Ormond Beach Observer 2-5-26

Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland and Courtney Holcomb’s kindergarten class at Pine Trail Elementary. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

NEWS BRIEFS

Ormond police arrest man after bomb threat at Temple Beth-El

The Ormond Beach Police Department has arrested a 57-year-old man in connection with a bomb threat made to a local synagogue on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Police report that at 10:45 a.m., Robert Tuck made a call to Temple Beth-El, located at 579 N. Nova Road. The synagogue reported the bomb threat to law enforcement and the Temple Beth-El elementary school was placed on lockdown.

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office bomb squad assisted OBPD by conducting a sweep of Temple Beth-El, and a bomb detection K-9 found no explosives, according to a press release.

Tuck was arrested at 12:57 p.m. a halfway house in Daytona Beach. He is being charged with four felonies and one misdemeanor, including a threat to throw, project, place or discharge a destructive device and making a false report

concerning the planting of a bomb, explosive or weapon of mass destruction.

“I’m incredibly proud of the teamwork and professionalism shown by our officers and our partners at the Volusia Sheriff’s Office in apprehending the suspect quickly,” Police Chief Jesse Godfrey said in the press release. “We take every threat very seriously and remain committed to the safety and peace of mind of our community.”

Cuban national ‘grilled’ for Publix meat thefts

Deputies arrested Heannys O. Alvarez Reyna, 30, of Jacksonville, for retail theft after they determined he had beefed up his freezer with nearly $4,000 worth of stolen steaks, roasts and lamb –tenderly removing them from store shelves without paying a single buck.

Alvarez Reyna later told detectives that after his stealing spree, he drove to his girlfriend’s residence, only to discover she was there cooking with another man, which prompted him to toss most of the stolen meat.

“This wasn’t just a case of someone trying to ‘meat’ their budget. This was a calculated,

had a broken leg and arm, so police transported her to the hospital. After she was cleared, she was taken to jail.

JAN. 24

JAN. 23 PUBLIC BATHING

6:26 p.m. — 300 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Indecent exposure. A 42-year-old Port Orange woman was arrested after she was caught showering, nude, in a fountain in front of a cityowned building. It wasn’t the first time; the woman had done the same thing a couple of days before. The woman told police she

BAD CALL

5:12 p.m. — 700 block of Hull Road, Ormond Beach Fight. Officers responded to a city sports park after multiple 911 calls came in regarding a fight caused over a referee’s call during a youth football league game.

The incident report states: “The scene was chaotic, countless juveniles and adults were in the area, and informa-

‘high-steaks operation’ that left two stores with significant losses,” said Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. “While this suspect’s selection was choice, his method wasn’t kosher. He really tried to milk the system and by now he’s found out that the Green Roof Inn does not serve premium meats.”

Home health worker arrested for stealing from patients’ homes

On Jan. 4, deputies responded to a home in the F-Section of Palm Coast for a reported theft. The victim told deputies that she had hired Vitas Home Health to provide hospice care for her husband and that she believed one of their employees, identified as Jnese Stephens-Buners, 38, of Palm Coast, had stolen multiple pieces of jewelry from a jewelry dish on top of her dresser while inside their home.

Further investigation determined that Stephens-Buners pawned the jewelry on Dec. 18, 2025, and that nearly all of the jewelry had been melted down. Only one item was recovered.

Detectives obtained an

tion was being provided from countless sources.” Police report the referee’s call led to a physical fight between the two teams of 15-year-old boys. Then one juvenile, who was not part of either football team, got involved and threatened one of the coaches with bodily harm.

The coach wished to pursue charges and provided a statement to police.

After the fight, a man was walking some of the teens back to their parents when he saw three of the juveniles run somewhere to try and continue the fight. He stepped

arrest warrant for StephensBuners on Jan. 27, and she was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, where she was later released on a $2,500 bond.

Palm Coast man accused of construction fraud

On Jan. 28, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Palm Coast man on an active warrant issued a day earlier following the completion of a fraud investigation in which the suspect used his customers’ credit card to purchase thousands of dollars’ worth of items unrelated to a construction project he was working on.

The victims told detectives the suspect, identified as John Nashmy, 41, of Palm Coast, was given their credit card in May of 2025. They also told detectives they had given Nashmy $1,800 for the construction project through Cash App.

During the investigation, detectives determined that Nashmy had made $3,473.78 worth of unauthorized transactions, purchasing items completely unrelated to the construction projects, includ-

in to break them up, during which he was attacked by about four or five other teens before a parent stopped the altercation. The teens fled the scene before police arrived. The man declined to press charges, though police noted he had significant swelling and redness in his eyes from the attack.

Police noted allegations that a coach also punched one of the teens, but no evidence corroborated the allegation and a victim was not present.

ing a lawn mower. “A simple background check could have saved the victim from a lot of hassle,” said Sheriff Staly. “Nashmy is a known felon, with a history of domestic violence and drug abuse. The victims should never have trusted him with their credit card. When you have construction work to do, hire a licensed and insured contractor. You can search for reputable contractors on the Flagler Home Builders Association website.”

Nashmy is being held on $5,000 bond.

Daytona man fires

gun inside Bunnell bar to pop a balloon

A Daytona Beach man was arrested on Jan. 23 in connection to a Jan. 3 incident where a gun was fired inside the Bimini Bar in Bunnell on State Road 100.

Richard William Graham, 73, allegedly fired a gun to pop a balloon inside the bar while multiple other patrons and bar employees were present. Graham fled the scene after the shooting, according to a Bunnell press release.

Ormond Beach police officers arrested Graham after

JAN. 29

SUPER SHOPLIFTER

3:10 p.m. — 5100 block of State Road 100, Palm Coast Retail theft. An Ormond Beach woman was arrested after she stole from a chain supermarket six times across two store locations in Palm Coast and Daytona Beach.

The woman was trespassed from the store and taken to jail.

JAN. 30

THE JIG (SAW) IS UP

he was pulled over at a traffic stop. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail with a $13,500 bond and released the next day on bond.

Former Flagler paramedic sentenced to 10 years in prison

During a hearing on Feb. 1, defendant James Melady was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of probation. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

A Flagler County jury in December found the defendant guilty of sexual battery, saying that, in October 2021, Melady, a former Flagler County Fire Rescue paramedic, raped an unconscious patient in the back of an ambulance.

“The defendant was a first responder who raped an unconscious patient when he was supposed to be providing her with proper medical care,” State Attorney R.J. Larizza said after the sentencing. “His crime was disgusting, demented, and deserving of the maximum sentence permissible by law.”

7:08 p.m. — first block of Garden Street North, Palm Coast Shoplifting. A family of three were caught stealing power tools from a local home improvement store. A woman and man, with the woman’s underage son in tow, attempted to steal a cordless jig saw, a cordless oscillating multi-tool and jig saw blades by hiding the tools behind the woman’s purse in a shopping cart. Both adults had a history of petit theft or retail theft charges and were taken to the county jail. The child’s adult older brother took custody of him.

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Staying the course

Volusia County Council’s 2040 vision for ECHO is to maintain status quo.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Eleven policy decisions. A 26-year voter-approved program. Seven Volusia County Councilmen largely defaulting to the way the program operates today, despite recommendations by their advisory committee.

Revisiting a previously tabled discussion, the Volusia County Council examined the 2040 strategic plan for the county’s ECHO program on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The strategic plan was designated to identify future projects and partnerships, enhance grant processes and develop marketing strategies, according to county staff. A total of 30 recommendations were formed by the ECHO Advisory Committee, 11 of which were considered policy decisions that required action by the County Council.

These policy decisions, said Community Services Director Brad Burbaugh, would create new categories within the program, require more funding and would, typically, be out of an operational control. Ultimately, the council chose to leave the program as is in most categories.

Councilman Don Dempsey questioned why changes for ECHO were brought to the council.

“It’s funny that when I want to readdress Volusia Forever to talk about some potential things that need discussing in Volusia Forever, I get inundated with, ‘Leave it alone. They voted for it, as is.” Dempsey said. “... But yet, the same thing voted on the same referendum, now we’re doing a deep dive and gutting it, and nobody says boo about it.”

In the strategic plan, community input outlined “lack of political leaders’ understanding” of the ECHO program as a weakness. Dempsey took issue with this, as well as some stakeholders expressing concern about the County Council spending ECHO funds on “pet projects” or as a slush fund. (Residents have recently criticized the county, and Dempsey specifically,

for a proposal to construct a motocross facility at 356-acre site in New Smyrna Beach.

Council has set aside $3.5 million of ECHO funds for the project, which county staff states falls under the “Outdoor Recreation” category of the program.)

Dempsey didn’t specifically mention the motocross project, but Councilman David Santiago did.

“There’s an orchestrated effort to try to stop the ... motocross, and I’m supportive of it, of that project, for the valid reason that it’s good for the community,” Santiago said, adding that the comments made to the plan’s consultant were trying to undermine that.

The people voted for ECHO, he said, for the core principles of what the program does.

“We still govern the process on how we implement that, and that’s what we’re discussing here today,” Santiago said.

POLICIES 1 AND 2

The first two policies presented to the County Council involved establish a pre-construction grant category and expanding pre-award match credit for grant writing expenses.

The council could choose to:

„ Increase the allowable match credit to $10,000, remove the $200,000 organizational budget cap and extend eligibility to all nonprofit applicants, regardless of size.

„ Increase the allowable match credit to $10,000 while retaining the $200,000 organizational budget cap and continuing to limit eligibility to smaller nonprofits.

„ Increase the allowable match credit to $10,000, remove the $200,000 organizational budget cap and extend eligibility to all applicants — including municipalities and other units of local government.

„ Maintain the current $7,500 limit and existing eligibility restrictions.

The council opted to maintain the current limit and eligibility restrictions.

POLICY 3

The advisory committee recommended dedicating ECHO investment income to a capital reinvestment fund, protecting prior such investments for small and medium-

sized nonprofits.

The council could choose to:

„ Create an Emergency Capital Repair Grant for critical building systems that have failed or will fail within 90 days, threatening operations or covenant compliance. This would be available yearround.

„ Create an annual Planned Capital Replacement Grant for building systems within two years of expected endof-life based on industry standards.

„ Defer implementation of a new fund and direct staff to return with more program details at a future date.

„ Maintain current policy with no capital repair support mechanism.

The council chose to maintain current policy.

POLICY 4

The advisory committee recommended that the county offer zero match bonus funding to incentivize low-impact development elements across all ECHO project categories.

The council could choose:

„ A percentage-based bonus, where the county could offer up to 20% of total project cost in additional match-free funding for projects incorporating significant environmental elements.

„ A fixed cap bonus, where the county could offer up to $100,000 in additional match-free funding for projects incorporating significant environmental elements, regardless of total project cost.

„ Defer implementation of any new incentives and direct staff to return with more program details at a future date.

„ Maintain current policy with no incentive program.

The council opted to maintain current policy.

POLICY 5

The advisory committee reccomended a grant award cap adjustment and phase-out of the exceptional grant category.

The council could choose:

„ A moderate increase by raising the grant cap to $750,000, retain the exceptional category at $2.5 million, and establish a $5 million cumulative funding cap per project.

„ Increase the standard grant cap by $250,000 each year, starting at $1.25 million in 2026 and reaching $2.5 million by 2032. Once complete, the county would eliminate the exceptional grant category and establish a $5 million cumulative funding cap per project.

Advisory committee member responds

The discussion for the 2040 strategic plan was tabled on Jan. 20 after one advisory committee member sent an email to the Volusia County Council containing concerns about not being able to review the final recommendations before the presentation.

The member, Ormond Beach resident Doug Pettit, was not present at that meeting when the council discussed his email, during which County Councilman David Santiago called for his removal from the committee. Since then, Pettit met with county staff and said during public comment that they had a “productive meeting.”

“There was a lot of candor in the room, back and forth

„ Immediately raise the standard grant cap to $2.5 million and eliminate the exceptional grant category, as well as establish a $5 million cumulative funding cap per project.

„ Maintain the current $600,000 standard grant cap and $2.5 million exceptional grant category and cap.

Councilman Danny Robins made a motion to immediately raise the cap to $2.5 million and eliminate the exceptional grant category. The motion passed in a 4-3 vote, with Dempsey, Councilman Troy Kent and Chair Jeff Brower voting no.

POLICY 6

The committee recommended the county require a streamlined application for direct county expenditures projects to increase transparency and accountability.

The council could choose to:

„ Formalize the process by developing a handbook an standardized application. The advisory committee review would continue prior to council action.

„ Continue requiring the advisory committee review these projects without implementing a handbook or formal application process.

„ Enhance public reporting by expanding visibility of these projects on the transparency and accountability dashboard, website and annual reports.

„ Maintain the current process. The council chose to maintain the current process.

POLICY 7

The advisory committee recommended the county launch a library-based admission pass program.

The council could choose

on the issue that I brought up,” Pettit said. “... I was pleased to say that at the end of the meeting, we agreed that was actually an actual accurate statement — that the Advisory Board had not reviewed that document.”

He questioned the consultant’s process for the strategic plan, saying it didn’t push for going out in the community and getting people involved. According to the county, the engagement included 1,585 survey responses, 52 stakeholder interviews and two workshops with 16 participants.

Pettit additionally asked Santiago to issue him an apology. Santiago did not.

“I stand behind my statement,” Santiago said. “I want

to:

„ Partner with Volusia County Public Libraries to implement a comprehensive admission pass program in fiscal year 2027-2028.

„ Launch a one-year pilot program with three to five participating facilities to evaluate demand and operational requirements before full implementation.

„ Direct staff to conduct a feasibility study and return with a detailed proposal including cost estimates and facility participation commitments.

„ Require or allow future grant applicants with admissionbased facilities to include library passes as part of their grant proposal. Pass costs would be funded through the grant award.

„ No action. The council chose to take no action.

POLICY 8

The advisory committee recommended the council allow staff approval on non-scope budget changes. The council could choose to:

„ Delegate these amendments to staff.

„ Maintain the current process. The council chose to maintain the current process in a 4-3 vote, with Dempsey, Kent and Brower voting no.

POLICY 9

The advisory committee recommended the council allow the ECHO program to support public art and placemaking initiatives.

The council could choose to:

„ Direct staff to develop a proposal with the Cultural Council.

„ Establish public art as eligible under Cultural category.

to make sure anybody that represents this council, on any appointed board, operates at the highest levels of integrity — especially when they put things in writing to try to dissuade or misguide this council,” Santiago said. County Manager George Recktenwald agreed that the meeting with Pettit was productive, but added that the plan was presented to Pettit in two formats: at the end of an email to him and all committee members on Oct. 29 (Recktenwald said Pettit didn’t scroll far enough down to see it) and via regular mail. “I think what you really have here is miscommunication, maybe a little bit on both ends,” Recktenwald said.

„ Integrate with the county’s Art in Public Places Policy.

„ Prohibit ECHO funding for public art installations and placemaking initiatives.

The council chose to prohibit using ECHO funds for public art.

POLICY 10

The advisory committee recommended the county develop an advisory committee selection guide.

The council could choose to:

„ Prepare a revised resolution and adopt a selection guide with geographic and expertise criteria for advisory committee members.

„ Prepare a revised resolution and adopt mandatory selection requirements.

„ Maintain the current process. The council chose to maintain the current process.

POLICY 11

The advisory committee recommended implementing term limits for advisory committee members.

The council could choose to:

„ Enact four-year terms with two consecutive term limits, for a maximum of eight years.

„ Enact three-year terms with two consecutive term limits, for a maximum of six years.

„ Enact four-year terms with three consecutive term limits, for a maximum of 12 years.

„ No change. The council chose to proceed with a resolution to enact four-year terms with two consecutive term limits, for a maximum of eight years.

Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com

Brosemer’s ‘School Board Member’s Bill of Rights’ legislation advances

Woes over records, budget and board attorney at Volusia County Schools led to HB 1073, SB 1620.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Should a School Board member have to pay to obtain public records from their district? Should budgets be presented with line items? And should the attorney that represents the district also represent the School Board? These were questions by Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer that led to new bills filed this legislative session in the Florida House and Florida Senate. House Bill 1073 advanced the Education & Employment Committee after a unanimous vote on Tuesday, Feb. 3. Senate Bill 1620, filed by Sen. Tom Leek, was also considered that day. It passed the Education

Pre-K committee with 12-6 vote. The bills call for a “District School Board Member’s Bill of Rights,” dictating that officials be given free and timely access to requested school district documents, including those not deemed as public records; be able to see a budget by line item; and have an attorney not employed by the district represent the board.

“I’ve worked with and in local governments for most of my professional life in Florida,” Brosemer said. “I had never encountered a situation where the elected officials are charged for public records — for any document that they request. But that was one of the first things we were informed would be the case.”

Brosemer, who represents District 4 on the Volusia County School Board, said that when she requests a document, she’s either ignored or charged for the records.

“I can’t imagine a school board member not having access to documents that they

need or being able to talk to anybody,” Rep. Yvonne Hinson, of Gainesville, said during the Feb. 3 hearing.

Discussion during the hearing questioned whether the bill was addressing an isolated issue at VCS, or whether it was happening in other districts.

The consensus? If it’s happening in Volusia, it’s probably happening in other school districts.

“I think that it is necessary that we have to push this forward, whether we think it’s one district, whether we think it’s a few,” Hialeah Rep. Alex Rizo said. “We need to say it black and white in statute. I believe that withholding of information to a school board member is something that just should be unconscionable.”

Brosemer said she met with Leek last summer and spoke with him about this and other issues she’d encountered during her time on the Volusia County School Board. As she has a background in public policy and legal research, she examined state statutes

and found areas where small changes could be made.

HB 1073 was sponsored by Rep. Traci Koster, of Tampa, and she said during the Feb. 3 hearing that she wasn’t filing a bill targeting Volusia County.

“I’m filing a bill for the state of Florida, that will apply uniformly to the state of Florida, and it will put into practice what I believe to be the best practices that hopefully, most of our school districts are already implementing,” Koster said.

HB 1073 and SB 1620 also include a clause banning districts from requiring employees sign non-disclosure agreements.

Last August, Brosemer asked the district to rescind an NDA it asked about 110 employees to sign. She argued — and later provided a legal opinion supporting her stance — that the NDAs were unconstitutional under Florida’s public record laws. At the time, School Board Attorney Gilbert Evans argued they

were valid; that the district created them to protect VCS from liability. The NDAs sunsetted in December, as announced to the School Board in its Jan. 13 meeting.

Former ESE teacher and VCS administrator Shane Story spoke before representatives at the Feb. 3 hearing. He said he lost his job when he refused to sign the NDA.

“HB 1073 addresses these systemic failures, restores transparency, reinforces proper oversight and ensures that public institutions remain accountable to the people they serve,” Story said.

Brosemer said to the Observerthat, during a subcommittee hearing for HB 1073, the most prevalent question from legislators was, “Why do we need this bill?”

“All of the primary elements of the bill should be obvious to the average person, and I would say for decades they were, but statutes are very often written relatively broadly, making certain

assumptions,”

“And every once

and

in that situation where several of our statutory interpretations were different from what has been customary.”

Brosemer said.

in a while, someone comes along with a more creative interpretation

Volusia County happened to be

Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer. File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Ormond arguments denied in Tomoka Oaks golf course lawsuit

Judge agreed with developers’ argument to hold governments accountable for ‘arbitrary’ policies.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A federal magistrate judge recently denied the bulk of the City of Ormond Beach’s latest motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the development of the Tomoka Oaks golf course.

The judge issued an order on Jan. 23, stating in part that, as argued by the developers — Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach I LLC — in one of the legal arguments, “it ‘logically makes sense’ to hold governments accountable for uncodified policies that may be applied arbitrarily and capriciously, and which are by their nature arbitrary and capricious.” The city was directed to respond before Feb. 6.

The federal lawsuit was filed in late December 2024 at the U.S. District Court’s Orlando Division. In it, the

developers argue that the city violated their rights when they declared the Tomoka Oaks golf course property has no allowed uses by right and refused to both issue a new development order and approve a rezoning request.

During an April 2024 City Commission meeting, the developers asked to be rezoned from Planned Residential Development to R-2 “Single-family low density.” This would allow a 300-home subdivision be constructed on the shuttered 147-acre golf course. The rezoning was unanimously denied; commissioners wanted the developers to submit a new site plan with less density — and one that was more in line with the existing Tomoka Oaks neighborhood, whose residents vehemently opposed the development.

“Plaintiff (the developers) alleges that the decision-making body sent its PRD application back multiple times and stated that it would be approved if certain changes or concessions were made in the application,” the judge’s order states. “When

Plaintiff made those changes to its application, the decision-making body still stated that it would recommend denial of plaintiff’s application. ... Taking all inferences in favor of Plaintiff—which is required at the motion to dismiss stage—one inference that could be made from this course of events is that the Board did not in fact wish to approve the application.”

The property’s last development order — for the construction of townhomes and condos — expired in 2014, four years before the Tomoka Oaks golf course closed.

The developers bought the property in 2021.

Following the April 2024 denial, the developers filed an appeal with the Seventh Judicial Circuit of the City Commission’s decision. This appeal is still ongoing and an evidentiary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27.

The Observer reached out to Karl Sanders, the attorney representing Triumph Oaks, as well as City Attorney Randy Hayes for comment, but did not hear back in time for publication.

‘These are not storage facilities’

Ormond Beach commissioners gave final approval for Tomoka Commerce Park development.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The Tomoka Commerce Park development is not a selfstorage project, city officials say. It’ll bring new commercial uses to the North U.S. 1 corridor, and provide warehouse and office space for small businesses.

“Think about your plumbers, your contractors — people whose services we rely on,” Mayor Jason Leslie said at the Ormond Beach City Commission meeting on Feb. 3.

At the meeting, the commission unanimously approved a development order on second reading for Tomoka Commerce Park at 890 N. U.S. 1. Developer Scott Vanacore will construct 11 buildings on the 12-acre property, to span a total of about 110,270 square feet. The buildings fronting U.S. 1 will have commercial uses; the ones in the back of the property will have a mixture of light industrial and warehouse uses.

The commission previously approved the project in a 4-0 vote during its first hearing on Jan. 20, as Commissioner Harold Briley was absent. Now present, he said he was comfortable with the project.

“There are a lot of other developments that are allowed by right,” Briley said. “... He (the developer) wouldn’t have

to come to this commission and ask. He wouldn’t have to go to the Planning Board or City Commission, and build by right.”

The property is already zoned as a Planned Business Development and had two prior development orders, one in 1999 and one in 2007. Both were for commerce parks.

Some citizens were concerned over Tomoka Commerce Park development, citing wetland impacts, traffic and potential flooding. Some also argued, particularly on social media, that the city has enough storage units.

So commissioners sought clarification: Are the rear buildings going to have selfstorage?

“It has to be offices with a warehouse component to it where small businesses can use it,” said Steve Buswell, a project manager with Parker Mynchenberg and Associates. “ ... So to my knowledge, they’re not the typical mini storage warehouse that you get from other facilities.”

No resident spoke against the project at the meeting. The only public speakers were the same ones that spoke in favor of the commerce park at the first reading.

Commissioner Travis Sargent did read into the record an email he received by a resident, Robin Magleora, one of the founders of Protect Volusia. The nonprofit advocacy group has been vocal in its opposition to the project. Magleora asked the commission table the vote to conduct more research to “prove the need” for the commerce park, and provided insight on cur-

Advisory board appointments

The City Commission also approved the following people to fill two advisory board vacancies: „ John Long — Firefighters’ Pension Trust Fund. Long is an insurance producer with Foundation Risk Partners. „ Amber Bobak — Planning Board. Bobak was appointed by the mayor. She has become more active in civic issues after a Circle K gas station was proposed near her neighborhood.

rent occupancy in existing self-storage buildings.

Sargent said he appreciated Magleora taking the time to look into the issue, but that they were “comparing apples to oranges.”

“These are not storage facilities,” Sargent said. “They’re light industrial buildings for small business owners.” Projects like the Tomoka Commerce Park, Leslie said, are good for the community. They help bring in property tax revenue and create jobs — more than would be created if the property was developed for another use.

“I can understand the frustration with some of the residents here on this whole thing, but at the end of the day, we could have a freestanding building that might not offer as much services,” Leslie said.

The proposed site plan for the Tomoka Commerce Park development at 890 N. U.S. 1. Courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

Volusia County to consider placing a ‘toilet to tap’ ban on 2026 ballot

The council directed staff on Tuesday, Feb. 3, to draft a charter amendment and county ordinance.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

The County Council is on board: Citizens should have a say in whether they want “toilet to tap” — at least within the county’s utility service area.

The council directed staff on Feb. 3, to draft a charter amendment and county ordinance for the 2026 ballot that would prohibit the use of blackwater (wastewater from toilets) from being used as drinking water, regardless of the level of treatment, and from being injected into the aquifer in the county’s jurisdiction, unless voters were in favor of such an initiative.

A grassroots effort was led by political committee Let Volusia Vote, with Daytona Beach resident Greg Gimbert at the helm. Gimbert previously approached the Volusia County Council with a proposal for a charter amendment at its meeting on Jan. 20, where the council asked staff to bring back more information on “toilet to tap,” as well as a legal analysis on the topic.

Gimbert said he wanted the council to take a “bare bones minimum step” to protect Volusia residents against blackwater reuse.

“We had a lot of problems in Volusia County before poopy water came along, and we’re

going to have a lot of them after this is resolved, but none of them are any excuse not to reserve this important protection,” Gimbert said. But is a charter amendment the answer?

People are not lining up to support a “toilet to tap” initiative, Dream Green Volusia Founder Suzanne Scheiber said, but the deeper issue is water conservation and protection of natural resources.

“Everyone in the chamber can sign [a petition] right now,” she said. “That does not address the water shortage, water pollution policy deficiency, or support funding for land conservation, which we already voted for. It is contradictory to support a ‘toilet to tap’ ban and not support land conservation.”

ONLY IN ITS SERVICE AREA Paolo Soria, senior assistant county attorney, told the council that partial preemptions exist concerning regulation of potable reuse. The county can pass an ordinance prohibiting blackwater reuse within its utility service area, but not within the municipalities’ or private utility service areas. The county is responsible for 7% of the total service area.

“When you start to regulate cities’ water utility service areas, that becomes problematic because there’s certain statutes that grant the authority to the municipalities,” Soria said. “Essentially, there’s a requirement that says potable reuse may not be disallowed from being part of your regional water planning

activity when you get to the state level.”

There have been a few potable reuse pilot projects in the state, Soria explained. In 2020, the Department of Environmental Protection formulated rules about potable reuse, which went into effect in February 2025. One of those rules requires a 12-month pilot project.

The City of Deltona previously pulled two permits for potable reuse: one for Aquifer Storage and Recovery and another for an injection well.

“ASR allows you to inject either surface water, treated stormwater or treated wastewater to a drinking water standard into the aquifer,” County Public Works Director Ben Bartlett said. “Essentially, it stays down there. You use it as a storage tank and you can pull that back up and use it for supplementing irrigation, or potentially, if you were permitted for using it for drinking water. They have a permit to do an exploratory well for that, however, they have not chosen to move forward with that.”

The permit for an injection well to recharge the aquifer is the newest one, Bartlett said.

“They’re just basically pumping surface water treat ed to a drinking water stan dard into the aquifer, and it’s just for recharging the aqui fer,” he said.

The only city in Volusia County, Bartlett said, that has ever considered a “toilet to tap” pilot program has been Daytona Beach. That has since been shut down.

Four ASR wells are permit ted in Volusia, but none have

been placed into operation.

The state wants all utilities and water users to pursue alternative water sources to supplement or reduce the water being used from the aquifers, Bartlett said.

County Councilman David Santiago asked: Does the state think this is dangerous?

“I can’t speak for the state,” Bartlett said. “Obviously, they view it as a viable method of alternative water supply. I would anticipate that’s why they’re giving grants to utilities to pursue such methods.”

‘IT’S BEING DONE NOW’

With no “toilet to tap” projects planned in the county, Councilman Jake Johansson said he didn’t see a reason to be proactive and possibly trigger a state preemption on the matter.

“I just think we’re a little early on this,” he said. “I think

it’s a ‘watch.’ It comes up every election year as an issue that’s imminent — like tomorrow we’re going to be drinking [wastewater.] You look at social media; it’s bottles of water that are brown, which is far from the truth.”

Chair Jeff Brower argued that’s what he was told the last time he brought it to the council as a discussion. This happened in 2022, and Brower wanted a county ordinance to prohibit “toilet to tap.”

Instead, the council voted 4-1 to never discuss it until a new council was sworn into office.

“You are incorrect,” Brower said, raising his voice as he spoke about the Deltona project. “It is here. It’s being done right now.”

The county can take a “simple step” to address the issue, he argued.

“Do we need conservation?

Granted we do,” Brower said. “Are septic systems putting pollution into the water? Yeah, they probably are, but we have an opportunity to stop putting this into hyper-speed.” Brower has found staunch support against “toilet to tap” in Councilman Don Dempsey this time around. Dempsey, who said he doesn’t trust government science, comparing it that of the Titanic and the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I don’t want my family to be the guinea pigs for their science because I don’t want them to turn out like these people that were victimized by the vaccine, that were victimized by the Titanic or whatever — I don’t want to be the guinea pig,” he said. If the council does proceed with placing a “toilet to tap” ban on the ballot, it would need a two-thirds vote to pass.

Burton, whose idea led to ReGrow the Loop, is a past director of leisure services.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach now has three candidates in the running to represent Zone 1 on the Ormond Beach City Commission.

Alan Burton, who owns real estate appraisal company

Burton Valuation, filed to run for the open seat on Jan. 23. He has lived in Ormond Beach since 1996, and is a past director of leisure services for the city. He worked for the city until he was fired in 2005.

Burton then sued the city over his termination and lost.

Burton later served as a supervisor for the Volusia Soil & Water Conservation District, which is an elected position.

“I believe in servant leadership, and I think that’s the reason for being a city commis-

sioner,” Burton said “Where my heart, my mind lies is to be a servant leader.”

Burton is a past president of the Friends of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, a member of the Ormond Beach Kiwanis Club and has served on the Ormond Beach Memorial Art Museum board.

He has sung with the Stetson University choir for 25 years.

He also was one of the driving forces behind the ReGrow the Loop program, which was launched in 2023 and has now expanded countywide.

“I know the city very well, but I also know it well enough that I can hear from other

Alan Burton runs for Ormond Zone 1

people and see what they have to say to make things better,” Burton said. “Because the whole idea is to make their life better as taxpayers.”

If elected, Burton said he’d like to take a closer look at — and perhaps place a threshold on — property taxes and capital improvement costs. Avalon Park Daytona is also a concern, and Burton said he’d like to see a cost-benefit analysis on necessary infrastructure.

Additionally, Burton would like to focus on conservation. Voters, he said, want someone with the most experience in areas like budgeting, capital planning, financing, infrastructure and conservation. He has that experience, he said.

“I’m a servant leader,” Burton said.

Burton is running against registered nurse Coleen McMahon and Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance. Both women filed last year. The Zone 1 seat is currently held by Lori Tolland, who is running for Ormond Beach mayor.

Alan Burton. Courtesy photo

America’s Favorite Pet? Meet Arya.

Ormond resident Andrea Nurse seeks to raise awareness of how pets can help improve mental health.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach resident

Andrea Nurse has entered her dog into the running to become America’s Favorite Pet.

Arya came into Nurse’s life in 2019. Before adopting her, Nurse was at a time in her life where she was struggling with severe anxiety and depression. Her therapist had been suggesting she adopt a pet, but Nurse was initially hesitant. At 11 years old, her cat had died after being hit by a car, and Nurse said she swore she’d never own another pet to avoid going through that heartbreak.

She eventually caved and headed to the Halifax Humane Society to see an adoptable dog. Then, she saw Arya, a 4-month-old greyhound, Vizsla and American Staffordshire mix.

“It was an instant bond with her,” Nurse said. “I wasn’t going to adopt her, and when I passed her, I just knew. So it was almost like she was meant to be mine.”

Now almost seven years later, Nurse is seeking to share her and Arya’s story — and raise awareness of the support pets can provide for mental health — through the America’s Favorite Pet contest, hosted by actors Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy. The contest benefits the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a nonprofit that helps shelter and find homes for cats and dogs, as well as rehabilitate orphaned and injured wildlife.

The winner of the dog contest will be featured on the cover of Modern Dog Magazine and win $10,000. But it’s not about winning for Nurse, she said.

“Arya truly, truly saved my life and I just really want to bring attention to how much love — unconditional love — animals can bring and how much they can help you, not only mentally but physically,” Nurse said.

Before she adopted Arya, Nurse said she was close to taking her own life. Arya, who was abused as a puppy, gave Nurse a purpose and helped her regain her sense of safety, which helps her manage her anxiety.

“I knew I needed to take care of her, and in return, the love that she gave me was trifold of what I was giving her,” Nurse said. “Everybody’s like, ‘Oh that’s so nice, she rescued

a dog,’ and I’m like, ‘No, she rescued me.’”

Arya is a fun-loving pup with a big bark, Nurse said. She loves the sun. She loves to play, and she loves her little four-legged Maltese brother, Jax, whom Nurse and her husband added to the family in 2023.

If Arya won, Nurse said the interview in Modern Dog Magazine would help raise more awareness about how pets can improve mental health. She would also donate some of the winnings to HHS and other animal organizations in the community.

“This is a therapy,” Nurse said. “There’s so many dogs and animals that need to be adopted, and of course, it is a huge commitment. ... But I would do it over and over and over again.”

To support Arya in the contest, visithttps://americasfavpet.com/2026/arya-e681.

Grant expands the Salvation Army’s after school program

Thanks to a $20,000 Community Impact Grant from the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties, an after school program by the Daytona Beach Corps of The Salvation Army is expanding resources to better serve local children and families.

The Beacon of Hope after school program provides academic support, character development, and enrichment for children in kindergarten through eighth grade, according to a press release.

“The Beacon of Hope After School Program is about creating a place where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential,” said Lt. Kalynn Green, Corps Officer for the Florida Division of the Daytona Beach Corps of The Salvation Army. “One of our most popular initiatives, Reading with Therapy Dogs, helps children build literacy skills and confidence by reading aloud to certified therapy dogs in a calm, encouraging environment.”

Funding from CF/UWVFC strengthens the program’s ability to deliver characterbuilding activities and engaging enrichment experiences, including STEM learning, 3D printing, creative arts, music, and sports. The program also emphasizes community partnerships and family engagement, ensuring support extends beyond the classroom.

For more information visit daytonabeach.salvationarmyflorida.org.

Barbershop quartet to perform at the library

A barbershop quartet will perform at the Ormond Beach Regional Library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 7.

The Ebb Tides — featuring tenor Terry Ezell, lead Brad May, baritone Brian Kerr and bass Nathan Ward — will perform a program of timeless favorites in the library auditorium. The selection will include songs like “What a Wonderful World,” “Hello, Mary Lou,” and their signature number, “Ebb Tide.”

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library and it’s free and open to the public. The library is located at 30 S. Beach St.

Cultural Awareness Fund collects gifts for children in Volusia

This past holiday season, Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc. launched Give a Smile, an initiative created to support children and families in need throughout the region during the holidays.

The initiative began at an annual holiday gathering, where guests were asked to bring an unwrapped gift for a boy or a girl, according to a press release. Encouraged by the strong response, nonprofit founder William Sanchez expanded the effort by partnering with local media to increase awareness and participation. With the support of WROD and radio host Frank Scott, public service announcements were produced and aired throughout the Ormond Beach, Daytona Beach and Port Orange area in support of the initiative. All donated toys were distributed to the St. Paul’s Basilica in Daytona Beach and the Volusia Sheriff’s Youth Foundation.

Andrea Nurse and Arya. Courtesy photos

Lt. Tim Green and Lt. Kalynn Green, Corps Officers with The Salvation Army’s Daytona Beach Corps, pose with a $20,000 check supporting expanded services for students in The Beacon of Hope after school program. Courtesy photos

William Sanchez, founder of Cultural Awareness Fund, Inc.

The seventh grader correctly spelled “silhouette” in the second round and “welterweight” in

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sean Adrian Salvacion’s second word at the Flagler County Spelling Bee was probably his hardest.

Salvacion, a seventh grader at Imagine School at Town Center spelled “silhouette” correctly and 11 words in all, plus his practice-round word, to win the Spelling Bee on Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the Buddy Taylor Middle School cafeteria.

Salvacion is from the Philippines and English is his second language. He took his time spelling words, drawing letters in the air and asking Pronouncer Dr. Chris Stefancik to repeat the words.

“Basically, if there’s suffixes or affixes, I would try to

connect them to the words.

And I tried to air draw just to make sure,” he said.

Salvacion said he’s been preparing for the Spelling Bee since he was knocked out early last year.

“I’ve been excited since last year,” he said.

Salvacion will represent Flagler County at the 82nd annual First Coast Regional Spelling Bee on Feb. 27 in Jacksonville. He said he wasn’t sure on “silhouette.”

“That was kind of hard,” he said. “I had two options for that word. It was either the word I got correct, or the e and u interchanged.”

There were 17 spellers in the bee. After round 5, there were just three left: Salvacion, Indian Trails Middle School sixth grader Sophia Roberto and Buddy Taylor Middle School seventh grader Rose Eberhardinger. Roberto misspelled “pyramid” in round 8 to place third. Eberhardinger misspelled “grandeur” in round 10. Salvacion correctly spelled “ven-

detta” to finish the round. He then had to spell one more word correctly to win the championship. He calmly spelled “welterweight.”

After Flagler Schools Teaching and Learning Specialist Kristin Frank handed him the trophy, he didn’t seem to want to let it go. His father, Andrian Salvacion, said he never saw Sean studying his words. He did all of his studying in school.

“I can focus more in school, especially since I have study hall,” he said. “My teacher recommended that I should use the Two Bee and the Three Bee (word study lists). The One Bee are kind of easy. I tried the Three Bee and it was kind of hard. But I still won, at the end of the day.”

Andrian said he was nervous for his son, especially during his long pauses.

“I was nervous for him, but my son was not nervous,” he said. “It was like how many minutes for that before he can answer, but he just wanted to make sure that he was correct.”

We all make plans: weddings, vacations, retirement. It’s an important part of life. And it makes a difference, especially when it comes to your own final arrangements and memorial services.

Starting the conversation is the first important step, so we’re inviting you to a seminar and free meal! This informal get together will address the topics you and your loved ones should consider in advance, so you can reduce stress, doubt and anxiety in the future.

Take that first step and come to the seminar. There’s no obligation on your part and we are providing a catered meal for every attendee. Be sure to call in advance to make reservations, as seating is limited.

Flagler Schools Spelling Bee participants (from left): Lily Dotson, Pax Zwirn, Layla Verdote, Adalina Petkovsek, Koby Sanchez, Rose Eberhardinger, Torin Crist, Skye Soler, Anabelle Roscoe, Kali McClease, Nyasia Saleem, Cooper Room Brayden Dills, Sophia Roberto, Rilee Room, Eaint Maung and Sean Adrian Salvacion.

Sean Adrian Salvacion holds up his trophy. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Rose Eberhardinger, a seventh grader at Buddy Taylor Middle School, placed second.

Sophia Roberto, a sixth grader at Indian Trails Middle School, placed third.

Brrrr! Cold-weather shelters have been open 12 days already in 2026

Community-run coldweather shelters work with their respective counties to provide emergency relief.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Volusia and Flagler counties’ cold weather shelters were in use over the last weekend, as temperatures dropped into the low 20s on Feb. 1.

According to the National Weather Service, the temperature dropped below freezing overnight from Jan. 31 into the early morning hours of Feb. 1. In Daytona Beach at 6:53 a.m., the lowest temperature was recorded as 23 degrees, with a wind chill of 13 degrees. In Palm Coast, temperatures dropped down to 22 degrees by 7:35 a.m. on Feb. 1, with a similar wind chill.

And through the freezing temperatures have passed, cold weather shelters will be operational in both counties for at least one more night, as temperatures are predicted to hit the 30s overnight from Thursday, Feb. 5 into Friday, Feb. 6, according to the National Weather Service.

In Volusia County, cold weather shelters have been open on and off since Jan. 18.

Neither Volusia County nor Flagler County has countyoperated cold weather shelters like they do for emergency shelters in the case of hurricane evacuations. Instead, Volusia County spokesman Clayton Jackson said, Volusia County operates in conjunction with local community organizations and churches when temperatures dip below 40 degrees. Jackson said his job is to publicize the information to reach as many people as possible.

NEWS BRIEFS

2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge applications close

The 2026 Volusia Innovation Challenge, Volusia County’s premier pitch competition for local entrepreneurs, innovators, and small business owners, is underway.

With an application deadline of Jan. 31, the challenge allows participants an opportunity to validate their product or service concepts, receive expert guidance, and compete for cash and in-kind prizes to launch or scale their ventures, a Volusia County press release said.

The grand prize is $10,000 cash at the main competition and innovation showcase on March 25 at the Ocean Center.

“The Volusia Innovation Challenge is more than a competition – it’s a catalyst for entrepreneurs ready to grow,” said Economic Development Director Lou Paris.

“Past participants have raised over $50 million in investment capital, appeared on Fox’s Billion Dollar Idea, and grown companies from zero revenue to seven figures. These journeys all started with submitting an application.”

For more information, contact Economic Development Business Manager Brad Harris at rbharris@volusia.org or 386-248-8048.

Flagler tourism office releases survey for longterm tourism plan

Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches Tourism Development Office is asking for the public’s input on the longterm future of tourism in

“This is all about collaboration,” Jackson said. “There’s a big consortium of us. They’re all in these email threads, making phone calls. ... It’s been very, very, very beneficial.”

Jackson said typically, the lowest temperatures during these cold fronts will hit overnight. But the lowest temperatures during last weekend’s freeze were instead hitting in the early morning hours, right as the cold weather shelters were closing down.

For the first time in at least several years, Jackson said, the county opted to open several regional library locations — including the Daytona Beach Regional Library — earlier to accommodate people who might need shelter from the cold after the shelters close at 8 a.m.

“Because the weather was still blistering cold when those shelters are going to be closing, we try, we just try to step in and say, ‘Hey, we’re offering a warm place to go if you still need to,’” Jackson said.

In an effort to support some of the most vulnerable community members, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said on a Jan. 31 Facebook post that Volusia County Sheriff’s Office deputies were sent out to check the known locations of camps to see if anyone needed helping finding shelter from the cold.

In an update the following day, Chitwood wrote that the few individuals found in the camps were offered transportation to a shelter.

“Most camps were reported to be empty or very sparsely occupied,” Chitwood said in the Feb. 1 Facebook post. “It appeared most of the individuals had already heeded the warnings and responded to a designated shelter.”

Deputies continued to check in on the camps over the

Flagler County.

The TDO is releasing a digital survey and inviting residents and local business owners to participate. Insights will play an essential role in helping develop a detailed 10-year Tourism Master Sustainability Plan, a TDO press release said. The survey seeks feedback on important topics such as beaches, sports, ecotourism, arts, and history. All responses are anonymous. It is available online at: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ FlaglerCountyTourismSurvey

The TDO is partnering with Clarity of Place, an advisory services organization. This plan will guide how the TDO grows and manages tourism in a way that benefits local businesses, supports residents. For questions regarding the survey, call 386-313-4230.

Cold weather shelters

Volusia County: On the east side of the county, cold-weather sheltering is coordinated by Halifax Urban Ministries in partnership with local churches and nonprofit organizations. While HUM does not operate its own cold-weather shelter,

weekend, Chitwood wrote. Flagler County’s Sheltering Tree, under the umbrella of the Flagler County Family Assistance Center, operates the county’s only coldweather shelter. Located at the Rock Transformation Center at 2200 N. State St., in Bunnell, the Sheltering Tree is a non-denominational civic organization created to provide cold weather sheltering during cold nights in Flagler County according to a Flagler County press release.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF BEVERLY BEACH, FLORIDA

INITIAL PLANNING AND ZONING REVIEW OF POTENTIAL ZONING AND FUTURE LAND USE MAP

CHANGES TO THE PROPERTIES LOCATED AT 2896, 2912 AND 2916 N OCEANSHORE BOULEVARD., BEVERLY BEACH, FL 32136

The Town Commission of the Town of Beverly Beach Florida sitting as the town s Planning and Zoning Board will conduct a Public Hearing on Thursday February 12, 2026. in the Meeting Hall behind the Town Hall 2735 N Oceanshore Boulevard Beverly Beach Florida 32136 The Commission will review and consider a request by the owner to change the zoning category of the properties from General Commercial (GC) to Planned Unit Development (PUD). You are also hereby advised that any person who desires to appeal a decision made with respect to any matter discussed at such meeting or hearing will need a record of the proceedings and for such purposes may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes Verbatim transcripts are not furnished by the Town of Beverly Beach and should one be desired arrangements should be made in advance by the interested party (i e with a court reporter).

All interested parties are invited to participate and submit oral or written comments and recommendations Contact the Town Clerk of Beverly Beach at 386-439-6888 at least 24 hours in advance if you require special accommodations in order to attend and participate in the meeting

James Ardell Town Clerk 7763-334393 Feb 5, 2026

individuals in need of shelter or transportation assistance can contact HUM at 386317-5886.

Flagler County: The Sheltering Tree opened on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and Thursday, Feb. 5. It opens at 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. the next day and can be reached at 386-4373258. The county’s bus will stop at the following times

The Sheltering Tree has seen an average of 28 people per night so far.

The Sheltering Tree will be open Tuesday, Feb. 3, and Thursday, Feb. 5, but will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 4. The shelter is not only for those experiencing homelessness,

and locations to transport people to the shelter:

„ McDonald’s at Old Kings Road South and State Road 100 at the dirt road on the east side, 4 p.m. „ Circle K at Kingswood and Old Kings Road, 4:40 p.m.

„ Dollar Tree behind

but for anyone who is without heat, the press release said.

The shelter has been open a total of 13 nights in January, including the planned Thursday, Feb. 5 opening, and averaging 28 guests per night. according to Flagler County. According to its website,

The Sheltering Tree operates through a series of volunteer teams, made up of individuals, nonprofit organizations and local churches. Flagler County provides free transportation to the Rock Transformation Center for those in need.

Granny Nannies Home Care and the Flagler Sheriff’s Office would like to thank our community of businesses that donated items to fill 250 stockings for our Annual Santa to a Senior event. If interested in participating this year,

100 WORDS (GIVE OR TAKE) EVERY DAY (OR SO)

Idea for a new political party

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

I’m a registered Republican, but I think more like a Libertarian in many cases, and I have Democratic tendencies toward caring for the poor.

Maybe I’m a political agnostic because I don’t think it’s possible to fit per-

fectly into any existing party. Here’s my idea: the Party for Peace. We would strive to enact laws that promote peace and harmony. If any of these laws produce unexpected and unintentional consequences — an almost certain outcome — we would reconvene and seek to improve the laws as soon as possible.

WOULD JESUS EAT WITH ICE, OR WITH PROTESTERS?

Jan. 27

My social media feeds have been full of news and commentary about the shooting

of Alex Pretti at the hands of an ICE agent. Some of the commentary has a tone like this: “If you disagree with me on this, unfriend me now.”

That got me thinking: What would Jesus do? Would he align with the ICE agents, or with the protesters?

I think he would be a force of reconciliation, and he would eat a meal with both at the same time. He would try to make peace out of an explosive situation.

Unfortunately, peace doesn’t seem to occur naturally; it has to be made.

That reminds me of a quote

from the late Russell M. Nelson: “If a friend on social media has strong political or social views that violate everything you believe in, an angry, cutting retort by you will not help. Building bridges of understanding will require much more of you, but that is exactly what your friend needs.”

ONE THING

JESUS DIDN’T SAY

Jan. 29

In response to my question about what Jesus would do to resolve the conflict between ICE and the protesters, two people whom I love and respect pointed out that Jesus turned over the money changers’ tables in

the temple, which is evidence that he took action — even action that might be considered violent — to stand up for righteousness.

I have always been puzzled by that story about Jesus, and I have to say that I still don’t understand it, exactly.

But, according to the Bible, Jesus didn’t say, “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples: If you turn over the money changers’ tables in the temple.” Instead, he said: “By this shall men know that you are my disciples: If you have love one to another.”

REMOVE SCREWS FIRST

Feb. 1

This weekend, I spent hours watching YouTube

Tort reform is working, and it matters for Volusia County

For years, Floridians were told to accept ever-rising insurance costs as unavoidable. Auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and business liability coverage kept climbing, and everyday families paid the price. In 2023, Florida finally said enough.

With the passage of House Bill 837, Florida took decisive action to rein in lawsuit abuse and restore balance

to a civil justice system that had drifted far from common sense. Early results confirm what many of us believed all along. Tort reform is working. This matters deeply for Volusia County. Our community depends on affordable insurance to keep families in their homes, small businesses open, and jobs growing. When litigation spirals out of control, the costs are not absorbed by faceless corporations. They are passed directly to residents through higher premiums, fewer market choices, and a higher cost of living.

FLORIDA’S LITIGATION REPUTATION COULD NOT BE IGNORED

For decades, Florida carried an unfortunate national reputation as a litigation

hotspot, where excessive lawsuits, inflated medical claims, and billboard trial attorneys thrived. While Florida represents a relatively small share of the nation’s population, it accounted for a disproportionate share of personal injury and insurance lawsuits.

That reputation caused real harm. Insurers scaled back or left the state entirely. Premiums skyrocketed. Businesses hesitated to expand. Families were left wondering why Florida had become so much more expensive than other states.

House Bill 837 confronted that reality directly.

WHAT THE REFORMS DID AND WHY THEY MATTER

The reforms shortened statutes of limitation, curbed excessive attorney fee incen-

tives, required damages to reflect actual medical costs rather than inflated billings, and restored fairness to comparative negligence standards. These changes did not eliminate anyone’s right to sue. They restored accountability and balance.

The results are already becoming visible. Uber has publicly stated that insurance costs declined after Florida’s tort reform, allowing the company to lower prices. This is not theory. These are real savings being felt by real Floridians.

Insurers are stabilizing, lawsuit filings are declining, and confidence in Florida’s market is slowly returning.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY For Volusia County residents, lower insurance costs mean

more than a reduced monthly bill. These reforms also help protect local governments and taxpayers from excessive liability exposure that drives up public costs.

LEADERSHIP THAT DESERVES CREDIT

This progress did not happen by accident. Credit is due to Gov. Ron DeSantis, former Speaker of the House Paul Renner, and our own Sen. Tom Leek, who as appropriations chairman of the Florida House played a critical role in advancing these reforms. They stood strong against powerful billboard trial attorney interests that profit from a broken system, even as those interests worked to preserve a status quo that raised costs for every resident.

videos and trying to fix a bathtub faucet. My biggest struggle was in removing the “cartridge,” something I had never heard of. I pulled as hard as I could, bracing the wall with my foot. Finally, my wife, Hailey, felt sorry enough for me to got involved. She looked up yet another YouTube video, and this time, we discovered that this type of cartridge, made by Pfister, had a plate with four screws that had to be removed first. Once I removed the screws, it took very little effort. It reminded me of the Far Side cartoon of a boy is pushing on a door, under a sign that says “PULL,” at the Midvale School for the Gifted.

THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST STEP

It is important to be clear. Tort reform does not work overnight. The legal system moves slowly by design. Cases filed years ago must still work their way through the courts. Insurance markets take time to recalibrate. Florida’s litigation reputation will not change instantly. That said, the direction is clear. These reforms should be seen as the first step, not the final one. Florida must continue to close remaining loopholes, and defend the progress already made. Reversing course would only lead to higher costs and renewed instability.

Editor’s note: Duncan DeMarsh previously served as the vice chairman of the Volusia County Republican Party and a legislative aide. He is currently deployed with the Florida Army National Guard.

DUNCAN S. DEMARSH

GUEST WRITER

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Why visibility matters for all

Dear Editor:

I am writing this letter to address a concern I feel is very important not only to me, but the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. Yesterday, I was at Dairy Queen with my girlfriend, enjoying our night. We sat at a booth, and a group of people around 16-17 years old, the same age as us, sat in front of us. After a few moments, a boy turned around, and verbally harassed us for being a lesbian couple. This was a painful moment and the first time in this relationship I have faced backlash. It was devastating. I understand these individuals could’ve acted this way because it was something they don’t get or understand, but I feel very strongly that we need to educate people to prevent bullying.

In the last few decades, there has been growing representation of queer people in media, public spaces, and some art we admire. Even though it is more widespread, some environments queer people grow up in are still far from accepting. Some people are taught to hide themselves, which affects self-esteem and mental health. For centuries, people were taught to hide a part of themselves, and those attitudes are still present today.

In an article produced by gaythrive.com, it says “Representation is not just about seeing ourselves reflected in the world; it’s also about recognizing that we are valued and respected members of society.” Visibility helps to defeat stereotypes and also shows young queer people that they are not alone, that their identities are valid, and that they deserve to exist openly without fear.

In of 2021, LGBTQ+ students who reported being bullied, had three times greater odds of attempting suicide. Bullying of LGBTQ+ students was reported in 52% of students enrolled in middle school and high school. Teaching students the importance of empathy, acceptance, and accurate information about LGBTQ+ identities is essential to reducing these numbers. When young people learn early on that differences are

not wrong, but simply part of the human experience, they are far less likely to engage in this kind of behavior. Inclusive education doesn’t just protect queer students — it creates safer, kinder environments for everyone.

LANA BALLOTTI

Ormond Beach

Endorsement for Ormond’s Bright

Dear Editor: Conservative Citizens of Ormond Beach is excited to endorse Jennifer Bright for Ormond Beach Commissioner in Zone 2. Jennifer’s main theme is exactly what we need: “Transparency in Government.”

She also will be a team player who will strongly represent her constituents by standing against higher taxes, continued local out of control spending and overdevelopment.

AL STEWART, JOSEPH OAKES AND PAMELA GREENE

Conservative Citizens of Ormond Beach

Libertarians are for peace

Dear Editor:

In response to the Observer’s “100 words (give or take) every day (or so),” on Sunday regarding idea for a “Party for Peace,” there already is one: the Libertarian Party. This is an excerpt from the Preamble of the Libertarian Party Platform: “We believe that respect for individual rights is the essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized. Consequently, we defend each person’s right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest, and welcome the diversity that freedom brings.”

After seeing how both Republicans and Democrats elected to government have started and continued the foreign wars of their predecessors, and use government domestically for violence against peaceful people,

Gambaro endorsed for Congress by State Attorney

Brig. Gen. Charles Gambaro, Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 6th District, announced the endorsement of R.J. Larizza, State Attorney for Florida’s 7th Judicial Circuit.

Larizza, a respected leader in law enforcement who has served the people of Flagler, Volusia, St. Johns and Putnam counties since 2009, issued the following statement:

“General Gambaro is a

funded by massive deficit spending and more policies infringing on Constitutional rights, I left both major parties for the pro-freedom, pro-peace, pro-fiscal responsibility, pro-civil liberties Libertarian Party.

JOE HANNOUSH

Ormond Beach

Please control your pets

Dear Editor:

For the past few years, we have had our neighbors’ dogs running at us on our property, barking loudly and at times jumping on us. Whether the dogs’ intentions are aggressive or friendly is irrelevant to the fact that we are elderly senior citizens who can be easily knocked to the pavement, which could cause serious and even possibly fatal injuries. A dog’s desire to chase moving things is simply a display of predatory instinct. Many dogs will chase other animals, people, and cars. All of these can lead to dangerous and devastating outcomes. While you may not be able to stop your dog from trying to chase, you can take steps to prevent disaster.

Keep your dog confined or on a leash at all times, train your dog to come when called or have some other system in place to keep your dog on your property. Our neighbors have had several years to do this and have not made the effort to do so and have put

Exception to minimum wage?

State subcommittee voted along party lines to allow interns to waive their rights to the minimum wage.

Republican lawmakers are trying to revive an effort to create an exemption to the state’s voter-approved minimum wage that would apply to workers classified as trainees. The GOP-controlled House Industries & Professional Activities Subcommittee on Wednesday, Jan. 29, voted 11-6 along party lines to approve a measure (HB 221) that would allow people to waive their rights to the minimum wage if they are in a work-study, internship or pre-apprenticeship program.

Supporters said the state’s minimum wage, which will increase to $15 an hour in September, limits entry-level jobs.

“It cripples an employer’s ability to provide more opportunities for unskilled workers in areas of apprenticeship and education,” bill sponsor Ryan Chamberlin, R-Belleview, said.

When he filed the bill, Chamberlin wrote that the minimum wage “has become a weight on Florida’s economy

and a hindrance to workers seeking to improve their personal finances.”

“Wage controls are always enacted with good intentions but lead to a decrease in opportunities,” Chamberlin wrote. “We must seek alternative options like career development and continued education to ensure workers are receiving the skills needed to compete in today’s economy.”

Democrats derided the proposal as providing businesses with cheap labor.

Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville, said the bill isn’t about creating opportunities for people, but “getting corrupt corporations and greedy billionaires richer.”

Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, said people are struggling, and $15 an hour, which would total about $31,200 a year, “is not even enough anymore.”

“I understand that there is an ideological opposition to the minimum wage in this body, I get that,” Eskamani said. “But at the end of the day, the free market is not going to always operate in the best interest of the consumer, let alone the best interest of the worker, it operates in the best interest of the profit. And profit doesn’t always keep in consideration worker’s health benefits or safety.”

Rep. Bruce Antone, D-Orlando, said the concept

leader, veteran, warrior, and patriot who has been fighting for what is right in his community and our nation for decades. He is a proven executive that can lead in any environment and situation. He is exactly the kind of leader that Floridians deserve representing them in Congress. I am proud to offer Charlie my full support and endorsement.”

Gambaro responded to the endorsement: “I am deeply honored to have the support of State Attorney R.J. Larizza, a tireless champion for justice and public safety across our region. His leadership has made

us at risk of a serious injury.

CHARLES MICHAEL SITERO

Ormond Beach

State can lead the way for affordable housing

Dear Editor:

By sincerely examining the full costs associated with homeownership and finding sensible ways to ease those burdens, Florida legislators can lead the way in making homeownership more accessible and affordable for families.

In 2022, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that Florida became the “nation’s fastestgrowing state for the first time since 1957.” Between 2010 and 2020, Florida welcomed more new residents than nearly any other state. Yet, during this period, many families across the nation have faced rising housing costs and mounting expenses associated with property taxes. Today, for many fami-

our communities safer, and his endorsement reinforces our shared commitment to supporting law enforcement, upholding the rule of law and putting America First. Together, we will work to deliver the strong, conservative representation that Florida’s 6th District deserves.”

Gambaro, a Palm Coast City councilman, combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan and the youngest brigadier general in the U.S. Army, is running to bring proven leadership, America First policies and resultsoriented conservatism to Congress.

lies, the dream of owning a home feels increasingly out of reach. Home prices have surged in many communities, and the total costs of ownership — covering property taxes, interest, and closing expenses — have grown significantly.

This hardship is not only felt by first-time homebuyers. Current homeowners also experience pressure, as increasing property taxes and insurance costs raise their monthly bills, and higher upfront costs complicate refinancing or managing changing financial situations.

Many hardworking families — those in our schools, hospitals, small businesses, and service industries — find that affordable housing remains a distant hope.

Florida’s economic health depends on its people. When those who build and sustain our communities cannot afford to live here, everyone suffers.

Addressing these issues will not be easy, but it requires compassionate,

of the bill is good, but it’s not practical today.

“Affordability is just a huge issue across this entire country, and I don’t know that folks can afford to get the experience they might need to get them to a much higher income level,” Antone said.

A 2020 Florida constitutional amendment required gradual increases in the minimum wage. It is $14 an hour and will go to $15 an hour on Sept. 30. For tipped employees, the state’s minimum wage is $10.98 an hour.

Employers in Florida are allowed to pay sub-minimum wages to certain workers, such as people ages 19 and younger during the first 90 days of employment and to students working part-time in vocational training programs.

The bill wouldn’t allow employers to go below the federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour.

Rep. Judson Sapp, a Green Cove Springs Republican and the CEO of a railroad construction company, said the bill has more guardrails than he’d have proposed, noting that “if there are no opportunities, companies are going to stop giving it.”

“Not only is it our job to make money as a company, it is also our job to look after our employees, to make a payroll,” Sapp said.

practical strategies to reduce unnecessary costs and remove barriers within the housing system. Together, we can work toward a future where every family has a safe, stable place to call home.

Send letters up to 400 words to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.

JULIO DAVID SOSA Deltona

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Community readers

Celebrate Literacy Week was held from Jan. 26-30 statewide.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

In honor of Celebrate Literacy Week, Ormond Beach elected officials and first responders visited kindergarten classes on Thursday and Friday, Jan. 29-30. The community leaders each read books to the students. Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie visited Ormond Beach Elementary, Zone 1

City Commissioner and Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland visited Pine Trail Elementary and Zone 3 City Commissioner Kristin Deaton visited Pathways Elementary. Students at Tomoka were visited by Ormond Beach firefighters and Ormond Beach Police’s community outreach officer.

On the west side of the county, in DeLeon Springs, Sheriff Mike Chitwood read to students at McInnis Elementary.

“Literacy is the foundation of every child’s future, and Celebrate Literacy Week reminds us just how powerful reading can be,” Volusia County Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said in a statement to the Observer.”We are incredibly grateful to our community leaders who took the time to visit our schools and read to our students, showing them that reading matters not just in the classroom, but in every

part of life. Their presence sends a powerful message: when a community comes together to support literacy,

our students thrive.” Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! was held from Jan. 26-30 statewide.

Ormond Beach City Commissioner Kristin Deaton reads to Pathways Elementary kindergartners.

Pathways Elementary kindergartner Landon White.

Pine Trail Elementary kindergartner Krishav Patel hugs Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland on Friday, Jan. 30, during her visit in honor of the 18th annual Celebrate Literacy Week in Florida. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

Mayor Jason Leslie reads to kindergartners at Ormond Beach Elementary. Courtesy photo

Ormond Beach Fire Department Capt. Hunter Ramirez, firefighter Zander Harper, firefighter Marc Pinkman and Ormond Beach Police Community Outreach Officer Marc Pedevillano read to students at Tomoka Elementary. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/City of Ormond Beach

Ormond Beach Police Community Outreach Officer Marc Pedevillano shows a pair of handcuffs to students at Tomoka Elementary. Photo courtesy of Pauline Dulang/City of Ormond Beach

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEB. 5

THE ITALIAN FESTIVAL

When: 5-9 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 5 and 6; and 12-9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7

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

Details: Attend this festival, presented by Our Lady of Lourdes. Enjoy authentic Italian food including pizza and desserts, live entertainment, a beer garden, games, bounce houses and more. Free admission and parking.

2026 FLAGLERGOP

CANDIDATE FORUM

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

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

Details: The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee will conduct this candidate forum focusing on local Republican candidates seeking office in Flagler County and its municipalities. Register at https://www. flaglergop.com/event-detailsregistration/2026-flaglergopcandidate-forum.

FRIDAY, FEB. 6

COCKTAILS WITH CATS

When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: Flagler Humane Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Join Flagler Humane Society for a Valentine’sthemed evening. Enjoy a specialty cocktail and mingle with adoptable cats. Free admission but donation are encouraged.

FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT

When: 5:30-7 p.m.

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

Details: Families can make a fabric Valentine with instructors Linda King and Emma Dennison. Free. All art supplies provided.

FLAGLER BEACH

FIRST FRIDAY

When: 6-9 p.m.

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

Details: Enjoy community, music and vendors. Entertainment will be provided by Anthony Wild.

KARLA BONOFF

When: 7:30 p.m.

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

Details: Karla Bonoff is a singer/songwriter whose songs have become hits for Bonnie Raitt, Wynonna Judd and Linda Ronstadt. Tickets cost $45-$55. Visit https:// ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com/.

SATURDAY, FEB. 7

DRAG FOX HUNTING WITH MISTY MORNING HOUNDS

When: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings

Road, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Misty Morning Hounds as they track a scent to a big bucket of treats. Anyone with their own horse is welcome to attend. Traditional hunt attire is appreciated, but not necessary. English or Western tack welcome. Costs $75. Gates open at 7 a.m. Hunt starts at 9 a.m. Bring a dish for a potluck. For more information call or text Cheryl at 386-365-6000.

FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY BOOK AND BAKE SALE

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Public Library

Details: Browse books and baked goods for sale. Presented by the Flagler County Friends of the Library.

THE CONNECTION

PROJECT: EXPLORING

THE ART OF CONNECTION

OPENING RECEPTION

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

Where: Art Spotlight Gallery, 67 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: See this exhibition by the Florida Women’s Arts Association that highlights love, unity, empathy and the power of art to bring people together. The exhibition opens on Feb. 4 and runs through Feb. 28. Free. Will be held during the Granada Grand Festival of the Arts.

AAUW CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

When: 10 a.m.

Where: Cypress Knoll Golf Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Dr. Michael Butler, history professor and chair of humanities at Flagler College, will speak at the American Association of University Women Flagler County’s upcoming meeting in celebration of Black History Month. His talk is titled, “A Lesson From Reconstruction: The Political Consequences ofRewriting History.” Meeting is open to the public. Email aauwflagler1984@gmail.com to register. Seating for non-members is limited to 35 participants. A $5 fee is required to attend the presentation only. Lunch is available for $20.

HOME COMPOSTING

When: 10-11:30 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Presented by Leslie Nixon, a certified Florida master gardener with the Pawpaw Native Plant Society. This is a Regrow the Loop event. Free.

GRANADA GRAND FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

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

Where: New Britain Avenue,

FOCUS ON FAITH

The Bible in 1 hour

Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyl, pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, wrote about the recent visit of Dr. John Bergsma, of the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology, in Steubenville, Ohio. Father Jose wrote in the church bulletin: “Over the course of these sessions, many parishioners discovered something deeply reassuring and faith-strengthening:

Ormond Beach

Details: Ormond Beach Main-

Street and the Ormond Beach Arts District are hosting this free arts festival, featuring live art demonstrations, musical performances and hands-on activities for families.

THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT IN FLORIDA When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center

Details: Dr. Michael Butler, on challenging common misconceptions and highlighting Florida’s vital role in the Black freedom struggle. Part of the 2026 Speaker Series, presented by the Palm Coast Historical Society. Free event.

CREEKSIDE FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 7-8

Where: Princess Place, 2500 Princess Place Road, Palm Coast

Details: Over 80 vendors, a petting zoo, a kid’s zone with bounce houses, pony rides, face painting, a Sheriff vs. Firefighters chili cook-off (noon Saturday) and The Soccer Collies. Tickets cost $10 for adults; kids 12 and under are free.

GOD’S FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH PANTRY FOOD DISTRIBUTION

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Parking

for members and $265 for non-members. Register at www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

ANNUAL FOUR CHAPLAINS CEREMONY When: 2-4 p.m. Where: VFW Post 8696, 47 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast

Details: Honor four chaplains who died during World War II. FIRST SATURDAY ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m. Where: 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Join 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 art events.

the Bible is not a collection of disconnected stories, but one unified narrative of God’s saving plan, fulfilled in Jesus Christ and made present in the Eucharist.”

In one session, Bergmsa shared his method of how to “get through the Bible in an hour.” “This approach was not about speed, but about clarity,” Father Jose wrote. “By focusing on the covenants God makes with His people throughout salvation history, he helped us see the inner structure and unity of the Bible. What often appears complex or overwhelming suddenly becomes coherent and meaningful.”

Father Jose continued: “Each celebration of the Eucharist allows us to glimpse the destiny toward which all of Scripture is moving.”

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

Sponsored by:

SCHOOLS

Buddy Taylor Middle School students step into their future

Businessees and nonprofits, as well as local high school students, helped middle schoolers explore careers.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Buddy Taylor Middle School eighth graders learned about high school diploma-plus offerings and a variety of career paths at the Flagler County Education Foundation Career Expo on Friday, Jan. 30.

BTMS eighth-grade groups rotated through the gym to learn about classroom-to-career programs at Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools from high school students who are currently in the programs. Local businesses, governments, law enforcement and nonprofits also participated, showcasing a variety of career opportunities.

Parents also had a chance to learn about the programs that will be be available to their soon-to-be high school freshmen. Imagine School at Town Center eighth-graders also attended the Expo. Indian Trails Middle School had its Career Expo on Jan. 20.

CLASS NOTES

AdventHealth NASCAR Cup Series show car on display at Matanzas, FPC

With the 68th running of the Daytona 500 just around the corner, the AdventHealth No. 43 show car was on display at Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Students got to view the car and ask questions. The public got its chance to see the car at FPC after school hours.

At Matanzas, the school’s Blue Steel band performed. The AdventHealth No. 43 Toyota Camry XSE is driven by Erik Jones in the NASCAR Cup Series.

Blue Steel and the Matanzas Army JROTC will perform at Daytona International Speedway on race day, Feb. 15, prior to the Daytona 500.

Volusia County School Board member

Jamie Haynes earns distinction

The Florida School Boards Association recently recognized Volusia County School Board member Jamie Haynes with the Advanced Certified Board Member distinction.

“This honor is awarded to board members who complete 30 professional development points in a single year, building upon FSBA’s rigorous Certified Board Member program,” Volusia County Schools wrote on its Facebook page. “Congratulations to Ms. Haynes on this well-deserved recognition and her dedication to serving Volusia County Schools and our community.” Haynes represents District 1 on the School Board.

Tomasz Kicinski of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Culinary Arts program flips a pancake. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Natalie Beaulieu and Madelyn May represented the Matanzas Allied Health program. “It’s really fun and interactive,” Beaulieu said.

Ana Morales, the director of culture for the Flagler County Chick-fil-A restaurants, talks to a Buddy Taylor Middle School student. They can learn culinary, hospitality and management,” Morales said.

PC-F Chamber honors top members

Flagler County winners: David Ayres, Donna McGevna, Lauren Johnston, Denyse Bales-Chubb and Joe Wright.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce presented its 2026 awards at its annual meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, at Hammock Beach Golf Resort and Spa.

„ The Community Leader of the Year is Flagler Broadcasting President David Ayres. This award recognizes an individual whose vision, leadership and sustained service have made a measurable, positive impact on the community.

„ The Ambassador of the Year is Donna McGevna, a Chamber volunteer who consistently goes above and beyond to welcome new members, strengthen relationships and elevate the Chamber’s mission.

„ The Government Partner of

the Year is Palm Coast Assistant City Manager Lauren Johnston. This award recognizes a government agency, department or public official that has demonstrated outstanding collaboration with the Chamber and business community. This honoree reflects the best of publicprivate partnership.

„ The Member of the Year is AdventHealth, Denyse BalesChubb. The award honors a Chamber member who has demonstrated exceptional involvement, leadership and support throughout the year.

Bales-Chubb is the president and CEO of AdventHealth Palm Coast and market CEO for AdventHealth Flagler and St. Johns.

„ The Business of the Year is Quantum Electrical Contractors, Joe Wright. This award recognizes a company that demonstrates outstanding business performance, innovation and community impact. This honoree exhibits excellence in customer service, leadership in their industry and a strong commitment to supporting employees and contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Amity Schuyler, the president and CEO of the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations was the guest speaker at the annual meeting. Schuyler spoke about creating talent systems to invest in a community’s economic goals.

Chamber Board of Directors

Chair Michael Chiumento said the Chamber’s membership has grown 30% in the last six months. Chiumento said under the leadership and hard work of John Phillips, who was named Chamber president in March, 2025, the Chamber is “a very well-run organization now allowing us to achieve our mission of helping businesses grow.”

Phillips announced that SpringFest is returning to Central Park in Town Center on Saturday, March 7. Booth registration is available at pcfchamber.com by clicking on SpringFest 2026, under Upcoming Events, and then clicking on Register. For more information, call 386-2834884 or email info@pcfchamber.com. Send business news to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

BIZ BUZZ

Holland Financial CEO donates over 800 copies of new book to VCSO

Holland Financial founder and author David Holland presented 852 copies of his book, “Smart Over Heart,” to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 14.

According to a press release, the “Thank the Blue” donation event at the VSO Training Center was held in appreciation for local law enforcement.

“Beyond the symbolic gesture, the donation carried practical significance,” the press release stated. “’Smart Over Heart’ focuses on disciplined decision-making and resilience, principles that closely align with the demands placed on law enforcement professionals. By providing a copy to every member of the agency, the initiative emphasized both appreciation and personal development, highlighting the importance of mental preparedness alongside physical training.”

Kistemaker Law welcomes former summer intern as new law clerk

A new law clerk has joined Kistemaker Business Law Group in Ormond Beach.

Mackenzie Allen, a participant in Kistemaker Business Law Group’s Summer Internship program in 2025 as a law school intern, started working at the firm this January. Allen is a 2026 Juris Doctor candidate at Stetson University College of Law, where she is completing

her business law concentration and will receive Stetson’s Business Law Certificate in conjunction with her juris doctor, according to a press release.

“I am excited to continue with Kistemaker Business Law Group and to help support its business, real estate, and community association practice while I grow into my career,” Allen said. “I truly appreciate this opportunity with Attorney Kistemaker and am looking forward to my new role.”

Born and raised in Florida, Allen graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2019 with a degree in legal studies and a minor in criminal justice. She plans to join Kistemaker Business Law Group as an associate following admission to the Florida Bar.

Allen’s prior experience includes interning with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida and serving in an in-house legal role, where she gained experience in contract analysis and business operations. She is an active

Mackenzie Allen

The Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce 2026 award winners: Joe Wright, Denyse Bales-Chubb, David Ayres, Donna McGevna and Lauren Johnston. Photo by Brian McMillan

Holland Financial Founder David Holland and Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood hold copies of Holland’s new book, “Smart Over Heart.” Courtesy photos

Daytona Realtors celebrate upgrades to Holly Hill office

DBAAR has been serving the area for 104 years. ‘Realtors are a huge part of the community,’ CEO said.

SIERRA

WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors celebrated a complete renovation of its office on Jan. 29.

The DBAAR has been at its 1716 Ridgewood Ave. location in Holly Hill since the 1970s, DBAAR President Mary Smith said. The renovation was “a complete gut job,” she said, and cost over $1 million.

The Realtors association alongside the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce and

the Port Orange/South Daytona Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate the completion of the work. The project added 1,800 square feet of additional space for a larger classroom and meeting space, and replaced the roof, furnishings, windows, air conditioning and more.

“Top to bottom, we did it all,” Smith said. Smith said she has been a realtor for over 40 years. Now, “in the sunset of her career,” Smith said, she has the time to give back to the organization that has given her so much.

The DBAAR has been serving the Daytona Beach area for 104 years. It’s important, Smith said, that people know how long DBAAR has been around.

“Realtors are a huge part of the community,” Smith said.

“They touch people’s lives in many different ways, not just selling homes.”

Smith said DBAAR offers a multitude of benefits and support to its members, of which it has over 2,000. Those include a Code of Ethics that shows member are held to a higher standard, classes, networking and board functions and other support.

Realtors in DBAAR serve the areas in and around Daytona Beach, with many members participating in other community organizations and nonprofits. Smith said she recently stepped down as the Ormond Beach Historical Society president and the nonprofit Matthew’s Gift, a nonprofit organization offering the gift of hope to children with medical complexities and their families, according to its website.

Though members often participate in their own ways to give back to the community, DBAAR as an organizations supports local initiatives, too, including Adopt a School, which supplies school supplies to kids and the Girls & Boy Club.

Not least among that was being able to offer financial support through DBAAR’s charitable foundation for its members who were impacted by the hurricanes that hit the Daytona Beach area sev-

eral years ago. Smith said the DBAAR is working to build that foundation back up to be able to offer support should another disaster happen.

“We give to a lot of things in the area,” Smith said. “The schools, the churches and our realtor members.”

DBAAR President Mary Smith

The Daytona Beach Area Association of Realtors held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house to celebrate its renovated office space. Photos courtesy of Cloud 9 photography, Carla Horne-Clazada

Kelly Moore and DBAAR Board member Phate Mabry

Southern Title’s Ashley Schilling and Dawn Aquino

Cincy Weinberg and Lindsey Lockhart.

Billie Jo Kaler

REAL ESTATE

John

Anderson

Drive home sells for $1.7M

Ahouse on the Halifax River at 3212 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of Jan. 10-16. The house sold on Jan. 14, for $1,705,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2.5 and has two fireplaces, a pool, an outdoor kitchen, a boat docks, a boat lift and 3,593 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $1,900,000. The house was listed by Jana Tierney, of Culver Realty & Property Management.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 1155 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 702, sold on Jan. 15, for $420,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,065 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $358,000.

The condo at 1513 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 7B, sold on Jan. 15, for $410,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,484 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $300,000.

The condo at 915 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 801, sold on Jan. 16, for $960,000. Built in 1972, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 3,344 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1,100,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Bradford Park

The townhome at 1122 Bradford Park Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $271,000. Built in

2025, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,566 square feet.

Breakaway Trails

The house at 4 Creek Bend Way sold on Jan. 16, for $725,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 5/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,625 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $640,000.

Elrod Estates

The house at 101 Lucky Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $355,000. Built in 1948, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,668 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $77,000.

Forest Hills

The house at 320 Military Blvd. sold on Jan. 16, for $320,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,320 square feet.

Not in subdivision The house at 31 Lincoln Ave. sold on Jan. 15, for $410,000.

Built in 1895, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 1,821 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $290,000.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 93 Rosewood Ave. sold on Jan. 15, for $267,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,251 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $175,000.

Pineland

The house at 350 Sunset Point Drive sold on Jan. 15, for $368,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,101 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $363,000.

Riviera Manor

The house at 607 Johnson Drive sod on Jan. 13, for $360,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,396 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $310,000.

The Trails

The house at 6 Rocky Creek Trail sold on Jan. 13, for $670,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,803 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $600,000.

Tomoka Oaks

The house at 300 River Bluff Drive sold on Jan. 15, for $560,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 4/4 with two half baths, and has two fireplaces and 3,457 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $150,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Coquina Key

The house at 3728 Egret Dunes Drive sold on Jan. 14, for $685,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 5/3 and has a pool and 2,090 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $580,000.

Holland

The house at 161 Holland Road sold on Jan. 16, for $192,500. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/1 and has 922 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $145,500.

Not in subdivision

The house at 2500 John Anderson Drive sold on Jan. 15, for $770,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/3 and

The house at 304 Aquamarine Way sold on Jan. 15, for $725,000, in the Mosaic community. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a spa and 2,526 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $686,900. The house was listed by Patti McKinley, of Realty Pros Assured.

Grande Champion

The house at 1043 Morfontaine St. sold on Jan. 12, for $349,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Latitude Margaritaville

The townhome at 443 Good

has a boat dock and 2,594 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $150,000.

The house at 37 Poinsettia Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $280,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,134 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $100,000.

Life Way sold on Jan. 16, for $412,000. Built in 2021, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $280,900.

Legends Preserve

The house at 3136 Firethorn Circle sold on Jan. 12, for $530,490. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,791 square feet.

Lennar at Preserve at LPGA

The house at 1239 Belle Isle Lane sold on Jan. 15, for $303,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,429 square feet.

The house at 5115 Magnolia Palm Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $347,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,174 square feet.

LPGA

The house at 1207 Champions Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $425,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,021 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $257,000.

Mosaic The house at 540 Mosaic Blvd. sold on Jan. 12, for $565,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,263 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $492,100.

ter a record-setting 2024, Daytona Beach’s industrial investment market has retained its momentum, driven by —the highest annual total in over a decade—with

ORMOND BEACH

Sunny Shores

The house at 22 Sunny Shore Drive sold on Jan. 16, for $227,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 2/1 and has 984 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $53,000.

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

The house at 3212 John Anderson Drive sold on Jan. 14, for $1,705,000. Photo courtesy of Culver Realty & Property Management

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Fairchild Oaks sells for $1.25M

Ahouse at 40 Whitehall Court, in Fairchild Oaks, was the top real estate transaction for Jan. 17-23 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Jan. 21, for $1,250,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/5.5 and has a pool, a fireplace and 5,104 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $525,000. The house was listed by Mari Parks, of Take Action Properties.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

FLAGLER BEACH

Reserve East

A house at 71 Pegasus Road sold on Jan. 22, for $484,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,470 square feet.

PALM COAST

Grand Haven

A house at 12 Augusta Trail sold on Jan. 23, for $520,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,342 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $335,000.

A house at 85 Southlake Drive sold on Jan. 23, for $435,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,940 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $77,000.

A house at 7 Marshview Lane sold on Jan. 23, for $550,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,985 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $335,000.

sold on Jan. 23, for $340,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,062 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $168,000.

A house at 9 Winter Haven Court sold on Jan. 23, for $515,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,693 square feet.

Sawmill Branch

A house at 3 Golden Oak Way sold on Jan. 23, for $333,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,714 square feet.

A house at 156 Greenwood Drive sold on Jan. 21, for $348,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,799 square feet.

Grand Landings A house at 139 N. Starling Drive sold on Jan. 23, for $400,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,329 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $250,500.

Indian Trails

A house at 86 Bayside Drive sold on Jan. 22, for $360,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,657 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $294,900.

Lehigh Woods

A house at 7 Ripton Place sold on Jan. 23, for $372,000. Built in 2008, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,621 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $80,000.

Pine Lakes

A house at 19 Waterford Place sold on Jan. 23, for $435,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,093 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $210,000.

A house at 25 Woodlyn Lane

A house at 57 N. Park Circle sold on Jan. 20, for $660,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,130 square feet.

A house at 152 Greenwood Drive sold on Jan. 20, for $346,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,986 square feet.

A house at 20 Summerwood Road N. sold on Jan. 20, for $388,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,115 square feet.

A house at 70 Sawdust Lane sold on Jan. 20, for $333,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

Seminole Woods

A house at 223 Montgomery Court sold on Jan. 21, for $309,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,533 square feet.

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

SPORTY FORTY

FPC runner-up at 40th Flagler Rotary; Twilley named Most Outstanding Wrestler.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast junior Trey Twilley not only won the 132-pound championship at the 40th annual Flagler Rotary Invitational, he was also named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.

Twilley was FPC’s only champion, but the Bulldogs had eight other wrestlers place among the top five in their weight classes as FPC finished second overall behind tournament champ Oviedo Hagerty in the two-day invitational Jan. 30-31 at FPC’s main gym.

The 40th Rotary had a record 39 teams participate, including Matanzas which placed 19th and Seabreeze, which was 29th. Two other teams had pulled out.

“We had 39 teams, and I don’t think we could have fit any more,” FPC coach David Bossardet said. “I think this is as big as we can go.”

FPC’s other wrestlers who made Saturday after-

noon’s final round of competition were: sophomore Kevin McLean who was the runner-up at 120 pounds; senior Michael Fries (150) and freshman Jacob Hald (106) who placed third; junior Braden Dailey (113), freshman JoJo Foalima (165), senior Doyvonne Leadon (175) and senior Aidan Korth (285) who placed fourth; and junior Gabriel Moy (144) who placed fifth.

Matanzas and Seabreeze each had one wrestler advance to Saturday’s final wrestling round with the two facing each other in the 215-pound fifth-place match. Matanzas junior Jackson Marchman pinned Seabreeze sophomore Zane DePaula to place fifth, with DePaula taking sixth.

SWEET VICTORY FOR TWILLEY

Bossardet said Twilley was chosen as the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler because he won the most competitive weight class. After pinning his first two opponents, Twilley beat twotime state qualifier Santiago Carrion of Creekside by an 11-2 major decision in the quarterfinals. Twilley then got a rematch with Brentley Crawley of Hagerty in the semifinals.

40 YEARS OF ROTARY TOURNAMENT

There have been two constants in the 40 years of the Flagler Rotary Invitational — the support of the Rotary Club of Flagler County and the presence of Steve DeAugustino, first as Flagler Palm Coast’s head wrestling coach, then as FPC’s athletic director and now back in the coaching chair as an assistant.

The tournament began in 1987 with eight teams in the school’s 100 gym. The spacious Anderson Athletic Center had not been built yet. Farris McGee, a lawyer and Rotary Club member, got the Rotary involved, DeAugustino said.

“Farris was the driving force. He was just a mover and a shaker kind of guy,” DeAugustine said.

When the new gym opened, the tournament expanded. Teams used to come from as far as New York and New Jersey to compete in the Rotary, DeAugustino said.

“We don’t have any outof-state teams now, but it’s a good regional tournament in Florida,” he said. “It does a lot of good for the sport in the area.”

Thanks to the continued commitment from the Rotary Club and school administration, there’s no end in sight for the Invitational. In 2024 a Flagler Rotary Girls Invitational was added at the beginning of wrestling season. “The Rotary Club has been involved since Day 1,” DeAugustino said. “They’re good people. They pay for the referees and certain things, so we can keep some money for the program.”

“He almost ended up putting me to my back. Once I got to that position, I was like, ‘Oh, crap, I got to move.’ We were tied up and I got my escape. I stayed in good position, and we end up pulling it off. I was stoked.”

Crawley had beaten Twilley by a 4-2 decision at the Class 3A state duals regional final just a week earlier, on Jan. 23. In the Rotary semifinal, it was Twilley this time who won a 4-2 decision. He won another close match in the final, 10-9, against Tocoi Creek’s Immanuel Gibbs.

“I feel amazing. Words can’t express how I’m feeling right now,” said Twilley, who lost in the 126-pound championship final last year at Rotary.

“The semis was a really, really tough kid who we took a loss to eight days ago,” Twilley said. “I didn’t dwell on it. I came into the (wrestling) room this week ready to work. I just started picking up on the little things I needed to do.”

Twilley had never wrestled his final opponent before. Gibbs (29-3) had moved in from Texas, Bossardet said, and they didn’t know too much about him. The match went back and forth with a flurry of points recorded in the final 37 seconds — a takedown by Twilley, a reversal by Gibbs.

“He almost ended up putting me to my back,” Twilley said. “Once I got to that position, I was like, ‘Oh, crap, I got to move.’ We were tied up and I got my escape. I stayed in good position, and we end up pulling it off. I was stoked.”

Twilley, who improved to 29-3 on the season, said he had a slow start this season.

“I didn’t get enough tournaments (over the summer), and I started slowing down,” he said. “My feet got heavy, my head started going down and I started putting my hands on the mat. I wrestle best when I have my hands on somebody and I’m moving. When I’m aggressive, that’s how you know I’m in there.”

Bossardet said Twilley, who placed fourth at state last year, just needed to find his identity again.

“I’ve been telling everybody this since Trey has been in eighth grade: When Trey

Twilley is ready to wrestle, I’ll put him against anybody,” Bossardet said. “And he was ready to wrestle today. So, let’s be ready to wrestle the next four competitions and district, region and state.”

Twilley said he feels ready.

“I’m locked in,” he said. “I’m feeling real good about myself right now.”

BIG DAY FOR MCLEAN, FRIES, HALD McLean (22-3) advanced to the championship round for the second straight year, losing to Nathan Lyttle of Harmony, both times.

McLean also lost to Lyttle in the Class 3A state semifinals last year. Lyttle went on to win the championship with a 49-0 record. Lyttle, who has one loss this season, also wrestled last summer in the U17 World Championships and the Pan American Championships with the Puerto Rico national wrestling team.

“I’ll see him again at state,” McLean said. “He’s the guy to beat. I just got to keep working.”

Fries won six of seven matches. After receiving a bye in round 1, he lost a 6-5 decision to Ry Miller of Jacksonville Cornerstone in round 2. Fries then won five straight matches and met Miller againfor third place, winning an 8-0 major decision.

Hald (27-4) won six of seven matches including three pins and two by technical fall. The freshman dominated the 106-pound third-place match with a 17-2 technical fall win against Deltona’s Javonni Carraturo (23-4).

Matanzas’ Marchman improved to 25-7 after his pin in 27 seconds to place fifth. Still, it was a successful weekend for Seabreeze’s DePaula, who is 26-10 this season.

“Last year, I didn’t compete on the second day here, so I’ve gotten a lot better,” he said. “I’m a sophomore, so I still have time.”

Seabreeze’s top wrestler,

Jayce Gainer, ran his record to 30-5. The senior lost his opening match at 165 pounds and then won three in a row before getting knocked out in the fourth consolation round. Bossardet said as a coach he likes the Rotary because it has a regional tournament feel.

“It gives us a gauge to see where we are and where we need to be three weeks from now,” he said. “It’s a big deal for our program, because it funds our program. It’s a big deal for our kids, because they wrestle in front of their friends and family, and it’s a big deal for our community.”

For the second year in a row, FPC assistant coach T.J. Gillin ran the tournament.

“TJ Gillin is the best tournament director out there,” Bossrdet said. “This tournament doesn’t happen without Coach Gillin. He’s the brains behind the operation. So hats off to him. He ran a great tournament.”

After losing a close decision in the second round, FPC’s Michael Fries (right) won six matches to place third at 150 pounds.

FPC’s Trey Twilley (top) was voted the Most Oustanding Wrestler of the tournament. Photos by Rachel and Abe Mills

FPC sophomore Kevin McLean (right) dominated four opponents to reach the 120-pound championship final.

TREY TWILLEY, Flagler Rotary champ at 132 pounds

Two state titles, possible records along the way, on Nya Williams’ agenda

Williams, four other FPC lifters and one Matanzas lifter qualified for the Class 3A girls state meet.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast junior Nya

Williams heads into the Class 3A girls state weightlifting championships on Feb. 11 as the prohibitive favorite to win two state titles.

Her regional qualifying totals are 25 pounds higher in the traditional competition and 40 pounds higher in the Olympic competition than any of the other qualifiers in her 119-pound weight class. And yet, technically, she didn’t have a great regional meet. Not by her standards. Williams missed her second and third snatch attempts and her third clean-and-jerk attempt.

That’s because she went for a couple of would-be state records.

She jumped 15 pounds in the snatch, attempting a 160-pound lift on her second and third attempts, a weight she has hit before and one that would break the Class 3A record at the state meet.

“We’ve been playing around with a lot of things with her in terms of taking bigger jumps, because she really wants to break the state record in the snatch and the clean and jerk,”

FPC coach Duane Hagstrom said. “But jumping 15 pounds at her low body weight is not really a great idea. So I told her, our number one priority is to win the state championship. If we break the record, we break it. If we don’t, we don’t.

“She’s still a junior, so she’s got next year to come back and destroy those records. Records can always be broken, but they can never take that state title away from her,” Hagstrom said.

In the clean and jerk, Williams attempted 210 pounds after successfully lifting 190 and 200 on her first two attempts. A 210-lift would tie the state record. Williams got the clean and nearly completed the jerk.

“It was a super, solid clean,” she said. “I went for the jerk and locked it out. I just was a little off balanced, but it’ll be there when it counts, of course.”

Williams completed all three of her bench presses with a personal-record 160 pounds on her last lift. She handily won both regional titles with a traditional total of 360 pounds and an Olympic total of 345 pounds. Only one lifter, unlimited champ Alexa Ayala of West Port, had a higher traditional total (375) than the 117.10-pound Williams. Ayala weighed in at 266.10 pounds.

Winning her first state title will be Williams’ priority, she said. State records will come if they’re attainable.

“I am looking for a state record,” Williams said. “But my ultimate goal is to hit my lifts. I don’t go into a meet searching for a PR.”

Williams has been accepted into the USA Weightlifting National Team Program, and will train with the USA Junior National Team this offseason.

“So at nationals in June, hopefully my numbers will be amazing and I’ll hit the B standard, which will qualify me to go to Mexico in October [for the Pan-American Junior Weightlifting Championships],” Williams said. ”I’m super excited.”

STATE QUALIFIERS

The Bulldogs placed second as a team behind Spruce Creek in both competitions at the Region 2-3A meet on Saturday, Jan. 31, at FPC. Creek won the Olympic title with 35 points, with FPC the runnerup with 32 points and Bartram Trail third with 29 points. The Hawks totaled 45 points to win the traditional title,

with the Bulldogs scoring 41 points. Creekside was third with 33 points.

Four other FPC lifters will join Williams at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland for the state championships. Alexcia Lilavois qualified at 101 pounds in Olympic with a 190 total at regional. Aaradhana Moluguri will join Williams at 119 in Olympic with a 240 qualifying total. Lily Ames qualified in both competitions at 139 pounds with a 280 Olympic total and 300 traditional total. And first-year lifter Brianna Long qualified at 169 pounds in traditional with a 305 total.

Matanzas’ Jordyn Crews qualified at 139 pounds in Olympic with a 280 total. Crews matched her cleanand-jerk PR with a 160-pound lift, and then jumped into the arms of a coach to celebrate. She placed second behind 139-pound double-region

champ and state favorite Taylor Bush of Creekside. FPC’s Ames placed second in traditional. Long placed second at 169.

FPC’s Cali Weehunt placed second in both competitions at 154 pounds, but didn’t qualifiy. Her 270-pound Olympic total was just five pounds short of the 275 cutoff. And FPC’s Lynnsie Jones placed second at 183 in traditional with a 295 pound total but needed 305 to qualify.

AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION…

The tiebreaker in high school weightlifting competitions is body weight. If two lifters tie for a spot with the same total,

the lighter lifter will get the spot. But what if two lifters tie who weighed in at exactly the same weight? That’s what happened at regional in the 110-pound traditional competition.

FPC’s Angelis Rosa and Spruce Creek’s Rylee Fernandez each weighed in before the match at 107.5 pounds. They each totaled 230 in clean and jerk and bench to place second behind Gainesville Buchholz’s Sophia Flesner. The tiebreaker was another weigh-in after the competition. Rosa was heavier by a minuscule amount.

Neither lifter qualified for state with 240 the cutoff. But at the time, neither one knew

LOCAL QUALIFIERS

FLAGLER PALM COAST

„ Nya Williams, 119 pounds. Traditional (360-pound total. Olympic (340 total)

„ Lily Ames, 139 pounds. Olympic (280 total). Traditional (300 total)

„ Alexcia Lilavois, 101 pounds. Olympic (190 total)

„ Aaradhana Moluguri, 119 pounds. Olympic (240 total)

„ Brianna Long, 169 pounds. Traditional (305 total)

MATANZAS

„ Jordyn Crews, 139 pounds. Olympic (280 total)

that.

Both lifters were in a race to cut an ounce or two as the final lifters completed their bench presses.

“I didn’t want her killing herself trying to cut that last couple of ounces, but it could make a difference in qualifying,” Hagstrom said. “So, I told (Rosa), ‘Don’t eat, drink.’ She put on a bunch of clothes, got a Jolly Rancher, spitting in a bottle. It helps with sailva, and they spit and spit, like wrestlers do.”

The reweigh didn’t affect the team standings, though FPC would have been two points closer if the re-weigh went the other way. So, in the end it didn’t matter, but it did provide a little extra drama at the end of the meet.

Matanzas wrestler Cardy Michel wins match vs. a boy on her Senior

The Pirates’ only senior has lost just two matches this season.

Matanzas senior Cardy Michel wasn’t sure if she was going to get a chance to wrestle on her Senior Night. But Palatka had a wrestler in her weight class, and she was able to cap off her night with a win by technical fall.

Michel is the only senior

among all of the Pirates’ boys and girls wrestlers. She was honored before the team’s dual meet with the Panthers on Wednesday, Jan. 28.

“It was super fun,” she said. “I’m excited my whole family and all my friends are here, and my coaches — my favorite people ever. I’m glad everyone came out to support me.”

The Pirates defeated Palatka, 41-30. Michel was one of two Matanzas girls who wrestled in the meet. Ari Maiura pinned her opponent in 15 seconds in the 106-pound match. Michel won the 126-pound match by technical fall in 1:23 over Braxton Malloy, with a 17-1 score ending the match.

“Wrestling guys is fun,” Michel said. “It gives a different experience than the girls, because girls are flexible and boys, they’re just really strong. Winning is always a big rush of adrenaline.”

This was her first match this season against a boy. She has lost just two matches this season, winning four tournaments and placing second at the Let Freedom Ring tourna-

ment at Freedom High School on Dec. 6 and placing third at the Ocoee tournament on Jan. 23.

“She’s been wrestling for four years now. She gets in there, gets after it,” Matanzas coach John White said. “She’s tough, works hard every day, and she got a match on her Senior Night.”

Michel and junior Briana Durry (235 pounds) were both state qualifiers last season.

This year, Michel hopes to qualify again and bring back a bag of goodies.

“I want to be state champ, get a ring and get my bracket,” she said.

The girls’ postseason begins on Feb. 12 with the District 1 tournament at University High School in Orange City.

The Pirates other winners against the Panthers were Aiden Koedam who by pin in 5:48 at 150 pounds, and Jackson Marchman, who won by pin in 1:29 at 215 pounds. Jayme McDannel-Vale, Zayden Stoetzel and Xachary Hesselton won by forfeit.

Night

FPC 119-pounder Aaradhana Moluguri cleans 140 pounds. She was unable to complete the lift, but she placed third in both competitions and qualified for state in Olympic.

FPC’s Nya Williams (center) poses with both of her first-place medals in the 119-pound weight class.

Creekside’s Lily Muirhead (left) placed second in traditional. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas 139-pounder Jordyn Crews clean-and-jerks 160 pounds.

Matanzas’ Aiden Koedam (right) pinned Palatka’s Blake Young in 5:48 in the 150-pound match. Photos by Brent Woronoff

The referee raises Cardy Michel’s arm after she defeated Paltaka’s Braxton Malloy by technical fall in 1:23 in the 126-pound match.

FOUR-TIME CHAMPS

Five players scored in double figures for the Bucs in their 76-71 victory over the Sharks.

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland dominated the Five Star Conference boys basketball tournament, finishing with a 76-71 victory over Atlantic on Friday, Jan. 30, at the Vince Carter Athletic Center, for their fourth consecutive conference championship.

“The game was electrifying,” Mainland head coach Joe Giddens said. “Playing in the earlier games — we played Oak Ridge, won by four; we played Evans, won by two. Being in those kinds of games got us ready for this kind of game. I knew ... when we went up 10 or 11 they were going to come back. They just played hard and kept coming back. I just told my guys to keep their composure.”

Five players scored in double digits for the Bucs, who

improved to 21-2 heading into the postseason. Team captain Beegie Gordon led Mainland with 15 points, Jaheem Curry scored 14, Canyon Powers and Kadin Flores each scored 12 points and Kade Manley added 10 points. Davin Jones dished out a team-high nine assists and Powers added eight more assists.

Giddens said the Bucs probably would have won by double digits if his players had made more free throws — they went 24 of 37 from the line — but he said it was understandable after playing four games in five nights. Atlantic also had five players in double figures with Emmanuel Martin scoring a game-high 17 points, Tyler Smith and Mehki Yon scoring 14 points apiece and Chris De La Pena and Caleb Wiggins each scoring 11.

“It was a great game,” Mainland’s Gordon said. “We played a great Atlantic team. I looked forward to the game all season. It was a really good fight throughout the whole game, but me and my team pulled through like every other game. We just think of it as another obstacle to where we’re trying to go.”

TENSIONS RESULT IN TUSSLE

The Bucs opened the Five Star tournament with a 78-41 win against Spruce Creek on Jan. 26. They topped Seabreeze 69-45 in the semifinals on Jan. 27. They beat Sanford Seminole 71-61 in a non-conference game on Jan. 28, and then faced Atlantic in the conference title game on Jan. 30.

Giddens wondered what more he could ask for with five players scoring in double digits and the ability to consistently have a 10-man rotation.

“They just play hard,” he said. “I’m just so happy for them. I’m building good young men and installing life lessons. When the ball stops, they’re going to continue to be young men. They’re going to be fathers. They’re going to have to push through with perseverance. That’s the kind of stuff I teach. If they can learn that, then the basketball stuff becomes easy.”

Mainland will play a District 4-6A semifinal on Feb. 4 at home against the winner of the Lyman-Winter Springs quarterfinal. The Bucs are seeded first in the district and ranked first in the region. They would host the district final on Feb. 7.

“We’re one in our district, in our region,” Giddens said. “But, like I tell my guys, anything can happen, any night, so we’ve got to be ready. We can’t take anybody lightly. When we step across that line, it’s go time.”

Seabreeze (18-7) opens

District 7-5A play at home on Tuesday, Feb. 3, against Deltona. If the Sandcrabs win, they will host a semifinal on Feb. 5.

Emotions ran high as Mainland came back after Atlantic took a first-quarter lead in the Five Star conference final. Players bantered with one another throughout the game before Mainland solidified its win. Talk intensified between the players in the handshake line.

As Atlantic started the trek toward the locker room and Mainland parted for the traditional championship celebration, two players faced off in the middle of the court. Bucs coach Joe Giddens, football coaches, security,

staff and players jumped in to de-escalate the situation. Teams returned to the locker rooms as Mainland’s School Resource Officer Daniel Peralta removed an Atlantic player from the gym. Beegie Gordon was headed to the locker room when the fight ensued.

“It caught me off guard,” he said. “I was just trying to get to the locker room, turned around and saw it. We’re just going to put that in the past. But I like how we all had each other’s backs, even with that. So that just shows that we’re a family at the end of the day, absolutely.”

Mainland’s Jaden “Melo” Parks goes up for a layup as the crowd goes wild at the Five Star Conference championship game against Atlantic on Jan. 30 at the Vince Carter Athletic Center.

Mainland wins the Five Star Conference after beating Atlantic 76-71 in the championship game on Friday, Jan. 30 at the Vince Carter Athletic Center. Photos by Michele Meyers

Mainland’s Davon Jones (right) drives past an Atlantic player during the Five Star Conference championship game.

Mainland’s Canyon Powers (2) grabs an offensive rebound and puts it back up for a basket in the Five Star Conference championship game against Atlantic on Jan. 30.

Athletic commitments

Two Matanzas High School athletes have committed to committed to colleges to play intercollegiate sports next year. Wide receiver Ladarien Baker has committed to play football at St. Thomas University. McKenzie Manhart has committed to play softball at Pensacola State College.

Regional soccer on tap

Flagler Palm Coast’s girls and Seabreeze’s boys soccer teams are all in action, on the road, in FHSAA regional quarterfinal play Feb. 5-6.

Region 1-7A seventh-seed FPC (14-2-5) will play at second seed Creekside (102-3) on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. The Knights defeated the Bulldogs 5-0 in the district championship game on Jan. 27. FPC goalie Natalie Neal, who will play for Daytona State College next year, had 20 saves in the game to give her over 500 saves for her career.

Region 2-5A fifth-seed

Seabreeze girls (9-7-1) will travel to fourth seed Wesley Chapel Cypress Creek (76-1) at 5 p.m. on Feb. 5. The Seabreeze boys (7-8-5), seeded seventh, will travel

to second seed Orlando Innovation (17-2-1) at 7 p.m., Friday, Feb. 6. The winners will play in the regional semifinals on Feb. 11 for girls and Feb. 12 for boys.

Seabreeze lifter qualifies for state

Seabreeze weightlifter

Camila Arellano has qualified for the Class 2A state weightlifting championship Feb. 12 at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland. Arellano had qualified in both the traditional and Olympic competitions in the 129-pound weight class. At regional, she placed third in traditional with a 280-pound total and fourth in Olympic with a 245-pound total.

Palm Coast Open returns

The Palm Coast Open, a USTA Pro Circuit tennis tournament, has returned to the Southern Recreation Center in Palm Coast. The event is sanctioned by the USTA Pro Circuit and the ITF World Tennis Tour.

The men’s main draw began Feb. 2 with the singles championship scheduled for Feb. 8. The women’s main draw is scheduled for Feb. 17-22, with the wild-card tournament scheduled for

Feb. 13-15. Prize money is $15,000 each for the men’s and women’s tournaments.

The Palm Coast Open is supported in part by a grant provided by the Flagler County Tourist Development Council. The event attracts visiting athletes, coaches, officials and spectators, generating hotel stays and supporting local businesses. The event is open to the public. Spectators are advised that morning sessions are typically the busiest. Onsite parking is limited, and attendees are encouraged to carpool.

Croquet tourney at Grand Haven

The Grand Haven Croquet Club is hosting the Loggerhead Golf Croquet Tournament on Feb. 5-8 at Grand Haven Creekside Amenity Center, 2 North Village Parkway, in Palm Coast.

Three Team USA World Golf Croquet competitors are expected to participate. Doubles playoffs are scheduled for Firday afternoon. Singles playoffs are scheduled for Sunday afternoon.

LPGA amateur Daytona Beach 20th anniversary

The LPGA Amateur Golf Association of Daytona Beach celebrated its 20th anniversary on Jan. 25 at the Anderson-Price Memorial Building in Ormond Beach. More than 75 women attended the celebration.

The organization originally began as the Executive Women’s Golf Association and was later absorbed by the LPGA. Over the years, the chapter has grown to more than 170 members.

LPGA Amateur Daytona Beach offers golf tournaments, instructional clinics, social events and

outings, and welcomes women of all skill levels. For more information, visit chapters.lpgaamateurs.com/ home/chapter/FLDB.

Junior golfers compete at Palm Harbor

Palm Harbor Golf Club of Palm Coast hosted the Florida Junior Tour Palm Harbor Open, a Florida State Golf

Association event, on Jan. 24-25. Seventy-four golfers, ages 9-12, competed in the tournament.

. Division winners were Jayden Wei (Boys 11–12) of Lake Mary; Lucas Li (Boys 9–10) of Osprey; Chloe Audrey Chen (Girls 11–12) of Winter Garden; and Jocelynn Ayala (Girls 9–10), of Tampa.

“We’re proud to welcome young athletes and their families to Palm Coast and

grateful for the positive impact these events have on our local economy and community,” Dennis Redican, Palm Coast’s Outdoor Recreation Manager, said in a press release. Palm Harbor will host another FJT tournament for juniors age 13-15 on March 21-22.

Email Brent Woronoff at brent@observerlocalnews. com

More than 75 women attended the LPGA Amateur Golf Association of Daytona Beach’s 20th anniversary celebration on Jan. 25 at the Anderson-Price Building in Ormond Beach. Courtesy photo

Flagler Palm Coast goalie Natalie Neal, with assistant coach Cat Bradley and head coach Pete Hald, got her 500th career save agains Creekside on Jan. 27. Courtesy photo

US Roadshow

& Co.

•Ditishiem

Patek Philippe

•Breitling •Tiffany & Co. •Rolex

CLASSIFIEDS

Items under $200

PLANT LADY HAS ASSORTED PLANTS FOR SALE!!! Elephant

Ears, Snake Plants, Plus Many Other Types of Plants. Call for Appointment. Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387

White Wicker Rocking Chair W/ Cushion, Small Table and Small Bookshelf $170 For All. 386-597-7579

Bikes Greg Foster 27” 20 Speed Bike 35 (386) 898-8998 tbcooper13@aol.com

New Set of Front Headlights For Honda 2025 HRV $200 Call 386-693-4458 Landline Leave Message

Hospital Scrubs Landau Brand For Men and Women New and Used $10.00 A Set All Colors Text to 1-386-503-8465.

Gerry Youth HeavyWeight System Jacket, Girls, S (7/8), Pink/ Black, 2 jackets worn 3 ways, brand new with tags, $30.00. (386)283-7172. Cleaning Services

Ana’s Personal housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonalhousekeeping@gmail.com 386868-9662

For Sale

Sofa Set Black Three Seater and Two Seater Love Sofa with Console. All Electric Recliners. $275 386-338-7050

Home Services

P. MCL. Handyman Residential Remedies. No Job Too Small. Lic. and Insured. Low Prices. Reliable. 386-5033219

Construction Cleanup Derrick The Clean Up Man. Haul Trash, Clean Flower Beds, Honey Do’s, Pressure Wash, Construction Cleans. No Job Is TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Licensed. Insured 386-503-5536

Refresh your concrete Power wash and seal Epoxy Floors Flat / Stamped Concrete Call 810 577 7305 for a free estimate

HARPER’S HANDYMAN SERVICES AND POWERWASHING Count On Us For All Your Handyman Services, Powerwashing Needs and Windows Too. Licensed and Insured happyharpers@att.net 386843-5906

Help Wanted

House cleaning Need person to clean my home every 2 weeks reliable good hourly wage in Palm coast Fl. Please text to 917 337 6785

TRIBUTES

Come Join an Amazing Team at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa!

We’re hosting upcoming Job Fairs on: January 26th – 11am – 5pm –Ocean Ballroom February 11th – 11am – 5pm –Surf Room March 11th – 11am – 5pm –Lodge Ocean View Room

We’re looking for passionate individuals, ready to join an exceptional team. Bring your resume, your energy, and your desire to grow with us. Various opportunities are available. Your next career move starts here!

Real Estate

Palm Coast 1/4 and 1/2 Acre Lots For Sale, Low Prices 386437-7058

Yard Sale

St Mark By The Sea Lutheran Church 303 Palm Coast PKWY Annual Bizarre, Bake Sale, & Silent Auction. We Will Be Open Fri 2/13 8:00AM-2:00Pm & 2/14 8:00AM-2:00PM. Women’s Clothing, Household Items, Pictures, Bikes, Desks, & Jewelry. Silent Auction Will Be Going On As Well as Delicious Baked Goods for Sale. Proceeds Benefit Local and County Charities.

INFORMATION & RATES: 386-447-9723 • info@observerlocalnews. com • classifieds.palmcoastobserver.com

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon; Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

The Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher.

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

Terri Ann Manchisi (Hamburger)

September 19,1972 - December 28, 2025

Terri Ann Manchisi (Hamburger) of South Daytona,Florida passed away peacefully on December 28, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.

Terri was born September 19,1972 in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to Kathleen Zurbuch Hamburger Yedziniak and John Hamburger.

Terri spent much of her youth growing up in Westbrookville, NY.

After moving to Ormond Beach, she graduated from Seabreeze High School, class of 1990.

Terri met the love of her life Joe to whom she married in 2001. Joe and Terri made their home in Eleuthera, Bahamas where they lived for over 25 years.

Throughout her life, she formed lifelong friendships in all the places she lived. She touched so many lives and made an impact wherever she went. Terri had so much passion in everything she did. Whether it was fishing off the coast, cheffing up something spectacular in the kitchen

or utilizing her green thumb in the garden, she did it all with so much love. Her love and kindness was apparent to everyone she met and everything she did. Her smile was like a beacon sending light in every direction.

Terri is survived by her husband Joseph Manchisi, mother Kathleen Zurbuch Hamburger Yedziniak, of South Daytona,Florida, her sister and brother in law Dawn and Howard Dietrich, brother and sister in law Mark and Kathyann Hamburger and her step-mother Genevieve Hamburger all of Ormond Beach, FL and her brother Michael Yedziniak of Fayetteville, NC Niece and nephews Ruby, John Thomas Hamburger,John Michael, and Elya Yedziniak. Terri was predeceased by her father John Hamburger and step father Michael Yedziniak.

Terri is also survived by several Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends that are family. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Terri knows that her family and her friends

Chris Vorndran January 5, 1940 - January 27, 2026

Chris Vorndran died peacefully on Jan. 27,2026, in Palm Coast, Florida. He was born on Jan. 5, 1940 in the Bronx, New York. Raised along Long Island Sound and a lover of all things marine, Chris attended NY State Maritime College at Fort Schuyler. A member of Class of 1961, he became a mechanical engineer. He started his career with Bailey Meter Company in Wickcliffe, Ohio. and was then transferred to St. Louis, Missouri. After two years he was transferred back to New York. After several years with Bailey he joined Combustion Equipment

Associates. It was here that he met two other engineers and together they formed Southern Technologies, Inc. in Longwood, Florida. After 22 years building a successful business, the three men sold STI and Chris retired to Palm Coast to live along the water again. Always active, and wanting a challenge, he was elected Commodore of the Palm Coast Yacht Club, twice. In June of 1959 Chris met the love of his life Ann at Charlies Inn in the Bronx. The day after graduation Chris and Ann got married at St. Benedicts Catholic Church. Together they moved to Wick-

meant everything to her but nothing compared to the

that

Terri’s

caring and loving heart will be missed in this world but felt by all that knew her always. A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Terri Manchisi Foundation 345 Collins Street Ormond Beach Fl, 32174

liffe, Ohio to start their life together. They moved about the country, until finally settling in Florida. Along the way there were many hours on the water, horse shows, baseball games and parties. Chris was always ready for a gathering. Their 65 year union created four children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Chris was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He is missed already. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www. craigflaglerpalms.com

love

Terri shared with her husband Joe.

warm,

FL 32763 ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, INCLUDING, IF A NAMED DEFENDANT IS DECEASED, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, THE SURVIVING SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THAT DEFENDANT, AND ALL CLAIMANTS, PERSONS OR PARTIES, NATURAL OR CORPORATE, OR WHOSE EXACT LEGAL STATUS IS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE NAMED OR DESCRIBED DEFENDANTS (Last Known Address) 1250 BAILEY AVENUE DELTONA, FL 32725 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for the Foreclosure of a Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 12, BLOCK 283, DELTONA LAKES UNIT SEVEN, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGES 149 THROUGH 162, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A: 1250 BAILEY AVENUE, DELTONA, FL 32725. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written

defenses, if any, to it, on Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire, POPKIN & ROSALER, P.A., 1701 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 400, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442., Attorney for Plaintiff, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the (Please publish in The Palm Coast/Ormond Beach Observer) and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato alrecibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 27 day of Jan, 2026. LAURA E. ROTH As Clerk of the Court and/or Comptroller (SEAL) /s/ Shawnee S. Smith Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire POPKIN & ROSALER, P.A. 1701 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 24-51216 February 5, 12, 2026 26-00078I

RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 12309 CICI

WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF STARWOOD MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL TRUST 2022-1, Plaintiff, vs. FRANCISCO J. SANTANA; ASHLEY SANTANA; THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; MASTER’S GLEN AT GRANDE CHAMPION HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; AERO HEC ACQUISITION I, LLC; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, and ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure (In Rem) dated November 12, 2025 and an Order Canceling and Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale dated January 27, 2026, entered in Civil Case No.: 2025 12309 CICI of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF STARWOOD MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL TRUST 2022-1, Plaintiff, and FRANCISCO J. SANTANA; ASHLEY SANTANA; THE INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL OWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; MASTER’S GLEN AT GRANDE CHAMPION HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; AERO HEC ACQUISITION I, LLC, are Defendants. LAURA E. ROTH, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 27th day of March, 2026, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 56, GRANDE CHAMPION AT PARCEL NW-27, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 51, PAGES 161 THROUGH 166, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. If you are a person claiming a right to funds

remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After the funds are reported as unclaimed, only the owner of record as of the date of the Lis Pendens may claim the surplus.

REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODA-

TIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILI-

TIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES

PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACID-

ADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato alrecibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL

Dated: January 29, 2026 /s/ Brian L. Rosaler By: Brian L. Rosaler Florida Bar No.: 0174882. Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. 1701West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Telephone: (954) 360-9030 Facsimile: (954) 420-5187 25-51880 February 5, 12, 2026 26-00079I

of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: February 5, 2026. Signed on this 29th day of JANUARY, 2026. /s/ Michael J. Blair MICHAEL J. BLAIR Personal Representative 25 Sand Dollar Drive Ormond Beach, FL 32176 /s/ Robert Kit Korey Robert Kit Korey Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W. Granada Blvd.,Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com Secondary Email: dwargo@koreylawpa.com February 5, 12, 2026 26-00083I