Palm Coast Observer 7-30-26

PALM COAST

Dozens charged in fentanyl trafficking bust

State Attorney R.J. Larizza says year-anda-half operation will have a lasting impact.

A year-and-a-half multiagency investigation targeting fentanyl and other drug trafficking organizations operating across Central Florida has resulted in charges against dozens of defendants, with prosecutors saying the case will make a lasting difference in communities plagued by addiction and overdose deaths.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced Thursday that the Office of Statewide Prosecution, working with State Attorney R.J. Larizza’s Seventh Judicial Circuit and numerous local law enforcement agencies, has charged dozens of defendants tied to trafficking organizations operating in Volusia, Flagler, St. Johns, Marion and Orange counties. Authorities said 49 defendants have been arrested so far.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the investigation ran from the fall of 2025 through late June 2026 and relied on wiretaps, courtauthorized pen registers, trap-and-trace orders, physical surveillance and controlled drug purchases to identify mid- and upper-level distributors of fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other controlled substances. Search

warrants executed June 30 led to the seizure of narcotics, cash, digital scales, cutting agents, cell phones and other evidence.

In an interview following Thursday’s announcement, Larizza said the investigation demonstrated the value of law enforcement agencies working together to dismantle drug trafficking organizations rather than focusing solely on individual dealers.

“We had a press conference today with the Attorney General, James Uthmeier, his statewide prosecutor Brett McVeigh, Sheriff Staly, Sheriff Chitwood and Daytona Beach Police Chief Jakari Young,” Larizza said. “Approximately 60 defendants were arrested or are in the process of being arrested for trafficking in fentanyl, cocaine and other controlled substances. This was probably about a year-anda-half-long operation getting

it all put together.”

Larizza said the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office played an important supporting role in the investigation.

“Sheriff Staly assisted logistically with the arrest of some of the defendants and also with any other help that was needed regarding subpoenas or search warrants,” he said, adding that the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office and Daytona Beach Police Department were actively involved throughout the investigation.

Larizza said removing the organizations from the streets will benefit neighborhoods throughout the region.

“It’s going to make a big difference in the communities in Daytona Beach and Volusia County,” he said. “Drugs and these drug traffickers and these drug organizations, they breed addiction, they breed death, they breed despair in the neighborhoods where

they set up their trade.”

He said the damage extends well beyond those directly involved in drug trafficking.

“The families also suffer from losses with overdose deaths and just the loss of family members who become addicted and are willing to do just about anything to get more drugs and get high,” Larizza said. “I was again pleased and proud to be a part of this. We’re going to prosecute these folks to the fullest extent.”

According to the Attorney General’s Office, several defendants identified as alleged leaders of the trafficking organizations face firstdegree felony trafficking and conspiracy charges carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences ranging from seven to 25 years, along with fines of up to $500,000. Numerous other defendants are charged with trafficking, conspiracy, delivery of controlled substances and other crimes.

Larizza said Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencing laws will be a key part of the prosecution.

“A lot of minimum mandatory sentences will be available to us, and we hope that it will make a positive and a long-lasting difference on the communities where these folks had set up shop,” he said.

The cases will be prosecuted jointly by the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the Seventh Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. The Attorney General’s Office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests and charges are anticipated.

COPS CORNER

JULY 23

FEDERAL FUGITIVE

ARRESTED DURING

DAYTONA BEACH OPERATION

A 30-year-old man wanted on a federal deportation order was arrested during a law enforcement operation at a Daytona Beach residence.

According to the Volusia Sheriff’s Office, detectives located the suspect inside a garage with several other people where multiple firearms were within arm’s reach. Everyone at the scene, including children inside the home, was secured without incident.

Investigators said the residence is connected to Operation Holy Rollers, a long-term drug trafficking investigation that previously resulted in more than 30 arrests.

The suspect was taken into custody on the federal deportation order.

JULY 25

DOORDASH DRIVER’S CALL LEADS TO RESCUE OF DOG WITH EIGHT PUPPIES

1:30 p.m. — Rolland Lane, Palm Coast Animal cruelty. A Palatka woman was arrested after deputies say she left a nursing American Bully and her eight puppies caged inside a garage in 97-degree heat without adequate water.

According to the arrest report, a DoorDash driver called the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office after spotting the dogs inside a two-level cage through a partially open garage door. The driver reported

the animals had no food, little or no water and were panting in the extreme heat. Deputies found eight puppies, about four-and-a-half weeks old, crowded together in the upper cage with a nearly empty water bowl, while their mother panted heavily in the lower cage beside an empty water bowl.

Deputies said the woman refused repeated commands to provide the dog with water, finally complying after a second order several minutes later. As Animal Control responded, she allegedly attempted to close the garage door, loaded the puppies into a cardboard box and refused multiple commands to reopen the garage.

Animal Control eventually took custody of the eight puppies and their mother, all of whom were transported to an air-conditioned vehicle. The woman was arrested.

GOLF CART RIDE ENDS WITH FUGITIVE’S ARREST

5:45 p.m. — Belle Terre Parkway and Zebulahs Trail, Palm Coast Driving while license suspended warrant. A Palm Coast man wanted in Volusia County was arrested after deputies stopped him driving a golf cart along the sidewalk and through a crosswalk at Belle Terre Parkway and Zebulahs Trail, where golf carts are not permitted under Palm Coast regulations.

A records check revealed the 20-year-old driver had an active Volusia County warrant for driving while his license was suspended. Deputies took him into custody on the warrant and transported him to jail. He was later released on a $500 bond.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announces charges in a multi-agency fentanyl trafficking investigation. Courtesy of the Office of the Attorney General.

Flagler officials weigh legal options over beach easement holdouts

Officials discuss legal authority to place sand on holdout properties.

Reach 2 project targets November start.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Flagler County and Flagler Beach officials are weighing whether to pursue legal options to place sand on private beachfront properties whose owners have not granted easements, as they work to keep the county’s long-awaited Reach 2 beach renourishment project on schedule.

During a joint workshop Wednesday, July 22, county commissioners and Flagler Beach commissioners received an update on the project, which will extend beach renourishment from North Seventh Street in Flagler Beach north to Varn Park. County officials said they expect to bring the construction contract to the County Commission for approval on Aug. 3, with work anticipated to begin in November.

County Engineer Hamid Tabassian said approximately 95% of the project’s required easements have been secured, leaving 15 outstanding properties. Four bids were received, with the lowest totaling about $39 million, exceeding the county’s $34 million construction budget. As a result, engineers plan to reduce the amount of sand placed while remaining within available funding.

“We’re glad to be at this point,” Tabassian said, noting the project remains largely funded through federal and state grants, with approximately $4.5 million in local funding. Even with the reduced scope, about 1.5 million cubic yards of sand would be placed over the five-anda-half-mile project, which is expected to take three to four months to complete.

A significant portion of the discussion centered on the remaining easement holdouts and whether the county should move forward with placing sand in those areas under the state’s ongoing emergency declaration.

Commissioner Greg Hansen suggested notifying unresponsive property owners that the county intends to place sand unless objections are received.

“I wonder if we can’t legally say ... ‘Here’s what we’re going to do. It’s an emergency situation. We’re going to put sand on the beach in front of your house,’” Hansen said. “And then if they sue us ... I’d like to hear from the lawyer on that.” County Attorney Michael Rodriguez cautioned that moving forward without easements would expose the

county to potential trespass lawsuits.

“We’re going to have to assume that risk,” Rodriguez said. “Even if the case is frivolous or not, we’re going to have to incur litigation defense costs.”

Officials noted that two of the remaining property owners have indicated they intend to sign easements, while two have declined. The remaining 11 have not responded despite repeated outreach, with some properties tied up in probate or owned by absentee landowners.

Tabassian said the county can legally place sand up to the state’s erosion control line without an easement, but the portion of beach landward of that line would remain untreated.

That creates a gap in the dune system.

“If you get a storm and you get a hurricane, that becomes the weak link for breaches and creating issues,” Tabassian said.

Commissioners also questioned whether placing sand without easements could jeopardize state reimbursements or violate permit conditions. County Administrator Adam Mengel said staff would need to consult permitting agencies before determining whether such an approach would be allowed.

Flagler County Commissioner Scott Spradley urged both governments to fully understand the legal risks before proceeding.

“I’d like to hear the city attorney weigh in to let us know exactly what we’re buying into,” Spradley said.

“There’s a lot to be looked at.” Officials also discussed the

project’s financing.

Tabassian said the county recently negotiated a change with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection allowing reimbursement requests to be submitted monthly instead of quarterly, improving cash flow.

The county currently has about $10 million in available cash and expects approximately $20 million in nearterm reimbursements from state and transportation funding programs, generally within two to four weeks after invoices are submitted. FEMA reimbursements, however, are expected to take at least six months after the project is completed.

Flagler Beach officials also questioned whether the reduced volume of sand would diminish the project’s effectiveness compared to

the larger U.S. Army Corps of Engineers renourishment completed in Reach 1.

Tabassian said the design team determined that the project remains viable, explaining that while the dune will not be as tall in some areas, engineers are focusing on building a wider, stable dune system that still meets minimum engineering standards.

Newly hired Coastal Program Manager Damon Douglas, who previously spent 22 years in St. Johns County’s coastal management program, said the project’s design engineers remain confident in the plan.

“I did have a meeting with the design engineer team yesterday,” Douglas said. “I put it specifically to them: ‘Would you say that this project is worth doing with the easement holdouts that we have?’

And they said, ‘Absolutely, the beach needs sand. Any sand is better than no sand.’” Douglas added that while holdouts could have some impact during larger storms, the engineers do not believe they will “drastically affect the durability of the project.”

The meeting concluded with consensus from both boards to have legal staff further evaluate whether emergency authority could be used to place sand on holdout properties, whether doing so would affect funding or permits, and what interlocal agreements might be required if the approach moves forward.

No decisions were made, but county commissioners are expected to consider awarding the Reach 2 construction contract at their Aug. 3 meeting.

Two of the remaining property owners have indicated they intend to sign easements, while two have declined. Courtesy photo by Scott Spradley.

Mystery donor revives Palm Coast’s second animal shelter effort

Council begins discussing a financial commitment as an anonymous donor offers 10 acres.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

A renewed push to establish a second animal shelter in Flagler County gained momentum Tuesday as Palm Coast City Council members signaled their willingness to explore a financial commitment following the emergence of a major private land donation.

The discussion came during the council’s budget workshop after Animal Shelter Task Force member Cameron Orr urged city leaders to move quickly on what he described as a “major offer” from an anonymous donor willing to donate 10 acres of land along a major thoroughfare for the project.

Orr said the task force has made little progress since a

joint city-county workshop in January after plans to build a shelter at the city’s former Public Works site became unworkable because of scheduling conflicts. “What frustrates me now is on the 16th of June, we had a very generous offer from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous,” Orr told the council. “A major offer that would allow for 10 acres on a major thoroughfare to be given for this site.”

According to Orr, the donor requested a joint meeting with Palm Coast and Flagler County officials to better understand each government’s financial commitment before moving forward. Although that request was made both verbally and later in writing, Orr said no meeting had yet been scheduled.

“It’s frustrating to me,” Orr said. “This is a major offer in the millions of dollars and we can’t seem to answer the question about having a joint meeting. I know there’s still going to be unanswered questions, but I think we’ve got time to answer that if we

establish a joint meeting.”

City Manager Mike McGlothlin responded that city staff has been coordinating with the donor while honoring the request for anonymity. McGlothlin said meetings have already been scheduled with the donor and that he planned to meet later Tuesday with Flagler County’s interim administrator to discuss the proposal and a potential joint agenda. Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri said the city also needs to begin discussing how much funding it is willing to contribute.

“I think we need to get consensus to figure out what we’re going to be putting towards the animal shelter,” Pontieri said.

She noted that the city has already secured state appropriations for the project and that the county also intends to contribute funding. However, she said the council needs to determine what amount, if any, should come from the city’s fund balance.

“I’m not asking for a dollar figure right now, but at least an understanding that monies

will have to be put in from us per the donor’s request, which I understand, in order to capitalize on the appropriations that we got and also capitalize on the land that’s being donated,” she said.

Council member Ty Miller agreed the city should begin the conversation, though he suggested any formal funding discussion could coincide with an upcoming workshop on capital projects and fund balance.

“We need to make a decision and then start moving forward,” Miller said. “Whether it’s an amount of money that doesn’t fund the whole thing but it gets it started so that we can figure out the rest as we go. ... I fully support trying to find some of the funds from that fund balance to move this project forward.”

Council member Dave Sullivan supported the effort but reminded those present that city taxpayers already provide the vast majority of the county’s property tax revenue.

“I just point out every time that somebody says, ‘Well, the county is going to con -

“This is a major offer ... and we can’t seem to answer the question about having a joint meeting.”

CAMERON ORR, animal shelter task force member.

tribute this much and the city is going to contribute this much,’ remember, 80% of the ad valorem taxes that are paid to the county come from Palm Coast,” Sullivan said. “So when the county spends money, 80% of that money comes from the city.”

Council member Charles Gambaro also supported continuing discussions while cautioning that the city faces competing priorities.

“When it comes to fund balance, I’m laser focused on our roads,” Gambaro said. “But it doesn’t hurt to have conversations and get us to the right place to where we can make a decision on it.”

Mayor Mike Norris said he remains open to supporting the effort but wants additional information before any financial commitment is made.

“My biggest issue is I

don’t even know where the property’s at,” Norris said. “I’d like to have a course of action when you meet with them. What’s our course of action? Because I don’t think we can make any decisions without having something. We have to have a blueprint of how we’re going to do it.” Miller added that investing in a second shelter could reduce the city’s long-term costs by creating an alternative to its existing contract with the Humane Society.

“This investment will eventually pay us back dividends in terms of that cost,” Miller said. “Because then we have an alternative option to work with. ... There is a fiscal side of this that makes it better in the long term to have more options.”

Flagler Schools adopts tentative budget of more than $350 million

The district plans to make up a $2 million shortfall taken out of the general fund balance.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler County School Board adopted a tentative budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year of $353,097,566 on July 28. It also adopted a tentative

total millage rate of 5.312, or about $5.31 of taxable property value.

The good news for the school district is it finished the 2025-26 fiscal year with an estimated $8 million general fund balance. The bad news is that in order to balance the 2026-27 budget, it will need to use $2 million of that ending fund balance.

The reasons for this, Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck said, include about a $2.5 million increase in school voucher

distributions, a $1 million state mandate for the Teacher Salary Increase Allocation and cost increases for text books and utilities.

The district plans to make up that $2 million out of the 2026-27 budget, Superintendent LaShakia Moore said at a July 21 budget presentation. The first step, she said, is using attrition for nonclassroom instructional personnel. Salaries and benefits make up 83% of general fund expenditures.

Open positions outside of

the classroom would only be filled on a case-by-case basis, Moore said. They may centralize some positions, she said. All departments will also submit budgets reduced by up to 4%, she added.

“It’s definitely concerning and something we will have to address,” Moore said. “It is our intention to balance this $2 million out.”

An $8 million fund balance would be in the district’s desired range of 5.5% to 6% of general fund revenue in case an emergency situation arises.

This past year insurance claims were $4 million higher than the previous year. An estimated total of 2,473 Flagler County students have accepted vouchers for private or home schooling totaling $17,329,690, according to the state’s second 2026-27 calculation. That is up from 1,926 students totaling $14,913,258, according to the 2025-26 fourth calculation. While, the voucher increase is for about 547 students, district enrollment is down by about 160 students, which

indicates that most of the vouchers are still going to students who have never been enrolled in Flagler Schools, Moore said.

The district’s tentative Required Local Effort millage rate, dictated by the state, decreased for the 12th straight year to 3.064. The capital outlay millage of 1.500 and discretionary operating millage of 0.7480 remained the same. The proposed total amount to be raised is $109,357,903.

Board retains floater position in school resource deputy agreement

The extra deputy saves in overtime but costs more in the long run. Board members saw other advantages.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A year ago, the Flagler County School Board voted to add a school resource deputy to serve as a floater on a one-

year trial basis. On Tuesday, July 28, the board voted on to renew the model for another year.

For the second year in a row, Janie Ruddy was the only board member to vote against having a floater, who will serve as the district’s 14th full-time SRD. The floater fills in for other SRDs who take sick leave or go on vacation. The floater also works district events and extracurricular activities.

The board approved the interlocal agreement with

the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for SRDs to serve the district’s nine schools. The county pays half the cost for all but three SRDs, Palm Coast pays the cost of one and Flagler Schools will pay the entire cost of two deputies, including the floater. The district also pays the cost for nine crossing guards.

The district’s total cost in the SRD agreement is $1,788,777. Without a floater the cost to the district would have been $1,621,107. The

floater does save the district in overtime costs, of which it is fully responsible. But with each deputy’s salary and benefits costing $167,670, having a floater is still more costly to the district.

It’s a cost that’s worth having another SRD who is familiar with the campuses, school operations and the students who get to know their SRDs, board members Lauren Ramirez and Will Furry said.

“It’s a guessing game,” Ramirez said about predicting

how much overtime would be required in a given year. “We don’t know how many will get the flu or go to court.”

Ramirez said the floater model wasn’t designed to save money. Its purpose was to be more efficient.

“Either way, we will have a deputy at every school,” she said. “But I want to have that floater. I want the kids to say, ‘that’s my cop.’”

Ruddy said when an SRD is out, the district should do what it’s done for the last 10

years, which is get a welltrained officer from the FCSO to fill in. With budget cuts a reality, “we’re compounding fiscal irresponsibility,” she said.

“I don’t see a reason to overspend at this time,” Ruddy added.

Board Chair Christy Chong voted with Furry and Ramirez to approve the floater SRD for another year.

“Every penny matters,” Ramirez said. “But I do like this model.”

Jury recommends death penalty for Bunnell man convicted of wife’s killing

State Attorney R.J. Larizza says 11-1 recommendation validates Florida’s revised death penalty

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

A Flagler County jury has recommended that Jermaine Mandell Williams Sr. be sentenced to death for the 2024 murder of his wife, Yolonda Williams, concluding the penalty phase with an 11-1 vote in favor of capital punishment.

The recommendation follows the jury’s recent conviction of Williams for firstdegree murder in the Aug. 2, 2024, fatal stabbing outside the couple’s Bunnell home. Circuit Judge Dawn Nichols will make the final sentencing decision after a future Spencer hearing, during which both sides may present additional information before sentencing.

11-1

According to prosecutors, surveillance video and witness testimony showed Williams retrieved a kitchen knife from inside the home before attacking his wife in the street. Yolonda Williams suffered approximately 20 stab wounds and died from her injuries. Her teenage son witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene before being prevented from reach-

ing his mother.

Following the jury’s recommendation, State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the 11-1 vote demonstrates the significance of Florida’s revised death penalty law, which no longer requires a unanimous jury recommendation before a judge can impose a death sentence.

“The 11-to-1 death recommendation highlights how important it was that we got the law changed from where Florida law required a unanimous death recommendation,” Larizza said. “There’s always one person potentially who might have feelings about the death penalty that would interfere with their ability to be fair and impartial.”

Larizza said his office intends to continue pursuing the death penalty through the remainder of the case.

“We’re moving forward full speed ahead seeking the death penalty in this case,” he said.

“I think the jury verdict is a confirmation, or an affirmation, that this was an appropriate case to seek the death penalty.”

Larizza described the killing as exceptionally violent.

“You don’t get much more brutal and vicious than what the defendant did to his wife,” he said.

He also praised the victim’s family for the strength they have shown throughout the proceedings.

“I’ve met the family. They’re wonderful people,” Larizza said. “I’m sorry they’re having to go through this, but they are strong, good people that appreciate what we’re doing, and we appreciate the courage that they’ve demonstrated through this process.”

Although the jury has issued its recommendation, Larizza noted the case is not yet complete.

“We still have a Spencer hearing and a little bit farther to go,” he said. “We will see this to the end and we will be vigorously arguing that the judge impose the death penalty.”

Bunnell Police Chief David Brannon said the proceedings are about much more than a conviction.

“Today’s proceedings are about far more than a criminal conviction and penalty,” Brannon said. “They are about Yolonda Williams, a beautiful life taken through an unimaginable act of violence.”

Brannon extended condolences to Williams’ family and said he hopes the verdict provides “a measure of justice and, in time, a measure of peace.”

He also reaffirmed the city’s stance against violent crime.

“The City of Bunnell has zero tolerance for violence,” Brannon said. “Acts of domestic violence, targeted violence, or any violent crime strike at the heart of every safe community.”

Brannon credited Bunnell police investigators for their professionalism and determination throughout the investigation and thanked the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of the State Attorney for their partnership.

“This case demonstrates what can be accomplished

when agencies work together with a single purpose: seeking justice for victims and protecting our community,” Brannon said. He added that while no verdict can undo the family’s loss, law enforcement remains committed to protecting vulnerable residents and ensuring violent offenders are held accountable.

“Our thoughts and prayers remain with Ms. Williams’ family today and in the years ahead,” Brannon said. “They endured an unimaginable loss with remarkable strength and dignity. We stand with them and will do everything within our power to keep our community safe and to ensure justice is never left unfinished.” Under Florida law, the jury’s recommendation is advisory. Judge Nichols will determine whether Williams is sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole after considering the jury’s recommendation and the evidence presented during the upcoming Spencer hearing.

Jermaine Mandell Williams Sr. was convicted of first-degree murder in the 2024 killing of his wife, Yolonda Williams. A Flagler County jury later recommended the death penalty by an

vote. Courtesy photo

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Q+A GREG HANSEN, FLAGLER COUNTY COMMISSIONER

On The Hammock, plus budgeting under a shadow of tax reform

RICH CARROLL AND BRIAN MCMILLAN

As Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen prepares to conclude nearly a decade representing District 2, he sat down with Observer Publisher Brian McMillan to discuss the issues that have defined his time in office. Hansen, whose district includes The Hammock and much of eastern Flagler County, also spoke about what he considers his biggest accomplishments in public service.

What follows is a transcript edited for length and clarity.

Why is The Hammock Overlay so important to residents?

The Hammock is really unique. It’s known for its beautiful tree canopy, its natural environment and its scenic character.

The county owns a significant amount of environmentally protected land there, and organizations like the Hammock Community Association have worked very hard to preserve that character.

People recognize State Road A1A as one of America’s scenic highways. There are very few traffic lights, very little commercial develop-

ment and an Old Florida feel that residents want to protect.

Property values in the Hammock are among the highest in the county. How do you think Florida’s proposed property tax amendment could affect the area?

I think homeowners — particularly owners of highervalue homes — would benefit if Amendment 3 passes because their property taxes would likely go down. But that’s only part of the story.

My biggest concern isn’t whether taxes go up or down.

It’s that the amendment doesn’t actually explain how local governments are supposed to function afterward. You’ve also expressed concern that renters and businesses could actually be hurt by the proposal. Why?

Businesses don’t receive the same homestead protections homeowners receive. If you’re a small business owner, you’re still paying property taxes. Those costs don’t just disappear.

Most landlords will eventually pass increased costs along, through higher rent.

The Hammock Community Association challenged the county over a boat storage project, before eventually dropping its lawsuit. Do you feel that issue has finally been resolved? It’s resolved from a legal standpoint.

The Hammock Community Association withdrew its lawsuit, and the county reached a settlement with the developer. Construction has already started.

The jury is still out. People

ing, and those effects aren’t always pleasant.

What kinds of services are already being affected?

One example is out in Marineland Acres.

At the end of each beach access road, we had installed trash cans and dog waste stations. We recently removed those and instead placed dumpsters at the parks.

That alone saves roughly $200,000 a year because we no longer have crews driving around constantly emptying individual trash cans.

Those are the kinds of decisions people don’t always notice until they happen. Unfortunately, I think there will be more.

need places to store boats. If the restaurant portion succeeds, that could be something the community enjoys.

Do Hammock residents feel they’re being heard by county government?

I think they feel heard by me.

The challenge is that I’m only one commissioner.

Sometimes I find myself on the losing end of a 4-1 vote.

One of the commission’s biggest recent actions was approving a one-year moratorium on new data centers. Why did you support that pause?

Quite honestly, my wife has probably become one of the biggest researchers on data centers I’ve ever met. She constantly sends me information from around the country about communities dealing with these facilities. The more I learned, the more concerned I became.

Flagler County doesn’t need to rush into it until we understand the consequences.

The county is in the middle of another difficult budget cycle. How do you decide when to approve funding requests?

The Board of County Commissioners controls its own budget, and this year we reduced our departmental budget by 5%. We hoped that would set the example for everyone else. The reality is, we’re already seeing the effects of reducing spend-

One area that concerns me is western Flagler County’s massive drainage ditches. For years they weren’t maintained properly, but over the last six or seven years we’ve developed a really good maintenance program. We’ve made tremendous progress clearing those canals and improving drainage.

If revenues continue shrinking, that’s the kind of work that could slow down or stop, and that concerns me.

Are there concerns about maintaining public safety?

We’re already discussing whether Fire Rescue and EMS should eventually be funded through a countywide Municipal Services Benefit Unit, or MSBU, to create a dedicated funding source.

The challenge is that an MSBU works differently than property taxes. Someone who currently doesn’t pay property taxes because they’re a disabled veteran or qualify for another exemption could still end up paying an MSBU assessment.

It’s another example of how complicated these funding discussions really are.

Do you think there’s any appetite to reduce spending on public safety? No. Public safety is my No. 1 priority. Sheriff Rick Staly has done an outstanding job. Crime is down. People feel safe. The community recognizes that. I don’t think anyone wants to move backward.

At the same time, if the county eventually loses tens of millions of dollars because of property tax changes, everybody will have to share some of that burden. That doesn’t mean defunding law enforcement. It simply means every annual increase has to be carefully evaluated.

The proposed Westward Expansion has largely been debated at Palm Coast City Hall. Does it affect the county?

Our biggest concern is protecting County Road 205 — what many people call the Brick Road.

The county will provide EMS services, so at some point, decades down the road, we may need another ambulance and another EMS crew.

But we’re talking about something that could take 30 years to fully build out. So from the county’s perspective, there really isn’t an immediate impact.

Earlier this year, Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia visited Flagler County and claimed local governments had overtaxed residents by roughly $59 million. Did anything positive come from that discussion?

One positive outcome was that it encouraged more conversation about government spending.

But I strongly disagree with the way those numbers were presented. We reduced our budget by 5%. We’ve lowered the millage rate almost every year I’ve served on the commission.

What do you hope residents remember about your time on the County Commission? I hope they remember that I genuinely cared.

Whether someone agreed with every vote I made isn’t really the point. I hope people know every decision I made was based on what I believed was best for Flagler County. I tried to be available. I tried to listen. I tried to help. At the end of the day, that’s what public service should be about.

Flagler County Commissioner Greg Hansen: “I love Flagler County. My wife and I came here simply to look around. We liked it so much that we bought a house the very same afternoon. This community has been wonderful to us.” Photo

by Rich Carroll

Q+A PAUL RENNER, CANDIDATE FOR FLORIDA GOVERNOR

On affordability and freedom in Florida

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

Paul Renner is a veteran and attorney. He’s a Palm Coast resident. He served in the Florida House of Representatives from 2015 to 2024, including his final two years as the Speaker of the House. He will be on the Aug. 18 Republican ballot in the race to be Florida’s next governor. He’s got a plan, but polls show he has a tough battle ahead, as he is projected to earn less than 10% of the Republican vote.

What follows is an edited transcript of a July 23 interview.

The race’s Republican frontrunner, Byron Donalds, has been invited to be interviewed as well.

What is at the heart of your motivation to be governor?

I love the state. I’ve spent my whole life here. My grandfather moved here almost 100 years ago. My dad was born here. And of course I live moved here at 6 months of age and have lived here ever since, except for college and the Navy. And so I love this state. I don’t want to go backwards. We’ve become a victim of our success here in Florida. We’ve done so well that people want to be here. And as a result of that, you see skyrocketing home prices, insurance, taxes, electric bills, and I sense that people feel that we’re losing control of our destiny in Florida. You want someone at the helm who’s helped build the free state of Florida, but is going to preserve and protect it. We need to make sure we’re taking care of the people who are truly Florida residents. I think is the challenge of the moment.

If elected governor, what would you do to make Florida more affordable?

Right after I get inaugurated next January, I want a special session specifically on affordability to cover four things.

One is to address property taxes, depending on what happens on the ballot. I’m the only candidate with a specific plan to eliminate homestead property taxes, help small businesses, renters.

It’s a comprehensive plan that goes beyond just homestead property, with a combination of savings that we can do at all levels of government, with permanent DOGE across the state — the local government, university, special districts — to save a good chunk of that, so we don’t have to have replacement taxes.

But the ones we do, we want to shift the burden over to tourists, people who vacation here, who speculate here, out-of-state and outof-country private equity companies, who turn homes into rentals. They’ll pay a little bit more under my plan, and we’ll shift that burden away from those who make Florida home. That’s number one on taxes.

And then we have a plan to reduce insurance rates by 10% to 20% through a series of reforms, as well as electric rates by reforming how utilities charge, so they are prioritizing lower cost options, not getting paid a guaranteed profit based on how much they spend, which of course incentivizes them to spend more.

And then separately on affordability is stopping the construction of these 1.0 versions of the A.I. hyperscale data centers.

Imagine if you bragged to your friends about your music collection and you pointed to your wall and said, “Look at my eight-track tape collection.” That’s really what’s on offer with these data centers. Over time, they will get more manageable. But right now, this is a terrible deal for Florida. We

pendulum needs to come back into balance. That is partly the answer to how we control our own destiny when it comes to matters of growth and where things get built and making sure that local governments that know better about their communities than the state, will have control over the destiny of their communities by listening to their voters.

The Secret to Getting Better Results From Your Hearing Aids

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

Advertising often makes hearing aids seem like a simple product: Choose a device, put it in your ears, and start hearing better. It can create the impression that hearing aids are basically interchangeable and that the outcome will be the same regardless of which devices you choose—or where you purchase them.

But hearing care is not “one size fits all.”

pressure, or irritation in the ear canal.

need to take a pause on it statewide and then wait for those companies to offer us a better deal with technology that develops, because what’s going to happen is they’re actually going to abandon these large scale data centers that are going to be the dinosaurs, the eight-track tapes, if you will, of data centers in the future

Next I have a couple questions about some of the platforms on your website. How do you balance having compassion for your neighbors while also having zero tolerance for illegal immigration? Illegal immigration is driving up home prices. It’s putting a burden on taxpayers and in terms of education, health care — all the things that taxpayers have to foot the bill for, and people can’t afford their own bills. So, I’m compassionate for people who are Florida residents, U.S. citizens, and that’s where compassion belongs. Certainly, people that go through the process and become immigrants — I’m married to one — that’s a different story. But people that are coming across the border, people that should not be here, need to leave.

While speaker of the house, you promoted safeguards for children from social media exploitation. Is that mission accomplished or does more need to be done? More needs to be done. You now have A.I. on top of that. I’m not against A.I. as a technology, but the threat to kids is, it takes it up an order of magnitude. Humanity has to be in control of technology, not the other way around.

Your campaign website says you support instruction in American exceptionalism in schools. What does that mean to you? And are there aspects of our history that we should avoid teaching? We should never avoid teaching any aspects of our history. You should always be frank and honest about the good, the bad, and the ugly. But there’s a lot more good than bad or ugly.

Reagan said that we cannot guarantee freedom beyond a single generation. It’s not part of our bloodstream; it has to be inculcated. It has to be taught. It has to be transmitted and really given to the next generation to love this country for any of its faults. Freedom has always served society across the globe better. Too often you have the indoctrination, I would call it, of the other philosophy that views America as a place that ought to be torn to the ground.

More and more people see those who disagree with them as also being immoral. We tend to villainize people who disagree with us. What do you think we can do to be able to disagree but still be agreeable?

As a military veteran, I fought for everybody. I wore one uniform, and the guy next to me might have been a liberal

Democrat — I didn’t care. We were there for a mission and a purpose, which was the purpose of our country to protect our citizens in the case of Desert Storm, against Saddam Hussein and what was happening there and in Afghanistan, to go after the people that bombed the towers, at 9/11, and make sure we’re protected against the threat of Islam here in the homeland. And so that meant that you’re protecting everyone’s free speech, the right to petition for redress of grievances, right of press and assembly and everything. The challenge we have is a philosophy that does not believe any truth. It can’t define what a woman is. We’re at a crossroads, because as a person of faith, that’s where I get my capital T Truth. That’s where I get my north star, in terms of what leads to happiness, what leads to success, human thriving. And I think the keys to our 250 years has been faith, it’s family, it’s been patriotism.

And if you lose things like that, that you can rally around, then it’s hard for the nation to stay united. But I do believe we must have a united nation. As Lincoln said, “A house divided cannot stand.” And so I would make every effort to try to bridge that divide without compromising my belief in what I believe are timeless truths that make of Florida and America exceptional.

As governor and in the Legislature there is an ability to say, “That’s something that I don’t agree with,” and to outlaw it. Can other viewpoints coexist and still be legal? Ideas and speech have to coexist because the First Amendment dictates that they coexist. Having both sides debating these issues — the legislation gets better. It addresses some of the complaints by the Democrats in that case, or if the roles were reversed, Republicans raising objections, the Democrats would say, “OK, that’s probably true.” And so we get better laws as a result of that clashing of ideas. And it can be civil, but it can be vigorous.

We never silenced the opposition. With a supermajority, you can waive a lot of rules and just jam things through. I never did that.

We as the majority party had to argue why we’re doing what we’re doing and make the case, and it made us better — to deliver that case to voters.

How does this relate to the concept of Home Rule?

How do you balance saying, “We’re going to take the state in this direction, but we’re also going to respect that the local leaders also need to run things the best way that matches what their community desires”?

As I’ve spent time on the campaign trail, I’ve really come to a firm conclusion that people want more local control, and they deserve it.

We don’t want the federal government stripping away from us all of our ability to act at the state level, and so we shouldn’t do it to the local. So I do believe that

Last question: When I heard that you were going to run, and I’ve interviewed you many times — seen you rise to that level at the Speaker of the House — I assumed that you would be the front runner in this race. And right now, you’re not. What is the main reason that you think people should shift their support to you, as opposed to others that may be leading you in the polls? First of all, there’s certainly been an effort to try to — I don’t want to say rig the election — but to make sure that no money flows to any other candidate that can get their message out, but only to one candidate who refuses to even get on the stage and debate. So, it’s really an affront to the voters.

When we get our message in front of voters, we convert those votes, and we beat Byron Donalds. “Undecided” is still the frontrunner, always has been.

We believe we’ll convert a lot of those undecideds in the upcoming weeks before the election for five reasons:

One is, you want a proven leader who’s been battle tested. I served 20 years as a Navy commander. I served in two wars, leading under pressure as a state prosecutor, trying violent felons as a business owner. I was a partner in a business. I’ve had private sector experience and also leading the Florida House, about 500 employees. So, I’ve had these executive roles. That is important for an executive office like governor, and the other candidates come nowhere close.

The same is true for results. The governor (Ron DeSantis) said those two years were unprecedented among all the states in the country. We got more done in those two years when I was leading than any other two years in Florida history, frankly. And so, I just say when I was in charge, conservatives won every battle. But we also did some bipartisan things that were big wins, like social media, like the Florida Wildlife Corridor, protecting our environment.

Third is vision. We have a contract with Florida on our website, voterenner.com, a comprehensive a plan for the first 100 days, my written commitment to get after affordability, safety, health freedom, our environment, and also just keeping Florida free.

Fourth, I’ve led from the front with the governor when others have waited for the battle to come to them. In school board races and for amendments, I fought vigorously, traveled the state, spent over $2 million in 2024 alone out of the stuff we raised — money that I can’t use in the governor’s race. That’s what you should expect from a leader. The other guy sent out a post on social media, but that doesn’t get it done.

A fifth one is experience at the state. Byron Donalds was in Congress for the last five years. Not his fault, but I have much more experience at the state level. I know the incoming presiding officers and can work with all of them at a very high level and be effective on day one. There’s no on-the-job training because I was really the number two, as speaker of the house. I’m ready to go.

Successfully treating hearing loss requires much more than selecting a hearing aid.

A complete treatment process includes four essential steps:

1. A comprehensive hearing evaluation

2. Selection of the right hearing aids for your hearing loss, lifestyle, and needs

3. Precise programming and verification of the hearing aids to ensure they match your individual prescription

4. Comprehensive aural rehabilitation, counseling, and follow-up care after the fitting

Last month, we discussed why choosing the right hearing aid is so important. This month, we are focusing on something equally important: making sure those hearing aids are fitted accurately.

Even the most advanced hearing aids cannot provide their best results if they are not programmed correctly. Your audiologist must have the training, expertise, and specialized equipment needed to program your hearing aids to your individual hearing prescription—and then objectively verify that the devices are actually delivering the correct amount of sound.

Hearing Aids Are Fitted to a Prescription

Many people are surprised to learn that prescription hearing aids are fitted according to specific prescriptive targets based on the results of their hearing evaluation.

Think about what happens when you get new glasses. Your eye doctor examines your eyes and determines the prescription needed to help you see clearly. You might pick up someone else’s beautiful designer glasses, but if the prescription is not right for your eyes, you still will not see well.

Hearing aids work in a similar way—but fitting them is even more complex.

Glasses have a relatively fixed job: They correct your vision while your eyes do the focusing. Modern hearing aids, however, are constantly analyzing your listening environment. Their microphones and processing systems automatically adjust how they respond to speech, background noise, music, wind, and other sounds. Your hearing aids must therefore be programmed not only for the degree and pattern of your hearing loss, but also for the way you experience sound in everyday life. As your hearing changes, many prescription hearing aids can also be reprogrammed—provided the devices remain appropriate for your current hearing needs.

Why an Accurate Fitting Matters

When hearing aids are not fitted properly, you may feel that you are still struggling to understand speech, that voices are unclear, or that certain sounds are too soft or uncomfortably loud. An improperly fitted earpiece can also cause soreness,

Unfortunately, connecting hearing aids to a computer and accepting the manufacturer’s suggested settings does not prove that the fitting is correct. Every ear canal is shaped differently, and those differences affect how sound reaches the eardrum.

That is why best-practice hearing care includes Real-Ear Measures, commonly called REM.

During real-ear testing, a very small probe microphone is carefully placed inside the ear canal. Measurements are taken while you are wearing your hearing aids so the audiologist can determine exactly how much sound is reaching your eardrum. Those results are then compared with validated prescriptive targets based on your hearing evaluation. If the measurements do not match the targets, the audiologist adjusts the hearing aids and measures again until the fitting is appropriately optimized for your hearing. Real-ear verification should be completed when your hearing aids are initially fitted and repeated when there is a meaningful change in your hearing or programming needs. It is important to understand that simply connecting hearing aids to a computer and changing their settings is not real-ear measurement.

Doctors of Audiology receive extensive education and clinical training in hearing assessment and hearing-aid technology. However, patients should still ask whether their provider routinely performs Real-Ear Measures as part of the fitting process. The hearing aid you choose matters—but the expertise of the professional who evaluates, fits, verifies, and follows your progress can matter just as much. A properly selected hearing aid is only the beginning. Accurate fitting and verification are what help turn advanced technology into better hearing in the real world. If you already have hearing aids, and you aren’t hearing well, call and schedule an appointment to have real-ear measures performed on your current devices. If you are considering treating your hearing loss, make sure you ask “Do you verify your hearing aid fittings with REM? And where did you get your training?” At Palm Coast & Ormond Hearing Center, our mission is to not only provide the best quality hearing care possible, but also to educate the community and help all patients make informed decisions so they can get the care they need and deserve. Visit our website, www.palmcoasthearingcenter. com to learn more and schedule an appointment. We also have a locations in Ormond, learn more at www. Ormondhearingcenter.com.

Paul Renner, as pictured on his campaign Facebook page.

Peacemaking on the opinion page, in the age of social media

How we build bridges of understanding.

In the past week, someone told me that the Observer is “just a MAGA rag”; then, someone else called it a “liberal rag.” I have been accused this week, also, of promoting Jill Woolbright for Flagler County School Board — and I’ve also been accused of trying to prevent her from being elected.

I’m a nice guy, to a fault, and it’s no fun to be in the political crossfire, but no one told me I had to be in the news business, so I can’t complain.

I believe that transparency builds trust, however, so let me give a play-by-play of another recent online incident that caused some controversy during this election season. At about 10:30 on Friday night, I received a text telling me that a certain Facebook comment, which accused one person of contributing to someone else’s suicide, was visible on the Observer’s article post. I didn’t feel comfortable with that, so I

appreciated the text alert. I had seen the comment on the post hours earlier and pushed the “hide” button, but learned that hiding the comment was insufficient. It was one of about 80 other comments on the post, and, as I skimmed through them, lying in bed at about 11 p.m., I saw other people were making accusations related to suicide, and I had no verification of the facts. Many of the other comments were not only negative in nature, but I would consider them to be personal attacks, with commenters calling each other “evil,” among other things. I didn’t want the Observer to be associated with these comments, and I knew it wasn’t realistic to monitor the post into the night, so I took the extraordinary measure of archiving the whole post, effectively eliminating all the comments. I then reposted the article, disabled comments, and explained in the new post that I felt the original had been doing more harm than good. Since taking that post down, I’ve been accused of stifling free speech and protecting the author of the original article, Jearlyn Dennie. I’ve also been accused of the opposite — of not acting fast enough to remove the comments.

WHY WE ARE HERE

These accusations have caused me to reflect a lot on why we do what we do.

A few years ago, when my wife and I bought the Palm Coast and Ormond Beach Observer newspapers (we’ve since expanded to The Hammock and Daytona Beach), we decided to not endorse political candidates. Hailey and I felt it was best to stay focused on publishing the news in an unbiased fashion. Most people, I think, appreciated that approach, although we did receive a letter this week asking us to start endorsing again (we have no plans to do that).

We have also been accused of not doing enough to challenge public figures when they are loose with facts, and I agree we should do better at that.

It has come to my attention that some letters may be written by A.I. We need to develop a policy on that soon; I don’t want people to turn to our opinion page and expect to read artificial letters.

While imperfect, we can commit to this with a clear conscience: The Observer does not promote any particular political viewpoint or philosophy — only peacemaking. We promote peace by reporting on what the government does and why, and also what our neighbors think and why. Then, if two neighbors disagree, at least they will understand each other’s motivations and be less likely to see each other as enemies.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Don’t diminish code enforcement

Dear Editor: Shifting code enforcement toward complaint-based only is an awful idea!

We need the inspectors to ride around. Did you ever ride around the city of Palm Coast and see what it’s getting to look like with trash pails and recycling bins and just all kinds of garbage in front of the homes?

No matter what section I’m in, it gets worse, and worse probably because there’s just so many homes now.

To do away with inspectors riding around, forget the saying, “Keep Palm Coast Beautiful.”

PAT BARILE Palm Coast

Candidate Eric Yonce is a voice of reason

Dear Editor: I first met Eric Yonce [who is running for U.S. House of Representatives, District 6, in the Democratic primary] when he and his girlfriend,

Jess, came to our neighborhood garage sale. They stood in front of my driveway in the heat for five hours as Eric introduced himself and listened to bargain hunters share their thoughts and concerns about our current political situation. Eric genuinely listened — he didn’t interject his own opinions, but truly took the time to hear what fellow Republicans, Democrats and independents had to say. Since then, he has been a consistent voice of reason throughout Palm Coast and Flagler County. He is incredibly easy to talk to and deeply committed to working hard for the middle class. Eric has earned my trust, and he will absolutely have my vote in the August primaries to represent our community in Washington.

PAT SCOTT Palm Coast

In support of Dylana ‘Dee’ Galery

Dear Editor: Let’s prioritize Dylana

“Dee” Galery, a candidate in the Aug. 18 primary for Palm Coast City Council, District 4.

Dee concentrates on the needs of the people. Her positions include “reducing flooding through stronger stormwater systems; prioritizing repairs and upgrades before new development; and making sure developers pay their fair share and follow responsible planning.”

The 32-year-old will also weigh in on “growing our commercial tax base responsibly, strengthening our local economy and ensuring impact fees work the way they’re supposed to.”

She focuses on “expanding transportation options, providing clear communication for households on fixed incomes; supporting programs that help with mobility — ‘aging in place’ — independent living,” and other initiatives.

At the Flagler County Association of Realtors’ Meet the Candidates forum on June 30, a question asked of Dee was: “What kind of problem (among varying choices) do you believe Palm

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR OUR OPINION PAGE?

We encourage letters to the editor from all viewpoints, including from candidates. The letters should be of general interest on local topics and fewer than 400 words. National issues are better subjects for other publications, not ours, but some writers find ways to find at least a small local angle, and we are as lenient on that as possible. We prioritize local letters.

We publish first and last names, plus the author’s city of residence.

We do not guarantee that all letters will be published in print and/or online, but we publish as many as we can.

If someone writes a letter and includes a personal insult, we don’t publish the insult. We also don’t publish accusations that aren’t verified, and we don’t publish false statements of fact. We include clarifying “editor’s notes” when necessary, while trying our best to respect the author’s intent and not make it look like we are correcting their opinions.

When a letter writer has personal insight or is a public figure, we sometimes treat their submission as a My View with a larger headline. We sometimes work with letter writers to help them meet our standards. If a writer speculates about another person’s motives, or makes an accusation, we may remove that portion of

Coast has?” She answered that Palm Coast has a planning problem.

“We’ve experienced a lot of growth, but there’s too often that the infrastructure has been playing catch-up essentially,” she said.

Born on Fort Hood Army Base in Killeen, Texas, Dee grew up in Hastings, Florida, and relocated with her family to Palm Coast. She swept off to the University of Central Florida, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in political science.

She is employed by the state of Florida and has budget management skills. She’s trained staff in retail-store remodeling for Target and Walmart.

JEROLINE D. MCCARTHY Palm

Coast

City Council should vote no on westward expansion

Dear Editor:

I must commend the city’s planning board for their unanimous decision to reject the potential future land use amendment and rezoning of more than 20,000 acres west of U.S. 1.

the letter, or give the opposing party an opportunity for a rebuttal. We strive to be fair and respectful.

We never intentionally exclude one viewpoint in favor of another, as long as the views are in pursuit of truth and not to do harm.

HOW DO WE MOVE FORWARD?

Which brings me back to the midnight text alert.

What should the Observer do about personal attacks and claims of fact in the social media comments on our curated opinion pieces?

In the name of free speech, should we allow any comment at any time, even if it’s an accusation about suicide?

Or perhaps, should we post the stories but with no commenting at all? A third option: Should we enable comments on some stories, and then monitor those more closely?

News agencies around the country have tried variations of these options. I’m still searching.

Meanwhile, we have to acknowledge that social media’s success is mostly measured on engagement — even if that engagement is harmful, insulting or false. The Observer will not set aside its mission just to get more views. Instead, we intend to use our news and opinion pages to build bridges of understanding.

Intentions may not be enough, however.

Our next step to build

It was a rare rebuke by this advisory body that reaffirms how jaded Flagler County residents are with the growth management of our community. However, anyone celebrating this vote should remember that the real decision-making authority remains with the City Council, who will review this same issue at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 4. A rejection by the council is less than assured. This public meeting will be crucial in that the project will either be approved and sent to Tallahassee for a rubber stamp transmittal, or the council could finally declare “enough,” and stop it before it begins. This massive development would add nearly 22,000 homes to the city if approved. For too long Flagler County residents have been frustrated with officeholders who say the right things to get elected, but once in office neglect the interests of those who hired them.

Interestingly, the Aug. 4 council vote comes right before our local Aug. 18 primary election, where two current voting members of the council seek higher offices. This issue will give voters insight into where our leadership stands on growth

trust: Establish more policies that eliminate even the perception of bias. We welcome suggestions.

Email me at brian@ observerlocalnews.com.

management, and how they may vote on similar proposed mega-developments in the future.

I implore voters to conduct thorough research before casting their vote. I would also apply the same scrutiny to those seeking office who are not yet officeholders. As we see the consequences of continued unimpeded growth every day, remember that electing the wrong leaders this August and November will only compound our infrastructure issues, flooding and traffic congestion. A “no” vote from the council Aug. 4 could change the narrative in Flagler County and show developers we want responsible development that respects local taxpayers, and policies from our council that prioritize the needs of current residents.

CASEY C. CHEAP Palm Coast

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length. We publish as many letters as possible on local issues of general interest.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

In previous term, I stood for parental rights before it became state law

JILL WOOLBRIGHT GUEST WRITER

Recent commentary about my service on the Flagler County School Board paints a picture that simply isn’t supported by the public record. Voters deserve facts, not opinions, and those facts are documented in public records, School Board meeting minutes and video recordings available for anyone to review. Throughout my service, the disagreements were

never about personalities, they were about two fundamentally different views of the role of parents and the role of government in our schools.

After spending 28 years in a Flagler County classroom, I never forgot that parents are a child’s first teacher and greatest advocate. That belief guided every vote I cast. Consider just a few examples. My first vote as a School Board member was against adding “gender identity” to the district’s nondiscrimination policy. The motion passed on a 3-2 vote. Colleen Conklin, Cheryl Massaro, and Trevor Tucker voted in favor. Janet McDonald and I voted against. I believed a policy of that significance deserved broader public

discussion before being adopted.

When Gov. Ron DeSantis ended school mask mandates, the board majority attempted three separate times during one meeting to reinstate mask mandates despite the governor’s executive order. I voted no each time because I believed health care decisions for children belong to parents — not the School Board.

I also exposed internal district forms that allowed students to socially transition at school while parents were kept in the dark.

During a public meeting, former School Board Chair Colleen Conklin acknowledged those forms had been used for years. By exposing those practices and working

alongside legislative leaders, including then-House Speaker Paul Renner, I helped bring statewide attention to a practice that parents overwhelmingly believed should end. Those efforts contributed to stronger parental rights protections that are now reflected in Florida law.

Later, I identified a book in our middle and high school libraries that contained sexually explicit material I believed was inappropriate for students and inconsistent with Florida law governing age-appropriate materials. I called for its removal because I believe our schools should never provide children with sexually explicit content. Ms. Conklin opposed removing the book and supported keeping it in our school

libraries.

The superintendent ultimately removed the book, and Flagler County became one of the first school districts in Florida to act.

Our district helped lead the way for parents and school districts across the state as Florida strengthened its laws to ensure school library materials are age appropriate and reaffirmed parents’ right to have a voice in what is available to their children.

Every one of those decisions was rooted in the same principle: parents have the right to know, the right to be involved, and the right to raise their children without schools withholding important information from them. I stood for parents before

MY VIEW DR. COLLEEN CONKLIN, FORMER SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER

parental rights became state law. I stood for transparency before Florida required it. I stood for protecting children when it invited criticism. Today, many of those same principles have been affirmed in Florida law and state policy. I would make those same decisions again because I believe they were the right decisions for the children and families of Flagler County. My loyalty has never been to politics; it has always been to the students, parents, and families I was privileged to serve for 28 years. That is the record I offer the voters, and I respectfully ask for their support on August 18.

Jill Woolbright is a candidate for Flagler County School Board, District 1

When School Board members make every issue political, students suffer

DR. COLLEEN CONKLIN GUEST WRITER

There is an old saying that history belongs to those who write it first and to those willing to remember it honestly.

Jill Woolbright’s recent letter asks voters to view her tenure on the Flagler County School Board through a single lens: parental rights. It is an appealing narrative because it simplifies a complicated chapter in our community’s history, but it leaves out the part many of us lived through.

During my 24 years on the Flagler County School Board, I served alongside members with widely differing political philosophies. We debated budgets, curriculum, labor contracts, attendance boundaries, taxes, safety, and countless other issues that naturally come before elected boards. We did not always agree, nor should we have. Healthy disagreement is essential to good governance. What changed during 2020 through 2022 was not disagreement. It was the replacement of collaboration with confrontation and governing with political performance. Our School Board became known not for student achievement or innovative programs, but for investigations, accusations, ideological battles, and national

culture war headlines. Public meetings increasingly became stages for political theater while the real work of educating children was pushed into the background. That did not happen because parents wanted a voice. Parents have always deserved a voice. Nor did it happen because people held different opinions. Diverse viewpoints have always existed and should be welcomed. It happened because disagreement stopped being viewed as an opportunity to solve problems and instead became an opportunity to identify enemies. When public servants begin questioning one another’s motives instead of debating ideas, trust erodes. When educators are portrayed as adversaries rather

than professionals, recruitment and morale suffer. When every issue is framed as a political battle, students inevitably become secondary to the conflict.

Flagler County should never forget that she turned our board chambers into a literal battlefield: welcoming the Proud Boys and 3%’s, dressed in full military gear, all while they threatened and screamed at our students, families, board members and others.

Florida’s education laws have changed over the past several years. That is the Legislature’s role. Reasonable people can disagree about whether those changes were beneficial. But no new law changes what voters witnessed during those years, nor does it erase the tone, conduct, and division that

came to define our board.

School Board members are not elected to wage ideological campaigns. We are elected to exercise sound judgment, protect taxpayer resources, support excellent educators, and ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed. Our responsibility is to govern, not to perform for partisan audiences.

The strongest leaders are not those who create the most controversy. They are the ones who build trust among people who disagree, and keep their attention fixed on the mission rather than themselves.

That is especially true in public education.

Every child who walks through the doors of our schools deserves to know the adults responsible for their education are focused on

MY VIEW CATHY MOON, CANDIDATE FOR SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 1

reading, mathematics, career preparation, school safety, student well-being and opportunity, not on the next political headline. As voters consider who should represent them on the School Board, I hope they will look beyond campaign narratives and ask a simple question: Who has demonstrated the ability to bring people together to solve difficult problems?

Because at the end of the day, leadership is not measured by the battles we choose to fight. It is measured by the communities we serve and help build up. Keep Flagler Schools moving forward. Vote to give Cathy Moon an opportunity to prove herself. Conklin served on the School Board for 24 years.

Free transportation and more awareness would boost vital VPK program

In 2025-2026, only 37% of children in Flagler County arrived at kindergarten ready to learn. Read that again. Nearly two out of every three of our 5-year-olds walked through their classroom door already behind. Here is what makes that number even more troubling. A free solution already exists. Florida’s voluntary prekindergarten program is available at no cost to every

4-year-old in Flagler County. Yet data from the 2024-2025 school year shows that 35% of our kindergartners never attended. The difference in outcomes between those who did and those who did not is stark. Of children who completed VPK, 46% tested kindergarten ready. Of those who did not attend, only 23% tested ready. These are not abstract statistics. These are our neighbors’ children. These are the children returning to classrooms across Flagler County in a few weeks, already working to overcome a gap that research tells us most will never fully close. Children who are not kindergarten ready are significantly more likely to struggle with third grade reading

scores. Those early skills gaps compound quietly over time, closing doors of opportunity before a child ever realizes it. The human cost is immeasurable.

The financial cost to our school system, which must invest additional intervention and remediation resources across 13 years of schooling for each unprepared child, is enormous. Multiply that investment across hundreds of children every single year and the urgency of solving this becomes impossible to ignore.

So why are so many families not accessing a program that is completely free?

The barriers are real, layered, and importantly, solvable. Transportation is

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Filing criminal complaint to remove book was divisive

Dear Editor: Jill Woolbright, District 1 School Board candidate, responded to a previous letter addressing and critiquing her efforts to ban books while a board member five years ago. She replied that her effort to ensure books were age appropriate was never “about preventing people from reading books.” However, that reply was disingenuous. Not only

did she want to prevent a book that she personally thought was inappropriate and pornographic from being read i.e., banned, but she very dramatically filed a criminal complaint with the local sheriff accusing school district staff and the Flagler Schools superintendent of a crime for the mere presence of the offending LGBTQ book in the district.

Woolbright’s actions made national news and not in a good way. It was an embarrassment and put Flagler County at the epicenter of

the ultra-conservative movement to ban books. Needless to say, our local sheriff found insufficient criminality to lock anybody up. So, contrary to her reply, it was obvious she was indeed preventing the reading of the book. It was a foolhardy and irrational endeavor and, of course, divisive. And that’s a clear indicator that voters should be reluctant to return her to the School Board.

BETH MCGUIRE Palm

Coast

the most frequently cited obstacle. Our VPK program operates only half a day, and while after care is available, the $80 weekly fee is simply out of reach for some families. Assistance programs exist for qualifying low-income families, but awareness and access to those programs remains inconsistent.

Awareness is equally critical. More than a third of families currently enrolled in Flagler County schools moved here within the last four years. In most states, VPK is not free for all eligible students. These families may simply not know what is available to them here.

We must reach new residents the moment they arrive in our community, not after

Woolbright has kids’ emotional health as her priority

Dear Editor:

I do not personally know Jill Woolbright. I was a sixth grade teacher for many years. I think free speech is very important. I think the education of our children is a very serious obligation. I support banning any book that promotes, displays, explains or describes (even in animation/cartoon) sex in the elementary and middle school grades. For this reason, I emphatically support Jill Woolbright and hope she is elected. It is

kindergarten registration has already opened. And some parents, both longtime residents and newcomers alike, may not fully appreciate the profound difference between VPK and daycare, or understand the lasting impact that kindergarten readiness has on their child’s entire educational journey.

I approached Teresa Rizzo of the Flagler Education Foundation about seeking a grant to provide VPK transportation to Bunnell Elementary.

This is particularly critical to families living 20-25 minutes from the school. We are planning further discussions.

This is not a problem that one School Board member can solve alone. It will require a

obvious she has the children’s mental and emotional health as her priority. I wish more people did in this scary culture we live in.

VALERIE WAPELHORST Palm Coast

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length. The Observer publishes as many letters, from all viewpoints, as possible, if the letters are of general concern about local topics.

true village, including school district leaders, transportation officials, community organizations, faith communities, pediatricians, local businesses and engaged and informed voters who demand that their elected officials treat this issue with the urgency it deserves. I am running for Flagler County School Board because I believe every child in this community deserves to walk through their kindergarten door ready to learn, ready to grow and ready to succeed. This issue can be tackled strategically and in phases, with creative solutions and fiscal discipline guiding every step. Cathy Moon is a candidate for Flagler County School Board, District 1.

Jill Woolbright endorsement from FCAR

The Flagler County Association of REALTORS is recommending the election of Jill R. Woolbright for Flagler County School Board, District 1. One candidate seeking election for Flagler County School Board, District 1, was interviewed during the selection process. FCAR has a membership of over 1600.

CATHY MOON GUEST WRITER

Sip, Savor, and Celebrate

sept 19 saturday

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TAKING CENTER STAGE

cially retires July 31. “I work for the school district, which is incredible, and run the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, where we bring professional plays, musicals and professional acts to our stage.”

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Craig Uppercue, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s new director, is an overachiever and a multitasker. In other words, he’s perfect for his new role.

Uppercue is an employee of Flagler Schools, and he also runs a nonprofit — the performing arts center on the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School.

He is not only the director at The Fitz, he is also the new adminstrator of the school district’s Flagler Youth Orchestra. And he is the director of the district’s K-12 Visual and Performing Arts programs, including the district’s dance, theater, band, choir, general music and 2D, 3D and digital arts programs.

“It’s a very unique position, because we are the only performing arts center in Florida that is directly affiliated with the public school district,” said Uppercue, who came on board July 8 and is replacing Amelia Fulmer, who offi-

Fulmer has been an educator with Flagler Schools for 38 years, the last seven as The Fitz’s director. She is moving to New Smyrna Beach where she will be on the board of trustees for the Hub on Canal, a downtown community arts center featuring rotating arts exhibitions and working artist studios. She is also on the board of directors for the Daytona Beach Symphony Society and is a Florida vocal Association choral adjudicator.

“I started all these things in the last six months, because I wanted to still have something to cook on and make new friends,” Fulmer said. “The last seven years, I’ve grown a lot and learned a lot about how to run a business. Now I’ll be doing quite a different thing, but I’m excited.”

In her final weeks with Flagler Schools, Fulmer has helped Uppercue transition into his new position.

“Craig has a lot to learn [about his new job], but I know that he can do it,” Fulmer said. “I know he’s got the right attitude. He’s got that growth mindset as all good educators do.”

None of his new roles are unfamiliar territory. Uppercue has most recently been Volusia County Schools’ fine arts specialist overseeing visual and performing arts programs. From 2013 to 2022, he was the artistic director for the Athens Theatre in DeLand, a full-time job, while also working full time for Volusia County Schools.

He taught music on the elementary, middle and high school levels for 16 years in Seminole and Volusia counties before moving into administration seven years ago. He earned a bachelor’s degree in music education at Stetson University, a master’s degree in educational leadership at Grand Canyon University and an education specialist degree in curriculum and instruction from Stetson. And he is wrapping up his doctorate degree in curricu-

lum instruction from Liberty University.

“All of my coursework and dissertation are done,” he said. “So I’m just waiting to cross the stage at this point.”

PERFORMER, TEACHER, ADMINISTRATOR

Uppercue lives in DeLand with his wife and three children and said he’s been enjoying the quiet time of his new commute. He wife told hime that if they move closer to Palm Coast it will be to north DeLand.

Uppercue’s new office is not far from The Fitz’s stage, a place where he feels at home. He is a percussionist. He performed in the orchestra for the “Lion King” on Broadway and on national tour.

He grew up in Tampa. Both of his parents are musicians and educators. His father taught music for 42 years in Hillsborough County Public Schools. His mother, a former banker, is now a guidance counselor. Uppercue grew up playing in the Tampa youth orchestras and also performed in professional theater.

He has experience for all the different roles his new job entails, but he’s never been able to combine them all under one umbrella.

“I think what’s most exciting is really combining all the things that I love in one place,” he said. “For at least the last 10 to 15 years, I felt very torn in my jobs with the Athens Theatre, and in the school district. I was being pulled in a lot of different directions, and it wasn’t for one common pur-

pose and one common mission.”

Now his jobs are all connected. The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center is a direct support organization for Flagler Schools. The professional shows support the community. High school students, by their junior or senior year, get to work in theater in the sound and lighting department, doing stagehand work and stage managment, operating the spot light, as well as working in the front of the house — in the snack bar, learning how to manage the lobby, taking tickets, learning customer service while working with the box office staff.

“We refer to it often as the ultimate classroom for the arts,” he said. “So, they can have those opportunities where they’re learning and growing.”

Uppercue said Fulmer has grown a tremendous team at The Fitz with a staff that handles the box office, bookkeeping, ticket sales and marketing.

“When I think about arts and education,” he said, “the professional shows that come here allow us to give back to the school district, so that when it comes time we can utilize some of the funding that we may make as a nonprofit. We can help a school buy a tuba. We can help kids afford voice lessons. We can help the theater programs at the high schools.”

Uppercue hasn’t met The Fitz’s entire governing board yet. He said he’s going to take the next few months to get

Shows at

The Fitz

The Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center on the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School presents both professional and community events.

There are 21 shows scheduled for the 202627 season, which opens on Oct. 13 with “The President’s Own United States Marine Band,” a free show.

“That’s very exciting,”

Craig Uppercue, the center’s new director, said. “That’a free concert and that’s a really big deal. That is probably the most difficult military band to be a part of.” Uppercue, a child of the ’80s, is also excited about the Oct. 30 show, “80’s night with the American Sirens and Heart Throb.”

Other highlights include: “Black Tie Optional: A Tribute to Michael Buble and Beyond,” on Nov. 20.

“My dear friend plays bass for the real Michael Buble,” Uppercue said. “I love that style. I love jazz music, so I’m excited to see that.”

“Elements: The Ultimate Earth, Wind & Fire Tribute,” is scheduled for Nov. 27. “The FROST Holiday Variety Cirque Show,” is scheduled for Dec. 4.

“It’s going to be very Cirque du Soleil, with people swinging through the air and doing tricks on stage and all set to music,” Uppercue said.

Comedian Rita Rudner will be at the Fitz on Feb. 5.

“Michael Cavanaugh, the Music of Billy Joel and Elton John,” will be here on March 12.

To see the complete season’s schedule and to order tickets, go to flaglerentertainment. com/events.

to know all of the Fitzgerald’s stakeholders including folks who regularly attend the shows as well as those who never come, so he can see what shows The Fitz can bring in to appeal to the next generation.

Fulmer said Uppercue’s new responsibilities are all in the name of arts education.

“So, I’m excited for Mr. Uppercue to come in and give a little bit more emphasis to that,” she said, “because that’s what I’ve tried to do.”

Flagler Tiger Bay Club Vice President Amelia Fulmer. Photo by Brian McMillan

Craig Uppercue, the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center’s new director, was recently Volusia County Schools’ fine arts specialist. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Craig Uppercue has a new home with Flagler Schools and the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, JULY 30

BEATS AND EATS

When: 6-8 p.m.

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

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

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.

SUNDAY, AUG. 2

HIS COURT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT (PSALMS

100:4)

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Where: Carver Gym, 206 Drain St., Bunnell Details: Basketball tournament shootout with age divisions 7–12, 13–17, and 18 and older. Special contests include a free throw contest, 3-point contest, and a Money Ball half-court shot for $100 cash. Register at https://forms.gle/JadSrHDak9rjo2tZ8; after registering, text “waiver” to 833-2120609. Pay at the gym at check-in.

SMART OF FLAGLER

ADOPTABLE DOGS & PUPPIES EVENT

When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: The Nexus Center, 2199 Commerce Parkway, Bunnell

Details: Meet recently rescued “Leo and Sunny” and other SMART adoptable dogs and puppies. Puppy kissing booth, puppy bowl, puppy fashion show. Learn about the adoption process. Hosted by SMART of Flagler with the Flagler County Public Library.

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 entertain-

ment. Sponsorships available.

RSVP by Aug. 3. Call Maria Lavin-Sanhudo at 386-5699041 or email ARCofFlaglerCounty@gmail.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 7

FIRST FRIDAY

GARDEN WALK

When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Join a ranger the First Friday of every month for a garden walk. Learn about the history of Washington Oaks while exploring the gardens. Walk is approximately one hour. No registration required. Park entry fee applies.

FLAGLER BEACH

FIRST FRIDAY

When: 6-9 p.m.

Where: Veterans Park, 105 S. 2nd St., Flagler Beach

Details: Enjoy community, music and vendors. Free.

SATURDAY, AUG. 8

SECOND SATURDAY

PLANT SALE

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

Where: Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, 6400 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Palm Coast

Details: Join the Friends of Washington Oaks for a plant sale. Free with paid park admission. Please bring cash.

AMERICA 250: A LINCOLN DAY DINNER

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Flagler County Nexus Center, 2199 Commerce Parkway, Bunnell

Details: The Flagler County Republican Executive Committee presents this event celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This is a semiformal celebration where guests will enjoy a plated dinner, entertainment, a live auction and presentations from some of the state’s conservative leaders. Featured speakers include U.S. Rep. Randy

SUNDAY, AUG.

FOCUS ON FAITH

Salty Church makes a 30-day prayer challenge

Salty Church Lead Pastor Robbie O’Brien challenged the members to embark on a 30-day challenge utilizing the Lord’s Prayer.

“There is no substitute for your direct connection with God. You can’t farm it out. You can’t hire somebody else to do it or phone it in, right? You need to connect,” O’Brien said.

He began the prayer with the entire church: “Our father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us for our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors.”

O’Brien added: “Forgiving someone else does not require you to trust them.”

Also: “It is releasing the debt they owe.”

In terms of baptism, this act can symbolically represent the releasing of one’s debt, and then emerging from the water “clean.”

Toward the end of the service, O’Brien told his church members that bowls of ocean water were placed throughout the church.

He urged his members to utilize the water as a reminder that each individual is forgiven and cleansed through each baptism. O’Brien said that individuals could simply dip their fingers in the water, or perhaps, make the outline of a cross atop their foreheads.

“The water is a reminder, a

tool. Some of you need that,” O’Brien said.

Prior to the conclusion of the service, O’Brien asked some reflection questions: When are you eager or reluctant to accept God’s gift of forgiveness? When are you eager or reluctant to give the gift of forgiveness?

Salty Church is located at 221 Vining Court, Ormond Beach. The church services take place at 5:30 p.m. Saturdays, and 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and noon on Sundays.

Brought to you by:

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

YOUR SCHOOLS

Seabreeze High School’s new principal is moved by Sandcrab spirit

Meet Seabreeze High School’s new principal, Jodi Lewitt.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

When Jodi Lewitt was thinking about becoming an administrator, Seabreeze High School was at the top of her wish list.

The faculty. The students. The alumni. The community support. All of that stood out to Lewitt.

“Our mantra of ‘Once a Sandcrab, always a Sandcrab’ — it is so true,” Lewitt said. “... A lot of our faculty were students here. The alumni

CLASS NOTES

want to come back. They want to participate. They bring their kids here. We have three or four generations of families here because they want their kids to graduate from Seabreeze.”

Now, Lewitt is taking the lead as the school’s new principal, succeeding Tucker Harris, who is now the director of secondary schools for Volusia County Schools. Lewitt is entering her 23rd year in education. She started working for VCS in 2004.

And she’s not a stranger on the sandbar. Lewitt previously served as the school’s assistant principal since 2022. Seabreeze is currently an A rated school, for the third year in a row. It’s also the 11th

Flagler County’s Back to School Jam set for Aug. 1 at FPC Flagler Schools’ 2026 Back to School Jam will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at Flagler Palm Coast High School’s Andy Anderson Athleti Center (800 gym). Families can connect with school administrators and community partner organizations and learn about transportation and food services. Free

highest-ranked non-charter, non-magnet high school in the state, according to the district.

So Lewitt’s goal for the upcoming school year is simply to keep the momentum going.

“We’re going to keep on keeping on because it’s working,” Lewitt said.

As a former teacher, 14 years of which were spent at the elementary level, Lewitt said that coaching remains a big part of the job. Whether it’s a student or a teacher, as a principal, you’re still trying to inspire and motivate using similar strategies.

Going into education, she said, was always going to be her path.

backpacks filled with school supplies will be handed out while supplies last, courtesy of the Flagler County Education Foundation.

There will also be special “A District Celebration Zone,” with lots of fun and games as families and staff celebrate the district’s A grade together.

“I don’t think there was ever a question,” Lewitt said. “... I love mentoring and helping others, and love learning — I have a passion for learning.”

Lewitt expressed her excitement at becoming Seabreeze’s new principal in a recent message to students and their families. She encouraged them to stay connected and involved in the school.

“Throughout my career, I have learned that the strongest schools are built on meaningful relationships, open communication, and a shared commitment to student success,” Lewitt wrote. “I am excited to bring that same continued commitment to Seabreeze.”

Seabreeze High School principal Jodi Lewitt. Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Flagler Palm Coast (left( and Matanzas (above) high schools held their first day of marching band camps on July 27. At times during the week they beat the rain and heat by practicing indoors. Courtesy photos/Flagler Schools

BAND CAMP BEGINS

REAL ESTATE

Ocean Hammock home sells for $3.2 million

Ahouse at 34 Hammock Beach Circle South, in Ocean Hammock, was the top real estate transaction for July 11-17 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on July 15, for $3.2 million. Built in 2009, the house is a 6/5 and has a pool, a hot tub, an elevator, a fireplace and 5,324 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $1,900,000. The house was listed by Anthony Lombardo, of Coastal Gateway Real Estate Group.

ALEXIS MILLER

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Palm Harbor A house at 4 Fortress Court, sold on July 17, for $405,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,536 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $330,000.

A house at 18 Old Oak Drive N., sold on July 17, for $1,205,000.

shutters throughout, and the full fenced backyard on an oversized, pie-shaped lot. $375000 Call Grace Barbeiro 386-334-9997.

PALM COAST

Indian Trails

A house at 64 Bennett Lane, sold on July 17, for $448,000. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,311 square feet.

A house at 35 Burning Ember Lane, sold on July 17, for $500,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a hot tub and 2,150 square feet. It sold in 2002 for $124,600.

Lehigh Woods

A house at 25 Ryecroft Lane, sold on July 16, for $270,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,264 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $272,000.

A house at 114 Red Mill Drive, sold on July 15, for $444,000.

Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,348 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $450,000.

A house at 42 Rose Drive, sold on July 15, for $345,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,700 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $339,900.

A house at 10 Rale Place, sold on July 15, for $310,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,467 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $325,400.

Ocean Hammock

A house at 27 Las Palmas Way, sold on July 17, for $1,750,000. Built in 2017, the house is a 5/4.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a summer kitchen, a fireplace and 4,457 square feet.

Florida Beaches Real Estate celebrates 5 years

Jordan Farrell and Tony Garren and their team celebrated the five-year anniversary of Florida Beaches Real Estate Co. on July 24, with a ribbon cutting, in association with the Palm Coast-Flagler Regional Chamber of Commerce. The business, located at 701 N. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach specializes in

Flagler Beach, Palm Coast and the surrounding areas.

After the ribbon cutting, the company posted a message on Facebook:

“Our hearts are full... To our customers, friends, family, business partners, and community, thank you for your trust, support, and encouragement over the past five years. ...

“Thank you for being part of our journey. The best is yet to come, and we’d love for you to be part of it.”

PALM COAST

Florida Beaches Real Estate Company turns 5 years old. Courtesy photo

Riverfront Ormond home sells for $2.2M

Ahouse on the Halifax River at 1210 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-bythe-Sea for the week of July 4-10. The house sold on July 8, for $2.2 million. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/4 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa, a dock, an outdoor kitchen, an elevator and 4,788 square feet. The house was listed by Chris Lohman, of Starr Real Estate LLC.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Condos

The condo at 1415 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 1002, sold on July 10, for $445,000. Built in 1974, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,300 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $335,000.

The condo at 1 John Anderson Drive, Unit 710, sold on July 10, for $395,000. Built in 1996, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 2,230 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $420,000.

The condo at 2700 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 209, sold on July 9, for $229,000. Built in 1986, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,025 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $168,500.

ORMOND BEACH

Assessors Ormond Beach

The house at 276 John Anderson Drive sold on July 9, for $1,725,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 6/4.5 and has a fireplace, a dock, a boat lift and 5,018 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1.4 million.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 428 Rexford Circle sold on July 8, for $575,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,329 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $545,000.

The house at 1128 Killarney Drive sold on July 8, for $470,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,159 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $340,000.

Hunter’s Ridge

The house at 21 Meadow Ridge Way sold on July 7, for $315,000. Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,831 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $295,000.

The house at 171 Pergola Place sold on July 10, for $449,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,371 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $264,600.

Northbrook

The house at 909 Northbrook Drive sold on July 6,

for $335,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,604 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $91,200.

Oak Forest The house at 1329 Oak Forest Drive sold on July 9, for $1,335,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a dock, a boat house, a boat lift, a pool and 3,209 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $750,000.

Ormond Lakes The house at 34 Emerald Oaks Lane sold on July 10, for $1,020,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 with two half baths and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 4,012 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $657,500.

Plantation Bay The house at 915 Brookridge Lane sold on July 6, for $405,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,607 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $183,000.

WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Latitude Margaritaville at 228 Cheeseburger Drive was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of July 4-10. The house sold on July 8, for $820,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2.5 and has a pool and 2,339 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $473,300. The house was listed by Kelley Saranti, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty.

Grande Champion

The house at 113 Gleneagle Grande Drive sold on July 7, for $328,000. Built in 4/2 and has 1,920 square feet. It last sold in 2015 for $185,700.

Highridge Estates

The house at 1433 Tommy Hitchcock Ave. sold on July 10, for $210,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,099 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $161,500.

Silver Pines

The house at 1756 Valencia Ave. sold on July 10, for $245,000. Built in 1971, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,206 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $51,900.

Standish Shores

The house at 209 Standish Drive sold on July 6, for $453,000. Built in 1963, the house is a 5/3.5 and has 2,990 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $202,000.

Tomoka Oaks

The house at 71 N. St. Andrews Drive sold on July 7, for $460,000. Built in 1968, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,498 square feet. It last sold in 2025 for $293,300.

Trails South Forty

The townhome at 104 Horseshoe Trail sold on July 10, for $226,500. Built in 1984, the townhome is a 2/2 and has 1,411 square feet. It last sold in 20211 for $150,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Not in subdivision

The house at 31 River Shore Drive sold on July 10, for $320,000. Built in 1956, the house is a 2/1 and has 996 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $365,000.

Ormond Beach Plaza

The house at 3580 Ocean Shore Blvd. sold on July 10, for $1,050,000. Built in 2007, the house is a 4/3.5, including a 1/1 guesthouse, and has a private beach walkover and 3,142 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $90,000.

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

Latitude Margaritaville

The house at 149 Gypsy Palace Lane sold on July 6, for $590,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,922 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $537,600.

The house at 786 Jollymon Way sold on July 7, for $643,700. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,394 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $678,000.

Legends Preserve

The house at 1008 British Circle sold on July 10, for $360,000. Built in 2026, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,908 square feet.

LPGA

The house at 201 Ekana Circle sold on July 10, for $390,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,770 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $180,000.

Sunlea breaks ground at Ormond Crossings

Part of the Ormond Crossings development, Sunlea broke ground on July 9. The development is projected to have over 400 homes.

“This represents another step in the long-planned Ormond Crossings development and reflects the continued growth and evolution of our community,” the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce said in

a Facebook post. “We appreciate the invitation to be part of this significant occasion and look forward to seeing the community continue to take shape.”

The builder in the development is Meritage Homes. Ormond Crossings is a mixed-use project located south of U.S. 1 and along both the east and west sides of I-95, with land in both Volusia and Flagler counties. In addition to building about 2,550 residential units, Ormond Crossings will have a commerce park and a town center with retail, restaurants and outdoor areas.

Mile Marker 803

Clubhouse opens in European Village

A new sports bar has opened in European Village: Mile Marker 803 celebrated with a ribbon cutting earlier this month. The establishment, in Units A101 and A102 at 101 Palm

Parkway in Palm Coast, is an upscale bar with live music scheduled in the coming days. According to an interview with BusinessDebut.com, it’s owned by Chris Moore and Pamela Moore, who also own Pelican Pub, in St. Augustine. The name comes from the location of the Hammock Dunes Bridge, which is at Nautical Mile 803, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page.

And we’re committed to helping it grow. Investing time and resources into our communities has been part of the Intracoastal Bank story since day one. From supporting local businesses to funding dreams and giving back, every decision we make is guided by those we serve. Come experience a bank committed to making a bigger difference.

Palm Coast OKs land sale for proposed $31M rehabilitation hospital

Council unanimously approves land sale for 36-bed facility expected to create more than 100 jobs.

RICH CARROLL MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER

Palm Coast leaders approved the sale of approximately 8.5 acres of city-owned land last week, clearing the way for a proposed $31 million inpatient rehabilitation hospital that officials say will bring more than 100 high-paying jobs while expanding access to specialized health care.

The Palm Coast City Council, acting as the State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Agency Board unanimously approved the purchase and sale agreement with Sanders Trust LLC for the former Whispering Pines redevelopment site.

The proposed 36-bed hospital will be leased to and operated by ClearSky Health. According to the city, the project is expected to create more than 100 full-time jobs with an average annual salary of approximately $75,000, generate about $45 million in construction-related economic activity and eventually produce an estimated $310,000 annually in tax increment revenue for the State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Area through 2034.

While council members expressed strong support for the project itself, much of their discussion centered on protecting the city’s investment if the development does not move forward as proposed.

Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri asked staff to explore adding a “clawback” provision to the agreement that would require the developer to pay the full appraised value of the property if a substantially similar hospital is never built.

“It seems like we’re kind of giving a break a little bit on the sales price because of what they’re proposing to develop,” Pontieri said. “If they don’t propose to develop that ... that they pay the appraised value and not get a break on that price.”

City Attorney Marcus Duffy said such a provision would require the agreement of both parties, while staff explained they had already pursued similar language during negotiations.

Pontieri said she supports the project but wants to ensure the city’s discounted sale price remains tied to the promised investment.

Staff responded that Sanders Trust has already executed a 20-year lease with ClearSky Health that is contingent upon purchasing the property

and constructing the hospital. They also said negotiations included commitments demonstrating the developer intends to move forward with the project.

Council member Ty Miller focused his questions on the final privately owned parcel within the redevelopment area, asking whether the remaining resident had been treated fairly and whether nearby businesses would continue to have access after construction.

Staff said Sanders Trust has agreed to provide moving assistance for the tenant and confirmed neighboring businesses, including AK Tires, will maintain access to their properties. The redevelopment is the culmination of more than two decades of work within the State Road 100 Community Redevelopment Area.

The city and CRA began assembling the former Whispering Pines neighborhood in 2005, purchasing 22 residential lots, removing aging structures, wells and septic systems, and preparing the land for redevelopment. The city invested more than $3.16 million acquiring the properties during the height of the real estate market. Today, the assembled 8.5-acre site has an appraised value of approximately $2.8 million. Three development proposals were submitted, with Sanders Trust unanimously selected by the city’s evaluation committee.

According to the city, the hospital will specialize in inpatient rehabilitation for patients recovering from strokes, heart attacks, brain and spinal cord injuries, orthopedic conditions, cancer and pulmonary illnesses.

Community Development Director John Zobler said in a city news release the project represents a major investment in Palm Coast’s future.

“This is a tremendous win for Palm Coast residents and a strong example of City Council’s commitment to creating high-quality jobs while strengthening our tax base,” Zobler said. “This project turns previously blighted property into a major private investment that will expand access to specialized health care and generate revenue that can support continued improvements throughout the State Road 100 corridor.” ClearSky Health currently operates 16 inpatient rehabilitation hospitals nationwide, including facilities in Lecanto and Lake City.

Once the remaining private property acquisition is completed, the hospital project must still undergo Palm Coast’s standard development review and permitting process before construction can begin.

Rendering of the proposed 36-bed ClearSky Health rehabilitation hospital. Image courtesy of the City of Palm Coast

Sunlea is being developed by Meritage Homes, as part of Ormond Crossings. Photo posted on the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce Facebook page

Mile Marker 803 Clubhouse, in European Village, was named for the nautical mile marker of the nearby Hammock Dunes Bridge. Photo posted by George Hanns on Facebook

County receives $5,000 grant for devices to assist moving patients

Flagler County Risk Management, a division under Human Resources, secured a $5,000 grant match to secure Binder Lift devices that help Fire Rescue responders move patients from one place to another without injury to either the patients or those attending to them.

“During a quarterly Fire Rescue meeting in January, the HR team delivered a presentation on ADA accommodations,” said Flagler County Risk Manager Mark Muzii. “Lt. John Keppler highlighted the urgent need for transfer aids (like the Binder Lift devices), noting that many firefighters struggle with recurring back injuries, especially when assisting patients from the floor.”

Back injuries have become one the most frequent workers’ compensation claims

in Flagler County, which underscore the importance of investing in transfer aids to reduce risk and mitigate losses, Muzii confirmed.

The grant was secured through Flagler County’s insurance carrier, Preferred Governmental Insurance Trust (PGIT) and its training incentive program TIPS. PGIT representatives on Wednesday presented the check to Flagler County.

“Given that transfer aids were specifically requested, we had a compelling reason to seek grant funding for their procurement,” Muzii said.

“I’m pleased to report that our grant application was approved, and every Flagler County fire engine is now equipped with the Binder Lift device.”

Palm Coast WWII veteran Albert Smith celebrates 103rd birthday

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, the Knights of Columbus and family members helped World War II veteran Albert Smith celebrate his 103rd birthday.

The Palm Coast resident turned 103 on Saturday, July 18. His weekend celebration began on July 17 when Sheriff Rick Staly and FSCO deputies arrived at his house in a parade of vehicles to show their appreciation for Smith’s service in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II. On Smith’s birthday, the Knights of Columbus arrived at his home with a large birthday cake. Numerous family members celebrated with Smith on both days, according to Jeffrey Kingdon, chairman of the Flagler County Veterans Advisory Council.

Smith “served our country during a time in this world when there was anger, arrogance, bigotry and the lust for power,” Kingdon said. “And it ended because of other human qualities — leadership, faith, determination, selflessness, courage and the desire to defend our freedoms. The second World War brought out the best and the worst in a generation. Albert very bravely contributed to the best of the generation. That was the winning of WW ll. Good overcame bad. Thank you, Albert!”

Febles assisted thousands of Flagler veterans

It is truly the end of an era at Flagler County Veterans Services. Our longtime counselor, Eric Flores Febles, will be retiring after 15 years of dedicated, compassionate and professional assistance. Navigating the Department of Veterans Affairs can be overwhelming. Over the course of his 15 years of county service, Eric’s expert knowledge of the VA claims process lifted that complicated burden for thousands of local veterans. He didn’t just do a job; he changed lives and ensured those who served our country received the care and benefits they earned. If you would like to thank Eric and wish him well in his retirement, please join us on his final day with the county, Friday, July 31, at 1 p.m. We will be gathering at the Flagler County Government Services Building. Please join us in celebrating a remarkable career and thanking Eric for his incredible dedication to Flagler County.

DAVID LYDON,

Eric Flores Febles. Courtesy photo

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, deputies and family members helped World War II veteran Albert Smith (center) celebrate his 103rd birthday.

Flagler County Risk Management receiving $5,000 grant. Courtesy photos

SPORTS

Matanzas, Flagler Palm Coast football teams shift from summer workouts to preseason practice.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

High School football is back. Preseason practice began July 27 with kickoff classics just a couple of weeks away, and the season-opening Flagler County Potato Bowl scheduled for Aug. 21 at Flagler Palm Coast.

But football never really went away. Matanzas, FPC and other teams around the

DAY ONE

competing in 7-on-7 tournaments.

“It’s been a very, very easy transition because of everything that we do over the summer,” FPC coach Patrick Turner said. “I think it puts our kids in position so that there was not really an adjustment on the first day.”

Instead of installing the offenses and defenses, Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said, the first week of preseason practice is an opportunity for the players to show how far they have come in the offseason.

“For a team that graduated 20 seniors, I feel like that our group is experienced,” Forrest said. “I know it might not be on-the-field experience, but I feel like our guys have worked really hard in the offseason with installs and just being in the playbook constantly. In the summer, we changed up our routine to incorporate some different things to be able to start our install earlier than we ever have. I think our guys committing to learning the offense and the defense kind of on their own time has really been a cool maturation process to see.”

At FPC, not only were position groups shifting seamlessly on the first day of practice, the coaches were shifting with them.

“We don’t have a specific JV staff or a separate staff for varsity and JV,” Turner said. “So all of our guys coach everybody. So if I coach the quarterbacks, I coach the ninth, the 10th, 11th, and 12th grade quarterbacks, and every [coach] that has a position does the exact same thing. … So, we give as much attention to the JV as we do the varsity.”

Matanzas produced a record-breaking offense last year, amassing 3,862 yards.

But the Pirates graduated their quarterback and top four receivers. However, they return four of their five starting offensive linemen as well as 1,000-yard rusher Wiley Conner.

“It’s no secret that our offense doesn’t perform the way it did last year without that offensive line,” Forrest said. “So, I’m excited to have those

guys back. I think we still got a good complement of players around them.”

NEW QUARTERBACKS

The Potato Bowl will feature two first-year starting quarterbacks. But FPC has its starter set in junior Bobby Starr, while Matanzas has a four-way battle with returning junior Cole Hardy; junior Michael McDonough, a transfer from Seabreeze; and incoming freshmen Devin Davis and Carter Ascone.

“After day one, it’s a fourman race, so we’ll obviously figure that out in [preseason] camp,” Forrest said. “And we’ll have a more definite rotation going into the [kickoff classic] Seabreeze week, but right now, all four can play it. All four have confidence. All four are talented. So, it’s about who takes control of the offense better, who makes the least mistakes, who is more efficient in the reps they’re getting.”

Turner said the Bulldogs’ offseason workouts were fueled by a 26-25 loss to Fleming Island in FPC’s final game of the season.

“Since we ended with a bad taste in our mouth in that last game, the offseason was tremendous,” Turner said. “The buy-in has been great. I’m just really excited about everybody that’s here and been putting in the work.”

Forrest said the Pirates had their best spring practice and

their best first day of preseason practice in his six years as the Pirates’ head coach.

“Everyone knows what’s going on by this point,” he said. “Our effort’s been there, our attention to detail, obviously, can always get better. We’re really close to being what I envisioned when I took the job six years ago: guys that play for each other, the culture of outworking people and showing up every day and just those little things that make a football team fun to coach.”

It’s been a very, very easy transition because of everything that we do over the summer. I think it puts our kids in position so that there was not really an adjustment on the first day.”

FPC linemen use blocking shields on the first day of preseason football practice. The first five days of practice are no-contact days. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Matanzas junior Jayden McCoy looks for a pass during a drill on July 28.

FPC quarterback Reid Pritt runs a drill.

PATRICK TURNER, FPC coach

Matanzas quarterback Cole Hardy throws a pass during a drill.

Matanzas’ Brayden Evans runs after making a catch.

Flagler Palm Coast, Matanzas coaches, players speak at Media Days

Ehimen ‘He-Man’ Ajede, known for his elusiveness, is focused on getting stronger.

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Highlights from interviews streamed from Central Florida Media Days, July 23 at Seminole State College, Heathrow campus.

FLAGLER PALM COAST

FPC was 3-7 last year in coach Patrick Turner’s first season.

The Bulldogs are in a new district this year with Jacksonville teams Atlantic Coast, Sandalwood and First Coast and St. Johns County teams Creekside and Tocoi Creek.

Running back Ehimen Ajede, whose nickname, “He-Man” is based on his first name, admitted that his style of running does not match his moniker.

“I love that elusiveness at running back, just to make a guy miss,” he said. “This

offseason, I was focused on getting stronger. I’m known for being fast and quick. But at the running back position, you got to be big and be able to take hits and give hits.”

Ajede said his favorite run play is an outside zone with guard Mekhi Jones pulling.

Defensive end Brian Veal, who joined the team this year, said he likes the team’s brotherhood and the way the coaches push the players to be the best version of themselves.

“They push us in practice and in the weightroom and even in the community, how we act towards people, how

we are to ourselves and to others,” he said.

Defensive tackle Reagan Melland on his emphasis during the offseason: “I’ve been working mostly on my men-

tal side, trying to stay locked in and not trying to focus on other things. Football’s my number one priority right now.”

MATANZAS

The Pirates were 7-4 last year. They move to a new district with Gainesville Buchholz, Ocala Forest, Ocala West Port and Orange Park Oakleaf.

SIDELINES

GOVA Gang wins 13U flag football tournament

The 13U GOVA Gang flag football team won the Selfmade Summer Showdown, a 5-on-5 tournament, July 19 at the Belleview Sports Complex.

The team, made up predominately of Palm Coast players who have played together with Mad Dogs Flag Football, upset three nationally ranked teams in the playoffs to win the title.

The GOVA Gang lost its

first three games to enter the playoffs seeded seventh out of eight teams.

But it turned the tables in the playoffs, beating the Tampa Bay Bolts 23-20 in the playoff opener, Selfmade 20-18 in the semifinals and Spring Hill Select 21-14 in the championship game.

The GOVA Gang had only two practices together before the tournament.

Send sports news and photos to brent@observerlocalnews. com.

Running back Wiley Conner, who ran for more then 1,000 yards and scored 11 touchdowns last year, said his best trait is “going downhill really quick.” Conner, who also plays linebacker, was asked if he prefers offense or defense. “I like scoring on the offensive side, but I like the contact on defense,” he said.

Offensive lineman Logan Walker: “I’ve been working on getting a quicker off the ball and being a better offensive lineman all around, playing all five [positions], just being versatile for the team.”

The GOVA Gang 13U flag football team won the Selfmade Summer Showdown 5-on-5 flag football tournament in Belleview. Courtesy photo

Matanzas head coach Matt Forrest, RB Wiley Conner, WR/DB Brennon Friendly, S Jez McCoy, LB Jack Ferguson and OL Logan Walker at Central Florida Media Days.

FPC assistant coach Charlie Washington, RB Ehimen Ajede, LB Mathias Parker, OL Mekhi Jones, DT Reagan Melland and DE Brian Veal at Central Florida Media Days. Screen shot

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TRIBUTES

Arvid Olson

January 13, 1944 - July 14, 2026

Arvid passed away peacefully on July 14, 2026 in Palm Coast with his wife, Pat, by his side. Arvid was born in Pasadena, CA and was the son of the late Chester Olson and Mabel Park Olson. His two siblings, Allene Olson and Gilbert Olson, predeceased him.

Upon returning stateside they spent three years in Carmel, CA while stationed at Ft. Ord. They loved this assignment and had many close friends visit.

From there Arvid attended the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and became a board certified Endodontist.

Arvid graduated from San Ramon High School in Danville, CA in 1961 and attended California State College in Hayward, CA and from there attended the University of Pacific Dental School in San Francisco where he graduated in 1969.

Arvid practiced General Dentistry in El Cerrito, CA and during this time met and married Pat Wakeman. They spent 51 wonderful years together.

Arvid loved his country and traveling which led him to rejoin the Army in 1980 where he and Pat were stationed in Mainz, Germany for three years. Their favorite country was France. Many of Arvid’s friends thought he had a second home there!

Philip W. Tucker

Arvid and Pat moved to Palm Coast in 1995 and Arvid became very active as a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church and was a deacon for three years. Arvid was also a member of the Palm Coast Cruisers, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the Elks Club and Kiwanis Club where he was President from 2022 to 2023.

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Philip W. Tucker of Palm Coast, FL passed away in his home on July 13, 2026, surrounded by family members at his bedside. Present were his daughters Anne Cress-Tucker of Indianapolis, IN and Jennifer Leopold of Palm City, FL; sons Jeff Tucker of Ludington, MI and Greg Tucker and his wife Amy of Ashville, NC. His “favorite child” Shadow and cat Spooky were also nearby in the home. He joined his eldest son Chris Tucker upon passing.

Phil died the way he lived – doing everything fast, efficiently and with a purpose, thinking of others first and making as little trouble as he could. His diagnosis to death was only 16 days, which he filled with friends and family. He kept asking what day it was and finally let go on his long-time partner Denise’s birthday.

Phil was a master storyteller and had an incredible memory for detail. He told stories to his entourage of visitors up until the point he could no longer talk. Then he listened as his children told his stories for him, which we will continue to do.

Shotgun shooting was Phil’s passion. He bought his first Winchester Model 42 when he was twelve years old, and started registered skeet shooting in 1973. Phil was one of the last registered skeet shooters using pump guns exclusively, which adds an extra level of complexity. He loved his Winchester Model 42’s and 12’s, “the perfect repeater”. He was the President of the Izaak Walton Club in Southern Indiana starting in 1980 and was instrumental in saving that club in 1988 when their land lease was cancelled. He then shot at Crooked Creek Gun Club in Indianapolis. He obtained many awards for service within the shotgun shooting community and was a lifetime member of the NRA and the National Skeet Shooting Association. When Phil moved to Florida, his shooting and service reputation preceded him. He enjoyed shooting for fun with his many friends at Flagler County Gun Club and volunteered to help whenever he could in his younger years. Despite the heat, he shot his final round of Trap at Flagler Gun Club on America’s 250th birthday.

Phil was extremely proud that he was the first person to

Arvid loved a challenge and in 1999 opened up a Travel Agency in Palm Coast. Arvid and Pat escorted many groups for a number of years visiting the Caribbean and Europe. His love of photography inspired him to produce very professional DVD’s which included a number of specially selected music related to the island or country visited. These memento DVD’s were given out to all members of Arvid’s personally guided group. Together Arvid and Pat went on over 160 cruises.

August 8, 1941 - July 13, 2026

have his membership accepted at the St. Augustine Rod & Gun Club without a sponsor. After two years, he became the Club President at St. Augustine, and soon after became the Manager. In this role he described himself as “a benevolent dictator”.

He absolutely loved St. Augustine Gun Club and all the people in it. He had told his children many times that he wanted to manage a gun club in his retirement. It was a position he enjoyed so much he held it for 24 years, retiring just months before his passing, despite having undiagnosed stage 4 pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver and adrenal gland. He was tough! But as he always said, “Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies!”

Phil had a great childhood “growing up like Tom Sawyer” in his hometown of Wever, Iowa, midway between Burlington and Fort Madison, near the Mississippi River. Always a diligent worker, Phil had various jobs as a kid; paper route, detasseling corn, various farm work, poultry house...

Phil attended a two-room schoolhouse in Wever, then Fort Madison High School, and was the first in his family to graduate college. He paid his own way through from his childhood savings and obtained a Civil Engineering degree from Iowa State University in 1963.

Phil contributed to several important engineering jobs over the years, starting out with Dravo Construction Division. He worked on the I-70 bridge over the Mississippi River in St. Louis; the Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan East Center Pier Foundation; Lock and Dam in Fort Smith Arkansas; Interstate 280 bridge in Davenport, Iowa; and others, settling his family in Evansville, IN when he came to work on the Newburgh, IN Dam. Phil then managed Baker Inc. Construction from 1975-1988. He worked in Indianapolis for Circle B Construction from 1988-1992. Finally, Phil transferred to Palm Coast, Florida, with EI Brown Architects to work on local schools, including Buddy Taylor Middle School, Bunnell Elementary, and an addition to Old Kings Elementary School. Phil later became the Inspector for the Daytona Beach Community College Vocational School. His final “building project” was building the first skeet field at

For those who knew Arvid he was known for his unwavering faith, strength, kindness and a deep love for God and family. Arvid will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who was always willing to contribute both his time and support. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Palm Coast on Saturday October 3, 2026 at 11 am.

the then-new Flagler County Gun Club. Phil was extremely proud that all his children and grandchildren graduated from college, several with advanced degrees. He felt education was like climbing a ladder – the higher you wanted to be in life meant the higher wrung you needed to step off at. He learned this partially from watching his father struggle through life with only an eighth-grade education. His children and others learned the value of hard work and a good education from Phil. Phil was preceded in death by his son Chris Tucker, long-time partner Denise Hochstadt, parents Sammie Tucker and Julia (Niggemeyer) Tucker, and his sister Audrey Seyb. He is survived by his children Anne Cress-Tucker (Tina), Jeff Tucker (Michelle), Jennifer Leopold (Jeff), Greg Tucker (Amy), their mother Patricia Tucker, daughterin-law Kathy Thompson, as well as seven grandchildren (Madeleine, Victoria, John Philip, Joseph, Samuel, Cecelia, Elliott). He is also survived by sisters Janet Dale; Patsy Holtkamp, and her three sons, Jody, Nathan (Julie), and Ryan; Peach (Norma) Hench (husband Dale) their son Zach (Sarah); nephews Doug Seyb (partner Beth Howard), and Dennis Seyb (Liza); nieces Karen Clark, Pastor Karla Seyb-Stockton (Ed), and Pam Kuhr (Jim).

Phil gave more back to this world than he took from it and will be sorely missed. Phil loved meeting and helping his neighbors. In lieu of flowers or donations, please honor Phil by doing something nice for your neighbor and/or spreading his love of shooting sports through training and supporting new shooters. For condolences, and sharing any stories we may not have heard, please reach out to his daughter who will share with other family members. Jennifer Leopold 908-208-8569

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.: 2025 CA 000602 AMERIS BANK, Plaintiff, VS. WILLIAM YANES; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF WILLIAM YANES; THE ESTATES OF MARINA DEL PALMA HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; MARINA DEL PALMA MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC.; UNKNOWN TENANT #1; UNKNOWN TENANT #2; Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on July 13, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2025 CA 000602, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, AMERIS BANK is the Plaintiff, and WILLIAM YANES; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF WILLIAM YANES; THE ESTATES OF MARINA DEL PALMA HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION, INC.; MARINA DEL PALMA MASTER ASSOCIATION, INC.; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS are Defendants.

The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com/ on August 28, 2026 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following

NOTICE OF SALE

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 182025CA000367XXXX01 MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER, LLC D/B/A VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS, A MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. STEFANIE ROLAND; CYNTHIA DERWACTER; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Summary Final Judgment of foreclosure dated July 16, 2026, and entered in Case No. 182025CA000367XXXX01 of the Circuit Court in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein MORTGAGE RESEARCH CENTER, LLC D/B/A VETERANS UNITED HOME LOANS, A MISSOURI LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY is Plaintiff and STEFANIE ROLAND; CYNTHIA DERWACTER; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, TOM BEXLEY, Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash https://flagler.realforeclose.com, 11:00 a.m., on October 16, 2026, the following

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

described real property as set forth in said

Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 21, MARINA DEL PALMA, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 38, PAGE 76, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT: If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 20th day of July, 2026. ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP

Attorney for Plaintiff 401 W. Linton Blvd. Suite 202-B Delray Beach, FL 33444

Telephone: 561-392-6391

Facsimile: 561-392-6965

By: /s/ Mola R. Bosland

FBN: 030330

2026.07.21

08:23:06-04’00’ FBN: 330330

Primary E-Mail:

ServiceMail@aldridgepite.com

1100-1107B Ref # 21455 Jul, 30; Aug. 6, 2026 26-00230G

described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 3, BLOCK 11, ROYAL PALMS - SECTION 33 - PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 67, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Clerk of the Court not later than five business days prior to the proceeding at the Flagler County Courthouse. Telephone 904-437-7430 or 1-800-955-8770 via Florida Relay Service.

DATED 7/23/26. By: /s/ Greg Rosenthal Greg H. Rosenthal Florida Bar No.: 955884 Roy Diaz, Attorney of Record Florida Bar No. 767700 Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317 Telephone: (954) 564-0071 Facsimile: (954) 564-9252 Service E-mail: answers@dallegal.com 1463-214722 / GS1 July 30; Aug. 6, 2026 26-00239G

NOTICE OF ACTION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2026 CA 000067 PLAZA HOME MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF KENNETH F. MURRAY, DECEASED ; CHRISTOPHER PHILIP MURRAY; KEVIN SCOTT MURRAY; FORREST LANSER; PAYTON KERTZ; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE COMMISSIONER OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNKNOWN PERSON(S) IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendant(s) To the following Defendant(s): ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, CREDITORS, DEVISEES, BENEFICIARIES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHER PARTIES CLAIMING AN INTEREST BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST THE ESTATE OF KENNETH F. MURRAY, DECEASED (LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 2706 ANNETTE STREET, FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA 32136 CHRISTOPHER PHILIP MURRAY (LAST KNOWN ADDRESS) 441 WASHINGTON AVENUE PALO ALTO, CALIFORNIA94301 YOU ARE NOTIFIED that an action for Foreclosure of Mortgage on the following described property: PARCEL NO. 58: THE WESTERLY 175 FT. OF THE EASTERLY 325 FT. OF LOT 3, BLOCK 6, THE EASTERLY 10 FT. BEING A PART OF A 20FT. ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT AND THE WESTERLY 25 FT. BEING PART OF A 50 FT. EASEMENT FOR STREET, ATLANTA BEACH SUBDIVISION OF GOVERNMENT LOTS

Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Ph: 561-571-0010 (“District Manager’s Office”), during normal business hours or by visiting the District’s website, https:// huntersridgecdd1.net/.

The public hearing

TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated July 13, 2026, and entered in Case No. 2024 CA 000290 of the Circuit Court in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is Plaintiff and PATRICK M. CONNERTON A/K/A PATRICK CONNERTON; NICOLE CONNERTON A/K/A NICOLE MARIE MONASTRA; AQUA FINANCE, INC.; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 1; UNKNOWN TENANT NO. 2; and ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING INTERESTS BY, THROUGH, UNDER OR AGAINST A NAMED DEFENDANT TO THIS ACTION, OR HAVING OR CLAIMING TO HAVE ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY HEREIN DESCRIBED, are Defendants, TOM BEXLEY, the Clerk of the Circuit Court, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash online at https://flagler.realforeclose. com, at 11:00 a.m., on August 28, 2026, the

following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgment, to-wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 15, DAYTONA NORTH, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGE 1, PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. TOGETHER WITH THAT 2022 JACB MANUFACTURED HOME, VIN # JACFL37951A, AND VIN # JACFL37951B, TITLE NUMBER 146267064 AND 146267169. TITLE IS RETIRED. ANY PERSON CLAIMING AN INTEREST IN THE SURPLUS FROM THE SALE, IF ANY, OTHER THAN THE PROPERTY OWNER AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MUST FILE A CLAIM BEFORE THE CLERK REPORTS THE SURPLUS AS UNCLAIMED. THE COURT, IN ITS DESCRETION, MAY ENLARGE THE TIME OF THE SALE. NOTICE OF THE CHANGED TIME OF SALE SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS PROVIDED HEREIN. Pursuant to Florida Statute 45.031(2), this notice shall be published twice, once a week for two consecutive weeks, with the last publication being at least 5 days prior to the sale. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, persons needing special accommodation to participate in this proceeding should contact the Clerk of the Court not later than five business days prior to the proceeding at the Flagler County Courthouse. Telephone 904-437-7430 or 1-800-955-8770 via Florida Relay Service. DATED July 17, 2026. By: /s/ Lisa A. Woodburn Lisa A Woodburn Florida Bar No.: 11003 Roy Diaz, Attorney of Record Florida Bar No. 767700 Diaz Anselmo & Associates, P.A. Attorneys for Plaintiff 499 NW 70th Ave., Suite 309 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33317 Telephone: (954) 564-0071 Facsimile: (954) 564-9252 Service E-mail:

PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000393

CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6, Plaintiff, VS. 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 MIGUEL REYES A/K/A MIGUEL A. REYES, DECEASED; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL REYES; Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. An Amended Final Judgment was awarded on June 17, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2024 CA 000393, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6 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 MIGUEL REYES A/K/A MIGUEL A. REYES, DECEASED; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL

REYES; ANY AND are Defendants. The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com/ on September 25, 2026 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 38, BLOCK 10, OF PALM COAST MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 11, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGES 59 THROUGH 67, INCLUSIVE, AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, PAGE 528, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES

ACT: If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 22nd day of July, 2026. ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 401 W. Linton Blvd. Suite 202-B Delray Beach, FL 33444

Telephone: 561-392-6391

Facsimile: 561-392-6965

By: /s/ Mola R. Bosland

FBN: 030330 2026.07.22

to govern the operations of the District. The proposed rule number is ROP-2026-1. The revised Rules of Procedure will address such areas as the Board of Supervisors, officers and voting, district offices, public information and inspection of records, policies, public meetings, hearings and workshops, rulemaking proceedings, competitive purchase including procedure under the Consultants’ Competitive Negotiation Act, procedure regarding auditor selection, purchase of insurance, pre-qualification, construction contracts, goods, supplies and materials, maintenance services, contractual services and protests with respect to proceedings, as well as any other area of the general operation of the District.

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO. 2026-CA-000149

HARVEY SCHONBRUN, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. PATRICIA FITZGERALD and ROBERT B. FITZGERALD, SR, wife and husband, ROBERT B. FITZGERALD, JR, and CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA, Defendants.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the above styled cause, the Clerk of Circuit Court and Comptroller of Flagler County will sell the property situate in Flagler County, Florida, described as: Lot 11, Block 8, of LAKEVIEWSECTION 37, PALM COAST PARK AT PALM COAST, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Plat Book 13, Page(s) 1 through 29, inclusive, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

The purpose and effect of the revised Rules of Procedure is to provide for efficient and effective District operations and to ensure compliance with recent changes to Florida law. The specific grant of rulemaking authority for the adoption of the proposed revised Rules of Procedure includes Sections 190.011(5), 190.011(15) and 190.035, Florida Statutes. The specific laws implemented in the proposed revised Rules of Procedure include, but are not limited to, Sections 112.08, 112.3143, 112.31446, 112.3145, 119.07, 119.0701, 120.54, 120.542, 120.5435, 120.56, 120.69, 120.81, 189.053, 189.069, 190.006, 190.007, 190.008, 190.011, 190.033, 190.035, 218.33, 218.391, 255.05, 255.0518, 255.0525, 255.20, 286.0105, 286.011, 286.012, 286.0113, 286.0114, 287.017, 287.055, and 287.084, Florida Statutes.

A copy of the proposed revised Rules of Procedure and the related incorporated documents, if any, may be obtained by contacting the District Manager, c/o Wrathell, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Phone (561) 571-0010. Andrew Kantarzhi, District Manager Ormond Station Community Development District July 30, 2026 26-00243G

in an electronic sale, to the highest and best bidder, for cash, on AUGUST 14, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. EST at https://flagler. realforeclose.com, in accordance with Section 45.031, Florida Statutes. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens, must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed at Court Administration – ADA Coordinator, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, 2nd floor, Bunnell, FL 32110, (386) 257-6096, ADARequest@ circuit7.org. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated July 14, 2026. /s/ Harvey Schonbrun, Esquire HARVEY SCHONBRUN, P. A. Post Office Box 20587 Tampa, Florida 33622-0587 813/229-0664 phone July 23, 30, 2026 26-00214G

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 170.07 AND 197.3632, FLORIDA STATUTES, BY THE ORMOND STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE ORMOND STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT In accordance with Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes, the Ormond Station Community Development District’s (“District”) Board of Supervisors (“Board”) hereby provides notice of the following public hearings and public meeting: NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

DATE: August 19, 2026

TIME: 10:00 a.m.

LOCATION:Hilton Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center 55 Town Center Blvd. Palm Coast, Florida 32164

The purpose of the public hearings announced above is to consider the imposition of special assessments (“Debt Assessments”), and adoption of assessment rolls to secure proposed bonds, on benefited lands within the District, and, to provide for the levy, collection and enforcement of the Debt Assessments. The proposed bonds secured by the Debt Assessments are intended to finance certain public infrastructure improvements, including, but not limited to, stormwater management, water and sewer utilities, landscape, irrigation, lighting, and other infrastructure improvements (together, “Project”), benefitting certain lands within the District. The Project is described in more detail in the Amended and Restated Engineer’s Report (“Engineer’s Report”). Specifically, the Project includes a Capital Improvement Plan to provide public infrastructure benefitting all lands within the District, as identified in the Engineer’s Report. The Debt Assessments are proposed to be levied as one or more assessment liens and allocated to the benefitted lands within the District, as set forth in the Master Special Assessment Methodology Report (“Assessment Report”). At the conclusion of the public hearings, the Board will, by resolution, levy and impose assessments as finally approved by the Board. A special meeting of the District will also be held where the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it.

The site consists of approximately 103.35 acres, and is generally located west and north of the Flagler County/Volusia County boundary and along Airport Road. A geographic depiction of the District is shown below. All lands within the District are expected to be improved in accordance with the reports identified above. A description of the property to be assessed and the amount to be assessed to each piece or parcel of property may be ascertained at the “District’s Office” located at c/o Wrathell, Hunt and Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (877)276-0889. Also, a copy of the agendas and other documents referenced herein may

NOTICE OF ACTIONCONSTRUCTIVE SERVICE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2026 CA 000413

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2005-16, MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-16, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF HENRYK BLAZEJOWSKI, DECEASED. et. al. Defendant(s), TO: THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF HENRYK BLAZEJOWSKI, DECEASED, whose residence is unknown if he/she/they be living; and if he/she/they be dead, the unknown defendants who may be spouses, heirs, devisees, grantees, assignees, lienors, creditors, trustees, and all parties claiming an interest by, through, under or against the Defendants, who are not known to be dead or alive, and all parties having or claiming to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the mortgage being foreclosed herein.

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an action to foreclose a mortgage on the following property: LOT3, BLOCK 62, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE, SECTION 26, ACCORDING TO PLAT RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGES 20 THROUGH 35, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA.

has been filed against you and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to it on counsel for Plaintiff, whose address is 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100, Boca Raton, Florida 33487 on or before /(30 days from Date of First Publication of this Notice) and file the original with the clerk of this court either before service on Plaintiff’s attorney or immediately thereafter; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint or petition filed herein.

THIS NOTICE SHALL BE PUBLISHED ONCE A WEEK FOR TWO (2) CONSECUTIVE WEEKS. WITNESS my hand and the seal of this Court at Flagler County, Florida, this day of 7/20/2026.

TOM BEXLEY CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT (SEAL) BY: Amy Perez DEPUTY CLERK

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, AND SCHNEID, PL ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFF 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487

PRIMARY EMAIL: flmail@raslg.com 24-192906 July 23, 30, 2026 26-00226G SECOND INSERTION

RESOLUTION 2026-07

[RESOLUTION DECLARING MASTER ASSESSMENTS] [ASSESSMENT AREA ONE]

A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE ORMOND STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT DECLARING SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS; DESIGNATING THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS; DECLARING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS, THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY ASSESSMENTS, AND THE MANNER AND TIMING IN WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE PAID; DESIGNATING THE LANDS UPON WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS SHALL BE LEVIED; PROVIDING FOR AN ASSESSMENT PLAT AND A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL; ADDRESSING THE SETTING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS; PROVIDING FOR PUBLICATION OF THIS RESOLUTION; AND ADDRESSING CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE.

WHEREAS, the Ormond Station Community Development District (“District”) is a local unit of special-purpose government organized and existing under and pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes; and

WHEREAS, the District is authorized by Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, to finance, fund, plan, establish, acquire, install, equip, operate, extend, construct, or reconstruct roadways, sewer and water distribution systems, stormwater management/earthwork improvements, landscape, irrigation and entry features, conservation and mitigation, street lighting and other infrastructure projects, and services necessitated by the development of, and serving lands within, the District; and

WHEREAS, the District hereby determines to undertake, install, plan, establish, construct or reconstruct, enlarge or extend, equip, acquire, operate, and/or maintain the portion of the infrastructure improvements comprising the District’s overall capital improvement plan as described in the District Amended and Restated Engineer’s Report (“Project”), which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the District to pay for all or a portion of the cost of the Project by the levy of special assessments (“Assessments”) using the methodology set forth in that Master Special Assessment Methodology Report, which is attached hereto as Exhibit B, incorporated herein by reference, and on file with the District Manager at c/o Wrathell, Hunt & Associates, LLC, 2300 Glades Road, Suite 410W, Boca Raton, Florida 33431 (“District Records Office”);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE ORMOND STATION COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT:

1. AUTHORITY FOR THIS RESOLUTION; INCORPORATION OF RECITALS. This Resolution is adopted pursuant to the provisions of Florida law, including without limitation Chapters 170, 190 and 197, Florida Statutes. The recitals stated above are incorporated herein and are adopted by the Board as true and correct statements.

2. DECLARATION OF ASSESSMENTS. The Board hereby declares that it has determined to undertake the Project and to defray all or a portion of the cost thereof by the Assessments.

3. DESIGNATING THE NATURE AND LOCATION OF IMPROVEMENTS. The nature and general location of, and plans and specifications for, the Project are described in Exhibit A, which is on file at the District Records Office. Exhibit B is also on file and available for public inspection at the same location.

4. DECLARING THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF THE IMPROVEMENTS, THE PORTION TO BE PAID BY ASSESSMENTS, AND THE MANNER AND TIMING IN WHICH THE ASSESSMENTS ARE TO BE PAID.

A. The total estimated cost of the Project is $51,234,769 (Assessment Area One amount is $14,486,052) (“Estimated Cost”).

B. The Assessments will defray approximately $70,760,000 (Assessment Area One amount is $20,006,590), which is the anticipated maximum par value of any bonds and which includes all or a portion of the Estimated Cost, as well as other financing-related costs, as set forth in Exhibit B, and which is in addition to interest and collection costs. On an annual basis, the Assessments will defray no more than $6,725,409 (Assessment Area One amount is $1,901,533) per year, again as set forth in Exhibit B.

C. The manner in which the Assessments shall be apportioned and paid is set forth in Exhibit B, as may be modified by supplemental assessment resolutions. The Assessments will constitute a “master” lien, which may be imposed without

SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Case #2026 CP 000313 IN RE: ESTATE OF Camilla Christine Anderson, deceased The administration of the estate of Camilla Christine Anderson, deceased, File Number 2026 CP 000313, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is: Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E Moody Blvd #5 Bldg 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and attorney are set forth below. ALL CREDITORS OF THE DECEDENT ARE NOTIFIED THAT: All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedents estate on whom a copy of this notice is served must file a written statement of their claim with the court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM, even though the personal representative has recognized the claim or demand by paying a part of it or interest on it or otherwise. All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedents estate must file a written statement of their claim with the court WITHIN THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS AND OBJECTIONS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED EVEN THOUGH NO OBJECTION TO THE CLAIM IS FILED UNLESS THE COURT EXTENDS THE TIME IN WHICH THE CLAIM MAY BE FILED. AN EXTENSION MAY BE GRANTED ONLY UPON GROUNDS OF FRAUD, ESTOPPEL, OR INSUFFICIENT NOTICE OF THE CLAIMS PERIOD. The date of first publication of this Notice is July 23, 2026. Personal Representative /s/ Erik A. Anderson Erik A. Anderson 9 Driftway Terrace Flagler Beach, Florida 32136 Attorney for the Personal Representative /s/David R. Woods David R. Woods, Esquire Florida Bar No. 155209 612 East Colonial Drive, Ste. 190 Orlando, Florida 32803 (407) 481-2993 david@woodslaworlando.com July 23, 30, 2026 26-00227G SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF

7. PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT ROLL. Pursuant

NOTICE

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2026 CP 000365 IN RE: ESTATE OF BETTY JENNIE STENEKEN, Deceased. The administration of the estate of BETTY JENNIE STENEKEN, Deceased, whose date of death was April 30, 2026, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is July 23, 2026. STEVEN STENEKEN, Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative: Scott R. Bugay, Esquire Florida Bar No. 5207 2501 Hollywood Blvd. Suite 206 Hollywood, FL 33020 Telephone: (954)767-3399 Fax: (305) 945-2905 Primary Email: Scott@srblawyers.com Secondary Email: alyssa@srblawyers.com July 23, 30, 2026 26-00217G

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION CASE NO. 2026-CP-000381 IN RE: ESTATE OF BENJAMIN DANE CROUCH, Deceased. The administration of the estate of BENJAMIN DANE CROUCH, deceased, whose date of death was SEPTEMBER 23, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. MOODY BLVD., BUILDING 1, BUNNELL, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED.

A Personal Representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211.

BARBARA MORDES ROSS Deceased. The administration of the estate of BARBARA ROSS, also known as BARBARA MORDES ROSS, deceased, whose date of death was August 15, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is: July 23, 2026. JOAN BEATY Personal Representative Heidi S. Webb Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 73958 The Law Office

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

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

Cleaning Services

Ana’s Personal housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonal-housekeeping@gmail.com 386-868-9662

For Rent Room For Rent $600. 1st Month Deposit $650, Utilities included 619-646-7547

For Sale

Yamaha P-45 Full Portable

Keyboard Weighted Keys With Stand/Accessories, Gently Used. $375 Leave msg. 386-627-4792

Home Services

Construction Cleanup Derrick The Clean Up Man. Haul Trash, Clean Flower Beds, Honey Do’s, Pressure Wash, Construction Cleans. No Job Is TOO BIG or TOO SMALL. Licensed. Insured 386-503-5536

SOD Removal and installation

$650 per pallet Cash Price

$625 Cash Price, sod labor prep work and taxes included No fees upfront no hidden charges Call Joe 904-868-7602 Farm fresh Sod every time 7 Days a week License and insured

John’s Construction Clean up Trash Hauling, Landscaping, Irrigation, Junk Removal, Flower Beds & More Licensed and Insured 386-264-8694

Trimming Specials “Everything but the Lawn” Trimming, Weeding, Maintenance, Mulch, Rocks, Design, Pressure Washing & More Palm Coast Only 631-565-5203

Wanted

Married Couple to take care of two elderly for cooking and cleaning in PC. Free Room and Board, All Utilities Paid Plus Small Salary. Preferably Bilingual Spanish/Philippino Call Emma or Jerry 386-5691399/386-569-1395 Or Email for more info jepronesti@gmail.com

N.A. Defendants. Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered on May 26, 2026, in this cause, in the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, the clerk shall sell the property situated in Flagler County, Florida, described as: LOT 29, BLOCK 19, OF PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE, SECTION 28, ACCORDING TO PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 9, PAGES 51 THROUGH 66, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. a/k/a 50 POTTERVILLE LN, PALM COAST, FL 32164-6731 at public sale, to the highest and best