springs.

Angelis Rosa and Kelsey Coyne were the Bulldogs’ only other winners in the season opener. Rosa won at 110 pounds in Olympic with a 195 total. Coyne won at 183 pounds in Olympic with a 260 total. Rosa, Lillian Ames (139 pounder) and Lynnsie Jones (183 pounder) all placed second in traditional. Alexcia Lilavois (101 pounder), Ames and Cali Weehunt (154 pounder) placed second in Olympic.

Hagstrom said the Bulldogs concentrate on the Olympic lifts in training, but they have been a little behind in their results in the snatch.

“We’ve been struggling on the snatch a little bit with our confidence,” he said. “It got better today, but when we go to the clean and jerk, it’s like

a completely different gear gets shifted or something. In clean and jerks today, we had girls doing 10 pounds more than they’ve ever done before, with good technique and with more in the tank. We need that mindset to kind of rub off on the snatch. We train it just as much as we do the clean and jerk. I guess it’s just the idea of that bar going over your head in one motion.”

The Bulldogs will host another tri-meet on Wednesday, Nov. 5, against Spruce Creek and Father Lopez.

Chloe Cheek (101), Elaine Padilla (155), Amara Nagel (119), Addison Hoeni (129), Jordyn Crews (139, Olivia Hueg (154), Katelyn Meade (183), Ella Raffo (199) and D’eria Hughes (unlimited) won their weight classes. Elle Bays of Menendez at 169 pounds had the top lifts of

170 (snatch) and 185 (cleanand-jerk) for a 345 total. Crews was next overall with a 115, 155 for a 260 total. In Seabreeze’s season-opening meet against Spruce Creek, Sandcrabs’ 129-pounder Camila Arellano won both Olympic (250-pound total) and traditional (280) titles.

FPC 154-pounder Makayla Melton hit all of her bench press lifts including this one at 135 pounds. Photo by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Nya Williams cheers for a teammate during a bench press.

Photo by Brent Woronoff

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IMPORTANT DATES:

FIRST INSERTION

SITUATE IN VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA VIZ: A PORTION OF LOT 9, ASSESSOR’S SUBDIVISION, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 3, PAGE 82, PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA, BEING ALSO A PORTION OF SECTION 15, TOWNSHIP 16 SOUTH, RANGE 33 EAST, AND MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 15, THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHERLY LINE OF SAID SECTION 15 A DISTANCE OF 50 FEET TO THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF BONK’S LANDING ROAD (A 100 FOOT ROAD AS SHOWN ON BAYVIEW HOMESITES SUBDIVISION MAP); THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF BONK’S LANDING ROAD AND PARALLEL TO THE WESTERLY LINE OF SAID SECTION 15, A DISTANCE OF 150 FEET; THENCE EASTERLY AT RIGHT ANGLES A DISTANCE OF 864 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THIS DESCRIPTION; THENCE NORTH AND PARALLEL TO THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 15 A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET;

THENCE EAST AND PARALLEL TO THE SOUTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION 15 A DISTANCE OF 66 FEET; THENCE SOUTH AND PARALLEL TO THE WESTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION 15 A DISTANCE OF 100 FEET; THENCE WEST AND PARALLEL TO THE SOUTH BOUNDARY OF SAID SECTION 15 A DISTANCE OF 66 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. ALSO KNOWN AS LOT 48-2, BAYVIEW HOMESITES. TOGETHER WITH AN EASEMENT FOR ROAD PURPOSES OVER AND THROUGH THE NORTHERLY 50 FEET TO THE SOUTHERLY 678 FEET AND THE WESTERLY 50 FEET OF THE EASTERLY 142 FEET OF THE NORTHERLY 330 FEET OF THE SOUTHERLY 818 FEET OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 15, LESS SOUTHERLY 12 FEET THEREOF. COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1113 MILLBROOK AVENUE, PORT ORANGE, FL 32127 PARCEL: 631506020480 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 DEC 1 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 28th day of Oct, 2025. LAURA E. ROTH, ESQ. 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 25-11313FL November 6, 13, 2025 25-00548I

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 10319 CIDL THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR NOVASTAR MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST, SERIES 2005-4, NOVASTAR HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF IVORINE CAINE A/K/A IVORINE JACKSON-CAINE, DECEASED; CHANELLE SHEPHERD, Defendant(s). TO: Shayma Shepherd

Residence Unknown YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 2, BLOCK B, PLAT OF UNIT NO. 1, COLLEGE ARMS ESTATES, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE MAP RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGE 14, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Street Address: 711 Laisy Drive, Deland, Florida 32724 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, within 30 days after the date of the first publication of this notice, on or before NOV 24 2025, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated on OCT 24 2025.

LAURA E ROTH

CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT By: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith As Deputy Clerk McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, FL 33407

Telephone: (561) 713-1400

FLpleadings@MWC-law.com

File#:24-400409 November 6, 13, 2025 25-00547I

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 12413 PRLDL Division: 28 IN RE: ESTATE OF BRENDA A. MORTON Deceased.

The administration of the estate of BRENDA A. MORTON, deceased, whose date of death was May 29, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for VOLUSIA County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, Deland, Florida 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

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

The date of first publication of this notice is November 6, 2025.

Attorney for Personal Representative: Grisell M. Turnau, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0146031 2787 E. Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 216 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 Telephone: (954) 908-2358

E-Mail: grisell@turnaulegal.com Secondary E-Mail: teshana@turnaulegal.com November 6, 13, 2025 25-00546I

RE-NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2018 30070 CICI DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL, INC., Plaintiff, vs. JEROME D. MITCHELL A/K/A JEROME MITCHELL; ET AL, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Summary Final Judgment of foreclosure dated November 22, 2024 and an Order Resetting Sale dated October 23, 2025 and entered in Case No. 2018 30070 CICI of the Circuit Court in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. is Plaintiff and JEROME D. MITCHELL A/K/A JEROME MITCHELL; ATTORNEY’S TITLE INSURANCE FUND, INC, D/B/A ATIF, INC.; CITY OF ORMOND BEACH, FLORIDA; FINANCIAL PORTFOLIOS II, INC., AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. F/K/A WACHOVIA; INNOVATIVE CAPITAL CLUB AT CEDAR KEY, LLC, A DISSOLVED FLORIDA CORPORATION, BY AND THROUGH ITS MANAGER; STATE OF FLORIDA, DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE; SUNTRUST BANK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY; VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA; STATE OF-FLORIDA; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, LAURA E. ROTH, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www. volusia.realforeclose.com, 11:00 a.m., on January 9, 2026 , the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 44, SWEETSER SUBDIVISION, ORMOND, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 5, PAGE(S) 84 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. THE COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale. REQUESTS