ORMOND BEACH
DeSantis breaks ground on
Ormond Beach’s
continue
Ormond Beach resident Marc Gilmet, winner of Best in Show, with Stephanie Mason-Teague, director of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens. Photo by Suzanne McCarthy
Lane closures on Clyde Morris Boulevard will continue through May 18. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
NEWS BRIEFS
Former student armed with gun arrested at Mainland High
A former Mainland High School student was arrested on April 29, after school district personnel discovered he was armed with a loaded gun. The teen came to Mainland at around 11:10 a.m. following an attempt to re-register at the school two weeks prior, according to a statement sent to families of students at Mainland. Because of the prior incident, during which the student fled when approached by a school resource officer, school staff were on alert in case he returned. Volusia County Schools stated he had unenrolled from Mainland
after changing to a different group home.
The teen was intercepted by an assistant principal, an armed guardian and the SRO, who escorted him to an office inside the school, according to Daytona Beach Police.
DBPD reported that the teen had been listed as a runaway. The district states he is 17 years old; DBPD reported he is 16.
“The individual was never left unattended and was accompanied by the Assistant Principal, armed guardian, and SRO at all times,” the school statement reads. “At no point did the individual gain unsupervised access to the building, students, or classrooms.”
Upon a search, officers found a loaded gun and two magazines of ammunition.
“We recognize that today’s events are understandably concerning,” the school statement reads. “We also want
you to know that this outcome is a direct result of our staff doing exactly what they are trained to do.”
29-year-old Palm Coast woman killed in crash
A 29-year-old Palm Coast woman was killed in a car crash on May 1 in Palm Coast.
The single-car collision happened at 9:35 p.m. on Highway U.S. 1, south of Sawmill Trace. The Chevrolet Impala was driving south on U.S. 1 when the driver lost control of the sedan, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release.
The Impala ran off the road onto the center median and hit the guardrail, before continuing south on the center median and hitting the concrete embankment. Flagler County Fire Rescue pronounced the driver deceased at the scene.
Five resign from Flagler Beach Fire
The resignations: deputy fire chief, fire inspector, two lieutenant, one firefighter.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
At least five firefighters with the Flagler Beach Fire Department have resigned in recent weeks, citing a difference in leadership approach and an unsupportive work environment.
According to the letters submitted to the Observer,the resignations include the city’s deputy fire chief, fire inspector, two lieutenants and one firefighter. Three of their letters reference a difference of opinion on how leadership should support employees and create a safe working environment.
The FBFD is led by Fire Chief Stephen Cox, who was promoted to the position in May 2025 after the retirement of longtime Fire Chief Robert Pace. Cox has worked for FBFD for about 15 years, previously serving as its deputy fire chief.
According to the FBFD website, the department is
COPS CORNER
APRIL 24
NEIGHBOR WARS
8:31 a.m. — First block of Shady Lane South, Palm Coast
Disturbing the peace. A Palm Coast man was arrested after he spent his Friday morning breaking his neighbor’s fence and threatening his neighbor.
The victim told deputies he had ongoing issues with the suspect. That day, the victim said he got up early to water his plants because the neighbor’s dog was barking nonstop early that morning, which caused the argument.
The suspect caused around $100 in damage to the victim’s fence, the arrest report said. Though the victim declined to press charges out of fear of retaliation, the deputies arrested the man for disturbing the peace.
APRIL 28
SUSPICIOUS CARGO
6:01 p.m. — 100 block of Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast
Drug paraphernalia possession. Four Palm Coast adults were arrested on drug possession charges after attempting to run and hide from a traffic stop.
The stop began when Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a box truck for running
staffed by 11 firefighters and six support members.
Current Deputy Fire Chief Jennifer Fiveash submitted her letter of resignation to the city’s Human Resources director and city manager on April 15, with her final day being May 8.
“After careful consideration, I have determined that continuing in this role is not the right fit,” she wrote. “This decision is based on professional differences in leadership approach, particularly regarding how I believe employees should be supported and served.”
In an email to Flagler Beach City Commissioners on Thursday, April 30, City Manager Dale Martin said he and the city’s HR director were looking into the issues. Martin said he had conducted several interviews with personnel, including Cox and Fiveash.
“Some of the resignations are related to enhanced career opportunities in other agencies (pay, benefits, longterm growth), while others reflect significant concerns with professional leadership,” Martin wrote in his email. “All of those issues will be scrutinized as part of the efforts to restore the Fire Department to full staffing. Job listings have already been posted (and
a red light in Palm Coast. The box truck pulled over into a nearby parking lot and two people in the cab immediately tried to leave out of the passenger side door, according to their arrest reports.
The two suspects, a man and a woman, were stopped and detained while a K9 unit sniffed the exterior of the truck. When the dog smelled narcotics, deputies searched the cab and suspects and found a straw with fentanyl residue and, in the woman’s bra, a hollowed-out pen with meth residue, the reports said.
When deputies went to search the cargo area, they found two more people.
In the cargo area, the deputies found more drug paraphernalia. All four suspects were placed under arrest and taken to the county jail.
APRIL 29
ALCOHOL RUN
2:26 a.m. — 800 block of South Atlantic Avenue, Ormond Beach Burglary. Police arrested a 19-year-old Bunnell man and a 17-year-old Palm Coast teenager who tried to steal alcohol from a local restaurant.
According to an arrest report, the 19-year-old told police that he and four friends had been exploring an abandoned movie theater and hotel in town when the 17-year-old suggested he knew of a restaurant where they could get alcohol. The pair walked to the restaurant,
some interest and applications received).
“Public safety is the most critical service provided to City residents and the remaining members of the Fire Department remain committed to their call to serve this community and ensure its safety,” Martin continued. “Medical response and transport continue to be provided by Flagler County without interruption, while the Fire Department is being supplemented by personnel provided by other County agencies.”
Fiveash’s resignation letter also stated that her decision was not made lightly, as line staff deserve “consistent support from their administration in their day-to-day roles.”
“There should also be cohesion at the administrative level built on trust, which I believe is critical to effectively leading and supporting the organization.” Her exit triggered at least two lieutenants to quit as well, according to their letters of resignation. The firefighters stated that without Fiveash, they didn’t feel Flagler Beach Fire was a safe or supportive environment.
Chief Stephen Cox did not reply to a request for comment.
with the teenager entering the building for the attempted theft, while the 19-year-old kept watch outside. The restaurant’s security guard took notice and went to confront the 19-year-old, at which point both suspects fled. Police encountered the 19-year-old less than a mile away and took him into custody. He was “shirtless, sweaty, with the bottom of his jeans wet and sandy,” according to the police report.
DIDN’T WANT TO STOP 9:29 p.m. — First block of Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Fleeing/eluding. A 42-yearold Ormond Beach man was arrested after he failed to pull over for a traffic stop, telling police he chose not to stop because he wanted to get home.
Restaurant employees said the man was drunk and had just left the parking lot. Police initiated the traffic stop in front of the restaurant, but the driver accelerated to about 15 mph over the speed limit. The man continued to drive over the bridge and turned onto Riverside Drive, where he later came to a stop.
The man told police he had three beers at the restaurant, noting “they were higher in alcohol content, comparable to whiskey,” according to the arrest report. He confirmed he had been aware of the traffic stop but wanted to to return to his home. He was taken to jail.
AHEAD OF SCHEDULE
Gov. DeSantis visits Ormond Beach for the groundbreaking of the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange.
RICH CARROLL
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
A long awaited overhaul of one of Volusia County’s busiest traffic corridors is now moving forward years ahead of schedule.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis joined state and local leaders Thursday at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach to announce the accelerated timeline for the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange reconstruction project, part of the state’s Moving Florida Forward initiative.
The project is set to begin work in May, with completion expected in 2029.
“This was not even going to start until sometime next decade,” DeSantis said. “Now it is officially breaking ground in 2026.”
State officials say the proj-
“You’re going to have more capacity, better traffic flow, less congestion.”
RON
ect is one of 20 major transportation efforts funded through a multibillion dollar statewide investment aimed at reducing congestion and improving mobility. By accelerating funding, some projects including the Volusia County interchange have been moved up by more than a decade and in some cases close to two decades.
The interchange, originally built in the 1960s, is among
the older components of Florida’s highway system. DeSantis said the reconstruction will modernize the corridor, adding capacity and improving traffic flow for drivers traveling through the region.
“You’re going to have more capacity, better traffic flow, less congestion,” he said.
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared Perdue said the project’s rapid timeline is the result of
both funding and innovation in how projects are delivered.
“It’s amazing how fast we went from concept to construction under the governor’s leadership,” Perdue said. Perdue said the state moved the project forward by more than 10 years and introduced a new construction approach designed to speed up delivery while reducing costs. The method allows overlapping phases of design and con -
struction, cutting down on delays.
“This is efficient government at work,” Perdue said, adding that similar strategies are expected to be used on additional projects across the state.
Local transportation engineer Maryam Ghyabi-White, CEO of Ghyabi Consulting and Management, said the project has been years in the making and is critical for the
What’s going on at The Falls in Ormond Beach? Seniors
Lot rent increases, a political campaign and seniors who feel they need to defend their community.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
When Amy Bishop moved into The Falls in April 2022, her lot rent was $1,235 per month. Four years later, her lot rent has increased by 57% to $1,940 — a more than $700 increase. The real estate agent who had listed Bishop’s home in 2022, and the prior resident, had assured her that lot rent wouldn’t go up more than 5% a year, though increases were usually closer to 2.5%.
“The first year we were here, it went from the $1,235 to ... $1,525 or something like that,” Bishop said. “And I was like, ‘Holy smokes.’” Bishop recently submitted a complaint to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation about the lot rents at The Falls, and issues with the community’s management. The complaint was dismissed. Bishop was told that residents just need to be given a 90-day notice before an increase in lot rent, which also includes internet, cable, mowing and the community’s amenities.
Bishop is part of a group of residents who have been raising concerns about not only the increased lot rents, but also about conflicts with The Falls’ property management company, claiming intimidation and harassment. Many of them were helped to be organized by Coleen McMahon, a candidate for Ormond Beach City Commission Zone 1. But on Tuesday, May 5, over 20 residents of The Falls spoke at the Ormond Beach City Commission meeting, saying that McMahon has been disparaging their community — which is located within Zone 4 — and its management on social media, as part of her political platform.
“This attack on our community has gone on long enough, and we aren’t going to let it go on without sharing our opinion, which is our right,” resident Christine Walsh said, and then directing her comments to McMahon, who was not present, added “We’re tired of it and tired of you trying to elevate your status at the expense of our community and its residents.”
In a statement to the Observer, McMahon said she is trying to help the residents who have reached out to her.
“The Falls is a beautiful community of people who deserve to feel safe and respected in their own homes,” she said. “My advocacy is for the resi-
dents who have shared firsthand accounts with me, the elderly, the disabled, our veterans, and the widowed, who describe intimidation, retaliation, and lot rent increases that have put them in financial hardship. Many residents feel they cannot safely speak publicly, which is exactly why this advocacy matters.”
GOVERNMENT IS LIMITED
McMahon has been vocal about issues at The Falls on social media, has contacted DBPR and also approached the city to ask for help regarding lot rents, property management policies and ongoing internal conflicts.
The Falls is a privatelyowned manufactured housing community of about 600 homes, where residents own the title to their homes, but rent the land. It sold to the current ownership — Capital Square 1031, of Delaware — in 2020 for $123 million.
Because it is a private community, the city doesn’t have authority to regulate or intervene, as these kinds of communities are subject to state jurisdiction — namely, Chapter 723 of the Florida Statutes. Matters under state purview include lot rents and landlordtenant relationships, and the law further states that “every unit of local government is prohibited from taking any action, including the enacting
of any law, rule, regulation, or ordinance, with respect to the matters and things hereby preempted to the state.”
This was echoed by City Manager Joyce Shanahan at Tuesday’s meeting.
“We’re really limited on what we can do,” she said.
Shanahan said she was sorry for what the residents are going through.
“Social media can be a vile, ugly thing, and it’s a shame when somebody takes to social media to disparage the community, when we clearly have a room full of individuals here tonight that speak lovingly of their neighbors and speak highly of the management of The Falls,” she said.
A cap on lot rent would need to come from the state.
In 2022, Orange County attempted to enact a rent stabilization ordinance; this was struck down by a federal judge, said City Commissioner Harold Briley, who represents Zone 4.
“I would guess, if there were true concerns of these issues from The Falls, I would hear from someone in The Falls,” Briley said. “I’ve not received any emails or phone calls or anything from residents of The Falls. So I’m glad to hear from them tonight.”
Some residents have accused management’s employees, volunteers and security of elder abuse and
region’s continued growth.
“This project has been a long time coming,” GhyabiWhite said.
She said the improvements will help address traffic concerns while supporting residents, businesses and visitors traveling through the area.
“The initiative reflects a focused effort to improve connectivity, reduce congestion and support the needs of growing communities,” she said.
Ghyabi-White added that without the accelerated funding approach, the project likely would have remained years away from construction.
State leaders say the broader initiative represents a significant investment in Florida’s transportation system, targeting key bottlenecks across the state.
For Volusia County, officials say the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange reconstruction project represents a major step toward improving one of the region’s most heavily traveled corridors and preparing for continued population growth.
Email rich@observerlocalnews.com.
go before the city
harassment in recent months.
However, according to Ormond Beach police, while officers have responded to one suicide call in the last three years, there have been no disturbances or trespass reports involving the management of The Falls within the last year.
‘YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR’
Local attorney Erum Kistemaker, who specializes in real estate law, said that while state law doesn’t implement a cap on lot rent increases, it does create a mechanism to challenge them.
In 2024, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 613 into law, which amended the mediation framework regarding lot rent increases.
Kistemaker said she doesn’t see the state implementing legislation to place a cap on lot rent increases anytime soon. The underlying issue, she said, is citizens not being knowledgeable of what they’re buying when purchasing a home in a manufacturing home community, and not seeking legal counsel before such a big purchase.
“Most of the owners should be well aware of what they’re getting into,” she said. “It’s spelled out really well, number one in the statute, as well as in their governing documents, and if they don’t understand them — that’s the concern.”
And many of the residents who spoke at Tuesday’s meeting said they knew what purchasing a home in The Falls entailed.
Resident Jim Bliss said that when he and his husband moved to Florida, they looked at many manufactured home communities in the area.
“We decided on The Falls because it was and is the most beautiful park in the area — well maintained, well managed — and, honestly, the other ones that we looked at were basically treeless parking lots,” Bliss said. “... Their lot rents might have been less, but you do get what you pay for.”
When it comes to lot rents, resident Catherine Vitale said The Falls is comparable with other manufactured home communities located in coastal areas. Lot rents in Bear Creek and Aberdeen are less, she said, but their homes are also typically more expensive. The cost of living — gas, medications, utilities — is up, she added, but it’s not a problem McMahon can solve for them.
“Seniors need help, not the kind of help that she’s giving us,” Vitale said.
THE OTHER SIDE
McMahon had previously heard “rumblings” about
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis arrives at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach.
Transportation engineer Maryam Ghyabi-White, Gov. Ron DeSantis and FDOT Secretary Jared Perdue take part in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the I-95 and U.S. 1 interchange project at Destination Daytona in Ormond Beach. Photos by Rich Carroll
A concept rendering of the planned Interstate 95 and U.S. 1 interchange improvements in Volusia County. Image courtesy of the state of Florida
DESANTIS, Florida governor
The purchase will conserve 1,299 acres in the southern part of the county, in Osteen.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Volusia County Council unanimously approved a $20.1 million purchase of 1,299 acres of environmentally sensitive land in the southern part of the county on Tuesday, May 5. The acquisition of the River Bend Ranch property at 1411 Osteen Maytown Road in Osteen will be funded using funds from Volusia Forever, the county’s voter-approved
land conservation program. According to a county staff report, the property met 18 of the 21 evaluation criteria for Volusia Forever land acquisition, marking it as the highest-scoring property on its priority list.
Volusia County Councilman Don Dempsey, who has been critical of Volusia Forever in recent months, said this purchase is what “Volusia Forever is all about.”
“I’m in full support of this,” he said. “The fact that we own it fee simple, the fact that there’s no partners, the fact that in 500 years, if the city and council finds some emergency need for it, they have that ability to do what they need to do to, take care
of whatever the issue at hand might be in the future. I have no problem with it being forever in perpetuity, as long as the county owns it by themselves.”
The property is located next to the county-owned 1,385-acre Deering Preserve at Deep Creek, meaning a total of 2,684 acres of land will be conserved in a contiguous area.
It also includes about 2 miles of frontage along the St. Johns River and 1.3 miles of frontage along Deep Creek. Purchasing the property will conserve about 561 acres of wetland for floodplain protection.
Residents who spoke at the meeting, including can-
didates running for Volusia County Council, were all in favor of the purchase.
“This is Volusia Forever doing exactly what it was intended to do,” said Bryon White, New Smyrna Beach resident and candidate for County Council District 3.
“... River Bend Ranch is precisely the kind of property this program was built for — large, strategic and irreplaceable.”
Mike Poniatowski, a candidate for the at-large seat, said the purchase will allow Osteen to have some “breathing room” regarding development.
“It’s a big chunk of land, and it needs to be preserved,” he said.
NEWS BRIEFS
Marine Science Center gets new ultrasound
Volusia County’s Marine Science Center has a new, state-of-the-art veterinary ultrasound system, thanks to the Friends of the Marine Science Center.
The nonprofit organization raised more than $35,000 to fund the purchase of the equipment, which has been donated to the county-operated facility. The new system replaces a unit nearing the end of its service life and represents another upgrade to the center’s diagnostic capabilities.
“We’re grateful for the
continued dedication shown by the Friends of the Marine Science
and those who support their efforts,” said Chad Macfie, Marine Science Center director. “That support translates into real, day-to-day improvements in how we diagnose and care for the animals that come through our doors, ultimately helping us give more wildlife the opportunity to recover and return to their natural environment.”
Center
Marine Science Center staff performs an ultrasound on a sea turtle. Photo courtesy of Volusia County
The Falls
issues at The Falls, but it wasn’t until early February that she heard firsthand accounts from residents and family members. She then contacted Aaron Baker, a candidate for Florida’s 6th congressional district, and the two began to work on how to help.
They held a meeting on Feb. 5 for residents of The Falls to voice their concerns.
“About 30 residents showed up, and they just told us their stories about everyday life,” Baker said.
One of the stories shared was that of Sherry Wiggins, whose mother died on Dec. 31, 2025. As the family was spending their final moments with her that day, they received a phone call from The Falls’ office manager stating that Wiggins and her husband needed to report back to the office to supply their ID. When her father explained the family was saying goodbye to his wife, Wiggins said they received a rude response and were threatened that her father would be evicted.
So Wiggins left her mother’s bedside to submit their information to the office in person. Upon their return, Wiggins said her mom died 12 minutes later.
“They took the last 45 minutes of me being with my mom away from me, which is something that I will never, ever, ever forgive or forget,” Wiggins said.
Joanne Rowell’s father moved into The Falls in 2022. The lot rent was $1,100. Her father died in July 2025 at 71 years old. His lot rent had increased to about $1,800 a month at the time of his death, which Rowell attributes to the stress of being unable to keep up with rising expenses.
“It killed him,” she said. “How are you going to afford a $700 a month increase in three years for somebody that’s retired? They can’t do that to 55-and-up people.” Wiggins, Rowell and Bishop are part of a resident committee organized by McMahon to help bring attention to the issues in the community.
After listening to the residents, Baker said he and McMahon knew they “had a cause that really needed to be ironed out.” So, they contacted the state.
In a complaint to DBPR, McMahon listed a slew of concerns reported by residents, including “improper passthrough charges”; violations on rent-increase notices; unclear written disclosures on the community’s amenities, fees and utilities; and fear of retaliation and intimidation by The Falls.
In late February, residents were notified that they would be responsible for an insurance assessment fee. The $227.42 fee would be paid over the next six months, at a monthly amount of $37.90, beginning June 1. This followed a previous charge for homeowners of $94.80, up from $87.62, starting in January 2026 as a passon charge for property taxes.
Residents also were asked to pay a one-time charge of $75.49 on March 1. As on Tuesday, May 5, there 63 homes within The Falls listed for sale on Zillow — from $12,900 to $57,900. Lot rents vary, but many are advertised at about $1,500. The DBPR dismissed McMahon’s complaint, citing lack of evidence and documentation to support the allegations.
“If you’re talking about somebody that didn’t check in at the office and their wife
is dying, is there any law on the books for that? No, there’s no law on the books for that,” Baker said. “It’s just simple human compassion, and when you’re dealing with residents that average over 70 years old, I think the level of compassion has to be held to a much higher standard.”
In an email responding to the DBPR’s finding, shared with the Observer , McMahon said the agency’s conclusion “is not supported by any investigative record, and this answer will not suffice.” McMahon cited a lack of a site visit, interview with residents and complainants, lack of document requests to management, meeting with the community manager, and no statutory analysis under Chapter 723.
“A case cannot be declared compliant when zero investigative steps were taken,” she said.
‘MORE THAN JUST A PLACE TO LIVE’
Wiggins’ father bought his home in The Falls as his retirement home. Now 83 years old, he and his late wife bought their home about seven years ago. Lot rent was about $1,000.
His lot rent will be increasing to $1,890 at the end of September, Wiggins said. She and the resident committee, she said, are working to make the community safer for the residents.
“There’s no reason that they shouldn’t feel safe in their own home,” Wiggins said. “We’re doing everything that we can to get the lot rent stable to where it’s something that they can afford to stay in their home.”
The Falls is a beautiful community, Rowell said. But it shouldn’t be marketed as a retirement community.
“My dad had very good memories in there, but it’s not practical for anybody that is retiring,” she said. “It’s not practical for the average per-
son, much less someone that’s living on a fixed income.”
Bishop is a retired elementary school principal secretary. The lot rent has increased so much that she had to go back to work to afford groceries, she said.
“When my husband and I moved down here, we were making $3,000 a month,” she said. “We thought that that would be plenty. We sold our house. We were going to buy our house and live the rest of our lives down here. I can’t even afford to die down here now.”
Residents who spoke at the City Commission meeting all spoke favorably about The Falls and its management. They spoke of neighbors helping neighbors, invited commissioners to attend their “Hot Dog Mondays” and said that what is being published
on social media isn’t representative of their community.
“The Falls is more than just a place to live,” resident Joann Carney said. “It’s a community where kindness and respect are part of every day, where people look out for one another and where comfort and safety matters. It’s home.”
McMahon said in her statement that she respects that some residents view things differently from those who have shared concerns with her.
“My concerns are with management practices, not with the community itself. The questions raised in my formal complaints to DBPR, FDACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services), and state officials are not opinions, they are about whether Florida law was followed,” she said.
“Those investigations remain open and ongoing.”
Commissioners thanked residents for speaking Tuesday night.
“It’s very unfortunate that this is caught up is a political theater, if you will,” Commissioner Travis Sargent said. “That’s the only way I can explain it. I think it’s absurd that someone wants to be a public servant and tears things down, where people can put out whatever they want and have no validity behind it. It happens to us, and unfortunately, it’s happened to you. We sign up for it. Y’all do not deserve it.”
The Observer reached out to The Falls community manager for comment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
The Falls at Ormond Beach. Photo courtesy of Google Maps
Toilet to tap? Ormond undecided
As debate continues, Ormond Beach officials heard from experts during workshop on Tuesday, May 5.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The conversation surrounding a possible “toilet to tap” ban continues to swirl in the City of Ormond Beach, as officials participated in an educational workshop on Tuesday, May 5, about water reuse.
The workshop was held a month after the commission’s previous discussion on April 7, in light of a grassroots push to allow voters to decide on a ban to reuse wastewater for potable water. Local political committee Let Volusia Vote, led by Daytona Beach resident Greg Gimbert, seeks to place the issue on the 2026 ballot as a county charter amendment.
So far, two Volusia cities have agreed to put a “toilet to tap” ban on the ballot: Daytona Beach and Edgewater. In February, the Volusia County Council struck down the issue in a 4-3 vote, with officials saying the county has no current or future plans to recycle wastewater into drinking water.
Though Ormond Beach City Commissioners have discussed the issue a few times this year, no official decision or vote has taken place. The workshop was held after commissioners asked for more education on water reuse.
“It’s always a pleasure to hear from experts, because we are not experts,” City Commissioner Travis Sargent said. “I’m not an attorney, I’m not a water expert, and I think three things that you said were education, facts and informed
decisions, and that’s what’s key to make any decision that we do as elected officials.”
At the workshop, city staff brought two guest speakers on water supply and reuse: Randy Brown, president of WateReuse Florida, and Michelle Wittig, an environmental consultant who serves on several city advisory boards and the county’s Environment and Natural Resources Advisory Committee.
Brown — who has worked in the water and wastewater field for 48 years, including 21 as the utilities director for the city of Pompano Beach — explained that there are 13 potable reuse pilot projects in the state of Florida.
Some of the municipalities and cities that have explored pilot programs include Daytona Beach, Clearwater, Tampa, Hollywood, Miami-Dade County and Polk County.
“The state’s not forcing any municipality or county to utilize this technology,” he said.
“It’s entirely up to the discretion of the local government, but water is a valuable resource.”
Brown told officials to keep an open mind about potable reuse, and not “take away a future that you may need for your city in the future.”
“Florida’s water future will require more than one tool,” he said. “Potable reuse as a tool in the toolbox.”
City staff said there are no current plans to begin a potable water reuse pilot in Ormond Beach as the city has enough water supply and capacity to sustain itself.
Before placing a ban on the ballot, Commissioner Lori Tolland said there needs to be more education as the “toilet to tap” label is “misleading.”
“It wants you to believe that all reuse water directly goes to your spigot,” Tolland
said. “It does not want you to know that reuse undergoes advanced multi-barrier treatment designs and meets strict safety standards.”
At the commission meeting that night, commissioners heard from both supporters and critics of “toilet to tap.”
Ormond Beach resident Jerry Valcik, a retired engineer who spent a bulk of his career around safe drinking water practices, said “toilet to tap” is not “an imminent consideration for adequate water supply now or in the near future.”
“From a technical standpoint, I wonder why this question even arises, since there’s enough capacity in our water treatment facilities to meet our near future need,” Valcik said. “For longer-term needs, there’s desalination. Another consideration is water conservation, so ‘toilet to tap’ is not an issue for us, technically speaking. Why is it receiving so much attention now? Political motivation?”
Elena Krafft, an Ormond Beach resident who is part of Let Volusia Vote, said she expected the commissioner’s workshop to be an “open, educational discussion.”
“What I witnessed instead was a one-sided presentation designed to sell us treated sewage as drinking water,” Krafft said.
At the workshop, Commissioner Harold Briley said voters should have the last say.
“Any commission can undo what a previous commission has done, but the voters can also undo what previous voters did,” Briley said. “But I think if you put in the charter and you give the residents the ability to vote on it.”
Mayor Jason Leslie agreed.
“They’re educated people and they’ll make their own choice,” he said.
NEWS BRIEFS
Palm Coast businessman runs for City Council
Palm Coast resident and businessman Ramon Marrero has announced his candidacy for the Palm Coast City Council District 4 seat.
A U.S. Army and National Guard veteran, former substitute teacher and owner of MOTANO Productions in Palm Coast, Marrero has 40 years of experience in public service, finance and community leadership, according to a campaign press release. Marrero is one of four candidates running for the District 4 seat, alongside Darleene Shelley, John Thomas Kvederis and Dylana Justine Galery.
Marrero said he is running for the City Council seat to ensure Palm Coast continues to grow responsibly while protecting its quality of life.
“Palm Coast is a city full of opportunity, hardworking families, and proud neighborhoods,” he said . “I am running for City Council because I believe residents deserve leadership that listens, acts responsibly, and always puts the people first.”
Marrero also serves as the president and founder of the Hispanic American Cultural Society in Palm Coast and is a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the press release said. He was also a member of the most recent City of Palm Coast Charter Review Committee.
Longtime resident to run for School Board District 2
Rob Wood, a 15-year resident of Flagler County, filed on Friday, May 1, to run for the Flagler School Board’s District 2 seat. Wood is running against incumbent Will Furry.
Wood, an Air Force veteran, is currently the senior manager of program faculty at Western Governors University’s School of Business.
He said his candidacy is focused on student outcomes, supporting educators in the classroom and ensuring every Flagler graduate is prepared for college, a trade, the military or a career.
“I want this seat focused on what matters most: the students in our classrooms, the educators who serve them and the outcomes of their shared effort,” he said.
“Parents in Flagler want their kids reading on grade level, their teachers supported and their schools safe. They want a board focused on results, not on theater. That’s where my focus will be.”
Wood served 11 years in the Air Force as a technical sergeant. His wife, Stacy, taught in Flagler County schools for over eight years. Wood also owns an exterior cleaning company and is president of BNI Prestige Partners.
Woolbright meets petition requirement
Flagler County School Board candidate Jill Woolbright announced on May 4, that her candidate petitions have been certified by the Flagler County
Supervisor of Elections. Woolbright, who served on the board from 2020 to 2022, is running for the District 1 seat against Cathy Moon. The seat is open due to the resignations of Sally Hunt and Derek Barrs, who had been appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to replace Hunt.
“I am deeply grateful to the residents of Flagler County who took the time to sign my petition and support this campaign,” Woolbright said in a press release. “This milestone reflects not just qualification, but a shared commitment to the future of our students, our teachers, and our schools.”
Woolbright taught in Flagler Schools for 28 years.
Furry’s candidate petitions certified
Will Furry, the Flagler County School Board District 2 incumbent, announced May 5 that his candidate petitions have been certified by the County Elections Supervisor.
“This milestone is about more than just getting on the ballot,” he said in a press release. “It represents the trust and encouragement of neighbors, parents, and community members who believe in the work we’ve been doing and the direction we’re heading.” Furry was elected in 2022. He has one opponent, Rob Wood.
Will Furry.
Ramon Marrero. Courtesy photo
Rob Wood
File photo
Jill Woolbright
Sheriff files lawsuits against promoters of unsanctioned spring break events.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Nine separate civil court cases have been filed against the promoters of the March Take Over Daytona Beach spring break events.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood led the charge in filing civil cases against the event promoters in late April, filing cases against Aliyah Brooks of Clayton County, Georgia, and Brittany Plummer of Bibb County, Georgia. Chitwood and the Volusia Sheriff’s Office have partnered with Daytona Beach attorney Aaron Delgado, a former city commissioner, to file the cases against the promoters.
“What we’re doing is we’re setting the tone here. I don’t think this has been done anywhere before,” Chitwood said in the press conference. “We are not going to stand for this and we’re going to come after you.” Delgado said the promoters attempted to make a profit while not following the law while local businesses that do, struggle.
“It’s not fair to local businesses,” Delgado said.
The events occurred over the March 13-15 and 19-21 weekends, spurring the city and the VSO to implement a special event zone with a curfew. The crowds caused stampedes at several points when participants crumpled water bottles to imitate the sound of gunshots and “numerous” felony arrests were made during the events, the lawsuit states.
Chitwood said the VSO is working with the State Attorney’s Office to attempt to file criminal charges against Brooks and Plummer.
Since Chitwood and Delgado filed the initial complaint on April 21, Delgado has filed eight other civil suits against Brooks and Plummer on behalf of local businesses.
The eight businesses suing Brooks and Plummer are three businesses owned by Louizes & Sons, Inc., Ocean Ave Gallery, the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, the restaurant Strouds Hog Heaven, Made in the Shade Beach Services and Jungle George’s Airbrush & More.
Chitwood’s lawsuit and the eight businesses are each seeking $50,000 in damages from Brooks and Plummer in the lawsuits. The most recent suit was filed on April 28.
According to Chitwood’s lawsuit, the VSO and other local law enforcement was required to deploy additional units, helicopters and drones, and “take drastic measures” to keep order. The VSO paid out more 5,750 hours of additional wages and benefits because of the events.
This cost the VSO — and taxpayers — $811,421.
“The word is this: Daytona Beach is closed,” Chitwood said. “If you come in here and you try to hold us economi-
cally hostage with these popup events that are unpermitted, unsanctioned — we are going to come and get you.”
Each lawsuit refers to the spring break events as “the invasion,” a “social media fueled orchestrated ‘invasion’ style party promoted” for Daytona Beach. Chitwood’s lawsuit alleges Brooks and Plummer’s efforts to organize the Invasion violated public rights and subverted public order.
The lawsuits state Brooks and Plummer did not obtain proper permitting for the events or took any steps to manage the crowds. Instead they “profited at the expense of the local community which played unwilling host to the invasion.”
Delgado said many of the businesses had to shut down because of the event, losing out on several days of revenue. The events also could deter future visitors from coming to Daytona Beach because of the increased crime and dangerous crowds.
“That’s another part of this is the damage to the reputation of the area. The fact that families aren’t going to want to come here,” he said.
In the press conference, Chitwood said Brooks made almost $100,000 in promoting the event, according to VSO research.
This year, 345 riders took part in the poker run, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
This year’s Saddle Up for St. Jude fundraiser in Ormond Beach raised a record amount of money for children battling cancer and other serious illnesses.
The fourth annual poker run, held in partnership between Iron Horse Saloon and local law firm Rue & Ziffra, took place on April 4. The check, touting a total $126,128 raised, was presented to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Tuesday, May 5, at the Iron Horse Saloon.
The fundraiser was organized by Sherry Fletcher, who was inspired to restart the poker run four years ago after her sister-in-law’s nephew was held by St. Jude as he battled cancer. Plus, she had just learned that Iron Horse used to hold an annual fundraiser
in the past, but the effort stopped when the organizer died.
“When I heard that story, I went to a couple of my friends, and I asked them, ‘Would you like to join me in doing this?’” Fletcher recalled. “And they all were 100% in and it was just amazing.”
This year, 345 riders took part in the poker run, one of whom was Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie. Sen. Tom Wright also made an appearance at the fundraiser.
Every year, Fletcher said, the funds raised have increased.
The first poker run raised over $40,000.
About 40 people volunteered their time to the fundraiser, she added. It’s a group effort.
Dawn Barrack, from St. Jude, attended the check presentation at the Iron Horse Saloon. Thanks to fundraisers like this, families who come to St. Jude don’t have to worry about paying for medical treatment and necessary travel. They can focus on their child.
“This donation is really giving many more hopes for many more tomorrows for
those families,” Barrack said.
There are many great causes for communities to rally around, so the fact that this group is focusing on St. Jude is amazing for the families they serve, Barrack added.
“You look at all these individuals — the passion they show, the love for the organization and the smiles on their faces just show that they put their hearts to everything they do,” Barrack said.
Seeing the community come together to help St. Jude gives Fletcher a “warm feeling,” she said. It’s not just the biker community coming together, either. People took part in the activities at the Iron Horse and some participated in the poker run in their cars.
“It’s so beautiful to see a community come together to help these families,” Fletcher said.
Local Daytona Beach attorney Aaron Delgado and Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood at a press conference announcing the civil lawsuits against two spring break event promoters. Courtesy of VSO Saddle Up for St. Jude presented a check of $126,128 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital on Tuesday, May 5, at the Iron Horse Saloon. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
“This donation is really giving many more hopes for many more tomorrows for those families.”
DAWN BARRACK
Flagler Schools stay ahead of the curve in AI education
‘It’s important that our students get those AI literacy skills to be ready for the future.’
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
When Flagler Schools’ AI Taskforce began crafting School Board policy three years ago for artificial intelligence education, it didn’t take long for some of the policies to become obsolete. AI was changing that fast.
“Our policy wasn’t in place for three months, and already we were in violation of our own policy,” said Ryan Deising, the school district’s chief of technology and innovation. But over time, Deising said, the district has developed great infrastructure to train teachers, teach AI literacy to students, use the evolving tools to aid teaching and learning, and, through all of that, making sure that students’ data is secure.
Deising compared AI’s rollout to the early days of the internet 30 years ago, but at light speed.
“We get our teachers comfortable with it,” said Teresa Phillips, the district’s instructional technology coordinator, “and then we roll it out to students. But everything’s just moved so fast that now we’re kind of learning together. Teachers are learning about it, and the students are learning at the same time, but we’re
NEWS BRIEFS
Volusia County Schools hosts demo of drone safety system
Volusia County Schools
performed a live demonstration of its new drone-based safety system at Deltona High School on Friday, May 1, an event attended by state, local and law enforcement officials.
The demonstration of the safety system, coined Campus Guardian Angel, marked a “major milestone in Florida’s exploration of advanced technologies designed to protect students and staff during active-shooter incidents,” according to a press release by the school district.
“In Volusia County, we have a priority that is part of our belief system: Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe and secure in their learning and working environment,” Superintendent Dr. Carmen Balgobin said during Friday’s press conference. The Campus Guardian Angel system was developed by Mithril Defense and is the
keeping everything safe.”
Phillips said the task force is making very intentional decisions about what tools are used.
“It’s important that our students get those AI literacy skills to be ready for the future, because it doesn’t matter what job you’re doing, it’s going to involve AI,” she said. “So they have to learn not just how to use it, but what you have to be aware of while you’re using it, and how important that human is in the middle of all of it.”
AN AI TUTOR
Students in grades 6-12 use AI independently with platforms such as Google Gemini for Students and Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, an AI-powered teaching assistant and tutor.
Phillips said her daughter is able to get help with her calculus homework with Khanmigo.
“I couldn’t help her at all,” Phillips said. “But she’s able to go on there and ask questions. And it’s not going to give you the answers, it’s going to walk you through all of the steps, so it’s like a tutor that’s personalized and available for every one of our students in grades 6 through 12.”
Google’s Gemini and NotebookLM help students understand prompting, Deising said.
Notebook LM is like a study buddy, Phillips said, that will give you study sources, quiz you and help you make flash
cards.
Elementary school students use MagicSchool and Canva in lessons driven by teachers, Deising said.
“We’re being careful what’s available for our students, what guard rails are to be put up for elementary students,” he said.
AI literacy is taught in all grades. Classes discuss how you can tell if an image is produced by AI. Phillips said students are actually more adept than teachers in knowing if images and material are AI generated.
MIXED FEELINGS
At a School Board workshop presentation on April 28, Deising and Phillips said teachers and staff have had over 2,275 hours of professional learning opportunities in AI education this school year. They revealed surveys of faculty and staff from each of the last three years showing how knowledge and attitudes have changed.
In 2024, 72% of respondents had never used AI. In 2025, 44.7% said they used it weekly and 28.9% said they used it daily. This year, 44.3% said they use it daily and 36% said they use it weekly.
But when teachers were asked if they use AI in their classrooms, knowledge didn’t necessarily equate to comfort.
While 56.7% this year said their students use AI tools independently, 13.3% said they did not think students should be exposed to AI. Last
result of a pilot program in the state; Volusia County is one of three school districts to participate in the initiative, which received $557,000 of funding from the Florida Legislature.
The Campus Guardian Angel System deploys non-lethal drones immediately after an emergency alert is triggered, according to the VCS press release. The drones then deliver real-time video to law enforcement and use deterrents such as sirens, flashing lights and pepper spray to disrupt potential threats.
The drones will be stored on campus and can reach any location in a school within 15
seconds.
“Quite frankly, this is the future,” Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.
Volusia County School Board Chair Ruben Colón said the superintendent, along with him and his fellow board members, believe that nothing is more important than students’ safety.
“We are not waiting for a tragedy to define us; we are preventing it,” Colón said.
“School safety isn’t just a policy here in Volusia County, it’s a promise, because every child who walks through our doors is someone’s whole world, and we treat them that way.”
year, only 5% thought students should not be exposed to AI.
Kalista Chadwell, a graduating senior in Flagler Palm Coast’ High School’s International Baccalaureate program, said she had mixed feelings about AI in education.
“I think AI’s ruining creativity for a lot of students. A lot of people aren’t thinking for themselves anymore, and they heavily rely on the use of AI,” she said. “But I’ve also seen it used in helpful ways, like making study guides or diving deeper into certain assignments that students don’t understand. And teachers can use it in helpful ways, like making practice questions.”
She said she’s used it to make study guides and out-
lines for assignments.
“When I’m stuck trying to come up with ideas for, say, an English essay, it was pretty helpful because it started a thinking process where I was really able to explore and understand something on a deeper level than if I tried to do it all on my own,” she said.
At the workshop presentation, School Board member Janie Ruddy said she would like to see AI literacy become a diploma plus program.
Lauren Ramirez said she sees the advantage in AI being able to help students who learn in different ways.
“We don’t want to scare [students] away from AI,” Ruddy said. “There are real applications and benefits.”
The Campus Guardian Angel drones. Photos courtesy of Volusia County Schools
Humans are not the only devoted mothers
AMY CAROTENUTO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FLAGLER HUMANE SOCIETY
In celebration of every type of mom for Mother’s Day, I thought we could honor some of the species with the most devoted, nurturing mamas.
It’s no surprise that elephants are on this list.
Elephant calves stay very close to their mothers for several years, typically nursing for two to four years, but often remaining dependent on and socially attached to their mothers much longer. As they mature, females may remain within the same family heard for life, while males usually become more independent in their early teens.
During those early years the mother provides constant protection, guidance and teaching. The whole herd helps care for calves as well.
One of the species that stays with its mother the longest is the orangutan. Young orangutans often remain with their mothers for six to eight years, which is one of the longest dependency periods in the animal world outside of humans.
During that time, they learn essential survival skills like building nests, finding food and staying safe while moving through the forest.
The long bond is the big reason orangutan mothers are considered some of the most devoted and patient in the animal kingdom.
Killer whale mothers nurse their young for roughly two years. Calves spend most of their time in “echelon” position which means drafting alongside of mom. This protects the calf and saves energy. Mothers guide them to the surface to breathe and calves learn hunting skills by watching and practicing with mom. In some cases, whales remain part of the mother’s family group for life.
Pregnant polar bears prepare dens in the snow and remain with cubs for months after they are born, protecting them in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Mothers do not leave, even to hunt. While mom nurses, she goes without eating, relying
Octopi are semelparous, which means they reproduce only once.
on body fat. Once they leave the den, mommas lead cubs across the ice and teach them survival skills.
Female octopus are among the most devoted mothers in the animal kingdom. Octopus are semelparous, which means they reproduce only once. After laying thousands of eggs, a mother octopus carefully arranges them in a protected den and spends weeks or even months, guarding them from predators, cleaning them gently with her arms and circulating fresh water over them to keep them healthy and oxygenated. During this time, she stops eating. She dedicates all of her energy to protecting her developing young.
The mother remains with the eggs until they hatch. Shortly after the eggs hatch, the exhausted female usually dies, making the ultimate sacrifice to ensure her babies have the best possible chance at life.
Believe it or not, crocodiles are actually very good mothers. They carefully guard their nests from predators while eggs develop and often help their babies hatch when they hear young calling from inside the eggs. After hatching, crocodile mothers often carry their babies in their mouths to the water and usually stay with and protect their young for several weeks to a few months after they hatch. The babies stay in a nursery group and in some, maternal protection can last even longer if conditions are risky. While crocodiles are powerful predators, mothers show a gentle, attentive side, with their young.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms of all species. You are a blessing!
Whose job is it?
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
I walked into the bathroom at church recently, and it wasn’t clean. My first thought was: “Who made this mess? Why didn’t they do a better job of cleaning it?”
Then a corrective rebuttal in my mind: “It’s good that you are here, Brian. You can clean it before anyone else has to encounter the mess.”
So I cleaned. It took only a couple of minutes.
After all, we are all volunteers. It’s everyone’s job to keep the church clean. The question I need to ask more often is, “How else can I help?”
THE BODY LOVES HARD WORK
May 4, 2026
While looking for shortcuts to better health, I was reminded by a friend that “the body loves hard work.” I crave leisure. But my body was built to sweat, lift, run, max out, show what it can do. Work is my body’s natural state of being. So how do I learn to embrace it? One way is to focus on the desired outcome. Another is to learn to love the work itself.
A FRUSTRATED TEACHER
BECOMES THE LESSON
May 1, 2026
As I have gained experience as a teacher, I realize that if I get frustrated by classroom management struggles, the momentum of the lesson immediately halts. The teacher becomes the center of attention instead of the material.
I was feeling proud of myself for recognizing that today, and then I thought, “The same thing is true as a parent: If I get frustrated with my children, the lesson halts.”
It’s hard to be perfectly patient, but I think if I keep the goal in mind — to teach — I may be able to fight my own frustrations better.
What have you learned this week? Email brian@observer localnews.com.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
We were towed in Ormond’s downtown
Dear Editor:
My husband and I recently visited Florida from Vermont and had an unfortunate experience during our stay in Ormond Beach. On Saturday, April 25, while dining at the Grind located at 49 W. Granada Blvd., we encountered a parking issue. Due to the restaurant’s full parking area, we parked in the lot for Complete Health, which was closed for the weekend. After dining we discovered our car had been towed. The Tow Away sign was positioned at the far end of the lot, obscured by some bushes, and not visible when we parked. This left us stranded on a dark side street. Fortunately, I was able to use my
Uber account, but we waited approximately 40 minutes for a ride. Upon reaching the towing facility, we found the office locked and were informed, after calling them, that it would take at least a half hour for someone to arrive at their dark, secluded site. Additionally, retrieving our vehicle cost $170, payable only in cash.
I am writing to express my disappointment with this experience, which felt unnecessary and unwelcoming, particularly for visitors to your state. Many we spoke to about our experience described the situation as “a racket” or a “trap.” It is perplexing why parking in an empty lot during nonbusiness hours would result in such an outcome. The towing company said they do a “sweep” at 8 p.m. looking
for vehicles. Perhaps you can tell them to be more discerning before taking a car. While I understand policies are in place, this incident left a negative impression and impacted our visit financially.
ESTHER FISHMAN
Londonberry, Vermont
Thanks for sharing Megan’s journey
Dear Editor:
Just when you start to get down on humanity seeing wars, suffering, negative headlines etc., you read an uplifting, inspiring bring-asmile-to-your-face story. A story of strength, determination and a will to overcome a life changing event that could have forever destroyed a spirit.
Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com
Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com
Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com
Multimedia Producer Rich Carroll, rich@observerlocalnews.com
I am referring to the story of Megan Farrell-Nelson overcoming sexual assault, showing incredible resolve in sharing her story. Thanks to the Observer for sharing this journey.
CHRIS SCARANO Flagler Beach
Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.
This Nurses Week, we honor the incredible nurses who bring compassion, skill, and comfort to our residents every day. At Paradise Pointe, that care goes even further. With our Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license, we’re proud to offer 24/7 licensed nurses on-site – because care here never clocks out. It’s more than just clinical support. It’s peace of mind for families, comfort for residents, and a team that’s always there when it matters most. To our nurses – thank you for being the heart of everything we do.
to
YOUR NEIGHBORS
Picturesque
Art in the Park brought 75 artists and crafters to Rockefeller Gardens. Marc Gilmet was named Best of Show.
SUZANNE MCCARTHY CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The 52nd annual Art in the Park returned to Rockefeller Gardens on May 2-3, bringing artists, crafters and visitors together along the Halifax River.
Held each year the weekend before Mother’s Day, the event is presented by the City of Ormond Beach Parks and Recreation Department in partnership with the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens.
Wood carver Marc Gilmet, of Ormond Beach, was named Best of Show at the juried event, which included both fine art and crafts categories.
Taymon Loringsmith, of New Smyrna Beach, earned first place in the fine arts category for his “Beach People” painting series, while Phil and Cris Klemp, of DeLand took first
place in the crafts category.
A total of 37 fine artists and 38 crafters entered the juried competition. Awards totaling $3,500 were presented, including a $1,500 Best of Show prize.
“We’re thrilled to once again partner with the City of
WINNERS
FINE ARTS CATEGORY
Best of Show: Marc Gilmet
First place: Taymon Loringsmith
Second place: Juan Carlos Cahue
Ormond Beach for the 52nd annual Art in the Park,” said Stephanie Mason-Teague, director of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community of Ormond Beach to see some amazing fine art, and some of the most talented crafters I think we’ve ever seen.”
Severe storms and a tornado watch interrupted Saturday’s festivities, but vendors returned Sunday in good spirits, with many saying it
Merit Award: Rolly Reel
Honorable Mention: Amy O’Malley
CRAFTS CATEGORY
First place: Phil & Cris Klemp
Second place: Alyssa Zavocki
Merit Award: Bambi Hudak
Honorable Mention: Tandy Sible
was still a great show.
Visitors also enjoyed food trucks and live musical entertainment on the Rockefeller Gardens stage and on the lawn of The Casements.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the community of Ormond Beach to see some amazing fine art, and some of the most talented crafters.”
STEPHANIE MASONTEAGUE, director of the Ormond
Artist Kathleen Nobel, of Ormond Beach, with her Art in the Park exhibit.
Crafter Christina Kersey, of Winter Springs, with her Splash of Joy display.
Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens secretary Jessica Scott (center) with her family, Cannon and Scott, enjoyed the day with their dogs.
Jordan entertained guests at The Casements during Art in the Park.
Artist Gary Mak, of Ormond Beach, exhibited his work at Art in the Park.
Taymon Loringsmith with his painting.
Stephanie Mason-Teague, director of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens with Phil and Cris Klemp, first place winners in the craft category. Photos by Suzanne McCarthy
Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, MAY 7
TRADEWINDS EXHIBIT
OPENING RECEPTION
When: 5-7 p.m,
Where: Ormond Memorial
Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Celebrate the opening of Tradewinds, an exhibit featuring artwork by Seabreeze High School students. Enjoy light refreshments plus hear live music. Art awards will be announced at 6 p.m.
SWING INTO SPRING — MINI CONCERT SERIES
When: 6:30-8 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond
Beach
Details: See The Moonlighters perform live. Bring a chair or blanket. Free event presented by the City of Ormond Beach.
FRIDAY, MAY 8
COFFEE AND CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR CITY MANAGER
When: 9-10 a.m.
Where: Jacked Up Bean, 222 St. Joe Plaza Drive, Palm Coast
Details: The City of Palm Coast invites residents to grab a cup of coffee with City Manager Mike McGlothlin.
Ask questions, share ideas, and discuss what matters most to you. Free event. Registration required. Visit www. parksandrec.fun.
BOTANICAL PRINTS ON THE GEL PLATE When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: Join Lisa Carlson to make a series of botanical painted prints. Using images from the gardens, participants will be guided through the process of applying color theory and using the gel plate for printing. Beginners and seasoned artists are welcome. Costs $62 for members; $72 for non-members. Register at www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
CHILDREN’S BOOK CLUB
When: 3:30 p.m.
Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach
Details: School-age children will listen to “Iggy Peck Architect” by Andrea Beaty and participate in crafts and activities. Registration is not required. Free program.
FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY AT THE FARM
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, 7900 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast
Details: Presented by the museum, this food truck event features an “80s Night: Girls Just Wanna Fun” theme. There will be an artisan market, line dancing, kids’ zone, campfire and s’mores and live entertainment. Visit floridaag museum.org.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
15TH ANNUAL MAY DAY SURF CLASSIC
When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: South 5th to 6th
Street, Flagler Beach
Details: Join this surf classic, presented by Halifax Health. Held in memory of Dollie Se Watson. Visit https://www. facebook.com/maydayme morial.
PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE!
When: 8:30-10:30 a.m. Friday, May 9, and 9-11 a.m. Saturday, May 10; and 12-2 p.m. Friday, May 15
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach
Details: Take this two-hour guided kayak tour, presented by the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. All skill levels over the age of 12 welcome. Registration is a donation of $50 per person; $25 if bringing your own kayak. Space is limited. Call 3866-517-2086 to register.
SPRINGS ARTS FESTIVAL & GARDEN SHOW
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Central Park in Town
Center, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: See local artists and crafters. Enjoy live entertainment, kid’s activities, a plant sale and food trucks. Free event presented by the Flagler County Cultural Council, in partnership with the Garden Club of Palm Coast and the City of Palm Coast.
BOOK AND BAKE SALE (AND CAR SHOW)
When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast
Details: The sale will be held in the meeting room and under the front porch. All proceeds go to library programming and enhancements.
BOTANICAL PRINTS ON THE GEL PLATE
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Join Lisa Carlson to make a series of botanical painted prints to gift or keep in this one-day workshop. Beginners and seasoned artists welcome. Costs $62 for museum members and $72 for non-members. Visit ormondartmuseum.org.
KIDS ART CLUB: MAY DAY FLOWERS
When: 12-1 p.m.
Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach
Details: This is a hands-on workshop for children to decorate their own flowerpot using stickers. Each child will plant a flower to take home. Free but park entry applies. Registration required; there is a 20-person limit for this program. Register through this link https://www.zeffy. com/en-US/ticketing/kidsart-club-may--2026.
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
When: 2-4 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Attend this event presented by The Casements Guild. Catered lunch includes light sandwiches and sweets. Costs $45 per person. Advance ticket purchase required. Call 386-673-5312.
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Holden House Museum. 204 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: Hosted by the men of Flagler County Historical Society. Tickets cost $30 for members; $35 for non-members. Visit https://flaglercountyhistoricalsociety.com to sign up or call 386-437-0600 for more information.
FAIRY TALE GARDEN
party honors birthday guests while welcoming everyone of all abilities to join the fun. Costumes are welcome. Visit y2i2.org.
THE DEVON ALLMAN
PROJECT: THE BLUES
SUMMIT When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See the Devon Allman Blues Summit, featuring a gathering of blues legends including Devon Allman, Jimmy Hall, Larry McCray and Galiah Volt. Tickets cost $60-$70.
SUNDAY, MAY 10
FOURTH ANNUAL
MOTHER’S DAY TEA
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: OMAM is hosting its annual tea social on its rooftop terrace. There will be teas, light bites and participants will make a succulent container garden to take home. Tickets cost $30 for museum members; $40 for non-members. Visit ormond artmuseum.org.
MONDAY, MAY 11
COUNCIL ON AGING OF VOLUSIA COUNTY
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Learn about the many services offered by the Council on Aging of Volusia County from Community Engagement Liaison Doreen Willett. Free program.
OMAM VOLUNTEER GUILD
MEETING
When: 1-2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: This meeting is open to all who would like to learn more about the OMAM Guild. Annual Guild dues are $25.
JJ SPEIGHTS
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Join JJ Speights for an hour of favorite Beatles, Billy Joel and Elton John singalong songs. A short annual meeting of the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library will precede the free program and both are open to the public.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
GRADUATION GREEN
SCREEN PHOTO OP
When: 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 12; 1 p.m. Monday, May 18; 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 19; 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 20; and 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 26 Where: Ormond Beach
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
LECTURE: “MASTERS OF THE ITALIAN HIGH RENAISSANCE” When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Guest curator Ruth Grim will feature iconic works of artists like Leonardo Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael, and the stories surrounding the art and their careers. Free for museum members and veterans. Lecture included with museum admission.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
DE LUNA’S SYMPHONY WITH THE TREES When: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Symphony with the Trees is a gentle, immersive soundscape that blends live music from harp and flutes with the natural rhythms of the garden with audience participation to create a living symphony. Costs $36 for museum members; $46 for non-members. Register at www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY When: 1:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library
Details: This month’s topic is “Members Choice: Family Mysteries” where members will be encouraged to share with the group.
COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP
When: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Where: Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 3, Bunnell
Details: Head to the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center for a monthly presentation on general preparedness. Learn practical tips and strategies to help you stay safe and ready for emergencies.
ART OF HEALING
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: With artist and certified art therapist Makayla Carlson. Open to all artistic skill levels and all materials are provided. Free program. Registration required. Register at www.ormondartmu seum.org/classes-programs.
VOICE AND GUITAR
CONCERT
When: 6-7:30 p.m.
Where: St. James Episcopal Church sanctuary, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: St. James Episcopal Church invites the community
COMPLIMENTARY
‘I know’: Flagler Clerk celebrates May the Fourth with ‘Star Wars’ wedding
Three couples say ‘I do,’ one renews vows during first-ever May the 4th celebration
RICH CARROLL
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Lightsabers, costumes and a touch of intergalactic flair filled the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center on May 4 as the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller’s Office hosted its first Star Wars–themed group wedding ceremony.
The event, dubbed “May the Fourth Be With You,” brought together couples for a unique celebration of love, with three couples getting married and one renewing their vows, according to Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles.
“We are having our May 4th wedding ceremony,” Buckles said. “This is to celebrate
love. You can either get married or renew your vows. We are obviously having a Star Wars theme because the force is strong with love.”
The ceremony, officiated by Clerk of Court Tom Bexley, encouraged participants and staff alike to embrace the theme. Costumes ranged from Jedi to classic characters, with Buckles herself dressed as Princess Leia. Staff member Stephanie Tolson was dressed as Padmé Amidala and also joined in the spirit of the day.
Buckles said the idea marked a departure from the office’s traditional Valentine’s Day group weddings, offering something more creative and community-driven.
“This is our first year doing a Star Wars–themed wedding,” she said. “We wanted to do something a little out of the box this year and fun and whimsical.”
The event also highlighted a collaborative effort behind
the scenes. Buckles noted that the ceremony was supported through sponsorships and staff contributions, with no public funds used.
“Everything that’s happening here today is made possible by either our sponsors or
YOUR TOWN
Friends of the Ormond Beach Library award scholarships
Two Ormond Beach library employees — who are also students at Daytona State College — were recently awarded scholarships from the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.
On April 13, the Friends awarded Samatha LaPointe and Isabelle Wurtz with $1,000 scholarships.
“These deserving library employees are furthering
their education while demonstrating a commitment to library service,” the Friends stated in a press release. LaPointe has a goal to become a school counselor. She has worked at the library for three years and plans to continue to do so throughout her schooling.
Wurtz plans to study prelaw. She has worked at the library for one year.
Daytona Beach International Festival: May 15-16
The Daytona Beach International Festival will be held at Manatee Island Park on Saturday and Sunday, May 15-16. Presented by Cultural Awareness Fund Inc., an Ormond
Beach-based nonprofit, the festival is free and is designed as a family-friendly cultural experience that integrates entertainment, education and community engagement, according to a press release. This year’s theme is “American Exceptionalism and the Spirit of ’76.”
“The 2026 festival is built around the theme of American Exceptionalism, framed not as isolationism, but as the result of the aggregation of global ideas, traditions, and cultural contributions that have shaped the United States,” the press release states. “The festival explores how the nation’s founding principles were influenced by philosophies and practices from around the world.
“Within this context, the Spirit of ’76 is presented as a natural outcome of that global exchange—representing unity, independence, and innovation born from diverse influences,” the press release continues. “The festival is structured to demonstrate that American identity is not singular, but rather an evolving synthesis of international cultures.”
This is the second year the festival is being held. The inaugural festival was held in
clerk staff who have donated time or resources,” she said. “No clerk funds have gone into funding this wedding ceremony.”
Held inside the Jury Assembly Room, the celebration blended tradition with fandom, reflecting a growing trend of couples choosing May 4 as a meaningful and memorable wedding date.
As the ceremony wrapped up, Buckles had a simple message for the community: “We would love to see you next year. And may the force be with you.”
The Flagler Clerk’s Office oversees court records, filings and marriage licenses for the county, regularly hosting ceremonies at its Bunnell location, though few have looked quite like this one.
Ormond Beach and had 18 nations represented. Over 1,000 people attended.
Cultural Awareness Fund expects to see 27 nations represented at this year’s festival.
Additionally, local artist Natasha Aziri will lead a community unity mural, encouraging participation from attendees of all ages.
This year’s festival is also adding a Student Global Passport Program, an educational experience for elementary school students.
Classroom participation is encouraged. The winning classroom will win a $100 prize and a pizza party.
Manatee Island Park is located at 357 N. Beach St. in Daytona Beach.
Ormond Beach DAR adds to membership
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution inducted a new member at its recent April meeting. The new member, Allison Phillips, brings the chapter’s total membership to 120 daughters, according to the chapter. Visit fssdar.com/CaptainJamesOrmondDAR.
Isabelle Wurtz, Samantha LaPointe and Carol Johnson, Friends of the Ormond Beach Library president. Courtesy photos
Registrar Denise Sikes, Chaplain Karen Knowles, Allison Phillips and Regent Susan Demorsky.
Neal McCoppin and his wife, Nancy McCoppin, pose with Clerk of Court Tom Bexley following their wedding ceremony.
Chief of Staff Nicole Buckles, a Stormtrooper, and records clerk Stephanie Tolson
Sydney William Conette Jr. and his wife, Orjanette Conette, pose with family members.
Clemente Mendes and his wife, Daisy Mendes, pose following their wedding ceremony during the Flagler County Clerk’s May the 4th Star Wars–themed group wedding event. Photos by Rich Carroll
YOUR SCHOOLS
FPC senior gets Gates Scholarship
Alonso is one of 750 Gates Scholars out of 61,000 applicants. Scholarship covers all remaining college costs.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast senior
Adniel Alonso has been awarded the prestigious Gates Scholarship.
Alonso is just one of 750 Gates Scholarship winners out of 61,000 applicants nationwide. He is also a National Merit Scholar Finalist. He plans to major in electrical engineering at the University of Florida.
The Gates Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship meaning that beyond all of his other financial aid packages, it will fund the remaining cost of attendance in college including room and board, books and transportation.
Launched in 2017 by the Gates Foundation, the scholarship’s goal to help outstanding students from low-income backgrounds realize their maximum potential. According to thegatesscholarship. org, the program “is based on
“I was pretty surprised when I became a semifinalist, equally surprised when I became a finalist and I thought, ‘Oh wow, this is as far as I’ll go.’”
evidence that by eliminating the financial barriers to college, a last-dollar scholarship can enable high-potential, low-income students to excel in their course work, graduate college, and continue to be leaders throughout their lives.”
“You can basically consider it a full ride,” Alonso said. “Even though, I do have National Merit Finalists, which does combine with the Bright Futures that I’m getting from the IB Program, all of that does give me the Benacquisto Scholarship, which covers a lot of financial aid for in-state universities, but the Gates Scholarship covers all those other expenses that might not be mentioned in your cost of attendance.”
For example, he said, last week he discovered that college orientation is another big expense. But he can send in the receipt for the Gates Scholarship Program to refund him.
Phil DeAugustino, FPC’s Guidance Department chair, said that in his 38 years at the school, there have only been two or three other students who were awarded the Gates
Scholarship.
“It’s just that difficult to get,” DeAugustino said.
After Alonso was selected as a semifinalist, he was required to write essays to advance to the next round. As a finalist, the last step was an interview.
“I’m very grateful I was able to make it all the way through,” he said. “I was pretty surprised when I became a semifinalist, equally surprised when I became a finalist and I thought, ‘oh wow, this is as far as I’ll go.’ But when it hit me that I was actually a Gates Scholar, I was very impressed. Honestly, I’m really shocked that I was able to get it, but I’m equally excited about it, because it is really a nice opportunity.”
In addition to funding, the program’s website said, the Gates Scholarship also ensures the scholars access to resources and services they will need from the first day of classes through graduation and the transition to their chose careers. The program will also pay for one study abroad session, and help pay expenses for one internship, Alonso said.
Alonso said he chose to major in engineering because it combines his interests in mathematics and physics.
I want to see if this is a keen interest of mine,” he said of electrical engineering. “I want to see if I have that passion and that talent for it. I’m still on that path of looking to see what I want to do, but because engineering majors don’t really declare until after their first two years, I still have time to decide what specific engineering I want to do.”
CLASS NOTES
Tomoka Elementary teachers honored The FUTURES Foundation for Volusia County Schools recognized its First Year Teacher award winners during a ceremony at Mainland High School on Tuesday, April 28.
Tomoka Elementary second grade teacher Emily Eaton received the Elementary First Year Teacher Award.
“Ms. Eaton is a wonderful addition to the Tomoka Family,” Tomoka Elementary stated on its school Facebook page. “She has positively impacted our school her first year teaching. Her positive outlook and infectious enthusiasm brightens our campus. We are proud of you Ms. Eaton!”
Spruce Creek High School chemistry teacher John Renfro received the Secondary First Year Teacher Award.
Flagler Palm Coast teams compete in UNF challenge
Four Flagler Palm Coast High School teams competed in the UNF MedNexus Innovation Challenge on Thursday, April 30, at the Palm Coast Community Center.
Now in its fifth year, the competition brings together four-person high school teams to provide practical solutions to health care challenges.
This year’s theme was “Loneliness in a Connected World.” The students examined the problem of persistent social isolation despite constant digital connection. They were challenged to develop strategies that support mental, emotional and community well-being. Over the past several weeks, the students worked closely with University of North Florida faculty mentors to refine their ideas into impactful solutions.
5:30
scholarship.
Team CADI placed second with each student receiving a $750 scholarship. The team members were Georgiann Ryman, Daniel Gnatyuk, Rocio Ramirez and Ariana Rosales. Professor Stephanie Hooper was the team’s mentor.
The other teams were Team Solace, which included Tessa Stewart, Arianna Hall, Marthena Cubero, and Madison Gill with Dr. Martin Luytjes the team mentor; and Team One Chance, which included Melody Perez, Giselle Espinal, Sultana Campbell and Colin Withrow and mentored by Dr. Cristy Cummings.
Each team presented its proposals before a panel of judges.
“What stood out was not just the creativity, but the practicality of these ideas,” McGlothlin said. The event was hosted by UNF MedNexus, Blackstone LaunchPad, Flagler Schools, the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Flagler Ed Foundation. Elementary First Year Teacher Award winner Emily Eaton, of Tomoka Elementary, and Secondary First Year Teacher Award went to John Renfro, of Spruce Creek High School. Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools/Facebook
Team ConnectHer — consisting of Caleb Shamblin, Hannah Seifert, Addison Landers and Kaitlyn Ebding, and mentored by Dr. Rachel Riggs-Achorn — won first place with each student receiving a $1,000
Flagler Palm Coast senior Adniel Alonso. Photo by Brent Woronoff
ADNIEL ALONSO, Flagler Palm Coast senior
Second-place team CADI: Georgiann Ryman, Rocio Ramirez, Ariana Rosales and Daniel Gnatyuk, with mentor, Professor Stephanie Hooper.
MedNexus Innovation Challenge winning team, ConnectHer — Addison Landers, Kaitlyn Ebding, Hannah Seifert and Caleb Shamblin — with judges Teresa Rizzo, Mike McGlothlin, Theresa Pontieri and John Phillips. Photos courtesy of City of Palm Coast
REAL ESTATE
A house in Nottingham sells for $1.8 million
Ahouse at 4289 Old Kings Road N., in Nottingham, was the top real estate transaction for April 18-24, in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on April 23 for $1,800,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, an in-law suite, a barn, a hot tub and 3,695 square feet. The house was listed by Lynette Davis, of Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group.
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
BUNNELL
Campbell Ridge Estates
A house at 4895 State Highway 100 W. sold on April 24, for $875,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 4/3 and has an above ground pool, a fireplace and 2,435 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $745,000.
Grand Reserve
and Golf Club
A house at 34 Flagstick Lane sold on April 24, for $269,990. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,459 square feet.
PALM COAST
Grand Haven
A house at 56 North Park Circle sold on April 22, for $775,000. Built in 2014, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,828 square feet.
a pool, a hot tub and 1,883 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $480,000.
Indian Trails A house at 125 Birchwood Drive sold on April 21, for $550,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,174 square feet.
Ocean Hammock A house at 4 Flagship Court sold on April 20, for $1,275,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace and 3,498 square feet.
Palm Harbor A house at 29 Collington Court
A house at 19 North Park Circle, sold on April 20, for $705,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool and 2,671 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $450,000.
A house at 79 Front St. sold on April 20, for $1,405,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a dock, a pool, a hot tub, a boat house, an outdoor kitchen and 3,380 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $894,000.
A house at 21 Eastlake Drive sold on April 24, for $440,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,670 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $400,000.
A house at 46 Shinnecock Drive sold on April 23, for $440,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has
FOCUS ON FAITH
Hammock church adds programs
Part of ongoing efforts to update the church, the services and help the community.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Hammock First Baptist Church may only be a congregation of 14 members, but that congregation is working on unwrapping several exciting new changes over the coming months.
In fact, those changes have already begun. Under the leadership of its new pastor, Steve Schmitz, this smallbut-mighty group is looking to expand its community efforts.
“We want to be a comfort to people, and we want to show them truth,” Schmitz said.
Schmitz took over the leadership of the congregation as pastor just six weeks ago, but he has been a member of the Hammock First Baptist Church for two years. He said he never planned to actually become a pastor when he went to seminary school, but that changed after he came to Hammock First Baptist.
He prayed for a year and a half before he actually put his name in to be pastor. Schmitz said he feels God led him to do this.
“I told my brother, ‘I don’t know if I’m called to be a pastor. I just feel called to serve here as the pastor,’” he said.
When he put his name in, Schmitz included a plan to help rejuvenate the church.
That plan started with cleaning up the church itself, repainting and decluttering the spaces. It also includes updating its online presence, to include streaming the church services online and posting regular content.
But the community programs are where the Schmitz and the congregation are focused. Already the church
hosts a weekly “Bread Ministry,” where the church hands out free bread every Friday at 7 a.m.
On May 3, the church launched its new youth Bible study meeting at 9:30 a.m. on Sundays, with regular church services at 10:45 a.m. For now, the Bible study group will be weekly, but the idea is to grow the program to include a midweek meeting and a summer vacation Bible study.
The youth Bible study is led by David and Stacy Jones.
The congregation will also be adding an alcohol and drug addiction recovery program, to be held every Sunday evening. Schmitz said he does not have a firm date for that program to launch, but he hopes it will be within the next month.
There are plans to add more programs, too, but the church will need more members first to support them. In the fall, he said, they plan to host a fall festival that will reintroduce the Hammock First Baptist Church to The Hammock community.
There are other ways the congregation will be updating its services and ministry, too, but the key is going to be keeping true to God’s message, Schmitz said.
“We feel strongly that if we are faithful to preaching the gospel and faithful to studying scripture that God will grow this church,” Schmitz said.
Part of that, he said,
includes being good stewards and keeping the church building maintained and being good neighbors, providing things the community needs. Schmitz said if the congregation is “living out our faith,” then “God will draw people in.”
And it isn’t just other First Baptists, or even Christians who are welcome, he said — Hammock First Baptist accepts everybody. Everyone is broken, Schmitz said, or has something in their lives that has caused them to doubt others or doubt faith. Those are the people they’re trying to reach, he said.
Despite all their efforts to reach the community and rejuvenate interest in the church, Schmitz said they are not trying to grow for growth’s sake. Instead, it’s about helping the community through the gospel, regardless of where they are in life or what they are going through.
“We just want to see people get healed [from] the things that they’re struggling with,” Schmitz said. “And we believe God can do that.”
Brought to you by:
PALM COAST
Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates
Hammock First Baptist Church is undergoing several exciting new changes under the leadership of its new pastor, Pastor Steve Schmitz. Photo by Sierra Williams
John Anderson home sells for over $2.4M
Ahouse on the river at 2056 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of April 11-17. The house sold on April 13, for $2,425,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has two fireplaces, a pool and 2,950 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $665,000. The house was listed by Bill Navarra, of Realty Pros Assured.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 10 Lynnhurst Drive, Unit 214, sold on April 14, for $128,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/1.5 and has 930 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $84,000.
ORMOND BEACH
Breakaway Trails
The house at 45 Winding Creek Way sold on April 13, for $548,000. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,366 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $440,100.
The house at 8 Wild Creek Way sold on April 16, for $705,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a pool, a spa and 3,367 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $565,000.
Cypress Trail
Lincoln Park The house at 84 Lincoln Ave. sold on April 15, for $295,000. Built in 1910, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,296 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $160,000.
Northbrook The house at 9 Brookside Circle sold on April 14, for $385,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,585 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $285,000.
Not in subdivision
Rn sold on April 14, for $430,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace and 2,293 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $410,000.
Standish Shores
The house at 117 Standish Drive sold on April 15, for $390,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,793 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $375,000.
Tomoka Meadows
Triton Beach The house at 285 Ocean Shore Blvd sold on April 13, for $2,312,500. Built in 1938, the house is a 6/5.5 and has a fireplace and 5,405 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $1.7 million.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Not in subdivision The house at 28 Palm Drive sold on April 13, for $244,900. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/2 and has 940 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $200,000.
The condo at 2700 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 113, sold on April 15, for $222,500. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,025 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $88,000.
The house at 251 Cypress Trail Drive sold on April 14, for $568,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,377 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $357,500.
Halifax Plantation
The condo at 1133 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 505, sold on April 15, for $430,000. Built in 1971, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,065 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $330,000.
The house at 1111 Athlone Way sold on April 15, for $289,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,627 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $199,000.
The house at 829 N. Beach St. sold on April 15, for $425,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,711 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $165,000.
Rio Vista The house at 707 Cordova Ave. sold on April 16, for $187,500. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/1 and has 720 square feet. It last sold in 1973 for $20,000.
Saddlers Run The house at 67 Saddlers
The townhome at 14 Tomoka Meadows Blvd. sold on April 13, for $120,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 1/1 and has 875 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $125,000.
WEST DAYTONA BEACH
A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 575 Barefoot Life Lane was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of April 11-17. The house sold on April 14, for $871,900. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool, a spa and 2,550 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $615,800. The house was listed by the property owner, according to Zillow.
Bayberry Lakes
The house at 101 Boysenberry Lane sold on April 17, for $319,900. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,838 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $162,000.
Latitude Margaritaville
The house at 206 Catamaran Cove sold on April 14, for $840,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,468 square feet.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
The house at 2056 John Anderson Drive was the top sale in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for
This year marked Palm Coast’s 21st annual Arbor Day Celebration.
Free trees, a butterfly release and festivities dedicated to
promoting nature and sustainability were at the center of Palm Coast’s 21st annual Arbor Day Celebration, held on Saturday, May 2, at Central Park in Town Center.
Attendees received a free 3-gallon tree, courtesy of Flowing Well Tree Farm, in exchange for a donation of a non-perishable food item for the local food bank. Peo-
ple could also enjoy a walk through the butterfly tent, a butterfly release, performance by the Soccer Collies and food and beverages.
“Each year, Arbor Day inspires us to reconnect with nature and with one another,” said City of Palm Coast Urban
Forester Carol Mini in a press release. “The 21st annual celebration builds on that legacy with new experiences, mean-
Laurie Billups and Jeff Lunceford get ready to release their butterflies.
In the butterfly tent, Katrina Gibson and her sister Alyssa Gibson honor their late mother who loved butterflies.
Friends Sophia Dubose, Elena Hagi, Zoey Hunt, Cheyanne Dewind and Noah Hunt enjoy the Arbor Day Celebration. Photos by Rachel Mills
Harlee Subers and Caroline Patin release their butterflies.
Alaïa Smith paints a pot at the Arbor Day Celebration.
SPORTS
Dynamic dozen
Matanzas holds college signing ceremony for 12 athletes.
Matanzas High School held a signing ceremony on April 29 for 12 seniors who will continue their athletic careers in college next season.
Three football players have signed athletic aid agreements. Wide receiver Ladarien Baker and offensive lineman Kenneth Robinson are heading to St. Thomas University in Miami, an NAIA school, while their teammate, safety Javonte Patton, will play at NCAA Division III powerhouse Coe College in Grand Rapids, Iowa.
Three soccer players — Sergio Posada, Jackson Grace, and
James D’Esposito — signed with Webber International University. Two softball players signed with junior college programs — outfielder/utility player McKenzie Manhart with Pensacola State College and third baseman Ruby Fogel with Florida Gateway College in Lake City.
Baseball player Nolan Schmidt will play for Minnesota North College. Wrestler Cardy Michel, a two-time qualifier to the state girls wrestling championships, will continue her wrestling career at Brewton-Parker Christian University.
Jacob Roster will join the men’s golf team at EmbryRiddle Aeronautical College in Daytona Beach. And boys lacrosse attacker Vincent Ferrugiaro, who scored over 140 goals in his high school career,
has signed with Oglethorpe University in Atlanta.
Baker caught 92 passes for 1,164 yards and 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons. and Roberts were recruited throughout the football season by St. Thomas, they said. They plan to room together.
“The coaches there really care about the players,” Baker said. “They’re not just interested in football. They make sure you succeed academically too.”
Patton will be joining a program at Coe College that has won nine games and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs in each of the past three years.
“It’s a good community and it has a good football atmosphere,” Patton said. “It’s a great academic school too.”
Webber International men’s soccer coach Bryan Mejia is familiar with Matanzas High School. He graduated from Matanzas in 2015 and played soccer for the Pirates. Matanzas boys soccer coach Beto Aguilar said Mejia liked how each of the Matanzas recruits brought something different to the table. Posada is an attacking midfielder. Grace is a goal keeper. And D’Esposito is a utility player who found a home this past season as a defensive wing.
“He’s always been an underdog,” Aguilar said of D’Esposito. “He’s worked hard. He was just determined to pursue the next phase in his career.”
Baseball coach Sean McManus called Schmidt the ultimate team player, who volunteered to play wherever he was
needed.
“He is a great representative of Pirate baseball,” McManus said. Fogel and Manhart join four other former Matanzas softball players who are currently playing softball in college. Emma Wood is a senior at Embry-Riddle batting .347 with a team-leading 137 hits. Her .413 on-base percentage also leads the team and her .518 slugging percentage is second. Chloe Baker, a junior, is the starting shortstop at Southeastern University in Lakeland. Juliet Fogel, Ruby’s sister, is a freshman third baseman at St. Johns River State College. She is batting .315 with 14 home runs. And Leah Stevens, a freshman pitcher at eighth-ranked University of Florida, is 4-1 in 16 appearances.
Marcelus, Cerasi and Rivers each win two regional track championships
FPC, Mainland, Matanzas, Seabreeze and Father Lopez are all sending athletes to state championships.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast senior
Karina Marcelus and Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi each won two individual events at their regional track and field championships to secure their spots at state.
Marcelus won the triple jump and 100-meter hurdles, breaking a school record along the way, at the Region 1-4A
meet on Saturday, May 2, at Seminole High School in Sanford. Her triple jump of 12.29 meters (40 feet, 3 inches) broke Alyce Williams’ 24-year FPC record in the event.
“A female jumping 40 feet is pretty amazing stuff,” FPC track coach David Halliday said.
Marcelus’ triple jump distance is ranked second in Class 4A heading into the state meet May 9 at the University of North Florida. She placed fourth in both events at state last year.
Cerasi repeated her regional championships in the 1,600 and 3,200 at the Region 1-3A meet May 2 at Pine Forest High School in Pensacola. She placed second at state in the
3,200 last year as a freshman. Cerasi is seeded fourth in the 1,600 and third in the 3,200 among qualifiers for the Class 3A state championships on May 8 at UNF.
Mainland’s Aquila Rivers also collected two regional gold medals. Rivers won the 400-meter run at the Region 2-3A meet on May 2 in Lakeland. She also ran the first leg of the Bucs’ 4x400 winning relay. Rivers shared the medal stand with relay teammates Jalissa Rodney, Gabrielle Lett and Yasmin Polk.
FPC’s boys 4x400 relay of Logan Jacobelli, Will Roberts, Michael Najpaver and Justin Goings also took home regional gold.
The first- and second-
place finishers in each event at regionals automatically qualify for the state championships. Ten at-large qualifiers in each event, based on the next best regional results, will fill out the fields.
The FPC boys placed second as a team in Sanford and had two second-place finishers — Jacobelli in the 100 and the 4x800 relay. At-large state qualifiers include Jacobelli in the 200 — giving him four events at state — Jordan Haymon in the 400 and La’Darius Simmons and Jack Wronowski in the javelin.
Freshman Douglas Seth was sick and could not finish the 3,200-meter run, Halliday said.
“We held him out of the 4x8,” Halliday said. “Mateo (Alemeida) did a great job qualifying in his place. Douglas tried his best to run the 3,200. We stayed with him for one mile, but he was really struggling, so we pulled him off the track. We didn’t want to take a chance. He’ll be back in the 4x8 (at state).”
Haymon was still not 100% from a minor quad injury. He placed fifth in the 400 at regional but has run the second fastest time in Class 4A this season in 46.88 seconds.
“If he’s 95% healthy, he has a shot in the 400,” Halliday said.
Simmons has recorded the longest distance in javelin this season among Class 4A competitors. He placed third at regional throwing from a grass surface.
“He will do better on a real collegiate runway,” Halliday said. “He definitley has the opportunity to win a state title next week, but it’s not going to come easy. He can’t have a soso day. Three other throwers have thrown over 60 meters. He’s thrown 62.”
FPC’s Grace Taylor automatically qualified in girls javelin with a runner-up regional finish. Arianna Slaughter received at-large bids in the 800, 1,600 and 4x800 relay with Anna Grigoruk, Jayden Wright and Everly Mucciolo. They broke a school record
with a time of 9:35.44. Danteria Rankin received an atlarge bid in the shot put. Mainland freshman Makayla Doe also broke a school record, placing second in triple jump with a leap of 11.31 meters (37 feet, 1.25 inches). Mainland’s Sydney Noelien is also an automatic qualifier for the Class 3A championships. She placed second in discus at regional. Ethan Figueroa (long jump) and Michael London (discus) are at-large qualifiers. They both placed third at district.
Matanzas college athletic signees: Sergio Posada, James De'Esposito, Jackson Grace, MaKenzie Manhart, Ruby Fogel, Cardy Michel, Ladarien Baker, Javonte Patton, Nolan Schmidt, Jacob Register, Vincent Ferrugiaro and Kenneth Roberts. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi won regional championships in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs for the second year in a row.
Courtesy photos
The Father Lopez girls 4x100 relay team of Lauren Lancing, Gabby Green, Valerie Aldrich and Caroline Curtis set a school record and received an at-large bid to the Class 1A state championships.
8U Oregon’s Callen Rowe (right) reaches for the flag of Miami’s Bobby Barrow. Photos by Keishia McLendon
10U player Carlos Benitez (left) runs after catching a punt.
‘Dark-horse’ Pirates makes name for itself at state tennis championships
Matanzas fell 4-3 in the 3A semifinals to eventual champ; and Daniel Patsula finished as runner-up in singles.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
When the the Matanzas Pirates arrived at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs for the state tennis championships, there were some confused looks.
“Everybody there was, ‘Who’s Matanzas?’” Pirates boys tennis coach Jens Oliva said. “We were the little dark horse out of nowhere.”
They know now as Matanzas sophomore Daniel Patsula reached the Class 3A championship match in No. 1 singles, finishing as the runner-up. And the Pirates reached the semifinals of the Class 3A team championship, losing to eventual state champ Wire-
Breakout flag football season for FPC
Flagler Palm Coast’s most successful flag football season in many years ended with a 12-6 overtime loss to Ocala Forest in the Region 1-4A quarterfinals on April 29. Forest went on to beat Ocoee 19-0 in the regional semifinals to advance to the regional final against Tocoi Creek. In the quarterfinal, Stephanie Turner and Janae White each had an interception for the visiting Bulldogs. FPC scored on a 60yard touchdown pass from Tori Spann to Turner.
The Bulldogs finished with a 12-6 record. They reached the playoffs for the first time since 2012. Their calling card was defense with seven players combining to intercept 33 passes. They allowed more than 14 points in just three games. Spann, a junior, and Turner, a freshman, led the team with eight interceptions apiece and were both also impactful on offense.
The Bulldogs lose four-year starting quarterback Nereyda Campos, who will play for Daytona State College next year, but they return everyone else on the roster.
High School softball playoff recap
FPC softball coach Brooklynn Jimeson and freshman Ava Zublionis were named Florida
grass Ranch, 4-3. Patsula lost for the first time this season in the 3A singles final on Friday, May 1. He took Luca Torres-Sigler of Riverview Spoto to the tiebreaker third set. After winning the first set 6-4, Patsula fell in the second set 6-1. He blew out a shoe in the middle of the second set and changed to a new pair. The tiebreaker was tight with Torres-Sigler winning 10-7 to win the Class
Athletic Coaches Association coach and player of the year, respectively, for Class 7A, District 6. Zublionis batted .475 with a .755 slugging percentage and 26 runs scored. The Bulldogs finished 8-14, but they return almost their entire team next year. Seabreeze defeated Orlando Bishop Moore 1-0 in the District 6-4A championship game to advance to the state playoffs. The Sandcrabs (11-12) are scheduled to play at top seed Eau Gallie on May 6 in the Region 2-4A quarterfinals.
The Sandcrabs scored the only run of the game against Bishop Moore in the sixth inning. Freshman Samantha Sullivan drove in fellow freshman Alyssa Checho with a base hit. Checho pitched a complete-game shutout, scattering four hits and four walks in seven innings.
Matanzas (10-12) ended its season with two high-scoring losses to Beachside, 13-12 in the final regular-season game and 11-9 in the District 4-5A semifinal. The Pirates’ Camryn Williams combined for five hits and five RBIs in the two games, while Alondra Vincenty had three doubles and drove in five runs and McKenzie Manhart had four hits with a triple, scored five runs and drove in three.
Ormond Beach Soccer Club team qualifies for NPL nationals
The Ormond Beach Soccer
3A title and move on the grand finals for the overall FHSAA tennis title.
After the district tournament on April 15, Ponte Vedra coach Fredo Weiland said Patsula “is the real deal,” describing his strokes as “smooth as melted butter.” Weiland said Patsula would be a dark horse at the state championships and his assessment proved prescient with the 3A final even closer than the score
indicated, Oliva said.
“One rally was 27 points long,” Oliva said. “It was unreal the consistency they both have and the high-pace hitting they both have. It was a great match to watch.”
In team play, Matanzas upset No. 1 seed Orlando Innovation 4-3 on Wednesday, April 29. The Pirates won both doubles matches with Patsula and Owen Brady winning at No. 1 and Adam Sto-
chel Polubiec and Stan Valenteychik winning at No. 2. Patsula at No. 1 and Valenteychik at No. 3 both won their singles matches to remain undefeated on the season and clinch the team victory.
In the semifinals on April 30, the Pirates won both doubles matches again. Patsula won his No. 1 singles match for the other team point and also keeping him alive in the individual singles draw. But
Wiregrass Ranch won the other four singles matches.
Stochel Polubiec cramped up badly in the No. 2 singles match and couldn’t play like he normally does, Oliva said. It was the first dual-match loss of the season for the Pirates. They entered the state semis on an 18-match win streak.
Wiregrass Ranch went on to defeat defending state champ Osceola 4-3 in the final.
“We were top four in the state, so we can’t complain about that,” Oliva said. “We gained a lot of respect from a lot of coaches from around the state. We put our school name out there.”
The Pirates will lose four seniors, Valenteychik, Brady, Tyler Lemmon and Daniel Faraj, all of whom have been on the team for four years and have led Matanzas to winning records every year with an overall record of 51-11 including an 18-1 record this season and a 13-1 record their freshman season in 2023.
Club’s 2013 Boys Red team has qualified to compete in the National Premier League’s national finals July 8-14 in Denver.
This is the first year the club is playing in the NPL division in the Florida Club Leagues. The NPL is a national competition platform for top-level youth soccer clubs in the U13 to U19 age groups.
The 2013 Boys Red team (U13) qualified for nationals by winning the Florida Leagues’ NPL playoffs April 25-26 in Odessa, Florida. The Ormond team made the playoffs as a wildcard. IT defeated the St. Petersburg Football Club 3-1 and then defeated its Central Region opponent, the Port St. Lucis Hurricanes, on penalty kicks.
The score was tied 1-1 through two overtimes. Ormond won the penalty-kick shootout 4-3 to qualify for nationals in Denver.
The team’s coaches are Thomas Chameraud and
Dylan Reed. The players are Gatlin Brodick, Kai Cheng, Lucas Caputo, Cooper Erickson, William Johnston, Kenan Davis, Corbin McNitt, Jackson Shorter, Isaac Wittnebert, Jack Cianciatto, Kason Davis, Cooper Rowley, Reagan Williams, Kellan Velez, Finn McNitt, Ivan Cruz, Maxwell Bosang and Enzo Denard.
The cost of the trip to Denver, including flights, lodging and tournament fees, will be about $30,000, Ormond Beach Soccer Club Vice President Jill Bosang said. If you are interested
in donating, email Bosang at vp@ormondbeachsc. net or Dylan Reed at doc@ ormondbeachsc.net.
Jordan Mills commits to Ohio Wesleyan
Former Matanzas High School football standout and state wrestling champ Jordan Mills has committed to Ohio Wesleyan, an NCAA Division III school, to play both sports. Mills’ primary position in football is defensive back. As a senior in the 2023 season,
ers. They both placed third at district.
Seabreeze had two automatic qualifiers to the Class 3A championships — Drayton Brackett placed second in the 110-meter hurdles and Dominic Dowell placed second in the 400-meter hurdles. Matanzas freshman Dylan Ciardi received an at-large bid in the boys’ 3,200. Two Father Lopez individuals and two relay teams qualified for the Class 1A state championships on May 6 at UNF. Lauren Lansing won the 100-meter hurdles
Seabreeze’s Alex Schargen gets ready to throw the javelin at the Region 2-3A track meet. Schargen finished fifth.
in a school-record 14.96 seconds at the Region 2-1A meet. Lancing also qualified in the 100-meter dash.
Father Lopez’s Mia BrunoLudwig earned a second-place finish in shot put. The 4x100 relay (Gabby Green, Caroline Curtis, Valerie Aldrich and Lancing) set a school record of 50.3 seconds to finish third and receive an at-large bid. The 4x400 relay of Curtis, Marlena Cornwell, Green and Lancing also received an atlarge bid.
had had 11 tackles for a loss, two interceptions and a fumble recovery. He also caught 25 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Mills won the Class 2A state wrestling championship with a 52-0 record as a senior in 2024 after coming back from shoulder surgery that ended his junior wrestling season. Jordan and Mariah Mills became the first brother and sister to win state wrestling championships in the same season. Jordan and his brother Tyson were both state runners-up in 2022 when Jordan was a sophomore.
Matanzas boys tennis team on the second day of the Class 3A state championships: Stanislav Valenteychik, Adam Stochel Polubiec, Dan-
iel Patsula, Owen Brady, coach Jens Oliva and Tyler Lemmon (Not pictured: Alex Engblom and Daniel Faraj). Courtesy photo
The Ormond Beach Soccer 2013 Boys Red team has qualified to compete in the
Top row (from left): Coach Thomas Chameraud, Gatlin Brodick, Kai Cheng, Lucas Caputo, Cooper Erickson, William Johnston, Kenan Davis, Corbin McNitt, Jackson Shorter, Isaac Wittnebert, Jack Cianciatto and coach Dylan Reed. Front Row: Kason Davis, Cooper Rowley, Reagan Williams, Kellan Velez, Finn McNitt, Ivan Cruz, Maxwell Bosang and Enzo Denard. Courtesy photo
Father Lopez’s Lauren Lancing set a school record to win the 100-meter hurdles title at the Region 2-1A meet.
CLASSIFIEDS
Dog Kennel for Small/Medium Size Dogs $40 obo 386-437-7058 MOVING SALE Computer Printer Cart Still In Box $35. Tan And Black Adjustable Bar Stool, Adjustable Height, In Box Never Opened, $35.00. 386-346-5117 /C-239-671-2580
Half Bag, $100. 386-437-2237
Dyson Ball Upright Vacuum $100 386-299-8763
Weed and Grass Trimmer, Like New $50 Call 386-586-8745
Centurion/Cavaleto Men’s 10 Speed Racing Bike, W/ Helmet, Excellent Condition. $110.00 Call landline 386-445-0584
2 Heavy Duty 6’ Ladders. $50 ea. 1 36’ Aluminum Folding Extension Ladder $100 386-237-8079
New Patio Chairs Grey & Black with Black Folding Table Asking $165 obo 386-437-7058 Automotive Cash Buyer for ALL Classic and Antique Cars Call or Text 407-366-0000
Room
2007 Cadillac DTS Pearl white/tan leather. 84,900 easy mi. Garaged. Excellent tires. Detailed. Records, Carfax. Inspected. Downsizing. Your mechanic welcome. $8,800 OBO (386) 295-9646
Cleaning Services
Ana’s Personal housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonalhousekeeping@gmail.com 386-868-9662
For Rent
Room For Rent. Female only $600/mo. 1st Month Deposit $600 Utilities Included 619-646-7547
TRIBUTES
Louis Franze Jr. April 26, 1941 - March 2, 2026
Passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of strength and unforgettable memories.
He was a devoted husband to his late wife, Wilma, and a father to Deborah Maltese, Christine Guckian, Eileen Alfano, and Louis J. Franze. He is also survived by his stepchildren, Lisa Cottrell, Steven McCarthy, and Tommy McCarthy, and his ten grandchildren.
Louis worked as a service manager at Curry Chevrolet and was known for his incredible skill as a handyman. He could rip down walls and
renovate homes with speed and precision, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need.
He belonged to the Corvette Club for many years and had a special gift for storytelling, along with an uncanny memory for names, stories, and moments. He especially loved sharing the story of how he and his sister shared the same birthday—one he would never forget.
One of his hidden talents was painting; he enjoyed creating pictures on canvas, a quiet expression of his creativity.
Trey Corbett March 3, 1967 - April 16, 2026
Ralph Lester Corbett III, known affectionately as Trey, passed away on April 16, 2026, at the age of 59.
Born in Gainesville and raised in St. Augustine, Trey was a Floridian through and through and also treasured the summers spent in South Carolina with family. He moved to Palm Coast in 2008 and carried a distinct vibe—a zest for life, a love for the water, cruising the Caribbean, and a belief that life is meant to be enjoyed. His personality was charismatic and infectious; he could light up a room the moment he walked in. A proud Southern gentleman with country roots and quick wit, his character was shaped in part by childhood summers in Walterboro and Cottageville, South Carolina, surrounded by his grandmother, father, siblings, and a close-knit circle of aunts, uncles, and extended family.
Trey graduated from the
University of North Florida and served as an Army Airborne paratrooper, a role that reflected the grit and discipline he carried throughout his life. Professionally, he was the owner of Veterans Title, where he was known for his dedication and reliability. Trey’s true calling was found in ministry and mentoring the youth, where he brought a sharp mind for Scripture and a gift for meeting people in life’s most significant moments with compassion, steadiness, and faith. A man of deep faith and a legendary sense of humor, he was known for his smile and the way he made people feel at ease. Loving, caring, and generous, he was always willing to lend a hand— and just as ready to offer a listening ear.
Trey is survived by his devoted wife, Kathleen Corbett. He is also survived by his siblings: Susan Corbett Quary, Kim Corbett Watson, Sherri
Corbett Walker,
legacy will be held on May 15, at 5:00pm at the Compass By Margaritaville, Flagler Beach, on the rooftop deck. Heritage Funeral and Cremation is handling the arrangements.
His presence made people feel at home, and he will be missed more than words can express. Funeral services will be held on May 13 @ 230 Lohmans funeral in Palm Coast.
Terri Corbett Crosby, Marguerite Grawet Whitcomb, Michelle Grawet Vey, Christopher Corbett, Mitchell Corbett, and Michael Grawet, and his loving and devoted niece Mindy Corbett. A memorial service to celebrate Trey’s life and
is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is May 7, 2026. Personal Representative: William T. Kesselring, Jr. 11 Spring Lake Drive East Stroudsburg, Florida 18301 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Wendy A. Mara Wendy A. Mara Attorney Florida Bar Number: 69872 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste.D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 672-8081 Fax: (386) 265-5995 E-Mail: wamara@maralawpa.com Secondary E-Mail: pmflynt@maralawpa.com May 7, 14, 2026 26-00317I
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF LANDOWNERS’ MEETING AND ELECTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE ORMOND CROSSINGS CENTRAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given to the public and all landowners within Ormond Crossings Central Community Development District (“District”), the location of which is generally described as comprising a parcel or parcels of land, entirely within the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida, containing approximately 395.77 acres, generally located north of Durrance Lane, south of U.S. Highway 1, and west of Interstate 95, advising that a meeting of landowners will be held for the purpose of electing five (5) persons/people to the District’s Board of Supervisors (“Board”, and individually, “Supervisor”). Immediately following the landowners’ meeting, there will be convened an organizational meeting of the Board for the purpose of considering certain matters of the Board to include election of certain District officers, appointment of staff including, but not limited to, manager, attorney and other such business deemed appropriate which may properly come before the Board.
DATE: May 26, 2026 TIME: 11:30 AM
LOCATION: Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach 155 Interchange Boulevard Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
Each landowner may vote in person or by written proxy. Proxy forms may be obtained upon request at the office of the District Manager, c/o Wrathell, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (“District Manager’s Office”). At said meeting, each landowner or his or her proxy shall be entitled to nominate persons for the position of Supervisor and cast one vote per acre of land, or fractional portion thereof, owned by him or her and located within the District for each person to be elected to the position of Supervisor. A fraction of an acre shall be treated as one acre, entitling the landowner to one vote with respect thereto. Platted lots shall be counted individually and rounded up to the nearest whole acre. The acreage of platted lots shall not be aggregated for determining the number of voting units held by a landowner or a landowner’s proxy. At the landowners’ meeting, the landowners shall select a person to serve as the meeting chair and who shall conduct the meeting.
The landowners’ meeting and the organizational meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at such meeting. A copy of the agenda for the meetings may be obtained from the District Manager’s Office. There may be an occasion where one or more supervisors will participate by telephone. Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the meetings is asked to contact the District Manager’s Office, at least three business days before the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office.
A person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meetings is advised that such person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, including the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.
District Manager April 30; May 7, 2026
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2026 10871 CIDL THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR NOVASTAR MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST, SERIES 2005-2, NOVASTAR HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN BOISVERT A/K/A STEPHEN RICHARD ERNEST BOISVERT A/K/A STEPHEN R. BOISVERT, DECEASED; HEATHER BOISVERT; HEATHER BOISVERT, AS NATURAL GUARDIAN OF THE MINOR CHILD, JEREMIAH BOISVERT; MEGAN BOISVERT; BRIANNA BOISVERT; UNIFUND CCR PARTNERS ASSIGNEE OF PALISADES ACQUISITION XVI, LLC, Defendant(s). TO: Unknown Heirs, Devisees, Grantees, Assignees, Lienors, Creditors, Trustees, and all other parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Estate of Stephen Boisvert a/k/a Stephen Richard Ernest Boisvert a/k/a Stephen R. Boisvert, deceased 319 West New York Avenue Lake Helen, Florida 32744
YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property in Volusia County, Florida:
SECOND INSERTION
NOTICE OF LANDOWNERS’ MEETING AND ELECTION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING OF THE
ORMOND CROSSINGS EAST COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
Notice is hereby given to the public and all landowners within Ormond Crossings East Community Development District (“District”), the location of which is generally described as comprising a parcel or parcels of land, entirely within the City of Ormond Beach, Volusia County, Florida, containing approximately 525.77 acres, generally located northeast of Durrance Lane, southwest of U.S. Highway 1, and east of Interstate 95, advising that a meeting of landowners will be held for the purpose of electing five (5) persons/people to the District’s Board of Supervisors (“Board”, and individually, “Supervisor”). Immediately following the landowners’ meeting, there will be convened an organizational meeting of the Board for the purpose of considering certain matters of the Board to include election of certain District officers, appointment of staff including, but not limited to, manager, attorney and other such business deemed appropriate which may properly come before the Board.
DATE: May 26, 2026
TIME: 11:30 AM
LOCATION: Hampton Inn Daytona/Ormond Beach 155 Interchange Boulevard Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
Each landowner may vote in person or by written proxy. Proxy forms may be obtained upon request at the office of the District Manager, c/o Wrathell, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (“District Manager’s Office”). At said meeting, each landowner or his or her proxy shall be entitled to nominate persons for the position of Supervisor and cast one vote per acre of land, or fractional portion thereof, owned by him or her and located within the District for each person to be elected to the position of Supervisor. A fraction of an acre shall be treated as one acre, entitling the landowner to one vote with respect thereto. Platted lots shall be counted individually and rounded up to the nearest whole acre. The acreage of platted lots shall not be aggregated for determining the number of voting units held by a landowner or a landowner’s proxy. At the landowners’ meeting, the landowners shall select a person to serve as the meeting chair and who shall conduct the meeting.
The landowners’ meeting and the organizational meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida law. The meetings may be continued to a date, time, and place to be specified on the record at such meeting. A copy of the agenda for the meetings may be obtained from the District Manager’s Office. There may be an occasion where one or more supervisors will participate by telephone.
Any person requiring special accommodations to participate in the meetings is asked to contact the District Manager’s Office, at least three business days before the hearing. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1, or 1-800-955-8771 (TTY) / 1-800-955-8770 (Voice), for aid in contacting the District Manager’s Office.
A person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the meetings is advised that such person will need a record of the proceedings and that accordingly, the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is
District Manager April 30; May 7, 2026
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION DIVISION 10 File No.: 2026 11276 PRDL IN RE: ESTATE OF SARAH FAMIGLIETTI, Deceased
The administration of the estate of SARAH FAMIGLIETTI, deceased, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 101 N. Alabama Avenue, Deland, FL 32720 file number 2026 11276 PRDL.
The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. The fiduciary lawyer - client privilege in Florida Statutes Section 90.5021 applies with respect to the personal representative and any attorney employed by the personal representative.
vice of the notice of administration. A petition for determination of exempt property is required to be filed by or on behalf of any person entitled to exempt property under Section 732.402 WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the later of the date that is 4 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on such person or the date that is 40 days after the date of termination of any proceeding involving the construction, admission to probate, or validity of the will or involving any other matter affecting any part of the exempt property, or the right of such person to exempt property is deemed waived.
An election to take an elective share must be filed by or on behalf of the surviving spouse entitled to an elective share under Sections 732.201-732.2155
NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 13194 CIDL NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. REGINA M CRUZ, et al., Defendant. To: RONALD R VENHORST 1412 N GARFIELD AVENUE, DELAND, FL 32724 FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION 5600 GRANITE PKWY, PLANO, TX 75024 HALLGREN INVESTMENT HOLDINGS, LLC 1350 W WINDRIFT WAY, GILBERT, AZ 85233 LAST KNOWN ADDRESS STATED, CURRENT RESIDENCE UNKNOWN YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose Mortgage covering the following real and personal property described as follows, to-wit: THAT PART OF THE EAST 1/2 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF THE NORTHEAST 1/4, SECTION 4, TOWNSHIP 17 SOUTH, RANGE 30 EAST, DESCRIBED AS: BEGINNING AT A POINT 25 FEET WEST OF
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 10954 PRDL Division 10 IN RE: ESTATE OF RICARDA H. HENNING Deceased.
26-00287I
LOTS 20, 21 AND 22, BLOCK 50, BLAKEWOOD, A SUBDIVISION IN LAKE HELEN, FLORIDA ACCORDING TO THE MAP IN MAP BOOK 6, PAGE 169 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA. Street Address: 319 West New York Avenue, Lake Helen, Florida 32744 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC, Plaintiff’s attorney, whose address is 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A, West Palm Beach, FL 33407, within 30 days after the date of the first publication of this notice, on or before 5/26/2026, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court, otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. Dated on 4/24, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ K. Frierson As Deputy Clerk McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, FL 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400 FLpleadings@MWC-law.com
File#:20-401060 April 30; May 7, 2026 26-00290I
Any interested person on whom a copy of the notice of administration is served who challenges the validity of the will or any codicils, venue, or jurisdiction of the court is required to file any objection with the court in the manner provided in the Florida Probate Rules WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the date that is 3 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on that person, or those objections are forever barred. The 3 month time period may only be extended for estoppel based upon a misstatement by the personal representative regarding the time period within which an objection must be filed. The time period may not be extended for any other reason, including affirmative representation, failure to disclose information, or misconduct by the personal representative or any other person. Unless sooner barred by section 733.212(3), all objections to the validity of a will or any codicils, venue or the jurisdiction of the court must be filed no later than the earlier of the entry of an order of final discharge of the personal representative or I year after ser-
WITHIN THE TIME REQUIRED BY LAW, which is on or before the earlier of the date that is 6 months after the date of service of a copy of the Notice of Administration on the surviving spouse, or an attorney in fact or a guardian of the property of the surviving spouse, or the date that is 2 years after the date of the decedent’s death. The time for filing an election to take an elective share may be extended as provided in the Florida Probate Rules.
Dated: 4/21/2026 /s/ Brian A. Lane BRIAN A. LANE, Personal Representative 5 Poppy Hill Drive Johnston, RI 02919 Respectfully Submitted, By: /s/ Mark Andrew James Mark Andrew James The Law Office of Mark A. James Florida Bar No. 26119 101 N. Woodland Blvd, Suite 305 DeLand, FL 32720 Tel. 407-679-3111 Primary E-Mail: mjames@attorneymarkjames.com Attorney for Personal Representative April 30; May 7, 2026 26-00289I
The administration of the estate of Ricarda H. Henning, deceased, whose date of death was February 27, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for Volusia County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is P.O. Box 6043, DeLand, FL 32721. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is April 30, 2026. Personal Representative: Susan M. O’Leary c/o Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Attorney for Personal Representative: W. Denis Shelley Attorney Florida Bar Number: 273872 Legacy Law Associates, P.L. 313 S. Palmetto Ave. Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 252-2531 Fax: (386) 868-5371 E-Mail: shelley@legacylaw313.com
Secondary E-Mail: linda@legacylaw313.com April 30; May 7, 2026 26-00283I
DISABILI-
TIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACID-
ADES Si usted es una person con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administration), 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 dias de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días ; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this 27th day of APRIL, 2026. LAURA E ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By /s/ K. Frierson As Deputy Clerk
J. Anthony Van Ness, Esq. VAN NESS LAW FIRM, PLC Attorney for the Plaintiff 1239 E. NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE, SUITE #110 DEERFIELD BEACH, FL 33442
PHH21193-25/cam April 30; May 7, 2026 26-00292I
FOURTH INSERTION NOTICE OF SUSPENSION AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMPLAINT
To: Matthew R. Pedata Case: CD202513301/D 3303641 A Notice of Suspension to suspend and an Administrative Complaint to revoke your license(s) and eligibility for licensure has been filed against you. You have the right to request a hearing pursuant to Sections 120.569 and 120.57, Florida Statutes, by mailing a request for same to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Licensing, Post Office Box 5708, Tallahassee, Florida 32314-5708. If a request for hearing is not received by 21 days from the date of the last publication, the right to hearing in this matter will be waived and the Department will dispose of this cause in accordance with law. April 16, 23, 30; May 7, 2026 26-00253I
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL
CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 14494 CIDL THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC.
ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11, Plaintiff, vs. SAMMY L. JONES; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SAMMY L. JONES; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, and ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure dated April 23, 2026, entered in Civil Case No.: 2025 14494 CIDL of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Volusia County, Florida, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR CWABS, INC. ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-11, Plaintiff, and SAMMY L. JONES; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF SAMMY L. JONES; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 N/K/A SHAWN JONES, are Defendants. LAURA E. ROTH, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.volusia.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 9th day of June, 2026, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 22, BLOCK 252, DELTONA LAKES, UNIT 5, A SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO MAP IN MAP BOOK 25, PAGES 127 THROUGH 138, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA.
If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After the funds are reported as unclaimed, only the owner of record as of the date of the Lis Pendens may
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO 2026 11202 FMCI DIVISION 36 In Re: The Marriage of Caitlina Joan Guarnieri, Petitioner and Michael Anthony Guarnieri Jr, Respondent TO: Michael Anthony Guarnieri Jr 66 Windom Ave Staten Island, NY 10305 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, on petitioner or petitioner’s attorney: Caitlina Joan Guarnieri 321 Cornell Dr Daytona Beach, FL 32118 on or before April 30, 2026 and file the original with the Clerk of the Circuit Court
claim the surplus.
REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES
PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato alrecibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS
NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL
Dated: April 24, 2026
/s/ Brian L. Rosaler
By: Brian L. Rosaler
Florida Bar No.: 0174882. Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire
Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. 1701West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442
Telephone: (954) 360-9030
Facsimile: (954)
at P.O. Box 6043, DeLand FL 32721-6043 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a Default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Florida Family Law Form 12.915, Notice of Current Address.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed to the address on record at the Clerk’s Office.
WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, require certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings.
YOUR AD HERE
Dated: March 16, 2026. LAURA E. ROTH CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: A. Arnold Deputy Clerk April 30; May 7, 14, 21, 2026 26-00291I
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR VOLUSIA COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File
DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is April 30, 2026. Personal Representative: Tomas Lopez 420 Desoto Avenue DeLeon Springs, Florida 32130 Attorney for Personal Representative: Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0015821 Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd. Suite 101 Daytona
