Palm Coast Observer 08-14-25

PALM COAST

Growth spurs need for alternative water supply

applications, he said.

“When we’re doing a presentation,” Tyner said, “you’re probably just seeing one or two people, and it seems pretty quick. But this is a very long process.”

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

As of April 1, 2025, Palm Coast has 18,883 residential units in the pipeline, some from development orders issued in the 1990s.

Of those, 13,335 have a final plat and technical site plan approval and could go into the ground immediately. The data was part of an Aug. 12 presentation to the Palm Coast City Council, detailing the development approval process at the city and the city’s remaining waste water treatment capacity.

Deputy Development Director Ray Tyner said the approval process for just the subdivision platting phase — not including technical site plans or final plats — can take up to three years on its own. A whole team of staff members from different departments reviews the

The approved projects include a remaining 1,820 units in the Town Center Development of Regional Impact, 3,104 units in the Palm Coast Park DRI, 6,829 units in a mix of other projects approved between 1999 and 2025, and over 7,000 remaining ITT lots. The Town Center and Palm Coast Park DRIs were approved in 2004.

The 7,080 remaining ITT lots would not need to go through the city’s approval process and could feasibly begin work immediately, senior planner Jose Papa said.

Palm Coast Utility Deputy Director Peter Rousell said that despite this number of projects, the city’s waste water treatment plants will keep up with the demand, once the planned expansions are completed.

Over 13,300 of the approved projects will be serviced by Waste Water Treatment Facility 1 while the remaining 5,400 units will be served at WWTF 2.

WWTF 1 has a current average

daily flow of 6.3 million gallons per day, and needs another 2.4 MGD to support the additional 13,300 units. But, Rousell said, the city has planned an expansion to WWTF 1 that will be completed in 2028 and bring the facility’s permitted capacity up to 10.8 MGPD. That would leave capacity for an additional 2 MGPD, or for an estimated 11,496 additional units, he said. The recent upgrades to WWTF 2 added an additional 1.4 MGPD to its capacity, bringing its total capacity to 4 MGPD. That leaves 1.6 MGPD, or room for 8,974 additional units.

Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri wanted to know the city’s current capacity without the expansion. Rousell did not have that number on hand, but, Tyner said, as part of the application approval process, utility staff have to sign off that there is currently capacity for the developments. Staff would not recommend approval to any project that the city does not have waste water capacity for, he said. Councilman Ty Miller said the city still needs to complete its expansion and other other projects but it was good to know projects are not approved without having capacity.

Flagler Palm Coast IB coordinator Anabella Giuliano introduces herself to new students on Day 1 of school. Courtesy photo

BRIEFS

Flagler County School Board

Chair Will Furry

runs for Congress

Republican Will Furry, the Flagler County School Board chair, announced in an Aug. 12 press release that he will run for the U.S. House of Representatives, District 6, in the 2026 election.

The seat in Congress is currently held by Republican Randy Fine, who won a special election on April 1 by a margin of 14 percentage points over Democrat Josh Weil. Michael Waltz had vacated the seat to serve in President Donald Trump’s administration. Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro is also running for the District 6 seat. Gambaro announced his candidacy on July 31.

COPS CORNER

JULY 27 YOUNG VANDALS?

10:41 a.m. — First block of River Chase Way, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Residents reported a vandalism to their homeowners’ association after finding a park pavilion’s bathrooms had been trashed with toilet paper, brown paper towels and soap — which was used to clog the toilets.

According to a police incident report, the crime likely took place sometime after 1 p.m. the previous day, as an HOA board member said an ice cream social was held at the pavilion prior to that, and the bathrooms had been fine.

Furry has lived in Palm Coast with his wife and children for over a decade. He is a former business executive and entrepreneur. He was elected to the School Board in 2022 and was named board chair a year later.

The press release said Furry, “is launching his campaign to bring principled, results-driven leadership to Washington.”

“Faith, family and freedom are the foundation of our nation, and they must be protected,” Furry said in the press release. “I’m committed to defending our liberties and securing the border, especially for the families who’ve suffered unimaginable loss from the fentanyl crisis. District 6 deserves a leader who embodies the strength, values and spirit of our community.”

The press release said Furry is “a MAGA Republican and America First supporter” of President Trump.

“I’ve answered the call from the people of District 6 who want a representative that reflects their priorities, not someone who parachuted in and doesn’t know our community. I live here, I serve here. It’s about the Will of the People and I’m ready to take that fight to Washington,” he said.

FCSO arrests Palm Coast woman who posed as a nurse

A Palm Coast woman who posed as a licensed nurse at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway was arrested after a seven-month investigation by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Autumn Bardisa, 29, was arrested on Aug. 5, on seven counts of practicing a health care profession without a license and seven counts of

fraudulent use of personal identification information, according to a press release by the Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began in January after hospital administrators reported Bardisa had been fired for impersonating a registered nurse by utilizing someone else’s license number and submitting false documentation to be employed as an advanced nurse technician.

Bardisa had been working for AdventHealth since July 3, 2023, when she was hired as an advanced nurse tech. When applying for the position, the press release states, Bardisa indicated that she was an “education first” registered nurse, indicating she passed the required schooling to become a registered nurse but had not yet passed the national exam to obtain her license.

During the hiring process, Bardisa informed the hospi-

tal that she had passed the exam and provided a license number matching an individual with her first name, but with a different last name, stating that she had recently gotten married and had a new last name. Bardisa was then asked to provide her marriage license to AdventHealth, which she never did.

In January, Bardisa was offered a promotion, and a fellow employee checked the status of her license, discovering Bardisa had an expired certified nursing assistant license, which the employee reported to administrators.

Bardisa was fired on Jan. 22 after failing to confirm her identity. AdventHealth then contacted the FCSO to conduct a criminal investigation, which determined Bardisa had participated in medical services to 4,486 individuals from June 2024 through January 2025, despite never holding a valid nursing license.

She is being held at the jail on a $70,000 bond.

One dead, two injured in ATVmotorcycle crash on SR 40

A 35-year-old Ormond Beach man on a motorcycle was killed in a crash involving an ATV on State Road 40, Aug. 9.

The Florida Highway Patrol reported that around 11:50 p.m., the ATV, which was driven by a 28-year-old Ormond Beach woman, was heading west while on the eastbound grass shoulder, near Pine Woods Road, when it entered the eastbound lane and hit the motorcycle, whose driver was riding east. The Ormond man died at the scene. The ATV driver, and her passenger — a 22-yearold Ormond woman — were both transported to hospital with serious injuries.

AUG. 4

‘DIFFERENT CONSTITUTION’

11:54 a.m. — First block of South Beach Street, Ormond Beach Traffic stop. A 60-year-old Illinois woman told an officer she “follows a different constitution” when she was pulled over for an expired tag, refusing to identify herself and provide the officer with her information. The woman told the officer that she wanted to “plead the fifth,” according to an incident report. The officer attempted to explain that the Fifth

The board member believed neighborhood juveniles to be the culprits, as the bathrooms are only accessible to those who live in the subdivision. She reported having previous issues in the past with juveniles damaging residents’ garage doors and said she wanted to pursue charges on behalf of the HOA. The damage was estimated at $300.

Amendment did not apply and that he still needed her information.

The woman refused to speak with the officer, and she was removed from the vehicle (the door was already open, the report states) and placed in handcuffs.

A passenger in the car located the woman’s wallet, and police confirmed she had a valid driver’s license. Her insurance, however, had expired in June.

The woman was issued two citations, one for failing to exhibit her ID and another for having no proof of insurance.

AUG. 3

MARK MY WORDS

11 a.m. — 5000 block of North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Palm Coast Obstruction without violence. When a deputy who was directing traffic outside a local church returned to his patrol car, he discovered his

rear driver side body panel had been vandalized.

Written in black, permanent marker were the words, “Why are you here,” according to a report. The deputy attempted to remove the writing but was unsuccessful. He had only seen one pedestrian in the area, and gave a fellow deputy the man’s description.

At about 12:50 p.m. the suspect — a 29-year-old Virginia man — was spotted walking northbound on North Ocean Boulevard around Bay Drive. He was carrying multiple bags and wearing what looked to be several layers of clothing, despite it being a hot and humid day, the report notes.

The second deputy approached him to check on his welfare, as he had seen him in the area three hours earlier, and the man declined medical attention, refusing to provide the deputy with his name. Because he matched the pedes-

trian’s description, the deputy asked him to stop, informing him he was being detained.

The man kept walking, and “balled up his fists” when the deputy tried to secure him in handcuffs.

He was eventually detained. Deputies found .5 grams of marijuana on his person. He was taken to jail.

AUG. 8 SWING AND A MISS

6:56 p.m. — First block of Palm Harbor Village Way, Palm Coast Battery on a law enforcement officer. Deputies arrested a 58-year-old Palm Coast man who swung at a restaurant customer while intoxicated, and later pushed a deputy in his attempt to get away.

The man had been kicked out of the restaurant by the time deputies arrived, but he was found on an electric bicycle in a nearby alleyway,

according to his arrest report. As a deputy followed him, the man fell off his bike in the bushes in front of another restaurant, at which point the deputy made contact.

Upon being detained, the man “became belligerent, tensed up and began to argue with this deputy,” the report states. He said that he had paid his bill and left, denying any physical altercation at the restaurant. He then pushed the deputy in the left side of his shoulder and neck area to get away, but the deputy grabbed him and they both fell to the ground. The man got up and ran across the parking lot, but stumbled and fell into the roadway. He was secured in handcuffs and taken to jail.

Later, deputies learned the bike had been stolen too; it belonged to a restaurant employee.

Party infighting: ‘Not a good look’

Flagler County state senator expresses concern about ‘infighting’ during overtime legislative session

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The State Legislature’s overtime session to pass a budget was “not a good look,” State Sen. Tom Leek told a group of Flagler County business people and public officials on Thursday morning, Aug. 7.

“It was a 105-day session. Typically it is a 60-day session,” he said. “If you were watching, you saw, what I think was a tremendously bad look for the Legislature — a tremendously bad look for the Republicans in charge because what you saw play out in public was some infighting.”

Disagreements are common, said Leek, “but it is uncommon to stand up for a press conference and start calling people names and that’s kind of what we saw this year.”

Leek, and State Rep. Sam Greco spoke about the recent legislative session and issues affecting Flagler

YOUR LOCAL TAX DOLLARS AT WORK

Local elected officials provided their own updates at the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update Breakfast:

FLAGLER COUNTY: This year’s county budget focuses on the beach, infrastructure and public safety, Commission Chair Andy Dance said. Among the highlights, he said, are $8 million allocated to shoreline protection, opening Commerce Parkway on Aug. 29, which will be a major connector on the east side of Bunnell and $5 million for critical road improvements. Flagler County has also added two new fire stations, 15 firefighter paramedics and three Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies. The Nexus Center, next to the

County at the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update Breakfast at the Hammock Dunes Club.

Leek, a Republican who represents District 7 encompassing Flagler, St. Johns, Putnam and northern Volusia counties, said that while Florida Republicans have over a million more registered voters than Democrats, the number of voters registered with no party affiliation is rising.

“I think one of the reasons that you’re seeing that is because some of us don’t know how to behave. I hope it doesn’t continue into this session,”

he said warning that Democrats had similar infighting before they lost control of both the Florida House and Senate in the 1990s.

“I don’t think we’re on verge of that happening now because of Republicans’ registration advantage. But that type of arrogance was on display this past year,” he said. “Our goal is good legislation. Good legislation requires a give-and-take. It requires a conversation with everybody in the room, regardless of party.”

Leek said he was proud of first-year District 19 Rep. Greco, who stood up to the House Speaker and other lead-

FCSO Operations Center, which will provide health, veteran and library services, will open early next year.

BUNNELL: The city’s big project, Mayor Catherine Robinson said, is the Bunnell Administration and Police Department Complex. The city received a certificate of occupancy for the complex last week. The public is invited to the building dedication at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 27.

PALM COAST: Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri thanked Sen. Leek and Rep. Greco for helping bring $5 million to the city for critical water infrastructure. The city opened two new fire stations, increased its number of deputies with the FCSO, invested $1.3 million in economic incentives and authorized pensions for the Palm Coast Fire Department.

As Erin forms in gulf,

Officials say mandatory evacuations are not enforced, but residents need to know the consequences. Also, bridges will no longer be closed during storms.

BRIAN MCMILLAN

PUBLISHER

While Tropical Storm Erin is forecast to become the first major hurricane of the season, it’s not forecast to be a direct threat to Flagler County, according to Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord. He spoke to a full room Aug. 12, at the Palm Coast Community Center, as community agencies came together, showing a unified effort for preparedness and response.

Sheriff Rick Staly was among the panel of speakers, and he praised the cooperative nature of the community agencies. Most of his career was spent in Orange County, where “all the painters didn’t always get along,” he said. “ … That’s not what happens here. This is a completely different world for public safety, and it’s really nice, because we all work together.”

Staly added: “We will get through this together if we get a hurricane.” Lord pointed out that although the forecasts for hurricanes predict up

ers by refusing to support unwinding tort reform that was enacted in 2023 to eliminate frivolous lawsuits.

“You guys should applaud Rep. Greco because he stood up to the forces trying to unwind tort reform that would be so detrimental to business within our community,” Leek said.

Leek said the likelihood that tort reform will be reworked in the next session is “next to nil.”

FUNDS FOR FLAGLER

Greco said in a very streamlined and efficient budget this year, he and Leek, who are both in their first year of their respective terms, were able to help deliver $35 million overall in funds to Flagler County.

“I’m certainly very proud of the $5 million we were able to bring to Palm Coast for their water infrastructure, and I know that is a continuing need that I’m very interested in continuing to work with you on as well as funding for the Palm Coast YMCA, which is a long-standing project objective that will be fantastic for this community,” Greco said.

Leek said he will always fight to fund local infrastructure, but he has a little harder time standing up for funds for a new library.

“If it’s infrastructure I can stand up all day long. This is good for Flagler,” he said.

Leek advised local officials not to swim against the stream when they compile their legislative priorities, but to find priorities that fit the theme of what’s happening that year in the Legislature.

BUSINESS

Greco said the Legislature was able to get some pro-business bills passed, including eliminating the business rent tax as part of House Bill 7031, which goes into effect on Oct. 1.

“We were one of 50 states that charged business rent tax, so eliminating that is a great benefit to Florida small businesses,” he said.

LAW ENFORCEMENT

When asked about what priorities they have for ensuring that law enforcement has the resources it needs, Greco pointed to a bill that provides criminal penalties for the fraudulent use of gift cards.

“It’s a problem that was causing $220 million of economic loss around the country in 2023,” Greco said. “The laws just didn’t have the right tools to attack the problem. So, I worked with police and prosecutors, our Attorney General’s Office, to see what the tools are that are needed to go after this problem to make sure that if you buy a gift card, you can be sure that the value is actually on there, and it’s not going to be diverted off into the criminal’s bank account, and that if individuals are targeting folks, particularly senior citizens, we are able to prosecute those people. So we worked with the stakeholders to make that happen. We have a great sheriff in Flagler County in Sheriff (Rick) Staly, and he’s been a great resource when these issues have come up.”

Staly, who was in attendance, told Leek and Greco that the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has zero vacancies in law enforcement and detention positions.

“We have 12 new deputies that (have been) already hired and we have a waiting list, and we couldn’t have that without your support. So, thank you,” he said.

PROPERTY TAXES AND INSURANCE

Bill Verhagen, president of the board of directors of Flagler Habitat for Humanity asked about the possibility of property tax exemptions — like those that have been passed for

Flagler hosts disaster prep expo

to 18 named storms this year, it only takes one to truly matter, if it hits our community.

“We live in a community that’s at risk for hurricanes,” he reminded the crowd.

He encouraged households to put together supplies that will allow residents to live without power for a week. Generators can be bought any time without sales tax, thanks to a new state law.

EVACUATION POLICY

If evacuations are needed for a storm, Lord said, details will be broadcast through press conferences, through social media with the handle @ flaglereoc, and through messages sent through a state-funded system called AlertFlagler. Sign up at flaglercounty.gov/alertflagler.

There are two zones that are identified for evacuations, one on the eastern side due to ocean and Intracoastal Waterway flooding, and one on the west due to lake flooding.

Lord said there has been a change of emphasis on evacuations.

“While evacuations are mandatory — they are legal — we can’t force you out of your home,” Lord said. Evacuations shouldn’t been as voluntary, either, he said, but households should understand the risks of staying in place during a mandatory evacuation.

When there is no story, he said, “If

you fall and break a bone, you call 911, our amazing emergency people show up in minutes if not seconds.” That may not be the case during a story, if winds are too severe.

Staly added: “We’re not going to make you leave your home.” He also said the evacuations are mandatory, “but no we don’t enforce it. We encourage you to follow the warnings and heed the warnings. If you decide to stay, and your house is flooding, we can’t get to you. If the winds get to a certain miles per hour, the 911 center will give you medical advice over the phone, but we can’t get there. That’s the risk you take if you don’t take the advice [to evacuate]. Emergency response will be delayed at some point.”

The Sheriff’s Office won’t risk its employees just because “you chose to stay in some place where we advised you not to,” Staly said.

BRIDGES WON’T CLOSE

Bridges in the past have been closed to traffic when winds hit 40 mph. Staly said that is no longer the local policy.

“We don’t block bridges anymore,” he said, but, “we encourage you not to go over them.”

SHELTER SAFETY

If you live in an evacuation zone, Lord encourages residents to make arrangements ahead of time to stay

with friends or family in non-evacuation zones, or hotels, or emergency shelters if needed.

Pet-friendly shelters, thanks in part to volunteers with Flagler Schools and the Flagler Humane Society, open at schools before hurricanes, with emergency medical staff available.

Staly said background checks are conducted at the shelters, and if a sex offender needs shelter, the offender is brought to the jail lobby rather than being housed with other residents.

“We check everyone,” Staly said.

LOCAL RESPONSE

Geri Scott, captain of the West Flagler CERT; Tracy Callahan, president of Flagler Strong; and Greg Peters, lead pastor of Parkview Church, spoke on a panel about disaster relief.

Scott explained that on the west side of the county, many are on wells.

“So, no power, no water,” she said. She got involved because of “the right person at the right moment” who helped inspire her to serve others rather than focusing on her own struggles, even during a disaster.

Callahan has helped lead disaster recover in Flagler Beach ever since Hurricane Matthew.

Peters said he helps mobilize members of his church to respond because of the “one another” commandments in scripture, such as “love one another, service one another, forgive one another.” He said the church’s mentality is one of “mass volunteerism.”

When disasters occur, he said, “it’s the faith community that shows up.”

Flagler Cares President Carrie Baird pointed out the services she offers after a disaster. With a “no wrong door” approach, Flagler Cares connects people to services even if they don’t know exactly what to ask for. The organization offers safety net services, mental health and substance user services, as well as coordination with other nonprofits. Visit flaglercares.org or call 386319-9483.

“With the nature of terms limits, every year, Sen. Leek and I will be in a better and better position to advocate for this district. We look forward to doing that together.”

SAM GRECO, state representative

veterans and law enforcement — for Habitat for Humanity homeowners who are paying more in escrow payments for tax and insurance than their mortgage payments.

Leek called it an affordability issue that will continue to be an issue in Florida for decades to come, he said, because demand for homes outpaces supply.

“We’ve got 23 million people now. I think Florida is always going to struggle with availability as long as we have this many people moving to the state of Florida. If you kneecap supply you’re going to see home prices skyrocket,” he said. “We’re going to have to address property taxes. We’ve got to work on property insurance. We need more supply. I think we’re up to about 13 new property insurance carriers. That will continue to drive down premiums.”

“With the nature of terms limits,” Greco said, “every year, Sen. Leek and I will be in a better and better position to advocate for this district. We look forward to doing that together.”

BRIEFS

Florida House looks into redistricting

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said Thursday, Aug. 7, he is setting up a select committee to look into redrawing congressional districts, as Republicans seek to keep control of Congress in 2026.

The Miami Republican’s announcement came as Texas Republicans have moved forward with a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan and as the White House has pressured other GOP-controlled states, including Florida, Missouri and South Carolina, to follow suit. Meanwhile, leaders of Democraticcontrolled states, such as California, Illinois and New York, have weighed possibly redrawing districts to help Democrats.

Flipping a handful of seats either way could determine which party controls the U.S. House, which Republicans now hold by a slim margin.

Perez said the select committee is a response to a July 17 decision by the Florida Supreme Court that upheld a congressional map Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in 2022.

Opponents argued the map violated a 2010 “Fair Districts” constitutional amendment that set standards for redistricting.

In a memo to state House members, Perez said the committee would review the “applicability and interpretation of certain provisions of the so-called ‘Fair Districts’ provisions of the Florida Constitution and their intersection with federal law.”

“Exploring these questions now, at the mid-decade point, would potentially allow us to seek legal guidance from our Supreme Court without the uncertainty associated with deferring those questions until after the next decennial census and reapportionment,” Perez said in the memo. Redistricting typically happens once a decade after the U.S. census. The last round of redistricting happened in 2022.

State Sen. Tom Leek speaks at the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update Breakfast at the Hammock Dunes Club. Photo by Brent Woronoff

John Phillips, Amy Carotenuto, Jorge Salinas, Suzy Gamblain, Judy Bucek, Danielle Anderson, Ricardo Rosario, Kathryn Cosby and Jonathan Lord. Photo by Brian McMillan

Palm Coast to seek new water sources by 2030

Utility deputy director said that while the city is within its aquifer usage limits now, the city will need to begin planning for alternate sources of water.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

WRITER

CONTRIBUTING

As Palm Coast continues to grow, so too must its plans for usable water resources.

Staff presented to the Palm Coast City Council a 20-year work plan for Palm Coast’s potable water that included population and water demand projections. The projections included all demand on the city’s water supply – including utility connections both within and outside the city limits – and accounted for predicted growth and annexation data.

Senior Planner Jose Papa told the council on Aug. 13 that the work plan uses data that is already in the city’s comprehensive plan, and adopting this work plan is a matter of Florida statutory requirements.

“This is a formality that we need to do to incorporate the water supply facilities work plan,” Papa said. “The data that we have in this plan is consistent in what’s already been adopted into the comprehensive plan in terms of population projections and the usage.”

The data in the work plan uses 2024 Bureau of Economic and Business Research population data and projections and accounts for some future annexations. BEBR will release new projections “any day now” based on the April 1, 2025 data, Papa said.

According to the work plan, Palm Coast is already looking into utilizing alternative potable water sources by

Projections show that by 2050, with an estimated service population of 167,409, Palm Coast will have a water demand of 15.9 million gallons per day.

2030, based on a total service population of 128,000.

Palm Coast Utility Deputy Director Peter Rousell said Palm Coast is actually using less than the projected water demand in 2050. The work plan assumes there is a water demand of 10.89 million gallons per day in 2025, but as of Jan. 1 to Aug. 12, Rousell said, Palm Coast is only utilizing 9.6 MGD.

“So there’s a little bit of a margin of safety there,” Rousell said.

Today, Palm Coast, Rousell said, is permitted to use a certain number of gallons per day from the two aquifers it has access to: the Confined Surficial Aquifer and the Upper Floridian Aquifer. Palm Coast is allotted 6.875 million gallons per day from the Surficial Aquifer and 4.15 MGD from the Upper Floridian Aquifer.

The plan projects that by 2050, with an estimated service population of 167,409, Palm Coast will have a total water demand of 15.9 MGD.

The plan projects the city will use 12.4 MGD of traditional water sources and 4.5 MGD from alternative sources.

Alternative water supply sources could potentially include brackish groundwater from both the Upper and Lower Floridian Aquifers, surface water and treated concentrate and reclaimed water, according to meeting documents.

The city is projected to begin drawing 2.2 MGD from these alternative sources by 2030.

Already Palm Coast has begun taking steps to prepare for future demand on its water supply, Roussell said. The city is reviewing 800 acres of land on the west side of Palm Coast to install wells on the site, including some brackish wells.

Palm Coast has also begun installing upgrades that would allow drinking water byproduct generated from the water treatment plants 2 and 3 treatment processes to be reclaimed as drinking water or raw water.

“We’re currently within our permit limits,” Rousell said. “But as demand grows …we will need to evaluate additional capacity or optimize existing systems through upgrades and conservation.”

Boardwalk is ‘teetering on a liability,’ Cooley says

But Flagler Beach City Manager Dale Martin said boardwalk replacement must follow pier work.

NINA SCHWELM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Should the city speed up its repairs to the boardwalk?

Flagler Beach city commissioners discussed, during the Aug. 7 budget workshop, whether the city should adhere to the current phased approach for the Beachwalk renovation project.

Commissioners raised concerns about deteriorating sections south of the pier that pose safety risks, also noting funding uncertainties and the need to coordinate the timing of the pier project with the timing of other projects.

The Beachwalk renovation plan is divided into three phases.

Phase 1 is the A-Frame walkway, which is currently in design.

Phase 2 is the promenade, which is dependent on grants from the Tourist Development Council.

Phase 3 is the replacement of the boardwalk, which is scheduled for 2027-2028.

Commissioner Eric Cooley questioned the delay on Phase 3. “I don’t know if that boardwalk is gonna make it to ‘27, ‘28,” Cooley said.

City Manager Dale Mar-

BRIEFS

Dog days are over? Flagler Beach may end its dog friendly dining program

Flagler Beach’s “Doggy Friendly Dining” program could soon be eliminated after city commissioners questioned its value during an Aug. 7 budget workshop. In place for more than a

decade, the program allows restaurants to serve customers with dogs in outdoor dining areas if they purchase an annual license and pass an inspection. But commissioners agreed that the program has brought in little revenue and is rarely enforced.

“The city has kind of got away from the program long ago,” Commissioner Eric Cooley said. “Let the market and the Department of Health handle it because we’re not handling it. I think it’s a great program, but they’re already out there doing it... it’s completely unenforced.”

“I agree with Commissioner Cooley,” Mayor Patti King said. “It’s one more thing for restaurants to have to do every year.”

The board has agreed to vote to repeal the “Doggy Friendly Dining” program at a future regular meeting.

Fire Rescue’s

Kaye honored

tin explained that boardwalk replacement must follow pier work, and that the promenade and boardwalk phases may ultimately be combined.

“My biggest concern with that section of the boardwalk is that it’s teetering on a liability,” Cooley said. “There’s already been numerous injuries on it over the last couple of years, and at some point you cross a threshold where you become responsible for the lack of upkeep on it.” Commissioners will revisit funding options at public hearings in September. One possibility includes redirecting $200,000 currently allocated for bridge lighting to boardwalk repairs.

Lt. Jonathan Kaye has earned the prestigious “Fire Officer” designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

“Congratulations, Lt. Kaye, for earning your Fire Officer designation. This is a significant accomplishment and a reflection of your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to continuous growth in your career,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. “We are proud to have individuals like you serving our community with such distinction. Thank you, Chief (Michael) Tucker and Deputy Chief (Percy) Sayles, for your strong leadership and support in fostering a culture that encourages professional development and excellence.”

Kaye has been with Flagler County Fire Rescue for more than 11 years.

Flagler County Fire Rescue

““We are incredibly proud of Lt. Kaye for achieving the Fire Officer designation,” Tucker said. “He is the second officer within the Flagler County Fire Rescue department to earn the Fire

Officer designation, and he is continuing to help set the standard for all members of the department.” Fire Officers are trained in risk assessment and mitigation, ensuring safety at every firefighting stage. Their ability to unify diverse talents through effective conflict resolution propels teams toward triumph, according to the CPSE website. As of January 2025, CPSE has a total of 3,633 designated officers, including 814 Fire Officers.

Rendering of Flagler Beach pier enhancements, known as Beachwalk. Images from city documents

Jonathan Kaye

Flagler School Board mulls legislative goals

Board members will discuss and approve a 2026 legislative platform at its Aug. 26 meetings.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Bob Cerra, of Cerra Consulting Group, presented the Flagler County School Board with options for its state legislative platform that will represent its priorities for the 2026 legislative session.

At the board’s Aug. 12 workshop, Cerra said board members should discuss their priorities during their Aug. 26 workshop and then vote on a platform later that evening at its monthly business meeting.

The School Board’s priorities are slated to be included with Flagler County’s legislative platform and distributed at the local delegation hearing. The deadline for that document is early October, Cerra wrote in a memo to board members. Not adopting a platform on Aug. 26 could risk the School Board’s priorities to be excluded from the county’s document.

“It’s more important that you are in line with your own platform than we make that deadline, but we’d like to make that deadline,” Cerra told the board at the workshop.

The consulting group suggested the board support the

BRIEFS

Dutch Bros Coffee is considering an Ormond Beach location

Another drive-thru coffee shop may be in the works for Ormond Beach, as representatives with national chain Dutch Bros Coffee met with the city’s Site Plan Review Committee on Wednesday, July 30. While no site plan has been submitted to date, the representatives inquired about constructing a 1,000-squarefoot coffee shop at 764

complete education package from the Rural Renaissance proposal, which the Florida Senate passed but was not included in the 2025 state budget.

The package would include grants to Flagler Schools of between $1.5 million and $2.25 million while also strengthening the North East Florida Educational Consortium, of which Flagler is a member district. The grants could be used broadly to fund eight district priority areas, Cerra said, adding that strengthening NEFEC while bringing significant recurring revenues to the district “would be a clean win for the board.”

The consulting group’s second suggested local priority would be to have all students served by the school district to be counted for Public Education Capital Outlay purposes when determining sharing requirements ,including adult education students and voluntary prekindergarten students.

Charter schools get funded 100% from the PECO program for their students in sharing local funding for capital purposes. School districts do not get credit for VPK or adult career education students in those formulas.

Board members were asked in advance of the Aug. 26 workshop to pick from those or other local priorities and pick statewide priorities that they want to support.

W. Granada Blvd., a 1-acre property located next to the recently constructed Extra Space Storage building. According to the meeting’s minutes, the coffee shop would have two drive-thru lanes and a neo-eclectic architectural design style. The intended use is allowed as part of the existing development order for Ormond Central, which was approved in 2017. Dutch Bros was founded in 1992 in Oregon. The company has over 1,000 locations across 19 states. A Dutch Bros location opened in February in Daytona Beach at 1431 Beville Road.

Upgrading Matanzas sports facilities?

The district’s tentative capital plan includes between $12.5 million and $13.5 million to be spent each year through 2029-2030.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler County School Board discussed the district’s tentative five-year capital plan that includes between $12.5 million and $13.5 million to be spent on new construction, major projects and maintenance each year through 2029-2030.

At the Aug. 12 workshop, Plant Services Director Kory Bush presented the plan. The most expensive project this year is replacing a chiller and adding 13 new ice tanks at Flagler Palm Coast high School with a cost of $2,425,000.

Board member Janie Ruddy asked if athletic field improvements at Matanzas High School, including replacing aluminum bleachers, would be added to the capital plan in the future.

Plant Services Director Kory Bush said Matanzas was originally built with no athletic fields. Superintendent

Not yet

LaShakia Moore said there have been meetings with district and Matanzas administrators about what they want to see. She said comparisons can’t be made to what is spent at Flagler Palm Coast High School because those dollars are not allocated to beautify but to keep a much older facility structurally sound.

“The facilities Matanzas has, it has outgrown,” Moore said. “We don’t want to prioritize one sport.”

Moore said for now the district is looking at sound, easy fixes. Matanzas, which recently completed a $23 million school expansion, is not currently included on the five-year plan for athletic improvements.

“We don’t have dollars assigned yet,” Moore said.

“The facilities Matanzas has, it has outgrown. We don’t want to prioritze one sport.”

Flagler Schools fixes safety needs at BES

Oversight led to 60 deficiencies at Bunnell Elementary; most were lighting failures on exit signs, emergency lights.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

District staff presented the Flagler County School Board with the results of the 2025 Life Safety Casualty Inspection for all of the district’s campuses and off-site facilities. Sixty deficiencies were found at Bunnell Elementary School. No other campus or site had more than eight.

District Safety Specialist David Bossardet said all of the deficiencies at all of the sites have been corrected.

The vast majority of the BES deficiencies were related to illumination failures on exit signs and emergency lights, Bossardet said.

Plant services personnel are tasked with doing monthly inspections, and those deficiencies would have been caught before the annual

Florida House looks into redistricting

Speaker Daniel Perez said he is setting up a select committee to look into redrawing congressional districts, as Republicans seek to keep control of Congress in 2026.

TURNER

JIM

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

Florida House Speaker Daniel Perez said Thursday, Aug. 7, he is setting up a select committee to look into redrawing congressional districts, as Republicans seek to keep control of Congress in 2026.

The Miami Republican’s announcement came as Texas Republicans have moved forward with a controversial mid-decade redistricting plan and as the White House has pressured other GOPcontrolled states, including Florida, Missouri and South Carolina, to follow suit.

Meanwhile, leaders of Democratic-controlled states, such as California, Illinois and New York, have weighed possibly redrawing districts to help Democrats. Flipping a handful of seats either way could determine which party controls the U.S. House, which Republicans now hold by a slim margin.

that keeping such a district would be an unconstitutional racial gerrymander and pressured lawmakers for an overhaul that included drawing District 5 in the Jacksonville area. White Republicans have won all North Florida congressional seats under the new map. The Supreme Court case involved the interplay of the U.S. Constitution’s Equal Protection Clause and the state Fair Districts standards, which include prohibiting drawing districts that would “diminish” the ability of minorities to “elect representatives of their choice” --often called a “non-diminishment” requirement.

Voting-rights groups that contested the new District 5 lines argued that the overhaul violated that non-diminishment requirement because it effectively prevented Black voters in North Florida from electing a candidate of their choice.

Perez’s announcement Thursday came after DeSantis in recent weeks has repeatedly raised the idea of redrawing congressional districts. Rep. Anna Eskamani, D-Orlando, issued a statement Thursday calling it “deeply troubling” that Florida lawmakers would explore the issue.

spring inspection which Palm Coast Fire Department and Flagler County Emergency Services assist the district with. But due to being shortstaffed and a change of staff because an employee and his replacement both went on emergency medical leave, the regular inspections weren’t completed and reports weren’t properly checked, Bossardet and Plant Services Director Kory Bush said.

Since then, new processes have been put in place to guarantee oversight in the future, Bossardet and Bush said.

“We’ve made adjustments to our (standard operating procedure) moving forward to make sure this doesn’t happen again,” Bossardet said.

Bossardet said there would have been warnings if the batteries were going dead, but monthly checks would have found that they were wearing down.

“Had there been an emergency and all the deficiencies had been there, there would have been a big price to pay,” Board Chair Will Furry said. “We have to make sure these new controls will take care of this problem.”

Perez said the select committee is a response to a July 17 decision by the Florida Supreme Court that upheld a congressional map Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed through the Legislature in 2022. Opponents argued the map violated a 2010 “Fair Districts” constitutional amendment that set standards for redistricting.

In a memo to state House members, Perez said the committee would review the “applicability and interpretation of certain provisions of the so-called ‘Fair Districts’ provisions of the Florida Constitution and their intersection with federal law.”

“Exploring these questions now, at the mid-decade point, would potentially allow us to seek legal guidance from our Supreme Court without the uncertainty associated with deferring those questions until after the next decennial census and reapportionment,” Perez said in the memo.

Redistricting typically happens once a decade after the U.S. census. The last round of redistricting happened in 2022.

The Supreme Court ruling last month centered on North Florida’s Congressional District 5, which in the past stretched from Jacksonville to west of Tallahassee and elected Black Democrat Al Lawson.

During the 2022 redistricting process, DeSantis argued

“Redrawing Congressional maps outside of the standard post - census cycle threatens fair representation, undermines the intent of our democratic system, and risks silencing our diverse communities,” Eskamani said. “We will do everything in our power to fight back on these efforts, reject partisan gerrymandering and uphold the principles of transparency and equal justice for Florida voters.”

Dan Vicuna, senior policy director of voting and fair representation at the national organization Common Cause, said last week the group would file lawsuits to challenge new redistricting plans, regardless of whether they were drawn by Republicans or Democrats.

While the “non-diminishment” standard was a focus of the Supreme Court ruling ,the Fair Districts standards also say, in part, that no “apportionment plan or individual district shall be drawn with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or an incumbent.”

In asking House members if they want to participate in the select committee, Perez warned they would be disqualified if they publicly express opinions that “suggest an intent to favor or disfavor an incumbent or political party.”

Committee members are expected to be announced with other committee assignments in September.

LASHAKIA MOORE, Flagler County Schools superintendent

A Dutch Bros location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Flagler sheriff hosts annual Safety Expo at European Village

Held at European Village, the free event invited the community to meet FCSO members, receive safety information and try out the agency’s new virtual reality simulator.

OBSERVER STAFF

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Safety Expo on Saturday, Aug. 9.

Held at European Village, the free event invited the community meet FCSO mem-

bers, receive safety information and try out the agency’s new virtual reality “shoot, don’t shoot” simulator. Free document shredding was also available.

Partners in attendance included the Flagler Sheriff’s Police Athletic League, Family Life Center, Flagler County Fire Department, Flagler County Sheriff’s Explorers Post 410, Palm Coast Fire, Flagler Volunteer Services, Florida Highway Patrol, Flagler County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and the Flagler Humane Society.

European Village

Volunteers from the FCSO Citizens Academy Alumni: Bill Iseldyke; Shannon Sandberg, FCSO Community Engagement Coordinator; and Patricia McLaughlin.

Explorer Cpl. A. Fair, FCSO Cpl. Arthur Erlandson, Explorer Mark Shramko and Explorer Angelica Lucia Ferreiro.

Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Megan Thomas and Kurt Harris hold a small alligator.

Master Deputy Nick Champion with K-9 Nitro. Photos by Hannah Hodge

Kathi Fettu and Linda Folden hold a puppy from the local humane society.

MOAS closes Children’s Museum, marking start of major transformation

A fixture in the museum since Nov. 8, 2008, the space closed its doors on Aug. 8. A new dinosaur-themed exhibit will open in the space on Oct. 11.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

EDITOR

MANAGING

After 17 years of serving the community, the Children’s Museum at the Museum of Arts and Sciences is bidding the community goodbye — at least for a little while.

As MOAS prepares to begin the first phase of its future major expansion and renovation project, made possible by a $150 million endowment by Ormond Beach philanthropists Cici and J. Hyatt Brown,

the exhibits inside the Children’s Museum will be taken down. A fixture in the museum since Nov. 8, 2008, the space closed its doors at 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, following a community farewell event where visitors were invited to share memories of their time in the museum.

The transformation of the space was scheduled to begin on Saturday, Aug, 9.

The closure of the Children’s Museum is a reminder of the next chapter for MOAS.

“It’s very exciting,” MOAS Chief Advancement Officer Jonna Royer said. “However, it is also sad. There are a lot of people that enjoy the Children’s Museum and use it as a weekly outing with their kids, but we just want to reassure them that it’s not going away forever. It’s just going away for now.”

MOAS does plan to open a

new, reimagined Children’s Museum experience in its future building, slated to span two stories and 60,000 square feet on 60 acres at 352 S. Nova Road.

But in the meantime, Royer said they don’t want the current Children’s Museum space to remain empty. So, on Oct. 11, it will be home to a new exhibit — “Expedition: Dinosaur,” which will feature animatronic dinosaurs, fossil displays and interactive learning stations. A special member preview will be held on Oct. 10, and the exhibit will be on display through March 29.

And while many of the Children’s Museum’s interactive elements will be donated to Burns Science and Technology Charter School in Oak Hill, not all are going away. Two popular areas will remain: the Tiny Tots area and the Pizza Place, an exhibit where children can imagine they’re operating a pizza restaurant.

“People love the Pizza Place area so much that over this last week, we have had papers and crayons out so that children can draw their favorite part of the Children’s Museum, and inevitably, most of those pictures are actually a pizza,” Royer said.

There have been a lot of stories shared by the public of memories made in the Children’s Museum, she added.

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It’s been amazing to see, she said, because you don’t often realize what an impact the museum can have on the community.

“To walk in and just see the excitement, to see how much the kids enjoy being in there ... and then just giving the parents that little bit of respite where they know that they’re in a space where their children can play and the parents can relax and just be able to enjoy themselves, that’s a nice thing to be able to offer,” Royer said.

To keep the public informed of updates on the upcoming museum transformation, MOAS has launched a new website — moasfuture.org.

The concepts on the website are very general for now, Royer said. The museum is still in the initial stages of the building project, which she said Hyatt Brown likes to call the “Wow” building.

“The whole idea behind it is when people walk up to it, they’re going to go, ‘Wow,’” Royer said. “And that’s the kind of experience that we want them to have in it, too. We want them to come in and go, ‘Wow’ just because of what they’re experiencing.”

The new building is being guided by the museum’s strategic plan — from how it will be constructed to the programs and exhibits it will offer.

According to MOAS, the

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• Balance

• Cork & Pint

• Mezzaluna Pizzeria

• Red Clover Spirits and Eats

Browns’ endowment, known as the “Crown Jewel Campaign,” is the largest cultural donation in Florida’s history.

“This really is their legacy gift,” Royer said. “They want this museum to be something that outlasts them and is available, not just for Daytona and not even just for Volusia County, but it’s going to become an icon for all of Central Florida. To have the monetary gift that they have given us shows people that we’re very serious about having this be that cornerstone.”

In addition to donations, the community can help MOAS in its transition by granting them patience and understanding, Royer said.

“We understand that they may be frustrated as some things close down, but also we want them to look forward and get as excited as we are, because with what is coming, we are going to be able to offer so much more than what we can offer right now,” Royer said. “But, in order to do that, we have to have some growing pains, and that’s going to be some inconveniences of things closing. We just hope that when those things do close, the public realizes that it’s not something to be upset about — it’s something to celebrate, because that means that we are one step closer to coming up with the finished product.”

• Red Koi Sushi & Hibachi

• The Glam Studio Hair Salon

• The Village Pub

• Turtle Shack Cafe

• Village Jewelry

The Children’s Museum at MOAS. Courtesy Photos

A people mission: Halifax Urban Ministries hires director

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Roy Young first came to Halifax Urban Ministries as a volunteer in the kitchen. A kitchen that feeds about 400 people a day. Young was ready to get to work. He asked to be first in line to help plate up the entree, and while the chef agreed to his request, she had one of her own: First, they all needed to pray.

“It changed me,” Young said. “It changed my whole take on what we’re doing here, the fact that this is really God’s work and we ask for his guidance, and we thank him for the ability to work hard and to take care of other people. All of the sudden, I wasn’t working in the kitchen. I was feeding people.”

Young was hired as HUM’s new executive director in late July. A resident of Ormond Beach, Young is a member of St. James Episcopal Church, where he also serves as the church’s secretary.

He comes to HUM, a nonprofit

that works to address food and housing needs for residents in Volusia and Flagler counties, with two decades of nonprofit experience, working for the preservation of historic sites including Mount Vernon, George Washington’s historic estate; Fallingwater, a Frank Lloyd Wright property in Pennsylvania; and Montpelier, the historic home of the fourth U.S. president, James Madison.

Most recently, Young worked for Seniors Helping Seniors, providing companion care to a local veteran.

HUM is the first faith-based nonprofit for which Young has worked.

The biggest difference from his past leadership work, he said, is the fact that as HUM’s executive director, he’s driven by his desire to serve God.

“I really believe and feel it’s been a calling to come here,” Young said.

In July, he learned that HUM was still on the search for a new director during a board meeting, also known as a vestry meeting, at his church.

The previous director, Buck James, had retired in December 2024, and

the organization had been looking for his replacement for a long time.

Young thought to himself, “I could do that.”

“I thought, ‘Maybe this makes sense,’” he recalled. “Maybe God has put me in the right place and even trained me. So, I interviewed.”

And he got the job.

Now at the helm of the nonprofit, Young said he wants to make sure that as the organization grows, they continue to empower people — from those they serve, to the volunteers and staff that help their mission.

Plus, he seeks to raise awareness of their services in hopes of raising more funds to be able to expand programs.

HUM grew slowly since its start in 1981, he said.

“And now we have strong staff, a strong foundation, a strong model, and now we need to increase awareness and finances, so we can share that,” Young said. “Maybe across the world. Maybe across the U.S. Maybe across the state. But, it’s working.”

In the future, he would love to con-

struct another sheltering facility to help more people, particularly those who are released from the hospital without somewhere to go.

HUM is currently developing a new strategic plan, which will guide the nonprofit for its next three to five years.

One of Young’s long-term goals is to see a shift in the funding model: He’d like to see it go to a 50/50 split between grants and private funding. Currently, 75% of the organization is funded through grants, he said, with 93 cents to the dollar of that money going directly to programs and services for individuals.

Getting out in the community and sharing HUM’s mission will be the fun part for him, Young said.

“It’s going to be about peopleing,” he said. “It’s going to be about loving up everybody that’s in front of me and spreading the word, and then asking that critical question: How would you like to invest in your community?”

To learn more about HUM, visit halifaxurbanministries.org.

FCSO: Slow down and stay alert as students head back to school

The 2025-26 school year began on Monday, Aug. 11, and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will increase patrols around school zones and residential bus stops to reinforce traffic safety, education and awareness before students return to class. With the return of yellow school buses on the road, Sheriff Rick Staly reminds drivers of the traffic laws when approaching a stopped school bus displaying red lights and an extended stop sign: „ Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop on a two-lane road. „ Vehicles traveling in both directions must stop on a multi-lane paved road.

„ On a divided highway with an unpaved space or physical barrier, vehicles traveling behind the bus must stop. Vehicles traveling in the opposite direction should proceed with caution.

“As students head back to school, it is critical that everyone remains alert and slows down, especially when traveling through school zones, bus stops and residential areas,” Staly said. “Plan a few extra minutes for your commute and be especially mindful of crosswalks. The slightest distraction could have deadly consequences.”

Message boards will be displayed throughout the county in high-traffic areas when school is in session to remind drivers that “Safety is as simple as ABC (Always Be Careful).”

The beginning of the school year is also an important time for parents to talk to their children about basic safety, including how to handle strangers and who to go to if they need help. Be sure to remind your children that making threats is illegal and what they should do to de-escalate an argument.

“Be the sheriff of your home and report any threat you see or read,” Staly said. “Remember, if you see something, say something to a teacher, school administrator or school resource deputy.” For non-emergency issues, call 386-313-4911.

Roy Young, of Ormond Beach, comes to the faithbased nonprofit with two decades of experience — and, a calling to serve.

Roy Young was hired as Halifax Urban Ministries’ new executive director in late July. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Donna Dooley, grants specialist for HUM.

From Shack to Grill: JT’s reopens under new name

Johnny and Brandy Doering reopened and rebranded their restaurant under a new name: ‘Hammock Grill by JT’s.’

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

After just three years in retirement, the original owners of JT’s Seafood Shack are back in charge of the restaurant and have rebranded under a new name: The Hammock Grill by JT’s.

Owner Johnny Doering said he and his wife, Brandy, left the Seafood Shack after the COVID-19 pandemic. They sold the building, leased the land out and entered retirement.

“At the end of Covid, we were just exhausted,” Doering said. “I mean, we were just pretty much done.”

The Hammock Grill by JT’s is located in the same building that housed JT’s Seafood Shack, located at 5224 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. The Doerings reopened in February after partnering with longtime employee and Executive Chef Jay McNitt and his wife, Kayla.

The Doerings originally purchased the building in 2001. At the time, Doering said, it had been a biker bar, with a tattoo parlor and trailers out back. It took a lot of work to clean up the place and build up the reputation into the Seafood Shack.

For the next 20 years, the two ran JT’s Seafood Shack, keeping it going even through the COVID-19 pandemic. But it was only three years into their retirement that the

Doerings decided to reclaim ownership of the restaurant.

“[The building] was in disrepair. Its reputation had taken a beating,” Doering said. “We kind of came back in and decided to re-brand, remodel, and do what needed to be done.”

With the rebrand, Brandy Doering said, not only did the building need cleaning up but the atmosphere and decor needed an update, too, to keep up with the changes in the community.

They came back with “new everything,” cleaning the inside and outside of the building.

“We were very busy before [as JT’s Seafood Shack,” Brandy Doering said. “I think we’ll get back to that.”

Now, the restaurant can seat a total of 160, including 60-70 seats in the outdoor space, which has a small, covered seating and outdoor games.

The outdoor space, he said, is open for events of all kinds, from wedding receptions to holiday parties.

The menu also received a face lift, with new recipes and specials created by Jay McNitt. Doering said the team works hard to keep the menu affordable and under $30 an entree. Even the specials, which he said are more like featured dishes, Doering and McNitt try to keep under or at $30.

“We’re trying to make it a place that is affordable and family friendly,” Doering said.

The specials change every Wednesday and include dinner and lunch entrees as well

as cocktails and desserts.

is working to build back the restaurant’s reputation, but in the meantime they’re open for business from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. in the summer and until 9 p.m. in the winter.

he and his wife have gotten to see a lot of the customers they got to know before their short retirement. They’re also meeting a lot of new people. growth in the area since we left, so we’re excited about

The owners and partners of Hammock Grill by JT’s. From left to right: Executive Chef Jay McNitt, Brandy Doering and Johnny Doering. Photo by Sierra Williams

Palm Coast couple celebrates 70th wedding anniversary

Nancy and Merwin Olson were married on Aug. 13, 1955 in Bristol, Connecticut.

CATHIE BUCH CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Nancy and Merwin Olson of Palm Coast celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on Aug. 13. Their enduring love story began in Bristol, Connecticut, thanks to a beloved geometry teacher who invited Nancy and her friend, Judy Anderson, to her wedding. Merwin, serving as an usher for the groom, caught Nancy’s eye. Not long after, they were officially introduced on a double date with Judy and her boyfriend. That date marked the beginning of a relationship that has stood the test of time.

Nancy and Merwin married on Aug. 13, 1955, and honey-

YOUR TOWN

Meet OMAM’s featured art night family for August

The Nolan family was selected as Ormond Memorial Art Museum’s featured family from the museum’s Aug. 1 Free Family Art Night event. The Nolans — Mike, Kim and Valerie — are residents of Ormond Beach and love the museum’s gardens, but had never attended the art night event, according to a statement from OMAM. “I like making arts and crafts, especially princesses

mooned at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. On their journey home, they found themselves in the path of Hurricane Diane. With widespread flooding and closed bridges across Connecticut, they had to reroute through New York to return safely to Bristol, an unexpected adventure that became part of their shared history.

and coloring,” Valerie said.

OMAM’s Family Art Night takes place from 5:30-7 p.m. on most first Fridays of the month. All art supplies are provided. The next event will be held on Sept. 5..

Friends of the Ormond Beach Library award $1,000 scholarship

The Friends of the Ormond Beach Library recently awarded a $1,000 scholarship to Samantha LaPointe. LaPointe will begin her freshman year at Daytona State College, with an initial goal of earning her associate’s degree, according to a press release.

Nancy and Merwin raised three children and are now the proud grandparents of two and great-grandparents of three. Family has always been the cornerstone of their lives, and they feel especially blessed that their children and grandchildren live nearby. In honor of this milestone anniversary, family and friends will gather to celebrate the

couple’s legacy of love and devotion.

When asked about the secret to a long and happy marriage, Nancy shared, “A lot of things go into making a marriage happy. The most important are love, compatibility, communication, give and take and being able to laugh.”

“This stipend is awarded as an acknowledgement of appreciation for her successful contributions to the Ormond Beach Library and best wishes for a successful start to her academic career,” the press release states.

City Repertory Theatre celebrates 15 years with old favorites, new works

The City Repertory Theatre is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year with audience favorites from previous seasons, new works, a special concert series and more.

The CRT announced its

season schedule which opens Sept. 19 with “Avenue Q,” the Tony Award-winning, raunchy puppet romp that originally played at CRT in 2014. Next up is “Around the World in 80 Days,” beginning Nov. 14. The hilarious adaptation of Jules Verne’s novel was last produced by CRT as an outdoor production during COVID.

Rounding out the fall season is “It’s a Wonderful Life,” beginning Dec. 5. This classic holiday script, last seen on the CRT stage in 2012, will be performed as a radio play.

CRT’s spring season will begin Jan. 9, 2026, with “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” followed by “The Colored Museum” (Feb. 20), “Yasmina Reza’s Art” (March 20) with an all-female cast and Horowitz’ “Line” paired with selections from David Ives’ “All in the Timing” (April 24).

The CRT’s concert series, “Evenings With ...,” will be interwoven through the season. The series will feature actors and musicians from the CRT resident company.

All performances take place at City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, B-207,

Nancy and Merwin’s

is a

and beautiful testament to lasting love. Their story continues to inspire all who know them.

Cathie Buch is Merwin and Nancy Olson’s daughter.

Merwin agreed, “Having a good sense of humor helps,” he said. “And it doesn’t hurt that Nancy is a great cook.”

Palm Coast. A black-box theater with just 45 seats, CRT’s space highlights the work of its talented actors while it draws the audience close to the action. For season or single-show tickets, call 386585-9415 or go to crtpalmcoast.com. Season tickets for all seven plays are $165, a 10% discount off single ticket prices.

Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club’s new officers installed for 2025-2026

The Ormond-by-the-Sea Lions Club has announced its new officers for the 20252026 Lions year. The officers were installed by Volusia County Tax Collector Will Roberts at the July 2 meeting. They are: „ President: Lion Aleta Dick „ First Vice President: Lion Jean Cerullo „ Second Vice President: Lion Kathleen Trutschel

„ Secretary: Lion Katie Hamlin

„ Directors: Lions Maureen Hamilton, Richard Snyder and Melinda Uebel

„ Tail Twister: Lion Anne Thompson

„ Lion Tamer: Lion Frank White

Additionally, on July 4, members assisted with filling 100 welcome bags for the dignitaries to be used at the 107th International Convention in Orlando later that month. This Lion Club meets on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. For more information, call 386-441-4421.

70-year journey together

rare

Nancy and Merwin Olson on their wedding day, Aug. 13, 1955.

Palm Coast’s Merwin and Nancy Olson are celebrating their 70th anniversary on Aug. 13. Courtesy photos

Mike, Valerie and Kim Nolan. Courtesy photos

Past Council Chair Greg Evans takes a photo of all Lions assisting in filling welcome bags.

Deputy Head Librarian Rachel Wright, scholarship recipient Samantha La Pointe and Jane Finchum, treasurer of the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.

Volusia County Tax Collector Will Roberts installs Lion Aleta Dick as president for 2025-2026 Lions Year.

Make yourself at home

First-day-of-school faux pas: missing the school bus

Luke reminded me to catch up to the times.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

I’m not a video game player, but my 7-year-old son, Luke, talked me into it on Monday morning, the first day of school. We were killing time for a few minutes, waiting for the right moment to leave for the bus. Then, just as I was getting the hang of it — just as I was actually winning at Super Smash Bros for once — my wife, Hailey, walked in and said, “It’s 8:30! You’re supposed to be on the bus!” I looked at Luke. Luke looked at me.

“I thought it was supposed to be 8:30?” I said. That didn’t make a lot of sense, either, because even if the bus had been scheduled for 8:30, I would still have been late.

LETTERS

Concrete plant would pose an environmental risk in Palm Coast

Dear Editor: Here we go again with another proposed environmentally controversial project in our town. A few months ago residents faced and thankfully defeated a troublesome oil tank farm. Now we have a concrete producing plant on the table for City Council consideration. The projects are similar in that they both rely on hazardous elements to exist. And both raise questions of environmental risk irrespective of each company’s sales pitch claims and promises of safeguards.

An oil spill was the major concern with the oil tank farm while the airborne release of toxic particulates is the main worry with the now proposed concrete plant. Both companies have been cited by the EPA for environmental problems for varying reasons with the concrete company as recently as three months ago for polluting Hutchinson River in New York’s Westchester County. Although both companies made risk mitigation and operational safeguard promises that sounded credible and high tech, there is one

We rushed to the car and drove off, in search of another bus stop later in the route, so that Luke could hitch a ride the rest of the way. As we drove, I asked for Luke’s opinion of my first-day-ofschool faux pas. “I thought the bus came at 8:30,” I said again. “That was last year,” he said. “There’s something called ‘this year.’”

There were a few other cars waiting for the bus, so I figured we were in the right place. A few seconds later, the bus arrived. Just as I was going to praise Luke for being a good boy, and tell him how proud I was of him, all that mushy stuff, he bolted. The first day of second grade awaited. He sprinted across the street to climb on the bus.

Every year, everything is the same. And every year, everything is different. When life changes occur, I find myself wanting to create a memory, perhaps as a way to stop time, just as it seems to be rushing by.

And so, the day before the first day of school, I went for a Sunday stroll with Luke. Trying to ignore the heat, we walked along a canal toward a rentention pond. He asked to pause to pick up some rocks on a ramp, so that he’d have something to throw when we reached the water.

From the street, I watched him from a distance as he bent down and picked up the rocks, and I couldn’t help but think of the young David, as he was picking up stones before he faced Goliath.

In addition to the small rocks that now filled his pockets, Luke lugged two large chunks of asphalt to toss into the water. He gave me one to carry, and, when we reached the end of the dock at the pond, he directed me to drop it into the water at the precise time he dropped his.

A grand, double sploosh.

The sound wasn’t all that remarkable to me, but of course it delighted Luke, and he cheered. It was a Christoper Robin-and-Winnie the Pooh moment. Sometimes, I feel like Christopher Robin, sometimes like Pooh. Luke then threw his small

rocks into the water, and he went to hunt some more. But before he could find any, he screamed because he had found a wasp nest instead. Shaken, he said we should just go home.

Walking into the breeze along the canal, I told him that the rocks made me think of David and Goliath. I asked him if he could think of a lesson to be learned from the stones. What stones do we need so that we can face the Goliaths in our lives?

His answer surprised me: “You need strength from Jesus Christ, you need a slingshot, a stone and a trial.”

“OK,” I said, “good answer. And what does ‘strength from Jesus’ mean to you?”

He thought for a moment and said, “When I’m lying, I can have strength from Jesus because he helps me to admit it.”

There is much wisdom in the vulnerability of children.

As Luke grows up, all I can do is hope and pray he will continue to seek divine guidance and to admit it when he’s wrong.

Speaking of which, tomorrow, I will get to the bus stop on time. I can admit that I was stuck in “last year.”

old fashioned but universal truth in play … “stuff” happens. Regardless of the sophistication of any system, no matter how state of the art it is, ultimately it will be susceptible to failure due to a variety of possible causes including a design flaw, human error or a number of unpredictable external reasons. You can only reduce the likelihood of failure, never eliminate it. So, in time, for whatever cause, it’s reasonable to conclude it will happen, and with possible dire consequences. The concrete company vying for a presence in Palm Coast relies on crystalline silica as an integral and very substantial component of their product. Crystalline silica dust, produced during concrete production, is a known human carcinogen and any failure of their claimed high tech filtration system could be a serious event. Such a potential failure, with the release of a cancer causing airborne element, especially near a populated area, should be of major concern and consideration in the City Council approval process. The concrete plant will be only 4,000 feet from local neighborhoods. In the past, the City Council, and especially the mayor, who promoted the oil tank

farm, were remiss in their vetting and due diligence responsibilities. That should not happen again.

The council is appearing way too desperate to find companies to locate in our town. We can do much better, much safer and much cleaner. We shouldn’t ever have to worry about the environmental risks posed by any hazardous material companies seeking to locate in Palm Coast. The concrete company idea and all such risky proposals should see the same justified fate of the oil tank farm fiasco.

ETHAN KANTOR Palm Coast

Allow assisted dying — death with dignity — in Florida

Dear Editor:

My daughter, an ICU nurse for 38 years, told me that 50% of the money spent on healthcare is in the last two years of life. An MD friend further clarified that 50% of that money is spent in the last three months.

My question is, how much did these people enjoy that last three months? If you look at the most pitiful patients in our nursing homes or memory care, and ask yourself if you would want to end up like this, what would you say?

Thus, my quest to make Florida allow assisted dying. Controls must be in place including a witnessed legal document / living will that is witnessed by a professional, not a child or other that could have ulterior motives. For those that want to exercise this right, they could document their own conditions such as:

When I say I am ready.

When I am bedfast and no longer in control of my bodily functions.

If I no longer recognize my children, my medical power of attorney can pick the time.

When I am in such pain that I need a constant morphine drip.

The right to an assisted death is not a mass execution of the elderly. It simply gives every requesting person the right to die on their terms, with less discomfort, and with dignity.

For-profit assisted living/ nursing home investors are not emotionally attached to you or your loved ones. Their only attachment is spelled r-e-v-e-n-u-e. Their powerful lobbyists will fight new legislation, but the power of the people can prevail!

I hope that everyone that reads this will call or write our Florida lawmakers and hometown papers and encourage other Floridian friends around the state to do the same. It will take a grass roots effort to make this

change in Florida.

PHILIP TUCKER Palm Coast

Ormond Beach property tax increase

Dear Editor: I find it ironic that while Gov. DeSantis promotes lowering property taxes, and a local grassroots movement works to slow development growth, our City Council seems comfortable raising property taxes on Ormond Beach homeowners and small-business owners. With new home construction, ongoing development, and strong home resale activity already boosting tax revenues, the city should be seeing increased income without needing a steep hike. Before approving a 10% increase, we need a thorough, transparent audit to determine the true financial need and justification. Arbitrarily selecting a percentage simply because “we need it” is not sound fiscal policy.

BRIAN HILGERS Ormond-by-the-Sea

Bear hunt is a threat to the species

Dear Editor: Many residents of Palm

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Coast have expressed an interest in and appreciation of our natural environment. We have seen manatees, alligators, snakes, bobcats, deer, Florida panthers (mountain lion), and even the black bear. When a situation comes up that may threaten this wonderful rainbow of native creatures living all around us we must take steps to prevent this from happening. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission staff has presented a plan to the commissioners for their approval to initiate a statewide bear hunting season beginning this December. Research shows that the bear is an animal that responds poorly to hunting. This was evidenced the last time Florida had a bear hunt in 2015. Breeding is a slow and dangerous process for bears, and their genetics call for protecting, not removing, the alpha or apex individuals in order to maintain the overall health of the species. So, I am asking all those, like me, concerned about wildlife to contact the Florida Fish and Wildlife commission (myfwc.com) and state your objections to this plan. It won’t work, and it’s up to us to stop it.

JEFFERY C. SEIB Palm Coast

Send letters to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

Luke McMillan. Photo by Brian McMillan

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Welcome back

Flagler Schools superintendent and her team greet students on their first day back to school

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Schools Superintendent

LaShakia Moore visited every district campus on Monday, Aug. 11, the first day of school for students.

Moore’s tour with her district’s team began at 4:50 a.m. in transportation and ended about 10 hours and 12 stops later.

Moore enjoys interacting with students and helping them get acclimated. She has known some of the students for several years since she was a teacher and principal at Rymfire Elementary School.

“Seeing students I’ve known a long time and giving them hugs is the highlight for me,” she said.

New principals Mike Rinaldi at Matanzas High School and Katie Hansen at Buddy Taylor Middle School were starting their first day, just like their ninth and sixth graders, respectively.

“The first day has been amazing,” Rinaldi said. “We had a great kickoff. Attendance is good. Our freshmen are trying to find their way, but we have upperclassmen and all the adults on campus helping them.”

There were some glitches on the first day, such as backed-up traffic, but for the most part things ran smoothly, district administrators said.

“Lunch, drop-off and pickup are routines that take a few days for the dust to settle,” Rinaldi said.

Buses were late, which is typical for the first week. Moore said her own children’s buses were late on Monday.

Marcus Sanfilippo, the district’s coordinator of special projects, said transportation was able to compensate with a few drivers out sick with routers and supervisors taking over those routes. Drivers had new routes to learn, and one child got sick on the bus which made that bus late for the driver’s remaining routes for three

schools.

Middle and elementary school students are no longer allowed to use their cellphones during the school day, according to state statute. But many middle school students had taken a screenshot of their schedules, Moore said. They simply have to transfer them to their schoolissued iPads.

“We’ll have to keep reminding middle school students for a while to put away their cellphones, but as soon as they’re told, they’ve been putting them away,” Moore said.

The gym floor at Matanzas was being resurfaced, but the school was

SEE SCHOOL’S BACK PAGE 3B

Matanzas High School Army JROTC instructors Command Sgt. Maj. Andrew Spano (left) and Maj. Charles Mallard. Mallard is in his second year with the Pirates, and Spano was learning the campus on his first day. But they had worked together in Duval County Schools since 2018.

A sign in the Old Kings Elementary School media center on the first day of school.

Old Kings Elementary School second grade teacher Michell Patton introduces a game of hot potato to her new students. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Superintendent LaShakia Moore greets Matanzas High senior Shanterria Horn. Moore has known Shanterria since she was a student at Rymfire Elementary School when Moore was the school’s principal.

Old Kings Elementary School Principal Jessica Fries dons school colors on the first day of school.

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Andy Cangelosi is not a School Resource Deputy, but he was at Matanzas High School on the first day of school, Aug. 11, to provide security checks and an extra presence. He also was stopping by at Flagler Palm Coast High School. “We want the kids to know we’re here for them,” he said.

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, AUG. 14

TIGER BAY CLUB OF VOLUSIA COUNTY AUGUST

MEETING

When: 12-1 p.m.

Where: Halifax River Yacht Club, 331 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: This month’s guest speaker will be U.S. Rep. Randy Fine. Social time begins at 11:30 a.m. and the luncheon is at noon. Guests are welcome with a reservation. Email dconnors@tigerbayclubvolusia.org.

ART OF HEALING

WORKSHOP: FELTED SOAP

When: 2-3:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Guest instructor Liz Canali will lead this workshop where participants will explore how wool becomes felt and learn the process of felting to create a useful soap and washcloth combo. No art experience is necessary and all supplies are provided. Free. Registration required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

FRIDAY, AUG. 15

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.

SATURDAY, AUG. 16

GOD’S FAMILY BIBLE CHURCH PANTRY FOOD

DISTRIBUTION

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Parking lot across Gods Family Bible Church, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell Details: God’s Family Bible Church distributes food every first and third Saturday in this drive-thru event.

GALLERY TALK WITH CHANNING GRAY

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Exhibiting artist Channing Gray will present an in-depth talk about her solo exhibition, “Into Neverland: Swirling Dreams of Southern Memories.” A Q+A session will follow. Free program. Registration requested. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.

SUNDAY, AUG. 17

COFFEE WITH CATS

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: Flagler Humane

Society, 1 Shelter Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Flagler Humane Society for an afternoon of coffee, conversation and adoptable cats. Free admission. Donations appreciated. The FHS is in need of wet kitten food, cat food and kitten milk replacement. Feline adoptions are all 50% off and all adult cats are BOGO.

TUESDAY, AUG. 19

FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY

When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast

Details: Food Truck Tuesday, presented in partnership with the Observer, is back, and this month’s event supports the Matanzas Band of Pirates and Guard Booster Club. Order appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Registration is not required.

FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB

ANNUAL MEETING

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Join the Flagler Tiger Bay Club in celebrating its seventh anniversary. In addition to the annual meeting, the event will also feature a wine tasting meet-and-greet social. Advanced registration required. Event costs $40 for members and guests. Visit FlaglerTigerBayClub.com.

WEDNESDAY, AUG. 20

PROBUS CLUB OF PALM COAST

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Join this social club for retired and semiretired men and women that meets monthly with a guest speaker on a topic of interest, with other social events during the month. This month’s guest speaker is Jessica Scheidler Grossberg. On Friday, Aug. 22, the club is touring the new wastewater treatment plant. All are welcome. Stay for lunch if you’d like. For more information, contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@gmail.com.

ART TALK: 19TH CENTURY NEOCLASSICISM, ROMANTICISM & REALISM

When: 2-3 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Guest curator Ruth Grim looks at the art movements surrounding the Age of Revolution, as well as the highly consequential years that followed. Free admission. Registration requested as seats are limited.

THURSDAY, AUG. 21

THIRD THURSDAY DOCENT TOUR

When: 11 a.m. to noon

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: This one-hour tour includes select pieces from OMAM’s Malcolm Fraser permanent collection, the John Wilton installation in the stairway gallery, a walk through the gardens to learn more about the military tributes, and a tour of the historic Emmons Cottage. Meet inside the museum’s reception gallery by 11 a.m.

LET’S TALK PALM COAST — A TOWN HALL SERIES

When: 5-6 p.m.

Where: Waterfront Room at the Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Meet City Council member David Sullivan as he hosts a town hall. Get a chance to ask questions and learn more about local government in this open forum.

CANVAS & COCKTAILS

When: 5:30-8 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: Artist Stacey Frates will guide this social evening in the museum, where guests will paint a hibiscus flower and monstera leaf. Open to all skill levels. Pre-sketched canvases will be available for those who want them. Event costs $40 for members and $50 for non-members and includes light bites, one drink, supplies and instruction. Additional drinks available for purchase.

ORMOND BEACH AREA DEMOCRATIC CLUB

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

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the August meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. Likeminded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

FRIDAY, AUG. 22

SENIOR HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Flagler Radio is hosting a free expo, presented by AdventHealth, where attendees can receive free vision screenings, hearing screenings and blood sugar checks. There will be free coffee and cash grab envelopes for the first 50 people.

BEACHSIDE GARAGE OPEN HOUSE When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Birthplace of Speed Park, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The Motor Racing Heritage Association will host an open house at the Ormond Garage model at the Birthplace of Speed Park. The garage holds the two replica race cars that competed in the first sanctioned race on the beach in March 1903.

RECIPES AND READS

CULINARY LAB: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF FOOD — BEEF

When: 11 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library

Details: Learn the history of Florida beef in this cooking demonstration, presented by library staff. Free event.

ACOUSTIC JAM

When: 2-5 p.m.

Where: Hammock Community Center, 79 Mala Compra Road, Palm Coast

Details: Sing? Play an acoustic stringed instrument? Bring your instrument, a folding chair and join other local amateur musicians of all ages for a jam session. Free.

FRIDAY, AUG. 23

SURFERS FOR AUTISM

When: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: 7th Street South to 8th Street South, Flagler Beach

Details: Participants will surf twice and the event will feature a DJ, games, raffles, free sunscreen, water and lunch. Visit https://surfersforautism. org/registration.

DANCE FUNDRAISER

When: 10:45 a.m.

Where: Gold’s Gym Ormond Beach, 333 W. Granada Blvd., Suite 200, Ormond Beach

Details: Proceeds go toward purchasing school supplies for local children. $10 donation requested to participate. Call the front desk at both the Ormond and Daytona gym locations, 386-310-7863 and 386-281-5959, respectively.

able to use its new multipurpose athletic building for PE classes, Rinaldi said.

NEW MEDICAL PROGRAM

AT MATANZAS

Also new at Matanzas is the Allied Health medical program in partnership with AdventHealth. The program had already been in place at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

“It’s been something Matanzas students have been asking for,” Moore said.

In preparation, some students took prerequisites in anatomy and physiology so sophomores and juniors won’t have to start in Year 1 of the three- to four-year program. Part of the program involves shadowing medical professionals. Upper-class students in the Matanzas program will get hands-on experience at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway.

AdventHealth donated medical equipment to Matanzas for the school’s Allied Health classroom.

Students will be able to get certifications for patient care technician and ECG technician. Another option is moving into the phlebotomy program at Flagler Technical College, Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien said. At Matanzas, the Allied Health program will also include sports medicine curriculum, O’Brien added.

Five 2025 FPC graduates of the program have been hired by AdventHealth and will receive free tuition to Daytona State College and then finishing their studies at AdventHealth University, O’Brien said.

School’s back Faith in Flagler

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.

Trent Schake, Pastor

Old Kings Elementary School third-grade marine science teacher Casey Jones had her students tell something about themselves on the first day of school.

From left: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Angela O’Brien, School Board member Lauren Ramirez, Superintendent LaShakia Moore, Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi, School Board Chair Will Furry and School Board Vice Chair Christy Chong at Matanzas High School. Photos by Brent Woronoff

U.S. Marine Corps recruiters Sgt. Patrick Kohles and Staff Sgt. Luis Figueroa set up at Matanzas High on the first day of school. Kholes is responsible for Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast high schools.

Teachers welcome back students at Buddy Taylor Middle School.

Jerry Berry and Cathie Zanella from Bunnell Elementary. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE

Ocean Hammock home tops $1 million mark

Ahouse at 16 Hammock Beach Parkway, in Ocean Hammock, was the top real estate transaction for July 26 to Aug. 1 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Aug. 1, for $1,090,000. Built in 2015, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 2,715 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $635,000.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 90 San Juan Drive, Unit B203, sold on July 31, for $150,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,113 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $265,000.

A condo at 60 Surfview Drive, Unit 311, sold on July 31, for $465,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,455 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $600,000.

A condo at 2001 Palm Drive, Unit A101, sold on July 31, for $280,000. Built in 2009, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,482 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $220,000.

PALM COAST

Cypress Knoll

A house at 4 Wainwright Place, sold on August 1, for $465,500. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool and 2,566 square feet.

Harbor Village Marina

A house at 330 Harbor Village Point North, sold on July 31, for $1,060,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, an elevator, a boat dock, a boat lift and 3,142 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $885,000.

Marineland Beach

A house at 6973 North Ocean Shore Blvd., sold on July 31, for $995,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,288 square feet. It sold in 1999 for $317,000.

Palm Harbor

A house at 9 Cotton Court, sold on August 1, for $735,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock and 1,771 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $392,900. A house at 1 Fallon Lane, sold on August 1, for $520,565. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace and 2,171 square feet.

Oceanfront home sells for $3.75M in Ormond

Ahouse on the beach at 353 S. Atlantic Ave. was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of July 19-25. The house sold on July 24, for $3.75 million. Built in 1993, the house is a 4/5.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 5,967 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $2,576,300.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 140 Limewood

Place, Unit C, sold on July 25, for $190,000. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,316 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $198,500.

ORMOND BEACH Breakaway Trails

The house at 3 Slow Stream Way sold on July 23, for $440,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,966 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $300,000.

Golf Manor

The house at 732 Orchard Ave. sold on July 21, for $292,400. Built in 1957, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,360 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $152,300.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3013 Kenmare St. sold on July 23, for $420,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,831 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $400,000.

The house at 3349 Glenshane Way sold on July 24, for $412,775. Built in 2000, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,891 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $330,000.

Not in subdivision

The house at 431 Riverside Drive sold on July 23, for $250,000. Built in 1949, the

A house at 85 Forsythe Lane, sold on August 1, for

house is a 2/2 and has 1,516 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $137,000.

Plantation Bay

The house at 600 Aldenham Lane sold on July 22, for $565,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, an outdoor kitchen and 2,446 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $705,000.

The house at 1329 Sunningdale Lane sold on July 24, for $460,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 2,172 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $214,522.

The Trails

The townhome at 210 Timberline Trail sold on July 24, for $215,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,304 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $230,000.

The townhome at 201 Pine Cone Trail sold on July 24, for $230,000. Built in 1978, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,986 square feet. It last sold in 1994 for $70,000.

tub and 2,419 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $585,000.

A house at 6 Criston Court, sold on July 28, for $574,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a boat dock, a boat lift, a boat house, a hot tub and 2,102 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $307,500.

Reverie at Palm Coast A house at 5 Falmouth Drive, sold on July 31, for $360,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,693 square

Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,356 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $434,000.

Toscana A house at 111 New Leatherwood Drive, sold on July 31, for $919,500. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a pool house and 2,376 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report

Tomoka Estates The house at 1085 Indigo Road sold on July 21, for $371,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 2/1.5 and has a separate 1/1 in-law suite, a storage room with a halfbath, a boat dock and 1,136 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $179,300.

Tomoka Oaks The house at 26 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on July 25, for $506,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,223 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $350,000.

Woodmere The house at 886 Lindenwood Circle W. sold on July 22, for $350,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,485 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $139,000. The house at 126 Knollwood Circle sold on July 24, for $395,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,704 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $125,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Not in subdivision The house at 10 Alamanda Drive sold on July 24, for $200,000. Built in 1953, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet. It last sold in 1978 for $17,500.

Roberta Heights The house at 161 Roberta Road sold on July 23, for $302,800. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/1 and has 915 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $320,000.

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

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

BUSINESS

Dragon Institute celebrates second anniversary

Sifu Adam Williss offers classes for children, teenagers and adults.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Dragon Institute in Bunnell, 501 N. State St., held a second anniversary open house on Saturday, Aug. 9, with a live demo of Wing Chun kung fu featuring the one-inch punch, practical self-defense applications and showcases by Sifu Adam Williss’ students.

The Dragon Institute is the only martial arts school in Flagler County offering kung fu, Williss said. Wing Chun is a style of kung fu embraced by Bruce Lee.

“It’s known for its practical self defense,” Williss said. “It’s a street fighting style.”

For that reason, it initially caught on with adults, but Williss teaches child, teen and adult classes and has students from 5 years old to senior citizens. He teaches about eight classes during the week.

“We’ve got more adult classes,” he said. “We’ve got the most to grow with our kids program, just because I think traditionally, the art was more for practical self defense.”

Wing Chun is not a sport. They don’t really have competitions, Williss said. There are different levels of belts, but there are no fees

BIZ BUZZ

Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce names new president/CEO

The Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce has selected its new presi-

related to advancing.

Williss began studying Wing Chun kung fu 30 years ago, when he was 18.

“I grew up in Jacksonville Beach, and there was a school there, and I really didn’t know what it was,” he said. “And then I met my teacher, and he demonstrated what’s called the one-inch punch on me that was originally made famous by Bruce Lee. And man, I just had no idea that, literally, somebody could demonstrate such power from seemingly nowhere. So I was shocked, and I just I wanted more. I started taking classes and I just never stopped.”

Williss opened the first Dragon Institute in 2010 in California. After

dent and CEO: Kristin J. Weiss, who will join the chamber on Oct. 6. Weiss, selected through a nationwide search, will work through the end of the year with current President and CEO Nancy Keefer, who will retire effective Dec. 18, according to a press release.

moving back to Florida he opened the Dragon Institute in Bunnell in 2023.

The style of Wing Chun is not only a practical self-defense, but it is also transformational, Williss said.

“It tries to change you on a mind, body, emotional level,” he said.

The philosophy, Williss said, is the same that Lee famously taught: Be like water, which emphasizes adaptability and the fluidity of life.

“Water is strong,” Willis said. “It created the Grand Canyon. Yet, at the same time it moves around things. It takes the shape of its container, so it’s very much in harmony with everything.”

New farmers market in Ormond

The farmer’s market will be held every Sunday at Fountain Square Village.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach has a new weekly farmer’s market. Fountain Square Village, located at 142 E. Granada Blvd., is hosting the market every Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Featuring local vendors, attendees can browse goods including baked items, honey, artisan soaps and fresh produce.

The market was organized by Gabi Owens, a massage therapist whose studio, Tranquil Healing, is located in the plaza. When the owner of the plaza approached her about starting a farmer’s market, Owens said she’d love to organize it. Two weeks later, the market was made a reality, with its first event held on Sunday, Aug. 10.

“We just wanted to bring more things to the community,” Owens said. “The farmer’s market that we have is great. It’s just on a Thursday morning.”

Ormond Beach MainStreet has been hosting a weekly farmer’s market at City Hall for years. The market is held 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays.

When Owens worked in health care, she was never able to attend

MainStreet’s market because of the date and time. That’s why Fountain Square Village opted to host theirs on a weekend.

The vendors, Owens added, are also different, for the most part.

As part of two local women’s business groups — Babes, Booze & Business and Biz Bestie — Owens reached out to her contacts to select vendors.

“I joke, ‘I might not have a girl for everything, but I have a girl that has a girl for everything,” Owens said. Fountain Square Village also recently started another new event, Wine Down Wednesdays Sip & Shop Market, featuring artisan vendors. That’s held weekly from 4-8 p.m. on Wednesdays.

“We are excited to welcome Kristin and look forward to working with her to continue to elevate the Daytona Regional Chamber’s mission of providing a platform for businesses to grow and thrive in our region,” said Michael Sznapstajler, who led the chamber’s search committee.

tion by the Daytona Regional Chamber’s board of directors on July 29.

Weiss comes from the Central Fort Bend Chamber in Texas, where she worked for over seven-and-a-half years. She has a total of 15 years’ experience in various chamber positions. She was approved for the CEO posi-

“I am truly honored and excited to join the Daytona Regional Chamber of Commerce as incoming president and CEO,” Weiss said. “I look forward to collaborating with the dedicated staff, board, and valued members as we continue to advance the region’s vibrant business community.”

Kristin J. Weiss.

Jessica Hazelip, of Ormond Beach Sourdough. Courtesy photos

Students at the Dragon Institute in Bunnell with Sifu Adam Willis.

SPORTS

Know the assignment

Flagler Palm Coast, Seabreeze scrimmage in preseason football officials clinic

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Local high school football officials held preseason clinic scrimmages on Friday night, Aug. 8, at Spruce Creek High. Flagler Palm Coast and Seabreeze got a chance to gauge their teams’ progress heading into the season as the officials gauged their own progress.

Even though two games — Spruce Creek and Pine Ridge played in the other game — were condensed into a two-hour window due to the threat of lightning, referees utilized the time to practice crucial aspects of officiating including positioning and application of regulations, including equipment infractions.

It also gave the coaches and players a chance to ask officials questions regarding penalties called during the games.

Seabreeze head coach Mike Klein said the scrimmage was an opportunity to evaluate his players in a live situation against another team. He and his staff also got a chance to review the game footage and make adjustments prior to the Sandcrabs’ kickoff classic, Aug. 15 at Titusville Astronaut.

“We got everybody in — everybody got a chance to get out there and kind of show what they know,” Klein said. “In season, typically you’re going to gameplan for what the other team’s doing. For us this week, we didn’t gameplan for what we did today. It was more just like, follow your base rules and what your assignments are on both sides of the ball. It’s a test to see how guys look when we go live against someone else and how well they really know their assignment.”

FPC head coach Patrick Turner is going into his first season with the Bulldogs after coaching Palatka High for four seasons. Following the scrimmage, Turner said he felt confident in his team and proud to see how his players took to coaching and built on that knowledge.

“We saw a lot of improvement on the things that I’ve been doing since I’ve gotten here,” Turner said. “It was a change for everyone. It’s a change in philosophy — change for the coaches and change for the players. Anytime you take over a program, you got to hit the reset button. Then, we’ve got to find our identity and then we’ve got to start building on that identity. I think that’s coming together. I think the team camaraderie is coming together.”

Returning to FPC’s offensive line this year are seniors right tackle Zach Farrell, center Angel De Leon and left tackle Gavin Petty. Turner said the line is

probably one of the strengths of the team. The least experienced position on offense is wide receiver, but Turner said he saw the receivers step up during the scrimmage.

“They (offensive line) played really well,” Turner said. “They allowed a lot of holes to open up. They protected the quarterback well and did a lot of things well. We’ve still got to continue to strive to get better which we will,

but that’s what practice is for.” Turner said he appreciated the opportunity of being invited to the officials clinic which put his team in a game situation one week ahead of the kickoff classic hosted by Palatka. The Bulldogs will face the Panthers and Jacksonville Terry Parker on Aug. 15.

Klein said the Sandcrabs’ strength has always been their defense. This year, senior defenders Edinson Parra and Zebidiah Martin along with junior Matthew Wells are leading the way with a talented group of underclassmen, Klein said.

Wells has been playing football for eight years and for the Sandcrabs since his freshman year. He is currently playing tight end and defensive end.

“I think this year our defense is so much more established as a unit,” Wells said. “We all know what we’re doing. All of us already know our assignments from last year, so we’re just building on top of that. Our defense was carrying our team last year. ... Now we have (Matt) Dickmann who is a great (offensive coordinator). His offense is fantastic. I’m having a great time.”

Klein said Dickmann has done a great job identifying what the players can do well and where they fit on offense.

“In season, typically you’re going to gameplan for what the other team’s doing. For us this week, we didn’t gameplan. ... It was more just like, follow your base rules and what your assignments are on both sides of the ball.”

MIKE KLEIN, Seabreeze head football coach

“He’s done a great job,” Klein said. “I thought our O-line tonight looked pretty solid. They looked like they really knew what they were doing and they got after a little bit up front. I was really happy about that.”

Dickmann has been coaching for 38 seasons. He was head coach at Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia, where he led the Hoyas to a 6A state championship in 2019. During three seasons at Harrison, he coached NFL quarterback Justin Fields. Following the scrimmage, Dickmann told the players he was excited to watch the offensive line execute tactics rehearsed in practice.

“… Pass protection was excellent,” he said. “You just have to connect on a couple of those big routes down there. We’ll be OK … I really like what I saw. A lot of good things happened, but we have to stay healthy. Great job.”

Turner said Seabreeze was a very disciplined team and probably more disciplined than FPC in some areas. For his team, he said he will continue building a culture of consistency.

“I’ve got a saying — consistency wins,” he said. “That’s in everything we do. I have to not just be able to win one rep or do what I’m supposed to one time in a football game. We average 65 plays a game, therefore, in all 22 positions on the field, we cannot just do it one time, we need to do it consistently 65 times in a row. It all comes down to ... consistency wins.”

Seabreeze coach Mike Klein and Flagler Palm Coast coach Patrick Turner congratulate each other after their teams played in the officials scrimmage at Spruce Creek High School on Aug. 8.

A Flagler Palm Coast player (left) attempts to block a Seabreeze punt.

A Seabreeze player tackles Flagler Palm Coast wide receiver Kenneth “K.J.” Robinson (left) in the officials scrimmage at Spruce Creek High School on Aug. 8. Photos by Michele Meyers

FPC quarterback Caden Burchfield looks to pass.

THE RUNNING FOR YOUTH ATHLETE COMPETITION

in his first team competition. Noah has been entered into the Youth Athlete of the Year competition and came in 17th place through the first round, qualifying him for the second round. To advance to the third round, he needs to finish among the top 15.

Voters may vote once daily for free or anytime with a donation vote that supports the V Foundation For Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation. For more info go to athleteoftheyear.org

FALL SPORTS ON TAP

High School fall sports seasons begin next week, but the Matanzas cross country teams will get a jump on the season with their end-of-thesummer Preseason Pirate Relays at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16. There will be two-person, three-person and mixed-gender 5K relay events. Seven schools are expected to compete.

The cross country season begins in earnest with the 14th annual Spikes and Spurs Classic hosted by Flagler Palm Coast on Aug. 23 at the

Flagler County Fairgrounds. The first race is scheduled to begin at 7:30 a.m. with the girls race following. Officially, fall sports start on Monday, Aug. 18, when Matanzas hosts Spruce Creek in bowling at 3:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Lanes. Seabreeze hosts Mainland on Aug. 20 at Ormond Lanes.

In volleyball, Seabreeze will open at home against Atlantic at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 19. FPC and Mainland both open at home on Aug. 20 against Father Lopez and Deltona, respectively. Both matches start at 6:30 p.m.

Mainland and Seabreeze boys golf teams meet at Daytona Golf Club on Aug. 19. The girls teams will face off at Riviera on Aug. 20. Matanzas boys golf hosts Menendez and St. Augustine on Aug. 21. FPC’s girls golf team hosts DeLand on Aug. 21.

ACTIVE SUMMER

The FPC girls soccer team participated in 35 team activities over the summer, including beach workouts, bridge runs, indoor

soccer, track work, 7v7 league competition and daily weight-room training. After-school workouts began Aug. 12. Team tryouts are scheduled in the second week of October with the first home game schedule for Nov. 4.

3v3 national champs

The Palm Coast Sky Bound team won the gold medal in the High

National Championship on Aug. 1-3 at the Austin-Tindall

Complex in Kissimmee. The team’s six players include Matanzas High School soccer players Rebeka Cordero, Isabella Hopkins, Emma Skinner and Naomi Cordero (2025 graduate), FPC soccer player Eva Sites and St. Augustine St. Joseph soccer player Hayleah Bagnato.

Noah Quintero, 10, a fifth grader at Pathways Elementary School, began inline speed skating at Astro Skate in Ormond Beach in October 2024. Two months later, he placed fourth C O O L N G 9 We can help solve

Sky Bound won the High School Women’s gold medal at the Challenge Sports 3v3 Soccer National Championships on Aug 1-3 in Kissimmee. Courtesy photo

Noah Quintero. Courtesy photo

Matanzas football coaches encouraged heading into the kickoff classic

The Pirates looked good on both sides of the ball in the blue and white scrimmage, coach Matt Forrest said.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Football coaches want to see their teams dominate during the season, but not during an intrasquad scrimmage.

Matanzas coach Matt Forrest was

encouraged because he saw positive signs on both sides of the ball during the Pirates’ blue and white scrimmage on Friday, Aug. 8.

“(In a scrimmage), if your offense is that much more dominant over your defense, or vice versa, I think it can make you kind of go to extremes and think that one may be severely better than the other, and then, what do we got to do to get them to up the bar?

Matanzas hosts Jacksonville Episcopal in a kickoff classic at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. The Pirates open the season a week later, Aug. 22, when

they host county rival Flagler Palm Coast in the annual Potato Bowl game.

The scrimmage gave the Pirates’ coaches an indication of what they need to work on as the opener inches closer.

The offense put some drives together, and the defense forced some turnovers. The defense bent but didn’t break inside the red zone. The offense moved the ball but struggled to get into the end zone once it got inside the 20-yard line.

“When you leave fall camp after 10 practices against each other, I think it’s good to have the ebbs and flows in a scrimmage,” Forrest said. “Our offense made some plays, our defense made some plays and I thought it was a good spirited contest. I wouldn’t say one outperformed the other. When you see that, it does give you some confidence about your team going into the kickoff classic, because then, once we get to play a full game against somebody else, I think you’re going to really know where your team’s at.”

Forrest praised linebackers Nick Yacano and Chase Johnson, cornerback Jayden McCoy and defensive lineman Omar Steward among others on defense.

Offensively, Forrest said the line

played well and running back Wiley Conner had a good night running the football.

“I think our quarterbacks, Cole Walker and Cole Hardy, did some good things throwing the football.

And (receivers) Jordan Schendorf, Ladarien Baker and Thomas Larywon had a good scrimmage,” Forrest said.

“We just have to clean up the minor details,” he added. “That’s the stuff that gets exposed in the game. Overall, we feel like we have a pretty good football team. When they’re competing against each other and really going back and forth, I think that bodes well for our season.”

FPC, Matanzas teams are guests of honor at PCUMC’s Football Sunday

Both head coaches and Flagler Schools

Superintendent LaShakia Moore spoke during the service on Aug. 10.

Pastor Kevin James wore his Miami Dolphins jersey, and many congregants wore jerseys of their own favorite football teams. Flagler

Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore wore a custom-made jersey with Flagler printed on the front and logos for the Matanzas Pirates and Flagler Palm Coast Bulldogs on each shoulder. It was Football Sunday at Palm

Coast United Methodist Church. The church honored the high school football teams for both Matanzas and FPC on Sunday, Aug. 10, at the 10:30 a.m. service.

Moore and head football coaches Matt Forrest of Matanzas and Patrick Turner of FPC spoke. School Board member Derek Barrs delivered a prayer for the students, the teachers and the community with

students returning to school the following day. And a player from each team — Ehimen “Heman” Adjede of FPC and Javonte Patton of Matanzas — recited a scripture reading. Forrest read the Daily Message from his phone: “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” He had not reviewed the message in advance. Turner pointed out that in Philippians 3:2, the Apostle Paul warns to

“watch out for those dogs,” and joked that the Pirates weren’t left out when the verse also mentioned “evildoers.” During the final praise song, singers tossed footballs to each team. After the service, players, coaches, students, administrators and School Board members posed for group photos.

Wiley Conner (left) attempts to get past a defender in the Pirates’ intrasquad game on Aug. 8. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Devin Williams finds some running room in the Pirates’ instrasquad scrimmage on Aug. 8.

Matanzas and FPC players, coaches, students, administrators and Flagler County School Board members pose for a group photo after the Football Sunday service at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.

Palm Coast United Methodist Church

Pastor Kevin James used football analogies in his message at the church’s annual “Football Sunday.” Photos by Brent Woronoff

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