Issuu

PALM COAST

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 16, NO. 47

Happy holidays, from the Observer family

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR What motivates our best teachers to teach? Inside, a conversation with each school’s nominee: PAGES 1B-6B

No appetite for 13 more homes

More than just the lights Fantasy Lights has raised $375,000 over the last 20 years. PAGE 3A

Planning Board says new market pressures are not a good reason to add density PAGE 2A INSIDE $325K SCHOLARSHIP Flagler Palm Coast High student, Syed Haider, wins prestigious QuestBridge College Match scholarship to Cornell University PAGE 4A

IB REUNION

Flagler Palm Coast holds IB Diploma Ceremony for 2025 graduates PAGE 4A

NEW AND IMPROVED

Palm Coast Dunkin’ celebrates re-opening after remodeling PAGE 7B

Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington with Palm Coast Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri and Councilman Ty Miller hand out candy to festival goers. Photo by Sierra Williams

CHIPOTLE PROGRESS Future Chipotle could open next summer PAGE 7B

100TH SALLY

A golf tradition in Ormond’s Oceanside Country Club PAGE 7B

Celebrating St. Elizabeth 50 years in Ann Seton’s Father Jose the priesthood PAGE 8A

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

INDEX

Business......................PAGE 7B Calendar......................PAGE 5A Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 4C Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Sports......................... PAGE 8B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 6A

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GratitudeAmerica raises 50K

Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil. Photo by Brian McMillan

The sixth annual GratitudeAmerica Charity Golf Tournament at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa has raised $50,000 for veterans, and has received an additional $15,000 donation from The Hammock’s Lori Fund. The $50,000 raised at the Nov. 11 Veterans Day tournament is a 15% increase over the previous year’s raised funds, GratitudeAmerica Board Chairman Stephen Gallagher said, and stems solely from the 175 event donors. The money raised will fund two GratitudeAmerica MSR retreats for veterans. When he started with GratitudeAmerica, he said he’d never dreamed it would be so successful. “It’s mainly because of the very generous community that we have,” Gallagher said. “We have a lot of people that really want to give back.” GratitudeAmerica is a nonprofit organization that sup-

ports reintegration of veterans and first responders through three main programs: The Fallen, the MSR Retreats, and the Warrior PATHH. The tournament originally raised under $20,000 in the first year and used just one of the resort’s golf courses. Now it is so popular they have had to spread across two of Hammock Beach Resort’s golf courses. This is also the third year in a row the Lori Fund has made a donation, Gallagher said. Lori Fund founder Frank Petruno said that over the years Gallagher has become a great friend and he “understands the commitment to help our veterans,” who go are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder issues or need help readjusting to society. Gallagher is an army veteran who served in active duty from 1980-1984. “That’s my motivation is that I can give back and raise money, and know it’s going to a great cause,” he said. Email sierra@observerlocal news.com.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

Thirteen more homes? Planning Board says no Palm Coast E-section development, by ICI Homes, was already approved for 58 residential units. SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

An application to increase a development in the Easthampton neighborhood has been recommended for denial by the Palm Coast’s Planning & Land Development Regulation Board. The board recommended denial in a 6-0 vote, with one member absent from the meeting. Developer CP and HG Residential Lots LLC — a subsidiary of ICI Homes — has approval to build 58 dwelling units on the 37-acre lot through a 2012 settlement agreement with Palm Coast. The property is located along Eric Drive and Easthampton Boulevard, and is an infill project, meaning it’s on a lot within existing neighborhoods. The application was to increase the number of units by 13 and reduce the minimal lot size to 5,500 square feet from 8,250 in the East Hampton Master Planned Development. The request was also to reduce the internal lot widths and the interior building setbacks. ICI Homes representatives said that the change is because it is more expensive to build housing now because of a change in market conditions. The additions would make the project “more feasible,” representative Dick Smith said. Planning Board Chair Sandra Shank said that is not

enough. “Financial feasibility is not enough to warrant deviating from what is required for them to be able to meet the consistency of the land development code,” Shank said. The settlement agreement stemmed from a 2004 lawsuit. A change to the city’s comprehensive plan redesignated the land to City Greenbelt from Flagler County’s residentiallow density, reducing the density from 1-3 units per acre to just 1 unit per acre. ICI Homes’ John Stowers said the settlement agreement gives the developer the ability to request changes, and costs have increased dramatically to construct homes since 2012. “It’s not about re-trading a deal,” Stowers said. “It’s about the evolution of the marketplace.” Many residents showed up to protest the additional units, stating the infrastructure, specifically the water, capacity was not there to support the increase in size. But, city planner Michael Hanson said that, as of now, Palm Coast has the capacity to handle the requested increase. Shank said there are other, evidence-supported reasons to deny the request. She and her fellow board members listed several, including the incompatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and a lack of a secondary entrance or exit to the neighborhood for emergencies. The developer’s application would require a modification to the settlement agreement, which only the Palm Coast City Council can approve. The council will review the item, and the planning board’s recommendation for denial, at a later council meeting.

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

NEWS BRIEFS Inmate sentenced to 8 more years after stealing A Putnam inmate who stole from a Palm Coast home in April while on an inmate work crew has been sentenced to eight additional years. Jay Working, 34, had just 14 days left on his original sentence at Putnam Correctional Institution. Working pleaded no contest, a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office press release said.

Ormond Beach’s new city website is now live

The City of Ormond Beach’s new, redesigned website is

COPS CORNER DEC. 17

BIKE SWAP 11:14 a.m. — 100 block of East Moody Boulevard, Flagler County Petit theft. A Palm Coast man accused of stealing another man’s bicycle from a gas station claimed he mistakenly grabbed the wrong bike because he was drunk. Though the suspect said the victim could have the suspect’s bike, the suspect was still taken to jail for theft. The stolen bicycle is valued between $100-$250.

DEC. 14

STOPLIGHT NAP 8:50 p.m. — Intersection of Nova Road and West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach DUI. Police arrested a 23-year-old Daytona Beach

now live. The upgrade has been in the works for a couple of years. It was identified as a goal in early 2023 during a City Commission strategic planning workshop, going out to bid later that year. In March 2024, the City Commission approved an almost $210,000 contract with Granicus, a software company headquartered out of Denver, Colorado. Of the total contract amount, $130,325 accounted for the website redesign, a one-time cost. The remaining funds in the contract — $79,645.73 — were slated for video streaming, voting configuration and subscription fees, with set 5% increases for future years, according to the staff report. Video streaming for City Commission meetings has not yet been implemented. Assistant City Manager Claire Whitley announced the

man who was found asleep at the wheel while at a turn lane with a green light. Several cars were honking their horns and flashing their lights at the driver, who failed to move his car through several light cycles, according to a police report. The reporting officer then approached the window of the car and noticed the driver was asleep. The officer knocked on the window, but he didn’t wake up. He only came to, the report states, once the officer opened the door and turned off the car. The man told the officer that he had come from a friend’s house and had a couple drinks there. “I made a mistake,” he said, according to the report. He refused to participate in field sobriety exercises or provide a breath sample. During a search of his car, police found drug paraphernalia. He was taken to jail.

redesigned website’s launch at the commission meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16. “The content we’re continuing to work on, so that’ll be a work in progress,” she said. “Once this new look is unveiled, the content will continue to be updated with new platforms and features for information, news and events.”

Bunnell man flees Flagler deputies, caught with weed

A Bunnell man is in the Flagler County jail after he fled from deputies to avoid going to jail. An FCSO deputy attempted to pull over Byrone Lord, 22, on Old Dixie Highway near Bunnell when Lord was caught driving 59 mph in a 35 mph zone. Instead of pulling over, Lord accelerated into oncoming traffic and turned onto U.S. 1, according to a

CRASH AND FLEE 10:33 p.m. — 900 block of North Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach DUI. A 50-year-old Ormond Beach man was arrested after he crashed into a road sign and a tree while driving under the influence, and left the scene. Police report that they received a call about a suspicious vehicle at a local church. The caller believed they were being followed, but later asked law enforcement not to respond after losing sight of the vehicle. About three minutes later, police were notified of the crash. Witnesses saw him fleeing on foot and refuse orders to stop from law enforcement. The man was apprehended but refused to speak to officers. He was deemed a flight risk and thus did not complete field sobriety exercises, according to his arrest report. Police suspected he

FCSO press release. Lord drove over a curb and ran a red light on Seminole Woods Boulevard before the deputy lost him. Lord’s Volkswagen was later found near Commerce Parkway, speeding through traffic, before turning onto South Anderson Street and Dr. ML King Jr. Avenue, where it was abandoned. Deputies found 21.18 grams of marijuana in the Volkswagen. Lord and his 17-year-old passenger were later found walking along the road and were detained, the press release said. Lord admitted to fleeing deputies because “he knew he would go to jail for driving without a license and having marijuana in the car.” A search of Lord found more marijuana and $335 cash. Deputies also found a purse Lord had discarded that contained another 12 grams of marijuana.

was drunk due to the smell of alcohol on his breath, slurred speech and glossy eyes. He was transported to the hospital, then to jail.

DEC. 12

A BIT OF EVERYTHING 8:40 p.m. — Intersection of State Road 100 and Seminole Woods Boulevard, Palm Coast DUI. A Palm Coast man who was found unconscious behind the wheel of his car at an intersection later told deputies had taken “a little bit of everything” when asked if he’d taken any narcotics. Law enforcement officers on their way back to work after a holiday event found the driver slumped, unconscious in his running car at the intersection, according to an arrest report. Because the driver did not respond to any attempt to wake him, one police officer used their baton to break two windows to place the car in park. The man was arrested.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

Mayor Mike Norris reads a proclamation declaring Dec. 20 as annual Fantasy Lights day.

Seventh-Day Adventist’s Pathfinder and Adventure Club members. Photos by Sierra Williams

At 20 years old, Fantasy Lights reaches $375K ‘This tradition began back in 2006,’ Rotary President Michelle Bartlome said, ‘and no one could have imagined that it could get as big as it has today.’ SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

City Attorney and Rotary Club member Marcus Duffy holds up the Rotary Club’s 20th anniversary jingle bell.

Over the last two decades of Fantasy Lights festivals in Palm Coast, over $375,000 have been raised, Rotary Club of Flagler County President Michelle Bartlome said. “That’s the power of community,” Bartlome said, “and that is the heart of Rotary.” The Rotary Club of Flagler County held a celebration on Dec. 20 for the 20th anniversary of the Fantasy Lights Festival. In the last 20 years of Fantasy Lights, volunteers have dedicated some 36,000 hours of their time to create the Fantasy Lights festival and raise money for local organizations. That money returns to the

community through sponsorship or scholarships, nonprofits and service projects that directly benefit those here in Flagler County, Bartlome said. “This tradition began back in 2006,” she said, “and no one could have imagined that it could get as big as it has today.” The 20th anniversary celebration featured performances from The Troupe with The Dance Method dance school and the Pathfinders and Adventure Clubs of Palm Coast from Seventh-day Adventist Church. Festival attendees could also receive a special 20th anniversary jingle bell to commemorate the event for a $20 donation. The Fantasy Lights festival stemmed from the dream of Tiffany Butler, who died in 2002 of a heart condition. Her father Bill Butler, a Rotary Club member, said that in 1997 when his family saw a

The Rotary Club of Flagler County held a celebration for the 20th anniversary of the Fantasy Lights Festival.

HEAR YOUR BEST

Flagler Palm Coast High School Rotary Club members: Kinsey Ruiz, Ava Zublionis and Club President Hannah Zublionis.

Christmas light display in Indiana, his daughter Tiffany wanted to have a similar light show in Palm Coast. Tiffany did not live to see the fruition of her dream, but, Butler was able to bring it to life in 2006. The first Fantasy Lights had just 16 displays, Butler said, and it has now

grown to 57 light displays. “When I look around and they see more than 57 displays, thousands of families and a community united, I know Tiffany will be smiling,” Butler said, overcome with emotion. “This event is proof that even the smallest spark of imagination can grow

Olivia Wooten part of The Troupe, a dance group with The Dance Method, performed at the 20th anniversary celebration.

into something extraordinary. Fantasy Lights has never been just about the lights.” He said it’s about making memories, volunteers and a “community coming together for something bigger than themselves. “That’s what makes this tradition special,” Butler said. “I am grateful to everyone who has helped Tiffany’s dream alive all these years, and I am humbled to see it shine brighter than ever on this 20th anniversary.” During the event, Mayor Mike Norris read a proclamation declaring Dec. 20 as Fantasy Lights Day. “That little spark that Bill set has made this all happen,” Norris said.

Kayliana Hall, 9, leads the Pathfinder and Adventure Group of Palm Coast in song.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

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FPC’s top student, Syed Haider, wins QuestBridge Match scholarship Haider plans to major in biomedical engineering at Cornell. The scholarship covers every college expense. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

It’s not like Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Syed Haider to just freeze. But that’s what he did on the morning of Dec. 1, when Haider saw that the names of the winners of the QuestBridge National College Match scholarships had been released — hours before the announcement was scheduled. Haider is one of 2,550 students nationwide who received the QuestBridge National Match which connects high-achieving high school seniors from lower income backgrounds with full four-year scholarships to the nation’s top colleges.

Syed Haider holds up his letter congratulating him as a QuestBridge National Match scholarship selection to Cornell University. Photo by Brent Woronoff

The scholarships are worth over $325,000 and covers everything including tuition, books, room and board and travel. Haider will be attending Cornell University, where he will study biomedical engineering. He knew he was a finalist for the match schol-

arship in October. Days before the Dec. 1 announcement, he was so excited that some nights he couldn’t sleep. He had ranked four universities — Cornell, MIT, Harvard and Johns Hopkins. If he would be matched to one of them, the scholarship would be binding for that school. He pondered each possibility. On the morning of the release date, he checked at 9 a.m., just for fun, even though the results were scheduled to be dropped between 3 and 5 p.m. “I saw it had dropped,” he said. But for some reason, his anxiety took over, and his finger wouldn’t press down on his computer keyboard. He said he waited five, 10 minutes, contemplating whether to open the link or not. “One of my friends opened it for me,” he said. “And then I saw that I matched. He was just really excited. I basically jumped up and down. At first, it was just disbelief.

The first few minutes I was, ‘Did I really make it? Did I match?’ Because, I wasn’t really expecting it. But once it happened, I actually started telling some people during the day, and especially when I got home, I told my parents.” Haider is an International Baccalaureate student. He is currently ranked No. 1 in FPC’s senior class of 604 with a GPA of 5.4615. He achieved a score of 1520 on his SAT with a perfect 800 on the math section. Bella Giuliano, FPC’s IB program coordinator, has taught Haider since he was a sophomore and said she’s watched him grow as a student and a leader in the community, which she said is something she’ll cherish forever. “I’m excited to watch him thrive at Cornell and see where he is in 10 years,” Guiliano said. “Because I’m sure it’ll be somewhere amazing, and he’ll be changing the world. So, I’m just excited.” IB guidance counselor Phil DeAugustino and Haider’s

other teachers are equally as excited. Haider said he is grateful to all of them, as well as his Take Stock in Children mentor, Jared Dawson. His IB math teacher Scott Warren, biology teacher Carrie Schell and history teacher Steve Von Glahn wrote letters of recommendation to go with his QuestBridge application. Haider included in the application an excerpt of his 4,000-word extended essay, an IB requirement. He wrote about GSTP1, an early biomarker for prostate cancer, comparing it to the PSA biomarker. He got interested in biomedical engineering, he said, when his father had a heart attack five years ago when Haider was in the seventh grade. “He’s doing well now. It’s a happy ending,” he said of his dad. “But when I first saw him in the hospital room, I saw all these machines on him, and I was thinking, ‘How is he being kept alive?’ I saw all these different devices. Who made

these? I looked into it later on, and I found out: biomedical engineers. So I really wanted to know how I could contribute, because I wanted to be able to build and improve on the same devices that helped keep my father alive during that time.” Haider knows he’s fortunate to receive a QuestBridge National Match. And he wants other high school students of limited means to know that such a scholarship is available. Haider has always been a whiz in math and science, but he said his extracurricular activities, including the Mu Alpha Theta math honor society and FPC’s bridge club, have been just as important as his academic achievements in making him the person he is. “I feel like that’s one of the parts that uplifted my application, being able to show what I learned through all of these experiences,” he said. “Because it really did change who I was.”

Flagler Palm Coast holds IB Diploma Ceremony for 2025 graduates Now college freshmen, the IB grads got a chance to catch up with former classmates, teachers. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast held its annual International Baccalaureate Diploma Ceremony on Dec. 17 at the FPC Bistro. Twelve 2025 IB graduates returned to campus to receive their IB diplomas and recon-

nect with their classmates, teachers and administrators. “All IB results come out over the summer so these students never know whether they passed until after they graduate high school,” FPC Assistant Principal Mandy Kraverotis said. “And the physical IB diplomas don’t come out until around November. So we always do this holiday break celebration for them.” There were 25 IB graduates in FPC’s 2025 graduating class, Kraverotis said. About twice that many are expected to receive their IB diplomas in 2026, she said.

“This was a good way to come back and see people that we haven’t seen in so long,” said Dani Nieves, who is now a University of Florida freshman majoring in biomedical engineering. “IB was a very tight-knit group.” Nieves is a member of UF’s GRiP club working with prosthetics. “It’s essentially a club that, as a student you get to work hands-on and actually build prosthetics and get to learn what it really means to be a biomedical engineer and see it in action,” she said. Shellsea Ibarra Carreon said

Members of Flagler Palm Coast’s 2025 International Baccalaureate graduating class returned to campus on Dec. 17 to receive their diplomas. Courtesy photo

the IB program not only prepared her for college but also for life. “It prepared me for a lot of the writing you have to do in

college,” said Ibarra Carreon, who is majoring in computational biology at Florida State University. “Because of the IB program, I know what other

people are expecting of me, especially in research areas or community clubs, because you can take that role of leadership.”

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YOUR TOWN Haw Creek Farm and Home 4-H donates to Hope House Food Pantry, in Bunnell The Haw Creek Farm and Home 4-H club hosted a free community spaghetti dinner on Dec. 12 and collected nonperishable food items for the Hope House Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church of Bunnell. The club members collected more than 720 canned goods, 50 boxes of macaroni and cheese, 190 boxes of corn bread mix, 200 tooth brushes, peanut butter, jelly, rice and more. The food pantry, located at 2301 Commerce

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

Parkway, is open each Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to noon and serves residents of Flagler County. Among the attendees at the dinner were four generations of the Cody family who have been in 4-H in Flagler County dating back to the 1950’s. Club leader James Evensen said he was proud of all the members who worked so hard collecting the food. Twelve of the 19 club members ranging in age from 5 to 17 have completed more than 44 hours of community service hours at events the 4-H club participated in or organized during the club year. Hope Musgrove, Flagler County’s 4-H Youth Development Extension agent said, “Community service is at the heart of what 4-H stands for — ‘hands to larger service’ is one of the four pillars of our pledge. Through projects

like this, 4-H members learn the value of helping others, teamwork and making a positive difference right where they live.” Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance said, “I have seen firsthand the positive impact of 4-H in our community. 4-H helps young people build confidence, leadership and a strong sense of responsibility through hands-on learning and the dedication of its volunteers. Our community is stronger because of the work 4-H does for our youth.”

Walk/Run 4K for Autism Family Fun Day set for April 18

Cedar Bridge Foundation will host the Walk/Run 4k for Autism & Family Fun Day on April 18, 2026, at Veterans Park in Flagler Beach.

The event honors individuals and families navigating autism while recognizing Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month. Cedar Bridge Foundation is founded by Dr. Maria Dowling and Terrie Baker. “This event is about honoring each person’s journey and creating a place where everyone feels seen, supported and valued,” Baker said. Cedar Bridge Foundation is dedicated to empowering individuals with autism and developmental disabilities by providing life-skills education, vocational readiness, recreational activities, advocacy and community engagement. For registration, vendor and sponsorship information, visit cedarbridgefoundation. org/autism-walk-run-familyfun-day/, email autismwalk@ cedarbridgefoundation.org or call 386-222-2889.

Haw Creek Farm and Home 4-H club hosted a free community spaghetti dinner and collected non-perishable food items for the Hope House Food Pantry at the First Baptist Church of Bunnell. Courtesy photo

LOCAL EVENTS

Details: Celebrate the New Year with a surfboard drop at midnight. There will be games, music, food and fireworks.

SATURDAY, DEC. 27

THURSDAY, JAN. 1

KWANZAA CELEBRATION When: 12-5 p.m. Where: African American Cultural Center, 4422 U.S. Highway 1 N., Palm Coast Details: The Cultural Committee of the African American Cultural Society invite the community to attend this annual free Kwanzaa celebration. There will be food trucks, vendors, a program with drumming and dancing, an African fashion show, a 50/50 drawing and giveaways. The program begins at 2 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 31

NEW YEARS 2025 SURFBOARD DROP When: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach

FIRST DAY HIKE When: 10-11:30 a.m. Where: Gamble Rogers State Park, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Celebrate the new year in the outdoors with a hike on the Joe Kenner Trail with a park ranger. Learn about native plants, animals of the maritime hammock and the coastal strand ecosystem. All ages welcome. Group size is limited to 15. Pre-registration is required. Call 386-517-2086.

SATURDAY, JAN. 3

MOONRISE AT THE BEACH When: 5:30-6:15 p.m. Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park, 3100 S Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler

Beach

Details: Learn about the

moon as you watch it rise. Bring binoculars and a camera for photo opportunities. Meet at the beachside pavilion. Entrance into the park is $5 per vehicle.

SUNDAY, JAN. 4

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING EVENT When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive, Palm Coast Details: Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free 3-gallon tree or shrub in exchange at this 19th annual event hosted by the city. Recycled trees will be turned into mulch for the city’s parks and trails. You must remove all decorations, lights, tinsel and ornaments. There will also be free document shredding.

PALM COAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S 2026 SPEAKER SERIES When: 1-2 p.m. Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast Details: Listen to Mike McGinness and Jeff Davies as they present, “Florida: A History in Pictures – From the Stone Forts at St. Augustine to the Big Swamp.” Free event. Preregistration required. Visit parksandrec.fun.

Denise and Craig Barton.

Craig and Denise Barton celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

All four of their children and all 16 of their grandchildren gathered on Dec. 20, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in Bunnell, to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of Craig and Denise Barton. On display at the celebration was a newspaper article published Oct. 2, 1975, in the Flagler Tribune, announcing the engagement of Denise Tucker, daughter of Flagler County patriarch Raymon Tucker, to Craig Barton.

ONGOING

A COURSE IN MIRACLES STUDY GROUP When: 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays Where: Flagler Beach Methodist Church, 1520 Daytona Ave. S., Flagler Beach Details: This group meets weekly in the church’s classroom. Please bring your own book if you have one and a $2 donation. Contact Aynne McAvoy at 315-481-9073 for more information.

Denise Tucker Barton was a 1972 graduate of what was then Bunnell High School. Craig Barton is a longtime rancher and still works 350 head of cows with his son Jeremy, in Bunnell. Email stories to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

COUNTRY MARKET When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every second Saturday, September through May Where: Old dairy barn at the Florida Agricultural Museum, 7900 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast Details: Enjoy vendors, live music, a festival atmosphere and food trucks. Admission and parking is free. Visit floridaagmuseum.org to see what the special theme each month will be.

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

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Broadwater home nears $2 million A

house in the Broadwater subdivision at 4 Broad Creek Circle was the top estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormondby-the-Sea for the week of Nov. 29 to Dec. 5. The house sold on Dec. 2, for $1,995,000. Built in 1996, the main home and pool house have a total of eight bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and two half-baths. The property sits on 1.02 acres and has a pool, a spa, an outdoor kitchJARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

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Breakaway Trails The house at 21 Tomoka Cove Way sold on Dec. 5, for $850,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a spa and 3,326 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $449,900.

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Latitude Margaritaville A house at 696 Landshark Blvd. sold on Dec. 5, for $720,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,402 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $409,400. The house was listed by Kelley Sarantis, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty.

The house at 220 Sand Bar Lane sold on Dec. 2, for $469,500. Built in 2020, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,771 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $307,100. The house at 418 Good Life Way sold on Dec. 5, for $585,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,067 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $403,600.

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The house at 580 Barefoot Life Lane sold on Dec. 1, for $662,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 2/2.5 and has 2,339 square feet.

The house at 2 Leisure Wood Way sold on Dec. 5, for $370,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 6/4 and has 3,244 square feet. It last sold in 1994 for $165,000. Halifax Plantation The house at 1422 Carlow Circle sold on Dec. 1, for $280,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in

It last sold in 2022 for $469,500. Legends Preserve The house at 1229 Pampus Driv sold on Dec. 2, for $378,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,190 square feet. Links Terrace The house at 100 Lost Ball Drive sold on Dec. 1, for $343,955. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,687 square feet. Lionspaw The house at 115 Jubilee Circle sold on Dec. 2, for $325,000. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,285 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $180,000. LPGA International The house at 320 Perfect Drive sold on Dec. 2, for $380,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,912 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $226,000.

2007 for $220,000. The house at 2836 Monaghan Drive sold on Dec. 1, for $390,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,839 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $458,500. Hunter’s Ridge The house at 10 Foxhunter Flat sold on Dec. 1, for $595,000. Built in 2002, the 4/3.5 house has two fireplaces and 4,495 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $447,000. Plantation Bay The house at 569 Aldenham Lane sold on Dec. 5, for $550,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, and outdoor kitchen and 2,476 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $402,800. Royal Dunes The house at 184 Royal Dunes Blvd. sold on Dec. 4, for $450,000. Built in 1962, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,044 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $237,500. The Trails The townhome at 54 Wildwood Trail sold on Dec. 2, for $285,000. Built in 1985, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,344 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $217,000. Tomoka Estates The house at 1069 Indigo Road sold on Dec. 1, for $435,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a boat dock and 1,837 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $290,000. Trails South Forty The townhome at 97 Ox Bow Trail sold on Dec. 4, for $295,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,483 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $160,000. Woodmere The house at 953 Parkwood Drive sold on Dec. 2, for $385,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,362 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $344,000.

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

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

PALM COAST

Hammock Dunes condo tops list at $2.5 million A

condo at 28 Porto Mar, Unit 502, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for Dec. 6-12 in Flagler County. The condo sold on Dec. 9, for $2,512,500. Built in 2007, the condo is a 4/4.5 and has 3,697 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $1.6 million. ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos A condo at 33 Veranda Way, Unit 33, sold on Dec. 12, for $225,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,143 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $229,900.

A condo at 200 Riverfront Drive, Unit D302, sold on Dec. 8, for $436,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,781 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $389,000.

PALM COAST

Lehigh Woods A house at 4 Richard Place sold on Dec. 10, for $319,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,504 square feet.

A house at 27 Red Mill Drive sold on Dec. 11, for $380,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,800 square feet. A house at 18 Rykill Way sold on Dec. 11, for $375,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,804 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $386,000. A house at 15 Raleigh Drive

sold on Dec. 10, for $345,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,117 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $379,000. A house at 1 Rae Drive sold on Dec. 10, for $574,500. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 3,380 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $435,000. Ocean Hammock A house at 11 Driftwood Lane sold on Dec. 12, for $1,075,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,888 square feet. Palm Coast Plantation A house at 67 N. Lakewalk Drive sold on Dec. 12, for $649,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,472 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $459,900.

A house at 175 S. Riverwalk Drive sold on Dec. 12, for $800,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a boat dock, a boat house, a boat lift and 2,487 square feet. Pine Lakes A house at 195 Wellington Drive sold on Dec. 12, for

$400,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,030 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $194,900. A house at 63 Westglen Lane sold on Dec. 10, for $406,950. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,409 square feet. A house at 2 Westbury Place sold on Dec. 11, for $460,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,306 square feet. A house at 32 Wood Arbor Lane sold on 10, for $285,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,274 square feet. A house at 7 Whitcock Lane sold on Dec. 10, for $313,100. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,780 square feet. Seminole Woods A house at 110 Smith Trail sold on Dec. 12, for $349,900. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,520 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $120,000.

A house at 55 Sea Breeze Trail sold on Dec. 12, for $395,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,908 square feet. A house at 18 Slipper Orchid Trail E. sold on Dec. 11, for $395,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 3,000 square feet. A house at 12 Squanto Place sold on Dec. 11, for $316,800. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,117 square feet. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

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Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Father and friend

Roof repairs are underway at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. Father Jose announced that the church didn’t have to borrow any money from the diocese to pay for the project, thanks to local donations.

Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil, on the day of his 50th anniversary of entering the priesthood: Dec. 17, 2025.

Jose Panthaplamthottiyil celebrates 50 years in the priesthood. He’s been pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, in Palm Coast, since 2019. Ramon Marrero, Greg Gully, Joseph Paul and Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil. Photos by Brian McMillan

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

When Father Jose Panthaplamthottiyil was first named the lead pastor at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, in 2019, he asked his parishioners what were the most important problems to solve. One problem stood out to Pamela Cowles: having only 15 minutes available for confession per week, for the whole parish. “I said, ‘If it’s not important for the priests, then it won’t be important for the parishioners to come,’” Cowles recalled. “And you know, he almost immediately turned it around. Now, he does a half hour before every Mass.” With six Masses every week, that’s three hours of confession with multiple priests, or about 12 times as much access as there used to be. Attendance at confession, he said later, is one of the most important signs of spiritual strength. “People need to be reconciled to God,” Father Jose, as everyone calls him, said to me. “We need to provide the opportunity to do that. When priests are available, people come. We don’t have any free

“We sense that the Lord is near in our beloved brother and pastor, Father Jose. Father Jose, just in his presence, his mannerisms, exudes the love of Christ. He exudes that welcomeness.” REV. TIMOTHY LINDENFELSER

Robert Snyder, with Sylvia Reyes.

Luz and Jess Socrates.

time, relaxing.” Cowles explained why confession is so important for her personally: “We know we have our loving father, and we know that we have a relationship — that he forgives us — but it’s the graces. The graces that we receive through the sacrament strengthens us to be better people and not commit the same sins over and over again. The confession strengthens you.” AT MASS

Father Jose was celebrated on Dec. 17, with a Golden Jubilee Mass, representing his 50th year in the priesthood. Over 1,100 people attended the noon Mass, on Dec. 17, at the church at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast. Sunlight began to filter through the stained glass windows, depicting saints, high on the walls. A larger-than-life statue of the resurrected Jesus, arms outstretched, is suspended about 20 feet above the ornate altar. Near that alter, Father Jose was presented with a robe with gold print, called a chasuble, to remind him of his first day at the altar, as a symbol of the love of his parish. Father Jose accepted the gift and said: “For this day of joy, my heart is deeply grateful as I stand before you to celebrate 50 years of priesthood. When I look back on my journey, I see

only God’s mercy, guiding me. Every assignment, every person and every moment of these 50 years has been his gift to me.” Many other Catholic church leaders were in attendance, as well as family members who traveled from around the country. “Your presence today is one of the greatest blessings I could receive,” Father Jose said. “I rejoice because I am sharing this moment with all of you. … Let us remember that every step of our journey depends entirely on the mercy of God. With humble hearts, let us now ask God to forgive us our sins and prepare us to celebrate his holy mysteries.” The Mass proceeded, with Joshua Shanty, a grandnephew of Father Jose; and Rooha Shanty, his grandniece; reading from the Bible. Deacon Mike McKenna presented the gospel proclamation, followed by the homily, or sermon, delivered by Rev. Timothy Lindenfelser. “The Lord is near,” he said. “And we can sense his presence in many different ways in our life. But in no small way, we sense that the Lord is near in our beloved brother and pastor, Father Jose. Father Jose, just in his presence, his mannerisms, exudes the love of Christ. He exudes that welcomeness.” Lindenfelser said Father Jose’s goal is to build “communities of love” and to help others know they are children of God and are therefore always loved. He praised Father Jose’s work as a writer. In addition to writing 23 books, Father Jose also was a newspaper editor and has written a

Father Rob Trujillo.

weekly inspirational column, published in a daily newspaper in India called Deepika, for 40 years. Father Jose also received degrees in India, as well as Notre Dame and the University of Illinois. “In all his years as a journalist, he sought to give and reinforce us to know that the Lord is working, that indeed God is forgiving sins, miracles are happening,” Lindenfelser said. “Miracles are happening. … They don’t make the news, they’re not on television, they don’t often make it on social media, but God is working.” Father Jose spoke during the Mass as well, reflecting on his call to the priesthood, as a young man. He entered the seminary at the unusually young age of 14. “[God] chose me long before I was aware of his call,” Father Jose said. “... The Lord chose me to proclaim not my word, but his word. To offer not my wisdom, but his truth. … And to do all this not by my strength, but by the unfailing power of the Lord’s grace. … All the glory belongs to God. … I trust completely in his mercy.” He expressed gratitude “to God, who called me, sustained me, forgave me, carried me, and continues to lead me.” AFTER MASS

Pamela Cowles’ husband, Ron, is the head greeter at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. He converted to the faith in 1985, after his wife praying for him for 15 years. In his view, Father Jose’s impact is felt in the greeting ministry — not because there are more people involved, but because they are taught to be more welcoming. For Father Jose, author of “A Welcoming and Inviting Parish,” a people who want to spread the gospel must be friendly. And greeting is just one of the many ministries that have started or expanded since Father Jose came to town. The bulletin lists 36 prayer and devotional groups, 33 service groups, and seven support groups — including support groups led by Pamela Cowles, for bereavement and Alzheimer’s caregivers (email her at healthministry@seaspcfl.org). After the Mass, as I was talking to the Cowles, Father Jose was busy embracing one parishioner after another,

posing for photos, and looking directly into the eyes of everyone who wanted to speak with him. I stopped him for a moment to congratulate him and thank him for inviting me. I was about to leave, but I should have known that wouldn’t be the end of his attempts to make me, and others, feel welcome. He asked that we pose for a photo, and then asked that I attend the lunch celebration afterward, where the entire congregation was served lunch, across the parking lot in the hall and in overflow areas. Among the speeches and praise for Father Jose at the lunch were comments offered by Robert Snyder, Sylvia Reyes, Jess and Luz Socrates. Knights of Columbus leaders Greg Gully, Joseph Paul and Ramon Marrero recognized Father Jose’s impact in strengthening the parish, and his kindness and friendship. Finally, Father Rob Trujillo, who lives with Father Jose, said Father Jose’s favorite scripture is, “I can do all things in Christ, who strengthens me.” “We know Jesus has strengthened him,” Trujillo said. “... Tonight, we do not simply mark the passage of time, we celebrate God’s … mercy, God’s providence, made visible through the ministry of Father Jose. … As Father Jose reminds us, a priesthood jubilee is not about personal accomplishment, but about gratitude.” Then Trujillo noted that Father Jose wasn’t even in the room to hear the speech. “I hope he’s listening; I spent time on this thing,” he joked. In fact, Father Jose was moving in and out of the hall, visiting the crowds in the overflow areas before being brought back in to receive a gift delivered by Trujillo: a congratulatory framed photo of Pope Leo IV, sent from the Pope. After his own remarks, Father Jose was back to his parishioners, one on one, shaking hands and embracing them — Father Jose, the diminutive man with a broad toothy smile, the leader and writer with decades of education and leadership experience in India as well as the United States, who is seemingly able to make time for everyone.

“The Lord chose me to proclaim not my word, but his word. To offer not my wisdom, but his truth. … And to do all this not by my strength, but by the unfailing power of the Lord’s grace.” FATHER JOSE

DECEMBER 25, 2025

TEACHERS YEAR OF THE

Q&A with the community’s 12 top teachers, selected by the schools for having the biggest impact.

MICHELLE MOORE

EMILY CREEL

Belle Terre Elementary

Wadsworth Elementary

Moore said seeing her students grow and gain confidence motivates her every day.

Creel, inspired by her second grade teacher, found her way back to her dream through raising her son.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

elle Terre Elementary School Teacher of the Year Michelle Moore has been teaching in the Autism Spectrum Disorder/Physically Impaired unit for nearly four years. She currently teaches kindergarten and first grade students in a self-contained ESE class with a focus on communication and socialemotional skills. Moore has master’s degrees in special education and literacy education. She has a bachelor’s degree dual certificate in child study/special education. She is in her 23rd year as a teacher. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I became a teacher because as a student, several of my own teachers inspired me to work harder, aim higher and persevere through challenges. I wanted to be someone students would remember for having a positive influence on who they become. How does the nomination make you feel? I feel deeply honored and humbled by the nomination. It’s wonderful to have the efforts that I put into my students and school recognized. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? My favorite thing is knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of my students and their families. I am able to help my students to reach their full potential, to do things that they may not have been able to before, and bring some hope to their families as we celebrate their accomplishments together. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? This experience has given me renewed confidence in my abilities and a strong sense that my work matters to my colleagues and the wider school community. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you

Belle Terre Elementary School ESE teacher Michelle Moore has been an educator for 23 years. Photo by Brent Woronoff

motivated? Seeing students grow and gain confidence motivates me every day. Their progress, big or small, reminds me why I chose this work. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? One memorable experience is seeing a student’s small smile light up their eyes when they realize that they have accomplished something meaningful. Those moments remind me to celebrate small wins, build confidence, and create learning experiences where every student can experience that pride. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? Keep trying. Even small steps add up. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; growth comes from effort and persistence. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? Outside of school, my faith in Jesus is central to my daily life. I cherish time with family and friends, especially when my granddaughter asks, “Grammie, you wanna play with me?” I love being outdoors, exploring new places, enjoying sunshine or rainstorms, indulging in anything chocolate, and taking a good roadtrip.

Wadsworth Elementary School Teacher of the Year Emily Creel is in her first year as the school dean. She previously spent three years as Wadsworth’s coordinator of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and five years teaching kindergarten. She first came to Wadsworth for her internship while completing her degree at UCF. Creel said she’s loved Wadsworth so much she’s never left. This year marks her ninth official year of teaching. She graduated from UCF in 2017 and earned her master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stetson University in 2022. Creel was raised — and still lives — in Jacksonville. She and her son Johnny, a student at Matanzas High School, commute every day, “because we truly love our schools,” she said. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a teacher. I would line up my dolls as my “students” and pretend to teach them to read, just like my favorite teacher, Mrs. Kress, once taught me. As I grew older and moved through middle and high school, that childhood dream faded, and I wasn’t quite sure where life would lead me. In 2010, everything changed when I had my son, Johnny. Watching him grow, learn and make sense of his emotions reignited my passion for education. Seeing the world through his eyes reminded me of the joy and purpose teaching had always held for me. Johnny is the reason I found my way back to this calling, and I truly wouldn’t be the educator I am today without him. How does the nomination make you feel? I am genuinely overwhelmed with gratitude. Wadsworth Elementary has become so much more than the place where I work — it’s a community that inspires me every single

day. I feel unbelievably fortunate to be surrounded by such passionate, dedicated professionals who pour their hearts into their students and into one another. Their support, collaboration and commitment to doing what’s best for kids is something truly special. Being part of this team is an honor, and I’m grateful beyond words for the people who make Wadsworth feel like home. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? What I love most about being a teacher is watching students discover their potential and gain confidence in themselves. Every day brings new moments of growth, curiosity and joy, and being there to guide, encourage and celebrate those moments is incredibly rewarding. I also love the connections I build — not just with students, but with families and colleagues. Teaching is not just a job for me; it’s a privilege to be part of these children’s journeys and to help shape their love of learning. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? One thing I’m taking away from it is the power of community — how much we can accomplish when we support one another, celebrate each other’s strengths, and work together for our students. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? The students. Seeing their growth, curiosity and excitement for learning reminds me every day why I chose this profession. Knowing that I have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their lives — and to help them believe in themselves — fuels my passion, even on the toughest days. The moments of connection, laughter and discovery make it all worth it. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? I have always struggled with two things: confidence and math. I remember one day in second grade when we were getting back our graded math tests. Mrs. Kress instructed us to put our papers in our takehome folders. Of course, everyone started comparing scores. When I saw mine — 60% — I felt defeated. Regrouping had gotten me again! As I quickly tried to put it away, another student snatched it from my hand

Emily Creel did her internship at Wadsworth Elementary School. She loved the school so much, she’s never left. Photo by Brent Woronoff

and laughed at my score. I felt like I wanted to disappear. I started to cry. Mrs. Kress calmly walked over, gave him the look, and retrieved my paper. She told me everything would be OK and gave me a reassuring wink. Her calm, discreet handling of the situation allowed me to collect myself, and we moved on. Later, she purposefully called on me to answer questions I knew, celebrating my success in front of the class. At that moment, my confidence soared — I felt like I could do anything. I think about that experience often and strive to have the same impact on my students: to help them feel valued and seen while remaining calm, supportive and collected. I currently have my second grade class picture in my office and I often look at it when I need a reminder. And don’t worry — my mom did get me a math tutor to help! If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? Enjoy every moment of your life — it goes by so quickly! Take chances, be silly, and try new things, even if they feel scary. Some of my biggest regrets have come from holding back because I was too shy, and I want to inspire our students to be bold, brave and fearless in pursuing their dreams. Life is meant to be lived fully, and every step, even the uncertain ones, is worth it. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? When I’m not at Wadsworth, I love spending time with my family and friends. We’re Universal Studios passholders, so you’ll often find us exploring the parks. I also enjoy puzzles, reading, listening to podcasts, binge-watching TV shows, and hanging out with my three mischievous cats. I make sure to see my dad and brother at least twice a week — those visits are always full of laughs and the little moments that make life special.

HOME IS WHERE THE COMMUNITY IS We’re thankful for our neighbors and the connections that make Palm Coast such a special place. Wishing you a happy holiday season and a New Year filled with health, happiness, and home. If you’re planning for an exceptional real estate journey, we’re here to help you get there. Let’s make your 2026 real estate goals happen!

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR HAYLEY MARINO

TRESSA LANDI

Bunnell Elementary

Old Kings Elementary

Being a school counselor has blended her passions for mental health and helping others.

Landi’s favorite thing about being a teacher is that every day is different.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

unnell Elementary School Teacher of the Year Hayley Marino is in her fifth year as a school counselor. This year, she is the counselor for kindergarten and fourth grade at BES. Marino was raised in Flagler County and wanted to give back to one of the four Flagler County schools she attended — Wadsworth and Bunnell elementary schools, Buddy Taylor Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School. She has now worked at three of them. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I decided to become a school counselor when I first worked as a temporary paraprofessional (at Rymfire!) and had the opportunity to see what it was like working in a school — and I loved it! I was attending UCF Daytona for my bachelor’s of psychology degree at the time and knew I wanted to have a career focusing on my passion for advocating for mental health and helping others. When I learned about school counseling, I realized that I can merge these two aspirations together while having a career that truly makes an impact. Being raised in Flagler County and attending WES, BES, BTMS and FPC as a student, when I decided to be a school counselor I knew immediately that I wanted to serve one of these schools to give back to the community that made me who I am today — and I can proudly say that I’ve worked for BTMS, WES and now BES. How does the nomination make you feel? The coolest part was that I was nominated alongside my fifth grade teacher (Mrs. Jamie

Lambert when I attended BES!), and one of the people I lean on most in my Student Services team, our behavior interventionist Mrs. Jerri Berry. I look up to both of these phenomenal educators and seeing their names next to mine was a moment that had me thinking, “I made it.” What is your favorite thing about being a school counselor? The connections I get to create with my students. Each year we get to loop up with our student groups, and I love it because we can build/maintain those relationships with the students and their families every year. As an example, I’ve been with my students who are currently in fourth grade since they were in first grade, and it’s amazing seeing the growth each student has made. I feel like I genuinely know each one of my students and having their trust as well as their families’ trust solidifies why I do what I do. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? Complete gratitude. With entering this career at a younger age and working alongside amazing educators who taught and inspired me while growing up, imposter syndrome often sneaks up on me, and receiving this honor proves to myself that the work I do is making a difference. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? My BES Student Services team truly keeps me motivated. When the days are tough, I know I can count on them to help me problem solve, come together to support our students, and of course when I need a therapy session with someone who truly understands. I truly believe I work with the best Student Services team in our district. Oh, and humor. Always have to find the positive things and laugh so we don’t cry! What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? There was one time when

Hayley Marino has been school counselor for her current fourth-grade students since they were in first grade. Photo by Brent Woronoff

myself and our behavior interventionist were working with a student who shared that he was struggling to trust us. At the time, hearing this really hurt my counselor heart, as trust is often a key aspect in the work that we do. But it also helped me self reflect and realize that trust doesn’t always come naturally in meeting with students. It takes time, and it’s important to always show unconditional positive regard even when situations feel difficult. The student did eventually begin to trust us, and it took weekly meetings and being fully open to hearing from him directly what we can do on our part to build his trust. From this experience, I always approach my students with an open mind and heart to hear how they would like me to support them. What is one piece of wisdom you could share with students? Always give yourself grace. When I work with fifth graders and do my final lesson with them to prepare them for middle school, I always end my lesson with this statement because there’s so much power in treating ourselves with kindness and patience. We do not know what we do not know, but we will learn, and that’s OK! Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? Anyone that knows me, knows two things: that I have a huge family, and I’m a major dog person. I love spending time with my fiancé, my family and my friends — they keep me rooted. My dog is a rescue so he comes with issues, but I enjoy helping him be his best self. So, I enjoy being a school counselor to my dog too!

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ld Kings Elementary School Teacher of the Year Tressa Landi teaches health to 990 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. She has been in education since 1997. Landi grew up in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, and attended Lycoming College in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice as well as her elementary certification to teach first through sixth grades. Landi was also a threesport athlete at Lycoming College, which, she said, may have fueled her passion for teaching health and wellness. She went on to earn a master’s degree in education with a focus on elementary reading from Walden University. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I felt that I could provide a safe environment where they would feel comfortable and excited to learn. On a personal level, I also wanted to be the teacher that I needed during my own elementary years — a promise I make to my students every single day. How does the nomination make you feel? I am profoundly honored to receive this recognition from the staff here at Old Kings Elementary. Their belief in what I do means the world to me. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? My favorite thing about being a teacher is that every single day is different. In my current role as a health teacher, the students change for me weekly as they rotate through different classes. When those students rotate back to health class seven weeks later, their growth — not just physically, but socially — is truly incred-

ible to watch. Many of our students are genuinely excited for health class, and seeing that anticipation for learning in their eyes is what makes my heart happy. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? The nomination process required me to reflect deeply on every classroom, project and moment I’ve been a part of for the last 25 years. That reflection made me realize the true impact I’ve had here in our school district, and that was a profoundly moving experience for me personally. More than anything, I realized how incredibly blessed I have been. I have had the opportunity to be trained and supported by some of the best people in the state of Florida — our dedicated administrators, my fellow teachers, the wonderful support staff, hardworking custodians, helpful office staff, dedicated bus drivers, generous cafeteria staff and energetic activity leaders. And of course, the greatest blessing has been the thousands of amazing students. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? My personal quote to my students this year is, “I promise to be the teacher that I needed when I was your age.” This simple promise is truly at the forefront of every lesson I teach. Having had the privilege of teaching many of these students for six consecutive years, I’ve learned that consistency and genuine connection are key. My motivation is always to do better for every student who walks into my classroom. I focus on celebrating their growth, whether it’s academic progress or strides in behavior. To uphold this promise, I’ve had to rely heavily on the expertise of my colleagues, reach out to parents for their invaluable guidance, and consistently take classes to help hone my craft. It’s a commitment to continuous improvement for their benefit. What is a memorable experience that influenced

Becoming a teacher wasn’t something Tressa Landi planned. “It was something I was destined to be,” she said. Photo by Kerri Henderson/ Flagler Schools

the way you approach educating students? I often go back to my very first year teaching first grade at Bunnell Elementary in 2000. I had a particular student who was extremely withdrawn; she would not talk and preferred to be left entirely to herself. It was difficult for her to work with her peers, and when asked to share, she would not. Little by little, with consistent care and patience, she started to develop her skills. By the end of the year, she was flourishing. I kept a photo for years of her sitting on the rocking chair, with her classmates sitting in front of her, as she read aloud a book of her choice. That moment pops up often and reminds me that all students are truly capable of learning with the right care. What is one piece of wisdom you could share with students? Be kind to your future self. The decisions you make today — whether they are big choices or seemingly small ones — profoundly affect the person you will become tomorrow. Choose to study, choose to forgive someone, choose to be honest. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? My life outside of school is focused heavily on family and enjoying our beautiful local environment. We spend a lot of time boating and fishing. I enjoy reading — it’s my favorite way to unwind at the end of a busy day. I make sure to get in some form of exercise daily. It’s important to find activities that recharge you so you can be fully present for your students.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

KATRINA FEOLA

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR HAYLEY GURLEY

Imagine School at Town Center Feola is in her 35th year in education.

Rymfire Elementary

BRENT WORONOFF

Gurley was inspired by her aunt, Grace Adkins, who taught for 75 years and retired on her 95th birthday. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

y m f i re E l e m e n ta ry School Teacher of the Year Hayley Gurley has dedicated over 20 years to the field of education, with the majority of her teaching career spent in Georgia. Five years ago, she and her husband relocated to Florida to be closer to family. Gurley is in her fourth year as Rymfire’s behavior interventionist. She graduated from the University of Georgia and holds a master’s degree in Instructional Design from WGU. Why did you decide to become a teacher? My aunt, Grace Adkins, had a profound impact on my life. She dedicated 75 years to teaching, retiring on her 95th birthday. I’ve always had a passion for helping others. This desire, combined with my aunt’s influence, led me to pursue a career in teaching. I transitioned [to the role of behavior interventionist] because I am passionate about supporting students who may need assistance in managing their behavior. My goal is to help every student recognize their value and understand that they deserve a quality education. I hope to contribute to their journey of selfdiscovery and empowerment.

Hayley Gurley is in her fourth year as the school’s behavior interventionist. Photo by Don Foley/Flagler Schools

How does the nomination make you feel? I am truly honored and grateful for this nomination. It means the world to me to know that my work is recognized and valued. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? My favorite part about being a teacher is forming meaningful relationships with my students and demonstrating my genuine investment in their education. I find such joy in knowing my students truly feel that I care about them. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? One thing I’m taking away from this experience is the reminder that the small, everyday moments count. The small wins, the patience and the relationships really do matter. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? What motivates me during challenging times is the

relationships I’m building with my students and knowing they rely on me. I show up because I don’t want to let them down. I want them to know they matter and are worth my best efforts every day. I also love my work family and have the privilege of working with incredibly talented educators. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? I don’t have a single memorable moment that has influenced my approach to educating students; rather, it’s been a series of observations throughout my career. Over the years, I’ve noticed that students who struggle with behavior often lose their selfconfidence and motivation to learn. I’ve also seen their parents feel defeated. This led me to develop a strong desire to understand the “why” behind the behavior and to help. This desire has truly shaped how I interact with my students and their families. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? The one piece of advice I have for my students is to never give up. Embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities. You are capable of achieving more than you can imagine. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? Outside of my job, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my three grandchildren.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

magine School at Town Center Teacher of the Year Katrina Feola is the only one of four girls who attended the University of Florida. Her three sisters all attended Florida State. But all four became teachers, which was one of their parents’ “greatest achievements.” Feola currently teaches sixth grade Language Arts and Intensive Reading. This is her 35th year in education. She spent 10 years in the classroom in three Florida counties, then 20 in administration in Flagler County. Feola retired from Flagler Schools and chose to go back into the classroom at Crescent City High School. Last year, she moved to Imagine School at Town Center and was named the school’s Rookie Teacher of the Year. Why did you decide to become a teacher? My mother worked in the cafeteria at my K-12 school in Suwannee County. My siblings and I rode in to work with her early each day, and I always helped in my teachers’ classrooms. Back in the day, that included banging

Katrina Feola. Courtesy photo

the dust out of chalk erasers. I felt so important! The teachers were always well dressed, intelligent (mostly women), and were highly respected in my community. I thought they were amazing, and I hoped to grow up and be just like them. I can name every teacher I had from kindergarten through senior year, and I have fond memories of most of them. How does the nomination make you feel? Being selected as the ISTC TOY makes me feel valued, respected and recognized for the hard work, energy, time and effort I pour into my kids, my classroom and my school. It reminds me that I am a great educator, and I do have an impact on students that they will carry with them, just like that little girl “dusting erasers” in a rural Florida school in the 1970s. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? I love it when we are reading a novel and my alarm goes off to indicate class is ending, and the kids shout, “Noooooo. You can’t end there!” or a similar remark. It makes my English teacher’s heart very satisfied. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? In my second year of teaching, I had a seventh grade student (whose name and face I clearly remember) who used to try to “push my buttons” daily. I now understand that it was probably avoidance behavior as he was a struggling reader, but at that time, back in 1993, I was much less patient and self-reflective than I am now. One day, he called me a name, and I lost my temper — completely. The next day, my principal called me down after receiv-

ing several parent calls. After I explained the situation, she said, “You can never let the student control you. You must always be in control of yourself.” It was a game changer for me. Another time, I had a very bright, but also challenging high school student in the room. I followed my training and asked him to step outside the classroom so we could figure out what was going on. I “listened” to him talk about “having a lot of things going on” and “living with his grandparents,” etc. At the end of that, I said, “OK, well ... I’m going to need you to get focused and on task, and stop interrupting class.” His response was, “I DON’T GIVE A (expletive) WHAT YOU NEED, LADY! Both of my parents just got deployed [due to the Gulf War,] and I don’t know if I will ever see them alive again!” In that moment, I learned that there was a lot more my student needed from me than to read “Lord of the Flies.” I had to value those needs, or he would never care about what I was teaching. What is one piece of wisdom to share with students? So much of what you are learning right now, you will never use in your daily adult life. HOWEVER, the way you are learning to learn and think, learning to persevere when material is difficult, and developing the work ethic to do things well and with pride in yourself — these skills are lifelong and necessary every, single day of your adult life. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? I enjoy seeing my former students become productive adults with their own families and successes.

wishes you and yours a very

Merry Christmas and

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR KATHERINE FISCH

SHANNON RUSSELL

Buddy Taylor Middle

Indian Trails Middle

Fisch said teaching intensive reading allows her to address the issues holding students back.

On 9/11, Russell learned how powerful a smile can be.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

uddy Taylor Middle School Teacher of the Year Katherine Fisch teaches eighth-grade intensive reading. This is her 31st year teaching in Flagler County. She and her husband, Robert Fisch, are graduates of the Flagler County School District. Their five children are also graduates of Flagler Schools. Why did you decide to become a teacher? Teaching was always the goal, but my focus really sharpened up thanks to my cousin, Maureen. We were born in the same year (1972), but her journey was completely different because she has Down Syndrome. Back then, before laws like PL 94-142 guaranteed all kids an education, I saw just how hard it was for her family to get her the resources she needed. It was a huge contrast to how easily my brother and I sailed through school, and it gave me a real soft spot for kids who struggled. I just couldn’t figure out why school seemed like such a battle for some of my talented classmates. By the time I hit high school, I started to understand the different learning hurdles students face, and that per-

sonal connection, combined with the intellectual side of it, completely hooked me on exceptional student education. I knew I had to major in both general ed and specific learning disabilities at Flagler College. Teaching intensive reading has been the most satisfying part of my career, as I get to directly address the foundational issues holding students back. Now, my motivation is simple: I teach to champion every student’s success. Seeing what Maureen went through showed me how critical fairness is, and my roots here in Flagler County reinforced how much we need to value every graduate equally — the ones heading to college, the ones joining the military and especially the ones taking those skilled local jobs that keep our community humming. My whole career is about making sure every student gets the support they need to be the best they can be. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? Watching a student move from feeling lost to feeling genuinely confident and prepared to take on the world is the most rewarding success a teacher can share. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? As a young teacher, I wanted 100% from all of my students every day. The naive young teacher in me didn’t realize that no one is 100% all the time. A third grade student with a severe learning disabil-

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

I BTMS teacher Katherine Fisch. Photo by Brent Woronoff

ity wrote me a note with all the misspellings that essentially said, “Not all kids can be perfect all the time.” That hit me hard. I still have that note 30 years later, and I know exactly who wrote it. That has become my constant reminder that we need to give our students and ourselves grace. What is one piece of wisdom you would share with students? Intelligence comes in many forms, and all too often, students only think of it as “book smarts.” That couldn’t be further from the truth! Don’t ever let a grade on a paper make you think you aren’t smart. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? We spend our free time in the beautiful Florida outdoors and are State Park enthusiasts. We have visited over 25 natural springs, multiple waterfalls (natural and artificial), and over 110 Florida State Parks!

ndian Trails Middle School Teacher of the Year Shannon Russell teaches physical education and health and wellness and coaches volleyball. She has been teaching in Florida since 2020. Prior to earning a Florida teaching certificate, she worked as a paraprofessional and also taught preschool for four years at a Head Start program in Connecticut. Russell was an All-State volleyball player and threesport athlete at Naugatuck High School in Connecticut and was inducted into her high school’s Hall of Fame as an athlete and a coach. How does the nomination make you feel? I feel privileged to help shine a spotlight on the value of physical education and health wellness. Being nominated means a great deal to me, both personally and professionally. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? I’m at school from 6:30 a.m. for car riders until about 4:30 p.m. coaching volleyball, and the reason I’m able to balance such long days with my home life is because I genuinely love what I do. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? What keeps me motivat-

ed are the kind words from my students and colleagues that I have kept throughout the years. During difficult moments, revisiting these messages lifts my spirits. I also remind myself that some students face very tough circumstances and need me to be there for them, even if I don’t feel my best that day. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? A memorable experience that shaped the way I approach teaching occurred when I was a senior in high school. It was 9/11, and my volleyball game was not canceled. No one really wanted to be there that night because of the day’s tragic events. We won, and I was interviewed by a reporter. The next day, when my coach showed me the article, I realized it wasn’t about volleyball or my stats; it was about me and my smile. The reporter, who also didn’t want to be there, was reminded that there were still positive things in the world. My friendliness and smile, even for a moment, helped him feel a bit of relief from the day’s sadness. I carry that memory with me every day when I greet students and parents at car riders with waves, hugs and fist bumps. I hope to brighten their day, both parents and students, especially when things at home might be difficult. I also greet my students at my classroom door with fist bumps and hellos, striving to create a welcoming, comfortable environment. I believe greeting my students and

Shannon Russell. Photo by Kerri Henderson/Flagler Schools

starting their day with these small gestures help them feel seen, valued and ready to learn. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? Kindness matters. Treating others the way you want to be treated is one of the “Big Three” values we teach daily at Indian Trails. I hold myself to the same standard. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? When we’re not coaching or refereeing, my husband of 20 years, Regan, and I spend our time cheering on our boys as they play baseball and football. Some other activities I enjoy that help me recharge for school are shelling and gardening. On most weekends, I go shelling at the beach with my friend Michelle. Not only do we find amazing treasures, but we also help clean up the beaches as we explore.

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GIVE A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS Foster or Adopt a Local Child

he holidays are filled with warmth, joy, and togetherness. Yet for many local children, this time of year brings a colder, lonelier reality. Instead of looking forward to gifts or gatherings, they are looking back to a childhood of abuse and neglect – and wishing for a loving family. Across our community, many children, teens, and sibling groups are waiting for safe, caring homes. They have entered the child welfare system through no fault of their own, but because they have experienced trauma. What they need most is the stability and love of a nurturing foster or adoptive home. There is a pressing need for foster parents in Volusia, Flagler, and Putnam Counties. Foster parents offer a temporary haven that allows children to heal and grow while they await a permanent living arrangement. Whenever safely possible, youth return to their birth families. When reunification cannot happen, the court may free the child for adoption, giving them a second chance at a forever family. Many foster and adoptive parents describe the experience as a calling that enriches their own lives just as deeply as it transforms a child’s life. The joy of seeing a young person thrive in a stable home is one of the greatest gifts a family can give – during the holidays or any time of year.

During this season of giving, ask yourself if you can make room in your heart and home for a child, teen, or siblings in need. You do not need to be rich, married, or a homeowner, and the biggest requirement is love.

LEARN MORE

“We have a window of opportunity to have a positive impact on these children.”

Visit CommunityPartnershipForChildren.org to learn more about fostering or adoption. You can make a difference for a lifetime in the year ahead!

CommunityPartnershipForChildren.org (386) 238-4900 135 Executive Circle, 2nd Floor, Daytona Beach, FL 32114

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR ALEX GIORGIANNI

ERIN DAVIS

Flagler Palm Coast High

Matanzas High

Giorgianni is LeBron James’ No. 1 fan and the No. 1 supporter of his entrepreneurial students.

As AICE coordinator, Davis helps shape both student and teacher growth. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

lagler Palm Coast High School Teacher of the Year Alex Giogianni is the teacher for the Bulldog Entrepreneurial Program of Innovation. This is his ninth year as a teacher. Before taking over the entrepreneurial program three years ago, he taught a variety of social studies courses and spent two years teaching at i3 Academy, FPC’s former project-based learning program. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I first got into teaching through coaching. During my final semester of college, I completed an internship with coach Dave Halliday, helping out the (Flagler Palm Coast) cross country team. Pretty quickly I realized this was what I wanted to do. I really enjoy playing a small role in the development of students and athletes, during the most formative years of their lives. How does the nomination make you feel? I am honored to receive it, however I believe this is ultimately a reflection of my students, and the incredible work they have done over the last three years to turn our pro-

Entrepreneurial teacher Alex Giorgianni. Photo by Brent Woronoff

gram around. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? The relationships I have built with students over the years. Seeing them go on to become professionals, have families and turn into fantastic human beings. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? How lucky I am to have had some incredible students over the last few years, who have really bought into the goals of our program. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? I try not to let the outside noise interfere with what is happening in my classroom. While there may be times that are difficult, for the most part I enjoy my job and what I do in the classroom on a daily basis. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach edu-

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

cating students? In 2021, I was moved to be a teacher at the former i3 Academy, which was a fully immersive project based learning environment. During my time teaching at i3, I was able to experience what thriving, student-led education looks like. These experiences not only transformed the way I approach education, but the way I approach life. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? To not worry about failure, and to work relentlessly hard to achieve their goals. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my wife, and 2-year-old daughter, Sunday. I am a huge Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies fan, as well as the self proclaimed No. 1 Lebron James fan in the world.

atanzas High School Teacher of the Year Erin Davis is the school’s AICE coordinator, supporting teachers, students and families in the Cambridge AICE Diploma program. This is Davis’ 29th year in education. She also has taught at Indian Trails Middle School and Flagler Palm Coast High School. Davis is a product of Flagler Schools, graduating from FPC in 1992. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Social Science Education from Florida State university in 1996. Why did you decide to become a teacher? My path to becoming a teacher was born out of loss, reflection, and ultimately, purpose. While studying at Florida State University, I experienced the tragedy of losing my boyfriend, Mike, to suicide. A professor at FSU, John Phillips, recognized that I was struggling and encouraged me to change my major to Secondary Social Science Education. His compassion and guidance helped me find my footing again. I realized that I wanted to be that same kind of support for young people — someone who looks for the quiet pain, the uncer-

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-26 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 545.54 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Zoning Map designation for 545.54 acres of real property from Planned Unit Development (PUD), Reserved (R), and Single Family Residential (R1) Zoning Districts to the Master Planned Development (MPD) Zoning District. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below. The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the second reading of the proposed Zoning Map amendment on January 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed Zoning Map amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the City Commission of the City of Flagler Beach on January 8, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of the hearing is for the City Commission to act upon the adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-22 entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, TO ANNEX PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CORPORATE AREA AND CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 514.06 ACRES OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THIS ORDINANCE AND LYING IN THE AREAS PROXIMATE TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF REAL PROPERTY/AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE/CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION UPON LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON A VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be inspected or obtained from the oﬃce of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. The subject property comprising of approximately 514.06 acres is located south of State Road 100/Moody Blvd, west of John Anderson Hwy and east and north of Bulow Creek, as depicted in the map below. This notice is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 and 171, Florida Statutes, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida as amended and supplemented. Subject annexation meets the statutory criteria for annexation as established in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes. Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at these meetings/hearings, they will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Oﬃce at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

LOCATION MAP

December 11, 18, 25, 2025 December 11, 18, 25, 2025

7763-328896

tainty, the potential, and helps students through it. Teaching became a way for me to transform grief into something meaningful, and I’ve never looked back. How does the nomination make you feel? To be nominated means someone noticed the heart, effort and intention behind my work. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? Without a doubt, my favorite thing about being an educator is lifting others up. I love building relationships, creating systems that support success and ensuring that more students cross the finish line than when we started. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? That the work we do, day in and day out, matters. Sometimes we get caught up in the crazy busyness of the job, but being recognized reminds me that every conversation, every email home, every support offered to teachers, and every opportunity created for students truly makes a difference. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? Students keep me motivated. Their stories, their energy, their successes, and even their struggles remind me why I chose this profession. I also draw strength from the teachers I support — helping them feel confident and capable fuels my passion. Knowing

Matanzas High School Teacher of the Year Erin Davis. Photo by Brent Woronoff

that I help shape both student and teacher growth keeps me going. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? The PBIS mentoring program I helped create early in my career had a profound impact on me. We called the at-risk seniors the “invisible students,” and that year, through relationship-building and advocacy, we helped 23 additional students graduate. That experience solidified my belief that every student deserves someone who sees them and believes in them. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? You are so much more capable than you realize. Don’t let fear — or what anyone else thinks — hold you back from the opportunities in front of you. Be brave, be true to yourself and when things get tough … do better. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, gardening and reading fantasy or crime fiction novels. I appreciate finding little moments of joy in everyday life — celebrating others, creating traditions and supporting the people around me. I love bringing that same spirit of connection and celebration into my work at Matanzas High School.

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-25 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 544.97 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation for 544.97 acres of real property from Flagler County Agriculture, Conservation, and Mixed Use: High Intensity to City of Flagler Beach Low Density Residential and Commercial. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below. The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the second reading of the proposed FLUM amendment on January 8, 2026 at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice. Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance. Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed FLUM amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. LOCATION MAP

7763-328898 December 11, 18, 25, 2025

7763-328897

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

TEACHERS OF THE YEAR DURAND BROWN

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

ADRIENNE HARVEY

iFlagler

Flagler Technical College

Brown’s favorite part of teaching is the relationships he makes with students, parents and co-workers.

Daughter of an educator and a minister, Harvey is a passionate hairstylist who loves to enlighten.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Teacher of the Year Durand Brown is a teacher in the RiseUp program, Flagler Schools’ alternative school under iFlagler. He has been a teacher for 21 years and has taught in four schools. He got into teaching to help people and realized early in his career that students wanted guidance outside of school academics. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I had a job in corporate America, but we were not helping people, although we marketed ourselves as helping people. A friend of mine was teaching and encouraged me to apply. I was in Baltimore city at the time, so the beginning was rough but, I saw my impact immediately. How does the nomination make you feel? I feel like, in retrospect, teaching was my calling, and I got recognized for it. My mentor in this program taught me so much that I can’t express how grateful I am. I really want to thank my colleagues, all the people in transportation, the tech offices at all the schools, guidance counselors, the deans, the secretaries at all the schools who have been so helpful in making my job easier. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? Seeing that the things you do help or encourage other people in a positive way. The relationships that I make with students, parents and

Durand Brown teaches in the RiseUp Program, Flagler Schools’ alternative school program. Photo by Don Foley/ Flagler Schools

co-workers. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? During the events of 9/11, which was also the beginning of my teaching career, I saw how much students needed and wanted guidance outside of the academics of school. My teaching approach from then on leaned more towards getting to know students and being in tune with their attitudes and behaviors. It was a really good way to align with and gain the respect of students. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? Education, on all levels, is important. Like all things we practice, education becomes habit and will definitely be life altering if you embrace it. Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? I ride bicycles, light gardening, travel locally. I love the beach, and I am a big kid, so I am still an active video game player. I am always down for a new adventure as long as it does not include heights.

lagler Technical College Teacher of the Year Adrienne Harvey teaches cosmetology as an elective to high school juniors and seniors at Flagler Palm Coast and also teaches the career cosmetology course of 1,200 hours for adult students to obtain their Florida cosmetology license. Harvey has been teaching for 18 years in Flagler County. She also taught for various companies in the industry for over 10 years. Why did you decide to become a teacher? I believe teaching is a calling. I often tell students your first teacher is your parents. Well, I’m the daughter of an educator and a minister, so combined the two, you have a passionate hairstylist who loves to enlighten the students about her chosen industry. How does the nomination make you feel? This nomination brings a special feeling of gratitude and humility. I am grateful for the opportunity to elevate the presence of my school, Flagler Technical College. I am humbled by the graciousness of my peers to think of me in such high regard to nominate me. What is your favorite thing about being a teacher? My favorite thing about being a teacher, hands down, is the interaction with the students. They provide insight to a different generation mindset. I love it when they say, “Ms.

20 YEARS

O F C O M PA S S I O N

Flagler Free Clinic, a Lifeline for the Uninsured

Harvey, no one does that anymore,” and I reply, “Show me what replaced it.” It becomes a teaching moment for both parties. It’s really fun and informative when we discuss current events. What is one thing you are taking away from this experience? The one thing I’m taking away from this experience is a sense of pride and affirmation of continuous hard work in my industry which transcends to the classroom. Being a teacher can be challenging at times. What keeps you motivated? The challenges in life and the classroom are very similar. First you need to acknowledge there is a challenge, then begin putting a plan together to address it head on. Sometimes in the classroom it might be allowing a student to just take a moment to express a passionate idea. Other times it might just be you showing a student that you care, can lead to the challenge resolution. What is a memorable experience that influenced the way you approach educating students? A memorable experience came when I started giving free haircuts to the homeless. Many times their stories included an educator who didn’t notice their struggles in their environments. I make it a point on the first day to tell every class if you ever need someone to talk to, Ms. Harvey is here and I will always have time for you. The rise of suicide and drug use among the youth in our county dictates these intimate conversations with students. Over the years these conversations lend themselves to some very deep epiphanies. If there was one piece of wisdom you could share with students, what would it be? If you’d ask my students, they would probably say, “Believe in yourself.” I’m constantly repeating

Flagler Technical College Teacher of the Year Adrienne Harvey teaches a cosmetology career adult certification course and an elective cosmetology course for high school students. Photo by Don Foley/Flagler Schools

this statement to them. I would say, “Don’t chase the money; chase the skill, and the money will come.” Aside from your job, what are some other things you enjoy in your daily life? I enjoy spending time with my family. I love my family to life! We are a family of educators, ministers, entrepreneurs, and most importantly, humor. You will always have a great time in our presence. I relish being an active member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Espanola, Florida, where the pastor is Rev. Abram Jones. It’s a small tightknit community church where I serve as secretary to the pastor. I also delight in serving on the Florida Board of Cosmetology. This position was appointed by the governor in 2013. I have served as member, then chair, and I currently serve as vice chair. I also love to travel domestic as well as internationally. My friends are always asking “Where in the world is Adrienne Harvey?”

Tiny Home Project Manager Job Description Matanzas High School Tiny Home The Tiny Home Project Manager is responsible for the successful, safe, and on-schedule completion of the student-led Tiny Home Construction Project for Matanzas High School. This is a temporary, project-based contract

The Flagler Free Clinic has been providing free, essential medical care to uninsured residents of Flagler and Volusia Counties for 20 years. This milestone reflects the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters in making quality healthcare accessible to all.

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(386) 437-3091 FlaglerFreeClinic.org

role aligned with the academic year, requiring strong

Location: Matanzas High School

construction knowledge, project management skills, and a commitment to student mentorship and education.

Key Responsibilities 1. Project Planning and Execution (Timeline: August 2026 – May 2027): Develop and maintain the comprehensive project schedule, ensuring key construction milestones are met within the academic timeframe. Source, procure, and manage the delivery of all construction materials, ensuring materials are on-site as needed while adhering strictly to the allocated budget. Coordinate necessary inspections and ensure the project complies with all local building codes and safety regulations. 2. Student Mentorship and Education: Work closely with CTE instructors to integrate the project timeline with student learning objectives. Provide direct, hands-on mentorship and technical instruction to students on proper construction techniques, tool usage, and safety protocols. Cultivate a safe, professional, and encouraging learning environment that emphasizes quality craftsmanship and teamwork. 3. Safety and Compliance: Enforce rigorous safety standards on the worksite at all times, conducting regular safety briefings and checks. Ensure all students and staff adhere to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements. Maintain accurate records of work performed, materials used, and safety logs.

Qualifications

Experience in residential construction project management or site supervision. Demonstrated knowledge of building codes, construction sequencing, and best practices in various trades (carpentry, electrical, plumbing). Proven ability to manage budgets, timelines, and material procurement efficiently. Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively mentor and manage a team of students. OSHA certification (or ability to obtain quickly) is highly preferred. Prior experience working in an educational or mentorship capacity is a plus.

How to Apply? Contact Teresa Rizzo Rizzot@flaglerschools.com or scan the QR code.

SCAN THIS FOR SERVICES AND DIRECTIONS

703 MOODY BLVD, BUNNELL, FL

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

BUSINESS Shopping plaza near Speedway sold Aldi opens second store in Ormond DLC Management bought the plaza, as part of a $429M, multistate deal. Empty storefront to be filled.

The grocer celebrated the opening of its new store at 353 W. Granada Blvd. on Thursday, Dec. 18.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

JARLEENE ALMENAS

STAFF WRITER

MANAGING EDITOR

A new Fortune 1,000 company could be filling in the empty storefront in International Speedway Square in Daytona Beach. The shopping plaza was recently purchased by DLC Management, a national company that owns retail centers, as part of a $429 million, multistate acquisition in Arizona, Florida, North Carolina, Oklahoma and Texas, according to a DLC Management press release. DLC CEO Adam Ifshin told the Observer that the Daytona Beach property was included in the purchase. “This is a high quality asset in a market that we know very well, a market that we’ve sought to invest in for a very long time, and it’s anchored by tenants with whom we have large, significant pre-existing relationships,” Ifshin said. Ifshin said DLC is in talks with a “named, household brand, Fortune 1,000 company” to fill in the storefront that use to house a Conn’s HomePlus before the company went bankrupt. Ifshin said he could not provide much information about the prospective tenant but said it was a company DLC does a lot of business with. “We hope to be able to announce prior to the end of the first quarter of 2026 who that is,” he said. “It’s going to

Aldi’s second store in Ormond Beach is now open. The grocer celebrated the opening of its new store at 353 W. Granada Blvd. on Thursday, Dec. 18. Spanning 24,081 square feet of the former Winn-Dixie, the store will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will also offer online shopping and curbside pickup. According to a press release, the opening of the Ormond Beach store brings Aldi one step closer to reaching the company’s goal to open 800 stores nationwide by the end of 2028.

The International Speedway Square was recently purchased by DLC Management. Photo by Sierra Williams

be a great fit for the market, and it’s going to be a great fit for the center and the other tenants inside.” Currently under construction in the center is a Banfield pet hospital, too, Ifshin said, which will open in 2026. This is DLC’s first property in Daytona Beach but, Ifshin said, DLC is familiar with the market of a Florida retail center through its other Florida properties. The Daytona Beach property is DLC’s 10th Florida property. Ifshin said the Daytona Beach property is what DLC calls “secondary markets,” that are not as large as markets in New York or Miami, but are still driving traffic. DLC regularly likes to invest in these secondary markets, he said. “We like to go to markets

that have special drivers of traffic,” he said. The International Speedway Square has a unique driver of traffic through the draw of the International Speedway and the growing college campus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. The International Speedway Square has a variety of shops already installed in the plaza: Haverty’s Furniture, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Michaels, Five Below, Total Wine, Shoe Carnival and more. The plaza is also situated directly adjacent to the site of a future 180-room hotel with a separate sit-down restaurant. Send your business news and tips to sierra@observerlocal news.com.

Season’s Greetings The holidays remind us what matters most— family, friends, and community.

Thank you for trusting us with what matters most to you. Your loyalty strengthens our community every day, and we’re deeply grateful to serve you. May your holidays be filled with joy, and may 2026 bring you continued success and prosperity.

FLAGLER 386.447.1662

VOLUSIA 386.274.5304

intracoastal.bank

MEMBER

Ormond Beach residents Danyelle Stalk and Brittany Rodrigue were the first two customers in line at the new Aldi in Ormond Beach. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Mathew White, district manager for Aldi, greeted shoppers during the opening, which began with a ribboncutting. “We’re super excited to be here,” he said. “I just want to give a huge shout-out to my team here. All the guys here have done a fantastic job working hard over the last couple of weeks to get the

store ready for you all.” The first 100 customers received a gift bag with Aldi products and a gift card up to $100 as part of the store’s Golden Ticket gift card giveaway program. Ormond Beach resident Danyelle Stalk was the first person in line for the opening. She had been in line since 1 a.m. “I like that it’s a new location,” she said, adding that she lives near both Ormond stores. “... For me it’s good either way, but I like that it’s going to be brand new.” Stalk decided to attend the opening thanks to her friend, Danyelle Rodrigue, whose mom used to wait in line for store openings with Rodrigue’s grandmother. They’re continuing the family tradition: Rodrigue’s mom and stepdad were just a few spots down in the line of shoppers. “We made it like a little fun thing,” Rodrigue said.

The Volusia Flagler Advanced Practice Nursing Council.

BIZ BUZZ Nursing group donates toys to Bunnell, Palm Terrace schools

The Volusia Flagler Advanced Practice Nursing Council recently donated over $1,000 worth of toys to Bunnell Elementary and Palm Terrace Elementary. This is part of the organization’s annual celebration of giving back to the community, said board member Tina Carlyle, of Ormond Beach, in an email to the Observer. She and Sharon James purchased the gifts for children, using funds raised during the council’s annual summit. “The Volusia Flagler Advanced Practice Nursing Council makes it a big deal annually to give back to the community,” Carlyle said.

Future Chipotle on Palm Coast Parkway could open next summer Palm Coast’s future Chipotle that will be located on the southwest corner of Palm Coast Parkway and northbound Belle Terre Parkway could open over the summer of 2026. During a technical site plan application review at the Palm Coast Planning Board meeting on Dec. 17, a representative for the property owner said the contractor will be ready to begin construction after New Year’s Day, with an estimated completion of June or July. The previous building on the site, which used to be a Squirrel gas station, has recently been demolished. The property has been vacant since 2011. According to the Dec. 17 meeting documents, the new Chipotle building will be 2,400 square feet in size and include outdoor seating and a drive-thru area for customers to pick up their mobile orders. According to the technical site plan, the developer will be upgrading the southwest corner of the property to include two benches and a pre-cast fountain at the intersection corner. Other improvements will include improving the radius of the turns into the corner

property. The gas tanks underneath the lot had previously been filled in with a sand mixture approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the representative said, and the new property owner — who purchased it in 2023 — has the appropriate closure permits in hand.

Palm Coast Dunkin’ celebrates reopening after remodeling Dunkin’ celebrated the grand re-opening of one of its Palm Coast locations after a remodeling. The franchise location, at 7 N. Old Kings Road, Suite 7, had a holiday-themed celebration on Sunday, Dec. 21. The Dunkin’ location had giveaways, face painting and family-friendly holiday entertainment. The franchise is owned by ranchise network Nova King Inc., which owns and operates nine Dunkin’ locations in Florida. The 2,300-square-foot restaurant location has been remodeled with a modern design to help “create an approachable, positive and energetic environment,” the press release said. It employs 23 crew members and will be open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Included in the renovations is a new “innovative tap system” to serve Dunkin’s signature cold

beverages, such as coffees, iced teas, cold brew coffee and nitro infused cold brew coffee, the press release said.

Security First sponsors kids through Easterseals Security First Insurance recently provided 154 gifts to Easterseals of Northeast Central Florida for children this holiday season. In a press release, the local insurance company stated this was made possible due to their employees’ generosity, who keep this annual tradition alive. “Our partnership with Easterseals has always been rooted in service and compassion,” said Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance and chair of the Board for Easterseals Northeast Central Florida. “Seeing our team come together to support these children is something I’m truly proud of. It speaks to who we are as a company and how deeply we care about the families Easterseals serves.” Easterseals provides essential services, education, and advocacy for people living with autism and other disabilities. Security First stated that it is “honored to play a part in that mission and help families facing challenges during the holiday season.”

Donna Dwyer, executive assistant at Easterseals Northeast Central Florida, and Melissa Burt DeVriese, president of Security First Insurance. Courtesy photos

DECEMBER 25, 2025

SPORTS SIDE LINES

A century of the Sally Golden anniversary: Ormond Beach golf tournament turns 100 BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FPC moved to northern football district for 2026 The Florida High School Athletic Association 202627 football classifications and district assignments have been finalized. The only change locally from the frist draft is Flagler Palm Coast moving from a Volusia County district to a district with five opponents from Jacksonville and St. Johns County. FPC won’t be in the same district with Mainland as originally configured. Instead the Bulldogs will be in District 1-6A with Atlantic Coast, Creekside, First Coast, Sandalwood and Tocoi Creek. Class 6A is now the largest classification, for schools with enrollments over 2,400. Orange City University will be the fourth team in District 2-6A with DeLand, Mainland and Spruce Creek. Matanzas will likely accumulate the most miles on its district road trips. The Pirates will be in District 3-5A with Gainesville Buchholz, Ocala Forest, Oakleaf in Clay County and Ocala West Port. Seabreeze will be in District 6-4A with Orlando Bishop Moore, Deltonak New Smyrna Beach and Winter Springs.

Nya Williams wins two Five Star lifting titles

Flagler Palm Coast placed third in both competitions at the Five Star Conference girls weightlifting meet Dec. 17 at DeLand High. Nya Williams was the Bulldogs’ only conference champ, winning both the Olympic and traditional competitions at 119 pounds with a total lift of 335 pounds for both. She had a 145-pound snatch lift and 145-pound bench press to go with a 190-pound clean and jerk. FPC’s Lillian Ames (139 pounds) placed second in both competitions. Cali Weehunt (154) was second in Olympic and third in traditional. Brianna Long placed second in traditional at 169 pounds. Arianna Almeida (199) was second in traditional and fourth in Olympic. Kelsey Coyne (169) and Angelis Rosa (110) placed third in Olympic. Alexcia Liliavois (101) was third in Olympic and fifth in traditional. Lynnsie Jones (183) place fifth in both competitions. Mainland’s Cheylin Grant (unlimited) placed fourth in traditional and fifth in Olympic. Seabreeze’s Camila Arellano (129) placed fourth in both competitions.

The South Atlantic Amateur Championship — the Sally — is turning 100. The women’s amateur golf tournament at Ormond Beach’s Oceanside Country Club began its century run in 1926. The Oceanside Country Club was already 19 years old by then. If you want to get technical, there has not yet been 100 Sally tournaments. Because of World War II, they didn’t hold a tournament in 194346. So, the upcoming tournament may be the 97th Sally, but it has survived 100 years, and it’s considered the oldest amateur golf tournament anywhere in the world hosted at the same location. “That’s male or female,” notes tournament chairman Chuck Grant. “A lot of people keep saying it’s the oldest female tournament, but it’s both genders.” The Sally will celebrate its 100th anniversary Jan. 5-10, 2026. The Member-Sally tournament will be Jan. 6 with the Sally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 7, to Saturday, Jan. 10. Of course, a lot has changed in 100 years. As the tournament has gotten older, the field has gotten younger. Lexi Thompson, who has 11 career LPGA tournament victories including one major, won the Sally in 2009 when she was just 13 years old. Gianna Clemente won in 2023 when she was 14 and the top-ranked junior player in the nation. Now 17, Clemente announced on Nov. 5 that she is turning pro. Daytona Beach News-Journal columnist Ken Willis has been covering the Sally since 1986. Back then, he said, it was kind of a mixture. “You had some college players, but you had these lifetime amateurs like Lancy Smith and Carol Semple Thompson and Leslie Shannon and that group that were more or less winning,” Willis said. “In the 21st century, you’ve been seeing a lot of college players and a bunch of high school-age players and even young-

Gianna Clemente was not old enough to drive when she won the Sally in 2023. Courtesy photo

er. I mean, they’ve had some hot shots come in there that were 12 or 13 years old.” Players from all over the world come to play the Sally. It used to be part of the Orange Blossom Circuit that included two other Florida tournaments. It was natural for college players to come down on their winter break and play the circuit to prepare for their spring season. In recent years, three to five players from a college program will enter the Sally together, Willis said. “There have been several schools you would see, like the University of Florida might have three or four girls here, or FSU, or Wake Forest,” he said. Ohio State golfer Kary Hollenbaugh won the past two years. Future LPGA stars Christie Kerr, Grace Park, Brooke Henderson, Lexi Thompson and Jessica Korda have won the Sally. Jessica’s younger sister, Nelly Korda, and the winningest LPGA golfer of all time, Kathy Whitworth, played in the Sally. World Golf Hall of Famers Patty Berg (1938 and 1939) and Babe Zaharias (1947) won the Sally and each turned pro the following year. But they were both big names in golf before they took on the unpredictable winds on the Oceanside course. LIFETME AMATEURS AND FUTURE PROS

Pat Meyers won the Sally in 1976. Photo by Brent Woronoff

There have been 31 Sally champs who have turned pro. Then there were the lifetime amateurs who came down from up north year after year. Lancy Smith won the Sally six times from 1970 to 1989. Tish Preuss won four out of five years from 1965 to 1969. “In the ’90s, when they started cutting it off at a certain level of play, a lot of the women who came to play in the Sally every year now couldn’t get into it because they

Golfers competing in the 2025 Sally tournament at Oceanside Country Club. Courtesy photo

weren’t good enough golfers,” Willis said. “I remember some of them were irritated because they came and they treated it as a social week. And the people running the golf tournament wanted to keep increasing the level of competition.” Grant, the tournament chairman, now reserves 12 spots for Sally veterans, an exemption they’ll keep until they stop playing golf, he said. And once they retire, those spots are given to locals kids. “A club member may know a good young golfer who we’ll invite,” he said. They rest of the 96-player field comes from the junior golf and college rankings. “We’re focused on making it the best tournament it can be,” Grant said. Pat Meyers, an Ormond Beach resident, won the tournament in 1976 at the age of 21. She spoke at the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce After Hours event, celebrating 100 years of the Sally, hosted by Halifax Health on Dec. 10. “The first year I played was probably 1973. I was young, in high school,” Meyers said. “That was a big deal to be able to get into the Sally if you were a golfer. You would read about it in the paper. It was always on my calendar that, one year, I was going to play in the Sally, and I ended up playing in it for three or four years. When I finally won it, it has marked my career.” She turned pro the year after she won and played on the LPGA Tour for 12 years. Another goal, she said, would have been to remain an amateur and try to get on the U.S. Curtis Cup team. She

Brooke Henderson won the Sally in 2014. Henderson has gone on to win 14 LPGA tournaments, including two major championships. Courtesy photo

said because there were Curtis Cup players in the Sally, she knew she could compete at the highest level. Meyers was asked why the Sally has had such staying power. “No. 1, it’s a class tournament,” she said. “And No. 2, you have the support of the people who run it, who put all the work in behind the scenes. You certainly have the recognition nationwide. And the town’s always been so receiving. Back in the day, businesses would have Sally specials, some little thing that just shows the contestants that the people here really care, and that does bring a player back whether they play well or not.” Email brent@observerlocalnews. com.

GIVING BACK

Jessica Korda won the Sally in 2010. Courtesy photo

Not only is the Sally an economic driver, bringing golfers and their families to town during the week of the tournament, said John Guthrie, vice president and executive director of Halifax Health - Foundation, but Oceanside Country Club also gives back to the community. “Last year, we received $26,000 from Oceanside, raised from the Sally, to support women and children’s health services,” Guthrie said. “And this year, we’re working on scholarship money to make sure we have healthcare workers for the rest of our lives.”

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Of Flagler County

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

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

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 675 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF STANLEY LEE GRIM Deceased. The administration of the estate of Stanley Lee Grim, deceased, whose date of death was August 27, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 25, 2025. Personal Representative: Elizabeth Grim P.O. Box 102 LaSalle Road # 270158 West Hartford, CT 06127 Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00315G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2022-CP-0853 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF PAUL ALBERT KABUS, Deceased. The administration of the estate of PAUL ALBERT KABUS, deceased, whose date of death was June 3, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E Moody Blvd, Building #1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 25, 2025. Personal Representative: HEATHER S. MALTBY, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative: HEATHER S. MALTBY HEATHER@EPPGLAW.COM Florida Bar No. 116571 E.P.P.G. Law of St. Johns, PLLC 200 Malaga Street, Suite 2 St. Augustine, FL 32084 Telephone: 904-875-3774 Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00320G

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2021 CA 000643 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. NANCY L. DEDEO, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 13, 2025, and entered in 2021 CA 000643 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and NANCY L. DEDEO; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; FLORIDA HOUSING FINANCE CORPORATION are the Defendant(s). TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on January 16, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 9, ARMAND BEACH EAST SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 8, PAGES 21 AND 22, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 8 SWEET BAY DR, PALM COAST, FL 32137 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 19 day of December, 2025. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 21-008899 - ErS Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00317G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 6th day of January 2026, for the purpose of hearing a special exception to allow a private airstrip within the AG&S zoning district (Application No. SE 2025-08), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. SE 2025-08 REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION AT 1711 COUNTY ROAD 302 TO ALLOW A PRIVATE AIRSTRIP WITHIN THE AG&S ZONING DISTRICT. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CP 000687 DIVISION: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF CAROL ANN RICHARDSON, Deceased. The administration of the estate of Carol Ann Richardson, deceased, whose date of death was June 11, 2024, is pending in the is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. THE DATE OF FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE IS December 25, 2025. Personal Representative: Christy B. Hull, Petitioner 7201 Wolverton Ct., Clarskville, MD 21029 Attorney for Personal Representative: THE DEVRIES LAW FIRM, P.A. /S/ Shawn A. DeVries, Esq. Shawn A. DeVries, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 99379 shawn@devrieslegal.com Joshua Tyson, Esquire Florida Bar Number: 104222 josh@devrieslegal.com 644 Cesery Blvd,Suite 250 Jacksonville, Florida 32211 Telephone: (904) 770-4333 Facsimile: (904) 517-8060 Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-0316G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 403 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF BRAD LEE KUNKEL Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of Brad Lee Kunkel, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 403, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was May 16, 2025; that the total value of exempt and nonexempt assets of the estate is $14,430.39 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Address Lillie M. Kunkel 65 Leidel Drive Palm Coast, FL 32137 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this Notice is December 25, 2025. Person Giving Notice: Lillie M. Kunkel 65 Leidel Drive Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Attorney for Person Giving Notice Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00318G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 6th day of January 2026, for the purpose of hearing a special exception modification to allow the inclusion of a C&D Transfer Station within the AG&S zoning district (Application No. SE 2025-09), before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. SE 2025-09 REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION MODIFICATION AT 10900 STATE HIGHWAY 100 WEST TO ALLOW THE INCLUSION OF A C&D TRANSFER STATION WITHIN THE AG&S ZONING DISTRICT. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www.bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the special exception modification, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception modification at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception modification can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes)

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000402 SERVBANK, SB Plaintiff(s), vs. LAURA ELIZABETH MURPHY; JEREMY DAVID MURPHY WACHSMAN; THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LAURA ELIZABETH MURPHY; THE UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION, Defendant(s). TO: LAURA ELIZABETH MURPHY LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 CURRENT ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 TO: THE UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF LAURA ELIZABETH MURPHY LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 CURRENT ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 TO: THE UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION LAST KNOWN ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 CURRENT ADDRESS: 26 RANSHIRE LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a civil action has been filed against you in the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, to foreclose certain real property described as follows: LOT 25, BLOCK 55, ROYAL PALMS-SECTION-30 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Special Exception Application PSPE26-0001 - A request has been submitted for a Special Exception Use to build a two-family dwelling at the subject property in the Low-Density Residential Zoning District as provided for in the Land Development Regulations Section 2.04.02.8, Zoning Schedule One Land Use Controls. The subject property vacant, undeveloped land and identified by the Flagler County Property Appraiser as Parcel ID No. 12-12-31-4500-00380-0030 or George Moody Subdivision Block 38 Lot 3 pictured in Exhibit A. Applicant: Jason and Samantha Clark. A PUBLIC HEARING IS SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT CITY HALL, 105 S. 2ND STREET, FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA AS FOLLOWS: PLANNING AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD: TUESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2026 AT 5:30 P.M. CITY COMMISSION: THURSDAY, JANUARY 22, 2026 AT 5:30 PM OR SOON THEREAFTER. ALL INTERESTED PARTIES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND. PLEASE DIRECT ANY QUESTIONS TO THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH AT 386517-2000 EXT. 231. The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice. The request will be heard at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. For further information about this request, please call the Planning & Zoning Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. More detailed information may be inspected by the public at the Planning & Zoning Department, 800 S. Daytona Avenue, Flagler Beach, during office hours. EXHIBIT A

7763-330848 Dec. 25, 2025

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MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 30, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. . Property address: 26 Ranshire Lane, Palm Coast, FL 32164 You are required to file a written response with the Court and serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Padgett Law Group, whose address is 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203, Tallahassee, FL 32312, at least thirty (30) days from the date of first publication, and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise, a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096; Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. DATED this the day of 12/17/2025. Tom Bexley CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) BY: Margarita Ruiz Deputy Clerk Plaintiff Atty: Padgett Law Group 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 attorney@padgettlawgroup.com TDP File No. 25-002776-1 Dec. 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00319G

Contact the Observer today. 386-447-9723 observerlocalnews.com/tributes

Palm Coast

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Well Managed Solutions, located at 94 Smith Ln, in the City of Bunnell, Flagler County, FL 32110, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated 12/16/2025. Joy K Brown 7763-330188 Dec. 25, 2025 NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA – PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 767 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN M. DENNIS, AKA JON DENNIS, AKA JACK DENNIS, Deceased. The ancillary administration of the estate of JOHN M. DENNIS, AKA JON DENNIS, AKA JACK DENNIS, deceased, whose date of death was November 4, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E Moody Blvd #5 Building #1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 25, 2025. Personal Representative: TIMOTHY DENNIS 1617 Bobwhite Ln Asheboro, NC 27203 7763-330183 Dec. 25, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE $120,000.00 estimated value in crypto currency was seized from Kraken by the Flagler County Sheriff ’s Office. The funds originated from a victim located in Flagler County which were taken fraudulently and under false pretenses between August 18, 2025, through August 20, 2025. 7763-330277 Dec. 25, 2025 Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 Notice is hereby given that 2117 Earl Road, LLC desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Rose Garden of Fort Myers located in Flagler County, Florida, intends to

register the said name with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes 7763-330396 Dec. 25, 2025 Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 Notice is hereby given that 2117 Earl Road, LLC desiring to engage in business under the fictitious name of The Rose Garden located in Flagler County, Florida, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations, Florida Department of State, pursuant to section 865.09 of the Florida Statutes 7763-330399 Dec. 25, 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 6th day of January 2026, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2026-XX, before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE BUNNELL LAND DEVELOPMENT CODE CHAPTER 10 – FLOODS AND STORMWATER MANAGEMENT TO CREATE ARTICLE IV – EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL TO COMPLY WITH THE NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CITY’S MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEMS; PROVIDING FOR FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the office of the Bunnell Customer Service Office, 604 E. Moody Blvd. Unit 6, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any decision made by the Planning, Zoning, and Appeals Board on this matter a recording of the proceeding may be needed and for such purposes the person may need to ensure that a verbatim record is made which includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is based. (Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes) 7763-330837 Dec. 25, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Florida Self Storage Facility Act States (Section 83.801 - 83.809). The undersigned will sell by competitive bidding on StorageTreasures.com on Thursday the 15th day of January, 2026 at 10:00AM. Said property is iStorage, 2303 N State St, Bunnell, FL, 32110 A022 Microwave, Cooler, Tool Bags, Rug, Dresser, Boxes, Electric cord, Seat

Cushions, Mop. A031 Printer, Dresser, Chairs, Rocker, Boxes, Toys, Round Table, Beach chairs Tubs, Books. B016 Fishing Poles and Reels, 120v Lawn mower, Bed with frame and mattress, Lamp, Boxes, Flag, Toys, Chair, Corner shelve. C035 Gas Leaf blower, Gas Commercial Lawn Mower, Gas Lawn Mower, Seeder, Hand Tools, Weed Whacker's, Step Ladder. 7763-329770 Dec. 25, 2025 The City of Flagler Beach proposes to adopt the following ordinances entitled: ORDINANCE 2025-29 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, RELATING TO THE LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS; AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES TO ADD SECTION 8.06.01 TO APPENDIX “A,” “LAND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS,” ESTABLISHING A PROCESS FOR THE REVIEW OF REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS FOR CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 397.487; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE Public Hearings will be conducted to consider the amendments as follows: City Commission: Thursday, January 08, 2026 @ 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuance of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice. The request will be heard at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-5172000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. 7763-330168 Dec. 25, 2025 Notice of Self Storage Sale Go Store It 4601 E. Moody Blvd Suite A7 Bunnell FL, 32110 hereby gives NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE of the storage space(s) listed below, containing household and other goods will be sold for cash on January 13, 2026 at 2:00pm with the contents being sold to the highest bidder. Owner reserves the right to bid. The sale is being held to satisfy a landlord's lien, in accordance with Florida Statutes Section 83.801-83.809, and will be held online at www.storagetreasures.com 72 Erik Watts 96 Reginald Scott 165 Laura Esther Olivieri 266 Scott Bonnell 7763-328652 Dec. 18, 25, 2025 PUBLIC NOTICE 2014 GMC Sierra with VIN: 1GTV2UEC5EZ288014 and $175.00 USD was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff ’s Office on November 18 , 2025. The items were seized at or near Seminole Woods Blvd and Integra Woods Blvd, Palm Coast FL. The Flagler County Sheriff is holding the property for purposes of a current forfeiture action 2025 CA 000778 in the 7th Circuit Court. 7763-329848 Dec. 18, 25, 2025

The Hammock

Ormond Beach

Daytona Beach

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Pursuant to Section 715.109, notice is hereby given that the following property will be offered for public sale and will sell at public outcry to the highest and best bidder for cash: A 1982 NOVA HS 48’ Mobile Home ID Number EF3088A, and the contents therein, if any abandoned by previous owners, James Kuykendall III and Carlyn Kuykendall. On January 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Treasure by the Sea Mobile Home Community at 2982 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Lot 4, Flagler Beach, Florida 32136. Dated: December 11, 2025 SHUMAKER, LOOP & KENDRICK, LLP By: /s/ Erin C. Mason Erin C. Mason, Esq. Florida Bar No. 1058844 240 S. Pineapple Ave., Box 49948 Sarasota, Florida 34230 ljackson@shumaker.com jbrittain@shumaker.com eholland@shumaker.com Telephone: (941) 366-6660 Facsimile: (941) 366-3999 Attorneys for Treasure by the Sea MHC, LLC December 18, 25, 2025 25-00310G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 689 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF LAWRENCE JOHN RUGGIERI Deceased. The administration of the estate of Lawrence John Ruggieri, deceased, whose date of death was September 2, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is December 18, 2025. Personal Representative: Daphne A. Ruggieri 33 Wedgewood Lane Palm Coast, Florida 32164 Attorney for Personal Representative: Diane A. Vidal Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com December 18, 25, 2025 25-00314G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER, FLORIDA. CASE No. 2025 CA 000505 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR FINANCE OF AMERICA STRUCTURED SECURITIES ACQUISITION TRUST 2019-HB1, Plaintiff vs. LINDA E. WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE WOHLSCHLEGEL AKA LINDA ELAINE BRUYN, et al., Defendants TO: LINDA E. WOHLSCHLEGEL 10 EAST ST APT 111, CRANSTON, RI 02920 91 VERANDA WAY, PALM COAST, FL 32137 AND TO: All persons claiming an interest by, through, under, or against the aforesaid Defendant(s). YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following described property located in Flagler County, Florida: UNIT 72, OF ARBOR TRACE AT PALM COAST II, A CONDOMINIUM, AND AN UNDIVIDED INTEREST IN THE COMMON ELEMENTS THEREOF, AND AN EASEMENT OF USE FOR INGRESS / EGRESS, ACCORDING TO THE DECLARATION OF CONDOMINIUM, AND AMENDMENTS THERETO, RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 1118 PAGE 63, AND ANY AMENDMENTS THERETO, ALL ACCORDING TO THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY,

FLORIDA. has been filed against you, and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to this action, on Greenspoon Marder, LLP, Default Department, Attorneys for Plaintiff, whose address is Trade Centre South, Suite 700, 100 West Cypress Creek Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, and file the original with the Clerk within 30 days after the first publication of this notice in Business Observer, on or before 30 DAYS AFTER THE 1ST PUBLICATION, 2025; otherwise a default and a judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint. IMPORTANT If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305 DeLand, FL 32724 (386) 257-6096 Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. WITNESS MY HAND AND SEAL OF SAID COURT on this day of 12/5/2025. Tom Bexley As Clerk of said Court By: (SEAL) Amy Perez As Deputy Clerk Greenspoon Marder, LLP (954) 491-1120; gmforeclosure@gmlaw.com (23-002749-02) December 18, 25, 2025 25-00307G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000178 NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. MAUREEN DAVIS; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF MAUREEN DAVIS; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, and ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, et.al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Summary Judgment of Foreclosure (In Rem) dated nunc pro tunc to December 2, 2025, entered in Civil Case No.: 2025 CA 000178 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, and MAUREEN DAVIS; UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 N/K/A SEAN DAVIS, are Defendants. TOM BEXLEY, The Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest bidder for cash, at www.flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on the 6th day of February, 2026, the following described real property as set forth in said Judgment, to wit: LOT 15, BLOCK 12, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE, SECTION 25, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGE 6, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. If you are a person claiming a right to funds remaining after the sale, you must file a claim with the clerk before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you fail to file a timely claim you will not be entitled to any remaining funds. After the funds are reported as unclaimed, only the owner of record as of the date of the Lis Pendens may claim the surplus. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODA-

TIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386)2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL Dated: December 10, 2025 /s/ Brian L. Rosaler By: Brian L. Rosaler Florida Bar No.: 0174882. Attorney for Plaintiff: Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire Popkin & Rosaler, P.A. 1701West Hillsboro Boulevard Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Telephone: (954) 360-9030 Facsimile: (954) 420-5187 25-51827 December 18, 25, 2025 25-00308G

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2019 CA 000699 WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR WAMU MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2004-PR2 TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. GABRIELA ALEJANDRA FRANCIS; ROBERT STUART COULTER; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF MARINA FRANCIS, DECEASED; GRACE FRANCIS; CHARLES FRANCIS; ELIZABETH A. FRANCIS; GRACE C. FRANCIS, TRUSTEE OF THE MARINA G. FRANCIS REVOCABLE TRUST; GRACE C. FRANCIS, AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF MARINA FRANCIS, DECEASED; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HECTOR GALARCE, DECEASED; HECTOR HUGO GALARCE, JR.; MATANZAS SHORES OWNER’S ASSOCIATION, INC.; LAKESIDE BY THE SEA HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY; , Defendant(s) To the following Defendant(s): ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF HECTOR GALARCE, DECEASED (LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 2 SAN LUIS LN PALM COAST, FLORIDA 32137 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following

described property: LOT 114, SUBDIVISION PLAT OF LAKESIDE AT MATANZAS SHORES, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 28, PAGE 63, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. a/k/a 2 SAN LUIS LN, PALM COAST, FLORIDA 32137 has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Kahane & Associates, P.A., Attorney for Plaintiff, whose address is 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220, Sunrise, FLORIDA 33323 on or before Thirty days after first publication, a date which is within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the BUSINESS OBSERVER and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. This notice is provided pursuant to Administrative Order No.2.065. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to provisions of certain assistance. Please contact the Court Administrator at 200 East Moody Boulevard, Rm.125, Bunnell, Fl 32110, Phone No. (904)437-7394 within 2 working days of your receipt of this notice or pleading; if you are hearing impaired, call 1-800-955-8771 (TDD); if you are voice impaired, call 1-800-995-8770 (V) (Via Florida Relay Services). WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this day of 12/9/2025. TOM W. BEXLEY As Clerk of the Court (SEAL) By Margarita Ruiz As Deputy Clerk Submitted by: Kahane & Associates, P.A. 1619 NW 136th Avenue, Suite D-220 Sunrise, Florida 33323 Telephone: (954) 382-3486 Telefacsimile: (954) 382-5380 Designated service email: notice@kahaneandassociates.com File No.: 17-00290 SPS December 18, 25, 2025 25-00313G

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2025

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF RESCHEDULED SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL ACTION CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000043 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. VITA KRAMARENKO, et al, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN Pursuant to an Order Rescheduling Foreclosure Sale dated November 12, 2025, and entered in Case No. 2025 CA 000043 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida in which Nationstar Mortgage LLC, is the Plaintiff and Vita Kramarenko, BCM Sun Enterprises LLC, A Florida Limited Liability Company, are defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash in/on online at www.flagler. realforeclose.com, Flagler County, Florida at 11:00AM on the January 9, 2026 the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure: LOT 3, BLOCK 19, ROYAL PALMS SECTION 33, PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGES 67 THROUGH 77, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. A/K/A 48 REGENCY DR UNIT A &

B PALM COAST FL 32164 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the Lis Pendens must file a claim before the Clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. ATTENTION: PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, 386-257-6096, within 2 days of your receipt of this notice. If you are hearing impaired, call 1-800955-8771; if you are voice impaired, call 1-800-955-8770. THIS IS NOT A COURT INFORMATION LINE. To file response please contact Flagler County Clerk of Court, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 1, Bunnell, FL 32110, Tel: (386) 313-465; Fax: (386) 4371928. Dated this 10 day of December, 2025. ALBERTELLI LAW P. O. Box 23028 Tampa, FL 33623 Tel: (813) 221-4743 Fax: (813) 221-9171 eService: servealaw@albertellilaw.com By: /s/ Charline Calhoun Florida Bar #16141 IN/24-034418 December 18, 25, 2025 25-00306G

THIRD INSERTION

32164 Lot 7 Block 23 Pine Grove Sec 26 Palm Coast According To The Plat Thereof As Recorded in Map Block 9 Page 20. Copies of all court documents in this case, including orders, are available at the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office. You may review these documents upon request. You must keep the Clerk of the Circuit Court’s office notified of your current address. (You may file Designation of Current Mailing and E-Mail Address, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.915.) Future papers in this lawsuit will be mailed or e-mailed to the address(es) on record at the clerk’s office. WARNING: Rule 12.285, Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure, requires certain automatic disclosure of documents and information. Failure to comply can result in sanctions, including dismissal or striking of pleadings. Dated: 12/2/25 CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) By: /s/ Deputy Clerk This form was prepared for the Petitioner. This form was completed with the assistance of: George Tony Butler 249 REDBUD Rd Palm Coast, Fla 32137 503 619 7691 Dec. 11, 18, 25, 2025; Jan, 1, 2026 25-00303G

NOTICE OF ACTION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE (NO CHILD OR FINANCIAL SUPPORT) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR Flagler COUNTY, FLORIDA Case No.: 2025 DR 001167 Division: 47 Thi Kim Hoang Ho, Petitioner, and Loc H. Vo, Respondent, TO: Loc H Vo 17 Pine Cedar Dr, Palm Coast, Fla, 32164 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for dissolution of marriage has been filed against you and that you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on Thi Kim Hoang Ho, whose address is 17 Pine Cedar Dr, Palm Coast, Fla, 32164 on or before 1/13/26 and file the original with the clerk of this Court at 1769 E. Moody Blvd Bldg 1, Bunnell, FL 32110 before service on Petitioner or immediately thereafter. If you fail to do so, a default may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the petition. The action is asking the court to decide how the following real or personal property should be divided: 17 Pine Cedar Dr Palm Coast Fla

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000576 U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, IN TRUST FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-FF1, Plaintiff, vs. JACKSON REVES; OZLEM DENIZ; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF JACKSON REEVES; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF OZLEM DENIZ; CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA; GOODLEAP, LLC;, UNKNOWN TENANT(S) IN POSSESSION #1 and #2, et.al. Defendant(s). TO: JACKSON REVES (Current Residence Unknown) (Last Known Address(es)) 811 SW 26TH CT, UNIT B FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33315 818 NORTH HALIFAX AVENUE, APT. 2 DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32118 3017 3RD STREET SOUTH JACKSONVILLE BEACH, FL 32250 116 RED MILL DRIVE PALM COAST, FL 32164 ALL OTHER UNKNOWN PARTIES, INCLUDING, IF A NAMED DEFENDANT IS DECEASED, THE PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES, THE SURVIVING SPOUSE, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, CREDITORS, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING, BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THAT DEFENDANT, AND ALL CLAIMANTS, PERSONS OR PARTIES, NATURAL OR CORPORATE, OR WHOSE EXACT LEGAL STATUS IS UNKNOWN, CLAIMING UNDER ANY OF THE ABOVE NAMED OR DESCRIBED DEFENDANTS (Last Known Address) 116 RED MILL DRIVE PALM COAST, FL 32164 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: LOT 26, BLOCK 35, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS, SECTION 33, ACCORDING TO PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, PAGES 67 THROUGH 77, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

A/K/A: 116 RED MILL DRIVE, PALM COAST, FL 32164. has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it, on Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire, POPKIN & ROSALER, P.A., 1701 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 400, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442., Attorney for Plaintiff, within thirty (30) days after the first publication of this Notice in the (Please publish in The Palm Coast/Ormond Beach Observer) and file the original with the Clerk of this Court either before service on Plaintiff ’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint. REQUESTS FOR ACCOMMODATIONS BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386)2576096, at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711. THESE ARE NOT COURT INFORMATION NUMBERS SOLICITUD DE ADAPTACIONES PARA PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDADES Si usted es una persona con discapacidad que necesita una adaptación para poder participar en este procedimiento, usted tiene el derecho a que se le proporcione cierta asistencia, sin incurrir en gastos. Comuníquese con la Oficina de Administración Judicial (Court Administración), 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste. D-305, DeLand, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096, con no menos de 7 días de antelación de su cita de comparecencia ante el juez, o de inmediato al recibir esta notificación si la cita de comparecencia está dentro de un plazo menos de 7 días; si usted tiene una discapacidad del habla o del oído, llame al 711. ESTOS NUMEROS TELEFONICOS NO SON PARA OBTENER INFORMACION JUDICIAL WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court this day of 12/15/2025. TOM BEXLEY As Clerk of the Court and/or Comptroller (SEAL) AMY PEREZ, DEPUTY CLERK Brian L. Rosaler, Esquire POPKIN & ROSALER, P.A. 1701 West Hillsboro Boulevard, Suite 400 Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 24-51406 December 18, 25, 2025 25-00312G

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 25-CP-000230 Division Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF ALLAN EDWARD MEYER, Deceased. The administration of the estate of ALLAN EDWARD MEYER, deceased, whose date of death was March 16, 2023, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building #1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: December 18, 2025. JAMES MEYER Personal Representative 4316 Butternut Ave. Bunnell, FL 32210 Matthew T. Harrod, Esq. Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 41134 Harrod Law, PLLC 145 Hilden Rd., Suite 105 Ponte Vedra, FL 32081 Telephone: (904) 373-6665 Email: mharrod@mattharrod.com December 18, 25, 2025 25-00309G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA File Number: 2025 CP 000483 Division: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF FRANK ORLANDO, Deceased. The administration of the Estate of FRANK ORLANDO, deceased, whose date of death was May 24, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, located at 1769 Moody Blvd, Ste 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110. The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are provided below. Deadline for Filing Claims: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF: 1. 3 months after the date of the first publication of this notice, or 2. 30 days after the date of service of a copy of this notice on them. The Personal Representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in Section 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by the surviving spouse or a beneficiary as specified under Section 732.2211, Florida Statutes. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS after the date of the first publication of this notice. Barred Claims: ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702, FLORIDA STATUTES, WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. This notice is published in accordance with the provisions of the Florida Probate Rules and Florida Statutes Section 733.2121. The date of first publication of this notice is December 18, 2025. Signed on this 13th day of December, 2025. TODD M. ORLANDO, Personal Representative 1641 Pottsburg Point Drive, Jacksonville, Florida, 32207 /s/ Martha C. Mann, Esq. Martha C. Mann, Esquire Florida Bar #155950 6894 Haviland Mill Road Clarksville, MD Phone: 443-430-5357 Email: marthacmann@gmail.com Attorney for Personal Representative December 18, 25, 2025 25-00311G

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING

LOCATION MAP

December 11, 18, 25, 2025

7763-328838

December 11, 18, 25, 2025

7763-328834

December 11, 18, 25, 2025

7763-328831

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 25 , 2025

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

SAVE

on Homeowners Insurance!

Flagler & Volusia County Homeowners Insurance Rates

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1994-2001 Built Home

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$1024

$1253

$1442

$1522

$350,000

$1236

$1345

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All rates assume a structurally sound roof with 5+ years of remaining useful life. 4pt and/or Wind Mitigation. Inspections may be required.

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