PALM COAST
Sophia Paige, Briana Fune and K’imani Gervin McCoy. Photo by Rachel Mills
NEWS BRIEFS
Ormond woman kills toll booth attendant in fatal Shores crash
A 35-year-old Ormond Beach woman is facing vehicular homicide charges after she crashed into a beach ramp toll booth in Daytona Beach Shores on Monday, June 1, killing the 62-year-old toll attendant inside.
Deana Harrell is suspected of drunk driving at the time of the fatal incident at the Dunlawton beach access ramp. In a statement on Monday, Sheriff Mike Chitwood said Harrell is believed to have been driving at 40 miles per hour when she crashed her pickup into the toll booth at 12:38 p.m.
The toll attendant — Tammy Jo Baker, of Daytona Beach — was pronounced dead at the scene.
“I don’t know how you even put this into words, it’s so senseless,” Chitwood said. “There was somebody doing their job. Tammy Jo was a longtime county employee. She recently switched over when the toll takers went
over to a private company. She went over with them. I mean, who would think when you’re standing up here that my life is going to end by a drunk driver on the beach approach?”
Harrell initially was taken into custody under Florida’s Baker Act because she made statements to VSO about taking her own life.
According to an update shared by Chitwood on Tuesday, VSO’s investigation revealed that Harrell had been sent home from work between 10:30-11 a.m. She reportedly drank two rum and Cokes and a partial shot before leaving a local bar at 12:06 p.m. She later told a detective she had drunk vodka and Gatorade, which she mixed herself.
At 12:29 p.m., a couple reported a drunk driver ran over a mailbox, hit a trash can and drove the wrong way against traffic, almost causing a headon collision about 2 miles north of Dunlawton Avenue. At 12:38 p.m., Harrell crashed into the toll booth.
“Thiry-five seconds after our victim enters the booth, she’s dead, and our job is to build a case to make sure that Tammy Jo and her family get justice,” Chitwood said. The Dunlawton beach access ramp will remain closed until further notice.
Man wanted in wife’s 2021 killing captured in Flagler County
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man wanted in Virginia for murdering his wife and hiding the circumstances of her death.
On May 26, the FCSO Criminal Intelligence Unit was contacted to assist with locating and apprehending a Virginia fugitive, Ross Butler, who was wanted for murder and known to be residing in Flagler County. Butler, 56, was wanted by the Chesterfield County Police Department in Virginia on a fugitive arrest warrant for first-degree murder, first-degree murder: abduction, felony homicide and strangulation.
The Chesterfield County Police Department has been investigating Butler for over four years, following suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of his wife, Ashlee Butler, in December 2021.
Butler has a criminal history in Flagler County, with previous arrests for charges including driving while license suspended, DUI, and possession of marijuana.
FCSO commander selected for FBI National Academy
Detention Services Commander Nolie St. Fleur has been invited to attend the 299th session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, in July 2026. Less than 1% of all law enforcement officers receive an invitation from the FBI to attend this prestigious academy during their careers.
“Commander St. Fleur’s invitation to attend the FBI National Academy is a tremendous honor,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “This is not only a personal milestone for him but also a first for the Court and Detention Services Division. Until now, no one from the Court and Detention Services Division had ever been invited by the FBI to attend the FBI National Academy.”
Health alert for blue-green algae toxins in Haw Creek area
The Florida Department of Health in Flagler County has issued a health alert for the presence of harmful bluegreen algae toxins in Haw Creek–Confluence of Dead Lake, Haw Creek and Cres-
cent Lake. The alert is in response to a water sample taken on May 26. The public should and take the following precautions in and around this area: Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercrafts or come into contact with waters where there is a visible bloom. Wash your skin and clothing with soap and water if you have any contact with algae, or discolored water or water that smells unpleasant. Keep pets and livestock away from the area to avoid any contact with water. Waters where algae blooms are present are not safe for animals.
Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate toxins. Eating fillets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish fillets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts, and cook fish thoroughly. Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms. Current information about Florida’s water quality status and public health notifications for harmful algae blooms and beach conditions is available at protectingfloridatogether. gov.
Email news tips to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
Palm Coast grandmother and teen arrested after feud
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 13-yearold girl and her grandmother following an investigation into an incident at a city park that began as a reported theft and resulted in charges of false imprisonment, assault and written threats to kill.
MAY 18 OUT ON THE CURB
11:34 a.m. — 900 block of North Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach Grand theft. An 82-year-old Ormond Beach man called police after his luggage was taken from his driveway on his way to the airport. The responding police officer explained that, as that
day was also his scheduled garbage pickup day, someone driving by could have mistaken his luggage as trash. The man wished to press charges. The luggage and its contents was valued at about $1,500.
MAY 29 WARRANT SCAM 3:22 p.m. — 100 block of Nature Trail, Ormond Beach Fraud. A warrant for arrest because of a missed jury duty? A Daytona Beach woman taking care of her father received a call from an alleged
deputy stating she needed to pay $800 to avoid being arrested for missing jury duty and a court date. The “deputy” also said she couldn’t talk to anyone about the warrant because of its nature, and instructed her to go to a nearby bank to send the funds, according to an incident report. The “deputy” also told her she had submitted an affidavit through certified mail with her signature, and that she needed to come in for a signature test and fingerprints.
The woman sent the funds and then traveled to the
courthouse in DeLand for the signature and fingerprints, at which point she was informed she had been scammed. Soon after, she was contacted again and the caller apologized, saying “his friends were being stupid and weren’t supposed to take advantage of women and children.” He asked for a screenshot to refund her, but the funds were never returned. She wished to press charges.
MAY 31 HOME IMPROVEMENT HUSTLE Weekend — Palm Coast Retail theft. A Palm Coast man was arrested after surveillance video showed the man leaving the store on multiple occasions with merchandise without attempting to pay. The stolen items reportedly included three lawnmowers, a carpet, three rugs and other merchandise valued at more than $4,100. He was transported to jail and later released on a $10,000 bond.
On May 25, deputies responded to Ralph Carter Park in Palm Coast after receiving a report that a juvenile victim’s sweater and cellphone had been stolen. Detectives determined the theft stemmed from an ongoing dispute between two juveniles over a planned fight. The conflict began the day before, when the girl, of Palm Coast, tried to provoke one of the victims into fighting at the same park, leading to a brief altercation in which she pulled the victim’s hair before the two were separated. Later that night, the girl and others drove to the victim’s neighborhood, where the girl called and messaged several juveniles to come outside and fight. Deputies responded and determined it was a verbal dispute, and the group left. The messages continued into the early morning. In a series of phone calls and social media messages, the girl repeatedly demanded a fight and threatened to kill two of the victims. Both the girl and her grandmother, Allyson Pease-Frankel, 64, of Palm Coast, also warned they would bring a pit bull to the park.
That afternoon, five juveniles walked to Ralph Carter Park, where threats and confrontation continued, with victims being trapped in the bathroom.
“It is not uncommon for teens to have disagreements with one another, but violence is never the answer and can lead to lifelong consequences. Rather than deescalate this situation, Grandma chose to run backup for this teen’s poor decisions and now she has earned herself a trip to the Green Roof Inn as well,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. Deputies arrested Allyson Pease-Frankel for false imprisonment and the girl for two counts of written threats to kill and grand theft.
Palm Coast Fire Department to host car seat safety check
The Palm Coast Fire Department, in partnership with Safe Kids Florida, is inviting residents to register for a free car seat safety check event on Wednesday, June 10, from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fire Station 25, 1250 Belle Terre Pkwy. Appointments are required, and space is limited to ensure each family receives dedicated one-on-one assistance. Residents can register at https://bit.ly/4e0Pkwc.
Hats off to the Class of 2026
‘You are captains of
Twenty-three graduates also earned their associate degrees from Daytona State College; 315 earned industry certifications.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Over 500 seniors received their diplomas at Matanzas High School’s graduation ceremony Sunday, May 31, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
Principal Mike Rinaldi said over the past four years, the Matanzas Pirates’ 2026 class learned “that success is not about having a perfect path, but about having the determination to keep moving forward when that path becomes uncertain.”
your destiny’: Matanzas grads leave lasting legacy
He said they learned that accountability builds trust, leadership and character, and they learned to take responsibility for both their success and their setbacks.
They are no longer new passengers just along for the ride, he told them.
“You are now Pirates in every sense of the word,” he said. “Because through your achievements over the last four years, you are now the captains of your destiny and are ready to navigate the world beyond the gates of the Ship. Your destiny, dreams and aspirations are yours to hold and this graduation is your opportunity to take the wheel, lean into the wind and chart a course of new adventures and achievements that we all can’t wait to hear about and be proud of.”
The 2026 graduates will
leave a lasting legacy both individually and collectively. The class combined for 22,412 hours of community services and participated in over 40 clubs. Twenty-three seniors earned their associate degrees from Daytona State College as well as their high school diplomas. Fifteen of those dual-enrolled seniors earned their degrees from DSC with honors or high honors.
A school-record 315 seniors, making up 62% of the graduating class, earned diplomaplus industry certifications.
Seventy graduates — 22 more than last year — completed their requirements for the AICE Diploma award.
“These seniors played a major role in Flagler Schools being named the Cambridge Small District of the Year, which was chosen from all of the Cambridge AICE programs from across the United States,” Rinaldi said.
Among the graduates, 205 received honor status, achieving a weighted GPA of 3.75 or higher. Athletes, musicians, artists, thespians and JROTC cadets amassed a myriad of awards.
“We are proud of all that you have accomplished and we can’t wait to see the difference you will make in our world,” Rinaldi said.
Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore told the class “to champion the cause of progress, yet always honor the foundation of the community that sustained you. The world needs your
voice, your innovation, your empathy and your courage. Don’t be afraid to take risks and to pursue what truly ignites you.”
Four graduates spoke at the commencement: Senior Class President Mia-Katharina Apfelbach, SGA President Adam Ringhiser, Remmika Battles and Delaney Pearson. Apfelbach told her classmates, “We’ve built our foundation, we have the tools in our hands, so let’s show the world how we can utilize them.”
Ringhiser spoke about what he learned while performing as the school mascot, Pete the Pirate. Inside the costume he was able to observe his classmates anonymously.
“I got to see people who barely spoke in class become
the most boisterous people in the stadium,” he said. “I saw friendships from people who otherwise never talked. I saw friends and family cheering loudly for the people they love. …
“Wherever life takes you next, never forget the person you were here, the people who helped shape you and the memories that made these years worth remembering.”
Pearson told her fellow graduates to “take the risk, chase the dream, send the application and start over if you need to. Don’t be afraid to fail. Don’t forget the small things, call your friends, laugh until you can’t breathe, be kind even when it’s hard. ... Go out there and make your story worth telling.”
“The world needs your voice, your innovation, your empathy and your courage. Don’t be afraid to take risks and to pursue what truly ignites you.”
Spotlight on Bulldogs: Flagler Palm Coast celebrates achievements
The Bulldogs’ graduating class of 2026 performed over 30,000 hours of community service.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The theme of Flagler Palm Coast High School’s 2026 commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 31, at the Ocean Center was the connection the graduates will aways have with the Bulldogs community.
“We may be leaving as individuals, but we will always be connected by the FPC grit and spirit,” Senior Class Vice President Lillian Ames said.
“Principal Bossardet always says, ‘Once a Bulldog, always a Bulldog,’ and after these past few years, that really starts to mean something,” commencement speaker
First Baptist Christian Academy of Palm Coast celebrated its graduating class of 2026, a close-knit group of 10 seniors who have left a lasting impact on the school community through leadership, service, academics, athletics and faith.
Many of these students have attended FBCA for years. As the graduates prepare for their next chapter, they plan to pursue college degrees, trade programs, ministry opportunities and career pathways in fields
Gianna Seifert said. “It’s not just about wearing green and white or showing up to school events, it’s about being a part of a community that grows with you, challenges you and somehow makes even the most chaotic days look like something we can get through together.”
Principal Bobby Bossardet put a spotlight on the seniors involved in the fine arts, including the ones who were never in the spotlight: “the students running the lights, mixing the sound, building the sets and holding the whole production together in the dark.”
FPC’s fine arts programs have earned superior ratings, gold medallions and national attention for 21 consecutive years, he said.
“That is a monumental tradition. But this class didn’t just inherit that standard, you carried it forward on your shoulders.”
He put a spotlight on leadership and service. The Bulldogs’ graduating class performed over 30,000 hours of community service.
ranging from technology and business to creative arts and service professions. “At FBCA, our graduates are more than just students — they are family,” said Head of School Dr. Maximino Fernandez. “Because of the size of our school, we have the privilege of truly knowing each student personally and walking alongside them throughout their journey. We are proud of the young men and women they have become.”
“You didn’t just talk about community, you built it,” he said.
He placed a spotlight on academic excellence. Hundreds of the seniors are graduates of distinction. Over 50 completed the International Baccalaureate program, more than 20 earned college associate degrees before even receiving their high school diplomas, 26 broke the scale with GPAs over 5.0. And over 300 received diploma-plus cords for earning college credits and career certifications.
Athletes are expected to
perform under the spotlight. This year, they raised the dynastic Bulldogs program to new heights. Several FPC athletes broke longstanding school and state records thought to be set in stone, Bossardet said. Seven seniors won state championships, 70 earned all-state and all-area honors, 20 signed national letters of intent to compete at the next level. And over 25 FPC sports teams maintained a combined GPA over 3.0, Bossardet said.
FPC’s principal also spoke about victories that happen in total silence, graduates who fought battles with anxiety or worked 40 hours a week just to keep the lights on.
“Nobody gives you a medal for surviving those nights,” he said. “But every morning you
made a choice. You walked through our doors, you took your seat, you refused to let your circumstances become your excuses. You turned that struggle into your purpose.
Right now, many of you are wearing cords, medals and stoles, but beneath all of that, every single one of you is wearing the same FPC green gown. That green is the ultimate equalizer. It means no matter what path you took to get here, and no matter how heavy that fight was, you made it. You survived, and you belong here. And the greatest thing about being part of the Bulldog family is that you never have to fight battles alone.”
Finally, Bossardet put a spotlight on the family, friends and FPC staff and faculty who supported the 2026 graduates throughout their high school journeys.
“You occupy these chairs tonight because they poured their belief, their sacrifice and their lives into you,” Bossardet said.
“Tomorrow the hallways at FPC will be behind you, but the brand goes with you,” he said.
“We may be leaving as individuals but we will always be connected by the FPC grit and spirit.”
LILLIAN AMES, Senior Class vice president
Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi presents a senior with her diploma.
LASHAKIA MOORE, Flagler Schools superintendent
Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi presents a senior with his diploma. Photo by Don Foley/Flagler Schools
Superintendent LaShakia Moore congratulates an FPC graduate. Photos by Don Foley/Flagler Schools
Seniors line up to take their seats for FPC’s graduation on May 31 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach.
First Baptist Christian Academy 2026 graduates. Courtesy photo
First Baptist Christian Academy
What Flagler County residents need to know as hurricane season begins
Be prepared with a hurricane kit and an evacuation plan, sign up for ALERTFlagler, stay
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Hurricane season officially began on June 1.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is predicting a below normal Atlantic hurricane season this year with a forecast of 8-14 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher) with 3-6 becoming hurricanes (winds of 79 mph or higher) and 1-3 becoming major hurricanes (categories 3-5, with winds of 111 mph or higher).
An average season has 14 named storms with sev -
en hurricanes, including three major hurricanes, the NOAA reports. But as Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord reminds residents each year: “It only takes one storm to impact our community.”
Here is what you need to know:
BE PREPARED
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office advises residents to build a disaster supply kit that includes such items as flashlights, extra batteries, a battery-powered radio and a portable crank or solarpowered USB charger for cell phones.
You should have enough water, medicine and non-perishable food for each person
in your household for a minimum of seven days because electricity and water can be out for an extended period.
The Flagler County Emergency Management Office recommends having a gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene.
The FCSO also recommends having extra cash on hand and placing copies of important documents, including insurance and medical records, in a waterproof container.
STAY INFORMED
Sign up for ALERTFlagler at flaglercounty.gov/emergency. The free service provides a variety of emergency notifications based on residents’ addresses.
The system allows you to
customize which devices and format that you’d like to receive alerts: Email, SMS/ Text, voice mail. You choose which specific weather alerts you want to receive. Emergency Management recommends everyone selects, at minimum, flash flood warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, tornado warnings and extreme wind warnings. If you need assistance in signing up for the service, the Emergency Management Office will be glad to assist you. Call 386-313-4200 during normal business hours for help.
Click on Emergency Preparedness on the Emergency Management site to view the Emergency Preparedness guide. Magazine versions of
the guide can be picked up at the two county libraries, the Flagler Beach Library, the Palm Coast, Bunnell and Flagler Beach city halls, the Government Services Building and the Emergency Operations Center. Emergency Management and FCSO also provide updates on all of their social media platforms.
EVACUATION ZONES
Jamie Rhome, the deputy director of the NOAA’s National Hurricane Center, said on Flagler Radio’s “Free For All Friday” on May 29 that the NHC evacuates because of storm surge. As long as you are not in a flood zone or a storm surge evacuation zone, and your home is up to building
codes you can hunker down and wait out the storm safely if not comfortably, Rhome said.
“For most people, it’s quite OK safety wise to stay put,” he said.
For those who are in an evacuation zone, long trips are unnecessary, Rhome added.
“Figure out what you are going to do,” he said. “I don’t need you to go to Tennessee. I need you to drive 5-10 minutes outside the evacuation zone.”
Flagler County no longer uses the alphabetical evacuation zones because they were confusing to Palm Coast residents living in letter-designated sections. The Emergency Management Office now names specific neighborhoods being evacuated, Lord said.
The two potential evacuation areas in the county are the hurricane evacuation zone, which includes the entire barrier island and some areas west of Interstate 95; and the lake flood zone in parts of the southwest portion of the county.
SHELTERS
The county has three primary shelters, at Rymfire and Bunnell elementary schools and the Buddy Taylor Middle-Wadsworth Elementary school campus. They all have backup power. Flagler Schools provides staff to help run the shelters.
“Not many other counties and school districts do that,” Lord said. “Our school system is truly a partner.”
The Flagler County Fairgrounds Expo Hall could have its grand opening in a couple of months, Lord said. The new 15,000-square-foot, hurri -
An NOAA satellite view of a massive Hurricane Erin churning off the U.S. East Coast taken Aug. 20, 2025. Image by NOAA Satellite
Flagler County Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord poses inside the Emergency Operations Center’s operations room. Lord is holding a copy of the Flagler County Emergency Preparedness Guide. Photo by Brent Woronoff
informed.
A “below-normal” year for storms could further a positive trend for Florida’s insurance market, industry experts contend. But because of Florida’s location between the Atlantic and Gulf, homeowners will always be at risk, which will temper any potential reductions to premiums.
Heading into the Atlantic storm season that begins June 1, insurance experts said legislative reforms in 2022 and 2023 targeting “frivolous” lawsuits, along with a year without any storm hits, have allowed some “softening” in homeowners insurance prices, growth in new carriers into the state, and a fall in the policy count by statebacked Citizens Property Insurance from 1.41 million policies in October 2023 to 336,000.
“We are just becoming more and more resilient in the state. So, I’m kind of optimistic that, as we see the next storm, we are going to be in better shape than we have been in the past,” said Patricia Born, who is the Midyette Eminent Scholar in Risk Management and Insurance at Florida State University’s Herbert Wertheim College of Business.
The industry is further
cane-resilient facility will take over as the county’s primary shelter for most emergency events. In “larger events” — primarily hurricanes — it will exclusively become the special needs shelter with the public schools continuing to serve as primary shelters.
helped right now from a “soft cycle” for reinsurance, the insurance for insurers.
But don’t anticipate any decline to erase the sharp rise in premiums Florida residents endured in the last 10 years, according to the nonprofit Coalition for an Insurable Future.
And as with every hurricane season, it only takes one storm to upend years of work that industry officials say helped attract 20 new property and casualty insurance companies with more than $850 million in new capital into the state’s market.
On May 20, Insurance Commissioner Mike Yaworsky and Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced the three latest property and casualty insurers entering Florida’s market: Texas-based Builder Reciprocal Insurance Exchange, Lake Mary-based Frontline Insurance Reciprocal Exchange and Arizonabased Wingsail Insurance Company.
“Competition is the best way to ensure that Floridians can access the best coverage at the best price,” Ingoglia said in a released statement.
Born said while the industry looks strong, the Florida
market needs more nationwide providers.
“We would prefer that more insurers that have a footprint across the whole country would be writing in Florida, so that they’re diversified more broadly,” Born said.
Chris Dittman, executive managing director for Dothan, Alabama-based Aon Corp., said the reforms in Florida have resulted in sustained profitability.
“Florida is a very risky state, and it is the peak risk in the world, and so there is underwriting income needed in these (noncatastrophe) years to pay for the (castrophe) losses, because those will happen,” Dittman said during a media call hosted by the AM Best insurance ratings firm.
Lawmakers in 2022 and 2023 eliminated one-way attorney fees and banned assignment of benefits, where contractors would take over policyholder claims. The efforts also imposed larger rate increases for customers of the Citizens Property Insurance Corp., to bring rates closer to private carriers and reduce the number of policies held by the statebacked insurer.
— NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Caribbean, he said.
“We had to exercise all of our partners to walk through the scenario of how we’d react in that kind of scenario,” Lord said. “We have to have a way to emergency message folks to get off the beach, which we already have with the ALERTFlagler system,” Lord said. “The good thing is the tsunami would give us a few hours’ notice.”
Being a Tsunami Ready Community will also add points to the county’s insurance rating, Lord said, potentially reducing flood insurance rates for residents in unincorporated parts of the county.
FORECASTING
Just because Flagler County has not had a direct hit from a major hurricane doesn’t mean it’s not possible, Lord said. A Category 5 hurricane had never impacted the Florida panhandle until Hurricane Michael in 2018. The panhandle even had weaker building codes than other parts of the state because of that history, Lord said.
Misinformation is the National Hurricane Center’s No. 1 challenge, Rhome said. For example, El Nino being thought of as a “force field” that will stop hurricanes is hype. Climate change’s major effect on storms is that they have been increasing in strength faster, which is shortening the window of preparedness, he said.
Palm Coast considers data center moratorium
Council
directs staff to study data center impacts, regulations.
RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
A discussion initiated by Councilman Ty Miller on Tuesday led Palm Coast city leaders to explore how data centers should be regulated locally and whether the city should support a temporary pause on new projects while officials study the issue further.
The conversation centered on a proposal advanced by Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance (see Page 7A) that would place a oneyear moratorium on new data center approvals in unincorporated Flagler County while local governments research potential impacts and develop regulations. Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri asked for council consensus to send a letter supporting Dance’s effort, arguing that governments need time to better understand the rapidly evolving industry.
needed to support it have emerged so quickly that local governments are still learning about the impacts on water supplies, power demands and surrounding communities.
“It could be a lot of fearmongering that’s going on, and these things may not come to fruition or it could be even worse than what’s being projected,” she said. “Why not take the opportunity to educate ourselves, make sure we’re protecting the city and the county in the meantime?”
WHAT IS A DATA CENTER?
Miller cautioned against adopting a broad moratorium without first clearly defining what constitutes a data center.
“My concern is I don’t want to affect anything that’s already in the works that we know is not one of those things,” Miller said. “But if there’s no clear definition of what a data center is, then maybe we’re jumping in on that and causing that to halt.”
TSUNAMI-READY DESIGNATION
“We don’t turn anybody away,” he said. “If somebody is evacuating, we make sure they can find a place.”
The $10 million Expo Hall, which was fully funded by state appropriations, has 10,000 square feet of open space with storage, kitchen and bathrooms with showers occupying the remaining space. It will have backup power and a backup emergency water supply. Using a calculation of 20 square feet per person, it can shelter about 500 people, Lord said. But if could fit a lot more if needed.
In August, the county will be recognized as a Tsunami Ready Community, Lord said, adding that the only thing left to do is install the signs. The probability of a tsunami hitting Flagler County is very low. There is no probability of a high-impact event, but we are at risk from such things as a volcanic eruption in the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa or earthquakes in the
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However, forecasting continues to improve. The NHC’s tracking cone previously contained the eye of the hurricane 67% of the time. This year, the cone will be slightly wider and the accuracy will increase to 90%, Lord said.
“This cone has been experimentally available for a few years, and now it will be the cone that they use,” Lord said. “Science has gotten better. They’ve gotten more experienced. Technology has gotten better to allow them to be more accurate.”
“I was actually going to ask for consensus from council to give a letter of support to the county for what Commissioner Dance’s initiative was, which was to do a oneyear moratorium while we as government research these things,” Pontieri said. Pontieri said artificial intelligence and the infrastructure
Councilman Ty Miller cautioned against adopting a broad moratorium without first clearly defining what constitutes a data center.
Council members discussed developing thresholds based on factors such as square footage, water consumption, power demands, noise and proximity to residential neighborhoods and schools. The goal would be to identify projects requiring additional review while ensuring smaller facilities are not swept into broader restrictions.
Council members directed staff to begin researching how data centers should be defined and regulated. Staff was also asked to examine what could be incorporated into the city’s land development code, while council expressed support for preventing approvals of new data centers until that work is completed.
Arts, censorship, parental rights: School Board candidates debate issues
Hammock Community Association hosts Flagler School Board candidates at forum. Primary: Aug. 18.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler County School Board
candidates answered questions about arts education, literary censorship and parental rights at the Hammock Community Association forum on June 2 at the Hammock Community Center.
The candidates opened by discussing their credentials and positions. Forum organizers Karen Leader and Donna Contrado were impressed by how cordial the candidates were.
The School Board’s five members have to work together as a team, Leader said, so seeing the seven candidates who are vying for the three open seats being courteous was a good sign.
The candidates included Cathy Moon and Jill Woolbright in District 1, Will Furry and Rob Wood in District 2 and Christy Chong, Ron Long and Trevor Tucker in District 4. Chong, the board chair, and Furry are incumbents.
THE ARTS
They were all in favor of preserving arts curriculum. Wood, Woolbright and Moon all said they were members of their school bands.
“I will fight forever to keep arts in schools,” Woolbright said.
Long said his youngest daughter disliked high school, but the arts program at Flagler
Palm Coast was what made her want to get up and go to school each day.
Tucker, who had been a School Board member for 12 years until losing reelection to Chong in 2022, said during a budget crunch in 2012, the board discussed the possibility of cutting arts in elementary schools, but he argued against it.
“Arts are integral to education,” he said.
CENSORSHIP
On the question regarding censorship, a resident used the example of Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” being challenged in some states. Some of the candidates were surprised to hear that book had been challenged or banned.
Woolbright said sometimes the pendulum swings too far one way or the other, but she said there had been books in the district’s libraries that were not appropriate for students.
“Some of those books were triple-x rated,” she said. In 2021, when Woolbright was on the School Board, she filed a criminal complaint against the district over the book, “All Boys Aren’t Blue,” being in some school libraries. The district had been reviewing the book in accordance with its policies at the time. The book was eventually removed from Flagler Schools’ shelves.
Tucker, who was also on the board at the time, answered the resident’s question by saying, “I want every child to read age-appropriate material. Most high schoolers are old enough to decide whether a book is good or bad. If you push only one thing on them, how can there be freedom?”
But as a board member, he has to uphold the law, he added. Long said controversial books that tax payers are paying for shouldn’t be available in schools because the books are readily available elsewhere. Moon said if a parent doesn’t want their child reading a book, they can opt out, “but not opt the whole school out.” Chong and Furry said students shouldn’t be exposed to books that have sexual content.
PARENTAL RIGHTS
When the candidates were asked what parental rights mean to them, Wood said, “We fall into a trap believing education is the same for every student. Parents should be making academic decisions that make the most sense for thier children.”
The voucher program, giving parents another option, solves the problem, Furry said.
“People get angry about
parents pulling their kids out of school,” Woolbright said. “But that’s their choice if they don’t want their child exposed to certain things.” She added that “we want Flagler County Schools to be the best choice.” Long, who was critical about many of the district’s spending decisions, said parents are choosing to homeschool “because of bullies and safety. Parents are scared to send their kids to schools these days,” he said.
Another School Board forum is scheduled on Tuesday, June 9, from 5:30-7 p.m. in the “Vault Room” at the Historic Flagler County Courthouse, 200 E. Moody Blvd. in Bunnell. That forum will be hosted by the American Association of University Women, Flagler County Branch, with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Jacksonville/First Coast. Register via email: aauwflagler1984@gmail.com.
School Board District 4 candidate Christy Chong.
School board District 2 candidate Robert Wood.
School Board District 4 candidate Trevor Tucker
School Board District 1 candidate Cathy Moon.
School Board District 1 candidate Jill Woolbright.
School Board District 4 candidate Ron Long.
School Board District 2 candidate Will Furry.
DANCE, COUNTY COMMISSIONER
On data centers and ‘the $59 million’
RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance recently joined the Observer to discuss his proposal for a temporary moratorium on new data centers, concerns about water usage and environmental impacts, the state’s $59 million spending claim against Flagler County, beach renourishment efforts, and the future of the David Siegel Adult Daycare Center. The interview also touched on conservation projects and plans for expanding public access to natural areas. What follows is a transcript edited for length and clarity.
You recently proposed a 12-month moratorium on new data centers in unincorporated Flagler County. What specific concerns prompted you to bring that proposal forward?
It’s front and center in the news right now. It’s a statewide issue. Gov. Ron DeSantis recently signed legislation that places restrictions on electrical and water consumption for hyperscale data centers.
The law also ensures local communities have the ability to set stricter standards, deny projects and properly classify and regulate them through local rules and regulations.
I felt the time was right to be proactive.
The county is currently under water-use restrictions because of drought conditions. Does that strengthen the argument for a moratorium?
I think it highlights why we need accurate information before making decisions. One of the concerns is the amount of water some large-scale data centers can consume. There are different types of systems. Some use water directly, while others use closed-loop systems. Even closed-loop systems have challenges. During discussions at the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council, Nassau County shared information from its own review process. While closed-loop systems sound attractive, they often use hazardous materials to cool computer equipment. That raises questions about how those materials are stored, handled and removed from a site.
Water is one of Florida’s most critical resources. We need to be proactive and thoughtful.
Earlier this year, Florida Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia claimed Flagler County had $59 million in wasteful spending. Do you believe that analysis accurately reflects how county government operates?
First and foremost, I strongly supported Flagler County being one of the first local governments to participate in the DOGE process. Transparency and finding efficiencies are important. Where I think the state’s analysis misses the mark is that it applies the same metrics to every county regardless of their unique circumstances. Flagler County was in a very different financial position several years ago. Our reserves were low, and our credit rating was poor. Over time, we deliberately built up reserves and improved our credit rating. As a coastal community, we face unique challenges. Those reserves are critical because we often have to spend money upfront on major projects and wait to be reimbursed by state or federal agencies.
That was a major part of our recent discussion about beach renourishment. We need reserves to cash-flow
those projects without taking on additional debt. I believe much of the $59 million figure was mischaracterized because it didn’t fully account for those realities.
Did the CFO’s office ever communicate directly with commissioners before releasing its findings? We received about two days’ notice before the press conference.
The original DOGE process was collaborative. We provided everything they requested. This audit was different, but we expected a similar opportunity to review and discuss the findings.
Have those requests been answered?
No. We’ve submitted emails and public records requests seeking the information but have not received a response. Will this issue come back before the County Commission?
I think it will. The report continues to circulate on social media, and residents continue asking questions about it.
We’re working on a question-and-answer response to help explain where we believe the discrepancies are.
Beach renourishment was a major topic during a recent workshop. Is Reach 2 fully funded?
Yes. We are currently in the contracting phase for Reach 2. The bidding process has been completed, and we have identified a preferred contractor.
The project is valued at a little over $35 million and is funded through roughly six different sources, including state and federal programs. The project itself is funded.
The challenge is cash flow. We have to spend the money first and then wait for reimbursement. That’s where reserve funds become critical.
What about the remaining easements needed for the project?
There are currently 17 easements we still need to obtain from beachfront property owners. We successfully obtained 100% of the easements needed for Reach 1, and I’m confident we’ll eventually do the same for Reach 2. It takes time, but we continue to make progress.
What happens if some easements aren’t secured?
Without an easement, nourishment can only extend to the erosion control line in that area. That creates a gap in the project and reduces the overall effectiveness of the system.
That’s why obtaining 100% participation remains the goal.
Is there an end in sight, or will beach renourishment always be necessary?
The beach is a major piece of infrastructure. It protects the barrier island, public utilities, roadways, natural resources, property values and tourism. The science behind beach
renourishment suggests it takes multiple projects over time to rebuild the offshore sand shelf that naturally protects the coastline. One project alone isn’t enough. It may take three or more renourishment cycles before the system becomes more self-sustaining. It’s a longterm commitment that will require a dedicated funding source, and that funding source has not yet been established.
Another recent topic was the future of the David Siegel Adult Daycare Center. Could the facility remain open after all?
Last year we reviewed the center’s performance and found that operating costs significantly exceeded participation levels. At that time, it didn’t make financial sense to continue operating the facility in its existing form.
However, we intentionally left the door open for alternative proposals. Since then, a public-private partnership proposal has been presented that would continue adult daycare services at the facility.
What are your thoughts on the proposal?
I was very impressed by the proposal presented by Anna Rosa Randolph. That said, there may be multiple ways to provide adult daycare services, and I want to evaluate all of those options before making a decision.
Do you believe there’s a need for this type of service? Absolutely.
The concept is designed for families caring for loved ones with dementia or other conditions at home. It provides social interaction for participants while giving caregivers time to handle appointments, errands and other responsibilities.
It’s also a more affordable option than many assisted living alternatives.
Is there anything else happening in Flagler County that residents may not be paying enough attention to?
One major area is conservation and environmental preservation.
The county has been working through the Environmentally Sensitive Lands program and state partnerships to acquire and preserve important natural areas. One recent acquisition was nearly 4,000 acres known as the Big Cypress Preserve on the west side of the county.
The county has already preserved thousands of acres in Bulow Creek area, and we’re building a passive park.
The project will include a trailhead near the new pedestrian bridge, complete with restrooms and parking. Eventually, visitors will be able to travel south from the bridge all the way to the Volusia County line through an expanded trail network.
It’s an exciting project that will allow residents to better enjoy the natural beauty that makes Flagler County unique.
Will Flagler keep adult daycare?
A proposed partnership could keep the center open beyond its planned Oct. 1 closure.
RICH CARROLL
MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
A proposal to keep adult daycare services operating at the David I. Siegel Adult Daycare Center in Palm Coast is moving forward after receiving support from Flagler County commissioners during a June 1 workshop. The center is scheduled to close Oct. 1 after county officials determined the program was no longer financially sustainable. The closure prompted concern among families who rely on the facility to care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other age-related conditions.
Alternatives to closure were proposed by community members. Among them was Palm Coast resident Pam Fennell, whose husband attends the program. Fennell said the center has made a significant difference in her family’s life and argued that declining enrollment is more closely tied to a lack of public awareness than a lack of demand. She noted that the facility generated approximately $100,000 in revenue during 2024 but has seen participation decrease in recent years.
A potential solution was presented by Ana Rosa Randolph, who has operated two adult daycare centers in Volusia County for more than two decades. Rather than relocating the program or constructing a new facility, Randolph’s proposal would keep services operating at the existing David I. Siegel Adult Daycare Center through a public-private partnership with the county.
Randolph told commissioners that adult daycare provides cognitive, social, physical and emotional support while helping seniors remain in their homes longer. She said the service also benefits caregivers by reducing stress and allowing family members to continue working while ensuring loved ones receive supervision and care during the day.
According to Randolph, adult daycare costs roughly $15,000 annually compared to about $54,000 for assisted living and up to $80,000 per year for nursing home care. Her two facilities served nearly 20,000 meals last year and offer daily activities.
Within a 10-mile radius of the center, Randolph estimated, there are 3,000 and 4,000 residents living with dementia or related illnesses. Commissioners directed staff to continue negotiating a potential arrangement with Randolph.
Gaps remain in Flagler dune solution
The 5.5-mile dune project could begin in November as officials work to secure easements, funding.
RICH
CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Flagler County commissioners are moving closer to awarding a $35 million beach and dune restoration project designed to strengthen erosion protection along 5.5 miles of coastline from Varn Park to North Seventh Street in Flagler Beach.
During a June 1 workshop, county staff presented an update on the Reach 2 Beach and Dune Restoration Project, which includes portions of Flagler Beach and Beverly Beach. The dredge-based project would restore both the beach and dune systems by placing approximately 1.5 million cubic yards of sand along the shoreline.
The county received four bids for the project, with Weeks Marine submitting the
lowest, at approximately $39 million. To bring the project within budget, staff negotiated a reduction in sand placement from 1.8 million cubic yards to 1.5 million cubic yards, lowering the anticipated construction cost to about $34 million. Additional engineering and inspection services are expected to bring the total project budget to just over $35 million.
Construction is expected to begin in November and take four to six months.
One challenge is securing easements from oceanfront property owners. County Engineer Hamid Tabassian said 17 easements remain outstanding, representing less than a mile of shoreline. Most are located in Flagler Beach near the secant wall.
Commission Chair Leann Pennington asked how those remaining holdouts could affect the project.
“Let’s say the 17 never show up or only two of them show up,” Pennington said. “Creating those gaps, it weakens the project?”
“Yes,” Program Manager Damon Douglas replied.
Douglas explained that while sand can still be placed seaward of those properties, gaps in the dune system reduce the overall protective benefits of the restoration effort. Tabassian noted the county has reduced the number of outstanding easements from roughly 30 earlier this year to 17 and expects additional property owners to sign before construction begins. Funding for the project will come from a combination of federal disaster recovery grants, state funding, Florida Department of Transportation agreements, Tourist Development Council reserves and county beachmanagement funds. However, much of the funding is reimbursement-based. John Brower, Flagler County’s interim deputy administrator and director of financial services, warned that the county may face short-term cashflow challenges. County officials also noted that a section of the project near the Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort will likely be delayed due to a recent seawall collapse.
Commissioner Andy Dance. File photo
New Residence Inn by Marriott at Ormond to open in August
The five-story hotel will have 137 rooms, all equipped with a fullsize kitchen.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Ormond Beach’s new oceanfront hotel is almost ready to open its doors.
Approved by the City Commission in 2023, the new Residence Inn by Marriott at 251 S. Atlantic Ave. is slated
BIZ BUZZ
Bombshells & Beards: salon for men and women
Bombshells & Beards officially opened on Memorial Day weekend. The salon, at 212 Central Ave. in Flagler Beach, offers women’s styling and men’s grooming. Bombshells & Bears is owned by Theresa Jones. According to a press release, the salon “combines the luxury of a modern women’s salon with the timeless tradition of a men’s barbershop, delivering expert hair care, coloring, styling and grooming services.” Visit bombshellsandbeards.com. Call or text 386-387-1312.
Medicare Dude opening Palm Coast office
to open sometime in August. The five-story hotel will have 137 rooms, all equipped with a full-size kitchen. Most rooms will be studios, though there are six one-bedroom suites and a couple two-bedroom suites. Of the 137 rooms, 104 have an ocean view.
Additionally, the Residence Inn will feature a bar, a restaurant and a pool overlooking the ocean.
Jeremiah Drummond, the hotel’s general manager, said it’s an exciting opportunity to be part of opening a brand new
William Gray, “The Medicare Dude,” opened a Palm Coast office on June 1 at 4869 Palm Coast Parkway NW, first floor. According to a press release, the expansion “is designed to provide greater access to Medicare education, retirement and healthcare planning,” for seniors in Flagler County, Daytona Beach and surrounding communities. Gray also has a Daytona Beach office at 1616 Concierge Blvd., Suite 100. Gray has nearly three decades of experience helping Medicare beneficiaries navigate healthcare decisions,
hotel in town. The beachside has seen recent resort renovations, but new construction on an oceanfront lot hasn’t occurred in at least a decade.
“Having a Marriott name here in Ormond is going to be huge,” Drummond said. “I think having this extendedstay product — having something that guests can stay longer with their families ... would be good for that.”
As part of construction, the hotel also added a new wooden public beach access ramp at the Seminole Ave -
the press release said. Unlike agents who represent a single insurance company, Gray works as an independent Medicare broker, helping clients compare Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans and other retirement healthcare options from multiple carriers.
“As more Floridians reach retirement age, many are finding Medicare increasingly confusing,” Gray said. “… Our goal is to simplify the process and help seniors make informed decisions with confidence.”
Visit themedicaredude.com/ florida/palm-coast or themedicaredude.com.
Flagler cares achieves COA accreditation
Flagler Cares has achieved national accreditation through COA Accreditation, a service of Social Current.
The nonprofit serves as a safety net and connects individuals and families in Flagler and Volusia counties with behavior-
nue approach. Construction, Drummond said, is ahead of schedule.
Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie recently toured the property. In an email to the Observer, Leslie said he was impressed with the project.
“The exterior and interior of the hotel are coming along phenomenally, and we are all very excited to welcome the Residence Inn by Marriott to the community,” he said.
Having the city’s support is huge, said Drummond.
“We want to work hand in
hand together,” he said. “Make the community better and stronger and keep it growing from that standpoint.”
Drummond has worked for Marriott for almost 25 years.
Though he ran a hotel in Key West for two years, this will be the first beachside hotel he’s been part of since its opening.
Ormond Holdings LLC, a company based out of South Carolina, purchased the properties at 251 and 264 S. Atlantic Ave. in 2022 for $2.05 million. The land on the west side of A1A previously housed
al health services, basic needs and crisis support, resource navigation, youth development, and prevention services. Flagler Cares meets neighbors where they are while seeking alignment with health and human services providers.
Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA Accreditation evaluated all aspects of Flagler Cares’ programs, services, management and administration.
The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.
Palm Coast to host SBDC day
The City of Palm Coast will host SBDC Day at Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on July 29. The event connects local entrepreneurs, startups and established business owners with free expert guidance and resources from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network.
Designed to support businesses at every stage of development, SBDC Day will provide Palm Coast business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs access to an experienced and credentialed local SBDC business consultant dedicated to helping businesses launch, grow and thrive.
Consulting expertise includes marketing, business plans, website design, access to capital branding and more.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the Florida SBDC Network includes more than 220 consultants and specialists across Florida.
For upcoming registration details and more information, go to palmcoast.gov/events.
Halifax Health graduates 19 as part of Project SEARCH
ance throughout the program.
“Through Project SEARCH and hands-on internships at Halifax Health Daytona, Port Orange, and Deltona, these young adults have gained the skills and confidence needed to step into competitive employment and greater independence,” VCS stated on its Facebook page.”
In the press release, Halifax Health said it is honored to continue its partnership with VCS for Project SEARCH.
“This collaboration plays a vital role in providing students with the guidance, resources, and real-world experience necessary for success,” the press release states. “Together, the organizations have fostered an environment that encourages personal growth, confidence, and independence.”
Jobless claims dip after Spiritled spike
First-time jobless claims in Florida eased for a second consecutive week following a spike when nearly 5,000 Spirit Airlines workers were laid off in the state. The U.S. Department of Labor on Thursday estimated 5,805 initial unemployment applications were filed in Florida last week, down from a revised count of 6,224 for the week ending May 16 and 8,164 for the week ending May 9. Prior to Dania Beach-based Spirit Airlines advising workers May 2 operations were ceasing immediately, the state had averaged 5,594 claims a week over the prior eight weeks. Spirit’s downfall affected 4,853 employees in Broward, Miami-Dade and Orange counties.
The Spirit layoffs weren’t reflected in the April jobs report released last week showing an increase in jobs but also an uptick in the unemployment rate. The state mark stands at 4.8 percent, with 532,000 unemployed Floridians from a labor force of 11.15
Halifax Health graduated its latest Project SEARCH class on Tuesday, May 19.
The graduation marks the completion of a year-long program designed to equip young adults with the skills and experience needed to secure employment after high school, according to a press release.
This year, 19 graduates completed the program. The May 19 celebration featured remarks from leaders across Halifax Health and Volusia County Schools, who applauded the graduates for their commitment, growth, and persever-
a Florida Hospital, which was demolished in 2019 after sustaining significant hurricane damage. That parcel will serve as a parking lot for the new hotel.
Jeremiah Drummond, general manager. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Graduate Omar Bryant speaks during Project SEARCH’s graduation on Tuesday, May
Photo courtesy of Volusia County Schools
Why prepare for a hurricane when a direct hit is unlikely?
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
Several years ago, as I was on a ladder, battling the huge, heavy metal sheets that served as hurricane shutters, my neighbor walked by, casually walking his dog.
“You won’t need them,
Brian!” he said. He was right. It turns out that the hurricane passed by uneventfully. So why spend the time and money to prepare for a disaster?
The answer for me is found in the saying, “If you are prepared, you shall not fear.” Preparation buys peace of mind. Otherwise, we may find ourselves watching the swirling forecast, as stress and fear intensify, wondering if we should have prepared after all.
MY VIEW ROLAND CLEE
CONSUMERS AND PRODUCERS
May 27, 2026
Nancy Owens Fulda, a computer science professor at Brigham Young University, recently said: “There are all kinds of ways that AI technology can empower individuals to do more with their limited time. The flip side is there are even more ways that we can outsource our autonomy to our AI systems and become consumers rather than producers.”
I once heard of a parent whose rule about technology
for his children was similar in nature: Use technology to create and produce, not just to consume. Considering how alluring and how accessible electronic fun is, have we moved out of the Information Age and into the Entertainment Age? How do we develop the discipline and motivation to create and produce?
ACCEPT THEIR BEST EFFORT
May 28. 2026
My daughter Kennedy texted me yesterday saying,
“I finished the lawn!”
That was her job. My job was to celebrate with her and accept her best effort. I was happy that she was experiencing the sweet satisfaction of hard work.
SYSTEMS
June 1, 2026
This morning my wife and I were having two conversations that seemed to be totally opposite, but in the end, I realized they were essentially the same conversation: How to create systems to incentivize hard work.
Florida tax reform will benefit retirees, boost state revenue
‘Eliminating property taxes changes the retirement math by lowering the income threshold needed.’
ROLAND
CLEE GUEST WRITER
The property tax reform proposed by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis will be hugely beneficial for every Florida family’s outlook for their long-term future. In doing so, it would also increase revenue in the state coffers.
I’m a public safety retiree, currently working full time as a professional writer, conference speaker and law enforcement consultant. Today, I own more than one Florida residential property, and the state government of Florida sounds like it is on my side in abolishing prop-
erty taxes. Maybe. Unlike the United Kingdom, not every retiree in Florida is a pensioner. Without a doubt, retiring in Florida, wherever you come from, is advantageous. At a certain bracket of property taxes, many taxpayers will retire. Why is this beneficial to the local economy? More recreation and more entertaining. That always equates to more retail spending. More sales tax sent to Tallahassee. Property taxes are often the single largest ongoing housing expense after a mortgage is paid off. Eliminating that bill changes the retirement math by lowering the income threshold needed to stop working by hundreds of dollars per month. For those opposed to property tax reform and those vocal about public safety concerns, I offer these two reminders.
First, the state of Florida doesn’t get a penny from local property tax. Not a red cent. Second, can anyone seriously believe that the most pro-public-safety governor in the country, and in Florida’s history, would leave Floridians hanging on public safety?
DeSantis was a JAG lawyer and sent a substantial number of military criminals to the brig. He was site counsel with a SEAL team making sure they were fully legal in extreme environments.
Again, this is a tax the state doesn’t even collect. And this is the same governor who personally handed generous recruitment bonuses to certified officers from out of state to combat the national law enforcement staffing crisis.
I’ve been critical of Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia for his unofficial audits of local governments and his less-than-transparent methodology. His road show should have been focused on how little this would impact local budgets and how the state would assist in filling in the gaps created by this reform.
Let’s look at two homes from a property tax perspective. The assessed values of the homes are $1,200,000 and $400,000. Does the $400,000 home receive the same level of law enforcement and fire service as the $1,200,000 home? For the most part, yes. But here is the shocker: the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
School Board
candidate Rob Wood’s resume stands out
Dear Editor:
$150,000 (not homesteaded)
rental home demands more than six times the services of the $400,000 home. It is a persistent pattern.
Decades ago, the neighboring property to my police department required 1,500 calls for service a year. My former commander, when he was an officer in the 1980s would get tired of waiting in line for his radio and car keys and walk over to that fleabag hotel, make a valid arrest, and then go get his keys and radio. There is no way that their property taxes made up for the services they consumed.
What is the impact of 92% elimination of property taxes on homesteaded properties (at an eventual $500,000 exemption) on Florida? It will constitute a beneficial generational shift in affordability.
With the five-year delay, it only applies to continually occupied or “ported” properties. It will certainly increase affordability and the desire for rising generations to consider Florida. This is not an abstract benefit: for a couple in Flagler County with a $300,000 home, the savings could mean retiring
at 62 instead of 67.
What about “poorer” counties? I’ve traveled extensively around Florida and the only stamps left on my bingo card are Fort Myers and Sanibel Island. Those will likely remain as assumed prosperous locations yet also replete with rental and nonhomesteaded properties.
While local governments receive appropriations from the state and may be opposed to property tax reform, I remember working in Orange County with the understanding that as a donor county, we would be funding infrastructure in perhaps Levy or Madison counties. Those appropriations came from the remittances of counties that obviously paid in more than they took out. Can you imagine our community infused, and so many others around the state, with young seniors following their passions instead of working to pay taxes? That’s a vision I can embrace for the future.
Roland Clee served a major Florida police department as a community service Officer for more than 26 years. He writes the American Peace Officer newsletter.
To
Rob Wood is a welcome recent entry to the District 2 School Board race challenging incumbent, Will Furry. In a side by side comparison, Mr. Wood’s qualifications and background substantially surpasses those of Mr.Furry in both applicable experience and educational accomplishments. Wood has an MBA; Furry has a high school diploma. Wood has over a decade of senior faculty level college experience. Most of Furry’s work experience consists of real estate sales.
Amanda Redwine,
LCPC/LMHC
Most couples do not come in because they have stopped loving each other. They come in because they are tired. Tired of having the same argument in different forms. Tired of feeling misunderstood. Tired of watching a simple conversation turn into distance, hurt feelings, or silence.
One person feels ignored and pushes harder to be heard.
Although not a School Board position qualifier, but may be attractive to some voters, Wood spent years as a U.S. Air Force jet mechanic. Furry was not in the military.
The other feels criticized and pulls away. Neither feels safe or understood.
Now the conversation is no longer about the dishes or the calendar. It is about feeling alone while sitting right next to someone you love.
There may never feel like enough sleep, enough sex, enough time, or enough money.
The goal in a healthy relationship is not to eliminate every recurring issue. It is to learn how to talk about those issues without damaging the connection.
One question I often ask couples is this: During your last argument, what percentage understood did you feel? For many people, the honest answer is surprisingly low.
Healthy couples learn a different path. They learn to listen for meaning instead of ammunition. They learn to reflect back what they heard. They learn that feeling understood can calm a
Recently, Furry decided to forgo his School Board role and launched a campaign for Florida’s 6th Congressional District. When that campaign didn’t fare well, he withdrew and circled back to the School Board race.
Furry comes with some controversial baggage arising during his time on the board. He was viewed by many as a polarizing figure embroiled in controversial culture wars, board governance instability
conflict even before the problem is solved.
Often, couples wait to seek help because they think counseling is only for relationships in crisis. It is not. In fact, one of the most common things I hear from couples after we begin making progress is, “We wish we had come in sooner.”
If you love each other but feel stuck, there is hope.
Congruence Counseling in Palm Coast has therapists who help couples and individuals navigate relationship stress, anxiety, and life transitions. In-person and telehealth appointments available at congruencepc.com. Call 386-227-6745.
and the inappropriate injection of politically charged partisan remarks such as blaming a “radical left” influence in public schools and student “indoctrination.”
A Furry re-election could keep the board destabilized with cultural and political debate, something not healthy for a school board and a distraction from its true mission.
Rob Wood’s campaign mantra is “do no harm,” a bit vague but promising, with a stabilizing flavor. But, what
can be gleaned so far in the two candidates by comparing just the usually expected fundamental qualifications for a seat on the School Board, Rob Wood stands out by a whole lot.
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.
Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.
readers to submit a short essay, anything from 10 words to 400 words, to answer this question: What does the Spirit of America mean to you? Responses may be published online or in print, including in the Observer’s annual Spirit of America section.
Noah Bogdanowicz threw the touchdown pass for Seabreeze in the Sandcrabs’ spring game on May 22 against Flagler Palm Coast. Bogdanowicz also ran for a touchdown.
MODEL GRAND
Join us for the exciting Grand Opening of our newest model home at The Conservatory at Hammock Beach! Tour this beautifully designed home the Avina II, explore the luxury lifestyle and amenities this exclusive community has to offer, and enjoy an afternoon of inspiration. Come discover what makes life at The Conservatory truly exceptional.
806 Loblolly Court Palm Coast, Florida 32137
YOUR NEIGHBORS
They sang, they danced, they conquered
Singers dominated the competition at the Spotlight on Flagler Youth Talent Show, with K’imani Girven McCoy taking home top honors as the Entertainer of the Year in the Senior Division. The event, put on by the Flagler County Youth Center, featured 23 performers on May 28, at The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.
McCoy’s emotional rendition of Beyonce’s “Listen” elicited cheers from the audience and won over the judges. Brianna Fune and Sophia Page placed second and third place in the Senior division with their performances.
Emma Duncan won Entertainer of the Year in the Middle Division. Her sister,
“We love singing together,” Emma said. “Our practices are mostly just singing random songs around the house together.”
Laurel Duffy won Entertainer of the Year in the Elementary Division with her version of the “Defying Gravity” from the popular musical, “Wicked.” Aniah
cording to judge Christy Butler, who has been a judge at the competition for multiple years. “Judging this competition is never easy, but this year was incredibly hard.” One criterion for her judging, she said, is that the performance gives her goosebumps.
Cheryl Massaro echoed those sentiments and was especially impressed with this year’s Senior division. “There was not a bad performance amongst them,” she said.
–ABE MILLS
2026 Top Performers
JUNIOR DIVISION
1st: Laurel Duffy: “Defying Gravity” by Cynthia Erivo featuring Ariana Grande, from the motion picture “Wicked” 2nd: Sara Duncan: “Don’t Rain on My Parade” by Barbara Streisand, from the musical “Funny Girl” 3rd: Aniah Furtado: Dance Routine to “Gnarly” by KATSEYE
MIDDLE DIVISION
1st: Emma Duncan: “They Just Keep Moving the Line” by the cast of “SMASH” 2nd: Anniston Goetsch: “In My Dreams” by Christy Altomare from “Anastasia the Musical” 3rd: Aliyah Coito: “Roses” by Jenna Raine
SENIOR DIVISION 1st: K’imani Gervin McCoy: “Listen” by Beyonce 2nd: Briana Fune: “Break It to Me Gently” by Brenda Lee
3rd: Sophia Paige: “All I Ask” by Adele
Emma and Sara Duncan
for her performance of “Defying Gravity.”
The winners, at the Spotlight on Youth Talent Show. Senior division: Sophia Paige, Briana Fune and K’imani Gervin McCoy. Middle division: Aliyah Coito, Anniston Goetsch and Emma Duncan. Junior division: Aniah Furtado, Sara Duncan and Laurel Duffy. Photos by Rachel Mills
Addison Gardner
Anarosa Smith
Caleb Finn
Faith Libel
Jocelyn Vitkauskas sang “Love in the Dark,” by Adele, in the Senior Division.
Entertainer of the Year K’imani Gervin McCoy.
Laurel Duffy holds her first-place trophy
SPOTLIGHT
LOCAL EVENTS
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
FIRST FRIDAY
GARDEN WALK
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Join a ranger the First Friday of every month for a garden walk. Learn about the history of Washington Oaks while exploring the gardens. Walk is approximately one hour. No registration required. Park entry fee applies.
DAYTONA BEACH ARTWALK
When: 5-9 p.m.
Where: 100-200 blocks of Beach Street, Daytona Beach
Details: Downtown Daytona Beach invites the community to stroll along Beach Street every first Friday of each month to enjoy ArtWalk. Meet artists, enjoy refreshments and visit local galleries.
FREE FAMILY ART NIGHT
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: This month’s event invites families to make OKeeffe-inspired large pastel flowers. Free. All art supplies provided. Drop in anytime during scheduled time slot.
SADDLE UP SOCIAL
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 305 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast
Details: Hosted by Community Resource Network of Florida, this is a free public event for individuals with special needs. Registration required. Call 386-299-8770.
FLAGLER BEACH FIRST
FRIDAY
When: 6-9 p.m.
Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach
Details: Enjoy community, music and vendors. Entertainment will be provided by Soulfire.
SATURDAY, JUNE 6
‘TOGETHER WE CAN’ CEMETERY CLEAN UP
When: 7 a.m. to noon
Where: Masonic Cemetery, 5025 Old Kings Road, Palm Coast
Details: Take part in this cleanup effort. Bring gloves and water. Everyone is welcome. Hosted by Espanola Lodge 161. Contact Bro. Chaney at 386-265-9870.
GOD’S FAMILY BIBLE
CHURCH PANTRY FOOD
DISTRIBUTION
When: 10-11 a.m.
Where: Parking lot across Gods Family Bible Church, 256 Old Brick Road, Bunnell
Details: God’s Family Bible Church distributes food every first and third Saturday in this drive-thru event.
ORMOND FIRST SATURDAY
ART WALK
When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Join Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, OMAM and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
PANCAKE BREAKFAST AND BLOOD DRIVE
When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: The Knights of Columbus Council 13018 will serve a pancake breakfast at the Social Hall and the OneBlood Big Red Bus will be onsite to accept blood donations. All donors will receive a free pass to the all-you-caneat pancake breakfast, as well as a free gift, $20 eGift card and a complimentary wellness checkup from OneBlood. The breakfast for non-donors costs $6 for adults, and children under 12 eat free. All are welcome.
DANCE & ACT WITH MISS DEBBY PRESENTS: ‘HOTEL INTERNATIONAL’
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See this original show about a French heist that doubles as the annual performance for the dancers and actors of Dance and Act with Ms. Debby. Tickets cost $20 for children 4-12; 13 and up are $25. Children 3 and under are free with adult ticket.
MONDAY, JUNE 8
OMAM VOLUNTEER GUILD
MEETING When: 1-2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: Interested in joining the Guild? This group is a community of advocates, creatives and garden-lovers who believe in the power of art, nature and service. Annual Guild dues are $25.
July 4th parade registration open
The Rotary Club of Flagler Beach invites residents, visitors, local businesses, and community organizations to celebrate Independence Day — and America’s 250th birthday — at the Flagler Beach Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, in Flagler Beach. Float registration is now open for $40. Visit Eventbrite at https:// bit.ly/fb4thparade. The deadline to register is June 26, 2026.
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
AMERICA250 — MAD
SCIENCE
When: 10:30 a.m.
Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library, 105 Jackie Robinson Parkway, Daytona Beach
Details: Children can learn about chemical reactions with “mad” scientists. Free.
CENTRAL FLORIDA ZOO — FLORIDA NATIVES When: 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens will bring some Florida animals and teach why we must become stewards to save habitats for these native species. Free program.
AAUW FLAGLER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD FORUM
When: 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Historic Flagler County Courthouse Vault Room, 200 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell
Details: Attend this forum of all seven qualified Flagler County School Board candidates, hosted by the American Association of University Women Flagler County Branch with assistance from the League of Women Voters of Jacksonville/First Coast. Registration is encouraged. Space is limited. Email aauw flagler1984@gmail.com.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
AARP HOSTS MAYOR
LESLIE
When: 10 a.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Unitarian Universalist Church, 56 N. Halifax Drive
Details: The AARP Chapter 1057 meeting’s guest speaker will be Ormond Beach Mayor Jason Leslie. An optional $5 light lunch will follow. For more information, call Jeff Boyle at 386-341-9013.
FOCUS ON FAITH
Palm Coast’s Voyage Church opens for weekday worship
Palm Coast’s Voyage Church located in City Marketplace at 160 Cypress Point Drive has changed its opening hours.
On May 18, Voyage Church began opening its doors Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. until noon for anyone who wants to pray or have someone pray with them.
Voyage Church’s ministry leader said that on the second day, eight young people stopped by seeking worship and received prayer, while a few stayed to sit quietly in the
sanctuary. On the third day, a young man stopped by during a bike ride to receive prayer, as well.
Voyage Church hopes to expand its open hours more in the future.
Those seeking quiet, peace and worship are urged to come by Voyage Church, where everyone is welcomed, as the church is non-denominational. There are activities and books available, as well as coffee and tea.
Caregivers are welcome to bring their infants and toddlers to explore the playroom while they observe and visit with others (no supervision is provided.)
There is Wi-Fi accessibility
Voyage Church is also open Wednesday night for prayer at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. for ladies bible study. Regular Sunday morning worship takes place at 10:30 a.m. Their ministry states, “let our sanctuary be your sanctuary.” Brought
for anyone wanting access to do course work and research.
YOUR SCHOOLS
Scott Howell has been a teacher 23 years — and that’s his second career
Over 40 Flagler Schools employees, representing over 250 years of service, are retiring at the end of the school year.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Belle Terre Elementary School
health teacher Scott Howell stepped up during Flagler Schools’ employee retirement celebration with a few words of advice for younger teachers.
Howell, who is retiring after 23 years in the school district, said, “We all have a very unique story in our life. Don’t be afraid to share it with people, because you never know who you are going to [inspire] with your story.”
Howell has a unique story. He turns 67 in June, and he’s looking forward to starting the third chapter of his adult life. Chapter 1: He was an outboard boat mechanic for 25 years, working for the family boat business in Okeechobee.
When he was in high school in the 1970s, he had taken a career aptitude test. It concluded that he should be a “teacher or a preacher,” he said. Decades later, he decided it was time to follow one of those paths. So, he went to night school to get his bachelor’s degree. He worked until 5 p.m. repairing boats, then drove an hour to school in West Palm Beach.
Chapter 2: After earning his teaching degree, he joined the Flagler County School District. He taught physical edu-
cation for four years at Buddy Taylor Middle School and then started the health education program at Belle Terre Elementary. He’s been teaching health to every grade level at the school for 19 years. Howell said he is not the same person he was 23 years ago, and he owes that to his fellow teachers. But he knew it was time to retire when “a second grader said to me, ‘You were my dad’s eighth grade teacher,’” Howell said, bringing laughter to the room at the Government Services Building on May 19 as the district celebrated the administrators, teachers and staff who are retiring at the end of the school year.
At the School Board meeting following the celebration, Joshua Walker, the district’s new Human Resources chief, presented a spotlight honoring the retirees. Over 40 district employees are retiring representing over 250 years of service to Flagler County students, Walker said.
Among those in attendance for the spotlight were district
HR Chief Bob Ouellette; Chief of Operations Dave Freeman; Flagler Auditorium Director Amelia Fulmer, who has been an educator with Flagler Schools for 38 years; Rima Apanavicius, who taught at Belle Terre Elementary for 22 years and has been teaching for 35 years; Flagler Technical College’s Beverly Ford, who has been with the district for 35 years; and Nancy Allesee, who has taught at Old Kings Elementary School for 39 years.
Chapter 3: Howell is an elder at Lifecoast Church, which holds its services at Matanzas High School. Now that his teaching career is coming to a close, Howell said he is planning to do more ministry work.
“That aptitude test said, ‘You’re either going to be a teacher or a preacher.’ Now I’m going to do both,” he said. Email brent@observerlocalnews.com.
Flagler Schools’ new retirees in attendance for the spotlight at the May 19 Flagler County School Board meeting, from left: Chief Human Resources Officer Bob Ouellette; Chief of Operations Dave Freeman; Flagler Auditorium
Director Amelia Fulmer; Nancy Allesee, teacher for 39 years at Old Kings Elementary School; Rima Apanavicius, Belle Terre Elementary School; Beverly Ford, Flagler Teach College; Margaritte Streck, FTC; and Scott Howell, BTES; with new HR chief Joshua Walker (right). Back row: Superintendent LaShakia Moore and board members Christy Chong, Will Furry, Janie Ruddy and Lauren Ramirez. Photo by Don Foley/Flagler Schools
Bike Men seek new home by end of 2026
The Flagler County nonprofit repairs and gives away 2,500 bicycles a year.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Joe Golan, founder of the Bike Men of Flagler County, never turns anybody down who needs help. Now the Bike Men need help.
The nonprofit repairs and gives away 2,500 bicycles a year. They work with 35 different organizations in four counties. But they are looking for a new location that contains about 2,000 square feet of working space.
Currently, the Bike Men are in the Atlantis Business Plaza, 2323 N. State St., Unit 100, in Bunnell. They need to be out by the end of the year, Golan said.
“We’ve looked at a number of locations. Some are too small, some are out of our price range,” he said. “We have limited funds in terms of rent. We can cover utilities.”
They are currently paying $450 a month, which covers garbage pickup and maintenance, Golan said.
The Bike Men work in the shop three mornings a week. They work inside, but they need to move bicycles outside to free up space. They also have a portable shop that they operate two days a week.
They keep two trailers at the business plaza and management has indicated it does not want the trailers there, Golan said. They are currently renting a unit. The owners of the unit run Our Father’s Table at Palm Coast United Methodist Church.
“They’ve been very generous,” Golan said. “They’ve allowed us to grow as big as we have. Now we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place.”
Parts and supplies are the Bike Men’s biggest expenses at about $25,000 to $30,000 a year, Golan said. The last time they moved, which was from a different unit in the same plaza, it cost them about $20,000 to build out the shop, Golan said. Their current budget for utilities, water, electricity and communications is about $10,000 a year, he said.
The Bike Men of Flagler County provide bicycles for children in low-income families and adults who do not have a license and need transportation to get to their jobs. The Bike Men work with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, parole departments and health care facilities. They also provide 200 bikes a year for Christmas Come True.
“We don’t buy bikes unless it’s a very, very special need,” Golan said. “We rely on donations that come in. We get them in daily. It’s a continual operation.”
If you’d like to help the Bike Men to continue helping others, call 386-283-0111 or email TheBikeMenOfFlaglerCounty@gmail.com.
CLASS NOTES
Ormond Beach Chamber recognizes Teachers of the Quarter
The Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce honored eight teachers for its Teacher of the Quarter Program on Wednesday, May 20.
The chamber’s longest running program, the chamber works with Ormond-area schools to select a recipient each quarter. At the end of the school year, each of the 32 teachers recognized during one of the quarters and their principals are invited to a luncheon.
“These teachers go above and beyond every day to inspire, encourage, and make a lasting impact on their students and schools,” the Chamber wrote on a Facebook post. “It is always a privilege to celebrate
Ormond Beach Elks award $7,000 in scholarships to Seabreeze
The Ormond Beach Elks Lodge awarded $7,000 in scholarships to Seabreeze High School seniors during a dinner in their honor on May 15. Of the total scholarships, the Lodge awarded a total of $4,000, as well as $3,000 on behalf of the Florida State Elks Association, according to a press release. Isabel Mazelow,
daughter of Shanan Mazelow, and Britton Prewitt, son of members, Wendy and Michael Holly and grandson of members, Cheryl and David Askew, each received a $1,000 Ormond Beach Elks Lodge Legacy Scholarship.
Maggie Harris and Lucky Boren each received a $1,000 Ormond Beach Elks Lodge Scholarships. Ye’Nile McCoy received the $3,000 C. Valentine Bates Memorial HOPE Scholarship award on behalf of the Florida State Elks Association. Scholars and their families in attendance were treated to dinner sponsored by Heli-Hogs, and each recipient was presented with a certificate.
Beachside Elementary: Sarah Preyss, ESE
Hinson
Ormond Beach Elementary: Tammy Caligiuri, counselor
Ormond Beach Middle School: Sarah Wagers,
Pathways Elementary: Mary Royer, fifth grade
Pine Trail Elementary: Andrea Cecce, fourth grade
the dedication, passion, and hard work they bring to our community.”
The honorees were:
Middle School: Elena Glusheska, ESE
math
Seabreeze High School: Vanessa Emerson, ESE Tomoka Elementary: Amanda Shirah, ESE
Pine Trail Elementary Principal Charlie Bynum, Chamber board member Billie Jo Kaler, teacher Andrea Cecce, Chamber CEO Debbie Cotton and City Commissioner Kristin Deaton. Courtesy photos
Hinson Middle Principal William Dunnigan and teacher Elena Glusheska
Beachside Elementary principal Leigh Prokop
A Pathways Elementary faculty member, City Commissioner Kristin Deaton, teacher Mary Royer, Chamber board member Billie Jo Kaler and Chamber CEO Debbie Cotton.
Seabreeze Assistant Principal of ESE Dhand Presley, City Commissioner Kristin Deaton, teacher Vanessa Emerson, Chamber board member Billie Jo Kaler, Chamber CEO Debbie Cotton and Seabreeze Principal Tucker Harris.
City Commissioner Kristin Deaton, Chamber board member Billie Jo Kaler, teacher Sarah Wagers, Chamber CEO Debbie Cotton and OBMS Principal Heather Iannarelli.
Tomoka Elementary Principal Julie Roseboom and teacher Amanda Shirah
Seabreeze seniors Ye’Nile McCoy, Maggie Harris, Lucky Boren, Isabel Mazelow and Britton Prewitt, with Ormond Beach Elks Lodge Scholarship Chair Erika Barger. Courtesy photo
Joe Golan works on a bike. File photo by Brent Woronoff
REAL ESTATE
Hammock Dunes home sells for nearly $3.7M
Ahouse at 45 Calle Del Sur, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for May 16-22 in Flagler County. The house sold on May 18, for $3,675,000. Built in 2018, the house is a 5/5.5 and has a shared dune walk, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, an elevator and 6,042 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $2,950,00. It was listed by Dana Davis, of LPT Realty.
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
A condo at 85 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 102, sold on May 22, for $1,375,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 2,417 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $910,000.
A condo at 200 Marina Bay Drive, Unit 201, sold on May 22, for $268,000. Built in 2001, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,020 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $260,000.
A condo at 3500 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 202, sold on May 20, for $370,000. Built in 1976, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,201 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $325,000.
A condo at 24 Viscaya Drive, Unit 304, sold on May 19, for $500,000. Built in 1998, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,837 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $295,000.
A condo at 27 Oxford Lane, Unit 27, sold on May 19, for $183,000. Built in 1983, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $135,000.
A condo at 2680 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 102, sold on May 20, for $327,500. Built in
Daytona Beach 5BD/2.5BA/2CG (2,869 SF Living) Built in 2023, this move-in ready home offers 5 bedrooms plus a flex room, an openconcept design, modern finishes, abundant storage, and a paid-off whole-house solar system for immediate energy savings. Situated on a landscaped corner lot with community pool access, it combines newer construction, hurricane-rated windows, and a prime location near I-95, I-4, shopping, dining, area attractions and beaches. $479,900
1980, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,300 square feet. It sold in 2007 for $319,500.
A condo at 3580 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 502,sold on May 20, for $305,000. Built in 1982, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,358 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $240,000.
PALM COAST
Belle Terre
A house at 37 Lindsay Drive sold on May 20, for $318,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,899 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $260,000.
Palm Harbor A house at 14 Ferngate Lane sold on May 22, for $454,000. Built in 2026, the house is a 3/3 and has 1,810 square feet.
A house at 20 Firethorn Lane sold on May 22, for $380,000. Built I 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,626 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $256,000.
A house at 11 Clermont Court sold on May 22, for $457,000. Built in 1986, the house is a 4/2 and has a dock and 1,997 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $54,200.
A house at 17 Fleming Court sold on May 21, for $775,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a hot tub, a boat house and 2,811 square feet.
Sawmill Branch A house at 150 Greenwood Drive sold on May 22, for $344,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,033 square feet.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
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House with pool in The Trails sells for $719K
Ahouse in The Trails at 133 Shady Branch Trail was the the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of May 9-15. The house sold on May 11, for $719,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,040 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $694,000. The house was listed by Emily Van Doorn, of Realty Pros Assured.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Breakaway Trails
The house at 5 Shadow Creek Way sold on May 14, for $649,900. Built in 1988, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,050 square feet. It last sold in 2000 for $268,000.
Capri Manor 56 Mcalister Drive sold on May 15, for $230,000. Built in 1955, the 2/1 house has 1,279 square feet. It sold in 1985 for $42,750.
Northbrook The house at 1113 Northside Drive sold on May 14, for $374,000. Built in 1983, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,700 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $309,000.
Oak Forest The house at 63 Sycamore Circle sold on May 11, for $375,000. Built in 1981, 3/2 house has a fireplace and 1,808 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $175,000.
Pineland 277 Sunset Point Drive sold on May 14, for $460,000.
Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,334 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $364,000.
Plantation Bay
The townhome at 1004 Kilkenny Lane sold on May 15, for $345,000. Built in 2012, the townhome is a 3/3 and has 1,765 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $329,000.
Ridgehaven
The house at 1332 Oakhaven Ave. sold on May 12, for $449,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3.5 and has 3,832 square feet.
The Trails The house at 133 Shady Branch Trail sold on May 11, for $719,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,040 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $694,000.
Tomoka Estates 1108 Shockney Drive sold on May 12, for $675,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, a boat house and 2,150 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $630,000.
A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 736 Chill St. was the top real estate transaction in
Latitude
Twin River Estates
The house at 29 Twin River Drive sold on May 12, for $712,500. Built in 1968, the house is a 5/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a boat dock, a boat house, a boat lift and 3,094 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $394,900.
Village of Melrose The house at 232 S. Beach St. sold on May 15, for $650,000. Built in 2011, the house is a 3/3 and has a boat lift, a boat dock and 2,160 square feet. It last sold in 2012 for $335,000.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
The house at 45 Calle Del Sur, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for May 16-22 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Photo courtesy of Coldwell Banker
SPORTS
‘He set the standard’
FPC’s Steve DeAugustino retired after 45 years. He led the Bulldogs to three state wrestling titles.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast High School opened its doors in 1974. Seven years later, Steve DeAugustino was hired as the school’s new wrestling coach. This past week, FPC principal Bobby Bossardet announced that DeAugustino is retiring after 45 years at the school as a coach, PE teacher and athletic director. His wrestling teams won three consecutive state championships in 1993, 1994 and 1995, and they were state runnersup in 1989 and 1996.
After coaching for 27 years, he took on a new job in 2007 as the Bulldogs’ athletic director and remained in that role for 16 years. The past three years he was back in the wrestling room as an assistant coach under David Bossardet, one of his many former wrestlers.
Another of his former wrestlers is David’s older brother Bobby, who succeeded DeAu-
gustino as head coach in 2007. “Coach D. set the standard,” Bobby Bossardet said. “He did things the right way. He had high expectations, he held you accountable and he made sure you had all the support you needed to accomplish your goals.”
DeAugustino said it’s the right time to finally step away from the school that has been a big part of his life for nearly half a century. The program is in good hands with new coach Bryce Carr, he said, and he will have more time to spend with family and do other things.
“As a coach, you’re working 24 hours a day,” DeAugustino said. “Everybody’s got to be on the same page. You got to be there for summer workouts, fall workouts, spring workouts, just keeping them motivated throughout. It’s busy.”
At one point while he was running the wrestling program, DeAugustino was also an assistant football coach and the head softball coach.
“I’ve got the time now to go ahead and get things organized.,” he said. “I’ve got some things going on, some options.”
Most of his contemporaries have retired long ago or moved on from coaching. An excep-
“He wasn’t just a wrestling coach. He was a friend, a father figure. He’d cook you meals, give you rides home. I slept on his couch and babysat his kids.”
BOBBY BOSSARDET, FPC principal and former state champion wrestler
tion is New Smyrna Beach wrestling coach Mike Strouse, who became that program’s head coach in 1983, two years after DeAugustino arrived at FPC.
“I’ve respected him and his program forever,” Strouse said. “They were always the team we wanted to beat. To beat Flagler, you know your team is solid.”
DeAugustino has always been more than a coach, said Bobby Bossardet, who won a state title at FPC in 1999.
“He wasn’t just a wrestling coach,” Bobby Bossardet said. “He was a friend, a father figure. He’d cook you meals, give you rides home. I slept on his couch and baby sat his kids.”
That’s just the job, DeAugustino said.
“It never bothered me. You want to make the athletes as successful as they can be,” he said. “We always talk about academics here first. You’ve got to keep track of those type of things. You want them to be first class.”
David Bossardet, who stepped away from coaching because he is the school district’s safety specialist, said DeAugustino change his life.
“He’s somebody I’ve known since I was 12 years old,” David said. “He’s probably had a bigger influence on my life than anybody.”
Bobby Bossardet joined Seabreeze High School’s wrestling team as a freshman. He said when he saw the level of excellence at FPC, he asked his dad if he could transfer.
But when DeAugustino started, FPC had no feeder program. They were rolling out wrestling mats in the cafeteria, David Bossardet said.
“I honestly think Coach
D. is the greatest high school coach of all time, because the things he accomplished with the resources he had is unheard of,” David said. “He did it by recruiting ninth graders. There was no middle school program.”
DeAugustino and his brother Phil, who now chairs FPC’s guidance department, started a beginner’s program in the mid ’80s at what was then Belle Terre Middle School. The middle school’s principal at the time and now its namesake, Buddy Taylor, was a really big sports fan and was glad to help the program, Steve DeAugustino said.
“Before we could win a state title, we had to win conference, district, then region,” DeAugustino said. “It was like a stepping stone. It sounds easy enough, but we needed the community support we
got through the whole process.”
Farris McGee a prominent lawyer in town and Rotary Club member, helped start the Flagler Rotary Invitational in 1987. Two years later, the Bulldogs finished second in the Class 3A state tournament, falling to Hollywood McArthur by just half a point.
As devastating as that loss was at the time, it set the tone for what was to come, the state’s first three-peat.
“I give the second-place team the credit because they’re the ones that broke the barrier,” DeAugustino said.
And at that point, everyone wanted to join the program, DeAugustino said.
“When Coach D. was in his prime, he was probably more well-known than the superintendent,” David Bossardet said. “Wednesday nights,
FPC wrestling was the place to be. That’s how I grew up. I watched my brother wrestle. You can’t emphasize enough the impact he’s had on Flagler County.”
DeAugustino grew up in Grove City, Pennsylvania. He wrestled at the University of Maryland. He comes from a wrestling family. He is a member of the Florida State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame. His father, Steve, uncle Gus and cousin Mark are also Hall of Fame state chapter members.
“He’s one of a kind,” Bobby Bossardet said. “It’s bittersweet, but I know he’ll be around and continue to root for the Bulldogs.”
“I’ll help them out anytime they ask me to,” DeAugustino said. “I will be available.” Email brent@observerlocalnews.com.
Reed Ridder ‘hits the air flying’ as the new DSC men’s basketball coach
Ridder, son of longtime ERAU coach Steve Ridder, is following in his brother Ryan’s footsteps.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Steve Ridder has won 811 games and a national championship in 36 seasons as the men’s head basketball coach at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, but, he says, he’s only the third best head coach in his family.
That’s because his youngest son, Reed Ridder, 32, is the new head basketball coach at Daytona State College.
This is Reed’s first head coaching job, but he has been an assistant coach and graduate assistant for the past eight years — the last four as an assistant under his brother, Ryan Ridder, at the University
of Tennessee at Martin and Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
Reed Ridder is not only a native of Ormond Beach and former player for his father at ERAU, he was an assistant coach at DSC in 2021-22 under Joey Cantens. Reed is now succeeding Cantens, who was recently named the head coach at NCAA Division I Florida International Uni -
“[DSC] can be seen as a trampoline job, that’s for sure. You come here and can shoot up pretty quickly. Definitely, that’s really appealing.”
REED RIDDER, DSC men’s basketball coach
versity.
“I’ve always been really intrigued with the Daytona State job,” Reed said. “But when I was an assistant five years ago for Joey Cantens, the biggest thing to me was the people in the whole athletic department; they’re just very, very high level. I’ve been fortunate to work in a bunch of different universities and colleges, but Daytona State’s administration is one of the top of the line.”
The job has long been a stepping stone for Division I positions. Ryan Ridder’s first
head coaching job was also at DSC, from 2013 to 2017. From there, he became the head coach at Bethune-Cookman University, then TennesseeMartin and now Mercer. The most famous former DSC head coach is Brad Underwood, who led the University of Illinois to the Final Four this past season. Underwood was the Falcons’ head coach in 2003-06.
The two DSC head coaches who preceded Cantens, Brock Morris (2018-19) and Erik Pastrana (2017-18) are now assistants at Oklahoma and the University of Miami, respectively.
“[DSC] can be seen as a trampoline job, that’s for sure,” Reed said. “You come here and can shoot up pretty quickly. Definitely that’s really appealing.”
Junior college is the perfect place for a first-year head coach to get started, Steve Ridder said.
“You have to do so much at
a junior college,” Steve Ridder said. “You recruit, you fundraise, you handle academic enhancement, you’re strategizing, you’re breaking down film, you’re game-planning, practice planning, getting kids to be able to move on to the next level. It’s how you learn, and that is you have to do it. There’s no better place for him right now in his career to learn how to coach, especially at Daytona State, where it’s a great setup with great people. So I’m excited for him to have the opportunity.”
Reed was named DSC’s head coach on May 4, and since then he’s built his staff — his assistants should be getting officially hired in the next week or two, he said; he’s built a roster of 11 players so far with two players from last season returning and the others committed; and now he’s started working on next season’s schedule.
The new job is just part of a whirlwind 14 months for
Reed, who got engaged last May, got married in September, and now he and his wife, Kamryn, are expecting their first child in November, right around the time basketball season is getting underway.
“People say, ‘Hit the ground running,’ I’m hitting the air flying,” he said.
Steve said that since Reed has returned he’s been all business, with his phone attached to his ear, recruiting players.
“The saying is you cannot be a head coach until you’re a head coach,” Reed said. “So, one, it’s hard to get head coaching jobs, but two, it’s hard to get head coaching jobs you think you’d be successful at. I could have probably shopped around and maybe taken a Division II job or another junior college job, but I’ve already worked at Daytona State, and the biggest appeal was one, the people, but two, I know that we can be successful here.”
Daytona State College men’s basketball coach Reed Ridder Courtesy photo
Flagler Palm Coast’s Steve DeAugustino. File photo by Ray Boone
The event was the final race of the year in the Where the Wild Ones Run series in Flagler County.
CARRIE MENG
ELEVATE EVENT
he final race of year 4 of the Where the Wild Ones Run series took place Saturday morning, May 30, at Graham Swamp Trail in Palm Coast, wrapping up a three-race season that brought young runners of all ages onto Flagler County’s trails this spring. The Wild Boar Run sent kids ages 3-14 through one of the area’s most exciting courses, full of twists, turns, roots, rocks and both climbs and descents along a mix of hiking and mountain bike trail.
Distances ranged from under half a mile for the youngest runners to 3 miles for the 10-14 age groups, with every finisher earning a wooden medal and top finishers in each age group recognized with awards.
The series, which also included races at Princess Place Preserve and Mala Compra Trails, was designed to introduce kids to the joy and challenge of off-road running in a supportive, communitycentered environment.
The event was produced by Elevate Event Company, which also offers sponsored entries for families for whom registration cost is a barrier, and has been collecting donations to
Heather Curry, HIS
purchase running shoes for kids in need. Information on future events can be found at elevateeventcompany.com.
For Wild Boar Run race results, go to https://bit. ly/4uNYJOQ.
Aidan Moylan (125) won the male 13-14 age group with the fastest 3-mile time of the day (24:39.5). Photos by Atomic Tiki Studios
Aspen Lester finished first in the 3-mile run in the female 1012 age group.
Kayden Serrano runs in the Wild Boar Run.
Noah Freier creates a large bubble as part of the fun.
Reese Lewis waves during the Wild Boar Run.
Laura Moylan runs the trail.
Madelyn Yorgey won the girls 13-14 age group in the 3-mile run.
Male 6-9 winners at the Wild Boar Run (from left): Miles Kennedy (second place), Leo Libretti (first place) and Luca Ciocchetti (third place).
Lady Bulldog basketball camp
The Flagler Palm Coast Lady Bulldog Basketball Camp with coach George Butts will be held June 8-9, 9 a.m. to noon, at FPC’s 100 Gym. Cost is $50 per camper. Contact the FPC athletic office or call coach Lindsey at 386-6312194.
Isabella
Quintero wins inline skating title
Isabella Quintero, 7, of Ormond Beach, is a member of the inline Astro Skate Speed Team of Ormond Beach training under Coaches Julie and Doug Glass. She has been speed skating since she turned 5 and loves competing and practicing with her older brother Noah.
At the final Florida Speed League meet of the season on May 17 at Astro Skate of Palm Beach County, Isabella won the gold medal in the Novice Primary Girls Championship and was named the overall
champion in her division for the 2025-2026 season.
In July, Isabella will compete in the USA Roller Sports Speed National Championships in Lincoln, Nebraska.
14U softball players selected for All American Games
Charlie Franklin, Lela Howard, Ashlynn Clements and Kaydence Balmer, members of the Palm Coast Patriots travel softball team, have all been selected to represent the Southeast Region in the 14U division at the USSSA Fastpitch All American Games, July 27-Aug. 1 at the USSSA Space Coast Complex in Viera.
The girls participated in tryouts on March 27 in Altamonte Springs and were selected to compete against some of the top youth softball players in the country. All four girls are 12 years old and are rising eighth graders in Flagler County.
As they prepare for the tournament they are raising funds to pay for entry fees, lodging, meals and other costs.
Charlie, Lela and Ashlynn have played softball together since tPalm Coast Little League’s machine pitch division. They’ve played together with the Patriots since 2022. Kaydence joined the team last year. In an e-mail, Charlie Franklin, a catcher, said getting selected to the AllAmerican Games is a dream come true.
“I am incredibly honored and excited for the opportunity,” she said. “Softball has been a huge part of my life and has taught me leadership, confidence, teamwork, and the
importance of hard work both on and off the field..”
Those wishing to contribute can send donations through Venmo: @Road2AllAmerican, or CashApp: $Road2AllAmerican.
Surf classic raises $20,000 for Fellows
Program
The Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic made the announcement last fall that its proceeds will now benefit the professional development of top local surfers through its new Fellows Program.
The 2025 event raised $20,000 ($5,000 apiece) for four local pros: Robbie Goodwin, Robbie McCormick, Carl Burger and Ryan Huckabee. The fellowship includes year-round mentorship and a peer cohort to advance their careers on the global surf stage.
The Tommy Tant Surf Classic is returning for its 24th year on Oct. 23-25.
Big Buoys open inaugural season
The Palm Coast Big Buoys of the Orange State League was scheduled to play its first two games on June 1-2 at the New Smyrna Beach Gnarlies. Their games were postponed and canceled, respectively..
The first-year wood bat summer collegiate baseball league has four teams including the Big Buoys, the Gnarlies, the St. Augustine Sardines and the Cocoa Tailgators.
The Big Buoys will play their home games at the Indian Trails Sports Complex.
The Palm Coast City Council approved the facility use agreement with Palm Coast Baseball LLC on May 20 to allow the team to play on Field 2 at Indian Trails.
The Big Buoys are now scheduled to play 11 road games in 14 days before playing their home opener at 7 p.m. June 17 against the Gnarlies.
The Big Buoys have seven
players with local ties on their roster: former Flagler Palm Coast High School players Brenin Striplin (currently in the transfer portal), Connor May (Methodist University) and Logan Shudy (Leslie University); Matanzas grad Nolan Schmidt (who will be a freshman at Minnesota North College-Vermilion); Owen McKinley (New College of Florida), of Flagler Beach who played high school baseball at Father Lopez; and Gabriel Baker (Daytona State College), who played at Atlantic High School.
For more information, go to palmcoastbigbuoys.com.
Mariners win
OBYB major title
The Mariners have won the Ormond Beach Youth Baseball Major (age 11-12) title with a 12-1 record. The team won its second straight title with a win against the Angels in the championship game.
Team members include Jace Steen, Jack Elston, Ali Stephens, Tom Wade, Espn Haines, Micah Annon, Marlon Smith, Trenton Kenney, Jensen Warren, Barry Kral and LJ Rockmore. Coaches are Jared Haines, Brandon Steen and Barry Kral.
DSC wins women’s golf championship
Daytona State College’s women’s golf team
captured its 12th National Junior College Athletic Association Division I national championship on May 14 at Oakwood Country Club in Coal Valley, Illinois, defeating top-ranked Odessa College (Texas) by one stroke in a dramatic final-round finish. DSC, ranked second entering the four-day tournament, came back from a two-stroke deficit. Alana Kutt led the Falcons with a second-place finish, shooting scores of 76-75-7172, while teammate Jamie Lowry placed third overall with scores of 73-77-76-70, both earning First Team AllAmerican Honors.
Mills wins state wrestling title
Flagler Palm Coast wrestler Juliana Mills defeated three opponents by pin or technical fall to win a freestyle state championship on Saturday, May 30, at Osceola Heritage Park in Kissimmee. Mills placed first in the 16U Women’s 120-pound weight class at the Florida Amateur Wrestling Association tournament, which qualifies her to represent Team Florida at the largest wrestling tournament in the world — the U.S. Marine Corps Junior and 16U Nationals in Fargo, North Dakota, known as Fargo Nationals. Mills is a rising junior.
Isabella Quintero with her medals. Courtesy photos
FPC wrestler Juliana Mills won a state freestyle title to qualify for Fargo Nationals.
Tommy Tant Memorial Surf Classic fellowship recipients Robbie Goodwin, Robbie McCormick, Carl Burger and Ryan Huckabee.
From left, Kaydence Balmer, Lela Howard, Charlie Franklin and Ashlynn Clements have been selected to play in the USSSA Fastpitch All American Games.
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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 5/22/2026. 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.: 25-01857 NML June 4, 11, 2026 26-00164G
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: 53 CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000721
U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BINOM SECURITIZATION TRUST 2022-INV1, Plaintiff, vs. ZANDER HOLDING GROUP, LLC A/K/A PALM COAST HOLDING GROUP LLC; JAY TODD BUCH; BRIAN RUTHERFORD; UNKNOWN TENANT Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www. flagler.realforeclose.com at, 11:00 AM on the 17 day of July, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: Lot 8, Block 7, of Palm Coast, Map of Country Club Cove, Section 8, a subdivision according to the plat or map thereof, described in Map Book 6, Page 29, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida; as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35, at Page 528, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1 CLARK LN, PALM COAST, FL 32137 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A 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
Florida 32110-0787. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court 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 SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN
