PBO 03 05 20 by Observer Local News

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

REAL ESTATE 11 MARCH 2020

VOLUME 7, NO. 8

Budget is looking good, auditor says Plantation Bay gets high marks from accounting firm for 2018 financial statements. PAGE 2 Photo by Brian McMillan

Erin Carpenter, of Flagler Beach, is co-owner of the Breakfast Station. Vince Karalunas, of Palm Coast, is general manager. He formerly worked for the Funky Pelican and several other restaurants.

INSIDE KAYAK TRIPS

Here are five premier paddling trails in VolusiaFlagler. PAGE 10

FEEDING KIDS

Provision Packs expands to Palm Coast to feed Rymfire Elementary students. PAGE 4

SHOP OPENS

Treasures of the past offered at new shop. PAGE 5

ACCESS UPDATE

How you can help avoid traffic at the access gates at Plantation Bay, from Steve Clair. PAGE 6

Chew chew BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

That couple eats at the Breakfast Station every day. This man just left at 2 p.m. after eating lunch — and he ate breakfast earlier this morning. (Lunch was dumplings, which he requested — and which was added to the menu as a result.)

Another man with his son was leaving after having eaten at the restaurant four days in a row. As co-owner Erin Carpenter and General Manager Vince Karalunas sat in a booth for an interview with the Plantation Bay Observer (after a customer asked them to contact us to ask for a story), they marveled at the atmosphere — the joy and loy-

The club’s first Weed Wrangle tackled two invasive plant species plaguing the gardens. PAGE 8

alty of the customers — that has developed since the place opened in November, next to Publix at the Old Dixie Highway-Interstate 95 interchange. “I’ve never been at a restaurant that has regulars like this,” said Karalunas, who has been immersed in the restaurant busiSEE BREAKFAST PAGE 4

INSIDE

PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DAYTONA BCH FL PERMIT #447

Seeing green

Railroad-themed Breakfast Station opened next to Publix on Old Dixie

FPC tennis Local Postal Customer

PAGE 9

Courtesy photo

The Garden Club of Halifax Country, Seabreeze High School Kristen Perkins and her students participate in the first Weed Wrangle.

“I think that the team is great. I’m excited for what we’re going to be able to do this year and for what they’re going to be able to do in the future.” NINA WALLS, FPC tennis player

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Plantation Bay gets high marks from accounting firm Also: Access Control establishes construction road procedures. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Plantation Bay’s financial reports from 2018 are in good shape, Certified Professional Accountant Buddy Hall told Plantation Bay Board of Directors members at the board’s Feb. 24 meeting. “The board’s doing a great job of budgeting, maintaining expenses at an acceptable level, keeping the property looking good,” Hall said.

“You guys, I think, are top-tier as far as a lot of my clients in the HOA, condominium association industry.” No changes were required to the board’s 2018 financial statements, he said, and there were no audit adjustments. Hall has been performing the community’s audits since 2012. The community’s 2018 operating fund balance was $1.48 million, he said, about a 260%

NEW WAIVER REQUIRED FOR GOLF CARTS IN PLANTATION BAY Golf cart owners in Plantation Bay will soon need to fill out a new form, board member Bruce Bandes said. “We’ve had a few complaints and a few incidents where rules are being violated in the community,” he said. “There apparently have been a number of

cases around the country on liablity. We wanted to make sure we’re covered, so we prepared a new waiver that we’re going to ask everybody that has a golf cart to sign, to make sure the HOA is adequately protected and make sure that people realize that they have to maintain their insurance policies.” He reiterated that the community requires that anyone driving a golf cart be at least 16 years old. The state requirement is 14 years, he said, but the community’s requirement supercedes the state’s.

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increase from the $411,000 operating fund balance in 2012. The net revenue over expenses was $260,000 in 2018, up from $126,000 in 2012. New owners brought in an additional $82,000. The 2018 reserve fund was $1.89 million, an increase of 75% over the $1.08 million in the reserve fund in 2012. The reserves have dipped a bit this year because of road work, he said. The community’s 2018 operating cash was slightly under $1.8 million, he said — almost a year’s worth of liquid cash. There was one presentation change: A new state regulation revision required that replacement fund balances be listed as a contract liability, which meant moving it on the page. “You still have the same amount of money that you would have had otherwise,” Hall said. “It’s just a presentation thing; we’e moving it up one line above where it used to be.” The presentation requirements also force income and expenses to equal out in the replacement fund, he said, to a net zero. “You guys are top tier,” Hall said. “You guys have done a good job, management and board both, of maintaining things.” This year, the community should expect to have to pay some taxes — probably about $3,000, Hall said. “This year, with the reserves increasing, the interest rates are

Marsha Thayer

ROSEANN FRENCH APPOINTED TO PROCEDURES COMMITTEE Roseann French, a newly elected Board of Directors member, was appointed to the Procedures Committee by a unanimous vote of the board members present at the Board of Directors’ Feb. 24 meeting.

getting a little better finally,” he said. “We’ve always been able to offset enough expenses when we file form 1120-H to pretty much get that down to zero. This year, with reasonable allocation of expenses that we can offset to the interest income, you are going to end up with a little bit of taxes.” Board chairman John Gamin asked if Hall thought the community should keep doing what it’s been doing. Hall said yes: There is another form the board could file, but doing so would be a more complicated process that would open the community up to more IRS scrutiny, and the community would still have to pay something. Bob Latocha, the board’s new treasurer, said the community is in good financial shape so far this year. “Based on the overall situation, I don’t think we plan to increase homeowner’s association fees; that should stay as it is. ... We will continue to keep Plantation Bay beautiful, safe and clean.”

Paul Thayer

President / Broker / REALTOR® 386-290-3202 Marsha@RealtyEvolution.net

VP / Broker / REALTOR® 386-334-1702 Paul@RealtyEvolution.net

“You guys, I think, are toptier as far as a lot of my clients in the HOA, condominium association industry.” BUDDY HALL, Certified Professional Accountant

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

PLANTATION BAY

WELCOME, NEIGHBORS ACCESS CONTROL ESTABLISHES CONSTRUCTION ROAD PROCEDURES

Plantation Bay Access Control has added a section about construction road procedures to its procedures manual, board member Bob Anderson said during the board’s Feb. 24 meeting . “As we know, this is a growing community, and a lot of action going on in the back,” he said. “We have procedures ... to keep all these large vehicles off our roadways.” That can be tricky, but it’s improving, he said. “It’s like herding cats, because truck drivers are coming in, they have another load, and occasionally they don’t follow the protocols,” he said. “So it’s not 100%,

but it’s far better, and if we have consistent problems with one vendor, with their drivers, Steve (Clair) makes a few phone calls to put them in place.” There is timbering going on out west in the West Lake area, he said, clearing the way for future townhomes. “So far it’s been done without anybody really knowing, but what you’re going to see is a vast opening as they head west toward the current gate,” he said. Access Control is now fully staffed, he said. He reminded residents who know they will have visitors to call ahead to the gate so that Access Control staff know to expect them and therefore don’t have to have to call the home to check while traffic backs up at the gate.

“It’s like herding cats, because truck drivers are coming in, they have another load, and occasionally they don’t follow the protocols,” BOB ANDERSON, board member

Recently I had an opportunity to talk with a soon-to-be retired couple who are considering purchasing in Plantation Bay. After viewing a few available homes for sale in the community, their real estate agent brought them by the management office to get more information on Plantation Bay. I relayed to them the standard HOA answers to their questions: How much are the fees? What does the fees cover? How will family members access the community? They seemed satisfied with my answers. I then asked what address they were looking to buy. Being personally familiar with this community, I was able to convey to them how friendly the neighbors were in that particular area, giving them examples of how everyone really does look out for one another and to expect a big welcome from neighbors. The smiles on their faces spoke volumes. I have a good feeling I’ll be meeting them again. This was just another reminder that most of us want to feel a sense of community in our neighborhoods. The fact is, there are many good neighbors looking out for each other in Plantation Bay and Westlake, and that is just one of the reasons that make this community an overall wonderful place to live. –MARGIE HALL, COMMUNITY MANAGER

Photos by Jonathan Simmons

Helen Siegel and John Gamin.

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” FRIEDRICH HAYEK “Road to Serfdom,” 1944 Publisher / John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor / Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com News Editors / Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver. com; Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ ormondbeachobserver.com Real Estate Editor / Wayne Grant, business@ormondbeachobserver.com Designer / Hailey McMillan, hailey. mcmillan@gmail.com Advertising Manager / Jaclyn Centofanti, jaclyn@palmcoastobserver.com Account Managers / Hallie Hydrick, hallie@palmcoastobserver.com, Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com

Plantation Bay HOA President / John Gamin / 386-586-7530 / mjgamin@cfl.rr.com Vice President / Bruce Bandes / 386-263-2682 / sealwyr1939@gmail.com Treasurer / Robert LaTocha / linmar1974@aol.com Secretary / Helen Siegel / 386-236-9884 / hsiegel51@aol.com Directors / Bob Anderson / 386-316-1278 / rranderson1@hotmail.com, Joan Beck / 386-672-7762 / jbeck386@ aol.com, Chuck Gilles / 386-689-5222 / cjg.7@att.net, Jack Corbett / 772-405-7339 / corbettteam@ gmail.com, Roseann French / 386-671-7715 / gfrench154/aol.com

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Breakfast Station opens CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ness since he was 12. This is the 15th in the Breakfast Station franchise, and it’s the second co-owned by Carpenter and her husband. When she first visited one of the restaurants, she was surprised to learn it had a railroad theme. Her father, who drove trains for a living, had died not long before that, and she saw it as a sign. Her grandfather was a conductor, and her great-grandfather was a dispatcher, she said. Carpenter has been thrilled with the support from customers. “It’s all about relationships and community,” she said. “When

Mario joined his dad, Jimmy Abel, on Feb. 17. Jimmy said he had been there four days in a row. He drives from Palm Coast because he loves the food — and “the conversation between servers and the people. I love the atmosphere.”

BREAKFAST STATION: GRAND OPENING

When: 9 a.m. March 20, ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. What: Grand opening celebration, although the restaurant has been open since November. KIX Country will broadcast music. One person will win free breakfast for a month. Door prizes. Where: 3754 Roscommon Drive, Ormond Beach. Restaurant hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily.

you’re from this community, and you meet other people from the community, they want to see you successful for their own sake but also to see small business owners make it.” Karalunas said that in his experience, there is often a tension between the servers and the cooks. But the Breakfast Station has stumbled upon a great cooperative spirit among the staff. “We’re not fake with our customers,” he said. “I am myself. I joke around with the old ladies. I have five girlfriends that are like 97 years old. … The servers dance when there’s a good song on. We had a whole slew of people singing along to the radio, and the severs were singing. It’s fun to be here.” Email editor@ormondbeachobserver.com.

YOUR TOWN

Photo by Brian McMillan

Rick Meyer is helping to bring Provision Packs to Palm Coast.

PROVISION PACKS EXPANDS TO PALM COAST TO FEED RYMFIRE ELEMENTARY STUDENTS As Rick Meyer volunteered with Provision Packs to help feed hungry kids in Ormond Beach, he knew Palm Coast kids needed help, too. Provision Packs, founded in Ormond by Carrie Torres, sends food home with children on the weekends, with the knowledge that some kids only eat at school and don’t have food at home. In 2015 she started the program feeding two children; the number is now more than 500. Thanks to Meyer’s involvement, the program recently expanded to Rymfire Elementary School, the first school in Flagler County. Each meal package contains seven meals and has a value of

$25. The cost purchased though Second Harvest is $5. Therefore every dollar raised counts, he said. “I have been delivering food directly to kids every Friday for two years,” Meyer wrote in an email. “It’s wonderful to see that look in their eye when I put the package in their back packs. Kids in our area should not have to worry about food!” Angie Bush, director of Food Services at Flagler Schools, said the number of students on free or reduced lunch is around 65% districtwide. That’s up from about 35% about 15 years ago. She is thrilled that Meyer and Provision Packs are helping Flagler students. “I love that they’re trying to fill a niche that we can’t fill,” Bush said. “We can do breakfast, lunch, after school, and we do summer breakfast sites, but there’s still the weekends. I support it a million percent.”

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Obtain the property report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Renderings are artists’ conceptions only and may not be relied upon for accuracy. Developer reserves the right to alter or modify all plans based upon market conditions and available materials.

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

BUSINESS OBSERVER

Photo by Wayne Grant

Mel and Fran Cliff have opened Fran’s Interior Treasures.

TREASURES OF THE PAST OFFERED AT NEW SHOP Everyone hopes to find a treasure, and it seems possible when walking into the new shop on North U.S. 1. Neatly arranged vintage decor, collectibles, art and antiques beckon the shopper at Fran’s Interior Treasures, 1439 U.S. 1, Suite A-5, in the MBA Plaza. Owners Fran and Mel Cliff have collected the treasures

since the early 2000s at estate sales throughout Central Florida, operating five booths in antique malls. Now, they have consolidated the entire collection in new Ormond Beach location. Making the search easier, the shop is arranged in “rooms” including a parlor, children’s area, and dining room. At estate sales, the couple looked for that special item. “Over in the corner, we’d see stained glass, or a crystal lamp, something someone cherished,”

Fran Cliff said. “The antiques and collectibles in our shop were someone’s treasure from yesteryear. Our mission is to preserve these treasures and to share some of our past.” She explained that people retire to Florida and decorate the house with tropical décor, but often there is something they don’t want to part with. “Now the person who buys it will have a treasure,” she said. “They can take something special into their homes and pass on to their children.” She researches the items and writes information on a tag so the buyer knows about the history. She said when shoppers sort through the vintage china, crystal, furniture, lamps or dolls they are often reminded of their own past, saying their grandmother used to have a certain item, for example. Cliff has always been a collector, starting with cherubs, birds and art. Her mother was an artist, and her father often took her to art museums in the Philadelphia area where she was raised. Her husband, Mel, studied humanities and history in college. They’ve had careers other than collecting. She was in marketing and publishing, and he still works as a software engineer. They own the space in the MBA Plaza, saying it’s an investment, and they wanted to get away from paying rent and commissions. They are pleased with their location, pointing out a nearby nail spa and Italian restaurant that bring traffic.

They worked on remodeling the space and arranging merchandise since last summer. “We’re proud of our shop,” Cliff said. Email beckerf@bellsouth.net.

HULL’S SEAFOOD RECOGNIZED Hull’s Seafood Restaurant and Market, 111 W. Granada Blvd., was recently named U.S. Senate Small Business of the Week by Sen. Marco Rubio, chairman of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Rubio noted that in 2018, Hull’s Market received the Governor’s Business Ambassador Medal after expanding and doubling its staff. Jimmy Hull, a fisherman, started the business in 1984 as a small takeout kitchen.

COMMAND MEDICAL EXPANDS Command Medical Products, 15 Signal Ave., has announced the addition of William King and Chad Tremaroli. King is quality assurance and regulatory compliance manager, and Tremaroli is director of operations. Both are filling new positions created to support the company’s focus on improved customer experience and expansion of the organization, according to a press release. Their responsibilities were previously incorporated in other positions.

STUDY TO BENEFIT CLERGY AdventHealth is participating in a study to better understand the health and well-being of clergy. Reports of distress and burnout among pastors and faith leaders have raised concerns, a press release stated. Clergy interested in learning more and participating in the research study can do so confidentially by visiting https:// clergywholenessstudy.wordpress. com.

EDUCATION FOR SENIORS Daytona State College has begun its spring series of presentations in the WISE, Wisdom in Senior Education, program. WISE is open to anyone age 50 or older. Visit DaytonaState.edu/WISE.

ADVENTHEALTH GETS AWARD The Volusia Association of School Administrators recently presented AdventHealth with the 2020 Jack Schoep Award which recognizes public education through community service, leadership and support, a press release stated. In 2018, AdventHealth established the Healthy Futures Program of Volusia County Schools, targeting career development in the healthcare industry, student athlete health and chronic absenteeism.

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Communication prevents delays at gate

STEVE CLAIR ACCESS CONTROL

VISITORS AND CAPSURE

Have you been caught up in the backed-up traffic at either gate? In many cases, this is caused by residents not having visitors/ vendors on their “visitor list,” creating a delay in either getting them in or denying their entry to your residence. Our normal admittance procedures are: If they’re on your list, we process them in, and they’re admitted on property. If they’re not on your visitor list, we call your phone numbers listed in your “Capsure Profile” (updated and correct phone numbers are important). We will call each number, and if we’re unable to make contact, we’ll leave a message on your voicemail stating you have someone at the gate requesting entry. We will deny the visitor/vendor entrance until we hear from you. Many times we direct them to the parking lot to wait a few minutes to see if you respond to our voicemail. There are some instances where a service provider/vendor can gain entry by going to

another residence in the community (when on an approved visitor list), and then come to your residence afterwards. It only takes one or two vehicles in line not being on an approved “visitor list” to back up the whole traffic line and cause the delays you see and experience at the gates. You can help Access Control staff, by making sure your visitors/vendors are on you approved list by doing the following things: Self-enter your visitors using the “Capsure” program. Contact Access Control staff by telephone, and they will enter them for you (437-2496 or 4374985. If you’re expecting visitors/ vendors, try calling them as soon as possible, and if possible, the day before, to prevent any delay at the gates. If you have questions about you “Capsure” password or how to update your information, you can contact Property Management at 437-0038. ALLIGATORS AND SNAKES

Just a reminder that the warmer weather is causing the coldblooded alligators and snakes to come out to bask in the sun. Snakes have already begun their mating season, and alligators are soon to follow beginning in April through June. Since we have numerous bodies of water throughout the communities, there will be multiple sightings of them through-

out the year, as they do move from pond to pond. Florida Wildlife Commission (FWC) have strict rules and regulations of when we can trap and remove alligators, and there are certain requirements we must abide by before an authorized alligator trapper can remove and harvest them: Alligators must be a minimum of 5.5 feet long or a “nuisance,” meaning exhibiting aggressive behavior toward people (not just because we see them in the water or land). Size verification or aggressive behavior must be verified by Access Control Staff and information is forwarded to the FWC alligator trapper for capture and removal. Alligators are part of our ecosystem. They keep other animals’ populations in check, such as turtles, snakes and other animals. As a reminder, Florida Law prohibits the feeding of alligators, mainly due to the fact that a fed alligator loses its natural fear of humans, and this is normally when incidents with humans and pets happen. TRAFFIC CALMING PROGRAM

Access Control still is maintaining and monitoring speeding, using our radar signs and complaints from residents. This information is then provided to the Sheriff’s Offices for them to conduct traffic enforcement at the locations and during the times we provide to them.

Please slow down and follow the rules of the road. GOLF CARTS

All privately owned golf carts must be registered annually with Property Management, and an annual registration decal must be affixed to them. Golf cart registration requirements are available by contacting Property Management. Also, as a reminder, children under the age of 16 can not operate a golf cart anywhere in the community. Contact Margie Hall at 4370038 for any questions on golf carts procedures.

Stock photo

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

REASONS TO LIST OR BUY with Venture Developement Realty Inc.

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Client satisfaction and personal service is our top priority. Our full service real estate company is proficient in all aspects of buying and selling a home in Plantation Bay and the Daytona Beach area.

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By providing a continuous stream of service throughout the duration of the sale, including long after the deal has been made, homebuyers or sellers will develop meaningful relationships that extend beyond the original transaction.

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Commission Credit Program

Ask us about our commission credit program*

Debbie Spelman Realtor 386.690.6511

Elizabeth H. Kargar Broker Assoc. 386.585.2904

Steve Adams Realtor 386.338.4737

*Seller must list an existing home with Venture Development Realty, Inc. (an affiliate of ICI Homes) and enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a new home from ICI Homes without the participation of an outside broker. The new home cannot be an inventory home or a model. ICI Homes will reimburse seller an amount equal to the real estate commission paid on sellerâ€™s existing home, up to, but not to exceed 6% of the purchase of the new ICI Home. This reimbursement will be paid at time of closing on the new ICI Home and may be used for closing costs, options, upgrades or a discount on the base price of the new ICI home but will not be paid out in cash. Not valid with any other discounts. ICI Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.

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Larry LaGrotta Broker Assoc. 386.212.1202

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Carol Paquette Realtor 386.846.1759

PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Weed wranglers The club’s first Weed Wrangle tackled two invasive plant species plaguing the gardens. JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Garden Club of Halifax Country tackled the asparagus ferns in the museum gardens during the Weed Wrangle.

With 50% of the Ormond Memorial Art Museum gardens made up of invasive plants, the Garden Club of Halifax Country had their work cut out for them for the club’s first Weed Wrangle. Members, along with five Seabreeze High School students, spent their morning on Thursday, Feb, 27, clearing the invasive plants from the small section by the museum’s entrance in honor of National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Weed Wrangle is a volunteer effort held statewide in partnership with the Garden Club of America. It origi-

Seabreeze High School teacher Kristen Perkins, Horticulture Chairman Susan Anderson, Vice President Linda Armour and President Muffi Chanfrau.

Stephony Smith

nated in Nashville, Tennessee, and has now been implemented across seven states. The GCHC focused on two main types of invasive plants: sword ferns and asparagus ferns. Members pulled them out of the ground in clumps, depositing them in large paper bags. The club’s Horticulture Chairman Susan Anderson said they hope to host another Weed Wrangle in the near future to keep hacking away at these invasive species, which are easy to spot throughout the lush gardens. “We’re just going to take slow, little steps,” Anderson said. For Seabreeze High School agriculture and horticulture teacher Kristen Perkins, bringing a small group of students to help the club provides learning opportunities they wouldn’t have at school. “It’s neat for them to be able to see things,” Perkins said. “Just like a second ago, they were picking up some of the ferns, so I got to show them there are seeds on the back called spores.” It’s also National Future Farmers of America Week, and since the GCHC has helped Seabreeze substantially with its agriculture program, Perkins thought the participating in the Weed Wrangle was a good way to give back. The GCHC hopes to open the next Weed Wrangle event to the public to help spread information about which plants are native, and which aren’t. Club President

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

Mary Jo Harrington tosses a handful of weeds into a paper bag.

Muffi Chanfrau said that getting rid of the invasive species won’t only improve the gardens, but help the local wildlife such as birds and insects that feed on native plants. She added that it’s been an educational opportunity for the club members too, as they realized some of them have invasive species in their yards. And while the road to raising awareness for native plants is a long one, the club is dedicated. “When you have something that you’re trying to do, you may not be able to eat the whole elephant but you can take one bite at a time,” Chanfrau said.

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Follow the leader

Nina Walls is the only senior on FPC’s girls tennis team. The Bulldogs count on her to lead them. RAY BOONE SPORTS EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s girls tennis team has four freshmen in its starting lineup. “They’re freshmen,” the Bulldogs’ second-year head coach Javier Bevacqua said, “but they’re very good freshmen.” Sandwiched near the middle of the Bulldogs’ five-woman lineup is No. 4-spot player Nina Walls, the Bulldogs’ lone senior. Walls, 18, has been playing tennis for the past six years and has been on the varsity team since she was a freshman. She’s always been in the position of looking up to her teammates. Now, she’s the one leading them. It’s new territory for her. “I’ve had so much fun with the girls and even the guys team. It’s been an incredible experience, and I’m really glad I did it all four years,” Walls said. “Taking that role as the role model is new for me, but I really like it. It reminds of when I was a freshman — how I did, how I acted. I think that the girls, even though they’re younger, still have so much tennis knowledge.” Because of the age difference, she views herself as the team mom. She draws inspiration from past FPC players, like twins Victoria

and Veronika Goncharova, who graduated two years ago. They gave her advice and showed her what it took to play tennis at the high school level. “They were great leaders and great teammates,” Walls said. “It’s how I want to be as the senior leader of this team.” In Bevacqua’s first season with the team last year, he quickly picked up on Walls’ leadership qualities. “Having her this year with all the freshmen, it’s a pleasure,” he said. “She’s also an IB student, so she knows what it’s all about. She’s so well-rounded and respected. When she speaks, they listen. She gives them good advice, not only in tennis, so she steers them in the right direction. It’s invaluable to have someone like her on the team.” The Bulldogs have their eyes on winning a conference and district title. It’d be a hard feat to achieve without Walls’ experience. “She’s our heart and soul right now,” Bevacqua said. “Without her, we’d be a little bit lost. We’d be having the freshmen blues without her.” Walls will always be grateful for her high school experience, and even though she’ll be in college next year, she’s excited for what the future holds for FPC tennis. “Overall, it’s been a great four years, and I’ve gotten so close to this team,” she said. “It’s a really great dynamic, and it’s so tightknit. I’m going to miss it when I go to college.”

“I think that the team is great. I’m excited for what we’re going to be able to do this year and for what they’re going to be able to do in the future.” NINA WALLS, FPC tennis player

FPC’s girls tennis team won the County Cup after beating rival Matanzas.

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

MARCH 2020

Top kayaking spots JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR

Ready for a nice spring day on the water? Here are five premier paddling trails in Volusia-Flagler. Check park websites for fees and gate opening/ closing hours as you plan your trip, as these vary. BULOW CREEK STATE CANOE TRAIL Length: 6.5 miles, from north of Bulow Plantation Ruins to the Halifax River The trip: There are three access points on the Bulow: You can start at Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park and head 3 miles north for a wild and scenic portion of the river, where it becomes shaded with trees, or head south into brackish marsh country as you approach the Intracoastal Waterway. You can also start at the other end, on the Intracoastal High Bridge Road, or start at an intermediate point, from the kayak launch at the end of Walter Boardman Lane. The marshy area between Walter Boardman Bridge and the High Bridge Road takeout can be tricky to navigate, so bring GPS and a chart and compass. The river below Bulow Plantation Ruins is unshaded.

HAW CREEK Length: 5.75 miles, from Russell Landing to Bull Creek Fish Camp The trip: This shady blackwater creek can be accessed from either end: The Russell Landing boat launch in Bunnell, at the end of County Road 2007; or from the Bull Creek Fish Camp launch on Dead Lake at the end of County Road 2006. Starting at Russell Landing, the creek is narrow and winding, passing through cypress swamps before it opens out onto the broad Crescent Lake (Crescent Lake can get dangerously choppy: Check forecasts before you go). Turn north to head into Dead Lake and the toward the Bull Creek Fish Camp launch at its northern end. Stands of water lettuce and dollar weed may slow your progress in the Russell Landing area. The area is known for great panfish fishing and abundant wildlife.

Photo by Jonathan Simmons

Mangrove marshes and flats near Princess Place Preserve in Flagler County.

PELLICER CREEK Length: 3.5 from FaverDykes State Park to Princess Place Preserve. The trip: Pellicer Creek is known as one of the most pristine estuarine environments in the state. The paddling trail can be accessed from the west through FaverDykes State Park, or from the east through Princess Place Preserve. (The flats at the eastern end of the Pellicer side can be uncomfortably shallow for paddle boards.) This is generally a lazy paddle through broad, unshaded salt marsh, but a windy day can make paddling tricky on the flats. Watch out for oyster bars at low tide.

NORTH COUNTY BLUEWAY/ HALIFAX RIVER BLUEWAY

Length: Varies Type of scenery: Estuarine Intracoastal/Halifax River The trip: The North County Blueway and Halifax River Blueway are linked paddling trails along the Halifax River/ Intracoastal Waterway in Volusia County. Launching at the northern end at on the North County Blueway in Tomoka State Park, paddlers can head 5 miles north into Flagler County, or head south toward the Halifax River Blueway. The Halifax River Blueway is 17 miles and has multiple put-in/take-out points: Tomoka State Park, Riverfront Park, and Wilbur Boat House.

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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER

REAL ESTATE

Top transaction: $640,000 A house on Woodbridge Drive was the top real estate transaction. David and Patricia Ryerkerk, of Daytona Beach, sold 650 Woodbridge Drive to Michael and Rebecca Focht, of Ormond Beach, for $640,000. Built in 2014, the house has four bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a swimming pool and 3,150 square feet. It sold in 2015 for $715,000.

SUNDAY, MARCH 8

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Randall and Bonnie Hill, of Ormond Beach, sold 1231 Crown Pointe Lane to Caroline Efstathion, of Ormond Beach, for $349,900. Built in 2006, the house has four bedrooms, three baths and 2,574 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $297,000.

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Stanley and Janet Swiere, of Ormond Beach, sold 45 KingKristy McGlaughlin, Lynne sley Circle to Daniel and Marie O’Hearn, Robert McGlaughlin Engert, of Ormond Beach, for and George McGlaughlin, of $332,000. Built in 1987, the Long Branch, New Jersey, sold house has four bedrooms, 2.5 MINT Magazine 2013 v1swimming 1057 Hampstead Lane to Jenibaths, a fireplace, ISSUE DATE: This Alexander, is your only ad proof. Please carefullyand as it will2,685 be printed square as it fer and Phillip of review this adpool feet. It missed by you on this proof will not release you from any liabilities from m for $390,000. Ormond Beach, for $503,000. sold in 2005 the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not 65100 Built in 1999,guaranteed. the house hasmay have coupon placement Ads with coupons changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has three bedrooms, three baths, a days, theJohn Moffett and Lesley Casnot received this proof back within two ad will be printed as AST, FL MINT shown here. fireplace, swimming pool and tellano, of Delray Beach, sold Office Use Only RTIST New Advertiser ADLane SAME? 2,644 squareAfeet. It soldTCinNUMBER 1265 Harwick to Anthony MINT Magazine TC- 1048990 Julie 2013 v1 Y AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION 2002 for $455,000. and Laurie Kurowski, of SALES REP: ID NUMBER CATEGORY This is yourCLIENT only ad proof. Please review this ad carefully as it will be printed as it d with changes ❑ Ad is not approved make changes indicated Home & Shades 00728-10-13 3256JK Ormond Beach, for $306,500. missed by you on this proof will not release you from Furnishing:Blinds any liabilities from m the Magazine Publisher. Color and position of ad or page placement is not 9/16 Budget Blinds #165100 Please deliver asap to:Ads _____________________________________________ guaranteed. with coupons may have coupon placement John and Christine Prusi sold Built in 2011, the house has changed to fit the pagination of the book. If the Magazine Publisher has EMAIL: ___________________________________________________________ JKOYAKMINTMAGAZINE.COMYYY not received this proof back within two days, the ad will be printed as 00728  FLAGLER CO./PALM COAST, FL MINT Royal Pointe Lane to Gary 1293 three bedrooms, two baths and shown here. PHONE: __________________________ FAX: __________________________ Price, of Ormond Beach, for 1,913 square feet. It sold in 2018 FILE Julie Y NAME: 728.10.13 Budget Blinds 1.2 TC- 1048990 PLEASE SIGN YOUR PROOF AND COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION $383,000. Built in 2004, the forHome $266,000. ❑ ❑ ❑ Furnishing:Blinds & Shades REAL ESTATE EDITOR

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Mercedes Dickinson, of Palm Coast, sold 674 Elk River Drive to Alireza Kargar, as trustee, for $260,000. Built in 2013, the house has three bedrooms, two baths and 1,814 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $237,900. Patricia and Charles Baisley, of Ormond Beach, sold 782 Aldenham Lane to Richard and Diane Meisenheimer, of Ormond Beach, for $233,000. Built in 2017, the townhouse has three bedrooms, three baths and 2,056 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $242,600. Esther and Hector Davila sold 732 Aldenham Lane to Onorino and Janet Guerieri, of Ormond Beach, for $230,000. Built in 2017, the townhouse has two bedrooms, two baths and 1,510 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $201,000. Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

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MARCH 2020

YOU R CAL ENDAR

The top seller has four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.

house has three bedrooms, two baths, a swimming pool and 2,093 square feet. It sold in 2004 for $238,900.

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