Palm Coast Observer 7-23-26

PALM COAST

City maintains option to increase taxes

beach. Photo by Michele Meyers

The Palm Coast candidates for City Council spoke at the African American Cultural Society recently: Antonio “Tony” Amaral Jr. (D2), Dylana “Dee” Galery (D4), Jeani Duarte (D2), Darlene Shelley (D4), Ramon Marrero (D4), John Kvederis (D4), and Jimmy Hengy (D2). Photos by Abe Mills

NEWS BRIEFS

Man arrested after alleged necklace theft

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, a St. Augustine man accused of stealing a gold necklace during a Facebook Marketplace transaction in Palm Coast is in custody after being arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said detectives obtained an arrest warrant for William Walker, 44, following an investigation into the July 1 incident. Detectives allege Walker stole the victim’s necklace during a meeting at a Palm Coast barbershop and later contacted the victim demanding payment for its return.

Investigators said the victim had listed the gold necklace for sale on Facebook

COPS CORNER

MAY 19

EMPLOYEE ACCUSED OF

$5,500 CASH DEPOSIT

2:08 p.m. — U.S. Highway 1 South, Bunnell Grand theft. A St. Augustine woman was charged after investigators say she admitted taking a $5,500 cash deposit from her employer.

The 39-year-old woman was charged with grand theft involving property valued between $5,000 and $10,000.

JULY 10

DONATION SCHEME

2:45 p.m. — 1500 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach

Marketplace and negotiated a $7,000 purchase price with a prospective buyer later identified as Walker. The two agreed to meet the following day at the business to complete the transaction.

Walker arrived in an Uber with an unidentified woman and told the victim his wife needed to visit an ATM to retrieve the remaining cash. While the group waited inside the barbershop, Walker allegedly walked to the window, waved, and then quickly left the business wearing the necklace before getting into a vehicle occupied by the woman and the Uber driver, who drove away.

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone buying or selling items through online marketplaces to use one of its designated Safe Exchange Zones at the Sheriff’s Operations Center in Bunnell or the District 2 Office in Palm Coast. Send news tips to rich@observerlocalnews.com.

Fraud. An 82-year-old Ormond Beach man was scammed out of $14,000 after two men asked for donations to a church in Sierra Leone, Africa. According to an incident report, the man was leaving a local big box store on July 1 when he was approached by the men. They told him that if he made a substantial donation, he would later receive more than $60,000. To convince him the offer was legitimate, one of the men showed the victim a black briefcase containing multiple stacks of cash.

The victim believed their story and drove the men to a local bank, where he withdrew the funds from his personal accounts.

The victim told police he had waited days to report the crime because he had been

Charges pending after two dogs were found dead in storage unit

A 21-year-old Palm Coast woman was arrested Sunday after two deceased Labrador retrievers were found inside a storage unit where investigators allege the dogs had been confined without adequate food, water, exercise, ventilation or effective cooling.

According to the Bunnell Police Department, officers responded at approximately 9:44 a.m. Sunday, July 19, to a storage facility in the 500 block of East Court Street after a tenant reported a

Man accused of making thousands of harassing calls

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, a fivemonth investigation has led

embarrassed and didn’t want to admit he had been deceived, the report states. He wishes to pursue charges.

JULY 12

ERRATIC ENCOUNTER

8:55 a.m. — 800 block of Candlewood Circle, Ormond Beach Assault. Police arrested a 42-year-old man who threatened to kill an Ormond Beach family after he crashed into their parked vehicles and entered their garage.

When officers arrived at the scene, the suspect was found with a puncture wound to his leg in the middle of the road. He was behaving erratically, according to a police report, and a family friend told officers the suspect was schizophrenic.

The victims reported that they had been inside their

strong, foul odor coming from one of the units. The tenant told officers dog noises could normally be heard from inside the unit, but none were heard that morning. An officer also observed ants beneath the roll-up door and flies entering and leaving a nearby vent.

The storage facility owner helped officers contact the renter of the unit, identified as Alexia Veronica Barquet, 21, of Palm Coast. Barquet came to the facility, unlocked the storage unit and told officers she kept two dogs inside. She also consented to officers entering the unit.

to the arrest of a Port Orange man accused of harassing a Flagler County woman with thousands of phone calls and messages before allegedly filing a false child abuse report against her. Detectives said they traced the calls to Luke Herbert, 31, of Port Orange,

home when they heard a loud crash outside. After going outside to inspect it, they saw the suspect had struck their truck with his car. One of the victims approached the suspect to see if he was OK, to which the suspect responded that the “ground was shaking.” He then threatened to kill the family.

One of the victims ran into the street to lure the suspect away from his home. That’s when the family friend also came outside to try to restrain the suspect. A fight ensued, during which the suspect broke a window in the victims’ garage, likely causing his leg wound, police deduced.

The victims wished to pursue charges. The family friend told police that the suspect had been recently released from jail in North Carolina.

According to police, officers found the floor covered with dog feces, trash and debris. A portable cooling unit appeared to be operating but was not producing cool air, and officers reported the inside of the storage unit felt no cooler than the outside temperature. The heat index at the time was approximately 96 degrees. Officers also found the dogs’ water dishes were empty. Police reported finding two deceased female black Labrador retrievers inside the unit. Karma, a 2-year-old dog, was found lying on the floor near a door. Ava, a 5-year-old dog, had been placed inside a black plastic bag. According to investigators, Barquet told officers she discovered Ava dead earlier in the week, placed the dog’s remains in a plastic bag and left them inside the storage unit. She also told officers she last checked on Karma on Friday, July 17, when she provided food and water. Flagler Animal Services responded to assist with the investigation. Police said an animal control officer had previously contacted Barquet on March 19, 2026, and warned her not to house animals overnight in the storage unit.

despite his use of blocked and internet-based phone numbers.

Sheriff Rick Staly said: “I commend our detectives, who spent five months pulling back the curtain on him, following the digital breadcrumbs, and conquering the

JULY 20 CAR MEET TURNS VIOLENT WITH AXE ATTACK 9:13 p.m. — Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast Aggravated assault. A Palm Coast man was arrested after deputies say he armed himself with an axe and attacked multiple vehicles during what investigators believe was a fake car meet organized to lure and assault homeless people. According to the arrest report, deputies responded to Cypress Point Parkway after multiple 911 callers reported a disturbance involving an axe and a possible firearm.

Witnesses told deputies a shirtless man smashed vehicle windows and hoods with an axe, causing hundreds to thousands of dollars in damage while several victims feared for their lives.

The 43-year-old suspect told deputies he had been sleeping in his car when a group attacked him by throwing rocks and bottles before kicking and punching him. He claimed he wrestled an axe away from one of the attackers after it was swung at him. Investigators later determined he admitted to striking one of the vehicles with the axe and also acknowledged smoking THC before the incident. Deputies concluded the suspect intentionally struck the vehicles with the axe and arrested him on one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and two counts of criminal mischief. Investigators said the assault on the suspect by unidentified individuals remains under investigation.

technological hurdles that would overwhelm others.”

On July 17, detectives obtained a felony arrest warrant for Herbert. A short time later, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office arrested him at his Port Orange home on the Flagler County warrant.

Planning Board recommends against Palm Coast’s westward expansion

Despite city staff support, the board members said more work is needed before it could vote yes.

The Palm Coast Planning and Land Development Regulation Board voted unanimously on July 15 to recommend that the City Council deny two key requests that would have paved the way for the city’s proposed westward expansion, saying members did not have enough information about how roads, utilities, schools and other public infrastructure would be funded before approving the project.

The recommendations now move to the Palm Coast City Council, which will make the final decision on the applications.

In two separate 5-0 votes, the planning board recommended denial of a Future Land Use Map amendment and a companion zoning map amendment affecting approximately 20,144 acres owned by Raydient Palm Coast LLC.

Raydient’s proposal would establish a Master Plan Mixed Use designation and Master Plan Development zoning for what city officials have described as Palm Coast’s long-term growth area west of the Florida East Coast Railway. Approximately 7,041 acres of the property currently lie in unincorporated Flagler County and would require separate annexation into Palm Coast before the project could move forward. (The annexation itself was not before the Planning Board and will require separate action by the Palm Coast City Council.)

Planning staff recommended that the planning board approve of both requests, emphasizing that July 15’s action was intended to establish the planning framework rather than authorize construction. Staff repeatedly stressed that no development could move forward until future development agreements addressing roads, utilities, schools, parks and other public infrastructure are negotiated and approved by the City Council.

WHAT’S IN THE PROPOSAL?

According to city staff, the proposal would allow up to 21,920 residential units and approximately 6.6 million square feet of nonresidential development while preserving more than 40% of the property through a greenway overlay designed to protect wetlands, wildlife corridors and environmentally sensitive lands. Staff estimated the project could ultimately add about

54,800 residents and require additional investments in transportation, water, sewer, parks and schools.

WHAT ABOUT INFRASTRUCTURE?

Senior Planner Jose Papa told the board the approvals under consideration would not eliminate future infrastructure requirements.

“We cannot approve a technical site plan for development unless we have that development agreement,” Papa said, explaining that developers would have to demonstrate adequate roads, water, sewer and other public facilities before construction could begin.

Applicant representatives described the hearing as only the first step in a lengthy process.

Mike Hahaj, representing Raydient Palm Coast, said the current applications establish the planning framework, while future negotiations would determine how public facilities are funded and constructed before development occurs.

Ray Spofford, vice president of planning with England-Thims & Miller, said the concept is intended to create a master-planned community emphasizing environmental preservation, employment opportunities and long-term financial sustainability.

The proposal includes a regional activity center, employment centers, village centers, interconnected roadways and a greenway system linking existing conservation lands. Spofford said preliminary fiscal analysis estimates the project could generate a positive net fiscal benefit over 30 years while creating more than 10,000 jobs at buildout.

‘MORE RESIDENTIAL HOMES’

Despite those projections, board members expressed repeated concerns that residential development could outpace commercial and industrial growth.

Vice Chair James Albano questioned whether the proposal devoted enough land to employment uses, arguing Palm Coast should prioritize jobs before additional housing.

“It seems like we should front load the industrial and commercial,” Albano said. Later in the discussion, he added, “The last thing we need at this point in Palm Coast are more residential homes ... We need industrial jobs. We need bigger companies with a lot of employees,” saying that expanding the city’s employment base should be a higher priority if Palm Coast hopes to diversify its tax base.

Staff responded that the proposed development agreement contains phasing provisions requiring land to be reserved for workplace uses,

although officials acknowledged actual construction of commercial buildings would ultimately depend on market demand. They also noted that many retailers and employers require a certain population threshold before locating in a community.

WHAT ABOUT ROADS?

Transportation was another major topic.

Board members questioned whether roads should be built to their ultimate capacity from the outset rather than expanded later as traffic increases. Planning Manager Phong Nguyen said those details would be addressed during the next phase of negotiations, which will determine roadway improvements, utility infrastructure and funding responsibilities based on the project’s impacts.

Spofford added that the goal would be to construct major roadways, including the Loop Road extension, as fourlane divided facilities initially because doing so is more cost-effective than widening roads later. He also noted that funding already committed for Loop Road comes through state appropriations rather than city funds.

PRESERVING HISTORY

Historic preservation also emerged as a significant issue during the meeting.

Palm Coast City Historian Preston Zepp urged board members to give greater consideration to the area’s historic resources before moving forward. Zepp said the proposed alignment of County Road 2209 appears to overlap portions of the historic Dixie Highway and warned that changes to the corridor could jeopardize its National Register status. He also argued that several historic sites identified within the project area, including the Old Brick Road, lack meaningful protections despite the project’s environmental focus.

Zepp noted that the roadway remains a tangible link to the area’s early history and deserves stronger preservation measures as westward expansion plans move forward.

ADDITIONAL STUDENTS

The Flagler County School Board also voiced concerns through attorney Chris Wilson, who said the district supports growth but remains concerned about how school impacts would be addressed.

Wilson said the district estimates the project could generate roughly 4,400 students and create approximately $188 million in school impacts while impact fees would cover only about $111 million, leaving what he described as a $77 million gap. He argued those issues should be resolved before granting the requested land use and zoning approvals.

Employment center

Regional activity center

Conceptional entrances to parcels

Regional roadway network

COUNTY WANTS INPUT

Flagler County officials also requested a larger role in future negotiations. Assistant County Attorney Sarah Spector said the county wants to remain involved throughout the project’s next phases, while Interim Growth Management Director Chuck Miranda asked that future development agreements specifically address impacts to County Roads 13 and 205 before development proceeds.

HAVE A PART’

‘WE

Before the board voted, Chair Sandra Shank said members were not trying to prevent development but wanted to ensure the city addressed unresolved issues before granting the requested approvals. She noted that the property owner has development rights but emphasized the city’s responsibility in shaping the project, telling

Conceptual master plan for Palm Coast’s proposed westward expansion shows the envisioned layout of villages, employment centers, a regional activity center, greenway corridors and future roadway connections west of U.S. 1. Courtesy of the City of Palm Coast.

the applicant, “You have land rights, you have entitlements. How it’s going to be developed, we have a part in that.”

Shank also said she wants greater attention given to preserving the area’s historic and cultural resources as planning for westward expansion continues.

After nearly two and a half hours of presentations, public comment and board discussion, the Planning Board voted unanimously to recommend denying both the Future Land Use Map amendment and the zoning map amendment, with members citing unresolved questions surrounding infrastructure, mitigation and long-term planning.

The applications are scheduled to continue through the city’s review process, with the first City Council hearing tentatively planned for Aug. 4 before state review and a potential second reading later this year.

Email rich@observerlocal news.com.

“The last thing we need at this point in Palm Coast are more residential homes. ... We need industrial jobs. We need bigger companies with a lot of employees.”

JAMES ALBANO,

vice chair of the planning board

A clear message from city candidates: Infrastructure before growth

Candidates for District 2 and District 4 responded at the NAACP forum July 16.

ABE MILLS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast chapter of the NAACP sponsored a candidate forum at the African American Cultural Society on Thursday, July 16.

The forum allowed residents to meet the candidates who are running for District 2 and District 4 seats on the Palm Coast City Council and find out their thoughts on issues that affect the local community.

The Primary Election Day is Aug. 18. Early voting is 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 8-15. What follows is an edited transcript of the candidates’ responses to one question:

Can you identify both a major challenge and a significant opportunity for the residents of Palm Coast, and explain how your skills and background have made you the most effective candidate to support positive change in these areas?

DISTRICT

2 CANDIDATES ANTONIO “TONY” AMARAL

We have challenges. That just means we have an opportunity to get better. We have the challenges of our infrastructure, mostly our roads crumbling underneath as we drive by. That has come about through years of not doing what we should have been doing. We should have been maintaining these roads, maintaining the line, maintaining the striping of it. And that is a challenge for us today. Without that backbone, without those roads being the way they are, without the stormwater being the way it is, we will miss out on our opportunities that can come. We need to bring in jobs. We are not making more land, so the westward expansion, the industrial parts of that are where we see our future. We can bring in those jobs. It has to be done correctly. Those

areas have to be identified, set aside, and laid out for industry to come in- clean industry, not smokestacks.

Medical devices, drones, space — those are the kind of industries that would help our area grow, but we have to be ready for it. We need to be available. We need to have the knowledge of the people who live here and the workforce ready to step into those points and those projects and make a difference in everything. Every challenge is just an opportunity to get better, not a detriment.

JIMMY HENGY

I already expressed what drew us to Palm Coast: its beauty. But, we quickly saw what you all see. We saw that we’re growing faster than our infrastructure can handle. That’s our biggest challenge. Our roads are falling apart. We have standing water in our yards. We’re being told our utility system can’t support the homes already approved for development. There’s 19,000 homes already approved. Palm Coast is 92% dependent on residential property tax. No city can survive that way. We have to diversify. We have Town Center opportunity zones. We have companies like Astor Defence choos -

ing Palm Coast for advanced manufacturing.

For 30 years, I’ve owned manufacturing companies and retail operations. I had to meet payroll, balance budgets, and make sure if we grew we could actually deliver. I’m not a politician. I’m a businessman who knows how to tighten the belt, knows what we can afford, and can recruit real jobs. We need smart growth: infrastructure first, and then development. I’ll fight for that.

JEANI DUARTE

I am a data geek. My priorities are protecting our health, safety, and security of the residents of Palm Coast and our wildlife.

Our biggest challenges are overspending, transparency, and the lack of income-based housing. My research and problem-solving skills have helped identify issues involving city spending, water quality, and issues with our city charter. Those issues need immediate and transparent attention.

My background in design has also helped me identify valuable assets that our city has not fully utilized. Palm Coast is uniquely positioned near beaches, Intracoastal, the I-95 and rail line, as

well as the Old Brick Road. These valuable assets provide opportunities to generate stop and go revenue that can attract travelers, visitors without requiring residential housing or destroying natural resources.

DISTRICT 4

DARLENE SHELLEY

We have many challenges in Palm Coast now, whether it’s addressing flooding, addressing good quality paying jobs, or addressing affordability with our utility bills, our water bills.

These are things that the folks that we’re speaking to are concerned with. It’s very sad to see friends and neighbors have to move from Palm Coast because they cannot afford their utility bills. My American dream is my home. I have 35 years of my sweat and blood and love in my home.

I want to protect the value of our homes, the ability to leave it to my children and have a legacy value in my home. It is very important to address these things. An opportunity for me would be to protect our biggest investments and protect the safety, health and welfare of our families, friends and neighbors. And, that’s what I would intend to do if elected to Palm Coast City Council.

DYLANA “DEE” GALERY

Our biggest challenge, as we already know, we’re feeling it, is managing growth respon-

sibly. Right? We’re feeling the overdevelopment. We all have concerns that everything is moving faster than it should be without protecting what we already have as far as our infrastructure. So, like our roads, public safety, public services, resources, they’re just not able to keep up. We’re playing catch up at the moment. And one of the greatest opportunities that we do have to come is that Palm Coast is still young, so it still can grow, but we have to have the right things come into place. The westward expansion — we have to make sure that we have the right infrastructure to make sure that we can pull in industrial and commercial jobs, to make sure that we’re bringing in quality jobs and not just bringing in houses. I know that’s a big theme for us.

My background: I deal with

a lot of problem solving. I love working with people from different perspectives. If you have an idea that we can come to a solution together, I’m that person for you. I believe in listening first and doing the homework so that way we can get a great answer. I’m not here to rush any answers. I’m here to get the right answers for all of us.

JOHN KVEDERIS

Our biggest challenge right now: It comes down to the very core of our infrastructure. Without a great infrastructure, we really can’t do anything else. So, we really need to take this as our opportunity to work on that and actually protect our environment in the process of doing that.

I know how to run a budget, I know how to examine what’s needed. I think it just comes down to working on that first and then everything else can come together over time.

RAMON MARRERO

One of our greatest challenges is managing growth while preserving our quality of life. Our infrastructure, roads, utilities and public safety must keep pace with development. At the same time, our greatest opportunity is economic development.

Palm Coast has tremendous potential to attract quality businesses that create good paying jobs and diversify our tax base, reducing our dependency on residential property tax. We can create opportunities that allow our residents to live and work right here in our community by investing in infrastructure, ethical development of pad-ready sites, and supporting workforce partnerships with our schools and local employers. My background has prepared me to lead this effort. I have more than 45 years of experience. I understand budgeting, strategic planning and organizational leadership. As a small owner and community leader, I have learned to do more with less. I have spent my career bringing people together, building consensus and solving problems.

City Council candidates answer questions at the political forum sponsored by the NAACP at the African American Cultural Center. Photo by Abe Mills

Sarah Melvin came to hear the candidates at the forum.

Scan here for Election Guide:

With 4-1 vote, Palm Coast gives itself the option to raise taxes in the fall

millage rate, about $46.5 million would come from property taxes.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The Palm Coast City Council voted 4-1 on July 21 to adopt a tentative proposed property tax rate of 4.2296 mills for fiscal year 2027, preserving flexibility as officials continue refining next year’s budget before final public hearings in September. Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri cast the lone dissenting vote after expressing concerns that the proposed maximum rate was higher than necessary.

The maximum rate is not the city’s final property tax rate. Under Florida’s Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, advertising the higher rate allows the council to reduce it later but prevents it from adopting a higher rate during the September budget hearings.

Staff estimated the city would need to cut approximately $1 million to adopt the rollback rate of 4.1387 mills or about $1.6 million to maintain the current 4.0893 millage rate.

One of the largest unresolved budget issues remains the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office request for nine additional deputies, estimated to cost about $1.087 million annually.

Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri said public safety should remain the council’s highest priority but suggested a compromise by funding five deputies this year while continuing to identify savings elsewhere in the budget. She said leadership requires prioritizing essential services during difficult financial times.

EXPLORING

PUBLIC SAFETY COSTS

tab for their school? I don’t understand why we’re paying for that position.”

School District is also facing financial challenges and cautioned against portraying it as having excess funding.

Staff also presented several other cost-saving ideas, including increasing revenue at the Southern Recreation Center, reducing the city’s allocation to the Flagler Humane Society and evaluating a complaint-based code enforcement model. Together, those changes could save or generate roughly $200,000 toward closing the budget gap.

Despite the discussions, council members repeatedly emphasized that approving the maximum millage rate does not mean the city intends to levy it.

Council Member Charles Gambaro said advertising the higher rate simply preserves flexibility as budget discussions continue.

Mayor Mike Norris said the city should continue searching for reductions before adopting a final tax rate.

The city’s finance team said the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget totals approximately $72 million, a 6.8% increase over the current year. Of that total, at the proposed 4.2296

Council Member Charles Gambaro questioned why Palm Coast continues paying for one School Resource Deputy assigned to local schools, asking whether the Flagler County School District should assume that expense instead. “I would like to know why,” Gambaro said. “Could the school district pick up that

Pontieri said she does not support ending the city’s funding for the School Resource Deputy under the current budget. However, she said, “If Amendment 3 passes, that should certainly be a discussion. Certainly I would advocate that they should pick up that last deputy.” However, she added that under the current budget the

“They’re struggling over there,” she said.

Council Member Ty Miller agreed the arrangement should be revisited, saying he does not believe funding a school resource deputy is necessarily the city’s responsibility and recalled raising the issue during a previous joint city-county meeting.

“The only thing we’re doing ... is setting the max millage,” Norris said. “It can’t go any higher than that.”

Council Member Ty Miller echoed that sentiment, calling the advertised millage “the starting point” for negotiations rather than the council’s final decision.

The City Council is scheduled to hold its first public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget and tentative millage rate in September. The 4-1 vote gives the council room to lower — but not raise — the property tax rate in September.

Mosquito Control HQ building is named for the late Jules Kwiatkowski

BRIAN MCMILLAN

PUBLISHER

The building that would not have existed without him is now named for him.

That’s how Mike Martin characterized the late Jules Kwiatkowski, the former commissioner for the East Flagler Mosquito Control District, before a plaque was unveiled, naming the headquarters in Kwiatkowski’s honor, on July 21.

“He deserves it,” said Martin, who is also a commissioner for the EFMCD. He noted that Kwiatkowski had served the district for 17 years — beginning in 2008 — and was a “wonderful man. … He spent his life working for the benefit of other people.”

Kwiatkowski died on Dec. 2, 2025, at age 90. For his career, he was a postal carrier for 30 years and a volunteer firefighter for 32 years, in New Jersey. He and his wife, Kay, moved to Palm Coast in 1992, where he was a volunteer firefighter for another 12 years.

In July 2022, in honor of the EFMCD’s 70th anniversary, a turtle sculpture in the Turtle

Trail was named “Jules,” at Mala Compra Park.

The EFMCD was created by the Flagler County Commission in July 1952, following a special election in which 128 voters cast ballots in favor,

and 11 opposed it, according to the district’s website.

The district’s mission is to suppress mosquitoes, thus helping to prevent the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses. The district has a service area of roughly everything east of U.S. 1 in Flagler County. It has taxing authority and has a current tax rate of .35 mills, meaning the average household pays about $70 per year for the service.

The headquarters was built in April 2017, at 210 Fin Way, near the Flagler Executive Airport.

Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance attended the dedication ceremony on July 21, 2026, and read a proclamation.

“Jules is synonymous with the East Flagler Mosquito Control District,” Dance said.

Pam Jeffrey, Kwiatkowski’s oldest daughter, traveled from New Jersey to attend the cer-

emony. Her son, William Jeffrey, traveled from Virginia.

Noah McKinnon, who has provided legal guidance to Flagler County government since 1974, spoke at the ceremony, praising Kwiatkowski as “a man of integrity.”

“He would do the right thing for the right reason,” McKinnon said. “… He always felt he had to protect the health and

welfare of this district.”

Till the end of his life, Kwiatkowski was passionate about his work, said Mark Positano, who was hired as EFCMD director in August 2017.

“He loved mosquito control,”

Positano said. “Even in the advanced age of 90, he was excited to come to meetings and talk about new technologies.”

Palm Coast Council Member Ty Miller speaks during discussion of the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget at the Palm Coast City Council meeting on July 21. Photo by Rich Carroll.

East Flagler Mosquito Control District Director Mark Positano, with Commissioners Mike Martin and Perry Mitrano.

Pam Jeffrey and William Jeffrey visited Palm Coast from the Northeast for the unveiling ceremony. Pam is Jules Kwiatkowski’s daughter; William is her son. Photos by Brian McMillan

Halifax Urban Ministries to celebrate 45 years of filling gaps

HUM will host a 45th anniversary soirée on Oct. 22, at The Shores Resort and Spa, 2627 S. Atlantic Ave.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

In 1980, members of the clergy in the Greater Daytona Beach area, along with social and educational groups, were meeting to discuss a new program. Task forces had studied the area to identify the needs in social services. The solution? The formation of an urban ministry program.

More than 30 people representing 15 individual churches from eight denominations, including one synagogue, met at Community United Methodist Church to elect an executive committee to lead this new venture, according to an article from the Daytona Beach News Journal, dated May 25, 1980. That collaboration led to the founding of Halifax Urban Ministries a year later in 1981. Now, the faith-based nonprofit is celebrating 45 years of serving the communities in Volusia and Flagler.

For Roy Young, president and CEO of HUM, that milestone means they continue to have a great reputation on which to keep building upon. It’s why other lead agencies use them as a “benchmark,” particularly when it comes to audits regarding grant funds.

“That sort of reputation was built slowly and with great care,” Young said. “I think with social services, it’s quite difficult to get and keep a reputation. We’d like to grow.” HUM will host a 45th anniversary soirée on Oct. 22, at

The Shores Resort and Spa, located at 2627 S. Atlantic Ave. The event will feature a cocktail hour, dinner, a program and dancing, and will celebrate the nonprofit’s mission. Young said they hope to raise $105,000 in net funds. The money raised will help HUM continue its existing programs. These include Barracks of Hope, a transitional housing program for veterans; Hope Place, temporary housing for families with children and homeless youths ages 18-24 who are pursuing an education; Bridge of Hope, a daily hot meal program; Feed a Family, which provides a monthly 32-pound bag of groceries to families in need; Pathways to Housing, which provides rental assistance and expanding housing placements; and Cars Bring Hope, which provides vehicles to individuals served by HUM. It will also help the agency continue to grow, Young said. “We need more homeless shelters,” he said. “We need

a drop-in shelter. We need a permanent place to be able to feed people during the day. Currently, we hand out hot meals and people have to go find their own place to eat, and the number one thing we hear from the food insecure is that it would be a great deal more dignified if they could actually sit.”

HUM’s homeless prevention programs are critical, said case manager Julie AyersBernstein. Using grant funds, they’re able to help with housing needs such as emergency rental and utility assistance.

“There’s a huge need for it — an absolute huge need for it, and in my opinion, not enough money for it,” Ayers-Bernstein said. “I have to turn away so many people, and it’s a little heartbreaking at times.”

Most of the aid HUM provides in Flagler County is through rental and utility assistance.

“What’s remarkable is how much one month’s rent really can help keep a family in their

HUM programs

„ Barracks of Hope, a transitional housing program for veterans;

„ Hope Place, temporary housing for families with children and homeless youths ages 18-24 who are pursuing an education;

„ Bridge of Hope, a daily hot meal program;

apartment,” Young said.

Feeding people has also been a cornerstone of HUM’s services. Volunteering with the Feed a Family program is how Ayers-Bernstein first got involved with HUM.

After she was displaced from her hospitality career during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayers-Bernstein started helping packing to pack grocery bags for families in need.

“That’s a key piece, I think, of our success — is that either our employees and our vol -

„ Feed a Family, which provides a monthly 32-pound bag of groceries to families in need;

„ Pathways to Housing, which provides rental assistance and expanding housing placements; and

„ Cars Bring Hope, which provides vehicles to individuals served by HUM.

unteers first started by volunteering so they got to know the work,” Young said.

He started as a volunteer too, helping in the kitchen at Hope Place.

“What we’ve learned most at Halifax Urban Ministries is that we’re not giving handouts,” he said. “We’re giving hand-ups. We’re doing God’s work. We’re helping people who need help.”

For more information, contact ncampon@halifaxurban ministries.org.

NEWS BRIEFS

Experts

Sexual predator sentenced to

10

after probation

violation

According to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, registered sexual predator Gabriel Pardo, 45, has been sentenced to an additional 10 years in the Florida Department of Corrections followed by 15 years of sex offender probation after violating the terms of his release less than 12 hours after leaving prison. The sentencing stems from Pardo’s June 19 arrest after he failed to report to his probation officer the morning after being released from prison and instead walked more than six miles overnight to the Palm Coast home where he had previously victimized multiple children, the Sheriff’s Office said.

According to FCSO, Pardo was released from a Florida state correctional facility at approximately 10:17 p.m. on June 18 and dropped off at a bus stop on State Road 100 in Flagler Beach. As a condition of his release, he was fitted with a GPS ankle monitor and ordered to report to the Florida Department of Corrections Probation and Parole Office in Bunnell at 8 a.m. the following morning.

When Pardo failed to report, probation officers alerted FCSO detectives. Investigators determined there was no indication he entered the residence or made contact with anyone, and later confirmed the victims no longer lived at that address. Pardo is a registered sexual predator as the result of a 2018 case in which he repeatedly sexually abused two children in his care over several years and molested a third child during a sleepover.

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Whitney Thorne, DO Palm Coast: Beginning in August 2026

Roy Young, president and CEO of Halifax Urban Ministries; case manager Julie Ayers-Bernstein; Jamie Fay, executive assistant; and Nicole Campon marketing and development manager. Courtesy photo

SMALL SIZE , BIG DEAL

How does housing growth impact school district?

The student generation rate forecasts how many more children will attend Flagler Schools.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

How many students are new housing developments projected to bring into Flagler Schools in 2026? According to a new study, fewer students than in 2024.

School Board members discussed the 2026 student generation rate at their workshop on Tuesday, July 14. This metric forecasts how many more children will attend Flagler Schools as a result of new developments and is reviewed every two years. The rate will be presented for approval at the School Board’s meeting on July 28, and if OK’d, will be used by district staff when reviewing new housing projects and determining impacts to schools’ capacity to determine concurrency.

“When a developer wants to build 500 new homes, the district needs to know how many kids will probably show up at their schools because of these homes,” said Lisa Divina, coordinator of planning and intergovernmental relations for Flagler Schools.

“We cannot guess. We have to have a number that we can count on.”

According to the 2026 study, Flagler County has 14,855 students, including those who are homeschooled and enrolled in charter schools.

A total of 132 students attend Flagler Schools from outside of the county, which were not included in the rate analysis.

Per the data presented, the majority of students enrolled

in traditional schools in Flagler County — over 90% — reside in single family units, including duplexes and townhomes.

Still, the student generation rate has decreased in every school level and type of dwelling unit since 2024, except for one category: elementary students living in mobile homes.

John Gilreath, of JBrown Professional Group, said the numbers have lowered in 2026 because of recent significant development.

“Looking at it holistically, you’ve had 10,000 units built in the last three years in Flagler County,” Gilreath said. “So you’ve had a large amount of development occurring compared to previous years, as well. We know in the future, with some of the things in the news, that development is planned to continue throughout the county. These numbers can shift depending on the amount of homes that have come online. There’s usually a little bit of a lag with people moving into homes.”

For example, the Brookhaven at Town Center applied for permits in 2012 and was granted a reserved capacity of seven students. In 2023, the subdivision generated 70 students, but the number fell to 50 new students in 2026.

Sawmill Creek, which applied in 2018, was given a reserve capacity of 55. In 2023, it generated 87 students. In 2026, 107 new students were generated.

The first two phases of Somerset at Palm Coast applied in 2021 and were granted a reserve capacity of 66 students. In 2026, the subdivisions generated 15 students.

“We expect that number to increase,” Gilreath said. “So

this is sort of a real-world application of that student generation rate with the number of units in a subdivision and estimated number of students versus actually what we’re seeing.”

School Board member Janie Ruddy asked why the district uses current data, rather than look at trends, to determine the rate.

“If we’re short, we’re essentially shortchanging ourselves if we have incorrect generation rates at the time that the buildings are going on, and so that’s my concern,” Ruddy said. “How are we ensuring that these numbers are valid for the time that we would actually need to build that school, or the community is actually having people start to arrive and buy those homes?”

It is a snapshot in time, Gilreath said, based on current housing stock.

Looking at future land uses is a way to determine what could happen, he explained, but could be a “shot in the dark” because allowable densities can be changed.

Ruddy was concerned that the board is being asked to approve a rate without certainty that this data has been effective in the past for planning.

“It’s concerning because there is a lot of development going on right now,” Ruddy said. “So if we approve this student generation rate and it’s dropped, and we miss the potential impact revenue from what’s being currently built in the next two years, that’s siggrownnificant.”

School Board Vice Chair Will Furry, who led the workshop in the absence of Chair Christy Chong, said that because the

Since 2024, the student generation rate has only increased in one category: elementary students living in mobile homes.

rate is trending downward, then enrollment would also be less over time, supporting previous forecasts.

“In two more years, we’ll see if this holds true, or it’s gone up, or gone down more,” he said.

School Board member Lauren Ramirez asked whether the district was also separately tracking the number of students who opt for homeschooling initially, and then later enroll in a traditional school, as the student generation rate didn’t factor homeschooled or charter school students.

“I like that we have a formula, but to me, it just doesn’t feel as accurate because we don’t know what we don’t know,” Ramirez said.

Furry replied that the district has the capacity for those students, but when future planned developments are built out, that will be a “pain point.”

Still, they won’t happen overnight, Furry said.

Based on the board’s feedback, Flagler Schools Superintendent LaShakia Moore said that the board wasn’t saying the study was performed inaccurately — but that the student generation rate is lower than what is being experienced in the district.

“We may be generating more students into an area than we are being credited for on the district side, and I just think it’s important to clear that up because we know that there’s always language around proportionate share, impact fees and all of that,” Moore said. “... We’re saying as we move forward and we look at the data of what we have that’s here as a snapshot, some of these places may be generating more students than we accounted for in the student generation [rate.]”

Bunnell’s project to improve drinking water

$4.5M treatment system will allow the city to tap brackish wells, reduce demand on the freshwater

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

City officials, engineers and contractors gathered July 16 to celebrate the groundbreaking of a $4.5 million reverse osmosis project that city leaders say will improve drinking water quality while protecting one of the area’s most valuable natural resources.

The Bunnell Water Treatment Plant Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis Project will install a new 200,000-gallon-per-day reverse osmosis system at the city’s water treatment facility on Utility Street. Once complete, the facility will allow Bunnell to fully utilize water from two brackish wells that previously could not be used.

City Manager Dr. Alvin Jackson said the project comes after years of planning.

“Today we’re here to check the box on the brackish water reverse osmosis system,” Jackson said. “It really marks a milestone for the City of Bunnell as we break ground right here for the brackish water reverse osmosis. It’s about a $4.5 million investment.”

Jackson credited the City Commission for adopting a comprehensive master utility plan in 2020 and investing in long-term infrastructure planning, a decision he said positioned the city to secure state funding for the project.

“We all went to work to ensure funding,” Jackson

said, thanking former House Speaker Paul Renner, Sen. Tom Leek’s predecessor Travis Hutson, the Florida Legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis for supporting the project through state funding.

Jackson said the project is about more than adding infrastructure.

“This project is really much more,” he said. “It’s about protecting one of the most valuable natural resources. By diversifying our water supply, we are preserving the freshwater aquifer and strengthening the reliability and resilience of our drinking water system and ensuring the city is better prepared for the future.”

Mayor Catherine Robinson echoed that message, describing the investment as one that will benefit residents for generations.

“Today is more than breaking ground on a new facility,” Robinson said. “It’s about investing in the future of our community. Access to safe, reliable drinking water is one of the most important services a city can provide, and this project is a significant step toward ensuring that future generations continue to enjoy a dependable and sustainable water supply.”

Following remarks, city officials, project partners and commissioners gathered with ceremonial shovels to officially break ground, marking another milestone in Bunnell’s ongoing investment in critical infrastructure.

The project is expected to be completed later this year, providing the city with an additional, more resilient source of drinking water while helping preserve the freshwater aquifer for years to come.

Alarmed by fake posts

BRIAN MCMILLAN

I’m eagerly awaiting news on where LeBron James will play next season in the NBA. Three times in the past week, I have seen Facebook posts from accounts that seem convincing, saying things like, “LeBron has decided to play in Cleveland.” Or Golden State. Or Miami. Gullibly, I have clicked on these posts, only to learn that they are incorrect. So let me get this straight: Someone took the time to post a false announcement, just to get clicks?

MY VIEW

That’s scary and sad. I’m guessing those false pages are monetized, and the engagement helps the creators of that content get paid. Scammers have always been among us, but their “job” is getting easier and easier. This is a good reminder to me of how important quality journalism is in our society. I shouldn’t have to say this, but I guess social media makes it relevant to declare: The Observer will never make up stories and present them as real.

(Except for our April Fool’s front page.)

HYPOTENUSE COMES IN HANDY

July 14, 2026 Kennedy and Luke accompanied me on a walk around the neighborhood recently, and on the way home, a little sibling rivalry played out,

with the older and wiser geometry student winning the race.

As Luke, 8, started to speed walk toward our driveway, turning a leisurely walk into a competition, Kennedy, 11, saw her opportunity. Rather than follow Luke and take the sharp left turn into the driveway, she cut across the yard, taking the hypotenuse instead. Luke, who has not taken any geometry yet, was stunned, as he suddenly found himself in second place.

It was a geometry lesson, never to be forgotten!

WHEN THE NEWSPAPER IS PART OF SOMEONE’S LIFE

July 16, 2026

Someone recently bought a Tribute (that’s what we call obituaries in the Observer) online and wanted to make sure it was going to appear specifically in print, in the Ormond Beach Observer.

“It was Mom’s favorite newspaper for many years,”

Debate Amendment 3 on its merits

The voters will decide whether they want property tax reform. Then it’s up to local governments to adjust.

ROLAND CLEE GUEST WRITER

Regardless of outcome, Amendment 3 has sparked vital civic engagement. On both sides of the discussion, I salute Lacy Martin and Chad Raymond for their insightful guest editorials recently in the Observer. However, three things are clear:

First, Amendment 3 has left the Florida Legislature, and, despite three lawsuits, the language has been established, and the matter, at this point, is completely up to the voters.

Second, we need to debate this amendment exclusively

on its merits and tradeoffs.

Third, the boards of directors of both the Florida Association of Counties (FAC) and the Florida League of Cities (FLC) consist overwhelmingly of local elected officials. Both are 501(c)(3) organizations that are completely funded by general fund dollars generated from ad valorem property tax dollars. If that isn’t a huge conflict of interest, it most certainly is a huge power imbalance between the politicians and the voters.

The FLC website contains a toolbox of resources 100%

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We, the people, oppose banning books

Dear Editor:

Jill Woolbright’s recent letter to the editor (“In classroom or on School Board, I put students first”) in the July 9 edition of the Observer leaves out some important information.

Yes, while Woolbright “puts students first,” she is eager to have them understand the U.S. Constitution, ordained and established to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.” At the same time she was at the forefront of the movement to curtail students’ liberties to read whatever they wish to read, at the forefront of the effort to ban books from our schools that didn’t meet with her personal approval.

Woolbright does correctly note that she has been there to “stand up for parents and students.” She goes on to point out that “Parents now have greater rights.”

In so doing, she totally ignores the fact that families with children cover, through their taxes, no more than 20% of the cost of maintaining and operating our schools. The remaining taxpayers cover the other 80%.

Flagler County schools belong to we, the people! And, we, the people overwhelmingly oppose the banning of books!

MERRILL SHAPIRO Palm Coast

Respecting parents’ roles in education was always the goal, not ‘banning books’

Dear Editor: I appreciate Mr. Shapiro

taking the time to share his opinion. While we disagree on some issues, I believe we both want the very best education for the children of Flagler County.

For 28 years, I had the privilege of teaching children in Flagler County. I encouraged my students to read because I know books can open minds, inspire dreams, and change lives. I also learned that children are most successful when schools and families work together.

I never saw parents as obstacles. I saw them as partners. If I couldn’t reach a parent, I kept trying. I called grandparents, relatives, neighbors, or anyone who could help me make that connection because every child deserved adults working together on their behalf. That belief didn’t end when I left the classroom. It shaped how I served on the School Board, and it still guides me today. Florida has strengthened parental rights and transparency in education. Those principles aren’t new to me. They reflect the way I taught throughout my career because I believe parents should always be informed, involved, and respected.

This has never been about preventing people from reading books. It has always been about ensuring that materials in our school libraries are age appropriate for the students while respecting the important role parents play. Reasonable people will disagree on education policy. But looking back on my years as an educator, I’ve learned one simple truth: When parents and schools work together, children thrive.

JILL WOOLBRIGHT

Candidate for Flagler County School Board, District 1

the man wrote. It was a good reminder to me that this newspaper is part of people’s lives in a meaningful way. I am so grateful to the very small army of journalists, marketing professionals, photographers, editors, designers, delivery drivers and support team that makes it possible.

GUIDED, FROM TIME TO TIME

July 19, 2026

This morning I was reading about Nephi, a prophet in about 591 B.C., who was commanded by God to build a ship. He worshipped, he worked, and then it says this: “And the Lord did show me from time to time after what manner I should work the timbers of the ship.”

I’ve always been struck by the idea that God would command him to do something — something Nephi didn’t know how to do — and only gave guidance “from time to time.” (See 1 Nephi 18,

in The Book of Mormon.)

To me, it shows that God believes we will grow more — especially our faith — if we keep puzzling out our problems on our own, too, rather than waiting for every single action we take to be dictated by God. I have felt this way about the Observer newspapers.

Hailey and I tried, as we do in all aspects of life, to receive divine guidance. Ultimately, we felt like we should embark on this journey, and build the newspaper into a new ship, unsure what it would look like in the next 10 years. Ever since then, from time to time, we have received guidance that we felt was inspired.

We have a long, long, way to go. It would be nice if we could achieve our goals faster, with more guidance!

But as with anyone in any career, or as with Nephi building a ship, we trust that God will provide, and things will work out. Don’t be afraid.

We build community spirit and bridges of understanding through accurate and compelling journalism.

We build the local economy by helping businesses strategically connect with our print and online readers.

Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com

Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com

Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com

Multimedia Producer Rich Carroll, rich@observerlocalnews.com

Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com

Marketing Consultants April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com TO ADVERTISE Call the office at 386-447-9723, or reach out to a marketing consultant above.

Locally Owned / Publishers of

Fed up with lack of enforcement on fireworks ordinance

Dear Editor:

Continuing the time honored tradition of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office never citing illegal fireworks lawbreakers, there were 48 complaint calls received by them over the July 4th weekend with again not a single citation or arrest.

It’s safe to assume that the equally time honored response from the sheriff is that they are unable to witness the lighting of the fireworks, a legal requirement to make a misdemeanor charge stick. Over the many years of lack of enforcement with many hundreds of complaints, the credibility of that excuse is running thin.

It’s getting more and more likely that there is little interest in enforcing our local ordinance given the sheriff’s commendable track record of catching the bad guys. Maybe the crime isn’t sexy enough, not felonious enough. A portion of his budget includes ordinance enforcement and he doesn’t get to pick and choose what laws he enforces and those he doesn’t.

It’s way past time to exert more enforcement effort, employ the fine tactical law enforcement the sheriff is good at and pay attention to the masses in Palm Coast that are fed up.

PAT RHODES Palm Coast

Editor’s Note: The FCSO shared the following rebuttal: State law dictates law enforcement response. Every year during the holiday season, some residents choose to celebrate with fireworks. While many enjoy

opposed to Amendment 3 passing. As expected, no mention of any taxpayer benefits.

It crosses the line when education becomes advocacy — when an organization presents one-sided arguments under the guise of education, selectively omits or emphasizes facts to persuade rather than inform, or encourages citizens to vote for or against a particular measure.

To respond to Lacy Martin’s guest editorial, the answer is, and will be until the measure passes or fails, on local government to adjust their budgets. I want a fully funded mosquito control district, a fully funded property appraiser, a fully

Observer shouldn’t have published Weader’s letter on Jason Leslie

Dear Editor:

It takes a lot to build a credible reputation, and the Ormond Beach Observer had done that; it takes one wrong decision to destroy that reputation, and the Observer has now done that, sinking itself into the mire of muckraking and tabloid journalism with the publication of the “Who Is Jason Leslie?” letter on July 17.

In every political campaign, the candidates will attempt to keep their hands clean and find people who are willing to do the dirty work to tarnish the image or reputation of the opposition. It appears Ms. Tolland and her campaign staff have found just such “hitmen” in Derrick Weader and James Powers, both hyper-active on social media criticizing Mayor Leslie. And now, we can add the editorial staff of

these festivities, others find the noise disruptive or concerning. Because of this, questions often arise about what the Sheriff’s Office can and cannot do to enforce fireworks rules in Palm Coast.

The City of Palm Coast limits the use of fireworks year-round within city limits. Unless someone has a special permit, setting off fireworks is not allowed. Violating this ordinance can result in a misdemeanor charge.

Under Florida law, fireworks violations are classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. For deputies to make an arrest or issue a citation for a misdemeanor, the law requires the violation happen in the deputy’s presence.

funded tax collector, and fully funded public safety, just as you do. If we elect our former house speaker as governor, negative effects will be minimal. If we elect the current lieutenant governor, impacts will be more pronounced, and it will take longer to stabilize, but I have nothing negative to say about him or anyone else in the race.

On two occasions over the last 25 years, I was the public safety government employee in the crosshairs during fiscal corrections. During the most recent occasion, we had to cut $11 million out of a $110 million budget overnight. We did it and reduced crime by double digits while doing it.

the Ormond Beach Observer to that list.

The first thing folks need to do is look into the backgrounds of these two critics. I will let that advice serve for itself. But I’m also pretty sure the Tolland campaign felt they hit the motherlode when Derrick Weader became available to them: someone with a familial background with Mayor Leslie who could dredge up all manner of muck on him, real or perceived (the old “so, when did you stop beating your wife Mr. Jones?” ploy).

Now, the Tolland campaign will do its best to distance themselves from these people (“Oh, we don’t know anything about these gentlemen and certainly don’t coordinate with them”), but they shouldn’t have to do that because the Ormond Beach Observer should have done that the minute it was revealed to them that there was a prior-existing relationship

This rule is set by Florida Statute § 901.15, which only allows warrantless misdemeanor arrests when the offense is committed in front of the deputy and the arrest is made immediately. There is no special exception in state law which allows deputies to make arrests or issue citations for fireworks violations unless they witness the offense themselves.

If a deputy does not personally see someone setting off illegal fireworks, they cannot arrest or cite the individual. However, deputies can act if a witness is willing to sign a sworn statement and testify in court. In those cases, the deputy will take a report and submit a charging affidavit to the State Attorney’s Office, which

Gov. Ron DeSantis is right: If we do nothing and let trends continue, property taxes will be 40% higher in 2031. I think the real question is, during the town halls, locally and statewide, whether the proponents of Amendment 3 will be welcomed on the dais or relegated to public comment. That may answer every undecided voter’s question on how to vote for their own tax cut. Roland Clee served in law enforcement for 26 years. He writes the American Peace Officer newsletter and helps local governments and public safety agencies via CommandStaffConsulting.com.

between Weader and Leslie. I encourage Ormond Beach residents to look into the background of the accusers before putting too much credibility in what is being said. And to take the judgment of the Ormond Beach Observer editorial board with a grain of salt going forward. If readers didn’t think the Observer was already a part of the Lori Tolland campaign, they sure would after this.

DOUG PETTIT Ormond Beach

Editor’s note: At the Observer, our goal is to build bridges of understanding. We do not endorse, protect, support or contribute to political candidates or campaigns. In running Mr. Weader’s letter, we followed our standard protocol: Claims were fact-checked, the family relationship was disclosed, and Mayor Jason Leslie was given a chance to respond.

will decide whether to file charges. If you believe fireworks laws or enforcement procedures should be strengthened, the best pathway is to contact your state and local elected officials. They have the authority to change the laws that determine how deputies may respond. Until state law is updated, our deputies are legally limited in how they can address these quality-of-life concerns. We remain committed to doing everything allowed under the law to support and protect our community.

— JOE BARILE, CHIEF DEPUTY FOR FCSO Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

YOUR NEIGHBORS

To the rescue

Junior lifeguards optimize life-saving skills and sharpen their competitive edge at camp.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A blur of yellow and red rash guards and baggies flew toward an orange cone strategically placed on Ponce Inlet beach. The junior lifeguards and beach scouts were there to participate in the Volusia County Lifeguard Program’s

“I like to run the program (because) I like to see the impact it has on the future generations of lifeguards. It’s really important to have lifeguards out on our beach in Volusia County ... It’s pretty cool to see kids that were nine and 10 years old that started with me, and now they’re my helpers.”

final day of the competition training camp on July 10. The program was started 46 years ago and has been used to educate local youth about water safety, lifesaving techniques and ocean ecology, according to the Volusia County website. Every summer, 300 to 400 kids try out, then, once qualified, attend one or more of the four camps.

Camp-goers must be 9 to 15 years old, be able to swim 100 yards in two minutes and 15 seconds or less, tread water for five minutes and swim underwater for 10 feet.

Junior lifeguard coordinator and EMT Hailey Monahan, who is also one of the public information officers, said the summer program serves as a major recruiting tool for the county and is one of the largest water safety programs in Florida.

Monahan is a Volusia County native. Born in DeLand, she was raised in boating, fishing and going to the beach with her family. She was on the swim team in high school when some of her friends decided to try lifeguarding.

Monahan said she knew that helping people was important to her, so she tried out and got the job at 16. This is her sec-

ond summer as the program coordinator.

“I like to run the program [because] I like to see the impact it has on the future generations of lifeguards,” she said. “It’s really important to have lifeguards out on our beach in Volusia County. I’m getting to inspire these kids that want to come to work for us. It’s pretty cool to see kids that were 9 and 10 years old that started with me and now they’re my helpers.”

Tryouts are held on multiple dates in May, followed by four camps scheduled for three weeks in June and the second week of July. The competition training camp is scheduled last and helps junior lifeguards prepare for the United States Lifesaving Association’s Junior Regional and National competitions. Regionals were held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, on July 13, and junior nationals will be at Fort Lauderdale on Aug. 4.

The last day of camp is a plethora of lifeguard-racing staples: the iron guard, runswim-run, rescue relay and beach flags. These combine the core elements of surf lifesaving techniques and hone competitive skills.

Auggie Lindemann competed in A Group, 13- to 15-year-olds, and placed first in three of the events and third in beach flags. He said he comes from a family of swimmers. His brother Eli was an ocean rescue lifeguard in District 4 in New Smyrna Beach, where his sister, Maddie, is currently a lifeguard.

“I just love being at the beach, hearing the waves and just being in the water,” he said. “Sometimes I feel more comfortable in the water than on land.”

Monahan said 10 to 20 of the junior lifeguards will be heading to junior nationals to compete. As the event approaches, she said the exact number of athletes attending will be known.

“I think we have some really incredible athletes,” she said. “We’ve got a handful of them that we’ve been coaching on the side, and we’ve been inviting them to some lifeguard practices. We have a team tryout to get some more work in before nationals, but this week was the big push to get ready.” Lifeguards Gavin Ziegler and Faith Neal helped Monahan run the four-week program. Ziegler wants more kids to learn about becoming junior lifeguards at a younger age. He started lifeguarding

at 18, but said he would have loved to start earlier.

“The focus of this camp is to bring more eyes to the sport and help spread interest,” Ziegler said. “Start kids at a younger age; that way, they grow up and are inspired to be lifeguards.”

Neal said Fourth of July weekend proved to her that there is a shortage of lifeguards.

“This camp’s important for competition, and as a summer camp for our community, but at the end of the day, it’s really important that we get lifeguards out of it because we’re short-staffed,” she said. Monahan said she is motivated to introduce kids to a new sport and inspire them to get involved in the junior lifeguard program.

Fourteen-year-old Gabby Chavez said she has been going to the camp for three years and hopes to follow in her dad’s footsteps. Her father, Manuel Chavez, was a lifeguard in Volusia County for three years and went to the USLA National

Competition with the team in the late 1990s.

“Lifeguarding was a great part of my life growing up,” he said. “I was lucky enough to be able to guard with great people. One of the best things I’ve ever done. I hope that all these kids get to enjoy it. They’re out in the ocean learning about everything from animals to the currents to the waves. They’re in shape. They’re out in the sun, and they’re not on some kind of phone or iPad.”

Monahan hopes the junior lifeguards take away a passion for lifeguarding and a healthy respect for the ocean.

“Being able to have an impact on them, to teach them about the dangers of the ocean and how to recognize and help someone in distress is really cool and also very important,” she said.

Junior lifeguards race at the competition training camp on July 10 at Ponce Inlet beach. Photos by Michele Meyers

Junior lifeguard coordinator Hailey Monahan (left) encourages one of the junior lifeguards to finish strong in the run-swim-run race.

Junior lifeguard Emmy grabs a board in the ironguard race.

Lifeguard Faith Neal (left) keeps track of where the junior lifeguards finished in one of the races.

HAILEY MONAHAN, Jr. Lifeguard Program Coordinator, EMT

Lifeguards

Daytona Beach resident Matthew Neal runs in during one of the races.

Junior lifeguards pose for a photo at the competition training camp.

Volusia County resident Ansley Chard races in the ironguard event.

Junior lifeguards battle in the run-swim-run race.

A junior lifeguard heads into the ocean during the rescue relay

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 24

PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE!

When: 9-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers

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

Details: Take this two-hour guided kayak tour, presented by the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. Registration is a donation of $50 per person; $25 if bringing your own kayak. Space is limited. Call 386-517-2086 to register.

As part of the Patriotic Paddle celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary, save $5 per person off the regular registration price.

SCENIC A1A PRIDE

MEETING

When: 9-11 a.m.

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

Details: Join Scenic A1A Pride at this meeting, where the development of an art gallery/ studio near Meridian Home Lane and another proposed development near Publix will be discussed. All are welcome.

ACOUSTIC JAM SESSION

When: 2-5 p.m.

Where: Mala Compra Community Center, 35 Nantucket Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Jam with your neighbors every fourth Friday of the month. Audience and singers are welcome. Visit flaglerjam. com.

CRT PRESENTS ‘PUFFS’

When: 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, July 24, 25; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 26

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

Details: City Repertory Theatre of Palm Coast presents, “Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.”

This is a comedy by Matthew Cox about three friends trying to make it through a magic school that is dangerous to children. Tickets cost $30 for adults; $15 for students. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 25

PADDLE INTO ADVENTURE!

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

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd. Flagler Beach

Details: Take this two-hour guided kayak tour, presented by the Friends of Gamble Rogers State Park. Registration is a donation of $50 per person; $25 if bringing your own kayak. Space is limited. Call 386-517-2086 to register. As part of the Patriotic Paddle celebration honoring America’s 250th anniversary, save $5 per person off the regular registration price.

2026 SPEAKER SERIES

When: 10-11 a.m.

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

Details: Preston Zepp, historian for the City of Palm Coast, will present, “Before Palm Coast — Life in Early Florida.”

BACK 2 SCHOOL HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR

When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Carver Gymnasium, 203 E. Drain St., Bunnell

Details: Espanola Lodge no. 161 will host this health and wellness fair featuring a free backpack and school supply giveaway. There will also be free haircuts, food and drinks, and blood pressure checks. Vendors, the Big Red Bus and Fire Department will be onsite.

GAMBLE JAM

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Join in for the Gamble Jam where musicians of all skill levels are invited to bring their acoustic instruments. Park entry fee applies.

YES, YOU’RE INVITED!

SUMMER BIRTHDAY BASH

When: 4-7 p.m.

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

Details: Celebrate America’s 250th birthday and the birthdays of kids and young adults of all abilities. Hosted by local nonprofit Yes, You’re Invited! There will be karaoke, food, games and crafts. Visit y2i2.org.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 29

SBDC DAY

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast City Hall, 160 Lake Ave., Palm Coast

Details: The City of Palm Coast will host “SBDC Day” at Palm Coast City Hall, connecting local entrepreneurs, startups and established business owners with free expert guidance and resources from the Florida Small Business Development Center Network. Free.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

BEATS AND EATS

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Stage at Town Center, 1500 Central Ave. Palm Coast

Details: Beats and Eats is a new monthly community event that combines the familiar Food Truck Tuesday experience with live concert entertainment from the Palm Coast Concert Series. The band is Half Step Down and the beneficiary will be the City of Palm Coast Summer Camp Scholarship Program.

SATURDAY, AUG. 1

RIVER TO SEA 12/6 HOUR

TRAIL RACE

When: 7 a.m.

Where: River to Sea Preserve, 9805 N. Ocean Shore Blvd., Marineland

Details: The River to Sea race

Boat parade registration is now open

Calling all captains! Registration is now open for the 43rd annual Holiday Boat Parade, taking place on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m., along the Intracoastal Waterway with the route from the North Cut Canal to the Grand Haven gazebo.

Popular public viewing areas include Waterfront Park, which now offers an additional 100 parking spaces and improved waterfront access, and the St. Joe Walkway Trailhead beneath the Hammock Beach Bridge, across from European Village.

All boats, regardless of size, and decorated or not, are invited to participate.

Parks and Recreation

Deputy Director Brittany McDermott said: “We would like to formally invite all boat captains, of boats big and small, to join us in helping to spread the holiday cheer this season by being a part of this event.”

Leading up to the event, all captains will attend a pre-parade meeting.

Participation in the award competition is completely optional.

To sign up now for the 2026 Holiday Boat Parade, visit https:// form.typeform.com/to/ A8Kx24Xo

course is an almost 1-mile trail loop. Race will be put on by Dawn Lisenby. Registration costs $110 for six hours; $130 for 12 hours. Visit www. eastcoasttrailracing.com.

BACK TO SCHOOL JAM

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Flagler Palm Coast

High School

Details: Families can connect with administrators from Flagler Schools, community partners, learn about transportation and food services, and grab free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), courtesy of the Flagler County Education Foundation.

THURSDAY, AUG. 6

ALZHEIMER’S RESOURCE

COUNCIL OF FLAGLER COUNTY RELAUNCH EVENT When: 5-7 p.m.

Where: SouthState Bank, 175 Cypress Point Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Attend the relaunch event of the Alzheimer’s Resource Council of Flagler County. There will be hors d’oeuvres, wine and entertainment. Sponsorships available. RSVP by Aug. 3. Call Maria Lavin-Sanhudo at 386-5699041 or email ARCofFlaglerCounty@gmail.com.

REAL ESTATE

Hammock

Dunes

condo sells for almost $1.5M

Acondo at 19 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 804, in Hammock Dunes, was the top real estate transaction for July 4-10 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The condo sold on July 10, for $1,475,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/3.5 and has a private elevator and 2,873 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $1,360,000. The house was listed by Krista Libby, of Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Condos

A condo at 3 Southbury Court, Unit 3, sold on July 10, for $181,900. Built in 1988, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,338 square feet.

A condo at 35 Riverview Bend South, Unit 1827, sold on July 10, for $217,800. Built in 2006, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,115 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $116,000.

A condo at 6 Salisbury Court, Unit 6, sold on July 9, for $180,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $237,500.

Built in 2017, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,210 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $239,800.

Palm Harbor A house at 15 Colony Court, sold on July 10, for $775,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a pool, a dock, a fireplace and 2,984 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $720,000.

A

A condo at 200 Bella Harbor Court, Unit 105, sold on July 6, for $230,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,745 square feet. It sold in 2019 for $190,000.

A condo at 1200 Canopy Walk Lane, Unit 1211, sold on July 6, for $342,500. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,712 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $352,500.

A condo at 200 Canopy Walke Lane, Unit 243, sold on July 7, for $250,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,238 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $222,000.

PALM COAST Cypress Knoll A house at 6 Emerald Lane, sold on July 10, for $450,000.

FOCUS ON FAITH

What does ‘separation of church and state’ actually mean?

The Constitution protects the church from government, not government from faith.

JEARLYN DENNIE GUEST WRITER

as a pastor. I’ve prayed in our churches, at community events, in city halls, on campaign stages, and with elected officials from both parties. I’ve never believed those roles were in conflict.

To me, they represent one of America’s greatest freedoms: the ability to live out our faith while serving our neighbors. Then, in 2020, I became the first Black woman to chair a Republican Executive Committee in Florida.

The Bible I preached from on Sunday was the same Bible I read on Monday. My faith hadn’t changed. What changed was how some people viewed it once it became connected to my political leadership. I began hearing something I’d rarely heard before: “Keep religion out of politics.”

serving the people of Flagler County

Why do church bells ring?

If you have attended one of our recent weekend Masses, you may have noticed that the bells of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church are once again ringing before our weekend Masses and at the time of the Angelus. For many, the sound awakens fond memories of childhood, when church bells

I wasn’t asking government to preach my faith. I

echoed across towns and villages, gently reminding people that it was time to pray.

For others, especially younger generations, the bells may simply sound like a beautiful tradition. Yet church bells are far more than pleasant music. For centuries, they have been the voice of the Church, calling God’s people to worship, prayer, and reflection. The Church has always re-

was simply refusing to hide the faith that has always guided my life.

That experience led me to ask a simple question.

Why is faith applauded when it inspires us to feed the hungry, mentor children, or help families in crisis, but criticized when it shapes how we think about the issues that affect our families, our schools, our community, and the leaders we elect? As a pastor, I don’t want government telling churches what to preach, who can serve as pastor, or how to worship.

That’s not government’s role.

But I also don’t believe people of faith should be expected to leave their convictions at the door when they enter the voting booth, attend a school board meeting, or speak before their local government.

The beauty of America is

garded bells as sacred objects dedicated to God’s service.

Before being installed in a church tower, they are solemnly blessed according to the Church’s liturgical rites. In the blessing, the Church asks that all who hear the bells may be inspired to gather for worship, grow in faith, and lift their hearts to God. Thus, church bells are not merely instruments of bronze; they

that we don’t have to choose between being faithful and being engaged citizens.

THE FIRST AMENDMENT

One of the biggest misconceptions in our country is that the phrase “separation of church and state” appears in the Constitution.

It doesn’t.

The phrase comes from an 1802 letter Thomas Jefferson wrote to the Danbury Baptist Association. He was assuring a group of Baptists that the federal government would not interfere with their religious liberty. His concern was protecting the church from government control, not protecting government from religious influence.

The First Amendment reflects that balance. It prevents government from establishing a national religion while protecting every

are sacramentals that help draw our minds and hearts toward the Lord.

Throughout history, bells have also marked important moments in the daily rhythm of Christian life. They reminded people that, even in the midst of work and family responsibilities, there should always be time to pause and remember God.

The next time you hear

American’s free exercise of religion. In other words, government can’t force you to believe, and it can’t stop you from believing.

That’s religious liberty.

GUIDED BY FAITH

The question isn’t whether values belong in public life.

The question is which values will shape our decisions.

As for me, my Christian faith shapes how I see the world. Scripture teaches that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).

It calls me to “act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). Jesus told His followers to be the “salt of the earth” and the “light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-16). Those aren’t instructions to retreat from society. They’re a calling to influence it with truth, com-

the bells of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church before Mass or at the time of the Angelus, do more than simply listen to their beautiful sound. Hear the invitation they carry. They are calling each of us to deepen our relationship with God, to remember His presence in our daily lives, and to join our parish family in worship and prayer.

May the sound of our

passion, humility, and justice. I don’t expect everyone to share my beliefs. That’s the beauty of a free society. But I do expect every American to have the freedom to live according to their conscience and to participate fully in public life without being told that faith itself is unwelcome.

The Constitution doesn’t require Americans to separate their faith from their citizenship.

I’m not asking government to preach my faith. I’m simply refusing to hide the faith that guides my life.

The First Amendment doesn’t ask Americans to choose between their faith and their citizenship. It protects our right to live both. That’s a freedom worth defending.

Jearlyn Dennie is a pastor and media host. Visit jearlyn. org.

bells continue to echo far beyond our parish grounds. More importantly, may their message echo within our hearts, reminding us that God is always near, always calling, and always waiting to welcome us into His loving presence.

Chiropractor in downtown Daytona Beach marks five years in business

Dr. Jesus Ortiz, of Be Healthy Chiropractic, has relocated to 101 S. Palmetto Ave., Suite 1.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Be Healthy Chiropractic in downtown Daytona Beach is in its fifth year in business — and for Dr. Jesus Ortiz, the last year has been a celebration of growth. Ortiz relocated his office to

BIZ BUZZ

JetBlue to leave Daytona Beach International Airport in September

Seven months after officials and community business leaders celebrated the return of JetBlue to the Daytona Beach International Airport, the airline is making an unexpected departure from the local market.

In a statement provided to the Observer, JetBlue announced it will end service to DAB on Sept. 9, stating routes to Boston (BOS) and New York City (JFK) have not performed as expected.

“We returned to Daytona Beach with the expectation that the market could support renewed JetBlue service; however, demand has not developed as anticipated, and the financial performance of

101 S. Palmetto Ave., Suite 1, in April 2025. When he first opened, Be Healthy Chiropractic started like many other new business: they started small. But Ortiz knew eventually they would need more space to fulfill his vision.

“We grew to the point that we needed to find something bigger,” Ortiz said. “We found this place and it’s been a blessing for us. We’ve been able to do what we wanted to do.”

Moving to larger location has allowed Ortiz to expand his office’s services beyond

chiropractic care. Today, Be Healthy Chiropractic offers sports physicals, treatment and rehab for sports injuries, auto accident care and cold laser therapy.

Ortiz, a native of Puerto Rico, holds a bachelor’s degree in athletic training and a master’s degree in public health. Becoming a chiropractor, he said, allowed him to combine what he learned from both degrees.

But chiropractic care, he found, wasn’t as prominent in Puerto Rico. That’s what

the flight has been worsening,” JetBlue’s statement reads. “Ending service will allow us to redeploy aircraft into markets with stronger demand.”

The news comes days after the airline announced its would expand services at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, where it is launching eight nonstop destinations, with another six coming in the future.

In a statement on Facebook, DAB expressed its disappointment at JetBlue’s decision to end services.

“The notification was unexpected, and our team immedi-

ately reached out to JetBlue to explore whether there are ways to preserve some level of service—whether through fewer weekly flights or by maintaining service to New York (JFK),” the airport’s post reads. “We remain hopeful those conversations will continue.”

“While we understand airlines must make business decisions based on their network needs, this news is especially disappointing because of the incredible support our community showed for JetBlue,” the statement continues. “From day one, residents, businesses, and visitors embraced the

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prompted him moved to Florida to study at Palmer College of Chiropractic.

Ortiz has now been a chiropractor for 11 years, and he hopes to continue to expand his business. For the last six months, he’s been working to develop the sports rehab and performance side of his practice, including setting up a partnership with a basketball youth programs based in Kissimmee.

“With sports, we’re having a lot of kids now that they ... start having issues with

convenience of nonstop service to Boston and New York, and that support demonstrated the strong demand that exists in our market.”

High speed internet added in Flagler Estates

Xfinity and Comcast Business services are now available to more than 1,500 homes and businesses in and around Flagler Estates, a development at the border of St. Johns and Flagler counties, including more than 1,100 previously unserved locations, according to a Comcast press release.

Flagler Estates now joins the 65 million homes and businesses nationwide with access to the network.

“Infrastructure investments such as broadband expansion strengthens communities and supports economic resilience,” said Christine Valliere, Director of Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs for St. Johns County. “Expanding reliable Internet service into Flagler Estates will create opportunities for entrepreneurship, remote work, business growth, and increased workforce participation. These investments help establish a stronger foundation for longterm prosperity throughout St. Johns County.”

Residents can visit Xfinity. com and businesses should visit ComcastBusiness.com to see if services are available at their specific location. They can also visit the Xfinity store in St. Johns County located at 115 Jenkins St. Suite 101, St. Augus-

the way that they’re moving, because they’re young and they have a big bulk of training,” Ortiz said. “So we’ve had to fix movement patterns. We’re doing that a lot.”

The best piece of advise he’s ever gotten? To love what you do for work.

“When you love what you do, you’re not really working,” Ortiz said. Visit behealthy-chiropractic.com.

Send business news to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

tine, FL 32086 for assistance.

The broadband infrastructure project was made possible through a public-private partnership with the state of Florida’s Broadband Opportunity Program and was completed ahead of schedule, according to the press release. Comcast’s expansion in Flagler Estates is part of the company’s latest investment in Florida, which also includes expansions to Lake County. Leon County, and Nassau County.

Florida’s jobless rate drops for first time since 2024

For the first time since the end of 2024, Florida’s unemployment rate went down last month.

A report released Friday by the Department of Commerce shows the state’s jobless rate for June at 4.7 percent, a reduction from 4.8 percent the prior two months. The rate is still 0.5 percentage points higher than the national average.

Driven by increases in restaurant, hotel, health care, transportation and warehousing jobs last month, the state saw an 11,100 increase, 0.1 percent, in overall new positions from May to June.

The June numbers show 525,000 Floridians qualified as out-of-work, up 107,000 from a year earlier, from a workforce of 11.14 million, up 56,000 in the same time.

The state’s unemployment rate had been on a gradual upward trend since ticking down from 3.5 percent in November 2024 to 3.4 percent in Decem-

ber 2024.

Nationally, the jobless rate stands at 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent a year earlier. Even with the one-month decline, the state’s unemployment rate stands 0.9 percentage points higher than a year ago.

Construction jobs have decreased by 3,200 over the past year, including a 900 drop from May to June. Positions in the retail trade were up 100 from May to June but still are down 5,900 from a year earlier.

The field of finance and insurance reported adding 1,600 positions in the past month, but is still down 8,700 over the year.

Real estate jobs dropped by 1,000 and are down 4,200 over the last 12 months.

Governments in Florida shed 900 jobs in the past month and 10,500 over the year, with the federal government accounting for 7,700 of the decrease.

The biggest gain over the past year involved health care and social assistance, adding 5,500 in the past month and 32,400 on the year. The area of transportation, warehousing, and utilities grew by 4,100 in June, which put the field at a positive 900 over the past year.

Manufacturing is up 400 on the year.

Educational services, which are up 6,600 jobs on the year, posted a drop of 500 jobs. Hotel and food service jobs grew by 4,000 in the June report but remain down 2,700 from a year earlier. Daytona Beach’s unemployment rate is 5.3 percent. The Wildwood region, including The Villages, has the highest at 7.8.

A JetBlue flight lands at the Daytona Beach International Airport. File photo by Sierra Williams

Dr. Jesus Ortiz, of Be Healthy Chiropractic. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

YOUR SCHOOLS

Flagler Schools’ Back to School Jam is Aug. 1

On Saturday, Aug. 1, from 10

a.m. to 1 p.m., families can connect with school administrators, community partner organizations, learn about transportation and food services, and grab free backpacks and school supplies (while supplies last), courtesy of the Flagler County Education Foundation. The event is held at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

Children’s Business Fair showcases 20 youth businesses

The fourth-annual Children’s Business Fair was held on July 11, at the Palm Coast Community Center, organized by Maria L. Delgado, CEO of Culinary Wellness, together with their returning sponsors Remembering Heroes, and Approved Mortgage. Joining the fair this year

as sponsors were the law-firm of Lesak, Hamilton, Calhoun & Pontieri, and Pro-Tint LLC.

The annual Children’s Business Fair is offered to ages 6-17 in our community and surrounding areas providing them an opportunity to showcase

their products and/or services.

“We’re extremely proud of all the participating youth entrepreneurs and those that have returned this year,” Delgado said.

With over 20 youth vendor booths and 27 entrepreneurs,

the fair showcased handmade products, a mobile flower shop, handcrafted sea shell art, original hand drawn artwork, jewelry fashioned out of Lego bricks and other businesses.

The children were excited to interact with their customers

and run their booths as business owners at this one-day market hosted just for them, Delgado reported.

With the support of Cathy Heighter, of Remembering Heroes and Vance Scott, of Approved Mortgage the vision is to continue to support our talented entrepreneurs in this community and by organizing this annual event.

The Flagler Sheriff’s office was represented by Commander Nawrocki, from the Youth Services Division. The venue was decorated by Parties by Dani, music provided Julio Torres, Jr., CEO of Zip Tie Entertainment, a veteran owned entertainment business.

The kids were treated to a surprise lunch sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, snack boxes by Charcuterie Dreams, treats by Leilani’s Sweetery and Swillerbees Craft Donuts.

Certificates and award prizes were presented to nine participants.

Attending the event as sponsors, supporters and friends were Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri; Danilja Martin De Howell, of Parties by Dani; Jeremy Davis, of Pro-Tint, LLC;

Class notes

„ Angela Wells was recently added to the Imagine School Town Center Ohana as a third grade teacher.

„ Kayla Spicher is a new second grade teacher at Imagine School Town Center; she formerly served as a front desk receptionist.

„ The Flagler Palm Coast High School football program and athletics group recently helped with book deliveries at Bunnell Elementary School.

„ Corey Edwards and Audrey Seth performed this month at the Florida Bandmasters Association Summer Convention as a part of the 7-Star Honor Band, Buddy Taylor Middle School reported.

Angelique Delage, of Charcuterie Dreams; Amber Embers, of The Cosmic Hippie and Amenti Wellness Exchange; Inna Futko, catering director for Chick- filA; Danielle Anderson, Flagler News Weekly; Southern Sass Creations; Dr. Angelo Ippolito, of Palm Coast Health; Erik Libby, of The To-Do Dudes; Jennifer Melendez, of Taking Territory; and Pistol Pete’s Detailing.

The fourth-annual Cjhildren’s Business Fair was organized by Maria Delgado of Culinary Wellness. Courtesy photo

SPORTS

We ‘relish’ a good challenge

FCAR’s inaugural pickleball tournament serves up competition, camaraderie and advocacy.

RICH CARROLL

MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

The sound of paddles striking pickleballs echoed throughout the Southern Recreation Center on Thursday evening as the Flagler County Association of Realtors hosted its first-ever Pickleball Tournament, combining friendly competition with a fundraiser supporting Realtor advocacy efforts.

Twenty two-person teams, representing real estate companies and industry partners from across Flagler County, competed in the inaugural event, which also featured a trade show, online auction, food and drinks. While only one team could claim the championship, organizers said the tournament’s larger goal was bringing members together while supporting the Realtor Political Action Committee, commonly known as RPAC.

“This is Flagler County Association of Realtors’ first PAC pickleball tournament,” said Eddie Lang, the association’s vice president and public policy chair. “We wanted to try something different, and it turned out great. We have members that I haven’t seen in a while, so it’s actually great. We’re really bringing people in.” Lang said the event served a purpose beyond recreation.

“We don’t just sell houses,” he said. “We advocate for buyers, sellers and renters. We advocate for everybody. We fight for homeownership rights, private property rights and insurance rates. This is what we raise money for — to help make sure homeownership is attainable and affordable for all.”

The tournament drew 40 players competing in a single division, regardless of age, gender or experience level. While some participants regularly compete in pickleball

tournaments and others were making their tournament debut, Lang said the emphasis remained on having fun.

“There was no pro division, no male or female divisions,” he said. “It was all just for fun. We have some serious pickleball players here today, and some are amateurs, but everybody’s having a great time.”

Although the winning team earned only a commemorative plaque, Lang said the bragging rights carried plenty of value.

“It’s honor,” he said. “You can say you won our first annual pickleball tournament, and hopefully this is something we’ll be doing every year.”

The event also highlighted the partnership between realtors and the businesses that support the local housing industry. Vendors lined one side of the courts, giving mortgage companies, title agencies, inspectors and other business partners an opportunity to connect with association members throughout the evening.

Among the early favorites were Flagler Palm Coast rising seniors Katherine Ouellette and Andrew Shkotkin, representing The Selby Group, sponsored by Debra Wingo. The pair entered the event with about a year of pickleball experience and quickly made an impression, winning their opening matches 11-0 and 11-2.

“I mean, it’s fun,” said, Shkotkin, an FPC tennis player. “When it turns into a competition, it’s automatically more fun. It motivates us to play better, and when we play better, we have more fun.”

Ouellette said their youth also worked to their advantage.

“It feels good to be younger because we’re more agile and athletic,” she said.

By the end of the evening, they had lived up to the expectations, capturing the tournament championship.

Second place went to FLO Motion, sponsored by FLO Mortgage, with Austin Basque and Rich Cottingham finishing as runners-up.

Lemongrass, sponsored by

Realty Executives Oceanside, rounded out the top three with Zach Pear and Navuta Sun earning third place.

Other competitors came with considerably more tournament experience. Steve and Katie Thomas of Trademark Realty Group said they had been playing pickleball since 2023 and enjoyed the opportunity to compete while supporting the association.

“We came here to have a good time, represent the sport and help the facility grow,” Steve Thomas said.

Asked what keeps bringing them back to pickleball, his answer was simple.

“Tournaments, exercise and camaraderie.”

Katie Thomas encouraged others to give the sport a try.

“It’s a lot of fun,” she said. While Steve said it provides “great exercise.” He also praised pickleball’s accessibility.

“It’s a great community game,” he said. “Everybody gets along, everybody has a good time. It’s a very inclusive game that people from 8 years old to 80 years old can play.”

Third-place finishers Pear and Sun said the tournament was their first competitive event together after about a year and a half of playing pickleball.

“We’re just having fun,” Pear said. “It’s our first tournament, and it’s a blessing. We’re having a good time.”

After opening with an 11-0 victory, Pear remained focused on the task ahead.

“I’m just going to focus and play hard,” he said. “That’s all we can do.”

Beyond the competition, Lang hopes the tournament becomes an annual tradition that continues growing

alongside the sport’s popularity in Palm Coast. He also used the event to highlight the Southern Recreation Center as one of the city’s premier recreational facilities, saying its popularity demonstrates the growing demand for additional pickleball courts.

For the association, however, the evening’s biggest victory wasn’t measured by medals or match scores. It was the opportunity to strengthen relationships among realtors, business partners and the community while supporting advocacy efforts that members say help protect homeownership and private property rights throughout Florida.

Players compete during the Flagler County Association of Realtors’ inaugural Pickleball Tournament at the Southern Recreation Center in Palm Coast on July 16. Photos by Rich Carroll

Members of Team FLO Motion accept their second-place awards. The team of Austin Basque and Rich Cottingham finished as tournament runners-up.

Members of Team Lemongrass, sponsored by Realty Executives Oceanside, accept their third-place awards from FCAR’s Eddie Lang. The team of Zach Pear and Navuta Sun finished third in the event.

Members of The Selby Group accept the first-place trophy. The championship team featured Katherine Ouellette and Andrew Shkotkin.

Rachel Dailey, APRN

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL , FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL , FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P M on the 4th day of August 2026, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2026-XX (Application No FLUMA-2026-06) before the Planning Zoning and Appeals Board in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy Bunnell Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALL-SCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 12.82± ACRES IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM "MULTIFAMILY (MF)" TO "INDUSTRIAL (IND)"; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell s website at www bunnellcity us on the homepage

REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A SPECIAL EXCEPTION MODIFICATION OF SE-2024- 06 AT 1300 EAST MOODY BOULEVARD TO ALLOW A MIXED -USE

BUILDING BY CONVERTING ONE DWELLING UNIT IN THE TRIPLEX INTO AN OFFICE WITHIN THE B-2 ZONING DISTRICT

ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means if legally permitted would be found on the City of Bunnell s website at www bunnellcity us on

or in writing might preclude the ability of such person to contest the special exception at a later date A copy of all pertinent information to this special exception can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, 2400 Commerce Pkwy, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL , FLORIDA

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL , FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P M on the 4th day of August 2026, for the purpose of hearing a variance to reduce the rear

from 20 feet to 14.1 feet for a screen enclosure within the R-1

district (Application No VAR-2026-06), before the Planning Zoning and Appeals Board in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy Bunnell Florida 32110. VAR-2026-06

REQUESTING APPROVAL FOR A VARIANCE AT 206 NORTH ORANGE STREET TO REDUCE THE REAR YARD SETBACK REQUIREMENT FROM 20 FEET TO 14.1 FEET FOR A SCREEN ENCLOSURE WITHIN THE R-1 ZONING DISTRICT ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means if legally permitted would be found on the City of Bunnell s website at www bunnellcity us on the homepage The public is advised to check the City s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the variance either in person or in writing might preclude the ability of such person to contest the variance at a later date A copy of all pertinent information to this variance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex 2400 Commerce Pkwy Bunnell FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting

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

(Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes) 7763-353691 Jul 23, 2026

2026

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NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000649 WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST 2024 RM5, UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEE, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF THOMAS BERNAL A/K/A TOM BERNAL, DECEASED; THOMAS MATTHEW BERNAL; SEAN MICHAEL BERNAL; NINA MARIE NAHMIAS F/K/A NINA MARIE

Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on April 29, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2024 CA 000649, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS

INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST 2024 RM5 is the Plaintiff, and UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEE, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER, OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF THOMAS BERNAL A/K/A TOM BERNAL, DECEASED; THOMAS MATTHEW BERNAL; SEAN MICHAEL BERNAL; NINA MARIE NAHMIAS F/K/A NINA MARIE BERNAL are Defendants. The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com/ on August 21, 2026 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 28, BLOCK 14, SUBDIVISION MAP, PINE GROVE, SECTION 26, PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGES 20 THROUGH 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in

CLASSIFIEDS

Items under $200

PLANT LADY HAS ASSORTED PLANTS FOR SALE!!! Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, Plus Many Other Types of Plants. Call for Appointment. Starting at $1 (PC) 814-574-6387

Black Gently Used Ninja Single-Serve Pods & Grounds Coffee Maker with Integrated Milk Frother $75 obo 386-338-7530

Felt Moving Blankets Felt Moving Blankets 54 x 80 (12) $20.00

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KitchenAid mixer, used once $50.00

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Printer Ink- Cannon size

245/246 XL new in sealed box

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1 or 2 Full Size Mattresses $100 Each. Gently Used, Must Go! 386-446-0099

2 wrought Iron Tables 4 Chairs Each. $50 per set 386-627-1580

Maple, Walnut, Mahogany 40 bf of Various Woods $200.00 (386) 447-0399 Palm Coast

WeatherTech Front/Rear Grey Floor mats. Fits All Chevy Equinox $125 631-525-1813

Charmglow Gas Grill, side burner, storage cabinet, full propane tank included, cover, $120. 386-585-4291

Wrought Iron Glass top Rectangle Coffee Table $200 OBO 386-437-7058

42” Round Solid Wood Glass Top Dining Room Table with 4 Chairs $200 Firm 386-437-7058

Automotive 2000 Lexus RX300 Runs Great, 4 New Tires $1200 386-283-0968

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TRIBUTES

Kathlyn A. Stafford May 1, 1926 - April 28, 2026

Kathlyn A. Stafford (known affectionately as “Kay”) passed away in her apartment at The Windsor of Palm Coast in Florida on April 28, 2026, just three days shy of her 100th birthday. Kay was born May 1, 1926 in Cleveland, Ohio, the state where she lived most of her life until retiring with her husband, Carl, in 1985 to Palm Coast, FL. Carl’s death preceded hers by more than a quarter century.

Kay worked outside the home as a young mom long before “working moms” became fashionable. She worked for a number of companies in a variety of clerical and secretarial functions over the years. She and Carl traveled extensively around the country where she took massive numbers of photos, mostly capturing the mountains, waters, and landscapes that moved her. Those images were a great source of pleasure in her later years.

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Upon moving to Florida after retirement, Kay set about, in her 60s, learning Adobe InDesign software so she could put her secretarial skills to good use. And that she did! She was an avid volunteer for years as editor of the Flagler County Historical Society Newsletter and a volunteer at the Palm Coast Library. During her years in the area, the library opened doors to worlds she could not visit in reality, but it gave her great joy to let her imagination take her to places and times she’d not been able to visit. Her greatest satisfaction, however, came

from her involvement with the Palm Coast United Methodist Church community where she created and served for many years as the editor of the church newsletter. She used her dedication and creativity to keep the church community informed and connected, sharing church events, celebrations, and moments of care within the community. Her work became a meaningful ministry that strengthened the life of the church. She loved the time spent with the children, particularly as Sunday School teacher, shared meals, and also connecting with other adult members in the Bible Study program.

Until a head injury some years ago challenged her voice, she loved singing in the church choir, both for the music and the friendships she gained.

After suffering a severe head injury just before Christmas in 2014 resulting in surgery for a subdural hematoma and a long recovery process, Kay was undaunted. While her activities certainly slowed, her smile and kindness never wavered. She remained in the home she and Carl had built until late into her 90s when health and safety made a move to Assisted Living advisable. During her time at The Windsor, she made new friends with residents and staff. Her last days were quiet and joyful as she and family and friends anticipated her approaching 100th birthday celebration.

However, in the week or so before her passing, she’d made comments to several people that she didn’t think she’d be around for the party. Something within her was letting her know the end was near. She passed amid compassionate care at AdventHealth Palm Coast Parkway Hospital. Kay loved well and was much loved in return. She is survived by her daughter, Judith M. Bryan of Bloomingdale, IL, her granddaughter, Shannon K. Bryan of South Portland, ME, grandson, Clifford E. Bryan (deceased), married to Elizabeth A. Bryan of Bolingbrook, IL, their children Rebecca and Samantha, along with stepdaughter, Gayle D. Etter married to Paul A. Etter of Alcoa, TN, grandson Matthew Etter, married to Jennifer King, their children Erik and Devon, and granddaughter Julie Murray, married to Keith Murray, and their children Luke and Aaron. Per her wishes, Kay rests eternally with her husband at Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Ohio. Arrangements are in the care of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home www.craigflaglerpalms.com