Palm Coast Observer 04-25-24

Sheriff Rick Staly delivers annual report. Among the exceptions: Stalking crimes are up 133% in 2024. PAGE 3A

CITY WATCH

Old Kings Village to trade 9 homes for more trees

The once-controversial Old Kings Village development decreased its total proposed homes and increased the number of trees that will remain on the property.

The Palm Coast Planning Board approved a master plan finalizing more details in the development on April 17. After conducting a tree survey on the property, the applicant realized the site has more historic tree specimens than is usual, city planner Estelle Lens said.

The development will now have 201 homes instead of 210 to save more of the trees, she said, bringing the total saved historic trees on the property to 107. Staff also recommended the application be approved on the condition the development retains two, instead of just one, shade trees per 2,500 square feet.

The 62-acre development was annexed into Palm Coast in September from Flagler County and faced multiple delays because of continued disagreements between the applicant, Geosam Capital US, and Polo Club West residents, which borders the development on one side.

In January, the application was approved.

Planning Board OKs 264 apartments

The Palm Coast Planning Board has approved in a 6-0 vote a 264-unit rental community in Town Center, just north of the Town Center Boulevard and Central Avenue roundabout.

The board approved a technical site plan for the development, which will next go before the City Council for approval. The development is owned by Hillpointe LLC and extends from Central Avenue to about 0.2 miles north of Imagine School, city planner Bill Hoover said in the April 17 Planning Board meeting.

The application plans for the 264 apartments units to be divided among 10, three-story buildings, with each building having 24 or 36 units. Daniel Welch, representing the applicant through the design firm England-Thims & Miller, said all of the apartments will have two bedrooms.

The development sits on 67.81 acres, but 21 acres are wetlands that cannot be built on. Hoover said the applicant intends to include not only a clubhouse but walking paths within the development for residents.

The apartments will have 88 garages available for rent at an additional cost, Welch said. Alongside the parking spaces, the plans include 53 bicycle spaces.

Board member David Ferguson also expressed concerns about the large development being built so close to Imagine School at Town Center, and asked if there were any plans to expand the road there. Ferguson said he’s personally been caught on the two-lane road in the long line of parents waiting to pick up their children at dismissal from Imagine School. Hoover said that Town Center Boulevard does not need an expansion but that the city is aware of the backlog from Imagine School at certain times during the day. City staff is looking into the issue and trying to work with the school to improve circulation, Deputy Chief Development Officer Ray Tyner said. “So we are working on it,” Tyner said. “I know our traffic engineer is also looking, not just at this project, but looking at other [similar] proj-

ects within this region.”

This is not the only apartment complex planned for the area. Directly neighboring Imagine School along Lake Avenue, the Palm Coast City Council approved an application for a 300-unit apartment complex last September.

That complex — called The Legacy at Palm Coast — will be on the vacant 27-acre lot at Town Center Boulevard and the north side of Lake Avenue, across from the school. It will have a main entrance on Town Center Boulevard and a secondary entrance on Lake Avenue.

The proposed apartments on Town Center Boulevard would be Hillpointe’s second apartment complex in Palm Coast. Board Vice Chair Sandra Shank asked Welch about

how Hillpointe intends to price the apartments and if there has been any consideration given to reserving some units as affordable senior housing. “We have a critical need for senior housing here,” Shank said. Welch said the apartments will set a market rate, similar to the Pine Lakes Parkway apartments, where the lower-end model is between $1,400-$1,500, and the high end models increase from there. The Pine Lakes apartments opened at the tailend of 2023, and have already leased multiple units, he said.

“Typically, we expect about a year to fully lease up,” Welch said. Email Sierra Williams at sierra@ observerlocalnews.com.

Palm Coast and Flagler County invite residents for Trails Day

Palm Coast, in partnership with the Flagler County Tourist Development Council, invites residents and visitors to celebrate Trails Day on April 27 at Waterfront Park. From 9-11 a.m., the community event will offer residents a chance to engage with nature and each other by exploring over 130 miles of scenic trails in Palm Coast and Flagler County, a Palm Coast press release said.

The event offers interactive booths, activities, games for all ages, educational opportunities.

Director of Palm Coast Parks and Recreation James Hirst said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to engage with nature and learn more about our beautiful trails while enjoying fun activities designed for all ages. We encourage everyone to come out, whether you’re a seasoned trail user or looking to discover something new.”

Holland Park dog park closure extended

The small dog park at James F. Holland Memorial park will remain closed until April 29. The park was closed for improvements on April 8 and scheduled to reopen on April 22. But the newly planted seed require more time to properly establish, a Palm Coast press release said.

The improvements to the park includes replacing the sod, adding concrete around the pavilion, building a block wall along the northwest of the pavilion and repair the irrigation system.

While the small dog park is closed, residents can can visit the nearby Lehigh Trailhead at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway.

The site of a proposed 264-unit apartment complex in Town Center. Image from Palm Coast Planning Board meeting documents

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

State of safety in Flagler

Crime is down, but stalking is up 133% in 2024 over 2023, Sheriff Staly says.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Crime is down 50% since 2017, according to data from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s 2023 report. Sheriff Rick Staly held the FCSO’s

seventh-annual Addressing Crime Together community meeting on April 18. During the presentation, Staly gave a breakdown of the county’s crime data in 2023 and what issues were trending so far in 2024.

Overall, he said, most reported crimes have gone down.

“At the same time our population has really grown,” Staly said. “... The growth is coming, which is going to impact all the infrastructure and obviously calls for service.”

IN 2023

In 2022, 974 crimes were reported; 919 were reported in 2023. But calls for service in both years sat at just over 120,000, up from 114,000 in 2021. Crashes, Staly said, went down a little in 2023 from 2022, but not a lot. In total 2023 had 2,046 crashes without injury, 660 crashes with injury, 349 hit-and-run crashes without injury, 31 hit-and-runs with injury and 25 fatalities, according to data from the annual report.

“One of our biggest quality of life complaints is that we have is traffic,” Staly said.

In response, Staly said, he increased the Motors Unit from five deputies to eight, and, since becoming sheriff, he has ensured that all patrol cars have radar devices; and, the deputies are trained to use them.

The biggest areas for traffic fatalities are on the county’s state roads,

“As I drive around the community, I can see that [people feel safe] because people are walking or bicycling or using our trails. And in areas where community doesn’t feel safe, that doesn’t happen.”

133% in stalking charges 55% increase in violation of injunctions Assault and batteries, 35%

Staly said, and Interstate 95 and the Old Kings Road and Palm Coast Parkway intersection have the most traffic incidents. He said he is working with the Florida Highway Patrol to get more troopers stationed in Flagler County.

“We need more people assigned to Flagler County,” Staly said.

Another big issue in the county is property crime. Residential burglaries were up in 2023, but most of those were homes under construction, he said. Because of the way the laws are written, Staly said, thefts from these homes under construction have to be counted as residential burglaries. There were only 26 residential burglaries in 2023, but it is an increase over the 17 from 2022, the report said. There were 224 larcenies in Flagler County in 2023, down from 2021 and 2022.

Domestic violence cases have also increased since 2020, Staly said, when financial stressors and the lockdown mandates placed additional stresses on relationships. In 2022, there were 191 domestic violence cases and 213 in 2023.

RESIDENTS STILL FEEL SAFE

Palm Coast residents completed a National Community Survey in 2021. In that survey, 92% of residents said they felt safe in Palm Coast.

Residents also rated the FCSO’s policing services, with 84% rating those services as good or excellent. For crime prevention, 82% of respondents rated that either good or excellent and 81% felt very or somewhat safe about property crime; 84%felt safe from violent crime.

“As I drive around the community, I can see that [people feel safe] because people are walking or bicycling or using our trails,” Staly said. “And in areas where community doesn’t feel safe, that doesn’t happen.”

TRENDING IN 2024

Just five months into the year, Staly said the FCSO has seen a 133% increase in stalking charges and a 55% increase in violations of injunctions.

“My message to this is if you have an order by a judge, to stay away from

CRIME REPORT

Flagler Sheriff’s Office arrests convicted killer, career criminals in traffic stop

Two career criminals, one previously convicted of second degree murder, were arrested during a traffic stop in Flagler County on April 18 on a variety of drug possession and parole violation charges.

Pual Copeland, 39, of Port St. Lucie, and Alphonso Williams, 38, from Opa-locka, were both charged with a variety of drug possession charges after a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputy searched their vehicle and found psychedelic mushrooms and marijuana in the car, an FCSO

press release said. A Flagler Sheriff’s Office deputy saw Williams and Copeland in an SUV with an illegal tint parked at the Circle K gas station on State Road 100. When running the suspects identification, Copeland came up as recently release from prison after being convicted of second degree murder in February 2003. Copeland also had a history of other drug related charges.

Williams criminal history included several battery and assault-related charges, both with and without a weapon, as well as kidnapping, auto theft and other drug-related charges, the press release said.

The deputy found “commercialgrad packages of marijuana and a red packaged bag” with 3.5 grams of mushrooms, as well as a semiautomatic handgun, two additional license plates inside the car and several other tools, including power tools, a digital scale, full-coverage

face-masks, gloves and binoculars.

The gun had been reported stolen by the Hollywood Police Department, the press release said.

A second car, a Chevrolet, was parked next to the Copeland’s SUV and the driver had been interacting with the two suspects. The deputy stopped the car for failing to come to a complete stop at a stop sign as it was leaving the Circle K.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Virgil Woodson, Jr. 28, of Opa-locka. His passenger was identified as Miquel Reddick, 32, from Miami. FCSO deputies conducted a probable cause search on the Chevrolet as well, finding two open commercial-grade marijuana bags.

Both men admitted to knowing the suspects in the SUV but weren’t traveling together. Both suspects in the Chevrolet were also arrested on drug possession charges, the press release said.

Both Woodson and Reddick also

the victim, you need to do that,” Staly said. “Because if not, you’re going to get arrested.”

Fraud cases are also up slightly, by 4% in 2024, with 169 cases as of April 2024 compared to 162 cases from the same period in 2023.

But several other crimes have gone down compared to where they were this time in 2023.

As of April 17, Staly said, these were the statistics in 2024 for several specific types of crimes: assault and batteries, down 35%; domestic disturbances, down 4%; physical disturbances, down 44%; familyrelated disturbance with weapons, down 25%; sex offenses down 5%; robberies, down 50%.

PROACTIVE PROGRAMS AND ACCREDITATION

Staly said he credits the success over the last year to proactive programs the Sheriff’s Office has worked on. Deputies focus on areas where crime is trending, he said, and the FCSO makes sure to knock on doors for probationary releases, ensuring that the individual knows the FCSO is aware of them.

The FCSO has also made use of technology-driven information gathering, using tools like rapid-ID, license plate readers and the Real Time Crime Center in coordination with deputies on patrol.

In a week, Staly said, the FCO reads about 1.5 million tags per week.

In 2023, the tag readers helped locate six missing persons, 30 stolen vehicles and 18 stolen tags and led to the arrest of 29 fugitives, he said. The FCSO also works to attain national and state-level accreditations.

Among those is the FCSO’s four diamond accreditations, one each from the Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission, the Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission, the Florida Tele-Communicators Accreditation Commission and the National Institute of Ethics. Staly said the FCSO is also working on receiving its fifth accreditation, for the county jail’s medical, by the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

“There are agencies in Florida that do not even have one accreditation; it’s not required,” he said. “There are agencies across the country that don’t have even one. And your agency that serves you has four, about to have five, accreditations.”

Staly said the FCSO also places a high priority on programs that help inmates turn their lives around. These programs include both work certification programs inside the jail and preventative programs for Flagler County’s youth that may be going down the wrong path.

“While I like the law-and-order image of the sheriff,” Staly said, “if we can help an inmate turn their life around so that they become productive citizens instead of costing the taxpayers money, that would be my preference.”

had extensive criminal histories in Florida, the press release said. Three of the four suspects were released on $1,000 bonds while Copeland remained in the FCSO’s custody.

FCSO wins National Sheriff’s Association

2024 Crime Victim Services Award

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has won the National Sheriff’s Association’s Crime Victim Services Award for 2024.

The award annually recognizes outstanding achievement by a sheriff’s office in support of victims, a FCSO press release said. Sheriff Rick Staly has led FCSO to developing a culture, team, policies, programs and resources that put the needs of victims first in everything the FCSO does.

The award will be presented to

FCSO at the 2024 NSA Annual Conference in Oklahoma City this summer, the press release said Staly was previously awarded life membership in NSA. Staly developed a Guardianship Policing Model that ensures crime prevention is a community effort. Through this model, FCSO delivers exceptional services to victims of crimes with the help of the many alliances it has built throughout Flagler County with community groups and organizations, the press release said. “We are very honored to receive notification of this award. I’m honored the dedicated professionals we have working at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, especially in our Victim Services and Behavioral Response Units, are being recognized by NSA,” said Sheriff Staly. “We will continue to raise the bar on victim services.”

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly. Photo by Sierra Williams

Members of the FCSO and Flagler residents attended the Sheriff’s report on the county’s crime rates in 2023. Photo by Sierra Williams

Big yellow house now art-centric market with shops all owned by women

Chelsea Barney

Herbert has always loved the house since she was a kid; now she has transformed it into Poppy’s True Market

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

When Chelsea Barney Herbert was growing up in Bunnell, she would ride her bike past the large two-story house at 802 E. Moody Blvd. and dream about buying it someday. “Even as a little kid, I loved this house,” she said.

In August, Herbert did buy the 10-bedroom home, but not to live in. The 4,110-square foot building, which was most recently the home of the Salvo Art Project, is zoned for single family residence and also for commercial.

It is now Poppy’s True

Market, named after her two young children, daughter Poppy Jane and son Truett. The market, which opened on March 25, is home to nine shops, all owned by women. “It was unintentional that it wound up being all women businesses,” Herbert said.

TRIBUTES

Charles “Charlie” Caleb Boomer

September 21, 1941 - April 3, 2024

Charles “Charlie” Caleb Boomer was born September 21, 1941, in Rich Square, North Carolina, and died April 3, 2024, at his residence in Blairsville, Georgia, at the age of 82. He was the youngest son of the late Vigle Eugene Boomer and Helen Inez Moore Boomer. He was preceded in death his daughter, Karen Leigh Boomer.

Survivors include: one brother, Gen. Walter (Sandra) Boomer; three sons, Michael (Heidi) Boomer, David Boomer, Joel (Lori) Boomer, and one daughter, Cheryl (Allen) Upchurch; nine grandchildren, Julia (John) Marsi, Leslie (fiancé Charles Carver) Hobbs, Aaron Boomer, Casey (Susannah) Boomer, Matthew Boomer, Daniel Boomer, Emalie Boomer, Sarah Boomer, and Jane Boomer; and one great-granddaughter, Leona Marsi.

Charlie was born and raised in Rich Square, North Carolina. He is an alumnus of Randolph-Macon Academy. Charlie made his career as a jeweler,

TRIBUTES

Joyce Wood Cantrell

August 28, 1938 - April 4, 2024

Joyce was born on August 28, 1938, in Flora, Illinois to Evelyn and John Wortham. She passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 4, 2024. Joyce was married to Harold Eugene Cantrell on August 26, 1956, in Flora Illinois. She and Harold lived a loving and long marriage of 61 years. After their first year in Dania Beach Florida, they relocated to Rock Falls Illinois in 1960.

Joyce worked for Northwestern Steel and Wire for 27 years as executive assistant for the Dillon Family and became their major purchasing agent. Active in the Methodist Church and Rock River Assembly of God as well as all her husbands’ athletic activities including softball, park district, Women’s auxiliary for Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball.

She loved and cared for two sones, Jon Anson and Michael Lee while in Rock Falls. Joyce and Harold loved to travel and made many vacations with their boys during the 60’s and 70’s. She also cared for Harold during many health battles throughout their lives together. She was an English language specialist and a stenographer who journaled and recorded their lives and activities daily.

Joyce and Harold retired to Flagler Beach in 1990 after they had both retired. They both became active in First Baptist Church of Flagler Beach with Joyce helping with the office accounting and finance departments and staff. She and Harold loved the beach, their family, the ocean, dining out and playing dominoes and marbles with friends, but most of all the things of God.

Joyce was a member of the Flagler Beach Red Hatters, loved the Garage Sales, Shopping, and cooking for family and Church events. She was a prayer

“It’s become an opportunity for women to take a leap into a brick and mortar space. The smaller spaces (300 to 700 square feet) are more palatable. It’s more affordable.”

At least three of the women have full-time jobs, including Herbert who is vice president of 4C’s Trucking and Excavation.

“We’re all multi-tasking. We’re all moms or grandmas. We’re marketing for each other, sharing customers and clients, promoting one another. It’s almost like a think tank,” Herbert said.

Herbert refurbished the building, maintaining the character of the 1930s-era home and placing antiques throughout. What was known as the big yellow house is now white. Each of the business owners pay rent for their space. They share one point of sale. The house keeps a small percentage of sales. Abigail Hald is the

creating unique pieces for his customers and friends during his long career.

The most important part of his life was spending time with friends and family. He made friends easily and will be missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.

Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www. mountainviewfuenralhome.com

warrior and had a servant’s heart for her family and community.

Joyce was preceded in death by her mother and father John and Evelyn Worthan, Sister Billie Benson and Brother-in-law Tom Benson, her husband and best friend Harold Cantrell. Harolds parents Esther and Rex Cantrell, Harolds Sister Saundra, and husband Jim Wright. She is survived by her sister Rose Thomson and brother-in-law Marvin Thomson. Jon and Phyllis Cantrell, Michael and Shayla Cantrell, 8 grandchildren, Katie (Cantrell) Ewing and Michael Ewing, Jennifer (Cantrell) Waynick and Robert Waynick, Danielle (Cantrell) Garner and Brandon Garner, Madison Cantrell, Rylee Cantrell, Noah Cantrell, Sadie Cantrell and Jaxon Cantrell. 9 Great Grandchildren: Ewings/ Judah, Zachary, Haddassah, Luke, Anna and Sophia, Waynick/Zoey and Dylan, Garner/ Claire. Funeral arrangements will be planned for Saturday, June 15, 11:00am at First Baptist Church in Flagler Beach at 300 North Central Avenue in Flagler Beach, Florida 32136

To leave a memory or note for the family record please visit:bit.ly/3xEg-

market’s full-time manager. Herbert runs an antique shop. Her mom, Christine Barney, has a vintage store, selling clothing and housewares. Her mother’s merchandise is a little more eclectic, Herbert said. Ashleigh Caroe has a plant store with the house’s back porch serving as a greenhouse. Sculptor Marilyn Leverton has an art studio. Christina Katsolis has a photography studio. Katsolis is the programming director at the Southeast Museum of Photography at Daytona State

College in Daytona Beach. Valerie Namen has an art studio and instructs art classes.

Jessica Steckert runs the Busy Bee Salon, which has an adjoining space for an esthetician. Whitney Andrews owns a yoga studio where instructor Erin McNaughton teaches some yoga classes.

There is also a rental space where, on a recent Thursday morning, a science instructor was teaching a class for homeschooled children, ages 3 to 8. Parents sat with the children.

“It’s a monthly class, a good opportunity for the kids

TRIBUTES

Augustus W. Simms 1932 - 2024

Augustus W. Simms, 92 of Palm Coast, FL passed away March 24, 2024. Born in Havre de Grace, MD on February 29, 1932, “Gus” attended parochial schools and Howard University in DC, where he graduated with a Masters in Music Education.

Shortly after graduation, Gus entered the Air Force where he attained the rank of 1st Lt. He then joined the Air Force Reserves retiring with the rank of Major in 1979.

On release from active duty in 1957, Gus began teaching music at Howard University; and in 1961 married Yvonne Smith from Iowa. While at Howard, he played at several clubs around the DC area with notable local jazz musicians such as Dave Yarborough, Quentin Warren, Ben Secundy and Steve Novacel.

In 1996, after retiring from Howard University, Gus and Yvonne moved to Palm Coast, FL. There he invited local musicians to perform at a jazz concert (An Evening of Jazz) to benefit scholarships to Black students so they could start or continue their Catholic education. Some of the early concerts were held in school cafeterias and featured singers Jan Crawford, niece of Clyde “Piano Man” Crawford (who also lived in Palm Coast until his death in 2005), and Brenda Pinkelton. Later, when the concerts were moved to Seton Hall, singers included Linda Coles (related to Nat), Denise Rose and Em Dinopol as well as perennial favorite Dan Burns. He also performed in various clubs throughout Florida and at the Europa Lounge in the European Village until failing health forced him to stop.

“It’s become an opportunity for women to take a leap into a brick and mortar space.”

CHELSEA BARNEY HERBERT

to socialize,” said Herbert, whose children were participating in the class. The space is also used for tutoring and art classes, she said.

In the second week of May, Herbert is planning to add a coffee shop, which will have coffee to go. Eventually she wants to add a deck where people can sit at tables. She also has plans to add a clothing boutique.

When the house was put up for sale, Herbert said, she thought, “I don’t know what I’m going to do there, but I have to buy this.”

It all came together rather quickly and organically, she said. She wanted to bring a different energy to downtown Bunnell. She decided to open an unconventional market with art as its hub.

“I think the mashup of art and antiques is a good one,” she said. “In my opinion, antiques and interior design are their own form of art.”

Through a news blast from the Palm Coast Arts Foundation, which has since dissolved, and some social media posts, Herbert reached capacity with a waiting list in 45 days.

“I think that speaks to the need for this in Bunnell. I also think the women who came on board trusted my vision,” she said.

And now she may have set a neighborhood trend. Since she bought and renovated the property, two other homes nearby have been renovated, she said.

Hopefully, Herbert said, it will lead to more renovation and revitalization in downtown Bunnell.

A faithful attendee of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic church as long as he was able, Gus was a member of the Black Catholic Guild and their prayer group. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus chapters in Korona and Flagler Beach.

Gus was preceded in death by his parents Philip Scott and Ruth Wilson, step-father John Simms and his wife of 46 years Yvonne (nee Smith). He is survived by Deanna Johnson (sisterin-law) of MD; long-time friends Rose Thurston (DC) and Carol Gaines (FL) several cousins, nieces and nephews, and many friends from Palm Coast. The family wishes to thank the staff of Peaceful Home ALF and Gentiva Hospice for their care during Gus Simms’s final days.

Funeral will be Friday, May 3, 2024 at 11 am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church with Fr. Martin Ibeh officiating. Interment will be at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in DC at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the SEAS Black Catholic Guild (for St. Martin de Porres statue fund). Thank you.

Abigail Hald works full time at Poppy’s True Market.

Chelsea Barney Herbert with her children Truett and Poppy Jane inside Poppy’s True Market. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Is Flagler Schools safe from cyber threats?

‘We’re not sweeping it under the rug. But it is a process that’s going to take time,’ superintendent says.

EDITOR Flagler Schools provided an update on its efforts to recover some of the $719,000 it lost in a cybertheft scheme last fall. But the update at the April 16 School Board workshop provided little information other than to assure the public that it is still working to recover funds and has updated its financial processes. “The district does continue to work through this process to try to recover as many funds as we can. And we are working through our local Sheriff’s Office, the Secret Service, the bank and our risk management team,” Patty Wormeck, the district’s chief financial officer, said. “... Our financial processes in the finance world have been updated quite substantially to ensure that this does not happen again.”

The district believed it was making a payment to H.A. Contracting Corp., the contractor for the Matanzas High School expansion project. In January, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office said it recovered $19,700 it believed was sent to a money mule. When the district announced in October that it had been victimized, Sheriff Rick Staly said during a press conference that it was unlikely the money will be recovered.

Wormeck said it’s a lengthy process, “but there was no breach on our end, so the data and the network is safe.”

Board member Cheryl Massaro asked Wormeck what the process was before the cybertheft was committed and what revisions have been made “so it never happens again.” But board member Colleen Conklin said she was concerned about the question because she didn’t want the district providing a script for future cybercriminals.

“I would hate for us to get into details of all of this publicly, especially if we’re going to end up in litigation in the future,” Conklin added.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore told the board members that they can sit down individually with Wormeck and Ryan Deising, the district’s chief of technology and innovation, to privately ask questions and get details.

“But right now, the purpose really is for us to say this (hasn’t) gone away,” Moore said. “We’re not ignoring it. We’re not sweeping it under the rug. But it is a process that’s going to take time. And right now, unfortunately or fortunately, however you look at it, it really is that you have to trust that we’re working the different processes that we need to work in order to ensure that our system, our servers, all of those things, are safe. And when we can publicly disclose everything that’s happened, we will.”

YOUR TOWN

Officials serve drinks, food and conversation at Ed Foundation’s VIP Service Night

Officials in Flagler County serve the electorate. On Thursday, April 18, several became restaurant servers and hostesses for the Flagler County Education Foundation’s VIP Service Night at the The Landing Strip Tavern on Airport Road in Palm Coast.

Chair

Superintendent LaShakia Moore were among the officials who chatted with restaurant customers and assisted the servers.

Belle Terre Elementary K-Kids raise $550 toward Safe Haven Baby Box

Belle Terre Elementary School’s Kiwanis K-Kids presented a check of $550 toward a Safe Haven Baby Box to Frank Consentino of the Knights of Columbus Council 10514 and Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis. Knights of Columbus and Kiwanis members, BTES administrators and BTES K-Kids

QR codes and envelopes for cash were placed on each table for people to donate to the Education Foundation. Within their donation, they could select the celebrity server they preferred to donate under. Visit flagleredfoundation. org.

United Flagler 4th celebrations return in 2024

Flagler County, Palm Coast, Flagler Beach and Bunnell are once again joining forces for its United Flagler 4th celebrations.

Festivities will begin with the annual Rotary Club of Flagler Beach Stars and Stripes parade along State Road A1A in the morning and end with a fireworks show at the Flagler Executive Airport off Fin Way. The gates will open for the fireworks show at 5 p.m. and

student members attended the presentation.

The Knights of Columbus Council 10514 has raised nearly all of the $20,000 needed for the Safe Haven Baby Box which will be installed at Palm Coast Fire Station 25 pending City Council approval, Consentino said. There will also be installation and annual maintenance and inspection costs.

“This is going to be an ongoing project,” Consentino said.

Safe Haven Baby Boxes are installed outside of first-

the show will start at 9 p.m, a joint press release said.

The parade will follow its traditional route from North 6th Street to South 6th Street along S.R. A1A in Flagler Beach and residents and visitors can enjoy music and entertainment in Veterans Park in Flagler Beach after the parade, the press release said.

Guest parking, including handicapped parking, will be situated on the south side of the airport, accessible via Fin Way off South Belle Terre Boulevard, the press release said. This will be the sole event location this year. There will be no access to the front of the airport and no parking at Flagler Palm Coast High School.

The fireworks show will include food vendors a beer garden, kids activities, a main stage with a DJ and more. Local dignitaries and elected officials will recite the Declaration of Independence at 7 p.m.

Portable restroom facilities and a hand-washing station will also be provided. There is no cost associated with entry, parking, or participation in the event. Glass bottles are strictly prohibited. The airport will remain operational throughout the day, with a temporary closure during the fireworks show. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. All event information will be available at UnitedFlagler4th.com.

responder facilities where parents can anonymously and safely leave an infant they are unable or unwilling to care for. The boxes are climate controlled. Once the door to the box is shut a sensor alerts EMTs or other medical personnel to retrieve the baby.

“It’s amazing what these K-Kids did,” Consentio said. “It warmed my heart.”

Each of Flagler County’s three Knights of Columbus councils and the Knights of Columbus district assembly contributed to the project, Consentino said.

Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck. Image from a Flagler Schools video.

Flagler County Commission

Andy Dance, Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly and Flagler Schools

Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance serves a drink during VIP Service Night. Belle Terre Elementary School’s K-Kids President Mia Kopcikova presents a check for $550 toward a Safe Haven Baby Box to Frank Consentino of the Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis and the Knights of Columbus Council 10514. Also pictured are Grand Knight Bob Conochalla and Knight Bryant Perszyk, Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis representative and Knight Mike McElroy, BTES Principal Jessica DeFord, Assistant Principals Tim Ruddy and Sara Ashman. BTES Teacher Adviser Nicole Massey, Assistant Mason Blair, Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Adviser Tony Andrade and the BTES K-Kids member students. Courtesy photo Flagler Schools Assistant Superintendent Angela O’Brien. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Over 18,000 people have moved to Flagler County and are new voters in Florida since the last Presidential election. If you are a new resident, you probably have many questions about the elections this year!

•Am I registered to vote?

•Where do I vote in person?

•How do I vote by mail?

•How do I update my address or name?

• What is my party affiliation?

• Who are my elected officials?

•Are elections in Flagler County secure?

BRIEFS

FDOT begins construction on secant seawall in Flagler, Volusia

Construction of the first wall is anticipated to be finished in fall 2024, and all work is expected to be done by fall 2025. The project cost, including design, is about $117 million and will use state and federal funds.

For video and updates, visit www.CFLRoads.com/project/452444-1.

Daytona State program to allow school employees to earn teaching degrees

Daytona State College is launching a new apprenticeship program in Fall 2024 that will allow select school district employees in Volusia, Flagler and Brevard counties to pursue a career in teaching while continuing in their fulltime positions.

The program is supported through a $5 million statewide Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant aimed at designing a Grow Your Own Teacher Apprenticeship Program intended to open the teaching profession to individuals who are involved in the field but otherwise might not consider becoming credentialed.

“Florida is dealing with a shortage of teaching professionals and this program gives qualified school employees a flexible, free option

The Florida Department of Transportation has started construction on the first of two buried secant seawalls to protect State Road A1A in southern Flagler and northern Volusia counties. Work on the first of two seawalls is proceeding south from South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach to one-half mile north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County, a FDOT press release said. Later this summer, crews will start work on the second wall, which stretches from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive in Ormond-by-the-Sea. Each wall is about 1.3 miles long. Some dune walkovers will be temporarily removed as part of the project, though the walkovers across from the water tower, near Gamble Rogers State Park, and near Highbridge Road will remain open throughout the project to provide beach access, the press release said. The beach area in front of the walls will also be open for public use. FDOT and the other A1A Resiliency Project partners remind everyone to stay off the dunes and be mindful of construction activities. FDOT will be replacing walkovers in the construction area as each wall section is completed, the press release said. FDOT will have a table at Flagler Beach First Friday from 6-8 p.m. on May 3, at Veterans Park in downtown Flagler Beach, to answer questions about the project.

COPS CORNER

100, Flagler County Trespass. A man called in a trespass on himself, telling deputies he did not want to go home.

Deputies received a call from the suspect that he was at a gas station and wanted to be trespassed and arrested, according to the suspect’s arrest report. The man told deputies the address where he could be found, and hung up.

When deputies got there, the man had left the gas station, only to go to another gas station a few doors down and called to tell the deputies where he was.

When the deputies found him at the second gas station, the suspect said he couldn’t go home. As he had previously been trespassed from the second gas station, deputies did arrest him for trespassing.

APRIL 15

BELT IT OUT

2:20 a.m. — 100 block of Washington Street, New

Smyrna Beach Property damage. An Ormond Beach man was arrested after he and his friend were caught stumbling around, completely drunk, in the middle of a roadway.

The friends were fighting, but told the police officer they did not know what they were arguing about, according to the man’s arrest report. A third car drove by, only for the driver to say one of the two people had damaged his car earlier, by throwing a belt at it.

The belt left about $300 in damage, the arrest report said. The suspect was arrested and taken to the county jail. The other suspect was charged with resisting arrest.

APRIL 16

MOVING DAY

2:48 p.m. — 100 block of Red Mill Drive, Palm Coast Burglary, criminal mischief. A Palm Coast man wanted to move out of his father’s house so badly that he broke into a neighbor’s home and began to move in.

Deputies arrived at the home to investigate a residential alarm going off, according to the suspect’s arrest report. Deputies found the man sitting in the home’s back porch, waiting for them.

to become fully certified teachers in as little as two years,” said Dr. Tom LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “The program is designed to allow employees to balance work, life and school, and graduates will have the exact same degree, certifications and endorsements as those earned by graduates of Daytona State’s School of Education.”

Graduates receive either a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education or a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Student Education, depending on the degree path they select.

DSC School of Education alumni: Madison Miller, Volusia County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year and current assistant principal at New Smyrna Beach’s Read-Pattillo Elementary School; and Shari Goodenough, the kindergarten through fifth grade mathematics specialist for Volusia County, are consulting as content matter experts on the program.

Each school district will select candidates for the teacher apprenticeship program. Selected candidates will train alongside a mentor teacher, gaining hands-on experience while maintaining full time employment and receiving full pay.

School district employees interested in participating in the program should contact their Human Resources office.

To learn more about Daytona State’s education programs, visit https://bit.ly/DSC_Education.

The suspect said he needed to move out from his father’s home and this, the neighbor’s home, was the closest place. The homeowners lived out of state. The man was arrested and taken to jail.

APRIL 17 TWO BEER PROBLEMS

9 p.m. — 700 block of Nova Road, Ormond Beach Petit theft. An Ormond Beach man wound up in jail after stealing $5.22 worth of beer.

The suspect walked into the store one evening, went into the cooler and took two beers, according to the man’s arrest report, without paying. The store manager said they have had to turn the man away before because he came into the store extremely drunk, and the associates would not sell to him.

The Sheriff’s Office deputies only had the witnesses’ description and surveillance footage of the man, but began an investigation.

Ten days later, the deputies found the man at his home, intoxicated, and he was arrested for the theft.

The suspect told the deputies that he knew breaking the window of the home would bring deputies to the scene. Inside the home, the drawers had been rifled through, and a large suitcase belonging to the suspect was also inside.

Josh Crews Writing Project book launch celebrates 100 student-authors

The 13th annual anthology of Flagler students contains more than 200 stories, poems and essays.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The student-authors sat at long tables in the back and along one side of the Buddy Taylor Middle School cafeteria. They flipped through their books, listened as selected students read their stories and poems and then signed their selections for classmates and parents.

The Flagler County Education Foundation celebrated the 13th annual Josh Crews Writing Project Book Launch on Wednesday, April 17. Over 200 selections by Flagler Schools’ second through 12th graders were included in the 2024 edition of “Write On.” The project was established in the memory of Flagler Palm Coast High School graduate Josh Crews, an avid reader and writer who tragically died in an automobile accident in 2010. Florida writing standards mostly focus on argumentative or informational writing, Ed Foundation Executive Director Teresa Rizzo said. The project gives students a chance to write creatively, she said.

April Adams (elementary schools) and Julie Hald (secondary schools) coordinate the project. Each of the district’s nine schools has a Josh Crews Writing Project club with a teacher/sponsor. The Ed Foundation hosts a gala in the fall to raise money for the book printing and to pay the sponsors.

This year’s anthology lists 115 authors. The selections include essays, stories and poems ranging from whimsical to autobiographical, fantasy to heartbreak.

“It’s so neat to flip through the book and see the progression from elementary to middle school to high school and whatthey’re thinking about in that time of their life,” Rizzo said.

This year’s book is dedicated to Melanie H. Crews, Josh Crews’ mother, who died on Jan. 29.

To order an anthology, go to flagleredfoundation.org/how-tohelp/ and click

2024 JDC Book.

“It’s so neat to flip through the book and see the progression from elementary to middle school to high school and what they’re thinking about in that time of their life.”

TWO SELECTIONS FROM THIS YEAR’S ANTHOLOGY:

STARRY NIGHT

Mia Fae Hyder, 5th grade, Wadsworth Elementary School In the night sky, Little white lights twinkle.

So bright even from light years away.

As the wind blows through my hair, And the trees shake and ruffle.

The moon pops out brighter than the sky.

LIQUID CLAY

Spencer Stokes, 4th grade, Rymfire Elementary School Molded into a perfect statue, formed to be a perfectionist all the time. Taking time to be molded together, taking time to actually shape.

I’m trying my hardest don’t you see?

Why aren’t you proud of me?

The sounds of your disappointed sigh is enough to make me cry.

I wish I could, I wish I could try, try and be perfect for you.

Because what you say can change my point of view.

I stand there being molded again, hoping this time I can be perfect.

I can be more than unique.

I just hope that you’re proud of me.

See more on ObserverLocalNews.com

on

Wadsworth Elementary School fifth graders Emiline Morden and Madison Mott collaborated on two stories: “Rock, Paper, Scissors” and “The Shape War.” They read “Rock, Paper, Scissors” from the stage at the book launch.

Rymfire Elementary School’s Ryleigh Jeffries, Hayden Proulx-Barton and Skylar Mathson look through their books and listen to the student readers.

Matanzas High School freshman Lupita Galeano with Matanzas teacher and Josh Crews Writing Project sponsor Olivia McLean. Galeano, a runner on the Pirates’ track team read her story, “At The Starting Blocks,” on stage at the book launch.

Bunnell Elementary School fourth grader Noelle Iglesias with club sponsor Danielle Houser. Noelle wrote a who done it called, “Who Did It?”

TERESA RIZZO

Flagler Palm Coast High School sophomore Tessa Cauley wrote seven poems for the Josh Crews Writing Project anthology. Photos by Brent Woronoff

The application in Plantation Bay was originally approved by the commission in March 2022.

The commission approved the plat in a 5-0 vote at is April 15 meeting.

Commission Chair Andy Dance reminded members of the public that a final plat is not an approval of a new development, but rather the last step in a previously approved development’s application. A final plat is the final administrative step before a property owner can sell individual lots in a development, he said. The Unit 9B phase is on 61 acres of attached townhomes that will be a mix of duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes and sixplexes, totaling the 81 residences. There will be two

duplexes, seven triplexes, two quadplexes and eight sixplexes, which have six residential units.

The County Commission previously approved the application for the Unit 9B phase in March 2022, according to commission meeting documents.

The residential area will be linked to U.S. 1 by an extension of Bay Drive, Plantation Bay’s main entrance, and will have two roads within the neighborhood: Brighton Lane and Regency Road.

The development is owned by WL Residential Land LLC. The Plantation Bay DRI still has multiple phases under development.

DeSantis OKs chaplains in schools

Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed a measure that will authorize school districts to allow volunteer school chaplains to provide services to students, amid opposition from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Speaking at a high school in Osceola County alongside Republican allies and a local pastor, the governor touted the measure (HB 931) as bolstering existing resources that could help students with their mental health.

“It used to be, I mean, when education in the United States first started, every school was a religious school. That was just part of it. Public schools were religious schools. There’s been things that have been done over the years that veered away from that original intent,” DeSantis said. “But the reality is, I think what we’re doing is really re-

storing the sense of purpose that our founding fathers wanted to see in education,” the governor added. Under the measure, school districts and charter schools could choose to craft policies allowing chaplains to provide “support, services, and programs” as long as certain requirements are met.

For example, written parental consent would be required for students to participate and the policies would have to describe the services that would be provided. School districts that participate would have to publish on their web sites lists of the volunteer chaplains and their religious affiliations.

“Parents must be permitted to select a volunteer school chaplain from the list provided by the school district, which must include the chaplain’s religious affiliation, if any,” the bill says.

The ACLU last month posted a statement on its website saying the organization has “vigorously opposed”

efforts to bring chaplains into schools.

“Allowing chaplains in public schools violates students’ and families’ right to religious freedom. And, because chaplains are typically not trained or certified to provide educational or counseling services to youth, students are likely to receive inadequate mental health support that, in some cases, may be harmful,” the ACLU said, echoing other critics of the measure who spoke out against it during the legislative session.

The ACLU also urged school boards to reject school chaplain proposals.

DeSantis said he expects the measure to be challenged in court. The new law is set to go into effect in July.

DeSantis also signed HB 1317 that will allow certain “patriotic organizations” to visit schools, including Boy Scouts of America; Boys & Girls Clubs of America; Civil Air Patrol; Future Farmers of America; Girl Scouts of the United States of America.

Students compete in ‘shark tank’ at Indian Trails’ Kid Biz Market & Expo

Flagler Education Foundation and Invisacook CEO Curtis Ceballos provided $525 in prizes.

Kids got a chance to sell their wares and compete in the “shark tank” for cash prizes at the Kid Biz Market & Expo on Saturday, April 20, at Indian Trails Middle School.

The event was presented by the ITMS Future Problem Solver team, Project BOSS, (Bring On Student Start-Ups). The team won state in the Community Problem Solvers Education category and will compete at the international competition in June at Indiana University.

The sharks were four local business owners who judged the presentations according to a rubric created by the seven students on the Project BOSS team.

The Flagler County Education Foundation provided the cash prizes with Invisacook CEO and founder Curtis Ceballos providing the grand prize of $250 and also donating $100 to one of the firstplace prize winners. Matanzas High School junior Kasandra Baker won the $250 grand prize for her Hope’s Photography business. Carlin Blaine, whose business is Blaine’s Bracelet Boutique, shared first prize with Shea Hardy’s Sunshine Jewelry. They each received $100. Annabelle Kocher, who helped create the non-profit, Yes, You’re Invited Inc., with her parents, won the $50 second-place prize. And Evan Babcock, who helped feed the participants and guests at the Eve’s Grillin’ Goodness tent, won the $25 third-place prize. The sharks included Ceballos; Lisa Magary, owner of True Access Primary Care; Clynton Byer of TTech and

REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS

House in Fuquay tops sales list in Flagler

Ahouse in Fuquay was the top real estate transaction for Feb. 29- March 6 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. Wendy Smith, of Ormond Beach, sold 2031 South Central Ave. to Francisco and Tristi Ramos, of Greeley, Colorado, for $950,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,429 square feet.

the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,575 square feet. It sold in 2009 for $151,000.

Belle Terre Mohamed Ibrahim, of Palm Coast, sold 139 Persimmon Drive to Patricia Ann Calpin, of Palm Coast, for $262,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,170 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $177,000.

• Sunday 8:45, 10:15, 11:45 a.m.

• 386-243-0113

Byer Travel; and Sifu Adam Williss of The Dragon Institute Wing Chun Kung Fu martial arts school.

Building faith strengthens our community. Many people in our world today think, “If God exists, He’s probably mad at me or disappointed in me.” But Romans 8:31 says, “Since God is for us who can ever stand against us?”

So God is for you not against you! He loves you and demonstrated that love when Jesus died on the cross so you can have eternal life.

Lisa Gentile, of Palm Coast, sold 7 Lake Forest Court North to Janina and Douglas Robare, of Palm Coast, for $268,500. Built in 1991, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,331 square feet. It sold in 2002 for $116,500.

Steven and Dale Fitzgerald, of Flagler Beach, sold 19 Ocean Palm Villas North to Edward and Patricia Gross, as trustees, for $270,000. Built in 1979, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,184 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $120,000.

Wincenty and Barbara Przydzial, of Palm Coast, sold 95 Riverview Bend South, Unit 1421, to Marsha Lafata, of Palm Coast, for $330,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,583 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $250,000.

Jane Leslie, of Palm Coast, sold 40 Club House Drive, Unit 201, to Edite Alves, of Palm Coast, for $165,000. Built in 1977, the condo is a 2/2 and has 986 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $50,000.

Luis Ostolozaga, of Palm Coast, sold 9 Broadmore Circle to Alice Castranda, of Palm Coast, for $195,000. Built in 1980, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It sold in 1991 for $59,000.

Rosemary Byard, a trustee, sold 2002 Cedar Cove, Unit 202, to Donella Crawford, a trustee, for $437,500. Built in 2011, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 2,501 square feet. It sold in 2014 for $375,000.

Paul and Linda Patyi, of Macomb, Michigan, sold 35 Riverview Bend South, Unit 1835, to Raymond and Heather Sandarr, as trustees, for $375,000. Built in 2006,

Richard Fletcher, of Palm Coast, sold 42 Boulder Rock Drive to Michael and Terri Sloat, of Palm Coast, for $280,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,357 square feet. It sold in 2012 for $68,000.

Hammock Dunes James and Margaret Andreassi, of Palm Coast, sold 2 Anastasia Court to Robert Colavolpe, a trustee, and Gail Colavolpe, of Palm Coast, for $800,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a pool, a hot tub and 3,106 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $637,000.

Palm Harbor Massey homes, LLC, of Palm Coast, sold 39 Fairmont Lane to Brian Bognar, Jr., a trustee, for $489,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/2.5 and has 2,157 square feet.

Ronald Petrillo, of Palm Coast, sold 35 Faircastle Lane to Edward and Dawn Keyrouze, of Palm Coast, for $320,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,464 square feet. It sold in 1999 for $6,800.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report

Shea Hardy displays her Sunshine Jewelry at the Kid Biz Market & Expo. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Evan Babcock peaks out of the tent at Eve’s Grillin’ Goodness. Indian Trails Middle School student Brendan ScarboroughSanders sold homemade baked goods to help raise money for his trip to Indiana for the Future Problem Solvers international competition.

Make yourself at home

Do I have to run this bottle to the bus stop?

“Oh, great!” 9-year-old Kennedy said in anguish. “I forgot my water bottle!”

My wife and I were walking Kennedy and Luke, 6, to the bus stop, and it was too late for her to turn around and fetch her bottle, the last “straw” in a stressful morning.

Fortunately, I thought to myself, drinking fountains are plentiful at Kennedy’s school. Think of the care and the cost of designing and installing them — in every hallway — to accomplish the miracle of clean, cold drinking water, available for all, literally at the push of a button. But we had been through this

YOUR TOWN

PALM COAST’S ALISA SAMBOLIN SERVES ABOARD NAVY’S NEWEST CARRIER

Petty Officer 3rd Class Alisa Sambolin said growing up in Palm Coast she learned the skills and values necessary to succeed in the Navy.

Sambolin serves aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford, the Navy’s newest aircraft carrier, which is homeported in Norfolk, Virginia. She graduated from Matanzas High School in 2021.

“I learned growing up to be more open and to have an open mind toward others,” Sambolin said.

Sambolin joined the Navy two years ago. She serves as an information systems technician.

before. A teacher once told Kennedy that drinking fountains had germs, and that was that.

I’m old enough to remember when drinking fountains were not only wall decorations in public buildings — they were used for actually drinking water. That was before the water bottle industry fooled us into buying tumbler after tumbler, insulated to keep water cool for weeks on end. These days, it’s a given that your quality of life depends on built-in environmentally responsible straws and ergonomically pleasing handles. And, of course, as evidence of our devotion to this new reality, we have a kitchen cabinet full of perfectly sound but rejected water bottles of the past, a graveyard of thirst.

And so, I dutifully jogged back home, in my shirt and tie and dress shoes. I rushed around the kitchen, then her bedroom, and finally found her insulated tumbler — covered with stickers — and filled it with ice, then water.

As I did so, I grew more and more annoyed at having to jog down the street, carrying this bottle, just

“I joined the Navy to travel,” she said. “During our last deployment, we traveled to Turkey, Greece, Italy, Croatia and Norway.”

The crew recently completed an eight-month deployment, which was the first deployment for the Gerald R. Ford. The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group was extended 76 days following the outbreak of the conflict in Israel and operated in the Mediterranean Sea to deter further escalation.

While in the Mediterranean, the carrier strike group participated in and supported numerous multinational exercises and vigilance activities to increase NATO capability and deter aggression in the region. The carrier visited ports in Croatia, Greece, Italy, Norway and Turkey.

“I’m proud of the qualifications I’ve earned so far in the Navy,” Sambolin said. “I qualified as the communications watch officer during our last deployment and I’m working on my warfare qualifications now.

“Serving in the Navy means that I can protect my family,” she added. “I want to thank my parents, Melissa Hidalgo and Nelson Sambolin, for always supporting me.”

PALM COAST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL TO KICK OFF WITH MAY 1 PREVIEW

The Palm Coast Songwriters Festival returns to Palm Coast from May 1-5 with 45 Songwriters scheduled to perform.

The 45 artists are expected to perform over 150 No. 1 hits to their credit, a press release from the festival said. The festival will include a free preview show on Wednesday, March 1 at 6 p.m. at the Golden Lion Cafe in Flagler Beach, featuring Brady Seals, Aubrey Wollett, and Jimmy Parrish. The festival officially kicks off at the Daytona State College Palm

because of the industry’s manipulative cleverness.

But as I was jogging back to the bus stop with the water bottle, I had an epiphany of gratitude. Several true statements came to my mind: I have shoes on my feet.

I had enough money to buy this bottle for my daughter.

I have the physical strength to jog down the street.

I have a beautiful wife and son and daughter waiting for me at the bus stop.

I thought of the life I aspire to lead, one that should be full of moments like this: giving drink to the thirsty.

And as I expected, with my heart softened, when I arrived, just in time for the bus, Kennedy accepted the bottle with a big smile, bursting with her own gratitude, with relief, and with the sensation of being loved by her dad.

What are you grateful for? And be honest: How many water bottles do you own? Email brian@observerlocalnews.com.

Coast Amphitheater at 5 p.m. on May 2.

Single day reserved and general admission tickets are available for purchase, along with a limited number of four day reserved seat passes.

The festival lists the following artists among its list of performers: Jeff Hanna of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Deana Carter, Darryl Worley, Jeffrey Steele, Matraca Berg, Andy Griggs, Ira Dean and Casey Beathard, along with many more great singer and songwriters.

Several performers are Nashville Songwriters Association International Hall of Fame inductees and award-winning performers, the press release said.

For more information including the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival website at www.palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com.

SALVADORE DALÍ VISITS SIGMUND FREUD IN CITY REPERTORY THEATRE’S ‘HYSTERIA’

In 1938 the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí paid a visit to the dying Sigmund Freud, who had recently escaped Nazi Europe and settled in London’s Hampstead. The visit is immortalized in Terry Johnson’s explosive 1993 farce, “Hysteria.”

The City Repertory Theatre’s production of “Hysteria” will run for two weekends, April 26, 27, 28 and May 3, 4, 5. with Friday and Saturday shows scheduled at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday shows at 3:30 p.m.

In Johnson’s play, Dalí walks into Freud’s study to discover the father of psychoanalysis holding a snail-infested bicycle with his head bandaged like an Easter bunny and his arm stuck in a Wellington boot. “What Dalí merely dreams, you live,” breathes the thrilled painter.

The play combines that meeting with the arrival of the mysterious

PUBLISHER’S SHOUT-OUTS

In my role as publisher, I meet so many people who are making a difference in the community. Here are two I’d like to highlight this week: Danielle Geiger and Leah Putting are the area directors for Flagler and East Volusia, respectively, for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. In the past school year, Geiger helped increase program participation from 50 to 121 Christian student-athletes, helping students feel like they had a supporting place to grow in their faith. Putting helped East Volusia, which includes Ormond Beach, increase from 750 coaches and athletes last year to more than 1,000 this year. Visit www.flaglerfca.org or www.eastvolusiafca.org.

Jessica, who brings serious charges against Freud relating to his treatment of her mother and his theory of presexual shock. Freud, who is trying to put his affairs in order, soon finds himself up to his neck explaining both his life’s work and the female undergarments in his garden.

The CRT production stars Tom Munez as Freud, Cameron Hodges as Dali, Danno Waddell as Yahuda and Emily Sowell as the scarcely clad Jessica.The show is directed by City Repertory co-founder John Sbordone.

For tickets call 386-585-9415 or visit crtpalmcoast.com. Prices are $30 and $15 for students. The theatre is located at City Market Place, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast.

MEET THE HUMANE SOCIETY’S ADOPTABLE PETS: PETULA, LOUISE, ELI AND CHAPO

The Flagler Humane Society is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1 Shelter Drive in Palm Coast. Adoption fees vary based on the animal, and the shelter has both dogs and cats up for adoption. Contact FHS at 386-445-1814 or visit flaglerhumanesociety.org.

Michigan Gary Hutchens was drafted into the U.S. Army at age 22. He was supposed to be a truck driver, but due to the extra knowledge and administrative skills he brought with him to the Army as an older draftee, he was assigned as what he referred to as the “Radar O’Reilly” of his unit. His first post was at Fort Knox, Kentucky. While there, scenes of the James Bond movie “Gold Finger” were filmed on the post. Hutchens and others were selected as extras in which they were to lie down and pretend they were dead after an aircraft flyover dispersed poison. His next assignment was in Germany, where he had a NATO secret clearance and clerked for the first sergeant. After honorably serving his country, Hutchens returned home to Detroit and worked for the Ford Motor Co. in paint operations. He left Detroit and worked for British singer-songwriter Roger Whittaker as a member of his staff for 20 years throughout the U.S. and Canada. Hutchens also traveled with the U.S. Olympic hockey team as a merchandise promotor in 1988, ’92 and ’93, as the teams practiced and played exhibitions games around the country. He moved to

Petty Officer 3rd Class Alisa Sambolin of Palm Coast. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Adriones Johnson

YOUR NEIGHBORS

PASSION FOR FASHION

Kasandra Baker’s diagnosis with a neurological disorder showed her the need for fashion for people with disabilities. Now she’s heading to a prestigious Vogue summer camp.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Not many students want to spend a portion of their summer break in summer school, but Matanzas High School junior Kasandra Baker is excited for it.

But her summer school experience won’t be in a high school. Instead, Baker has been offered a spot at the competitive and prestigious Vogue Summer School program in New York City, a two-week course for students under 18 that is designed to introduce interested students to an expert eye of fashion.

Fashion has been the 16-yearold’s passion for as long as she can remember, she said. “I’ve always, like, been drawn to it as it’s something to help me express myself,” Baker said. “I always love how you can tell so much about who someone is based on what they’re wearing.”

She turned her hobby towards a professional career when she joined the theatre group at MHS. In the eight plays the school has had since she started there, Baker has been the costume lead for the cast for five of them. She even recently was the assistant costumer for Flagler Playhouse’s recent performance “Miss Jean Brodie.”

Baker is raring to go but has to raise the funds first. She needs $7,220 for the course and the travel costs by June 1. To raise the money, she has created a GoFundMe, but has also started offering her photography skills for family and individual portraits for donations.

Baker has a lot of ambitions for herself and not much seems to stand in her way — not even being temporarily paralyzed in 2023.

TEMPORARY PARALYSIS, LIFE-LONG DIAGNOSIS

In April 2023, Baker was watching TV on the couch when she said she suddenly went completely numb

from the neck down.

It took over five months, she said, for her doctors to tell her it was something other than “too much stress.” But a brain MRI scan showed white spots and cysts on her brain, and the diagnosis followed: acute disseminated encephalomyelitis.

It is a neurological disorder characterized by brief but widespread attacks of swelling in the brain and spinal cord, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

The diagnosis has limited some aspects in her life — Baker said she can’t participate in musicals the way she wants to and can longer run cross country as she did. But, she said, it’s given her a completely unique perspective.

“Now that I’ve seen it [the struggles], I’m like, how can I help other people who are in this situation,” she said.

A SELF-ADVOCATE

It did not surprise James Brendlinger, Matanzas High Schools theater teacher and director, at all when he heard Baker was accepted to the Vogue program. Baker, he said, is one of those students is not afraid to advocate for herself. She always speaks her mind, goes after what she wants and finds a way to get it done, he said. In professional theatre technology, its people like Baker who have careers in the field, he said. “She works,” Brendlinger said.

“She doesn’t save the difficult part for somebody else. She doesn’t save the getting your hands dirty for somebody else. She does the work and it’s just really impressive.”

A costumer, Brendlinger said, is responsible for designing and organizing everyone’s outfits, figuring out repairs and replacements and making last-minute adjustments.

TO DONATE OR SCHEDULE A PHOTO SHOOT

Kasandra Baker is fundraising for her trip through a GoFundMe account and her new photography business.

To donate to the GoFundMe, search for “Send Kasandra to Vogue fashion camp.”

To schedule a photo shoot for a recommended $30 donation, call 386-585-5955 or email Baker at kasandrahope baker@gmail.com.

“It’s kind of a big production and she’s the head of it,” he said. “She’s very conscientious and definitely is on it all the time.”

Baker is never afraid to speak up and demand more from her teachers, but always returns that quality work, he said. It was no different after her illness struck, he said. Not only did Baker not ask for special treatment, she began pointing out accessibility issues she had while backstage in the wheelchair, even making Brendlinger take notice of some issues.

Any other student, he said, who has a disability could have looked at the stage area and decided they didn’t belong there. But not Baker.

Instead, Baker said that being in a wheelchair, and even later using her cane, has taught her about struggles she never could have foreseen without the first-hand experience.

Costume changes and clothing being part of those struggles. Baker said when in the wheelchair, she could not wear long skirts or dresses because they kept getting caught in the wheels. Weeks after she first lost use of her legs, while performing in Flagler Playhouse’s “Barnum,” she had to do a quick costume change between scenes.

It was awful, she said.

“It pushed my interest in fashion even more as wanting to create adoptable fashion line,” she said.

THE VOGUE TRIP

Those problems have inspired her. Among the many careers Baker intends to have in the future are business owner, photographer, zoologist, fashion designer, director and actor. “Really, I want to be Barbie,” she said. “There’s so many careers out there. How do you just choose one? Come on.”

But applying for the Vogue Summer program was not initially something she jumped at, between the money and the distance from home. Instead her mother, Jennifer Baker, had to convince her to go for it.

Just applying was highly competitive, Jennifer Baker said — it took three essays, letter of recommendation and showing a sample of her work. But not only is it the last year for Baker to apply, since it is only for high school students, but the experience would be crucial for Baker’s desire to get into the theater professional field.

“When you’re looking at theater, you don’t necessarily need a theater degree,” she said. “You need all of the experience pieces.”

So Baker decided to go for it. All that’s left is get her funds together. Baker said she plans to learn a lot from the trip, but she’s already looking to her future, too. She said she plans to not just follow all of her career interests, but to do something with them, too.

“The thing is, I don’t want to just do it,” she said. “I have to make something out of it. I have to do something people know about.”

“Really, I want to be Barbie. There’s so many careers out there. How do you just choose one?”

“She works. She doesn't save the difficult part for somebody else. She doesn't save the getting your hands dirty for somebody else.”

— JAMES BRENDLINGER, Matanzas High School theater teacher

University Women of Flagler present a check of $1,500 to the Early Learning Coalition of Flagler on April 15 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. University Women of Flagler members, from left: Linda Jaeger, Trish Le Net, Janice Nickol, Robin Hall and Jo Dervan. President and Early Learning Coalition: Nancy Walsh, Diedre Brown, Vonda McCaskell and Erica Garris. Courtesy photo

V Sloat and David DeOliveira in ‘Almost Maine,’ wearing their characters’ costumes, designed by Kasandra Baker Photo courtesy of Mike Kitaif

Matanzas High School junior Kasandra Baker is fundraising for a summer program with Vogue. Photo by Sierra Williams

KASANDRA BAKER, Matanzas High School student

LOCAL EVENTS

THURSDAY, APRIL 25

PROGRAM

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Library Auditorium, 30 South Beach Street

Details: Officer Danielle Henderson and Officer Andy Rossi of the Ormond Beach Police Department will present a free Community Safety Program titled “Protect Yourself Against Crime.” This event will focus on personal safety, home security and fraud prevention. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns about safety and crime in our neighborhood.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

2024 HOUSING FAIR & FINANCIAL CLINIC

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

Where: Allen Chapel AME Church, 580 George W. Engram Blvd. Daytona Beach,

Details: HUD counselors, realtors, lenders, insurance agents, home inspectors and title companies will be available to provide answers to all your questions. For more information contact Lydia Gregg at MFHP 386-274-4441 ext 304 or by email at lydia. gregg@mfhp.org. Attendees should reserve their spot.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

PALM COAST SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

When: Hours vary, first performances begin 5 p.m. May 2-4, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, May 5. Where: Daytona State College Palm Coast Amphitheater, 545 Colbert Lane

Details: Over 40 songwriters are expected to perform with over 150 hits. Single Day (reserved and general admission) tickets are available for purchase, along with a very limited number of Four Day Reserved Seat Passes. Between May 3-5, the Festival will host other shows earlier in the day at local restaurants. For more information including the schedule and to purchase tickets, visit the Palm Coast Songwriters Festival website at www.palmcoastsongwritersfestival.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 4 LAW ENFORCEMENT

TORCH RUN

When: 8 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach City Hall, 22 South Beach Street

Observations.”

SUNDAY, MAY 5

PATHWAYS 5K AND COLOR FUN RUN

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Pathways Elementary School, 2100 Airport Road, Ormond Beach

Details: Join this 5K Color Run or 1-mile Color Fun Run. The early bird deadline to register is April 15. Visit https:// www.pathwayspta.org/colorrun. Knights of Columbus blood donation event and PANCAKE BREAKFAST

When: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: St. Brendan the Navigator Catholic Church, 1000 Ocean Shore Blvd., Ormond Beach

Details: The 1-mile run will start and finish in the breezeway at Ormond Beach City Hall. The run starts at the breezeway, goes west down Corbin Avenue, to Eileen Butts Street, Tomoka Avenue, South Yonge Street, then north on South Yonge Street, east onto West Granada Boulevard to City Hall’s rear sidewalk. The event will also include a Touch-A-Truck event, a DJ and food vendors. Contact Sgt. Michael Garner for more vendor information at pdoutreach@OrmondBeach.org 386-559-0622.

Details: Share your power and donate blood to save a life at a blood donation event sponsored by Knights of Columbus Council 13018. The OneBlood Big Red Bus will be on site to accept blood donations. OneBlood offers a free gift, and a $20 eGift card in addition to a complimentary wellness checkup. All donors receive a free pass to the Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast in the social hall to enjoy scrambled eggs, sausage and all the pancakes you can eat, along with coffee and orange juice. Breakfast for non-donors is only $6, kids under 12 eat free.

MONDAY, MAY 6

PALM COAST ASTRONOMY CLUB MEETING

When: 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Public Library, 2500 Palm Coast Parkway

Details: The month’s meeting is “Astronomy Club Eclipse

Anyone interested in astronomy is welcome. Meeting room is located im mediately to the right after entering the library.

THURSDAY, MAY 9

HALIFAX GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MONTHLY

MEETING

When: 1:30-3:45 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Li brary Auditorium, 30 South Beach Street

Details: Genealogist Ann Osisek will give a presentation titled, “Calico & Cornbread – How to Find Your Female Ancestors” for the club’s May meeting. The presentation is meant to help with faster researching of the women in a genealogist’s family trees. Guest registration is free.

TRADEWINDS EXHIBIT 2024

When: 5-7 p.m.

com/halifax-fashion-fest and the show is also viewable virtually at https://halifaxpilotsclub.ticketspice.com/ halifax-fashion-fest for those unable to attend in person. The virtual attendees will be eligible for cash prizes.

ONGOING

BAM SENIOR FITNESS CLASS

When: 9:30 a.m. Mondays and Thursdays

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum & Gardens, 78 East Granada Blvd.

Details: Join us to celebrate the opening of “Tradewinds 2024,” an exhibit featuring artwork by Seabreeze High School students. Meet many of the exhibiting artists and enjoy light refreshments.

SATURDAY, MAY 11

PILOT CLUB OF THE HALIFAX AREA’S ANNUAL FASHION SHOW

When: Door opens at 11:00 a.m. Show starts promptly at 12 p.m.

Where: Mary McLeod Bethune Performing Arts Center, 698 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: The annual fashion show is a fundraiser to benefit the local youth and charities. Tickets are $36 each, and the show will include a luncheon, the latest fashions from JCPenney, basket raffles and a 360 photo booth. Tickets can be purchased at halifaxpilotsclub.ticketspice.

Where: Palm Coast First Baptist Church, 6050 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Palm Coast

Details: Join this Balance and Motion class and develop strength and endurance, core stability and balance. Taught by senior fitness specialist

Artie G, the class is open to all fitness levels and free with most insurances. A donation is accepted for those without coverage. See full schedule at synergyseniorfitness.com or call 386-931-3485.

ART LEAGUE OF DAYTONA BEACH PRESENTS ‘ART

NUANCE’

When: 1-4 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, through April 26

Where: Art League of Daytona Beach,433 S. Palmetto Ave., Daytona Beach

Details: See this exhibit featuring the artwork of George Stuart, Toni Slick, Mary Wentzel and Mike Nelson. The exhibit will run through April 26. Visit artleague.org.

WOMEN’S BOOK

to Chapter 125.66, Florida Statutes, the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners hereby gives notice of a proposal to adopt an Ordinance affecting the actual list of permitted, conditional, or prohibited uses within the unincorporated area of Flagler County and titled similar to:

1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to planningdept@flaglercounty.gov. Copies of the proposed ordinance, supporting data and analysis, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning and Zoning

DECISION

BOARD

BY

COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE NEEDED AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSES, THE PERSON WILL NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AT (386) 3134001 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. April 25,

club will meet in the Marchman Building, room 117. Contact Sylvia Meincke at 386-451-5223. MOMS OF PRE SCHOOLERS When: 9:30-11:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Friday of the month Where: Central Baptist Church,

Brice Long and Wynn Varble. Photo by Brian McMillan

Who is Black Guy White Violin? Streets come alive with music

Have you ever searched Google to find someone only based on their appearance or what they were doing? Violinist Marcus Mckinnon based his whole brand around that idea and now goes by “Black Guy White Violin.”

“After I began playing on the street, I thought it’s going to be weird for people to see a Black guy playing a white violin, until I realized, it has a nice ring to it, and it’ll make it easier for people to find me and

my music online,” Mckinnon said. “So, I decided to state the obvious and call myself Black Guy White Violin.”

Mckinnon plays from St. Augustine to Port Orange and in his hometown of Tampa when he goes back to visit family. Residents often see him

playing around Palm Coast on the side of the street with a speaker and sign with information for tips and donations, as Mckinnon said he plans to go full time with his music. Ormond Beach resident Josie Fitzgerald often sees him on her way to work.

“I see him playing on the corner of Belle Terre Parkway and Palm Coast Parkway Southwest often when I’m driving around, and his music is phenomenal,” Fitzgerald said. “I never thought I would hear popular songs from the radio on the violin, and I love it.”

Mckinnon began playing the viola and trumpet at the age of 11, practicing daily in hopes of music being his career one day. In the summer of eighth

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grade, he was accepted to the performing arts program at Howard W. Blake High School in Tampa, where he played the trumpet.

Mckinnon visited Palm Coast a lot when he was younger to see his grandparents, and decided to move to the city in 2018. He was still working in Tampa International Airport at Burger King when he first moved to Palm Coast, and brought his viola to play in his free time. One day, he missed the bus to work, and decided to start playing at the bus stop. He played for hours and made money doing so, which gave him the idea to start playing on the street. He bought a violin, as it is similar to a viola, but smaller and easier to travel with. He then began

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Hearing is a complex process that involves transforming vibrations from our environment into meaningful sound. Exposure to sounds that are too loud for too long can damage this delicate system, which results in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

While immediate hearing damage can result from sudden loud noises (acoustic trauma), NIHL is also caused by repeated and extended exposure to louder sounds. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reducing your average leisure noise exposure to 70dB over a 24-hour period. As sounds get louder, your exposure time should decrease. According to health survey data collected from hearing tests, nearly 24% of adults aged 20 to 69 show signs that suggest NIHL. Exposure to noise is part of our everyday lives. From mowing the lawn, to listening to music, we are putting a strain on our ears.

PREVENTING NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS

Most noise-induced hearing loss is preventable. By taking precautions to minimize your exposure to loud noise, you can significantly reduce your risk.

• Be aware of sources of harmful noise.

playing on street corners daily, and eventually started booking gigs at private events and public festivals.

He recently performed at Palm Coast’s Springfest on March 2.

“I’m inspired by everything around me,” Mckinnon said. “There’s different bands, artists, and people in my life that inspire my music and inspire me to be a better person. Personally, that’s my grandparents and my parents; they prioritize love over everything, which makes more sense to me in this world.”

Mckinnon comes from a long line of musicians, which has helped him grow and develop his own voice in the music world. His father, Jermane Mckinnon, is a DJ, also

known as DJ Money Mello; and his grandmother, Beverly Mckinnon, was a singer and grew up with brothers who all played instruments.

Marcus Mckinnon plans to get into the production side of music and create his own independent recording studio. He’d also like to open a company to help upcoming artists find their own voice as musicians.

“If I created my own label, I would want people to have their own liberty and be their selves rather than being under the wing of a big corporation and not having any rights to their own music,” Mckinnon said.

In the meantime, Black Guy White Violin will continue what he’s best known for: playing on the street corners of Palm Coast, Ormond Beach, St. Augustine and Port Orange. Find him on Facebook.

•Wear ear protection when exposed to harmful noise.

• Distance yourself from the source of the noise.

• Reduce the volume and length of time spent using personal listening devices.

• Give your ears a break in quiet spaces whenever possible.

SIGNS OF NIHL

Noise-induced hearing loss

(NIHL) can be difficult to detect early on as it often happens gradually. In some cases, the damage to our ears from noise exposure is temporary. However, left unaddressed, noise exposure can lead to more serious and permanent hearing loss.

Signs of NIHL Include:

• Ringing in your ears, known as tinnitus.

• Difficulty understanding someone who is talking from 3 feet away.

• Difficulty understanding speech in background noise.

• Speech sounding muffled after leaving a noisy area.

• A feeling of pain or fullness in your ears.

If you are concerned you may have

noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), call our office! We specialize in evaluating and managing a broad range of hearing and balance disorders for

Marcus Mckinnon hopes to make music his full-time career.

Marcus McKinnon Photo by Alexis Miller

Mainland’s Walker crushes competition to win state weightlifting title

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Mainland High’s Elijah Walker knew he was going to win a state weightlifting championship on April 20. So did his coach. So did his family. But that didn’t stop the tears from flowing when the medal was draped around his neck.

“My family was not shocked because they knew I was going to win. I’ve been saying that since last year before I hurt my knee,” Walker said. “But my mom was crying because she knew what I went through.”

The 342-pound Walker lifted a total of 755 pounds in the traditional competition in the Class 2A unlimited weight class. He won the title by 25 pounds, putting an exclamation point on his day at the RP Funding Center in Lakeland with a personal-record 440-pound bench press. He broke school records in both the bench and total lift.

He did not miss a lift all day. Walker clinched the title after his second bench press of 420 pounds. With nothing to lose, he had 20 more pounds added to the bar. “His previous best was 425,” Mainland coach Chris Fricke said. “He already had first place locked up at that point, so why not try 440? He just smashed it out. He probably could have gone higher if he needed to.”

Walker was still not where he was in the clean and jerk last season before he underwent knee surgery on June 6. But while he was limited on that lift, he built up his bench press. A year ago, he clean and jerked 365

pounds. When he resumed that lift after his surgery he struggled with 135 pounds.

At state, he clean and jerked 300, then 310, then 315, which was good enough for fourth place heading into the bench press. But he knew none of the top challengers were going to come close to him on the bench.

“As soon as I clean and jerked 315, I knew what I had to do, and I just blew it out of the water,” Walker said.

When he locked up the title he looked up in the stands to his parents.

“He started getting giddy,” Fricke said. “He was hopping around. You could see the smile on his face.”

Walker, an offensive lineman who will play football for Alabama State next year, transferred back to Mainland from Spruce Creek before his junior football season. At that point, he knew he would only have one chance to win a state weightlifting title because Mainland was just starting up the program again and was not eligible to compete in the postseason.

Then in Mainland’s intrasquad spring football scrimmage in May, he tore his his MCL and meniscus. He missed the first three games of the football season, but he was back in plenty of time to help the Bucs win a state championship.

At the state weightlifting meet, Walker became the second Mainland athlete to win two state championships in the same school year.

On Monday, April 22, the school celebrated Walker’s championship.

“Between third and fourth period in the big courtyard we have, they set up a podium, and I got up on it. It was pretty cool,” he said.

But now that weightlifting is over, Walker already has football on his mind.

“I leave for Alabama State in a month,” he said. “Right as we graduate high school I’m leaving, and I’m

ready to go to my new home.”

HASH, SAO, GROTH PLACE AT STATE

A year after winning the Class 2A traditional title, Matanzas lifter Cole Hash placed fifth in both the traditional and Olympic competitions in the 199-pound weight class.

Hash became the Pirates’ first lifter to win a medal in the Olympic category. He totaled 520 pounds in Olympic competition and 635 pounds in the traditional competition with a 290-pound clean and jerk and a 345-pound bench press.

Matanzas 129-pound lifter, Jayden Sao, also won a fifth-place medal with a 425-pound total in the traditional competition.

“We thought Jayden could medal (top six) if things went right, and he had a really good day,” Pirates coach Matt Forrest said.

Hash finished his weightlifting career with a total of four medals. He also placed third in the 183-pound class as a sophomore.

“Once you get to that strength level it’s tough,” Forrest said. “At end of the day I know he was disappointed, but no one can take that state championship away that he won last year. He’s been a star for us. He’s got a lot to be proud of.”

Flagler Palm Coast’s Nick Groth finished his weightlifting career with five medals. Groth placed third in both the traditional and Olympic categories in the 169-pound class at the Class 3A championships on April 19.

Groth lifted a 585-pound traditional total and a 540-pound Olympic total. He placed fifth in Olympic and sixth in traditional last year and placed third in the snatch lift in his sophomore year when the Bulldogs won the Class 3A state championship. Mainland’s Elijah Walker won the Class 2A state weightlifting championship in the unlimited weight class with a school-record 755-pound total. Courtesy photo

Bringing home the hardware: FPC wins Five Star baseball championship

The Bulldogs rallied past Pine Ridge for their seventh consecutive victory.

The Bucs’ senior benched 440 pounds for a 755-pound total to win the Class 2A unlimited weight class by 25 pounds. BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flager Palm Coast’s baseball players swarmed the field and hoisted the Five Star Conference championship trophy high into the air. The Bulldogs defeated Pine Ridge 9-6 on April 18 at Spruce Creek High School to win their first Five Star tournament title. The way they have been playing lately, there could be more championships to come this year. FPC (12-10) won its seventh game in a row, and coach Kyle Marsh said the players are buying in.

“We just found our identity as a team and understood the things that we’re good at and not good at,” Marsh said. “And sometimes that’s

OK to accept that, hey, we got to still figure out ways to win games. If A is not working, we got to go to B. And I think that’s what kind of turned our season around.”

A year ago in the Five Star championship game, the Bulldogs’ seventh-inning rally fell just short in a 4-3 loss to Spruce Creek. This year, they broke open a 3-3 tie against Pine Ridge with a four-run fourth inning. Just like last season, when FPC won its first district championship in eight years, the Bulldogs have shown that they’re never really out of a game. During their win streak they’ve scored 21 runs in the fifth inning or later. They scored six runs in the sixth, seventh and ninth innings to rally past Bishop Snyder 9-8 on April 5.

They are playing within themselves and they’re treating every game the same, Marsh said.

“I always preach to them, ‘Do your job, and then pass to the next guy. Do

your job, whether it’s hit and run, bunt, steal.’ So I think they actually bought in on that since our little win streak has happened and understood that if we just do our job, we’ll be all right.”

FPC came back from deficits in both the Five Star semifinal (a 5-3 win over Spruce Creek) and the final. The Bulldogs trailed Pine Ridge 3-1 after two innings. They tied the score in the third on Marion Clayton’s runscoring double to right field and Nole Hemmerle’s sacrifice bunt.

In the fourth, Connor May drove in a run with a sacifice fly, Cody Clymer drove in two runs with a single to right and Carson Flis added an RBI single.

Relievers Dalton Roberts and Adam Kleinfelder did their job on the mound. Roberts allowed two runs in 2.2 innings and got the win to improve his record to 4-0. The senior retired the side after the Panthers’ Chris Kable led off the third with a

double. Kleinfelder allowed one run pitching the final three innings. “My two-seamer was working on the outside corner and my slider was working away,” said Kleinfelder, who allowed one run on one hit and two walks. “I’ve been wanting to close,” he said. “I like coming in and getting the save in a big moment. I thrive under pressure.”

The Bulldogs have three home games on consecutive nights to end the season: Fleming Island on April 23, Pine Ridge on April 24 and Delto-

na on April 25. District tournaments are scheduled to begin on April 29. The Bulldogs won’t be doing anything different once the postseason arrives.

“I preach to them every day, this is another game. Because the more I try to do certain things, it’s just more pressure for them,” Marsh said. “So my thing with them is, it’s another game, it’s another game. Go out there, play the same way we’ve been playing other games, and we’ll be fine.”

The Flagler Palm Coast baseball team poses with the championship trophy after winning the Five Star Conference title with a 9-6 victory over Pine Ridge at the Spruce Creek High School field. Photos by Brent Woronoff

FPC reliever Adam Kleinfelder allowed one run in three innings.

Mitzo will join the FIU track and field team; Smith will play football at Aurora University.

Lester Davis’ last act as the Seabreeze head football coach was to hold a college signing on Tuesday, April 16, for two of his players — Chandler

Mitzo and Landon Smith.

Mitzo heads to Division I Florida International University to throw the javelin on the Panthers’ track and field team, and he will walk on to play football. Smith, a wide

receiver, chose Division III Aurora University in Illinois after making a perfunctory visit to the school.

“(In my time at Seabreeze) I’m most proud of the mindstate of these kids,” Davis said. “I feel like they took on some of my moxie — my thought process. They were as dedicated as I was. We started to think alike. I’m most proud of the relationships I built with my players.”

Davis said both players will be great representatives of the Sandcrabs.

“Congratulations to both of these young men,” he said. “I love them and will continue to pray for them.”

Smith said he went with his family to Illinois to check out two other colleges and decid-

ed to stop at Aurora because it was on his way. Logistically, it made sense to him. He had 15 to 17 offers and was not considering the private school as his future home.

Aurora football coach Don Beebe welcomed the Smith family into his office even though the visit was not scheduled. Instead of talking football film and schemes, Beebe, a former NFL wide receiver, talked about God and Smith’s faith.

Beebe asked him what his favorite Bible verse is and Smith replied Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”

Smith said he felt an instant

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connection.

“He (Beebe) was trying to get to know more of the person I am and the person he was bringing into this program and what I can offer from my character side,” Smith said. “He already knows what I can bring as a football player.” Beebe was a wide receiver for the Buffalo Bills and the Green Bay Packers. He won a Super Bowl with the Packers in 1997. The Packers just happen to be Smith’s favorite NFL team. He said everything fell into place for him at Aurora. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Smith has maintained above a 3.5 GPA all four years at Seabreeze. This qualified him to apply for Aurora’s Dunham Scholarship which is the school’s honors program. One hundred fifty students apply for the scholarship with 100 selected to debate during a Zoom call. Smith was one of six chosen for the scholarship which cut his tuition down to $8,000 from the approximately $46,000 annual fee.

“From the moment I

stepped on campus, Landon Smith has been the ideal leader and student-athlete,” Davis said. “He will be an immediate asset to the school and team. I am so happy for this young man as I can’t think of anyone that deserves this opportunity more.”

Both Smith and Mitzo maintained a 4.0 GPA their senior year. Smith plans on taking advantage of Aurora’s plus-one program which will allow him to get his master’s in business administration in five years instead of six via a sports management program. Mitzo plans to major in biomedical sciences at FIU.

Mitzo was Deltona’s quarterback as a junior. He passed for 361 yards in 2022. Following Deltona coach Jeff Smothers’ resignation, he transferred to Seabreeze where his former coach Blake Hillman was the offensive coordinator and running backs coach. “It was definitely hard work,” Mitzo said. “I’ve always been known for having sneaky athleticism. Once I got to Seabreeze, I realized

these coaches could use it and we could use it in our offense.

After spring, I told the coaches I just wanted to play. They said, “that’s good” and had me play tons of positions.”

He played H-back and wide receiver, and he punted. He said his favorite position was H-back where enjoyed hitting and getting a lot of opportunities to touch the ball.

“Chandler Mitzo took a chance and came to Seabreeze,” Davis said. “This guy is tough as nails which he showed in our Red and White game last spring. He will tackle this next challenge like all the others before — head on.”

He transferred after his junior football season and joined the Sandcrabs’ track team last spring. He won the District 6-3A javelin title and placed third at the Class 3A state championships. His senior postseason begins on April 26 with the district meet at East River High School.

“I have made a lot of friends on the Seabreeze track team,” Mitzo said. “I’ve even got people to start doing javelin (including Landon’s younger brother Logan Smith). “(Logan) is only a sophomore so his junior and senior year I won’t be able to help him at all,” Mitzo lamented. “He’s pretty good.”

Part of Mitzo’s decision to go to FIU was based on his connections at the university. Fellow thrower and friend Vincent Jackson is graduating from Ponte Vedra High School and will attend FIU in the fall with Mitzo.

“I felt like going to a school where I knew people and already knowing people on the track team would benefit me a lot,” Mitzo said. “The facilities were really nice and the coach welcomed me with open arms. I just love the school.”

Chandler Mitzo (left) and Landon Smith (right) pose with former Seabreeze football coach Lester Davis at their college signing event held in the Seabreeze auditorium. Courtesy photo

LINES

FPC, SEABREEZE TENNIS TEAMS ADVANCE

Flagler Palm Coast’s boys tennis team defeated Nease 4-1 in the Class 4A regional semifinals on Tuesday, April 23. The Bulldogs travel to Gainesville Buchholz on Thursday April 25 in the Region 1 final. Seabreeze also won its boys regional semfinal, 4-0 over Orlando Edgewater and will meet Auburndale in the Region 3-3A final on April 25.

TWO PIRATES MAKE COLLEGE CHOICES

Matanzas football kicker and soccer player Landon Grover has committed to play football at Division II Kentucky State.

Previously, Grover had planned to play both sports at a Divison III school, but the opportunity to be able to kick for a Division II football team outweighed playing two sports, Pirates football coach Matt Forrest said.

Another Matanzas football player, lineman Ahmad Louis-Charles signed with Massachusetts Maritime Academy, a Division III football program.

FPC rocks DeLand on softball senior night

Flagler Palm Coast’s senior softball players were able to celebrate a victory on their night.

The Bulldogs shut out DeLand 10-0 in six innings on senior night, Wednesday, April 17, at FPC’s field.

Before the game, FPC honored seniors Lexi Laura, Gabriella Stevens and Aliya Buckles. “It was a great way to finish out their senior night, but we were saying we don’t want to get too emotional yet,” coach Brooklynn Jimeson said.

The Bulldogs followed the senior night win with four tournament victories to improve to 13-8 on the season. They have three regularseason games remaining, including a home contest against Fleming Island on April 24, before the postseason begins on April 29 with district tournament play.

DeLand rocked FPC 10-2 on April 13 in the Five Star Conference Tournament. Four days later, Laura pitched a two-hit shutout and FPC smacked 10 hits, including home runs by Ashleigh Pigeon and Skylar Ludovici. Pigeon led off the bottom of the first with her first career homer. Ludovici had three hits and scored three runs. Aubree Garofolo and Sadie Schell added two hits apiece. Buckles got on base four times via a walk, hit-by-pitch, base on error and a fielder’s choice. FPC was also stellar on defense with Garofolo making two great catches in left field and Anna Gimbel catching a foul pop from her second base position and throwing home to get the runner tagging up from third base for the double play.

“We practiced two hours straight on Monday and Tuesday and all we worked on was defense,” Jimeson said.

Laura, who will play softball for Florida State College at Jacksonville next season, struck out 10 batters and walked one, allowing just three DeLand base runners all game. She lowered her earned run average to 1.99.

“Lexi threw an awesome game, one of the best games she’s pitched this year,” Jimeson said.

Send your sports news to Brent Woronoff at Brent@observerlocalnews.com

SEABREEZE NAMES COACH

Mike Klein has been named the new head football coach at Seabreeze High School. Klein, who was the defensive coordinator at DeLand last year, has little time to prepare for his first practice.

The first day of spring practice non-contact drills is Monday, April 29. Klein replaces Lester Davis who left after one season to take a more lucrative assistant coaching job at Camden County High School in Kingsland, Georgia.

SAMPSELLE HOMERS IN PIRATES’ WIN

Matanzas’ softball team improved to 16-3 with a 6-4 victory at Palatka on Tuesday, April 24. Ashley Sampselle hit a home run and picked up the victory in the circle. Freshmen Ava Henige and Alondra Vincenty drove in a combined five runs. Henige had a pair of hits and three RBIs, while Vincenty had a two-run double.

The Pirates host Pine Ridge in their final regular-season game at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 25. They will be back home on Tuesday, April 30, for a District 4-5A semifinal. The top-seeded Pirates will play the Mainland-Pine Ridge winner.

PICTONA HOSTS SUPER SENIORS

The MetroHealth Super Seniors Pickleball Tournament is scheduled for May 3-5 at Pictona at Holly Hill. MetroHealth is awarding $5,000 in prize money each day of the three-day tournament.

Flagler Palm Coast honors softball seniors Lexi Laura, Gabriella Stevens and Aliya Buckles. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Lexi Laura struck out 10 and allowed just three base runners on FPC’s senior night.

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