PORT ORANGE
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• JANUARY 2022
Show me the money County to give pay raises for Beach Safety. School Board to give pay raises to Volusia teachers. PAGE 5
Nurses needed Halifax staffing shortage mirrors national trend MIA STRIEGEL CONTRIBUTING WRITER
About 73% of hospitals across Florida were expecting a critical staffing shortage in mid-September, according to the Florida Hospital Association, and Halifax Health Medical Center is one of many in the state that is still dealing with a lack of staff through November. “It is the biggest challenge right now,” said Alberto Tineo, senior vice president and hospital chief operating officer. “It will remain an issue
across the state and country. In nursing we have over 130 positions we are looking for. We are also needing radiology, respiratory, cardiology and other hospital positions.” Tineo said that the hospital had a staffing shortage before COVID-19, but the pandemic deepened it. Hospital workers who were looking to retire in a few years sped up those plans and left early. What’s happening at Halifax reflects a national trend. In a recent survey conducted by the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, two-thirds of nurses said their pandemic experiences have led them to consider leaving the profession. “I have heard from my nurse practitioners. They’re like, ‘I wonder how much real estate pays.’ ... I don’t know that they would still formally leave, but it certainly makes people think,” said Jeannine Waterman, a nurse practitioner manager with the Halifax Health, hospice and palliative care team. Waterman has been at Halifax for over 27 years.
“I’m not going anywhere,” Waterman said. “I work with a lot of young nurses who are 20, 22, 24. And they were like, ‘What am I doing?’ To come out of your nursing career into this is really hard. And a lot of them haven’t dealt with death and dying in their normal life, much less coming to work and dealing with it every day. It’s hard for them emotionally.” Nurses are not just considering leaving the profession, some are also looking into becoming a travel nurse. They work for short periods of time at hospitals around the country to fill positions. This has worsened the staffing issue. According to Indeed, travel nurses make approximately 20% more than all registered nurses. “A lot of where the nursing shortage is coming from in terms of what’s happening in hospitals right now is they’re offering a lot of money for nurses to go travel and take assignments in other areas,” Waterman said, “which is pulling staff out of our normal staff, out of the hospital.” Halifax Health is trying its best to retain and recruit staff with benefits
Photo courtesy of Jeannine Waterman
Jeannine Waterman dons protective gear outside the COVID-19 unit.
and compensation. One Halifax hospital administrator said the level and quality of patient care has not been negatively impacted by the staff shortage, but it has impacted the hospital as an organization. Lindsay Martin, director of nursing for emergency and trauma services at Halifax, said that she doesn’t believe the staffing shortage is affecting patient care but does think
it has affected the flow of patients in the organization. Martin said this “leads to upset patients not being able to get to their next step in the process as quickly as we would all like. This causes stress on the staff as well. Patients are sicker than I’ve ever seen.” It’s not just nursing. Merrilee Felkel, a staff radiographer at Halifax, is feeling the effects as well. “It’s a little disheartening, but not surprising,” Felkel said. “And it doesn’t matter because we’re here to do the job we signed up for and people need care. And it just means sometimes we have to be stretched a little thinner or work a little harder, but you still go in with the attitude that you’re going to do a good job.” Being short-staffed doesn’t dampen Felkel’s spirit. “A lot of things can get you through a day, particularly if you’re having a tough day,” Felkel said. “But always the patients are what keep me going and inspire me — the reason I went into this business. It’s the reason I’ve stayed in it for so many years.”
FOOD DRIVE
Photo by Jacques Roch/Council 8086
Members of Council 8086 Knights of Columbus recently held a driveup food drive to benefit Our Lady of Hope’s pantry. Parishioners filled a large van with many boxes of food, as well as donating $1,500. “Our goal was to fill the van, which we accomplished — and then some,” said Grand Knight Roger Packard.
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ANDY AND MOLLY CLARK START FIRST EVER ARTS IN MEDICINE ENDOWMENT AT HALIFAX HEALTH Andy and Molly Clark, local entrepreneurs and owners of Port Orange’s All Aboard Properties, announced a $400,000 gift to Halifax Health for the first ever Arts in Medicine Endowment. The announcement was accompanied by a ceremonial agreement signing and some musical performances at Halifax Health with President and Chief Executive Officer Jeff Feasel. The gift will be used to fund an arts therapy coordinator to plan and schedule therapeutic visual, and musical art encounters and activities for patients and Halifax
Andy and Molly Clark donated $400,000. Health Team Members. The idea came to the Clarks when they saw Lowell and Nancy Lohman’s gift for diabetes and Charles and Miki Grant’s gift for oncology. According to Andy Clark, “seeing the generosity of others prompted me to think what could we do to help people in medical need and or during treatment regimens. The idea of providing therapeutic arts was a natural.”
Joe Petrock, Executive Director of the Halifax Health Foundation worked with Julie Roth, serviceline administrator for oncology to source a program and coordinator who was trained at UF Health in Gainesville. “It is our hope to start this therapy for oncology patients with musical performance and visual art experiences and for the program to grow and touch all aspects of Halifax Health. This
Courtesy photo
gift by the Clarks takes our care to a higher level not only providing exceptional medical care but also providing wrap around care through comfort for our patients,” said Petrock. Petrock stated that he will continue to raise funds to add to the Arts in Medicine Endowment and thanked the Clarks for improving experiences for so many among us who need medical treatments.
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OrmondBeachObserver.com
JANUARY 2022
On the BIG screen Volusia County native Isabella Ward appears in Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ remake JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Isabella Ward is a big believer in manifesting. And when it came to appearing on the big screen for the 2021 remake of “West Side Story,” that’s exactly what she did. Ward, a native of Ormond Beach, was selected out of 50,000 people to be one of the Shark dancers in the movie directed by Steven Spielberg, which released in theaters on Friday, Dec. 10. When open calls were announced in 2018 for the roles of Anita and Maria, Ward — who was part of the national Broadway tour of Rodgers + Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” at the time — decided to begin submitting videos because, even though she didn’t fit the mold for either of the roles, she knew then she would be a great member of the dance ensemble. Nothing came of it, but Ward didn’t give up. “I never thought a movie of this caliber — this iconic movie — would ever be made again,” Ward said. “It’s just kind of one of those things you grow up thinking it’s never going to be touched again because the original was just perfection. And then Steven Spielberg comes along.” Later that year, she attended the first open call for ensemble dancers
Steven Spielberg and Isabella Ward.
Photo courtesy of Isabella Ward
Isabella Ward plays “Tere,” one of the Shark ensemble dancers in 2021’s “West Side Story.”
Higher median house prices The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes and condos was up more than 17% from the previous year. MARLA MARTIN MEDIA RELATIONS, FLORIDAREALTORS
Florida’s housing market showed higher median prices, more cash sales and tight inventory levels in October compared to a year ago, according to Florida Realtors latest housing data. “In markets across the state, the for-sale inventory continues at low levels, and that puts pressure on prices and also impacts closed sales — some buyers may have paused their home search for now,” said 2021 Florida Realtors President Cheryl Lambert, broker-owner with Only Way Realty Citrus in Inverness.
SECOND HARVEST ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT AND CEO After a nationwide search, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida has named Derrick Chubbs as its new President and CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Chubbs succeeds Dave Krepcho, who will retire at the end of 2021 after leading the nonprofit since 2004. For the past five years, Chubbs has been President and CEO of Central Texas Food Bank in Austin, the largest hunger relief agency in Central Texas, providing more than 64 million pounds of food and grocery items to over 300,000 residents across 21 counties. In addition to guiding the food bank during a time of unprecedented need caused by the coronavirus pandemic, he has helped to lay a strong financial and strategic foundation for the future success of the CTFB. “Derrick is an accomplished business leader who is driven by a passion to help others, making him the ideal leader for Second Harvest,” said Jeff Lutes, Board Chairman.
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ing his treatment of the cast, she said. He treated them like a family, and every Sunday, he’d rent out a private screening room so he could show them a movie that he thought was important for them to know about. For Ward, it was like attending a master class. She always knew she had a passion for making movies. Growing up in Ormond Beach, the Spruce Creek High School alumna trained at the European School of Performing Arts before training with the Orlando Ballet. She later graduated from Rollins College before moving to Scotland to attend the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, where she received her master’s degree in musical theater performance. There were many decisions she made in her life that took her far away from where she is now — living her dream in Los Angeles and pursuing acting. But that was the path that led her to the present, and for Ward, “West Side Story” embodies her hard work, and manifesting, coming together. “We’re just dancing and singing our heart out,” Ward said. “You’ll definitely catch me flying by.”
YOUR TOWN
BIZ BUZZ
The statewide median sales price for single-family existing homes in October was $358,950, up 17.7% from the previous year, according to data from Florida Realtors Research Department in partnership with local Realtor boards/associations. Last month’s statewide median price for condo-townhouse units was $260,000, up 17.6% over October 2020. The median is the midpoint; half the homes sold for more, half for less. However, closed sales of singlefamily homes statewide last month totaled 27,628, down 6.8% yearover-year, while existing condotownhouse sales totaled 11,433, down 5.6% from October 2020. Closed sales may occur from 30- to 90-plus days after sales contracts are written. In a continuing trend over the past few months, the share of closed sales that were cash purchases rose last month compared to the previous year.
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in New York City. Ward woke up at 3 a.m. and stood in the rain for hours until she was finally seen around 3 p.m. But unfortunately, the audition didn’t go as she’d hoped. One of the dancers in her group got too close to Ward, and Ward was struck in the face and fell down onstage. She didn’t get a callback. But again, Ward didn’t give up. When her family informed her that auditions were taking place in Puerto Rico, where Ward is originally from, she flew down and gave it another shot. This time, she was noticed during the auditions and received several callbacks. Then on the flight back to New York, she ended up sitting next to the film’s choreographer, Justin Peck. “There were so many serendipitous signs, and from there it kind of just started taking off,” Ward said. In April 2019, Ward found out she’d made the ensemble and would play the character of Tere. A couple of months later, they began shooting. The experience of being part of the film, she said, was “beyond my wildest imaginations.” One of the best things about watching Spielberg at work was see-
HOW TO JOIN A SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Derrick Chubbs For more information about Second Harvest and the different ways to support hunger relief efforts, visit www. FeedHopeNow.org.
The Volusia County Senior Softball league will be playing at the Derbyshire Park and Sports Complex, located at 849 Derbyshire Road, Daytona Beach, beginning January. The league has been running continuously for about 30 years, according to a press release, and is a 50 and older men’s slow pitch, arc softball league. The cost to play is $55 per player, which covers the games, some award shirts and a picnic on the final night of the season ending playoffs. The league plays two nights a week — Tuesdays and Thursdays — with one set of games starting at 6:45 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. The season schedule runs for about 20 games, the press release states, with a league playoff and tournament at the end. Call League President Joe Daly at 954-732-0992 for more information.
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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER
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JANUARY 2022
Draw your
brushes
Photos by Michele Meyers
Artist Sandy Fraser concentrates on her painting.
Victoria Gomez Mayol poses with her winning painting at the Art Battle Ormond Beach.
Art Battle Ormond Beach has arrived MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
T Artist Perego salutes the crowd.
Artist Ryan Smith competes at the Art Battle.
Artist Barbara Saunders
welve artists met face-toface at the Frame of Mind parking lot on Friday, Dec.10, and battled with brushes for three, 20-minute rounds to prove who was the boss of the canvas. Only one came out victorious. Art Battle is a global live art tournament, according to their website. Twelve artists are selected from a combination of targeted and random call-to-artist submissions. The group is divided evenly, with each competing in the first and second rounds of the competition. Two artists from each round move on to the third and final round when a single winner is picked. Artists must create a work of art in 20 minutes each round. Art Battle International takes place in an array of larger cities worldwide. From Miami to Los Angeles and Vancouver to London, these tournaments usually take place in interesting venues where the senses are tantalized by music, lights, an array of refreshments and the art itself. Patrons have the opportunity to watch the creative process unfold, then vote for their favorite artwork through a texting platform. Theresa Lieberman, vice president of the Ormond Beach Arts District and founder of Imagine Daytona LLC, was pleased when she acquired a license to hold Art Battle tournaments in the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach area. “We are the smallest market they have given a license to,” she said. “We wanted to bring the Art Battle to Ormond Beach since it is on the cusp of the arts. It’s a well-known art community in Volusia County and we want to help grow that potential.” Lieberman handles the operations, promotions and marketing while her business partner, artist Angel Lowden, is responsible for the “experience” and choosing the artists who participate in the Art Battle. Lowden was introduced to the sportlike art competition in 2018 when she applied and was invited to participate in two Art Battles in Jacksonville. A multitude of friends, including Victoria Jones, owner of Frame of Mind, and partner Ryan Smith, went to support Lowden. “It was so much fun,” she said. “Everyone thought this is amazing. We’ve got to get this to Ormond Beach somehow. So it’s been a goal to get Art Battle going here in this area for a few years now.” Artists invited to attend the first Art Battle Ormond Beach were: John Berglund, Rachel Caldwell, Eva Capulli, Sandy Fraser, Victoria Gomez Mayol, Miguel Hine, Ryan Houman, Julia Marshall, Perego, Barbara Saunders, Ryan Smith and L.C. Tobey. Capulli, Gomez Mayol,
Finalist Ryan Houman puts the finishing touches on his painting.
Finalist, Eva Capulli, cannot be distracted from creating her art.
Houman and Smith received the top votes and moved on to the third and final round where Gomez Mayol won. Gomez Mayol drove from Sarasota to compete, where she won an Art Battle in 2019 before COVID hit and made it impossible for her to compete at the next level. She will now compete at the state level in Sarasota. “To prepare, I try to paint in increments of 20 minutes for practice,” she said. “When I compete, I put on my music play list and get in the right mood.” Ormond Beach resident Joy Brown, purchased Gomez Mayol’s painting. “The color and the passion she had while she was painting drew me in,” Brown said. “It was fascinating to watch her process. The palette did not match the photo. It was her translation.” This is the first of five Art Battles to be held in the Ormond and Daytona Beach area. The next battle will be held at the inaugural Daytona Beach
Artist John Berglund focuses on his canvas in the second round.
Art Festival on April 9 in downtown Daytona Beach. The spring event will be an art immersive experience where the Art Battle will be a perfect fit. “My goal is to bring art to our area and make it an art community,” Lieberman said. “I want to help with the economic revitalization, collaborate and get creative with our community.”
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JANUARY 2022
PORT ORANGE
CREEK HOOPS
Observer
Spruce Creek’s girls basketball team is 8-1 so far this season, scoring 501 points and giving up 328, according to MaxPreps.com
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com Associate Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com Staff Writer Brent Woronoff, brent@ palmcoastobserver.com Page Designer Hailey McMillan 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 Circulation Manager David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com DELIVERY The Port Orange Observer is published on the fourth week of every month. If you have delivery questions, call Circulation Manager David Brooks, at 338-5080 or email david@horizonroad.com. TO ADVERTISE Call 386-447-9723. For Classifieds or Business Directory, call 386-492-2784 or email pcoclassifieds@palmcoastobserver.com. Palm Coast Observer, LLC P.O. Box 353850 Palm Coast, 32135
Photos by Brent Woronoff
Jade Parks, right, guards Spruce Creek’s Jhaid Westbrook, in the Hawks’ 50-38 win at home.
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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER
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JANUARY 2022
5
Pay raises approved for Beach Safety Teachers’ base salary to be raised to $47,500
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
A new three-year bargaining agreement between Volusia County and the International Union of Police Associations, representing the county’s beach safety specialists, was unanimously approved by the County Council at its meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14. This contract includes pay raises and a $2,000 retention bonus. Union president Ben Whetstine, a sergeant with the county’s Beach Safety division, said the contract passed with 94% of union’s support. The agreement was ratified by a 40-3 vote, and Whetstine said he felt the contract is a “solid foundation” to build upon in the future. “I’m proud to be part of an agency that has such a profound impact on the residents and visitors to Volusia County,” Whetstine said. “Countless times, the members of Beach Safety are part of life-
rollback next fiscal year, the county and the union will renegotiate. In addition, the agreement also includes a onetime $2,000 retention bonus for covered employees in exchange for signing a twoyear employment commitment. Over the last 20 months, Beach Safety has had to replace 16 of 41 beach officers and four out of 11 beach safety specialists, said Beach Safety Director Andy Ethridge. “That’s a lot of people to put through training and that’s put a tremendous [strain] on my training staff, as well as my existing staff who have really stepped up to fill the gap and make sure that the mission is carried forward, and that there is very little disruption in service,” he said. But, things seem to be looking up for the division. Ethridge shared that, despite many law enforcement agencies struggling with staffing shortages, Beach Safety anticipates to enter the summer season with all of its fulltime positions fully staffed. “I think this contract is going to go a long way in helping me maintain that status,” Ethridge said. Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@ormondbeachobserver.com.
Volusia County Beach Safety Director Andy Ethridge speaks before the County Council on Tuesday, Dec. 14. Screenshot taken from county video.
School Board officials urge veteran teachers to speak to lawmakers to ensure the mandate continues to be funded in future years. JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Volusia County Schools recently reached a tentative bargaining agreement with teacher’s union Volusia United Educators, and the starting base salary for all teachers is expected to be raised to $47,500 in 2022 when the district receives the second round of state funds to increase teacher salaries, per the plan outlined by the governor. VCS Human Resources Director Rachel Hazel said at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 14, that some teachers could see a salary increase of $3,000, which is set to cost the district $54.9 million over the next three years. This includes $7.1 million for support staff. Hazel walked the School Board through a history of raises at the school district, made more complicated over the last decade due to the different state statutes enacted, such as the end of tenures in 2011 and the negotiation of a performance pay methodology in 2015. Salaries, Hazel explained, depend on a when a teacher was hired, how much experience they entered into the district with, and where in the county they work. “Everyone’s salary is their own story,” Hazel said. “What we essentially have is over 4,000 teachers and 4,000 different salary schedules.” Other nearby districts are
“Everyone’s salary is their own story. What we essentially have is over 4,000 teachers and 4,000 different salary schedules.” RACHEL HAZEL, VCS Human Resources Director
still negotiating teacher salaries, while some have ratified new agreements. Flagler County has moved forward with a $48,363 base salary, which is 1.8% higher than Volusia’s tentative base salary agreement. Orange County, which already has a base salary of $47,500, is at an impasse with its teachers union. School Board members expressed gratitude for increasing new teacher salaries, but worried about the future, should Legislature decide to reduce funding, a move they believe would harm veteran teachers the most. “It is very sad that the rite of passage for us to be able to do something for our veteran teachers is to get new teachers to $47,500,” School Board Chair Ruben Colon said. “That is what the Legislature has decided, and it is what it is. We’re grateful for it. We take all kinds of money that comes our way.” School Board member Carl Persis said he believes the governor’s plan to increase base salaries for teachers was “the right thing to do” because of the current teacher shortage, but that it was unfortunate, that Volusia’s starting salary was lower than other neighboring school district’s, an issue he blamed on district cost differential. Persis hopes that now that base salaries will reach $47,500, the district will be given more of a leeway to spread future funds in a way
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Your Vacation Rental is here! Legally zoned to rent night, weekly, no restrictions, the Cutest beach house in Ormond with a strong rental history is ready for its next owner. Adorable bungalow on east side of A1A in Ormond-by-theSea. Ocean view and a quick walk to sand. 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, renovated and fully furnished. MLS#1091325 $725,000 Call Krista Goodrich 678-928-1100.
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3 bedroom 3 bathroom Hudson Design offers an open concept floor plan that’s great for entertaining. The main living area offers 9’4’’ ceilings w/ double pane windows. Granite countertops, ceramic tile, Frigidaire stainless steel appliances with Timberlake cabinets adds the perfect finishes to this 2018, two- story townhome. MLS#1089504 $285,900 Call Monica Howington-Olah 386-679-0868.
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that would be fairer to veteran teachers. Later in the meeting, during public participation, VUE president Elizabeth Albert said that mid-year and veteran teachers — and support staff — have to be the priority. “If Governor DeSantis’ plan, respectfully, was a great plan, we would have more teachers than we need,” Albert sad. “But that’s not the case. Across the state, there’s approximately 5,000 teacher vacancies.” She asked that the board support Senate Bill 298, which if passed, would allow school districts to use state funds to raise salaries of other personnel if the district has met the minimum base salary for teachers. The bill would also remove grandfathered and performance pay contingencies, Albert explained. The next legislative session begins Jan. 11. “You’re absolutely right,” Albert said. “In a blink of an eye, they can take away our funding. If we do not make this a priority, if they don’t hear from Volusia County every single day from Jan. 11 to March 11, we’re not doing our job.” Colon issued a call to action for teachers to contact their state representatives and tell their stories. “They need to hear the stories of the veteran teachers who say, ‘For the last three years, this is how it has felt like to be felt unvalued,’” Colon said.
DAYTONA BEACH SHORES
JARLEENE ALMENAS
saving efforts that garner lifelong gratitude from the victims, their families and their loved ones. Often, these are rescues that would be career highlights in other agencies, but among the elite workforce I work with, we perform these rescues so often that they are our norm, and though often unlauded, it is no less impressive or impactful.” According to a county press release, the agreement — which replaces a contract that expired in September 2020 — with the Beach Safety specialists, senior lifeguards and lifeguard supervisors calls for covered employees to receive a 3% raise for the last fiscal year and a 4% raise, or $1 an hour (whichever is greater) for the current fiscal year. The raises will increase the minimum hourly pay to $16.65 for beach safety specialists, $21.10 for senior lifeguards and $25.51 for lifeguard supervisors. For fiscal year 2022-2023, which is the last year included in the agreement, Beach Safety employees will receive either a 3% raise or “whatever pay raise is approved for the rest of the county employees, whichever is greater. This will be dependent, however, on the County Council not adopting a rollback millage rate” the press release states. Should the county go to
A beachside End Unit Townhouse, where a 3 minute stroll lands you on the Atlantic Sea Shore. The main level provides a galley kitchen, a spacious living room with a wood burning fire place, a dinning area and a half bath. Head upstairs to discover 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. MLS#1090943 $385,000 Call Leslie Wackerman 386-846-2549.
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The bargaining agreement between Volusia County and Beach Safety’s union also includes a $2,000 retention bonus.
Welcome to a literal dreamland, the condo with a soul! Every wall is a sculpture, with beautiful s shapes, curvatures of glass that lead to the cantilevered wrap around balconies. The type of home that elicits awestruck reverence, where you can begin to imagine your life at the coast. MLS#1090930 $799,900 Call Sandy Cook 386-547-1156.
This beautiful Ormond Beach home is 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage with a pool! The home sits on one of the largest lots on the street, residing at the end of a cul de sac. No worries of drive-through traffic here. Once arriving, you are enticed with the adorable curb appeal. MLS#1090755 $314,900 Call Emily VanDoorn 386-679-6540.
Situated in a gated community this 3 bedroom, 2 bath pool home gives you a space perfect for your family and entertaining guests. Equipped with a formal dining and living area, granite countertops that open to a family room and kitchen nook! MLS#1091170 $545,000 Call Connor Feasel 386-846-2608.
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Welcome Home to this turn key 3 bedroom 2 bath pool home with a brick paver deck in Port Orange! Great Florida room and vinyl privacy fence allow you to truly enjoy the outdoor living. Kitchen was updated (2018) and includes white shaker cabinets, granite counters, and stainless steel appliances. MLS#1090751 $435,000 Call Kelly Perkins 386-243-5995
Live the Florida high life in the Pelican Bay GATED COMMUNITY with ROVING SECURITY. This 3 bedroom 2.5 bath home has recently been updated with a NEW ROOF. The main living areas are all tiled and the soaring ceilings make this a comfortable feeling of wide open space. You’ll love the rock FIREPLACE along with the skylights in the living area. MLS#1090170 $275,000 Call Mark Card 386-566-8092.
DEVONWOOD Welcome home! The beautiful 3-bedroom, 2-bath home, with office and bonus room, is located in the heart of Port Orange with no HOA! Completely remodeled in 2020, the entry greets you with stunning plank-tile flooring that runs throughout the living areas. MLS#1090965 $355,000 Call Kelly Riggle 386-212-7333.
MARINA GRANDE
CYPRESS HEAD
DAYTONA BUNGALOW This is a solidly built, clean home with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, located close to colleges, shopping and public transportation. The home come with hurricane shutters and there is an 80sf shed located in the back yard that accommodates laundry. MLS#1091300 $170,000 Call Helen Tucker 386-290-7577.
PELICAN BAY
STRATFORD PLACE
ONE OF THE BEST UNITS IN THE PLAZA- RARE CORNER UNIT FEATURING 2 BALCONIES. DIRECT OCEANFRONT UNIT (2 Beds) & one of the largest units! Florida is endless summer & with these views you cant argue that the Plaza Resort & Spa is where you want to be. Located on the Drive Free Beach. MLS#1091351 $99,900 Call Hannah Harp 386-299-1884.
SUMMER TREES SOUTH
PLAZA RESORT
SALE PENDING
Riverfront Condo where Luxury is an understatement when describing this 2 Bedroom 2 Bath condo on the Halifax! A true Entertainers dream! The open concept of this condo leaves nothing to be desired. Gaze out over the Halifax while entertaining guests, or while cooking in this incredible kitchen! MLS#1088126 $629,000 Call Tom Foster 516-233-8992.
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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER
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OrmondBeachObserver.com
JANUARY 2022
REVVED UP
Cars line-up to exit the speedway after the end of each day of the Daytona Turkey Run.
Season’s Greetings
48th-annual Daytona Turkey Run was ‘largest show in history’ MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
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Nicolas Vallejo is excited to meet Savannah the stunt dog.
Roadster. The club has set the fundraising goal to exceed $1 million by the end of 2023. Jennifer Labonte, director of marketing, was impressed with the number of first-time participants at the show. “This was our largest show in history,” she said. “We are thrilled to see so many people introducing the Daytona Turkey Run to their friends, families and children. We
Cars line-up to exit the speedway after the end of each day of the Daytona Turkey Run.
Drake Chandler gives a thumbs up after selling some chocolate bars.
Photos by Michele Meyers
Show cars and trucks cruise onto the speedway early in the morning to get in position.
can’t thank the participants and guests enough for joining us this year and being such an amazing crowd.” Whether shopping for car parts at the swap meet, enjoying a beverage at the Hops and Hoods craft beer festival or ogling a ’64 Chevy Impala in the car corral, the Turkey Run offered a wide variety of activities for everyone. A large percentage of participants and guests alike return annually to attend the festivities held at the famous Daytona International Speedway and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow car enthusiasts. Detlef Lange has been flying to the fall show from his home in Germany for seven years. On occasion, he has added the spring show to his travel plans. In 1984, Lange was in the army and spent some time in the United States. He liked the country and decided he must have an American-made muscle car. Eight years ago, he finally bought his dream car: a Ford Mustang. “I bought a Mustang, so I looked for car shows in the United States and found Daytona,” he said. “I usually go to the swap meet and buy parts for my car. It’s also a place to meet people with the same interests.” The Palm Coast Cruisers returned for their fifth year to what president Steve Lancour described as his favorite show. He purchased 76 tickets for spots in the show-car area, hoping to accommodate his club’s increased membership, up by 125 from last year for a total of 500 members. Lancour said that most car clubs only have a small percentage of actual participants. His goals for the upcoming year are to have 200 active members and broaden their ability to help others in need. “We raise funds for the Community Cats of Palm Coast and have also helped the Live Like Cameron Foundation,” Lancour said, “We are a nonprofit organization now and can do more for the community. I would like to do something for the boy that broke his neck diving into the ocean. His family really needs our help.” The 32nd-annual Spring Daytona Turkey Run will be held at the Speedway March 25-27, 2022.
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ver 160,500 guests basked in the glow of polished chrome and custom paint jobs at the 48th-annual Daytona Turkey Run, a fourday car event which kicked off Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 25, and ran through Sunday, Nov. 28. The Daytona Beach Street Rods and Daytona Beach Racing and Recreational Facilities District continue to collaboratively produce the event, and proceeds are utilized to support and enrich local communities. The car club has already started to build the 50th anniversary raffle car, which will be completed in time for the 2023 Turkey Run. The car will be a replica of show founder Stu Sarjeant’s 1932 Ford HiBoy