More tax revenue would enable city to increase economic development. PAGE 4A
County may re-adopt FHS
Faced with deadline, Flagler may renew animal control deal with Humane Society.
PAGE 3A
School district gets a B grade
But superintendent is happy with subgroups’ progress. PAGE 6A
Patriots on parade
Annual Flagler Beach Stars and Stripes parade marches down A1A.
PAGE 1B
Library may close on Mondays to boost Nexus staffing
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler County will likely be cutting hours and staffing at the county library’s Palm Coast branch in order to staff the new Nexus Center, which is projected to open this fall.
A proposal to close the Palm Coast branch on Mondays — it is already closed on Sundays — was reviewed by the Flagler County Commission on July 2 as part of a budget presentation that showcased multiple cuts in the county’s budget. County Administrator Heidi Petito called the proposal a “scaled-back approach” to staffing both the Palm Coast branch and the county’s new Nexus Center.
The proposal would reduce the branch’s hours from 52 to 40 hours a week, move five Palm Coast branch employees to the new Nexus Center and employ two new full-time employees and two new part-time employees. This would leave the Palm Coast branch with 10 full-time employees and one part-time employee.
The Nexus Center would operate Thursday through Sunday for 41 hours a week and have 11 employees, including those at the current Bunnell library branch. This would include Library Director Holly Albanese, whose position would be moved entirely back to the library, Petito said; Albanese currently also works as the assistant county administrator.
“When you look at the pros and the cons, it does allow Palm Coast to function, although it does have some reduced staffing and some reduced hours,” Petito said. “You will have some reduced programming and services there. But I think it’s probably the best compromise.”
The Nexus Center, which began construction in August 2024, will replace the library’s Bunnell branch but will include additional servic-
es: a Health and Human Services wing, a library lobby with a micromarket, and a state-of-the-art conference center.
Petito said the cuts were part of a fiscal year 2026 budget that reflected “operational efficiencies.”
“These changes do reflect our ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, allowing us to deliver essential services more effectively while continuing to invest in what matters most to our residents,” Petito said. But, she continued, “These changes do come with some challenges.”
Petito presented the commission with two other staffing options as well. One would add the equivalent of six new full-time positions and reduce the Palm Coast branch’s hours by just eight hours. The
third option would add zero new employees to the Nexus Center, cut the Palm Coast branch’s hours to 37 and shift eight employees from there to the Nexus.
Petito said she did not support the third option as it would drastically reduce the services offered at the library. Commissioner Kim Carney objected to Petito’s use of the phrase “reduced services.”
“No one has proven yet, just because we have to adjust hours, that our services are going to be reduced,” Carney said. After the center is open for a while, she said, the county will “have a better idea on whether or not the programming we’re providing is efficient and beneficial to the citizens of Flagler County.” Overall, the commission -
ers supported the “scaled-back” approach. Petito also suggested the possibility of using the revenue from the library’s passport services as a possible way to support additional staffing, as the service raked in $170,000 in 2024. But Commission Chair Andy Dance said he’d like to see it set aside for any needs after the center is open.
“It gives us options to potentially enhance — if we do [have a] deficiency in the next six months, we can use it to offset potential changes to staffing,” he said. The new hours of operation and staffing have no effective date yet, as the proposal, which was supported by the Flagler County commissioners, will need to be approved as part of the 2026 budget.
Tracy Neugebauer, Dunkin and Everett Neugebauer. Photos by Hannah Hodge
Jordan Petty, then 7, pets Dalla while reading aloud during a Paws to Read event at the library in 2017. File photo
BRIEFS
Two drug houses shut down in two days, in Flagler
Drug houses on Rosecroft Lane and Bruning Lane, in Palm Coast, have been shut down.
In the early morning of July 1, Sheriff Rick Staly, FCSO’s Special Investigations Unit, and SWAT team served a search warrant at 21-A Rosecroft Lane. There, they located and apprehended Ryan McArthur, 37, a fugitive with an active warrant from Volusia County for trafficking in fentanyl.
McArthur initially refused to comply with orders to exit the residence through the front door, and SWAT team members located him through a bathroom window, where they saw him actively trying to destroy narcotics by flushing them down the toilet.
The SWAT team breached the window and again ordered
COPS CORNER
23
12:08 p.m. — First block of South Beach Street, Ormond Beach Disturbance. A 40-year-old Ormond Beach woman appealed a trespass warning she had been issued several months ago, which was ultimately upheld. According to an incident report, her case was the final hearing of the day, and though city staff were preparing to leave, the woman refused to leave and continued to yell at the magistrate, saying he had violated her “14th Amendment right.” The 14th amendment con-
McArthur to exit the residence, which he eventually did.
During the search of the residence, detectives located and seized fentanyl, as well as various drug paraphernalia items, seven cell phones, and $2,840 in cash.
McArthur was arrested and is being held in jail without bond.
The following morning, Staly, SIU, and SWAT team served another search warrant at 45 Bruning Lane. There, they apprehended Eric
cerns citizenship and equal protections under the law.
Officers told her she would be subject to arrest if she didn’t leave, but the woman remained.
At one point, the incident report notes, she took steps toward one of the officers and repeatedly yelled, “Am I a psycho?”
She was secured in handcuffs and led out of the building while the magistrate was escorted to his own vehicle. The woman was released on the scene in lieu of being arrested.
COMMUNITY ‘NUISANCE’
12:43 p.m. — 100 block of North Yonge Street, Ormond Beach Suspicious person. Police received a call about a man dancing in a local store’s
Lamb, 38, on the patio behind the house.
During the search of the residence, detectives located and seized methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia with cocaine residue.
Detectives arrested Lamb, and he is also being held without bond.
During the search on Bruning Lane deputies observed a door mat that said, “Come back with a warrant.”
“They asked us to come back with a warrant, so we did,” Staly said.
parking lot while exposing his genitals, with the caller adding that the suspect, described as “sunburned,” was shirtless and whipping his shirt around, possibly as a result of substance use..
When officers arrived, they did see a 47-year-old transient man that matched the description, but he had his pants on. He denied ever exposing himself and said he was just walking through the parking lot.
Officers contacted the original caller to see if she would come back to identify him, but she refused.
Police noted in the incident report that the man is known to be a homeless sexual predator, and that he has been trespassed from numerous businesses and all city-owned parks.
Palm Coast woman killed as she was exiting moving vehicle
A Palm Coast woman, 78, was killed Saturday afternoon, July 5, after she began exiting the SUV she was driving as she was turning right, onto Orion Drive, from the northbound lane on Roberts Road.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol press release, the SUV was headed toward a dumpster with the driver partially inside and outside of the vehicle.
The left side of the SUV sideswiped the dumpster, causing the driver to become trapped between the dumpster and driver-side door frame. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene.
Flagler man dies after motorcycle overturns on John Anderson
A 68-year-old Flagler Beach
JULY 1
BONFIRE BRAWL
9:21 p.m. — 4000 block of Old Kings Road, Palm Coast Firing a weapon on public property. A citizen contacted the Sheriff’s Office after spotting multiple cars parked near the roadway, along with smoke billowing into the sky and fireworks coming from the tree line.
Knowing this area is common for underage drinking incidents and bonfires, deputies responded to the scene, walking into the wooded area. They came across a witness who said someone had been spotted in the woods with a gun, and that the suspect, an 18-year-old Palm Coast man, was headed in the deputies’ direction.
Once deputies made contact with the suspect, who
man died from injuries incurred when his motorcycle overturned Saturday evening, July 5, as he was riding on John Anderson Highway in unincorporated Flagler County.
The man failed to negotiate a curve, and his motorcycle ran off the road onto the right grass shoulder and overturned, according to a Florida Highway Patrol press release. He was not wearing a helmet.
Florida makes permanent
sales
tax exemption for disaster supplies
A permanent statewide sales tax exemption is now in effect for disaster preparedness supplies.
The tax exemption applies to a wide variety of commonly used emergency supplies, including batteries, portable generators, fire extinguishers and waterproof tarps, a Volusia County press release said. The new Florida law allows
was in a car, the man “began to visibly shake and [breathe] heavily,” the report states. He was placed in handcuffs and a firearm was recovered from under the front passenger seat.
Witnesses told deputies that they saw the man fire his gun into a crowd of people who had gathered for a bonfire. Everything was fine, one witness said, until they heard law enforcement was on their way, at which point a fight broke out and people “began to leave the area in a manic fashion”
The man told police that he was celebrating his birthday at the bonfire and that after an hour, the crowd tripled and a different group showed up and caused issues. He admitted to to firing his gun into the tree line because of the
commotion, but that he was not trying to shoot anyone. Deputies noted, however, that there was a residential neighborhood about 675 feet north. He was arrested.
JULY 4
SAFEKEEPING
9:37 p.m. — 4000 block of East Moody Boulevard, Bunnell
Possession of amphetamine, marijuana. During a traffic stop for an inoperable traffic light, a 27-year-old woman was found to have her sister’s prescription medication. She told deputies she simply wanted to “hold on to it.” She also admitted to having marijuana in the car.
The FCSO made two drug-related arrests while serving two search warrants. Photo courtesy of the FCSO
Palm Coast to anchor Sol, Google Cloud’s undersea cable
‘We are not just putting Palm Coast and our community on the map; we are building a direct route to the world’s digital economy,’ Vice Mayor Pontieri said.
OBSERVER STAFF
A new undersea transatlantic cable system connecting the United States, Bermuda, Azores and Spain will be anchored in Palm Coast, Google announced on Wednesday, July 9.
The cable system — named “Sol,” which translates to sun in Spanish and Portuguese — will extend to Santander, Spain, and once operational, is aimed at bolstering capacity and reliability for the growing network of 42 Google Cloud regions around the world, according to Google’s announcement. This will help meet growing customer demand for Google Cloud and artificial intelligence services across the U.S., Europe and beyond.
“This is a landmark moment for Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Flagler County, and it’s a clear signal that we are a community of the future, investing in our economic development
and vitality,” said Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri in the announcement.
“The Sol subsea cable is more than just infrastructure; it’s a gateway to unprecedented global connectivity that will attract further high-caliber industries that our residents deserve. We are not just putting Palm Coast and our community on the map; we are building a direct route to the world’s digital economy, ensuring a prosperous and dynamic future for our community.”
Once complete, Sol will be the only in-service fiber-
optic cable between Florida and Europe, according to Google. Sol will be manufactured in the U.S. and will complement Google’s Nuvem, an undersea cable anchored in South Carolina in 2023.
Google Cloud will partner with digital infrastructure provider DC BLOX to land the cable and establish a new connectivity hub in Palm Coast. The company also plans to develop a terrestrial route linking Palm Coast to its South Carolina cloud region.
“DC BLOX is proud and honored to expand the foundational digital infrastruc -
ture that is vital to Florida’s growing economy,” said Chris Gatch, Chief Revenue Officer for DC BLOX. “Supporting Google’s Sol cable, along with the capacity for additional cables, the new Palm Coast Cable Landing Station campus enhances Florida’s position as a nexus for global communications.”
Google said Sol will complete its “unique investment in transatlantic resiliency — with the two systems interconnecting terrestrially in the U.S. and in Iberia, as well as in Bermuda and the Azores.”
“Sol will add capac -
Ormond to review Walmart expansion
Proposed expansion for store located at 1521 W. Granada Blvd. is now estimated to span 5,101 square feet.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
ity, increase reliability, and decrease latency for Google users and Google Cloud customers around the world,” the announcement states.
“Alongside cable systems like Nuvem, Firmina, Equiano, and Grace Hopper, Sol further establishes key locations across the Atlantic as connectivity hubs, strengthening local economies and bringing AI’s benefits to people and businesses around the world.”
Google will partner with telecommunications infrastructure company Telxius to land the Sol cable in Santander, Spain.
Ormond asks FEMA to help pay for Fleming Ave pump project
The city applied for a $9.4 million grant for the new stormwater pump station, next to the southernmost Central Park lake.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The City of Ormond Beach has applied for federal funding for a pump station to reduce flooding in the neighborhoods surrounding Fleming Avenue.
In need of $12.5 million for the project, the city applied
for a $9.4 million FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant for the new stormwater pump station, to be located next to the southernmost Central Park lake. According to a public notice, the pipe would be installed along the Fleming Avenue corridor to Ridgewood Avenue, commencing south along Ridgewood Avenue to Reynolds Avenue, and then east to the Halifax River.
“The pump station would allow for pre-storm drawdown of the lake system and discharge to the Halifax River via a pipe located along the Fleming Avenue corridor,” the public notice states.
Last year, the city received $5.35 million from the state for the Fleming Avenue pump station project. This was first identified as a need after a 2009 storm brought 30 inches
of rain to the city in two-anda-half days, causing historic flooding in the Central Park neighborhoods.
Since then, the city has interconnected the five lakes
in Central Park, upgraded the existing Bennet Lane pump station and enhanced its pumping system.
The Fleming Avenue pump station would alleviate the flooding risk to 500600 homes in the area, as it would have the ability to pump 45,000 gallons a minute, Assistant City Manager Shawn Finley told the Observer last year. That is equivalent to three swimming pools.
The city’s match for the project is $3.14 million, but it is working to secure grant funding to cover that as well.
Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.
Faced with deadline, Flagler may re-adopt Humane Society
A joint meeting with Palm Coast may take place in late August, which could cut it too close for Flagler County’s deadline.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
With questions remaining over how, when and to what extent Flagler County will launch its own animal control services, county commissioners directed staff to proceed with renewing the county’s contract with the Flagler Humane Society — for now.
Commissioners discussed the issue at a workshop on Wednesday, July 2, a week after telling staff at a previous workshop that they wanted to move forward with bringing animal control in-house.
That sentiment hasn’t changed, but before making a decision, commissioners wanted to know how much it would cost in future years, sans initial startup costs, if it contracted the City of Palm Coast instead for animal control. They also had questions about background checks for volunteers associated with the FHS.
However, County Administrator Heidi Petito wasn’t able to get answers to these
questions in time to present them at the July 2 workshop. Palm Coast staff members previously in communication with Petito were either sick or on vacation, and the FHS responded late the previous night.
“I think that at this point, because we don’t have all of the pieces, I don’t know that we can really move forward with it,” Petito said.
Palm Coast did want to schedule a joint meeting on the issue, tentatively scheduled for Aug. 27. That would cut it close to when the county would need to make a decision on whether to renew its contract with FHS; the current contract runs through the end of September.
What Petito was able to provide the commissioners with was a breakdown of the estimated $419,953 budget to create an in-house animal control service: $187,339 in personnel costs for two animal control officers and a technician, $54,000 in operating costs and $178,614 in capital costs for equipment and three vehicles.
The delivery of a truck, Petito added, takes 14-16 months.
“It just appears to me that this is almost designed for failure,” Commissioner Kim Carney said.
Carney questioned the need for a technician if the county
chose to contract Palm Coast for animal control, saying the proposed budget was “way too beefed up,” using the presented $3,000 cost of uniforms, $3,000 in training and $163,000 for three vehicles as examples.
“I just can’t believe it’s a half million dollars to get started in the animal control business,” Carney said. “... Thank you for the detail. It just makes me have more questions, just like you have more questions.”
It’s hard to create a budget not knowing the scope and magnitude of services, Petito said.
“Because I did not get a response to some of the questions and some of the concerns, as I stated, it’s a shot in the dark,” she said.
County Attorney Al Hadeed addressed some of Carney’s concerns regarding the training needed. Animal control officers deal with dangerous dogs, animal abuse cases and a slew of infraction citations, he explained.
Petito also presented the commission with a breakdown of what it would cost to contract the city of Palm Coast for animal control, a $392,660.14 cost based on the estimated 500 dogs a year picked up in the unincorporated areas of the county.
That’s less than two dogs a day, Carney said.
“This is not even fathomable,” she said. “This isn’t
believable.”
Commissioner Leann Pennington agreed — it’s too much. She said she’d rather start the county service with one animal control officer, one manager and one vehicle.
Be careful, warned Commissioner Greg Hansen, who said the county can’t run animal control from “an accounting standpoint” and say they can only intake a certain number of dogs a day.
Animal control officers are on call, he added.
“They don’t know where the strays are going to show up,” Hansen said. “They get a call, they react to the call.”
Carney said she would like to see Flagler County cooperate with Palm Coast for animal control, rather than create a new department.
“I’d like to see some sharing or integrating,” she said.
If the commission decided to renew its contract with the FHS, it does have a termination clause to give a 120-day notice.
Pennington said they have “no choice” now but to renew because of the timing.
“I thought that was pretty clear when we went into contracts last year that we wanted to see other options and clearly, the year got the best of everybody, but we will not let up our foot on the pedal,” Pennington said. “We will keep going forward on this.”
Commissioner Pam Rich -
ardson said she didn’t understand why the county couldn’t partner with grassroots groups in the meantime and said she felt like a “little hamster on a hamster wheel.”
“It’s too ginormous right now, and that’s why it’s going nowhere,” she said. “We have to figure out small ways of making a difference now, as soon as possible.”
Hadeed said that a couple of lines were being blurred between animal control and sheltering animals. Animal control, he explained, is closely aligned with law enforcement and controlling nuisance behavior.
“There isn’t a publicly owned or a nonprofit animal welfare site,” Hadeed said.
Pennington said that the board has separated the issue (though Richardson had mentioned kennels during her comments) by placing an animal shelter project on a future capital improvements project list.
“The consensus from everyone was we wanted to see animal control in a place, whether it was here or with the city, where we had more control and input over the animal control agents and activities, particularly since we were swearing them in, and we just didn’t feel like we had that,” Pennington said.
What’s the solution? Email letters to jarleene@observer localnews.com.
The Ormond Beach Planning Board will review an amendment to allow Walmart to construct a building expansion to serve its grocery pickup area at its meeting on July 10. The expansion for the store at 1521 W. Granada Blvd. is now estimated to span 5,101 square feet. It was previously tabled by the board back in March due to concerns about the store’s aesthetics, security and presence of transients. According to a staff report, this is the eighth amendment to Walmart’s Planned Business Development, originally approved in 1993.
Staff noted that, since the March 13 Planning Board meeting, they have met with the Walmart project team to address the stated concerns. As a result, the greenbelt buffer fronting West Granada Boulevard has been cleaned, which included complete removal of several areas that had invasive Brazilian pepper trees.
Additional work is coming soon to further thin out the landscape buffer, the city staff report states. Also, during this process, staff noted that a Florida Department of Transportation fence was in disrepair. Debris and trash in the FDOT right of way has been picked up; FDOT also repaired broken sidewalks from Williamson Boulevard to I-95.
As part of the replanting plan for the greenbelt buffer, a new 6-foot vinyl coated chain link fence will be installed. The existing masonry wall will be pressure-washed and repainted.
In response to concerns about transients, city staff wrote in its report that “the intent of the cleaning and lifting of the landscape buffer is to provide view corridors for the Police Department.
Walmart has engaged a private security company, and the store manager has reported to staff that the buffer area is being checked regularly.” Walmart submitted a new site plan to the city on May 27, which included revisions to the exterior architecture to upgrade aesthetics.
Walmart plans to improve the existing façade to include new branding of signage and logos, and paint the store to match a “Mediterranean Beach style.”
The Planning Board will also review two other Land Development Code amendments at its upcoming meeting: One to allow private tattoo studios as a conditional use in the B-4 “Central Business” zoning district” and an administrative update that marks the renaming of the city’s Leisure Services Department to the Parks and Recreation Department, first by amending its LDC under its mobile food dispensing vehicles subsection.
The Walmart in Ormond Beach is located at 1521 W. Granada Blvd. File photo
A truck drives through floodwaters at Fleming Avenue on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Sol is a transatlantic subsea cable system that will connect the U.S., Bermuda, the Azores and Spain. Flagler Beach granted easement rights to build the cable landing site in August 2024. Courtesy of Google Cloud
Palm Coast debates tax rate
Keeping the current millage rate would free up funding for an in-house animal shelter and further economic development.
SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council could retain its 2025 millage rate as the maximum rate to free up funding for city initiatives.
On July 8, city staff presented a general fund budget based on a reduced millage rate of 4.0893, reducing the budget by $1 million over the 2025 fiscal year’s adopted budget. That millage rate would generate $43.7 million in property taxes, with an overall budget of $69 million.
But placing the budget cap at the current millage rate – 4.1893 –could free up that $1 million difference for funding as the city moves forward with two of its priorities: purchasing land for a new animal shelter and purchasing the building entitlements for a city-owned parcel known as Tract 17. The reduced budget does not allocate funding for either initiative.
The council is working with Flagler County to potentially create an in-house animal control and shelter. Palm Coast currently has its own animal control service, but no shelter and works with the Flagler Humane Society for the animals its officers pick up. Flagler County contracts its animal control services entirely with the Flagler Humane Society.
While the city and county will discuss its options in a joint meeting in August, the Palm Coast City Council was also looking to set aside funding to purchase building entitlements on Tract 17 in an effort to prioritize economic development in the city. Tract 17 is ideal for building pad-ready sites that could draw more businesses to the area, diversifying the tax base and relieving homeowners of some of the tax burden.
While the reduced budget did include a 3% increase for its economic incentives, it does not include funding to purchase those entitlements, which could cost between $3-4 million.
Council member Charles Gambaro suggested the council set the maximum millage rate for 2026 at the current rate of 4.1893 and set the $1 million aside for these projects.
“We’re being responsible with our millage rate but it’s a decision point on the maximum millage rate,” he said. “We still have some other priorities that fit in within our strategic action plan, things that we still need to get done.”
Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said that while she would support the consensus to see the budget based on the 4.1893 millage rate as a maximum millage at the next meeting, but she personally would not vote for any maximum above millage rate above 4.0893.
The council, she argued, has no “concrete plan” yet for moving forward with either the animal shelter or the entitlements.
“It’s my opinion,” she said, “that in the good years — and this is a good year, last year was a good year [because] we’re bringing in money — that the property tax rate should get as low as we can get it without sacrificing level of service and quality of life.”
Council members Dave Sullivan and Ty Miller also supported the reduced millage rate, as the council did not have a solid plan. However, Miller said, he would support capping the millage at 4.1893 and then having the discussion again later on in the budgeting process.
“We have the leeway to remove it, and that way we know, the residents know, we’re not raising the tax rate at all,” Miller said. “That’s the max it can be, which is the same tax rate as last year.”
The council will vote on the maximum millage rate at its July 15 meeting, but the final millage rate is not adopted until the end of the budgeting process in September.
Broken elevator leaves some seniors stuck
Las Palmas Sky Active Living, in Palm Coast, has replaced its faulty elevator. Resident’s daughter said a second elevator is needed.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
There is one small elevator at Las Palmas Sky Active Living and it has been out of service for most of the past three weeks.
The three-story independent senior living apartment complex at 70 Town Court, off Town Center Boulevard in Palm Coast, currently has 104 residents, according to a spokesman for the facility’s operator, Priority Life Care of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
On Jan. 19, residents and their families were informed that the faulty elevator was being replaced beginning June 23 and would be out of service for 10 days, according to a Las Palmas statement.
But on the evening of Tuesday, July 8, a resident’s daughter said the elevator was out of service again. Earlier that day, Priority Life Care spokesman Kevin Erb wrote in an email to the Observer that “the elevator was up and running and there was and no word of any delays after it was installed.”
Erb said on Wednesday, July 9, that the elevator was down for a brief period on Tuesday morning, so the elevator contractor, TKE, could replace a part. “It was back up and running by mid afternoon,” he said, and the contractor was back on the site on Wednesday to make sure everything was operating correctly.
Patrick Juliano, public information officer for the Palm Coast Fire Department, said the fire marshal and the city were aware of Las Palmas’ plans, and provisions were in place to get the residents downstairs in case of fire or another emergency.
But Karen Roberts, whose mother lives in an upstairs apartment, said the elevator is overworked because
there is no service elevator and so
many of the residents rely on it “as a lifeline.” For many of the residents who use walkers or “motorized vehicles” to get around, she said, the stairs are difficult at best to get down to the first floor to eat meals, take part in activities or leave the facility. Las Palmas said in its statement that was emailed to the Observer on July 2 that, “We communicated directly with residents on June 19 informing them of the pending elevator replacement to begin on June 23, as well as our plans to minimize any disruption it may have on their day-to-day lives at Las Palmas Sky Active Living. This includes providing meal service and activities directly to residents located on the second and third floors, as well as careful, proactive coordination with first responders to assist residents who may need to access the first floor for important appointments or
obligations.”
Roberts said her mother had a doctor’s appointment to get a cortisone shot in her knee while the elevator was being replaced and she had to cancel because, while she uses a walker, she could not negotiate the stairs. Roberts said they couldn’t reschedule until they knew when the elevator would be back in service. Having it be out of service again was frustrating, she said.
“Some (residents) have two walkers, one at the bottom of the steps to use when they get downstairs,” Roberts said. “Some people can’t get out, One lady told me she feels like they’re in a prison.”
Some residents have pets that need to be walked, Roberts said. “The staff has to run up and down the stairs like chickens,” she said. “They need to have a second elevator.” Email brent@observerlocalnews. com.
Las Palmas Sky Active Living senior living community in Town Center. Photo by Brian McMillan
Palm Coast mayor’s lawsuit vs. city is dismissed
Process to appoint Gambaro in 2024 was ‘flawed,’ but the result was legal, judge rules. In new statement, Gambaro calls Mayor Norris ‘a terrible leader.’
SIERRA WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris’ lawsuit against the City of Palm Coast and Councilman Charles Gambaro was dismissed entirely on July 3, for a lack of standing, by a Flagler County circuit court.
Circuit Civil Court Judge Christopher France said Norris did not have the standing to file the suit. Palm Coast’s attorney Rachael Crews argued that only the attorney general or a person who was running for the District 4 council seat could file for a “writ of quo warranto,” a challenge to Gambaro’s right to the public seat. France agreed and said outright that Norris’ position as mayor did not give him the right to file the suit.
“Although the result is flawed, the charter was complied with to fill the vacancy,” he said, regarding the lawsuit’s merit.
France also said the timing of the former Councilwoman Cathy Heighter’s resignation — effective Aug. 23, 2024 — “rendered the November 2024 election, one, impossible, and two, when it comes to a special election, not authorized by the charter.”
Norris and his attorney, Anthony Sabatini, sued the City of Palm Coast, Gam -
baro and Supervisor of Elections Kaiti Lenhart in May to remove Gambaro from office through “quo warranto” or for an order compelling a special election be held and an injunction preventing Gambaro from further occupying the seat.
In a statement sent to the Observer, Gambaro wrote that Norris’ lawsuit was “a calculated attempt to intimidate and deflect attention from the serious and well-documented concerns about his own derelict conduct in office since taking the oath in November of 2024.”
“Today’s legal defeat is well earned by a terrible leader that has no business serving as our Mayor,” Gambaro wrote.
Norris and his supporters in Palm Coast have often stated in the eight months since Gambaro’s appointment by the previous City Council that Gambaro held the seat illegally. Sabatini argued the council had three options at the time of Heighter’s resignation: to delay an appointment, place the seat on the November ballot via a resolution, or to appoint someone right away.
Sabatini argued that the charter’s clause allowing for the council to delay an appointment to an open seat was meant specifically for this situation and that Gambaro’s appointment was only valid until the next regularly scheduled election, which the charter indicates was Nov. 5, 2024.
“The position they put themselves in, which is getting close to the election and then choosing not to use the option [to delay the appointment], at the end of the day, it constituted the violation of the charter when they con -
tinue to allow Mr. Gambaro, respectfully, to stay in that position after November,” Sabatini said.
As for Norris’ standing to file the suit, Sabatini said Florida’s broad declaratory judgement act allows Norris the standing.
“Both as a citizen, a taxpayer and as an elected official whose votes are diluted by an occupant of an office that we allege is not in standing with the charter,” Sabatini said.
Crews, citing multiple case laws, said outright, “Plaintiff does not have standing,” as he was neither the attorney general, acting on behalf of the attorney general, nor a candidate for the District 4 seat.
Additionally, Crews argued that the Palm Coast City Charter explicitly allows the council to appoint someone to fill a seat that is vacated within six months of an election because of the “logistical impossibility” of qualifying for the ballot in a short time frame.
“By the time we get Councilwoman Heighter’s resignation … we are past all the dates for the primary,” she said. As well, she said, the charter only allows for a special election in the case of a vacancy for the mayor seat or for a recall.
During the attorney’s arguments, France asked Sabatini directly: “They did what they could do, right? We all agree that they had three choices.”
“Yes, sir,” Sabatini said.
Gambaro wrote that, as he’d stated previously, his appointment was “in full accordance with all established city and state procedures” and “followed all legal requirements and proper protocols as outlined in our City Charter and Florida state law.”
“The above facts were reaffirmed today,” he wrote.
Former Palm Coast Vice Mayor Ed Danko, who was on the council when Gambaro was appointed, stated in a text
“This outcome has highlighted a deeper issue that needs to be resolved,” Norris wrote. “Our city charter must be revised. The events of these past months have made it clear that the current language does not fully serve the interests or the voice of the people. We must work together to ensure that the will of Palm Coast’s residents is always heard and protected.”
Palm Coast is currently beginning the process to review and update its charter and has created a Charter Review Committee. The citizen-led committee will be responsible for evaluating
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris’ lawsuit against Palm Coast may have cost taxpayers around $30,000.
While the final costs have not been invoiced, City Attorney Marcus Duffy said the city was looking at “around the $30,000 range.”
Palm Coast and Councilman Charles Gambaro were represented by a third-party attorney, Rachael Crews, as the named defendants in Norris’ lawsuit.
Gambaro asked the City Council for consensus to request Norris pay the city the attorney fees for the “frivolous lawsuit.”
“Take me to court,” Norris told Gambaro.
Norris sued Palm Coast, Gambaro and the Supervisor of Elections Office in May over Gambaro’s tenure as a City Council member. His lawsuit alleged Palm Coast violated the city charter by appointing Gambaro and asked the court to remove Gambaro from the seat.
The circuit judge overseeing the case dismissed Norris’ case at its July 3 hearing, stating that the mayor had no standing to sue in the
It is common for the city to hire third-party attorneys to handle specific court cases and lawsuits, with the city attorney position to handle in-house legal advice and questions.
Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked Duffy if he
and recommending updates to the charter, according to a May press release from the city. Applications to be on the committee will be reviewed at the July 15th City Council business meeting. While Norris’ Facebook post did not indicate whether he would be appealing France’s decision, he wrote: “This is not the end. This is a call to action. Let’s make our voices even stronger. Let’s make our charter better, and let’s continue to build a Palm Coast that truly reflects the people who call it home by using our vote!”
the lawsuit’s lack of standing and why the decisions were made at the time, and Duffy said he did. Norris said he was not advised on those issues.
Pontieri said she in part blamed Norris’ attorney for not accurately advising Norris on the case’s lack of standing. It’s frustrating, she said.
“These monies come out of the general fund,” she said “So they come out of the very fund that affects property taxes.”
But, Pontieri said, the council does not have the legal grounds to pursue attorney fees.
“It’s frustrating for me, it should be frustrating for the whole council and it should be frustrating for the residents,” Pontieri said.
“If, in fact, there was advice given that there really is zero merit to this, and that there sure isn’t standard, and it was ignored – it’s cost the taxpayers money.”
Councilmen Ty Miller and Dave Sullivan agreed with Pontieri that there was no legal avenue to pursue the attorney fees. The most they could do, Sullivan said, is request Norris repay the fees.
“It doesn’t look like we’re going to recoup those fees,” Miller said.
Norris said the council could “go right ahead and try” coming after him for the legal fees. He said that he specifically requested legal advice on the situation
and “every single one of you denied it,” speaking to the fellow council members.
“I don’t care if it costs the city a million dollars,” Norris said. “If I’m defending our residents’ right to pick their representative, and if I feel something’s wrong, I’m going to do it every time.” Norris also reminded the council that he would be entitled to a reimbursement of his legal fees in regards to the ethics complaint the city has filed against him. He is only eligible for the reimbursement if the Florida Ethics Commission sides in favor of Norris after reviewing the complaint.
The council sent the ethics complaint after an external review of complaints against Norris showed that he had violated the Palm Coast City Charter by demanding the resignations of Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo. Norris denies that he demanded their resignations. Pontieri pointed out that regardless of the semantics Norris is arguing, he was given legal advice by Duffy that asking for the resignations violated the charter.
“Now twice – whether it’s true or not, according to you, – we have heard that legal advice has been given to you that you haven’t followed, and it’s ended up costing us money,” Pontieri said.
Email letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris leaves the courthouse after his lawsuit against the city and fellow Councilman Charles Gambaro is dismissed. Photos by Sierra Williams
Wellness Center cuts ribbon
Flagler Schools’ new center, at former Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club, will offer free primary care and medication to those on district’s health plan.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Schools held a ribbon cutting for its new Wellness Center on July 8. The gym at the former Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club has been transformed into a health clinic with three examination rooms, a lab, a medication dispensary room, a reception area and lobby, a break room and an office.
“This is probably the nicest wellness center you’ve ever been to,” Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said at the ribbon cutting celebration.
The Wellness Center, which had already served 40 school district employees before the official opening, is being administered by Marathon Health.
“Marathon is the leader in employee-based wellness around the country,” said Joshua Walker, Flagler Schools Human Resources supervisor, who spearheaded the project. “This is a game-changer for us.”
The center’s services include primary care, chronic condition management, lab work and generic medications in addition to virtual mental health and nutrition counseling. All of the services are free to Flagler Schools employees who are on the district’s health insurance plan.
“More than 40% of our visits are scheduled same-day or next day,” Marathon Health’s Micah Moughon said. “This is the way health care should be run.”
Sheri Hahn, a family nurse practitioner, is the center’s provider. Two medical assistants are also working at the facility. They are employees of Marathon Health. Hahn is a resident of Flagler County.
“Marathon gave us a list of finalists (for the provider position), and
we chose Ms. Hahn,” Walker said.
School Board Chair Will Furry said the finished Wellness Center “far exceeded our expectations.
“This shows we care about our employees and we care about our employees’ families,” he said. “We transformed this space to something that’s active again, something alive, something with purpose.”
Flagler County Educators Association President Elisabeth Dias, who was involved in insurance bargaining for both school district unions, said benefits are a hot topic right now.
“And we want to provide the best” for district teachers and staff.
When the School Board was deciding last year whether to approve the Wellness Center, Everside Health — which has merged with Marathon Health — estimated that the firstyear total cost of the center to the district would be about $825,000 with a five-year cumulative cost of $3.7 million. But by reducing employee insurance claims, the five-year savings estimate was $7.8 million.
The key factor is employee use of the center, driving down ER visits and other services that the center will provide.
Walker urged department heads to spread the word to employees.
Assisting Furry with the ribbon cutting were School Board members Christy Chong, Lauren Ramirez and Derick Barrs, Superintendent Moore, Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien, HR Chief Robert Ouellette, Hahn, Walker and Dias.
Flagler Schools fall 2 points short of an A
Superintendent pleased with improvements of underperforming subgroups.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Schools missed out on being an A-rated district by two percentage points.
The Florida Department of Education released the 2024-2025 school and district grades on Monday, July 7. Flagler received a B-grade for the fourth year in a row. The district had a score of 62% of total points with a 64 or higher qualifying for an A.
The grades are based on five achievement and five learning gains components as well as middle school acceleration, graduation rate and college and career acceleration calculated through assessment results. The last year the district received an A was 2019 (it did not receive grades during the COVID year of 2020). St. Johns and Volusia County school districts each received an A this year.
Eight of the district’s nine schools received the same grade as last year with one school dropping a grade.
Matanzas High School received an A for the second year in a row, while Old Kings Elementary received an A for the fourth straight year, and Indian Trails Middle School received an A for the seventh consecutive year.
Bunnell Elementary, Rymfire Ele-
mentary, Flagler Palm Coast High, Wadsworth Elementary and Belle Terry Elementary all repeated with B grades. Buddy Taylor Middle School dropped from a B to a C. Imagine School at Town Center, the county’s charter school, also dropped a grade from B to C. iFlagler received a C, its first FDOE grade since 2019.
At the end of the School Board’s agenda workshop on Tuesday, July 8, Superintendent LaShakia Moore said that despite not moving up to an A grade, there was a lot for the district to be proud about. FPC improved 30 points from a year ago, which Moore said is not easy to do.
Rymfire improved 19 points, Matanzas and Indian Trails improved nine points, and Bunnell improved three points, she said.
SCHOOL GRADES
Buddy Taylor Middle C
Bunnell Elementary B
Rymfire Elementary B
Imagine School C
Matanzas High A
FPC High B
Wadsworth Elementary B
Old Kings Elementary A
Belle Terre Elemetary B
Indian Trails Middle A
iFlagler C
“We saw growth in every single achievement component,” Moore said. “We had an overall increase in our points by five, but what I am most proud of that may not show initially: our guiding principles and vision and mission talk about all of our students making progress. There have been times we have been an A (district) and we had some poor, poor performing subgroups, so I just want to give you data to show the end can be the same but progress can be made. Several of our schools with African Americans students were an underperforming subgroup. We have zero as of today. For the first time that I can remember that subgroup is not a subgroup that we have on our federal index.”
There were also zero Hispanic and English Language Learning subgroups that were underperforming at any Flagler school, and schools that had an area of concern with students with disabilities were reduced from 10 to three, she said.
“Our focus is to ensure that when we get an A, we can celebrate with all of our schools,” Moore said. “We don’t want to have schools of excellence with underperforming subgroups of students. We want to be able to say that every single group of our students is making progress academically, and we can confidently say that.”
School Board could add a ‘floater’ deputy
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler County School Board will have an option on July 22 when it votes to renew its interlocal agreement with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to provide the district with school resource deputies and crossing guards. The board can renew with the current staffing of 11 deputies, a com-
mander and a sergeant or it can add a full-time floater deputy on a trial basis. The district is responsible for any overtime pay to deputies resulting from sick leave, vacation or staffing school events. The floater would help alleviate overtime costs to the district.
District Safety Specialist David Bossardet and FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge presented the board with the two options at its agenda
workshop on Tuesday, July 8.
The total cost of the contract with a floater would be $1,609,403, or $1,521,642 without a floater. Both options include nine crossing guards.
The district paid $78,000 in overtime costs last year, Bossardet said.
School Board member Derek Barrs, who was once a school resource officer himself, said, “I know the value they bring to the table, but we also have to look at the dollars and cents.”
Flagler County School Board Chair Will Furry cuts the ribbon on the school district’s new Wellness Center. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Sewer hookups are coming to A1A. Could that mean more businesses?
There are 211 vacant lots along S.R. A1A in The Hammock that allow limited commercial uses.
SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Increased sewer hookup availability may open the door to additional businesses going up along State Road A1A north of The Hammock Dunes bridge.
In an interview with the Observer , County Commissioner Greg Hansen said the county has received funding to expand the water and sewage connections in The Hammock. The county is actively working on installing those connections, to extend from the Hammock Dunes bridge, north to Mala Compra and Bings Landing and then out from Mala Compra to Washington Oaks Gardens State Park.
Unincorporated Flagler County in The Hammock has long had septic tanks on the individual properties, and the opportunity to connect to a sewer system could pave the way for more businesses to develop on vacant lots along the A1A corridor in The Hammock.
Between Beverley Beach and Marineland, there are 544 parcels that are zoned residential/limited commercial. Of those, 211 are vacant properties.
Under this R/C zoning, property owners are allowed to have a variety of lowimpact businesses: real estate offices, medical offices, attorney’s offices, bed and breakfasts, sit-down restaurants with a maximum 160 seats for indoors, banks and other similar businesses.
Having infrastructure in place on a parcel, Flagler County Economic Development Manger Dolores Key said, means businesses do not have to put additional funding into the site.
“Anytime that you have infrastructure in place that
BRIEFS
Conservatory golf course to host NCCAA national championship for next three years
The National Christian College Athletic Association’s Men’s and Women’s Golf Championships will again be held at the Hammock Beach Resort’s Conservatory Course in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The 2025 tournament will be the ninth consecutive year the NCCAA has held its championship at Hammock Beach
BORN TO RUN
makes a site, what we call ‘pad ready,’” Key said, “... that’s something in economic development that makes a site more desirable.”
When deciding if a site is desirable, Key said, businesses look for water, sewer, drainage and electric infrastructure.
Though having a septic tank system on a lot would count as sewer infrastructure, having a sewer connection instead is preferable for businesses, she said.
The septic system takes more maintenance by both homeowners and business owners, and is also outdated — the state as a whole is moving away from the septic tank system, Key said.
“It’s really a big deal to have to maintain and work with a septic system month after month, and that you really have to stay on top of it,” Key said. “Just personally, as a homeowner as well as a business owner, I would want to have sewer provided, as opposed to being on a septic system.”
But while the work is underway to make connections to Palm Coast’s sewer system available, there is no telling just yet how long it will be until residents or property owners can make the swap over from the septic field system.
Growth Management Director Adam Mengel said the R/C zoned parcels are primarily along the frontage of S.R. A1A, and the septic system has in the past been a limiting factor for commercial development in the past. The fear some residents have, Mengel said, is that with the switch from septic to sewer, that would allow for larger restaurants with more parking and more seating to fill the empty R/C lots.
“The limited commercial part comes in only through the issuance of a special exception,” he said, “only through public notice, only through public hearing and the uses are very finite.”
Property owners who wish to have a business on an R/C lot must first apply for and receive a special exception from the Flagler County Plan-
Resort’s Palm Coast golf course. The championships will be held Oct. 20-22. NCCAA Executive Director Dan Wood called it an “amazing blessing” to hold the championships the Conservatory for the next three years.
“From the moment of arrival at the resort, to each walk on the Conservatory Course, the experience is as good as any collegiate championship venue,” Wood said.
“Mix in the opportunity for our student-athletes and coaches to serve a local food bank while on site, and it is a win-win-win proposition for all involved.”
The course is 7,776 yards
ning Board. The applicant must demonstrate that their proposed use is appropriate to the area, Mengel said, and the board can impose additional limitations to the property.
Parking has been an issue with some businesses in the area in the past, he said.
“What happens if you have something that’s extremely popular, then that ends up then stretching off into the neighborhood? And we really don’t want that to happen,” Mengel said. “We don’t want the negative impacts into the adjacent neighborhoods from these commercial uses.”
Bronx House Pizza’s Hammock location caused issues when it held multiple events that caused overflow parking issues along the shoulders of S.R. A1A. The restaurant has since purchased a second nearby lot for valet parking to address the problem.
The approval process for special exceptions can take around three months, Mengel said, and any additional parking outside of what is typically allowed on a lot would also need additional approval.
For now, he said, the county and Palm Coast utilities are still working out the details for when property owners might be able to make the switch from septic to sewer.
“It’s been a substantial delay to get to this point, and we’re excited about the availability coming in,” Mengel said.
While there may be concerns about increased traffic if there is additional commercial development, developing economically is a priority for Flagler County. Key said that while she is focused on bringing light industrial projects, any new business will help diversify Flagler County’s tax base.
Flagler County’s tax base is 85-86% residential, Key said.
“That’s not a way to run a county or a city,” she said. “You really should be more at 30-40% commercial to run a stable economy.”
Do you have a story idea related to The Hammock? Email brian@observerlocal news.com.
and offers challenging bunkers and picturesque landscapes throughout, the press release said. Stephen Baker, Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa Director of Group Sales, said the Conservatory’s partnership with the NCCAA is a “valued relationship.”
“While the players change from year-to-year, the NCCAA staff has stays constant on their mission,” Baker said.
“It is wonderful to be a part of an event that blesses not only our resort staff, but also the community of Palm Coast and helps these young athletes compete at a high level in a Christian environment.”
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As human population grows, black bears need our help
New poll: 81% of Florida voters do not want a bear hunt.
AMY CAROTENUTO GUEST WRITER
Once abundant across our beautiful state, black bear populations declined significantly until becoming listed as threatened in the 1960’s. Conservation efforts helped populations recover, and the Florida black bear was removed from the threatened species list in 2012.
Now, with an expanding human population, the bear’s habitats have shrunk. Bears are pushed into smaller, disconnected areas, making runins with humans more likely. Black bears are smaller than
LETTERS
Flock of problems with allowing backyard chickens
Dear Editor:
Our City Council is considering allowing backyard chickens (no roosters) and coops in Palm Coast residential neighborhoods. There are a myriad of reasons why this is an ill-conceived notion unless you just really love chickens.
There is the likelihood of a predator parade of Florida’s fowl-loving foxes, raccoons, coyotes, hawks, snakes and even dogs and cats. Chicken droppings, especially when wet, stink, and flies like them. The cage and nesting material can harbor fleas. And rats and mice like chicken feed. The CDC notes the risk of salmonella and campylobacter, especially important for children under 5.
Then you have to consider the upfront costs associated with building a coop and its on-going maintenance, the chicken feed, the nesting material, cleaning supplies, the possibility of a veterinary bill, a permit fee … and if you don’t already have one, per the rules, you have to fence in your yard.
Given that one hen, if you’re lucky, will produce one egg per day and since a limit of only four hens is allowed, will those maximum four daily eggs feed your family? Overall, when you put a pencil to it, and toss in the time spent maintaining your little chicken farm, there is little if any benefit. Eggs are now selling for around $3 a dozen and they can even be delivered.
There are a couple of other considerations. Are your neighbors going to be OK
most species of bear, and their preferred diet is mostly plants, saw palmetto berries, acorns and insects. When there are natural food shortages, as happens in nature, bears end up coming closer to people and foraging for food. So when people leave food or trash out, it draws the bears. It is essential that we all take easy, commonsense steps to eliminate food attractants by securing garbage cans with bear proof straps (found for as little as $20 on Amazon, Walmart and more).
Florida’s black bear population is less than 4,000. To put that in perspective, Florida has 1.3 million alligators, 65,000 coyotes and 300,000 bobcats, and let’s not forget the ever-increasing human population of 23 million. Last month in Ocala, The
with what you are doing? Neighborhood harmony is a big deal. And, it’s not unreasonable to expect that a hurricane could substantially relocate your poor chickens and their rather flimsy coop to parts unknown. But, heck, with some foresight, you might be able to save your hens and house them in your guest bedroom for a month or two until you can rebuild their coop. The city actually considering this is surprising and seems lacking in downside research and realities. The council apparently is catering to a few in our town that might be interested in a backyard chicken farm. And those few that think it might be nifty, fun and cost saving may be in for a “brood” awakening.
BOB GORDON Palm Coast
Editor’s note: Palm Coast has launched a Permit Portal for a Backyard Chicken Pilot Program. The City Council recently reached consensus to begin the program which will allow for a maximum of 50 permits that will be valid for two years. Permits will cost $50. Applicants must live in a single-family home that is not part of an HOA and must first complete a Care and Raising Chickens educational course. After two years, the City Council will review the data and findings of the pilot program.
Paint it black? Palm Coast mayor, council happy to oblige
Dear Editor: Tossing sensibility to the
Florida Wildlife Commission voted 4-1 in a preliminary approval to hold a Florida black bear hunt. It will be the first in 10 years. In 2015, only three years out from being on the threatened species list, a bear hunt was held. Hunters killed 304 bears in just two days, including 179 females. Sadly, 38 of them were mother bears still nursing cubs, which means dozens of baby bears undoubtedly died, too.
In the 2015 hunt, permits for anyone who could pay for them led to a chaotic event that was shut down days early. This year’s proposed bear hunt is planned in December and annually into the future, allowing hunters the use of up to six dogs to corner the bears or chase them up into the trees to be shot. Methods could include bowhunt -
wind and perpetuating the many controversies attributable to this City Council, Palm Coast residents will be able to paint their house in any color they want [upon the finalization of a new ordinance]. It was a notion heralded by the mayor when he first arrived on the scene. It was a way over-the-top idea then and remains as such even though the council has fallen in line.
On the council’s pending table are considerations of even more controversy bound to also tick off a lot of neighbors — backyard residential chicken coops and the forever parking of potentially colorfully decorated commercial vehicles in residential driveways. The commercial vehicle idea is the mayor’s baby, as well.
Combined with anythinggoes house colors, it conjures up a whole new aesthetic feel for our town and not at all in a good way — more like a rural traveling carnival scene than a Florida neighborhood. Only the carnival won’t be traveling on.
You want a black house with purple trim, a paisley pink commercial truck parked in your driveway, with chickens roaming in your yard, you got it. You want even more freedom for your little castle? Maybe a little more tackiness? Just ask the apparently “happy to oblige” mayor and the council.
After witnessing, in a mere seven months, the unacceptable and almost unbearable array of chaotic divisive nonsense and bad behavior emanating from our City Council, but more particularly the mayor, the legacy of this council is panning out to be one for the history books.
MARY ZITO Palm Coast
ing and bear hunting in baited feeding areas.
It’s a hunt almost no one in Florida wants. A new poll shows that a supermajority of Florida voters, 81%, do not want a bear hunt, and even more, 89%, oppose hounding, and 86% oppose baiting bears at “feeding stations.”
With bow and arrow hunting, the massive bones and thick coat of a bear make it hard to achieve a quick kill. All too often, bears wounded by bow-and-arrow hunters flee, only to die slowly from blood loss or infection.
This time, hunters will be allowed to field dress as well, leading to possible deception: A female can be reported as a male or hunters may misreport the weights. We have one more chance for FWC to hear the voice
Don’t change Palm Coast’s house color ordinance
Dear Editor:
Leave the city’s paint ordinance as it is. While individual artistic tastes should be sanctified and protected inside a home, neighbors should not be required to accept and often endure them.
If that “colorful” house in Bunnell popped up next to any council member’s home, I doubt repeal of local paint standards would be so important. Also, [Annamaria] Long’s statement that house paintings in Flagler Beach have not affected property values is simply false. Flagler’s overall value comes from its beachfront location and great restaurants, without which those cute but mostly unattractive houses would surely reduce values of neighboring properties.
Hint to council: move on to an important issue. Buy a used dredging machine for $60,000 and scoop out the canals just as you did so efficiently with the storm drainage swales. Don’t waste $25 million with an outside contractor who expects to come back in 10 years. Finally, we, the vast majority of Palm Coast citizens do not need a YMCA. Put that issue on an election ballot and it will fail 90-10. Note: The best cities in America are run as a business, not a charity.
JW GARFIELD Palm Coast
Lifeguard shortage still not addressed
Dear Editor:
On July 3, 2024, at 2 p.m., a West Virginia man vaca-
of animal lovers to plea for education instead of lethal means of limiting humanbear encounters. A final vote is scheduled for Aug. 13 in Tallahassee. I plan on attending and speaking for the black bears. You may write to the commissioners (be polite) here: Preston Farrior, Preston. Farrior@myfwc.com; Rodney Barreto, Rodney.Barreto@ myfwc.com; Steve Hudson, Stephen.Hudson@myfwc. com; Gary Lester, Gary.Lester @myfwc.com; Albert Maury, Albert.Maury@myfwc.com; Gary Nicklaus, Gary.Nicklaus @myfwc.com; Sonya Rood, Sonya.Rood@myfwc.com.
Better yet, join me for a field trip to Tallahassee. Perhaps we could rent a bus! Carotenuto is the executive director of the Flagler Humane Society.
tioning with his wife and two children drowned while swimming in an unguarded area just north of the Bandshell. Beach Safety Chief Tammy Malphurs: “Do not go into the water if there’s not a staffed lifeguard tower.”
The drowning was one of nine on unguarded Volusia County beaches in 2024; 13 drownings in 2023, eight drownings in 2022. A study by Simmrin Law identified the 10 most dangerous beaches in America, factoring storms, lightning, shark attacks, and surf-related fatalities. Ranked: New Smyrna Beach (1), Daytona Beach (3), Ormond Beach (6), and Ponce Inlet (7).
Media reports document 90-100 seasonal lifeguard vacancies in 2022, 2023, and 2024. In the past year, County Councilman Troy Kent made numerous inquiries into Volusia’s ongoing lifeguard shortage. The Ormond Beach City Commission recently sent a letter to the county questioning unstaffed lifeguard stations.
Specifically, Neptune Avenue, with a large countyleased parking lot and an A1A traffic light for pedestrian crossings, has a lifeguard only on weekends and some Mondays. That means Ormond Beachgoers north of Granada should never go into the water on weekdays. Yet many of them do, at Neptune, Amsden, and Standish approaches.
Deputy County Manager Suzanne Konchan has responded: The county is budgeted to staff all towers seven days a week, but there have been fewer numbers of seasonal lifeguards available during the spring/summer season. (Historically, lifeguards were staffed every half mile, within sight and sound of each other’s calls for
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emergency backup.) Today, mobile units patrol extensive stretches of beach to cover the gaps. The lifeguard shortage has been addressed with increased recruiting and training, increased salaries, benefits, and bonuses. Scheduling strategies have been updated. Proactive efforts now encourage the return of lifeguards from previous years.
Lifeguard deployments are based on data analysis of historical crowds and rescues, placing resources in areas of high beachgoer density with off-beach parking availability. A tiered priority system considers rescue history, environmental conditions, and swimmer density patterns. But if fewer beachgoers go to unguarded beaches, low counts on those beaches become a self-fulfilling prophecy. And after years of high vacancies, new recruitment strategies are needed. The beach is our greatest natural, recreational, and economic resource. Solving the lifeguard shortage should be Volusia County’s No. 1 priority. Lives are at risk.
JEFF BOYLE Ormond Beach
Send letters up to 400 words to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.
One nation
Annual Flagler Beach Stars and Stripes parade marches down A1A
Crowds gathered along A1A in Flagler Beach on Friday, July 4, for the annual Stars and Stripes parade.
Presented by the Rotary Club of Flagler Beach, the parade began at North 6th Street and A1A and continued down to South 6th Street.
The parade was part of the United Flagler Fourth celebrations, hosted by Flagler County Government and the Cities of Palm Coast, Flagler Beach, and Bunnell. That evening, a fireworks display was held at the Flagler Executive Airport, which was preceded by a ceremony featuring the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the singing of the national anthem.
– OBSERVER STAFF
A
Jets fly through the Flagler Beach Fourth of July parade. Photos by Hannah Hodge
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly rides through the 4th of July Parade.
Flagler 4th of July participant hands out candy to viewers of the parade.
Cooper, Colton and Kenny Crowell.
A Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Patrol deputy rides a horse during the Fourth of July parade.
participant of the Fourth of July parade waves at the camera.
LOCAL EVENTS
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.
GENTLE YOGA
When: 6-7 p.m.
Where: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Attend this all-levels, gentle Christ-centered yoga class designed to nurture body, mind, and spirit. This class is open to all ages, genders and body types. Bring a yoga mat. A $5-$10 donation is suggested. Proceeds support St. Thomas Episcopal Church ministries.
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.m.
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.
A TRUE CRIME COMEDY NIGHT
When: 8:30-10 p.m.
Where: Cristy B Comedy: The Club, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A110, Palm Coast
Details: Attend a night of stand-up comedy featuring Daisy Tackett and Casey Skinner, who will share the story on how he unknowingly spent two months living at the infamous Cecil Hotel. Tickets cost $24.80. Visit cristybcomedy. com.
‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’
When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13, 20 and 27. Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Unit B207, Palm Coast Details: See this Tony and Drama Desk award-winning play telling the story of an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. Tickets cost $32.70 for adults and $17.17 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.
SATURDAY, JULY 12
LOCAL AUTHOR
SPOTLIGHT: ERIKA BARGER
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Novel Tea Book Shop, 150 Tomoka Ave., Ormond
Beach
Details: Local author Erika Barger will host a book signing for her book, “Scholarship Hacks: Insider Tips for Winning College Money.”
MONDAY, JULY 14
CAMP PAW PRINT
SUMMER CAMP 2025
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, July 14-18; and July 28 to Aug. 1.
Details: Join Flagler Humane Society for a summer camp where kids will explore the world of animal care, meet shelter pets and enjoy a variety of interactive activities. Camp costs $250 per child. A $25 off discount is available for a family’s second child enrolled. Call 386-445-1814.
TUESDAY, JULY 15
THE AMERICAN RED
CROSS: PILLOWCASE
PROJECT & HANDS-ON CPR
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach
St., Ormond Beach
Details: The Pillowcase Project is a preparedness education program for grades 3-5 that teaches students about personal and family preparedness and safety skills, local hazards, and basic coping skills. Red Cross volunteers lead students through a “Learn, Practice, Share” framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. Families will also learn how to perform hands-only CPR.
Details: This social club for retired and semiretired men and women meets monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest with other social events during the month. This month’s guest speaker is Mike Lutz, commander with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. He will discuss “Fraud Activity in Palm Coast.” All are welcome. Lunch is optional. For more information, contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, JULY 17
ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend the July meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Charleen Smith, secretary of the Volusia County Democratic Executive Committee. She will discuss immediate and future initiatives to promote member and citizen involvement in response to “What can we do?” Like-minded guests are welcome to attend. Club information can be found at ormondbeachdems.org.
FRIDAY, JULY 18
SUMMER SOUNDS
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: See Derek Trull & EasyStreet perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.
SATURDAY, JULY 19
PEDAL IN THE PARK
When: 8-10:30 a.m.
nity Center, 3005 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast
Details: Formerly known as Tour de Palm Coast, this bike ride will begin at 8 a.m. and take participants through Linear and Waterfront Parks. Bring a reusable water bottle. All riders must wear a helmet. Light refreshments will be served afterward. Free event.
CHRISTMAS IN JULY
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Granada Boulevard, from A1A to Orchard Street, Ormond Beach
Details: Support local businesses and celebrate summer with a holiday vibe. There will be visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a family-friendly “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt beginning July 12, live entertainment and more. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet. com/christmasinjuly.
RUMMAGE, BAKE AND DOLL SALE WITH CAR SHOW
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast
Details: Rummage of all kinds will be available. Dolls will be 75% off. Event includes the Wheels in Motion antique car show. Free admission.
BOOK SIGNING BY LUSINE TOROSSIAN
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Vedic Moons, 4984 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Unit
4, Palm Coast
Details: Lusine Torossian will sign her novel, “Light Weaver,” a young adult dark fairy tale woven with mythology. There will be author swag for the first 15 arrivals. Call 386-5855167 for more information.
WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ocean Art Gallery, 197 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach Details: Paint along with watercolor artist Bibi Gromling. All supplies are included in the $75 class fee. No drawing is required. Call 386-3179400.
SALVE REGINA
ORGAN RECITAL
When: 3-4 p.m.
Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: See “Salve Regina: Organ Devotionals to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” an organ recital featuring Caleb R. Klinzing on the magnificent Cornel-Zimmer Organ. Free event.
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 meets in the Marchman Building, room 117. Contact Sylvia Meincke at 386-451-5223.
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 faith-based program for moms, moms-tobe 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.”
Where: Palm Coast Commu-
Courtesy photo by Mike Kitaif
FOCUS ON FAITH
Epic Church in Palm Coast sends missionaries to Guatemala
“Columpios! Columpios!”
Those were the words that long time Epic Church member Will Furry heard as the children of San Lucas, Guatemala, gathered around him while on his service mission there last month.
Seventeen missionaries from Epic Church in Palm Coast flew in the early morning hours of June 14 to help in Guatemala. This week long mission focused on ministering to the women and children of this impoverished area. Furry, a Flagler County School Board member, shared one instance that impacted him.
“The men were going to serve (the women) lunch,” Furry recallled. “All of sudden these kids came up to me… They were asking me to do
been praying for a water filter for years.”
Epic Church has been providing relief to this area in Guatemala for many years. Furry was able to reconnect with a young woman who he had previously met as a young girl and who, through the efforts of Epic Church, had been able to receive an education. She is now married and having her first child. During the mission, they were able to give her a baby shower and still show their support for her and now her new family.
Parkview supports creation of new church in St. Johns County New City Church, led by Trent and Andrea Griffith with the support of Parkview Church in Palm Coast, is trying to establish a new church in St. Johns County.
“Our goal as a church is to not increase our seating capacity, it is to increase our sending capacity,” Pastor Greg Peters of the Parkview Church said in a Facebook video.
The Griffiths’ goal is to make “strong marriages and healthy families” through “enduring ministry…(with) intentional support and guidance.”
No building yet has been established for the congregation, but prayer meetings are being held to determine the next steps. The first prayer meeting was held on June 29.
“Before God plants a church in any location, he plants that church in the heart of church planters,” Trent Griffith said.
—ELIZABETH MOORE
Send your faith-based news and announcements to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com
Seventeen missionaries from Epic Church in Palm Coast traveled to Guatemala last month for a mission. Courtesy photo
Brought
Late Mainland principal ‘a shining star’
Tim Huth, a Volusia educator for over 36 years, has died at 74.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Tim Huth was Charles Brinkerhoff’s driver’s education teacher at Mainland High School in 1976-77. Years later, when Huth was the principal at Mainland, he hired Brinkerhoff to be the school’s head basketball coach, even though Brinkerhoff had no prior head coaching experience.
Huth, 74, an educator for over 36 years in Volusia County, died of a heart attack on July 2. Brinkerhoff, now a social studies teacher at Spruce Creek High School, got a chance at the end of May to tell Huth how much he’s meant to him as a teacher and mentor.
“He came to my classroom one last time,” Brinkerhoff said. “(Spruce Creek Principal Todd Sparger) brought him to my room. The seniors were already gone, so it was a quiet time. And I got to tell him to his face that he was the best principal I ever worked for, right in front of Dr. Sparger, but (Sparger) laughed. He knows how much Tim means to me.”
A funeral mass was held for Huth at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Ormond Beach on Wednesday, July 9.
Huth was Mainland’s principal from 1990-1995 before moving up to the Volusia County School District office, first as an area superintendent and then as deputy superintendent from 1997-2010. He was a finalist for the superintendent’s position twice, getting edged out by a 3-2 School Board vote in 2003 and then was a finalist in 2019
to be interim superintendent. He retired in 2010 but returned to Mainland as interim principal in 2019 after a testing scandal at the school.
“Going back to Mainland, after he was out of the system, that’s a commitment to education,” Brinkerhoff said.
Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry, a Mainland graduate who also was a teacher and coach under Huth at Mainland, posted on Facebook that Daytona Beach and Volusia County “lost a mountain of a man.”
“Tim Huth, an educational giant and a community titan for over 50 years, has been the most impactful public school administrator of his generation,” Henry posted. “Most specifically, more than any person in the illustrious history of Mainland High School, he has embodied the expression ‘Buc Pride Never Dies.’”
After retiring, Huth remained active in the community as chair of the Checker Flag Committee at Daytona International Speedway, a member and former chair of the Halifax Health Public Relations Committee and a member of the board of directors of Vince Carter’s Embassy of Hope Foundation among other local organizations.
Huth received presidential recognition for educational excellence from President George H.W. Bush in 1992, President Bill Clinton in 1995 and President George W. Bush in 2002.
Huth graduated from the University of Cincinnati and became a teacher at Mainland in 1974. He taught several subjects and was also a swim coach, tennis coach, department chair, athletic director and dean of students at Mainland before becoming assistant principal (1987) and then principal at Holly Hill Junior
High/Middle School before returning to Mainland.
Brinkerhoff said Huth let his application sit on his desk for a couple of months before he hired him as head boys basketball coach.
“Finally, he said, ‘I’m going to do what’s best for the students of Mainland High School,’” said Brinkerhoff, who would take the Bucs to four Final Four appearances and win three state championships in the 1990s.
“He was a shining star,” Brinkerhoff said. “He remembered every single student’s name when I was around him. He made us as students believe we belonged to Mainland. And he made people around him better. He made me a better teacher.”
Central Florida area swim coach Darl Bonemma who swam for Huth at Mainland and on Huth’s club team, posted on Facebook that Huth “is the main reason I became a swim coach. I will always appreciate and love his special gift of caring and helping kids when they needed it, including me. Rest in peace Coach Huth. We will miss you.”
Huth is survived by Charmaine, his wife of 52 years, his children Timmy and Heidi, his grandchildren Joey and Minh and his siblings Barbara, Jerry, Chris and Tracy.
Grief journey leads to cookbook
‘Recipes for Healing’ tells Palm Coast woman’s story about finding joy after spouse’s death.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
After her first husband, David, died 32 years ago of colon cancer, Patti ComeauSimonson’s life journey took a turn. She became a volunteer for hospice care which led her to becoming a bereavement assistant, earning a certificate in thanatology, becoming a peer-grief specialist and developing a peer-grief training program.
Now, she has written a book, “Recipes for Healing, Working Through Grief One Plate at a Time (Just Not Lasagna!).”
It’s a teaching memoir chronically her experiences coping with grief along with 40 comfort-food recipes.
“I’ve always wanted to write a cookbook,” said ComeauSimonson who has lived in Palm Coast for eight years. “I love to cook. During my husband’s illness I was cook-
YOUR TOWN
FPC graduate receives two Lions Club scholarships
Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate Emily Effort received two Lions Club scholarships — one from the Palm Coast Lions Club and one from the district — totaling $2,000.
Skin Cancer
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Patti Comeau-Simonson holds up her book, ‘Recipes for Healing, Working Through Grief One Plate at a Time. (Just Not Lasagna!)’ Courtesy photo
ing like crazy. After he died, I wasn’t interested in anything like that. This is my story about working through grief and finding joy again.”
At first, she didn’t want to cook at all. Her husband’s death followed the deaths of her brother-in-law and her mother — all in a threeyear span. During mourning, friends and family would bring by food.
“We were inundated with lasagna. After David’s loss I was so filled with anxiety, and whenever I thought of lasagna, all I thought of was
Effort is the past president of the FPC Leo Club. She has been a Leo since her sophomore year. She helped lead marketing efforts for her club’s events throughout the school year and plans to major in pre-marketing at UCF.
According to a press release, Effort said one of her favorite service events was the school’s Halloween tradition, “Walk the Halls,” where students dressed up and handed out candy. Effort said she is excited to continue developing her leadership and service skills.
Incoming Palm Coast Lions Club President Shara Brodsky said in the press release that she loves “that the camaraderie begins at such a young age through the Leos. Our Lions still live by the, ‘We Serve’ motto. It’s more than a phrase — it’s a way of life centered around love, support and community.”
The Palm Coast Lions Club plans to launch a new community-based Leo Club, creating more opportunities for local youth.
the little tin-foil wrapped containers in the freezer,” she said.
Eventually, she regained her love for cooking after she joined a support group with some older women who had gotten through their grief by cooking for their grandkids and families.
“Very slowly, I got back into wanting to cook for me,” she said. Each recipe has a story. Some of the recipes are her own, some are from her mother, some from her two mothers-in-law. ComeauSimonson is from Massachusetts, so some of the recipes, such as her mother’s New England clam chowder, originated from that region. While the recipes are in the back of the book, food is talked about throughout one way or another, she said.
“Recipes for Healing,” published by Balboa Press, took her two-and-a-half years to write. It has been out since May 1 and is available on amazon.com and barnesandnoble. com. She will have a book signing on July 13, 2-4 p.m., at Cimarrone Golf Club in St. Johns County.
B-CU’s annual day of giving raises over $800K
Bethune-Cookman University’s annual Day of Giving recently shattered records by raising $801,905 — nearly 39% more than was collected during last year’s event. On June 18, about 415 individual donors pledged their financial support for student scholarships, educational opportunities and campus improvement projects. This year’s Day of Giving also sparked friendly competition among organizations and alumni chapters. Out of five distinct categories, two Alumni Greek Life organizations led the way: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated raised more than any other group with $16,210, followed closely by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated with $12,484. Men’s football, the Marching Wildcats, and the South Florida Alumni Chapter also topped fundraising in their respective groups.
Tim Huth. Courtesy Lohman Funeral Home Ormond
FPC graduate Emily Effort (center) received two Lions Club scholarships. Courtesy photo
BUSINESS
BEST ADVICE I EVER GOT
Two things: ‘Don’t procrastinate’ and ‘Do the right thing.’
If you buy a Miller Lite (or other brands on a long list of beverages — alcoholic and nonalcoholic) at a store or restaurant in Volusia or Flagler counties, you have likely been served by S.R. Perrott. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes family businesses with a big impact on the community: Now with 180 employees, S.R. Perrott was founded in 1962.
The beverage distribution company is named for Samuel
BIZ BUZZ
Kistemaker Business Law Group welcomes summer interns
The Kistemaker Business Law Group Summer Internship program has welcomed a new class of students for its 13th year. Three new interns have joined the program, which is available to prospective law students looking to gain legal experience and insight into the practice of real estate, business, condo/HOA, and construction law as well as landlord and tenant law, according to a press release. The interns are:
Mackenzie Allen, secondyear Stetson University College of Law student. She is part of the business law concentration program and was born and raised in Central Florida.
Morgan Gurtis, rising sophomore at Florida State University. She is an Ormond Beach local and Spruce Creek High School grad, and plans to attend law school after graduating from FSU.
Zavier Kistemaker, rising senior at Seabreeze High School. An Ormond Beach local, he is dual enrolled at the University of Florida and plans to pursue a degree in political science and attend law school.
It’s amazing to think we are in the 13th year of this program,” said Erum Kistemaker, the firm’s managing attorney and shareholder. “We love welcom-
Ralph Perrott; his granddaughter Eva McMullin is currently the assistant general manager and corporate secretary. She is also a former president of the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, and she said her parents gave her the best advice she ever got.
“I’ve taken different pieces of advice from each of them,” McMullin said, while sitting in the conference room in late June 2025, close to the one-year anniversary of her father’s death, which was June 22, 2024. McMullin’s father, R. Gary Connors, was very involved in
ing students each year and it’s tremendously exciting for us to help them as they build strong foundations for their futures in the practice of law.”
The students may participate in professional development workshops and are provided with opportunities to interact with the local legal community, in addition to assisting in the day-to-day business of the firm, the press release states. They also receive an attorney mentor for the duration of the internship. Most of the firm’s interns
the day-to-day operations of the business. “He checked in with everybody,” she said, “so he’s missed a lot.”
The advice he always gave was, “Do the right thing.” That means being honest and truthful (“like the Bible says”) with suppliers, but McMullin remembers him applying that saying especially when it related to employees.
“If he saw an employee who was struggling, he wanted to do the right thing for that person, not just for profit,” she said. He gave second chances. And more than once, he helped pay bills or
have gone on to pursue law degrees and are practicing attorneys.
For more information, visit daytonabusinesslawyers.com.
Intracoastal
Bank’s Kim Brown receives dual recognition
Intracoastal Bank team
member Kim Brown-Crawford recently received dual honors at the 2025 Juneteenth Festival, presented by the Juneteenth Committee, earning both the Community Recognition Award and Community Leader of the Year recognition.
The event was held on Thursday, June 19, at the Mori Hosseini Student Union Building at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. The awards recognize Brown-Crawford’s dedication to making a positive impact in the local community through her volunteer efforts and public service initiatives, according to a press release.
“We are incredibly proud of Kim Brown-Crawford’s achievements and the way she represents Intracoastal Bank’s commitment to our community,” said Ryan Page, Intracoastal Bank president & CEO. “Her dedication to service exemplifies the values we hold dear as an organization that serves individuals and businesses throughout the Northeast and East Central Florida area.”
Email business press releases to brent@observerlocalnews. com.
even loaned cars to employees. He’s no longer in the office, but, that spirit of giving remains in the company, McMullin said.
The advice from her mother — Michele P. Connors, president and owner of S.R. Perrott — is equally simple: “Don’t procrastinate.”
In McMullin’s roles, she’s often presented with fresh challenges daily, disrupting any routine. But if she doesn’t respond to those surprises quickly, they pile up, and it gets harder and harder to catch up.
“I don’t like waiting on people, so I try to put myself in their shoes,” McMullin said. “I want to get it done right away.”
Michele Connors; McMullin;
and her sister, Colleen ConnorsTimko, who is the vice president of sales and the corporate treasurer, are all helping S.R. Perrott to evolve, expanding to new beverages as the market evolves. For example, sales of “functional beverages” have
Alliance Financial celebrates 15th anniversary with ‘Day
of Giving’
Alliance Financial Partners, a locally-owned financial consulting firm, marked its 15th anniversary milestone this year with the launch of its inaugural “Day of Giving” community service initiative.
The celebration brought together the firm’s team and community members to support four local charities through volunteer work and donations.
On Friday, June 20, Alliance Financial Partners team members and clients volunteered their time with Grace Food Pantry, preparing food packages for families in need,
coordinated donation drives for Alpha Women’s Center and Flagler Humane Society, and providing yard work services for two local veterans through Veterans Coffee Social.
“As we celebrate 15 years of serving our community, we wanted to give back in a meaningful way,” said Eddie Herrera, CEO of Alliance Financial Partners. “Our Day of Giving reflects our commitment not just to our clients’ financial well-being, but to the overall health and prosperity of Flagler County.”
Alliance Financial Partners, founded in 2012, has built its reputation on personalized financial advisory services, wealth management, retirement income strategies, and comprehensive financial planning. The firm’s team averages
15 years of financial experience and over 30 years of local residency, demonstrating deep roots in the Palm Coast community.
“This Day of Giving represents our values in action,” Chief Financial Officer Dave Fowler said. “We’re proud to establish this as an annual tradition, selecting new charities each year to support different aspects of our community’s needs.”
The donation drive accepted store-specific gift cards and essential items, with contributions collected at the firm’s office through June 18. Alliance Financial Partners is affiliated with LPL Financial and is located at 1 Florida Park Dr. N. Suite 105-B, in Palm Coast.
Faith in Flagler
Epic church
• Buddy Taylor Middle School (4500 Belle Terre Parkway)
• Sunday 8:45, 10:15, 11:45 a.m.
• 386-243-0113
Building faith strengthens our community.
Many people in our world today think, “If God exists, He’s probably mad at me or disappointed in me.” But Romans 8:31 says, “Since God is for us who can ever stand against us?” So God is for you not against you! He loves you and demonstrated that love when Jesus died on the cross so you can have eternal life.
Brought to you by: Faith in Flagler
Trent Schake, Pastor
Mackenzie Allen
Morgan Gurtis
Zavier Kistemaker
grown, so they’ve added Moss (promoted by soccer star Lionel Messi) to their roster. Where does S.R. Perrott have a presence? “Every store in Flagler and Volusia,” McMullin said. —BRIAN MCMILLLAN
Eva McMullin. Photo by Brian McMillan
From left to right: Honey; Kaitlyn Holling, Humane Society development coordinator; Eddie Herrera, CEO of Alliance Financial; Bonnie Binns, client service associate, Alliance Financial; Faith Ichart, senior client service associate, Alliance FInancial; Dave Fowler, chief financial officer, Alliance Financial; Harley; and Jessica Otaviano, client operations specialist, Alliance Financial. Courtesy photos
Dave Fowler, chief financial officer, Alliance Financial; Jennifer Thomann, director, Alpha Pregnancy Center; Faith Ichart, senior client service associate, Alliance FInancial; Bonnie Binns, client service associate, Alliance Financial; Lenora Gambrell, Alpha Pregnancy Center; and Eddie Herrera, CEO of Alliance Financial.
REAL ESTATE
Grand Haven home tops sales list at $1.18M
Ahouse at 187 Willow Oak Wa, in Grand Haven was the top real estate transaction for June 21-27 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on June 25, for $1,180,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 3,445 square feet.
ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
A condo at 3600 South Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 317, sold on June 27, for $159,900. Built in 1984, the condo is a 1/1 and has 693 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $142,000.
A condo at 15 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 2406, sold on June 26, for $1,125,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has 2,745 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $550,000.
A condo at 900 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 921, sold on June 27, for $528,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,712 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $480,000.
A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 552, sold on June 27, for $1,125,000. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/3.5 and has 2,177 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $1,539,000.
A condo at 104 Club House Drive, Unit 209, sold on June
25, for $565,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,414 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $610,000.
A condo at 102 Club House Drive, Unit 208, sold on June 23, for $585,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,414 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $600,000.
FLAGLER BEACH
Kanaha Beach A house at 3365 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. sold on June 23, for $1,100,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a dunewalk and 1,855 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $725,000.
Morningside A house at 2434 S. Flagler Ave. sold on June 27, for $520,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift and 1,588 square feet.
PALM COAST
Belle Terre A house at 32 Prince Anthony Lane sold on June 27, for
Ormond riverfront home sells for $1.75M
Ahouse along the Halifax River at 600 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea for the week of June 14-20. The house sold on June 17, for $1,750,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 5/4 with two half baths and has three fireplaces, a pool, a boat dock, a boat house and 4,740 square feet. It last sold in 1978 for $67,500.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Condos
The condo at 2860 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 105, sold on June 16, for $195,000. Built in 1990, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,056 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $78,500.
The condo at 1415 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit D07, sold on June 16, for $265,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,225 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $138,000.
The condo at 640 N. Nova Road, Unit 212, sold on June 18, for $117,600. Built in 1976, the condo is a 2/2 and has 932 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $77,800.
The condo at 2222 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 303B, sold on June 20, for $377,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $135,000.
$419,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,208 square feet.
A house at 344 Parkview Drive sold on June 27, for $313,823. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,467 square feet.
Palm Harbor
A house at 6 Cayuse Court sold on June 23, for $1,000,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat house, a boat lift, a fireplace and 2,411 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $450,000.
Pine Lakes A house at 26 Westbrook Lane sold on June 27, for $380,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,019 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $239,000.
A house at 3 Waser Place sold on June 27, for $396,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 1,879 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $147,500.
A house at 5 Woodholme Lane sold on June 27, for $379,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,044 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $278,400.
Seminole Woods
A house at 24 Squirrel Place sold on June 27, for $445,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,431 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $366,000.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report
house is a 2/1 and has 952 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $71,100.
Riviera Manor
The house at 609 Johnson Drive sold on June 20, for $345,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,791 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $106,000.
The Trails
The house at 9 Iroquois Trail sold on June 16, for $500,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,856 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $339,000.
Timbers Edge
ORMOND BEACH
Fountain View
The house at 1491 Fountain View St. sold on June 18, for $402,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,490 square feet. It last sold in Halifax Plantation
The house at 1309 Wicklow Lane sold on June 18, for $539,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,267 square feet. Not in subdivision
The house at 1725 Hope Drive sold on June 16, for $259,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,400 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $172,500.
The house at 1718 Maryland Ave. sold on June 16, for $110,000. Built in 1946, the house is a 3/1 and has a fireplace and 1,209 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $45,000.
The house at 1304 Par Ave. sold on June 16, for $206,000. Built in 1976, the
The townhome at 110 Timberline Trail sold on June 16, for $240,000. Built in 1977, the townhome is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,555 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $192,500.
Standish Shores
The house at 787 Ocean Shore Blvd. sold on June 16, for $1,600,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,394 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $1,270,000.
Village of Pine Run
The house at 2 Walnut Court sold on June 17, for $625,000. Built in 1984, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,829 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $625,000.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Not in subdivision
The house at 70 Ocean Shore Drive sold on June 17, for $374,000. Built in 1954, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,054 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $300,000.
The house at 46 Camellia Drive sold on June 18, for $225,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/2 and has 807 square feet. It last sold in 1981 for $43,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
Magical ending
Palm Coast’s Carrie Meng completes the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run during Golden Hour.
The perk of completing the 100.2-mile Western States Endurance Run during the Golden Hour — the final hour before the cutoff — is you get to run around the Placer High School track in Auburn, California, with the bleachers, sidelines and infield filled with thousands of spectators cheering for you as you summon those last few ounces of energy to finish.
By the time Carrie Meng, of Palm Coast, got to the final 400 meters of her quest on June 29, tears of joy were streaming down her face. And not just because she finished the world’s oldest 100mile trail run in 29 hours, 26 minutes and 50 seconds — with time to spare before the 30-hour cutoff — but
because she got to experience the intoxicating scene from a runner’s perspective.
“I cried the entire lap,” she said. “It was a good cry, a happy cry, hearing everybody cheering for me. I got to experience the magic of the Golden Hour. Some people call it the best hour in trail racing. It’s like nothing else.”
Experiencing the race from a runner’s viewpoint is why Meng ran. She has been the WSER’s assistant race director since February 2023. Gaining a spot in the field on her own would have been nearly impossible. There are 369 spots in the field with about 275 going into a lottery. About 10,000 people applied for those spots, Meng said.
Race Director Craig Thornley reserved a spot for Meng. He told her she needed to experience the race as a runner. It was only her second 100mile ultramarathon. Her first was her qualifying race to get in. But the 100-miler in Florida hardly compared to the rugged terrain of the Western States course which starts in Olympic Valley, California,
SIDELINES
Matanzas to hold softball camp
The Matanzas Lady Pirates Summer Softball Camp is scheduled for July 15-16 at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school’s softball field. The camp will be led by former Matazas softball coach Sabrina Manhart, a National Fastpitch Coaches Association 3-star certified coach, as well as current college softball players Emma Wood (Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University), Chloe Baker (Southeastern University) and Leah Stevens (University of Florida). All three are Matanzas alumni. Stevens, who graduated in May, led the Pirates to the regional finals this past season. She was selected as the Florida Dairy Farmers 2025 Class 5A Softball Player of the Year and was the runner-up for the Florida Miss Softball award, presented to the state’s overall player of the year. Cost for the camp is
$125 with sibling and team discounts available. For more information, contact Coach Manhart at manharts@ flaglerschools.com.
All-star teams shine at tournaments
The Flagler Babe Ruth Baseball and Softball 11U All-Star baseball team placed second at the
climbs more than 1,800 feet and descends nearly 2,300 feet.
Meng performed her duties as assistant race director up until the night before the race.
As a result, she said, she was tired from the start.
“I think my level of fitness was better than my finish time,” she said. “There were a lot of challenges, which is part of ultra running. But I couldn’t ask for a better race experience. Coming in, I didn’t know what to expect or what I was capable of.”
She fell twice within the first 25 miles, banging up her knee and ankle. She was nau-
seous for at least the last 45 miles, she said. And throughout the night she battled the urge to sleep. She took twominute doze offs, she said.
“Even though I was trouble shooting, there was a community helping me along the way, whether it was my crew, my pacers or the volunteers at the aid stations,” Meng said.
As Meng finished, her crew members jumped for joy and recorded her achievement on their cell phones.
Meng finished 245th out of 285 finishers. There were 92 runners who finished in under 24 hours, winning a handmade silver belt buckle. Meng
won a handmade bronze belt buckle, which is now occupying a shelf in her office.
Meng doesn’t plan to run the WSER again.
“Hopefully, I’ll be working the event for a very long time,” she said. “It’s very difficult to be the assistant race director of the event and run it. If you’re running, it needs to be your primary focus. I still had work responsibilities.”
She is looking forward to running slightly shorter trail races, 100 kilometers and less.
“But I’m not writing off 100-mile races all together,” she said.
District 4 tournament. Registration is now open for the league’s fall season with evaluation day Aug. 16 and opening day on Sept. 20. For more information, go to flaglerbaseball.com.
The Palm Coast Little League Senior League Softball team won the District 19 championship with a 12-5 victory over DeLand.
Flagler Beach Celebration 5K winners
Matanzas track and cross country runner Blaine Vogel of Palm Coast won the Celebration 5K run in Flagler Beach on July 4. Vogel, 18, had a chip time of 17 minutes, nine seconds. Ryan Jones, 20, placed second with a time of 17:52, while Flagler Beach’s Luke Williams, 41, was third in 19:12.
Peyton Reid, 16, of Owensboro, Kentucky, was the female winner and placed fourth overall with a time of 19:33. The top male masters winner was Jacob Reid, 44, of Owensboro, in 19:37, while Palm Coast’s Paul Pais, 53, was second in 19:57. Angelika Grubel, 54, of Ormond Beach, was the female masters winner with a time of 21:36.
Kitty Musante, 68, of New Smyrna Beach, was second in 22:39.
Three hundred and fiftyeight runners, from age 7 to 81, finished the race.
Mainland has a new volleyball coach
Stephen Young is adapting his baseball and analytics background to the volleyball court.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
New Mainland High volleyball coach Stephen Young held his first open gym on Monday, July 7, and 17 players participated.
“I did not expect that many,” Young said later that evening. “I think that was a great number to gauge the interest. Volleyball is such a quickly growing popular sport.”
Young’s enthusiasm for the sport should attract greater numbers. The 2006 DeLand High grad played baseball for the Bulldogs and played baseball, football and basketball during the two years he attended Deltona Trinity Christian as a sophomore and junior. His wife Katie did play volleyball in high school. After their 13-year-old daughter began playing the sport four or five years ago, Young began helping out at Rise Elite Volleyball Club. Last year, he became a head coach, leading a Rise Elite 14U team to a 7-4 record, a year after the team went 1-9, he said.
“I fell in love with volleyball strategy,” Young said. And he found similarities with volleyball and the sport he knew best.
“Throwing a baseball is almost the same as hitting a volleyball,” Young said. “It’s the same mechanics. It’s easy for me to teach hitting and serving, it’s almost identical mechanics to throwing a baseball.”
Young’s life revolves around sports. Since 2011, he’s been writing about sports for RotoGrinder.com, focusing on betting and fantasy analysis for NASCAR, baseball and football. He also hosts a podcast for the website.
His No. 1 requirement for his players is something that also translates from baseball and other sports.
“My biggest thing is effort,” he said. “If you have effort, you’re coachable, you can do anything. Hard work pays off.” Young would like to see club players join his Buccaneers’ team.
“Club volleyball is fantastic,” he said. “It really challenges players. The talent is incredible in club volleyball right now, especially in Florida.”
Young is hosting tryouts for the Mainland volleyball team on July 28-29 with open gyms continuing on July 10, 15, 16, 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to noon.
“I think we have lot of talent,” he said after the first day. “I’m genuinely excited about the season and the future.”
The Flagler Babe Ruth Baseball 11U All-Star team placed second at the District 4 tournament.
Carrie Meng’s crew celebrates as she runs on the Placer High School track in Auburn, California, to complete the 100.2-mile Western States Endurance Run. Photo courtesy of Gary Wang
The Palm Coast Little League Senior League Softball team won the District 19 championship. Courtesy photos
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FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF RULEMAKING BY THE COLBERT LANDINGS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
In accordance with Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes, the Colbert Landings Community Development District (“District”) hereby gives the public notice of its intent to promulgate a rule entitled Amenity Rates and Disciplinary Rule (the “Proposed Rule”). The Proposed Rule number is Amenity 1-2025. Prior notice of rule development relative to the Proposed Rule was published in the Business Observer on July 3, 2025. A public hearing will be conducted by the Board of Supervisors of the Colbert Landings Community Development District (the “District”) on August 7, at 12:30 p.m. at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, 1st Floor Conference Room, Bunnell, Florida 32110. Prior notice of rule development was published in a newspaper of general circulation on July 3, 2025. In accordance with Chapters 120 and 190, Florida Statutes, and in connection with its anticipated ownership and operation of certain District facilities and improvements (hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Amenities”), the District hereby gives the public notice of its intent to: (1) establish rates, fees, and charges imposed on residents and nonresidents 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 by setting policies 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. The proposed Amenity Rates include: Fee Proposed Range
$2,000.00 – $4,000.00
Annual User Fee
Replacement Key Fob $25.00 – $50.00
Returned Check/Insufficient Funds Fee $50.00
Administrative Fee Up to $500.00
Rental of Catering Kitchen with Event Refundable Security Deposit: $500 Rental/Reservation Fee: $250
The proposed Disciplinary Rule and rates, fees and charges associated therewith may be adjusted at the public hearing pursuant to discussion by the Board of Supervisors and public comment. The proposed Disciplinary Rule addresses use of access cards, provides for the suspension and termination of amenity access, provides for an administrative reimbursement of up to Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00), provides for property damage reimbursement, provides authority for certain District staff to remove persons from the amenities, provides for hearings and appeal, and provides for other legal remedies. Specific legal authority for the rule includes Sections 190.035 (2), 190.011 (5) and 120.54, Florida Statutes. 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.
Any person who wishes to provide the District with a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative as provided by Section 120.541(1), Florida Statutes, must do so in writing within twenty-one (21) days after publication of this notice to the District Manager’s Office. This public hearing may be continued to a date, time, and place specified on the record at the hearing without additional notice. If anyone chooses to appeal any decision of the Board with respect to any matter considered at a public hearing, such person will need a record of the proceedings and should accordingly ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which such appeal is to be based. At the hearing, staff or Supervisors may participate in the public hearing by speaker telephone. Pursuant to the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act, any person requiring special accommodations at this meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager’s Office at least three (3) business days prior to the meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 1-800-955-8771 or 1 800-955-8770 for assistance in contacting the District Office.
Daniel Rom, District Manager Colbert Landings Community Development District July 10, 2025 25-00171G
FIRST INSERTION
COLBERT LANDINGS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET; NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, ADOPTION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL, AND THE LEVY, COLLECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAME; AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING. Upcoming Public Hearings, and Regular Meeting
The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) for the Colbert Landings Community Development District (“District”) will hold the following two public hearings and a regular meeting:
SECOND 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 / 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
SECOND 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
SECOND 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
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
