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PORT ORANGE

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

STATE OF THE COUNTY PAGE 3

VOLUME 5, NO. 7

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State targets ‘fatherhood crisis’ As the House speaker decries a “fatherhood crisis” in the state, the House on Wednesday, Feb. 16, passed a wide-ranging measure that seeks to bolster fathers’ parenting skills. The House unanimously passed the measure (HB 7065), which deals largely with the Department of Children and Families and proposes changes that would prioritize resources for fathers and help for current and former foster children. A main part of the bill would direct the department to contract for the creation of the “Responsible Fatherhood Initiative.” The department would contract with an entity to launch a website and distribute other materials that would inform fathers on effective parenting. The fatherhood initiative also would include a print, television and social media campaign.

• MARCH 2022

The ‘Chicago’ Journals

YOUR TOWN OUR LADY OF HOPE KOFC HELPS FOOD PANTRY

Courtesy photo

The cast of Spruce Creek High School’s “Chicago: High School Edition,” which opens Feb. 18-19. Julia Ambrose is on the far right of the front row. Photo courtesy Council 8086

Jackie Dailey (left) receives a check for $1,170.

Our Lady of Hope Knights of Columbus Council 8086 recently donated $1,170 to the parish food bank to purchase needed food and supplies. In addition, the council holds regular food drives to replenish the pantry. An upcoming initiative for the Lenten season – which begins March 2 – will be the annual Forty Cans for Forty Days among council members, with all donations presented to the parish pantry. Grand Knight Roger Packard said: “We enjoy doing charity work for our community, and look forward to doing even more outreach in the future.”

PLAY SENIOR SOFTBALL

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The Volusia County Senior Softball league is a 50 and older Men’s Senior Softball league. Spring season begins March 29, with games at Derbyshire Park in Daytona Beach on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Visit www.vcssoftball.com or call Joe Daly at 954-732-0992.

The other side of the curtain, at Spruce Creek High School

JULIA AMBROSE CONTRIBUTING WRITER

What’s it like to be in a high school musical? I happen to be a murderess, Annie, in an upcoming, iconic show, along with several Ormond Beach residents, so I’ve been keeping a journal since we started rehearsals. Here’s what it’s like from

the other side of the curtain, at “Chicago: High School Edition.” JAN. 10

The cast has just come back from winter break and we are ready to get to work. Before the break, we focused on vocal rehearsals with our vocal director, Timothy Wilds, and now we will start the process

of adding choreography and blocking to the show. We have about two months until opening, and everyone is really excited for the show to pick up.

cally for this show.” Lina has learned how to juggle for the number “Razzle Dazzle,” in which we create a circus effect about the art of concealing the truth and lying in court.

JAN. 11

JAN. 12

I spoke with Lina Nasr. She said, “I’m ecstatic to show off my skill of juggling that I have been practicing specifi-

My best friend Maegan Feldman and I go to the vending SEE CHICAGO PAGE 6

‘We deserve better’ Volusia County school bus drivers ask for pay rate increase

JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A group of bus drivers in Volusia County spoke at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 8 to voice a united plea: Give us a living wage. Sporting a yellow shirt that read “I carry precious cargo,” bus operator Jenny Diaz told the board that bus drivers have long endured poor wages despite their high level of responsibilities. Bus drivers are doing their jobs to the best of their abilities, she said, while often dealing with rudeness and disrespect from parents and students, all while feeling unappreciated and undervalued. “Day to day, I come to work even when I’m sick because I know we’re short on drivers and attendants, and I don’t want the kids on the streets waiting for long periods of times to be picked up,” Diaz said. She shared that she makes $13.26 an hour, though she has worked for VCS for four years, and spoke about costs of living continuing to rise. The current rate of pay for bus drivers are $11.44 for training and $13 an hour for contracted employees. “We safeguard the lives of hundreds of children every day,” Diaz said. “That’s a lot

of risk and responsibilities. We deserve better.” In an email to the Observer, Volusia County Schools spokesperson Kelly Schulz said that in the fall of 2019, the district had 202 bus operators transporting 23,000 students. At this moment, the district stated they have 172 bus operators transporting 24,000 students. There are 50 vacancies that need to be filled. “We are utilizing everybody possible to meet the needs of our students during this challenging time, and we are truly at the bottom of our resource barrel so to speak,” Schulz wrote. “We are using everyone in our organization who is authorized to drive or be an attendant, even though they are now serving in other capacities.” Volusia County’s bus drivers are not alone in their plight. According to The News Service of Florida, there are proposals moving through the House and Senate that aim to address the shortages of school workers, including bus drivers, as districts around the state experience low staffing levels for such employees. House Bill 1017 and Senate Bill 1576 would require school districts to fund incentives to recruit and retail support staff, subject to the Legislature providing funds for

File photo by Jarleene Almenas

Volusia County Schools bus drivers and attendants are asking the district for a pay rate increase.

the effort. Superintendents would have to identify positions within their district with at least 20% of jobs vacant. Schulz said the district is experiencing delays in the hiring process due to COVID-19, and that they did lose some drivers due to their health concerns, but that the district is “hiring ambitious new drivers, many who never considered driving a bus before.” The district aims to hire at least 20 more drivers by the end of the fiscal year. Since the beginning of the year, the district has hired two new bus assistants and one operator, according to personnel action items brought before the School Board for approval. Four bus assistants and four bus operators have resigned.

“We have days that we’re stressed to the point that it’s unbearable,” said bus operator Mark Irwin at the School Board meeting. “The buses are overloaded. The kids’ behavior is terrible. Parents are angry with us, and we’re short handed. We’re running multiple routes and running late.” Fellow bus operator Sheila Rush said she’d been a bus driver for over 20 years and still doesn’t make a living wage. She shared she had been “in tears” last month when her 16-year-old granddaughter shared she made just $2 less than her an hour working at a Wendy’s fast food restaurant. “I’m here, not because of the money, because there’s nothing there, but it’s because of the heart,” Rush said.

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2022

PORT ORANGE

Volunteers in BRIEFS passes $105.3 Police Service House billion spending plan What would be a record $105.3 billion spending plan bolstered by federal stimulus money was approved Wednesday, Feb. 16, by the Florida House, helping set up negotiations with the Senate on a final budget for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. The House voted 102-14 to approve the proposal (HB 5001), after Democrats objected to shifting $200 million away from 12 school districts that required students to wear masks last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic and called for more money to go to affordable housing and health care. But with the state flush with cash from stimulus money and higherthan-expected tax collections, Republicans touted the spending plan. “This budget does a whole lot for our people, including law enforcement, correctional officers our state workforce,” said House Appropriations Chairman Jay Trumbull, a Panama City Republican who called the package a “starting point” with the Senate. The budget proposal, among other things, would boost overall funding for public schools and includes a pay increase of 5.3% for state workers. The Senate is slated Thursday to take up its $108.6 billion budget proposal. Both plans would top the current year’s budget of just over $100 billion. For House Democrats, one of the biggest concerns was what they

ERNIE ROSSI VIPS CORPORAL PORT ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT

Do want to give back to your com munity in an effective way? Are you interested in police work and pro cedures? Perhaps you only want to keep Port Orange one of the safest cities in Florida. The Volunteers in Police Services, otherwise known as VIPS, are looking to the community for more citizens interested in our program. Those who join this program will be trained in city patrols, fingerprint ing, house watches, special events, records, traffic, and much more. Uniforms will be assigned to each individual at no cost to you. This program provides Senior Citizens ways to remain active after retire ment. Applicants must be 25 years of age or older and hold a valid driver’s license. All applicants must pass a background check. We request a commitment of a minimum of 16 hours per month. If you are inter ested in what we have to offer, go to the Port Orange City website ( www. port-orange.org, Public Safety, Police Dept. and download V.l.P.S. application) or stop by Police Head quarters. Community groups and homeowners associations can call for a spokesperson to attend their meetings with more information.

say is a politically motivated move to punish 12 school districts that went against Gov. Ron DeSantis by requiring students to wear masks. The Senate does not have a similar proposal to strip money from the districts. “That’s $72 million from MiamiDade, $32 million from Broward, the counties I represent,” Rep. Joe Geller, D-Aventura, said. “I know it’s supposedly targeted at bureaucrats. Bureaucrats who oversee anything and everything from school safety to special education to the needs of our students.” But House PreK-12 Appropriations Chairman Randy Fine, R-Brevard County, said education funding will go up. The $200 million would be shifted to districts that did not impose mask mandates. Fine maintained that the 12 “school districts broke the law” and that none of the $200 million would be cut from student programs.

Florida House members early Thursday morning, Feb. 17, passed a bill that would prohibit doctors from performing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, one of the most hotly debated issues of the 2022 legislative session. The Republican-dominated House approved the measure (HB 5) in a 78-39 vote along almost straight party lines after nearly six hours of debate. Rep. Rene Plasencia, R-Orlando, crossed party lines to vote against the measure, while Rep. James

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Bush, D-Miami, voted for it. The at-times tense floor session also saw a group of protesters removed from the House gallery for chanting in opposition to the bill. The proposed 15-week limit on abortions resembles a Mississippi law that is under review by the U.S. Supreme Court — a case that is widely seen as a challenge to the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling on abortion rights. Rep. Erin Grall, a Vero Beach Republican who is sponsoring the House bill, said that the Supreme Court’s weighing of the Mississippi law was a factor in the decision to propose the 15-week restriction. “There’s significant fetal development by the age of 15 weeks. But there is also a case in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, currently under consideration, at 15 weeks. And … working within that infrastructure of 15 weeks gives Florida its best opportunity to save a significant number of babies, very quickly, after the court’s decision,” Grall said. Part of the debate on the bill Wednesday centered on arguments about stages of fetal development. Rep. Kelly Skidmore, D-Boca Raton, disagreed with Republicans’ arguments that fetuses can feel pain at 15 weeks. “I don’t believe a 15-week fetus can feel pain or anything else, because I believe the volume of experts who tell us that happens beyond 24 weeks gestation,” Skidmore said. Several Democrats also criticized the measure as unconstitutional. “Every time unconstitutional bans are passed, they have been challenged in the courts,” Rep. Yvonne Hinson, D-Gainesville, said.

House passes 15-week abortion limit

Observer “If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944

Publisher John Walsh, jwalsh@palmcoastobserver.com Executive Editor Brian McMillan, bmcmillan@palmcoastobserver.com 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

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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

MARCH 2022

Optimistic for change Jeff Brower sets goals for 2022 in State of the County address

County Council Chair Jeff Brower delivers the 2022 State of the County address at the Ocean Center on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

ast year, when Volusia County Council Chair Jeff Brower delivered the State of the County address, he was weeks into his first term, but he was still full of optimism for the future of Volusia County. At his second State of the County address on Tuesday, Feb. 8, Brower said that sentiment has only grown stronger. “If anything, I’m even more hopeful and excited today because there’s a lot of work ahead with great opportunities for us to make Volusia County the very best place to live, work and play,” Brower said. About 425 people attended the annual luncheon at the Ocean Center, where the county highlighted its achievements for 2021. The theme of the event, “A year of change,” was referenced in Brower’s speech as well as in the video presentation featuring the rest of the council members. The best achievements, said Brower, are the result of government, businesses and the community working together, and he urged multiple times for people to get involved with local issues and not fear conversations with those who may have opposing views. “It’s no secret that [the County Council] had some rough spots getting started last year, but as the months have gone on .... I believe that you have seen a council emerge that is better at working together for the common good and goals of our community,” Brower said.

Kevin Captain, Volusia County director of community information, welcomes over 400 people to the 2022 State of the County address.

A YEAR OF IMPROVEMENTS

What changes did Volusia County see in 2021? For starters, it was the year that Amendment 10 took effect, and despite a long legal battle which the county eventually lost, county staff earned a 2021 Best Practices Award from the Florida Association of Counties for their transition process with the new constitutional officers. The video presentation mentioned the county’s $26 million public safety radio system upgrade, approved last summer, which is replacing its existing 30-year-old system for more reliable communication. Improvements to the county’s emergency management system included signing and retention bonuses — $4,500 for new paramedics and $5,000 for current paramedics — as well as $2,000 retention bonuses for emergency medical technicians. In other personnel-

Stony Sixma and Brad Nicholson perform a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

related actions, a collective bargaining agreement was also reached with the corrections officers union, granting them a $2,000 retention bonus. The ECHO and Volusia Forever programs were renewed by voters and are now seeking new projects to fund. In 2021, the county utilized ECHO Historic acquisition/stabilization grant program dollars to purchase a 36-acre parcel of land along the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail for preservation, and Brower said the land will ultimately house a new trail. “We’re known around the world for the Loop,” he said. “Today, I am asking landowners in the Loop to join our efforts in creating a safe hiking and biking trail along the west side of the popular Old Dixie Highway. ... What a legacy that would be to leave

The Marine Corps League Capt. "Tiger" Mayberry Detachment 658 present the colors at the 2022 State of the County address

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

your community.” Other changes include the completion of the Daytona Beach International Airport’s terminal renovations, which the county said will result in 360 new jobs and a $150 million private investment, the confirmation of 11 new directors within county ranks and a $3 million stormwater treatment project meant to improve water quality in the Mosquito Lagoon. PRESERVING QUALITY OF LIFE

Clean water, affordable housing and reopening the beach were points Brower honed in as he concluded his address. The county is growing rapidly, he said, and responsible decisions that will determine quality of life for generations to come must be made together. He asked local builders and developers to make affordable housing a reality in Volusia County, and vowed to work with the council to simplify zoning laws to facilitate this effort. “We cannot and we will not pave our way and clear-cut our way to a better future,” Brower said. “We will not end up like many congested Florida regions that have given up local priorities to preserve and protect their quality of life with an eyefocus solely on immediate profit. We already know that growth does not pay for itself. It merely hands a bill to the next generation.” Brower issued three goals for the county as a collective to work on in 2022: Protect and improve local water quality, lower the tax burden on citizens while increasing revenue sources to keep the county affordable, and for every beach approach to be open to citizens without an extra cost, as Brower argued residents already pay for the beach with their property taxes. “I am confident that this County Council will work diligently and respectfully this year,” Brower said. “You can imagine that everything I just mentioned, not everybody in the council agrees with. Not everybody in this room agrees with it, but what we can expect, and what I expect, is that we will work with each other with respect and with a commitment to all of you for seven very independent people to hash out the very best possible policies for all of you to make Volusia County the best play to live, work and play.”

“We cannot and we will not pave our way and clear-cut our way to a better future. We will not end up like many congested Florida regions that have given up local priorities to preserve and protect their quality of life with an eyefocus solely on immediate profit. We already know that growth does not pay for itself. It merely hands a bill to the next generation.” JEFF BROWER, County Council Chair

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2022

10 big issues at session halftime Abortion, the state budget, and education top the list. JIM SAUNDERS THE NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA

The Florida Legislature’s 60-day session reached its halfway point Wednesday, Feb. 9. Here are snapshots of 10 big issues in the session: ABORTION

The Republican-controlled House and Senate are moving forward with a proposal that would prevent physicians from providing abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The heavily debated proposal is similar to a Mississippi law that is being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court. BUDGET

Flush with cash from federal stimulus money and higherthan-expected state tax collections, lawmakers appear headed toward passing a record budget for the fiscal year that will start July 1. The Senate last week rolled out a $108.6 billion proposal, while the House proposed a $105.3 billion spending plan. EDUCATION

Some of the session’s fiercest debates are playing out on education bills, including House and Senate measures that involve how racerelated issues are taught in schools an outgrowth of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ push to prevent teaching of critical race theory. Lawmakers also could address school discussions about sexual orientation and gender identity. 374954-1

ELECTIONS

The House and Senate have

started moving forward with proposals that include adding steps for voting by mail and creating a state office to investigate alleged election irregularities. Republicans contend the bills would help curb fraud, while Democrats say they would make it harder for people to vote. HEALTH CARE AND COVID-19

Senate Republicans appear poised to approve the confirmation of state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo, who has drawn heavy opposition from Democrats because of his views on COVID-19. Lawmakers also are looking at issues such as staffing standards for nursing homes, which face worker shortages. IMMIGRATION

In a priority of DeSantis, Republican lawmakers are pursuing bills that seek to boost immigration enforcement and penalize companies that transport undocumented immigrants into Florida. Opponents contend, in part, that the bills could prevent unaccompanied immigrant children from being brought into Florida for care and shelter. INSURANCE

With homeowners seeing hefty rate increases or losing policies, it remains unclear how lawmakers will address problems in the propertyinsurance system. A Senate proposal, in part, targets roofdamage claims that insurers blame for increased costs. A House proposal focuses on issues related to the statebacked Citizens Property Insurance Corp. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS

Calling it the “Local Business Protection Act,” the Senate

News Service file photo

Gov. Ron DeSantis gave his State of the State address Jan. 11 to formally start the legislative session.

passed a bill that could lead to businesses filing lawsuits against cities and counties if ordinances cause lost profits of 15% or more. The issue, which has drawn heavy attention from local governments, is pending in House committees. REDISTRICTING

Lawmakers have passed new maps for state House and Senate districts as part of the once-a-decade reapportionment process. But a map for congressional districts remains in limbo after the DeSantis administration offered a proposal that includes revamping a North Florida district that was designed to help elect Black candidates. TAXES

Lawmakers near the end of the legislative session will likely agree on a tax-cut package, though it remains unclear whether they will approve a DeSantis proposal to suspend gasoline taxes for five months starting July 1. Lawmakers are looking at increasing the homestead propertytax exemption for teachers, military members and first responders.

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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

MARCH 2022

Detective Garcia named Officer of the Year BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Detective Thomas Garcia, a 12-year veteran of the Ormond Beach Police Department, was recognized as the Volusia County Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year in September 2021. He and his family were honored at the City Commission meeting Feb. 1, 2022. “We have the best of the best here tonight,” said Crime Stoppers Board member Ed Fuller. “We’re proud of you,” Chief Jesse Godfrey said. “You’re shining tonight.” Among the cases cited by Crime Stoppers was a burglary at a phone store. Garcia was able to track down the burglars in Houston and link them to a string of other similar burglaries around the state. “I’m quite honored,” Garcia said in a phone interview after the meeting. “It’s a pretty prestigious thing to be recognized. There were a lot of deserving candidates.” He also praised the officers he works with. “I’m not a one-man

band,” he said. “It’s really the team work of the unit that pulls these cases together.” Capt. Chris Roos, who sponsored Garcia for the award, called him tenacious and relentless. “He never gives up on the smallest, most remote possibility of that one thing that might lead to solving a case,” Roos wrote. “ ... He continues to evolve as an investigator, always questioning and never accepting ‘you’ve done everything you could.’” At the commission meeting, Garcia led his daughter, Dylan, by the hand and posed for a photo with his wife, Amanda; and his children, Jaxon and Dylan. As the meeting concluded, Commissioner Rob Littleton said he had gone on a ride-along with Garcia, calling him “a work horse.” “He goes above and beyond,” Littleton said. Mayor Bill Partington said he has followed Garcia’s career through the years. “It’s been amazing to see him develop into a quality, sworn officer,” Partington said. “For Detective Garcia to win, it’s an honor for him.”

Thomas Garcia, with wife Amanda and children Jaxon and Dylan.

Photo by Brian McMillan

Want to help save the manatees? Volusia’s Manatee Watch program is looking for volunteers. MIGRATION

BREEDING AND REPRODUCTION

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

shley Howard was helping lead a Ponce Inlet Watersports Eco Tour one day near a boat ramp in New Smyrna Beach when she and the passengers saw something disturbing: a young, dead manatee. “He was only 4 feet long,” she recalled. “He was a little guy.” She reported the death to the Manatee Watch program, and a team arrived to assess the situation. She learned that the manatee had likely been separated from its mother and strayed into cold water. “They don’t know which direction they should go to get away from the cold water,” she said. “Then they get cold stress, and they’ll get frostbite, kind of like we do if we were to go into the snow without shoes on. The tips of their flippers and their nose will get looking [frostbitten], and it’ll just stress them out, and their bodies can’t handle it. If it’s

Source: savethemanatee.org

under 68 degrees, they don’t last very long. … There was no indication of any boat strike or entanglement.” Howard has admired manatees for years: The Florida native spends a lot of her time on the water helping guide eco tours. For the past four years, she has been paying close attention to the wellbeing of local manatees. As she watched the volunteers do their work that day, about one year ago, the team encouraged her to volunteer, and she agreed. “We’re on the side of things where it is sad, but it’s also an opportunity to research and see what happened and how we can prevent it in the future,” she said.

Volusia County created the Manatee Watch program for individuals 16 years or older to observe and report the conditions of manatees in local waterways. Manatee Watch volunteers document sightings and sketch any specific markings or scars a manatee may possess. This process helps track the local manatee population. “With the help of volunteers, we can help get a better understanding of how manatees are using Volusia County waterways,” said Debbie Wright, Volusia County’s manatee protection program manager. She added: “The Manatee Watch training is a great opportunity to learn all about

Florida’s official marine mammal.” Howard and other observers have discovered manatees that have been hit by boats. Help from the team arrived shortly thereafter. “We see the animals on our boats frequently,” Howard said. “We’re out every day on the water, from 8 o’clock in the morning until 7 o’clock in the evening sometimes.” Now more than ever, manatees are facing hazardous living conditions, as food is becoming more scarce in the waters they inhabit. Manatees can weigh up to 1,800 pounds and must eat 10% of their body weight daily. “The problem is the pollution in the water right now,”

Courtesy photo

Ashley Howard will soon be a captain and be able to lead her own eco tours.

Howard said. “It’s killing off a lot of the seagrass manatees naturally eat. They are purely vegetation eaters, so they’re always looking for some sort of greenery to snack on.” According to The News Service of Florida, 1,003 manatees have died in Florida waters in 2021, more than 10% of the estimated population of manatees in the state waters. Nearly two-thirds of the deaths have occurred along the East Coast. Last year, the state recorded 637 manatees deaths.

Manatee Watch coordinators will host two upcoming, free training sessions for those interested in becoming a volunteer. Advance registration is required; contact Chad Murch at ManateeWatch@ volusia.org or call 386-7365927, Ext. 12839. For more information about manatees and Manatee Watch, visit www.volusiamanatees.org. To learn more, visit shorturl.at/gjuzM.

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ABBIE PACE

The reproductive rate for manatees is low. Manatees are not sexually mature until they are about 5 years old. It is believed that one calf is born every two to five years, and twins are rare. The gestation period is about a year. Mothers nurse their young for one to two years, during which time a calf remains dependent on its mother.

Manatees can be found in shallow, slowmoving rivers, estuaries, saltwater bays, canals and coastal areas — particularly where seagrass beds or freshwater vegetation flourish. Manatees are a migratory species. Within the United States, they are concentrated in Florida in the winter. In summer months, they can be found as far west as Texas and as far north as Massachusetts, but summer sightings in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina are more common. West Indian manatees can also be found in the coastal and inland waterways of Central America and along the northern coast of South America, although distribution in these areas may be discontinuous.

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

OrmondBeachObserver.com

MARCH 2022

The ‘Chicago’ Journals JAN. 16

JAN. 13

JAN. 19

JAN. 15

Rehearsal has been getting quite intense now that we are nearing the show. I know the company can remain positive and supportive for the remainder of the process.

HOW TO SEE THE SHOW Spruce Creek High School presents “Chicago: High School Edition,” with remaining shows at 7 p.m. Feb. 25-26, with one last show at 3 p.m. Feb. 27, all at the Spruce Creek High School auditorium. Buy your tickets ($15 adults, $10 students) at www. teachtix.com/sprucecreek. No cash sales.

Rights Information: “Chicago: High School Edition” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals. Visit www.concordtheatricals.com

JAN. 20

Actress Yara Nasr portrays Roxie Hart in this production of “Chicago.” Roxie experiences the trials of rising fame all while attempting to clear her name for the murder of Fred Caseley (played by Connor Barie). It is interesting to watch Roxie’s story come to life on stage. Yara’s sly Roxie is a contrast from Lauren’s curt Velma. The dynamic between these two is so fun to watch because it allows us to understand both characters’ backstories. JAN. 24

Suzie Kidwell is a senior and is completing her high school theater experience this year. Suzie and I like to dance around in the costume room and wear wigs. It is fun to be able to surround myself with good friends who like to have fun with me.

sures that make the set safe to perform on, but it is an amazing start. Scenic designer Torie Oakes makes the world come to life.

reflects everyone’s character and the show perfectly.

enjoy the show.

Final costume call was completed today, and it is about that time to start performing with props. Like other murderesses’ costumes, mine is a sleek black leotard with a skirt, sparkle tights and gloves, and hair accessories. The entire cast is in all black, making the dancing look sharp and precise.

FEB. 5

Christine Ngo, a member of the crew, feels confident. She has been on the tech crew for three years and is one of the main components for the company backstage.

FEB. 3

FEB. 8

FEB. 2

As we are about to head into February, everyone is nervous for the month leading up to opening and excited for tech elements to come into play. The creative team is working hard.

Today we are painting the set and adding lights. The tinsel is added to the border of the stage, and there are additional projections for the stage right. At this point we are working on running and cleaning the entire show all the way through. It is a work in progress.

FEB. 1

FEB. 4

JAN. 31

The set is officially built and walkable. It is multidimensional, with doors, jail bars, and platforms. It’s the most elaborate set we have had yet. We still have to put up the mea-

Jozeph Santiago is excited for his last musical with his closest friends at Spruce Creek. Zeph is also a costume manager for 30+ actors in “Chicago,” and each costume

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As an assistant stage manager, Morgan Gurtis has been able to see the show come together since the very beginning. She is extremely proud of the work that everyone has put in, so she hopes you’ll buy tickets and

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Matthew Monroe is thrilled to open “Chicago.” The show experience has gone by so fast, and it has been amazing seeing it all come together. Matthew plays the character “Emcee” and introduces all of the main acts. He also tap dances!

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The brick wall has been added to the set, and we are about to paint the wood pieces. The whole “old theater coming back to life vision” is really being executed. We have incorporated a ghost light effect into the overture as cast members get the old abandoned theater back on its feet.

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FEB. 10

FEB. 12

It is less than a week away from opening, and now we are incorporating the costumes, hair, and makeup elements. I’m excited to show the audience that although each costume is black, they incorporate their own unique elements of whimsy. FEB. 13

Reflecting back on the process, I am now mentally preparing for tech week alongside the rest of the company. This week, we will be working late but are so excited for the debut on Friday. I can’t wait for it to all come to life. As a senior, I am grateful for the theater experience and excited to share our hard work with the community.

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Dancer Avery Branch has been a member of the Spruce Creek Theater Department since her freshman year, and is excited to act as Dance Captain for the second time. She performs at many regional theaters, such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and Theater West End. Recently, she starred as Jovie in the Dr. Phillips Center’s production of “Elf: The Musical.” Avery describes musical theater as her “greatest passion.” For “Chicago,” she will play Hunyak, a Hungarian murderess.

Lauren Bowrosen has her first lead in a mainstage, and it is her perfect comeback after having vocal nodules. She is most excited for the show to “come to life.” Lauren is portraying Velma Kelly in “Chicago” — singing, dancing and nailing Velma’s iconic attitude.

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JAN. 14

Director: Jill Cicciarelli Choreographer: Kim Ball Music Director: Timothy Wilds Lighting Designer: Dylan Molitor Sound and Projection Designer: Ethan Rich Scenic Designer: Tori Oakes Stage Manager: Rhea Khemlani

MARINA GRANDE

Today I was talking with freshman Brie Flynn about the pressures of being principal dancer so early on in her high school years. “I’m grateful for the opportunity,” she said, adding that she’s excited to show off all of her hard work. Brie is the only freshman featured in the more difficult choreography, so there is a lot of pressure on her this year.

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Freshman Janie Tyree feels nervous to perform her hula hoop tricks in “Razzle Dazzle.” She has been practicing for so long and wants her theater debut to be flawless. She has done theater since fourth grade and enjoys singing above all else.

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machines to get our munchies every rehearsal. Munchies are a mix of Sun Chips, pretzels and Cheetos and have become our rehearsal tradition. A majority of the cast eat their munchies in between scenes or dances.

SANCTUARY ON SPRUCE CREEK

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

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