Palm Coast Observer 11-20-25

PALM COAST

Furry named vice chair in 104th vote

Skye Dominguez. Photo by Keishia McLendon

NEWS BRIEFS

Palm Coast couple found dead in apparent murder-suicide

A Palm Coast couple on Pinelynn Lane was found dead in their home on Wednesday after an apparent murder-suicide, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Julio Alonso, 85, and Martha Alonso, 74, were found dead inside their bedroom on Nov. 12 after relatives asked the FCSO to conduct a welfare check. The FCSO said the preliminary investigation indicated Julio Alonso shot his wife with a gun and then killed himself.

Sheriff Rick Staly said the FCSO’s condolences and prayers go out to the family.

“Losing a parent is never easy but losing both parents to what appears to be a murder-suicide is unimaginable,” Staly said.

Relatives of the family asked for the welfare check when they were unable to reach the Alonsos by phone or text. A neighbor said they had last seen the couple leaving for the hospital on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the press

COPS CORNER

NOV. 6 LOADED

11:03 a.m. — Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. A 43-yearold Ormond Beach man was arrested by a state agency officer after he was found with 748 rounds of ammuni-

release said. The deceased have been transported to the medical examiner’s office, and the investigation continues by FCSO’s Major Case and CSI units, the press release said. Staly and FCSO remind residents there are numerous resources available in Flagler County for those struggling with health issues, and help is always available for those who need it.

Those who feel suicidal or overwhelmed can get help by contacting Flagler Cares at 386-319-9483 or contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988 or visiting 988lifeline.org.

Shooting near Beach Village, both claim ‘standyour-ground’ law

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a shooting that occurred at a Palm Coast apartment complex on Nov. 16 the left two people with non-life-threatening injuries.

At 8:35 p.m., deputies were called to a domestic disturbance involving gunfire at an apartment complex near Beach Village Circle. A caller told emergency communications dispatchers that two people had been shot during

tion on his person. According to his arrest report, the man was illegally camping on state lands.

NOV. 11

‘SATANIC’ ENCOUNTER

6:20 p.m. — 1500 block of North U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Grand theft. As a 34-year-old Ormond Beach woman was being detained after a crash, she told police officers, “You have met Satan today.” She was rolling a cigar, according to her arrest report

the incident, an FCSO press release said. One was still inside the apartment while another had gone to a nearby convenience store. No one has been charged yet in the disturbance, but the investigation is ongoing.

Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly said both parties are making stand-your-ground claims but said neither “appear to be completely truthful or cooperative.” The 2005 law allows the use of deadly force when there is a fear of death or great bodily harm, according to the statute.

Flagler County Fire Rescue, the Flagler Beach Fire Department, the Flagler Beach Police Department, and the Palm Coast Fire Department also responded to the incident. A FBPD officer and the first FCSO deputy on scene went to the convenience store where Tyree Smith, 22, was found with gunshot wounds to his upper body and arm.

The law enforcement officers provided medical aid until emergency services arrived, the press release said. EMS treated Smith and then he was taken to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

At the apartment complex, an underage boy had a gunshot wound to his leg. He was treated on scene by EMS and then also taken to Halifax

and was also charged with petit theft for stealing 10 cigars and two lighters from a gas station. She was taken to jail.

NOV. 15

CIGARETTES AND LOLLIPOPS

9:48 p.m. – 5800 State Road

100, Palm Coast Trespass. A Sheriff’s Office deputy was called out to a local gas station because a man had entered the store despite his previous trespass order, according to an arrest report.

Health for further treatment before he was released.

A handgun was found inside the apartment in the hallway with spent shell casings and evidence of bullet impacts in the home.

A woman who lived in the home said the incident began with an argument between her and Smith. The argument escalated into a physical fight where she was struck, fell and began screaming for help, the press release said.

That is when the juvenile came into the room with a gun, telling Smith to stop, the press release said. When Smith charged at the boy, the boy fired a shot, hitting Smith, the press release said. The two struggled over the gun and a second shot was fired, hitting the boy in the leg.

FCSO’s Major Case and Crime Scene Investigation units are investigating the incident.

Palm Coast man faces 25 years for fentanyl trafficking charge

A man arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in July on a narcotics-related search warrant has been rearrested and is facing a fentanyl trafficking charge of over 28 grams.

The suspect told the deputy he knew about the trespass but went inside anyway and refused to leave the property because “he ‘wanted cigarettes and a lollipop.’”

The man was placed under arrest and taken to jail.

NOV. 16

BAR FIGHT

1:39 a.m. – 5800 block of State Road 100, Flagler County Disorderly conduct. Staff members at a local restaurant

Ryan McArthur, 37, of Palm Coast is being held at the Volusia County Branch Jail where he was rearrested on Nov. 10.

If convicted of a fentanyl trafficking charge, McArthur faces a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

16-year-old facing robbery charges

A 16-year-old Palm Coast boy has been arrested and is facing felony aggravated assault and battery charges for allegedly repeatedly hitting one man with a gun and then pointing that gun at a second man.

The teenager has been charged with robbery with a firearm, aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The State Attorney’s Office will decide whether to charge the 16-year-old as an adult.

The incident happened just after midnight on Nov. 16 at a home on Pitt Lane, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said. A witness called 911 and said several individuals had entered a home on Pitt Lane and attacked a person inside and that a gun had been fired.

One victim told Flagler deputies that he and a friend had

told Sheriff’s Office deputies that a man began yelling slurs while watching the game, upsetting other customers in the restaurant. The suspect then got into a verbal argument with the man next to him and shoved the man, according to an arrest report.

Other patrons then stood up to intervene, but the suspect shoved them, too, and the other customers began hitting the suspect, the report said.

At around 1 a.m., the suspect refused to leave

driven to the home to pick up a package and were attacked by two masked people. Deputies determined the teenager, one of the masked suspects, had followed the first victim into the home, pistol-whipped him repeatedly and then chased the victim outside.

The victim’s friend, who had remained in the vehicle, told deputies he ran when a man pointed a gun at him from the driver’s side while a women opened the passenger door where the second victim was seated, the press release said.

FCSO deputies investigating the alleged assault determined the teenager stole the first victim’s shoes, cell phone and car keys, the press release said. Major Case Unit detectives and deputies found the victim’s shoes underneath a bed in the home and the car keys in a dirty cat litter box.

When questioned by detectives, the teen said the gun did go off unintentionally when he fell in the grass outside afterward. The teen said he got rid of the gun and fled the scene, deputies said. The teenaged suspect was booked at the county jail before he was turned over to the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. The incident is still under investigation. Email AGossett@flaglersheriff.com.

so an employee physically escorted the suspect out of the restaurant and locked the door behind him. When two other men came up to enter the restaurant, the suspect then got in an argument with them and began recording the bystanders and calling them racial slurs, leading to another physical fight, the report said. Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested the suspect for disorderly conduct. He was cleared by the hospital and taken to the county jail.

Top choice: McGlothlin

Palm Coast will now need to successfully negotiate a contract.

Salary forecast: no more than $250,000.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The Palm Coast City Council has selected Michael McGlothlin as its new city manager.

In a 3-2 ballot vote on Tuesday, Nov. 18, the council selected McGlothlin as their new city manager over candidate David Fraser. Following the cast of the ballot, Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri motioned to appoint McGlothlin to the position, which was approved by the council unanimously. This ends the city’s 20-month tenure without a city manager.

In a stark contrast to last April, when the City Council failed to agree on a city manager candidate, the council was unanimously impressed with both candidates’ in-person interviews. Each member of the council said how lucky they were to have to choose between the two.

“Whoever does not get chosen by this board, it is not because you are not an exceptional candidate,” Councilman Ty Miller said before the vote was cast.

“I agree with you, Councilman Miller. I think we’re really lucky that we came across two very genuine, hard workers who are qualified to do this job, and that will do it well,” Pontieri said. “I think we’re very fortunate to have a hard decision for very good reasons.”

The council has been without a city manager since March 2024, when the council at the

time fired Denise Bevan. Lauren Johnston, Bevan’s assistant city manager, has been holding the position as acting city manager since then. This is the end of a second city manager search Palm Coast has conducted. The first search, through a thirdparty hiring firm, ended in April with the council voting five times between two candidates. Each vote failed 3-2, and the candidates ultimately withdrew from the consideration.

During this second round, the city went through traditional job postings on its own, without the help of a third-party search firm, and the council made it a priority to only promote candidates to the next round of consideration if that candidate had a majority support from the council.

For the ballot votes, each councilperson submitted their choice with their own name also written on the ballot. The vote was 3-2 (Mayor Mike Norris, Councilwoman Pontieri and Councilman Charles Gambaro) for McGlothlin. Miller and Councilman Dave Sullivan voted for Fraser.

The ballot was then followed by a motion to appoint McGlothlin to the position, which the council approved unanimously.

McGlothlin’s employment contract still needs to be negotiated and approved by the City Council. Mayor Mike Norris was appointed as the council liaison to negotiate the contract alongside Attorney Marcus Duffy and Human Resources Manager Regina Fuller.

At a previous meeting, the council directed Fuller to cap the salary negotiations at $250,000, according to Fuller. This doesn’t include benefits.

WHO IS MCGLOTHLIN?

McGlothlin, of Largo, Florida, has almost 40 years of public service experience. He has a master’s degree in business administration from Columbia Southern University. He served in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps and served as a police officer in Fayetteville, North Carolina, for six years.

McGlothlin’s last position was as a city manager in Reddington Shores, Florida. He was terminated from the position in early 2025, after a new city board was elected.

Reddington Shores’ $14 million budget is the largest budget he has managed.

The council invited both Fraser and McGlothlin to tour Palm Coast on Nov. 12 and then conducted in-person interviews with both on Nov. 13. These interviews were open to the public, and are available to view on Palm Coast’s YouTube channel.

During the in-person interviews with McGlothlin and Fraser, McGlothlin said he believes every challenge to be an opportunity.

“Some people will say there’s a definite difference between the two,” he said, “[but] I believe in every single challenge that there exist opportunities to succeed.”

McGlothlin advocated for transparency and communication with constituents and an “open door” policy. He proposed “triaging” the city’s high priority concerns, like residential growth and commercial expansion.

The council members each asked McGlothlin two questions, ranging from homerule, state appropriations, emergency management preparation and response, transparency and growth management.

When it came to addressing growth management, a deep concern for residents, McGlothlin said he would lead a multi-faceted strategy, leveraging existing planning initiatives and balancing economic development while prioritizing infrastructure investment to preserve the city’s natural resources.

McGlothlin pinpointed infrastructure as the most important concern for Palm Coast, and outlined how he would like to use “data-driven planning” and secure diverse funding sources to address areas of concern with the city’s infrastructure.

As a Florida resident, McGlothlin said he is fortunate enough to already have connections in Tallahassee and the state Legislature. Norris said in the meeting that he appreciated McGlothlin’s familiarity with the state Legislature.

Overall, McGlothlin said on Nov. 13 he appreciated the opportunity and that he believed he would be the right

“From what I’ve learned of this team in this community, I don’t think there’s anything that we cannot overcome. It’ll take effort. It’ll take work.

It’ll take dedication.

But I feel that we have limitless chances for high rates of success while working together as a team.”

MICHAEL MCGLOTHLIN Palm Coast’s new city manager

fit for Palm Coast. “From what I’ve learned of this team in this community, I don’t think there’s anything that we cannot overcome,” he said. “It’ll take effort. It’ll take work. It’ll take dedication. But I feel that we have limitless chances for high rates of success while working together as a team.”

Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews. com.

What’s after high school? Career fair engages 800 students

There were 79 tables for students to learn about about career and educational opportunities.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Beach to sell golf course

The 3-2 vote, on Nov. 13, was for a sale of $801,333 of the Ocean Palm Golf Course.

ABBIE PACE

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Flagler Beach Commission has approved the sale of Ocean Palm Golf Course at its Nov. 13 meeting. The commission voted 3-2 to sell the golf course, with Commission Chair James Sherman and Commissioner John Cunningham voting against it. The golf course is being sold to the current lease holder, Ocean Palm Golf Club, LLC for the proposed purchase price of $801,333. Commissioners Rick Belhumeur, Eric Cooley and Scott Spradley voted in favor of selling the course.

“I am a firm believer in government should not be in business that the private sector should be in,” Cooley said, during the city’s Oct. 9 commission meeting. “Our citizens should be running businesses, our government should not be running bait shops, our government should not be running golf courses or bowling alleys or any of that stuff. That’s big government; we don’t want that.” Under the city’s charter, an ordinance must be adopted prior to the sale of the property. The item must also be approved at a second reading in an upcoming commission meeting before it is finalized. The commission last reviewed the sale proposal at its Oct. 9 meeting. It voted 3-2 to sell the golf course, with Sherman and Cunningham opposing the sale. Sherman and Cunningham had said they had concerns of the golf course turning into a housing development.

A letter to Ocean Palm Golf Club owner Jeff Ryan from his lender said the loan is contingent on the ordinance being passed, according to Jay Livingston, the attorney representing Ryan.

Over 800 Flagler County School District juniors and seniors were bused to the second annual College and Career Fair, presented by the Flagler County Education Foundation, on Friday morning, Nov. 14, at the Palm Coast Community Center. In the afternoon, the fair hosted charter-school, home-school and private-school students, who spoke with representatives from colleges and universities, local government agencies and businesses and nonprofits.

“We want them to share in this great experience. We’re less concerned with where they’re being educated.”

LASHAKIA MOORE, Flagler Schools superintendent

“We want to thank our community, the Education Foundation, our families and the city of Palm Coast for allowing us to do this,” Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said.

There were 79 tables in three rooms where the students could speak to career and college experts. The morning session was hectic with the students going table to table to get their “passports” stamped as they engaged with representatives. Students with nine stamps were eligible to win $100 gift cards, said Maryiotti Johnson, the Education Foundation’s assistant director of finance and operations.

The afternoon session was also special, Moore said, giving students outside of the district an opportunity to learn about options that can help shape their future.

“We want them to share in this great experience,” she

said. “We’re less concerned with where they’re being educated.”

The government room, Moore said, was important because it showcased opportunities where students could carve out careers locally.

One of those was Palm Coast Public Works which showcased careers for equipment operators. Employees who start out as ground maintenance workers can earn their commercial driver’s license within six months through in-house training and then train in-house for heavy equipment certification, said Benny Cope, a Palm Coast Public Works specialist.

The department maintains all of the county’s traffic signals and produces all local traffic signs in-house, Cope said.

Mike Baldwin, of Palm Coast Wastewater, educated students in what his department does.

“A lot of people don’t know what we do,” he said. “We have to educate that it’s a good career. Our benefits are good. We like to say we’re everybody’s Plan B.”

Most of the colleges and

DRONE TECH

Seth Cribben, Flagler County’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems coordinator, demonstrated a selection of the department’s drones, including one with a 7.5-foot wingspan that flies along the beach and can calculate how much sand is lost after a storm. Other drones can look for hotspots with infrared in areas of wildfires and locate feral hogs and invasive plants, such as Brazilian pepper trees, for land management, he said.

universities represented at the fair have Central Florida campuses. However, Southern Illinois University also had a table. Mike Stanley, who lives in Jacksonville, goes to college fairs throughout Florida, representing SIU.

“There were a couple of kids who said they can only stay in Florida because of the scholarships here,” Stanley

said. “But I was definitely impressed by the interest.”

Stanley said 25 students in the morning session filled out cards seeking more information about the school.

The U.S. Air Force and Space Force, the U.S. Army, the U.S. Coast Guard and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s ROTC program also had tables.

Students had good questions, Air Force Staff Sgt. Maysun Denhart said.

“They seemed to have a lot more interest in their futures than at other fairs I’ve been to,” she said.

Education Foundation Executive Director Teresa Rizzo said the most popular table in the business and nonprofits room was Chick-fil-A.

“Everybody wants to work there,” she said.

Jamie Viera and Laura Yeomans of the Northeast Florida Educational Consortium talked to students about careers in education. The NEFEC reps also highlighted the McKinney-Vento Program that covers tuition and housing at Florida colleges for students experiencing homelessness.

“We have a budget that we put together for a lender; the bulk of that is site development costs and design and building costs with internal buildout being the second biggest cost,” Livingston said. Ryan deposited $40,000 into an escrow account on Oct. 28, 2025. Ryan and his team are seeking $6 million from their lender. Additionally, the underwriting can begin after the ordinance is approved, following the second reading, according to city meeting documents and presentations.

A Flagler Beach resident took the podium during public comment on Nov. 13 to ask why there was not another bid for the golf course.

“The city never put the golf course up for sale,” Spradley said. “It’s under a lease, and the existing tenants offered to purchase it, so there was never a situation where other bids were entertained, because the city did not put it up for sale.”

Michael McGlothlin is Palm Coast’s new city manager. Photo courtesy of the City of Palm Coast

Between the Flagler Schools and public sessions at the College and Career Fair, the district held a sensory friendly hour for students with special abilities. District officials pose with FPC faculty and students. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Ocean Palm Golf Course, Flagler Beach. Courtesy photo

Judge favors grassroots effort to save Marineland

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The sale of Marineland Dolphin Adventures was an unusual one, U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Laurie Selber Silverstein said in a Nov. 12 hearing regarding the property.

“It isn’t a retail store that you can just shut the doors on one day,” she said to the court. “This is a business which is about animals, engagement with animals, educational research. So the court has to be informed by all of those considerations.”

It was with that perspective that Silverstein ultimately approved the sale of Marineland to #1 Apex Association LLC — a company that has been the face and financial backer for a grassroots effort to keep Marineland open.

Apex Association is owned by Jon and Barbara Rubel, a couple out of Green Cove Springs, Florida. The Rubels bid $7.1 million in the Nov. 11 auction and plan, alongside dolphin expert Jack Kassewitz, to keep Marineland Dolphin Adventure operational. Kassewitz signed on on the condition that former Marineland Park Director Felicia Cook would return to her position as well.

This is the second time the park has gone to auction. At the end of October, the Rubels and Apex petitioned the court to reopen the closed auction, stating the group had not been allowed to participate despite communications with the sellers.

But the work is not finished yet. Despite placing the winning bid, and having it

approved by the court, Apex Association must finalize the sale by Dec. 5, per the terms of the sale agreement with Leisure Investment Holdings LLC.

The date is nonnegotiable, and if Apex does not meet it, the sale will default to the backup bidder, Delightful Development LLC, which also placed a $7.1 million bid.

The debtor’s attorney Paul Keenan said the seller’s team had made it very clear to all the bidders that the closing date will not change. The entire reason for the sale is that Leisure Investment Holdings has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The strict time frame allows the company to complete the sale before the end of the year through a backup bidder if Apex can’t close on the sale, he said.

“The finances of this estate, unfortunately, are in a very precarious position,” Keenan said. “I just wanted to make that abundantly clear here, because, in a lot of situations, especially when it comes to going concern sales, there are issues, and closing dates slip. This one can’t slip.”

A going concern sale means the operations of the sale property will be able to continue without interruption, despite the transfer of ownership.

At the same time Silverstein approved the sale to Apex, she also approved the $500,000 sale and transfer of three dolphins from Marineland to Theater of the Sea, a marine park in Islamorada, Florida.

The three dolphins being transferred are a mother and two siblings: Capri, Soleil and Sandy.

Including those three, Marineland has 17 dolphins, many of which were born at Marineland and a few of which are third-generation Marineland dolphins.

The proposed sale of Marineland brought together many in Flagler County and the surrounding communities to preserve the county’s iconic attraction. Marineland opened first in 1938 as Marine Studios. For the past 80 years, it has since been the site of Hollywood films and made significant contributions to marine science, according to the park’s website.

Silverstein said there was “a clear, clear voice coming from members of the dolphin community” and from the Flagler County community.

She said the court even received letters from Flagler Palm Coast High School students on behalf of the continuing operation of Marineland.

“I appreciate the engagement,” she said.

Pontieri says Norris ‘abdicated’ liaison roles

Mayor asked to return to committees.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri will remain vice mayor for another year. She also said it’s not “appropriate” to reinstate Mayor Mike Norris in commitee liaison roles.

In an annual review of its organizational process following the November General Elections, the Palm Coast City Council elected Pontieri to the position in a 4-1 vote on Nov. 18. Mayor Mike Norris was the dissenting vote.

Pontieri was not the first nomination; Councilman Charles Gambaro first nominated Councilman Ty Miller, but the nomination did not receive a second. Instead, when Councilman Dave Sullivan nominated Pontieri, Miller was quick to second the nomination.

Miller and Gambaro said Pontieri had done an excellent job in the seat thus far.

Following the vice mayor appointments, the council was set to review its committee and board liaison appointments. Norris started the discussion by saying he would like to continue with his appointments on the joint city-county workshop meetings and join the Tourism Development Council and the Flagler County Cultural Council.

“When you decided to abdicate those roles, we had to step in and fill them.”

THERESA

PONTIERI

In the spring, Norris, after being censured and investigated by his fellow council members for violating the city’s charter, announced he would no longer be attending any of the liaison positions. Since then, he has rarely taken the helm of his ceremonial duties as mayor, the job defaulting to Vice Mayor Pontieri.

It was for that reason that Pontieri, who is the current liaison for those two boards, objected to Norris taking over the positions.

“When you decided to abdicate those roles, we had to step in and fill them,” Pontieri said. “I don’t think it’s appropriate at this point.” Pontieri said she is “elbow deep” in projects and initiatives in her primary seats. She did cede to Norris the alternate liaison seat to the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization.

Below are the liaison assignments for 2026:

„ Affordable Housing Advisory Committee: Gambaro

„ Family Life Center: Pontieri

„ Flagler County Cultural Council: Pontieri

„ Flagler County Transportation Disadvantaged Local Coordinating Board: Sullivan

„ Flagler Schools Oversight Committee: Miller, Gambaro

„ Florida Department of Juvenile Justice: Sullivan

„ Joint Cities and County Workshop: Norris, Miller

„ St. Johns River Water Management District: Gambaro

„ Tourist Development Council: Pontieri

„ Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization: Miller; Norris (alternate)

„ Northeast Florida Regional Council: Gambaro

„ Flagler Humane Society Liaison: Pontieri

‘Protecting our city’: Flagler Beach votes 4-1 for Summertown annexation

‘It’s real simple: you don’t annex it ... you have no control,’ Commissioner Eric Cooley said. Summertown was part of Veranda Bay.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

The Flagler Beach City Commission has passed the first of two votes to annex a 540-acre project called Summertown into the city from Flagler County.

Summertown includes property that stretches from State Road 100 to 2 miles south along the west side of John Anderson Highway. Thirty acres of the property is already within city limits, so the application is to annex 514 acres, with supplemental applications to change the property’s zoning and land use. The Summertown project will next go to the state for review and approval and then will return to Flagler Beach for a second vote, with

YOUR TOWN

Seeking toys for Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia

a workshop before the second reading to discuss additional changes.

The commission voted 4-1 to annex, with Commissioner John Cunningham voting against it. Despite the approval, many of the commissioners felt there was more discussion needed before the project could be approved in full.

“I do feel there is more negotiations that need to be done before we fully give this the rubber stamp,” Commission Chair James Sherman said.

As part of the annexation agreement with Flagler Beach, the developer has agreed to limit development to a maximum of 1,640 residential units, 840,000 square feet of nonresidential uses and 250 hotel rooms.

Summertown is one part of what was a 2,700-unit, 900acre development known as Veranda Bay that has been undergoing the annexation process in Flagler Beach for two years. The developer — represented by Ken Belshe in the meeting — broke the massive development into two: Summertown and Veranda Bay.

The Veranda Bay develop-

The Florida Women’s Arts Association is conducting a holiday toy drive, benefitting the Domestic Abuse Council of Volusia County. The toy drive will run through Dec. 15. The gifts should be new and unwrapped, and FLWAA is looking to provide gifts for

ment — 210 acres of land that encompass the east side of John Anderson Highway south of S.R. 100 — has been tabled until the Jan. 22 meeting. That development will be limited to a maximum of 377 residential units, 16,200 square feet of nonresidential uses and a 150 marina berths as part of its annexation agreement with the city.

Flagler Beach is currently just over 2,400 acres in size. Both developments together, if approved, will add 29% to Flagler Beach and potentially double the population in the future.

Flagler Beach commissioners originally asked Belshe to annex the property into Flagler Beach back in early 2024, but the project received major backlash from the public and was eventually tabled after a potential lawsuit over a created enclave.

Commissioner Eric Cooley said despite the work that still needs to be done on the annexation agreement, he would rather Flagler Beach have a say in the direction of the development by annexing it.

“It’s real simple: You don’t

children ranging in age from infants to teenagers.

Donation drop-off boxes are located at:

„ Gallery500, 1870 Victory Circle, Daytona Beach

„ Art Spotlight, 67 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach

„ Green Circle Art, 101 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand

Ormond Beach Lions recognize poster contest winner

The Ormond Beach Lions Club recently announced that Piper Reis, of the Academic

annex it, you’re out,” he said.

“You have no control over anything. You’re not protecting the city. You’re not protecting anything. You’re turning it over to the universe.”

The majority of the other commissioners and Mayor Patti King agreed with Cooley. But the projects, both

Oasis school in Ormond Beach, was the winner of the 2025 International Peace Poster contest.

This year’s contest theme was “Together as One.” Piper’s entry, according to the Lions Club, will move on to the next level to judged alongside other area winners.

Submit your news

What is your club or organization doing in the community? Send stories and photos to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

Veranda Bay and Summertown, have left many residents with concerns, even beyond the the number of rooftops.

Flagler Beach residents urged their commissioners to protect the city’s roadways and water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as Bulow Creek, which abuts the Sum-

mertown property.

The developer has committed to multiple concessions in the name of annexing the project: building out a spine road before constructing a certain number of residential units; using 40% of the property, including some directly around Bulow Creek, as open space; applying additional buffers around the property, including a 100-foot natural buffer around Bulow Creek.

Attorney Michael Chiumento, representing the developers, and Belshe even said they are willing to work with Flagler County to potentially sell the low-lying floodplain portion of the property.

Despite all the moving parts and continued work, the commission moved forward to the next step in the annexation process.

Cooley said annexing the project is about “protecting our city.”

“I will not, at this point, just wash my hands and say, ‘Let’s hope for the best,’” Cooley said. “Let’s hope that boards that do not have our best interests at heart are going to have our best interest at heart.”

The 540-acre Summertown development is highlighted in yellow. Image courtesy of Flagler Beach

Lion Trish Vevera and Piper Reis. Courtesy photos

The project is funded through $10 million in state appropriations and a $3 million match from local funding.

OBSERVER STAFF

Flagler County broke ground on its new fire station and administration building on Nov. 13.

“As our community continues to grow and evolve,” Commission Chair Andy Dance said at the groundbreaking, “this building represents a proactive investment to ensure that our first responders have the space, tools, and technology to respond quickly, train effectively, and operate efficiently.”

The new station will be built at 1600 W. State Road 100 and will be completed in late 2026. The building will be 19,500

YOUR TOWN

Elks’ Veterans Committee donates $2,500

The Palm Coast Elks Lodge Veterans Committee donated $2,500 to Gratitude America during the quarterly Gratitude America Veterans Retreat dinner hosted by the committee on Nov. 8 at the lodge. About 100 were in attendance, including Elks and Gratitude Retreat participants. Gratitude America provides counseling, support programs

square feet in size and have dorm rooms, training and fitness spaces, apparatus bays and administrative offices under one roof.

The project will cost around $13 million to complete, $10 million of which is funded through state appropriations and the remaining funds stemming from a local county match.

State appropriations funding brought the project “from vision to reality,” Dance said.

This is the first fire station in Flagler County that will be built by the Flagler County Commission, Fire Chief Mike Tucker said. Tucker credited the success with the combined efforts of Flagler County’s staff, the commission and the support from state representatives, fellow local elected officials and the support of Flagler County’s residents.

“This is a big day,” he said. “We’re excited for the future.”

and wellness retreats to veterans who are coping with PTSD. Elks Veterans Committee member Sean Reardon and Elks Lodge Exalted Ruler Pete Lehnertz presented the donation to Gratitude America CEO Michael Anthony and the Palm Coast Gratitude America chairman and Elks Veterans Committee member Steve Gallagher. Reardon and Gallagher thanked the Veterans Committee, with Reardon noting that all donations came from the committee’s fundraising efforts and not grants. Anthony shared a video on the programs and efforts of Gratitude America on behalf of veterans with PTSD. He

‘Continuum of care’: New crisis center in Flagler

‘We’re not just breaking ground on a building. We’re building a place where healing begins,’ said SMA’s Andrew Williams.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

With no crisis receiving center in its jurisdiction, Flagler County residents in crisis have historically had to travel when it comes to mental health and substance abuse.

That changes today, said Andrew Williams, SMA

then thanked the Veterans Committee and presented a gift of a large statue of a military figure with the Gratitude America flag.

Cedar Bridge’s Bridging the Gap Golf Tournament

Cedar Bridge Foundation hosted its 2025 Bridging the Gap Golf Tournament at Grand Haven Golf Club. Proceeds directly supported Cedar Bridge Foundation’s social and life-skills training, advocacy and community programs for individuals with unique abilities. The programs help people with autism and develop-

Healthcare’s vice president of Flagler County services.

“This facility completes the continuum of care here in Flagler County,” Williams said. “Prevention, crisis, outpatient, residential and now stabilization, all within one unified system of care.”

The Flagler County Commission and SMA Healthcare leaders broke ground on a future integrated stabilization unit and men’s residential facility on Nov. 18, to be located at 101 Old Haw Creek Road. The facility will be over 23,000 square feet in size and 48 beds in total: 20 for the integrated stabilization unit and 28 for the men’s residential facility.

The facility will function as a 24/7 access point for both law enforcement and the public. According to data from SMA, the Florida’s Northeast region has the second highest involuntary assessment rate, at 8.29 per capita, or over 23,000 people in 2024-2025.

Flagler alone has had over 4,000 involuntary assessments in the past five years,

double the state’s average.

The county also has an average suicide rate of 18.72 per capita, 25% higher than the state’s average, and an average accidental drug overdose rate that is 20% higher than the state’s average, according to SMA’s data.

“Today, we’re not just breaking ground on a building. We’re building a place where healing begins and hope takes root,” Williams said.

SMA Healthcare is a nonprofit that provides comprehensive mental health and substance abuse services in Northeast Florida. In Flagler County, those services include a Crisis Triage and Treatment Unit, the Mobile Crisis Response Team, and primary care services.

The future crisis stabilization unit, and a new men’s residential unit, is the result of a public-private partnership between Flagler County and SMA Healthcare. Fla -

gler County requested and received $10 million in state funding to help build the crisis unit and residential pro-

gram while SMA Healthcare contributed an additional $4 million to the project. The land the facility is being built on is owned by the county.

“Expanding access to behavioral health services in Flagler County is critical,” Commission Chair Leann Pennington said. “Today, residents who need detox services or crisis intervention often have to leave this county to receive it. That distance creates barriers at a time when individuals and families are already in crisis.”

The services will be available to all those in need, regardless of their ability to pay, Pennington said.

“This facility represents ... a stronger behavioral health safety net for our community,” she said.

SMA Healthcare CEO Ivan Cossini said the new facility is just the first step. After it is built, he said, the next step will be getting “all the services funded in a manner that we want to bring to the community.”

mental disabilities build confidence, independence and meaningful community connections.

“This tournament wasn’t just about golf, it was about

building bridges of opportunity,” Dr. Maria Dowling, co-founder of Cedar Bridge Foundation, said in a press release. “Every swing, sponsor, and volunteer helps us con-

tinue life-changing programs that promote independence and engagement.”

About 70 golfers and more than 20 volunteers participated in the tournament.

The Bridging the Gap Golf Tournament benefited the Cedar Bridge Foundation’s programs that empower individuals with special needs. Courtesy photo

SMA Healthcare CEO Ivan Cossini. Photo by Sierra Williams

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Furry outlasts Ramirez for 104 votes, is Flagler School Board’s vice chair

nomination, which Furry had asked her to do several times throughout the night.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It took 104 votes over nine hours before Will Furry emerged as Flagler County School Board’s new vice chair.

The board’s annual reorganization meeting began at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18. It ended at 3 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19. Furry and Lauren Ramirez were deadlocked for 103 votes until Ramirez finally decided to concede, withdrawing her

The board is awaiting Gov. Ron DeSantis to appoint a new School Board member to replace Derek Barrs, who resigned on Sept. 30 to become head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. In the meantime, Flagler Schools has just four board members, making a tie vote possible. On Tuesday evening, and into Wednesday morning, the board went into deadlock a total of 105 times.

First, it took three votes for Christy Chong to be voted in as the board’s new chair, replacing Furry, who had been chairman for the past two years.

Chong was sworn in by Flagler County Judge Andrea

Totten. Furry walked over to Chong and handed her his gavel, and Chong took the chairperson’s seat on the dais, next to Superintendent LaShakia Moore.

Furry had nominated Chong for the chair position. The two have served on the board together for three years. Ramirez and Janie Ruddy each nominated themselves. After two identical votes with Chong receiving two votes (from herself and Furry), and Ramirez and Ruddy each voting for themselves, Ramirez asked Chong if she became chairwoman, would she attend the Florida School Boards Association’s chairmanship training programs and bring back what she learned to the other board members. Chong said she is

planning to do that.

Ramirez has earned 70 FSBA board member training credits during the past year and has been named by the association as an Emerging Leader. She was one of 16 new school board members in Florida this year to earn that distinction.

On the third vote, Ramirez voted for both Chong and herself, giving Chong the necessary three votes to be chair.

With Moore running the reorganization portion of the business meeting, Chong nominated Furry to be vice chair and Ramirez and Ruddy each nominated themselves again.

Chong noted that Furry, who is running for Congress, won’t be running for a second term on the board.

“He’s very strong. He’s been the chair for two years, and I support Mr. Furry to be vice chair. And I’d love to support one of you next year,” Chong said to Ruddy and Ramirez.

Ruddy voted for herself and Ramirez on the second vote.

On the third vote, Ruddy voted only for Ramirez. She would do so through vote No. 104. Moore repeated dozens of times: “We will move forward with consideration of a vice chair. We have two candidates before us.” Each time, the vote was split with Chong and Furry on one side and Ruddy and Ramirez on the other.

Ramirez said this was an opportunity for a new board member to be in a leadership position, “so we can continue growing as a board.”

Furry noted that he was nominated by another board member while Ramirez nominated herself and said Ramirez is not ready for the role.

“In time you can fill that role,” he said. “Now is not the time.”

But two years ago, Furry was a first-year board member running for chair against Colleen Conklin, who had

been on the board for 23 years.

Furry won the position, gaining votes from the two other first-year board members — Chong and Sally Hunt.

“I’m voting for myself,” Ramirez said, “because I know I’m the right person for this role.”

After the 10th vote, Moore recommended that they table the vote for vice chair and bring it forward at a future board meeting. The board agreed to move on with the rest of the business and reconvene the reorganization meeting at the end.

But before that meeting could be reconvened, Patty Wormeck, the district’s chief financial officer, informed the board that after a call to the district’s bond attorney, she was told that not having a full slate of officers for the board’s Leasing Corporation could negatively affect the district’s bond ratings. Traditionally the board chair is selected as the Leasing Corporation’s president and the vice chair is named the corporation’s vice president.

The annual meeting to name the Leasing Corporation’s officers follows the reorganization meeting. So, not having a vice chair would have “real world impact,” Wormeck said.

Board attorney David Delaney said, according to corporation bylaws the board does have discretion to select a different vice president. However, board policy requires that a vice chair be selected before the end of November. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, the board could not agree on a date to reconvene before the end of the month.

Furry said he would not agree to move the vote to another day in any situation.

“Board policy says we need to elect the vice chair tonight,” he said.

At 10 p.m., they voted for vice chair for the 35th time.

Ruddy called for a recess to another day.

“I don’t see how we are going to make progress tonight. I don’t see any movement,” she said.

Vote after vote, Chong and Furry voted aye for Furry and Ruddy and Ramirez voted aye for Ramirez with none of the four board members budging from their position. After midnight, DeLaney suggested a possible timeshare with each candidate taking on the role for half the year. Furry said that would be a “strange precedent.”

“We have to finish this tonight,” Furry said. “We have to. It is our duty.” The vice chair’s role is a limited one, only leading the board meetings if the chair is absent, but neither Furry nor Ramirez were willing to withdraw.

Moore put the vote to a question six times in a row, Nos. 89-94, and then after more fruitless discussion, she repeated the question nine more times: Nos. 95-103.

“This is getting ridiculous,” Chong said. “Are we going to sit here till Thanksgiving?”

But to that point, if Furry and Ramirez were not budging from their positions, neither were Chong or Ruddy. Finally, before vote No. 104, Ramirez relented.

“I know who the right person would be for that role, but if you want to take it,” she said to Furry, “I’ll be fighting for you.”

On the final vote, Ramirez voted nay for both Furry and herself. Delaney said her choices were either to vote for Furry to give him a majority or to withdraw. She withdrew.

After the 41st vote, Chong said she was concerned about everyone’s safety driving home. Soon after, many of the district staff members and the two student board members went home. Only a few in attendance stayed to the end.

Will Furry hands Christy Chong the gavel after Chong was sworn in as the Flagler County School Board’s new chairwoman. Courtesy photo by Don Foley/Flagler Schools

Salty Church expands reach with new coffeehouse ministry

The church’s newest venture, The Boardroom Coffee Co., plans to open Dec. 7, in former LuLu’s spot.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Salty Church, described by its leading pastor as “a staple of faith and community along the coast since 2005,” is celebrating its 20th anniversary with more than reflection — it’s celebrating with expansion.

Founder and lead pastor Robbie O’Brien and his team are transforming the former

NEWS BRIEFS

Nexus Center grand opening and gala: Dec. 4

Flagler County’s Nexus Cen-

ter’s ribbon cutting and Grand Opening Gala that will be held on Thursday, Dec. 4. The ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 4 p.m. at the Nexus Center –the new home of the Bunnell Library and Flagler County Health and Human Services – located at 2199 Commerce Parkway. Tours and events follow from 4:30-7 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be available in the Community Room where a DJ and a 360 photobooth will be set up. Magician Mark Alan will do a show in the Youth Services Program Room and will also do some sleight-of-hand tricks as he strolls through the crowd.

Princess Tiana and Sonic the Hedgehog will delight youngsters in the Children’s Room. There will be video games in the Teen Center. There will be an Ozobot demonstration and button making in the Innovation Lab. Tours will be self-guided with staff ready and available to answer questions.

Wadsworth Skate Park closed

Dec. 3-22 for

upgrades

Wadsworth Skate Park will be closed for about three weeks — Dec. 3-22 — as it undergoes significant upgrades and renovations.

Some 60% of the skate park equipment, such as ramps and grind rails, will be replaced. It will also get a new chainlink fence.

“We will also make necessary concrete repairs,” said Flagler County General Service Director Mike Dickson.

“The adjacent bathroom will also be repainted.”

The cost of the improvements is $240,000.

“This equipment has been well-used, and it shows,” Dickson said. “Our skateboarders, and their parents, will be happy to see the changes.”

Wadsworth Park is located at 2200 Moody Blvd. in Flagler Beach. The remainder or the park will be open during the renovations.

Seasonal maintenance to close two

Palm Coast parks

The City of Palm Coast’s Parks and Recreation department will be closing several facilities beginning Dec. 1, for routine maintenance and seasonal closures, which will include both dog parks and the Splash Pad at James F. Holland Memorial Park, as well as the Indian Trails Sports Complex.

LuLu’s Oceanside Grill, at 30 S. Atlantic Ave., Ormond Beach, into The Boardroom Coffee Co., a new venture designed to blend caffeine, community and connection.

Set to open Dec. 7, the space will function as a coffee shop by day and an extension of the church’s mission throughout the week, offering a relaxed environment where anyone, regardless of belief, can gather.

When weekend services reach capacity, The Boardroom will also double as an overflow venue where guests can watch live worship streamed from across the street.

“Our vision is to become the community’s preferred gathering place,” O’Brien said. “No matter who you are or what you believe, we want it to be a cool spot to hang out. Our mission isn’t to run a business — it’s to create an environment that starts with

coffee and can lead people toward Jesus.”

The name “Boardroom” carries a dual meaning: a nod to both collaborative spaces and the coastal, surf-inspired culture that has shaped Salty Church from the start. Inside,

The maintenance at the Splash Pad includes cleaning and replacing Life Floor tiles, performing chlorinator maintenance, and repainting and making repairs to the pavilion. The Splash Pad will reopen for its 2026 season on March 1.

The dog parks at Holland Park will be closed from Dec. 15-22 to undergo aeration and seeding of the grounds with rye grass seed for the colder weather months.

Similar to the dog parks, the Indian Trails Sports Complex will also undergo its seasonal reseeding transition to ryegrass on its 35 acres of fields and will be closed from Dec. 8 through Jan. 5. Crews have already begun work on this project, applying herbicide and aerating the grounds before adding nutrient-rich green command sand to assist with the process. The four-week closure at the facility will allow the rye seed to germinate and the grass to grow to the necessary 1-2 inches required to ensure optimum durability during the cold season.

“We want to thank the residents and visitors to our facilities for their patience as we work to complete our annual transition process and make our fields play-ready throughout the colder months,” said Recreation Supervisor Joe Higgs. “As our Bermuda grass grows dormant this time of year, this process brings an added layer of protection and quality that allows our fields to be used year-round, which is a big benefit for everyone who visits our fields and facilities.”

Your

Pie, a

fastcasual pizza restaurant, opens in Ormond Beach

guests will find surfboardthemed décor reflecting the beachside roots of the church’s laid-back atmosphere.

According to the Volusia County Property Appraiser, Salty Ministries, Inc. purchased the Lulu’s property for $1.5 million, adding 5,043 square feet of indoor space to its growing ministry footprint.

With six campuses already established across Volusia and Flagler counties — and plans underway for a digital campus — Salty Church continues to ride a wave of growth it says is driven by connection, creativity and community.

As The Boardroom Coffee Co. prepares to pour its first cup, O’Brien said the message behind the expansion remains simple: “Come as you are — and stay for something deeper.”

sha Patel said. “Our goal is to create a place where friends and families can gather, laugh, and enjoy great food together.” Your Pie was founded in Athens,

distributing assets. It’s about protecting your family from stress, confusion, and conflict. Without a current estate plan, your loved ones may face unnecessary court proceedings, delays, or even family disputes that can overshadow their grief. A solid plan—whether it includes a Will, Trust, health care directives, or powers of attorney—provides clarity when your family needs it most. Holidays are also a reminder of how quickly life changes. New marriages, new babies, new diagnoses, and even new homes can all affect your estate planning needs. If your plan hasn’t been reviewed in the last three years—or hasn’t been started at all—Thanksgiving serves as a gentle nudge to get your ducks (or turkeys) in a row. Approach the conversation with warmth, not legalese. Something as simple as, “I want to make sure things are easy for all of you if anything ever happens,” can open the door. Most families are grateful for the transparency. And if the room grows unusually quiet, just reassure everyone that you’re not announcing dramatic news— you’re being responsible. Once the dishes are cleared and leftovers are packed, take the next step: schedule a meeting with an estate planning attorney. A professional can help ensure your documents reflect your goals, comply with Florida law, and protect your family both now and in the future. So this Thanksgiving, enjoy the food, the laughter, and the people who make life meaningful. And while everyone is together, take a moment to talk about the future. Your family will be thankful you did.

taurant offers custom-crafted pizza, oven-fired wings, pasta, sandwiches, salads, gelato,

beer and wine. “We’re excited to bring Your Pie to Ormond Beach,” Mani-

O’Brien with his newest expansion, The Boardroom Coffee Co. Photos by Alexis Miller

The Your Pie Ormond Beach team. Courtesy photo

Friends of A1A host 17th annual Super Scenic Garage Sale

The money raised by the garage sale supports the Friends of A1A’s All American Road projects.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

STAFF WRITER

The 17th annual 150-mile Super Scenic Garage Sale hosted around 400 participants this year.

The Super Scenic Garage Sale is organized by the Friends of A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, a nonprofit that promotes the preservation of A1A. The garage sale took place on Saturday, Nov. 15, and stretched from Jacksonville to Daytona Beach.

“The cities are finding value in doing it,” Garage Sale Coordinator Danielle Anderson said. “They’re providing a service for their residents, and they’re creating exposure for small businesses.”

Between all the community sites, businesses and homes, Anderson said there were close to 200 registered, but many paid a flat rate so multiple groups could participate

Denise Woodward and Sharon Smith at Hammock First Baptist Church garage sale.

Hanky Panky’s in Ormond Beach also participated in the 17th annual Super Scenic Garage Sale. Photos by Hannah Hodge

YOUR NEIGHBORS

No e-quill

Gala raises funds for Josh Crews Creative Writing Project’s student anthology

Over 200 guests, many in storybook costumes, attended the Flagler County Education Foundation’s annual Josh Crews Creative Writing Project Gala on Saturday, Nov. 15 at Channel Side in Palm Coast.

The gala is the primary funding source for the Josh Crews Creative Writing Project, an after-school writing program for Flagler County students in fourth through 12th grade which culminates with the annual studentproduced anthology, “Write On!”

The theme for this year’s gala was “Once Upon a Quill: A Fairytale Night.” The evening included dinner, music and a silent auction for donated gifts from local businesses. The funds raised by the gala cover the costs associated with printing the 2026 anthology.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of the Flagler community,” Education Foundation Executive

Director Teresa Rizzo said in a press release. “The funds raised at ‘Once Upon a Quill’ are the foundation of a lifechanging experience for our young authors. This event ensures that every student who loves to read and write has the opportunity to hold a professionally published book with their name on the cover. That sense of accomplishment is priceless.”

The anthology will be unveiled at a free community “Book Launch” event on April 8, 2026, which will includes selected student authors reading their stories and poems to attendees.

–OBSERVER STAFF

Nina Giuglotto, Diane Vidal, Christine Sullivan, Amanda Swift, Shara Brodsky and Lacy Martin. Courtesy photos

April Koehler and Michelle Bartlome. Photo by Hannah Hodge

Matt Forrest and Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore.

Madison Asbill, Rachel Rogers and daughter, and Stephanie Ellis.

Lauren Johnston and Michelle and Mike Morgan.

Julie and Pete Hald. Courtesy photo

Teresa Rizzo, Maria Lavin-Sanhudo and Carla Cline.

Ryan Andrews and JC Sheffield. Photo by Hannah Hodge

Sara Malta and Theresa Pontieri. Photo by Hannah Hodge

Missy East. Photo by Hannah Hodge

Remembering Melique Joseph’s smile, heart

The recent Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate died on Nov. 4.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Melique Joseph’s educators, mentors, coaches and friends remembered the recent Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate for his ever-present smile and determination and his unwavering support for his family, friends and teammates.

A Celebration of Life was held for Joseph on Saturday, Nov. 15, in a standing-roomonly Worship Center at First Baptist Church of Palm Coast. Joseph died after a sudden illness on Nov. 4, two months short of his 20th birthday. According to his obituary, “Even as a baby Melique was playful and full of joy. Family often talked about how he would always wake up smiling.” He graduated in May of this year from FPC, where he was a three-sport athlete — a defensive lineman on the football team, a shot putter on the track and field team and a regional champion wrestler. Joseph’s obituary said he “was an integral part of the Destined for Greatness Ministries family,” where he served as a video technician and was an adjutant serving in both his local church and within the National Vision Covenant Connection Fellowship.

Following high school, Joseph continued to pursue his goals, obtaining employment in the mental health field and working toward an associate degree at Daytona State Col-

lege, the obituary said. At Joseph’s Celebration for Life, Lisa O’Grady, Joseph’s principal at Imagine School at Town Center, said, “Melique had a joy that could not be taken from him.” His smile revealed “something inside of him that he wanted to give to each and everyone he came in contact with.”

FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet said, “Everybody remembers that grin followed by that smile that said, ‘Don’t be mad at me.’”

Bossardet said Joseph was a little mischievous and could sometimes test your patience, but he always lifted people up.

“He had the ability to take a tough moment and turn it into a shared laugh,” Bossardet said. “You knew his warmth, his honesty and that spark that made him unforgettable.”

FPC wrestling coach David Bossardet said Joseph is on his Mount Rushmore of Flagler wrestlers.

“He was a competitor in every sense of the word,” David Bossardet said. “I learned a lot more from Melique than Melique learned from me.”

O’Grady said, “Melique’s story lives on in how we choose to share the joy he shared with us. If we do that, we honor Melique.”

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, NOV. 20

WILD EDIBLES HIKE:

FORAGE & EXPLORE

NATURE’S BOUNTY

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

Where: Gamble Rogers

Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Hike through Joe Kenner Nature Trail and learn about foraging. The hike will end with a special tasting of tea. Register by calling 386517-2086. Park entry fee.

EIGHTH ANNUAL ‘ALL

THINGS CHRISTMAS’ SALE

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 20 and 21; and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22

Where: Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, 915 North Central Ave., Flagler Beach

Details: This is the church’s major fundraising event, with all proceeds supporting St. Vincent de Paul, Santa Maria Del Mar Conference, with charitable activities to support the community. There will be hundreds of Christmas items at thrift store prices. New merchandise added daily. Raffle baskets also available. Free admission.

RECIPES AND READS

CULINARY LAB: BASIC

COOKING — SAGE

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach

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

Details: Learn all about sage and its uses in this cooking demonstration, presented by library staff. Free program.

ORMOND BEACH AREA

DEMOCRATIC CLUB

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

Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: Attend the November meeting of the Ormond

Beach Area Democratic Club.

Federal, state and local issues will be discussed with available actions to address them. Like-minded guests are welcome to attend. Visit ormondbeachdems.org.

FRIDAY, NOV. 21

EARLY RELEASE PROGRAM

When: 3:30-4 p.m.

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

Details: K-12 students are invited to join the EDC for a presentation on seasonal fall changes. Free program.

STEVE SOLOMON: “FROM BROOKLYN TO BROADWAY”

When: 6:30-9 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast

Details: Spend an evening with Steve Solomon, the author and star of one of the longest running one-man comedies in Broadway’s history, “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish & I’m in Therapy.” Tickets cost $54$64. Visit flaglerauditorium. org.

CRT PRESENTS ‘AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS’

When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21 and 22; and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 23

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B-207, Palm Coast

Details: This play inspired by Jules Vernes’ novel, and adapted by playwright Mark Brown, features five actors playing every part, including an elephant, at a speed that promises to keep audiences gasping and laughing all the way through. Tickets cost $25 for adults and $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast. com.

SATURDAY, NOV. 22

MAGNIFICENT MOTHS

When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Children 5-11 years old are invited to learn about the characteristics and life cycles of moths in a presentation, hands-on activity and a craft project. Space is limited. Call 386-610-0615 to sign up. Free program.

HONEYBEE BUZZ: HEROES OF OUR PLANET, MAKING HONEY HAPPEN

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers

Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Join beekeepers Bill and Barry to learn about bees, which Florida plants benefit them and what it takes to raise bees and harvest honey. Park entry fee applies.

KIX COUNTRY FEST PRESENTS CHASE BRYANT

When: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Fairgrounds, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell

Details: Join the Flagler County Fairgrounds for a day of live country music, presented by Arctic Breeze.

Gates open at 10 a.m. and live music starts at noon. Tickets cost $25 and parking costs $10; portion of proceeds will benefit local charities. There will be food trucks, a kids zone and more. Headliner Chase Bryant will perform at 6 p.m.

‘IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT’ FILM SCREENING

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Cinematique Theater, 242 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach

Details: See Jafar Panahi’s latest Persian film, with English subtitles. Free to the public. Hosted by the Iranian American Society of Daytona Beach. RSVP by Nov. 19 by calling 386-882-1694 or emailing admin@iasdb.org.

FLAGLER FLICKS: ‘WILLY WONKA & THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY’ When: 7 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach Details: Attend a movie in the park. Free event.

AN EVENING WITH ACOUSTIC ALCHEMY

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach Details: See this smooth jazz group, presented by the Regalitos Foundation. Tickets cost $50-$65. Visit ormondbeachperformingartscenter. csstix.com.

MONDAY, NOV. 24

FAMILY TALES: BEARS When: 10 a.m. Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Family Tales is an interactive literacy program designed for children of all ages. Families will enjoy a bear-themed storytime, accompanied with a bear craft.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26

ONE NIGHT OF QUEEN When: 7 p.m.

Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 E. Highway 100, Palm Coast

Details: Relive the iconic hits of Queen as Gary Mullen & The Works present this two-hour tribute concert featuring songs like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions” and more. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets cost $54-$64. Visit flaglerauditorium.org.

THURSDAY, NOV. 27

FEET TO FEAST THANKSGIVING 5K RUN/ WALK When: 7:45-10 a.m.

Where: Daytona State College Palm Coast campus, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway SE Details: Kick off turkey day with a 5K, sponsored by AdventHealth Palm Coast. The race starts at 7:45 a.m. Registration costs $35; student registration is $20. Visit https://runsignup.com/ Race/FL/PalmCoast/FeettoFeast5k.

FRIDAY, NOV. 28

BEACHSIDE ORMOND GARAGE OPEN HOUSE When: 4-7 p.m.

Where: Birthplace of Speed Park, 21 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Attend this open house, hosted by the Motor Racing Heritage Association. Volunteers will be on hand for tours and information. This will take place before the annual Gaslight Parade.

67TH ANNUAL GASLIGHT PARADE When: 7 p.m.

Where: Corner of East Granada Boulevard and Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach Details: Join the Volusia Region Antique Automobile Club of America for

Baliker Gallery, 5928 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: See the works of sculptor Paul Baliker, artist Lorraine Millspaugh and glass artist Rob Stern, all who will be demonstrating. The gallery will contribute 10% of the night’s profits to The Ocean Conservancy.

Melique Joseph. From ewlawson.net/obituary

FOCUS ON FAITH

Temple Beth-El in Ormond welcomes new rabbis

Rabbis Stanton Zamek and Martha Bergadine came to Ormond Beach after 17 years in Hong Kong.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Rabbis Stanton Zamek and Martha Bergadine spent 17 years leading a congregation in Hong Kong. They loved it. But, it was a long way from the place they still considered to be home — the United States. Feeling the call to be closer to family, the husbandand-wife duo started looking for a new congregation. Aug. 1 marked their first day at Temple Beth-El in Ormond Beach. With a membership of just over 200 families, Zamek said Temple Beth-El is a multigenerational congregation with a

CLASS NOTES

Tincher named Flagler’s sunshine state scholar

Matanzas High School’s Ethan Tincher has been selected as the 2026 Sunshine State Scholar from Flagler Schools, and Flagler Palm Coast High’s Suki Liu has been named the district’s alternate.

Each year, Florida’s school districts honor their top 11th graders in the areas of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through the Sunshine State Scholars program. The program will be held March 5-6 in Orlando. Contributions from State Farm and Florida Prepaid College Foundation allowed the Sunshine State Scholar program to provide 43 one-year college scholarships for the 2025 Sunshine State Scholars class.

Ed foundation presents 54 teacher grants

The Flagler County Education Foundation presented 54 teacher grants through its partnership with Beaver Toyota and the matching-grant program from the Consortium of Florida Education Foundations.

The grants were presented with Bucky the Beaver from Beaver Toyota over two days across 11 schools.

“Beaver Toyota’s commitment to matching these funds has exponentially amplified our reach,” the Ed Foundation said in a press release. “These grants empower our educators

long history.

“Temple Beth-El has been an active and important component of this community long before I got here,” Zamek said. “We’re just trying to be good stewards of that legacy.” Zamek, who led United Jewish Congregation of Hong Kong since 2008, was ordained in 1996 by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion. He and Bergadine, the congregation’s director of youth and family services, graduated from the same class. They previously served

in congregations in San Francisco, California and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bergadine is helping with curriculum at Temple Beth El’s Shalom School. She also leads a monthly family service.

Becoming rabbis was a career change for both Zamek and Bergadine. Zamek previously worked as an attorney. Bergadine had worked in advertising.

“I have worked mostly in education, both for kids and adults,” she said. “But I do get the real privilege and honor of also being with people at important points in their lives.”

For example: leading part of Temple Beth El’s High Holy Days in late September and early October. It was the first time Bergadine and Zamek have been able to lead those services together.

As rabbis for almost 30

years, they have participated in recovery work following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in Louisiana, worked with their previous Hong Kong congregation for a new Torah scroll, and been part of numerous baby namings, bat mitzvahs and bar mitzvahs.

Bergadine said that during their time with the congregation in Hong Kong, children that went through the religious education program would often come back from college to visit, sometimes coming to their house for Shabbat dinner. Other times, they would hear from the parents that their child had become president of their college Hillel chapter.

“It’s a really a gift,” Bergadine said. “Those moments when you see that you’ve had an influence or made an impact on someone’s life like that.”

Zamek said both he and

to implement creative, handson learning experiences that directly address student needs and lead to greater achievement.”

The grants cover a wide range of subjects, including STEM initiatives, literacy programs, hands-on career and technical education projects and positive behavior supports.

Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis honors top seniors

The Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club honored the Seniors of the Month from Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas high schools for the months of August, September and October.

Teachers and administration select a student each month for the honor. The students were recognized and awarded a stipend and certificate at the club’s Nov. 12 luncheon meeting.

The students of the month for Matanzas were: Ava Muldoon (August), McKenzie Manhart (September) and Sthefany Cruz Torres (October).

The students of the month for FPC were: Bobby Branton (August), Abigail Blumengarten (September) and Oliva Delgado (October).

Career exploration for VCS students with disabilities

As a result of a partnership with The Able Trust, FUTURES Foundation is expanding a career and postsecondary education exploration program for students with disabilities in eighth to twelfth grade.

The Consortium of Florida Education Foundations, FUTURES Foundation and the Volusia County School’s ESE Department will all support the program, called Futures in Focus. This is an expansion of Project SEARCH, which is for students between the ages of 18-21 who are transitioning from high school and deferred their diplomas. The goal is for students to find competitive employment, according to the school district.

“Our vision is to connect and build capacity to primary caregivers and students in Volusia County to agencies that provide services to help people with disabilities prepare for, secure, and maintain employment by offering individualized support like career counseling, training, assistive technology, and job placement assistance,” a press release stated.

Students will benefit from campus and employer visits,

Bergadine met the “right kind of teachers at the right time” to set them on their journey. They were both inspired by the late Rabbi Mark Shapiro, the longtime rabbi of Congregation B’nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in the Chicago area.

During the High Holy Days, Avinu Malkeinu, a Jewish prayer, is often recited. The prayer translates to “Our God, Our King,” and Zamek said it packs an emotional punch during the High Holy Days.

Shapiro had a way of reading it, Zamek said, that has stuck with him over the years.

“I hear his voice in my head when I do that,” he said.

“That’s who I’m thinking about when I do that.”

Moving from Hong Kong was not easy. Zamek and Bergadine came on a ship with all of their boxes.

The congregation has embraced them, rushing to help them when their new home experienced an emergency roof leak.

“The spirit of this place, the kindness of these people is

of Florida Education Foundations to provide funding that directly benefits Volusia County Schools,” said Shimene Shepard, FUTURES Foundation Executive Director. “Grants like Futures in Focus allow us to connect students and families with meaningful experiences and resources that prepare them for success beyond high school,”

incredible,” Zamek said. The vision for the congregation’s future is one they all need to come up with together — one that blends longtime traditions and new ideas, he said. One thing he has implemented so far is his “One Congregation, One Book” initiative, where he invites as many people as possible to read the same Jewish book over the course of a year, with regular get-togethers to discuss it. This year’s book is “The Story of the Jews” by Simon Shama.

“I came here at a good time because the congregation is at a time of revival,” Zamek said.

“We’re just part of it, but it was already in process. More people joining, new younger families coming in — a new sense of vibrancy. Getting a new rabbi is part of that path.”

moments,” Balgobin said in the press release. “We are proud to stand beside our students as they discover their strengths, build confidence, and take bold steps toward a future of independence and achievement.”

Matanzas student selected for allstate orchestra

career-readiness workshops and connections with the Florida Department of Educational Vocational Rehabilitation, according to a press release.

“FUTURES is proud to partner with the Consortium

Volusia County Schools Superintendent Carmen Balgobin said that through Futures in Focus, “we are opening doors that many students never imagined possible.”

“These experiences, from college tours to career-readiness workshops, are not just activities but life-changing

Matanzas High’s George Biedenbach has been selected to the Florida All-State 9-10 Concert Orchestra. He is Matanzas Director of Bands Ryan Schulz’s first student to be accepted to an auditioned all-state ensemble.

Matanzas’ Ethan Tincher, fourth from left with school and district administrators, is Flagler Schools’ 2026 Sunshine State Scholar. Courtesy photo

Rabbi Stanton Zamek. Courtesy photo

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

REAL ESTATE

Hammock Dunes condo goes for $1.6 million

Acondo at 19 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 501, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for Nov. 1-7 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on Nov. 4, for $1,600,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 4/3.5 and has 3,283 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $1,460,000.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 45 Riverview Bend South, Unit 1917, sold on Nov. 6, for $260,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,115 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $205,000.

A condo at 85 Riverview Bend South, Unit 1515, sold on Nov. 6, for $335,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,586 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $360,000.

A condo at 3 Broadmore Circle, Unit 3, sold on Nov. 5, for $170,000. Built in 1980, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,163 square feet. It sold in 2001 for $72,000.

PALM COAST

Cypress Knoll

A house at 29 Evans Drive sold on Nov. 6, for $395,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,930 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $210,000.

Lehigh Woods

A house at 84 Robinson Drive sold on Nov. 7, for $365,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,981 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $165,900.

A house at 10 Riverview Place sold on Nov. 6, for $277,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,716 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $167,500.

Matanzas Woods

A house at 26 Lindberg Lane sold on Nov. 7, for $350,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,754 square feet.

A house at 10 Lake Charles Lane sold on Nov. 6, for $415,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,454 square feet.

Palm Harbor A house at 29 Fenwood Lane sold on Nov. 7, for $300,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,770 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $176,500.

A house at 16 Cedardale Court sold on Nov. 7, for $530,000. Built in 1986, the

house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift, a boat house and 1,481 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $200,000.

A house at 2 Cleveland Court sold on Nov. 7, for $845,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a boat dock, a hot tub, an outdoor kitchen and 2,963 square feet. It sold

Country Acres home in Ormond Beach: $859K

Ahouse in Country Acres at 3428 Longleaf Road was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Oct. 25-31. The house sold on Oct. 30, for $859,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/4 and has a pool, a spa and 4,332 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $285,000.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 5500 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 104, sold on Oct. 27, for $73,000. Built in 1973, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,214 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $93,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Assessors Ormond Beach

The house at 307 John Anderson Drive sold on Oct. 28, for $800,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 5/4.5 and has two fireplaces, a pool, a spa, and outdoor kitchen and 4,542 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $254,000.

Breakaway Trails

The house at 34 Old Bridge Way sold on Oct. 29, for $791,500. Built in 2001, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchen and 3,185 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $363,240.

Fountain View

The house at 1323 Lawndale Court sold on Oct. 30, for $351,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Ormond Green

The house at 21 Greenvale Drive sold on Oct. 30, for

DAYTONA WEST

Latitude Margaritaville

The townhome at 840 Coral Reef Way sold on Oct. 27, for $440,000. Built in 2022, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,616 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $321,300.

The house at 318 Good Life Way sold on Oct. 30, for $715,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a pool and 2,158 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $413,900.

The townhome at 511 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Oct. 27, for $417,000. Built in 2021, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,464 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $285,000.

$375,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,957 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $205,000.

Ormond Terrace

The house at 460 Andrews St. sold on Oct. 27, for $300,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 2/1.5 and has 1,122 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $269,900.

Ortona Park

The house at 863 Riverside Drive sold on Oct. 28, for $355,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,986 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $140,000.

The house at 75 Harvard Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $330,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,624 square feet. It last sold in 2001 for $114,000.

Plantation Bay

The house at 1332 Sunningdale Lane sold on Oct. 28, for $500,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,920 square feet. It last sold in 2003 for $201,530.

Spring Meadows

The house at 73 Spring Meadows Drive sold on Oct. 27, for $420,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and

The townhome at 949 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Oct. 27, for $555,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $481,200.

The house at 754 Coral Reef Way sold on Oct. 30, for $460,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,558 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $340,500.

Lennar at Preserve at LPGA

The house at 2315 Green Valley St. sold on Oct. 27, for $310,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,487 square feet.

The house at 2296 Green Valley St. sold on Oct. 28, for $332,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,487 square feet.

1,920 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $250,000.

Tomoka Oaks

The house at 55 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on Oct. 30, for $339,900. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace and 2,044 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $216,300.

Trails North Forty

The townhome at 166 Deer Lake Circle sold on Oct. 30, for $280,000. Built in 1986, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,686 square feet. It last sold in 1986 for $83,900.

The townhome at 16 Big Buck Trail sold on Oct. 31, for $285,000. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,664 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $330,000.

Tymber Creek The house at 96 Hollow Branch Crossing sold on Oct. 29, for $462,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool and 1,925 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $499,900.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Coquina Key

The house at 3816 Islamorada Drive sold on Oct. 31, for $630,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,631 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $585,000.

Ormond Oceanside

Estates

The house at 2685 John Anderson Drive sold on Oct. 28, for $665,000. Built in 1965, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool, a spa and 2,768 square feet. It last sold on April 25, for $400,000.

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

The house at 1220 Belle Isle Lane sold on Oct. 29, for $355,239. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/2.5 and has 2,122 square feet.

LPGA

The house at 329 Perfect Drive sold on Oct. 29, for $404,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,106 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $240,000.

Mosaic

A house at 616 Mosaic Blvd. sold on Oct. 27, for $755,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,224 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $740,000.

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

BUSINESS

Ormond women launch children’s clothing store: Doss + The Girls

Inspired and aided by their kids, Melissa Frankel and Shea Williams open store at Ormond Collective.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Ormond Beach residents Melissa Frankel and Shea Williams like to support local businesses, but when it came to finding clothes for their kids, the women found there weren’t many options.

So, they decided to create one.

In September, Frankel and Williams launched Doss + The Girls, a kids’ and tweens’ clothing store. The name was inspired by their children — Williams’ son is named Doss and collectively, the two best friends have four daughters.

“It’s not just about clothing for us,” Frankel said. “It’s about creating connection. It’s giving families a local option, supporting women in business and building something that feels fun, meaningful and rooted right here in Ormond.”

The Doss + The Girls store is located inside Ormond Collective, a boutique located in the downtown at 58 W. Granada Blvd. that hosts over 30 local vendors.

Frankel and Williams first got the idea earlier this year for their brand while spending an afternoon at the Oceanside Country Club pool with their kids. But after hearing that business owner Rayna Dunlop was opening Ormond Collective, Frankel said, “it was all hands on deck.”

“That was our ‘OK, let’s do it. Let’s just jump in headfirst and do it,’” Frankel said.

On Thursday, Nov. 13, the women collaborated with Karen Holmay, owner of Elements of Design, for a pop-up at her store at One Daytona. It was a natural fit, Frankel said — three women business owners collaborating to bring a shopping experience for other moms and daughters.

“Last night reminded us why we love what we do — women supporting women, businesses lifting each other up, and choosing connection over competition,” Elements of Design stated on its Facebook page.

One of the most important

aspects of Doss + The Girls, Frankel said, was teaching their kids to be young entrepreneurs. All of them — Doss, Madi, Lou Lee, Adeline and Marlowe — help their moms pick out pieces, prepare for events and unpack new clothing.

“This is an experience we’re doing with our children,” Frankel said. “Our children are very much a part of this. There’s a picture of them in the store because this is not Shea’s and I’s store. This is our store with our children.” Fashion also happens to be Frankel’s professional background. Before moving to Ormond Beach, she studied fashion, and worked for Fendi and Diane Von Furstenberg. In the past years, she’d grown frustrated at being unable to utilize her degree locally. With Williams being the executive director of local modeling agency Michele & Group, they found they could bring a shared vision to life. “We kept on thinking, ‘Why not us?’” Frankel said. “We wanted to create something that existed here, and we thought we were the perfect people to do it.’”

Madi Williams, Shea Williams, Lou Lee Williams, Doss Williams, Adeline Frankel, Melissa Frankel and Marlowe Frankel. Courtesy photo

Ormond by the Sea – This cozy 2-bedroom, 1-bath home sits just a few blocks from the beach. Enjoy easy living and cool ocean breezes. Priced at $290,000.

SPORTS

‘We’ve

got to keep rolling’

Mainland beats

Middleburg 34-13 in playoff opener

MICHELE MEYERS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It was a happy birthday indeed for Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson who led his team to a 34-13 win over Middleburg in the Region 1-5A quarterfinals on Friday, Nov. 14.

Johnson turned 18 the day the second-seeded Bucs guaranteed themselves a playdate with No. 3 seed Lynn Haven Mosley in the semifinals at Daytona Stadium on Friday, Nov. 21.

Head coach Jerrime “Squatty” Bell was all smiles as he was doused with a celebratory torrent of water following his first quarterfinal win with the Bucs. Last season, Tallahassee Lincoln eliminated Mainland with a 21-0 win in the first round.

“Offense played well. Defense played well. Special teams played well. It was a complete game, again,” Bell said. “We have some things to clean up. We had too many

of those drives, so it was great. It was a good night.”

Middleburg running back

Gino Addison rushed in for the game’s first touchdown, while the Broncos’ defense held the Bucs on downs multiple times and kept them off the scorboard in the first quarter. Addison finished with 89 yards rushing and two touchdowns.

Mainland running back

Braylyn Simmons shifted the trajectory of the game with a rushing touchdown minutes into the second quarter. The Flagler Palm Coast transfer carried the ball 18 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns and caught two passes for 15 yards. All year long, Bell said he has been saying that Simmons is “a special kid.”

“That’s what Braylyn Simmons is,” Bell said. “... Everybody in Flagler County got to see it last year. Everybody in Daytona Beach got to see it his whole youth football career. Tonight, he put it on display for the rest of the state to see. When the ball is in his hands, special things are going to happen.”

Simmons had two more touchdowns that were called back. Wide receiver Kadin

you can call it either way or you don’t call it either way,” Bell said. “We’ve got to make sure we don’t put ourselves in positions to allow them to call stuff like that.Whether we believe it or not, we’ve got to clean it up.”

Johnson threw for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Chris Butler scored on a 52-yard touchdown catch with seconds remaining in the first half. Christian Cooper grabbed a 54-yard pass and sprinted into the end zone in the third quarter. Butler finished with 104 yards receiving, and Cooper snatched five passes for 97 yards.

Cooper’s first year as a

We’ve got to keep rolling. It’s a standard to win round one here, so it’s after Thanksgiving or bust. I’m just ready for the next game and hopefully we get to play all the way to December.” Mosley defeated Lincoln 33-30 in their quarterfinal on Nov. 13. The Dolphins are now 10-1. Quarterback J.P. Holsombake had 260 total yards and one touchdown against Lincoln. Wide receiver Ga’Marcus Halstead had 90 yards teceiving with three touchdowns. The Dolphins’ defense racked up five tackles

for loss and five sacks.

Mainland had seven tackles for loss against Middleburg. With linebackers Dennis “Tank” King III and Tamaj Woodard leading the way on defense, Bell said he is looking forward to the matchup against Mosley.

Woodard led with eight solo tackles, five assists and one tackle for loss. King and Marcus Day each had nine tackles.

“They’re a tough opponent,” Bell said of Mosley.

“I always thought they were probably the second best, most talented team in our region. Whether we are playing in the third round or playing the second round, we have to play a tough team. We’ve been watching them on film throughout the year, and they do some really good stuff. They have a great coach who has turned that program around. They play tough.”

In addition to the Mainland-Mosley matchup, the other Region 1-5A semifinal games Nov. 21 are Ponte Vedra hosting Beachside, Orlando Edgewater hosting Tampa Bay Tech and Lakeland hosting Tampa Gaither.

“Everybody in Flagler County got to see it last year. Everybody in Daytona Beach got to see it his whole youth football career. Tonight he put it on display for the rest of the state to see. When the ball is in his hands, special things are going to happen.”

Mainland running back Braylyn Simmons (6) drags Middleburg linebacker Kadin Hanifen (8) for a first down.

Mainland quarterback Sebastian Johnson (10) throws a pass.

Mainland defensive back Ivan Gaines (bottom) tackles Middleburg wide receiver C.J. Williams (center). Photos by Michele Meyers

54-yard touchdown reception.

JERRIME BELL, on Braylyn Simmons

Matanzas fights to the end in 42-37 loss to Bartram Trail

The Pirates’ season ended with Ladarien Baker’s leaping grab in traffic for a final touchdown.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ladarien Baker ran to the back of the end zone. Surrounded by three defenders, he leaped up to catch a 31-yard touchdown pass. It would be the final play of the season for Matanzas and the final catch of Baker’s high school career.

The Pirates scored two touchdowns in the final minute, including Baker’s grab with no time left, but came up short, 42-37, to Bartram Trail on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the “Ship” in a first-round game in the Florida Invitational

Tournament.

“I thought our guys played really hard. We kept fighting,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said. “We just ran out of time.”

The Pirates ended their season with a 7-4 record. Bartram Trail (4-7) advances to the Class 4A-7A FIT quarterfinals at Tate High on Nov. 20.

The Pirates had won four straight entering the firstyear consolation tournament.

“We knew after we lost to Mainland (on Sept. 25), that we had to win out to get to this point,” Baker said. “I just know we all gave it our hardest. I know none of us left nothing on the field.”

Baker caught two touchdown passes to finish the season with seven TD catches. Quarterback Cole Walker threw four touchdown passes in the game to give him 22 for the season, breaking the Pirates’ single-season record.

He also set the school singleseason passing yards record with 2,387. And he broke his own single-game mark with 329 yards passing.

Walker threw his final pass high enough where only the leaping 6-foot-5 Baker could grab it.

“I knew I could go get it anytime,” Baker said. “Cole just threw it up, and I went to go get it. I just saw the ball in the air, and I jumped over everybody.”

Baker is planning to play college football next year. He has offers from BethuneCookman, Presbyterian and Stetson and is also talking with South Carolina State.

“What a play,” Forrest said of Baker’s final catch. He had a 49-yard touchdown reception earlier in the game and finished the contest with nine catches for 152 yards.

“He’s a phenomenal athlete,

a phenomenal player,” Forrest said. “It shows how far that young man has progressed in our program for four years. I saw him as a JV guy. If things weren’t going his way, he’d get frustrated and, wow, what a senior year for that young man. So, I’m very proud of him and his effort, and what he’s becoming and turning into.”

WILD SECOND HALF

Both teams made mistakes in the game. The Bears fumbled a potential touchdown catch in the second quarter and dropped a wide open pass in the end zone just before halftime to head in the the locker room tied 14-14.

But the turning point came early in the third quarter when a punt snap went over Alex Procek’s head. Procek hesitated as the ball bounced into the end zone and Bartram Trail recovered for a touchdown to go up 20-14.

Procek kicked a 34-yard field goal to close the gap to 20-17 with 1:47 left in the third quarter. But Bartram Trail’s Joel Raggins returned Procek’s ensuing kickoff 87 yards for a touchdown. Bears sophomore quarterback Gavin Peterson ran for 203 yards and three touchdowns in the game and passed for another touchdown. His 17-yard scoring run put the Bears up 42-24 with 3:05 left.

The Pirates tried to come back with two touchdowns in the final minute, including Walker’s 3-yard pass to Thomas Larywon with 46 seconds left.

“As long as there’s time on the clock, there’s an opportunity,” Forrest said. “We were in a bad spot where we’re down multiple possessions,

and we tried two onside kicks and didn’t get them, but came close to getting one. We called timeouts to try to get the ball back and got it (for the final possession).

“It’s not easy to keep fighting when things aren’t going your way,” Forrest added. “So, I am proud of our program. I think that’s a big step. I think if you pay attention to football and how programs progress, that is a giant step against a team that’s a perennial power in Northeast Florida.”

Besides Walker’s two touchdown passes to Baker and one to Larywon, the senior also threw a 30-yard scoring pass to running back Wiley Con ner. Walker played just one sea son for the Pirates.

“One year. I wish it would have been more,” For rest said. “We were still only working at about a 70 to 75% clip (of the team’s

offense), because we had to do things he was comfortable with. He hasn’t even been in our program for a calendar year. But he believed in what we were coaching, he believed in our philosophy and in our players around him. And he did a phenomenal job in distributing the ball. When he was on, it was special, and he was on more times than not.

“And the offensive line did a great job all season protecting him,” Forrest said.

“Between Cole and Wiley, and those four receivers (Baker, Larywon, Jordan Schendorf

“Cole (Walker) just threw it up, and I went to go get it. I just saw the ball in the air, and I jumped over everybody.”

LADARIEN BAKER

Matanzas blocked two Bartram Trail extra-point kicks. Photos by Keishia McLendon

Matanzas defensive back Javonte Patton dives to make the tackle.

Palm Coast star gymnast (also Miss Mainland) signs with D-I Temple U

Kaiya Brown is Palm Coast Gymnastics’ first athlete to sign a full Division I gymnastics scholarship.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Palm Coast Gymnastics held

a celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 12, as Mainland High School senior Kaiya Brown signed a letter of intent to continue her gymnastics career at Temple University.

Brown is the first athlete from the Palm Coast gym to receive a full gymnastics scholarship at a Division I university, Palm Coast Gymnastics owner and coach, Kelly Flagler, said.

“She’s really set the bar for us, which is really exciting for the future of the girls here,” Flagler said.

Brown has been a competitive gymnast since she was 6 years old. When she was 10, she was selected for the TOPS (Talent Opportunity Program) National A Team. She is a multiple state champion, a regional qualifier and an Eastern National Championship qualifier in Level Nine.

“She is very good at all four events,” Flagler said. “She is an all-around strong athlete. She has power, and she has grace. She’s flexible. She tumbles sky high. She vaults sky high. Her release moves are huge on bars. Her form is really good. So, that’s kind of

the package.”

Brown said she’s always wanted to be a collegiate gymnast. “I never wanted to second guess or think that I wasn’t able to reach that goal,” she said. “So, I’ve always been persistent and very deter-

mined, and it really paid off, and I’m really excited to attend Temple.”

Brown went to a gymnastics camp at the Philadelphia university during the summer before her sophomore year of high school. During her official visit, she said she fell in love with the university, the city, the coaches and the team.

“All the girls made me feel so welcomed, and everything about it was just perfect,” she said. “I knew that it was the place for me.”

Brown has worked hard to achieve her dream, but she has not been fixated on one part of her life. At Mainland, she is involved in the Student Government Association, the Student Advisory Team and the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Leadership Team. She is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has taught Bible classes to elementary school students at Calvary Christian. She is dual-enrolled at Daytona State College and will earn her associate degree along with her high school diploma. Last spring she was crowned Miss Mainland. She also has a job and volunteers in her community.

At Palm Coast Gymnastics, she won the Charlie’s Angels Award, which is based on leadership, work ethic, helping out where needed and being a good role model for the younger athletes.

“It’s unbelievable, all she does,” Flagler said. “It shows that she’s learned very good time management. She can handle stress. You can put her in any situation, she’s going to shine.”

Brown was joined at the signing by her parents and younger brother as well as the gym’s other gymnasts, including her longtime friends and teammates, Anna Schwartz and Eva Iannarelli.

Gymnastics was always Kaiya’s choice, her mom, Chairese Brown, said. “Mommy and Me” classes led to young Kaiya wanting to be a competitive gymnast when she was 5, Chairese said.

“My husband and I talked it over, and we said, ‘No. It’s too involved, too much of a commitment for her at such a young age’ — but she was very persistent,” Chairese said.

When they were attending a birthday party at a gymnastics gym in Ormond Beach, Kaiya convinced her mom to sign

her up. They were told that for the first year she would learn skills before she would be able to compete. That plan lasted about 15 minutes into her first class, Chairese said. The head coach had taken Kaiya aside to work on skills, and at the end of the class she told Chairese that they would like Kaiya to compete at their next meet, just two weeks later.

Brown, who joined Palm Coast Gymnastics in 2017, is now a Level 10 gymnast. Her goal this spring is to make the Level 10 nationals.

“That’s been my goal for a while,” she said. “It’s really hard to make it. Our region is super competitive, but I’m going to work really hard this season, and I hope I accomplish that goal.”

Brown plans to major in advertising at Temple. She said she wants to be a positive force for her team and her university.

“I want to make an impact on the team in all the events that I can, and just contribute as much I can to the girls, just being a light,” she said. “I want to be able to represent the Owls with pride.”

Surfers of all skill levels compete in 23rd annual Tommy Tant Memorial

Surfers in pro divisions competed for $12,000 in total prize money, in Flagler Beach.

OBSERVER STAFF

The 23rd Annual Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic was held Nov. 15-16, south of the Flagler Beach pier. The event began as the community’s response to the

loss of local surfer Tommy Tant who died unexpectedly in 1998. It has become one of the longest-running surf contests on the East Coast.

This year’s event featured 19 divisions for all ages and skill levels with pro divisions competing for $12,000 in total prize money. Since its founding, the Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic has raised more than $200,000 for local scholarships, food banks, and The Marfan Foundation, sup-

THE PRO WINNERS

„ Mens pro — 1. Robbie McCormick. 2. Ryan Huckabee.

„ Women’s Pro — 1. Lanea Mons. 2. Georgia Brown.

porting research into connective tissue disorders like the one that affected Tommy.

„ Jr. Pro — 1. Matton Bain. 2. Mako Musilunas. „ Longboard — 1. Saxon Wilson. 2. Shane Konrad. For complete results, go to liveheats.com/ events/422678

The event also featured a memorial paddle-out Sunday afternoon.

Kaiya Brown (second from left) with Palm Coast Gymnastics teammates Anna Schwartz (left) and Eva Iannarelli (right) with Coach Kelly Flagler. Photos by Brent Woronoff Palm Coast Gymnastics athletes celebrate with Kaiya Brown (center) at her signing ceremony. Brown signed a full gymnastics scholarship with Temple University.

Photo by Keishia McLendon

Slaughter sets

FPC

school record

Flagler Palm Coast’s Arianna Slaughter set a school record with a time of 18:17.3 to place fourth at the Region 1-4A cross country meet at Cecil Field Golf Course in Jacksonville. She improved her personal record by 24 seconds.

The Bulldogs’ girls team placed sixth to qualify for the state championships on Saturday, Nov. 22, at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. In addition to Slaughter, FPC’s Anna Grigoruk (13th, 19:01.9) and Audrey Bowman (23rd, 19:39.0) also ran their best times at regionals.

The FPC boys placed ninth in the toughest region in the state and did not qualify as a team for state, but freshman Douglas Seth qualified individually with a personalrecord time of 15:47.0 for 13th place. The Matanzas boys and girls teams and the Seabreeze boys team qualified for the Class 3A state championships Nov. 22 at Apalachee park. The Matanzas girls placed placed fifth at the Region 1-3A meet at Cecil Field.

Sophomore Peyton Cerasi placed third with a time of 18:38.1. Megan Rhee was 22nd with a PR time of 20:21.2. The Matanzas boys were fourth with Blaine Vogel running fifth in 16:12.7, Brant Tarsitano 13th in 16:34.9, Dyland Ciardi 24th in 16:47.1 and Enzo McGovern 29th with a PR time of 16:53.13.

The Seabreeze boys were seventh at the Region 2-3A meet at New Smyrna Beach High, with Hunter Shuler placing 22nd in 17:02.5. At the Region 2-1A meet at Holloway Park in Lakeland, Father Lopez sophomore Lucy Fulton just missed state qualification with a PR time of 21:59 for 20th place. Fulton improved her time by nearly eight minutes from a year ago.

Stiwich 20th at state golf

FPC senior golfer Sophia Stiwich tied for 20th place at the Class 3A state golf championships Nov. 11-12, at Mission Inn Resort at Howeyin-the-Hills, with a 75-76-151. Send sports news to brent@ observerlocalnews.com

Two hugs for Hald, one FPC goal that counts

Isabella Kummernes was dog-tired at the end of the game. Make that Bulldog tired.

“It was a long game, a really long game,” she said. The senior midfielder scored the game’s only goal with about 13 minutes left to give Flagler Palm Coast its fifth consecutive victory, 1-0 over Middleburg on Nov. 12 at Sal Campanella Stadium.

After the goal, Kummernes ran over to the sideline and hugged FPC coach Pete Hald. It was Take 2. Earlier in the second half, she punched in a goal, ran over and hugged Hald, and then discovered it didn’t count.

“They called it offsides, which I didn’t think it was,” Kummernes said. “But the ball never lies, you know, ’cause I scored again.”

Kummernes said the hug was prearranged. She was just glad that she was able to make it count.

“I made a deal that I would hug him if I scored,” she said. “In the DeLand game, we were losing at halftime 1-0, because I cost us a goal. I did not track back, and I started sprinting back and then fouled the girl, and they got a free kick and scored. I scored that game to make up for it, but I felt really bad about it, and I apologized to (Hald) and the team after the game. So, this was my way of showing it again.”

She almost scored another goal a few minutes later, blasting a free kick that bounced off the cross bar.

“Isabella played well,” Hald said.

“She got hit a few times. She gave up some size there, but she played smart, and we needed her to, because that’s where their strength was — in the middle of the field.”

Kummernes said it’s exciting to be undefeated after the first five games.

“We hope to keep it that way all season,” she said. “I think we’re just more glued together in terms of passing and keeping the ball. I think last year we were still scattering around.”

‘AWESOME’ DEFENSE

After a scoreless first half, the Bulldogs played harder in the second half against the Broncos, Hald said.

“We were a little bit more physical. You look at the fouls, warning our players and all that. But I felt that it

was both ways,” Hald said.

Senior goalkeeper Natalie Neal had four saves to achieve her third shutout in five games.

“Our backline played awesome,” Hald said of defenders Eva Sites, Marlee O’Fallon, Laura Hererra and Makayla Barbel.

“Eva Sites was dynamite at centerback. And you got Natalie back there, so I think that gives everybody comfort,” Hald said. “In the first half, they had two opportunities that did not hit frame, but Natalie played them perfectly, cutting the angle. They were good opportunities to score.”

Kummernes now has two goals on the season and 17 in her career. She scored eight goals during her freshman season but has been slowed the past two years with ankle injuries.

“I’m trying to get back to it, get back in shape and get better,” she said. “There’s always work to do.”

Hald said he hopes the game gives Kummernes some confidence moving forward.

“She had one of her better games,” he said. “She needs to have some

positive moments to give herself some momentum.”

Hald is now three wins away from notching his 550th career victory at FPC. The Bulldogs will try to give him win No. 548 on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in a home game against Taylor. When he reaches 550, his whole team will line up to give him hugs.

Clayton signs with JU baseball

Flagler Palm Coast baseball player Marion Clayton signed a national letter-of-intent on Nov. 12 to play baseball next year at Jacksonville University. Clayton led the Bulldogs with a .472 batting average, 3 home runs and 8 RBIs last season.

Sandcrabs’ swimmers excel at state

Four Seabreeze individuals and relays made the A finals at the Class 3A state swimming championships on Nov. 15 in Ocala. Reef McMeeking placed third in the boys 200-yard individual medley with a time of 1:49.59. Kai McMeeking placed sixth in 100 breaststroke in 1:00.03. Noelle Dragstedt placed seventh in the girls 100 butterfly, and the boys 200 medley relay team placed eighth. The Sandcrabs also qualified for the B finals in five events. Kai McMeeking placed 11th in boys 100 freestyle, Laurel Carson placed 14th in girls 100 freestyle, the boys 200 freestyle relay placed 10th, the girls 200 medley relay placed 12th and the

Isabella Kummernes hugs FPC coach Pete Hald as Katherine Ouellette (9) watches. Kummernes ran to the sideline twice to give her coach a hug. The first time, her goal didn’t count. But the second time was after she netted the gamewinner. Photo by Brent Woronoff

FPC’s Eva Sites (16) was “dynamite at centerback,” coach Pete Hald said.

Flagler Palm Coast’s Marion Clayton. Courtesy photo

TRIBUTES

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Double Cemetery Plot For Sale by Private Seller. In Volusia Mem Park EXC Value. Text 540-420-0510 Vintage Coca-Cola Cooler $1000 386-597-2169

Call

ELIZABETH JONES

was

19,

is

in

of

Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the

1769 E

Blvd Ste

The

and

and

Bunnell,

are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is November 20, 2025.

Personal Representative: Fatima Whiffen 23 Clementina Court Palm Coast, Florida 32137

Attorney for Personal Representative: Tyler E. Gustafson, Esq.

Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1049292

Ginn & Patrou, PLLC 460 A1A Beach Blvd. St. Augustine, FL 32080

Telephone: (904) 461-3000

Fax: (844) 730-9828

E-Mail: service@ginnpatrou.com

Secondary E-Mail: tgustafson@ginnpatrou.com November 20, 27, 2025 25-00290G

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000717 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF MICHAEL STEPHEN HOPKINS aka MICHAEL S. HOPKINS, SR. Deceased. The administration of the estate of MICHAEL STEPHEN HOPKINS A/K/A MICHAEL S. HOPKINS, SR., deceased, whose date of death was August 11, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110-0787. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: November 20, 2025. Signed on this 13th day of OCTOBER, 2025. /s/ M. Stephen Hopkins Jr. MICHAEL STEPHEN HOPKINS, JR. Personal Representative 693 East McBee Avenue Greenville, SC 29601 /s/ Robert Kit Korey Robert Kit Korey Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 147787 Korey Law, P.A. 595 W Granada Blvd, Suite A Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Telephone: 386-677-3431 Email: kit@koreylawpa.com

Secondary Email:

of boats, RVs, Semi-trucks and tractor trailers (Application No. SE 2025-07), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. SE 2025-07

REQUESTING APPROVAL OF A SPECIAL EXCEPTION FOR A STORAGE YARD INCLUDING THE PARKING AND STORAGE OF BOATS, RV’S/CAMPERS, SEMI-TRUCKS AND TRACTOR TRAILERS WITHIN THE AG&S ZONING DISTRICT, LOCATED AT 1002 DEEN ROAD. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information for this special exception can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.

NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 7:00 P.M. on the 8th day of December 2025, for the purpose of First Reading of Ordinance 2025-18 before the City Commission, in the Bunnell Administration Complex Chambers Meeting Room, located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

ORDINANCE 2025-18

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA VACATING AND

ABANDONING A SECTION OF ATLAS STREET BETWEEN BLOCKS 221 AND 222, AND A SECTION OF ELEVENTH STREET BETWEEN BLOCKS 222, 223, 225, AND 224, OF THE TOWN OF BUNNELL PLAT AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 1, PAGE 2, IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ATTACHMENT AND INCORPORATION OF EXHIBIT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR RECORDING; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as

FIRST INSERTION

PUBLIC NOTICE Anthemnet Inc proposes the construction of a new 185-foot monopole tower with an overall height of 195 feet, at the approx. vicinity of: 7900 Old Kings Road North, Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida 32137. Coordinates: [Latitude: 29° 38’ 21.99” N, Longitude: 81° 16’ 37.04” W]. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Jessica Cilento, j.cilento@trileaf.com; 407-660-7840; 2600 Maitland Center Parkway, Suite 330, Maitland, Florida 32751. Nov. 20 25-00431F

Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2025-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA PRO -

VIDING FOR THE REZONING OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 0.23± ACRES, BEARING PARCEL ID: 12-12-30-0650000A0-0102 LOCATED AT 325 OLD BRICK ROAD IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “C-2, GENERAL COMMERCIAL & SHOPPING CENTER DISTRICT” TO CITY OF BUNNELL “B-1, BUSINESS DISTRICT”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINSG AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; REPEALING ALL CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR NON-CODIFICATION AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information for this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting.

NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

LIMITS FROM FLAGLER COUNTY “MIXED USE:

TO

OF BUNNELL “COMMERCIAL-MEDIUM”; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATION FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us