Palm Coast Observer 07-03-25

PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 16, NO. 23

4 STEPS TO PATRIOTISM PAGE 3A

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

‘Silly’ house color rules are voted out For the 12th time, staff is sent back to review code, as City Council identifies the new goal: maximum freedom. 5A

State budget approved, including tax breaks Flagler County projects sidestep governor’s veto pen

BIZ KIDS Third annual Children’s Business Fair in Palm Coast showcases young entrepreneurs. PAGE 6B

PAGE 4A INSIDE 9 TAKEAWAYS

Traffic light planned at Matanzas Woods and I-95, and 8 other takeaways from Theresa Pontieri’s town hall.

PAGE 10A

SEAGATE TURNS 31

Over 31 years, SeaGate Homes has seen a lot of changes in the housing market. An interview with Robert Gazzoli.

PAGE 6A

WHITE IS BACK

John White returns as Matanzas wrestling coach.

PAGE 8B

RED, WHITE, BLUE

Matanzas football players honor fallen service member with workout.

PAGE 8B

MAKING PROGRESS

Flagler students show improvement on Florida tests.

PAGE 2A

Elise Emberley, owner of Chic Shells. Photo by Hannah Hodge

SWIM LESSON

Locals participate in world’s largest swim lesson.

PAGE 1B

RITZ RESIDENCES

‘The Ritz Effect’: How recent luxury sales affect the market.

PAGE 8A

INDEX

Business..................... PAGE 6A Calendar..................... PAGE 3B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 2C Letters.......................PAGE 10A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Sports..........................PAGE 7B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate..................PAGE 7A

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Palm Coast cuts three positions, including chief of staff The three positions will total over $308,000 in savings.

Two more positions will remain vacant for next budget cycle; $500,000 in IT-related costs also cut.

OBSERVER STAFF

Palm Coast is cutting three personnel positions and freezing two others to reduce the city’s budget, including the chief of staff role.

At the June 24 Palm Coast City Council workshop meeting, Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri requested that staff reduce the budget by a tenth of a mill. City staff had just told the council the city’s taxable property value had increased by 9%.

“The max [millage rate] I would like to see is a tenth rollback,” she said at that meeting. “We can always go lower.”

The first presentation of the fiscal year 2026 general fund budget will be presented at the 6 p.m. July 8 workshop meeting with the tenthmill rollback, going from 4.1893 to 4.0893 mills. (Taxes are calculated by multiplying the millage rate by the taxable value of a home, divided by 1,000. Palm Coast is just one

entity that assesses taxes in Flagler County, in addition to the School Board and others.)

To make the reduction, the city is cutting the chief of staff’s $205,000 position after Jason DeLorenzo leaves for Palm Bay in July, as well as a Finance Technician position and part-time hours in Communications and Marketing, a Palm Coast press release said.

The three cut positions total $308,000 in savings. Palm Coast will also be reducing IT-related costs that equal $500,000.

“This budget reflects a continued commitment to responsible financial stewardship, enhanced services, and maintaining residents’ quality of life,” the press release said. “The City Council’s priorities remain at the heart of this budget, with a focus on maintaining a healthy FUND balance while investing in public safety, infrastructure, and long-term efficiencies.”

Cutting the chief of staff posi-

tion will permanently divide the leadership workload, which is already missing three other positions: a community development director, a utility director and a city manager.

In an email to the Observer, Communication Director Brittany Kershaw said the city is actively recruiting a utility director and a community development director, hopefully alleviating the work load on the senior-level positions. Flagler County Sheriff’s Chief Mark Strobridge, she wrote, will be city’s the acting assistant city manager for the next several months as well.

Kershaw also said the city has received over 60 applications for the city manager position which will be reviewed in August.

The 2026 budget is also investing in local priorities, the press release said. Almost $4 million is allocated across neighborhood street maintenance, saltwater canal dredging, economic development incentives and investment for the Maintenance Operations Complex to support the city’s infrastructure needs.

A 17% increase in public safety is also in the 2026 budget, including nine new Flagler County Sheriff’s

Office deputies.

“This budget allows us to prioritize what matters most, while finding smarter ways to serve the community,” said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston. “As Palm Coast continues to evolve, this balanced approach ensures we protect what makes Palm Coast a great place to live, work, learn, and play—today and into the future.”

Palm Coast also recently launched an agency-wide risk assessment with the national consulting firm Plante Moran, according to a May press release. The assessment will include evaluating Palm Coast’s capabilities and developing a framework to use to assess risk on an ongoing basis.

Plante Moran will work with city leadership to assess risks, create targeted mitigation strategies, and recommend ways to align these efforts with long-term objectives, the press release said. The firm will also provide guidance on actionable measures that can enhance operational efficiency and improve services across all departments.

What are your ideas for improving efficiency? Email letters to brent@observerlocalnews.com.

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

BRIEFS North Carolina woman killed in fatal crash with box truck on I-95 in Ormond A passenger in an SUV was killed in a crash on I-95 in Ormond Beach after colliding with a box truck on Monday, June 30, Florida Highway Patrol reported.

The crash took place at 1:42 p.m. at mile marker 272, south of the U.S. 1 exit. The passenger, a 23-yearold woman from Ramseur, North Carolina, was pronounced dead on the scene. The SUV was driven by a 24-year-old man from Asheboro, North Carolina, and FHP reports they had been traveling northbound on I-95 in the center lane when the box truck, driven by a 34-year-old Palm Coast man, was attempting to merge back into the interstate from the outside shoulder.

Witnesses said the SUV’s driver swerved toward the outside shoulder and rear-ended the box truck.

A third vehicle, an SUV driven by an 86-year-old Palm Coast woman,

COPS CORNER JUNE 15

PRANKED 3:51 p.m. — 100 block of Willow Bend Lane, Ormond Beach Burglary. An Ormond Beach resident called police to report a carbreak.

According to an incident report, the victim, had left his or her car unlocked. The missing items weren’t far, however.

They had been placed in his neighbor’s car — which had also been left unlocked. The neighbor, a 39-year-old Ormond Beach man, told police the suspect had gone through his belongings, but nothing was taken. He didn’t wish to pursue any charges, and told officers he believed the whole incident to be a

was traveling northbound on the outside lane as well and attempted to swerve to avoid the crash, striking debris instead. She and the box truck driver sustained no injuries.

The North Carolina driver was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation, FHP reports.

Flagler students show improvement on Florida assessments Flagler County School District students showed marked improvement in many subjects and grade levels on Florida’s 2024-25 assessment tests compared to the previous year.

Scores are broken down into five achievement levels to show how much support a student might need going forward. Level 3 is on grade level with Level 5 considered exemplary.

A Flagler Schools press release highlighted the district’s gains: In English Language Arts, the Flagler Schools saw an overall gain of 3%, with 58% of students achieving a Level 3 score or above. Grade

prank by some of the local juveniles.

JUNE 18

TEA FOR TAT 8:11 p.m. — 1500 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Disturbance. Police responded to a local gas station convenience store after an employee reported that a 29-year-old Palm Coast man tried to steal from the store, leading to an altercation where he accidentally struck her with his truck.

When police arrived, the employee said the man had poured a bottled iced tea into a fountain drink cup, paying only for the latter. When confronted, the man — who later told police he had poured the drink into the cup because he “wasn’t thinking” — went to his truck and grabbed cash to pay for the bottled tea. The employee, however, refused to give him his change until police arrived as she intended to trespass him, according to an incident report.

3 scores rose 3% to 64% scoring Level 3 or above in primary literacy.

Grade 7 scores rose 5% with 56% scoring Level 3 or above. And grade 10 improved 4% with 59% of scores reaching Level 3 or above.

Overall math scores also rose 3% with 61% of Flagler students achieving Level 3 or above. Grade 3 students showed the most growth with a 10% improvement as 70% of the students achieved at least a Level 3 assessment. Geometry scores rose

5% with 65% recording a Level 3 or higher. Grade 5 scores also rose 5% with 60% scoring Level 3 or above.

In science, biology scores rose 4% with 72% of students scoring Level 3 or higher. Grade 5 science scores grew 5 percentage points with 58% scoring Level 3 or above. In social studies, U.S. history scores rose 4% with 70% of the district’s students achieving Level 3 or above. Civics saw a 2% gain with 71% scoring at Level 3 or above.

Palm Coast Fire, Flagler Sheriff’s Office participate in joint training exercise The Palm Coast Fire Department held a three-day training exercise with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office last week – the latest in a long line of joint training exercises to prepare for a variety of different emergencies.

The exercise was held at the Long Creek Nature Preserve. The agencies responded to simulated emergency calls in which a victim of a jet skiing accident needed serious medical attention. Each scenario incorporated the use of one of five boats provided by the FCSO, which worked with the Fire Department to engage, stabilize and transport the patient safely to shore aboard the vessel so that emergency medical procedures could be implemented.

Nearly 60 members of the Fire Department participated in the exercise.

The Palm Coast Fire Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office held a three-day training exercise at Long Creek Nature Preserve. Photo courtesy of PCFD

Send news story ideas to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

He left the store, and the employee followed him, attempting to block him from leaving in his truck.

The man told police he attempted to drive around her, but the truck “slightly slid” across her, the report states. The employee then threw a roll of trash bags at his truck.

The man claimed the employee threw a radio at his truck, causing a dent in his passenger side door and a broken front right mirror. He wished to pursue charges.

As video surveillance showed the man paid for his drink, didn’t intentionally strike the employee and the video showed the employee throwing the trash bags, not a radio, officers pressed no charges to either party.

concerned citizen reported that a transient woman was stopping every 10 to 15 feet in the road to dance, and that she asked the citizen if they wanted to buy drugs at one point, according to the woman’s arrest report.

The woman told deputies that she was lost in the area. During the investigation, deputies discovered the woman’s vehicle registration was expired by almost one year. As she was looking for her cell phone to call someone to pick her up, a deputy noticed a glass smoking pipe inside one of her bags.

A subsequent search of her car turned up several pipes, marijuana and an amphetamine pill.

She was taken to jail.

JUNE 24

JUNE 25

Battery by strangulation. An officer was flagged down by an 18-year-old, who reported he had been choked by a 29-year-old Palm Coast man.

The teen told police that he had been play fighting with a friend who became aggressive and refused to stop, causing him to run away from her before physically restraining her to get her to stop.

Police report the teen said the man then approached him and accused him of hitting her. The man grabbed him by the throat and pushed him up against the teen’s car, causing a small dent in the vehicle.

The teen had never met the man before. The fight was broken up by others on the scene, according to the man’s arrest report..

The man refused to answer any questions or talk to police after he had been arrested.

GROOVE ON THE MOVE 10:38 p.m. — First block of Lancelot Drive, Palm Coast Possession of amphetamine. A

NOT PLAYING 9:09 p.m. — 400 block of Oceanshore Boulevard, Flagler Beach

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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Our beautiful patriot dream 4 suggestions to restore American pride

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

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couple of years ago, my daughter told me that she was the only one in her classroom who stood and recited the pledge of allegiance during morning announcements in middle school. Others, she said, either remained silent or didn’t pay attention. In her view, the teacher didn’t make a big deal about it because of a perceived battle that wasn’t going to be won anyway.

I was shocked.

Maybe I’m naive, but it never occurred to me that the pledge would be seen as optional for young people.

I said the pledge every day of my school life when I was growing up, and so did every other student, as far as I was aware.

I was thinking about my daughter’s story much later, when I happened to be sitting across the table from a teenager at a lunch event. I asked him if he said the pledge during school. He said no because it was “boring.”

Again, I was shocked. His answer didn’t seem to leave much room for discussion.

Before we get too critical of the rising generation, however, I should point out that adults are also lacking in patriotism.

After a surge following the attacks on American soil on September 11, 2001 — with a peak in 2003 of 70% of U.S. adults saying they were “extremely proud” to be an American — our national pride has been declining. We hit a low of 38% in 2022, and we’re sitting at 41% in the Gallup poll as of 2024.

Why are Americans less proud of their identity than they used to be?

Undoubtedly, part of the reason is due to disagreements with how politicians gain and use their power.

CELEBRATE! FRIDAY, JULY 4

STARS AND STRIPES PARADE When: 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Where: North 6th Street to South 6th Street along A1A, Flagler Beach Details: The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach will present its annual parade, following its traditional route, for the Fourth of July. Free.

UNITED FLAGLER 4TH

When: 6-9 p.m.

Some of it may be due to a perceived decline in respect internationally.

We shouldn’t confuse nationalism with patriotism.

While patriotism is uplifting and motivated by love and respect, nationalism is motivated by a sense of competitiveness or aggression. A nationalist promotes his nation’s interests at the expense of others; a patriot promotes his nation’s ideals, with the good of others always in mind.

There is a difference also between being in favor of lawful citizenship, as opposed to being anti-immigration (or anti-immigrant).

Some who are alarmed by mean-spirited anti-immigrant sentiment may overcorrect by throwing out their patriotism as they protest nationalism.

What of it? If we become a less patriotic nation, maybe we are still OK? I would argue that losing patriotism is not OK. Patriotism is respect. It’s reverence. It’s awareness of the debt of gratitude that we owe not only to the Founding Fathers, but also to those who followed them from generation to generation, establishing more and more firmly the safety and peace that we now enjoy, as well as the economic prosperity that, despite the widening disparity between the wealthy and the poor, is still remarkable. When we fail to acknowledge the good done by others, we risk becoming a shortsighted, selfish people.

We lose our sense of worth.

We lose the confidence that emboldens us to defend the moral high ground, even if it becomes unpopular.

Increasing the patriotism in our society, schools and families is a goal that we must strive to achieve. How is it to be done? Here are a few ideas.

1. RENEW YOUR OWN PLEDGE.

For most of us, it’s easy to say the words without thinking about them: “I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repub-

Where: Flagler Executive

Airport, 201 Airport Road, Palm Coast Details: Attend the United Flagler 4th Community Celebration, hosted by Flagler County Government and the cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell. Gates open at 5 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. There will be vendors, a beer garden, kids’ activities and a main stage with a DJ. At 6:30 p.m., local officials will recite the Declaration of Independence.

Free event.

lic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

But, when I’m in a room of adults at a civic event, and I concentrate on the words, I feel goose bumps almost every time. Here we stand, regardless of our backgrounds, socioeconomic status, political views or religious beliefs — united.

Our differences are insignificant compared to what unites us: We believe that we are under God. We believe that we should support each other and be indivisible in at least one thing — our quest for liberty and justice. And we believe that not only do you and I deserve liberty and justice, but so does everyone else. These great blessings are for all.

If I can’t persuade anyone else, I can at least renew my own pledge and recognize that everyone is on his own journey.

2. DON’T VILIFY THE OPPOSITION.

One political party might think it’s best to pursue justice by increasing funding for the police. Another party might think it’s best to pursue justice by increasing oversight of the police. If we can resist the urge to demean those who disagree with us, we may have a chance to persuade. At the very least, we can return to something we have in common: We have all pledged allegiance to this great country, and so we know that our motives are pure. Therefore, when you or I come up with different solutions to the problem, we can trust that we are, at least, both in the pursuit of solutions.

The other side of the aisle is not the enemy.

3. INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION.

My daughter’s story about the apathy for the pledge should give us all something to think about. Florida statutes give school districts the ability to put policies in place to require the pledge, with parents having the right to exempt a child, but only with written consent. This is something we should review

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION When: 8-9:30 p.m.

Where: Rockefeller Gardens, 26 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Join the city of Ormond Beach for its annual Fourth of July fireworks display. Live music begins at 8 p.m. The shuttle buses will start at 7:30 p.m.and the last shuttle will leave at 9:45 p.m. Fireworks at 9 p.m. Call 386-676-3241.

67th Cracker Day Queen (2024), Lacey Westbrook, carries the American Flag into the arena during opening ceremonies. Photo by Christine Rodenbaugh

in local schools.

Is the pledge of allegiance being enforced?

It’s pretty tough to force someone to pledge allegiance to anything without that effort backfiring. The better path is to inspire. Some questions to consider when talking to your children or grandchildren: What do “liberty and justice” mean to you?

Why would it be ideal if “all” enjoyed liberty and justice?

What can we do right now to help our nation get closer to those ideals?

4. THINK OF OUR IDEALS AS GOALS.

The history of the United States is full of bravery, yes, but also full of hypocrisy. Our

leaders and heroes were and are flawed. It’s human nature to be disappointed when we see how far short we fall when striving for our ideals.

But it’s become more and more of a trend to be not just disappointed but disgusted.

The truth is, we may never see a day when there is truly liberty and justice for all.

Let’s try anyway.

In church on Sunday, the congregation sang, “America, the Beautiful” as one of the hymns. I felt inspired to be in a small pocket of the community, as we sang, in unison a plea — a prayer — that God would assist us in achieving our “patriot dream.”

O beautiful for patriot dream That sees beyond the years Thine alabaster cities gleam Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee And crown thy good with brotherhood From sea to shining sea!

Despite our flaws, that dream of cities “undimmed by human tears,” living in a spirit of brotherhood, is what makes America beautiful to me.

Email brian@observerlocalnews.com.

We may never see a day when there is truly liberty and justice for all. Let’s try anyway.

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025 Paid Advertisement

The Top 5 Estate Planning Mistakes Regular People Make (With a Wink of Humor) Scott A. Selis, Esq.

Which local projects survived the governor’s veto pen?

Despite $567 million in line-item vetoes, all of Flagler County’s requests were funded; Volusia projects among those vetoed.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Scott A. Selis is an estate planning and elder law attorney with offices in Ormond Beach & Palm Coast. Mr. Selis was an Elder Law Attorney of the Year selected by the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section in 2016.

Estate planning isn’t just for the Rockefellers or the Kardashians. It’s for everyone — and that’s where things often go tragically (and sometimes hilariously) off course.

Here are the top five estate planning mistakes regular folks make.

1. Not Having a Plan Let’s start with the classic: doing nothing. Some people treat estate planning like cleaning the garage — it’s always on the list but never actually happens. The problem?

If you don’t make a plan, the state makes one for you. And trust me, the government is terrible at guessing who gets Grandma’s emerald brooch.

2. Naming the Wrong Beneficiaries People assume once they fill out that beneficiary form, it’s good forever. But things change — marriages end, new kids arrive, siblings go rogue.

If your ex life partner is listed as a beneficiary, she or he might get a very unexpected windfall.

3. DIY Legal Documents Yes, you could use an online form generator or copy your cousin’s will from 1998. You could also cut your own hair or fix your car’s brakes with duct tape. That doesn’t mean you should. Estate law is full of quirks, and one wrong word can send your entire plan straight to probate court — where nothing is fast, fun, or free.

4. Forgetting to Fund the Trust Creating a living trust is great, but forgetting to put assets into it is like buying a safe and leaving your jewelry on the kitchen counter. A trust without assets is just a fancy stack of paper — and a missed opportunity.

5. Not Planning for Disability Estate planning isn’t just about death (cheery, right?).

It’s also about who manages your finances or makes medical decisions if you’re incapacitated. Without powers of attorney or advance directives, your loved ones could end up in court while you’re stuck in a hospital bed, unaware and unrepresented.

Bottom Line: Estate planning doesn’t have to be scary — but ignoring it won’t make it go away. Do your family a favor: create an estate plan!

Flagler County escaped the governor’s veto pen for the new budget, with government, cultural groups and nonprofits walking away with almost $34 million.

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the $117.4 billion “Focus on Fiscal Responsibility” budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 on Monday, June 30, after $567 million in line-item vetoes.

“Florida continues to lead the nation in combatting illegal immigration, amplifying school choice, increasing teacher salaries, devoting money towards cancer research and innovation, investing in Everglades conservation and water quality restoration, and continuing to help those who are still recovering from the most recent hurricane season,” DeSantis wrote in his veto letter to State Secretary Cord Byrd.

Among the allocations for Flagler County were $2.5 million for an advanced wastewater treatment conversion project in Palm Coast; $2,375,000 for a wastewater collection

DESANTIS SIGNS BUDGET, VETOES $567 MILLION Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday signed a $117.4 billion budget for the fiscal year that started July 1, and issued $567 million in lineitem vetoes, while saying the plan better prepares the state for potential economic downturns.

“I think what you see in the budget is an example of a very fiscally responsible state,” DeSantis said during a bill-signing event at the Rohan Regional Recreation Center in The Villages.

The budget includes $580 million to pay off state debt, and lawmakers approved a separate bill (HB 5017) that requires an annual $250 million repayment of state bonds.

DeSantis used the ap-

equalizer tank project in Palm Coast; and $125,000 for the Palm Coast YMCA Recreation Center.

The allocations were less than what had been requested. Originally, Palm Coast was seeking $45 million for its wastewater treatment conversion project, as well as $4,750,000 for its equalizer tank project and $250,000 for the YMCA center.

At the Palm Coast City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 1, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston touted the results of the allocations. The city’s lobbyist will be at the council’s Aug. 12 meeting to review the legislative session.

“It was a great success,” Johnston said.

FLAGLER’S REQUESTS

All of Palm Coast’s requests were sponsored by Sam Greco, R-St. Augustine.

For the conversion, Greco wrote in his request that the project aims “to modernize the treatment process of the city’s primary wastewater treatment facility, to align with objectives of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to better protect the environment and waters of the state by reducing key pollutants associated with effluent produced at treatment facilities.”

Additionally, the equalizer tank would help manage stormwater impacts to the city’s wastewater collections system, he wrote.

pearance in The Villages to reaffirm his support for asking voters next year to pass a constitutional amendment to reduce or eliminate taxes on homesteaded properties.

As examples, DeSantis vetoed $4.44 million for public television stations; $2 million for repairs to the Brickell Key Bridge; $1.73 million for the South Florida AgriCenter and Emergency Shelter at the South Florida Fairgrounds; and $750,000 for the development of the Florida Museum of Black History.

Sen. Tom Leek, R-Ormond Beach, thanked DeSantis for cutting $6.25 million that would have gone toward restoring North Florida’s Ocklawaha River, saying the restoration would have “destroyed the Rodman Reservoir and quality of life in our surrounding commu-

These appropriations were also granted to local organizations: African American Cultural Society — $ 31,892 Flagler Auditorium Governing Board, Inc. — $70,000 Florida Alliance for Arts Education, Inc — $33,957 The Flagler Playhouse, Inc., Penguin Project and Players of Flagler Playhouse — $25,000 Flagler Adults with Disabilities — $535,892 The county was also allocated $3,122,585 for a “Flagler County Shore Protection project,” the county’s annual award through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Beach Management Funding Assistance Program.

“They rank projects through this process for cost-sharing along Florida’s shorelines that are designated as ‘Critically Eroded,’ a designation that is determined by FDEP,” said Ansley Wren-Key, the county’s coastal engineering administrator, in a statement.

However, the funding allocated, she noted in the email, didn’t match what she expected the county to receive.

VOLUSIA WINS, LOSSES

The City of Ormond Beach requested funding for two projects: $350,000 for a sports field for the special needs population in the Ormond Beach Sports Complex, and $500,000 for a stormwater analysis.

The request for the analysis

nities.”

Environmentalists have tried for decades to restore the river, which was dammed as part of an effort to create the longabandoned Cross-Florida Barge Canal. But officials and businesspeople in areas such as Putnam County have contended that the reservoir, known for its fishing, is an economic engine.

The budget includes 2 percent pay raises for most state employees, with state law enforcement officers and firefighters in line for additional 8 percent to 13 percent boosts. Meanwhile, the plan eliminates more than 1,000 vacant state government positions.

Per-student spending in the pre-kindergarten through 12th-grade system will increase from $8,987.67 to $9,130.41.

Volusia County reminds pet owners of safety tips for the Fourth of July JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

With Fourth of July fireworks just a few days away, Volusia County is issuing a reminder on how to keep pets safe and calm during the holiday.

“Fourth of July is actually like Animal Control’s Black Friday,” said Angela Miedema, director of Volusia County Animal Services. “It is the busiest time of year that we will ever have, and we need the most amount of Animal Control officers out there because a lot of people don’t realize the stress that it does put on their animal.”

The holiday is also the most common day for pets to get loose from their owners, Miedema said, as pets can slip away from collars after being spooked by fireworks.

To keep pets safe this holiday, Miedema recommended the following tips.

Phone: 386-256-1035 Web: SelisLaw.com Serving Clients throughout Florida Offices – Ormond Beach & Palm Coast

YOUR PET’S ID Angela Miedema, director of Volusia County Animal Services, speaks about how thunder jackets can help dogs, including Goliath, keep calm on the Fourth of July. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Tags, a collar and, ideally, a microchip, can lead to a good outcome, should your pet get lost.

was vetoed, along with over 60 other similar stormwater, wastewater and flood mitigation projects statewide, including projects in Lake Helen, DeBary and Deltona.

In total, over $5.1 million in requests were vetoed, including $100,000 for a free medical clinic by Volusia Volunteers in Medicine, $750,000 for a Daytona Beach Police Department Training Facility, and $500,000 for a Ponce Inlet Fire Station design project. The state funded over $457 million in appropriations in Volusia, including big ticket transportation grants and programs.

Sponsored by Florida Rep. Bill Partington, R-Ormond Beach, the stormwater analysis request would have funded a flood study on a 500-acre neighborhood in the city with homes developed before 1970 to confirm level of service of existing infrastructures and identify future needs.

“Results from this analysis will allow for the identification of undersized drainage infrastructure in this area and prepare the city to install right-sized infrastructure,” Partington, a former Ormond Beach mayor, wrote in his request.

The city had originally asked for $1,25 million for its “Miracle Field,” which will be designed for adaptive versions of sports for its special needs population.

Volusia County was able to obtain $1 million for upgrades to North Beach Street. The project seeks to raise the elevation of about 2,200 linear feet along the repeatedly-flooding causeway by constructing a new asphalt concrete driving surface and the installation of culverts to equalize the south and north sides of the street along the Tomoka River.

“The elevation will improve storm resilience by ensuring unimpeded traffic flow, preserving a critical evacuation route during storm events, and restoring the natural water flow through the surrounding watershed basin,” the county said in a statement to the Observer. “Although the project was approved for state funding, the allocation was lower than requested; therefore, the County will need to seek additional funding options as we proceed with construction.”

The county was seeking $7 million, and the request was also sponsored by Partington.

Volusia was also able to obtain $400,000 in state dollars, the amount it requested,

$1.6 BILLION TAX-CUT PACKAGE Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, June 30, signed a $1.6 billion tax-cut package that includes the elimination of a commercial-lease tax and provides sales-tax breaks on back-toschool items, hurricanepreparedness supplies and guns and ammo.

Starting July 1, the package will provide permanent sales-tax exemptions on hurricanepreparedness supplies such as batteries, portable generators and tarps.

Also, it will offer permanent exemptions on certain purchases related to outdoor activities, such as life jackets, bicycle helmets, sunscreen and insect repellent.

Also on July 1, sales taxes will disappear on admissions to state parks, tickets for NASCAR Cup Series championship races at the Homestead-Miami Speedway and on the sale of gold, silver, and platinum bullion under $500.

A tax holiday will run Sept. 8 to Dec. 31 on hunting, fishing and camping supplies, including guns and ammo.

for improvements to its emergency operations center. The county stated that this will help it meet updated FEMA standards for storm shelters.

“Last year, FEMA implemented more stringent requirements for generator enclosures and transfer switches used in emergency shelters,” the county stated.

“The original design, based on earlier guidance from FEMA, no longer complies with the agency’s new standards. The additional funding will enable us to install a new generator, transfer switch, and suitable protective enclosures.”

The county has already committed $2.7 million to this project through previous funding cycles.

These appropriations were also granted: Volusia Flagler Family YMCA ADA Access Project — $1M Homes Bring Hope — $1.5M Ormond Beach Historical Society — $40,000

Independence Day is the most common day for pets to become lost, said Angela Miedema, director of Volusia County Animal Services.

Pets can be scanned for a microchip at veterinary offices, local animal shelters and fire departments.

“Most pets are found within 1-2 miles of their home, so we actually wanted to provide a very easily accessible way to get them re-evaluated,” Miedema said.

CALMING AIDS

Miedema also demonstrated how a thunder jacket — a compression vest designed to help reduce anxiety in pets — can help.

Using her own dog Goliath as an example, Miedema explained that these vests can reduce blood pressure, heart rate and help soothe in times of stress with a pocket wired to play lullabies.

“A lot of dogs, they don’t get exposed to fireworks on a regular basis and those sounds can be very frightening to them,” Miedema said.

“Especially if you’re not at home because you’re enjoying enjoying a fireworks display.

So we want to make sure that the stress is reduced.”

For cats, Miedema suggest-

ed calming aids, such as a Feliway diffuser, which puts out pheromones to reduce stress.

Also recommended: Exercising dogs prior to fireworks displays; Playing soothing music or using white noise to mask the sound of fireworks; Keeping dogs inside during the displays; If outside, keep them on a leash; In cases of extreme anxiety, contact your veterinarian for medication support; Avoiding bringing pets to fireworks displays or crowded outdoor events if they have previously shown signs of distress around loud noises or large gatherings.

IF YOUR PET IS LOST

Due to an outbreak of canine pneumovirus, the Halifax Humane Society is currently not accepting stray dogs. If your dog is lost on the Fourth of July, pet owners should check nearby shelters, including the Southeast Volusia Humane Society, Edgewater Animal Shelter and New Hope Animal Shelter in DeLand.

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

Palm Coast City Council votes to repeal all house color rules ‘I don’t think we should be dictating what people’s house colors are,’ Mayor Norris said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast City Council will now be going forward with repealing all color restrictions for residential houses.

The council was reviewing a second read of an ordinance to slightly lessen its restrictions on house colors when Mayor Mike Norris motioned to remove the restrictions altogether at the July 1 meeting.

The motion was approved in a 4-0 vote, with council member Ty Miller absent from the meeting.

“I don’t think we should be dictating what people’s house colors are,” Norris said.

The Palm Coast City Council approved the first of two votes to expand the color restriction ordinance on June 17 in a 4-1 vote, with Norris opposing. That ordinance would have expanded the color range from those with an LRV of 80 or higher to those with an Light Reflection Value of 65 or higher. An LRV is how much light is reflected by a color, with a higher LRV equally a lighter color and lower LRV a darker color.

The change would have included the approved pastels, beiges and grays and added light Bermuda colors, including blue, but would still prohibit dark colors, sage and olive green and any shades of purple, fuchsia, magenta and orange with an LRV less than 65.

Norris felt that the changes were not enough. At first he wanted to motion that all homes that are out of compliance be grandfathered in or allowed an eight-year grace period. Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said that the LRV functions as an objective measurement where otherwise deciding what colors would be allowed is subjective.

“That’s my point,” she said.

“Who are we to say purple isn’t allowed?”

In order to keep from arbitrarily choosing which colors are not allowed, Norris instead motioned that all the color restrictions be removed.

A HOME IN BUNNELL With no restrictions on home colors, options abound in Bunnell.

This home on Magnolia Street features a mural on the side. Meanwhile, the Palm Coast City Council just voted to repeal its own house color ordinance, which would make the same options available.

Photo by Brian McMillan

“If you don’t believe me, Flagler Beach, or any beachside community, is a really good indicator of that because they have color.

They have murals. Think about how much more pride would your neighbors take in their home if they got to do a little bit extra with it?”

ANNAMARIA LONG, Flagler Home Builders Association

“This is a silly ordinance,” Norris said.

Pontieri said the council needs to be consistent with the direction and policies it implements.

“We need to be reasonable with the policy decisions we’re making up here,” Pontieri said.

The change, if it is finalized, would keep the limitation on the number of colors allowed on a home — one body color and two accent colors.

But first the process will need to start over.

“It has to go to planning board because this is a Land Development Code,” City Attorney Marcus Duffy said.

It has to return to the planning board as a new ordinance, Duffy said, because that is how the city’s charter and approval process works.

The planning board did review and reject a previous rendition of the ordinance that would remove the LRV restriction but keep the banned colors. Duffy said that removing the banned colors makes this ordinance com-

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pletely different.

Many members of the public present at the meeting supported Norris’ motion.

Annamaria Long with the Flagler Home Builders Association said that, as an industry professional, she supports the change and said the color of a house does not impact property values.

“If you don’t believe me, Flagler Beach, or any beachside community, is a really good indicator of that because they have color. They have murals,” she said. “Think about how much more pride would your neighbors take in their home if they got to do a

little bit extra with it?”

Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston pointed out that this would be the 12th time the house color ordinance was reviewed and revised.

“When we talk about government efficiency and spending a lot of time on things, this now requires three more public hearings,” Johnston said. “So, just letting you know that’s more staff time and cost on this particular item.”

What’s your take on house colors? Should restrictions be eliminated? Email letters to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

5A

BRIEFS Fire spreads to about 26 vehicles at Flagler County salvage yard Palm Coast Fire Department Engines 25 and 29 responded to a fire involving about 26 vehicles at a salvage yard off of County Road 207 in south Flagler County on June 24.

Several of the vehicles were electric vehicles, according to the PCFD. The vehicles were being moved around and one ignited with the fire spreading to the vehicles around it, spreading flames throughout the yard.

“This was a different type of fire,” said Lt. Patrick Juliano, PCFD’s public information officer. “It requires a lot more water, because you have to cool down the battery and put out the fire.”

A water tender arrived on scene to support Engine 25 with additional water supply.

Thanks to a rapid response, the fire was brought under control within 10 minutes.

Nine vehicles sustained heavy fire damage, while six others were impacted by radiant heat.

A forklift lifted the battery out of the initial burning vehicle, which allowed for quicker control, Juliano said Units involved were PCFD Battalion 25, Engine 25 and Engine 29 and Flagler County Fire Rescue Engine 16, Rescue 25, Tender 50, Tender 51 and Battalion 50.

Photo courtesy of PCFD

6A

PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

BUSINESS

Celebrating 31 years, SeaGate tallies 6,000 homes Family-run company sold starter homes for $60,000 when it opened in 1994.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SeaGate Homes has evolved quite a bit since it began building single-family homes in Flagler County in 1994. The family-run business marked its 31st anniversary in June.

John Gazzoli started the company. His children currently run it: Robert Gazzoli is the president, Brian Gazzoli is the vice president, and Laura Gazzoli is the HR director.

They have lived in Palm Coast since 1977, when John, then an executive with ITT Corporation, moved the family here when ITT’s Palm Coast headquarters was moved from Miami.

Robert Gazzoli, the oldest of the three siblings, has been with SeaGate Homes since Day 1. In the beginning, their specialty was building affordable homes for first-time home buyers.

“I want to say, our first year or two of operations, we were selling house lot packages for around $60,000.

It was around a 1,000- or 1,100-square-foot house,” Robert Gazzoli said. “It was a smaller home, but it was very affordable.”

Thirty years later, $300,000 is now considered the price of a starter home, he said.

“Over the years, we’ve gotten into a lot of different types of building,” Gazzoli said.

In 31 years, SeaGate has built around 6,000 homes,

most of them in Flagler County but they’ve also built quite a bit in Volusia and St. Johns counties.

Pro Builder magazine recently named SeaGate Homes as one of the top 200 U.S. home builders of 2025, ranking the company at No. 155 based on housing revenue.

It was the third year in a row the company made the top 200 list.

CUSTOM BUILT

A second SeaGate company, Bellagio Custom Homes, specialized in designer homes.

“Someone could design a home, or we would design a home and build it. It could be a one-off, never-been-builtbefore,” Gazzoli said.

Bellagio focused on larger homes, 4,000 to 6,000 square feet on average, while SeaGate’s homes are more in the 2,000-square-foot range.

Since the pandemic, Bellagio Custom Homes has mostly been inactive, Gazzoli said.

“When we got in the pandemic, it became very difficult to get materials, very difficult to find labor to do things, and

“We’ve always tried to pride ourselves on customizing for people so they have a choice to be able to make their home the way they want it. And we’ve been pretty consistent with that over the years, with the exception of the pandemic.”

ROBERT GAZZOLI

SeaGate Homes, 185 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast, is a family-run company that has been in business for 31 years. Pro Builder magazine recently named SeaGate Homes as one of the top 200 U.S. home builders of 2025, ranking the company at No. 155 based on housing revenue. It was the third year in a row the company made the top 200 list.

Photo by Brent Woronoff

the large custom homes just became too much to handle,” he said. “So, we kind of got out of doing those and scaled back. We’re still doing some luxury homes, but not really the custom, custom stuff.

We’ve always tried to pride ourselves on customizing for people so they have a choice to be able to make their home the way they want it. And we’ve been pretty consistent with that over the years, with the exception of the pandemic.”

They have built milliondollar homes in recent years, a far cry from the $60,000 starter homes they built in their first year or two of operations.

Home prices almost doubled after the pandemic, changing the housing market, Gazzoli said. A lot of builders have moved into the area. And fewer homes are being built on homeowners’ lots based on their specifications.

“This market has transitioned into a spec market, or inventory-home type market where you have to do a lot more building of inventory and have it available for people, rather than building it for them from scratch,” he said. “So, we still do build for people.

We call that new builds, but it’s shifted a lot more towards completed inventory, where people can select a home and then close on it within 30 or 60 days.”

The technology has also changed in the past 31 years.

Now, there’s software for everything, Gazzoli said.

“How we did things early on was much more manually intensive,” he said. Now, “it’s much easier to communicate.

Everybody has a cell phone.

You don’t need as much manpower. We’re definitely more efficient now than we were when we began the company.

We’ve seen a lot in 31 years.”

BIZ BUZZ AMETHYST WELLNESS: 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS Amethyst Wellness, a Palm Coast medspa, is celebrating 10 years in business with a special event — “A Decade of Radiance” — on Friday, July 18.

“We are inviting the community to celebrate and see what we are all about,” Office Manager Christine Mullen said.

Owner Amy Coopersmith, an advanced registered nurse practitioner, has been involved in the community for almost 20 years, working previously at the Florida Department of Health in Flagler County before opening Amethyst Wellness in July 2015, Mullen said.

Amythyst Wellness is located at 50 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B1. The celebration will run from 4-7 p.m. and include light refreshments, one-nightonly pricing, giveaways and more. RSVP at 386-283-4180.

For more information about Amethyst Wellness, go to amethystwellness.com.

ORMOND MAINSTREET TO HOST ‘CHRISTMAS IN JULY’ EVENT Ormond Beach MainStreet is hosting the eight annual “Christmas in July” shopping and dining event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19.

To be held in the downtown district — Granada Boulevard, from A1A to Orchard Street — the event will feature Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be visiting businesses from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Typically, 40 of the city’s restaurants and shops will have special offers and several stops

Mrs. Claus and Santa take part in Ormond MainStreet’s Christmas in July event. Courtesy photo will include kids’ activities and crafts, according to a press release.

There will also be a scavenger hunt for the “Elf on the Shelf” and participants will have a chance to win gifts cards to local businesses.

“We’re excited for another round of this little event that brings so much joy to our community and businesses,” said Becky Parker, executive director of Ormond MainStreet.

“We always feel it is our job at MainStreet to advocate for residents and visitors to shop small and support local, all year round, and this is one of our favorite ways to celebrate all the wonderful locally owned businesses here in the Historic Ormond District. We see new faces and families every year, as well as those who have participated since the beginning.”

A digital map will be made available at www.ormondbeachmainstreet.com/christmasinjuly. The website will also have Santa’s schedule, kids’ activities and a complete list of businesses and specials.

Want to start your Christmas in July celebrations even earlier?

Mrs. Claus will hold a cookie decorating class at the Casements at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16. Register by calling 386-676-3216.

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OrmondBeachObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

7A

REAL ESTATE

Palm Coast Plantation tops sales list at $1.4M A

Rivocean The house at 13 Rivocean Drive sold on June 9, for $350,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,101 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $315,000.

house at 279 S. Riverwalk Drive in Palm PALM COAST Hammock Dunes Coast Plantation was the top real estate A house at 7 Marbella Court sold on June 18, for $550,000. transaction for June 14-20 in Flagler County.

Built in 1994, the house is a The house sold on June 18, for $1,400,000.

3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 1,992 square Built in 2020, the house is a 4/4.5 and has feet. It sold in 2000 for a pool, a fireplace, a hot tub, a dock, a boat $347,500. house, an outdoor kitchen and 3,535 square Indian Trails feet. Here’s a partial list of sales, including Or- A house at 5 Bird Tree Place on June 19, for $370,000. mond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea trans- sold Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,053 actions from June 7-13.

Ormond Terrace The house at 475 West St. sold on June 13, for $270,000.

Built in 1964, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,648 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $85,000.

Park Place The townhome at 10 Park Place sold on June 11, for $287,500. Built in 1983, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,477 square feet. It last sold

Lynhurst The house at 121 Lynnhurst Drive sold on June 11, for $345,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 1,167 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $350,000.

Ocean Breeze The house at 9 San Jose Circle sold on June 9, for $369,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,646 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $265,000.

Ormond Terrace The house at 48 Rosewood Ave. sold on June 9, for $295,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,594 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $167,500.

Palm Harbor A house at 52 Folson Lane sold on June 19, for $274,000.

Built in 1984, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,263 square feet.

It sold in 2021 for $270,000.

Quail Hollow A house at 8 Kaiser Place sold on June 20, for $374,500.

Built in 2024, the 3/2.5 house has 1,832 square feet.

Reverie At Palm Coast A house at 33 Ellaville Drive sold on June 20, for $435,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 2/2 and has 2,252 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, and John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.

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HOMES ARE SELLING FAST! WE NEED MORE LISTINGS TO SELL!

410017-1

Oak Forest The house at 1314 Oak Forest Drive sold on June 12, for $540,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,910 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $515,000.

Colonial Realty The house at 7 Kathy Drive sold on June 10, for $456,000. Built in 1975, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,872 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $242,000.

SAWTOOTH JOHN ADERSON

Halifax Plantation The house at 4145 Salina Lane sold on June 10, for $535,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,438 square feet.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

A house at 27 Radcliffe Drive sold on June 18, for $427,000.

Built in 2005, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,988 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $280,000.

RIVERFRONT ESTATE ORMOND BEACH

Gardens at Addison Oaks The townhome at 63 Bella Vita Way sold on June 10, for $243,000. Built in 2019, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,687 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $181,300.

A house at 34 Richardson Drive sold on June 20, for $290,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,294 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $320,000.

JOHN JOHN ANDERSON ANDERSON

ORMOND BEACH

Woodmere The house at 241 Sanchez Ave. sold on June 9, for $314,500. Built in 1973, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,6640 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $150,000.

Lehigh Woods A house at 18 Russell Drive sold on June 20, for $299,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,720 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $290,000.

PORT ORANGE 10-ACRE LOT

Morningside Subdivision A house at 2420 S. Flagler Ave. sold on June 20, for $645,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, s pool, a boat dock and 1,932 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $480,000.

Talaquah The house at 6 Talaquah Blvd. sold on June 12, for $570,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,550 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $370,000.

WOODHAVEN COUNTRY ACRES

FLAGLER BEACH

in 2024 for $305,000.

INDIAN SPRINGS OCEANFRONT

ALEXIS MILLER AND JARLEENE ALMENAS

square feet. It sold in 2017 for $235,000.

8A

PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

‘The Ritz Effect’: Will record sales be transformational?

‘I think this will have a long-term impact,’ Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group Owner Craig Straky said. ‘It’s helping reset a whole new market in Flagler County.’

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

On June 16, two luxury penthouse condos in the Ritz-Carlton towers that are in the works for Hammock Dunes sold for a combined $20 million, breaking records in Flagler County.

These two sales mark the third time in a year that a real estate sale has broken records in the county, and all of them were in Flagler’s Hammock area. All three also were, in some way, tied to Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group, which sold the Ritz-Carlton penthouses.

Owner Craig Straky said the first of the two condo buildings is already 20% sold out. These luxury sales, he said, will have a positive impact on the Hammock’s communities.

“I think this will have a long-term impact,” Straky said. “It’s helping reset a whole new market in Flagler County.”

Straky has lived in Hammock Dunes himself since 2006, and has owned Coastal Gateway for 15 years.

When he first began in real estate in The Hammock, he said, it was a good mix of primary, secondary and vacation homeowners and properties.

Since the pandemic in 2020, house prices across the country have increased, Straky said, including in The Hammock: Listing prices there have increased by 50%-100%, he said. Homes in The Hammock now sell in the millions, he said, though pricing varies depending on the community.

THE RECORDS

One Sotheby’s International Realty’s Kate Gable said the first quarter

of 2025 saw Ocean Hammock and Hammock Dunes properties selling for $1 million to $2 million at the high end.

“That’s kind of a hot price-point,” she said.

Gable was the other party in the July 2024, $5.2 million Hammock Dunes sale that initially broke the county’s highest sale listing. Coastal Gateway brought in the buyer while One Sotheby’s had the seller.

Shortly after the Hammock Dunes sale, followed another: a home on Ocean Crest Drive, also in Hammock Dunes, was sold for $6.3 million by Coastal Gateway in August. Now, less than a year later, the Coastal Gateway teams sold the Ritz-Carlton penthouses — which will not begin construction until 2026 — for a combined $20 million, according to a news release from the developers, BH Group.

In Gable’s experience, the high price points are cyclical. Just months after the $1 million-$2 million sales, now, she said, the company is not seeing as many buyers in that price range. Homes are not selling as quickly.

“Not to say that they’re not coming. But those higher price points last year that sold have definitely commanded a higher price now,” she said.

The new record-breaking sale of the Ritz-Carlton penthouses will definitely have an impact on the market, Gable said, in a positive way.

People equate the brand with being prestigious, she said.

“You know you’ve made it if you’re going to have a Ritz-Carlton,” Gable said. “It confirms that we are the best steal in Florida.”

Hammock Real Estate Group’s Luke O’Reilly, who has worked real estate in The Hammock area since 2005, said The Hammock had a “boom” in the early 2000s when people were making “speculative buys.” These were people who were purchasing properties on a pre-construction basis, he said, who intended to later sell the property.

When the market crashed in 2008, O’Reilly said, The Hammock was

affected by the crash more than some other areas because these buyers were getting rid of these properties.

“We had probably more than our share of short-sales and foreclosures,” he said.

The next time a boom hit the area, he said, unexpectedly coincided with the COVID pandemic.

People typically live in The Hammock because they want to, not to work, he said, as there is not a major metropolitan area for jobs nearby.

Because of that, the first thought was that the real estate market in The Hammock would take another hit with its secondary and vacationhome market.

“To everyone’s surprise, it had the opposite effect,” O’Reilly said.

“The work-from-home phenomenon became a thing — it hadn’t been before — and all of a sudden you had people across the country that could choose to live anywhere.”

Now, he said, it is difficult to find a property in The Hammock areas his company serves for less than $1 million. And when properties sell at record-breaking prices, that further appreciates property values.

“High tides raise all ships,” O’Reilly said. “Just the fact that it’s out there is helping keep values high.”

Straky said he was once told that areas that are traditionally undervalued will eventually increase in value as people from larger, more condensed areas move out. That’s what has happened in The Hammock, he said.

“The secret is really starting to get out,” he said. “It’s a hidden gem.”

THE TRENDS

Straky said the pandemic has changed what people are looking for in a home. They want less congestion, more natural surroundings and privacy, he said. And they’re finding it in The Hammock.

“It’s reminiscent of what Old Florida used to be,” he said.

Through 2021 and 2022, people continued to buy homes in The Hammock, O’Reilly said. That phenomenon has since cooled off, and

This Calle Del Sur home sold for $5.2 million in July 2024, a then-record-breaking sale. One Sotheby International Realty had the seller’s listing while Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group worked with the buyer. Courtesy photo

the market has since started to slow.

“Homes are still moving, they’re just not moving as quickly,” O’Reilly said. “It’s a little bit of what I call a ‘standoff’ market right now.”

What that means, he said, is that sellers are wanting to sell their homes at the higher prices neighboring homes sold for a year prior, and are not willing to come down. Meanwhile, buyers do not want to pay full price because the homes have been on the market for a while.

O’Reilly said when you have these elevated sales, it can inspire other homeowners to increase their listings.

“We are seeing sellers make the mistake right now of pricing their homes a little bit too high,” he said.

Gable said that though that is a

concern, The Hammock buyers are coming from other high-end markets, like South Florida or New York, with much higher price points.

“You can’t beat our price point when you compare what we have in our area,” Gable said. “Just with Hammock Dunes and Hammock Beach, you have four golf courses to choose from.”

Straky agreed. He said he believes that the Ritz-Carlton sale — and other luxury, high-end sales — will have a positive impact on the local market, partly because of the price.

The Ritz-Carlton penthouses could have sold for double or triple in South Florida, he said.

“We’re still undervalued,” he said.

“These people see the exceptional value in Flagler County.”

OrmondBeachObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

BRIEFS

upon the scene of a head-on crash on Moody Boulevard in Bunnell, according to a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office post on its Facebook page.

There were serious injuries, but none were life threatening, the post said. Former Bunnell Fire Chief Derek Fraser and others assisted the sheriff in rendering aid until Flagler County Fire Rescue arrived.

The crash was turned over to the

Flagler sheriff assists on scene of head-on collision in Bunnell Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly had just finished his Friday night patrol and was headed home at about 11 p.m. on June 28, when he came

Sheriff Rick Staly came upon the scene of a head-on collision on Moody Boulevard in Bunnell on Friday night, June 28. Photo from FCSO Facebook page.

Bunnell Police Department for investigation with the FCSO assisting, the post stated.

Personalized bricks available for Bunnell’s new admin complex Bricks are still available for Bunnell’s “Be a Part of History Engraved Brick Program,” which the city announced in April.

Personalized engraved brick pavers will be permanently installed at the Bunnell Memorial Garden, located in front of the new Administration Complex at 2400 Commerce Parkway.

The bricks can celebrate your family, honor a loved one, or commemorate a special event, according to a city of Bunnell press release.

The cost is $175 per brick.

To participate, complete the form which is available on the city’s website, bunnellcity.us.

For questions about this program, call 386-437-7516.

Hostess Gifts

Candles Barware

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And our famous Hammock Life Sweaters!

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888-461-7252 Wednesday through Friday 11-4 and Saturdays 12-3 Look for the Black and White Striped Awnings!

9A

Flagler County Fire Rescue recognized

by American Heart Association

Flagler County Fire Rescue has been awarded the American Heart Association “Mission: Lifeline EMS Gold” for 2025.

“It is a great honor to receive this award,” Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker said in a Flagler County press release. “This is the second year we have been awarded at the Gold level for the care we provide patients who are experiencing the most severe form of heart attacks and strokes.

The Mission: Lifeline program puts proven knowledge and guidelines in action every day, so patients have the best possible chance of survival.”

Flagler County Fire Rescue was awarded the Silver level in 2023.

Fire Rescue paramedics can begin patient treatment upon arrival, which saves time that could potentially save a life.

“Patients can receive medical care up to an hour sooner than someone who is driven to the hospital by a

Flagler County Fire Rescue Chief Michael Tucker

friend or relative,” said Fire Rescue Lt. Jon Moscowitz. “Paramedics are also trained to provide resuscitation efforts to someone whose heart has stopped. Patients who arrive by ambulance may also receive faster treatment at the hospital, because of earlier notification to Emergency Room staff of suspected heart attack or stroke.”

10A

PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

LETTERS Time for Flagler to Animal Control Departtake control of its ment and facility: This would animal welfare future cost $456,339 per year, only Dear Editor: Flagler County needs a modern, humane animal shelter, and it will take $3.8 million to make it happen.

At a recent county workshop, three options were presented to address growing animal control challenges: 1. Do nothing: Continue the current $320,599 annual contract with the Flagler Humane Society. This status quo comes with serious concerns: limited space, questionable conditions and persistent complaints about care and transparency. Allegations of overcrowding and failures to report rabies cases have surfaced at county and city meetings.

2. Partner with Palm Coast and the Humane Society: At $515,860 for the first year, this still relies on the current shelter. It does little to address concerns about capacity, oversight or accountability. Future costs remain uncertain. They could go down, they could go up. At this point we don’t know.

3. Establish a county-run

slightly more than the current contract. But the return is significantly greater. Services would come under full county oversight, with clear transparency through public records and Sunshine Law compliance. A county facility would include proper kennels, quarantine and grooming areas, a reception space, administrative offices and a cat condo. Now for the “hard pill to swallow,” the cost to construct the facility is $3.8 million.

Yes, the county faces a $2 million budget deficit. Yes, beach renourishment funding remains unresolved. And no, the county can’t write a check for $3.8 million tomorrow. But placing this shelter on the Capital Improvement Plan is a promising start.

It shows recognition of the need and commitment to a solution.

Now, the question becomes: How do we fund it?

This is where the community can step in. Flagler residents have consistently shown their passion, generosity and willingness to take action.

Animal advocates regularly speak up at meetings urging change. A grassroots fundraising campaign, led by those who care most, could build momentum. Coupled with county efforts to save and plan, this could show state agencies that Flagler County is serious, capable and worthy of support.

It’s time for Flagler County to take control of its animal welfare future eliminating the drama, reducing liability and providing a clean, caring facility that reflects our values.

We’ve come together before to achieve big things.

Let’s do it again, for the animals who can’t speak for themselves.

RON LONG Palm Coast

A joyful celebration in Ormond Beach Dear Editor: In a time when division and anger dominate far too many headlines, the City of Ormond Beach stood tall — not in protest, but in pride. Thanks to the heartfelt leadership of William Sanchez, on June 14, our city hosted a radiant and inspir-

Let’s Talk Palm Coast: 9 takeaways Pontieri praises Palm Coast’s affordability and safety, and says she’s excited about westward growth.

including law enforcement officers and teachers who serve the community. Even with the increased impact fees, however, Palm Coast housing is about $32 per square foot less expensive than St. Johns County pricing.

BRIAN MCMILLAN

4. EFFICIENCIES, NOT FORENSIC AUDIT

PUBLISHER

Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri held the first one in a series of town hall meetings put on by the City of Palm Coast called “Let’s Talk Palm Coast” on June 25, at the Community Center.

“I’m very honored to be your representative,” she said.

Pontieri invited the community to email her at tpontieri@palmcoastgov.com, and she said she does her best to respond between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m. — when her 13-monthold son is asleep.

Here are nine takeaways from the event: 1. MATANZAS WOODS LIGHT

Pontieri announced that the City of Palm Coast will be getting a traffic light at Matanzas Woods Parkway at the Exit 293 interchange with Interstate 95, by the end of the year, thanks to the Florida Department of Transportation.

2. RESIDENTS FIRST

The City Council is in the process of raising its impact fees by about 100%. State law only allows the fees to be raised by 50%, unless cities can prove “extraordinary circumstances.” Pontieri said that by doing so, “The council took a big stand. We decided to go above and beyond. … These are historically high impact fees, and I’m very proud of that. … We really want to be a residentfirst council, and we have a resident-first agenda.”

3. PALM COAST IS RELATIVELY AFFORDABLE

Remembering her own days as a young professional, when she was fresh out of law school, living in an 800-square-foot condo, she looked into buying a house in St. Johns County.

She soon learned it was much less expensive to move to Palm Coast. She ended up buying a 1989 house in the W section that needed a lot of work. So, she said, she is sensitive to others in the same situation,

“There have been a lot of requests for a forensic audit,” Pontieri said. However, “a forensic audit is incredibly expensive” — well above six figures. Moreover, the regular annual audits have not shown any concerns. “So, with no smoke, why are we going to go looking for fires?” Instead, the city has hired a firm to seek for efficiencies. Results of that study should be available before the end of the budget season in September.

5. EXCITING THINGS COMING TO THE WEST

With the updated, awardwinning Comprehensive Plan, completed this spring, the path is paved for westward expansion of Palm Coast.

“I’m under confidentiality, so I can’t tell you, but it’s really exciting,” she said. The “brand” of Palm Coast is one that emphasizes outdoor recreation and sports tourism.

“That’s what is going to kick off the westward expansion, and I’m really excited about it.”

6. GOLF COURSE SHOULD BREAK EVEN

While other City Councils in the past have treated the golf course like other park amenities, the current City Council has taken the approach that the municipal Palm Harbor Golf Course should at least break even.

7. HIRING ADMINISTRATION BEGINS

Although the City of Palm Coast is missing some top level administrators — community development director, utility director, assistant city manager, and now chief of staff — the city has delayed hiring those positions until a new city manager is hired. But, since that process has been delayed due to those candidates dropping out, Pontieri said Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston has begun searching for talent to hire.

“We really want to be a resident-first council, and we have a resident-first agenda.”

THERESA PONTIERI, vice mayor of Palm Coast

ing International Festival Day at Rockefeller Gardens, shining as a beacon of unity while other communities around the country were engulfed in protests rooted in fear.

Mr. Sanchez reminded us all of a simple truth: We are all immigrants. On this special day, Ormond Beach chose to honor its diversity, not deny it. Eighteen countries were represented — including our own United States — each proudly sharing their heritage through music, food, dance, and joyful connection. The national anthem was sung. A dignified presentation of the colors by the Ormond Beach Civil Air Patrol Honor Guard, grounding the celebration in both patriotism and purpose.

While some parents elsewhere were teaching their children to resent, Ormond Beach families were teaching their children something far greater to celebrate: their diversity.

Children ran from the petting zoo to international booths with wide-eyed excitement, laughing, learning, and embracing each other’s cultures without fear or judgment. Their parents joined in the joy, grateful for a community that fosters kindness, education, and respect.

YOUR TOWN

Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami. Courtesy photo Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri hosted the town hall meeting at the Palm Coast Community Center. “We have one of the lowest property tax rates in the state and one of the highest safety ratings in the state,” she said. Photo by Brian McMillan

8. CONTRIBUTION TO FCSO IS WORTH IT

Is it worth it for the city to pay millions every year to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, even though the county is obligated to provide law enforcement? Pontieri says yes. “We have one of the lowest property tax rates in the state and one of the highest safety ratings in the state,” she said. The FCSO also has had to add enforcement to Interstate 95, Pontieri said. She also praised the FCSO’s real time crime center and Sheriff Rick Staly’s ability to leverage technology to keep the community safe.

9. GET INVOLVED

In addition to joining an advisory board, residents can get involved in the city in three key ways: 1. Register for the Palm Coast Citizens Academy at www.palmcoast.gov/citizensacademy.

2. Join a Parks and Rec Program at www.parksandrec. fun.

3. Sign up for the e-newsletter at www.palmcoast.gov/ week-in-review Council Member Ty Miller will host the next town hall on Thursday, July 24, at 5 p.m. at the Southern Recreation Center’s second floor. Council Member David Sullivan will follow on Thursday, Aug. 21, at 5 p.m. in the Waterfront Room at the Community Center, and Council Member Charles Gambaro Jr. will round out the series on Thursday, Sept. 18 at 5 p.m., again at the Southern Recreation Center’s second floor.

Mayor Mike Norris has declined to participate.

Palm Coast’s Minami serves aboard the Navy’s oldest warship Petty Officer 1st Class Raymond Minami, a native of Palm Coast, is one of more than 60 sailors celebrating America’s 249 years of independence while serving aboard the USS Constitution, the Navy’s oldest commissioned warship.

Minami attended Matanzas High School and graduated from Flagler Technical Institute (now Flagler Technical College) in 2011. Additionally, Minami earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2022 and a certificate in 2019 from Syracuse University’s advanced military visual journalism program.

Minami joined the Navy 12 years ago. Today, he serves as a mass communication specialist.

“I joined the Navy because I felt like life was a little too slow and I was looking for more,” Minami said. “I visited recruiting offices for other military branches, but it was like a puzzle piece fit when I walked into the Navy recruiting office.”

Launched from a Boston shipyard in October 1797, USS Constitution is the only surviving vessel of the Navy’s original six frigates and is the world’s oldest commissioned warship afloat. The ship earned the nickname “Old Ironsides” during the War of 1812 after British cannonballs were seen bouncing off the ship’s wooden hull.

Now, 227 years after its launch, Constitution’s primary mission is education and outreach, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors aboard each year. Its crew of more than 70 sailors is hand-picked to preserve and protect the USS Constitution, while promoting naval history, maritime heritage and raising

William Sanchez didn’t stop at planning a day — he created a legacy. Through the newly formed Cultural Awareness Fund, he is ensuring that this celebration of humanity and heritage continues to grow. In his words, from the Ormond Beach Observer: “I think people have forgotten what this country was built on — the foundation of it. It was built on the backs of immigrants, all of us.

Whether it was 250 years ago or it is today.”

Let this be the beginning of an annual tradition in Ormond Beach. Let our city serve as a model of what is possible when we lead with gratitude instead of fear, with empathy instead of resentment. We are proud to live in a city that celebrates all its people.

We are already looking forward to next year’s International Day Festival — and the continued celebration of what truly makes America beautiful.

BARBARA SANDBERG Ormond Beach

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

Include first and last name, as well as city of residence.

awareness of the importance of a sustained naval presence.

Minami is the USS Constitution’s communications director.

“Being able to get the job and becoming a journalist are my proudest moments because they’ve led me to where I am today,” Minami said. “I’m also proud of being able to have taught at the Defense Information School (DINFOS).

One of my former students just called me the other day to tell me about getting a job at the White House. Being able to instruct or have that legacy in the military and with other humans all over the world means a lot. They’ve made rank, and watching them crush it is fantastic. ...

“I’m also proud that my wife is willing to move with me and has joined the Navy family. We got married when I was a DINFOS instructor. I’m lucky to have someone join me on this Navy journey.”

CRT’s ‘The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee’ starts July 11 It may not be as old as the National Spelling Bee, but Tony and Drama Desk awardwinner, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” has been charming audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor since its Broadway debut in 2005.

The plays book is by Rachel Sheinkin, with a score by William Finn.

Directed by Beau Wade, with musical direction by Laniece Fagundes, City Repertory Theatre’s production features Ethan Fink, Charlotte Fletcher, Kelvin Niebla, Tyler Pate, Andrea Oliveras, Seth Kirk, Mckayla Whiteside, Christi Ana Arnold, Frank Anello, Xavier Torres, Mackinzie Rogan and Savanna Dacosta.

These adult actors play both the middle-schoolers vying for the spelling championship and their supervising adults, all finding their way through life’s difficulties and triumphs.

Performances begin on July 11 and span three weekends in July with Friday and Saturday evening performances on July 11-12, 18-19 and 25-26 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday matinees are scheduled for 3 p.m. on July 13, 20 and 27. Tickets are available online at crtpalmcoast.com or by calling the box office at 386-585-9415.

The City Repertory Theatre, located at 160 Cypress Point Parkway, B207, in Palm Coast, is an intimate, immersive live theatre featuring innovative productions. This fall will mark the beginning of its 15th year. For information about upcoming shows, contact Ar-

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Serving Palm Coast, The Hammock and Ormond Beach.

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com Marketing Consultants April Koehler, akoehler@ observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, Travis@ observerlocalnews.com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com SUBSCRIBE To subscribe for driveway delivery, visit www. observerlocalnews.com/ subscribe.

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tistic Director John Sbordone at sbords@gmail.com.

Palm Coast resident’s memoir addresses postWWII Deep South A Palm Coast resident’s memoir — a story about growing up on a cotton farm while navigating a family dynamic impacted by mental illness, child abuse and racial codependency — has now been published.

Ed Llewellyn, originally of South Carolina, is a retired U.S. Army officer who after 20 years transitioned into health care, serving as a hospital chief executive officer for 16 years. His memoir, “The Sound of the Whippoorwill,” was published by Palmetto Publishing on May 20.

Llewellyn, born in 1948, knew from a young age that “something wasn’t right with his mother,” according to a press release.

“His suspicions were confirmed on his fourth birthday, when she flew into a rage and threw the cake his grandmother had made for him out the window, then whipped him with a belt for being upset,” the press release states.

“Born on a cotton farm, life wasn’t easy for Edward, his older brother, and his younger sister. Still, they had support in some ways — like Polly and Mack, or Aunt Lou — but the children had to find a way to fend for themselves.”

Llewellyn holds a doctorate in clinical psychology and has written many articles on health care leadership, as well as taught that Campbell University in North Carolina for 20 years.

Now residing in Palm Coast, “he’s a dedicated family man, marathoner, and longdistance cyclist,” the press release states. “Inspired by his observations of human behavior and social issues, he passionately addresses mental illness and child abuse in his writing.”

Ed Llewellyn holds his memoir, “The Sound of the Whippoorwill.” Courtesy photo

JULY 3, 2025

YOUR NEIGHBORS Palm Coast Aquatics Center joins in on World’s Largest Swimming Lesson BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sixty-eight children at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center learned about water safety and basic swimming skills as part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Thursday, June 26.

This was the 16th year of the annual worldwide event with more than 40,000 children and parents participating in 46 states and 21 countries.

Aquatics Supervisor Ally RockYanochko led the 30-minute lesson in Palm Coast. The Aquatics Center has been participating in the event for years, she said.

“This is a wonderful program and it’s free,” Rock-Yanochko said. “Kids get to learn skills that help save lives.”

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson was created by the World Waterpark Association to bring attention to the prevalence of drowning which is the leading cause

Making WAVES Aquatics Supervisor Ally Rock-Yanochko retrieves rings from lesson participants who held their breath and picked them up from the bottom of the pool.

Aquatics specialist Zach Sundberg passes out rings for lesson participants to retrieve from the bottom of the pool.

of accidental death for children ages 1-4, according to the Children’s Safety Network.

The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson is annually held in late June because July consistently ranks as the deadliest month for drowning incidents, and the the Fourth of July weekend is particularly a high-risk period, according to WLSL.org.

“We invited our Palm Coast camps to the lesson, and we had some public participation as well,” RockYanochko said.

“All the information in the lesson we also teach in our regular lessons,” she said.

For information on swim lessons at the Palm Coast Aquatics Center, go to palmcoast.gov/aquatics-center.

Lesson participants kick from the side of the pool. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Children sit on the side of the pool to begin the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.

YOUR TOWN Ormond-by-the-Sea couple celebrates 75th anniversary Ormond-by-the-Sea residents Robert “Bud” and Carolyn Gerard celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on June 17.

According to a statement submitted to the Observer, the Gerards were married June 17, 1950. Bud was born and raised in Wilmington, Ohio and graduated from Wilmington High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and later worked for the U.S. Postal Service until he retired as postmaster.

Carolyn was born in Lancaster, Ohio and lived in Arkansas, Texas and Oklahoma before returning to Ohio, where she graduated with a master’s degree in education and

Robert “Bud” and Carolyn Gerard married on June 17, 1950.

Carolyn and Robert “Bud” Gerard celebrate their 75th anniversary at RiverGrille on the Tomoka.

later retired from teaching in Wilmington City Schools.

Bud and Carolyn met on a blind date at Bud’s senior class picnic in 1947, marrying three years later. The couple raised two daughters, Aleta and Becky, and have four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

After retiring in Ohio, they moved to Florida. They are members of Grace Lutheran Church.

“They have shared a life of love for each other, their family, their church and their love of travel,” the statement reads.

Juventude do PACC youth group at the Portugal Day celebration.

Palm Coast’s Portuguese American Cultural Center celebrates Portugal Day Palm Coast’s Portuguese Americans celebrated Portugal Day in style with a traditional flag raising followed by traditional food, drink and dancing.

The flag-raising event was in two parts. Members of the Portuguese American Cultural Center (PACC) met with Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly at Palm Coast City Hall to raise the Portuguese flag and the United States

flag on June 6. Then, on June 7, the flags were raised again at the PACC celebration of Portugal Day which lasted all weekend.

After the flags were hoisted, Pontieri, Staly and others spoke to an audience of over 200 people. The celebration included live entertainment, traditional food and drink and traditional dancing from the folklore group Rancho Corações de Portugal.

At a third celebration, on Sunday, June 8, the PACC was filled with locals to watch the Portugal and Spain soccer teams compete in the 2025 UEFA Nations League Final.

After an intense 2-2 draw filled with nail-biting moments, Portugal won on penalties 5-3.

We want you to be in the news! Send Your Town press releases to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

The choir of Our Lady of Fatima sang the Portugal national anthem at Palm Coast City Hall. Courtesy photos

2B

PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

Art of randomness said. It’s what called him to art Ormond Beach artist in the first place.

Tom Gager to display “I like surrealism and I like the painting aspect of that,” works at Frame of Mind Gager said. “... You could JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

People, experiences and randomness.

Ormond Beach artist Tom Gager draws his inspiration from all of it. His pieces are full of color, shapes, numbers and images that one may not typically pair together — such as the Beatles, the planet Neptune and the Visa credit card logo.

For Gager, 75, incorporating these pieces is sometimes inexplicable. But, they fit, he

Art work by Tom Gager

bring strange things from nowhere into life.”

Gager is the featured artist of the month at Frame of Mind for Ormond Art Walk, to be held 3-7 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. Gager is an award-winning artist who has exhibited his works through the U.S. in various exhibitions and festivals.

He graduated with a fine arts degree from Florida State University in 1973, but had been making art since he was a teen. He was one of those students who sat in the back row and was often found drawing

or writing poems.

A retired art teacher for Volusia County Schools, Gager taught at the elementary level for 35 years. He initially chose elementary because the idea of teaching children how to make art seemed fun.

And it was, he said.

“The kids, they can do stuff where there’s no right or wrong,” Gager said. “They can feel good about what they do.”

Art is an opportunity for expression, he said. That comes in different mediums, but what he loves is when people can incorporate different elements. It gives spectators a lot to look at.

When he did shows, Gager recalls that people would often come up to him and engage in discussions about what they saw in his pieces.

He didn’t dispute their observations, even if they didn’t align with his.

“It’s like music, or dance music,” Gager said. “People get up and dance, and there’s a lot of different way people dance. It’s the same thing.”

Sometimes, people would ask him what all the “stuff” was on his paintings.

“People look at art for all different reasons,” Gager said. “They think there’s some magic there, or something, and other people just [say], ‘What’s that crap?’”

Enjoy Local!

Tom Gager is the featured artist of the month at Frame of Mind in Ormond Beach. Photos by Jarleene Almenas

"I like surrealism and I like the painting aspect of that. ... You could bring strange things from nowhere into life."

TOM GAGER, artist

When Gager was doing outdoor art shows, his wife Joan recalled how people would be drawn to it.

“I will say, children love his art,” she said.

Gager’s latest pieces have all revolved around randomness and chance. In his living room, he pointed to one of his paintings.

“This pipe pouring water falls into an orange triangle with an eye on it,” Gager said.

“What’s that mean?”

His wife laughed.

“It’s just something by chance,” Gager said.

Last chance!

Order today !

Art work by Tom Gager

OrmondBeachObserver.com

LOCAL EVENTS FOR JULY 4 FESTIVITIES, SEE PAGE 3A. SATURDAY, JULY 5

ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.

MONDAY, JULY 7

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL When: 5-7:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, July 7-11 Where: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway Northwest, Palm Coast Details: First Baptist Church of Palm Coast’s Vacation Bible School is open to children in pre-K4 to eighth grade.

Adult sessions will be held on Tuesday and Thursday. Register for free at FBCPC.org.

TUESDAY, JULY 8

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

Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Paint along with award-winning watercolor artist, Stewart Jones. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee. No drawing is required.

Call 386-317-9400.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 9

AARP MEETING When: 10 a.m. to noon Where: Universalist Unitarian Church, 56 N. Halifax Dr., Ormond Beach Details: This month’s guest speaker is Lee Dunkel, award-winning outdoor photographer. An optional $5 light lunch to follow. For more information, call Jeff Boyle at 386 341-9013.

HELP PREVENT HEALTHCARE FRAUD AND ABUSE When: 2 p.m.

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

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

Details: Join Carrie Petesch,

SHINE advocate, for a special presentation to learn more about Medicare fraud and Senior Medicare Patrol, a group of volunteers helping to assist Medicare beneficiaries.

THURSDAY, JULY 10

RECIPES AND READS CULINARY LAB: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF FOOD — AFTERNOON TEA When: 3 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Enjoy rooibos tea while learning more about the history of tea, presented by library staff.

MOONRISE AT THE BEACH

When: 8:30-9:15 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers

Memorial State Park, 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Take in the view of the moon rising over the Atlantic Ocean. Bring binoculars and a camera for photo opportunities. Entrance into the park is $5 per vehicle. Call 386-517-2086.

FRIDAY, JULY 11

TURTLE TALK When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Learn about the role sea turtles play in Florida and how your actions can help preserve these animals for generations. All ages welcome. Minors must be accompanied by an adult. Park entry fee applies.

SUMMER SOUNDS When: 6-8 p.mv.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: See the Black Velvet Duo perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.

ONGOING

MEMORY MAKERS QUILT GUILD When: 9:30 a.m. to noon on the first Wednesday of each month Where: UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County Education Center, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell Details: Join the Memory

Makers Quilt Guild. All are welcome.

BAM SENIOR FITNESS CLASS When: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays Where: Palm Coast First Baptist Church, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast Details: Join this Balance and Motion class and develop strength and endurance, core stability and balance. Taught by senior fitness specialist Artie G, the class is open to all fitness levels and free with most insurances. A donation is accepted for those without coverage. See full schedule at synergyseniorfitness.com or call 386-931-3485.

WOMEN’S BOOK CLUB When: 12:30-2 p.m. every Tuesday Where: Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach Details: Join this book club, which will study “Love Stories of the Bible Speak” by Shannon Bream. The book club will meet in the Marchman Building, room 117. Contact Sylvia Meincke at 386-451-5223.

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MOMS OF PRE SCHOOLERS

When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. on

the second and fourth Friday of the month Where: Central Baptist Church, 152 Fairview Ave., Daytona Beach Details: Moms of Pre Schoolers is a free faithbased program for moms, moms-to-be and their preschoolers for support and encouragement. Breakfast is provided, as well as a video with discussion and crafts.

Playtime offered for children, with adult supervision. Call 386-255-2588.

MOAS EXHIBITIONS

When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Where: Museum of Arts and Sciences, 352 S. Nova Road, Daytona Beach Details: Want to spend a day looking at fine art? The Museum of Arts and Sciences has the following shows on display: “Bugs Outside the Box: Discover the Art Within the Sciences” ; “Shoosty Bugs: An Art Infestation” ; and “It’s a Ship Show: Florida’s Maritime Canvas.”

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

Kids in the biz: Annual Children’s Business Fair in Palm Coast showcases entrepreneurs

T

he third annual Children’s Business Fair hosted 28 young vendors at the Palm Coast Community Center on Saturday, June 28.

Organized by Maria Delgado, founder of Culinary Wellness, along with nonprofit Remembering Heroes, and businesses including Approved Mortgage, the event offered local children ages 6-18 an opportunity to showcase their wares and services.

“As the only Children’s Business Fair here in Palm Coast, we will continue to support our tal-

ented entrepreneurs in this community and by organizing this annual event, we provide them that opportunity,” Delgado said in a press release. “We’re so proud of each youth vendor.”

To-Do Dudes founder Erik Libby also spoke to encourage and inspire the young business owners.

Products such as handmade jewelry, baked goods, flowers, original seashell artwork were displayed for purchased, along with vendors offering services like car detailing.

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s

Julien Gasca, owner of Custom Kicks

by King.

business innovators and with the amount of applications submitted for this year’s fair confirms what we knew was needed here in this community and the vision of Culinary Wellness is to continue hosting this annual event,” Delgado said.

Prizes were awarded to nine participants for “Most Business Potential,” “Most Original Idea” and “Best Presentation.”

–OBSERVER STAFF

Autumn Demarest, owner of Sweet Toof and Integrity Marketing.

Kaitlyn Whitfield, owner of Junked by Kait.

Cathy Heighter, Patricia Delgado, Danilja Howell, Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri and Jennifer Nawrocki, of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Caylee Dickensheet, founder of Rainbows Artist. Photos by Hannah Hodge

Peter Melendez, social media coordinator and owner of Pistol Pete’s Automotive Detailing.

Alaysia Araujo-Campbell holds a plant she got from a vendor.

JULY 3, 2025

SPORTS Mainland reigns

Mainland’s Chris Butler goes up for a one-handed catch against Miami Southridge at the 7-on-7 tournament at BethuneCookman University on June 27. Photos by Michele Meyers

Bucs crowned King of the Beach at BethuneCookman University’s 7-on-7 tournament.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mainland was crowned King of the Beach after a tight 18-12 win against University Christian at coach Raymond Woodie Jr.’s 7-on-7 football tournament held at Bethune-Cookman University on Friday, June 27.

This is the second straight year Woodie has organized the event following his hiring as the Wildcats’ head football coach in February 2023. A Big Man Camp was also part of the event.

Mainland head coach Jerrime Bell said he knew when the Buccaneers showed up at the B-CU campus, it was their tournament to lose. After a loss in the quarterfinals at the University of South Florida camp on what Bell said were a couple of questionable calls and giving the Florida State tournament away in the semifinals on an unforced error, his players brought focus to their last 7-on-7 camp of the summer.

“I could see the joy in them all day long,” Bell said. “They were really finding their love for the game of football. No matter what the situation, they would relax and were their same, old selves — having fun. I knew they weren’t going to be stopped.”

This year, 25 teams signed up for the B-CU camp from as far north as Grovetown High School, just west of Augusta, Georgia, and as far south as Miami Southridge.

Volusia County teams Atlantic, Spruce Creek, University High and Deltona also participated. Seabreeze graduate Dante Jones arrived to coach the Sharks. His former coach Pat Brown is now the co-special teams coordinator/running backs coach at B-CU. Brown spent the day as a referee with help from Mainland grads and current B-CU players

A Mainland defender swats down a pass to a Miami Southridge player.

Marquis McCants and Kwasi Kwaku.

“It’s been really good having Pat back and helping community relations,” Bell said. “He likes to come back and show love to the local high schools because he was a successful high school head coach here for years. It adds a little bit more stability and credibility into the community when you see guys who have been here now wearing the Bethune logo and helping local kids.”

Bell said he always supports B-CU and Woodie’s vision to turn the Wildcats program around. That is why, he said, he will be at the next 7-on-7 tournament and Big Man Camp and every other year it is offered.

“It’s Bethune,” Bell said. “They’re the hometown team. If anybody’s going to show love, it needs to be Mainland High School — the biggest brand in the area.”

Teams played three games each

in pool play before the lunch break. In their first game, Mainland won 31-18 against Deltona, defeated Grovetown 46-12 and lost to Umatilla 17-15.

“Only by two points — that was the wakeup call we needed,” Bell said.

“We coasted through the first two games.

The kids were smelling themselves a little and we lost that game — the game we shouldn’t have lost.”

In their first game of the single-elimination tournament, the Bucs won 33-16 against Palm Beach Gardens in the quarterfinal round.

Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson said his favorite game was the 28-20 win over Miami Southridge in the semifinals, facing the Spartans’ threestar quarterback, James Perrone.

“It feels great winning in our hometown — bringing it back,” Johnson said. “We fell short last year and came up this year — won it all. We played against a great team. They fell short and we came up. We told them (teammates) just “next play”— (have a) “next play” mentality. That’s what we talked about all day. Eventually it just works out for you.”

Bell said Johnson looked like one of the best quarterbacks out there even though there were multiple teams with three- and four-star quarterbacks.

“He took a back seat to no one,” Bell said. “His poise and ball placement, all day long, stood out.”

Mainland’s Chris Butler led in catches and Jaden “Melo” Parks, also known as “Hollywood” for his posttouchdown dances, had the most touchdown receptions.

Butler received an offer from B-CU after the Bucs won the title.

Parks had already received an offer from the Wildcats in spring.

Incoming freshman Ray’Shawn Jeffries also caught the eyes of B-CU coaches with a touchdown catch in the end zone while being closely defended. Jeffries just celebrated his 14th birthday in May. Three Bucs were in the final five of the Big Man Camp competition.

Incoming freshman Trayce Rinehart, sophomore Ke’Andre “Baby Hulk” Jackson and junior Brandon Nelson.

This is the second year Mainland’s roster has a plethora of underclassmen. Johnson and Christian Cooper are the only senior quarterbackreceiver duo on the team. Cooper said “as the older guy,” he needs to step up and take the role as leader.

Immediately following the playoff game loss, the two made a commitment to put in extra time perfecting their passing and receiving tech-

A Mainland player warms up before the Bucs’ first game against Deltona at the Raymond Woodie Jr. 7-on-7 torunament.

“I could see the joy in them all day long. They were really finding their love for the game of football. No matter what the situation, they would relax and were their same, old selves — having fun. I knew they weren’t going to be stopped.”

JERRIME BELL, Mainland football coach

niques.

“That 5-6 record last year really hurt,” Cooper said. “Right after the clock hit double zero, we lost the first-round playoff game and went under .500. That really hurt both of us, so we decided to get in that grind.”

Bell said he believes the lessons his players have learned from last season and the 7-on-7 tournaments will lead to a much better regular season this fall.

“Our goal is to have home field advantage throughout the first couple rounds of the playoffs, if not the entire playoffs,” he said. “I don’t want to make any record predictions but I’m lookin forward to a great season — a better season than it was last year.”

Mainland claimed the King of the Beach title at Bethune-Cookman University head coach Raymond Woodie Jr.’s 7-on-7 tournament.

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PalmCoastObserver.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

White back as Pirates coach White, who coached wrestling for 17 years at Matanzas before stepping down in 2022, will lead both boys and girls teams.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jaden Dormevil leaps during a 400-meter run during the Pirates red, white and blue workout. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas holds red, white and blue workout For the fifth straight year, the Pirates ended their first phase of summer conditioning with a CrossFit Hero Workout of the Day. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

As Matanzas High School football players began the team’s fifth annual red, white and blue workout with the first of eight 400-meter runs around the track, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the USA,” filled the air.

As the first group got to the bar-

Jack Ferguson does a set of hex bar upright rows

bell exercise area, the morning’s soundtrack proceeded with Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” followed by “Only in America,” by Brooks & Dunn and “Proud to Be an American,” by Lee Greenwood.

The red, white and blue workout, which was held on Thursday, June 26, is always scheduled near the end of the week leading up to the Fourth of July, marking the end of the Pirates’ first phase of summer conditioning before a break. Many of the players wore red, white and blue shorts, T-shirts or bandanas for the occasion. After the workout, the team had a picnic.

The workout is chosen from the CrossFit catalog of Hero WODs (Workout of the Day), which honor fallen servicemen who died while serving honorably in the line of duty.

This year, the team completed the workout honoring U.S. Petty Officer First Class Michael J. Strange, a Navy cryptologist technician collection expeditionary warfare specialist. Strange, 25, died on Aug. 6, 2011, after his unit’s helicopter crashed in Wardak Province, Afghanistan.

Jaden Dormevil stretches.

The workout, which the Pirates adapted, consisted of eight rounds of a 400-meter run, 11 man-maker exercises with dumbbells, 11 hex-bar upright rows and 11 hex-bar squat jumps — that’s about two miles of running and 264 of reps of CrossFit weight exercises.

As Matanzas head football coach Matt Forrest announced the workout, he explained to the players that they have the freedom to live the lives they want to lead because members of the military put their lives on the line with some, like First Petty Officer Michael Strange, paying the ultimate sacrifice.

John White started the wrestling program at Matanzas High School when the school opened 20 years ago.

Three years after he stepped down as coach, he’s back to lead the boys and girls wrestling teams.

White replaces Dennis Kitko, who coached the Pirates for one season.

“I consider it a home run,” Rigney said on Tuesday, July 1, of White’s return. “When we posted (the position) and I saw he applied, I was a little surprised but also very excited.

This will be year 18 for him. It’s hard to find someone with that kind of experience, let alone someone who’s already in the building.”

White stepped down in May 2022 to spend more time with his wife, Viki, and their children. Their daughter, Riley, was westling at Missouri Baptist University, and White wanted to be able to travel and watch her wrestle.

Now, Riley is back in Palm Coast, and the time seemed right for White to coach again, he said.

“I always missed it. It’s a big part of my life, a big part of my family’s life,” he said. “I discussed it with Viki, and it’s the right time for us to get back in.

It’s the right time to get the program back on track.”

White was a key member of the advisory committee that convinced the Florida High School Athletic Association to sanction girls wrestling in 2021. By then White had already established a girls program at Matanzas. From one girls wrestler in 2015, the Pirates had 15 to 20 girls wrestling three years later. He started taking the girls to tourneys in 2018.

At the first FHSAA girls state tournament in 2022, the Pirates placed third, one point out of second

John White instructs a wrestler during a match against FPC on Jan. 23, 2019.

File Photo

place. The next year, with Mike Fries replacing White, they won the state championship.

White has remained close to the program since he stepped down.

“I’ve been following,” he said. “The boys are young. We have a good core group of underclassmen. We have five or six girls returning.”

His first priority, he said, is bringing the numbers back up.

“I have been at the school for 20 years, and I have a pretty good track record of being able to fill the room,” he said. “That will be No. 1. I have no doubt that we are going to get 30 boys in the room and get back up to 15 to 20 girls. I worked hard to get girls wrestling sanctioned by the FHSAA. I want to see it continue to be a powerhouse at Matanzas High School.”

With two full teams, the Pirates will be able to throw mats down in the new roomier multipurpose metal PE building next to the current weightlifting/wrestling building, White said.

He plans to bring back home dual meets and tournaments.

“When I was coaching we hosted multiple home duals; we had a boys tournament, a girls tournament, so we’re going to be bring those things back. That’s one of the things that builds excitement. That’s how you get kids in the room.” he said.

Practice starts next week, he said.

“I’m excited to get in the room with those boys and start putting out my ideas and goals and get them on same page,” White said.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

TRIBUTES Dulce Jorge de Menezes Perez-Santiago

386•951•5434

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November 3rd, 1947 - June 17th, 2025 Dulce Jorge de Menezes Perez-Santiago, 77, of Palm Coast, FL passed away in Portland, CT on June 17th.

Dulce was born to Lidia Soares and Manuel Jorge de Menezes on November 3rd, 1947, in Timor Leste. She was the youngest of 10 siblings.

Dulce lived a fascinating life that took her around the world. Her family fled Timor during the civil unrest, and she ended up in Lisbon, Portugal. From Portugal, she moved to New Jersey for 25 years before settling in Palm Coast, FL. Dulce loved warm weather, spicy food, her flowers, and her family. She had a talent for picking up languages and spoke several languages fluently. She was loved by

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everyone who met her.

Dulce was predeceased by her parents, eight of her siblings, her first husband Angel Perez and her second husband Aderito Santiago.

Dulce is survived by her son Pedro Perez and his wife Kurri of Middletown, CT and her daughter Sol Jacome and her husband Daniel of Portugal.

She is also survived by her four grandchildren: her sunshine, Hunter, her champion, Wyatt, her princess Delaney and Delfim. She will be greatly missed by her friends, sister and numerous nieces and nephews around the world.

Dulce’s family would like to thank the amazing staff at Portland Care and Rehab for their support and care and her

dear friends Miggy and Ruth for their help over the last few months.

A memorial service will be planned in Palm Coast at a later day.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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Joseph R Funaro

November 22, 1942 - June 3, 2025 Joseph Funaro passed away peacefully on June 3, 2025, surrounded by his family after succumbing to a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam almost 60 years ago.

He was 82.

Joe was born in Yonkers, New York to Anthony and Lillian Funaro on November 22, 1942, the oldest of three brothers. He graduated from Stepinac High School and Iona College.

In 1966 Joe was drafted by the Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam. He served proudly, only to have come home to less than favorable conditions back in the states.

He taught his family to always say, “Welcome home!” upon meeting a Vietnam veteran.

Prior to joining the Army, Joe met the love of his life, Jacquelyn Gallagher in Gimbles department store in NY. They corresponded while he was in Vietnam. On June 6, 1970, Joe and Jacquie married in her hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They eventually had three daughters who were his pride and joy.

In 1982, the family relocated from Long Island, NY to the suburbs of Chicago where Joe became a die-hard Chicago Bears fan. He loved his Bears through thick and thin and always held out hope for another Super Bowl win.

In 2001, Joe and Jacquie moved to Palm Coast, Florida where he lived for the remainder of his life. He was retired from a career with Allstate,

but went back to work with the Census Bureau, a job he loved that filled his passion for meeting people.

Joe was known for his kindness, positivity and quirky wit - the king of “dad jokes”.

He made friends wherever he went, connecting with strangers and leaving a lasting impression. He was proud of his Italian heritage and his warm hospitality reflected that as he always offered food to guests. You were instantly family after visiting the Funaro home.

Music underscored Joe’s life. He loved singing harmony with his beautiful voice, and creating mix tapes, CDs and playlists. He challenged himself to name the artist, song and year the song came out.

Another creative outlet was his journaling and poetry.

Each holiday and momentous occasion, Joe wrote a poem.

He leaves behind years of journals for his family to keep his memory alive.

Joe was a family man who always put his wife and daughters first. There was never any doubt about his deep love for his girls. As a close-knit family, they enjoyed many family vacations, Joe’s unique culinary adventures, loud holiday gatherings, hours of laughter and unlimited love. He adored his grandchildren and had a deep bond with them even serving as the officiant for his granddaughter’s wedding, which was one of life’s highlights for him.

First and foremost, Joe was

a strong man of faith. He lived his life in a way that one could not help but believe there is a God. And in the end, he was whispering to his Savior, ready to be welcomed home. He will be deeply missed by those he left behind, but his memory and love will live in their hearts forever.

Joe is preceded in death by his mother and father. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Jacquie, his daughters, Lisa Funaro (Steven Hoggle) of Florida, Marissa Funaro (Andy Read) of Longmont, Colorado, Megan Funaro of Palm Coast, Florida, beloved grandchildren Jordan Miller of Chicago, IL, Riley (Matt) Cannizzo of Florida, Noah Read, great-grandson Gio Cannizzo, brothers Dr. Robert (Christine) Funaro of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tony (Donna) Funaro of New York, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

We love you always. Thank you for setting the example.

EIEIO CONVIVIO GO BEARS!

Visit Observerlocalnews. com/tributes to submit your tribute

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386-447-9723 • info@observerlocalnews. com • classifieds.palmcoastobserver.com DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon; Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card The Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________ Deanna.Kershner@yahoo.com O.K. BY:___________________________ O.K. WITH CORRECTIONS BY:________________________ CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE CAREFULLY • SUBMIT CORRECTIONS ONLINE

D0414151522 (100%) D0414151522 ALL COUNTIES INSURANCE(100%) A PROOF CREATED AT: 4/20/2016 9:35:47 AM

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PROOF CREATED 4/20/2016 9:35:47 AM NEXT RUN DATE: AT: 04/21/16 NEXT RUN DATE: 04/21/16 PROOF DUE: 04/22/16 13:59:55

SPEC SPEC

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Find your notices online at: ObserverLocalNews.com, FloridaPublicNotices.com and BusinessObserverFL.com

PUBLIC NOTICES

Additional Public Notices may be accessed on ObserverLocalNews.com and the statewide legal notice website, FloridaPublicNotices.com

THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1211 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 15 OF BLOCK 32, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS, SECTION 30, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, AT PAGE 30-42, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. (FOR SECTIONS 1 THROUGH 16 INCLUSIVE, THE AFOREMENTIONED LEGAL DESCRIPTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LANUAGE AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, AT PAGE 528 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.) Name in which assessed: BARBARA SELIGA, STANISLAW SELIGA All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Sydney Stachurski, Deputy Clerk File # 25-016 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00160F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1100 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 27, of Block 48, of Palm Coast, Map of Pine Grove, Section 26, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 9, Pages 20 through 35, inclusive of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: GREGORY CHARLES LEPERA, PETER A LEPERA, PETER LOUIS LEPERA All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-004 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00161F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1509 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 17, BLOCK 2, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF SEMINOLE PARK, SECTION 60, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 17 PAGE(S) 48 THROUGH 55, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: ANH HOANG MILLSPAUGH All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-018 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00162F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1197 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 5 OF BLOCK 53, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS, SECTION 29, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, AT PAGE 25, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. (FOR SECTIONS 1 THROUGH 18 INCLUSIVE, THE AFOREMENTIONED LEGAL DESCRIPTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, AT PAGE 528 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.) Name in which assessed: NORMA C BUENAFLOR, RAFAEL T BUENAFLOR All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-019 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00166F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1357 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 7 of Block 163, of Palm Coast, Map of Belle Terre, Section 35, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in map book 11, at page 2 through 26, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida Name in which assessed: 70 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE TRUST All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jessie Whitley, Deputy Clerk File # 25-017 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00170F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 837 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 5, OF BLOCK 26, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF FLORIDA PARK, SECTION 9, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 6, AT PAGE 40, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. (FOR SECTIONS 1 THROUGH 16 INCLUSIVE, THE AFOREMENTIONED LEGAL DESCRIPTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, AT PAGE 528 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.) Name in which assessed: FRANCIS A KELLY JR, GAIL F KELLY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-020 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00171F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1359 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 10, BLOCK 163, PALM COAST, MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 35, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE(S) 2 THROUGH 26, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: 64 BIRCHWOOD DRIVE TRUST All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-021 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00172F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that BASANTEE ZINKHAN the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 48 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: That portion of Section 24, Township 10 South, Range 28 East, Flagler County, Florida, described as follows: Commence at the Northeast corner of said Section 24; Thence run 50 degrees - 10’ - 00” E, along the East line of said Section 24, 2298.65 feet; Thence run due West, 4001.96 feet to the Point of Beginning of the hereinafter described parcel of land; Thence continue due West, 330.00 feet; Thence run due South, 165.00 feet; Thence run due East, 330.00 feet; Thence run due North, 165.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Less the East 30 feet for road, utility and drainage purposes. Also described as Tract 383 of Unit IV of the unrecorded plat of Flagler Estates.

Name in which assessed: RICHARD A CORRADO All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-028 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00179F

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NOTICES The Palm Coast & Ormond Beach Observers now qualify to publish public and legal notices.

For rates and information, call 386-447-9723

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 950 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 14, of bock 1, of Palm Coast, Map of Belle Terre, Section 17, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 7, at Page 14, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. (For Sections 1 through 16 inclusive, the aforementioned legal description includes the following language: as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35, at page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida) LOT 10, BLOCK 163, PALM COAST, MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 35, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE(S) 2 THROUGH 26, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: FRANCIS A KELLY JR, GAIL F KELLY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jessie Whitley, Deputy Clerk File # 25-022 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00173F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that BASANTEE ZINKHAN the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 26 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: That portion of Section 24, Township 10 South, Range 28 East, Flagler County, Florida, described as follows: Commence at the Northeast corner of said Section 24; Thence run S0°-10’-00”E, along the East line of said Section 24, 2298.65 feet; Thence run due West, 371.96 feet to the Point of Beginning of the hereinafter described parcel of land; thence continue due West, 330.00 feet; Thence run due South 165.00 feet; Thence run due East, 330.00 feet, Thence run due North, 165.00 feet to the Point of Beginning. Less the West 30 feet for road, utility and drainage purposes. Also described as Tract 49 of Unit IV of the unrecorded plat of Flagler Estates.

Name in which assessed: DEBBIE B BENNER, LESTER E BENNER All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-029 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00180F

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FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that BASANTEE ZINKHAN the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 38 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: THAT PORTION OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 28 EAST, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 24, 2463.65 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE WEST 2682.44 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND; THENCE CONTINUE DUE WEST 330.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE SOUTH 165.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE EAST, 330.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE NORTH, 165.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS THE EAST 30 FEET FOR ROAD, UTILITY AND DRAINAGE PURPOSES. ALSO DESCRIBED AS TRACT 264 OF UNIT IV OF THE UNRECORDED PLAT OF FLAGLER ESTATES. ALSO WITH: THAT PORTION OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 10 SOUTH, RANGE 28 EAST, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCE AT THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 24; THENCE RUN SOUTH 00 DEGREES 10 MINUTES 00 SECONDS EAST, ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID SECTION 24, 2623.65 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE WEST, 2682.92 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING OF THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED PARCEL OF LAND; THENCE CONTINUE DUE WEST, 330.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE SOUTH 165.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE EAST, 330.00 FEET; THENCE RUN DUE NORTH, 165.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. LESS THE EAST 30 FEET FOR ROAD, UTILITY AND DRAINAGE PURPOSES. ALSO DESCRIBED AS TRACT 265 OF UNIT IV OF THE UNRECORDED PLAT OF FLAGLER ESTATES. Name in which assessed: FAY H LEW All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-030 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00181F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 2023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1372 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 10, Block 47, of Palm Coast, Map of Lakeview, Section 37, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 13, Page(s) 9 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: 29 Lansdowne Trust All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-013 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00218F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 951 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 15, OF BLOCK 1, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 17, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 7, AT PAGE 14, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. (FOR SECTIONS 1 THROUGH 16 INCLUSIVE, THE AFOREMENTIONED LEGAL DESCRIPTION INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING LANGUAGE: AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, AT PAGE 528 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.) Name in which assessed: FRANCIS A KELLY JR, GAIL F KELLY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-024 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00175F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FNA DZ, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1555 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 17, of Block 22, of Palm Coast, Map of Laguna Forest, Section 64, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 18, at Page 40 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. (For Sections 1 through 16 inclusive, the aforementioned legal description includes the following language: as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35 at page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: FRANCIS A KELLY JR, GAIL F KELLY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-031 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00182F

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Brownies Butters, located at 78 Covington Lane, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated this 27th day of June, 2025 Zero Sum Structures, LLC Jul. 3 25-00231F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 436 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: The West 200.00 feet of the North 1139.00 feet of Tract 2, Block 3, Section 33, Township 12 South, Range 29 East, St. Johns Development Company Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 1, Page 7, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, Less the North 50.00 feet thereof for State Road 318 Right-of-Way. Name in which assessed: ALYSSA K PAFFRATH, ROBERT PAFFRATH All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jessie Whitley, Deputy Clerk File # 25-026 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00177F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that ATCF II FLORIDA-A LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 779 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 2, BLOCK 3, REVISED SUBDIVISION OF COUNTRY CLUB COVE - SECTION 3, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 6, PAGE 4 THROUGH 8, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: JONATHAN EDELMAN All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-032 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00183F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FNA DZ, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1554 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 16, of Block 22, of Palm Coast, Map of Laguna Forest, Section 64, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 18, at Page 40 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. (For Sections 1 through 16 inclusive, the aforementioned legal description includes the following language: as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35 at page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: FRANCIS A KELLY JR, GAIL F KELLY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-033 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00184F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FNA DZ, LLC FBO WSFS the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1418 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: LOT 23, BLOCK 62, PALM COAST, MAP OF ULYSSES TREES, SECTION 57, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 17, PAGE(S) 24 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: ALEXEY KUZNECHIKHIN, GENNADY NECHAEV All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-027 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00178F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FNA DZ, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1479 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 4, Block 79, Section 58, Seminole Park - Section 58 Seminole Woods at Palm Coast. Recorded in Plat Book 2055, Page 1159 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: BRIAN MURRAY, JONATHAN MURRAY, KURT MURRAY All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-034 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00185F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Palm Coast Auto Repair gives notice and intent to sell for non-payment of labor, service and storage fees for the following vehicle on 8/4/2025 at 8:30 AM at 11 Hargrove Grade Ste A, Palm Coast, FL 32137 (386) 445-2205. For $2770.44 payment in cash on day of the sale to redeem the motor vehicles or satisfy the lien. Parties claiming interest have rights to a hearing prior to sale with Clerk of Court. Owner has rights to recover possession of vehicles w/out judicial proceedings as pursuant to FL Statute 559.917. The lien claimed by the lienor is subject to enforcement pursuant to section 713.585 FL Statutes. Any proceeds recovered from sale over the amount of lien will be deposited w/ Clerk of the Court for disposition upon court order. Said Company reserves the right to accept or reject any & all bids 2016 VOLK VIN# WVGBV7AX0GW605203 Jul. 3 25-00230F

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FIG 20, LLC FBO SEC PTY the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1507 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: RESERVED PARCEL “G-4” OF THE SUBDIVISION PLAT SEMINOLE PARK - SECTION 59, SEMINOLE WOODS AT PALM COAST AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 19, PAGES 41 THROUGH 50 AND MAP BOOK 20, PAGES 1 THROUGH 8 OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: LAURA WAY, MICHAEL S MALCOLM-SMITH All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Stephanie Tolson, Deputy Clerk File # 25-023 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00174F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that ATCF II FLORIDA-C LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1228 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 10, Block 9, Palm Coast, Royal Palms Section 31, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 10, Pages 43 through 53, inclusive, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: KIMBERLY A TORCHIO All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-035 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00196F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 722 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 45, Ocean Hammock Parcel A-5 Plat One, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 33, Page 20, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Laura Castro Mora, Sherman Barnes All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-008 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00213F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 696 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 5, River Oaks in the Hammock, a subdivision, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 32, Pages 87 and 88, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Margarita Conde-Zuloaga All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-009 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00214F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1444 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 8, Block 33, Subdivision Plat, Seminole Park - Section - 58, Seminole Woods at Palm Coast, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 19, Pages 26 through 40, inclusive of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: CURLIE BECTON, PEGGY L CARTER All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-005 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00186F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1589 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 32, of Block 36, of Palm Coast, Map of Ulysses Trees, Section 57, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 17, Page 20 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Donna Pinnock Brown, Patricia Thompson All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-012 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00217F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 2023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1070 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 10, of Block 66, of Palm Coast, Map of Pine Grove, Section 25, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Map Book 9, Pages 1 through 18, inclusive 18, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Jack Goldenberg All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-015 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00220F

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FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT Pursuant to Section 190.00(1)(d), Florida Statutes, the City of Palm Coast City Council members hereby provide notice of consideration of a petition by Lighthouse Palm Coast Holdings, LLC, seeking the creation of the Lighthouse Community Development District and possible adoption of the following Ordinance titled similar to: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING THE CREATION OF THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR THE FUNCTIONS AND THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING THE INITIAL BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS AND APPROVING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE Public hearing on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: The City Council will hold two (2) public hearings on the proposed Community Development District on July 15, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. and August 5, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, all in the Community Wing of the City of Palm Coast City Hall located at 160 Lake Ave., Palm Coast, Florida.

A copy of this notice and the file relating to the public hearing are available by contacting the City Clerk at 386-986-3713. The public is encouraged to participate in the processes and procedures of the City.

Members of the pubic who wish to submit comments, exhibits, or other documents for consideration at the Public Hearing may submit them to the following: CityClerk@ palmcoastgov.com. The e-mail should indicate that they are intended for public participation and may be submitted up until 5 pm the day before the meeting. The City reserves the right to redact or reject Documentary Evidence containing obscene material or material that is confidential pursuant to state law.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearing, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the ADA Coordinator at 386-9862570 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

July 3, 10, 17, 24, 2025

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 2023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 754 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 2, of Block 4, of Palm Coast, Map of Florida Park, Section 1, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 5, Pages 86-92, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida; and as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35, Page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler County.

Name in which assessed: 72 Farragut Dr Trust All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-014 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00219F

25-00168G

NOTICE OF RULE DEVELOPMENT BY THE COLBERT LANDINGS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT In accordance with Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes, and in connection with its anticipated ownership and operation of certain improvements, including recreational amenity facilities and improvements (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Amenities”), the Colbert Landings Community Development District (the “District”) hereby gives the public notice of its intent to: (1) establish rates, fees, and charges imposed on residents and non-residents utilizing the District’s Amenities (collectively, the “Amenity Rates”); and (2) adopt rules establishing consequences for those who violate the District’s Amenities Rules (the “Disciplinary Rule”).

The purpose and effect of the Amenity Rates and Disciplinary Rule is to provide for efficient and effective District operations of the District’s Amenities and other properties including by setting rules, rates and fees relevant to implementation of the provisions of Section 190.035, Florida Statutes. General legal authority for the District to adopt the proposed Amenity Rates include Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes (2024), as amended, and specific legal authority includes Sections 190.035(2), 190.011(5), 190.012(3), 190.035, 190.041, 120.54, 120.69 and 120.81, Florida Statutes (2024), as amended.

A copy of the proposed Amenity Rates and Disciplinary Rule may be obtained by contacting the District Manager’s Office, c/o Wrathell, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, (561) 571-0010 Daniel Rom, District Manager Colbert Landings Community Development District July 3, 2025 25-00167G

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA IN RE: EDWARD A. NOVALIS AND MADELINE G. NOVALIS DECLARATION OF TRUST DATD MARCH 9, 22005, AS AMENDED MAY 9, 2012, APRIL 12, 2021 AND MARCH 11, 2025 EDWARD A. NOVALIS, Deceased.

The administration of the Edward A. Novalis and Madeline G. Novalis Declaration of Trust, the Grantor being Edward A. Novalis, deceased, whose date of death was March 22, 2025, is pending in Flagler County, Florida. The names and addresses of the trustee and the trustee’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s trust estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must submit their written claims to the attorney for the trustee 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 trust estate must submit their written claims to the attorney for the trustee WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SUBMITTED 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 July 3, 2025.

Trustee: Stefanie L. Kubitz 198 Heather Lane Wyomissing, PA 19610 Attorney for Trustee: Thomas J. Upchurch, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0015821 Upchurch Law 1616 Concierge Blvd., Suite 101 Daytona Beach, FL 32117 July 3, 10, 2025 25-00166G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC AUCTION Date: Monday, July 14, 2025 Address: 275 Cemetery Rd, Bunnell, FL 32110 Time: 2:00 PM Local Time By virtue of default by CJI, LLC & CJI LLC ( Individually and collectively “Client”), under a Negotiable Promissory Note and Security Agreement(s), Security Agreement(s) Promissory Note(s), Lease Agreement(s) and related documents dated November 22, 2022; May 26, 2023 January 9, 2025, payable to Commercial Credit Group Inc. (“CCG”), which obligation is secured by the property described below (the “Equipment”), CCG will sell at Public Auction, to the highest bidder, ASIS, WHERE-IS, WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, all of its right, title and interest to the following Equipment: (1) 2007 Wabash Dry Van Trailer VIN: 1JJV532W57L057336 Terms: Successful bidder must pay 25% of purchase price at time of sale via cash, certified or acceptable bank check, with the balance payable in good funds on the next business day, unless: 1. The bidder has pre-qualified by presenting CCG with a written non-contingent, lending commitment from a source and in a form acceptable to CCG in its sole discretion, in which case we will entertain bids up to the amount of such written commitment; or 2. The bidder has obtained from CCG written credit approval in advance of the scheduled public sale.

CCG reserves the right to bid at the sale.

Contact Herb Orengo at (630) 718-4864 for additional information or to arrange an inspection of the Equipment.

Jul. 3/10 25-00232F

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NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1707 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Unit No. 134, Building C, of European Village Commercial Condominium, a Condominium according to the Declaration of Condominium thereof recorded In Official Records Book 1239, page 1946 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, and all amendments thereto, together with its undivided share in the common elements.

Name in which assessed: European Village LLC All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-010 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00215F

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1238 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 10, Block 45, Palm Coast, Map of Royal Palms - Section 31, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 10, Page (s) 43 -through 53 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Carol A Boileau, Kelly L Boileau, Roland J Boileau All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-011 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00216F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that FNA DZ, LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 818 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 2, Block 3, Country Club Cove - Section 8, Palm Coast, according to the map or plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 6, Page 28, as amended by instrument recorded in O.R. Book 35, Page 528, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Robert A Cherry, Sharon Cherry All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-036 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00221F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-000384 IN RE: ESTATE OF ROBERT D. GOSSELIN Deceased.

If you have been served with a copy of this notice and you have any claim or demand against the decedents’ estate, even if that claim is unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated, you must file your claim with the court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF A DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER YOU RECEIVE A COPY OF THIS NOTICE. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons who have claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, including unmatured, contingent, or unliquidated claims, must file their claims with the court, ON OR BEFORE THE DATE THAT IS 3 MONTHS AFTER THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE PERIOD SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. EVEN IF A CLAIM IS NOT BARRED

BY THE LIMITATIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE, ALL CLAIMS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN FILED WILL BE BARRED TWO YEARS AFTER DECEDENT’S DEATH. The case number and decedent’s name are: ROBERT D. GOSSELIN, File Number 2025-CP-000384.

The address of the court where this probate is pending is: Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. # 1, Bunnell, FL, 32110 A 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.

Date of death of the decedent is: 11/09/2024.

The date of first publication of this notice is: July 3, 2025 The second week of publication is: July 10, 2025 Personal Representative(s): Lucille M. Gosselin.

Attorney for the representative(s): By: /s/Matthew T. Morrison Matthew T. Morrison, Esquire Florida Bar No. 1005203 5121 S. Lakeland Dr, Suite 2 Lakeland, Florida 33813 July 3, 10, 2025 25-00169G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that ATCF II FLORIDA-A LLC the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 823 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 47, of Block 9, of Palm Coast, Map of Country Club Cove, Section 8D, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 6, at Page 32 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35, at page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler Count, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Alva L Blanks, Helen G Blanks, The Alva Leroy Blanks and Helen G Blanks Declaration of Trust All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m.

Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-037 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00222F

FIRST INSERTION Imagine School at Town Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Imagine School at Town Center today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the [National School Lunch / School Breakfast Programs] for the 2025-2026 school year. All students will be served [lunch/breakfast] at no charge at the following sites: ISTC 775 TOWN CENTER BLVD. PALM COAST, FL. 32164 For additional information please contact: IMAGINE SCHOOL AT TOWN CENTER, Attention: Mandi Bowman, NSLP Coordinator, mandi.bowman@imagineschooltowncenter.org, 386-586-0100, In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda. gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDAOASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-05080002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Jul. 3 25-00229F

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JULY 3, 2025

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PUBLIC NOTICE The City of Flagler Beach proposes to adopt the following ordinances entitled: ORDINANCE NO. 2025-09 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING ITS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADOPT AND INCORPORATE THE UPDATED WATER FACILITIES SUPPLY WORK PLAN AS REQUIRED BY 163.3177, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO IMPLEMENT THE UPDATED WATER FACILITIES SUPPLY WORK PLAN; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF UPDATED POLICIES WITHIN THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN PUBLIC FACILITIES ELEMENT; PROVIDING FOR ADOPTION OF AMENDMENTS TO THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT ELEMENT PROVIDING FOR UPDATED FIVE-YEAR SCHEDULE OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; PROVIDING THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ORDINANCE 2025-10 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY’S COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO INCORPORATE AND MAKE REFERENCE TO CERTAIN STATE LEGISLATION INCLUDING THE STATE’S ADOPTION OF AND AMENDMENTS TO THE LIVE LOCAL ACT AND OTHER STATE LEGISLATION RELATED TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, ENERGY RESOURCES, AND RESILIENCY; PROVIDING FOR TRANSMITTAL TO THE STATE LAND PLANNING AGENCY, DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY; PROVIDING THE REPEAL OF LAWS IN CONFLICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ORDINANCE NO. 2025-11 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN TO ADD A PROPERTY RIGHTS ELEMENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY, AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Public Hearings will be conducted to consider the amendments as follows: Planning & Architectural Review Board Special Meeting, Tuesday July 15, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter City Commission Meeting (First Reading), Thursday July 24, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter City Commission Meeting (Second Reading), Thursday August 28, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice.

The request will be heard at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Jul. 3 25-00233F

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 CA 000549 CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs.

JACK CALANDRINO; LISA CAMARDA; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JACK CALANDRINO; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA CAMARDA; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendant(s) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure filed June 20, 2025 and entered in Case No. 2024 CA 000549, of the Circuit Court of the 7th Judicial Circuit in and for FLAGLER County, Florida, wherein CROSSCOUNTRY MORTGAGE, LLC is Plaintiff and JACK CALANDRINO; LISA CAMARDA; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JACK CALANDRINO; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LISA CAMARDA; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; are defendants. TOM W. BEXLEY, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash

BY ELECTRONIC SALE AT: www.flagler. realforeclose.com, at 11:00 A.M., on July 25, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 6, OF BLOCK 72, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 35, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 11, PAGE 14, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the Clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No.2.065.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 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 provisions of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator at 200 East Moody Boulevard, Rm.125, Bunnell, Fl 32110, Phone No. (904)437-7394 within 2 working days of your receipt of this notice or pleading; if you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD); if you are voice impaired, call 1-800-995-8770 (V) (Via Florida Relay Services).

Dated this 26th day of June 2025. /s/ Marc Granger Marc Granger, Esq Florida Bar No. 146870 Kahane & Associates, P.A. 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220 Sunrise, Florida 33323 Telephone: (954) 382-3486 Telefacsimile: (954) 382-5380 Designated service email: notice@kahaneandassociates.com File No.: 24-01155 NML July 3, 10, 2025 25-00165G

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION Case No. 2022 CA 000642 Truist Bank, successor by merger to SunTrust Bank, Plaintiff, vs.

William C. Price a/k/a Price William a/k/a William Charles Price a/k/a William Price, et al., Defendants.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the Final Judgment and/or Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale, entered in Case No. 2022 CA 000642 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit, in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein Truist Bank, successor by merger to SunTrust Bank is the Plaintiff and William C. Price a/k/a Price William a/k/a William Charles Price a/k/a William Price; Deborah M. Price are the Defendants, that Tom Bexley, Flagler County Clerk of Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at, www.flagler.realforeclose. com, beginning at 11:00 AM on the 5th day of September, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 5, BLOCK 38, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF ZEBULAH’S TRAIL - SECTION 63, A SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 18, PAGE(S) 24 THROUGH PAGE 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TAX ID: 07-11-31-7063-003800050 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

Please contact Court Administration , 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired call 711.

Dated this 30th day of June, 2025.

BROCK & SCOTT, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 4919 Memorial Hwy, Suite 135 Tampa, FL 33634 Phone: (954) 618-6955 Fax: (954) 618-6954 FLCourtDocs@brockandscott.com By /s/Justin J. Kelley Justin J. Kelley, Esq. Florida Bar No. 32106 File # 22-F01449 July 3, 10, 2025 25-00170G

Flagler County Schools Food and Nutrition Services also known as Café EDU FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Flagler County Schools Food and Nutrition (Café EDU) today announced an amendment to its policy for serving meals to students under the Community Eligibility Provision of the National School Lunch Program for the 2025-2026 school year. All students will be served breakfast and lunch at no charge at the following sites: Bunnell Elementary, Belle Terre Elementary, Old Kings Elementary, Rymfire Elementary, Wadsworth Elementary, Buddy Taylor Middle, Indian Trails Middle, Flagler Palm Coast High and Matanzas High For additional information please contact: Flagler County Food and Nutrition Services, Attention: Angela Bush, Director, 1769 E Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110; 386-437-7526 ext 1155 or BushA@FlaglerSchools.com In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda. gov/sites/default/files/documents/USDAOASCR%20P-Complaint-Form-05080002-508-11-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632-9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Jul. 3/10 25-00189F

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO. 2025 CA 000162 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. Plaintiff, v.

THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, GRANTEES, DEVISEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND CREDITORS OF NORMA ALBERT, DECEASED, ET AL. Defendants.

TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, GRANTEES, DEVISEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES, AND CREDITORS OF NORMA ALBERT, DECEASED Whose last known address was: 3 SAW MILL CT, PALM COAST, FL 32164-4278 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in Flagler County, Florida, to-wit: LOT 7, HAMPTONS SUBDIVISION, A SUBDIVISION ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 29, PAGE(S) 90, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on eXL Legal, PLLC, Plaintiff ’s attorney, whose address is 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200, St. Petersburg, FL 33716, on or before 30 DAYS AFTER FIRST PUBLICATION or within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice of Action, and file the original with the Clerk of this Court at Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 East Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110-0787, either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint petition.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096; Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711.

WITNESS my hand and seal of the Court on this day of 6/16/2025.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court (SEAL) By: Margarita Ruiz Deputy Clerk eXL Legal, PLLC Plaintiff ’s attorney 12425 28th Street North, Suite 200 St. Petersburg, FL 33716 1000010752 July 3, 10, 2025 25-00164G

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION

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PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act Statutes (Section 83.801 - 83.809). The undersigned will sell by competitive bidding at lockerfox.com on Thursday the 17th day of July, 2025 at 10:00 AM. Said property is iStorage, 2303 N State St, Bunnell, FL, 32110 Terry Leonard Jr D004 Freezer, Boxes, Furniture, Totes, Shop Vac, Cabinet, RC Cars, Micro, Bags personal goods, misc items.

Edward Miller B004 Ladders, Cabinets, Row Boat, Fishing Gear, Totes, Shelving, Tools, Grinders, personal misc items. All purchased items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of the sale. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase per facility policy. Sale subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Jun. 26, Jul. 3 25-00212F

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO: 2025CA000092 ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC, Plaintiff, -vsWELMON B. PIPPIN, Defendant(s) TO: WELMON B. PIPPIN and UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF WELMON B. PIPPIN Last Known Address: 50 Palm Harbor Parkway Unit 42, Palm Coast, FL 32137 You are notified of an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property in Flagler County: UNIT NO. 42, OF HARBORSIDE VILLAGE II CONDOMINIUM, A CONDOMINIUM ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM THEREOF RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 879, PAGE(S) 704, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, AND ALL AMENDMENTS THERETO, TOGETHER WITH ITS UNDIVIDED SHARE IN THE COMMON ELELMENTS. 50 Palm Harbor Parkway Unit 42, Palm Coast, FL 32137 The action was instituted in the Circuit Court, Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler, County, Florida; Case No. 2025CA000092; and is styled Rocket Mortgage, LLC f/k/a Quicken Loans, LLC vs. Barbara Cohen-Pippin. You are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to the action on Kelley Church, Esq., Plaintiff ’s attorney, whose address is 255 South Orange Ave, Suite 900, Orlando, FL 32801 on or before (30 DAYS FROM THE FIRST PUBLICATION DATE), (Or 30 days from the first date of publication) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately after service; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition.

The Court has authority in this suit to enter a judgment or decree in the Plaintiff ’s interest which will be binding upon you.

DATED: 5/22/2025 Flagler Clerk of the Circuit Court As Clerk of Court By: (SEAL) Amy Perez 5/22/2205 As Deputy Clerk June 26; July 3, 2025 25-00163G

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SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CP 000303 DIVISION: 48 In re the estate of MICHAEL JOHN MORAN, Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Michael John Moran, deceased, whose date of death was October 31, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Boulevard Bunnell, FL 32110.

The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. 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. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes.

ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is June 26, 2025. /s/ Christine Roller Personal Representative Christine Roller 136 Lehigh Avenue Flagler Beach, FL 32136 /s/ Christopher J. Leddy, Jr. HEEKIN LAW P.A. Christopher J. Leddy, Jr., Esq. Attorney for Petitioner Florida Bar No.: 1022875 7220 Financial Way, Jacksonville, FL 32256 Telephone: (904) 355-7000 Primary Email: Chris@heekinlaw.com Secondary: Makayla@heekinlaw.com June 26; July 3, 2025 25-00162G

SECOND INSERTION PUBLIC NOTICE MLTMS INC. is offering a permanent position for a Foreign Legal Consultant with expertise in Brazilian and Portuguese Law. The position is full-time, 35 hours/week, alternating shifts, at the business located at 25 Old Kings Rd N, Ste 8B in Palm Coast, Florida. The interested party must have Flagler County residency, be available for possible national and international travel and state relocation in the event of a future branch opening. Requirements: A foreign diploma/ degree equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree in Law, a minimum of 5 years of practice in Portuguese law and 10 years in Brazilian law, regular membership in the professional associations of both countries, experience in the areas of business and real estate law in Brazil and Portugal in immigration, registry, notary, family and international law. Proficiency in Portuguese (native or fluent) is required; Proficiency in Spanish and French (basic) is preferred. Proficiency in office suite, internet, artificial intelligence and digital marketing (user). License to drive car and motorcycle is required and the ability to visit prisons. The proposed salary: US$ 38/Hour. Send the appropriate CV for the job and receive more information by email: info@mltms.org the portuguese version: A MLTMS INC., oferta uma vaga de emprego permanente para Consultor Legal Estrangeiro, com expertise no Direito Brasileiro e Português. O trabalho é presencial, em tempo integral por 35 horas/semana, em turnos alternados, no estabelecimento comercial em Palm Coast, Flórida. O contratado deve residir em Flagler County, estar disponível para eventuais viagens nacionais e internacionais e mudança de estado, na hipótese de abertura de sucursal. São os requisitos: Diploma/grau estrangeiro equivalente ao Bacharel em Direito, 5 anos de experiência no Direito Português, 10 anos de experiência no Direito Brasileiro, ter inscrição regular na ordem profissional dos dois Países, experiência nas áreas do Direito Empresarial e Imobiliário no Brasil, de Imigração, Registos e Notariado em Portugal, Direito de família e internacional. Proficiência na língua estrangeira Portuguesa (nativo ou fluente) é exigido, proficiência na língua estrangeira Espanhol e Francês (básico) é preferido. Domínio do pacote office, internet, inteligência artificial e marketing digital(utilizador). Licença para conduzir carro e moto é necessário e a disponibilidade para visitar estabelecimentos prisionais. O salário proposto: US$ 38/Hora. Envie o curriculum apropriado para a ocupação no email: info@ mltms.org Jun. 26, Jul. 10 25-00228F

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Go Store It 4601 E. Moody Blvd Suite A7 Bunnell FL, 32110 hereby gives NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the storage space(s) listed below, containing household and other goods will be sold for cash on 7/21/2025 at 3:00pm with the contents being sold to the highest bidder.

Owner reserves the right to bid. The sale is being held to satisfy a landlord’s lien, in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 83.801-83.809, and will be held online at www.storagetreasures.com 3 Corinne Fuller 32 Kiona Gordon 333 Robert Gonzalez Jun. 26, Jul. 3 25-00197F

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3A

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 12, NO. 20

THURSDAY, JANUARY 18, 2024

‘The hole in the doughnut’

PALM COAST

Ormond Beach Planning

development order state the land use will revert to R-2,” Davis said, citing Board denies rezoning the city’s 2006 PRD development request for former Tomoka order.

That order was for a maximum of Oaks golf course property.

119 units, and the 2006 developer “We want an opportunity to have the same rights for our property. We’re entitled to have was represented by Rob Merrell, development rights for our property, just like everyone else, and what everyone is entitled to, who is also part of the legal team representing the current developanyYEAR jurisdiction, is a zoning code that lists zoning districts, allowed uses and development TEACHERS OF in THE ers. If the Planning Board members standards. We don’t have that anymore because the PRD expired, so we’re in limbo.”

The developers of the proposed inquire about an acceptable density, PAGE 1B Tomoka Reserve subdivision are that’s what she would point to.

KARL SANDERS, attorney representing the developers leaving another Ormond Beach “In fact, Rob Merrell described it Planning Board public hearing with as the poster child for smart devela recommendation of denial. opment,” Davis said. “I could not THURSDAY, JANUARY 4, 2024 On Thursday, Jan. 11, the board agree more.” reviewed a request to rezone the The PRD process was working, 147.94-acre former Tomoka Oaks Tomoka Oaks resident Michelle 1 golf course property from a Planned Zirkelbach said. What failed is that Residential Development to R-2 it didn’t give the developers exactly “Single-family low density” during what they wanted. its meeting, held at Tomoka Chris“I have my daughter’s seventh tian Church. Developers Carl Velie, grade citizenship project,” she said.

Ray Barshay, Sheldon Rubin and “On here, what we want: Open land.

Emily Rubin are pursuing a rezoning We want space. What we don’t want: since their previous plan to construct A bunch of junk jammed in a dough272-homes was turned down by the nut hole.”

City Commission last November.

BOARD: WE TOLD DEVELOPERS The property was zoned R-2 prior WHAT WE WANTED to 2006, when it was rezoned PRD to Board member Mike Scudiero said allow a developer to build 35 townthat when he buys something, he homes and six condo buildings on 30 likes to know what he’s buying. acres of the golf course, a develop“It sure seems to me like the appliment that never took place due to the cant bought a piece of property with recession. no entitlements, as was said here But the board believed that, just tonight,” Scudiero said. “It’s like because it was previously zoned buying a car without an engine — R-2, doesn’t mean it should be today, seems like a bad idea to me.” voting unanimously to recommend Board member Barry du Mouthe commission deny the rezoning lin said he didn’t understand why request. the developer insists on building “Just because it used to be, to me, as many homes as possible on the is not meeting the burden of proof,” property. He raised concerns about Board Chair Doug Thomas said. infrastructure and traffic and said The golf course has been coined the the property could instead be devel“hole in the doughnut” by Tomoka oped similar to Broadwater, which Oaks residents and Dennis Bayer, the has large estate homes. attorney representing its homeown“If you develop these kinds of ers’ association, because it is comestates on that property, I think that pletely surrounded by the neighwould be a jewel for the developer,” borhood. Planning Board member du Moulin said.

Troy Railsback said the developers If something is to be developed purchased the former golf course on the former golf course property, property knowing that it came with board member Al Jorczak said it a lack of entitlements since it was should be “above and beyond” anyzoned PRD for the last 17 years. a PRD zoning provides the oppor- status at about 4:50 p.m. Thursday. thing ever done in Ormond Beach.

“If you fill the doughnut with a “We should be moving toward tunity to “harmonize the challenges The Planning Board meeting started non-conforming use, or bad ingreexcellence and not just whatever the presented by the proposed devel- at 6 p.m. dients, it’s going to taste bad and it’s Bayer said he didn’t want to fur- common practices are, even in other opment of the former golf course going to make us sick,” Railsback land in a manner that best satisfies ther delay the process, but that they communities,” Jorczak said. “It’s a said. “They’re looking for sweet the goals and objectives of the city’s would raise the issue when it came special community and it’s a special jelly to explode the whole doughnut comprehensive plan and land devel- before the City Commission as they spot.” hole.”

Maybe, it requires a special zoning opment code regulations,” according believe they have sufficient evidence MISCOMMUNICATION OR to support a party-intervenor status. district too, he added. to a staff report.

BULLYING? “My clients are the doughnut The developers and their attorneys “The actions taken by Triumph Planning Board members were on Oaks of Ormond Beach I, LLC, show that surround the hole,” Bayer said. kept telling the board at previous “It’s now time that we stand alert since the start of the meeting. an unwillingness by the applicant “They’re the hole that’s trying to hearings that the board needed to tell up to the land use attorneys Earlier that morning, they had to address concerns that have been come in now and affect substantially them what they wanted for Tomoka each received a letter from Karl and we work together instead Reserve, board member Angeline identified by the Planning Board, the our neighborhood.”

Sanders, the attorney representing If the developers are given an R-2 Schull said.

City Commission, and the residents of threaten us with words like, the developers, opposing that the “We did,” she said. “We told you of Tomoka Oaks subdivision,” the zoning, they can then “paint the ‘I’m going to go nuclear on HOA be granted “party-intervenor” canvas however they want,” Bayer less density and you weren’t willstaff report states. status, which allows them to present The board was not there to rehash said. A site plan review is all they ing — we had the slightest change of you.’” their case before the board and the the previous 272-home development would need to develop the property, like three or four homes, so it’s very City Commission. and that’s a technical process. frustrating for you to come back now order application, Sanders said.

GG GALLOWAY, Planning Board The board saw it as an intimida“As your staff has pointed out, if and say, ‘Oh, well now we want R-2 All the developers are asking now, member tion tactic and said it was an examhe said, is that the city revert the that canvas is painted under a PRD so we can put more homes in there.’” ple of how developers are bullying Thomas said that when the develzoning district back to what it was designation, then you’re going to volunteer boards and commissions help pick the colors, you can help opers bought the property in 2021, historically: R-2. he deemed necessary, to provide a their way.

“So to the extent that there are any pick the confines,” Bayer said. “We it was zoned PRD. In his opinion, it “I do not like getting an email at meaningful opportunity to present questions or concerns of any kind go through the same process that should remain zoned as such.

7:18 this morning with the applicant his clients’ objections and concerns,” about any proposed development was there before.”

“Three times we have told them sending out a letter with all kinds of Sanders said.

Tomoka Oaks resident Carolyn what we want, and three times they on this piece of property, we’re not objections and conditions and everygoing to talk about that tonight,” Davis said that the property isn’t in have just walked away and said, thing else,” Thomas said. “I look at ‘WE’RE ENTITLED TO HAVE Sanders said. “That was the pur- “limbo,” as the attorney argued. The ‘The heck with that, we’re not doing that as either being totally unpre- DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS’ pose of the prior hearings, where the developers can bring back a develop- that,’” Thomas said. “So here we are, pared or intimidation — and if you’re The previous 272-home develop- PRD development was an attempt ment order under a PRD zoning to be and it’s going to be ... a unanimous going to try and intimidate me, you ment order application was direct- to negotiate an agreement that was considered by the commission. decision.” might as well hit me upside the head ed by the City Commission to be acceptable to both the city and to the “Nowhere does the now-expired with a two-by-four, because you’re reviewed again by the Planning neighbors. That failed, so we move Board due to concerns about den- forward.” going to get my attention.”

Thomas said he didn’t appreci- sity, traffic and irrigation in the bufThe property has no zoning entiate being notified at the last min- fer. Instead of continuing to pursue tlements under a PRD without a ute, saying it was unfair to both the this, the developers opted to ask for a development order, Sanders said. board members and the residents rezoning, which could allow them to There’s nothing the developers can build more homes than their previ- do on the property without a rezonwho attended the meeting.

Board member GG Galloway said ous proposal. ing granting them new entitlements, Planning Director Steven Spraker he argued. coming to the board with threats or with the intent to bully the board to said there’s been a lot of numbers “We want an opportunity to have floating around regarding the num- the same rights for our property,” approve a project is inappropriate.

“It’s now time that we stand up to ber of homes that could be built on Sanders said. “We’re entitled to have the land use attorneys and we work the former golf course. development rights for our proper“Quite honestly, we don’t know ty, just like everyone else, and what together instead of threaten us with words like, ‘I’m going to go nuclear until we see a site plan that’s been everyone is entitled to, in any jurisengineered, it’s taken into (consid- diction, is a zoning code that lists on you,’” Galloway said.

Sanders apologized to the board, eration) tree preservation, natural zoning districts, allowed uses and saying that the letter he wrote was areas,” Spraker said. “So we’re not development standards. We don’t not written for the board, but for going to be able to answer it.” have that anymore because the PRD The city’s planning staff recom- expired, so we’re in limbo.”

City Attorney Randy Hayes, and that the opposition has to be raised to be mended the Planning Board deny the developers’ rezoning request to PRD INSTEAD OF R-2 part of the record.

“My communication was designed R-2, stating that the PRD should be Bayer said he was made aware that to ensure that Mr. Bayer had as much preserved because of the property’s the developers were opposing the time as this board deemed necessary, unique characteristics and because HOA be granted party-intervenor Doug Thomas. Photo by Jarleene Almenas JARLEENE ALMENAS

INDEX

Calendar .....................PAGE 3A Cavaliere...................PAGE 14A Comics .......................PAGE 7B Letters ......................PAGE 12A Public Notices ..........PAGE 10B Sports .......................PAGE 13A Veterans ...................PAGE 14A

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MIDDLE SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPS Two Flagler County middle school cross country runners were runners-up at the middle school state championships in Lakeland this season. Buddy Taylor Middle School’s Douglas Seth and Indian Trails Middle School’s Peyton Ceraci were honored at the Dec. 19 Flagler County School Board meeting.

Seth set goals during summer team camp of breaking 10 minutes in the 3-kilometer distance and winning the state championship. At state, he placed second with a time of 9:58. While he achieved one of his goals, he’ll have the opportunity to reach the other at next year’s state championships when he will be an eighth grader.

During the season, Seth won two meets, including the county championship, finished among the top five in seven meets. He finished the season ranked fifth in the nation among seventh grade boys.

Ceraci won the girls county championship and finished second at state. She set a personal record of 11:08 and finished in the top four in all seven of her races, winning three times. She finished the season ranked 27th in the nation among eighth grade girls.

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Nadine King ...............PAGE 4A Laura Jenkins............ PAGE 5A Sue Packman ............ PAGE 6A Jeff Murphy ............... PAGE 6A Marty Feilder............ PAGE 11A Joseph Fajardo ........PAGE 12A Cole Hash .................PAGE 13A Ron Steinwehr .........PAGE 13A

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Have you ever known someone who you felt deserved a standing ovation? Extraordinary people are all around us, every day.

This year, as we do every year, the Observer asked last year’s winners to nominate someone for a Standing O in our first edition in January. On these pages, you can read their stories and get to know some of your community’s unsung heroes — people who give of their time selflessly, never asking for praise.

Who else should we write about throughout the year? Email me at brian@observerlocalnews.com.

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BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Good news from good people, in Flagler County.

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YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 14, NO. 49

Help us cheer on your neighbors

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MANAGING EDITOR

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ORMOND BEACH

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

Revive Fitness hosts grand reopening Located at 180 S. Yonge St. in Ormond Beach, the fitness studio has expanded by 1,800 square feet.

ed from 5,400 square feet to 7,200 square feet, allowing more members to join and more equipment and classes to be added.

At the age of 24, Arnold Kolozsvari, owner of Revive Fitness, moved from Hungary to the United States in 1999 to follow his dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder Revive Fitness and Lifestyle like Arnold Schwarzenegger. hosted a grand reopening on “I saw a picture of him one Saturday, Oct. 28, to celebrate day, and it helped me create the renovation of the facility a path and goal for myself,” and workout equipment.

Kolozsvari said, “FirstWilliams and FCSO Deputy Laura Jenkins with her trunk full of goodies that she keeps on hand for people in need. Photo

by Sierra Revive Fitness first opened foremost, I wanted to become 13 years ago. Located at 180 S. a successful bodybuilder, and Yonge St. in Ormond Beach, I want to live from my knowlthe fitness studio has expand- edge and not from my physiALEXIS MILLER

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Christopher Bailey, Kelly Chanfrau and their trainer, Revive Fitness owner Arnold Kolozsvari

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Gina and Carlo Solorzano hold their son Danny, who’s repping a Revive Fitness onesie.

cal strength. I knew there was no better place to do that than in the United States, so I took the first opportunity I got and moved to the states.”

Before he was able to open his own gym, he worked at other fitness facilities and did at-home personal training. In 2010, when Kolozsvari opened Revive, he had 13 clients follow him to Revive from the gym he worked at previously.

Revive trainers work with people 10-87 years old, and half of their clients are over the age of 50. They focus on creating strength, stamina, functionality and well-being on top of offering nutritional consultation and programs to each client.

Each member of Revive receives a personalized fitness and nutrition plan based on their body, health, fitness

level, goals and concerns.

A movement screening takes place before their plan is created to find exactly where the body is lacking and to see how the body moves.

Kolozsvari said a big part of his and Revive’s vision is that knowledge is more powerful than physical strength.

Carlo Solorzano has been an employee at Revive for four years and a manager for a little

over a year. He has a bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and 10 years of experience in the fitness industry.

“Even with my background and experience, I have learned so much from Arnold,” Solorzano said. “He is constantly on us and himself about keeping up on our education and critiquing us so we can be better all around.”

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