Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.
HELPING THE LONELY 3 OCTOBER 2021
VOLUME 8, NO. 3
More homes approved Flagler County Commission approves changes to Plantation Bay and Hunter’s Ridge plans PAGE 6
Expecting holiday visitors?
What Christina would have wanted Ormond Beach resident loses her sister to COVID-19, starts GoFundMe campaign to help raise her niece and nephew. OrmondBeachObserver.com
STEVE CLAIR ACCESS CONTROL MANAGER
As we approach the holiday seasons, I just want to remind everyone to please check their visitors lists for their expected guests. If you are able to enter them in your visitors in CapSure, please do so. If you are unable to put them on your list through CapSure, please call Access Control Main Gate at 437-2496 and someone will gladly assist you in getting them on your visitors list. We want to make sure all your family and guests are granted entry without any delay or inconveniences.
Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Marissa Smith said taking care of her niece and nephew is what her sister would have wanted.
DOGS AND YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
We have gotten numerous complaints about residents allowing their dogs to run free and not on a leash here in Plantation Bay; some of these have resulted
JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR
SEE CLEAN UP PAGE 4
Local Postal Customer
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DAYTONA BCH FL PERMIT #447
Life saver? The roundabouts aren’t necessarily reducing the number of crashes, but they do seem to be reducing their severity, Sheriff Rick Staly said.
I
t’s been about a year since roundabouts were added at two Flagler County intersections on U.S. 1. The change inspired outcry at the time from people who preferred a traditional stoplight and feared that roundabouts would be a nuisance to navigate or lead to more crashes, while Florida Department of Transportation staff reassured locals that roundabouts have a record of reducing fatalities. Sheriff Rick Staly, before the roundabouts were created, had backed an initiative to add a stoplight at the U.S. 1/Old Dixie Highway intersection after a series of serious crashes there. He’d said he’d defer to FDOT’s traffic engineers on whether a roundabout would ultimately be a better solution than a light, but had worried that the roundabout construction process would take too long and leave drivers at risk
in the meantime, while adding a stoplight at the intersection — which then had only flashing lights — could be done quickly and reduce crashes. But now that they’re installed, are Flagler’s roundabouts doing what they’re supposed to do? “They have not necessarily had a significant impact on the number of crashes,” Staly said. “What FDOT had told me back during the discussion phase was that they knew that roundabouts were unlikely to reduce the number of crashes, but they felt their study showed it would reduce the severity of the crashes — and I guess that has come true.” FDOT’s website states that roundabouts have “90% fewer fatalities and 75% fewer injuries” than regular intersections. Since each Flagler County roundabout has only been open about a year — both opened last summer, and COVID-19 may have affected traffic during that SEE LIFE PAGE 5
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
OCTOBER 2021
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PLANTATION BAY
Observer
BRIEFS
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
Backers try again to legalize recreational pot After the Florida Supreme Court struck down an earlier version, a political committee has filed a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at legalizing recreational marijuana use. The proposal, by the committee Sensible Florida, would allow people 21 or older to grow and use marijuana, with a cap of 18 plants per household, according to a copy of the measure posted on the state Division of Elections website. It also would prevent state lawmakers from trying to limit the percentage of euphoria-inducing THC in marijuana -- an issue that has repeatedly been debated by the Legislature. The Supreme Court in June rejected an earlier Sensible Florida proposal, saying in a 5-2 decision that a ballot summary would be misleading to voters. The new version, however, is significantly different from the earlier proposal, which was framed as regulating marijuana similar to alcohol. Sensible Florida would need to submit 891,589 valid petition signatures and get Supreme Court approval before it could take the new version to voters. It would need to submit the signatures by a Feb. 1 deadline to go on the 2022 ballot.
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jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor / Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com News Editor / Jonathan Simmons, jonathan@palmcoastobserver.com Associate Editor / Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com Staff Writer / Brent Woronoff, brent@ palmcoastobserver.com Page Designers / Hailey McMillan, Jennifer Edwards Senior Account Manager / Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com Office Coordinator / Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@ palmcoastobserver.com Advertising Coordinator / Jessica Boone, jessica@palmcoastobserver.com Engagement Specialist / Kaesha Hagan, kaesha@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com
Plantation Bay HOA President / John Gamin, 386-586-7530, mjgamin@cfl.rr.com Vice President / Bob Anderson, 386-316-1278, rranderson1@hotmail.com Treasurer / Robert LaTocha, 386-6158204, robertlatocha77@gmail.com Secretary / Helen Siegel, 386-236-9884, hsiegel51@aol.com Director / Joan Beck, 386-672-7762, jbeck386@aol.com Director / Jack Corbett, 772-405-7339, corbettteam@gmail.com, Director / Roseann French, 386-671-7715, gfrench154@aol.com Director / Derek Kaufman, 386-263-7277, DKaufman162@gmail.com Director / Kathleen Walter, 386-263-2570, kzwalter@aol.com
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
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OCTOBER 2021
3
ElderSource’s Caring Connections program helps seniors feel less alone
“I know what it’s like to be alone. It’s a very painful place, and I’ve learned to do the opposite of that and share my experience, strength and hope and that feels really good.”
selves after seeing how it made a positive impact in their lives. So far, ElderSource has 40 volunteers for its Caring Connections program, though Levin said many more are needed. Each volunteer typically only calls one client, with a maximum of three. The program has a waiting list, and with more volunteers, especially those who are bilingual, ElderSource can continue to help more people in this respect. Humans are social beings, Levin said. Caring Connections helps to fill the social gap isolated seniors experience. “It’s lifesaving really,” Levin said. “You don’t realize that, but isolation and loneliness could be deadly.”
DANIEL MALONE
COMPANIONSHIP
JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Sometimes, a phone call can make a world of difference. Through ElderSource’s Caring Connections Telephone Reassurance Program, seniors who are homebound or living alone are able to receive a friendly phone call from a volunteer to liven up their spirits. With the aim to reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, cognitive decline, depression and anxiety, the volunteers reach out to these seniors on a regular basis and chat about a variety of different topics — their family, the weather, what they’re watching on TV. That’s the approach volunteer Daniel Malone takes. He first got involved in the program about six months ago when his wife was looking for volunteer programs in the area. As Palm Coast snowbirds, they thought the flexibility offered by the program was well-suited for them. Plus, based on his own life experiences, Malone could relate to the clients. “I know what it’s like to be alone,” Malone said. “It’s a very painful place, and I’ve learned to do the opposite of that and share my experience, strength and hope and that feels really good.” THE POWER OF VOLUNTEERS
ElderSource, an area agency on aging and the aging and disability resource center for Northeast Florida based out of Jacksonville, launched Caring Connections at the end of 2020. Chief Execu-
tive Officer Linda Levin said that, even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they had heard older adults express feelings of loneliness and feeling a disconnect with their families and community. The pandemic simply shed a spotlight on the issue, and Caring Connections is their effort to address that need. “The phone is an easy way to do that,” Levin said. “It’s lowtech, you don’t need a computer or smartphone even. It’s just a very informal, nonthreatening, friendly way to connect.” It makes the seniors feel like someone cares and is reaching out, she added. Some of their clients have even gone on to become volunteers of the programs them-
Malone said it is a very rewarding experience to take part in the program. Decades ago, he was the one in need of companionship. Having grown up in a dysfunctional
family, Malone said his life took a wrong direction over 40 years ago when he was suffering from alcoholism and got into a couple of car crashes. The first was a motorcycle crash that resulted in him being in a body cast for a year and a half; the second blinded him. For the next decade, Malone dealt with loneliness. Eventually, he was able to restructure his life, leading him to obtain his dream job of teaching both the visually impaired and sighted to learn how to use computers at the Center for the Visually Impaired. He doesn’t usually share his story, or the fact that he’s blind, with the clients unless he’s asked. Instead, he focuses on stories involving his dog, his children and his grandchildren — stories that will uplift. It’s a wonderful feeling to stay connected, Malone added. “In fact, I feel like it’s not fair because the more I share, the more I’m lifted up,” Malone said. Visit myeldersource.org/caring-connections/
“It’s lifesaving really. You don’t realize that, but isolation and loneliness could be deadly.” LINDA LEVIN, Chief Executive Officer
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
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OCTOBER 2021
Experience DOWNTOWN
Clean up after your dog CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
in injuries to people and other animals. As a friendly reminder, both Flagler and Volusia counties have ordinances in place that require all dogs to be leashed anytime they are off your property, with no exceptions. Dog waste is also an issue. When you pick up after your dog, please dispose of the waste in a proper receptacle and not leave it lying around for someone else to pick up. Additionally, someone is being disrespectable to our beautiful Prestwick Park by throwing their dog waste baggies in the pond and the surrounding woods. Not only is it unsanitary, it is also polluting the waters and could attract other uninvited animals, such as bobcats and coyotes, drawn to your dog’s scent. Video cameras in the park are currently being reviewed, and hopefully we’ll identify the culprits who are responsible for these incidents. Please be a responsible pet owner and respect our community!
ORMOND We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to our staff, Executive Chef Scott Krause Chef Krause has excelled at some of the most revered concepts in Miami, New York, Chicago, Las Vegas and Washington DC. Specializing in Northern Italian and French cuisines he revels in working with fresh pasta and hand Now proudly serving Prime butchered meats and fish. Black Angus Chef Krause has completely beef that is reimagined our cuisine and we hand-cut are excited to present you the in house! pinnacle of fine dinning and entertainment in Central Florida.
TRAFFIC ISSUES
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Please be mindful of your driving and following the traffic control signs. We have been getting complaints about stop-sign running and speeders throughout the community. This includes bicycles and golf carts. Both Flagler and Volusia deputies have a “memo of understanding” with Plantation Bay
to enforce all Florida traffic laws within our community. HURRICANE SEASON
Hurricane seasons runs through Nov. 30. Even though there has been a lot of storm activity this year in other parts of our country, we have been fortunate not to have been affected as of yet. It’s way too early to let our guard down and not be prepared for any severe weather that could be possible. Remember to check your Preparedness Plans and stock up on your hurricane supplies. SNAKES AND ALLIGATORS
In my travels around Plantation Bay, I have noticed on numerous occasions several large snakes (a little bit more than normal). It could be because of the large amounts of rain we’ve had forcing them to seek drier ground, or because it’s the time of year that they give live birth. Not all snakes around here are venomous, (but we do have four types in our area that are). Just be careful when out walking or near a body of water. As a reminder, we have a proven alligator removal program established with the Florida Wildlife Commission in which any alligator over 5 feet is removed from our ponds and waterways, after the alligator’s location has been identified and size confirmed by Access Control. As always, please keep your pets away from any body of water.
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
Life saver? CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
time — it’s still early to draw conclusions. But preliminary data has been encouraging: There have been no fatalities at either site so far this year, and there has also been no precipitous increase in fenderbenders. The Old Dixie roundabout had two injury crashes in 2021 — neither a notable increase nor decrease from previous years — and three no-injury crashes, a decrease from 2019 and 2020. The Matanzas location had 10 no-injury crashes (up from nine the year before) and one injury crash (a notable decrease from previous years). The logic of roundabout safety is
that when cars in roundabouts do crash into one another, they usually do so side-to-side while heading the same direction— eliminating the deadly head-on or T-bone crashes associated with regular four-way intersections. Compared to the injury crashes that occurred before the two Flagler roundabouts were created, the injury crashes that have occurred since the roundabouts opened appear to be less severe, Staly said. Staly had been skeptical that the roundabouts’ design would be able to slow traffic enough for cars to traverse the traffic circles safely. But they seem to be, he said. At the Old Dixie one, he said, “I can tell you at least if you’re going northbound, you pretty much
2021 YEAR-TO-DATE 3 crashes with no injuries 2 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2020 9 crashes with no injuries 3 crashes with injuries 2 crashes with fatalities (one fatality in each crash)
2020 6 crashes with no injuries 2 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2019 6 crashes with no injuries 4 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2019 7 crashes with no injuries 3 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2018 8 crashes with no injuries 6 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2018 2 crashes with no injuries 3 crashes with injuries 2 crashes with fatalities
2017 12 crashes with no injuries 6 crashes with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
2017 0 crashes with no injuries 1 crash with injuries 2 crashes with fatalities
5
OCTOBER 2021
have to go 20 or 25 mph to get through. So despite my skepticism, they were able to slow down.” That roundabout also has a faster-moving southbound bypass lane that lets traffic heading directly south avoid entering the roundabout itself. Staly said he still sees concerning driving at the roundabouts. “I see a number of near-misses — obviously the [crash] numbers don’t have the near-misses — because people still don’t entirely understand how to drive in a roundabout” he said. “They still drive from the inside lane and shoot across to the exit.” But at 20-25 mph, drivers have time to react to their confused fellow roundabout navigators — and if they can’t, the collision damage tends to be minimal. “Even though I was not a proponent of the roundabout solution, it does appear that what DOT has done, overall, has probably saved lives,” Staly said. “And I believe that will continue.”
U.S. 1 AT MATANZAS U.S. 1 AT S. OLD WOODS PARKWAY DIXIE HIGHWAY 2021 YEAR-TO-DATE 10 crashes with no injuries 1 crash with injuries 0 crashes with fatalities
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“It’s kind of been a mixed bag on the reduction or increase of vehicle crashes. But what DOT said would occur — that it would reduce fatal crashes — has panned out.” RICK STALY, sheriff
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
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OCTOBER 2021
Plantation Bay and Hunter’s Ridge changes approved The 73-unit addition to Plantation Bay would have a density of 3.16 units per acre. JONATHAN SIMMONS NEWS EDITOR
Flagler County commissioners on Sept. 20 unanimously approved a site development plan for a 73-unit single-family-home community in western Plantation Bay. The 40-acre development would have a density of 3.16 units per acre. Lots would be at least 50 feet wide and at least 6,500 square feet each. The community, off Stirling Bridge Drive, will be linked to U.S. 1 though an extension to Bay Drive, which is under construction now. HUNTER’S RIDGE PHASING PLAN ELIMINATED
A new amendment to plans for the Hunter’s Ridge development in unincorporated southern Flagler County eliminates phasing for the project and slightly alters development requirements. The Flagler County Commission voted unanimously to approve the Development of Regional Impact amendment, this development’s fifth, at a meeting on Sept. 20. The elimination of the phased approach is the biggest change,
Flagler County Growth Management Director Adam Mengel said, and the alterations aren’t substantial enough to require review by state agencies. The amendment also deletes a requirement for a public access easement on Durrance/Strickland Lane: The developer had tried to create one and the original Development of Regional Impact had required one, but varying ownerships along the road had made that infeasible, the applicant’s representative said at the meeting. References to an aerial fire truck in the Development of Regional Impact’s language have also been changed to simply reference a fire truck, without requiring an aerial. The projected build-out date for the development is November 2035. SURVEY SEEKS OPINIONS ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
The Center for Urban Transportation Research is surveying Flagler County residents about their opinions on the county’s public transportation needs. The survey is part of the process of developing a Transit Development Plan, which is required by the Florida Department of Transportation and can be used by the county to secure project funding. The plan is updated every five years, and the latest update must be adopted by the County Commission by Dec. 1. To take the survey, go to https://tinyurl.com/ FlaglerTransit.
BIZ BUZZ
THE SAFE WAY TO SHIP: BUSINESS LEADERSHIP Q+A WITH LISA EASTMAN
FLORIDA’S MEDIAN HOME PRICES RISE
When did you arrive in Plantation Bay? What brought you here? We already lived in Ormond-by-the-Sea and then discovered Plantation Bay. We moved to PB in January. What is new in your business? We are “old school.” We are not doing online transactions. We interact daily with our customers and the local community. We share news, good or bad with one another. We know our customers by name and vice versa. We have also helped our “neighbors” during a difficult time. We have helped family members pack and ship their ill or deceased loved ones’ belongings to wherever they wish them to be sent, whether it be to siblings, children or grandchildren. We also pick up, pack and ship for our customers that are moving or heading back north for the season. What is the best business advice you have received, and how did it impact you? I have always been a “put your best foot forward” kind of person, and that has followed me at any place of work or business. Leaving your ego at the door is also a good practice. My mother often said, “We all put our pants on one leg at a time.” What have you learned about leadership from running your business, and what is your leadership style? It takes a team to keep the wheel turning. Each person plays an integral role, and no one is more important than the other. Yes, I am the “boss”; however I can’t be successful without the effort my staff puts forth. What have been the biggest obstacles to opening or running your business? How have you overcome them? Unfortunately, my Google Business Page is not
Florida’s housing market reported higher median prices, more new listings and a rise in all-cash sales in August compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors latest housing data. “The data shows that new listings continue to increase, which is hopeful news for buyers who may have been waiting to see more for-sale inventory come on the market,” said 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness. “New listings for single-family homes in August rose 10.6% year-over-year, while new listings for condo-townhouse properties increased 1.4%. Still, it’s likely to take some time before inventory levels rebuild.” The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes last month was $354,000, up 18% from the previous year. Last month’s statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $252,500, up 16.1% over August 2020. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. Florida Realtors Chief Economist Dr. Brad O’Connor noted that while closed sales of single-family homes were up by only a fraction of a percentage point compared to a year ago, “that increase remains impressive given the rate at which homes were selling at this time last year.” Send business story ideas to editor@palmcoastobserver.com.
SAFE SHIP CONTACT INFORMATION Lisa Eastman, owner (pictured with Joey Adkins) Address: Halifax Plantation Village Plaza, 3762 Roscommon Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174 Web: https://halifaxpacknship.com/ Phone: (386) 310-2869 Email: halifax@safeship. com Founded: 2021 Company’s strengths: Safe Ship has been franchising for more than 25 years and it shows. Our Safe Ship is truly a family business as I work with my fiance, Joe, and my sister started in August.
working as it should and that is a huge issue for a new business owner. I have reached out to Google Business more than once and I am not getting the result I need. I am using alternate forms of advertising that promotes Safe Ship beginning in October and will continue to press Google.
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
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7
OCTOBER 2021
10
Reasons to List or Buy with Venture Development Realty Inc.
#1 On-Site Presence
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and personal service is our top priority. Our full service real estate company is proficient in all aspects of buying and selling a home in Plantation Bay and the Daytona Beach area.
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We open the door to an extraordinary audience of potential buyers that are being marketed to visit Plantation Bay. We advertise specifically for Plantation Bay, marketing your home locally, as well as, extensively in the Midwest and NE US.
Carol Paquette Realtor 386.846.1759
Larry LaGrotta Broker Assoc. 386.212.1202
#5 Social Reach VDR demonstrates social media leadership on multiple social media channels, expanding reach and connecting with more potential buyers.
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a continuous stream of service throughout the duration of the sale, including long after the deal has been made, homebuyers or sellers will develop meaningful relationships that extend beyond the original transaction.
#7 Discovery Tours
We have the unique ability to allow buyers the ability to experience Plantation Bay as its residents would, with full access to all amenities.
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VDR offers online application for tenants, tenant screening and placement. Rent collection and timely remittance to owner. Repair coordination & tax statement administration.
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Venture Development Realty is the only Real Estate Company that offers buyers up to $10,000 in membership discounts at Plantation Bay Golf & Country Club.
#10 A abou sk us t commour 4% progr ission am. *
Elizabeth H. Kargar Broker Assoc. 386.585.2904
Aida Morales Prop. Manager 386.547.4342
Commission Credit Program - Seller must list an existing home with Venture Development Realty, Inc. (an affiliate of ICI Homes) and enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a new home from ICI Homes without the participation of an outside broker. The new home cannot be an inventory home or a model. ICI Homes will reimburse seller an amount equal to the real estate commission paid on seller’s existing home, up to, but not to exceed 6% of the purchase of the new ICI Home. This reimbursement will be paid at time of closing on the new ICI Home and may be used for closing costs, options, upgrades or a discount on the base price of the new ICI home but will not be paid out in cash. Not valid with any other discounts. ICI Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
364949-1
Contact us for more info. 386.437.6840 / VDRInc.com
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PLANTATION BAY OBSERVER
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OCTOBER 2021
Plantation Bay Showcase Homes Coming Soon!
The Arbor II
98 Longridge Lane 2 Bed / 2 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 1,562 ft²
The Costa Mesa
365 Stirling Bridge Lane 3 Bed / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,565 ft²
The Blossom II
96 Longridge Lane 3 Bed / 3 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 2,078 ft²
The Serena
361 Stirling Bridge Lane 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 2 Car Garage / 2,094 ft²
The Arden
364 Stirling Bridge Lane 4 Bed / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,402 ft²
The Cameron
325 Stirling Bridge Lane 3 Bed / 2.5 Bath / 3 Car Garage / 2,740 ft²
Dreaming about a new Home? Ask us about increasing your buying power!
abouAsk us t our comm 4% progr ission am. *
Contact us for more information — 386.437.4164
364948-1
*Seller must list an existing home with Venture Development Realty, Inc. (an affiliate of ICI Homes) and enter into a purchase agreement to purchase a new home from ICI Homes without the participation of an outside broker. The new home cannot be an inventory home or a model. ICI Homes will reimburse seller an amount equal to the real estate commission paid on the seller’s existing home, up to, but not to exceed 6% of the purchase of the new ICI Home. This reimbursement will be paid at time of closing on the new ICI Home and may be used for closing costs, options, upgrades or a discount on the base price of the new ICI home but will not be paid out in cash. Not valid with any other discounts. ICI Homes reserves the right to change or discontinue this promotion at any time without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.