And yet one former Miami resident compares traffic to a ‘Hostess Cupcake.’ PAGE 2A
Mom leaves for, like, two minutes
Chores did not get done, Dad admits. PAGE 2A
Spotted
Neighbor in The Trails just won’t stop with all the air quotes
The leopard’s owner had tried to keep the pet a secret, but it outgrew its litter box and eventually destroyed the in-law suite. Photo by Pixabay
Ormond Beach City Commissioners Lori Tolland, Travis Sargent, Mayor Jason Leslie, Kristin Deaton and Harold Briley listen to Tomoka Oaks residents on March 24. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Casey Epston Roush, vice chair of programs for the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, and Marnie Van der Burgt, the scholarship drawing winner. Photo courtesy of Stacy Wyborny, S.R. Perrott, Inc.
Three inmates arrested in drug bust
Investigators: Inmates used commissary items as currency in scheme to distribute drugs at the jail.
FCSO PRESS RELEASE
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested three inmates on drug-related charges following a narcotics investigation at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility, which began after deputies received information regarding the possible sale of narcotics by inmates within the jail.
On March 17, the FCSO Special Investigations Unit conducted an undercover operation at the jail that resulted in the arrest of inmates Joshua Siedel, 32, of Daytona Beach; Caleb Tucker, 30, of Bunnell; and Stephen Horton, 46, of Flagler Beach.
Detectives identified Siedel and Tucker as the main drug distributors within the facility. They also determined that Tucker had received payments from multiple inmates and facilitated multiple transactions with Siedel over several weeks, with many of these transactions occurring during
inmate church services. During a recent evening’s service, detention deputies intercepted a transaction, during which Horton used coffee packets as a form of currency to purchase Suboxone from Siedel, who then handed the coffee packets to Tucker for concealment.
As part of the undercover operation, detention deputies also conducted cell searches throughout the facility and located Suboxone packaged for distribution inside Siedel’s cell. Inside Tucker’s cell, they located residue, which later tested positive for fentanyl.
Detectives determined the Suboxone was obtained through pharmaceutical diversion, in which an inmate, who is prescribed Suboxone through jail medical services, illegally distributed Suboxone to other inmates within the jail in exchange for commissary items.
“This guy thought he was the El Chapo of the Green Roof Inn, but luck ran out for him and his accomplices this St. Patrick’s Day,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Now they’ll rack themselves up plenty of prison time, all for some cookies and chips.”
Siedel was originally arrested in September 2025 on charges of criminal mischief, failure to appear, and
four counts of violation of probation. He now faces additional charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, sale of a Schedule III controlled substance, and possession of Schedule III contraband by an inmate in a correctional institution.
Tucker was originally arrested in November 2025 on charges of second-degree burglary; possession of drug paraphernalia; tampering with evidence; and possession of fentanyl with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver. He now faces additional charges of possession of fentanyl and sale of a Schedule III controlled substance by an inmate in a correctional institution.
Horton was originally arrested in September 2025 on charges of trafficking fentanyl (4 grams or more), two counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, manufacture, or deliver, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He now faces additional charges of tampering with evidence, possession of a controlled substance by an inmate in a correctional institution, and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription.
NEWS BRIEFS
South Daytona woman arrested for fraud for using job’s fuel cards
Kenyetta Victoria Clay, 33 of South Daytona, was arrested following a criminal investigation into the fraudulent use of employer fuel cards.
The investigation began on Feb. 18, after Bunnell Police responded to a complaint involving the unauthorized use of fleet fuel cards assigned to SMA Healthcare’s Project Warm facility in Bunnell. As the investigation developed, evidence showed Clay, while employed with SMA Healthcare as a behavioral health technician, used fleet fuel cards on multiple occasions to purchase fuel for her per-
COPS CORNER
MARCH 18 JABBED FOR A TAB
1:48 a.m. — 300 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Battery touch/strike.A 52-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after he punched a local restaurant owner who was walking him outside following a dispute over a $10.36 tab.
According to a police report, when the restaurant owner approached the customer about paying his tab, the customer told him he had “already paid three tabs and refused to pay another as he was being ripped off.”
The customer eventually paid the tab and was asked to leave, but refused to do so, saying he was waiting for a friend who was in the bathroom. After he became belligerent with him, the restaurant owner asked three employees to witness him escorting the customer out of the business.
Once outside, the customer punched the restaurant owner twice and told police it was because the restaurant owner and his employees tried to push and punch him first.
Witnesses corroborated the restaurant owner’s account. The customer was taken to jail.
sonal vehicle. Detectives reviewed surveillance video, fuel account records, internal businessdocuments, and witness statements. A total of 32 fraudulent fuel transactions occurring between January 3, 2025, and January 21, 2026, were revealed with a combined value of $1,277.26. Clay was charged with two felonies: fraudulent use of a credit card and grand theft. The court set bond at $2,500 for each charge. Clay turned herself in at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility in Bunnell, where she later posted bond and was released.
Motorcyclist killed in Ormond crash with SUV
A 25-year-old Ormond Beach motorcyclist was killed in a crash with an SUV on North Nova Road on March 19.
NAUGHTY NEIGHBORS
4:01 a.m. — first block of Shady Lane, Palm Coast
Breach of peace. A 49-yearold Palm Coast woman was arrested after she stood outside a home, topless and intoxicated, to throw rocks at her father’s tenant house.
When deputies arrived following multiple calls from neighbors, the woman was holding the tenant’s dog and was “obviously” intoxicated, according to an arrest report.
Deputies asked the suspect to put on a shirt, but she began to cry and scream that she wouldn’t. Eventually, she put on a shirt provided by the tenant, but refused to identify herself.
The tenant told deputies that the suspect came over to the home drunk and tried to get ahold of her parents.
Then, the suspect began rubbing her genitals on the tenant’s bed and hit the tenant when she was told to stop.
The tenant declined to press battery charges but the suspect taken to jail on other charges.
MARCH 19
CIGARETTE STOLEN
10:10 a.m. — 100 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Burglary. A half-burnt cigarette led to the arrest of a 57-year-old transient man, who was found to be in possession of ammunition, despite being a convicted felon.
Officers responded to the intersection of Nova Road and North Old Kings Road at about 4:29 p.m. According to a preliminary investigation, police believe the SUV was traveling northbound on Nova Road when it attempted to turn left into the Trails Shopping Center, resulting in an angled collision with Chase Rivera, who was traveling southbound on his motorcycle. Rivera was transported to the hospital, where he later died of his injuries. A GoFundMe has been set up to help pay for Rivera’s funeral. Rivera leaves behind two children: a 4-year-old son and a 4-month-old daughter. So far, the family has raised over $1,000. Visit https://www.gofund me.com/f/honoring-chasesmemory-and-supporting-hisfamily. Send news tips to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.
An Ormond Beach woman was dropping off her son for a karate class, but her son hesitated as he spotted the transient, saying it looked like he was breaking into a vehicle, according to a police report. The woman called police and provided a photo of the man. After he was located, he told police that he thought the car belonged to a friend. Noticing a door slightly ajar, he stuck his head inside to “make sure it was in order” and then took the half-burnt cigarette.
The car’s owner wished to press charges. During a search of his person, police found two boxes of shotgun shells and a small amount of methamphetamine. He was taken to jail.
MARCH 22
LOST AND IMPAIRED
5:40 p.m. — Commerce Boulevard, Highway U.S. 1 intersection, Palm Coast DUI. A Port Orange woman was caught driving with a blood alcohol content almost four times the legal limit with two children in the backseat.
The woman told deputies that she was lost and trying to find her friend’s house. In the backseat were two crying children around 10 years old, one belonging to the woman, the other to her friend, the report said.
The second child’s mother picked up the kids and the suspect was taken to the jail.
Looming lawsuit pushes Ormond to accept golf course development
The vote took place as city deals with multimillion dollar lawsuit with developers.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Ormond Beach’s white flag in the five-year battle over the development of the Tomoka Oaks golf course came in the way of a final split vote to approve 254 homes on the 147-acre property.
After four hours and over 50 citizens speaking against the development, City Commissioners on Tuesday, March 24, voted 3-2 to issue a new development order to Triumph Oaks of Ormond Beach LLC. Commissioner Kristin Deaton and Mayor Jason Leslie voted against.
The issuance of the development order comes as the city deals with a multimillion dollar lawsuit with the Tomoka Reserve developers and a looming April 3 deadline to make a decision that Tomoka Oaks residents say will impact them for decades to come. But officials had to decide: Was it worth the gamble to continue litigation, knowing that losing would likely lead to a development with a higher density and a significantly smaller buffer?
Ultimately, the majority of the commission felt the gamble posed too high of a risk.
“We are in a litigation, OK? So there’s no threatening anymore,” Commissioner Lori Tolland said. “It’s a lawsuit that could potentially have a horrendous outcome, not just for the Tomoka Oaks residents, but for all citizens as well.”
ZONING IN LITIGATION
As they did during the first vote on March 13, residents flooded City Commission Chambers on Tuesday. Many wore red to show their opposition to the Tomoka Reserve development, to be located in the middle of the Tomoka Oaks subdivision.
Developers Carl Velie, Ray Barshay and Sheldon and Emily Rubin seek to construct homes in what officials and residents have referred to in the past as the “hole in the doughnut” in the middle of Tomoka Oaks.
Tomoka Oaks volunteer Homeowners Association’s lawyer Dennis Bayer once again asked the commission to send the development back to the Planning Board for further review, since the developers had submitted a new site plan.
“The only reason that this is being done this way is because of federal litigation,” Bayer said. “We haven’t seen these reports with threats of $16 million. We haven’t seen that the staff has done their own economic analysis of the impacts. ... This is not the process that’s normally followed.”
The developers, whom police escorted outside after the hearing, have been working to develop this property since purchasing it in 2021. After their initial Planned Residential Development application was remanded to the Planning Board in 2024, the developers chose to seek a rezoning on the property from PRD (a result of a 2006 vote for a townhome and condo project on 30 acres of the golf course) to its original residential zoning of R-2, “SingleFamily Low Density.” R-2 may allow for over 300 homes, and a residential project would only need administrative approval, not an OK by the commission.
After some prodding, Cobb Cole Attorney Rob Merrell did rise to speak to the commission, but he said litigation counsel had advised him not to negotiate with the commission that evening.
“In the situation we’re in, unfortunately, I can’t get into the details with you,” Merrell said. “I can tell you that [City Attorney Randy Haye’s] suggestion that we’d be willing to talk to you about reasonable things while we’re going through the planning process is a productive conversation to have.”
‘A TOKEN GESTURE’
From 272 homes to 254.
In April 2024, the City Commission denied the rezoning, and the developers filed an appeal with the Seventh Judicial Circuit in October 2024.
Then, in late December 2024, they filed a federal lawsuit at the U.S. District Court’s Orlando Division, alleging that the city had violated the developers’ property rights by declaring that the golf course has no allowed zoning uses by right and refusing to issue a new development order.
The current site plan proposes a density of 1.72 units per acre, down from the 1.84 units per acre proposed in 2023. Lot sizes will be a minimum of 80 feet by 120 feet for the homes around the perimeter of the golf course, and 60 feet by 120 feet for interior lots. From the beginning, Tomoka Oaks residents have been asking for 100-foot lots, citing compatibility with their homes.
Bayer asked the commission that, if they didn’t deny the application, they consider approving it with conditions — ones regarding density, lot coverage and the traffic light that will need to be installed at Tomoka Oaks Boulevard and North Nova Road.
This is not a significant reduction in density, said Tomoka Oaks resident Denise Corley.
“It’s a token gesture, not a negotiation,” she said.
Some residents felt like the city should take the gamble regarding the litigation.
Tomoka Oaks resident Shaune Clark said the tax dollars being used in the lawsuit are theirs.
“I’m asking you guys tonight to bid on black and let it ride so that Ormond Beach, the birthplace of speed, doesn’t become the debt of individual homeowner rights and the city’s ability to govern them,” Clark said.
The meeting also drew prominent city residents from outside of Tomoka Oaks, including former Zone 3 City Commissioner Susan Persis, advocating the commissioners to listen to the concerns.
“This is no longer about approval, but about responsibility — responsibility to the residents,” said Persis, who voted against the development when she was a commissioner. “Residents will remember whether they were respected, whether they were included, and whether their voices mattered. Tonight,
you have the opportunity to ensure that they do.”
Local philanthropist Nancy Lohman asked the commissioners to fight for “a better win” for the residents of Ormond Beach. She addressed one of the developers, Rubin, directly. Many speakers did — unlike Barshay and Velie, Rubin is not a local.
“We are deeply invested, both personally and emotionally, in decisions that directly impact our quality of life,” Lohman said. “This project is one of those decisions.”
MAYOR CHANGES VOTE
Gambling on a lawsuit would put the decision about the number of homes and the size of the buffer (R-2 only requires a 6-foot buffer) in the hands of one person, a judge, rather than the five commissioners, Commissioner Harold Briley said.
“It’s a huge risk,” he said.
But Deaton and Leslie, the latter of whom voted in favor of the application on March 13, were willing to take the gamble.
If residents want to gamble, then the city should do that, Deaton said.
“You guys are willing to fight,” she said to the residents. “The bar is on this commission. Let’s keep fighting.”
Leslie said he was struggling to understand why the city was in its current position regarding litigation, saying commissioners weren’t present during mediation or involved in those conversations.
“I feel like I’m kind of like a third party in that aspect because I just wasn’t involved in all the proceedings on these things and the conversations,” Leslie said. “... So I don’t know all the facts.”
The mayor’s statements led to a disagreement on the dais
with City Attorney Randy Hayes, who called his statements “disingenuous.”
“This commission, including yourself, sir, has been fully informed of everything that has transpired,” Hayes said. “You are incorrect in your statement. If you want to vote no, you can vote no, but don’t manufacture things that are not true.”
Leslie told Hayes he wouldn’t respond to that, saying that they could chat “off the record.”
Hayes said he’d spoken with each commissioner multiple times regarding the status of the litigation. If the commission voted to deny the application, litigation would continue, but he declined to share further details, saying it was confidential due to the lawsuit.
“We’ve gone around the globe on this, so everybody knows if you want to approve this on the merits of what you have before you based on the legal criteria — and I’m talking to you, Mr. Mayor — that’s fine,” Hayes said. “If you don’t want to do that, sir, then you need to articulate in the record a legal basis to support why, against the criteria and the staff report.”
Now that the development order has been approved, the next step in the process is the review and approval of a preliminary plat, which would need to go before the Planning Board and City Commission. A development order, Planning Director Steven Spraker said, is a zoning document.
“A zoning document, if approved, doesn’t give any entitlements for construction,” he said. “It gives you the entitlement to go to the next step.”
Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.
Mayor Jason Leslie listens as a Tomoka Oaks resident — one of over 50 public speakers — shares his opinion on the Tomoka Reserve development at the public hearing on March 24. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Hand Ave. road project underway
The capacity and safety project spans the section between Clyde Morris Boulevard to Nova Road.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
A $5.1 million road project to increase capacity and safety on Hand Avenue in Ormond Beach is now underway.
The project spans the section between Clyde Morris Boulevard to Nova Road, which will be widened to four lanes on the eastern end of the project, as its current two-lane configuration isn’t adequate for the current traffic, according to county engineering staff. The western side, which currently has five
lanes, will be reduced to four lanes, with dedicated turn lanes to improve safety.
“A five-lane road offers a lot of freedom for drivers who want to turn into driveways or side streets, but can result in a higher number of incidents,” an email to the Observerstates. “Converting the fivelane section to a four-lane divided section with turn lanes at specific driveways or side roads will decrease the number of potential conflict points where incidents can occur.”
The project will also have a sidewalk and a median through this section of Hand Avenue. While there will be turn lanes to access side roads and businesses, not every access point will be immediately accessible, county staff stated. One example is the 7-Eleven on the corner of
Nova Road and Hand Avenue.
“That driveway is too close to the intersection to make the turn safely onto it,” county staff’s email stated. The construction cost accounts for the bulk of the project cost — $4.048 million dollars, which is being funded through impact fees. The design amounted to $709,465, which also funded via impact fees, and the cost of construction engineering and inspections was $390,585. This was funded through proportionate fair share dollars. The county expects the project to be complete by February 2027. Additionally, the county continues its work on the widening of Williamson Boulevard from Strickland Range Road to Hand Avenue. This project is expected to be complete in October 2026.
Daytona will vote on toilet-to-tap
A proposed charter amendment will go on the November ballot.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Daytona Beach has approved a proposed charter amendment for the upcoming general election that would ban injecting toilet to tap water in the city’s utilities, pending voter approval.
The amendment would specifically prohibit using reclaimed blackwater — recycled and treated wastewater — as a direct source of potable water by either injection into the aquifer or introducing it into the city’s potable water system. The Daytona Beach City Commission approved the measure unanimously at its March 18 meeting.
Though the commissioners themselves did not debate and quickly approved it, several residents in attendance praised the commission’s actions.
“You’re asserting your rights, you’re reserving your protections, and you’re making it known that there is a line in the sand that we will not cross,” resident Greg Gimbert said.
Charter amendments must be approved by a majority referendum of city residents, and it will be voted on in the Nov. 3 general election. If approved by voters, the commission will have to adopt a subsequent ordinance to amend the city’s charter
If it is approved by voters, the ban would immediately go into effect.
Residents in attendance at the meeting supported the commission’s decision to ban blackwater, with resident
Rich Yost calling the decision “historic.” The citizens, Yost said, have a right to say they want “good, clean drinking water for our children, our grandchildren.”
“This commission tonight has a, I dare say, historic opportunity to be the leader in Volusia County and perhaps even the state,” Yost said, “by declaring that the people, my fellow citizens, have the right to vote for our future.”
The Volusia County Council rejected a similar ban in February that would have prohibited recycled wastewater from being injected into the aquifer.
But some residents advocated caution before putting a ban in place. Resident Catherine Pante said the city should wait to prohibit blackwater until the city’s engineering consultant completes a study for the city’s options to comply with state regulations.
“I’m not saying don’t ban this,” she said. “I’m saying
ORMOND TO CONSIDER ANTI TOILET-TO-TAP MEASURES
The Ormond Beach City Commission directed city staff to bring back information on possible ways to regulate the reuse of blackwater for potable water, an initiative locally coined as “toilet-to-tap.”
City staff conducted a brief presentation on the matter around midnight, Wednesday, March 25, at the tail-end of a five hours commission meeting that had begun the previous evening.
The city has no plans for
push pause.” Daytona Beach is under a state-implemented deadline to eliminate non-beneficial surface water discharges by 2032, and the city discharges 8.41 million gallons per day into Halifax River. To meet those state standards, the city will need to find another use for the reclaimed water, and some of the programs are cost-prohibitive.
At the March 5 Commission meeting, Daytona Beach’s Deputy Utilities Director Eric Smith said the ordinance would ban three programs that would help Daytona Beach meet those requirements.
“What we want to make clear is that if one of those options is found to be cost effective,” Smith said on March 5, “eliminating it through this ordinance could lead to the need for a rate increase in the future if a less cost-effective option is chosen.”
any “toilet-to-tap” initiatives in the future, said Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley.
“I would go so far as to say I don’t think there would become a time in my career that we would get to that point,” Finley said. “However, never say never.” Commissioners spoke generally about putting the issue on the November ballot for voters to decide, like Daytona, or creating an ordinance. However, due to the late hour, they opted to postpone a formal vote until a later date when staff could bring back options to consider.
— JARLEENE ALMENAS
Volusia County to use $4M from ECHO to prep Ocean Center for concerts
The Ocean Center will get new acoustic panels, a curtain system, VIP and suite accommodations.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Ocean Center in Daytona Beach will get $4.8 million worth of improvements in fiscal year 2026, primarily funded through Volusia County ECHO dollars.
In a 6-0 vote, the County Council approved the use of funds, which include an $800,000 match from the Ocean Center, at its meeting on Tuesday, March 17. In total, the council OK’d $6.065 million of ECHO funds for county projects.
According to a county staff report, the Ocean Center improvements will include new acoustic panels, a curtain system, supplemental
“I advocated for this. I fought for this. I don’t think there’s a better use of ECHO dollars than on county-owned properties, and I feel strongly about that.”
TROY KENT, Volusia County Councilman
steel truss for the rigging grid, structural safety elements, greenroom remodels and a conversion of the mezzanine space to VIP and suite accommodations for concerts and events.
“We’ll be best of class in our size in Florida,” Ocean Center General Manager Lynn Flanders said.
Under the County Council’s direction, Flanders and her staff have been tasked with reenergizing the Ocean Center into the kind of community asset it once was, she said.
The Ocean Center, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2025, first opened on Oct. 5, 1985, with the late American singer-songwriter John Denver becoming the first performer in the area.
Through the early years, the arena welcomed concerts by AC/DC, Britney Spears, Stevie Wonder, the Beach Boys, KISS, Bob Dylan, the Jonas Brothers, Tina Turner, Cher and more.
Then in 2009, Volusia County completed a $76 million expansion, which added an exhibit hall and meeting spaces. This resulted in a shift away from concerts to conventions, conferences and sporting events.
That’s changing now, through a strategic approach, Flanders said. As part of its 40th anniversary last year, the county announced a plan to invest $40 million in facility upgrades over the following decade.
These upgrades include new lighting, spotlights, LEDs, seats, arena bathrooms and concession programs, some of which have already been implemented.
The rigging project is planned to be completed by the end of 2027.
Bringing back concerts to the Ocean Center was one of Volusia County Council member Troy Kent’s priorities when he began his first term in 2023. It still is.
“It irked me that I had to take my wife and children to St. Augustine or Orlando to go see any type of concert when we have such a beautiful venue here in Volusia County at the Ocean Center,” he said. “So I advocated for this. I fought for this. I don’t think there’s a better use of ECHO dollars than on county-owned properties, and I feel strongly about that.”
The rigging upgrades are going to help the Ocean Center attract wanted musical acts, which Kent said will be an economic boost to the county and its 16 municipalities.
“People from outside of Volusia County will be traveling to Daytona Beach to go to the Ocean Center to see the shows that are going to be on the near future and the horizon ahead.”
Programming at the Ocean Center has ramped up in the last couple of years, including a partnership with Danny Wimmers Presents, a production and promotion company from Los Angeles. Recent concerts include Lynyrd Skynyrd and Diplo, who performed at the Full Throttle Festival at the Ocean Center on Feb. 14, the day before the Daytona 500.
On May 6, the Ocean Center will host Blood 4 Blood, featuring heavy metal and hardcore bands Black Label Society, Crowbar, Malevolence and Slaughter To Prevail.
People often share stories with Flanders about the concerts they attended in the past at the Ocean Center. They also ask when concerts will be
“All ships rise whenever you put these community-focused events in that draw the attendance from your local markets to come over and actually enjoy the asset.”
coming back.
“We are all excited to see this come back to life,” Flanders said.
Arenas are built to act as economic catalysts for communities, she added. Any events — concerts, conventions or meetings — are hosted keeping in mind job creation opportunities, booked hotel nights and impact on local businesses.
Last year, the Ocean Center had a $126 million economic impact.
That is the “why” behind the mission to revitalize the
Ocean Center’s programming, Flanders said.
“All ships rise whenever you put these communityfocused events in that draw the attendance from your local markets to come over and actually enjoy the asset,” she said.
The interest, Kent said, is proof that people do want to see shows and entertainment events in their own community.
Flanders, who was hired in 2023, has been a big part of making that happen, Kent said.
“She listened to what the County Council directed our County Manager George Recktenwald to do, and she is delivering on that,” he said. Before she started working at the Ocean Center, Flanders said she knew that the facility had a good reputation in terms of staff and customer service.
“It made me excited walking in that you had this staff that was committed to excellence — and that remains,” she said. “That shows it’s that type of reputation that will build our name amongst the promoters and make people want to be here.”
The remaining allocation of ECHO funds will go toward ADA improvements to the 1913 Wilbur Boathouse in Wilburby-the-Sea ($65,000), Phase II of improvements to the Volusia County Fairgrounds ($1.5M), and construction of a new ADA-compliant playground at Sun Splash Park in Daytona Beach ($500,000).
The Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Photo courtesy of Felix Mizioznikov/stock.adobe.com
LYNN FLANDERS, Ocean Center general manager
Patricia Esquivel,
Zachary Tyser, MD
Sarah Marino, DO
Sonya Clark, DO Orthopedic Surgery New Smyrna Beach
Ashraf Elsakr,
Lauren Johnston to leave City of Palm Coast to take Flagler Schools role
School Board approved the hires of Johnston as chief of operations and Joshua Walker as chief HR officer.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE
EDITOR
Palm Coast Assistant City
Manager Lauren Johnston is leaving the city after about 17 years in various positions to become the new chief of operational services with Flagler Schools.
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore recommended Johnston for the position to replace retiring Chief of Operations Dave Freeman. Moore also recommended Joshua Walker as the school district’s new chief Human Resources officer to replace Bob Ouellette, who, like Freeman, is retiring on July 1. The School Board approved
NEWS BRIEFS
Palm Coast resident Steve Morgan to run for US House 6
Palm Coast resident Steve Morgan, owner of Alcatraz Brewing, has announced his campaign for the U.S. House of Representative’s sixth congressional district in Florida. The seat is currently held by Rep. Randy Fine, who won it in a special election. This is Morgan’s first campaign for an elected office and he is running as a fiscally
the hiring of both new chiefs at its board meeting on Tuesday, March 24, as part of its consent agenda.
Walker is currently the district’s supervisor for Human Resources.
Johnston had been Palm Coast’s acting city manager from March 19, 2024 to Dec. 17, 2025 when new City Manager Michael McGlothlin began serving in that role.
As the school district’s chief of operations, Johnston will oversee several departments including plant services, custodial services, food services and transportation
“I think it’s going to be a great opportunity to utilize my skills to continue to serve in our community,” Johnston said. “I’m a graduate of Flagler Schools, and I believe that the school district serves a huge piece of why our community is so great. I’m looking forward to being with Ms. Moore and her leadership team. I think it’s a great opportunity for me.”
Johnston was a member of Matanzas High School’s first graduation class in 2008. She began working for the city while she was still in high school as a part-time recreation leader. She got her first full-time job with Palm Coast in 2011 and then worked with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for one year before returning to the city.
Johnston served as director of parks and recreation and was named chief of staff in 2021. She was appointed assistant city manager in April 2022. She became acting city manager after the City Council fired former City Manager Denise Bevan. Johnston temporarily filled the position with the understanding that she would return to her position as assistant city manager when a new city manager was selected.
Moore said Johnston’s experiences with the city will transfer to her new position.
“We are super excited about Lauren joining the school
preferences,” Morgan said in his campaign announcement. “We have become too divisive and too partisan. It’s time to come together to make our district as great as the beautiful land and fascinating people who live here.”
Morgan is campaigning on a ‘Raising the B.A.R.’ platform, the press release said: a balanced budget, affordability increases and respect. Morgan, referencing the national debt, said the country should “throw away the ‘credit card’ and start paying down what” it owes.
conservative Democrat, according to a campaign press release. “All are welcome under this tent, regardless of party, gender, race, religion, or personal
Morgan supports higher tax rates for corporations.
The primary election is set for Aug. 18 and the general election for Tuesday, Nov. 3.
district,” Moore said. “We’re excited that she is continuing to serve our community. As chief of operations she will be doing much of what she does for the city but in a different capacity.”
Johnson will work with plant services in building out five-year and 10-year capital plans, Moore said. Interlocal agreements, school impact fees and proportionate share mitigation will also fall under Johnston’s leadership, Moore said.
“She’ll be leading a lot of the work around planning for a new school,” Moore added. “We’re watching Bunnell and the westward expansion. We know we’re going to need a new school in the west part of our county.”
Johnston said the opportunity is the best fit for herself and her family.
“I had had a couple conversations with some community leaders and saw it as a great next step for my career,” she said. “Whenever an opportu-
Qualifying ends on May 11, with 8 seats up for election in Flagler
Flagler County candidate qualifying period ends May 11.
To qualify for local elections, a candidate must submit signature petitions by noon on May 11, or pay the qualifying fee.
Palm Coast’s Dylana Galery announced in a press release on March 18 that she has successfully obtained the necessary signatures for her Palm Coast City Council campaign.
Galery is one of two candidates for the Palm Coast City Council District 4 seat, currently held by Councilman Charles Gambaro. Darlene
nity presents itself, you evaluate it, how it best fits my family, what’s best for us. And this happened to present itself. I’ve worked alongside the current chief of operational services, Mr. Freeman, for quite some time in various capacities, and he’s a great leader.
I look forward to continuing the momentum that he’s built up at the school district.”
Moore said there will be some overlap in the positions with Johnston and Walker working alongside Freeman and Ouellette for a couple of months. Johnston and Walker will begin their new positions on April 20, the school district announced. Freeman and Ouellette will retire on July 1.
Johnston said her last day with the city will be April 17.
Walker, who also graduated from Matanzas High School, has worked for the school district in several capacities, but he has a passion for Human Resources, Moore said.
“He will be a great addition,” Moore said. “He’s
Shelley, a 14-year Palm Coast resident, is Galery’s opponent. The city’s District 2 and 3 seats are also up for election.
Antonio Amaral Jr. and Jeani Duarte are the two candidates who have filed to replace Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri in the District 2 seat.
Ray Stevens is the only candidate who has filed to replace Councilman Dave Sullivan. Stevens was originally elected to the seat in November 2024, but stepped down in February 2025 due to health issues. Sullivan was appointed to the seat by the sitting City Council to fill the seat until the November 2026 election.
already serving on boards on the state level. He presents at different conferences. HR is what he wants to do and I’m excited about that. It’s what he loves.”
Three Flagler School Board seats are also on the ballot in November. Will Furry is running for re-election to his District 2 seat. School Board member Christy Chong is the incumbent in her District
received a plaque from the Palm Coast City Council in December 2025, in honor of her tenure as acting city manager. File photo by Sierra Williams
Steve Morgan is running for Florida’s sixth congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives. Courtesy of the Morgan campaign
Celebrating Gma Baker
Our own Alma Baker, a longtime delivery driver for the Observer, is celebrating her
80th birthday. A hard worker, a loving soul, a great teammate. Here is a moving tribute from her granddaughter:
FABULOUS SINCE 1946
I have heard all my life that I act like her, look like her, walk like her but I can only dream to be half the woman she is.
I’ve always been Grandma’s girl, but that quickly became “Gma.”
MY VIEW DUNCAN DEMARSH
She took on the role of raising me at 15 full time without hesitation. She always found the positive in every situation no matter how bad it was. She taught us the magic of the hustle in taking a penny and turning it into a dollar.
She never missed a single choir concert, game, field trip or graduation. No matter how loud the crowd was you would still hear Gma over everyone. She always made sure you knew she was proud of you. I knew if I picked up the
phone, Grandma would be there within 30 minutes max. She did everytime no excuses, no questions, no nothing. All I heard was, ‘I’m on my way, Wiggs.” That’s what I still get to this day!
She is an amazing Gma, grandma and even better great grandma to our babies!
I’m truly thankful they get a piece of my Gma too!
We love you!
Happy 80th Birthday
GMA!!!
Jenn(Wiggins), Chase, Audrina, Domanyk & VeeVee
School choice is working in Florida, and families lead the way
Across Florida, a quiet revolution in education is underway. For decades, education policy debates centered on systems and institutions. Today, Florida has shifted the focus where it belongs — on students and families. By expanding scholarships, supporting charter schools, and ensuring that funding follows the child, our state has created one of the most dynamic and parent-driven education environments in the nation.
Educational freedom is not an abstract concept. It recognizes that children learn differently and that parents — not bureaucracies — are best positioned to make those decisions.
Florida now stands as a national leader in school choice. The state has hundreds of charter schools serving diverse communities, offering specialized programs in everything from STEM to the arts to classical education. Compared to many states where charter growth has stalled or faced political resistance, Florida continues to expand options, reflecting strong demand from families.
Just as importantly, Florida’s policy that funding follows the student has fundamentally reshaped incentives. Schools must compete to attract and serve families
well. When parents have the ability to choose, schools respond with innovation, improved instruction, and greater accountability. This dynamic benefits not only students who exercise choice but also those who remain in traditional public schools, as the entire system becomes more responsive.
Parental rights are central to this transformation. In recent years, Florida has affirmed that parents should have transparency into curriculum, a voice in their children’s upbringing, and meaningful authority over educational decisions. These principles strengthen trust between families and schools and reinforce the idea that education is a partnership.
Critics sometimes argue that choice undermines public education. In reality, it strengthens it by aligning
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Volusia restores its arts funding. Next year: none
Dear Editor: Volusia County taxpayers were relieved when arts funding was restored at the March 3 Council meeting — but that relief is short-lived. The council also voted that the funding will not continue next year, citing, in part, the anticipated elimination of property tax revenue.
This isn’t just about the arts. Ending property taxes would strip local governments of the ability to fund libraries, parks, recreation, and veterans’ services — not just the arts.
The councilman’s argument that the arts should rely solely on private support without government funding ignores their public value. More broadly, a “servicesonly” government risks replacing vibrant community investments with bare-bones infrastructure.
Residents deserve clarity.
The council must continue to explain what abolishing property taxes would mean for funding the arts and other community programs — an issue that clearly drove its decision not to fund the targeted art organizations next year.
SHEILA ZINKERMAN Ormond Beach
Water in Palm Coast is yellowish and too expensive
Dear Editor: Every once in a while, someone on my Ring camera group complains about the water in Palm Coast being “yellowish.” This inevitably launches a wave of complaints about putting up with water that looks too gross to drink. But then, that little wave is followed by a tsunami of complaints about the price we must pay, in Palm Coast, for the water we’re not happy
with. And this is inevitably followed by dreadfully sad stories of how residents must weigh the pros and cons of even staying in our beautiful city due to the ever-mounting costs.
Most in our local Ring are fed up with the city throwing pallets of money at any problem or improvement that comes down the pike. Now don’t get me wrong, we all love living in Palm Coast, but we’re fed up with the city government shaking us down for every last penny.
After seeing this, I checked to see the cost of water in the last places our family has lived. In Panama City, Panama, there is a population of around 2 million city inhabitants. We recently paid the city water company $15.42 a month, which included $7.92 for water, and $7.50 for trash pickup. How is it that our technologically advanced city needs to charge much, much more for water that no one is happy with?
Our small family of three
resources with student needs and encouraging continuous improvement. The goal is not to weaken schools but to ensure that every child — regardless of background — has access to an environment where they can succeed.
Many families may not realize how accessible Florida’s scholarships and education savings accounts have become. Through programs administered by organizations like Step Up For Students, eligible families can receive scholarships.
Parents can use these funds for private school tuition, curriculum materials, tutoring, educational therapies, online courses, testing fees, transportation, and other approved educational expenses.
Families who homeschool or use hybrid learning models can customize their child’s
generates a water bill of around $248 a month. That is $2,976 a year for yellow water. I figured we could cut back by reducing time in the shower, the use of the dishwasher or not leaving the water running when we brush our teeth. But I discovered that those steps don’t conserve much water. The city’s water bill is rigged so that your base cost will remain extraordinarily high regardless of any attempts to conserve.
I feel that it’s time for our city to rein in the alarming costs associated with living here. Rounding the cost of
education in ways that were unimaginable just a generation ago.
The process typically begins with applying through the Step Up For Students portal, where families can determine eligibility and select the scholarship program that fits their needs.
Once approved, parents can direct funds toward approved providers, giving them flexibility while maintaining accountability.
Florida’s commitment to school choice reflects a broader belief that opportunity should not be limited by ZIP code. By empowering families, encouraging innovation, and putting students first, our state is building an education system worthy of the next generation.
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.
water to $3,000, and then adding our property tax of approximately $4,500 and electricity payments of $2,500 a year, comes to about $10,000, after senior homestead exemption. But I’m not here to battle FPL. I’ve lived in Florida off and on for probably 40 years. My interest is the enormous costs that residents must pay simply to have running water that we’re happy with as it comes out of the faucet (one family on Ring lamented that they must use coloring agents in their toilet tank so it doesn’t look like there’s always light-colored urine in the bowl).
MARC STEVENSON Palm Coast
Editor’s Note: The city’s website reports that the Utility department attempts to minimize the color in the finished water by not utilizing the city’s higher-color wells concurrently, but during drought and high-demand periods, higher color levels are unavoidable. The color in our drinking water is not a health hazard – it is strictly an aesthetic issue, the city states. Visit www.palmcoast.gov/ utility/water-faq.
DUNCAN DEMARSH GUEST WRITER
NEWS BRIEFS
Volusia County offers assistance with energy bills, housing repairs
Volusia County’s Community Assistance Division will offer one-on-one assistance to residents who need help with energy bills and housing repairs during a community outreach event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, March 30, at the Dr. Joyce M. Cusack Resource Center, 489 Mathis St., DeLand. Staff will help residents complete applications for the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program (EHEAP) – a federal initiative that offers financial aid to households with at least one person aged 60 or older to keep electricity, gas, or propane services running during a home energy emergency. Funds can be used to maintain or restore energy or place a deposit on new service. All funds are provided through state and federal grants. Appointments are not required. For more information, contact Volusia County Community Assistance at 386-736-5955 or communityassistance@volusia.org.
Volusia County Women Who Care launch permanent endowment
Volusia County Women Who Care has launched a permanent endowment to help fund local nonprofits.
The VCWWC Endowment was made possible thanks to five private donations and was established in partnership with the Community Foundation and United Way of Volusia-Flagler Counties. The donors, referred as Founding Pillars — Tina Buck; Jan and Don Dounda; Andrea and Larry Frank; Irene and George Harrington; and Teresa and Mark Smith — were honored during a launch reception at the Halifax Repertory Theatre.
According to a press release, the endowment will generate long-term operational support.
“Our members have always known that when they write that $100 check, every single penny goes to a Volusia County nonprofit — no exceptions, no overhead, no dollars leaving home,” said Teresa Smith, founder and president of Volusia County Women Who Care. “The VCWWC Endowment is how we make sure that model outlasts all of us. We’re not just giving to today’s community. We’re investing in the one our daughters and granddaughters will live in.”
Since its founding, VCWWC has operated on a model based on $100 member donations per quarter. All of those donations, the press release states, are directed to a member-nominated and member selected local nonprofit.
The endowment is a complement for the giving model, not a replacement, the press release states. As the fund grows, the income generated will support the operational needs of VCWWC.
“Volusia County Women Who Care represents exactly the kind of community-driven, locally-led philanthropy we work to support and sustain,” said Courtney Edgcomb, president and CEO, CF/UWVFC.
“The VCWWC Endowment ensures this remarkable giving model will empower local nonprofits — and the families they serve — for decades to come. This is generosity with staying power.”
VCWWC quarterly meetings are open to all. The next meetings will be held on May 14, Aug. 13 and Nov. 19. Registration and reception begins at 5 p.m. and the meeting to select the quarter’s nonprofit recipient from 6-7 p.m. All meetings are held at the Mori Hosseini Center, Daytona State College, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd. in Daytona Beach.
Should Spring Break define Daytona?
After chaotic week, mayor says: ‘We don’t want to be a Spring Break destination for teens or college kids.’
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Daytona Beach is looking to break from its image as a Spring Break destination after recent unsanctioned gatherings have caused real safety concerns.
“Daytona Beach should no longer position itself as a spring break destination. It is not a decision against tourism, but a decision against unsanctioned, high risk activity,” said Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young at the City Commission’s meeting on March 18.
Over the weekends of March 13-15 and 19-21, Daytona Beach saw an influx of visitors following social media-promoted, unofficial “takeover” events. The initial March 13-15 incidents caused panic on Daytona’s beaches when after some visitors attempted to instigate a stampede using water bottles to simulate gunfire. That weekend also held four shootings in Daytona Beach, at least three of which involved visitors.
Young said the influx of visitors through these unsanctioned events put a strain on city safety resources, especially as it occurred immediately after Bike Week.
Daytona Beach is unique, he said, in the number and frequency of major events year-round. It requires DBPD officers to work significantly more mandated special events assignments than in comparable agencies.
“That’s not sustainable, and
it’s not something we should accept as normal,” Young said.
To combat similar chaos over March 19-21, the city instituted a special event zone for the weekend that included doubling the fines for any non-criminal traffic infractions. The commission also implemented a seven-day state of emergency, including an extended youth curfew.
The Volusia Sheriff’s Office implemented its own special event zone on Daytona Beach’s shoreline on March 18 along the barrier island between University Boulevard and Silver Beach Avenue.
The DBPD also had more officers patrolling the streets, while Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputies were on the beaches, which are under the VSO’s jurisdiction.
Though these were the immediate impacts of the Spring Break chaos of the March 13-15 weekend, the City Commission may want to be more proactive.
“I’m OK with saying that we don’t want to be a Spring Break destination for teenagers or college kids,” Mayor Derick Henry said.
Henry and the commissioners considered implementing a Spring Break Task Force to help curb Spring Break in the future. Commissioner Paula Reed said the city needs to update its image.
“We need to show people who we are or who it is that
we desire to be,” Reed said. “Spring Break will still happen. We’ll control Spring Break, but we need to decide what kind of city we really want to be.”
“We need to at least at minimum hear all the voices — well, as many voices as we possibly can,” she said.
Young proposed Daytona Beach implement an ordinance similar to that of Panama Beach or Miami Beach, which had previously implemented restrictions for Spring Breakers.
The commission has not implemented any greater change than the temporary curfew and special event zone, but attorney Ben Gross is looking into creating something similar for the city.
Commissioner Dannette Henry said she would like to hear more from the community before the city changes direction.
Mayor Henry agreed and said the commission wants to also hear from the businesses and hotels as well. Commissioner Henry said it’s going to take time to decide on and implement the direction Daytona Beach wants to take its relationship with Spring Break.
“We’ve got to have a solid game plan and it’s got to be super solid,” she said. How should the city handle Spring Break? Email sierra@ observerlocalnews.com.
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LaToya Carey, CF/UWVFC board member; Jan Miller, CF/UWVFC board chair; Nicole Miller, CF/ UWVFC board member; Teresa Smith, VCWWC founder and president and CF/UWVFC board member; Courtney Edgcomb, CF/UWVFC president and CEO; Amanda Lasecki, CF/UWVFC vice president of operations; and Emmanuel Kamel, CF/UWVFC foundation support specialist at the VCWWC Endowment launch reception. Courtesy photo
A Volusia Sheriff’s Office vehicle patrols Daytona Beach. Courtesy of VSO
‘TRUE HEROES’
Turner and his children co-author book about Daytona Beach Fire.
YOUR TOWN
Ormond Beach World War II Navy veteran celebrates 102nd birthday Dorothy “Dee” Hardeman, a resident of Paradise Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care in Ormond Beach, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday. A Navy veteran and former
Who are the true communities heroes?
For Karsceal Turner, assis-
local nurse, Hardeman turned 102 years old on March 8. She was born in Hartford, Connecticut, and served in the Navy from 1943 to 1945 during World War II. She continued to work in health care after the war.
According to a press release, Hardeman worked at the former hospital in Ormond Beach from 1967 to 1993.
“Dee remembers how nurses used to do everything by hand and on paper,” said Jill Stites, Life Enrichment director at Paradise Pointe.
“Her stories give us a window into how much the profession has evolved.”
In addition to her nursing career, Hardeman enjoys writing. In 1976, she wrote a patriotic poem titled “I Am Your Flag.”
Hardeman has also seen the local community grow dramatically over the years.
She remembers a time when State Road A1A along Florida’s coast was still a dirt road, the press release states.
Hardeman was married to her husband William for 55
And he wanted to expose his children to the reason why.
So, he started taking 7-yearold Kameron and 5-year-old Kamille on excursions to fire stations in Ormond Beach, Daytona and Holly Hill. Turner would post photos and experiences on his Facebook page, and after receiving a positive response, decided to compile them in the form of a book.
Together with his children, Turner recently co-authored a book: “Turner Tag Team’s Terrific Tour of 7 Fire Stations in Daytona Beach.” The book follows the trio’s journey of learning about the fire stations, interact with firefighters and learn about the career, using real photos illustrated as cartoons in the story.
“We make so many trips to the fire stations,” Turner said. “I mean, these guys see us coming, and depending on the shift, they remember us — there’s those two kids and their dad again.”
This is the first book Turner has written with his kids, and he said it will be the first of a series. Several years ago, he wrote an autobiography in the form of a poetry book, but this book was different. Because it involved his children, Turner said he wanted it to be perfect.
tant basketball coach at Mainland High School, he’s always believed the answer to be public servants — firefighters, police officers, doctors, teachers.
years. They had four children: Pam, Mark, Richard and Edward (deceased.) Today, she has seven grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
At Paradise Pointe, she enjoys outings, Bingo and happy hour gatherings, and values participating in the community’s Veteran-to- Veteran Café, where residents who have served share stories and camaraderie.
“Dee brings so much wisdom, warmth, and history to our community,” said Darlinda Copeland, CEO at Paradise Pointe. “Celebrating her 102nd birthday was truly special for everyone here.”
Friends of the Ormond Beach Library to host panel for writers
The Friends of the Ormond Beach Library will present a comprehensive panel discussion for aspiring writers on April 1 at 2 p.m. in the Ormond Beach Library auditorium.
The program, titled “You
he wanted to be a firefighter, but life took him on a different course. He joined the U.S. Navy right out of high school and later studied broadcast journalism at BethuneCookman University hoping to become a meteorologist.
But while at B-CU, he wrote for the student newspaper and that evolved into career with the Daytona Times.
It was during his time as a student journalist that he met Joe Giddens, who is the Mainland High School basketball coach today. Back then, they were both students at B-CU, and Turner wrote a feature about him for a campus magazine. Turner later helped him with media relations for a team Giddens was coaching, and when he was hired at Mainland in 2017, he brought Turner with him.
So life looked a little different than he envisioned as a kid growing up in Oklahoma City who used to ride his bike to hang out at local fire stations.
“I just never really took the path to become a firefighter,” Turner said. “So I more so became a firefighter enthusiast, if you will.”
in fire service. At least so far.
The Turners’ next book will be about police officers, and that could change his mind.
“I’m just blessed where I can actually take them on such excursions,” Turner said. “Let them see the other side and how those those heroes — the true heroes — how they live and how they serve the community.”
“I went through all the copywriting, illustration and what have you — proofreading everything that goes along with trying to produce a good product, and it made all the difference because my children’s name is on this as well,” Turner said. “They inspired me to write it.”
When Turner was a kid,
Should Write a Book!”, will cover such topics as utilizing writing partners, taking ideas from concept to page, selfediting and getting published. Featuring a diverse lineup of literary talent, the event includes novelist and short story writer Jeff Boyle, poet and playwright Joe Cavanaugh, columnist and Florida historian Mark Lane, journalist and New York Times contributor Jennie Erin Smith and romance writer and podcaster Cindy Villanueva.
Admission is free and open to the public.
One Daytona Art Festival returns for seventh year March 28-29
The seventh annual One Daytona Art Festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday, March 28 and 29.
The free festival, held in partnership with Gallery500, will host fine artists, craft artisans and entertainment during the weekend at One Daytona, both juried and non-
During their tours, the kids got to spray water from hoses and even slide down a real life fire pole at Daytona Beach Fire Station 1. You don’t see fire poles very often these days, Turner said.
“Since I was a kid, I always wanted to slide down the pole and then when I became an adult, I did it,” he said. “I mean, that’s a bucket list type of thing.”
Now, after visiting the fire stations, his son wants a career
juried, in mediums ranging from paintings and sculptures to jewelry and mixed media, according to a news release.
“This festival transforms One Daytona into a living, breathing canvas,” said Kelly Dispennette, NASCAR’s senior managing director in real estate. “You can watch artists create in real time, discover one-of-a-kind pieces, and enjoy vibrant entertainment all weekend long. The support of art programs at Daytona State College and Volusia County Schools is also a priority for us, the goal is to give students the opportunity to showcase their work alongside professional artists — highlighting the next generation of creative talent in our community.”
This year marks the debut of a Community Paint Project with Save the Arts Movement. Guests of all ages are invited to create collaborative artwork throughout the weekend. The mural will be located on the main boulevard.
Gallery500 will host free live art demonstrations during the festival. There will also be
Since publishing the book, the Turners have been able to read it to students at local schools, including Ormond Beach Elementary, where Kameron and Kamille attend. The book is available online and at the Ormond Beach Library. Most times Turner looks, the book has been checked out.
“It’s a good response all around,” Turner said. “I’m hoping that [the book] will inspire the next wave of firefighters and the real-life heroes.” Visit https://bit.ly/turnertagteam-book.
a free kid’s zone, student art displays and entertainment at the Victory Circle stage. Additionally, the festival offers art classes, available for a fee. On Saturday, March 28, at 11 a.m., there will be a handson workshop titled “The Art of the Stater Sourdough” where participants will learn how to create and care for their own starter. At 2 p.m. that day, “Splash of Color: Watercolor for Beginners” will cover foundational watercolor techniques, color blending and brush control; participants will create a piece to take home.
On Sunday, March 29, at 11 a.m., people can take part in “Handcrafted Clay Earrings” to learn how to create modern jewelry pieces. Then at 2 p.m., the “Crafting Charcuterie” class will teach participants how to create the perfect charcuterie board. To sign up for classes, visit www. onedaytonaartfestival.net/ take-a-class.
Send community news to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com
Dorothy “Dee” Hardeman, 102 years old. Courtesy photo
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Karsceal
Kameron, Kamille and Karsceal Turner. Courtesy photo
The cover of “Turner Tag Team’s Terrific Tour of 7 Fire Stations in Daytona Beach.” Courtesy photo
You are invited to join us for our annual Palm Sunday Worship Experience on Sunday, March 29, 2026 10:00 am
6500 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
We welcome Rev. Alex Shanks, as our guest preacher. the Bethune-Cookman University Concert Chorale will be our featured choir.
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
THE EDWARDS TWINS
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See this variety show by the Edwards Twins, featuring hits of the ’80s and ’90s. Tickets cost $30-$65. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.
DSC MUSIC PRESENTS AN INSTRUMENTAL CONCERT
When: 7-9 p.m.
Where: News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Details: Attend this concert by the Daytona State College Music Department. Tickets cost $10 for adults; $5 for children under 12 and Volusia and Flagler County students. Free for DSC students, faculty and staff with a college ID.
BRASS TRANSIT, THE MUSICAL LEGACY OF CHICAGO
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast
Details: Prepare to be transported to the golden age of horn-driven rock with this Chicago tribute band. Tickets cost $44-$64. Visit flagleren tertainment.com.
FRIDAY, MARCH 27
FLAGLER SURF SERIES
When: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: A1A, between 5th Street and 6th Street South, Flagler Beach
Details: Sign up for the Flagler Surf Series. Will be held on the south side of Flagler Beach pier. Registration ranges from $10 for youths to $125 for pro divisions. Visit flagler.surfsignup.com.
SPRING CONTAINER
GARDEN WORKSHOP
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Celebrate the new season by making a container garden using spring flowers with instruction from OMAM Garden Artisan Janett Taylor. Costs $35 for members; $40 for non-members. Class tuition includes all supplies.
ORMOND BEACH ART
GUILD SPRING EXHIBIT
OPENING
When: 5-7 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: See the spring exhibit by the Ormond Beach Art Guild. Refreshments available. Music by Marian Devore. Free and open to the public. Exhibit to run through April 29.
THE BACKTRACK BLUES
BAND AND YATES
MCKENDREE
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: Two blues bands will join forces for a night of energetic music. Tickets cost $40. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.
CITY REPERTORY THEATRE
PRESENTS ‘ART’
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28; and 3 p.m. Sunday, March 29
Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B-207, Palm Coast
Details: See this comedy examining art and friendship. Tickets cost $25 for adults; $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.
SATURDAY, MARCH 28
FLAGLER HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March
29
Where: Flagler Palm Coast High School, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast
Details: This free show will
feature vendors, food and entertainment. Event hosted by Flagler Technical College. Will benefit local education resources in Flagler County.
AUTHOR SERIES: ORMOND HISTORY WITH A SPOONFUL OF MYSTERY
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Anderson-Price Building 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Marian Tomblin will share her personal journey and inspiration to begin writing her books, including “The Mystery at Hotel Ormond,” “Where’s Capone’s Cash” and “Manatee Moon.” Free for Ormond Beach Historical Society members; non-members are $10. Coffee and refreshments start at 9:30 a.m.
EGG’STRAVAGANZA
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Central Park at Town Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: The City of Palm Coast invites you to take part in its annual Egg’Stravaganza event, featuring arts and crafts, face painting, carnival games, appearance by the Easter bunny and more. Local organizations will host booths where children can earn Easter eggs. Free event.
KIDS FISHING CLINIC
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach
Details: The clinic will have hands-on stations covering knot tying, casting, bait and tackle, fish ID, and responsible handling. Kids will then put those skills to use on the Intracoastal Waterway. Each child receives a rod-and-reel combo with starter tackle. Free with park admission. Open to kids 5-13 years old. Limited to 45 participants. Registration required. Call 386-517-2086.
BARK IN THE PARK
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Presented by the Flagler Humane Society, this is a free outdoor festival celebrating dogs, animals and animal enthusiasts. Free admission, but there is a $10 person fee for the 1-mile fun walk. Register at givebutter. com/bitp-fhs.
ORMOND BEACH GARDEN
CLUB FLOWER SHOW & TEA
When: 1-3:30 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Enjoy flower arrangements, plants for sale, raffles, music and plant presentations. Admission is $5 at the door.
Details: See award-winning American violinist Ilana Zaks. This event is co-sponsored by Volusia County Public Library and Friends of the Daytona Beach Regional Library. Registration is not required.
THAT MOTOWN SHOW
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N.
U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See an ensemble of vocalists and musicians bring Motown spirit to Ormond Beach. Tickets cost $45-$65. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.
THE JUNGLE BOOK When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast
Details: See this interactive family musical. Presented by the Panto Company USA. Tickets cost $5 for kids and $20 for adults. Visit flaglerentertainment.com.
Details: View the inside of this 125-year-old cottage. Park at Fortunato Park and stroll to Orchard Lane.
MUSIC IN THE GARDENS When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Washington Oaks Garden State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast Details: Enjoy live music and food at Washington Oaks Garden State Park. Brothers Futch will play classic rock, country, blues and funk. Bring a chair or blanket. Park entrance is $5 per vehicle.
TUESDAY, MARCH 31 UNITED STATES AIR FORCE JAZZ BAND When: 7 p.m. Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E.
Coast Details: See the U.S.
Force Band of the
Band perform
soulful melodies and
tributes to America’s heroes. Free. Pick up tickets at the box office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Two tickets per person.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 YOU SHOULD WRITE A BOOK! When: 2 p.m. Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Learn about what you need to write a book from concept to publications. Session includes a panel with local writers. Free event.
MOONRISE AT THE BEACH When: 7:15-8 p.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park, 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Take in the view of the moon over the Atlantic Ocean. Bring binoculars and a camera. Entrance into the park is $5 per vehicle. Call 386-517-2086.
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 FILM SCREENING: ‘JURASSIC WORLD REBIRTH’ When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Madorsky Theater at the Daytona State College campus, Hosseini Center, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach Details: See the latest film in the Jurassic Park franchise. Free and open to the public. ARTS VOCO AWARDS CELEBRATION
When: 6 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: The celebration features live performances, award presentations and keynote moments. The event will begin with a cocktailstyle dinner reception. The awards program will begin at 7:15 p.m. Tickets cost $55. Visit ormondbeachperformin gartscenter.csstix.com.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 ‘FROM GEORGE WASHINGTON TO FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT: AN AMERICAN LANDSCAPE’ When: 11:15-12:15 p.m.
Where: Anderson-Price Memorial Building, 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: The Cherry Laurel Garden Club is hosting a free lecture honoring America’s 250th anniversary. Guest speaker Roy Young will talk about historic preservation and landscape design at Fallingwater and Mount Vernon. RSVP to andreahoy@cfl. rr.com by Friday, April 3.
Sisters Josephina and Jezzel Saravia blowing bubbles at Egg’Stravaganza. Photo by Sierra Williams
YOUR SCHOOLS
AdventHealth offers free sports physicals
Thousands of middle and high school students in public schools across Volusia and Flagler counties can receive free sports physicals this spring as AdventHealth helps young athletes prepare safely for the upcoming season.
AdventHealth physicians and clinicians perform the physical exams required before participating in athletics, band, JROTC and other extracurricular activities. Participants can also receive a free electrocardiogram (ECG), a quick test that checks the heart’s electrical activity.
This initiative continues a longstanding partnership between AdventHealth, Volusia County Schools and Flagler Schools to support student health and safety.
“These events are about giving families peace of mind,” said Erik Nason, director of strategic partnership operations at AdventHealth. “A sports physical may seem routine, but it’s an important moment to check
on a young person’s health and catch concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.”
For Volusia County public schools, AdventHealth will host the event at Daytona International Speedway on Wednesday, April 8, through Friday, April 10, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
For Flagler County public schools, participants can attend screenings Wednesday, May 20, and Thursday, May 21, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Flagler Palm Coast High School.
By offering the exams in the community each spring, the program helps families avoid the rush for appointments that often comes leading up to the start of school in August.
Last year, AdventHealth provided nearly 2,000 free sports physicals for area students, including more than 800 in Flagler County and over 1,100 in Volusia County. In addition, AdventHealth provided 1,800 free ECGs last year: 960 in Volusia County and 840 in Flagler County.
Of those, clinicians identified
17 teens who needed followup care, including several who required immediate medical attention.
Matanzas High School basketball player Jamel Guerrero was among those identified during the screening. The annual screening revealed a rare heart condition, allowing doctors to perform surgery before he returned to the court this winter. In his first game back, Guerrero scored 20 points.
To register for the Volusia County event, visit https://shorturl.at/AuEi9.
To register for the Flagler County event, visit https://shorturl.at/aZaYl.
Volusia libraries to offer free green screen graduation photos
Volusia County Public Library is offering free photos for graduating students.
Students graduating from kindergarten, eighth grade, high school or college are invited to stop by one of the participating library branches for a free green screen graduation photo. Library staff will photograph graduates and digitally place them into a variety of themed, celebratory backgrounds.
Dates and times for graduation
DAYTONA BEACH REGIONAL LIBRARY
3-5 p.m. Tues., Apr. 21, Wed., Apr. 29, and Tues., May 5 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thurs., May 14 2-4 p.m. Tues., May 19
Participants are encouraged to wear formal attire and bring their cap and gown, along with any props that reflect their personality or accomplishments. To ensure the best results, avoid wearing green, as it will blend into the background during the editing process.
Photos will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis, and no registration is required. An email address is necessary to receive the finished image.
JOHN H. DICKERSON HERITAGE LIBRARY
2-5 p.m. Wed., Apr. 15
HOPE PLACE PUBLIC LIBRARY 4-5:30 p.m. Tues., Apr. 14
ORMOND BEACH REGIONAL LIBRARY 2-5 p.m. Tues., May 12, 19, and 26 1-4 p.m. Mon., May 18 and Wed., May 20
Trailblazer Academy students win honors at Artful Expressions
Students from Trailblazer Academy in Ormond Beach recently earned top honors at the Artful Expressions exhibition, a statewide student art showcase hosted by the FLVS Foundation at the Orlando Science Center.
The exhibition featured student artwork inspired by this year’s theme, “Universe of Possibilities,” and included submissions from across Florida. More than 250,000 students enrolled in Florida Virtual School were eligible to participate.
Trailblazer Academy had 11 students selected for the exhibition, with four earning top placements in their respective categories.
Students and families attended the event at the Orlando Science Center, where the artwork was professionally displayed and young artists
from across the
to celebrate
and exploration. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet and speak with Nicole Stott, a NASA astronaut and artist known for promoting the connection between science, creativity, and space exploration.
Award-winning students:
Annabella Ninivaggi: First place, drawing (Elementary) for “Mission: Possibilities”
Sir West: Third place, drawing (Elementary) for “Impossible Becomes Possible” Makenna Green: Second place, digital art for “Mission to Mars” Alyssa Williams: First place, painting (Middle School) for “Not Your Average Planet”
Trailblazer Academy students pose for a photo with NASA astronaut Nicole Stott. Courtesy photo
People attend an AdventHealth sports screening event at FPC in 2024. Courtesy photo
Barnes & Noble plans for Palm Coast store
Also coming to SR
100: Home Goods, Five Below. And Firestone auto repair shop behind Tractor Supply.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast’s planning board has approved plans for an 48,600-square-foot, multitenant extension to the Palm Coast Landings Shopping plaza, to include a Barnes & Noble.
The Barnes & Noble will take up around 15,000 square feet of retail space while the remaining space will be split between a proposed Home Goods and Five Below. The Palm Coast Planning & Land Development Regulation Board approved the technical site plan application 4-0, with three of the board members absent from the March 18 meeting.
The lot, located at 5330 East State Road 100, is 6.89 acres in size and has a preexisting parking lot available. The applicant — Weingarten Investments Inc. — has out-
lined plans for a total of 240 parking spaces.
The new retailers will bring in an estimated additional 1,636 net new daily trips, according to application documents.
The Palm Coast Landings plaza already includes Palm Coast’s only Target shopping center.
The board also approved in a 4-0 vote a special exception request for a Firestone vehicle repair shop to go into the last remaining parcel at the Shoppes at Palm Coast plaza, at the southeast corner of the Belle Terre and S.R. 100 intersection.
The 1.47-acre parcel, located at 300 Belle Terre Blvd, is situated behind the Tractor Supply store and the Culver’s restaurant. Also in the shopping plaza is a Taco Bell, Starbucks, an Aldi’s grocery store and a future Take 5 Car Wash.
Because both applications are Tier 1 applications and under the 100,000-squarefoot requirement, neither application needs to go before the Palm Coast City Council. The Firestone will need to have a technical site plan approved by the Planning Board at a later date.
U-Haul storage OK’d for Whiteview Parkway, US 1
The 30-acre Palm Coast site will provide 950 storage units, with plans to add RV and boat storage.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
A U-Haul storage facility that has long been advertised on U.S. 1 and Whiteview Parkway is on its way.
The Planning Board approved an application for the massive two-building storage unit facility at its March 18 meeting. The application will go before the Palm
Coast City Council for final approval.
“I’ve seen the sign there for quite some time, ‘U-Haul storage facility,’” Board Chair Sandra Shank said. “I was wondering when it was going to come.”
The board approved the project’s Tier 3 technical site plan in a 4-0 vote, with three planning board members absent from the meeting.
The 30-acre lot, located at the intersection of Whiteview Parkway and U.S. 1, will be built out in phases, City Planner Michael Hanson said, with the first phase building out the two storage buildings. The second phase is for a future planned recreational
vehicle storage area at the back of the lot, Hanson said, but that is not included within this application.
Building A is a three-story building of 105,666 square feet in size and provides 950 storage units across the three floors. The second building is a one-story warehouse-style building, Hanson said, with high vault ceilings. It will be just under 14,000 square feet in size.
Instead of storage units, Hanson said, the applicant intends to use this building for staging, staff use and facility operations.
The buildings combined equal almost 120,000 square feet, requiring the application
FOCUS ON FAITH
Lifecoast Church breaks ground in Palm Coast’s Town Center
Lifecoast Church in Palm Coast will soon have a new permanent home.
The non-denominational church, which was founded in 2006 by Mike and Holly Wehde, currently operates as a mobile church inside the Matanzas High School auditorium. But on Sunday, March 15, Lifecoast celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for their future building, to be located in Town Center at 3535 Pirate Nation Way. Following the ceremony, which also marked Lifecoast’s 20th anniversary, the church held a barbecue for all attendees.
“We don’t want to be just four walls and a roof,” Lifecoast lead pastor Brian Kingsley said. “We want to be open doors that partner with
to receive approval from the City Council. One entrance and exit is planned for the lot along U.S. 1.
The property is owned by U-Haul Co. of Florida. Applicant representative Jimmy Jones said the lot was designed to save many trees on the site, which has some preservation land on site.
“That was relatively easy for this site, but important for us to show to staff,” Jones said. A stormwater pond will also be built onto the property and, Hanson said, when Whiteview Parkway eventually expands west as part of the city’s planned westward expansion, the facility will have access from Whiteview.
influencing transformation of our community, life change, generational changes, and see this community grow for all that God’s created it to be.” Kingsley became part of Lifecoast in 2008. He and his wife were stationed in the area through the military and they fell in love with the church, becoming regular attendees.
“God started to really reveal to me who Brian isn’t, and who Jesus is,” Kingsley said. Around 2020, Kingsley decided to go full time in the ministry, and started working as the church’s family pastor. In 2024, he took over as lead pastor.
During the church’s partnership with Matanzas, there have been multiple partner-
ships with administrators, students and the public. Kingsley said those partnership opportunities will only grow and strengthen moving forward.
“God can equip us to partner with what he’s doing in our community to partner with those who may be hurting physically, spiritually, or financially,” Kingsley said. “We’re excited to be right in the middle of Town Center, where there’s so many homes going up, and so many things for our community going up, and what we really want to create.”
Email Kingsley at lifecoastbrian@gmail.com, or the Executive Pastor Nathan Mayes at sftmayes@gmail.com. — ABBIE PACE
The site of the future Firestone auto repair shop at Belle Terre Boulevard and S.R. 100. Courtesy of Palm Coast
Lifecoast Church founder Mike Wehde, lead pastor Brian Kings-
ley and his wife Jeannette, founder Holly Wehde, Stacy and Jeff Barksdale, pastor, celebrate the church’s 20th anniversary. Photo courtesy of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook
REAL ESTATE
Riverfront home sells for
over $1.6M
Ahouse on the Halifax River at 3310 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea for the week of Feb. 28 to March 6. The house sold on March 2, for $1,625,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/4.5 and has two fireplaces, a pool, a spa, a boat dock, a boat house, a boat lift and 3,738 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $860,000. The house was listed by Bill Navarra, of Realty Pros Assured.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 111 S. Atlantic Ave., Unit 502, sold on March 5, for $407,500. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,131 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $175,000.
The condo at 10 Lynnhurst Drive, Unit 101, sold on March 6, for $155,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/1.5 and has 930 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $115,200.
ORMOND BEACH
Brookwood
The house at 31 Brookwood Drive sold on March 4, for $339,900. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,326 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $355,500.
Fountain View
The house at 1607 Houmas St. sold on March 2, for $341,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 2885 Monaghan Drive sold on March 4, for $442,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,115 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $478,000.
The house at 1312 Arklow Circle sold on March 4, for $730,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 5/4.5 and has 3,825 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $740,000.
The house at 3017 Glin Circle sold on March 5, for $310,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $330,000.
Not in subdivision
The house at 188 River Beach Drive sold on March 2, for $478,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,266 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $162,500.
Ormond Lakes The house at 12 Minnow
Drive sold on March 2, for $813,500. Built in 2007, the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,300 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $315,800.
Plantation Bay
The house at 1245 Hampstead Lane sold on March 2, for $470,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,870 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $309,000.
Ridgehaven
The house at 430 Brookhaven Trail sold on March 4, for $475,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,487 square feet.
The Trails The house at 8 Fernwood Trail sold on March 3, for $703,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 3/3.5 and has two fireplaces and 3,285 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $470,000.
Tomoka Oaks
The house at 24 Tomoka Oaks Blvd. sold on March 2, for $380,000. Built in 1966,
the house is a 5/4 and has a fireplace and 3,442 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $157,500.
Tymber Creek
The house at 133 Mill Spring Place sold on March 6, for $362,250. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,860 square feet. It last sold in 1979 for $80,300.
Latitude Margaritaville
The house at 434 Landshark Blvd. sold on March 3, for $375,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,308 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $260,100.
The house at 152 Red Lighthouse Point sold on March 6, for $635,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,139 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $550,000.
Tymber Crossings
The house at 3 Clydesdale Drive sold on March 6, for $280,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,606 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $141,500.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Avalon by the Sea
The house at 146 Via Madrid Drive sold on March 2, for $410,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,113 square feet. It last sold in
Links Terrace
The house at 161 Pitching Wedge Drive sold on March 4, for $367,500. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,168 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $433,800.
LPGA
The house at 134 Sedona Circle sold on March 6, for $245,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,335 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $290,000.
2024 for $411,000. The house at 128 Via Madrid Drive sold on March 3, for $430,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,386 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $350,000.
Ormond Beach Manors The house at 119 Essex Drive sold on March 6, for $270,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 912 square feet. It last sold 2015 for $109,000.
Roberta Heights The house at 149 Roberta Road sold on March 2, for $300,000. Built in 1954, the house is a 3/1 and has 1,063 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $194,8000.
Seabridge The house at 7 Sea Oats Terrace sold on March 2, for $435,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,690 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $350,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
The house at 189 Perfect Drive sold on March 4, for $317,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,665 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $365,000.
Mosaic The house at 317 Mosaic Blvd. sold on March 6, for $697,461. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,583 square feet.
Holy Week at St. James
All services in the Sanctuary, except as noted Palm Sunday March 29, 8 & 10 a.m. Tenebrae April 1, 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday April 2, 7 p.m.
Good Friday April 3, 7 a.m. and 12 noon Living Stations April 3, 7 p.m. In the Parish Hall presented by St. James Youth Great Vigil of Easter April 4, 7 p.m. Easter Sunrise April 5, 6:30 a.m., At the Casements Festival Easter Worship April 5, 8 & 10 a.m.
ORMOND BEACH
The house at 3310 John Anderson Drive sold on March 2, for $1,625,000. Photo courtesy of Realty Pros Assured
WEST DAYTONA BEACH
FROM AN UNTAMED HILL A new solo exhibition featuring artist J.J. Graham, “New Paintings from an Untamed Hill,” is now on display at Galerie Elan in Daytona Beach through March 28.
The exhibit showcases Graham’s large-scale and expressive works, including “The Phoenix and the Dove,” a piece measuring 84 inches wide by 60 inches tall. Graham said he is drawn to painting on a scale that immerses the viewer.
“I love the feeling of being able to paint a picture that when you’re close, you can almost not see out of the edges of it,” he said, adding that viewers often “get lost in it.”
Galerie Elan founder Gregory Graham Grant praised the storytelling
within Graham’s work, describing the artist as “a magnificent visual storyteller.” He noted that each piece invites the viewer into the narrative, saying, “We’re involved whether we like it or not.”
The exhibition also reflects Graham’s evolving creative process, with works like “An Existentialist Top Hat” demonstrating how pieces transform before being finalized.
Art enthusiasts still have time to experience the exhibit in person, with 6-9 p.m. March 28 marking the final day of the show, at 248 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach. Watch the interview on Observer Now.
CARROLL
Business and baseball
MICHELE MEYERS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Professional scheduler and longtime baseball coach Chris Kinsella, and his business operations-minded wife Anna, are the new owners of the Volusia Sports Center, located at 1137 S. Nova Road, Ormond Beach.
In January, a friend reached out to Chris after seeing a Facebook post by real estate agent Carl Lenz stating that the building, property and its assets were for sale. A property deal had just fallen through for the Kinsellas in Palm Coast when Chris called VSC’s then owner, Deanna Newkirk, whose business deal had also fallen through with Sean Harmon, president of The SBA Clubhouse in Brooksville, Florida.
Anna and Chris chuckled as they recalled the story about their speedy purchase of VSC on Feb. 1.
“I called her (Newkirk) up,” Chris said. “The next day, we were walking through the facility for the first time. Then the day after that, we said we’ll take it, and we’re signing the lease.”
Newkirk said she was seeking someone dedicated to supporting youth sports in Volusia and Flagler communities.
“I knew when I met them that they were the right people to carry on the legacy,” she said.
The Kinsellas are from Castle Rock, Colorado. Anna has known Chris since she was 12 years old and reconnected with him on Facebook years later. In 2018, the Kinsellas moved to a 5-acre farm in Illinois to be near Chris’ family. After two years, they decided warmer weather and a more populated area were what they desired, and after thoroughly researching different locations, they chose Palm Coast.
Fifteen years and three kids later, they set out on their next adventure together.
Anna has a master’s degree in health care administration. Having worked in health care for 20 years, she recently resigned from her position as the manager of operations at a local practice to start her own business. That, coupled with her husband’s baseball experience and passion for helping kids through the sport, made it an easy decision to purchase VSC.
“I’ve got all this education,” she said. “‘You’ve got the knowledge,’ I told Chris. Let’s do it.”
The facility includes an airconditioned indoor training area and is surrounded by two outdoor infields, a large turfcovered area, and a hitting/ pitching tunnel. There are eight indoor cages, regulation pitching mounds, four Junior Hack Attack baseball pitching machines, a HitTrax system, an upstairs viewing area and a strength and conditioning room.
The Kinsellas said they are keeping VSC as a local training facility for youth athletes. The batting cages will be open to the public. There will be baseball and softball lessons, speed and agility training and team practices. On rainy days, the indoor space is available for local teams to rent and have practice. Memberships will be available for purchase.
In preparation for the opening, the Kinsellas upgraded the HitTrax system with video analysis. Batters will be able to access data captured from multiple camera angles, enhancing their ability to make necessary improvements to their batting technique. Athletes will also be able to access the information through an app and email the data to coaches, trainers and college recruiters.
New to the team is strength and conditioning trainer/ coach Chris Parks, who has worked with thousands of athletes in the area. The Kinsellas outfitted the fitness room according to Parks’
specifications. He has already held a spring break training camp with coaches Phil Bruder and Brock Chance. Parks is currently offering a fitness program for homeschool students on Mondays and Fridays that covers speed and agility, strength, conditioning, endurance and confidence.
Chris Kinsella works for Ford AV. He orchestrates the work schedule for their employees who install audio and video, IT and security technology worldwide. He also runs their three younger
children’s schedules. Adilynn is the youngest at 9 years old, Beau is 11, Isabelle is 12, and Savannah is 19. At one point, he was coaching his kids’ soccer, softball, and baseball teams simultaneously.
“I had it easy, if you ask me,” Anna said. “My time was just eight to five, easy. Chris was running around every day.”
When Chris’ stepdaughter, Savannah, came into his life, he knew he wanted to help kids become strong adults.
“I realized that I wanted to make sure that my kids had
what they needed to be strong adults,” he said. “I’m trying to make the future stronger — the next generation stronger. Growing up isn’t easy. I think it’s hard for kids, and I know the game of baseball can teach life lessons. If I can help make it easier as they get into high school and through high school, then I can do that, and it starts with my kids. Then I thought, why not help more kids?”
Having coached baseball for 15 years, he started and runs the Florida Diamond Athletics competitive league in Palm Coast. This nonprofit organization helps families afford the cost of travel baseball for their children. He currently coaches two of its teams.
Anna said she does not have a favorite sport, but she is knowledgeable about business operations and management. Chris brings his expertise in sports and his passion for helping kids. The two are hoping to expand the business and reach more children.
“I see it being a family company that our kids could run if they wanted to,” Chris said. “My goal has always been to reach as many kids as possible. I think we could potentially expand and see 100, 300, 500, 1,000 kids come through (VSC) and benefit them.”
VSC is holding its grand opening on Saturday, April 4, 10 a.m. to noon. There will be an Easter egg hunt, food vendors, a facility tour and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
“I’ve got all this education.
‘You’ve got the knowledge,’ I told Chris. Let’s do it.”
regarding purchase
Baseball players practice on one of the infields at the Volusia Sports Center.
New owners of the Volusia Sports Center, Chris and Anna Kinsella. Photos by Michele Meyers
Youth athletes practice their swings at the Volusia Sports Center batting cages. The new owners upgraded the HitTrax system with video analysis, providing players with in-depth information about their swings.
Palm Coast residents Anna and Chris Kinsella purchase Volusia Sports Center
ANNA KINSELLA,
of the Volusia Sports Center
386 Rebels represent in Orlando
Palm Coast teams in five age divisions, the 386 Rebels, traveled to the Emery Hamilton Sports Complex, in Orlando, for games on Saturday, March 21, with photos by Keishia McLendon, Dx3 Photography.
— OBSERVER STAFF
Tysin Willacy (88)
Kaydence Dove
Mekhi Hardemon Photos by Keishia McLendon, Dx3Photography
D’Cardell Miller
Flagler Palm Coast names Bryce Carr new head wrestling coach
Carr, a
OBSERVER STAFF
Flagler Palm Coast High School has named Bryce Carr as its new head wrestling coach.
Carr takes over the Bulldogs’ storied program from David
Bossardet, who coached FPC for four years. Bossardet has been Flagler Schools’ safety specialist since February 2025 and had planned to step down when the school could find a suitable replacement. Carr has an accomplished background as both a wrestler and a coach. The native of Dublin, Georgia, most recently served as an assistant coach for nationally ranked Lake Highland Preparatory School in Orlando.
He was a National Junior College wrestling champ at
SIDELINES
Haymon, Simmons star at Bob Hayes meet Flagler Palm Coast’s Jordan Haymon set a school record while La’Darius Simmons won his fourth consecutive
javelin title at the Bob Hayes Invitational track and field meet on March 21 at the University of North Florida. Haymon broke C.J. Lockhart’s 19-year-old school record of 47.0 seconds in the 400-meter run. Haymon ran a 46.88 to finish second at the Bob Hayes meet. The senior finished just 12-hundredths of a second behind Palatka’s Kedric Wright. Simmons won boys javelin for the fourth week in a row with a throw of 53.29 meters (174 feet, 10 inches). He also placed first in the Cocoa Invitational on Feb. 28, the Bolles Bulldog Classic on March 6 and the North Florida-South Florida Challenge on March 13. Grace Taylor placed ninth in girls javelin. On March 6, Taylor broke the school mark with a throw of 35.8 meters (117 feet, 5 inches) to rank fifth in Class 4A. Taylor broke Aun’Yale Howard’s record of 33.27 meters (109 feet, 2 inches) set in 2024. Also finishing among the top 10 for FPC at the Bob Hayes meet were Anna
Darton State College in Albany, Georgia, in 2015, finishing a dominant season with a 34-1 record.
He went on win two Southern Conference championships with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, advancing to the NCAA championships both years. As a senior, he compiled a 29-7 record as a 184-pounder and was named Southern Conference Wrestler of the Year.
Carr earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UT-Chattanooga and began
Grigoruk (fifth), Audrey Bowman (seventh) and Everly Mucciolo (10th) in the girls 3,200 meters; Douglas Seth (fifth) in the boys 1,600; Mateo Almeida (seventh) in the boys 3,200; Ari Slaughter (seventh) in the girls 800; Logan Jacobelli (eighth) in the boys 100; the boys 4x400 relay (Jacobelli, Will Roberts, Mikey Najpaver and Haymon), fourth; the boys 4x800 relay (Ayden Peterson, Seth, Owen Stackpole and Justin Goings), fourth; the girls 4x800 relay (Grigoruk, Slaughter, Jayden Wright, Bowman), fifth; Ethan Ruiz in boys discus (ninth); and Earnest Fingers in boys pole vault (ninth). Slaughter set a personal record in the 800 with a time of 2:19.07. Seth set a PR in the 1,600 with a 4:30.17.
Father Lopez’s Lancing breaks school record
Father Lopez’s Lauren Lancing broke her own school record in the 100 hurdles with a time of 15.36 seconds to place 11th at the Bob Hayes Invitational. She will compete at the prestigious FSU Invitational this weekend.
his coaching career in 2018 as a graduate assistant at Cumberland University.
“We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Carr to the Bulldog family,” FPC athletic director Scott Drabczyk said ina press release. “Bryce brings a championship pedigree, high-level high school and collegiate experience, and a passion for developing young people through wrestling. We believe his leadership and energy will have an immediate impact on our program and our student-
FPC athletes wins Hayes scholarships
FPC’s Abbie Blumengarten and Ari Slaughter each won a $2,500 college scholarship at the Bob Hayes Invitational. To be eligible for the scholarships, the students had to be entered in the track meet, have at least a 3.2 GPA, list clubs and community service on the application and write an essay saying how the scholarship would help them achieve their dream of attending college.
FPC wins spring break baseball tourney
Flagler Palm Coast’s baseball team won four games in four days to win the Florida League High School Invitational at Sanford Memorial Stadium.
FPC defeated Lyman 10-5 in the championship game on Saturday, March 20, for the Bulldogs’ first championship in 12 appearances in the tournamentI. Carson Flis went 3 for 4 with a double.
The Bulldogs’ Marion Clayton was named the tournament’s Most Valuable
athletes.”
Carr takes over an FPC wrestling program that has produced four state team titles, four runner-up finishes and 17 individual state titles.
The Bulldogs won three consecutive team titles in 1992, 1993 and 1994 and added a girls state team championship in 2025. FPC placed second in the state in 1989 and 1996.
The girls team was runner-up in 2024.
Carr will join FPC’s faculty as a member of the physcial education department.
Player, while Jordan Gonzalez was named Most Valuable Pitcher. FPC’s Paul Bowen, Nick Pandich and Reggie Bass joined Clayton and Gonzalez on the All-Tournament Team.
Clayton went 7 for 14, batting .500 in the four games with two home runs and a triple. Gonzalez tossed a seven-inning two-hitter in a 5-0 win over St. Cloud on March 18, handing St. Cloud its first loss of the season. The Bulldogs also shut
out IMG Academy Silver 7-0 in their tournament opener on May 17. Bass struck out seven in six innings. Brody Youngman completed the shutout with. scoreless seventh. Clayton and Nole Hemmerle both homered in the first tinning.
FPC defeated Lake Minneola 9-4 on March 19, avenging a 2-1 loss to the Hawks on March 13. Hemmerle drove in three runs.
FPC wrestling coach Bryce Carr. Courtesy photo Flagler Palm Coast High School
FPC’s La’Darius Simmons holds up his trophy after winning the javelin championship at the Bob Hayes Invitational. Simmons has won the event in each of the past four meets. Courtesy photo
FPC’s Abbie Blumengarten and Ari Slaughter each won $2,500 college scholarships at the Bob Hayes Invitational. Courtesy photo
• Private, gated entrance
• Stat e-of-the-art clubhouse and resort-style pool
• Fit ness center
• Tennis & pickleball courts
• Endless family fun
• Communit y marina – water access for all lots
• One mile from the area’s most beautiful beaches
• Acr oss the street from Summer Town commercial district
• Incre dible local restaurants & shops in nearby Flagler Beach
• Excellent school district
• Cust om home builders
• 5 years to build!
CLASSIFIEDS
BE YOU
TWO
housekeeping@gmail.com 386-868-9662 For Rent Newly Remodeled Duplex For Rent. Call For Pics and Videos $1,600.00/ Month Plus Security Deposit . Nicolas Denis 386-931-4147 . Please Call for Appointment.
For Sale
Floating Dock “JET DOCK” 12’x 20’ Electric/Manual
Carving
Like New Gas Trimmer $40, New Scott’s Lawn Fertilizer $20, Black Plastic Edging 60’ $10 386-586-8745
Red 7 Speed Adult Tricycle. Never Used, Accessories included. Selling 1/2 Price for $105 386-864-3168
Recliner Chair Cushy Comfortable, Soft Gold, Good Condition $65. Office Chair, Black with Arm Rest, Shows Some Wear, 5 Wheels, Glides Easily $55. 386871-1156
Electric Remote Control Fire Place Used 1x Slpit
TRIBUTES
Rene Merle De Garmo
July 17, 1945 - March 14, 2026
Rene passed away peacefully on the morning of March 14, 2026 at Halifax Health Hospice in Ormond Beach, Florida. Rene has been battling Alzheimer’s disease for many years. Prior to being placed in hospice she was cared for at Advent Health Palm Coast and Solaris Healthcare in Daytona Beach, Florida. Rene received the best of care from the professional health care workers in all of these facilities. A huge thank you goes out to them for their love, compassion and dedication to their professions from the entire De Garmo family, relatives and friends. Rene was born in Cape Town, South Africa. She then emigrated with her family to London, England in 1962. After living in London, the family resettled in Toronto, Canada where Rene found a position with Allstate Insurance. It was 1974 when we met on a blind date….she was “blind” and I was her “date”! After dating for about a year we were married in a small church near Jordan Station, Ontario on June 28, 1975. We lived in Buffalo, New York for 28 years before moving to Palm Coast, Florida 2008. Last year was our 50th wedding anniversary! We celebrated with music, laughter and love among our wonderful friends and family members in Palm Coast and in Buffalo. Rene was one of the most kind, considerate, hardworking and compassionate persons I had ever met. She and I became soul mates. When someone thought of Rene, they thought of Steve and vice versa. She loved to go on long walks, knit sew, read books and fashion magazines. She enjoyed cooking and her famous curried chicken was well-known among our neighbors, friends and family. She was proud of how she maintained our home and enjoyed entertaining relatives,
friends and new acquaintances over to our home on West Delavan Avenue in Buffalo.
We enjoyed visiting with her mom, Dagmar and relatives in St. Catherines and the Toronto area. In the city of Buffalo she loved going to plays at Studio Arena Theater and concerts at Kleinhans Music Hall. She also enjoyed listening to groups like Air Supply at Melody Fair in Tonawanda, New York. Rene and I loved to travel! We have visited all the states in America except Hawaii and Alaska and everyone of the provinces in Canada except Newfoundland and Labrador. We have sailed to places like Puerto Rico, St. Thomas, St. Maarten, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua in the Caribbean. Such beautiful, lasting memories! We have flown to Zermatt, Switzerland and Innsbruck, Austria when we went on ski vacations with our friends. While in Zermatt we could look out of our hotel window and see the iconic Matterhorn! How magnificent the European Alps are! The two of us I hiked with my sister Marilyn, her husband George and my three nephews the rugged terrain of Mt. Washington in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Rene was always there to give support and encouragement to me and our loved ones during all of our adventures. We used to travel to Ludlow, Vermont and Ogunquit, Maine almost every fall when we lived in Western New York. We often traveled with friends and family and enjoyed the gorgeous brilliant colors of the foliage and the wonderful aroma being emitted from a delicious pancake breakfast. Rene loved holding onto me tightly as we motorcycled on the highways and byways of Western New York.
David Emmett Wetherington
July 4, 1960 - March 1, 2026
David Emmett Wetherington, July 4, 1960, Anchorage, Alaska. That’s how David always answered when asked his name and birthday. David was proud to be born in Alaska. The family is saddened to announce that David passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026. He is finally out of pain. David loved his small, quiet town of Bunnell, Florida and we pray he is in a quiet place now with mama, Mary Frances Wetherington and brother, George Wetherington. David
is survived by his daughter, Janie Ware, and three granddaughters that he was very proud of: Anna, Courtney, and Emma. He is also survived by brothers Jack Wetherington, Russell Wetherington, Clifford Wetherington, Wayne Wetherington, Gerald Hosford, and sisters Patricia West, Kathy Mueller, Mona Dodgen, and Joy Wetherington. There will be a gathering for friends and family in remembrance of David announced at a later date.
For such a quiet, unassuming lady, she was always ready for any Odyssey we went on. On January 31, 1982 Rene brought our son James into the world. Time seemed to pass quickly and our lives were filled with delight and serenity. Rene’s spirit lives on in the hearts and souls of all those who loved her. God bless you, Rene, for you have enriched the lives of so many individuals who have had the privilege and honor of knowing you. She is preceded in death by her mother, Dagmar, her father, Jacob and her brother, Graham. Rene is survived by her devoted husband, Steve, of 50 years of marriage and her wonderful loving family.
She leaves behind her son James and his wife, Rocio, along with their children, Tyler and Kayden.Rene is also survived by her sister-in-law, Marilyn and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of life will be under the direction of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home, 511 Old Kings Rd. S., Flagler Beach, FL 32136 on April 7, 2026 12pm. Friends may gather beginning at 11AM. Another Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Buffalo, New York. The family requests that all charitable donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association: alz.org. Arrangements are in the Care & Trust of CraigFlagler Palms Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Gardens.
Derek Edwin Furneaux-Jenkins
April 12, 1929 - March 14, 2026
Derek Edwin Furneaux-Jenkins, age 96, passed away peacefully on March 14th, 2026. He was born on April 12th, 1929, in Torquay, England.
Derek lived a full and vibrant life defined by humor, discipline, and deep love for his family. He built a distinguished 30-year career with Chrysler Motor Company as a climate control engineer, where his ingenuity and dedication left a lasting mark. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Derek had a passion for healthy living. He was devoted to exercise and maintaining his health, believing strongly in the power of an active lifestyle. He found joy on the dance floor with his wife, behind the lens of a
In Loving Memory of Barbara Lee Redden Murphy Celebrating a Life of Faith, Service, and Compassion With deep sorrow and gratitude, we announce the passing of Barbara Lee Redden Murphy, who died peacefully in her sleep on February 28, 2026, at the age of 94, in Palm Coast, Florida. Born in Miami, Florida, in 1931, Barbara lived a life marked by faith, generosity, and a deep commitment to serving others. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Murphy; her daughter, Gerrilee Murphy; and her parents.
Barbara is survived by her three sons, their married partners, and their families: Hugh of Connecticut, Daniel of Texas, and Todd of Florida, along with two grandchildren and one great grandchild. She is also survived by extended family members, friends, and a wider community who will remember her with affection and respect.
Barbara lived most of her
camera, and in exploring the world through travel. Above all, Derek cherished time spent with his family, who were the center of his life.
Derek is survived by his beloved wife, Christa Furneaux-Jenkins; his sons, Peter Scherer and Marc Scherer (Pamela Scherer); his grandchildren, Shelby Scherer (Sam Gaasch), Nicholas Scherer (Molly Scherer), and Kathleen Gregory (Trey Gregory); and his treasured great-granddaughter, Sylvia Scherer. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, wisdom, energy for life, and the many memories he created with those he loved. Derek’s legacy lives on in the family he adored and the lives he touched throughout his
life in Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach, Florida, where she raised her family and remained active in her church and community. In later years, she resided at Holly Hill’s Bishops Glen retirement community, where she enjoyed extended friendships and continued her church involvement. For the past eighteen months, Barbara enjoyed living at HarborChase Assisted Living in Palm Coast, where she was known for her warmth and was well regarded by both residents and staff. Her faith guided her life and shaped her commitment to serving others. Throughout her life, Barbara traveled extensively and embraced new cultures. Together with her late husband, she helped establish medication distribution networks throughout Guatemala, reflecting her belief in living her faith through action.
Barbara will be remembered for her kindness, quiet strength, and unwavering
compassion. She will be deeply missed by her family, her church community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Private services were held under the direction of Lotus Funeral Services, 460 Palm Coast Pkwy, Ste 3, Palm Coast. lotusfuneralservices.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators (Wycliffe.org).
FIRST INSERTION
PUBLIC NOTICES
IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGE 193 THROUGH 206, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 1574E Normandy Boulevard, Deltona, Florida 32725 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff’s mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated: 3/19/26 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
By: /s/ Craig Stein Craig Stein, Esq. Fl Bar No. 105887 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400 Email: FLpleadings@mwc-law.com File No: 18-400112 March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00202I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION; CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICEPROPERTY IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 14689 CICI CMG MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. AUSTIN T. HANSARD; et al., Defendants. TO: AUSTIN T. HANSARD; 3 AARON CIR, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF AUSTIN T. HANSARD; 3 AARON CIR, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose to the following property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 60, HICKORY VILLAGE, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN
the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED on 3/18, 2026. LAURA E. ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Shawnee S. Smith DEPUTY CLERK SOKOLOF REMTULLA, LLP 1800 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 302 Boca Raton, FL 33431 Telephone: 561-507-5252 Facsimile: 561-342-4842
E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com Counsel for Plaintiff March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00204I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10151 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF KATHIE M. BUNCH Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Kathie M. Bunch, deceased, File Number 2026 10151 PRDL, by the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 North Alabama Avenue, DeLand, FL 32724; that the decedent’s date of death was December 6, 2025; that the total value of the exempt and non-exempt assets of the estate are $500,849 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Address Jonathon T. Bunch Trustee of the Kathie M. Bunch Revocable Trust 102 Sandcastle Drive Ormond Beach, FL 32176 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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 March 26, 2026. Person Giving Notice: Jonathon T. Bunch 102 Sandcastle Drive Ormond Beach, Florida 32176 Attorney for Person Giving Notice
Diane A. Vidal
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com
Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00206I
FIRST INSERTION
AMENDED NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025-14773-CIDL T SQUARED REALTY INVESTMENTS LLC, a Florida limited liability company, Plaintiff, vs. COMPLETE TOTAL SERVICES, LLC, a Florida limited liability company, et. al., Defendants.
NOTICE is hereby given that pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in this cause on March 17, 2026, pending in the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, Case No.: 2025-14773-CIDL, the Clerk of Circuit Court will sell the real and personal property located and lying in Volusia County, Florida, as more particularly described as: Lot 1, Block 627, Deltona Lakes Unit
Twenty Two, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 27, Page(s) 11 through 15, of the Public Records of Volusia County, Florida; Parcel Identification Number: 813022300010; 281 S Fairbairn Dr., Deltona, FL 32725 on April 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., to the highest bidder for cash, except as hereinafter provided, in Volusia County, Florida in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes, online at www.volusia. realforeclose.com.
ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM WITHIN 60 DAYS AFTER THE SALE. NOTICE
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES: “If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact the Court’s ADA Coordinator, Volusia County CourthouseCourt Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. B-206, DeLand, FL 32724 - (386) 2576096. Dated this 23rd day of March, 2026. /s/ Todd F. Kobrin TODD F. KOBRIN, ESQ. Florida Bar No.: 0946958 SHUTTS & BOWEN LLP P.O. Box 4956 Orlando, Florida 32802 Telephone: (407) 423-3200 tkobrin@shutts.com ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFF March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00203I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No.: 2025-13858-PRDL Division: Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF VIRGINIA T. BUTAS, Deceased.
The administration of the estate of VIRGINIA T. BUTAS, deceased, whose date of death was April 21, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Ave., DeLand FL 32724. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their 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: March 26, 2026. Signed on this 18th day of March, 2026. /s/ Anatole Butas ANATOLE BUTAS Personal Representative 29 Canterbury Woods Ormond Beach, FL 32174 /s/ Peggy Clarie, Esquire
PEGGY CLARIE, ESQUIRE
Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 0727946
CLARIE LAW OFFICES P.A. 5922 9th Avenue North St. Petersburg, FL 33710
Telephone: (727) 345-0041
Facsimile: (727) 344-6659
E-service: enotify@clarielaw.com
Email: email@clarielaw.com March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00208I
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given that on dates below these vehicles will be sold at public sale on the date listed below at 10AM for money owed for vehicle repair and storage cost pursuant to Florida Statutes 713.585 or Florida Statutes 713.78. Please note, parties claiming interest have right to a hearing prior to the date of sale with the Clerk of Courts as reflected in the notice. The owner has the right to recover possession of the vehicle without judicial proceedings as pursuant to Florida Statute 559.917. Any proceeds recovered from the sale of the vehicle over the amount of the lien will be deposited with the clerk of the court for disposition upon court order. SALE DATE: APRIL 27TH 2026: SPECIAL FORCES AUTOMOTIVE 2401 S RIDGEWOOD AVE SOUTH DAYTONA FL 32119
PHONE (386)253-7100
7764-339970
FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION; CONSTRUCTIVE SERVICEPROPERTY IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF THE STATE OF FLORIDA, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 14438 CIDL DATA MORTGAGE, INC., DBA ESSEX MORTGAGE, Plaintiff, vs. LINELL LOWE; et al., Defendants. TO: LINELL LOWE; 290 PALMETTO SPRINGS ST DEBARY, FL 32713 UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LINELL LOWE; 290 PALMETTO SPRINGS ST DEBARY, FL 32713 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose to the following property in Volusia County, Florida: LOT 18, SPRINGVIEW UNIT 6, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 48, PAGE 176 THROUGH 179, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Also known as 290 PALMETTO SPRINGS ST, DEBARY, FL 32713. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Sokolof Remtulla, LLP, the plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 1800 NW Corporate Blvd., Suite 302, Boca Raton, FL 33431, on or before 5/4, 2026, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on the plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. DATED on 3/18, 2026. LAURA E. ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Shawnee S.
Facsimile: 561-342-4842
E-mail: pleadings@sokrem.com Counsel for Plaintiff March 26; April 2, 2026 26-00205I
County, FL Parkview Ministries, Inc, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 3/26/2026. Parkview Ministries, Inc. 7764-339830 Mar. 26, 2026
Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Cookies by the Sea, located at 2545 S Atlantic Ave, Apt 1005, in the City of Daytona Beach Shores, Volusia County, FL 33138, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.
Dated 3/23/2026. X-Static Media Group, LLC 7764-340157 Mar. 26, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION IN RE: ESTATE OF JAMES JOHN KRISCIUNAS DECEASED, FILE NO. 2026 10650 PRDL NOTICE TO CREDITORS
The administration of the estate of JAMES JOHN KRISCIUNAS, deceased, whose date of death was November 5, 2025. is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101North Alabama Avenue, Deland, Florida 32724-4316. The names and addresses of the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the Clerk of the Court. The date of first publication of this notice is the 26 day of March, 2026. Signed on this 16th day of March 2026. LEEANN MARIE KRISCIUNAS –Personal Representative 3300 Quail Drive Deltona, FL 32738 William P. Rice, Jr. –
