Issuu

PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

HANUKKAH BEGINS PAGE 10

VOLUME 12, NO. 44

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Becoming the boss The pandemic entrepreneurs: Locals become business owners as COVID-19 shifts the economy PAGE 3

INSIDE DISTRICT SWAP

City Councilman Victor Barbosa to challenge Joe Mullins for County Commission seat PAGE 4

ART IN THE WATER Reflections that make an impression: A Palm Coast photographer’s journey for truth PAGE 15

WOOD TO ERAU

Matanzas softball pitcher Emma Wood signs with Embry-Riddle PAGE 17

William, Michael, Jadelise and Elaina

Photos by Brian McMillan

Return of a S Palm Coast tradition

BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

ix-year-old Lucy Sabatini has a special job at her house: Every night, she turns on the Christ-

mas lights. So when the pressure was on — when hundreds of residents, the mayor, the sheriff and even Santa were watching — she was the obvious choice

DARLENE LOVE PERFORMS DEC. 11

In one of the biggest shows of the year at the Flagler Auditorium, Grammy-winner and Rock and Roll Hall-ofFamer Darlene Love will be on the stage for a Christmas special on Dec. 11 PAGE 14

to flip the oversized switch at the Palm

Shannon Martin and Lucy Sabatini

Lighting up Town Center, as a community

Fight to the finish THIS WEEKEND First Friday kicks off Flagler Beach’s festivities at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Veterans Park, with live music. The pier lighting will be at 6 p.m.; free 3D glasses will be available at the pier bait shop. The annual parade begins with Santa skydiving to the beach at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade is hosted by Flagler Beach Rotary. See Page 5 for details on the State Road A1A detours for the parade.

Matanzas battles to the buzzer in overtime loss to Father Lopez. PAGE 16

Coast Tree Lighting festival Nov. 27, at Town Center.

Bon Bon, played by Rhiley Albin, of Palm Coast.

Photo courtesy of Michael Cairns

Palm Coasters in ‘Nutcracker’ JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

INDEX

Briefs................. PAGE 5, 8 Business...............PAGE 18 Calendar...............PAGE 12 Cops Corner.......... PAGE 8 Letters................... PAGE 6 Real Estate...........PAGE 19 Veterans................ PAGE 6

SEE PALM PAGE 2

Matanzas guard Chris Roberts drives on Isaiah Yaryan (5).

Photo by Brent Woronoff

For a quarter of a century, the Volusia Civic Ballet has been a presence in the community during the holidays, and this year is no exception. Celebrating 25 years, the nonprofit organization is presenting three performances of “The Nutcracker” ballet

at the Peabody Auditorium, located at 600 Auditorium Blvd., on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 4 and 5. Featuring a cast of over 90 performers from 13 participating dance studios, and joined by professional guests from the Cincinnati Ballet, this year’s production showcases choreSEE VOLUSIA PAGE 11

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Palm Coast tree lights up Town Center

ExploreConnect Play

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

with Parks & Recreation

Featured

The Holiday Light Fight is back and brighter than ever! Get your house on the map and enter the competition at palmcoast.gov/events.

Photos by Brian McMillan

Santa made appearance for free photos.

Hayden, Lauren and August Jaussi.

Three to See

Graison Robinson, Stephanie Matthews, Skyler Robinson, Joe Matthews and Amara Asciutto

Starlight Festival

Saturday, Dec. 11 Kristi and Ryan Phillips, with Kylynn and Rylee

Jeanette Loftus and Fantasy Lights founder Bill Butler

Lucy, who is the daughter of city employee Shannon Martin, said in a post-switchflipping interview that she wants stuffed animals and slime for Christmas, but she won’t play with them at the same time. The city event, including the return of Santa’s Village, also marked the first night of the Rotary Club’s 16th-annual Fantasy Lights, inspired by Bill Butler. Dozens

Brunch with Santa Sponsored by Florida Health Care Plans

Friday, Dec. 17

of displays light up the lake at Central Park from 6:30 to 9 nightly till Dec. 30. The tree lighting ceremony, which was canceled last year due to the pandemic, symbolized a return to “normal life” for some residents. “We come to the tree lighting every year,” Mark Rivera said. “It’s a tradition.” Rachel Harbeck, who has lived in Palm Coast for eight years, added, “It gives everybody a break from all the madness. It’s good to see the community coming out of their shell and feeling normal again.” Another resident, Anthony, danced with his children in front of the tree, in matching plaid shirts. “We love it,” he said, referring to the Fantasy Lights festival. “This is something we do every weekend. At this point, at my age, watching them be happy is what gives me joy in my life.” Kristi Phillips also attended the event with her family. “It means a lot to come back and see people not be so afraid.” The Thanksgiving weekend was memorable for Stephanie Matthews, who attended with her grandchildren, after missing out on seeing them last year due to the pandemic. “We’ve been locked away for almost two years,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see the community here enjoying themselves.”

THE MAGIC CONTINUES Rotary Club’s 16thannual Fantasy Lights Festival features 50 animated light displays around the Central Park lake. It continues 6:30 to 9 nightly through Dec. 30. Admission is free, but donations to support Rotary’s service work are accepted. Fantasy Lights is a self-guided walking tour that also includes festive live and broadcast music, Santa’s Village, and holiday refreshments available for purchase. Visit www.flaglerrotary. org.

Jack Frostivities Holiday Break Camp Begins

Monday, Dec. 20 For more information and to register, visit parksandrec.fun

369282-1

Winter/Spring programs are open for registration!

369276-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The pandemic entrepreneurs Locals become business owners as COVID-19 shifts the economy. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

COVID-19 has made the past year and a half difficult for restaurants. But in the midst of the pandemic, Mike Wehde and his family, who already own the Waffle Cone ice cream shop in Flagler Beach, decided to create a new one. “We had a lot of walk-up traffic, so about a year into the pandemic, my son from San Francisco moved back,” Mike Wehde said. “His strategy, working with us, was to create another takeout place: outdoor seating, outside, in the safe air. ... Holly and I were very entrepreneurial, so why not make the most of a pandemic?” And so, about half a year ago, the family created the Sunshine Crepes & Bubble Bar, at 111 S. Fourth St. in Flagler Beach. Wehde and his wife, Holly, own the business, and their sons, Dillon and Dakota, are general managers. Dillon Wehde had been a photographer shooting weddings and product photography in San Francisco when the pandemic cut back his wedding photography work, he said. So Dillon came back to Flagler County, where he’d grown up, and got to work with his family renovating the shopfront that would become Sunshine Crepes. Locals were welcoming of the soon-to-be restaurant, he said. “The whole time we were trying to do those renovations, people would just walk in and say, ‘Are you guys open yet? We’re so excited!’ These small businesses are what people love in Flagler,” he said. “We have relationships with other business owners that would be, technically, our competition, and we’re friends with them. ... It’s amazing to have that camaraderie.”

“One patient turned into two, and two turned into 10, and it’s been going strong ever since.” Dr. MICHAEL LYNCH, physical therapist

NEW BUSINESS OWNERS

The Wehdes aren’t alone: Many locals who lost regular work or found their lives in other ways upended during the pandemic have reacted by forming their own small businesses. In Palm Coast, the city government’s business tax receipt records bear this out. Starting in 2020, there was an uptick in the number of new local businesses, including small homebased ones. Then there was another spike in 2021. The rise in new business tax receipts, measured from January through October annually so that this year’s numbers can be compared with previous years,’ showed a gradual rise from 97 in 2015 to 212 in 2019. But the numbers rose to 266 in 2020, then to 467 this year. A look solely at home-based businesses showed a similar pattern, with a rise from 46 in the period of January to October 2015 to 114 in the same period of 2019. In 2020, the trend continued with a rise to 136; in 2021, it rose to 266. Greg Blosé, president and CEO of the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce, has noted the trend. Although people haven’t been returning to conventional work at the rate expected since pandemic stimulus payments ended, he said, there are many ways for workers who’ve lost their jobs to make up the income. “There are different, alternative types of work for you to continue to earn the type of living that you did before the pandemic,” he said. Some people have turned to Uber, DoorDash, and other independent contractor gig work, making their own hours, while others go out on their own, he said. “I’ve seen a lot of that in Flagler County,” Blosé said. “A lot of these super small businesses — oneemployee deals.” A PIVOT

Elizabeth Owens’ path fits that pattern. She’d been working at the Palm Coast Walmart, and her husband had worked for Coca Cola, when the pandemic hit. His hours were reduced. She was seeing people laid off. Then, last November, she saw an ad for an ice cream truck. “And I was like, ‘I want this — I need this,’” she said. The family renovated the truck in their driveway until spring — redoing the floors, painting it, adding an extra freezer. “Totally did a 360 on it, and we started taking it out,” she said. Owens usually starts in Palm Coast with her husband, then works her way north selling ice cream until she gets toward St. Augustine, where she’s been storing the truck. If not for the pandemic, she said, she probably wouldn’t have started her own business. Now, she’s looking into getting two more trucks by next summer. Her children, ages 9 and 5, have learned something, too. “It’s taught my kids about entrepreneurial business,” she said. Her 9-year-old son has been wanting to start his own business

“Outdoor seating, outside, in the safe air. ... Holly and I were very entrepreneurial, so why not make the most of a pandemic?”

Mike Wehde and Holly Wehde.

MIKE WEHDE, Sunshine Crepes & Bubble Bar

selling light-up toys like light wands. “He came to us with a whole business plan,” she said. Like Owens, Dr. Michael Lynch formed his own business after COVID-19 threatened his income. But unlike ice cream salesmanship, Lynch’s field isn’t so socialdistance friendly: Lynch is a physical therapist. He was working for a home health company when the pandemic began, and appointments plummeted. He knew that some patients were avoiding physical therapy because they were concerned about potential COVID-19 exposure. He believed he could reassure them. And he has, offering in-home physical therapy with his new business Mobile Therapy Services. He wears an N-95 mask, doublemasks, and in some cases adds a face shield. Some patients prefer to see him take a COVID test in front of them and then wait until it comes back negative before he enters their home. “I probably get COVID tested, on an average week, three to five times, sometimes twice in one day,” he said. “Rapid tests — lots of them. ... One patient turned into two, and two turned into 10, and it’s been going strong ever since,” he said. Lynch, an Ormond-by-the-Sea resident, serves Flagler County and Volusia County. That’s sometimes meant long days, with 100-some miles of driving and 10-12 patients. But, he said, “I’m definitely in a better position than a lot of business people, because I can be mobile.” CHALLENGES

The uncertainties of the pandemic can make business planning tough. For instance, Lynch just bought a specialized laser for use in his therapy practice — a major expense.

Dru and Kelly Williams and Kevin Scott Freeland.

“It’s a huge risk doing that, because now we have a new [COVID-19] variant that might shut everything down again,” Lynch said. “It’s a nerve-wracking time to invest in your business.” Owens saw delays getting paperwork approved, and found it tough to schedule a health inspector to inspect the ice cream truck. The Wehdes have had trouble finding workers and have been fighting supply chain issues. Dillon Wehde scours Amazon. com and other website for supplies daily, and has sometimes sent staff members running to Publix to grab ingredients. It’s been especially tough with the bubble tea, since ingredients come from Asia, he said. “It’s constant,” Dillon Wehde said. “Every day I look online. ... I’m just constantly looking at different sites. You’re trying to buy months in advance. It gets pretty tricky.” FRESH AIR

Dru Williams opened his business during the pandemic, but not because of it. Like Owens and the Wehdes, though, his business is social-distance friendly, and he was able to move forward with it despite the

500 “There are different, alternative types of work for you to continue to earn the type of living that you did before the pandemic.” GREG BLOSÉ, president and CEO, Palm CoastFlagler Regional Chamber of Commerce

450 400 350 300 250

NEW BUSINESSES IN FLAGLER COUNTY

All new businesses New home-based businesses

200

266

203

266

212

157 136

133

100 50

467

New business tax receipts in Flagler County between 2015 and 2021, from January through October of each year, show that locals have been forming their own businesses, many of them home-based, during the pandemic.

150

100

114

73 46

2015

2016

Photos by Jonathan Simmons

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

“I think it was a relief for a lot of people to get out on the water and see the dolphins and the manatees and not have to worry about wearing a mask inside, and who you’re going to offend.” DRU WILLIAMS, Crescent WaterSports

upheaval caused in the economy by COVID-19. Williams had started planning to form a small business offering boat charters and boat, jet ski and paddle board rentals after he and his wife, Kelly, decided to move to Palm Coast from South Carolina to take care of Kelly’s mother, who has Alzheimer’s. The move from Charleston meant leaving his position at a boat dealership there and finding new work. He bought some boats before he left, and arrived in Palm Coast in March 2020 — just as things were shutting down and restaurants were switching to takeout only. “It was just such an incredible time — nobody knew what to do,” Dru Williams said. But it worked out for his new business, Crescent WaterSports. “Being on a boat is about as much social distancing as you can do, and with everything shutting down, I think it was a relief for a lot of people to get out on the water and see the dolphins and the manatees and not have to worry about wearing a mask inside, and who you’re going to offend,” he said. He has regulars who book every three weeks, which helped the fledgling business in its first few months. “Really, that’s kind of what made us get through,” he said. “And then when summer hit … our boat rental business started doing extremely well.” The Wehdes have also noticed that people are eager to get out in the open air with friends and family. “People are so happy to get out and eat outside,” Mike Wehde said. “It’s been beautiful weather, and it creates a lot of smiles.”

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

CITY WATCH

Councilman Barbosa challenges Mullins for County Commission Palm Coast District 2 City Councilman Victor Barbosa is dropping his bid for the District 2 Flagler County Commission seat held by Greg Hansen, and will instead challenge Commissioner Joe Mullins for the County Commission District 4 seat that encompasses Bunnell and much of western Flagler County. Barbosa will need to move out of Palm Coast if elected to the County Commission District 4 seat in the upcoming 2022 elections, as the District 4 seat, unlike the District 2 seat, does not include Palm Coast. Barbosa announced the switch in a video posted on his Facebook page the afternoon of Monday, Nov. 29. He opened his video by saying he’d just left the county elections office. “Some of you know I’ve been building modular homes out west in Bunnell, and I fell in love with it,” he said. “I mean, it’s beautiful out there — country — and I love it.” He said his father had surprised him by gifting him a house there. “So today, I decided to switch seats for the 2022 election,” he said. “I will be running for commissioner for District 4. I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done out west in Bunnell. I feel like they’re the forgotten city, and hopefully I could do a lot of good out there.” Barbosa told the Palm Coast Observer that his priorities include

JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

“I think there’s a lot of work that needs to be done out west in Bunnell. I feel like they’re the forgotten city, and hopefully I could do a lot of good out there.” VICTOR BARBOSA, Palm Coast city councilman, on why he hopes to serve on the County Commission

City wins national award for Indian Trails Sports Complex

Victor Barbosa

Joe Mullins

improved water service options for the west side, more paved roads and supporting the county’s farmers. He said he expects to have a small farm in Bunnell, on a couple of acres, and plans to move even if he doesn’t win the commission race. “I have been thinking about it for a while,” he said. “ I’m excited and can’t wait. ... I’m sad I won’t be able to move there till November 2022.” His new home is almost finished, he said, and he’ll next be working on the layout of the farm.

to close other areas of the sports complex, so the four baseball and four soccer fields stayed open during construction, according to the news release. “One way that the Public Works Department developed innovative budgeting solutions for this project was to eliminate unnecessary soil disposal and the need to source quality dirt for the infields,” Public Works Director Matthew Mancill said, according to the news release. “The crew was able to take the dirt from digging out the fields, screened it, and then reused it to grade the new baseball fields. This process alone saved the taxpayers well over $20,000.”

friendly. He pushed his fellow council members to revoke the city’s ban on the overnight parking of vehicles with commercial signage in residential driveways, saying relaxing the restriction would be a way to make small business owners’ and workers’ lives a bit easier during the pandemic. (The council voted 3-2 against changing the rule.) He’s opposed attempts to rezone land from a commercial or industrial designation to a residential designation, saying that Palm Coast needs more industry to relieve the tax burden on residents. One other candidate has registered for the District 4 County Commission race: Jane Gentile-Youd, who ran against Mullins in 2018 as a noparty affiliation candidate, but was defeated. No one else has yet filed to run against Hansen for the District 2 County Commission seat. One person, local pastor Sims Jones, has filed to run for the District 2 Palm Coast City Council seat that Barbosa will be vacating. Two people, Fernando Melendez and Stephen Earl Swarner, have filed to run for the District 4 Palm Coast City Council seat held by Councilman Eddie Branquinho, who has said that at this point he does not expect to run for re-election.

Courtesy photo

Meet the Public Works crew. Back row: Danny Bastos and Jamie Raposo; front: John Bento, Ricardo Defreitas, crew leader James Parker and Fileberto Padilla

369275-1

The American Public Works Association announced at its Florida Chapter meeting on Nov. 5 that the Palm Coast Public Works Department has been awarded the APWA 2020 Public Works Project of the Year Award (for projects under $5 million) for the expansion of the city’s Indian Trails Sports Complex Baseball Fields, according to a city of Palm Coast news release. The project had been prompted by the Palm Coast Little League, which had outgrown the existing fields; the Palm Coast City Council reacted by

authorizing a project to convert two soccer fields at the sports complex into additional baseball fields. “The Public Works Department regrouped to accomplish the task and completed the project above expectations and below budget,” Interim City Manager Denise Bevan said, according to the news release. “We’re so proud of their hard work and effort on this project, and it is so nice to see them being recognized with such a prestigious honor.” The city’s Special Projects team led the effort, using rotating schedules to keep staff safe during the pandemic. The city finished the project in October 2020 without needing

He plans to grow fruit trees and vegetables and keep cows, pigs, goats, chickens and ducks, he said. “We also have commercial land out there, and I have been thinking of a second ManCave barbershop for a while,” he added. Barbosa is owner of the ManCave barbershop on Palm Harbor Village Way. By switching districts, Barbosa will be facing Mullins, the county commissioner who was selected as the commission’s chairman in a 3-2 vote this year, and, as chairman, may be particularly visible to residents in the coming months leading up to the election, as the chairman often represents the board at public events. Mullins has presented himself as a champion of the county’s west side, pushing for the expansion of regular mosquito spraying services to Daytona North and for greater internet access out west. The county is planning to use American Rescue Plan Act money to extend broadband internet access to homes there. Mullins has also been involved in controversy and was criticized by former chairman Donald O’Brien for his social media activity, which inspired many to protest Mullins’ election as chairman. As a city councilman, Barbosa has advocated for initiatives he’s said would make the city more business-

In God, We Trust

EST. 1981

Roof Repairs & Re-Roofs:

Owner: Stephen M. Rende Licensed & Insured CCC058058

386.439.7156

stephenmrende@yahoo.com

369278-1

• Free Estimates • PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

369434-1

Shingle, Metal & Tile

Visit our office at 20 Airport Rd. Unit B2, Palm Coast

www.AdamsCameron.com

Advertising Nationally and Internationally

Under Contract

Sold

Selling or Buying, Give VACANT LOT

us a call for

This commercial property is Under Contract! We serve the Business community AND Residential Community!

Vacant Lot ready for your new home! Land isn’t getting cheaper! Buy now/ build now!

the latest

MLS#272052

MLS#268851

MLS#268079

Call for more details! 386-445-5595

2 LOTS

TURNKEY BUSINESS

2/2 Condo across from the ocean, this one went FAST! If you are looking to sell anytime in the next year, give us a call! We have buyers waiting! MLS# 271353

Just reduced! Two lots side by side must be bought together and you can build your duplex / live on one side / rent the other! Golf Community! MLS#271560/MLS 271561

Commercial Turn Key Business For Sale!

Call for more details! 386-445-5595

CALL

Alicia Delgado 386-214-7573

CALL

market information!

CALL

Sonia Nick Melinda Taska Sousa Fugit 850-543-8965 386-264-1630 386-986-5020

369262-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Weighing options for July 4 fireworks Hutson proposal could lead to ‘We’re doing everything we can to take care of the problems that make fireworks unappetizing,’ Scott Spradley said. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

A committee created to study options for this year’s city of Flagler Beach July 4 celebration will likely recommend that a fireworks show proceed, but suggest a shorter parade, an increased effort to fight underage drinking, and a fee for shuttle transportation between the beach and the mainland. “The thought is to have a more organized, family-friendly kind of a day, laid out, advertised in advance,” committee chairman Scott Spradley told Flagler Beach city commissioners at a Nov. 18 commission meeting. The committee had been formed amid concerns about whether the city should continue to hold its longrunning fireworks show this year. Flagler Beach and Palm Coast both canceled last year’s fireworks shows because of COVID-19 safety concerns. Spradley told commissioners at the Nov. 18 meeting that the committee’s focus has become less about whether to have fireworks this year, and more about how to have them. That means preventing the problems that make the fireworks event

“The thought is to have a more organized, family-friendly kind of a day, laid out, advertised in advance.” SCOTT SPRADLEY, committee chairman

lawsuits against cities, counties

“I don’t think, for anybody, it’s even been really about the fireworks; it’s about what comes with it — the all-day drunk fest and the fights and everything.”

The proposal would let businesses sue governments if ordinances cause at least 15% losses of revenue or profits. JIM SAUNDERS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

ERIC COOLEY, City Commission chairman File photo

unappealing for some, he said. “If we can get that under control and make it safer, make ingress and egress easier and make parking something accommodating, then it may be ... that the fireworks, as scheduled, is something that can be done and it would be a lot less unappetizing,” he said. The committee has met five times so far and will be ready to make recommendations before the end of the year, he said. It spent its first few meetings identifying problems. “It was pretty quick that we came to the conclusion that traffic, parking and overall safety ... are the three primary challenges,” Spradley said. “The population on the island that day is phenomenal.” As in recent years, he said, a traffic plan will direct people north or south on State Road A1A after the event, depending on whether they came from north or south of State Road 100. The city may also call in helicopter assistance. The committee will recommend that the city continue its use of shuttles to ferry people from the mainland to the beach, but may advise that the city begin charging people for the shuttle ride, which has been free in the past. “The analogy that we talked about was, it’s quite common to go to St.

BUY • SELL • TRADE

Augustine for the day and drop a $20 bill at the parking garage, so why not charge to get over here and back?” Spradley said. There could be multiple fee options depending on whether people plan to head back and forth throughout the day or just come east once and then head back west later. There will be more parking options this year on the west side of the bridge: Parking at Boston Whaler, Babcock Furniture and other businesses will add about 730 spots, Spradley said. As for the parade, Spradley said, there’s been one common resident complaint. “One thing that we hear is that the parade is just too long — particularly on election years,” he said. The committee might suggest adding a cap on the number of parade entries, he said. And to make the event more welcoming for families, he said, the committee will plan a slate of family-friendly events and look at ways to crack down on underage drinking, and publicize the fact that it will be doing so. Police Chief Matt Doughney, Spradley said, has suggested the possibility of bringing in other law enforcement agencies to patrol. Email jonathan@palmcoastobserver.come.

In a proposal drawing heavy fire from local governments, a Senate committee on Nov. 30 approved a measure that could lead to cities and counties facing lawsuits because of decisions that lead to reduced revenue or profits for businesses. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 7-4 to back the proposal (SB 620), which would let businesses sue if local ordinances cause at least 15% losses of revenue or profits. The bill would apply to businesses that have been operating at least three years. Sponsor Travis Hutson, who represents Flagler County in the Senate, said the requirements of at least 15% losses and three years in business create a “pretty high threshold.” He said the bill would give the businesses an avenue to recover revenue.

BRIEFS 2021 Holiday at the Beach traffic plan includes A1A detour Traffic will be detoured for about two hours for the upcoming “Holiday at the Beach” parade in Flagler Beach. This year’s parade is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4. The parade will occur on State Road A1A; detours will be in place on A1A at North 10th Street and South Seventh Street. Officers and

“It’s to give the businesses that may be hard-working and can’t show up at the county council or the county commission that are getting affected what, I think, is severely 15% … they’re getting hammered by an ordinance and right now, the government’s just saying, ‘Sorry this is what we’re doing,’” Hutson said. But Seminole County Commissioner Lee Constantine, a former state senator, said the bill would have a “chilling effect” on the ability of local officials to address concerns of residents and would drive up costs. “This bill, in essence, takes away our legislative powers — what we’re voted to do, just like you are — to take care of local problems,” Constantine said to senators. The proposal came after years of lawmakers considering — and often passing — bills to take away decision-making powers from local governments on everything from ride-sharing services to regulation of sunscreen. The so-called “pre-emption” bills have often been prompted by specific local situations. With his bill, Hutson said he wants to curb pre-emption fights in the Legislature and have disputes resolved at the local level.

volunteers detour route to expedite traffic flow. Eastbound traffic on State Road 100 can access businesses between Flagler Avenue and Central Avenue, but will not be afforded access to A1A. Eastbound traffic on S.R. 100 that wants to travel north onto A1A should turn left onto North Flagler Avenue and follow the detour route. Eastbound traffic on S.R. 100 that wants to travel southbound on A1A toward Ormond Beach should turn right onto South Flagler Avenue and follow the detour route. The established detours are designed to avoid eastbound traffic toward A1A to protect the parade route and its participants.

Integrity, Honesty & Knowledgeable Service Hard Asset Management ˜ Since 1963 ˜

Northbridge Precious Metals Exchange

HIGHEST POSSIBLE PRICE PAID For All Precious Metals, Coins, Jewelry, etc.

• Professional Full Service Gold, Silver Platinum, Palladium & Rhodium Exchange • Direct Bullion Sales and/or Purchases of Physical Gold, Silver, Platinum Bars, Coins, Ingots, etc. in any form. • Free consultation, No Obligation Appraisals ~ We are Located on a Secure & Private Floor Within the Three Story Professional Building • Stop a loss & replace your IRA’s worst performing asset with real, physical gold or silver, no tax consequences, no penalties. BBB Rating A+ Call or Visit our Website to Learn How • SEC Registered & Bonded Fiduciary Adviser, Gold & Silver Supplier for TaftHartley Union Pension & Retirement Funds • We are an Official Distributor for Many Government Mints • YES! WE BUY SCRAP GOLD • JEWELRY • COIN COLLECTIONS OLD CURRENCY • WATCHES ETC. • NO AMOUNT TOO LARGE OR SMALL~ CHOICE OF INSTANT CASH, CHECK or WIRE TRANSFER

World Gold Council Member

WE BUY SCRAP GOLD & JEWELRY

386.446.3200

1 Florida Park Drive South, Suite #226 Palm Coast FL 32137

• Palm Coast Observer

Palmrbor Ha track n Race as Statio G

e ridg thb e Norchang Ex dg Bl ory 3 St

Located east of I-95 within Katz Professional Building opposite of RaceTrac.

369217-1

www.NorthbridgeExchange.com

369210-1

Northbridge Precious Metals Exchange

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

LETTERS Reading books is a safe way to learn about difficult subjects Dear Editor: My family moved here in 2000, shortly after the devastating fires, allowing me the privilege of attending Wadsworth Elementary School and Buddy Taylor Middle School before they were conjoined, Flagler Palm Coast High School for a year, and finally, the privilege of being the first alumni of Matanzas High School once it was completed. Reading was always a retreat for me, and I devoured every novel, biography, memoir, essay and allegory that I found something relatable in. Many of the books that were on my prescribed summer reading list for my AP English and Literature as well as AP Language class are now the subject for debate. At the time, I found them quite controversial myself. However, beyond the socalled pornography and violence, there is a symbolic message — a deeper train of thought and meaning for those cerebral enough to look beyond the imagery and read between the lines. Something, evidently, not many children in our district are actually capable of doing, and apparently, neither are the fine adults that are arguing for the removal and exile of such literary works from our school’s libraries. In 2021, only 59% of third graders were considered “literate,” based on their standardized test scores. This is not an attack on the school system, but a plea for Jill Woolbright and others pushing for the banning of what is considered by the College Board to be accepted material. I implore parents and the School Board to recognize that literacy is an issue in this day and age. It should not matter what books a child chooses to browse and digest. What matters more is that they’re reading at all. The internet is capable of exposing your children to far worse than what may be imagined from the imagery conjured in any novel. Far worse, your child is also capable of making contact with those who distribute or even enjoy such pornographic materials online, where all are connected. Reading about an occurrence that may relate to an experience your child may have had or even could have, no matter how obscene you may interpret it to be, does not put them in any amount of danger, whereas, the internet offers outlets for predators and drug rings. If my own child chose reading a book over chatting on Instagram or Snapchat, playing an online game, or taking selfies, I would leave them to it. The world is a scary place, but those scary things are only in the confines of pages — a safe, controlled environment. Moreover, I dedicate this article to the teachers I had in high school that challenged me with material that I would have otherwise overlooked. Those that showed me how to read between the lines of literature and rhetoric and gave me a more understanding take on the world that I believe would have never developed without their guidance to read “Beloved,” “The Color Purple,” by Alice Walker, “Things Fall Apart,” by Chinua

Waste Pro deserves credit for difficult job Achebe, and many other African American authors who would have been overlooked. Their messages are still relevant today, no matter how unpleasant we may see them. They present these harsh realities in a safe, controlled environment, conducive to higher thought and critical thinking, a concept that our schools are, ideally, there to simulate and embody. Banning a few titles that offend or are seen as obscene will only hurt your child’s education, while the internet imposes a far more precarious situation — but we cannot ban the internet. SAMANTHA LUCK Palm Coast

Perception of racism and homophobia Dear Editor: Years ago, a political consultant coined the saying “perception is reality,” and although we may not really know the true motives of a Flagler School Board member in the attempted banning of certain books from school libraries, what we do know is that the four books on the purge list are acclaimed works addressing racial and gender identity issues, with three of the four written by African Americans. And that is how perception comes into play. This board member’s censorship mission begs the question: Why were these particular books were targeted? Given the authors’ race and the LGBTQ topics, it’s not unreasonable to draw the uncomfortable conclusion that these book-purging efforts may be based on a racist and homophobic mindset. And, although it could be viewed as presumptuous to apply such a label, it may actually be unavoidable because perception becomes, and really is, reality. The board member and the School Board will have to live with how these book banning motives are perceived, whether or not they were based upon a racial and gay bias.

Dear Editor: I read about how terrible our trash service is from Waste Pro and how we need to go to a different vendor. I must be one of the few who have no or few complaints. When you consider the difficulty they have had in hiring employees during the last year or so due to the pandemic and the fact that it is a difficult job which has to be done in heat or cold or rain, it’s amazing they do as well as they do. Any time I have called their office to report a problem, they have responded in a reasonable amount of time and have been very courteous and helpful. As far as a rate increase, they don’t appear to be out of line with other vendors. CHARLES DEAN Palm Coast

Why not get the building right the first time? Dear Editor: I cannot figure out why the county cannot get this sheriff’s headquarters building right after all these years. They voted on Nov. 15 to move the project forward that was slated for five years out, to add an additional 6,000-squarefoot prefabricated metal building at a cost of $1,271,100. The current project is $19 million for a 51,615-square-foot building, and they couldn’t figure out how to add another 2,000-square-foot office space and 4,000 square feet of storage space to the current project. They have had numerous years to plan this building to fit their needs. If we didn’t have the money before, where did the money come from? If it was extra money, why is that the money is not being used to take care of other problems, such as roads? If anything, we need to add more people to oversee the planners to make sure this is done correctly. Five years down the road that building will probably be torn down, and they will build a permanent building, so why not do it the right way the first time instead?

JILL STEIN Palm Coast

TERRY WEBB Palm Coast

Practicing true equality leads to equity

Why spend so much at Waterfront Park?

Dear Editor: Everyone should read the “true” histories of Abraham Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass. They were equally poor and equally unassisted by government. They mostly educated themselves and both became very prominent on their own. Eventually Lincoln became a president and Douglass became a minister to Haiti. No one group of people is smarter or dumber than another. We are all the same when we are born. If we practice real equality, without interference or intervention, all groups will have natural equity.

Dear Editor: I am astonished to hear that our City Council has found $1.1 million to invest in a new dock and boat launch at Waterfront Park, when we already have those amenities just a few miles from there at Herschel King Park. Also, they are spending $435,000 for trailer parking. All of this expense, and yet they cannot find the funds to install a sidewalk on Cimarron Drive (one of the busiest subdivision roads in the city) after 98% of the homeowners petitioned for it. When will our commissioners listen to those who elected them?

JEAN SBERTOLI Flagler Beach

JUDY SMITH Palm Coast

Send letters to editor@ palmcoastobserver.com.

Editor’s Note: According to a recent city press release, Waterfront Park’s enhancements “will be completed in two phases. In the first phase,

dredging, site work, shoreline stabilization, dock installation, and a concrete pad installation will occur. This work is estimated to cost $1.2 million, split between the three-part Florida Inland Navigation District grant of $533,000 and city funds generated by impact fees at $462,000 and capital funds of $205,000. The second phase will expand parking and is estimated to cost $600,000, comprising $228,000 in grant funds and $258,000 from city park impact fees and $114,000 from capital funds.”

How do we know for sure that our water is safe? Dear Editor: I’m writing about my experience of and research on the water quality in Daytona Beach/Holly Hill. I was led to the website of EWG (Environmental Working Group) to find the data on water in this area. The most striking fact was that we had/have hexavalent chromium in our water, the same toxin Erin Brockovich discovered in PG&E’s Hinkley water system’s groundwater, which was responsible for many cancer deaths in that area in California. I’m very concerned about water quality, and I want the data that clearly shows what’s in our water system. DEBORAH SUSSWEIN Holly Hill

Editor’s Note: We don’t write about the Holly Hill area, but in Palm Coast, the utility department follows the Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations, which are “set where there are no known health effects with a margin of safety,” according to a city spokesperson.

PALM COAST

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com News Editor Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Staff Writer Brent Woronoff, brent@palmcoastobserver.com Page Designer Hailey McMillan Senior Account Manager Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com Office Coordinator Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager Maureen Walsh, maureen@palmcoastobserver.com Advertising Coordinator Jessica Boone, jessica@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com SUBSCRIBE The Palm Coast Observer is published every Thursday. To subscribe for driveway delivery, call David Brooks, at 386-338-5080 or email david@ horizonroad.com. TO ADVERTISE: Call 386-447-9723. For Classifieds or Business Directory, call 386-492-2784 or email pcoclassifieds@palmcoastobserver.com. Palm Coast Observer LLC P.O. Box 353850 Palm Coast, 32135

VETERAN OF THE WEEK

Better communication needed on road project Dear Editor: I would like to thank the Palm Coast Observer for providing information on what is really going on with the Citation Boulevard construction project and why it is taking so long to finish. Now, if only someone will explain why we were provided with a sign that flashed misinformation for months. The first message said it would be closed 4-6 weeks; we all know it was months, not weeks. Next message that was flashed was it would be open a certain date; that came and went. The third gave another date, and that date came and went. I watched several times as cars turned down Citation thinking it was open, and why wouldn’t they? A sign flashed that it was open. Yet again it wasn’t. Why waste the energy it took to run the generator to flash the misinformation that often put the public in danger? Missing the opening date is not the only problem that needs to be reviewed. Someone also needs to review the poor safety that took place. Turning off Seminole Woods onto Citation, you may almost hit a street sweeper in your lane. No flag man, nothing, just the operator on the sweeper waving you into the other lane without even knowing if a car is in that lane.

Gary M. Owens  Branch of military: U.S. Air Force  Dates of service: 1973–1977  Rank/occupation: Senior Airman / Avionics Mechanic for Fighter Weapons Controls Systems  Hometown: Whippany, New Jersey Gary Owens retired to Palm Coast in 2015. Soon after, he joined American Legion Post 115, where has been a force multiplier as its adjutant. He is also assistant director of The American Legion Riders Chapter 115, member of VFW Auxiliary Post 8696, and member of AMVETS Post 113. Owens has been the heartbeat of Legion Post 115 for several years and its members know that the growth, resurgence and program success can be attributed to his tireless efforts.

KEN ZECCA Palm Coast

NEED HELP WITH VETERAN SERVICES? Point your smartphone camera at the QR code.

“I was very impressed by the whole operation... I just turned 78 years old and they made everything so easy!!!” -David M.

Rated #1 GET YOUR MEDICAL

MARIJUANA CARD TODAY.

GET THE HELP YOU DESERVE. VISIT US AT CMMDR.COM

OR CALL US NOW FOR A FREE EVALUATION DAYTONA

386-222-1667 2525 W INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY BLVD #110, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114

DELAND

386-232-5599 100 S SPRING AVE #102, DELAND, FL 32720

ST. AUGUSTINE

904-299-7373 2085 A1A S, ST. AUGUSTINE, FL 32080

$150 RE-CERTIFICATIONS - 210 DAY PRESCRIPTIONS - NO EXTRA CHARGE FOR FLOWER

NEW PATIENTS GET FREE GIFT & DISPENSARY DISCOUNTS!

369198-1

PALM COAST OBSERVER

369204-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

BOAT SUPER CENTER

T18 With Mercury Four Stroke 90 ELPT No Haggle. No Hassle National Price: Starting at $26,195

AVAILABLE NOW!

TOP DOLLAR: Trade in, We’ll Buy, Consignment

Service Department Boat & Marine Engine Service Center Waylen Bay Marine is Northeast Florida’s all inclusive marine service center. Top to bottom, Bow to stern, we take care of it all. Our specialist offer but are not limited to, Fiberglass Repair, Electronics Installation, Bottom Painting or Cleaning, Major and Minor Engine Repairs, Accessory Installation, Boat Cleaning and Detail, and Trailer Repair.

Evinrude, Honda, Mercury, Suzuki, & Yamaha Outboard Motor Certified Service

Let us know what service best fits your needs, call or stop in to speak with one of service representatives about custom tailored service.

Call Today and Get Back On the Water Fast! Repair, Service, Customization, Cleaning, Storage and More! Disclaimer: All prices are before: Dealer Prep, Dealer installed options, Dealer Fee and Taxes. See Dealer for details.

845 FL-207, St. Augustine, FL 32084

904-217-3778

369334-1

www.waylenbaymarine.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

BRIEFS Suspect used stolen credit card to ‘buy a blessing’ On Nov. 2, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the P-section of Palm Coast for a report of fraud. The victim stated she thought she lost her debit card and received a notification from her bank that her card was used twice at two local stores. Deputies responded to the stores where the card was used and were able to identify a suspect as the male who bought gift cards. FCSO Detectives received surveillance footage from both stores and it was confirmed to be the same suspect in both incidents. Detectives worked with FCSO’s Real Time Crime Center to locate an individual matching the suspect’s description riding a bicycle near the stores during the time the crimes occurred. An agencywide “Attempt to Identify” was released, asking deputies to patrol the areas where the suspect often frequents. On Nov. 10, deputies responded to the area of Royal Palms and Rymfire Drive about a suspicious person. Upon deputies’ arrival, they observed a white male who

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

was identified as the same suspect in the prior fraudulent activity. The suspect was questioned and advised he does not own a credit card but was given one by an acquaintance named “Dave.” The suspect acknowledged he used the card to make purchases at CVS and Walgreen’s but continued to claim “Dave” asked him to do it. According to the suspect, “Dave” told him, “I need you to do this for me and I will hook you up, I will bless you. Go get these gift cards for my wife and I will give you 50 bucks.” The suspect stated he did what he was told. “This is another example on why if you see something to say something,” Sheriff Staly said. “I’m not sure if he ever got his blessing, but he did get a trip to the Green Roof Inn.”

Georgia fugitive arrested, had multiple firearms On Nov. 21, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling southbound on Belle Terre for a traffic infraction. The driver, later identified as Benjamin Jacob Bowie, was approached by deputies who noticed he was extremely nervous, stumbling through responses, and reaching toward the floorboard. A strong odor of what was believed to

be cannabis was coming from the vehicle, and Bowie was instructed to exit. While deputies started to handle the initial traffic violation, Bowie attempted to push a deputy out of the way to regain access to his vehicle. Bowie was then secured for officer safety and during handcuffing, he again resisted while being placed into a patrol vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and a satchel was located with two firearms, magazines, and ammunition by the driver’s side floorboard. A bag of cannabis was recovered on the passenger side floorboard weighing 12.4 grams. Deputies also recovered two additional firearms, magazines, and ammunition in the trunk, along with a rubber skeleton face mask, and a black full-face knitted mask with mouth and eye holes. Bowie was then determined to be a fugitive from Pierce County Georgia for Grand Theft Auto.

Traffic stop leads to recovery of a stolen firearm and $15,000 cash On Saturday, Nov. 27, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office observed a speeding vehicle in the area of State Road 100 West and County Road 45. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop when

We are looking for high-quality employees to join our team in both law enforcement and civilian positions.

APPLY NOW!

www.joinflaglersheriff.com HR Contact Information:

SHERIFF RICK STALY

PHONE: (386)-586-4822 EMAIL: Careers@FlaglerSheriff.com

369279-1

the vehicle continued to accelerate speeds of up to 108 mph. Once the vehicle slowed down, deputies were able to successfully conduct a traffic stop where three subjects, identified as Jimnirable Curry, Keyshawn Davis, and Ernest Hall were found to be in possession of drugs, firearms, and over $15,000 cash. One of the firearms was reported stolen from Flagler Beach in 2017. Curry stated the cash was his and claimed it was “made by rapping and performing at shows” and that “not a lot” of the money was from selling dope. “Drugs, cash, guns, and felons are a recipe for danger to our deputies and the community,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Curry qualifies for a dumb criminal of the year award after handing a deputy sheriff his ID coated in cocaine!” All three subjects were arrested and transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. Hall is being held on a $20,500 bond. Curry was held on a $3,000. Davis was held on $7,500.

DeSantis pitches increase in law enforcement pay Promoting Florida as “greener pastures” for law-enforcement officers, Gov. Ron DeSantis on Monday, Nov. 29, teased a plan for salary increases and bonuses as part of his upcoming budget proposal. DeSantis said the budget he will propose next week for the 2022 legislative session will include $73 million to increase pay for officers at the Florida Highway Patrol, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Minimum pay for entry-level officers would increase by 20%, while salaries of veteran officers would go up 25%.

The proposal also will include a second round of $1,000 bonuses for first responders as a show of appreciation for work during the COVID-19 pandemic “Last summer, we made clear we had their (law enforcement officers’) back. We wanted to make sure our communities were kept safe,” DeSantis said while flanked by officers and motorcycles inside the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D building in Orlando. “And we wanted to show our appreciation that as other jurisdictions were defunding law enforcement, or taking money away, that we would fund and then some.” DeSantis’ budget proposal will serve as a starting point for lawmakers, who will negotiate a final spending plan for the fiscal year that will start July. DeSantis also has rolled out portions of his environmental and education budget proposals. The legislative session will start Jan. 11. DeSantis on Monday reiterated his intention to secure $5,000 bonuses to help recruit law-enforcement officers to Florida, along with scholarship aid for students in lawenforcement academies and free certification exams. “We feel that we have an opportunity strategically, to get an advantage and to recruit, not just great people in our state to go into it, which we’ll do, but also some of the best throughout the country, who are looking for greener pastures,” DeSantis said. The current average pay for a state trooper is about $45,000, while the average pay for troopers in all states is about $53,000. In October, the state Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles made a $24.4 million funding request to the Legislature to boost pay for troopers to become more competitive with local law-enforcement agencies across the state.

COPS CORNER NOV. 19

SNOOZING AT DRIVE-THRU 11:19 p.m. 4800 block of Belle Terre Parkway DUI. A deputy responded to a local fast food restaurant, finding a car idling in the drivethru line near the menu with its driver, a man, asleep at the wheel. The deputy knocked at the window, and the man woke up and took his foot off the brake. The car started rolling toward the drive-thru menu as the deputy, still knocking at the window, shouted at the man to put the car in park. The man put the car in reverse before finding park. When he stepped out of the car, he was swaying and smelled of alcohol. He refused field sobriety testing. The deputy arrested him.

NOV. 23

HIDDEN LEAF BLOWER 6:22 p.m. 300 block of Palm Coast Parkway Northeast Petit theft with previous conviction. A worker was using a leaf blower outside a community center, and set it down while entering the restroom. When he emerged, a man asked the worker if he was alone. The worker said no, and the man said, “Have a nice day,” then walked off. The worker then noticed that the leaf blower was gone. The man later asked the worker if his coworkers were “messing with him.” The man then got into a car and left, and the worker found the blower behind some hedges. A security camera showed that the man had grabbed the blower and dropped it behind the hedge while the worker was in the bathroom. Deputies tracked the man down by using his license plate number. He had a previous conviction for theft. They arrested him.

Here for You When Life Happens Since 1973 PERSONAL INJURY • AUTO ACCIDENTS • REAL ESTATE • PROBATE & TRUST ADMINISTRATION WILLS & TRUSTS • FAMILY LAW • LANDLORD/TENANT • CONSTRUCTION • CIVIL LITIGATION

386-445-8900 legalteamforlife.com

Palm Coast

145 City Pl #301 Palm Coast, Florida 32164

Ormond Beach

57 W. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach, Florida 32174

Hammock

5048 N. Ocean Shore Blvd. Palm Coast Florida 32137

368850-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Choose Cigna Medicare Advantage for quality doctors and quality care. Because life has taught you well.

Cigna Medicare Advantage is accepted by Complete Health Ormond Beach East. Cigna Medicare Advantage is available in your area. Featuring plans and providers that deliver the quality health services you deserve, trust Cigna Medicare Advantage to care as much about your well-being as you do. To learn more, call 1‑855‑945‑0558 (TTY 711) Monday – Sunday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. GetCignaMedicare.com

All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation. The Cigna name, logos, and other Cigna marks are owned by Cigna Intellectual Property, Inc. Other providers are available in our network. Cigna contracts with Medicare to offer Medicare Advantage HMO and PPO plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans (PDP) in select states, and with select State Medicaid programs. Enrollment in Cigna depends on contract renewal. © 2021 Cigna INT_22_100883_C

219TA

369270-1

is accepted by

Sports 16 Business 18

DECEMBER 2, 2021

YOUR NEIGHBORS Photos by Brian McMillan

Rabbi Levi Ezagui, of Chabad Jewish Center of Palm Coast.

Olivia and Grace Levine.

“The holidays spread the cheer and beauty of being Jewish. In Chabad Palm Coast, we are huge on joy.” TZIVIE EZAGUI

Yann Vidal, Margaret Vidal, John Steadman, Jodi Green, Mary-Jane Hopkins, Jordan Green and Jaysa Hopkins.

Joy of Judaism Menorah lights up European Village in community celebration

BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Not many years ago, in many parts of the world, a Hanukkah celebration like the one on Nov. 29, at Palm Coast’s European Village, would not have been possible. “Throughout our history, to celebrate Judaism openly was very difficult,” said Rabbi Levi Ezagui, of Chabad Jewish Center of Palm Coast. “Today, in 2021, living in America, we have the ability to practice freely. We are very honored, very happy that we are able to spread the light. That’s the idea of the menorah: that a little bit of light can push away the dark.” About two-thirds of Ezagui’s congregants are immigrants, he said, and many remember having to light menorahs in hiding as children. “Today, they can proudly say, ‘Happy Holiday,’” Ezagui said. “It will always motivate me.” One attendee, Greg Feldman, remembers celebrating Hanukkah as a child in Chicago, where he would

Petra and Paris Pickman

hear stories from family members. “Several were concentration camp survivors,” he said. “Their faith was something they could hold onto even in the darkest times.” Another attendee, Margaret Vidal, said, “God gives us the light of the world, and this is the time of year when the light comes out. God does miracles every day.” Eric Levine said Hanukkah traditions are some of his earliest memories. He recently lit his menorah at

home — the same menorah his own parents used to light. “My parents are gone, and a lot of those traditions are not as readily available because families are more dispersed now,” Levine said. Faith, he added, “keeps me grounded and gives me something to pass down to my son.” Before speeches by Ezagui, Sheriff Rick Stay and Mayor David Alfin, who lit the first light on the menorah, hundreds gathered under strings of lights to enjoy a festival of latkes, doughnuts, train rides and a petting zoo. Val Krayter also helped light the menorah; he owns Palm Coast Pharmacy and sponsored the event. A comedy act and music and dancing followed. Ezagui’s wife, Tzivie, said, “The holidays spread the cheer and beauty of being Jewish. In Chabad Palm Coast, we are huge on joy.” Visit https://www.chabadpalmcoast.com/. Email editor@palmcoastobserver. com.

“That’s the idea of the menorah: that a little bit of light can push away the dark.” RABBI LEVI EZAGUI

Lenny and Tracy Leighton

Palm Coast Pharmacy’s Val Krayter and Mayor David Alfin light the menorah.

Greg Feldman and Eric Levine The event was hosted at European Village for the sixth year.

AIRPORT AUTO & UPHOLSTERY Auto & Boat Upholstery Repairs • Collector Cars • Vinyl Convertible Tops • Interiors • Custom Work

FULL INVENTORY AT AIRPORTAUTOSALESANDUPHOLSTERY.COM 2004 HARLEY DAVIDSON 1200CC SPORTSTER ORIGINAL OWNER, 2,400 MILES, EXCELLENT CONDITION

$4,499 2007 JEEP COMMANDER

No Credit Needed

WHITE 4DR, V8, AUTO, POWER, GREAT TOW CAPACITY 6500 LBS

$8,999 2011 DODGE NITRO UTILITY DETONATER PACKAGE, AUTOMATIC, V6, AC POWER, 4X4

90 -DAY PAYMENT OPTION - CALL TODAY

369197-1

15 Hargrove Ln Unit 3D Palm Coast, FL 32137 386-597-2049

369218-1

Guaranteed Lowest Out-The-Door Prices!

$9,999

2005D KIA SEDONA OL VAN

2014 DODGE JOURNEY

2014 KIA SORRENTO

2010 BUICK LACROSSE

7 PASSENGER, V6, AUTO AIR POWER 98K MILES

4DR, 4 CYL, AUTO, AIR, POWER 118K MILES

4CYL, AUTO, AIR, POWER SEAT, CLEAN 87,000 MILES

4 DOOR, V6, AUTO, AIR, POWER

$4,999

$8,999

$10,999

2009 CHEVROLET 2014 MERCEDES 2015 KIA SOUL TRAVERSE VAN BENZ GLK350 SUV EV 4 DR 3 ROW SEATS, V6, AUTO, AIR, POWER, 71,000 MILES

$7,999

V6, AUTO, AIR, POWER, SUNROOF, NAVIGATION 65,000 MILES

$19,999

$5,999 2013 KIA RIO

MOST OPTIONS, POWER AIR, 5 DOOR, HATCHBACK, AUTO, AIR, POWER, 60,000 MILES AUTO, NAVIGATION

$10,999

$9,999

WILL PAY TOP DOLLAR - CALL TODAY! FOR YOUR USED CAR, TRUCK OR VAN!

ACCEPTING R.V.’S ON CONSIGNMENT

2 Midway Dr., SR 100 Palm Coast Mon-Fri 8am - 5pm, Sat. 8am - 1pm, Sun. Closed

386-437-2403 Call Patsy DeVito

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

Volusia Civic Ballet: Dec. 4-5

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

You are cordially invited to attend our

18TH ANNUAL MEMORIAL TREE LIGHTING at Flagler Palms Memorial Gardens

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

WHEN: Sunday, December 5th at 6:00PM WHERE: The Garden of Memory Mausoleum 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach, Florida Please bring a favorite ornament in remembrance of your loved one to decorate our Tree of Remembrance. Feel free to bring your own lawn chair. Service will be livestreamed on our Facebook page

ng of Decorati at our the tree

Photo courtesy of Michael Cairns

Mouse King, played by Aiden Ibanez, of Palm Coast.

usually the male dancer, he does a bunch of jumps, and I just think it’s amazing,” Albin said. Her mother, Shannon Belhumeur Albin, said participating in the Volusia Civic Ballet every year is an opportunity for growth for all the young dancers, including her daughter. “They get to grow throughout ‘The Nutcracker’ and they may see what they might do in following years, and the older kids get to see parts that they used to do, so it’s enjoyable for everyone,” she said. “It’s something to look forward to every year.” During the performances, the Peabody lobby will also be transformed into a quaint German village, according to a press release. The Volusia Civic Ballet is also hosting a Children’s Sugar Plum Tea prior to the show where children ages 3-12 can enjoy sweet treats in

RIAL MEMO NS GARDE t

a fairytale atmosphere. Tickets for the show range from $20 to $45, and Children’s Sugar Plum Tea tickets are $20 per child. A condensed narrated Family Series show is also offered on Saturday, Dec. 4, for audiences with special needs, all levels of mobility and young children. It will be just under an hour and include vignettes from Act I and a complete Act II.

in a will beg day, un S 5:00 PM r 5th e b m Dece

PERFORMANCES

2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 (Family Series) 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 (full show with guest artists) 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 (full show with guest artists) CHILDREN’S SUGAR PLUM TEA

1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 (show ticket and Tea ticket required) 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4 (show ticket and Tea ticket required) 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5 (show ticket and Tea ticket required)

369202-1

ography produced by 11 choreographers, according to a press release. “The Nutcracker” follows the story of a young girl named Clara, starring Gabriella Palmer, who receives a magical Nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve from her magician godmother Frau Drosselmeyer (played by Valerie Betts). Clara then goes on a dream journey where she encounters the Mouse King (played by Aiden Ibanez, of Palm Coast) and she finds herself helping the Nutcracker (played by Kelan Halloran, of Port Orange) to overthrow the king before traveling through an enchanted snow forest where she meets characters like the Snow Queen (played by Ariel Starling, of Port Orange) and the Sugar Plum Fairy (played by Melissa Gelfin De-Poli, of the Cincinnati Ballet). Rhiley Albin has been taking part in the ballet for the past three years. “I love going on stage and just being able to perform,” she said. The 10-year-old Palm Coast resident has been dancing for most of her life, and said that “The Nutcracker” is one ballet audiences shouldn’t miss. From it’s joyful and calming dance sequences to the highenergy battle scene against the Mouse King, Albin said the audience may feel like they’re in the ballet themselves at times. Albin plays a Bon Bon, one of Mother Ginger’s children in the ballet. She’s looking forward to performing her aerial onstage. But her favorite part of the show is seeing the guests from the Cincinnati Ballet dance. “I think it’s very cool, and

For more information, please call 386-439-5400

Stay well ahead of hip pain. Don’t let arthritis slow you down. You’re out there living life to the fullest every chance you get. You shouldn’t have to slow down for hip pain. AdventHealth Palm Coast’s expert orthopedics team is highly experienced in providing innovative, whole-person solutions for hip disorders — from minimally invasive surgery to total hip replacement — designed to get you back in motion, fast.

AdventHealthOrthoInstitute.com

369351-1

21-MRKTSTRAT-11598

Scan to request an appointment, or call 386-586-1485.

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Starlight Festival, Light Fight, Brunch with Santa

Only

KIM L. BROWN CITY OF PALM COAST

Only

69 Brooklyn Ln 3/2, Plus Air Conditioned Game room & Screened Spa $350,000

PENDING

65 Bainbridge Ln 3/2, enclosed Patio, World wide short wave system. Furnishings Negotiable. Starting $235,000

John Lucas 386.569.5880

LOT

The holiday season is in full swing! Celebrate the season with Parks and Recreation events.

John Lucas 386.569.5880

LOTS 92 Brushwood Ln, 90x150, Waterfront Lot $68,500

55 Foxhall Ln, 90x125 $59,900 SOLD 17 Portia Ln, 80x125 residential lot market price at $59,000 10 Pineash, 80x125 $59,900 116 Edward Dr, 80x128, Cypress Knoll

17 Portia Ln 80 x 125 residential lot Market priced at $59,000

$90,000 853 E Chezy St, Lehigh Acres, Double Lot, 164x125 $18,500

John Lucas 386.569.5880

353430-1

6 Geranium Ct, Homossasa, FL $30,000

NEED HELP? CALL “JOHN” FOR RESULTS! 175,000,000 MILLION IN SALES *ASK ABOUT MY CONCIERGE SERVICE

369209-1

353430-1

*CONCIERGE SERVICE Painting, Plumbing, Electrical Etc

Dec. 1-17 – Holiday Light Fight - Break out all of your lights, garland, inflatable snowmen, and decorate your house to participate in our new Holiday Light Fight. Judging takes place on Friday, Dec. 17. Free, but registration is required at www.palmcoast.gov/events. More info: 386-986-2323. Dec. 11 – Starlight Festival – Saturday, 4-9 p.m. at Central Park in Town Center, 975 Central Ave. Celebrate the holiday season at the city’s Starlight Festival. Floats will park along Central Park so you can view them at your leisure, while performing groups will play throughout Central Park. Free, no registration is required. More info: www. palmcoastgov.com/events. Dec. 17 – Christmas Brunch with Santa – Friday, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center. Presented in partnership with Florida Health Care Plans. Put on your favorite Christmas sweater and enjoy a visit from Jolly Ol’ St. Nick. Brunch and refreshments will be served. $10/person. Registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/forall. More info: 386-986-2323. Dec. 17 – Parent’s Night Out – Friday, 5:30-10 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center. Parents, are you in need of a date night or just wish for peace and quiet around the house on a Friday night? Let us watch your kids while you have the night to yourselves. Participants will eat pizza, play games, watch movies,

and have fun. For ages 5-12 years. $15/person, $5/additional sibling. Registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/youth. More info: 386-986-2323. Dec. 17 – Teen Chill Zone – Friday, 5:30-10 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center. Hey teens, tired of sitting around bored on a Friday night? Then grab your friends and join us to hang out, eat pizza, listen to music, watch movies, play video games, and chill in a fun and safe environment. For ages 13-17 years. $10/person, $5/additional sibling. Registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/youth. More info: 386-986-2323. Dec. 18 – Holiday Round Robin – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to noon at Palm Coast Tennis Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. Presented in partnership with Friends of Tennis, this event includes round-robinstyle tennis and the chance to spread holiday cheer! $5/ person, free for Pass Holders. Registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/ tennis. More info: 386-9862550. Dec. 20-22 and Dec. 27-30 – Jack Frostivities Holiday Break Camp – Monday, Dec. 20, to Wednesday, Dec. 22; and Monday, Dec. 27, to Thursday, Dec. 30, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE. Join us at the Community Center over Winter Break to enjoy games, activities, and fun! Open to students in grades K-8. $25/ day. Aftercare until 6pm is available for a one-time fee of $10. Registration is required at www.parksandrec.fun/ camps. More info: 386-9862323.

LOCAL EVENTS DEC. 8 CNN’S ALICE STEWART TO SPEAK AT FLAGLER TIGER BAY CLUB EVENT

The Flagler Tiger Bay Club will host Alice Stewart as December’s keynote speaker for an evening event on Dec. 8 at Channel Side in Palm Coast. As the co-host of the nationally syndicated podcast “Hot Mics From Left to Right” Ms. Stewart, a CNN commentator, Republican political strategist and Harvard Fellow, brings decades of policy and political experience to Flagler County for an exclusive event hosted by the Flagler Tiger Bay Club. Tickets are $65 for members, $75 for nonmembers. Pre-registration required at www.flaglertigerbayclub. com.

DEC. 5 CRAIG FLAGLER PALMS HOSTING 18TH-ANNUAL CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Craig Flagler Palms Funeral Home, Memorial Gardens & Crematory will host its 18thannual Candlelight Service of Remembrance 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5. The event is held to help those that have lost loved ones cope with the loss during the holiday season. The event is free and open to the public. Family and friends are asked to bring a Christmas ornament in memory of a loved one. The ornament will be placed on a 15-foot Christmas tree that stands in the Garden of Memory Mausoleum. The decorating of the Christmas tree starts at 5 p.m. and the candlelight service starts at 6. Live entertainment and light snacks will be provided. The Garden of Memory Mausoleum is located at 511 Old Kings Road S. in Flagler Beach.

Don’t Miss Our End of the Year Deadline! Reserve ad space in all three of our end of the year special editions! Publications: Thursday, Dec. 23 - Holiday Edition Thursday, Dec. 30 - Year in Review Thursday, Jan. 6 - Standing Os

Two Days Only! Monday & Tuesday (Dec. 13th & 14th) 10am - 5pm

Space Reservation Thursday, Dec. 16 DON’T LET THIS HOLIDAY OPPORTUNITY PASS YOU BY!

December 13th & 14th Monday & Tuesday 10:00AM - 5:00PM

369231-1

RESERVE YOUR AD TODAY! (386) 447-9723

55 Town Center Blvd Palm Coast, Fl 32164

369345-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The Palm Coast Yacht Club Presents

The Palm Coast Holiday Boat Parade December 18 2021 at 6 p.m. th

Back for the 38 Year th

As Always, Free To ALL!

For information on how to register your boat and viewing information visit www.PalmCoastYachtClub.com or Facebook

369216-1

Broadcast Live by KOOL 100.9 FM

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Grammy-winner, Hall-of-Famer Darlene Love live at Flagler Auditorium

Call or drop by for a tour today!

The performance is Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., with a full band and singers.

386.387.9565

SARAH ULIS GUEST WRITER

With a place on Rolling Stone Magazine’s 100 Greatest Singers List, music icon Darlene Love takes the stage at Flagler Auditorium for a one-night-only holiday appearance, “Love for the Holidays.” The performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, with a full band and singers, features many of her most famous hits, including her signature song, “Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home).” For tickets call 386-437-7547 or visit www. flaglerauditorium.org. Says Amelia Fulmer, Auditorium director, “The Auditorium has presented many legendary headliners, but few are more accomplished than Darlene Love. This show arrives with accomplished singers

Finally... Memory Care that provides Dignity, Comfort and VALUE at a cost you can afford.

Courtesy photo

and instrumentalists. We have been busy getting everything prepared. With Darlene Love, Christmas is special, so she requires special preparation, from extra sound equipment to chimes, bells and stage snow. We are the only venue in North Florida hosting Darlene Love so we are really excited about having a holiday artist

in Palm Coast.” For 29 years, Love starred in special Christmas programs on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Her appearance in the Oscar-winning film “20 Feet from Stardom” put her on the international entertainment stage and also earned her a Grammy Award for Best Film Music. She portrayed herself in the Tony Award-nominated “Leader of the Pack” and also starred in Broadway’s “Hairspray” and “Grease.” Her hits are legion, including “He’s a Rebel,” “He’s Sure the Boy I Love,” “I’ve Never Been the Same,” and “All Alone at Christmas,” featured in the film “Home Alone 2.” Speaking at Love’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, Bette Midler said, “She changed my view of the world. Listening to her songs, you had to dance, you had to move, you had to keep looking for the rebel boy.”

Special Rate Starting at $3,000

FPC holiday concert returns to SEAS

Medicaid and Veterans Programs

BRENT WORONOFF STAFF WRITER

All Inclusive* and Rate Locked for Life *Care, Meals and Medication Management Included

Terry Nightingale

Gold Choice Senior Communities

Director of Community Relations palmcoastdcr@mygoldchoice.com

3830 Old Kings Road

386.387.9565

mygoldchoice.com

369206-1

Life Enrichment activities

Palm Coast, FL 32164 License # AL 13591 facebook.com/goldchoicepalmcoast

After a year’s hiatus because of COVID-19, the Flagler Palm Coast High School benefit band concert at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church is back. The FPC Symphonic Band 1 and Jazz Band 1 will perform at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. A reception in the church’s social hall will precede the concert at 6 p.m. “It’s a really nice concert, a little fancier than some of the

others,” said FPC band treasurer Kendra Bright. “They do Christmas music and fun music. The students also break into small ensembles and perform.” With the exception of last year, the FPC Band has presented the annual benefit concert since 2015 when sophomore Trey de Leon collaborated with Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach. The first concert in August, 2015, raised $6,000 each for the band and the church. Student band leaders have

TICKETS

Email fpcboosters@ gmail.com or call Kendra Bright at 614-256-9610 to purchase via credit card. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

continued to organize the concerts since de Leon graduated. The church is requiring unvaccinated individuals to wear a mask at the concert. Masks are encouraged for all.

Planning Print Ads – U.S. & Canada

Discount on our

NOTE: If at any time you would like to change your ad message, click the “Reset Template" link on the left to clear your selections and start over.

Double-click "Select Ad Message" to get started.

PREMIUM WHOLE HOUSE WATER SYSTEM.

It's simple to customize this ad for your location.

1. Click "Change Document Name" at the top of the page and update to include size, date and abbreviated publication name. 2. Ensure you've selected the correct location(s).

3. Double-click “Select Ad Message" on the left, below the "Reset Template" link, to access the customization panel.

4. In the pop-out box, select your message from the options at the top of the page.

Call for details.

5. Select your language from the drop-down menu and click “Apply."

(386) 848-5772

6. Click "Preview" to review your ad before downloading or saving.

Planning ahead is simple. The benefits are immense.

Finishing Your Ad:

Click "Finish" to generate a PDF with or without crop marks. Then, click “Download" and select “Original" or “Moderate" for a print-ready file.

When you plan ahead, you can make your final wishes known and provide your loved ones with true peace of mind.

OR, click “Save" to continue working later. Your ad will appear in My Documents > Drafts.

CRAIG FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL HOME FLAGLER MEMORIAL GARDENS spacer Beach Flagler

CraigFlaglerPalms.com 386-439-5400

369219-1

Sponsor By:

369201-1

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Reflections that make an impression

Palm Coast artist Ed Siarkowicz’s book “Majestic Reflections” is expected to be released in January.

A Palm Coast photographer’s quest for truth JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

For five years, Palm Coast artist Ed Siarkowicz traveled across the state of Florida searching for God in reflections in water. Accompanied by his mentors — photographer John Olivo and the late Pierre Matisse, grandson of French artist Henri Matisse — the trio looked in lakes, ponds, drainage ditches and even puddles looking for images that reflected beauty. Most of the time, part of the search involved a lot of patience. With the surface of the water as Siarkowicz’s canvas, his job as a photographer was to wait for all the right conditions: the wind, light, bubbles, debris, frogs and even turtles. They all create the texture and patterns on the water canvas, and only when they all aligned did Siarkowicz press his camera’s shutter button. “That’s the thing that’s worth waiting for,” he said. Siarkowicz has since put together 28 images from his impressionistic water reflections photography, all which will be published in his upcoming book, “Majestic Reflections.” He released part of his collection that was displayed at Ocean Art Gallery in Ormond Beach as the gallery’s featured artist for the month of October. Siarkowicz said he expects the book to be released in January.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

About half of the images in “Majestic Reflections” are from locations in Flagler County, including Bull Creek in St. Johns Park, Town Center, the Hammock and Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, he said.

who grasped that during the opening reception held at Ocean Art Gallery on Oct. 2. “There was one person that said, ‘I really see God in this,’” he said. “To me, that is the most impactful compliment — when somebody sees in my work what I went out there to find.”

ART IN UNEXPECTED PLACES

‘ONE SHOT’

Originally from New York, Siarkowicz grew up on a dairy goat farm surrounded by photography. His grandmother often took him with her to take photos, and the pair spent a lot of time together, whether Siarkowicz was the subject of her photos or whether he was helping her see something through a different lens. At 15 years old, before he had a license to drive, he got his commercial fishing license and a boat. When he wasn’t fishing, he was going door to door selling items for his Scout troop, an act that eventually led him to win his first camera. From that point on, photography wasn’t just something he grew up around — it became a part of him. Upon his retirement from a chiropractic career in 2013, six years after he moved to Palm Coast, he decided to dedicate himself to his art. One of his former patients, Olivo, had been a professional photographer in Manhattan, and once he took a look at Siarkowicz’s work, he told him he needed to show it to the public. Frank Gromling, owner of Ocean Art Gallery, gave Siarkowicz his first

The first day that Siarkowicz began practicing impressionist water reflection photography occurred at Matisse’s home. Matisse lived near a lake, and the two went out to take photos of a bird’s reflection on the water. Once in position, Siarkowicz heard Matisse’s camera click once, and then about a minute later, click again. Siarkowicz, instead, took a burst of photos, startling his mentor. “He said, ‘One shot. Take one picture,’” Siarkowicz recalled. Matisse was right. Every shot in the collection is unaltered. They are merely what Siarkowicz was able to capture through his camera lens, and in his journey for truth, portraying the surfaces of water as they were when he first saw them was critical, he explained. It’s taught him to stay open-minded when it comes to finding art. “Because I think sometimes, out of the most unexpected, disorganized chaos, come the greatest truths,” Siarkowicz said. Visit edsharkphotoimages.com. Brent Woronoff contributed.

“The Spires of Mala Compra” by Ed Siarkowicz.

chance to do so in 2014 at his former Flagler Beach gallery. After a show a couple of years later, Siarkowicz was invited to Matisse’s house for a party, and the two became good friends. That’s when Matissse introduced him to the concept of impressionistic water reflection photography. With not a lot of information about the art method available, Matisse invited Siarkowicz to join him on his journey. “It wasn’t so much the image that we were looking for,” Siarkowicz said. “We were actually on a search for finding God, and for finding his presence and his revelations with the beauty that he creates, in totally unexpected places.” The images represent Siarkowicz’s personal search for meaning, understanding and a relationship with God. And the biggest compliment he’s received came from someone

“Sometimes, out of the most unexpected, disorganized chaos, come the greatest truths.” Ed Siarkowicz

Here’s the deal, home + auto = Here’s savings.the deal,

home + auto = savings.

Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.®

nsurance Company

Jeff Evans, Agent 50 Cypress Point Pkwy Palm Coast, FL 32164 Bus: 386-446-9594 Fax: 386-449-0114 www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com

mpany ompany

ance Company of Texas

mpany

www.jeffevanspalmcoast.com

Jeff Evans, Agent 50 Cypress Point Pkwy, Ste C-3 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Bus: 386-446-9594 Fax: 386-449-0114 Located near Palm Coast Walmart

*Average annual per household savings based on a 2020 national survey by State Farm® of new policyholders who reported savings by switching to State Farm. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Indemnity Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company State Farm General Insurance Company

Combine home and auto and save an average of $965*. I’m ready to help you get the right coverage at the right price. Call me for a quote. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Streaming on Flagler Radio Mobile App

369277-1

avings based on a 2020 of new policyholders who State Farm.

Here’s the deal, home + auto = savings.

369322-1

: 386-449-0114 st.com

Combine home and auto and save an average of $965*. I’m ready to help you get the right coverage at the right price. Call me for a quote.

DECEMBER 2, 2021

SPORTS

Battle to the buzzer

Michael Martinez shoots a jumper.

‘They wanted the ball more than we did. They played extremely hard,’ Father Lopez coach Brad Ridenour said.

“Once we abandoned the jump shot and started attacking the basket, we were in the game.” HENRY ROBINSON, Matanzas coach

BRENT WORONOFF STAFF WRITER

ather Lopez guard Isaiah Eberheart did not score a point in the first half. But when it counted most, he couldn’t be stopped. Eberheart hit two driving layups in the final 30 seconds of overtime, including the game-winner with 1.5 seconds left as the Green Wave defeated Matanzas 60-58 Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Pirates’ gym. “When the game was on the line, he went to another level,” Matanzas coach Henry Robinson said. “He embraced the moment.” Matanzas guard Tariq Shakir hit a 3-pointer with two seconds left in regulation to tie the score at 50 and send the game to overtime. The Pirates (0-2) had two chances to win in the final 1.5 ticks. A Pirates inbounds violation forced them to foul Gavin Greathouse, who missed both free throws. But a Matanzas desperation shot fell short. “He’s quick,” Shakir said of Eberheart, who finished with 16 points, all in the second half. The Pirates’ sophomore was tasked with guarding the Green Wave junior. Robinson, the Pirates’ first-year coach, had few complaints with the way his team played. “I love that we played hard tonight,” he said. Matanzas controlled the boards

Chris Roberts gets Isaiah Eberheart up in the air.

Matanzas’ Ty Smith (1) leaps high to try to block Isaac Jones’ (4) shot.

and found success driving to the basket. “Once we abandoned the jump shot and started attacking the basket, we were in the game,” Robinson said. “Then we started jacking up 3’s again. The last two minutes of regulation we took two ill-advised 3’s. We got too anxious. I told them, ‘You got to know when, and when not to.’” Isaac Jones scored a game-high 18 points for the Green Wave (0-2). Ty Smith scored 13 for the Pirates, while Michael Martinez scored 11, including a three-point play that put Matanzas ahead 53-52 with 2:37 left in OT. Shakir and Dawson Tanner added nine points apiece, and Jude Lukaszewski had eight points. Tanner hit three of the Pirates’ seven 3-pointers. “They wanted the ball more than we did. They got to every loose ball,” Lopez coach Brad Ridenour said. “They played extremely hard. If we play as hard as they do, we’d be a really good team.” Matanzas’ next home game is Dec. 14 against Pine Ridge.

Tariq Shakir looks for an opening. Matanzas forward Ty Smith, left, controls the opening tip.

PALM COAST VFW POST 8696 ALL SERVICES & EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Bingo at the Post

Every Thursday Doors open at 4:00 PM First game begins at 6:00 SHARP

Call for details

(386) 446-8696 www.vfw8696.com

COME VISIT US! OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Come by and visit with a veteran!

Hours Tuesday - Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday

386-302-0006 / fireintheholefl.com

5 Utility Dr., Suite 6, Palm Coast, FL (Woodland Commons)

369436-1

47 Old Kings Rd N.

Full Liquor License Warm & Familiar Openhanded Table Service High-end Wood Fired Pizza with imported ingredients from Italy. Hand Crafted & Wood Fired to Perfection

369223-1

Open to the PUBLIC for Lunch Monday - Friday 11 am - 2pm Daily Specials from $6.00

Neapolitan Pizza & Wine Bar

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Matanzas’ Wood signs with ERAU The softball star will play for Eagles coach Kelsi Dunne, who taught her how to pitch as a kid.

Our doctors treat hearing loss, specialize in cerumen (ear wax) removal, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and testing of your current hearing aids to determine if they are properly fit. We are committed to providing the best hearing care available in Palm Coast and Ormond.

BRENT WORONOFF STAFF WRITER

Courtesy photo

Emma Wood signs her letter of intent with Embry-Riddle.

BLASTING OFF AS A FRESHMAN

Wood went 10-3 with a 0.76 earned run average as a freshman for the Pirates. During her sophomore year in 2020, Matanzas played just six games before the season was canceled due to the pandemic. But as a junior last year, Wood led the Pirates to the regional semifinals, their best playoff finish in school history. She pitched a 1-0 shutout against Gainesville High in the regional quarterfinals. Early in the season, she pitched a three-hitter in a 1-0 shutout against Seabreeze, helping herself to the win with a home run for the game’s only run. “I have a video of that on my Instagram,” Wood said. “I watch it all the time.” Wood pitched 131 of the team’s 144.2 innings last season and struck out 139 batters. She allowed four hits in nine innings in a 4-2 win over DeLand. In the district championship game, she gave up just three hits in eight innings in a 5-4 loss to Deltona. “She’s done an amazing job in the circle for us,” said Matanzas coach Sabrina Manhart, a former college coach at Daytona State.

And Wood’s bat has been as indispensable as her arm. She led the Pirates last season in batting average (.424), home runs (6), hits (28), runs (24) and runs batted in (19). “Her bat is so big, I assume she’ll get a lot of time at first base or outfield (for EmbryRiddle),” Manhart said. “She’s played all over the field in travel ball.” Wood knows she’ll have to earn at-bats in college, where pitchers are usually replaced at the plate by designated hitters. Also, she probably will have to streamline her pitching arsenal. Right now, Wood throws a fastball, changeup, drop, curve and rise. “In college, you’re just trying to perfect a few pitches. I’ve heard that from many coaches,” Wood said. But before Wood moves down the road to Embry-Riddle, the senior is looking forward to her final high school softball season. “My goal is to make it our best season,” she said. “We have a lot of new people coming in, a lot of freshmen. It’s a pretty big leader-year for me. I’m looking forward to it.”

Unhappy with your hearing aids? Call us, we can help!

See a Doctor Who Specializes in Hearing NOT a Salesman

Clean Ears For Christmas

Dr. Indira Alvarez, Au.D., F-AAA

Wax removal at a reduced rate of $50 for both ears, December only, and a free wax removal kit. Dr. Dominique Botto, Au.D., F-AAA

Heather Curry, H.A.S

160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite A108, Palm Coast, FL 32164 Call today for an appointment. (386) 270-0421

369213-1

Matanzas High School softball player Emma Wood learned how to pitch from Kelsi Dunne, a four-time AllAmerican at the University of Alabama. Dunne will continue to tutor Wood next year. This time as her college coach. Wood recently signed a letter of intent to continue her softball career at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, where Dunne is the head coach. “She was actually my first pitching coach,” Wood said. “I was pretty young, 11 or 12. I had just started pitching.” Wood said a teammate’s mom had recommended Dunne, who pitched nine no-hitters in college and was the Southeastern Conference Player of the Year in 2010 and 2011. “We looked her up,” Wood said. “We saw a lot of videos when she played for Alabama.” Dunne led the Crimson Tide to three Women’s College World Series appearances. Before that, she was named EA Sports National Softball Player of the Year in 2007 when she was a senior at Spruce Creek High School. “She taught me a lot of stuff, like new pitches, and she helped me a lot with my mental game,” Wood said. “Playing in travel ball, I wasn’t extremely good at pitching, but probably my season before high school I started taking off.”

Act Now! Something NEW is coming soon... subscribe today.

The Observer is full of local news you can’t find anywhere else. It’s always about You. Your Neighbors. Your Neighborhood. No matter where you live in Palm Coast and Ormond Beach, you can now have The Observer delivered to your home!

LESS THAN $1 PER WEEK! Hurry, offer ends soon.

DON’T LET THIS LIMITED TIME OFFER SLIP AWAY!

2 SUBSCRIBE EASY WAYS TO

1. Visit: PalmCoastObserver.com/subscribe 2. By phone: 386-338-5080

367541-1

PalmCoastObserver.com | OrmondBeachObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Sponsored by

Development, real estate + business news

Palm Coast will start new search for garbage contractor City to review plans for 770 $20.36 new homes Waste Pro challenged the bid process, saying that a competitor didn’t disclose required information. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Waste Pro, Palm Coast’s trash hauler for the past 15 years, has been repeatedly fined by the city government for missed and delayed pickups, racking up more than $50,000 in fees so far this year. Its contract is set to end in 2022, and city government staff were prepared to recommend that the city contract with another company — FCC Environmental, the only hauler aside from Waste Pro that submitted a bid — even though FCC’s listed prices are higher. But Waste Pro has now challenged the bid process, leading the city to start the process again, according to a news release from the city government. The city went out for bid last August with a request for proposal, collecting bids only from FCC Envi-

City staff decided that the city’s requirements, as stated in a request for proposal, were unclear. The city is rejecting both bids and starting over.

ronmental Services and from Waste Pro before the Sept. 30 deadline. A committee of city staff members evaluated the two haulers’ proposals. For equivalent levels of service, Waste Pro’s bid was lower, although it would still be an increase for customers. For service equal to the twice-a-week pickup it’s providing now for $20.36 a month, Waste Pro’s latest quote was for $26.47. FCC Environmental Services’ price was $33.84 for the same service. FCC Environmental and Waste Pro also each provided quotes for three other service levels, including onceweekly pickup. Both of them gave rates for oncea-week pickup that exceed the current rates residents pay for twice-aweek pickup. The city’s evaluation committee, which “focused on experience, prior performance, and implementation plans,” according to the city news release, was prepared to submit its suggestions in favor of FCC Environmental to the Palm Coast City Council in January. But Waste Pro preempted that by filing a bid protest: Waste Pro attorney Amy Tingley wrote in the Nov. 12 document that FCC’s bid had failed to disclose fines levied against FCC for performance issues in Polk County, and should therefore be rejected. The omission, Tingley wrote, “was a cornerstone of FCC’s presentation and material to its first place ranking, despite being the more expensive option compared to Waste Pro.” The city’s RFP had required that haulers’ bids disclose if “administrative fines, liquidated damages or other penalties were assessed or

BY THE NUMBERS

Palm Coast residents’ current monthly charge for Waste Pro’s twice-a-week garbage pickup and once-a-week recycling pickup

Waste Pro’s proposed monthly charge to continue the same twice-a-week garbage and once-a-week recycling pickup

$33.84

FCC Environmental’s proposed monthly charge for the pickup frequency that residents receive now

$23.22

Waste Pro’s proposed monthly charge for a reduction in pickup frequency to once-a-week garbage, every-other-week recycling pickup

FCC Environmental’s proposed monthly charge for once-aweek garbage pickup and every-other-week recycling pickup

SLIDING GLASS DOOR REPAIR

• For a smooth sliding door • To reduce air and water leaks • To counter the effects of corrosion • To save money both now and later • To improve door strength in high winds

• Licensed and Insured • Warrantied Work • Full inventory • Experienced • Local

For equivalent levels of service, Waste Pro’s bid was lower, although it would still be an increase for customers.

were deducted from the proposer’s payments under a contract with a city, county or governmental entity for collection services and such fines exceeded ten thousand dollars ($10,000) in one month.” When city staff reviewed Waste Pro’s bid challenge, staff decided that the city’s requirements as stated in the request for proposal “didn’t capture all of the differing terminology currently used by governments to evaluate all forms of performance incentives and penalties by solid waste companies.” The city’s official notice of rejection states that both haulers “failed to provide the city with the information it needs to evaluate the proposals.” “It has been determined that the required information regarding administrative fines, liquidated damages or other penalties deducted under existing government contracts was omitted from the proposals received,” the city news release stated. The city is therefore rejecting both bids and starting over, planning to use clearer language in its RFP.

Developers have submitted plans for three new residential developments, one in the center of Palm Coast and two in southern Palm Coast. One, to be called “The Haven,” would be a 205-unit development with a mix of duplexes, quadplexes, and a few single-family homes on 69 acres of land on the east side of Central Avenue slightly south of its intersection with Market Avenue, in Town Center, according to city records. There would be 72 two-bedroom units and 133 three-bedroom units. The land is part of the 1557-acre Town Center Development of Regional Impact. The developer’s technical site plan will go before the city’s planning board for review on Dec. 1, then to the City Council for approval. Another proposed development, Flagler Village, would have 226 single-family homes on 108 acres on the northeast corner of Belle Terre Boulevard and Citation Boulevard. A subdivision master plan for Flagler Village will be reviewed by the planning board. A third development, at this point called “Palm Coast 145” in city records, would bring 339 singlefamily homes to 146 acres on the northeast side of U.S. 1 between Belle Terre Boulevard and Karas Trail. The planning board will review that development’s subdivision master plan on Dec. 1.

weYour havelocal life expert insurance. because, well, you can’t predict the future.

Why Smooth Coast?

Insurance can be complicated. As your local independent agent, we’ll find you the right coverage at the right price.

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Today (386) 441-3635 www.TheSmoothCoast.com Serving Volusia/Flagler/Brevard County

Veteran Owned & Operated

FT-BRV0007861-02

simple human sense

369333-1

Why repair?

NEWS EDITOR

File photo

$26.47

$25.54

JONATHAN SIMMONS

THE BEST LOCAL INSURANCE AGENCY

HAYWARD BROWN FLAGLER, INC.

CITY • 000-000-0000 www.bestinsuranceagency.com

BUNNELL • 386-437-7767 www.HaywardBrownFlagler.com

Presents:

THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS

Contact us to determine eligibility for property insurance in the state of Florida from a member of the Auto-Owners Insurance GroupSM

DECEMBER 10, 2021 @ 7pm DECEMBER 12, 2021 @ 3PM

Discover Your Next Opportunity

St . T hom as Epis c op a l C hu rch 5 4 0 0 B el l e Te r re Parkw ay Pa l m C o ast , F L

We offer financial assistance for training in high demand jobs.

Free will donation accepted

Call (386) 323-7054 to learn more!

For more information call 407-474-1437 or visit WWW.CASFL.ORG

369271-1

369200-1

CareerSourceFV.com

PalmCoastObserver.com

PALM COAST OBSERVER

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

REAL ESTATE

Condo sells for $2.71 million A

condo in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for the week of Oct. 21-27 in Flagler County in the Multiple Listing Service. Gilles and Candace Chemtob, of Palm Coast, sold 28 Porto Mar, Unit 304, to Philip Ogilby and Jane Baysore, of Palm Coast, for $2.71 million. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/4.5 and has 4,948 square feet. WAYNE GRANT

MORE REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

REAL ESTATE EDITOR

Condos Sarah Shepherd and Valerie Batchelder sold 110 Club House Drive, Unit 202, to Kenneth and Lori Pawlowski, of Palm Coast, for $446,900. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,611 square feet. It sold in June for $390,000.

Sam and Cindy Palazzolo, of Eagleville, Tennessee, sold 7 Ocean Palm Villas N., Unit 7, to Robert and Sandra Meyer, of Homosassa, for $270,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,184 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $170,000. Belle Terre David Bruce sold 30 Paul Lane to Christopher and Vera Cavallo, of Palm Coast, for $427,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/2 and has a swimming pool and 1,862 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $155,100.

Marilyn Puckett-Graham and Michael Graham, of Palm Coast, sold 33 Patchogue Lane to Heather Carlo and Joshua Sena, of Palm Coast, for $349,170. Built in 2008, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,712 square feet.

OCT. 21 - OCT. 27 Melbourne, sold 159 Persimmon Drive to Richard and Debra Kalush, of Palm Coast, for $220,990. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,552 square feet. Grand Haven Patrick and Cynthia Gauntz, of Ormond Beach, sold 215 Willow Oak Way to Richard and Nancy Chisholm, of Palm Coast, for $675,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,584 square feet. Grand Reserve and Golf Club D.R. Horton Inc. Jacksonville, of St. Johns, sold 62 Lob Wedge Lane to Richard Frederick, of Bunnell, for $325,990. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,913 square feet. Indian Trails Brownell Turner and Vicki Turner sold 87 Bickford Drive to Cathy Courson, of Palm Coast, for $425,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, swimming pool and 2,365 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $274,900.

Tamara Sharpe, of Surfside Beach, South Carolina, sold 18 Burning Ember Lane to Ming-shueng and Yu-lin Yeh, of Flushing New York, for $407,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 2,194 square feet. Vincent Yannucci, of Shoreham, New York, sold 61 Bren Mar Lane to Anita Selock, of Monticello, Illinois, for $330,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,721 square feet. Dorothy Chapman, individually and as trustee, sold 30 Baltimore Lane to Anthony and Jacqueline Kopp, of Palm Coast, for $295,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,126 square feet. Lehigh Woods Maronda Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 8 Ranwood Lane to Jennifer Wagner, of Palm Coast, for $269,900. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,052 square feet.

Konstantin and Nataliya Makarin, of Hallandale, sold 31 Rollins Lane to Daniel Punzel, of Palm Coast, for $258,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,372 square feet. Holiday Builders Inc., of Melbourne, sold 14 Rylin Lane to John Luzon, of Palm Coast, for $224,990. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,806 square feet. Matanzas Woods Maronda Homes LLC, of Jacksonville, sold 141 Laramie Drive to Meichelle Dunstan-

Holiday Builders Inc., of

369203-1

SEE REAL ESTATE PAGE 20

April 28 - May 1, 2022 FOUR DAYS • FIVE VENUES • 30+ HIT WRITERS • 125+ #1 HITS

YOU’VE HEARD THE SONGS. NOW HEAR THE STORIES BEHIND THEM AS 30+ HIT SONGWRITERS PERFORM JUST FOR YOU! FEATURING OVER 125 #1 HITS! This holiday season, give the gift of music!

PalmCoastSongwritersFestival.com

Buy tickets NOW before they sell out!

Presented by: Major Media Sponsor:

368315-1

Main Stage Sponsor:

PALM COAST OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

house is a 4/2 and has 1,867 square feet.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Richards, of Palm Coast, for $279,900. Built in 2021, the

Ocean Hammock 30 Cinnamon Beach Way LLC, of Ponte Vedra Beach, sold 30 Cinnamon Beach Way to Joseph and Jill Anderson, of Salida, Colorado, for $1.19 million Built in 2014,

the house is a 11/11 and has a swimming pool, elevator and 7,035 square feet. Palm Coast Plantation Gucci Corp., of Palm Coast, sold 188 S. Riverwalk Drive to Richard and Hayley Gurley, of Palm Coast, for $697,000. Built in 2021, the house is a

3/3 and has 2,543 square feet. Palm Harbor Gregory and Stephanie Reeder sold 22 Chippeway Court to Richard and Pamela Lloyd, of Palm Coast, for $790,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/2 and has a swimming pool, boat dock and 2,171 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $485,000.

Roger and Gloria Dragstedt, of Palm Coast, sold 22 Comanche Court to Charles and Ines Furse, of Palm Coast, for $500,000. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,570 square feet.

Courtesy photo

The top transaction features four bedrooms and a walk to the beach.

Traci Leggett, of Palm Coast, sold 86 Fellowship Drive to Alain Bortoli and Beate Grund, of Palm Coast, for $359,900. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,929 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $179,900.

2021 RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

Pine Grove Robert and Helen Ethridge sold 230 Pine Grove Drive to Robert Rakers, of Arlington, Virginia, for $384,400. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a swimming pool and 2,017 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $234,000.

Carole Bertotti sold 25 Welling Lane to Randy and Pamela Wilkins, of Palm Coast, for $260,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,445 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $215,000.

D.R. Horton Inc. Jacksonville, of St. Johns, sold 27 Piedmont Drive to Bent Creek LLC, of Palm Coast, for $280,635. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,862 square feet.

Quail Hollow Amber Darr, of Knoxville, Tennessee, sold 34 Karas Trail to Francine and John Buro, of Old Bridge, New Jersey, for $310,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,020 square feet.

Pine Lakes Wendy Beach, of Palm Coast, sold 17 Walton Place to Thomas and Beverly McNair, of Palm Coast, for $269,900. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,573 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $113,500.

Seminole Woods Seagate Homes LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 16 Seaman Trail E. to Shawn and Nikki Thomas, of Fairfax, Virginia, for $383,900. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,290 square feet.

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

Where to eat! Be Local. Buy Local. BE THE WINNER OF WHAT’S FOR DINNER!

Editions: • Ormond Beach Observer • Palm Coast Observer

Ad Space Deadline: • Thursday Prior

n With 31% of restaurant patrons saying they’d be happy to hear from these establishments once a week, marketers may be able to build more frequent traffic with the right messaging.*

Format: Bright white newsprint 369446-1 367874-1 XNSP20220

• PalmCoastObserver.com

386-597-2600

369447-1 368413-1 367895-1 369443-1

PUBLISHES: Every Thursday | DEADLINE: Thursday the week prior Call 386-447-9723 or email bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com

369445-1 XNSP20219 367872-1

Publication Date: • Thursdays

386-986-2584 Online: eEdition (flip book) on: • OrmondBeachObserver.com www.greenlioncafe.com

Advertise your restaurant to thousands of with your ad in the Restaurant Directory! As low as hungry residents and visitors in the Grow your business and reach readers each week $ Directory WHERE TO EAT! Restaurant /wk. every Thursday in The Observer!

www.anthonyspizzapalmcoast.com n Palm Coast and Ormond Beach households spend an average of $1,335 per year for takeout and delivery.*

Readership: More than 271,053 readers/users*

crossword

*Source: Google Analytics, 2021 *Source: Circulation Verification Council 2021

TEAM PLAY ... by Drew Schmenner. Edited by David Steinberg Ad Sizes & Rates

Full Size 3.333” w x 2” h

celebrity cipher

n 80% of readers plan to purchase dining and entertainment in the next 12 months.* By Luis Campos Palm Coast Celebrity Cipher n Most customers are drawn from a 5 mile radius. Some cryptograms are created or Ormond 109 Despise Miami’s NBA 42 Compassion from quotations by famous people, past try to keep clients limited to ordering from Beach 45 Meh team? delivery services and present. Each letter in the cipher stands located within a4 mile radius. 46 Jewish wedding dance it strange?” Observer 112 “___restaurants for another. $200.00 /4 weeks

47 A pro gamer may 113 St. Louis attraction “YXUGFA BZ DXA CUE HK CBKA. ... coach either one 114 Inserts n Half of consumers eat out or get takeout 2-3 times a DXHZA EXH CHHR HGCW DH DXA 48 Shop with cold cuts 115 Back out from an week. Another 10% of consumers eat out 4-6 times a week.* 50 President Biden’s agreement VUZD HP DXA VPAZAGD UPA YAPDUBG transport-inspired 116 Prof. ’s degree, often * Source: AdMall 2020 DH SBZZ DXA KTDTPA.” nickname * 117 Airport safety Source: 2020org. Census Bureau and 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Expenditure Survey Reduce to a pulp compiled AdMall.com. 118 Liquid boughtbybyEASI theand54 – LHXG K. RAGGAMW Often Americans Dine Out. minnesota.cbslocal.com. 16 May 2019. 56 Imitates gallon* Source: Survey Shows How Web. Sep. 2020 119 “Puff, puff, pass” player 57 Segment of a journey * Source: Restaurant Success Industry Report. Toasttab.com. 2019. Sep. WT 2020 UYNUMT EOYYWZI PO WE “PMWeb. PDP 61 Avenger with a hammer DOWN 62 Greeting in Madrid EUBOT U YDZI EWPO ED IOE ED EAO 1 Uncovers 63 Ale alternative EDL, XJE U TADKE EWPO ED IOE ED 2 “Hello” Grammy winner 64 Endure 3 Characteristic EAO XDEEDP.” – PWYOM FMKJT 66 More unwelcoming 4 Diplomat’s finesse 67 ___ blanche 5 Grammy-winning rocker 68 Hobbyist’s sets “SW UXW UZZ ... MUXL YK LCW CPVUJ Melissa 70 Crash into from behind 6 WNBA official XUBW ... SW JWWE LY NW 74 One who will assume 7 Modernizes for earththe throne BYVMUTTAYJULW UJE DAHAJD UJE quake safety, e.g. 75 In every respect 8 How some TV shows RAJE SALC YJW UJYLCWX.” 76 Need a massage, are aired perhaps – RULCWXAJW CWADZ 9 Poem of praise 77 Lyft competitor 10 Do English homework, 78 Rock groups with loud © 2021 NEA, Inc. say outfits 11 ‘80s toon whose 79 Type of chocolate tummy can beam light 80 Bawl 12 Donkey 81 Well-educated people 13 The Floss or the Twist 82 “Stay out of this,” 14 Run ___ (go wild) Complete the grid so that every row, column briefly 15 Rooms for family game 83 Tortoise’s foe and 3x3 box contains every digit from 1 to 9 nights inclusively. 86 “___ be my pleasure!” 17 “Star Trek: T.N.G.” 90 Leap with a pole counselor 91 Lethargic mammal 18 Tour of duty 92 Loads and loads 19 Princess’s headwear 93 Signifier of rank in 21 Shoppe descriptor martial arts 22 Uttered 97 Clears (of) 27 Pious guys 98 “Color” of envy 30 Help in a bad way? 99 Great Plains tribe 31 Boyfriend for a belle 100 Weasel’s aquatic 33 Uncertainties relative 34 Where to hang at the 101 Betting unit in poker playground? 102 Mascara target 36 Reverberation 104 Machu Picchu builder 37 Listen to, as advice 105 Zilch 38 ___ out (just manages) 107 “That’s terrible!” 39 Identifier for the IRS 109 Pet that scratches 40 Exploratory spacecraft 110 Identify on Instagram 41 Bus passenger 111 Store postings (Abbr.) ©2021 Andrews McMeel Syndicate Puzzle One Clue F equals G

PO Box 353850 // Palm Coast, FL 32135

sudoku

ACROSS

31 Recycling receptacle 32 Skin care brand 1 Baker’s mixture 34 Agree (with) 7 ___ de Janeiro 35 Cater for Calgary’s 10 TV brand NHL team? 13 Homer, to Bart 40 Very proper person 16 “Mad Men” quote? 42 Flaky mineral 17 Care for 43 Unchallenging 18 Red and Yellow 44 Gives the go-ahead expanses 45 Have Oklahoma City’s 19 Domesticate 20 Try to touch players on NBA team accompany you? Dallas’ NHL team? 49 Connoisseur 23 Aware of, as a prank 51 Where a skier may sip 24 High society hot cocoa 25 Title for a duke 52 Approximately 26 Senator’s assistant 53 Lexicon that had no 27 Breaks into, virtually 28 Hollywood workplace single word of the year for 2020 (Abbr.) 29 First medium for 54 Internet jokes Jimmy Kimmel 55 Oldest younger

Puzzle Three Clue: P equals U

(386) 447-9723 // info@palmcoastobserver.com

LV19850 REV. 08/21

Puzzle Two Clue B equals K

Call your advertising executive today!

brother? 56 Storyline’s progression 57 Chuckle in a text 58 Picnic pest 59 Not there? 60 Reimburse Buffalo’s NFL team? 65 Actor Moranis 69 Aspiring prof.’s test, maybe 71 Certain pig 72 “I’m in heaven!” 73 Palm with berries 74 Soulful Isaac 76 It acquired Netscape 77 Popular sheepskin boots 79 Garment of many lengths 80 2014 DuVernay film about 1965 marches

81 Mix up one of New York’s NFL teams? 84 Soybean ___ 85 Fertile, as soil 87 Each birthday candle 88 Love, in Venice 89 Stand up to Seattle’s WNBA team? 93 Creamy cheese 94 Uninvited party guest, perhaps 95 Throw softly 96 Former quarterback Drew 98 Slimy substance 101 Sight from an airplane window 103 Animal in a pride 105 Do perfectly 106 Least acceptable 108 Big winnings

11-25-21

Made for where you live. Here!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

RED PAGES redpages@palmcoastobserver.com palmcoastobserver.com/redpages

DEADLINES: Classifieds - Monday at Noon Service Directory - Friday at 3PM • PAYMENT: Cash, Check or Credit Card

Items Under $200 VIZIO 43"2021 TV model V435J01 w/remote Like New $150 (386) 569-0721

Boats

4 DRAWER metal vertical file cabinet 53”hx18”wx28”d $50, Christmas Tree 7.5’ silk $60, mirror 30”hx26”w $10 814-574-6387

39 RAE DRIVE, 12/4, 9am-3pm, moving all must go, end tables, recliners, queen bed set and more!

BRAND NEW LG Smart Phone 350 minutes free per month for life $35 or trade for DVD player 386586-7074

64 PRINCETON LANE, 12/3 & 12/4, 8am-3pm, books, clothing, kitchen, tools and more!

CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, ornaments, holiday items, wreaths/garland, fill a box for $9 386-672-5545

SELL IT FAST HERE!

CORVETTE C4 Aluminum 17” rims (4) 10” wide with tires $199 386-931-6360 FLYING TRAINING manuals, complete Gleim student pilot set $200 (937) 470-2631

POST YOUR AD WITH EASE PalmCoastObserver.com/RedPages

FREE STANDING black fireplace, glass shelf, multi-control 40”Lx17”Wx33”H $190 386-569-3296

RTG LOVESEAT, teal $75, 120x110 gold curtain with extension rod and blinds for 73” window $30 386-302-2792 TABLE SAW 10" Craftsman Portable Table Saw, (137-415030) 15 amp 5000 rpm (386) 597-2749 THULE CARGO box fits on top of car rack $125 386-263-7868

auto

NEW ROCKER/RECLINER, excellent condition, burgundy $195 OBO 386-437-7058 POWER AIR Fryer Elite, brand new, $45, Hamilton Beach Mixer with dough beater $55 386-597-7371

Autos for Sale TIFFANY-STYLE CHANDELIER, 22”w, glass amber tones, needs minor repair $40 386-597-7865

Help Wanted ORGANIST NEEDED for a Catholic church in Bunnell. Skilled in cantor, choir, and musical instruments including piano and organ with liturgical knowledge to prepare for Catholic mass. Most important is your PASSION! We are here to give you experience and make this place your home. Please send resume to secretary@stmaryccfl.net

MERCEDES BENZ 2013 Smart car, blue, 18,000 miles driven, garage kept, great on gas, $8,500 386-283-2726

ELIZABETH JONES Cleaning Service now offering room and area rug carpet cleaning. 386-569-6151

-Chimney cleaning -Rain caps -Damper Repairs -Firebox repairs -Fireplace Glass Doors -Fireplace screens -Inspections

Bonanno Masonry 386.503.8460

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE! 386-447-9723 PLACE YOUR AD ONLINE:

PalmCoastObserver.com/RedPages

Painting 2 THE T Custom Painting LLC interior/exterior and other handyman services. Licensed and insured.(386) 586-8887

SELL YOUR STUFF HERE!

Cleaning

ELIZABETH JONES TIRED OF COMING HOME TO A MESSY HOUSE? NEED YOUR ROOMS/CLOSETS ORGANIZED?

I WILL MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER SO YOU CAN ENJOY YOUR DAY!

CLEANING SERVICES SINCE 2003

Use the

RED PAGES to clean out your garage

CALL 386-447-9723

FOR CHRISTMAS, two beautiful display dolls, exquisite, in boxes $30 each 386-672-4797

BUY STUFF HERE!

PalmCoastObserver.com/RedPages

Carpet/Tile

You’re only cheating yourself.

COMPUTER DESK chair, black $20, Merlin LCD Vision Machine for visually impared $150 386-586-7074

FIREPLACE SPECIALIST

RED PAGES

Small to Large - ANY Detailed Job is Available!

Now Offering Room & Area Rug Carpet Cleaning!

Free Estimates All Supplies Furnished 10% OFF 1st Cleaning

Advertise your business or service in the Observer

CALL TODAY 941-955-4888

Residential/Commercial Licensed

References available

Call: 386-569-6151

This week’s Crossword answers

This week’s Celebrity Cipher answers Puzzle One Solution: “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” Anne Frank Puzzle Two Solution: “You wake up some days and feel ugly. ... I accept that I’m not perfect and it’s OK -- I can start over again tomorrow.” Kaley Cuoco Puzzle Three Solution: “I’ve learned throughout my journey that perfection is the enemy of greatness.” Janelle Monae

This week’s Sudoku answers

HEROES found here. Relax. You’ve got better things to do. Find a professional here in the Red Pages.

RED PAGES Made for where you live. Here!

Call 386-447-9723 or visit Classifieds.PalmCoastObserver.com

Items Under $200

1436 SOUTH DAYTONA AVENUE, 12/4 & 12/5, 8am-2pm, generator, household goods, exercise equipment, clothing, tv, beach chairs

ST. MARY Church in Bunnell has an opening for a part-time Parrish secretary. This position (20-24 hours per week) is responsible for a variety of church administrative office operations. Catholic preferred. Must be a team player and have a great problem solving attitude with an eye for detail. Required are skills with Microsoft Office products, including Publisher. Salary commensurate with education/experience. Please submit resume to secretary@stmaryccfl.net

368270

105 WESTHAMPTON Drive 12/3/21 9am-2pm furniture, new holiday gifts, household items.

jobs

Garage/ Moving/ Estate Sales

peekers’ place

stuff

PROTECTED CANAL DOCK PALM COAST, FL FOR RENT

FOR 30’ TO 50’ SAIL OR MOTOR YACHT WATER/ELECTRIC CLOSE TO ICW - NO BRIDGES DOCKHOUSE LIFT FOR DINGHY OR SKIFF CALL ROBERT 386-449-9161

Home Services

home services

The Palm Coast Observer reserves the right to classify and edit copy, or to reject or cancel an advertisement at any time. Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Palm Coast Observer to meet all applicable legal requirements in connection with the ad such as compliance with towncodes in first obtaining an occupational license for business, permitted home occupation, or residential rental property. Notice: All real estate advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Help Wanted

We’ll SWEEP you off your feet!

INFORMATION & RATES: 386-447-9723

PalmCoastObserver.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Doors

Four Palm Coast Locations 66 Blare Castle Dr. 77 Brunswick Ln. 27 Rolling Sands Dr. 9 Ramble Way

We treat our residents like a second family. Proudly serving the Palm Coast area for over 20 years.

Insurance

Helping You Select the Medicare Plan That is Right For You! HMO • PPO • SUPPLEMENTS PART D • DENTAL

386.569.1399 Emma Pronesti Owner/CEO

364200

367617

Giulio Ben Pronesti Adminstrator

ios d u t D o or s sS e

AIR AUTOMOBILE WINDOW TINT COMMERICAL - RESIDENTIAL

L A

RTISANS

“God Bless You”

369344

Small Business Retirement Plans (386) 210-9500 gmiddleton@wealthcrest.com

364194

Securities products offered through Registered Representatives of Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a Broker/Dealer. Member FINRA/ SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through WealthCrest Financial Services, LLC is not a subsidiary or control affiliate of Cambridge.

CERTIFIED COLLISION REPAIR SHOP 410 N. Railroad Ave, Bunnell, FL 32110 367716

Barber

ISSUE DATE:

Helping to set up retirement plans for the self-employed and for small business owners

We Create Your Paradise • Trim Shrubs & Hedges • Mulch & Stone • Clean Out Specialists

Professional Landscape Design & Maintenance

Financial Services, LLC

85 Avenue de la Mer, Suite 706, Palm Coast, FL 32137

386-957-2850

Lic & Ins.

LawnGirl386@gmail.com

Painting

2013 v1

Voted Best Around 5 Years in a Row

COAST, FL MINT

No Appointment Necessary

Exquisite Florida Homes

Ofﬁce Use Only ARTIST

TC NUMBER

MINT Magazine TC- 1048990 Monday 8am-7pm 8am-5pm Julie - Tuesday-Friday ISSUE OF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION Saturday Sunday - Closed SALES& REP: CLIENT ID NUMBER CATEGORY DATE:

New Advertiser

Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Saturday 9-1

9/16 Budget Blinds #165100

AD SAME?

3256JK 17 Old Kings Road North Palm Coast,JKOYAKMINTMAGAZINE.COMYYY FL 32137

& Shades missed by you on this proof will not releaseHome you from Furnishing:Blinds any liabilities from m the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not

Please deliver guaranteed. asap to:Ads_____________________________________________ with coupons may have coupon placement changed to ﬁt the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has

EDITION NAME:

00728  FLAGLER CO./PALM COAST, FL MINT

Licensed & Insured

Custom Home Builder, Additions & Remodeling Over 35 years experience Ph- 386-265-8375

2013 v1 Y

This is your only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it

Ad is not approved make changes indicated ❑00728-10-13

Professional Interior & Exterior Painting

EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________ not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as

Residential Repaints, New Construction, Subcontracts Affordable High Quality, Prompt, Thorough Over 20 years serving Flagler County

shown here. PHONE: __________________________ FAX: __________________________

386.446.1566 Ofﬁce Use Only

TC NUMBER

New Advertiser

Owner Dominic 3256JK DiGirolamo

❑ Ad is approved ❑ Ad is approved with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated

Please deliver asap to:

AD SAME?

Licensed & Insured CBC1264375