PTOO 10 2020

PORT ORANGE

Observer YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

BOWLING PAGES 6-7 FREE • NOVEMBER 2020

VOLUME 4, NO. 4

Most Volusia Live students struggle Volusia is asking struggling remote learning students to return to brick-and-mortar schools. PAGE 2

FAITH pushes for trust fund Fighting Against Injustice Towards Harmony advocates for affordable housing in Volusia.

JARLEENE ALMENAS ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A coalition of religious congregations is seeking to establish a public trust fund of $7 million to bring affordable housing to Volusia County, and, during a virtual forum on Monday, Oct. 19, they asked for the support of all candidates running for a seat on the County Council.

The Fighting Against Injustice Towards Harmony nonprofit, also known as FAITH, is no stranger to providing housing to those in need; it’s been active in helping the homeless since 2011, according to the FAITH website, and played a role in bringing First Step Shelter to Daytona Beach. FAITH is made up of 30 congregations, including Port Orange’s Catholic Church of the Epiphany and Our Lady of Hope.

This isn’t a new venture for FAITH, as it’s been calling for the creation of a local affordable housing trust fund since last year.

The organization states Volusia needs 16,000 affordable resi-

Port Orange residents Robert Brewster and his wife, Ruth, are both Vietnam veterans and Trump supporters.

Photo by Brian McMillan

Welcome to Trump country Donald Trump Jr. draws 2,000 for rally at Volusia-Flagler line PAGE 3

SEE FAITH PAGE 8

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BRONX HOUSE PIZZA NOW OPEN

A new independent pizzeria has opened in the Shoppes @ Yorktowne on Dunlawton Avenue. It’s called Bronx House Pizza, and they serve “obsessively, authentic New York pizza.”

“I am overwhelmed at the reaction that we have received so far,” said owner Ashley Smith.

In what is usually a male dominated industry, this young lady is fulfilling her dream. For the previous 10 years, Smith served as general manager of Joe’s New York Pizza in Palm Coast. Visit 1665 Dunlawton Ave.

DR. SHARE RETIRES AFTER 40 YEARS

Dr. Clifford N. Share announced his retirement after serving ophthalmology patients in Port Orange for 40 years.

“I want to personally thank all of my patients for trusting me with their care, and the care of their children and grandchildren, for all these years,” Share said.

Share was the first ophthalmologist in Port Orange.

The building at 741 Dunlawton Ave. has been leased and all patient records have been relocated to Tomoka Eye Associates, at 790 Dunlawton Ave., Suite A. Visit http://tomokaeye.com.

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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020 PORT ORANGE

Volusia is asking struggling remote learning students to return to buildings

About two-thirds of students in middle school and high school enrolled in Volusia Live are failing at least one class.

Data shared by the school district at the Volusia County School Board meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 13, shows that 65%, or 3,619 out of 5,533 students in high school enrolled in the county’s livestreamed classroom learning model have a D or an F grade in at least one class. At the middle school level, that number is slightly higher — 67%, or 2,778 students out of 4,158, have at least one D or an F grade.

The numbers of failing students decreases to 33%, or 2,001 out of 6,004, at the elementary level.

With this in mind, coupled with the fact the Volusia Live model was only approved for one semester, the school district is reaching out to the parents of the affected students and asking them to consider returning to brick-andmortar schools.

“The idea for them returning is that the sooner they’re back

“We can’t force a parent to bring a child to school. ... So I think we’re going to have to be prepared to expand Volusia Online to ensure that those parents are covered.”

RUBEN COLON, Volusia County School Board member

33%

Elementary school

67%

Middle school

65%

High school

“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 Page Designers / Hailey McMillan, Jennifer Edwards Advertising Manager / Jaclyn Centofanti, jaclyn@palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Hallie Hydrick, hallie@ palmcoastobserver.com Senior Account Manager / Susan Moore, susan@palmcoastobserver.com Front Desk Associate / Bonnie Hamilton, bonnie@palmcoastobserver.com Operations Manager / Maureen Walsh, maureen@palmcoastobserver.com Circulation Manager / David Brooks, david@horizonroad.com DELIVERY The Port Orange Observer is published on the fourth week of every month. Call David Brooks at 338-5080 or email david@ horizonroad.com.

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Volusia County School Board member Ruben Colon said the district has to be prepared to offer students another virtual learning option if Volusia Live is discontinued since there will be families who will not wish to enroll their children in brick-and-mortar.

“We can’t force a parent to bring a child to school, nor do we want them to go anywhere else,” Colon said. “So I think we’re going to have to be prepared to expand Volusia Online to ensure that those parents are covered.”

According to the Volusia Online website, 8,988 students are currently enrolled in that learning model.

School Board member Carl Persis asked to see the data for students enrolled in brick-andmortar with a D or an F in at least one class to compare with the Volusia Live data, as well as the data for kids with a failing grade who are currently enrolled in a hybrid course.

“I think the more data we really have before we jump to a conclusion, there may be some other factors here that could help us with some of these decisions down the line,” he said.

One issue that could arise with students transitioning to Volusia Online from Volusia Live midyear is that Volusia Online follows a different educational curriculum, School Board member Jamie Haynes pointed out. A transition like that could create a learning gap in a student’s education.

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in brick-and-mortar, the sooner we’re able to provide intervention for those students face-toface,” said Gabriel Berrio, Volusia County Schools assistant superintendent for high schools.

The district is also in the middle of revamping Volusia Live at the middle and high school levels to reduce the number of classrooms where teachers are in simultaneously instruction both brickand-mortar and Live students.

At one Volusia high school, these hybrid courses account of 95% of classes, with less than 1% of classes being “pure” Live classrooms.

An overhaul of classes of the Volusia Live model cannot be completed before the end of the first quarter grading period, Nov. 2, so as not to affect student’s credits, and would only be in effect for the second quarter since the Volusia Live model will end for all students on Jan. 22, unless the governor’s emergency order regarding schools is extended, and the district is not expecting this to occur.

343720-1001

The school district is still working toward a reduction of ‘hybrid’ Volusia Live classes for the second quarter grading period.

VOLUSIA LIVE STUDENTS WITH AT LEAST ONE ‘D’ OR ‘F’

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020

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TRUMP country

Donald Trump Jr. draws 2,000 for rally at Volusia-Flagler line BRIAN MCMILLAN EXECUTIVE EDITOR

F

rom inside a barn filled with 200 VIPs at the 2A Ranch, just north of the Volusia-Flagler county line, Pastor Jearlyn Dennie’s prayer was broadcast outdoors to the crowd that was slowly making its way through security for a chance to see Donald Trump Jr., son of the president, on Oct. 17.

“Father, we give you thanks for making America great,” said Dennie, who is also chairwoman of the Flagler County Republican Executive Committee. Her voicing rising in enthusiasm, she called Trump the “appointed one” and thanked God for healing Trump of COVID-19. She continued: “You made Trump our protector of liberties. Send an army of angels to strengthen him and give him peace. ... We lift up this agenda and pray that it lines up with your agenda. ... No weapon formed against Donald J. Trump will prosper. Bring a wave of salvation as we open our hearts.”

She closed her prayer, and U.S. Rep. Michael Waltz echoed her in praising Trump.

“He is on fire,” Waltz said. “He truly has done more in four years than Biden’s done in 47. ... The only responsible thing to do is give this man four more years.”

A distinguished military veteran, Waltz is the first Green Beret to serve in Congress. He said to the crowd that, before Trump, “the military didn’t have the equipment or training that we needed.” But thanks to Trump, he said, the military now has everything it needs.

The barn had a lot of character; it was filled Trump memorabilia, including Trump bobbleheads,

Donald Trump Jr. visited Volusia-Flagler Oct. 17, stirring up support for his father.

Photos by Brian McMillan

FREEDOM FROM MASK ORDERS Ormond Beach residents Terri Lynch, Pam Bukowski and Amanda Whittin said they opposed the lockdowns that had been imposed to fight COVID-19, although all had loved ones who had been infected.

Whittin will soon fly to visit her mother, who has been in the ICU since April 24 with COVID-19. But Whittin said she still felt comfortable being at the rally. She said she didn’t wear a mask around her friends but planned to put one on when she was in the crowd.

“I take every precaution necessary,” Whittin said.

“I don’t want to put my mom in harm’s danger, but we also can’t stop living. As long as we all take precautions, we will be safe.”

About 200 people were packed into the barn. About 2,000 waited outside.

Trump was depicted in movie star poses on the walls of the 2A Ranch.

Trump Troll dolls, a Trump pinata and a series of paintings with Trump posing on famous movie posters.

The grand finale was the appearance of Trump Jr., looking fresh, energetic. He stood on the stage in the barn wearing a lavender button-down shirt and jeans and beamed an infectious smile.

To laughter and cheers, he praised his father and roasted Joe Biden, joking that Biden could never draw a crowd as large as even 200 people. “Joe couldn’t even make it out of the basement,” Trump Jr. said. “But he doesn’t have to leave the basement; the media will campaign for him.”

Trump Jr., who said his social media posts usually draw 100,000 or more likes, was also flagged by Twitter for spreading misinformation; he criticized the company for censorship. He called the criticisms against Trump’s children “fake news.” Mainstream journalists are not true journalists, he said, “they’re activists.”

Then Trump Jr. claimed that he had not expected such a crowd to form (although the event had been promoted on social media and a 50-foot screen had been prepared outside the barn for an overflow crowd). He suggested that he should make an appearance outdoors, so the barn emptied and joined the crowd, to great applause.

The VIPs had been packed together on folding chairs in the barn, most of the time without masks, including Ormond Beach City Commissioners Troy Kent and Rob Littleton, as well as Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly, Fla-

“He is on fire. He truly has done more in four years than Biden’s done in 47. ...

The only responsible thing to do is give this man four more years.”

MICHAEL WALTZ, U.S. Rep.

gler County Commissioners Joe Mullins and Dave Sullivan, Flagler Republican State Committeewoman Sharon Demers and Palm Coast mayor candidate Alan Lowe.

Some of the VIPs put masks on when they left the barn to join the rest of the 2,000 in front of the screen. Barriers were established to corral the crowd directly in front of the screen, presumably to accentuate the turnout.

Trump Jr. then continued extolling the Republican party platform and roasting Biden.

The enthusiasm was tremendous, as supporters reached for Trump hats that were tossed into the crowd.

Early voting begins Oct. 19 in Volusia and Flagler counties.

The 2A Ranch barn was filled with Trump memorabilia, including a pinata.

4

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020

OPINION / OUR VIEW

The amendments As always, many of the proposed constitutional amendments sound good, but they aren’t.

H

ere we are again — on the verge of another national and statewide election. And as always, ballots will be loaded — not just with candidates’ names but also with proposed amendments to the state constitution.

Thankfully, this year’s ballots will have only six proposed amendments. Two years ago, Florida voters faced a mindboggling 12.

And although this cycle’s proposed amendments are half the number, this year’s proposals have many of the same characteristics voters frequently encounter: They often appear straightforward and sound reasonable, but in reality many of them carry sneaky political agendas and negative consequences that voters don’t see.

Over the next two weeks in this space, we’ll present some of the pros and cons of the six proposed amendments, some of the hidden nuances, who’s funding the amendments’ campaigns and our recommendations.

As in the past, our recommendations typically result from a standard litmus test we apply to each proposed amendment: n If adopted, will the amendment increase and/or protect individual freedom, or will it restrict or take away individual freedom? If it is the former, we likely will recommend a yes; if it’s the latter, no. n Will the amendment limit the power and/or scope of government or expand it? If it’s the former, we typically recommend a yes vote; if it’s latter, no.

There are exceptions, but they are rare.

AMENDMENT 1: Citizenship Requirement to Vote in Florida Elections SUMMARY: Provides that only

a citizen of the United States who is at least 18 years of age, a permanent resident of the state, if registered as provided by law, shall be an elector of the county where registered.

This proposed amendment wreaks with an odd smell.

For one, why would anyone

spend $8.3 million to propose a constitutional amendment that essentially does not change existing law — except for two words?

In this case, a political action committee known as Florida Citizen Voters is proposing to change the first word of Section 2, Article VI of the constitution from “Every citizen of the United States …” to “Only a citizen of the United States … shall be an elector …”

What’s the difference? We’ll explain. First, the peculiarities of who’s behind this effort.

The primary sponsor behind Florida Citizen Voters is a Ponte Vedra Beach-based not-forprofit known as Citizen Voters Inc. And that organization is not required to reveal the source of its $8.3 million in contributions.

One of the principals operating both organizations is John Loudon, a termed-out Republican state representative and senator from Missouri and former insurance broker. Loudon and his wife, Gina, who now live in West Palm Beach, are members of President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club. Gina Loudon has served on a Trump campaign advisory board.

John Loudon, it turns out, teamed up with a nationally recognized petition management consultant and friend, Tim Mooney, whose credentials include working for more than 250 candidates and ballot campaigns, including a campaign for former Gov. Charlie Crist.

Mooney told the Washington Post last year he was planning citizen-voting amendment campaigns similar to Florida’s in 13 other states.

The intent is seemingly straightforward: In an opinion article in the South Florida Sun-Sentinel a year ago, Loudon wrote that the “extreme left” is advocating giving noncitizens the right to vote. “They’re calling noncitizen voting ‘the newest civil right.’ We want to proactively ensure elections in every state in the U.S. are preserved for committed citizens of the U.S.” Although this campaign

reveals the ugly underbelly of how political operatives on both sides (e.g., George Soros on the Democratic Party side) use the funds of undisclosed contributors to try to tilt the political landscape in their favor, if you strip away the political operatives, the intent and consequences of this amendment actually are favorable.

This change in the constitution will explicitly state who can and cannot vote in Florida. It’s a two-word change that will help protect the rights, voices, liberty and sovereignty of legal U.S. citizens in Florida.

We recommend: Yes AMENDMENT 2: Raising Florida’s Minimum Wage SUMMARY: Raises the state’s

minimum wage to $10 per hour effective Sept. 30, 2021. Each Sept. 30 thereafter, minimum wage shall increase by $1 per hour until the minimum wage reaches $15 per hour on Sept. 30, 2026. From that point forward, future minimum wage increases shall revert to being adjusted annually for inflation starting Sept. 30, 2027.

This is so incongruous — and to an extent, amusing: Why would the self-proclaimed trial lawyer “For the People” spend $5 million to fund a constitutional amendment campaign that, if the measure is approved, would hurt most the very people he claims to protect?

But that’s what Orlando legal mogul John Morgan is doing. He wants to increase the minimum wage from $8.56 an hour to $15 an hour by 2026.

To be sure, raising the government-imposed minimum wage always sounds like such a righteous thing to do.

But it’s quite ironic that such a compassionate capitalist mogul as Morgan apparently dismisses what economists and data have proven for decades: Raising the minimum wage prevents people on the lowest economic rungs from employment.

Let’s go back to one of our favorites, the late Milton Friedman. In 1966, this is what he wrote in Newsweek about raising the federal minimum wage from $1.25 to $1.60 an hour:

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“Does a merchant increase his sales by raising prices?

Does higher pay of domestic servants induce more housewives to hire help? The situation is no different for other employers.

The higher wage rate decreed by Congress for low-paid workers will raise the cost of the goods that these workers produce — and must discourage sales. It will also induce employers to replace such workers with other workers — either to do the same work or to produce machinery to do the same work or to produce machinery to do the work.

“The result will be and must be to add to the ranks of the unemployed.”

And he was right. Teen unemployment went from less than 8% in 1967 to 12% by 1971. For black male teens, the unemployment rate rose from 35% to 40%.

After Seattle went from $9.47 to $13 an hour over two years, here’s what happened, according to professors of public policy at the University of Washington: The “Seattle Minimum Wage Ordinance caused hours worked by low-skilled workers (those earning less than $19 per hour) to fall by 9.4% during the three quarters when the minimum wage was $13 per hour, resulting in a loss of 3.5 million hours worked per calendar quarter.

Alternative estimates show the number of low-wage jobs declined by 6.8%, which represents a loss of more than 5,000 jobs.”

All of which proves raising the minimum wage in Florida’s service-based, retail-based, hospitality-based economy would be more bad news on top of the already COVID-19 employment disasters in those sectors.

It gets worse — for all Florid-

ians.

State analysts estimate the higher minimum wages will increase the cost of state and local government wages $16 million in 2022 and then increase to $540 million in 2027 and thereafter. Who will bear that burden? You. Sure, some workers will benefit. But mostly because they’ll face less competition for jobs.

That’s why the unions support higher minimum wages. It’s more job protection.

More fundamentally, government has no business intervening and distorting the market.

What an employer pays an employee is a private, peaceful contract on which the two agree.

It is in employers’ economic interest to pay competitive wages, so they can attract the right people.

Conversely, no one forces an employee to work for an unacceptably low wage. If an employer skimps, don’t take the job.

Although everyone who supports higher minimum wages is well intended, the outcome is that those who need wages the most will not be employed at all. And overall, there will be less total employment than there otherwise would be, which would make all Floridians worse off.

We recommend: No AMENDMENT 3: All Voters Vote in Primary Elections for State Legislature, Governor and Cabinet.

SUMMARY: Allows all registered

voters to vote in primaries for the Legislature, governor and cabinet regardless of political party affiliation. All candidates for an office, including party nominated candidates, appear on the same primary ballot. Two highest vote-getters advance to general election. If only two candidates qualify, no primary is held, and winner is determined in general election. Candidate’s party affiliation may appear on ballot as provided by law.

Effective January 1, 2024.

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

On the surface, this can look like a good idea.

This measure would allow more people — in particular the 3.6 million Non-Party Affiliates (26% of Florida’s registered voters) — to participate in the primary elections for state offices.

Many NPAs say they are being disenfranchised by being unable to vote in primaries.

So it would seem this measure would pass our “increased freedom” litmus test — giving more people the right to vote — right?

But let’s cut to the quick: In reality, this proposed amendment would be an expansion and intrusion of government into the affairs of private organizations.

Less freedom for the major and private political parties. More government social engineering.

Put it this way: Would the members of the Sierra Club want the government to rule that the members of the American Petroleum Association could vote on the election of the Sierra Club’s officers? Of course not.

Likewise in this instance.

When voters choose not to affiliate with a political party, they know the consequences.

What’s more, you can bet there are plenty of Republicans and Democrats who don’t subscribe to their parties’ activities, but they either tolerate them or try to change them (e.g. Donald Trump and the Republicans).

Please don’t buy the sugarcoated pablum that open primaries will eliminate far left or far right candidates and result in more moderate government that will be better than what we have.

Politics, no matter what, is all about gorging one group at the expense of another.

Let’s sum it up by quoting Alexis de Tocqueville, author of the famous “Democracy in America”: “The most natural privilege of man, next to the right of acting for himself, is that of combining his exertions with those of his fellow creatures and of acting in common with them. The right of association therefore appears to me almost as inalienable in its nature as the right of personal liberty. No legislator can attack it without impairing the foundations of society.”

We recommend: No AMENDMENT 4: Voter Approval of Constitutional Amendments; Article XI, Sections 5 and 7 SUMMARY: Requires all pro-

posed amendments or revisions to the state constitution to be approved by the voters in two elections, instead of one, in order to take effect. The proposal applies the current thresholds for passage to each of the two elections.

When thinking Americans delve into the sanctity and importance of the U.S. Constitution, there is a deep-rooted reverence and profound respect for that most hallowed document.

Indeed, in the 233 years since it was ratified, American voters have amended the Constitution only 27 times.

Now contrast that with this: Since Florida voters ratified the current constitution in 1968,

the state constitution has been amended 140 times.

Obviously, Florida’s constitution does not beget the same reverence as the U.S. Constitution. Too bad; it should.

That is partly the reason Fort Lauderdale law partners Jason Haber and Jason Blank are leading the effort for the passage of Amendment 5. Haber and Blank’s not-for-profit organization, Keep Our Constitution Clean Inc., has raised and contributed $9 million to the Keep Our Constitution Political Committee.

They did not respond to the Observer’s request for an interview. But their website explains part of the rationale for their proposed amendment: to stop “what has become ‘legislating’ through the constitution.”

That is a reference to special interest groups frequently using the state’s citizen initiative process to have their causes enshrined in the constitution rather than persuade lawmakers to adopt them as statutes.

More often than not, Florida’s proposed amendments are better suited to be adopted by the Legislature as statutes. Statutes are much more easily modified, amended, updated or repealed than are amendments.

But frustrated by a stubborn Legislature that refuses to address their causes, special interest groups instead opt for the amendment process. What’s more, these groups often find it much easier to appeal to the gullible emotions of voters than sway lawmakers. A prime example: This year’s Amendment 2, “For the People” lawyer John Morgan’s attempt to raise Florida’s minimum wage.

How many of Florida’s 13.5 million registered voters, for instance, will research the pros and cons of that amendment and who’s pushing it and why?

That’s why Haber and Blank want to require proposed amendments to be approved with 60% or more of the vote in two consecutive general elections. Part of the thinking is that would give voters more of an impetus to learn the details of proposed amendments.

But, of course, let’s be blunt here: The name of Haber and Blank’s not-for-profit, Keep the Constitution Clean Inc., has a good, positive ring to it. What they really want to do is make it

ELECTIONS

2020

more difficult for citizens and special interest groups to get their causes on the ballot.

In the end, you can say this proposed amendment comes down to this: What do you want: a tougher-to-amend constitution that primarily addresses the relationships between the three branches of government, sets up the boundaries in which they can operate and states our rights? Or a system, which exists now, that allows for direct democracy and clutters up the constitution?

Although we agree that the Florida Constitution is cluttered with measures unfit for a constitution, according to our litmus test, this amendment would add another layer of government and diminish people’s freedom.

We recommend: No AMENDMENT 5: Limitations on Homestead Property Tax Assessments; Increased Portability Period to Transfer Accrued Benefit; Article VII, Section 4 and Article XII SUMMARY: Proposing an

amendment, effective Jan. 1, 2021, to increase, from two to three years, the period during which accrued Save-OurHomes benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.

Trying to explain the nuances behind this amendment is probably so technical that most voters’ eyes will glaze over.

But in fact, unlike many proposed amendments, there isn’t some sneaky, nefarious subterfuge at play here. When Rep. Rick Roth, R-Palm Beach Gardens, filed this proposed amendment as a House bill in the last legislative session, it was intended to correct an unintended glitch in a 2008 constitutional amendment that voters approved.

That amendment gave homesteaded property owners the ability to transfer the value of their homestead exemptions when they sold their home and purchased a new one. That 2008

amendment gave property owners up to two years to transfer the value of their exemptions to their new property.

But because of the way the amendment was written, it turned out two years was not really two years. Say you sold your home in December 2019. As is, the law would require you to move into your newly purchase home by Jan. 1, 2021 — the second Jan. 1 from the time you sold your home.

For many homeowners waiting for their new homes to be completed, the timeline was too short, causing them to lose the portability of their exemptions.

Amendment 5 corrects that, extending from two to three years the time to transfer the value of the exemptions accumulated in your previous home.

As we said, it’s complicated.

Suffice to say, even though homestead exemptions are an anachronistic subsidy to property owners, this amendment relaxes government regulations and is a benefit to taxpayers.

We recommend: Yes AMENDMENT 6: Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans who had Permanent, CombatRelated Disabilities, Article VII, Section 6 and Article XII SUMMARY: Provides that the

homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran’s surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property.

The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect Jan. 1, 2021.

For the past decade, Florida lawmakers repeatedly have placed on the ballot proposed constitutional amendments with an intent to honor combat-

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NOVEMBER 2020

5

wounded military veterans and disabled first responders — and in the process make Florida one of the most attractive states in the nation for these heroes.

And Floridians have obliged.

Since 2010, Floridians have adopted five constitutional amendments that give homestead property-tax exemptions and college tuition waivers to these service men and women and their surviving spouses and family members. n 2010: An additional homestead tax exemption for members of the military, military reserves, Coast Guard or its reserves and Florida National Guard who were deployed in the previous year on active duty outside the continental U.S., Alaska or Hawaii in support of military operations designated by the Legislature. n 2012: This amendment expanded the homestead exemption to veterans who became disabled as a result of a combat injury and who were not Florida residents when they entered the military. n 2012: This amendment extended property-tax relief to the surviving spouse of a military veteran who died from service-connected causes while on active duty or to the surviving spouse of a first responder who died in the line of duty.

The amendment authorizes the Legislature to totally exempt or partially exempt all property taxes. First responders include: law enforcement and correctional officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and paramedics. n 2016: This amendment authorize a first responder who is totally and permanently disabled as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty to receive relief from property taxes on homesteaded property. n 2018: This amendment grants mandatory payment of death benefits and waives certain educational expenses to qualifying survivors of certain first responders and military members killed in action.

So now, in 2020, the Legislature is asking Floridians to extend homestead property tax exemptions to the spouses after their combat-wounded or disabled veterans have died.

Longtime Observer readers know we typically reject government bestowing special favors and subsidies for anyone. What you give to one means you must tax someone else more.

But this is different. Our service men and women and first responders volunteer to put their lives at risk in defense of our freedom and nation and for our safety.

They give up a lot — their families and their own personal safety and security. In return and in the scheme of society at large, granting them these property-tax subsidies are a small repayment.

To an extent, you could argue these subsidies to veterans, first responders and their families add to our freedom. They reward those who protect us.

We recommend: Yes

PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020

Strike a pose

The Spruce Creek bowling team competed at the Ormond Lanes on Oct. 20.

Spruce Creek bowls against Seabreeze and Pine Ridge

Photos by Ka’Deem Wynn

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386-672-9503

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588 Sterhaus Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

https://www.actsllc.org

Port Orange South Daytona Chamber 3431 S Ridgewood Ave, Port Orange, FL 32129

www.pschamber.com

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John B. Holt, M.D., F.A.C.S

339456-1 342607-1

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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020

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Ormond Beach Historical Society 2020-2021 Speaker Series Our Speaker Series, presented with a matching grant from the Florida Humanities, has gone The Ormond Beach Historical Society proudly announces VIRTUAL. It’s simple and easy - go to our website www.OrmondHistory.org to register and for the the first program of the 2017-18 season of the Florida Humanities Speaker Series. complete schedule of 9 programs running until June, 2021.

See the complete schedule of 10 programs

FREE!

and sign-up for our e-newsletter, History Happenings, at www.OrmondHistory.org.

September 30, 2017, 10 a.m.

October 24, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Hometown Team: Florida The Grand Dames: Historic Hotels of Florida Sports History

Dr. Steve Noll, UF, returns with the history of sports in Florida in the context of racial and gender issues, the influence of Florida's sands, sun and laid-back lifestyle have attracted hoteliers for ages. These fabled hotels big business, and the personal identities Floridians have with their local teams. It’s serious but it’s also fun! of yesteryear all still welcoming guests. Take a modern day tour and learn the fascinating stories of these historic luxury hotels from around the state with James “Zach” Zacharias, November 21, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Senior Curator of Education and Curator of History at Museum of Arts and Science.

Vanishing Florida: A Visual and Literal Story of Lost Wilderness and History Where: Historic Anderson-Price Memorial Building at 42 N. Beach St., Ormond Beach. Building

is handicap accessible.

Through the use of historical information, poetry, and famous quotes, Kevin Boldenow, Elliott Museum, captures our diminishing wilderness, both visually and literally.

When: Coffee at 9:30 a.m.; Program 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. Program and parking are FREE to the

WHEN

Online Program 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

WHERE

public.

Not available at 10 a.m.? No problem - if you register, you will be sent a link to a recording of the program

good for 7 days.

343934-1001

Register Online www.OrmondHistory.org

Ormond Beach Historical Society, 386-677-7005, www.OrmondHistory.org

Sorry - you have to bring your own coffee.

ORMOND BEACH HISTORICAL SOCIETY 386-677-7005 WWW.ORMONDHISTORY.ORG

Funding for this program was provided through a grant from the Florida Humanities with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Florida Humanities or the National Endowment for the Humanities.

When it’s important, we plan for it ahead of time.

Planning your life celebration now will give you and your family valuable peace of mind. Our guaranteed, pre-paid funeral plans protect everyone from hard financial and emotional decisions at a time of loss. We’ll help you take care of every detail, including affordable payment plans.

FREE planning guide:

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Seven days a week through Oct. 30

DignityMemorial.com

9 LOCAL PROVIDERS TO SERVE YOU, INCLUDING:

CRAIG FLAGLER PALMS FUNERAL HOME & FLAGLER MEMORIAL GARDENS | FLAGLER BEACH

343839-1001

386-439-5400

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PORT ORANGE OBSERVER

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NOVEMBER 2020

FAITH pushes for $7 million affordable housing trust fund CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

dential units to solve the housing issue.

Rev. Caitlin White, director and campus pastor of the Stetson Wesley Foundation, said FAITH is committed to seeing each of these 16,000 families have access to affordable housing. The “powers that be” may tell them it’s not possible this year due to the pandemic, White said, or they may say they can’t make promises, but she maintained that the time to address

affordable housing is now.

“I can be mistaken, but if there was a more critical moment than this one to ensure a booming, equitable economy and to create a vibrant community that we can all afford to live in, not just work in, I’m afraid I just can’t think of one,” White said.

CANDIDATES VOICE SUPPORT

The candidates present during the forum were County Council Chair candidates Deb Denys and Jeff Brower, District 2 candidate Danny Fuqua, and District

4 candidates Heather Post and Barbara Bonarrigo. Incumbent County Councilwoman for District 2 Billie Wheeler was unable to attend due to a family emergency.

They were asked three questions. First, if they would support and advocate for an affordable housing trust fund, to which all answered yes.

Second, they were asked if they would support and direct county staff to identify a new sustainable revenue source to bring in $7 million for the fund. Post and Bonarrigo said yes; Denys initially said no, but changed to a yes after explaining that she supported directing county staff toward the cause but that she could not commit to a $7 million figure.

Brower said no, believing that

the trust fund should not be spearheaded by government, but rather, taken on by a private entity.

Lastly, the candidates were asked to commit to attending the FAITH action assembly on March 22. All agreed to do so.

‘FAITH DOES NOT GO AWAY’

Post said the lack of affordable housing in Volusia is a “deeplyrooted” problem and that it must be addressed with commonsense solutions.

“I look at this as positive action toward taking care of struggling families in Volusia County,” Post said. “This is being done effectively elsewhere, and our time is now.”

Bonarrigo also voiced support for FAITH’s initiative.

“I’ve always been advocating for numerous things here in the community,” Bonarrigo said. “I have been very active in our community and I’m so glad and happy to work with all of you once elected for Volusia County Council District 4.”

Karen Delisle, of Our Lady Of Lourdes Catholic Church in Daytona, is also co-chair of FAITH’s housing committee. She said that, no matter who wins the election in November, FAITH has work to do since not every candidate answered yes to their questions. Regardless, Delisle said the organization will work with the elected officials to establish the trust fund.

“Faith truly does move mountains and faith does not go away,” she said.

Join Us For the Largest Classic Car Show & Swap Meet in the U.S. Nov 26th - 29th at Daytona Speedway 8am-4pm Thurs - Sat ~ 8am-2pm Sun

6,000+ Classic Cars For Show & Sale

Massive Swap Meet * Artisan Alley * Great Food & Drink

PLANTATION BAY

Oceans Atrium has the World’s Most Famous Beach in its backyard, Shopping, Restaurants, Pharmacy, Entertainment and Police department are all visual from the front door. Located on the 3rd floor it is a lovely 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo with a balcony where you have your choice of a River view or Ocean view. MLS#1075124 $247,200 Call Helen Tucker 386-290-7577.

Grand French Chateau Style Mega Mansion in Plantation Bay. Tucked onto over an acre, this gated estate is situated on the 8th hole of Prestwick Golf Course, with extraordinary views.

Exquisite design, master craftsmanship, and opulent finishes blend seamlessly to create this luxurious masterpiece. MLS#1073694 $2,599,000 Call Tom Foster 516-233-8992.

This beautiful Spruce Creek Fly In home overlooks a canal that separates it from the 10th tee. The back of the home is situated perfectly to capture the best views in the area. There is a SEPARATE OFFICE along with TILE ROOF, wood floors, 48 in. custom cabinetry &GRANITE COUNTERTOPS. MLS#1074859 $500,000 Call Jennifer Card 386-566-8091.

Wake up to the beautiful sunrises just out the window of this 6th floor unit in the wonderful Harbor Beach Resort. GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Onsite management for daily rentals (or you may rent it yourself). This unit faces North and overlooks the beach and the Daytona Beach Sun Splash Park! MLS#1075706 $79,000 Call Vincent DiMartino 386-871-3705.

Check out this gorgeous 6 bedroom/6 bath custom luxury pool home in the Covendale gated community of Waters Edge. This is your opportunity to own one of the most desired homes in this neighborhood. The moment you enter this Poinciana model, you will be swept away. MLS# 1076335 $665,000 Call Cammie Rosa 386-383-3448.

Perfect Starter Home for you, First Time Home Owner or a great place to Retire and enjoy our Beautiful Florida Sunshine. 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home just a short walk or bike ride to the Port Orange Pavilion where you can enjoy Shopping and Dining at a few local Eateries. Stainless Steel Appliances; Fenced Yard and a Split Plan.

MLS#1076232 $236,900 Call Kelly Riggle 386-212-7333.

ENTERTAINERS DREAM HOME! This is truly a one of a kind home on the canal with views of the St. Johns River! This 3 bedroom, 3 bath home was built in 2008. From the moment you walk in you will see the attention to detail that the owners put into this home. MLS#1076449 $1,000,000 Call Cheryl Smith 386-589-6101.

VILLAGES OF ROYAL PALM One of a Kind 3 Bed 3 Bath Concrete Block Pool Home in the Maintenance free community in the villages of Royal Palm. $47,000 Dual Heated Salt Water Pool added in 2017. Enjoy the pool year round. The solar and Heat pump can heat the entire pool to 102 degrees year round! Newer A/C, Hot Water tank & SS Appliances.

MLS#1076650 $389,900 Call Arun Reddy 386-341-0121.

OCEAN WINDS

SOUTH BULOW Unique 2.5 riverfront acres nested on the loop. The loop is a 34-mile scenic route that combines tree-lined, canopied roads with untouched natural beauty and a variety of wild animals and birds. Close proximity to the Tomoka Estate park where you can fish, go crabbing and canoeing , 1 mile to the beach, just to name a few. MLS#1063314 $499,900 Call Alecia Barrett 386-262-3685.

Great location on this Nice 2 bedroom ground floor condo right across the street from the beach and close to shopping, restaurants and more. Corner unit so it allows lots of natural light in. Features include washer/dryer in the unit, a brand new hot water heater and the A/C is only 2 years old. MLS#1073537 $129,900 Call Elena Scott 386-566-6984.

CROSS CREEK

FAIRWAY ESTATES UPGRADES AND LANDSCAPING TO DIE FOR!!! This 3 bedroom, 2 bath, concrete block home spared no expense when it comes to making this home a masterpiece!

MLS#1076493 $249,900 Call Bryan Morford 386-299-1131.

SPRUCE CREEK FLY IN

OCEANS ATRIUM

‘Life on The Top’’ - Located in the exclusive Oceans Atrium One Condominium this mesmerizing ocean view Penthouse represents the pinnacle of beachfront living featuring unparalleled ocean views, river views, breathtaking sunsets and modern upgrades. MLS#1069195 $268,000 Call Ashley Garrett 386-275-8537.

HARBOUR BEACH

OCEANS ATRIUM ONE

BEACHSIDE OFFICE - 386-441-SOLD (7653) 2110 Oceanshore Blvd., Ste. B, Ormond Beach, FL 32176 PORT ORANGE OFFICE - 386-767-SOLD (7653) 840 Dunlawton Ave., Ste. D, Port Orange, FL 32127 COMMERCIAL OFFICE - 386-253-8565 211 E. International Speedway Blvd., Ste. 104, Daytona Bch, FL 32118

Nestled on a quiet cul-de-sac, backing up to the preserve within the highly desirable CROSS CREEK neighborhood this 4 bedroom, 3 bath gem offers tranquil living while being close to everything. MLS#1076263 $362,000 Call Leanne Galliher 386-507-1917.

RARE 4 BEDROOM OCEANFRONT LUXURY in OCEAN VISTAS. This incredible unit was decorated by DAVID WALLER INTERIORS and is being sold furnished. From the time you enter the building, it is unmistakable that you are in the finest in our area. MLS#1076435 $950,000 Call Mark K. Card 386-566-8092.

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(386) 255-7705 | Cunninghamoil.com

WATERS EDGE

CORPORATE OFFICE - 386-677-SOLD (7653) 900 West Granada Blvd., Ste. 3, Ormond Beach, FL 32174

CONTRACTOR LICENSE # CAC1815644

Cunningham’s Daytona Gas & Grills 201 Ridgewood Ave, Holly Hill, FL 32117

COQUINA SHORES

3425721

Info/advanced tickets: www.turkeyrun.com

20Lb

ENTERTAINERS DREAM HOME

Note: At this time we are planning full speed ahead and looking forward to another great show! Please visit our “Daytona Turkey Run” Facebook page for updates!

$10 Tuesdays for the month of October!

OCEAN VISTAS

8am-4pm Thurs - Sat 8am-2pm Sun FREE Parking 344003-1

$15 ~ Thurs - Sat $10 ~ Sun Kids 11 & under FREE