Ormond Beach Observer 4-16-26

Flagler deputy sues Ormond for ‘unlawful arrest’

The contestants for Mr. and Miss Seabreeze 2026-2027. Photo by Sydney Tevin

Judith Aisha Cornell dances as Jewish matriarch Miriam on the stage at the Jewish Heritage Festival. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Ninth biennial Jewish Heritage Festival brings dance, food, community to Ormond Beach. PAGE 7B

Flagler deputy arrested last year in Ormond sues the city

Ardit Coma’s federal lawsuit claims he was falsely accused and unlawfully arrested for fleeing and eluding.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy who was arrested by Ormond Beach Police in December on fleeing and eluding charges — which were dismissed within a week of his arrest — is suing the City of Ormond Beach and the officer who arrested him. Ardit Coma filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court Middle District of Florida on Wednesday, April 8. The law-

NEWS BRIEFS

Candidate for Florida governor taken into custody

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Palm Coast man, who is currently running for governor and previously ran for mayor, following a domestic disturbance with a weapon in the C-Section of Palm Coast.

On the morning of April 10, deputies responded to a residence on Cleveland Court after the Flagler County Emergency Communications Center received a report that a man had battered two elderly victims in the home — hitting one with a cane and throwing a cellphone at the other — and allegedly had a gun. The 911 caller, who was one of the victims, further reported the suspect, Kevin Cichowski, had threatened to kill them multiple times and stated he would kill law enforcement if they were called.

Deputies arrested Cichowski, 46, of Palm Coast. While

COPS CORNER

APRIL 9

FAMILY FEUD

5 p.m. — 1500 block of San Marco Drive, Ormond Beach

Aggravated assault. Police arrested a 28-year-old Daytona Beach man who threatened his uncle with a machete over apartment keys. When speaking to the nephew, the reporting officer noticed a black handle peeking out from his backpack. The nephew told police that the argument began after he

suit alleges that Coma was falsely accused and unlawfully arrested by Sgt. Caleb Braun, stating that “instead of conducting a routine traffic stop, Sergeant Braun, frustrated at the distance between Plaintiff’s vehicle and his own, decided to treat the situation as a felony stop for ‘fleeing and eluding,’ despite the absence of probable cause that Plaintiff had committed any infraction beyond the minor traffic infraction of speeding.”

According to the Ormond Beach Police Department’s report, Coma fled for 1.9 miles after Braun initiated a traffic stop for speeding in the 1400 block of North U.S. 1. OBPD states Coma was driving 88 mph in a 55 mph zone.

Coma, who began work-

being transported to jail, Cichowski made suicidal statements and was placed into protective custody under a Baker Act.

During the incident, deputies were assisted by an FCSO drone and the Real Time Crime Center.

Cichowski was previously arrested in 2024 for domestic battery, domestic battery by strangulation, and false imprisonment.

Cichowski is running for election for governor of Florida. He previously ran for Palm Coast mayor in 2021.

Volusia County rescues cats from DeLand property

Volusia County Animal Services responded to an animal

was dropped off by a friend to grab the keys to an apartment, at which point his uncle became aggressive.

The nephew said that, while he did pull out the machete from his backpack, he never unsheathed it. After this, he said his uncle retrieved a firearm from his car.

The uncle told a different story. He said his nephew walked up and demanded the keys to the apartment as he was changing the lightbulbs for his car’s headlights. When he requested he wait until he was done, his nephew went “nuts” and pulled out the machete. The uncle did grab a firearm, but said he did so out

ing with the FCSO in 2023, also drove around stop sticks deployed at North U.S. 1 and Pine Tree Drive, at which point a felony stop was conducted by OBPD and Volusia Sheriff’s Office deputies. The Flagler deputy had been on his way to work and told police he had been unaware that a traffic stop had been initiated.

The Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s office dismissed the charges against Coma on Dec. 9, with Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly saying in a press release that he had personally reviewed the arrest report and “was surprised that an arrest was made based on the lack of evidence showing he was intentionally trying to flee, while driving an agency vehicle.”

In a statement released after

welfare call Wednesday, April 8, at a property in unincorporated DeLand, where animal control officers encountered 19 cats, three of which were found deceased. The remaining 16 cats were rescued and transported for care, with several in critical condition.

Upon arrival at the AtHome Express Tangerine Inn, on U.S. 17, animal control officers observed thatmany of the animals required urgent medical attention.

Two more of the cats have since died, and two continue to receive urgent care. The remaining 12 are being cared for at the Volusia County Animal Shelter as they remain under further evaluation.

The three cats found deceased on the property will undergo a forensic necropsy conducted by the University of Florida to help determine the cause of death and provide additional information as the investigation continues.

Woman who posed as nurse is sentenced to probation

Autumn Bardisa, 29, of Palm Coast, who was arrested by

of fear.

A witness corroborated the uncle’s story, saying she overheard the nephew state he was going to cut his uncle into pieces.

The nephew was arrested.

APRIL 10

ELDER EXPLOITATION

3:19 p.m. — First block of Cardinal Drive, Ormond Beach Grand theft. An officer returned to the home of a 70-year-old Ormond Beach man after another one of his vehicles was stolen. Police had recently spoken with him after his truck was stolen, and the culprit behind that theft was arrested two days prior.

the charges were dropped, Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey defended Braun and his department.

“The facts in the arrest report supported the Sergeant’s actions,” Godfrey’s statement read. “The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed, our Sergeant activated his emergency lights and siren, other motorists yielded, and the vehicle continued driving recklessly for a significant distance before stopping. Based on these observations, our Sergeant followed established policy, used appropriate methods to gain compliance, and executed the stop safely and professionally.”

The lawsuit states that due to the arrest, Coma was “detained for a period of time,

the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in August 2025 for posing as a nurse and treating over 4,400 patients without a license, pleaded no contest on April 7 and has been sentenced.

Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols withheld adjudication and sentenced her to five years’ probation and 50 hours of community service. She will also be required to send a letter of apology to the nurse whose license number she stole.

As part of the plea agreement, Bardisa also forfeited her own nursing license, which she earned after her arrest, to the Florida Department of Health. She is prohibited from practicing medicine during her probation.

“Nursing is a noble profession about caring for those in need, but ... she ruined her career, and she potentially endangered patients,” said Sheriff Rick Staly.

Flagler fugitive captured in Texas

A fugitive from Palm Coast has been arrested in Texas on a Flagler County warrant after the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Fugitive Apprehension

The man’s daughter told police that since moving to Florida last September, he had been spending all of his money, drinking and “inviting undesirable people” into his home, who have stolen from him.

When police approached, the man told them that a 31-year-old man stole his motorcycle. The Ormond Beach man wished to press charges.

APRIL 11

CLOCKED OUT

11:32 p.m. — first block of Harbor Center Drive, Flagler County Battery. A restaurant owner told Sheriff’s Office depu-

booked in jail, incurred costs, and suffered emotional distress, reputational harm, and economic losses.”

Following his arrest, Coma was suspended without pay for two days and had the use of his agency vehicle suspended for 90 days due to unbecoming conduct. The FCSO announced on Dec. 12, three days after the charges were dropped, that an internal investigation found Coma violated two of the agency’s Standards of Conduct policies. According to the FCSO, Coma lost $851.48 in wages and benefits. In addition to suing the city, Coma is also seeking punitive damages against Braun as an individual.

Unit tracked him to Texas and coordinated with local law enforcement to apprehend him.

The fugitive, Gage Sleap, 22, of Palm Coast, had been wanted since March 27 after the FCSO Major Case Unit investigated written threats to kill. During the investigation, detectives identified that Sleap had made multiple threats to the victim through Facebook Messenger, including telling the victim that he would burn her house down, kill her, and had a knife with her name on it. Sleap also tagged the victim in a Facebook post stating he was going to put her in a grave. Through investigative means, the Fugitive Apprehension Unit determined that Sleap had recently left Florida and was residing in Independence, Missouri. He was then traced to Dallas and then Gainesville, Texas, on April 10, when local police apprehended Sleap at a bus stop. Sleap was arrested on his fugitive warrant from Flagler County for written or electronic threats to kill. He was transported to the Cooke County Detention Center in Gainesville, Texas, where he is awaiting extradition to Flagler County.

ties that an employee had been hanging out at the bar all day, disturbing the other employees while drinking at the bar. The owner eventually cut the suspect off from more alcoholic drinks, but the suspect stayed at the bar to drink water, continuing to bother the staff, according to the arrest report.

The owner told the suspect to leave multiple times. The final time, the suspect punched the owner in the face. Other employees pulled the suspect, still swinging at the owner, outside until deputies arrived. The suspect was arrested and trespassed from the bar.

Kevin Cichowski (Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility mug shot)

Beauty of culture

Ninth biennial Jewish Heritage Festival brings dance, food and community to Ormond Beach.

SUZANNE MCCARTHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Jewish Heritage Festival returned to The Casements in Ormond Beach on Sunday, April 12, drawing visitors for a daylong celebration of Jewish culture and community.

The free biennial festival, held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featured Jewish music and dance performances, along with kosher, deli-style and Mediterranean food. Visitors browsed arts and crafts ven dors, along with Judaica art ists and vendors.

Festival exhibits included a Holocaust Memorial, the Jew ish Hall of Fame and booths hosted by Jewish organiza tions. Halifax Health offered information about health and

along the

Tikkun Olam is a central pillar of Judaism and refers to the sacred mission to “repair the

wellness

festival’s Tikkun Olam Boulevard.

Rabbi Rob Lennick, Ormond Beach Police Chief Jesse Godfrey, Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood and Marvin Miller. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy

Duckie Ronald, Sandy Allen and Holly Soucy represented Charlene’s Dream, a community cancer support center.

Ormond Beach residents Nancy, 9, Ella, 2, and mom Danielle, enjoy a camel ride.

Rabbi Rob Lennick warmed up the crowd with jokes.

Children enjoyed a balloon artist

James Legget (left), owner of Side of the Road, serves customers.

Ormond official seeks better legal process

Post Avalon Park, Tomoka Oaks votes, city commissioners scrutinize selection of outside counsel.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

On the heels of dealing with two major developmentrelated lawsuits, Ormond Beach City Commissioners want an opportunity to have a say in hiring outside counsel for new litigation.

During his closing comments on Tuesday, April 7, City Commissioner Travis Sargent asked staff to look into the city ordinance on legal representation and bring back a consideration to add language concerning the use of lawyers outside of the city’s legal department.

“I’m not trying to take away anything,” Sargent said. “I’m just trying to add to our decision-making process.”

Sargent cited similar ordinances by the City of Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach. Daytona’s code states that its attorney must seek permission or receive direction from the commission to seek outside counsel. New Smyrna’s is similar, with an additional clause that the commission would determine the outside counsel’s compensation.

On March 24, the commission reluctantly approved a development order to construct 254 homes on the shuttered Tomoka Oaks golf course property amid a state and federal lawsuit, the latter of which was likely to be won by the developers, based on preliminary arguments. Losing the lawsuit would have cost the city millions and result in the possibility of more homes being built on the golf course.

Then a week later, the commission once again rejected a $2.3 million settlement offer in the ongoing Avalon Park

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dispute with the developer and the City of Daytona Beach. A suit has now been filed at the federal level, claiming the delay in development caused by the utility dispute (Ormond was designated as the water provider for the land in 2006) has caused Avalon Park a $50 million loss.

Abraham C. McKinnon, of Ormond Beach law firm McKinnon and McKinnon, has represented the city in both lawsuits.

Mayor Jason Leslie agreed with Sargent.

“We have a lot of decisions to make here sitting on the dais, right, and then some of these other decisions are made outside of our purview here,” Leslie said. “... Things change. These ordinances that we have, things were probably done differently back then than they are now.”

City Attorney Randy Hayes was absent at the April 7 meeting, with Deputy City Attorney Ann-Margret Emery filling in for the night. Emery told the commission that one thing they should keep in mind is that the city legal department deals with many different issues, not all of them major. Some of these require time-sensitive responses.

“We get a lot of trip-andfalls on sidewalks,” she said.

“We get various claims, a lot of them are frivolous, but we get them. You have to understand that we have like 20 days to respond to them. So when we get those kinds of cases, for us to come back to the City Commission, we could be outside the time to respond.”

Sargent said he was OK with not seeing every matter. But what he wasn’t OK with was “begging for legal for a deposition.”

“I didn’t know who was going to represent me in the deposition,” he said. “Those are things I’m trying to prevent in the future because I’m very frustrated.”

Sargent didn’t disclose which lawsuit he was referring to during his closing comments. He was on the commission when officials denied a rezoning request for Tomoka Reserve in 2024. He also voted against rejecting the settlement agreement for Avalon Park.

“God forbid someone has to go through this again,” Sargent said. “I want to set up the parameters to make it better.”

Part of the orientation process for a new commission, he added, should include a review of all pending litigation matters so everyone is brought up to speed.

Commissioner Kristin Deaton said that the city may want attorneys with different approaches depending on the case they are litigating.

“One we might need more of a fighter on,” Deaton said. “One we might just need somebody to mediate.”

Do we have too many car washes? Storage units?

Ormond Beach Planning Board members weigh property rights versus city planning.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

If city officials felt there were too many of one type of development in a certain area, could they restrict or change land uses?

In recent years, construction of businesses, particularly storage units and car washes, have been met with criticism from residents, many of whom have told Ormond Beach Planning Board members and city officials that the city’s existing businesses serve the current need.

Planning Board member Al Jorczak broached the topic at the board’s meeting on Thursday, April 9.

“I’m trying to get to where our rules and regulations limit our ability to say what do we want that community to look like,” Jorczak said.

Local governments are currently constrained by the effects of Senate Bill 180, which prohibits them from making land development regulations more restrictive or enacting moratoriums — at least until Oct. 1, 2027, when the bill’s provisions will sunset.

SB 180 aside, Planning Board Director Steven Spraker explained that the elimination of a business use in a zoning district would require data analysis of a “legitimate public purpose” to support the Planning Board’s and City Commission’s direction.

Using storage units as an example, Jorczak said that the fundamental question was: Is there a better use for the property in which a potential new storage facility is proposed?

He acknowledged that property owners have rights, but as the board looked at the issue from a planning standpoint, he said maybe there should be a way to direct what they want the city to look like. Nobody wants to see storage units lined up and down U.S. 1, he said.

“That would not be something I think that the residents of Ormond Beach, or even the city officials, would particularly like to see, but they (property owners) have the ability,” Jorczak said. “If you had the land available to do that.”

During his comments, Jorczak referenced one particular project — a 166,000-squarefoot storage facility coming to 490 N. U.S. 1. The property spans about 24 acres and is zoned Light Industrial, meaning it didn’t need to go before the Planning Board or City Commission for approval.

Each property is unique,

Spraker said, and zoning is a framework.

“It is a menu of choices,” he said. “So if you don’t like the menu of choices and you want to amend it, I say once Senate Bill 180 is either modified, repealed or expires, you have that option.”

At the same time, he added, the project at 490 N. U.S. 1 represents a $19 million investment.

“So somebody’s done the market research,” Spraker said. “Somebody believes that the growth of the U.S. 1 corridor is going to require that.”

There was a similar conversation in the early 2000s about the city having too many banks, Spraker added. Since then, several banks have been redeveloped or demolished.

If something has already been zoned a certain way, Board Chair Doug Thomas said he wasn’t interested in trying to take property rights away from owners and tell them what they can or can’t do.

“There’s a lot of residents in the city who would like you to

put a sign out at the border of Georgia and say nobody else can move to Florida,” Thomas said. “But just because that’s what those people, that minority of people, say doesn’t mean that that’s what’s best for everyone.”

Newly appointed board member Amber Bobak, who became involved in the city due to concerns with the Circle K project in her neighborhood, said she understood Jorczak’s point. The construction of the gas station at 699 S. Nova Road is now underway, and because it was an allowed use on the former Bank of America property due to its B-8 Commercial zoning designation, the project didn’t need the City Commission’s approval, even though there are already two gas stations on the other side of Nova Road.

Bobak said there does appear to be an imbalance between residents’ property rights and those of commercial property owners.

“ I think that’s what’s being addressed here is, ‘How do we come up with a more balanced situation?’” she said.

Board member Troy Railsback said he would feel frustrated as a property owner if he bought land that a permitted use, and one day, it was changed.

“So someone who buys in the Airport Business Park, we’re going to tell them that they can’t put an airport manufacturing business and a supply business in the Airport Park, because there’s too many of them in there?” Railsback said.

“I’m trying to get to where our rules and regulations limit our ability to say what do we want that community to look like.”

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City Commissioner Travis Sargent. File photo

didn't know who was going to represent me in the deposition. Those are things I'm trying to prevent in the future because I'm very frustrated."

TRAVIS SARGENT, Ormond Beach City Commissioner

AL JORCZAK, Ormond Beach Planning Board member

In honor of Mary McLeod Bethune

Artifact from Bethune Cookman University to be displayed in national exhibit on HBCUs and civil rights.

RICH CARROLL

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A historic item connected to Mary McLeod Bethune is headed to a national stage, as a cane she used in her later years will be featured at the Barack Obama Presidential Center. Curators recently traveled to Bethune-Cookman University to prepare the artifact for its move to Chicago, where it will be included in an exhibit highlighting historically Black colleges and universities and the broader civil rights movement. The exhibit is set to open in June 2026, with the cane on display through 2028 before it returns to the Daytona Beach campus.

The artifact provides a direct link to Bethune’s enduring legacy as an educator, advocate and national leader. Born in 1875 in South Carolina to parents who had been enslaved, Bethune understood early on the power of education as a pathway to

opportunity. She went on to dedicate her life to expanding access to education for Black Americans, particularly young women.

In 1904, Bethune founded what would become BethuneCookman University, starting with just a handful of students in a small Daytona Beach home. Her school emphasized both academic learning and practical skills, helping students build independence during a time of widespread racial discrimination. In 1923, the school merged with Cookman Institute, forming Bethune-Cookman College and laying the foundation for the institution that exists today. Bethune’s influence extended far beyond the classroom. She became an adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt and played a key role in his administration as part of the informal group known as the Black Cabinet, advocating for policies that supported African American communities during the New Deal era. She also founded the National Council of Negro Women, further advancing civil rights and leadership opportunities for women.

Today, Bethune-Cookman University stands as a testament to her vision, continu-

ing to educate and empower students in Daytona Beach and beyond. The upcoming exhibit in Chicago will place her story and contributions before a national audience, highlighting the broader impact of historically Black colleges and universities. University leaders say the temporary display of Bethune’s cane is both a recognition of her significance and an opportunity to share her story with a wider audience. When the artifact returns in 2028, it will once again serve as a powerful symbol of her life’s work and lasting influence on education and civil rights.

Payroll error caused ‘undue burden’ on Volusia’s school employees

Reps for new software said February incident was not taken lightly. Preventive measures have been put in place.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Directors of Volusia County Schools’ new software, called Focus, are hoping to build back trust following a recent incident where over 9,000 of the district’s employees received excess retroactive pay.

During a Volusia County School Board workshop on Tuesday, April 14, Focus representatives said they had watched the board meeting from March 10 — during which district staff discussed the issue — and said the incident was not taken lightly.

“The employees shouldn’t have to worry about their pay being correct, and it’s an undue burden for them to have to go through that,” said Richard Dean, Focus director of human resources and payroll.

On April 1, Volusia County Schools went live with the second phase of Focus, its new Enterprise Resource Planning system. According to the district, this brought onboard the last 10 of 18 software modules.

The second phase of implementation comes after over 9,000 VCS employees received an excess amount — in some cases triple the correct amount — of retroactive pay in February due to a technical mistake the district reported was caused by Focus.

“It definitely was an eye opener to hear it from the employee perspective,” said Martina Henry, director of

ERP and customer success for Focus, which works with 10 school districts in the state.

How is Focus tackling the payroll issues?

Among the changes cited were less reliance on software checks, a bigger server size for faster payroll processing and weekly internal meetings.

“We are seeing the last couple pay runs have been better,” Dean said. “They haven’t been late in the evening, last minute, which is what got us in trouble in the past.”

Henry added that Focus is dedicated to VCS in making the implementation of the new software — to be complete by July 1 — a success.

“We’re not going anywhere until it is fully signed off on and your account executive is able to handle the normal dayto-day operations of Volusia County Schools,” he said.

The district has reached an implementation point with its new software that it never did with its previous attempt at implementing an ERP, said Matt Kuhn, chief technology officer for VCS.

“We tried for five years and many millions of dollars to convert from Crosspoint to Oracle, and only got halfway there,” he said, explaining that the HR module was never able to go live. “... That’s not to say [Focus] doesn’t have a lot of things we need to fix, and not to say that problems don’t happen that we find, but it’s a big accomplishment.”

Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said she wanted to go on the record to address “quite a bit of severe misconceptions that have been planted into our employees.”

The district had to implement a new ERP, Balgobin said. It wasn’t optional.

Implementing a system like Focus, Balgobin said, for any superintendent in the state’s 67 school district, is a “nervewracking process.”

“No matter how preventative you are and all of the parameters that you will put in place, there will be issues,” she said. “It’s about the understanding that we create and how we handle when issues arise.”

School Board member Donna Brosemer asked what can be done to “fix the damage that’s already been done,” saying she was concerned about the number of times she’d heard about substitute teachers not being paid for months.

“Ultimately, the burden of those mistakes is being borne by the people who can least afford to bear them,” she said, adding that employees should not be held responsible for the mistake.

Kuhn said the substitute pay is an issue the district is still working on, and isn’t one that is solely caused by Focus. It’s also not systemwide.

Dean said Focus became aware of the concerns in January and early February and that a remediation plan has been put in place.

“We’ve also done an internal audit within our department to ensure that 100% of the subs who’ve been at work for validated jobs have been paid,” he said.

Sharing responsibility, School Board member Jamie Haynes said, is the fairest way to proceed.

“Moving forward, we just have to figure out when an issue arises, how we’re going to address it,” she said.

Mary McLeod Bethune,

Barack Obama Presidential Center curators handling Dr. Bethune’s cane.

Mary McLeod Bethune

Drone wars: Flagler deploys new tech

Sheriff Rick Staly said crime rates are down 30%; domestic violence and fraud cases are trending up.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is in the process of using drones as first responders, said Sheriff Rick Staly.

“We will be one of the first agencies in the state of Florida and, frankly, across the country, that has drones as a first responder,” Staly said.

Staly announced the plans for these drones at the April 9 Addressing Crime Together Community Meeting, held at the FCSO Operation Center.

The meeting reviewed crime data for 2025, new assets and trends within the FCSO, as well as crime trends to date for 2026.

The FCSO has five portable drones with licensed pilots, Staly said, and they are in the final stages of being able to deploy them.

Two drones will be placed in Palm Coast — one in the north end and the other in the south end of the city, though Staly did not say where exactly. When the drones are needed, analysts from the Real Time Crime Center will be able to remotely launch drones and send them to a call.

Though the program has not been officially implemented, the FCSO recently deployed a drone for a call, Staly said.

“The drone got there before the first deputy was on the scene and was beaming back,

if you will, video of what exactly was going on into our real time crime center,” he said. “That was being relayed to the deputies as they were responding.”

Staly said the drones will be used alongside the FCSO’s new helicopter to aid deputies. He did not say when the drones would be officially deployed.

The FCSO’s helicopter should be operational mid July.

NEW JEEP GLADIATOR

The FCSO is also adding a new 2025 Jeep Gladiator to its Special Operations Unit.

The Jeep sits 30 inches off the ground and will be marked with FCSO’s “ghost marking” decals. Taxpayers did not pay for this Jeep, Staly said, but instead the money came from seized drug-related assets.

Staly said the new edition will be used for high water rescue during floods or delivering bottled water or food during emergency situations, as well as responding to the rural and wooded Flagler Estates area, which he called “the Wild West area of Flagler County.”

CRIME DOWN 30%

During 2025, the FCSO received over 126,000 calls for service, culminating in over 3,000 arrests. Despite that, Staly said the crime rate is down 30% from 2024.

Staly said the crime reporting methods and definitions

“If you’re embarrassed and don’t report it right away, it makes it much harder for us to recover that money.”

RICK

STALY, sheriff

27,067 Traffic stops made 27,067 Traffic stops made 6,820 Traffic citations issued 3,369 Crashes reported 3,019 Arrests made 106 DUI arrests made

NEWS BRIEFS

Flagler

School Board candidate Moon gets final petitions

Cathy Moon, candidate for the District 1 seat on the Flagler County School Board, announced on Thursday, April 9, that her candidate petition has been certified by the Supervisor of Elections office, confirming that campaign signature requirements have been met.

“I’m grateful to every resident who signed my petition and to the volunteers who helped make this certification possible,” Moon said in a press release. “This step confirms that our campaign has real momentum, and I’m ready to keep listening, learning, and earning the community’s trust.”

Moon is running against former School Board member Jill Woolbright for the District 1 seat.

In her press release, Moon said her campaign will focus on meeting with families, educators and community stakeholders to discuss student achievement; a safe and supportive school environment, responsible and transparent budgeting; teacher recruitment, retention and respect; and parent and community engagement.

Send new tips to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

changed between 2023 and 2024. Until 2023, the FCSO reported data to the Federal Bureau of Investigations Uniform Crime Reporting Program. Now the FCSO must report to the National IncidentBased Reporting system. The NIBR captures more detailed information about the crime, victims and suspects, according to the FCSO’s 2025 annual report.

VICTIM LOSES $1 MILLION, IN FRAUD CASE

In the first three months of 2026, Staly said the county is seeing trends in fraud cases and domestic violence cases. There have 124 fraud cases reported.

Most of the fraud cases are scams, Staly said. Flagler County had one victim that lost a million dollars, others that have lost thousands of dollars. The Cyber Crimes Unit is the FCSO’s fastest growing unit, he said. Victims should report scams right away, he said.

“Once you realize that you have become a victim,” Staly said, “if you’re embarrassed and don’t report it right away, it makes it much harder for us to recover that money.”

‘ZERO TOLERANCE’ FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE Domestic violence cases and violations of injunctions are the biggest issues seen in Flagler County so far this year, Staly said, with 154 reported domestic violence cases.

Heidi Petito to join Flagler Clerk of the Circuit Court’s

Office

Former Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito will be joining the team at the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

Petito, whose final day at the county was April 10, served as county administrator for five years. Flagler Clerk and Comptroller Tom Bexley announced she was joining his team late in the afternoon on the same day.

Bexley said in a statement that Petito’s “experience, integrity and steady approach will be a tremendous asset” to the Clerk’s Office. Petito will assist in maintaining accountability for county resources and help “engage and build relationships throughout the county and beyond.”

Petito announced she was leaving the county administrator on March 3, just weeks after her deputy administrator also resigned, after several Flagler County Commissioner voted for her firing in January. Growth and Management Di-

“A lot of domestic violence is not reported,” Staly said. “We have a zero tolerance policy. So if we can prove probable cause when a deputy’s on the scene who the primary aggressor is, that person is going to get arrested.”

rector Adam Mengel has been appointed the interim county administrator until a permanent replacement is found.

Volusia County opens registration for summer camps

Volusia County’s Parks, Recreation and Culture Division has opened registration for its summer day camp program, open for ages 5-12. Running from June 8 through July 24, the program spans 12 locations across the county, with hours of 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Staff-led activities will include indoor and outdoor games, arts and crafts and field trips. Online registration is open through June 1 at https://tinyurl. com/volusiasummercamp. The weekly fee is $90, plus a one-time $25 registration fee. Families who have received summer camp scholarships through Volusia County should email a copy of their voucher to recreationcamp@ volusia.gov before registering. Call Volusia County Parks, Recreation and Culture at 386-736-5953.

Sheriff Rick Staly. File photo

Cathy Moon’s candidate petition for Flagler County School Board District 1 has been certified. Courtesy photo

18th annual Turtle Fest promotes sea turtle protection in Flagler Beach

Turtle Fest blends entertainment with a message of environmental responsibility.

RICH CARROL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The 18th annual Turtle Fest brought crowds to Veterans Park in Flagler Beach on Saturday, April 11, for a day of family fun, all centered around a serious mission: protecting sea turtles.

The event, which serves as a fundraiser for Volusia Flagler turtle patrols, featured tortoise races, children’s activities, food, music and environmental exhibits designed to educate the public about conservation.

“We are here to celebrate everything turtles and to educate our community about the importance of keeping the beach clean and dark and flat,” said Stephanie York, a park services specialist at Gamble Rogers State Park. “And to educate them all about sea turtle nesting season here in Flagler Beach.” That message comes at a critical time. Sea turtle nesting season in Flagler and Volusia counties runs from May 1 through Oct. 31. As nests begin appearing

along local beaches, most will belong to loggerhead sea turtles, the most common species in Florida. The state is considered the epicenter for loggerhead nesting worldwide.

Longtime turtle patrol volunteer Lori Ottlein said education is key to protecting nests along the shoreline.

“We do the turtle patrols on the beach,” Ottlein said. “We find the nests, we mark them off, and then we protect them. And then when they hatch, we do the evaluation.”

Ottlein said community involvement also plays a role, with residents able to adopt nests and follow their progress throughout the season.

While the event is filled with entertainment, organizers say the goal remains focused on conservation and awareness.

“It’s really important that we educate about our sea turtles, so we can conserve them and help those populations continue to grow,” York said.

As nesting season gets underway, officials say simple steps like keeping beaches clean, avoiding lights at night and filling in holes can help ensure sea turtles have a safe place to nest.

For organizers and volunteers, Turtle Fest is more than just a community event. It is a reminder that protecting sea turtles starts with the public.

Volusia’s first sea turtle nest of 2026 is in Ormond Beach

Volusia County’s sea turtle nesting season is off to an early start, with the first nest of 2026 confirmed along the county’s shoreline — 20 days ahead of the official May 1 start of the season. The nest was laid the evening of Thursday, April 9, in Ormond Beach, by a leatherback sea turtle, marking the first confirmed nesting activity of the year. Leatherbacks only occasionally nest along Volusia County’s beaches. County staff and environmental partners have begun proactive patrols in advance of the official season. As the season approaches, nesting activity is expected to increase. Sea turtle nesting season

runs May 1 to Oct. 31, and residents and visitors are encouraged to take simple steps

Flagler County to close on 3,800 acres in largest environmental land buy

The 3,800 acres will become the Big Cypress Swamp Nature Preserve, on the west side of Flagler County.

JULIE MURPHY

FLAGLER COUNTY PIO

Flagler County has plans to close on the largest single Environmentally Sensitive Lands acquisition in the program’s history. The county has been work-

ing for more than a year to purchase 3,800 acres in central Flagler that will become the Big Cypress Swamp Nature Preserve and encompasses almost the entirety of the swamp. The swamp is a regionally significant wetland system that constitutes the headwaters of White Branch — a tributary that flows into Crescent Lake and the St. Johns River.

Flagler County was scheduled to close on the $6.05 million 3,800-acre purchase on April 9. The location is a critical part of long-term regional conservation efforts, securing an important link between thousands of acres of natural lands in the Ocala-to-Matan-

zas Conservation Corridor.

“The preserve contains upland and wetland habitats including mesic flatwoods, wet flatwoods, basin swamp, hydric hammock, and freshwater marsh — which provides foraging and nesting habitat for a variety of wildlife species including rare and imperiled species such as the wood stork, the eastern black rail, and the eastern indigo snake,” said Environmentally Sensitive Lands and Natural Resources Manager Erick Revuelta. “The site is also home to a large population of

the Florida black bear.” The acquisition is a partnership between Flagler County’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands Program and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Funding for the project was provided by the State of Florida as part of a “Florida Wildlife Corridor Initiative” championed by former House Speaker Paul Renner. The Big Cypress Swamp Nature Preserve will be managed by the county’s Land Management Department.

Stephanie York, park services specialist at Gamble Rogers State Park.

A competitor in the tortoise race. Photos by Rich Carroll

The 3,800 acres in central Flagler are slated to become the Big Cypress Swamp Nature Preserve. Courtesy photo

The nest was laid April 9, in Ormond Beach. Courtesy photo

Daytona Checkers

unveils remodel

Checkers at 898 N. Nova Road in Daytona Beach has completed a full remodel.

The fast food restaurant is celebrating 35 years in town.

Checkers is transitioning from its classic black-and-white look to a red color palette with a dimensional checkered façade. The Daytona Beach location also sports a racing-inspired finish line graphic at the drivethru windows.

Russ Romeo, senior director of Marketing Activation of Checkers Drive-In Restaurants.

said in a press release: “Daytona Beach is an important market for us, and this updated restaurant reflects everything our guests love from the energy of the new design to the affordable, craveable menu that makes it easy to enjoy more for less.”

New glaucoma specialist expands access in Volusia

Florida Eye Specialists has added Dr. Ronald P. Swendris to its Ormond Beach team.

Swendris is a board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologist, specializing in glaucoma care and anterior segment surgery, according to a press release. He has over 35 years of experience diagnosing and treating a wide range of eye conditions, with a clinical focus on glaucoma management, cataract surgery and advanced surgical techniques.

“Glaucoma often develops without noticeable symptoms until vision loss has already occurred,” Swendris said.

“That’s why early detection and ongoing monitoring are so important. I look forward to helping patients better understand their condition and providing treatment options

that preserve their vision and quality of life.”

He and his wife, Cate, a registered nurse, recently relocated to Ormond Beach. They have one son, Christopher.

Kistemaker selected to Gator100

Erum Kistemaker, managing attorney and shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group, was recently announced to the 2026 Gator100 list, an honor recognizing her law firm as one of the 100 fastest-growing businesses led by University of Florida alumni.

“This Gator100 recognition is incredibly meaningful to myself, my firm and my family — especially this year, as our son will be entering his freshman year at the University of Florida! I am so proud of this and am

so excited to share this with other wonderful Gator entrepreneurs,” Kistemaker said in a press release.

Kistemaker is an expert in condo, construction, HOA, real estate, business law and landlord and tenant law. She has had an influential and active role in new and changing legislation regarding Florida condo law and is consistently featured as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation authority on multifarious statewide panels discussing the latest regulatory changes and legislative updates.

Gili’s Kitchen closes in Ormond Beach, on Granada Gili’s Kitchen, a kosher restaurant on the beachside at 188 E. Granada Blvd., has now closed.

The restaurant announced its closure in a Facebook post on Sunday, April 12.

“After much thought, we have made the difficult decisions to permanently close our Ormond Beach location,” the post reads.

“We are incredibly grateful for your support, your loyalty.”

Gili’s Kitchen in Ormond Beach opened in July 2023. Its owner continues to operate a location in Jacksonville, at 126 W. Adams St., Unit 102.

Paradise Pointe residents donate treat bags to Humane Society

Paradise Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care residents recently came together to create “Puppy Love treat bags” in honor of National Puppy Day on March 23.

Residents decorated treat bags and filled them with rope chew toys, tennis balls, dental sticks and dog treats during a “Made with Meagan” activity, and on April 3, Paradise Pointe CEO Darlinda Copeland and Marketing Director Meagan Arrington delivered the donation to the Halifax Humane Society, according to a press release.

“This was truly a full-circle moment,” Arrington said. “Our residents were able to create something with love, knowing it would bring comfort and happiness to both the animals and the families adopting them.”

Their donation came just as HHS was hosting a 50% adoption fee event, and the treat bags were gifted to families as they took home their newly adopted pets.

“At Paradise Pointe, we believe our residents still have so much to give,” Copeland said. “Creating opportunities for connection, creativity, and contribution is essential to living a happy and meaningful life.”

Jobless rate is up in Florida

Florida’s unemployment rate ticked up in January to 4.5%, a jump of 0.2% from December, according to data released last week from the Department of Commerce.

The state added 23,800 private sector jobs over the month, but the trend for the last 12 months shows the state still down 9,000 positions.

While jobs in education and health services, along with manufacturing, increased in the past year, all other major industry sectors shed jobs. Financial activities lost 9,200 positions, construction lost 8,800 jobs, and leisure and hospitality lost 4,800 workers.

The monthly report comes a day after Gov. Ron DeSantis joined business leaders at the Pérez ArtMuseum in Miami to promote the Texas Stock Exchange. The event touted the region from Texas to Florida as an economic “Boom Belt,” attracting job creators and young workers. In brief remarks, DeSantis talked of the “very healthy competition” Florida has for business with states including Texas, Tennessee and Georgia.

The January figure represents 499,000 people qualified as out of work from a labor force of 11.12 million. The jobless mark is 1 percentage point higher than a year earlier. Even with the revisions, the U.S. Department of Labor noted

that Florida was the only state with any unemployment rate change in January. The national rate currently stands at 4.3%, reflecting mid-March conditions. A year earlier, the U.S. rate was at 4%.

Florida’s rate was at 3.7% in July and has now grown in five consecutive reports. There was no October report due to a federal government shutdown. The health care sector is adding the most jobs, gaining 38,000 over the last 12 months. Manufacturing, up by 4,300 over the month, had an increase of 800 positions over the past year. In the area of trade, transportation, and utilities, the number of jobs was down 6,200 for the year. But while retail lost 14,700 positions, wholesale trade jobs were up 2,700 for the year and transportation, warehousing, and utilities jobs were up 5,800. Also, under financial activities, all 9,200 positions lost in the past year were in finance and insurance. There was no change reported in jobs tied to real estate. Among the decline in leisure and hospitality jobs, 17,000 were tied to hotels and food service jobs. Jobs involving arts, entertainment and recreation were up 12,900 over the year. The state also reported that while local governments added 3,000 workers in the past year, state government jobs declined by 2,100 and positions with the federal government were down 12,500.

Checkers at 898 N. Nova Road in Daytona Beach. Courtesy photo

Sean Hawkins, Halifax Humane Society CEO; Meagan Arrington, director of marketing at Paradise Pointe; Goober, Chris McDuff, Open Paw volunteer manager at Halifax Humane Society; and Darlinda Copeland, CEO of Paradise Pointe, pose with 50 Puppy Love treat bags made by Paradise Pointe residents for local shelter dogs. Courtesy photos

Paradise Pointe resident Mary with her daughter Paradise Pointe resident Dennis and his daughter-in-law

Paradise Pointe resident Vera

Power of compliments

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

I recently told a family member that I believed in her abilities. I was surprised at how much the compliment was appreciated. And I realized that I should be more intentional about giving sincere praise.

Ezra Taft Benson once wrote: “Once you determine that a high priority in your life is to see that your wife and your children are happy, then you will do all in your power to do so. I am not just speaking of satisfying material desires, but of filling other vital needs such as appreciation, compliments, comforting, encouraging, listening, and giving love

and affection.”

SUPER VOLUNTEER: ED SIARKOWICZ

April 10, 2026

This morning I drove by the Holden House, which will be hosting Bunnell History Day tomorrow, and who did I see with a weed whacker, beautifying the grounds?

Ed Siarkowicz, president of the Flagler County Historical Society.

When you need something done, and you’re in a small organization, and you care about your cause, you just go and do it.

Thanks for making Flagler County a better place, Ed. You made me think: What are the little things that I can be doing to pitch in at home? At church? At my business?

HUMAN ERROR

April 11, 2026

My friend Tim Baker recently posted about baseball’s ABS system, which uses 3D renderings to confirm or

overturn ball-strike calls. That got me thinking: Does the system ruin some of baseball’s charm?

My take is this: I would rather get the calls right, even if it means umpires are eliminated completely.

LITTERBUG

April 12, 2026

The other day, I saw someone throw a paper cup out the window while he was driving down the road. Just thought I should tell someone.

The impulse to litter is hard for me to understand.

IN THE KEEPSAKES

BUSINESS

April 13, 2026

From an Ormond Beach Observer reader, when he was given some extra copies of the newspaper that featured a picture of his grandson:

“Thank you sooo much! Not many of today’s memories are being preserved with actual hard printed copies, and I wanted my grandson to have this as a memory of his young man days.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Judge ‘coddled’ woman posing as nurse at hospital

Dear Editor: I thought I had heard everything when I read about a 29-year-old woman who completed nursing school and got a job at the AdventHealth Hospital in Palm Coast without having passed her nursing exam. She used another woman’s nursing license, without her knowledge, to prove she had passed the exam to be a nurse. She had the same

first name as the other nurse, which was Autumn, but not the same last name. She told the hospital her last name on her license was different because she had gotten married.

Shockingly, AdventHealth Palm Coast never did ask for her marriage license to verify the last name on her nursing license and Autumn posed as a nurse there, overseeing approximately 4,486 patients over a seven-month period.

The charge Autumn could have faced for unlicensed practice of health care carries

a minimum mandatory sentence of one-year incarceration and a $1,000 fine.

Let’s see what actually happened to her: Autumn Bardisa was sentenced to 60 months of probation which can be terminated after 30 months. She can never work in the medical field again in “Florida.”

From what I read, the judge did her best to coddle her, complimenting her at times and chastising the woman whose license was stolen by this imposter. Autumn Bardisa’s attorney blamed

Johnson for Gambaro

Former Volusia Sheriff has endorsed Charles Gambaro for US House District 6.

Retired Volusia County Sheriff and County Councilman

Ben Johnson has announced his endorsement of Charles Gambaro, Republican candidate for Florida’s 6th Congressional District, in the upcoming Aug. 18 primary, according to a press release from the Gambaro campaign.

Gambaro, a U.S. Army Reserve brigadier general, is currently a Palm Coast city councilman. In Johnson’s endorsement, he praised Gambaro’s leadership, military service and commitment to law and order.

Johnson served Volusia County for over 46 years, including 43 years at the Sheriff’s Office and 16 years as sheriff. He served four years as a Volusia County councilman.

“General Gambaro has served his community and his country with honor for over

the jealous nurses in the hospital for checking up on her license when she was selected for a promotion.

Being a registered nurse myself, I doubt the other nurses chose to check her license because they were jealous she was getting a promotion. That makes no sense. And thank God, for whatever reason, they checked her license!

The victim whose license was stolen chose to talk to Autumn directly during the hearing saying, “Why would you put countless lives on the line” saying it was appalling and scary to her.

The judge asked her to stop

Charles Gambaro. Courtesy photo

26 years,” Johnson said in his endorsement. “He is one of us. He has lived in our community for decades, he understands the issues, and he has the track record and courage to drive positive change on issues that are important to our residents. General Gam

baro is a highly decorated combat veteran who has led our troops in battle and has the unyielding support of law enforcement and first responders.”

Gambaro expressed gratitude for the endorsement.

“I am deeply honored to receive the support of Sheriff Ben Johnson, a true legend in Florida law enforcement,” he said. “He is a true man of character and integrity.”

with the personal attacks, saying “There is absolutely zero evidence that countless lives were on the line. Zero evidence. As a matter of fact the information that has been presented is that she was excellent in her job and she excelled at her job.”

The words of this judge should shock us all to the core, complimenting Autumn Bardisa for actions that warranted her being a felon.

DARLA WIDNALL Ormond Beach

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Art on Beach Street

Fifth annual Daytona Beach Arts Festival featured music, art and books.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Reigning Sandcrabs

Ryan Burley and Irma Quijada are crowned Mr. and Miss Seabreeze.

SYDNEY TEVIN

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Students packed the house for the annual Mr. and Miss Seabreeze competition on Wednesday, April 8, cheering as juniors Ryan Burley and Irma Quijada were named this year’s winners on April 8.

This year’s competition featured 24 students competing to claim the title of Mr. and Miss Seabreeze 2026-2027, the most contestants in recent history.

The longstanding tradition has been led for years by director Jeanette Obers, with Christina Bridgeman serving as co-director. Bridgeman’s connection to the program runs deep. She first experienced it as a student at Seabreeze, when she competed in Mr. and Miss Seabreeze herself.

She later joined the school’s staff as a special education teacher, allowing her to remain involved in the competition she has long championed.

Burley, a musician who has been playing instruments since middle school, earned the title of Mr. Seabreeze with his performance of an original song, titled “One as One Hundred.” His performance was accompanied by videos of himself playing multiple instruments and singing backing vocals. Burley, who has played the drum set for 15 years, said he had dreamed of competing since his freshman year, inspired in part by Bridgeman.

The moment of winning was especially emotional for Burley, as his best friend, Chris Ward, a past winner of the competition, placed the crown and sash on him.

“I never would have really had so much drive and passion

attended, Gonter said, serving as a way for Novel Tea’s nonprofit The Creative Chapter to help highlight local writers.

For two days, artists and art appreciators alike took over Beach Street for the fifth annual Daytona Beach Arts Festival.

The festival showcased dozens of local and national artists — sculptors, painters, performers and more — over the April 11-12 weekend. Among the featured activities and displays was the Book End, a curated literary showcase that brought together local independent authors.

Hosted by Novel Tea Book Shop, the showcase featured booths with local and regional authors, live storytelling, open mic poetry. Novel Tea owner Stephanie Gonter said the Book End featured 17 authors, plus poets and songwriters. The showcase was very well

“It’s our desire, and I think our main goal, to not only encourage people to read, but also to support local and to support independent [authors],” she said.

Business partner Angel Lowden said art comes in many forms, including being a writer. The Festival was also a rare opportunity for authors and readers to connect.

“Often people who love to read don’t see authors as approachable,” Lowden said. “Then when they see them here in person, they realize authors are a real person.”

Novel Tea is also gearing up to support Independent Bookstore Day on April 25 with a week-long book crawl.

Gonter said they have partnered with seven book stores across Volusia County to encourage people check out

to do it if it wasn’t for Chris Ward,” Burley said. “He’s been very instrumental in helping me be who I am during high school, and really finding my groove with myself as well as everybody else.”

Burley said he looks forward to his new responsibilities as Mr. Seabreeze, which include speaking at senior awards and the possibility of visiting local schools to promote Seabreeze High School.

Quijada earned the title of Miss Seabreeze through a poetry performance. She started writing poetry in the eighth grade and has continued to develop the art ever since.

Her poem carried a message about how she felt that growing up is a crazy concept. Quijada said that she perceived growing up in many different ways and wanted to convey that it’s okay to grow up and people should enjoy it instead of being scared — it’s inevitable, she said.

She also spoke highly of Burley.

“There couldn’t have been a better person to win with,” Quijada said. “Ryan Burley is just such a lively, sweet, kind, talented person, and I think he is a good representation of our school.”

Quijada said she hopes to use her title to inspire her fellow students, focusing on bringing confidence, compassion and kindness to the Seabreeze community.

In addition to the top titles, the Mr. and Miss Congeniality awards, voted on by fellow contestants to recognize the most kind, outstanding, helpful and inspiring participants, went to Dei Collins and Shayden Helsten.

their local independent book stores.

Artists of all forms were featured across Beach Street.

Painter Peter Lagi has been a professional artist for over 10 years, experimenting with watercolor painting for more than three years.

An Ormond Beach resident, Lagi primarily paints water and beach landscapes. The best part about being an artist, he said, is getting to see people’s reaction to his work.

The festival gave Lagi an opportunity to speak to the locals and meet other artists.

“It’s nice to meet other artists and see how they have their setup and do their artwork,” Lagi said.

Daytona Beach artist Robert Gott said he’s been selling his paintings for a few years. He spends his free time painting whatever comes to his mind.

“I love cartooning, and so I try to incorporate a little bit of that and everything I do, and

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Miss Seabreeze Winner: Irma Quijada

First runner-up: Dei Collins

Second runner-up: Megan Parsons

Third runner-up: Aiyanna White

Fourth runner-up: Sydney Williams

Mr. Seabreeze Winner: Ryan Burley

First runner-up: Wyatt Moore

Second runner-up: Parker Story

Third runner-up: Jacob Jennings

Fourth runner-up: Gavin Terry

just trying to make it colorful and fun,” he said. “You know, entertaining to look at. Candy for the brain, basically.”

Daytona Beach residents Diana and Randy Eder found the Festival on April 12 on accident, having traversed out for a cup of coffee, but stayed to check out the Festival.

Randy Eder said they love the chance to support local artists. They collect art, he said, and are drawn to unique and custom pieces.

An art festival like this wasn’t something that was around a few years ago, Diana

Eder said.

“The fact that we have this culture available to us so readily is pretty awesome,” she said.

For Gott, the Arts Festival has been a great opportunity for people to come out and support their local artists. Volusia and Flagler Counties have a great art scene for artists to show off their artwork.

“I think there’s a lot of different opportunities here for artists to really get out there and and show their stuff,” Gott said. “There’s a little bit for everybody.”

Parker Story performed a monologue, “I Hate Hamlet.”

Shayden Helsten sings “You Make Me Feel So Young.”

Irma Quijada with last year’s Miss Seabreeze, Caley Linzmayer. Photos by Sydney Tevin

Ryan Burley with last year’s Mr. Seabreeze, Chris Ward.

Betsy Reece performs a colorguard routine to “I’m Still Standing.”

Wyatt Moore sings his orginial song “Yahweh.”

Daytona Beach Artist Robert Gott prefers acrylics as a medium. Photos by Sierra Williams

Author Ted Sheppe reads his book, “The Seahorse Mayor,” at the BookEnd

Megan Parsons sings “What About Us.”

Aiyanna White sings “A Thousand Years.” Sydney Williams sings “Think of me.”

Jacob Jennings sings “Your Man.”

Gavin Terry sings “Grow As We Go.”

Dei Collins plays piano and sings “Dreams.”

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 16

LECTURE: SINKING OF THE

USS THRASHER SSN 593

When: 1-2 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway

NW, Palm Coast

Details: Program on the loss of the USS Thresher (SSN593), the U.S. Navy’s first nuclear submarine lost at sea. Contact phbf81@gmail.com.

FILM SCREENING:

‘GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY’

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 this 2014 Marvel action-adventure space opera. Search for this event on eventbrite.com to reserve a spot.

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB

MEETING

When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive

Details: Join the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club for its April meeting. The guest speaker will be Eric Yonce, a candidate for Florida House District 6. Like-minded guests are welcome. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

DSC MUSIC PRESENTS

A SYMPHONIC BAND CONCERT

When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Daytona State College News-Journal Center, 221 N. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: Attend this Symphonic Band Concert. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12 and Volusia and Flagler County students. Free for DSC students, faculty and staff with a college ID.

FLAGLER PALM COAST HIGH SCHOOL CHORUS CONCERT

When: 7-9 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Palm Coast

Details: Support the FPC Formality Singers. Tickets: $10/$5. Visit flaglerentertainment.com.

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 EARTH DAY TREE

GIVEAWAY

When: 8-11 a.m.

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

Details: The Ormond Scenic Loop & Trail will give away native trees sponsored by Volusia County. The City of Ormond Beach will also be distributing native trees.

FIFTH ANNUAL TUNNEL TO TOWERS 5K RUN/WALK

When: 8-10:30 a.m.

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

Details: The city of Palm Coast is hosting the fifthh annual Tunnel to Towers 5K Run/Walk. The previous two events raised nearly $100,000, with all proceeds going to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Visit https:// runsignup.com/Race/FL/ PalmCoast/TunneltoTower s5KRunWalkPalmCoastFL.

OCEAN TO ESTUARY GUIDED NATURE WALK & CITIZEN SCIENCE

When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: River to Sea Preserve, 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd, Marineland

Details: Free guided walk with a Master Naturalist from ocean to estuary, plus a hands-on citizen science activity. Register at http:// gtmness.org/calendars.

SEASIDE HERB SOCIETY

When: 9:30 a.m.

Where: Bailey’s Riverbridge Meeting House, 1 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach

Details: Join the Seaside

Herb Society for a presentation titled, “Medicinal Herbs” by Momma G Farms in Eustis. First meeting attendance is free. Visitors welcome. Visit www.seasideherbsociety.com.

SPEAKER SERIES: TALKIN’ TURPENTINE

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center

Details: Presented by Peter Johnson, president of the Palm Coast Historical Society. Free. Preregistration encouraged. Visit parksandrec.fun.

15TH ANNUAL ORMOND BEACH CELTIC FESTIVAL

When: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 19

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond

Beach

Details: Celebrate Celtic heritage with five music stages, highland games, and a gathering of clans. There will also be bagpipers, draft beer, a jam tent, a dog parade and free parking. Presented by Ormond MainStreet. Tickets cost $12 in advance for adults; $15 at the gate. Children 12 and under, free. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet. com.

FOURTH ANNUAL AUTISM AWARENESS FESTIVAL

When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: European Village, 101 Palm Harbor Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Presented by Vincent’s Clubhouse. Enjoy bounce houses, vendors, performances and more.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

GIANT PLANT SALE

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

Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast Details: Browse a selection of indoor and outdoor plants. There will also be books, jewelry and art. All are welcome.

Good Soil Scholarship Fund is founded in Ormond

The husband and wife duo of Mitch and Sarah Adams recently founded Good Soil, a Christian nonprofit based out of Ormond Beach, created to assist families afford a wide array of educational needs through the use of scholarships for students in grades K-12.

“It’s one of those moments that we felt like God is calling us to step in to the need in our community, and I think that we’re both equipped for it, and hopefully God can do big things in not just Ormond, but also in Volusia County,” said Mitch Adams Sarah is an Ormond Beach native, and her husband, Mitch, moved to the Ormond area his junior year of high school, which has now been about 20 years. The Adamses are now working on marketing of their scholarship fund for the 2026-2027 school year.

Good Soil’s mission is, “We exist to help families access Christ-centered education by providing financial support for private school and co-op tuition, homeschool curriculum, and other essential educational needs in a variety of learning environments – including tutoring and supplemental support for students across different educational settings.”

Sarah and Mitch have five elementary aged children together, and have heavily relied on the Step Up scholarships for the past two years. Step Up is funded by the state of Florida, and works to provide scholarships to grades Pre-K-12. Having gained more popularity in recent years, and its influx of received student applications, Step Up was unable to provide scholarships to every child, and ultimately, sparked the conception of Good Soil from the Adams family.

“Our goal is to help fill the gap for families who were not approved due to capacity limits,” Adams said.

The Adams’ youngest daughter is 7 years old, and she recently asked her parents if Good Soil will still be around when she is an adult, so she can then run the organization.

As of now, Good Soil is being run out of the Adams couple’s home in Ormond Beach.

“Good Soil comes from the biblical idea that when something is planted in good soil, it has the ability to grow and to flourish,” said Sarah Adams.

Applications for scholar-

ships are expected to open this summer.

If a child is approved, the funds will be distributed to either an approved school, or educational provider.

To donate, visit www.goodsoilfund.org/support.

For families interested in assistance from Good Soil for their students, visit www. goodsoilfund.org/interest.

Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast hosts Blessing of Pets

On Sunday, April 12, Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast hosted a Blessing of the Pets ceremony, following the second to last event in the church’s Community Lecture Series.

A total of 37 dogs and one bunny were blessed during the ceremony.

At the beginning of the pet blessing ceremony, Rev. Joe Albright and retired Rev. John Huff welcomed all guests and spoke about animals’ unconditional love.

Brought to you by:

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

Trudy Manen — a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Palm Coast and vice president of a nonprofit that trains service dogs for disabled veterans, Pop Smoke K9 for Veterans — said, “Whether it be a service dog, an emotional support dog, or just a plain pet, they care for us as much as we care for them.” Manen said to the Observer that the ceremony was the vision of Kellie Jebbia.

“God created these animals and furry friends and feathered friends and scaly friends. He expects us to take care of them,” Manen said. The next event in its Community Lecture Series is scheduled for Sunday, May, 3. Titled “Pets, People, Practice,” it will feature guest speaker Dr. Mary Ann Vande Linde. Visit trinitypalmcoast.org.

Women of God in Unity Working Together conference

Women of faith are invited to the second-annual Women of God in Unity Working Together conference on Saturday, June 20 from 12-5 p.m. at Deltona High School, located at 100 Wolf Pack Run in Deltona. The conference will be held by Christians Merging Together Ministry, which is based out of Daytona Beach. The event flyer states: “Women who are not afraid, because they know God will calm down the storm no matter what the situation is.”

Each pet and its owner came up to the front, where their pet was then blessed by name. A prayer card and charm were distributed after each blessing to the pet’s owners. In addition, a memorial basket was placed on a separate table with the names of pets who have doed. Albright also blessed the memorial basket before the ceremony concluded.

Speakers include Pastor Tiffany Ware, Minister Pauletta Singleton, Rev. Latiska Powell and Dr. Pam Powell. Tickets are $20. Visit WomenOfGodIUWT.com. — ABBIE PACE

The Adams Family. Courtesy photo Carol and Dave Corson with Stella. Courtesy photos Carrie.

Doug and Chris Baron with Annie and Emma.

YOUR SCHOOLS

Wadsworth Elementary’s

Margaret Reiter wins at science fair

When the isotopes settled, at the annual Flagler Schools Fifth Grade Science Fair and Expo on Thursday, April 9, at Buddy Taylor Middle School, there would be a Panther atop the medal stand.

Margaret Reiter of Wadsworth Elementary School took first place in the districtwide competition, while two Old Kings Elementary School students took second and third place. Leon Krawczyk earned the second-place trophy and Levi Borg took third place.

Forty-eight fifth graders entered science projects in the competition. The Flagler County Education Foundation sponsored the event.

Five Flagler seventh graders to attend AAUW Tech Trek camp

The American Association of University Women Flagler County Branch has announced that five Flagler County seventh graders have been selected to attend the AAUW Tech Trek

camp in June.

Karolina Grinde and Isabella Weasley, both students at Buddy Taylor Middle School, will attend the week-long Tech Trek camp at Florida Atlantic University’s campus in Jupiter.

Michelle Ervin a student at Indian Trails Middle School and Kendall Miller and Leila Worley, both students at Buddy Taylor, will attend the camp at Stetson University in DeLand.

All of the campers will live on campus and attend hands-on problem solving workshops led by women role models in the STEM fields — science, technology, engineering and math.

AAUW’s curriculum is designed to make STEM fields exciting and accessible to middle school students at a time when research indicates that girls’ participation in these fields statistically drops. The weeklong camp often sparks their curiosity and helps place them on a path toward success.

Sixty-three Flagler County middle school girls have been selected to attend AAUW Florida Tech Trek since the program’s inception in 2013. The $1,500 cost per camper is covered by the AAUW Flagler County Branch. A $50 registration fee is the only cost to the family.

Donations to help support future Tech Trek scholarships are greatly appreciated. Checks can be mailed to: AAUW Flagler (Tech Trek) P.O. Box 354873, Palm Coast, FL 32135-4873.

Online donations may be made through a secure payment portal at: https://flaglercountyfl.aauw.net.

Bethune-Cookman

marks president’s inauguration with

Day of Service

More than 1,000 BethuneCookman University students, faculty, staff and alumni took part in a Day of Service initiative on Monday, April 13, in honor of the inauguration of Bethune-Cookman University’s new president, Albert Mosley. The volunteers lent support to dozens of local nonprofits across Volusia County, including Food Brings Hope and the Emory L. Bennett Veterans’ Nursing Home, according to the university. B-CU volunteers also helped pack food bags and restock the food pantry at Campbell Middle School in Daytona Beach for the Children’s Home Society.

Mosley visited these sites, helped clean the area around Rose Avenue in Daytona and also spoke to students at Mainland High School, according to BC-U.

According to a press release, the Inauguration Day of Service “complements the university’s ‘B-CU Rising: All of Us, All In’ campaign — an initiative focused on raising $1 million for student scholarships — by reinforcing Bethune-Cookman’s

belief that service and access to education remain inseparable.”

Volunteers gathered at Daisy Stockton park before and after the service day, which concluded with a cookout.

Following the Day of Service,

B-CU held its Inauguration Scholarship Gala, where its $1 million scholarship fundraising goal was exceeded. Mosley was officially inaugurated as the eighth president of B-CU during a ceremony on Tuesday, April 14.

Volunteers supported Food Brings Hope during the Day of Service. Photo courtesy of BethuneCookman University

Flagler County seventh graders who have been selected to attend the AAUW Tech Trek camp in June: Leila Worley, Isabella Weasley, Michelle Ervin, Karolina Grinde and Kendall Miller. Courtesy photo

Flagler Schools’ Fifth Grade Science Fair winners: First place — Margaret Reiter, Wadsworth Elementary School; Second place — Leon Krawczyk, Old Kings Elementary School; Third place — Levi Borg, Old Kings Elementary School. Courtesy photo/Flagler Schools.

CORPORATE OFFICE - 386-677-SOLD (7653)

900 West Granada Blvd., Ste. 3, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

BEACHSIDE OFFICE - 386-441-SOLD (7653)

2110 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ste. B, Ormond Beach, FL 32176

PORT ORANGE OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653)

301 Dunlawton Ave., Port Orange, FL 32127

COMMERCIAL OFFICE - 386-253-8565

140 S. Atlantic Ave., Suite 202, Ormond Beach, FL 32176

DAYTONA BEACH SHORES OFFICE - 386-766-SOLD (7653)

3118 S. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach Shores, FL 32118

Custom estate 4BR/4.5BA Ormond Beach home with Tomoka River views on 0.5+ acre cul-de-sac lot. 4,208 SF with office, 690 SF bonus room and 3 car garage. Chef’s kitchen, fireplaces and Brazilian cherry floors. Saltwater pool and 2 story screened lanai. Metal roof, impact windows and solar. #1220905 $1,125,000. Patti McKinley 386-235-0462.

HILLCREST

Brand new 4BR/2.5BA home on quiet no thru street. Open floor plan with covered back porch and large downstairs flex or 4th BR. Upstairs laundry and primary suite with dual vanities. Close to colleges, shopping and outlets. Less than 10 minutes to the beach and easy access to Orlando or Jacksonville. #1221162 $325,000. Tom Caffrey 386-290-9233.

Like-new 4BR/3.5BA contemporary home built in 2024. Heated saltwater pool, covered lanai, outdoor shower, 2 car garage, and fenced yard. Two living areas with modern kitchens, quartz counters, KitchenAid appliances, balconies, impact windows, dual HVAC, and smart home features. Minutes to beach and Intracoastal. #1222705 $948,000. Amy Beals 386-852-1400.

REAL ESTATE

Home on the Halifax River sells for over $1M

Ahouse on the Halifax River at 22 Emerald Circle was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of March 21-27. The house sold on March 23, for $1,030,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a greenhouse and 2,388 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $282,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 1415 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit L1, sold on March 23, for $390,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,300 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $210,000.

The condo at 55 Vining Court, Unit 104, sold on March 26, for $134,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/1 and has 992 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $60,000.

The condo at 2820 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 8, sold on March 27, for $230,000. Built in 1972, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,216 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $119,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Breakaway Trails

The house at 10 Carriage Creek Way sold on March 26, for $365,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,896 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $164,500.

Brookwood

The house at 3 Brookwood Drive sold on March 24, for $285,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,802 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $130,000.

Daytona Shores

The house at 92 Alanwood Drive sold on March 27, for $382,000. Built in 1974, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,683 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $240,000.

Fountain View

The house at 1391 Morning Walk Drive sold on March 27, for $409,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has

2,336 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3509 Tory Circle sold on March 27, for $590,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,459 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $351,900.

Not in subdivision

The house at 261 Tracy St. sold on March 26, for $110,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,244 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $40,000.

Ormond Shores

The house at 67 Ormond Shores Drive sold on March 27, for $260,000. Built in 1926, the house is a 2/1 and

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Mosaic at 449 Mosaic Blvd. was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of March 21-27. The house sold on March 27, for $1,054,811. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,871 square feet. Listed by Ali Kargar, of ICI Select Realty.

Latitude Margaritaville

The townhome at 285 Island Breeze Ave. sold on March 25, for $450,000. Built in 2019, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,848 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $320,700.

The house at 246 Hang Loose Way sold on March 25, for $582,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,848 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $541,900.

has 1,864 square feet.

Seabridge South The house at 36 Sand Dollar Drive sold on March 27, for $443,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,867 square feet. It last sold in 1988 for $108,900.

The house at 170 Gypsy Palace sold on March 26, for $396,500. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $378,100. The house at 110 Salt Shaker St. sold on March 23, for $420,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $312,800.

Grande Champion The townhome at 141 Aston Grande Drive sold on March 27, for $244,000. Built in 2014, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,508 square feet. It last sold in January 2026 for $200,000.

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

ORMOND BEACH

The house at 449 Mosaic Blvd. Photo courtesy of ICI Homes

Halifax Repertory Theatre presents ‘I HRT Broadway’ at Ormond PAC

Halifax Repertory Threatre is hosting a new musical revue show.

“I HRT Broadway” will grace the stage at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center for two weekends, opening with a 7 p.m. show on Friday, April 24. The production features a cast of 22 performers — professional artists and rising young talent — celebrating hit songs, stories and the spirit of Broadway, according to a press release.

The show will also feature two guest artists, appearing through special arrangement with Actors’ Equity Association.

Ormond Beach native Chelsea Turbin returns to her hometown stage after a successful professional career spanning international touring and regional theatre. A graduate of The Boston Conservatory, Turbin toured in the international Broadway production of Green Day’s “American Idiot” and has ap-

peared in productions including “Hairspray,” “Gypsy,” and the off-Broadway production of “Little Shop of Horrors.”

The second guest artist is Jennifer McGill, recent recipient of the 2026 Arts Voco Artist of Distinction award which recognized her outstanding contributions to the local performing arts scene. McGill first gained national recognition as a Mouseketeer on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club and has performed internationally with renowned artists including Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Britney Spears, and Celine Dion. She currently serves as Director of Arts Education for HRT.

Also appearing in the show are: Jack Cook, Sandy Cook, Brett Ricci, Jill Kachanouskaya, Adam Campbell, Nathan Juliano, James Garcia, Mackenzie Urquhart, Adrian Piottrowicz, Emily Odom, Chase Cook, Amedea DeGraide, Sophia Hodges, Emily Robinson, Maya Rice, Emma Duncan, Lorelei Cook, Sarah Duncan, Jack Hayes and Ransom DeGraide.

In addition to opening night, “I HRT Broadway” will be performed at the PAC at 7 p.m. April 25, May 1 and May 2; and 2 p.m. April 26 and May 3. Tickets cost $35.

Visit ormondbeachperform ingartscenter.csstix.com.

Cultural Awareness Fund launches STEM learning program

Ormond Beach nonprofit Cultural Awareness Fund Inc. recently launched a new STEM learning program designed to bring hands-on education to elementary school students, particularly those in low-income and underserved communities.

The Chef Koochooloo program blends cooking, cultural exploration and science, technology, engineering and math concepts.

“Chef Koochooloo is about opportunity,” said William J. Sanchez, executive director. “We are focused on reaching students who may not otherwise have access to innovative STEM programs and giving them an experience that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and opens doors.” Cultural Awareness Fund is offering scholarships to: „ Elementary schools „ After school programs „ Community-based organizations „ Nonprofit educational initiatives

Email Sanchez at william@

Steven Simmons leads the cast in singing “Lullaby of Broadway.” File photo by Suzanne McCarthy

Bulldogs sweep

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The goal for the Flagler Palm Coast girls track and field team at the Five Star Conference meet was to put up enough points to wrench the trophy from Spruce Creek’s tight grasp. Fast times and stratospheric leaps were not a priority. Those could wait for next week’s district meet.

The plan worked. The Bulldogs won their first Five Star Conference girls championship in 11 years on April 10, at FPC. They ended the Hawks’ streak of eight straight titles.

FPC also won the boys championship for a Bulldogs sweep. But the boys title was not unexpected. It was the Bulldogs’ 10th Five Star title in the past 12 meets. And they won in dominating fashion, defeating second-place Seabreeze, 201 points to 96. New Smyrna Beach was third with 89 points. Mainland and Spruce Creek tied for fourth place with 81 points.

“The boys, we figured we were going to do well, and we did even better,” FPC coach David Halliday said.

The FPC girls, however, had to battle to the end. They secured the title in the next-to-last event, the 3,200-meter race, where the Bulldogs’ Arianna Slaughter and Anna Grigoruk finished first and second, respectively. FPC edged second-place Creek 187 to 176. Mainland was third with 105 points. Seabreeze was eighth.

After the final points were tabulated, FPC girls coach Alycia Williams and the team danced and cheered with their new trophy.

“It’s great,” said Halliday, who oversees FPC’s track and cross country programs.

“Coach Williams and the girls deserve all the accolades. Spruce Creek has been really strong, and they’re still really strong this year. But, our girls ... I mean, Karina Marcelus is an amazing athlete, Ariana Slaughter is an amazing athlete and Anna Grigoruk — we asked them to do a lot today, and I felt a little guilty about it. But once we ran the numbers, and we thought we could beat Spruce Creek, you want to win that local grudge match. That’s what the girls pulled off today.”

Marcelus won the long jump, triple jump and 100 hurdles and finished third in the 100-meter dash, setting two personal records (in long jump and 100 meters).

Slaughter won the 3,200and the 1,600-meter distance races and finished second in the 800. She was also on the 4x800 winning relay team with Everly Mucciolo, Audrey Bowman and Grigoruk.

Grigoruk also placed fourth in both the 1,600 and 800 in addition to her runner-up finish in the 3,200.

“Getting a first and second in the 3,200 definitely helped to get those points back up to where they needed to be,” Grigoruk said. “The plan was to kind of sit on Spruce Creek’s back and then kick at the end. We were just going for place, not time, because at the end of the day, the place is what’s going to get us the points.”

Spruce Creek’s Cameryn and Channing Irby finished third and fourth.

Slaughter said the heavy workload was not easy, and

their times were slower as a result, but the strategy paid off.

“This was definitely a team effort,” she said. “We knew that if we wanted to win Five Star, we were going to have to struggle. And we were going to have to place high in all of our events. So that is what we did. We have such a small team, so we kind of got all loaded up with events, but no one backed down. At district, regionals and states, we’ll be back with some good times.

Don’t worry.”

TWO TITLES FOR JACOBELLI, FIGUEROA

FPC’s Logan Jacobelli had a big meet for the FPC boys, winning both the 200- and 400-meter races and setting PRs in both. His time of 21.23 seconds in the 200 is the fourth-fastest time among Class 4A athletes this season and is just off the school record of 21.01.

Jacobelli led a parade of four FPC runners to the finish in the 400 with Mikey Najpaver placing second, Justin Goings third and Gaige Herndon fourth.

Mainland’s Ethan Figueroa won the high jump and triple jump and placed second in the long jump. He set a PR in the triple jump with a 42 foot, 7-inch leap. FPC’s Zac Murphy was second in triple jump and fourth in long jump.

Seabreeze’s Aidan O’Brien won the 100-meter dash with a PR time of 10.70 seconds.

O’Brien also placed second to Jacobelli in the 200.

FPC’s Najir Eddins won the boys 400 hurdles and finished second in the 110 hurdles behind Seabreeze’s Drayton Brackett, who broke his own school record with a time of 15.16 seconds.

Brackett also placed fourth in the 400 hurdles. Seabreeze’s

Dominic Dowell finished second in 400 hurdles and fourth in the 110. FPC’s Tonly Coates was third in the 400 hurdles.

FPC freshman Douglas Seth won the 1,600-meter race with a PR time of 4:29.13, winning by 5.6 seconds. But it was not the time he was shooting for.

“We were going for a 4:20,” he said. “And we were on pace to lap 3. We tried to stick to the plan and couldn’t give up on the third lap, and then the fourth lap, we just paid for it. I won Five Star in cross country, so I got to win Five Star for the second time.”

Seth also ran a PR in the 800, finishing fourth. FPC sophomore Mateo Almeida placed second in the 3,200 and third in the 16,000.

New Smyrna’s Brison Sullivan and FPC’s La’Darius Simmons, the top two javelin throwers in the state, placed first and second, respectively, at Five Star. FPC’s Earnest Fingers won boys pole vault. Rhett Opalewski of FPC won the boys 800 with a PR time of 2:00.09.

Mainland’s Michael London won discus and was second in shot put. The Bucs’ Dominic

Torres, Liam Ciferri, Terris Gaines and Maddox Howe placed first in the 4x800. Mainland’s Javon Estes, Javaris Estes, Shawn Holmes and Elijah Canidate finished second in the 4x100. And the Bucs were leading the 4x400 before dropping the baton.

BUCS’ LETT SPRINTS TO A FIRST AND SECOND

Among girls, Mainland’s Gabrielle Lett won the 200 with a time of 25.80 seconds and placed second in the 100.

The Bucs’ Sydney Noelien won discus, Makayla Doe placed second in long jump and third in triple jump and Aquila Rivers placed third in the 400.

The Bucs also won two relay. events — the 4x400 (Rivers, Jalissa Rodney, Lett and Yasmin Polk) and the 4x100 (Tyler Darius, Arriana Kroytor, Rodney and Lett).

The Bulldogs’ Danteria Rankin and Laniyah Walker were second and third in shot put. Walker also placed third in discus and Grace Taylor was third in javein. Seabreeze’s Tabitha Hick placed third in both girls hurdles events.

Schwartz qualifies for gym nationals

BRENT WORONOFF

EDITOR

ASSOCIATE

Anna Schwartz of Palm Coast Gymnastics has become the first gymnast in the local gym’s 20-year history to become a Level 10 national team qualifier.

Schwartz will compete with the Region 8 team at the USA Gymnastics Level 10 Development Program National Championships on May 6-10 in Oklahoma City. Level 10 is the highest level in USA Gymnastics’ Development program.

Schwartz, 17, an Ormond Beach resident and junior at Seabreeze High School, finished among the top eight at the Region 8 championships in Bradenton on April 10-12 to advance to nationals as a member of the region’s national team.

Eight regional teams will compete at nationals. Region 8 covers the Southeast.

“It’s pretty much every Level 10’s dream to be on the national team, so it’s very exciting for her,” said Kelly Flagler, Palm Coast Gymnastics owner and head coach.

“To get to this level, it’s not for the weak. Getting there, staying there and doing well on top of it is a pretty amazing feat. We’re going to celebrate this.” At the beginning of preseason, Schwartz hurt her calf and wasn’t sure if she would be fully healthy for the rigors of the competition season.

“I didn’t know what I could do fully until December, and the season began in January, so it was definitely about trusting the process this season,” she said. “I got better each meet, and everything came together at regionals. I made all my routines and felt more comfortable than I have at a meet all season.”

Schwartz advanced through six meets to reach nationals. She said she concentrated on her vault routine leading up to the season.

“I worked really hard on vault and this year I added a twist,” she said. “And that’s become one of my favorite events.”

Schwartz started gymnastics right after her fifth birthday, she said.

“I did both gym and dance for a while until my mom said I had to pick one, and I immediatley picked gymnatics,” Schwartz said. “I just loved it from the time I started.”

FPC girls track coach Alycia Williams (center) celebrates with her team after winning the Five Star Conference girls championship. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Anna Grigoruk and Arianna Slaughter each earned points for FPC in four distance events.

Seabreeze’s Kai Shirley (left) and FPC’s Evan Johnson run in the 1,600 meters. Johnson placed sixth, edging Shirley by less than a second.

Seabreeze’s Kjon Willis and Mainland Kristian Willams run in the 400-meter race.

FPC girls upend Spruce Creek; boys cruise at Five Star Conference track championships.

Anna Schwartz with Palm Coast Gymnastics owner/coach Kelly Flagler. Courtesy photo

Pirates double up with district wins

The Matanzas boys defeated Flagler Palm Coast 10-5, while the girls won their first district tournament game in 10 years.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Matanzas boys and girls

lacrosse teams both won their first-round district tournament games on Friday, April

10, to advance to the District 4-2A semifinals.

The Pirates played a doubleheader at home. In the first game, the Matanzas boys defeated Flagler Palm Coast 10-5. In the nightcap, the Matanzas girls defeated Sanford Seminole 13-7.

The Matanzas boys last won a district tournament game two years ago, also against FPC, 8-7. They lost to Gainesville Buchholz on April 14 in the semifinals.

The Matanzas girls won their first district tournament game in 10 years. They lost to

Lake Mary (15-3) on Monday, April 13 in a semifinal. The Rams are ranked fifth in the state overall and second in Class 2A.

Junior Addison Alred scored seven goals against Seminole.

Senior Mia Apfelbach had three goals and two assists.

Sophomore Trinity Johnston had two goals and seven ground balls, and senior Taylor Openshaw scored a goal, recovered seven ground balls and caused five turnovers.

Goalie Taylor Basiger had five saves.

The Pirates improved to 7-5, clinching a winning season for the first time since 2016.

“We played [Seminole] in the preseason, when we won 14-6,” Alred said. “We knew they were going to be better, but we also got better. Their defense improved, but we

were able to power through. In the preseason we didn’t know where we stood. We improved our stick skills and our pass-

ing, and we’re utilizing every single player.”

Vinny Ferrugiaro scored seven goals for the Matanzas boys team, while Michael Lamonica, Rylee Roberts and CJ Schouten each scored one goal for the Pirates’ second victory this season against the Bulldogs.

Matanzas improved to 4-10 with the quarterfinal win, while FPC ended its season at 2-12. The Bulldogs collected their two victories in the their final two regular-season games on April 1-2.

Senior Ryan Zapata scored three goals for the Bulldogs, while freshman Garrett Winkler scored twice.

Senior goalie Aiden Comendatore ended his high school career with over 700 saves in this three seasons with FPC. He will play lacrosse next sea-

“We played [Seminole] in the preseason, when we won 14-6. We knew they were going to be better, but we also got better."

son with Savannah College of Art and Design. Matanzas attacker Ferrugiaro has committed to play for Oglethorpe University.

FPC closed to within 6-3 in the third quarter before the Pirates outscored the visitors 4-2 the rest of the way. The FPC girls also saw their season end on April 10 with a 14-4 district quarterfinal loss to Lake Brantley on the road on April 10. Brianna Long scored three goals for the Bulldogs (4-11), while Sofia Fretterd scored one goal. The two juniors each scored 32 goals this season.

Matanzas’ Trey O’Janovac (99) scoops up a ground ball in front of Garrett Winkler. Photos by Keishia McLendon

Zane Dailey (left) and CJ Schouten battle for possession.

Matanzas goalie Liam O’Connor nabs a high shot.

FPC goalie Aiden Commendatore makes a save.

BRANDIE ALRED, Matanzas girls lacrosse coach

Bulldogs qualify 21 weightlifters for boys regional championships

Seabreeze qualifies 12, Mainland eight and Matanzas five for regionals.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast did not have the depth to win the Five Star Conference or district boys weightlifting championships. The Bulldogs did not have the depth to win conference, district or region in 2022 either. But they went on to win the 3A state championship.

Spruce Creek handily won the District 4-3A championship in both competitions on April 8 at FPC. The Hawks defeated the second-place Bulldogs 91-66 in the Olympic competition and 97-54 in the traditional competition. But winning team titles was not the goal for the Bulldogs at the district meet.

“I told the guys before the meet started, it’s not about winning this meet today,” FPC coach Duane Hagstrom said. “It’s about advancement. I’m just trying to get them the best opportunity to advance to

regionals, and then just keep qualifying as many as we can.”

When the regional qualifiers were announced on April 13, the Bulldogs had 21 lifters moving on. They will be joined at the Region 2-3A meet at FPC on April 25 by eight Mainland lifters and five Matanzas lifters. Seabreeze qualified 12 lifters for the Region 4-2A meet on April 24 at Leesburg High School.

Four FPC lifters won district titles. Cody Strawser (129 pounds) and Landon Gates (183 pounds) won titles in both competitions. Matt McFall (unlimited) and Jackson Fedun (169 pounds) won the Olympic competition.

“We performed well,” Hagstrom said. “We just just don’t have the depth to keep up with Spruce Creek in a meet like this. I feel like it was one of our better meets as far as consistency and not missing lifts.”

The Bulldogs had the best percentage of successful attempts at the meet with 84.3% successful lifts in Olympic and 85.4% successful lifts in traditional.

McFall matched his school record clean and jerk with a 360-pound lift and benched

pressed a personal-record 370 pounds. He won the Olympic competition by 100 pounds (640 to 540) over Spruce Creek’s Jeremiah Hall. But Hall bench pressed 415 pounds on his final lift to tie McFall with a 730-pound traditional total. Hall won the traditional title because of his lower body weight.

“He weighs 30 pounds less than me,” the 306-pound McFall said, noting that he is not likely to win any ties.

McFall placed fourth at state in the Olympic competition last year with a 535 total.

Gates achieved personal records in the clean and jerk (285 pounds) and bench press (250. pounds). Joe Casanova had a PR in clean and jerk

(310 pounds) in placing third in both competitions in the 238-pound class.

Unlimited weight-class lifter Wendell Weaver bumped up 20 pounds to 295 pounds in his third clean and jerk attempt and completed the lift for a new PR. He received a bear hug from Hagstrom after the lift. Weaver placed third in Olympic competition and fifth in traditional.

Three Seabreeze lifters won district championships at the District 8-2A meet at New Smyrna Beach. Guarinoex Rivera Sise won the 119-pound Olympic title. Vincent Pedersen won both titles in the 129 pound class. And Dean Hayes won both titles in the 139-pound class.

REGIONAL QUALIFIERS

FLAGLER PALM COAST

119: Anthony Giacobbe both competitions; Logan Iacovelli Olympic; John Banko traditional.

129: Cody Stawser both; Isaiah Del Valle both; 139: Alex Huynh both; Memphis Hambly Olympic; Khaidyn Steward, traditional.

154: Aidan Bull both; Chris Lightsey both.

169: Jackson Fedun both; Brian Martinez both.

183: Landon Gates both; Marlon Alvarado both.

199: Mathias Parker both.

219: Tyler Davison both; Ethan Mancini both.

238: Joe Casanova both; Reagan Melland both.

Unl.: Matt McFall both; Wendell Weaver both.

MAINLAND 119: Christian Robinson both.

129: Ray Tatro both.

139: Dylan Bonanno both.

169: Jeremiah Richardson

both.

199: Benjamin Grove traditional; 219: Mason Durrance traditional.

238: Wyatt Ayoub both.

Unl: Tommy Bostick traditional.

MATANZAS

154: Brody Whitmore both.

183: Wiley Conner traditional; Cole Dockhorn traditional. 219: Anthony Sanchez both.

238: Jake Patton, both.

SEABREEZE

119: Guarionex Rivera Seise both; Logan Seid both.

129: Vincent Penderson both; Finn Zimmet Olympic.

139: Dean Hayes both; Darin Fazio traditional.

154: Jace Perez both.

169: Ronald Zimmet both; Rhett Albrecht both.

183: Ezra Williams both.

238: Zebediah Martin both. Unl: Miles Venables Olympic.

Flagler Palm Coast flag football team finds its identity on defense

The Bulldogs posted their seventh shutout of the season with a 19-0 victory over Seabreeze.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

If Flagler Palm Coast’s flag football team is going to advance in the postseason, it will likely be with its defense.

The Bulldogs (10-4) have seven shutouts this season, and their 13-7 loss to Menendez at home on Monday, April 13, was just the third time that they allowed more than nine points in a game all season.

On April 9, in a home game against Seabreeze, neither team could put the ball in the end zone until 2:18 remaining when Tori Spann broke the ice

with a 20-yard touchdown catch from senior quarterback Nereyda Campos.

Spann went on to pick off a double-option pitch and return it for a touchdown and then completed an extra-point pass to Serenity Maynard. In the final seconds, freshman Malaysia McKay intercepted a pass and returned it for a touchdown to give the Bulldogs a 19-0 victory.

“Everything was last minute, last minute,” Spann said. The late scoring flurry that included two defensive touchdowns was no surprise to first-year head coach John King.

“This is the kind of team we have,” he said. “We can do that. Defensively, we’ve been smothering people all year.

That’s our seventh shutout, so it’s just a matter of time till we score on defense, and if we score on defense, we’re going

to win the game.”

Spann, a junior playing her first season of flag football, has been a difference maker on both sides of the ball all season.

“We’ve come a long way,” she said. “With this being my first year and Nereyda’s last year, everybody on the team is connecting. We’re doing good. I’m proud of my team.”

The first time FPC and Seabreeze met this season, on Feb. 19, Seabreeze won 9-6.

“It was a sloppy game,” King said. “You can see how far we’ve come just based on those two results, I’m extremely proud of them.”

If the most recent rankings hold, the Bulldogs will be the top seed in District 2-4A and will receive a bye in the district quarterfinals. They would play in the district semifinals on April 22 at University in Orange City.

Matanzas boys tennis: undefeated

The Pirates’ boys and girls teams hosted the district tournament at the Southern Recreation Center.

The Matanzas boys tennis team rested two of its top players in its final match of the season. Without them, the Pirates still completed a perfect 15-0 season with a 5-2 victory against St. Augustine on Thursday, April 9, at the Matanzas courts.

“It feels great to be undefeated,” said Owen Brady, one of five seniors on the team. “This is the first time we’ve done that in my four years. We came close my freshman year — we lost one match. But this year we had a really strong season, and we closed it out.

The Matanzas girls lost their final regular-season match to a strong St. Augustine team, 5-2. The St. Augustine girls finished the season with a 13-2 record, while Matanzas finished at 10-6.

The Pirates hosted the District 4-3A boys and girls tournaments on April 14-15 at the Southern Recreation Center.

The Matanzas boys have played every team in the district except Nease, which should be their top competition.

“They’re very good,” Brady said. “On paper, it should be a

really close match, but, we’ll see how it plays out. Hopefully, a couple of their players get knocked out in the early rounds, but I doubt it. We’ll see what happens.”

The top two teams at district advance to regionals. The No. 1 team will host the District 3 runner-up in the first round, while the No. 2 team will go on the road.

“As long as we beat Ponte Vedra out for the No. 2 [spot], we should be good,” Brady said. “But we’re aiming for No. 1.”

The No. 1 singles and doubles champs at district advance to the state tournament. Matanzas sophomore Daniel Patsula will be in the running at No. 1 singles. Patsula and Owen Brady are also aiming for the state berth at No. 1 doubles.

Patsula and senior Stanislav Valenteychik did not compete in the St. Augustine match. Adam Stochel Polubiec moved up from No. 2 to No. 1 singles and won 8-1 over Brady Bratic. The Pirates’ Brady moved up from No. 4 to No. 2 singles and also won his match 8-1. Alexander Engblom and Tyler Lemon won at Nos. 4 and 5 singles respectively. Brady and Lemmon won at No. 1 doubles; Daniel Faraj and Engblom won at No. 2.

Madelyn Haté (No. 2) and Elizabeth Patsula (No. 3) won their singles matches in the girls match.

With a No. 3 ranking in the region, FPC would likely receive a bid to the playoffs no matter what happens in the district tournament.

“The region is wide open,”

SIDELINES

committed to play soccer at Warner University in 2027.

The junior is Warner’s first women’s soccer commitment for 2027. She had two goals and four assists for the Pirates this past season.

FPC’s Perry, Hampton commit

Flagler Palm Coast seniors Anthony Hampton and Nate Perry both committed to Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, to play basketball.

Botha sisters win state sculling title

Twin sisters Yahna and Meraldi Botha of Palm Coast took first place in the Junior Lightweight Doubles at the 2026 Florida Scholastic Rowing Association Sculling State Championships at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota.

Yahna and Meraldi train under coach Christine Powers at Halifax Rowing Association in Daytona Beach. The twins balance a rigorous training schedule with a dual-enrolled high school and college academic schedule.

Pirates’ Hopkins commits to Warner U. Matanzas soccer player Isabella Hopkins has

The two guards were the Bulldogs’ leading scorers this season with Perry averaging 15.4 points per game and Hampton averagin 14.0 points per game.

quarterfinal on April 21.

Florida Dairy Farmers FHSAA Academic All-State Team. The award is the FHSAA’s most prestigious honor a student-athlete can receive, with only 24 seniors (12 boys, 12 girls) statewide being chosen each year.

Mariah Mills 8th at USA Wrestling World Team Trials Former Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast wrestler Mariah Mills placed eighth at the World Team Trials, officially becoming a USA Wrestling All-American. Mills, a former high school state champion, is a freshman at West Liberty Univerisity in West Virginia. She placed among the top 12 in the 124-pound weight class at the inaugural NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championships last month. Her brother, Tyson Mills, has been named the West Liberty University men’s wrestling team’s Freshman of the

Slaughter named to FHSAA AllAcademic Team

FPC cross country and track runner Arianna Slaughter has been named to the 2026

FPC unlimited weight class lifter Wendell Weaver cleans 295 pounds at district. Photo by Brent Woronoff

King said. “We absolutely could be playing for a regional championship in a few weeks.”

The Sandcrabs (2-10) were scheduled to visit DeLand on April14 for their final regular-

season game. They will play in a District 7-2A

Daniel Faraj won No. 2 doubles with Alexander Engblom.

Madelyn Haté serves in the No. 1 doubles match. Madelyn and her sister, Mia, lost a close 8-6 match to St. Augustine’s Lauren Siari and Hallie Johnson. Photo by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Seqouia Jackson rushes Seabreeze quarterback Rani Gupta. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Twin sisters Yahna and Meraldi Botha took first place in the Junior Lightweight Doubles at the 2026 FSRA Sculling State Championships.

Matanzas junior Isabella Hopkins is the Warner University women’s soccer team’s first commitment for 2027. Courtesy photos

Former Matanzas and FPC wrestler Mariah Mills placed eighth at the World Team Trials. Courtesy photo

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