Ormond Beach Observer 2-2-23

ored at the annual Wilson Foundation Gala held on Saturday, Jan. 21.

gala, held by the Wanda and Janice Wilson Foundation at the Hard Rock Hotel in Daytona, serves to honor business and community leaders and benefits the foundation’s Wilson Scholars by providing additional mentoring and academic support opportunities. The foundation provides support for high school students and teachers through enrichment activities, scholarships and mini-grants, according to its website.

Persis was recognized with a “Hall of Fame Class of 2023” membership plaque by the foundation for being an “ambassador for education, service, and a role model for future leaders to impact society in their chosen career paths,” according to the plaque.

CITY WATCH

City Commission presents its goals

Expanding the city’s reclaimed water. Aiding the Ormond Beach Historical Society in creating a museum of history in town. A new police department and emergency operations center on the west side.

These were some of the top priorities outlined by the Ormond Beach City Commission at its Strategic Plan update workshop on Tuesday, Jan. 31. The workshop, moderated by facilitator Michelle Bono, allowed the commissioners to discuss the ideas, issues and goals they most want to explore in the next few years.

OTHER TOP PRIORITIES

TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

„ Create a park or community center west of I-95

„ Redesign the U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange „ Sign FDOT’s Vision Zero pledge for pedestrian and car safety.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Andy Romano has partially reopened

The city of Ormond Beach partially reopened Andy Romano Beachfront Park, located at 839 S. Atlantic Ave., on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Residents are able to utilize the parking lot, pavilions, restrooms and picnic tables, and concessions will be available.

The areas that remain fenced off have hurricane damage that is still being repaired.

New Britain Avenue to close New Britain Avenue will close from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 4, between North Beach Street and North Ridgewood Avenue for the ninth annual Granada Grand Festival of the Arts.

Traffic will be redirected to West Granada Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue.

The road will reopen once the event has concluded.

Neighborhood meetings for golf course project

Two neighborhood meeting sessions will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, for the proposed 300-lot residential subdivision on the former Tomoka Oaks Golf Course at 20 Tomoka Oaks Boulevard.

The first session is scheduled for 5 p.m., and the second will be at 7 p.m. Both will be held in the sanctuary at Temple Beth-El at 579 N. Nova Road.

The golf course sold in 2021 for $2.6 million. Of the 551 lots in the existing Tomoka Oaks subdivision, 178 of them border the golf course.

After the neighborhood meeting, the project will need to be reviewed by both the Planning Board and the City Commission for approval.

The strategic plan was last updated in 2019, following the OB Life meetings, the city’s civic engagement workshops.

The strategic issue categories were community development and transportation, economic development, governance, public safety, quality of life, and water quality and the environment.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

The top priority identified in the community development and transportation category involved the former church property, and now parking lot, at 56 N. Beach St. Commissioners expressed a desire to determine the best way to redevelop the property, as well as implement signage or other improvements to enhance its current use in the meantime.

Commissioner Travis Sargent suggested adding displays to exhibit Ormond Beach history.

“If we’re going to leave it a parking lot for now, at least let’s make it a nice parking lot and share our history down in that area,” he said.

The next two top goals in the category were updating the airport’s voluntary noise abatement program and finding a way to

attract an emergency room or medical clinic to the beachside.

QUALITY OF LIFE

The Ormond Beach Historical Society has long been working to establish a museum of Ormond Beach history at the MacDonald House. The commission agreed it should be a top priority to help the Historical Society in this mission, and suggested that extending a 50-year lease to the organization may help.

“I think they are located in a central place, but they have other plans part of the build-out of that building, and before they can do any serious fundraising, that would be the first step,” Mayor Bill Partington said.

WATER QUALITY

Commissioners agreed that expanding the city’s reclaimed water system, as well as continuing to pursue more storage, were priorities. Four of them also highlighted continuing to pursue septic-to-sewer conversions, starting within the city limits, to help with the overall goal of decreasing the effluent that is discharged into the Halifax River.

„ Reuse or repurpose Riverbend property

„ Continue attracting or retaining high wage jobs

GOVERNANCE

„ Update the technology in the City Commission Chambers for better livestreaming of meetings

„ Redesign the website

PUBLIC SAFETY

„ Construct a new police department and emergency operations center west of town

„ Convert lighting at city parking lots to LED

“I feel like we need to show that we can do it well on smaller projects that are within city limits,” Partington said.

Should the state increase regulations regarding discharge into the Halifax River, maintaining a septic system will become more expensive for residents, and Partington said that will likely be the only way residents will voluntarily come to the city asking for a conversion.

DEP to accept grant applications

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection opened an online application portal on Wednesday, Feb. 1, for the Hurricane Restoration Reimbursement Grant Program.

The program is designed to address coastal beach erosion incurred as a result of preparation for or damage due to Hurricanes Ian and Nicole, according to a Volusia County press release. The portal can be accessed at floridadep.gov/hurricane.

The program will provide reimbursement for eligible projects to qualified applicants who own a residential property that falls under the program’s guidelines.

Planning Board to meet Feb. 9

The Ormond Beach Planning Board will meet on Thursday, Feb. 9, at the City Commission Chambers to discuss one special exception and three Land Development Code amendments.

The special exception was submitted by the Ormond Memorial Art Museum for the conversion of two parking spaces into a garden shed. The LDC amendments are all administrative.

Photo courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach Ormond Beach City Commissioners Lori Tolland and Susan Persis place colored dots besides the ideas and issues they feel should be prioritized.

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

“This project will have a lasting impact on our residents and visitors, and we are committed to making sure it is executed efficiently and effectively.”

Mayor Bill Partington on state funds for U.S. 1 and I-95 interchange. See Page 11A

Mary Jo represents

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Hard Rock Hotel’s Avalon ballroom was filled to capacity at the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce annual installation banquet on Friday, Jan. 27.

Mary Jo Allen, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Halifax Health, added another title to her name as she began her tenure as the chamber’s executive board chair. As she addressed the crowd, she reiterated the importance of the chamber’s partnership with the city of Ormond Beach, and stressed that the partnership is “the key to the health of our businesses and community.”

Allen’s family moved to Ormond Beach in 1983 when her father was asked to open an office for the Yellow Pages. She has been here ever since.

“It’s important to me and my family to see Ormond Beach thrive and grow,” she said. “Our chamber is one of the most vital voices for the businesses and organizations in our community. We need to continue to band together, celebrate our achievements and accomplishments and promote policies that will address current challenges.”

Every three years, the Board of Directors develops a strategic plan.

Their focus for 2022-2023 is membership development and engagement, workforce and education development, and advocacy and event development.

In 2014, the chamber established a scholarship program to recognize students of chamber members for outstanding educational and community service achievements. Stefanie Ryan, vice chair of Community Programs, announced that last year, seven $1,000 Rob Ridder scholarships were awarded to Volusia County high school seniors — five to Seabreeze, one to Spruce Creek and one to Mainland.

Jenna Pender was excited that her husband, Bob Pender, decided to get involved with the chamber. He is currently a board member.

“I grew up coming to the chamber,” she said. “My dad, Ty Wilson, was president of the Daytona cham-

ber in the ’80s, so the chamber is in my blood. I’ve seen the impact firsthand. Even as a kid going to the events with my dad, I could see the impact in the city.”

The Board of Directors and board members were called to the stage, where Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington swore them in as 2023 Chamber of Commerce officers.

Chamber CEO and President Debbie Cotton expressed her appreciation for the past Chairman Don Grindle and presented him with his outgoing gavel .

“I could always count on Don whenever I needed him — wherever I needed him,” she said. “Under his

MEET THE CHAMBER’S 2023 BOARD OF DIRECTORS:

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

„ Chair: Mary Jo Allen, Halifax Health

„ Past Chairman: Don Grindle, Money

Pages „ 2024 Chair Elect: Eva Connors McMullin, S.R. Perrott

„ Treasurer: Erick Palacios, Xcel Wealth

Management

„ Vice Chair, Membership Services: Robert Macklin, Gary Yeoman’s Ford Lincoln

„ Vice Chair, Community Programs: Stefanie Ryan, SouthState Bank

„ Vice Chair of Economic Prosperity: Diane Larsen, Root Company

„ Vice Chair, Community Events: Tom Caffrey, World’s Most Famous Brewery

„ CEO/President: Debbie Cotton, Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce

BOARD MEMBERS

„ Marge Allison, Adams Cameron & Co.

Realtors

„ Meagan Arrington, Florida Power & Light

„ Dennis Casey, Raymond James, Casey Wealth Advisors

„ Michelle Caudell, Foundation Risk

Partners

„ Cory Domayer, Advent Health

„ James Jiloty, Brown & Brown, Inc.

„ Luke Kilic, Zev Cohen & Associates

„ Bob Pender, Security First Insurance

„ Jeffrey Serle, Germfree Laboratories

„ Don Young, Raposa Perry Young

„ Sherryl Weems, Daytona State College

AWARDS

„ Partington Award (New Member of the Year) – Dr. Maria Dowling, MD

Consulting

„ Chairman’s Choice Volunteer of the year – Melissa Pitts, Blue Chip Shutters & Blinds

„ Ambassador of the Year – Pam Woodsome, Colonial Life & Accident/ Ginakes Agency

„ Chairman’s Choice Business of the Year – Volusia Memorial Park & Funeral Home

„ Chairman’s Rising Tide Award –

2020 Leadership Ormond Beach Class 17 & Youth Leadership Committee for Creating the Youth Leadership Program.

„ Chairman’s Leadership Award –Maryam Ghyabi, Ghyabi Consulting & Management.

leadership, the chamber’s programs are stronger than ever, and much more importantly, our balance sheet is stronger than ever.”

In parting, past Chairman Don Grindle thanked everyone for another successful year with the chamber.

“I’d like to say what an honor it has been to serve as chair of this awesome chamber,” he said. “It’s hard to believe it’s already been a year, but what a year it’s been. The overall state of our chamber is better than ever. It’s going to be even better in 2023. My co-chair (Allen) has had plenty of practice, as she often reminds me. Other than being a Notre Dame fan, she’s a pretty awesome lady. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather have leading us in 2023.”

“It’s important to me and my family to see Ormond Beach thrive and grow. Our chamber is one the most vital voices for the businesses and organizations in our community. We need to continue to band together, celebrate our achievements and accomplishments and promote policies that will address current challenges.”

MARY JO ALLEN, Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce chair

Volusia County District 4 Councilman Troy Kent and Jenna Pender reminisce about taking honors geometry class at Seabreeze High School in 1993.

Maryam Ghyabi, owner of Ghyabi Consulting & Management, is presented with the Chairman’s Leadership Award by past chamber Chairman Don Grindle (left) and CEO and President Debbie Cotton (right).

Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Chair Mary Jo Allen addresses the crowd at the annual installation banquet.

Kelly Parsons Kwiatek with Halifax Health sings the National Anthem at the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installation banquet.

Mayor Bill Partington laughs as the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce 2023 Board of Directors and board members say, “I do,” instead of “I will,” during the swearing-in ceremony.

Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce installs new executive board chair.

Burns that heal

Flagler County’s prescribed burn program averages 10-15 burn operations a year. ‘If we don’t burn under prescribed conditions, these areas will burn under wildfire conditions,’ program supervisor Mike Orlando said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

For most, a fire burning in the woods would be a cause for concern.

But when a small team of firefighters lit wiregrass and saw palmettos on fire over the last weekend in January, it was with careful planning and close observation.

These firefighters were led by Flagler County’s Mike Orlando — the supervisor of the county’s prescribed burn program — in a necessary prescribed burn and training exercise.

“Prescribed fire is a very misunderstood practice,” Orlando said. “A lot of folks don’t want it. They don’t understand it.”

Flagler County’s Land Management team scheduled two prescribed burns over a week at Princess Place Preserve.

The first burn, from Jan. 27-29, also played host to the National Interagency Prescribed Fire Training Center Program, based out of Tall Timbers in Tallahassee.

The second began on Monday, Jan. 30, and extended through Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Eight firefighters from all over the nation came to Flagler County to learn how fire reacts in different regions.

Orlando said the experience is vital because it helps firefighters become more well-rounded.

“It allows them to handle situations that they may not normally run into, if they didn’t have these training programs available,” Orlando said.

Being a host site simply means that Flagler County’s prescribed fire program requested and received the

burn authorization, but the burn is run by the firefighters in the training program. Flagler County hosts burn sites about twice a year for the program, Orlando said.

The training is especially useful in cases where firefighters from across the country are sent to other states to help with wildfires — as in the case of the 1998 Florida wildfires that damaged or destroyed hundreds of homes.

Thousands of firefighters from across the country were sent to Florida then.

Orlando has 18 years of experience with prescribed burns and fighting wildfires, in Florida, California and nine other states.

“The training experience I gained from that is immeasurably valuable,” Orlando said. “[It] helps me tenfold better to react to those situations.”

Prescribed fire season is almost year-round, Orlando said. It is most active from December to February, and then from April through June, he said; the burns at Princess Place Preserve were the first ones of the year.

But prescribed burns are just as important for ecological health and public safety as they are for training.

Flagler County Public Lands and Resource Manager Mike Lagasse said that organisms in Florida — the lighting strike capital of the nation — have evolved to withstand fire.

Some plant life cycles require it, Lagasse said. Wiregrass, a native Florida plant, reproduces with the presence of fire, he said.

These changes to flora also effect the animals in an environment, Lagasse said.

Gopher tortoises feed on wiregrass, for example, and will leave an area if food sources are not available.

“I believe there’s a perception around fire that fire is bad,” Lagasse said. “But the truth is … the natural world actually benefits from it.”

Lagasse said the “fire is bad” perception came, in part, from marketing campaigns in the early 20th century — like the ones with Smokey Bear — to prevent all fires. Instead, he said, it is now well-documented that suppressing all fires isn’t always beneficial.

“We try to actively use ‘good fire’ — prescribed fire — to prevent bad fire,” Lagasse said. Prescribed fires do that by burning up the built-up fuel on the land in a

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Andrew Stenbeck was this training exercise’s fire-starter.

“Prescribed fire is a very misunderstood practice. A lot of folks don’t want it. They don’t understand it.”

MIKE ORLANDO, Flagler County's prescribed burn program supervisor

Photos by Sierra Williams

Wildfires won’t burn out of control where there isn’t much fuel, Lagasse said.

To receive authorization for a prescribed burn, the county’s prescribed burn program must apply to the Florida Forest Service.

The organization needs to plan for as many potential conditions as possible for a safe burn, Lagasse said.

And if, on the day of the burn, the conditions change how the fire behaves, the burn could be scrubbed or moved.

“We use a test fire in a location that can be easily controlled,” Lagasse said. “So we can start the fire, and we kind of gauge it and determine if it is behaving how we expect.”

Flagler County’s prescribed burn program, just four years old, averages

“The training experience I gained from that is immeasurably valuable.”

MIKE ORLANDO, Flagler County prescribed burn program supervisor

10-15 operations a year.

Usually, the county lets the underbrush build up for two to four years between burns, Orlando said.

“If we don’t burn under prescribed conditions, these areas will burn under wildfire conditions,” Orlando said.

Firefighters from across the country participate in a training exercise during Princess Place Preserve’s

FEB. 4TH

American Legion Flagler Post 115

Annual Four Chaplains Ceremony

When: 2:30pm

Where: VFW Post 8696 47 Old Kings Rd N, Palm Coast, FL 32110

DETAILS: The Four Chaplains were four World War II Chaplains who died rescuing civilian and military personnel as the American troop ship SS Dorchester sank on February 3, 1943.

JAN. 9 UNHOLY THEFT

5:11 p.m. — 600 block of South Nova Road, Ormond Beach Burglary. A local church employee called police after three containers of holy oil were stolen.

According to a police report, the employee told the reporting officer that the oils were taken from a cabinet near the altar, and that she didn’t know exactly when the items were taken, but that they were first noticed missing on Dec. 30. The officer tried to find fingerprints, but was unsuccessful. The employee suspected that the culprit was the same person who left a drug pipe on the altar during a previous incident.

JAN. 10 NIGHT OUT ENDS WITH A CRASHED GATE

11:32 p.m. — 200 block of Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast Property damage. A woman went out to a bar but ended her night as a witness to property damage when a man drove into a gate.

The woman met the man — a stranger — at a bar in European Village, where he offered to give her a ride home since she had been drinking, a Sheriff’s Office report said.

The man drove her to Hammock Beach Resort, and ran into the front gate there. Security confronted the two, who were both “highly intoxicated,” but the man “got upset” and left the scene in his truck, leaving the woman behind, the report said.

The Sheriff’s Office was called, but when deputies arrived, security had left with the female witness to return her to European Village without telling anyone, the report

said. Deputies called security back and had security officers return with the woman to give a statement.

When they returned, the woman said she didn’t know why the man brought her to the Hammock Beach Resort, because she does not live there.

Deputies continued to search for the man. The estimated damage to the gate? $20.

JAN. 17 MORNING GREETINGS

8:25 a.m. — 600 block of Fleming Avenue, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Police responded to a local park after an Ormond Beach resident reported seeing a man leaving the women’s restroom with a bicycle.

The resident told an officer that the man greeted her with “good morning” as he passed her, and that she responded by asking him if he knew he had just used the women’s restroom. The man told her that there were “creepy men” in the men’s restroom, according to a police report, and that his “old lady was just in there.”

The woman didn’t see anyone else around. She told him, “It is still the women’s restroom,” and the man looked shocked at her response, the report states. When the woman finally entered the restroom, there was graffiti in the room and ashes in the sink, and the toilet area was flooded.

The graffiti contained derogatory remarks and phrases, as well as a phone number. City staff said the graffiti would be painted over.

The officer wrote that he would keep an eye out for transient activity in the area.

JAN. 22

YOU BREAK IT ...

9:41 a.m. — 500 block of South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach Vandalism. A 19-year-old man

from Interlachen paid $200 to a local hotel after he smashed one of its pool chairs.

According to a police report, the man was seen on video surveillance walking around the hotel’s pool and throwing furniture into the water before returning to his room. Hotel staff had to remove all the furniture from the pool in the morning, and discovered the broken chair. The man admitted that he had caused the damage. Because he made an agreement with the hotel to pay for the chair, the man avoided arrest. He was trespassed from the property.

MAN TRIES TO HIDE DRUGS IN WOMAN’S HOME

9:39 p.m. — First block of Pelican Drive, Bunnell Burglary, cocaine possession. Police officers and Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to an active burglary.

When the officers and deputies got there, the homeowner told deputies that she came home to find the suspect in her house, according to an arrest report. She told the officers that she’d known the suspect since high school, but that he was not living in the home and did not have permission to be there.

When she confronted the suspect, he told her he was hiding narcotics in the home to get her in trouble with the police, the report said.

The deputies and officers detained the suspect. The suspect told the officers that he and the woman had been in a relationship, but that she was mad at him because he would not share his cocaine with her, the report said.

Officers found cocaine in the man’s pocket; in the home, they also found a “white powder” substance in a bag next to a screwdriver. The woman claimed neither item belonged to her, as did the suspect, according to the report. The suspect was taken to the county jail.

BRIEFS

Matanzas High School bomb threat was ‘hoax call’

The phone call reporting a bomb threat at Matanzas High School originated from a California phone number associated with false “swatting” calls across the country, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The school’s front office received the hoax phone call reporting a bomb on campus at 11 a.m. on Jan. 25, sending MHS into a “Code Blue” lockdown. The FCSO was notified and searched the school using the explosive ordinance detection K-9s and deputies.

“We do not take threats of this nature lightly,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We thank the students and staff of MHS who adhered to Flagler School’s Code Blue plan and allowed us space to conduct a thorough search.”

The all-clear was given just after 12:45 p.m.

Based on information in the call, students in Building 5 were moved to the gym, and the rest of the school stayed in place during the Code Blue lockdown and search, a press release from Flagler Schools said.

Flagler Schools made automatic calls to parents and also posted on its website and social media accounts to inform parents of the lockdown and when it was lifted.

The person who made the hoax bomb threat has not been identified, but the FCSO is still inves-

tigating, Staly said. “If we can identify the caller, they will face serious consequences and a trip to the Green Roof Inn,” Staly said. “The safety of our students is paramount.”

Former BTMS student arrested over threats

A former student at Buddy Taylor Middle School was arrested on Jan. 26 for allegedly threatening to kill a current student.

A current female student brought the threats to the administration and a school resource officer on Thursday morning, according to a press release from Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The female student told the officer that a former, male BTMS student was threatening to shoot a male student at the school.

The threats were made over messages on the social media app Snapchat between the female and former male student, according to the incident report; the female student was apparently dating the threatened student and had previously dated the former student.

In the messages, the former student threatened to fight the male student at Rymfire Park, stating he would bring his “gang” and gun.

The female student immediately told the male she was dating that he was being threatened, the report said.

The threatened male student told the resource officer that the former student managed to get his Snapchat handle and threatened him directly over Snapchat, too.

“Threats such as these are not a joke, and will always be taken seriously,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We don’t like making these arrests, but we will come knocking on your door if your child makes any threat to harm someone.”

FCSO deputies contacted the former student at his home, the press release said, where he admitted to sending the messages.

The student was placed under arrest for making written threats to kill and taken to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. He was later turned over to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the press release said.

The former student attended BTMS until the winter break this year and was transferred to a school in Daytona Beach after the break, the report said.

“Parents, talk to your kids and be the sheriff in your home,” Staly said. “Thank you to the student who alerted school administration, who then alerted the SRD.”

AFSCME, Volusia school district reach tentative agreement

Volusia County Schools and the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 79, Local 850, have reached a tentative agreement for a one-year contract, according to a news release from Volusia County Schools.

AFSCME represents employees providing support services such as student transportation, maintenance, the School Way Café and campus advisors.

The bargaining teams met

six times and worked.

The tentatively agreed upon contract with changes will be available prior to ratification.

“The support of our AFSCME employees on the day-to-day operations of the district is invaluable,”

VCS Superintendent Carmen J. Balgobin said. “I am grateful for the collaborative spirit in which these negotiations took place. Both teams exhibited true professionalism and leadership. In these trying times, AFSCME has demonstrated their commitment to our students and for that, I thank them.”

FCSO Detention Facility wins innovation award

The Flagler County’s Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility has won the American Jail Association’s 2023 Innovation Award for medium-sized facilities.

Chief Daniel Engert — who commands the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Court and Detention Services — and Sheriff Rick Staly will accept the award at AJA’s 42nd Conference and Jail Expo on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 in Omaha, Nebraska, according to a press release from FCSO.

The award is presented to correctional facilities that have developed innovative approaches that positively impact the industry as a whole, the press release said.

Three Innovative Awards are given out, based on a facility’s size: large, with more than 1,000 beds, medium, with 100-999 beds, and small, having under 100 beds.

To win, facilities must show their

program significantly impacted the jail’s operations and can be reasonably expected to be replicated at other facilities, the press release said.

“This is a huge honor for our detention team, FCSO and the community to be recognized and selected as a model for jails across the country to emulate,” Staly said.

In 2022, FCSO partnered with Flagler Technical College to implement the Homeward Bound Initiative for inmates.

This program offers three certificate courses to provide job skills, training and certificates issued by the Florida Department of Education along with GED education, the press release said.

The courses offered are in vinyl graphics application, a pre-apprenticeship HVAC program and a food service management and culinary course.

The county jail’s Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment program — otherwise known as S.M.A.R.T. — is also available to address underlying substance abuse issues like mental health disorders, the press release said.

“I commend Chief Engert and his team for taking my vision and implementing an award-winning detention facility and the inmates that are taking advantage of our programs to turn their lives around to become productive citizens in the community,” Staly said. “I also want to thank our community partners. Without them, this would not have been possible.”

Undercover investigation ends in four arrests

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested four people at a Palm Coast house Jan. 24 after deputies searched the home.

The search warrant for the home — located on the first block of Black Hawk Drive — was the result of an undercover investigation, according to a press release from the FCSO. The FCSO’s Special Investigations Unit and SWAT conducted the search.

SIU and SWAT found fentanyl, cocaine, synthetic cathinones — more commonly known as molly — and various drug paraphernalia, the press release said.

“Great job to our SIU and SWAT team, who continue to combat illegal narcotics in Flagler County,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “My message to poison peddlers is to get out of Flagler County before we give you a new home.”

The four people arrested were charged with drug possession and drug paraphernalia possession charges and one contempt of court charge.

Man charged with child molestation pleads guilty

A Palm Coast man who was arrested for molesting children in a group home in 2022 pleaded guilty to all 26 charges on Jan. 25.

He has been sentenced to 25 years at Florida state prison.

Peter Strickland, 32, will be designated as a sex offender, and, upon his release, will have to register as a sex offender for 15 years, according to a press release from Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. He was originally arrested in July 2022.

He admitted to detectives that he had sexual contact with victims — ranging from 13 to 17 years old — around 15 times over two years, the press release said.

In total, Strickland pleaded guilty to and was sentenced for the following charges, from three different cases: one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor; four counts of lewd or lascivious battery sex act with a victim 12-16 years old; 16 counts of possession of child pornography; five counts of sexual activities involving animals.

“I’m thankful that our detectives and the State Attorney’s Office could bring this case to a close, especially during Human Trafficking Awareness Month,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “We also hope that knowing the offender will spend 25 years in prison will help the victims recover from their trauma and the innocence he took away from them.”

FCSO detectives became aware of Strickland, a former city utility worker, during a human trafficking investigation in 2022, according to the press release.

FCSO detectives received a delayed sex offense complaint involving multiple female victims living at a group home.

Detectives found that Strickland enticed victims with items of value in exchange for sexual activity and would video record the sexual encounters, the press release said.

FCSO catches two subjects who fled stolen truck

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office caught two suspects who fled from a stolen pink semi-truck on Monday, Jan. 31.

FCSO deputies were called out to the Days Inn in the

100 block of North Garden Street in Palm Coast at 2:12 p.m. on Jan. 30 because an employee saw two people spray painting a new-looking, pink semi-truck red, according to the arrest reports.

When the two suspects — a man and a woman — saw deputies approaching, they ran into the trees lining Interstate 95 and on to the 289 mile marker, southbound off ramp. Deputies caught the woman quickly, but the man hid in the trees, evading law enforcement and trying to hitchhike to escape, the report said.

Deputies initially set up a perimeter around the wooded area the man was hiding in and began searching for him, but dismantled it when he could not be found.

Just before 5 p.m., deputies responded to a call about a man matching the suspect’s description who was waving down cars on the southbound side of I-95.

Deputies were able to catch the man and identify him as the suspect, the report said.

The semi-trailer had a Mississippi tag and had been reported stolen out of Columbia County in Florida earlier that morning.

Both suspects were from Tampa, the report said, The woman said the truck was meant to be used to transport cargo, though she said she didn’t know what kind.

While searching the man, deputies found a VIN number sticker for a separate vehicle that had been stolen out of Manatee County, plus a dollar bill with a white substance that field-tested positive for fentanyl.

The two were taken to the county jail and charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle, criminal mischief over $1,000, resisting an arrest, and, in the man’s case, possession of fentanyl and possessing a vehicle with altered numbers.

The City of Palm Coast brings the fun!

District presents book choice policy to House

allow their children to have full access to their age-appropriate material. Level two originally allowed families to choose five books that they did not want their children to read. But now the district is allowing families to opt out of as many books as they want, Moore told the subcommittee.

You’re invited to the Annual State of the City Address 2023 on February 9th at 5:30pm at the Palm Coast Community Center. There is no charge to attend, but seating is limited, be sure to reserve a seat by visiting parksandrec.fun.

Three to See Net Generation Kids Day Free Learn to Play Tennis Net Generation Kids Day Free Learn to Play Tennis Saturday, February 11 Saturday, February 11

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

For almost a year, Flagler Schools has allowed parents to choose what books their children can check out from their schools’ media centers.

On Wednesday, Jan. 25, Flagler Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt and Assistant Superintendent for Academic Services LaShakia Moore discussed the policy at a Florida House Education Quality Subcommittee hearing.

Polk County Superintendent Fred Heid also spoke at the hearing in favor of his district’s opt-out policy, and the three district officials answered questions from State Representatives.

Moore, who led the development of the district’s policy, introduced a Flagler Schools video which detailed the three-level process. Parents who select level one

“We started off saying, ‘let us know the five books,’ because at that point in time we did not have an abundance of (book) challenges that were happening,” Moore said.

In level three, parents preapprove all books before their children can check them out.

“We did not want to have our families opting out of media services, because we know that our media centers are for more than just checking out books. And so, for level three, we went with our pre-approval process,” Moore said. “We want this to be a positive environment for our families, where they sit together as a family and identify those books that their child is allowed to read, rather than for them to just completely opt them out of media service as a whole.”

Moore said the district encourages parents to contact their child’s school media specialist.

“I

TRIBUTES

Marion McCombs

3-14-1935-12-27-2022

“It really gave an opportunity for our media specialists to meet with our families and have a great dialogue with them (about) what are current practices we have in place and to ensure that we’re answering their questions,” she said.

Moore said in a district of almost 13,000 students, only 10 families have selected level three. Mittelstadt said that over 300 families have engaged in the process.

“I think as this becomes more of a focus moving forward in the spring in all of the districts ... it might elevate to a higher level of communication,” Mittelstadt said. She said there is already a lot of interest by stakeholders in the the community.

Mittelstadt and Moore were asked if Flagler currently lists all the books that community members have challenged for removal from the schools’ media centers.

“We do list that on our website,” Moore said.

Chapter Chair Shannon Rambow criticized the district for keeping “Nowhere Girls” on the shelves during the challenge process.

“The sex parts start on Page 9,” Rambow said at the Jan. 17 board meeting. Moore told the subcommittee that the school principal and the media specialist make the decision on whether to keep a book in circulation during the challenge process, which starts on the school level and can advance to the district, the superintendent and finally to the School Board.

Palm Coast Open Tennis Tournament: A USTA Pro Circuit Event Finals Matches

Palm Coast Open Tennis Tournament: A USTA Pro Circuit Event Finals Matches

Sunday, February 12 Sunday, February 12

Over 35 Adult Basketball League games begin Over 35 Adult Basketball League games begin

Friday, March 10 Friday, March 10

For more information or to register, visit parksandrec.fun

Explore Play Conn ect

with Parks & Recreation

Check out our full line-up of activities & programs!

Marion was married to Mac McCombs for 48 years. She had two boys, Ed and Dan, from her first marriage and has three granddaughters.

Marion was a Claims Adjuster for Electric Boat of Groton, Connecticut and The Plaster Craft of Mystic, Connecticut. She moved to Florida with her husband Mac McCombs and was a Guardian Ad Litem for St. Johns County, a Guardian Ad Litem for Flagler County and a volunteer for the Palm Coast Fire Department where she was Associate of the Year 2002. Marion was Life Associate Member of the Purple Heart, one of the founders of the Red Knights of Palm Coast and a volunteer for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department. She

Marion was Life Associate Member of the Purple Heart, one of the founders of the Red Knights of Palm Coast and a volunteer for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Department.

belonged to RSVP and was the first woman volunteer at the Fire Company in Ledyard Connecticut.

Under Media Services on the Flagler Schools site, there are currently 22 books listed that have been challenged. Three of the books — “The Haters”, “Me and Earl and the Dying Girl” and “L8R, G8R” — have been removed from all of the district’s schools, according to the website’s list. Four have been kept on the shelves at this point — “The Kite Runner,” which is part of adopted curriculum; “SOLD” and “Breathless”, which are now only available in the two high schools; and “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian”.

But the list does not include “The Nowhere Girls,” one of the books that Flagler County Chapter Moms for Liberty representatives have challenged.

At two recent School Board meetings, Moms for Liberty

BRIEFS

Flagler renews ‘StormReady’ certification

Flagler County received notice on Thursday, Jan. 25, from the National Weather Service that its certification as a StormReady county has been renewed until April 2027.

It is the seventh time the county has been re-certified since the program’s inception in 1999, according to a Flagler County government news release.

“While being StormReady tends to tie into Emergency Management programs, it also has positive implications for all of our residents because it allows many of our homeowners to received automatic discounts on their flood insurance,” Growth Management Director Adam Mengel said.

StormReady is a voluntary program that validates a community’s commitment to focus on communication, mitigation, and preparedness to save lives impacted by weather hazards.

Communities that are StormReady have gone to

Moore told the representatives that the district has eliminated access to all ebooks while it continues to develop the parental choice process in accordance with state statute. Said Mittelstadt: “We’ve embraced (parental choice) in Flagler County as an opportunity to have some great conversations with our parents recognizing choice, having them realize what we have in terms of materials available to our students. And so, those dialogues have been very powerful.”

extensive measures to receive and disseminate weather information and are ready to mitigate the loss of life and property from weather events.

Both the city of Palm Coast and the city of Flagler Beach participate in the StormReady program and have been renewed as well.

“Our team, including our city partners, works tirelessly to prepare our community for all types of hazards and weather events,” said Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. “It is important for us to work closely with the National Weather Service to ensure we maintain the StormReady designation.”

Residents can also make themselves “StormReady” by taking the free Skywarn Storm Spotter course hosted by Flagler County at least twice a year, and by signing up to receive automatic weather alerts through the ALERTFlagler notification system.

Training and ALERTFlagler information can be found at FlaglerCounty.gov/emergency, or by calling 386-3134200 during normal business hours.

Over 300 families have engaged in the parental choice process, Superintendent Cathy Mittelstadt said.

“We want this to be a positive environment for our families where they sit together as a family and identify those books that their child is allowed to read.”

LASHAKIA MOORE, Flagler Schools assistant superintendent

think as this becomes more of a focus moving forward in the spring in all of the districts ... it might elevate to a higher level of communication.”

CATHY MITTELSTADT, superintendent

Cathy Mittelstadt File photo

Transportation funding initiative includes interchange at I-95, US 1

JARLEENE ALMENAS SENIOR EDITOR

The city of Ormond Beach could soon receive $340 million in state funds for the redesign of the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange in Ormond. The money is part of a $4 billion infrastructure initiative proposed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, Jan. 30.

The Moving Florida Forward initiative is meant to expedite transportation projects over the next four years, and, if passed by legislature, would also redirect an average of $131 million annually to the state Transportation Work Program and leverage more funding over the four years, for a total of $7 billion for transportation infrastructure improvements, according to a press release from the governor’s office. The initiative would expedite 20 Florida Department of Transportation projects.

“Gov. DeSantis’ Moving Florida Forward proposal is truly historic, and the projects included will help relieve congestion while also focusing on safety, resiliency, the supply chain and economic growth,”

FDOT Secretary Jared W. Perdue said in the press release. “These are important for Floridians’ quality of life and to ensure we maintain a strong transportation system to keep Florida moving forward. ... Receiving this funding will

allow the vision of each project to become a reality in the immediate future to better meet the growing demands in communities throughout the state.”

Florida’s population is projected to grow by 600 people every day for the next 30 years, FDOT stated in its own press release. Some areas are seeing growth rates higher than 20% .

The Ormond Beach I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange project is the only one of the 20 included in the initiative that is located in Volusia County. “This is a tremendous opportunity for Ormond Beach and Volusia County to make a significant impact on our transportation system,” Ormond Beach Mayor Bill Partington said in a press release.

“We are grateful for the support of Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDOT and are excited to move forward with this transformative project far ahead of any completion schedule we could have imagined.”

Partington, who attended the initiative’s announcement in Auburndale, and his fellow city commissioners — under the guidance of Maryam Ghyabi-White of Ghyabi Consulting and Management — have been working to secure fund-

ing for this project, the press release states. FDOT first launched a Project Development and Environment study for the interchange in the summer of 2021 to evaluate safety improvements. The interchange was constructed in the early 1960s, and some of its original elements no longer meet current FDOT standards.

During an open house held last June, FDOT predicted that by 2050, traffic will increase by over 40% on I-95, and more than double on U.S. 1 with the build-out of both Plantation Oaks and Ormond Crossing, rendering the improvements necessary.

The city reported in its press release that the interchange and the roadways it serves “are consistently some of the most dangerous in Volusia and Flagler counties,” with 70-80 crashes over the past three years.

“This project will have a lasting impact on our residents and visitors, and we are committed to making sure it is executed efficiently and effectively,” Partington said. “I can’t wait to see the positive changes and safety improvements this project will bring to Ormond Beach and Volusia County.”

If the funding is approved, Ormond Beach and Volusia County will receive $340 million.

Photo courtesy of the city of Ormond Beach Gov. Ron DeSantis announces the Moving Florida Forward Initiative.

LETTERS

Please help prevent injuries in Tomoka Oaks

Dear Editor:

Traffic is already a big public safety issue in Tomoka Oaks, the Trails, Escondido Condos, Tomoka Oakwood and Talaquah. If the Ormond Beach Planning Board, Ormond Beach commissioners and the Rubin/Barshay/Velie Development Group are not careful, they will be responsible for more traffic accidents and additional deaths and/or injuries with their new development in the old Tomoka Oaks Golf Course off of North Nova Road.

1) Rubin/Barshay/Velie and OB must conduct another traffic study with high season, non-COVID traffic counts, since the earlier car count occurred during COVID. The Planning Board, commissioners and the general public are sensitive to traffic issues. The golf course’s single exit connecting North and South St. Andrews Drive and running past Escondido Condos’ only exit was never designed to support over 600 additional cars, utility, service, delivery and construction vehicles (about 2,700 daily trips).

2) At a Dec. 1 meeting, the developer indicated that FDOT reported the Nova signal would take about two years to install. Without a traffic light, all the construction vehicles on Tomoka Oaks Boulevard, plus new electrical, sewage, water lines installed, will paralyze Tomoka Oaks Boulevard. Ormond Beach must ask for a Tomoka Oaks Boulevard road solution to be completed before construction starts in the Rubin development.

3) Also at the Dec. 1 meeting, the developers indicated they would join their new development road, St. Andrews Drive and Tomoka Oaks Boulevard in a simple cross intersection with stop signs. This is unacceptable due to inadequate traffic handling problems and create a dangerous intersection.

4) Much of the current traffic and new construction traffic will reroute through The Trails on

YOUR TOWN

HALIFAX HEALTH FOUNDATION RAISES OVER $187,00

The Annual Bahama Casual Event, presented by Lowell and Nancy Lohman and Glenn and Connie Ritchey, raised more than $187,000 to benefit the Lohman Center for Diabetes at Halifax Health.

The event, held Jan. 6 at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, drew over 300 guests who were entertained by KTG Entertainment and enjoyed fine cuisine.

The Foundation continues to raise funds to support its effort to provide high-quality healthcare by purchasing state-of-the-art technology and equipment and providing up-to-date education for staff to enhance our community’s general health and wellness.

The event was limited to 150 couples, who each had a chance of

Iroquois and Rio Pinar, causing a dangerous situation on narrow, sight-line constrained roads that have no sidewalks.

5) Even before this planned development, pedestrians have been killed/injured on old Tomoka Oaks and The Trails roads. These low-volume roads were designed with beautiful, curving, landscaped, narrow single lanes that have no sidewalks. On a typical day now, there are bicyclists, baby carriages, skate boarders, scooters, golf carts, dog walkers and parked cars/trucks sharing the Tomoka Oaks and Trails roads with drivers weaving around the obstructions, many times above the 25-mph speed limit.

Ormond Beach Planning Board and city commissioners: Please plan this new development correctly now, and limit the number of houses so that the Rubin/Barshay/ Velie development does not injure and/or kill additional citizens.

TOM FITZGIBBON Ormond Beach

Say no to Pioneer Trail interchange

Dear Editor:

I’d like to express my opposition to the pending Pioneer Trail Interchange planned for I-95. The reasons I have for opposing this exchange include damage to an already threatened Spruce Creek, use of ARPA funds for a portion of the project and the priority being placed on this project.

First, I think it is clear to anyone who lives in Volusia County that we are fighting an enormous battle to recover and save precious water sources in our region.  To intrude on such an environmentally sensitive area such as Spruce Creek for a nonessential project like a highway interchange does nothing but exacerbate an already tenuous situation.

Secondly, the use of ARPA funds to finance this project appears to the average taxpayer as a complete violation of the public trust. From the National Association of Counties website, ARPA funds are

winning a 2023 Chevrolet lease or $20,000 in cash.

“I wish to thank Charlie Lydecker, our foundation chair, the foundation board of directors, and our longstanding supporters for helping Halifax Health continue to be the healthcare leader in our community,” said Joe Petrock, executive director of the Halifax Health Foundation.

DAR MEMBERS PLANT TREE AT DISCOVERY CENTER

On Friday, Jan. 20, members from the Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution planted a tree at the Environmental Discovery Center.

The members who participated included Cory Trusty, Billie Remsa, Marilyn Meeske, Nancy Roddy and Kindra Cook, according to a news release.

The members were also able to see how much the tree that the Daughters of the American Revolution had planted in 2022 had grown in one year at the EDC.

“intended to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, including the public health and economic impacts.” I fail to see how building a highway interchange that is necessary only in the eyes of the developers and associated industries meets this criteria.

Finally, there is an enormous number of other highway projects that would be more of a priority than this exchange if federal money is, indeed, to be spent. Renovating the LPGA exchange that already exists appears to be a far greater need than a new exchange at Pioneer Trail; modernizing the U.S. 1 interchange that has not been redesigned since it was built more than 50 years ago would also be a higher priority; and, finally, moving the money elsewhere on the I-95 corridor would have far more beneficial impact than this new exchange. It is incredible to believe that the major north-south interstate on the east coast of this country is still a fourlane highway through two complete states, North and South Carolina, no better than when it was built 60 years ago.

It is apparent to anyone familiar with political influences of Volusia County and the state that this interchange is being proposed for one reason and one reason only: to serve the interests of developers who are large donors to political campaigns of this state and who have a financial interest in further expansion of developments surrounding the proposed exchange. Are we to sacrifice every inch of our state to these forces, or will someone have the courage to stand up and say enough is enough?

DOUG PETTIT Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: This letter was originally sent as an email to Pamela Blankenship of the River To Sea Transportation Planning Organization.

Heads up, Tomoka Oaks

Dear Editor:

The mandatory developer’s

neighborhood meeting for the Tomoka Reserve Planned Residential Development will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Temple Beth-El, located at 579 N. Nova Road. Presentations will be made at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tomoka Oaks homeowners will be told how the proposed site plan will attempt to squeeze 300 housing units on the former 18-hole golf course, explaining why the new development will not cause depreciation of property values, traffic issues, and loss of quality of life.

This neighborhood meeting on Feb. 8 precedes the city’s future public hearings (dates to be determined) by the Planning Board and the City Commission to approve or deny the project. The city’s public meetings will take place in the City Hall commission chamber, where our elected officials will hear public testimony and make the final decision.

CAROLYN DAVIS Ormond Beach

Welcome, Waltz

Dear Editor:

The Government Affairs Committee of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Congressman Michael Waltz and his staff to Ormond Beach. His office is on the second floor in City Hall, and Mr. Ernie Audino is Congressman Waltz’s district director. Sue Bower is the manager of constituent services/academy coordinator, and Brandi Anderson is the gold star family fellow. We are pleased to know that the businesses and residents of Ormond Beach have the office of the congressman who represents us here in our community. We welcome you.

PEGGY FARMER Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: Peggy Farmer is a member of the chamber’s Government Affairs Committee.

GARDEN CLUB HELPS PLANTS TREES AT HOLLY HILL SCHOOL

The Holly Hill School Garden Club and The Garden Club of the Halifax Country celebrated Florida Arbor Day on Jan. 20 by planting a 30-gallon Florida red maple and eight 3-gallon live oak and Yaupon holly trees in the backside of the physical education field. Beforehand, the garden clubs led 80 first and second graders on a tree walk on campus, where the students participated in activities to learn about the importance of trees.

ORMOND BEACH Observer

“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com

Managing Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com

Senior Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@palmcoastobserver.com

Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@palmcoastobserver.com

Design Editor Hailey McMillan, hailey@palmcoastobserver.com

Media Director Holly Oliveri, holly@ormondbeachobserver.com

Senior Media Specialist Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com

Advertising Coordinator Jessica Boone, jessica@palmcoastobserver.com

Office Coordinator Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com

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ADOPTABLE PETS

Sully, a 3-year-old mixed breed. His adoption fee is $50.

RITA FRANCIS BELBEY (NAGLE)

Rita Francis Belbey (Nagle), age 94 of Ormond Beach, Florida passed away on October 28th. Her long time love, Clifford Drapeau was with her

Snickers, a 2-year-old hound mix with a cream and tan coat. Call for her adoption fee.

Chappy, a 3-year-old German shepherd mix. His adoption fee is $50.

holding her hand. She was born in Nutley, New Jersey, and moved to Florida with her late husband, John Belbey. Rita is survived by her children: John Belbey, his wife Caren, daughter Loretta Arrington, Steven Belbey, and daughter, Deborah Belbey.

Marty, a 5-year-old hound mix. His adoption fee is $75.

To adopt any of these animals, or see others, visit the Halifax Humane Society’s main campus at 2364 LPGA Blvd. or call 274-4703.

Photo courtesy of Lisa Watts Students plant trees at the Holly Hill School on Jan. 20.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Beachside’s new nest

School hosts open house at state-ofthe-art campus.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As the sun set on the beach-themed exterior of the newly-opened Beachside Elementary school, students and their families lined up on the sidewalk to attend the first open house, held on Thursday, Jan. 26.

The school opened to students on Jan. 3 following their winter break. The student population, formed from the Osceola and Ortona Elementary merger, had been attending the former Osceola Elementary campus while the new facility was being built at the old Ortona site in Daytona Beach.

Ormond Beach native and resident Stephanie Mendez, who recently bought her childhood home from her parents, attended Osceola as a child. Her sons, Noah and Joseph Mendez, followed in her footsteps and started school at Osceola Elementary in 2021, during its transition to Beachside.

Mendez thought it was an exceptional experience when the students from both schools were brought together at Osceola.

“It was exciting just having all the different kids from both sides of the city come together,” she said. “It wasn’t too crazy, because the teachers and all the administrators did such an amazing job to have the flow be perfect. I don’t know how they did it, but they did it. It worked amazingly.”

Families were given a “Welcome to Beachside’s new nest” sheet, which students could get stamped as they explored their classrooms, the media center, the extended learning labs, art room, music room and the cafeteria, where they picked up a prize if their sheet was completed.

Moving to the new Beachside campus was like night and day for parents Brian and Ariel Collins. For them, the space was much brighter, clean and safe.

Their son Noah Collins was excited about the playground, especially since Osceola’s campus did not have one. He summed it up with one word.

“Amazing,” the first grader said. Directing traffic in the hallways were teachers Heath Barrow and Kimberly Schandel.

Barrow is a support facilitator at Beachside who works with ESE and special needs students. He helps

A MID-YEAR MOVE

When the Beachside students first walked into their new campus, Principal Lynn Bruner recalled their quiet awe.

“As we walked in all the classrooms, you could have heard a pin drop,” she said. “They were just like, ‘wow.’”

It took a lot of effort by teachers and staff to get the school ready for that first day back after their winter break.

Moving to their new campus midyear was a challenge, but Bruner said it was made possible through teamwork and a lot of communication. No one likes to move, even though they may like where they are moving to, she added.

“You feel like the boxes grow like spaghetti on a plate,” Bruner said. “Despite that big task, everyone rallied and did the work. Teachers just helped each other, and support staff helped.”

Saying goodbye to the campus was bittersweet for some. One of the teachers had taught kindergarten in the same room at the Osceola campus for 30 years, Bruner said.

But since moving in, though they are still waiting on a few things like opening their new playground and smoothening out some sod, Bruner said the school’s opening has gone well.

“We are chasing 100% every day and our goal every day is that every student wakes up and wants to come to Beachside,” Bruner said.

— JARLEENE ALMENAS, SENIOR EDITOR

favorite aspect of working at Beachside is the people he interacts with on a daily basis.

“Because I’m in and out with different teachers and other ESE, daily I probably make contact or touch six or seven or eight other adults,” he said. “I’ve got a good group of teachers I work with and peers that are doing the same thing.”

Schandel has been a Teacher on Assignment at Beachside since December 2022 and teaching in Volusia County for 18 years. She works closely with the admin-

istration to provide support for teachers, students and parents as she learns to be an assistant principal or administrator.

Beachside is a two-story building where kindergarten through second grade are on the first floor, and third through fifth grade occupy the second. Both floors have an extended learning lab.

Charla Johnson, a tutor, manned the lab at the open house. She attended Osceola, Seabreeze junior and senior high schools.

“I’m hired as a full-time tutor,” she said. “It’s driven by the classroom teacher. They tell us what the kids need. It can be higher-level kids or lower-level kids. The kids have been just amazing during this transition. They have been so excited.”

Undeniable favorites of the night were the art and music rooms where art teacher Kelsi Quicksall-Jones and music teacher Sarah Johns instruct their students. Quicksall-Jones designed Beachside’s mascot and was the school’s Teacher of the Year. She feels fortunate to have the new space, which includes a kiln room and a wet cabinet for keeping clay, along with her students’ projects.

“It’s overwhelming,” she said.

“I don’t know what to do first. I had my room all painted at the old school, and it was so homey. Now I have this big space and these really tall ceilings. I feel like I want to get up there and paint already, but I know I’m going to be here a long time and I can take my time.”

Noah Collins relaxes in Beachside Elementary’s media center during the school’s first open house.

First grade twins Noah and Joseph Mendez enjoy the media center at Beachside Elementary School’s open house.

Photos by Michele Meyers

tary waiting to enter for the first

Beachside Elementary music teacher Sarah Johns is going on her 22nd year of teaching. She is excited that her room is equipped with new technology, and the classroom is located close to the stage.

“This is the most beautiful school I’ve been at. It’s beautiful. They need to replicate this everywhere.”

KIMBERLY SCHANDEL,

teacher on assignment at Beachside

Elementary

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 2

OUR LADY OF LOURDES ANNUAL

ITALIAN FESTIVAL

When: 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2 and Friday, Feb. 3; 12-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4

Where: Our Lady of Lourdes Church Pavilion, 1014 N. Halifax Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: Join Our Lady of Lourdes for its annual Italian Festival. Enjoy authentic Italian foods including the church’s famous pizza and desserts, drinks, live entertainment and dancing. There will also be bounce houses and games.

COMMEMORATING ORMOND

BEACH’S AFRICAN-AMERICAN

WWII VETERANS

When: 6-7:30 p.m.

Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Attend this Black History Month lecture by Master Sgt. Thomas James Johnson Jr. to honor the 77 African-American World War II veterans of Ormond Beach. They were commemorated along with their fellow white veterans with a plaque unveiled in a 1999 city ceremony, replacing the one at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum that previously only contained the names of white veterans. Free lecture hosted by the Ormond Beach Historical Society.

FRIDAY, FEB. 3

FIRST FRIDAY GARDEN WALK

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Come out the first Friday of the month to learn more about the gardens and history of Washington Oaks. No registration necessary; the walk is included with the park’s entry fees. Meet at the garden parking lot at 10 a.m. and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tours last one hour.

FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Mu-

seum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Decorate a box to store special Valentines or other treasures during OMAM’s Free Family Art Night. Adults may drop in to the museum with their children to create this art project together, under the direction of Linda King. All art supplies provided. This monthly program is sponsored in part by the Women United Volusia Chapter. Learn more at bit.ly/omam-ffan.

MOVIES ON THE HALIFAX

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy “Grease,” rated PG. Movies are weather-sensitive. Call 386-6763216 for rainout information.

RUMOURS: A FLEETWOOD MAC TRIBUTE

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Flagler Auditorium, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast

Details: See this group — composed of Mekenzie Jackson, Denny Hanson, Alex Thrift, Adrienne Cottrell, Nick Whitson and Daniel Morrison — recreate the harmonies and sound of Fleetwood Mac. Tickets cost $40$50. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 4

SECOND ANNUAL TUNNEL TO TOWERS 5K

When: 8-11 a.m.

Where: Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Take part in this run and walk event, which benefits the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, created in honor of Stephen Siller, a New York City firefighter who died on 9/11. Registration costs $40 for adults; $25 for military and first responders; $20 for children 13-17 years old and $15 for children 12 and under. Visit https://runsignup.com/Race/ FL/PalmCoast/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkPalmCoastFL.

9TH ANNUAL GRANADA GRAND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

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

Where: New Britain Avenue from Beach Street to Ridgewood, Ormond Beach Details: This festival is returning to Ormond Beach on New Britain

Avenue for a day of art, crafts, a chalk art competition, music, food, beer and wine. There will be over 80 artists and crafters in attendance, and the “Pop-up Plaza” will host live music. The chalk art competition is sponsored by ArtHaus. You can also get creative at the “Youth Art Tent” or at the Ormond Beach Library tent, with family-friendly activities. Bring your ukulele for the festival’s afternoon “Ukes in the Street” jam session, led by Beachside Music. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com.

ART BATTLE ORMOND BEACH

When: 4 p.m.

Where: 31 Supper Club, 1 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: See 12 artists compete live in three rounds during this art battle event. All artwork will be available for action. Tickets cost $25. Visit https://bit.ly/3iMu8l5.

FOUR CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL

SERVICE

When: 2:30 p.m.

Where: VFW Post 8696, 47 N. Old Kings Road, Palm Coast

Details: American Post 115, in coordination with other veterans organizations, will host a memorial service dedicated to four World War II chaplains who sacrificed their lives to save others on the USAT Dorchester in 1943. Visit fourchaplains.org or immortalchaplains.org to learn more about the chaplains.

ART WALK

When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and events.

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS ITALIAN

FESTIVAL

When: 5-9 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan Catholic Church

Social Hall, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach.

Details: The Father Eamonn Gill Council 13018 Knights of Columbus invites the community to attend its annual Italian Festival Dinner and Dance. Proceeds go to the St.

Brendan Catholic School scholarship fund. The $25 dinner includes homemade lasagna, meatballs, sausage, salad, dessert and a beverage. Dinner will be served between 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. The Moonlighters will play from 6-9 p.m. Reservations required. No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are available for purchase before and after Sunday mass, weekdays in the church and school offices, or by calling Vince at 486-441-4713.

TUESDAY, FEB. 7

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP WITH BIBI GROMLING

When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery for a watercolor workshop with local artist Bibi Gromling. Learn how to paint a flamingo-themed piece. Cost is $75 per student. Supplies included. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve a spot.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 8

TWO-DAY ACRYLIC WORKSHOP WITH SCOTT HIESTAND

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Learn how to paint acrylic landscapes with local painter Scott Hiestand. Cost is $100. Supplies are an additional $20, if needed. Call 386-317-9400 to reserve a spot.

THURSDAY, FEB. 9

WINTER BIRD WALKS WITH JOAN

TAGUE

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. Bring water. Walking shoes and sunscreen are recommended. Visit ormondbeach.org.

PANEL ON BOOK BANNING

When: 6 p.m.

Where: African American Cultural Society, 4422 N. U.S. 1, Palm Coast

Details: The Palm Coast Democratic Club will host a panel discussion with the Atlantic Coast Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State on the issue of book banning. The evening will begin

with a social hour, followed by a brief business meeting at 7 p.m. before the discussion begins. The panel will conclude with questions and answers. The meeting is open to all and is free. For more information, call Merrill Shapiro at 804-914-4460.

ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club for its February meeting, to be held in-person and on Zoom. Social visiting will begin at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will start at 7 p.m. Legislation and policies will be reviewed and discussed, and responses developed. Applications for precinct captains will be accepted. Like-minded non-members are welcome to attend as guests. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

SATURDAY, FEB. 11

MAYOR’S HEALTH AND FITNESS CHALLENGE KICK-OFF

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: South Ormond Neighborhood Center, 176 Division Ave., Ormond Beach

Details: The Mayor’s Health and Fitness Challenge will begin on Saturday, Feb. 11, with a kickoff event and weigh-in. The eight-week challenge is open to all city residents, employees and their families. The challenge costs $35 per person; or $70 for a family with up to three children 18 and under. Participants are encouraged to pre-register, but registration will also be available the day of. Visit ormondbeach.org/MHFC.

SUNDAY, FEB. 12 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to noon

Where: Social Hall at St. Brendan Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The Father Eamonn Gill Council 13018 Knights of Columbus will serve its famous pancake breakfast in the Social Hall. The meal includes all the pancakes you can eat, scrambled eggs, a sausage link, orange juice and endless coffee. The breakfast costs $6 for adults; children under 12 eat free. All are welcome.

Title town

Matanzas wrestlers McLean, Golder win at Flagler Rotary.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

T.J. McLean didn’t have fond memories of the Flagler Rotary wrestling tournament. As a Flagler Palm Coast freshman last year, McLean went 0-2 at the tourney. This year, he won a championship.

Now a sophomore at Matanzas, McLean won the 106-pound title Saturday, Jan. 28, at the 37th annual Flagler Rotary at FPC. Matanzas 113-pounder Kaden Golder also won a title, and the Pirates sent five wrestlers to the finals on the way to a third-place team finish. FPC finished fifth for the second year in a row.

“We were third in 2019, but we had no one in the finals that year,” Matanzas coach T.J. Gillin said. “To have five in the finals, that’s a first for us. It’s a big deal.”

Matanzas and FPC each had six wrestlers make the medal round. Toryion Stallings (126 pounds), Dylan Parkinson (152) and Jordan Mills (170) all finished second for the Pirates. Dalton Schell finished second at 195 pounds for FPC.

Harmony High School won the 32 team-tourney with 218.5 points, followed by Winter Springs (172.5), Matanzas (170), Bartram Trail (142) and FPC (140.5).

McLean (33-4) pinned Harmony’s Tristan Horn (27-7) in 3:40 in the final. At the end, Horn tried taking down McLean with a lateral drop.

feet. He’s very tough when he’s on top.”

McLean is ranked third in the state in Class 2A. The other two wrestlers in the top three are in the same district as Matanzas. McLean said he transferred because he lives down the street from Matanzas, and FPC was in transition with its coaching staff.

“I’m training harder,” he said. “Last year, I weighed 100 pounds, wrestling at 106. Now I’m cutting weight for 106.”

Golder transferred from Mainland High School before the school year. He improved to 25-4 with a pin at 2:36 over Carmen Dibella (111) of Bartram. Golder notched four straight pins in the tournament. He hasn’t lost a 113-pound match all season.

“Once he got on top, he put them on their backs,” Gillin said. “He’s probably the biggest, strongest Parkinson (31-6) lost to undefeated Roberto Cuartero of Bishop Kenny by pin the final after notching three wins on the mat. Stallings lost by pin to 2022 Class 3A state runnerup Ethan Vugman (39-1) of Bartram in the final after winning three Mills (14-1) lost his first match of the season by injury default in the final to Elijah Penton (350) of Winter Springs. Mills felt soreness in the shoulder that he injured in October which kept him out of the first part of the season.

“He said it was just sore (the following day), and he had full range of motion. We can’t risk him injuring it,” Gillin said.

“To win state, this is the guy

(he’s) going to have to beat.”

Schell (33-5) lost a 5-3 decision to Isaiah Shevchook of Oakleaf in the final. Schell decisioned Newsome’s Peyton Turner in the semifinal, 8-6.

“Dalton stuck to his game plan,” FPC coach David Bossardet said.

“When Dalton Schell is wrestling his match, he’s pretty hard to beat.” Also placing for the Bulldogs were:

Kole Hannant (34-6), fourth at 132 pounds; Hayden Herndon (25-6), fourth at 145 pounds; Kelton Howard (25-7), fifth at 160 pounds; Brandon Calidonio (26-6), fifth at 182 pounds; and Ethan Laupepa (26-9), third at 220 pounds.

Laupepa went 4-1 with a pin against Lake Brantley’s Shawn Hernandez in the third-place match.

Landon Wright (24-10) finished fourth at 160 pounds for Matanzas.

DAVID BOSSARDET, FPC coach

Christina Calidonio, Garrick Schwartz and Carson Baert cheer for FPC wrestlers.

Matanzas’ Carmine Lania looks for the pin against Deltona’s Thomas Berrios in the 220-pound class.

FPC’s Hayden Herndon is taken to the mat by Newsome’s Jeremy Gradford in the 145-pound class.

“Dalton stuck to his game plan. When Dalton Schell is wrestling his match, he’s pretty hard to beat.”

FPC’s David Bossardet coaches from the mat.

Mainland follows Five Star title with win over Seabreeze

The Bucs outlasted the improving Sandcrabs as they continue to dominate Volusia County boys basketball.

BRENT WORONOFF

EDITOR

ASSOCIATE

Seabreeze is not quite ready to challenge Mainland for Volusia County dominance in boys basketball. No one else is either. But first-year coach Ray Gaines feels his Sandcrabs are on the right track.

One day after Mainland rolled to a 72-40 victory over University in the Five Star Conference championship game, the Bucs defeated Seabreeze 63-30 on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Mainland gym.

“One thing we’re working on is

teaching the young guys how to compete,” Gaines said. “Last year, they won one game. This year, we have eight wins already, so we’re improving.”

The Bucs improved to 18-5 with five lopsided wins in eight days, ending with a 67-30 rout of Atlantic on Jan. 30.

“Our schedule was pretty tough early, playing against Oak Ridge, Olympia, Lakeland and Winter Haven,” Mainland coach Joe Giddens said. “To play against local teams is good for our guys. Any time we play local, even if we have some games in a row, my guys get up for it. They’re friends, they see them everyday, so they get up for those games.”

Seven-footer DeAndre Newland led the Bucs with 14 points against the Sandcrabs, while 6-4 guard Angelo Mack scored 13.

Mikey Steward led Seabreeze (8-12) with eight points. John Dunlop, Jordan Calder and John Hudson all added six points. Both teams hit five 3-pointers in the game.

“One of the things I told my guys tonight is that more than anything, we were going to have to compete,” Gaines said. “Mainland has exceptional athletes all over the floor, big guys that play hard, and if we’re not able to match their intensity we’re not going to be able to stay in the

“Mainland-Seabreeze is a good rivalry. It goes back to 1920s. I have people who graduated from Mainland in the ’90s when I was there, in the ’80s, texting me, ‘Make sure you get this W tonight.’”

game. The first quarter and maybe a half, we were there. But then their athleticism and their aggression pretty much got the best of us.”

The Bucs jumped out to a 36-17 halftime lead and moved out to a 30-point advantage (52-22) going into the fourth quarter.

While the Bucs ran away with the varsity game, Mainland’s tight overtime victory in the JV game suggested the rivalry might be heating up in the near future.

“Coach Ray is doing a great job over there,” Giddens said. “They’re on the rise. The JV game was a thriller.

“Mainland-Seabreeze is a good rivalry,” Giddens added. “It goes back to 1920s. I have people who graduated from Mainland in the ’90s when I was there, in the ’80s, texting me, ‘Make sure you get this W tonight.’”

The Bucs end their regular season with a home game against DeLand at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2. They host the District 4-5A tournament Feb. 7-10.

Seabreeze, which played at Calvary Christian on Jan. 31, ends its regular season at Father Lopez at 7 p.m. Feb. 2. The ’Crabs will join Mainland in the District 4-5A tournament.

The Bucs, who are ranked fourth in the state among Class 5A teams, believe they can make a deep playoff

run.

“Even though I got 14 guys, eight or nine are coming back next year. My point guard, Nate Kirk, is a freshman,” Giddens said. “Some of our young guys had to grow up early. That’s why I put them in the fire early in the season. It will help us in the long run. Districts will be here, and if we take care of business, we’ll have some home games here in the playoffs too.”

By Luis Campos

Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

“GTUFU’I LCGTYLD ZYXU GTYI USGULJUJ

OBPYZW GTBG YI OZUUGVCCJ PBA. ...

GTUFU YI ... B DFUBG JUBZ CO ZCNU.” YMKJWHM XMKFJSMI

Puzzle One Clue: H equals U

“EV AWD OJCI XFJHI VYEHOF, EF RICIY HWIX JKJA. LDF ... EX FOI BIA FW FOJF

TJHESJP MIYVWYTJRSI LISJDXI WV FOI

VIJY?” XFICEI RESBX

Puzzle Two Clue: M equals P

“CIX PHTJX ZD DAGXKON IHN HTMHVN RXXK H KHCJAHT CIGKL. G SAXDXA CZZ

UHKV CZ CZZ DXM.” UGFW DTXXCMZZO

Puzzle Three Clue: W equals K

© 2023 NEA, Inc.

sudoku

Complete the grid so that every row, column and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 inclusively.

Mainland’s Nate Kirk (1) guards Tristan McCann.

Mainland’s Narayan Thomas guards Seabreeze’s Aiden Bailey (4).

Seabreeze’s Mikey Steward (3) shoots over Jerrel Moore.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Mainland guard Troy Smith

JOE GIDDENS, Mainland coach

THE LITTLE THINGS by Stella Zawistowski, edited by David Steinberg

SIDE LINES

Matanzas, FPC win district championship

Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast each won district girls weightlifting championships.

The Bulldogs swept the District 4-3A traditional and Olympic titles at University High School on Wednesday, Jan. 25. They will send 14 lifters to the regional championships on Thursday, Feb. 2 at Oakleaf High.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

State cheerleading

Seabreeze, Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas will be competing at the competitive cheerleading state championships Feb. 3-4 at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center in Gainesville.

Seabreeze finished second at regionals to advance directly to the finals in the Class 1A small varsity division.

The Sandcrabs are scheduled to perform at 3:24 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3.

Matanzas and FPC will compete in the small nontumbling competition at the Class 2A state meet Saturday, Feb. 4. Matanzas, which finished fifth at regionals, is scheduled to perform at 5:08 p.m. FPC, which finished eighth at regionals, is scheduled for 3:08 p.m.

Girls basketball

FPC’s girls basketball team was scheduled to open district tournament play on Jan. 31 against Sandalwood. The Bulldogs (13-11) closed the regular season with five straight victories, including a 67-45 win at Matanzas on Jan. 24 in a game that was rescheduled after three FPC players were injured in a crash on Jan. 13 on Belle Terre Parkway.

The Pirates won the traditional title and finished second behind New Smyrna Beach in the Olympic competition at the District 6-2A meet, which they hosted on Jan. 25.

Matanzas is sending 13 lifters to the regional at Leesburg on Feb. 2.

Seabreeze is sending three lifters to Leesburg: Camilla Arellano, who won the district Olympic title at 129 pounds, and Rylie Deiter (110) and Charlotte Lowe (154) in the traditional competition.

FPC won 10 individual titles at district. Aryanna Rosa (119), Brianna Tucker (129), Chloe Long (145) and Midlyne Thomas (183) won both competitions. Leila Turner (139) and Zoey Gotera (unlimited) won the Olympic competition.

The Bulldogs qualified six other lifters in both competitions: Madeline Brinker (101), Angelis Rosa (101), Nereyda Campos (110), Alexa Calidonio (199), Ashlyn Hardy (199) and Colleen Haaf (unlimited). Sher-

lande Paul (154) and Kelsey Coyne (169) qualified in the Olympic competition.

Matanzas’ Sarah Sanchez (154) and Samantha Simon (unlimited) won district championships in both competitions. Jordan Crews (129) and Maria Kelly (139) won titles in the traditional competition.

Kelly, Crews, Sanchez, Simon, Aiyana Reyes (101), Rilee Whitmore (169), Eva Ossler (183) and Alexi Rosario (199) advanced to regional in both competitions.

Aryanna DiFatta (110) advanced in the traditional competition, while Carina Tavares (119), Isabella Hille (183) and Kaitlin Kostal (199) advanced in the Olympic competition.

The traditional competition includes clean and jerk and bench press, while the Olympic competition also counts the clean and jerk along with the snatch lift.

Discus thrower Bradyn Cox signs letter of intent

Josh Petro, an assistant track and field coach at West Virginia Wesleyan College, was very familiar with Matanzas discus thrower Bradyn Cox.

As the former throws coach at the Villages Charter School, Petro had seen Cox in action. That familiarity led to Cox signing a letter of intent with the Division II track program.

“I’m excited,” Cox said after a signing ceremony Jan. 25 in the Pirates’ gym lobby. “I’ve been in contact with Coach Petro since last year, over the summer. He has seen me at a few track meets, and that’s how he recruited me.” Cox plans to major in nursing and throw discus, hammer and weight for Wesleyan.

He started throwing discus in middle school because his father had done it.

“He had a record of 150 feet when he was in middle school,” Bradyn said of Terry Cox Jr. “So I thought I’d try it, and I liked it a lot. I started getting serious in the summer after seventh grade. I started seeing the coach every weekend, and I got a lot better.”

Bradyn won a state championship as an eighth grader at Indian Trails Middle School. He was an AAU All-American as a freshman. With his father coaching the throwers at Matanzas, Bradyn qualified for the Class 2A state meet as a junior last spring with a throw of 45.54 meters, which is just short of 150 feet. He finished 11th at the meet.

“It’s sad I only got three years (of high school track) because of COVID (which canceled the 2020 season),” Cox said. “But hopefully I can make it back to state (this season) and bring home a medal this time.”

3BR, 2BA home features formal dining room, formal living room & spacious kitchen w/ breakfast nook. Master suite w/ private master bath and large walk in closet. Family room opens to your covered lanai, inground swimming pool and private wooded area behind home. Located on a quiet culde-sac. 600 SF heated garage. MLS#1104064 $425,000 Call Buzzy Porter at 386-405-1000.

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This 4BR, 3BA, 2-CG home is must-see! Gourmet kitchen w/ Quartz Counter Tops & SS Appliances. Master suite located on one side of home w/ a private master bath. Large peaceful backyard that backs up to a conservation area. Community amenities: Golf course, Community Pool, Tennis Courts, Fitness Center, Large Clubhouse, Restaurant & Sports Bar!

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Direct oceanfront gem! This completely updated masterpiece sits high on a dune and features a solid construction, built on concrete pilings with a concrete seawall. It boasts over 5,900 sq ft of living space. 4 bed+ office, 5.1 baths, and 4 CG w a circular driveway that provides easy access to A1A. Private courtyard, w a large renovated pool w a travertine deck, a tiki bar, and multiple spaces to entertain and lounge. $2,990,000 Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991.

2

POOL HOME! 4BR, 3BA, remodeled from top to bottom.

Chef’s kitchen w/ granite countertops, SS appliances and tons of cabinets. Off of family room is a 38’x17’ bonus room. Spacious master suite w/ a private master bath. Other upgrades include plantation shutters, central vac, new roof in 2022, new blinds and new doors. MLS#1102230 $699,900 Call Buzzy Porter at 386-405-1000.

The oceanfront home of Hawaiian Tropic founder Ron Rice, this 12,000 sqft oceanfront estate is now on the market for the first time! A commanding presence on A1A, the grounds encompass a full acre lot with 200 feet of beach frontage. Situated on a highly desirable stretch of Ormond Beachside along with other multimillion-dollar residences, the home sits high on the no-drive beach making it your private oasis. Expansive outdoor decking links 3 pools, 2 oceanfront

HOMES ARE SELLING FAST! WE NEED MORE LISTINGS TO

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owners suite and more. $5,999,900

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Gorgeous oceanfront unit has been totally updated.

bedrooms, 2 baths, and 2 oceanfront balconies with incredible 180 degree views of the ocean. Bright & open floor plan offers an ample living space. Underground parking spaces & private access to the beach. Walking distance to shops & restaurants. Absolutely gorgeous! $575,000

Call Bill Navarra 386-334-9991

Photo by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas’ Alexi Rosario qualified in both competitions at 199 pounds.

Matanzas' Brianna Corley competed at 154 pounds.

REAL ESTATE

Hunter’s Ridge home leads the sales list

Ahouse in Hunter’s Ridge was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of Dec. 18-24 in the Multiple Listing Service. Jack Surrette Jr., Terri Perkins, Amanda Perkins and Bryan Perkins, of Ormond Beach, sold 47 Cambridge Trace to William McKenzie and Kimberley Coker, of Ormond Beach, for $650,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 3,048 square feet.

WAYNE GRANT

REAL ESTATE EDITOR

ORMOND BEACH

Daytona Shores

Donald Remigio, of Ormond Beach, sold 30 Woodbourne Lane to Deborah and Leonard Maselli, of Ormond Beach, for $335,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,734 square feet.

Fiesta Heights Meredith Wilson, individually and as trustee, sold 117 Pinion Circle to Lukasz Scaber, of Ormond Beach, for $182,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,367 square feet.

Fitch Grant Kevin and Theresa Mahoney sold 520 S. Center St. to Joseph Lee and Karley Sewell, of Ormond Beach, for $349,900. Built in 1981, the

house is a 3/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $235,000.

Halifax Plantation

Cheryl Jansen, of Hollywood, South Carolina, sold 3632 Aran Circle to Brian Boatner, of Ormond Beach, for $555,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,017 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $245,000.

Hickory Village James and Jeanne Learn, of Jacksonville, sold 15 Aaron Circle to Nicholas Carroll, as trustee, for $304,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,279 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $184,000.

Not in Subdivision David Carter and Anne Howe, of Winter Haven, sold 176 Magnolia Drive to Charles and Angela Little for $305,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,166 square feet.

Plantation Bay

Linda and Michael Brady, of Daytona Beach, sold 1301 Hansberry Lane to Jennifer Chandler and Steven Bowers, of Ormond Beach, for $365,000. Built in 2005, the townhouse is a 2/2 and has 1,551 square feet. It sold in January, 2022, for $325,000.

Tanglewood Forest James and Maryori Bollinger, of Ormond Beach, sold 208 Pawnee Drive to Angela Padgett, of Ormond Beach, for $389,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 3/3 and has a swimming pool and 1,989 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $200,000.

The Trails Gulf Harbour Investments Corp., of Greenwood Village, Colorado,

sold 4 Rocky Creek Trail to Home Buyers of Northeast Florida LLC, of Flagler Beach, for $367,500. Built in 1981, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,902 square feet.

Woodmere Tyler Dean, individually and as trustee, sold 880 N. Lindenwood Circle to Ram Vasanjee, of Ormond Beach, for $380,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,706 square feet.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Nikolas Goodnow, Conrad Goodnow and Rachel and Anthony Goodnow, of Valdosta, Georgia, sold 40 Juniper Drive to Cameron and Hannah Seavers, of Ormond Beach, for $450,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 1,737 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $145,000.

Hilda Sola sold 2290 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 405, to Maged Botros and Mary Grace, of Concord, North Carolina, for $310,000. Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,121 square feet.

Paula Libbey and Marc Brown, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, sold 935 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 2170, to Counterwraps International Inc., Daniel Curtin and Leila Peralta, of Ormond Beach, for $300,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 1/1 and has 924 square feet. It sold in April for $285,000.

Nicholas and Ashley McGinnis sold 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 77, to Larry Haswell and Tiffany Manning, of Oklahoma City, for $204,900. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,214 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $145,000.

George and Donna Czurlanis, of Lanoka Harbor, New Jersey, sold 41 Brooks Drive to Michael and Michelle Sands, of Ormond Beach, for $155,500. Built in 1951, the house is a 2/2 and has 528 square feet.

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

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 170.07 AND 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT (DEBT ASSESSMENT HEARING –ENCLAVE EXPANSION PARCEL)1

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

In accordance with Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes, the Seminole Palms Community Development District’s (“District”) Board of Supervisors (“Board”) hereby provides notice of the following public hearings and public meeting:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

DATE: February 27, 2023

TIME: 11:00 a.m.

LOCATION: Hilton Garden Inn – Palm Coast 55 Town Center Blvd. Palm Coast, Florida 32164

The purpose of the public hearings announced above is to consider the imposition of special assessments (“Debt Assessments”), and adoption of assessment rolls to secure proposed bonds, on benefited lands within the portion of the District known as the “Enclave,” and, to provide for the levy, collection and enforcement of the Debt Assessments. The proposed bonds secured by the Debt Assessments are intended to finance certain public infrastructure improvements, including, but not limited to, stormwater management, water and sewer utilities, landscape, irrigation, lighting, and other infrastructure improvements (together, “Project”), benefitting certain lands within the District, including the Enclave. The Project is described in more detail in the Engineer’s Report, dated February 2, 2022, as supplemented by the Revised Master and First Supplemental Engineer’s Report, dated August 19, 2023 (as updated January 23, 2023) (together, “Engineer’s Report”). The Debt Assessments are proposed to be levied as one or more assessment liens and allocated to the benefitted lands within the Enclave parcel, as set forth in the Master Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated April 25, 2022, as supplemented by the Supplemental Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated January 23, 2023 (together, “Assessment Report”). At the conclusion of the public hearings, the Board will, by resolution, levy and impose the Debt Assessments as finally approved by the Board. A special meeting of the District will also be held where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it.

The District is located entirely within the City of Palm Coast, Florida, and covers approximately 309.81 acres of land, more or less. The site is generally located west of Seminole Woods Boulevard, north of Grand Landings Parkway, and south of an existing drainage canal. A geographic depiction of the District is shown below. All lands within the District are expected to be improved in accordance with the reports identified above.

Pursuant to Resolutions 2022-26 and 2022-33, the District previously levied a debt assessment to secure the funding of the Project on the original 239.63 acres of land within the District. On October 4, 2022, the City Council for the City of Palm Coast, Florida adopted Ordinance 2022-19 amending the District’s boundaries and adding the 70.18-acre Enclave parcel into the District. The District is now undertaking efforts to levy a debt assessment on the Enclave parcel.

A description of the property to be assessed and the amount to be assessed to each piece or parcel of property may be ascertained at the “District’s Office” located at c/o DPFG, Inc., 250 International Pkwy., Ste. # 208, Lake Mary, FL 32746, phone: 321-2630132. Also, a copy of the agendas and other documents referenced herein may be obtained from the District Office.

The proposed Debt Assessments are as follows:

Proposed Debt Assessments

*Not including early payment discounts and collection charges.

NOTE: THE ENCLAVE PARCEL IS PLANNED FOR 182 OF THE SF 50’ UNITS SHOWN IN THE CHART. THE BAL-

ANCE OF THE LOTS ARE ALLOCATED TO THE ORIGINAL LANDS WITHIN THE DISTRICT.

The assessments shall be paid in not more than thirty (30) annual installments subsequent to the issuance of debt to finance the improvements. These annual assessments will be collected on the County tax roll by the Tax Collector. Alternatively, the District may choose to directly collect and enforce these assessments.

The public hearings and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with Florida law. The public hearings and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record. There may be occasions when staff or board members may participate by speaker telephone. Any person requiring special accommodations because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Office at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Office.

Please note that all affected property owners have the right to appear and comment at the public hearings and meeting and may also file written objections with the District Office within twenty (20) days of issuance of this notice. Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearings or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

District Manager

RESOLUTION 2023-02

[RESOLUTION DECLARING DEBT ASSESSMENTS – ENCLAVE PARCEL]2

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; DESIGNATING THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS; DECLARING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS, THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY ASSESSMENTS, AND THE MANNER AND TIMING IN WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE PAID; DESIGNATING THE LANDS UPON WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED; PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT PLAT AND A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL; ADDRESSING THE SETTING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND ADDRESSING CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Seminole Palms Community Development District (“District”) is a local unit of special-purpose government organized and existing under and pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, the District is authorized by Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, to finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, install, equip, operate, extend, construct, or reconstruct roadways, sewer and water distribution systems, stormwater management/earthwork improvements, landscape, irrigation and entry features, conservation and mitigation, street lighting and other infrastructure projects, and services necessitated by the development of, and serving lands within, the District; and

WHEREAS, the District hereby determines to undertake, install, plan, establish, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, acquire, operate, and/or maintain the portion of the infrastructure improvements comprising the District’s overall capital improvement plan as described in the Revised Master and First Supplemental Engineer’s Report, dated August 19, 2023 (as updated January 23, 2023) (“Project”), which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the District to pay for all or a portion of the cost of the Project by the levy of special assessments (“Assessments”) using the methodology set forth in that Master Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated April 25, 2022, as supplemented by the Supplemental Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated January 23, 2023, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, incorporated herein by reference, and on file with the District Manager at c/o DPFG Management & Consulting, LLC, 250 International Pkwy, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Florida 32746 (“District Records Office”);

1 Pursuant to Resolutions 2022-26 and 2022-33, the District previously levied a debt assessment to secure the funding of the Project on the original 239.63 acres of land within the District. On October 4, 2022, the City Council for the City of Palm Coast, Florida adopted Ordinance 2022-19 amending the District’s boundaries and adding the 70.18-acre Enclave parcel into the District. The District is now undertaking efforts to levy a debt assessment on the Enclave parcel. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT:

1. AUTHORITY FOR THIS RESOLUTION; INCORPORATION OF RECITALS. This Resolution is adopted pursuant to the provisions of Florida law, including without limitation Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes. The recitals stated above are incorporated herein and are adopted by the Board as true and correct statements.

2. DECLARATION OF ASSESSMENTS. The Board hereby declares that it has determined to undertake the Project and to defray all or a portion of the cost thereof by the Assessments.

3. DESIGNATING THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF IMPROVEMENTS. The nature and general location of and plans and specifications for the Project are described in Exhibit A, which is on file at the District Records Office. Exhibit B is also on file and available for public inspection at the same location.

4. DECLARING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS, THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY ASSESSMENTS, AND THE MANNER AND TIMING IN WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE PAID.

A. The total estimated cost of the Project is $52,483,200 (Total CIP) / $13,434,518 (Enclave Only) (“Estimated Cost”).

B. The Assessments will defray approximately $ 64,500,000 (Total CIP) / $14,610,923 (Enclave Only), which is the anticipated maximum par value of any bonds and which includes all or a portion of the Estimated Cost, as well as other financing-related costs, as set forth in Exhibit B, and which is in addition to interest and collection costs. On an annual basis, the Assessments will defray no more than $ 4,195,818 (Total CIP) / $950,461 (Enclave Only) per year, again as set forth in Exhibit B

C. The manner in which the Assessments shall be apportioned and paid is set forth in Exhibit B, as may be modified by supplemental assessment resolutions. The Assessments will constitute a “master” lien, which may be imposed without further public hearing in one or more separate liens each securing a series of bonds, and each as determined by supplemental assessment resolution. With respect to each lien securing a series of bonds, the special assessments shall be paid in not more than (30) thirty yearly installments. The special assessments may be payable at the same time and in the same manner as are ad-valorem taxes and collected pursuant to Chapter 197, Florida Statutes; provided, however, that in the event the uniform non ad-valorem assessment method of collecting the Assessments is not available to the District in any year, or if determined by the District to be in its best interest, the Assessments may be collected as is otherwise permitted by law, including but not limited to by direct bill. The decision to collect special assessments by any particular method – e.g., on the tax roll or by direct bill – does not mean that such method will be used to collect special assessments in future years, and the District reserves the right in its sole discretion to select collection methods in any given year, regardless of past practices.

5. DESIGNATING THE LANDS UPON WHICH THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED. The Assessments securing the Project shall be levied on the lands within the District, as described in Exhibit B, and as further designated by the assessment plat hereinafter provided for.

6. ASSESSMENT PLAT. Pursuant to Section 170.04, Florida Statutes, there is on file, at the District Records Office, an assessment plat showing the area to be assessed with certain plans and specifications describing the Project and the estimated cost of the Project, all of which shall be open to inspection by the public.

7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL. Pursuant to Section 170.06, Florida Statutes, the

that hearing or submit their comments in writing prior to the hearings at the District Records Office. Notice of said hearings shall be advertised in accordance with Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes, and the District Manager is hereby authorized and directed to place said notice in a newspaper of general circulation within Flagler County (by two publications one week apart with the first publication at least twenty (20) days prior to the date of the hearing established herein). The District Manager shall file a publisher’s affidavit with the District Secretary verifying such publication of notice. The District Manager is further authorized and directed to give thirty (30) days written notice by mail of the time and place of this hearing to the owners of all property to be assessed and include in such notice the amount of the assessment for each such property owner, a description of the areas to be improved and notice that information concerning all assessments may be ascertained at the District Records Office. The District Manager shall file proof of such mailing by affidavit with the District Secretary.

9. PUBLICATION OF RESOLUTION. Pursuant to Section 170.05, Florida Statutes, the District Manager is hereby directed to cause this Resolution to be published twice (once a week for two (2) weeks) in a newspaper of general circulation within Flagler County and to provide such other notice as may be required by law or desired in the best interests of the District.

10. CONFLICTS. All resolutions or parts thereof in conflict herewith are, to the extent of such conflict, superseded and repealed. This Resolution is not intended to affect in any way Resolution 2022-26 and 2022-33, which remain in full force and effect. y section or part of a section of this resolution be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the validity, force, and effect of any other section or part of a section of this resolution shall not thereby be affected or impaired unless it clearly appears that such other section or part of a section of this resolution is wholly or necessarily dependent upon the section or part of a section so held to be invalid or unconstitutional.

11. SEVERABILITY. If any section or part of a section of this resolution be declared invalid or unconstitutional, the validity, force, and effect of any other section or part of a section of this resolution shall not thereby be affected or impaired unless it clearly appears that such other section or part of a section of this resolution is wholly or necessarily dependent upon the section or part of a section so held to be invalid or unconstitutional.

12. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Resolution shall become effective upon its adoption.

[THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] PASSED AND ADOPTED this 23rd day of January, 2023.

ATTEST:

SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Secretary/Asst. Secretary Chairman

Exhibit A: Revised Master and First Supplemental Engineer’s Report, dated August 19, 2023 (as updated January 23, 2023)

Exhibit B: Master Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated April 25, 2022, as supplemented by the Supplemental Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated January 23, 2023 April 25, 2022, as supplemented by the Supplemental Special Assessment Methodology Report, dated January 23, 2023

February 2, 9, 2023

32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS

AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED.

23-00008F

FIRST INSERTION SEMINOLE PALMS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF THE DISTRICT’S INTENT TO USE THE UNIFORM METHOD OF COLLECTION OF NON-AD VALOREM ASSESSMENTS [ENCLAVE EXPANSION PARCEL]

Notice is hereby given that the Seminole Palms Community Development District (“District”) intends to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments to be levied by the District pursuant to Section 197.3632, Florida Statutes. The Board of Supervisors of the District will conduct a public hearing on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Hilton Garden Inn – Palm Coast 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast, Florida 32164. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the adoption of a resolution authorizing the District to use the uniform method of collecting non-ad valorem assessments to be levied by the District on the Expansion Parcel, which was added to the District pursuant to an Ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of Palm Coast, Florida. The District may levy non-ad valorem assessments for the purpose of financing, acquiring, maintaining and/or operating community development facilities, services and improvements within and without the boundaries of the District. Owners of the properties to be assessed and other interested parties may appear at the public hearing and be heard regarding the use of the uniform method of collecting such non-ad valorem assessments.

The public hearing is open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The public hearing may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record. There may be occasions when Board Supervisors or District Staff may participate by speaker telephone.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this hearing because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager, c/o DPFG Management & Consulting LLC, 250 International Parkway, Suite 208, Lake Mary, Florida 32746, Phone (321) 263-0132, at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager.

Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearing is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based.

February 2, 9, 16,

District Manager

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