The Hammock Observer 07-17-25

‘High-injury network’ identified

Dunes’ Rosato gets state pickleball recognition

Sandi Rosato, with over 35 years in the tennis industry, now leads pickleball teams in Hammock Dunes to compete in the FTPL.

Hammock Dunes Club Racquet &

Sports Director Sandi Rosato has become a star in the Florida Team Pickleball League, doing something she loves.

“Everybody enjoys it, and it’s a lot of fun,” Rosato said. “My group has come out and we watch, cheer. And we always finish with a little beer or Prosecco.”

Rosato was recently featured in the Florida Team Pickleball League as a “pro spotlight,” detailing how Rosato became introduced to the sport. Rosato has spent over 35 years playing tennis, but fell in love with pickleball after coming to the Hammock Dunes Club.

Rosato was first introduced to pickleball in 2016 in Maryland and hosted an introductory event for pickleball at her country club. Rosato quickly found an interest in the sport.

“It’s just addicting,” she said.

“It’s a lot of fun.”

At the Hammock Dunes Club, Rosato said she dove in to playing pickleball with a passion.

“I didn’t really play when I was doing events,” she said. “When I got here, I started just playing with my members, trying to figure out what the difference was, competing-wise, between tennis and pickle.”

The FTPL was founded in 2023, and now has regional leagues and members across the state of Florida. According to its website, the FTPL is open to those 16 and older.

Rosato said the league starts with county-by-county competitions, then regional competitions, and even has state and national levels.

“So it’s a league that’s kind of building,” she said.

Rosato said she joined the FTPL soon after it began in 2023 and typ-

ically has several teams compet ing. The FTPL just finished its 2025 Spring Season competition in April, and the Hammock Dunes Club had three teams competing: a beginner’s women’s team, an intermediate men’s team and an intermediate mixed team.

This year, she said, the women’s team went all the way to state.

“Not too bad for their first season,” she said.

Over the last five years, pickleball has “taken off” in Flagler County, Rosato said, with her email list of regional players jumping from 40 to more than 150. Hammock Dunes Club is even planning on adding two additional pickleball courts, for a total of eight, to keep up with

But pickleball isn’t just about the sport or competition for Rosato. She said the sport is a great way to find community among other players and organizations. People are able to jump in with little formal instruction and play, with their own families or with strangers.

The great thing about pickleball, she said, is that “not everybody has to be competitive. Some people just want to play with their friends.”

The FTPL spotlight credits Rosato for introducing Team Style Pickleball to the area and bringing Hammock Dunes into the league.

“Sandi is known for her creative, energetic pickleball events,

her love of teaching beginners and strategizing with advanced players, and her passion for building camaraderie through team play,” the feature reads.

The Hammock Dunes Club posted about Rosato’s FTPL feature, saying the racquet and sports director has “built more than just competition, it’s created confidence, connection, and camaraderie… one rally at a time!”

“One of my members, when I started here, asked me if I thought it [pickleball] was a fad,” Rosato said. “I was like, no. I think it’s gonna be here for a long time.” Email sierra@observerlocalnews. com.

BRIEFS

Flagler launches kitten foster program for inmates

Earlier this month, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office introduced a new homeless kitten foster program to inmates at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

In collaboration with the Flagler Humane Society, FCSO’s nationally recognized SMART (Successful Mental Health and Addiction Recovery Treatment) Program launched the kitten-fostering initiative to allow participating inmates to care for homeless kittens in need, providing a unique therapeutic experience aimed at long-term recovery for both the kitten and the inmates.

The initiative is part of the FCSO’s ongoing efforts to support mental health and promote a deeper sense

COPS CORNER

JUNE 26 HERE YOU GO

8:51 p.m. — 100 block of South Yonge Street, Ormond Beach Possession of drugs. A 51-year-old Ormond Beach man handed over less than a gram of cocaine after police pulled him over and asked if he was in possession of any illicit drugs. Police had pulled the man over

of accountability and emotional connection among inmates.

“Addiction often creates isolation and self-centered patterns,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said. “Fostering kittens requires empathy, structure, and consistency — qualities that support recovery and rehabilitation. It’s another tool we’re using.”

The idea for the program came from an inmate who shared a suggestion during a talk with medical staff.

The concept led to the partnership with the Flagler Humane Society.

Participants in the program take part in daily kitten care routines, including feeding, socializing and bottle-feeding.

This innovative approach to rehabilitation is expected to be implemented more broadly with other inmates at the jail in the coming weeks. The male inmates are scheduled to begin assisting the Humane Society with building projects for the animals in need of adoption at the Palm Coast location.

To adopt a kitten, contact the Flagler Humane Society. Visit flaglerhumanesociety.org.

Flagler Schools cuts ribbon on Engagement Center

Flagler Schools held a ribbon cutting at the renovated Historic County Courthouse on the morning of Thursday, July 10.

The nearly 100-year-old building at 200 E. Moody Blvd. will be known as the Flagler Schools Engagement Center for emergency response

after seeing him speed on a South Yonge Street, as well as noticing that one of the vehicle’s tail lights had “so much tape on it that it appeared to be out,” according to a report.

JUNE 29

DOG FOUND

8:19 p.m. — 200 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Animal complaint. Police took custody of a dog found wandering into a local convenience store while holding its own leash in its mouth. Police arrived on the scene and spoke with store employees, who

clarity.

The building will house the Rise Up alternative school, the TRAIL vocational program for young adults, age 18-22 with disabilities and the Step Up life skils program for adults with special needs. It will also provide space for iFlagler virtual school and the district federal programs department

The school district will be leasing the historic building for at least two years. Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance, Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson and Bunnell

Commissioner David John Atkinson took part in the ribbon cutting along with Flagler Schools district staff and administrators.

Superintendent LaShakia Moore thanked the School Board, plant services and the custodial crew “and all the amazing employees who

said the gray pit bull had entered the store the day before as well in the same manner. The store clerk said he would hold on to the dog if he could, but that he was unable to and wanted police to take the dog.

JULY 8 DAILY DRINKER

6:11 p.m. — 300 block of South Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach DUI. A 76-year-old Flagler Beach man was approached by police following a verbal altercation in a nearby business. When asked how much he’d had to drink, the man re-

brought this vision to life.”

Daytona man arrested from home under construction

A Daytona man was arrested on July 9 after he stole an air conditioning unit from a home under construction on Eric Drive, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

The FCSO received a call from the residence’s future homeowner on May 6. The homeowner had driven by to check on the property when they saw a truck leaving the residence with a tarp covering something large in the truck bed, a FCSO press release said. The homeowner reported the vehicle when the AC unit was found to be missing.

FCSO detectives investigated the theft and found the truck was rented

plied, “I’m retired; I drink every day.” He was taken to jail.

JULY 9 WRONG TURN

9:52 p.m. — 6000 block of North Oceanshore Boulevard, Palm Coast DUI. Deputies arrested a 79-year-old Palm Coast drunk woman who came to a citizen’s front door asking for help after she “took the wrong turn into the ditch” while driving. According to her arrest report, deputies found the woman in the driver seat of her vehicle, which was indeed disabled within a ditch on the

to Andrew Atkerson, 36, of Daytona Beach. When detectives interviewed Atkerson, he admitted to stealing the unit to give to someone in need, though the unit didn’t work with the house, the press release said.

Atkerson said he regretted stealing the unit and later had a friend deliver it to the FCSO Operation Center.

Atkerson was later arrested on July 9 during a traffic stop in Flagler County. He is being held at the Flagler County jail without bond. Atkerson has an extensive criminal history, the press release said.

Man arrested on over 40 counts related to child pornography

A 25-year-old Jacksonville man was arrested on July 12 on 40 counts of viewing and distributing child pornography.

Amais Mabini was arrested by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office’s Cyber Crimes/ICAC Unit. The FCSO first received a tip in January from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children that child sexual abuse material was being shared by a Kik-app user last September. The user was identified as Mabini, who was living in Palm Coast at the time and has since moved to Jacksonville, a FCSO press release said. FCSO detectives documented 40 instances of Mabini viewing and transmitting child sexual abuse material.

He is being held at the Flagler County jail on a $480,000 bond.

shoulder of the roadway. They noted signs of impairment right away, and the woman told them she had just left a party a couple of blocks away. She advised she was not injured or in need of medical attention. Deputies had her perform field sobriety exercises, one of which she failed because she was continuously laughing, the report notes. The woman told deputies that she had made the drinks for the party. Throughout the investigation, she continued to laugh and repeat that she was diagnosed with “trigger finger” that day.

Female Inmates spend time and care for kittens at the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility.

Flagler Schools holds a ribbon cutting for the Flagler Schools Engagement Center at the County Historic Courthouse. Courtesy photos

Palm Coast mayor censured again, council to ask Gov. to remove him

During the discussion, Theresa Pontieri said Mayor Norris ‘misrepresented’ whether he had received legal advice before he sued the city.

SIERRA WILLIAMS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast City Council has once again censured Mayor Mike Norris in a 4-1 vote and will follow that with a formal letter to Gov. Ron DeSantis to ask him to remove Norris from the seat.

Councilman Charles Gambaro Jr. was the one to motion for the censure and the letter of the removal at the end of the July 15 council meeting. Gambaro said that there had been enough of Norris’ “toxic” behavior. Norris voted against the censure.

The censure follows another episode of the NorrisGambaro feud, in which Norris posted Gambaro’s personal cell phone number on Norris’ Facebook page, after WNZF CEO David Ayres shared Norris’ city-issued cell phone number on the July 11 Free For All Friday talk show. Gambaro was a guest on that show. See the story on the right, on this page. Norris said he posted the number on Facebook because he thought that was Gambaro’s city cell number — it was the only number for Gambaro he had, he said. He said he “corrected the record” when he later changed the number to Gambaro’s actual city

“It’s important that, we as council members up here, what we talk about with regards to city business, is transparent and is accurate. And I don’t feel like I’m getting that from you, Mayor, and that’s a concern.”

THERESA PONTIERI

cell number, which is available on Palm Coast’s website, along with all the other council members’ city cell phone numbers.

Though neither Councilmen Ty Miller or David Sullivan added any comment to the debate, Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said she was unsure about the second half of Gambaro’s motion to send a letter to the governor.

This is not the first time Gambaro has made this motion. Following the investigation into Norris’ conduct with city employees which the council sent to the Florida Commission on Ethics, Gambaro motioned to send a letter to the governor for Norris’ removal. Sullivan, at the time, recommended the council wait for a response from the Florida Commission on Ethics before sending one to the governor.

Pontieri said on July 15 that she felt the council should still wait for that response before deciding to request Norris’ removal.

“Regardless of what has happened, Mayor Norris was elected,” she said. “And we have to think about the residents that did elect him.”

Despite her concerns, no one suggested that Gambaro amend his motion, and Pontieri, Miller and Sullivan all voted with Gambaro to censure Norris a second time and to send the letter to the governor.

A ‘MISREPRESENTATION’ OF INFORMATION

Pontieri said her concern with Norris was not what happened on the radio show — though she did say Norris should not have posted Gambaro’s personal number. Instead, Pontieri said she was concerned about Norris misrepresenting information on the dais to the council and to the public.

“It’s important that, we as council members up here, what we talk about with regards to city business is transparent and is accurate,” Pontieri said. “And I don’t feel like I’m getting that from you, Mayor, and that’s a concern.”

At the July 8 meeting, Norris told the council that he had not received any legal advice in advance of his lawsuit against Palm Coast and Gambaro’s appointment to the District 4 seat. But City Attorney Marcus Duffy said Norris had been advised, mul-

tiple times.

Rather than calling either man a liar or relying on hesaid-she-said, Pontieri said she instead requested all public communications between Duffy, Norris and attorney Jeremiah Blocker regarding the charter and Gambaro’s appointment. She also said she rewatched the city’s Dec. 3 meeting livestream on YouTube, during which Norris requested a formal legal opinion on the appointment.

In that meeting and in an email the next day, she said, Norris was told Duffy had already provided a legal opinion, which was discussed at length with the attorneys at Duffy’s firm. Duffy also sent Norris that opinion.

Additionally, Blocker sent the entire council a memorandum on July 14 that detailed nine separate conversations and emails between Dec. 2-9, with Norris, that explained the position that Gambaro’s appointment followed charter requirements.

The Observer obtained the same records Pontieri requested and the memo, which shows on numerous occasions Norris was advised on his lack of legal standing to sue the city, and that the previous council followed the charter.

Blocker also wrote in the memo that Norris said on Dec. 9 that “he will find someone to bring a lawsuit against the City or pay for a lawsuit. City Attorney Duffy responded by saying if a lawsuit is brought against the City on this item, the City will win.”

Norris’ lawsuit cost taxpayers approximately $30,000, Duffy said on July 8, though the final invoice is still being tallied.

Based on these communications and the Dec. 3 meeting, Pontieri said she believed Norris had received legal advice, though he had said otherwise on July 8.

But, she said, the council has no legal recourse to get Norris to pay the city’s legal fees. That would be up to the mayor to decide to do, she said.

Instead, she asked Norris to “do some reflection” and to “stop.”

“You don’t need to move forward with this lawsuit any further,” she said. “You’re never going to gain standing. You will never have standing to sue this city for that appointment. Ever.”

Norris-Gambaro feud: Mayor shares council member’s personal cell

Radio host David Ayres said he wanted residents to text Norris how they feel about his tenure as mayor.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The feud between Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris and City Council member Charles Gambaro continues: Norris posted Gambaro’s personal cell phone number on his Facebook page after “Free for All Friday” radio host David Ayres broadcast Norris’ cityissued cell phone number on the July 11 show.

Gambaro, Palm Coast Economic Manager Craig McKinney and co-host Brian McMillan were all surprised when Ayres proposed giving out the mayor’s work cell phone number for an informal “poll” for residents.

“We text the mayor and say, ‘Hey, Mayor Mike, I love you. You’re doing a great job. Keep it up.’ Or we text him and say, ‘You need to go, please resign,’” Ayres said. “So it’d be kind of an A or B, yes, we support you, [or] no, we don’t.”

Ayres encouraged listeners to be nice if they texted Norris and said multiple times that the number he was giving out was the mayor’s city cell phone number, not Norris’ personal number. The city cell phone numbers of all the council members are posted on their biography pages on Palm Coast’s website.

“We’re not harassing him personally, or anything like that, because it’s our cell phone that he has the honor and the right to use while he serves us,” Ayres said.

After the radio show, Norris, in retaliation, posted Gambaro’s personal cell phone number to Facebook, calling the council member “the epitome of a DEI (Didn’t Earn It) Hire.”

“Since he and his cronies felt the need to share my phone number on air today like children, you can text NO DEI Representatives in Palm Coast to Mr. Gambaro,” Nor-

ris wrote.

More than 24 hours after he initially posted Gambaro’s personal cell number, Norris edited his Facebook post and changed the phone number to Gambaro’s city cell phone number on Saturday, July 12.

While Norris didn’t respond to a request for a comment in time for this article’s publication, Gambaro submitted a statement in response to his personal number being posted online.

“The release of my personal phone number to the public on Mayor Norris’ Facebook page was intentionally done to intimidate my family and I,” Gambaro wrote.

He said the mayor’s actions violate the spirit of Florida Senate Bill 268, which became law on July 1. The law exempts the addresses and personal phone numbers of public officials from public records

MY VIEW RELEASE OF MY PERSONAL NUMBER ‘WAS INTENTIONALLY DONE TO INTIMIDATE’

BY CHARLES GAMBARO

First and foremost, the idea of conducting a survey for the utilization of Mayor Norris’ government issued, taxpayer funded phone was not my idea, nor did I have any prior knowledge to this initiative.

The release of my personal phone number to the public on Mayor Norris’ Facebook page was intentionally done to intimidate my family and I. This reckless action violates the spirit of the recent Senate Bill 268, that was enacted into law on July 1, 2025.

This law was established to protect the private information of public officials and their families as they choose to serve in public office. This is truly the action of a reckless man that

Why the mayor’s ceremonial roles matter: news analysis

Observer invites Mayor Mike Norris to share his vision.

BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER

After the flooding last week, President Donald Trump arrived in Texas. There, despite being perhaps the most controversial figure on the planet, he did something that was decidedly uncontroversial. Following tradition of past presidents, he ceremonially visited the destruction, spoke with families and expressed empathy, saying: “As a nation, we mourn for every

single life that was swept away in the flood, and we pray for the families that are left behind. It’s amazing, the incredible spirit from those families. ... I don’t even know how they do it.”

By doing so, Trump gave voice to a grieving nation. That’s the cathartic power of the ceremonial role of an elected official. In little old Palm Coast, we have a mayor who has been at the center of controversy since the day he took office. But, being censured and criticized by his own colleagues on the City Council, Mayor Mike Norris has chosen to withdraw from his ceremonial roles, declining to visit Tallahassee, declining to participate

on most community boards, declining to host a town hall meeting, skipping the city’s July 4 celebration.

On one hand, I don’t blame him; it’s an awkward situation. And I know he feels that City Councilman Charles Gambaro shouldn’t still be in office, despite the judge’s ruling. But, with Norris withdrawing, the city is left without a leader who can give voice to a local moment. If there is a hurricane, who will be pictured with grieving families, praising them for their “incredible spirit”? In good times, who is there to help a local organization feel special by simply showing up to honor their accomplishment?

The mayor has a unique ability to build community spirit. We need a mayor.

So, I invite Mayor Norris to return to his post and lead us, especially in the ceremonial roles, as the City Charter directs (Article IV 4(b) says the mayor shall “be recognized as the head of City government for all ceremonial occasions.”). Norris has a unique position to help the community move past political feuds and focus on governance. We now know that the rest of the City Council members don’t support Norris’ moratorium, and they don’t feel comfortable labeling developers as “swamp peddlers,” as Norris

requests.

In a phone interview with the Observer , Gambaro said since Norris’ post he has received harassing text messages, phone calls and voicemails to his personal phone. It has caused him and his family to be more vigilant. They’re doing everything they can to protect themselves, he said.

As far as Ayres’ actions, Gambaro said he believed the radio host’s intentions were just to find out what the public’s sentiment on Norris was. Gambaro said he did not know Ayres was going to give out Norris’ city cell phone number.

Norris actions have

“crossed a line,” he said, from civility and politics.

“This is truly the action of a reckless man that does not care about the safety of the

SEE CITY FEUD PAGE 5A

does not care about the safety of the residents he was elected to serve. I am very proud of my military service. My family and I have sacrificed for decades through multiple combat deployments, command at multiple levels and service at the White House, the National Security Council, and directly for multiple Secretaries of Defense at the Pentagon. These elite opportunities are only given to the very best in the business. That is why I was nominated by President Trump — someone who clearly does not support DEI initiatives — and confirmed by the United States Senate for promotion to the rank of brigadier general at the age of 42, making me one of the youngest generals in the entire United States Army. The United States Army is a meritocracy. Promotions are given to those that sacrifice and work hard to protect our nation and accomplish the mission.

has. I invite Norris to write an editorial explaining his vision — a compromise, if he feels that’s called for. How can his campaign principles be applied today in a way that could help unify the council and the community?

Yes, as was offered on WNZF’s “Free For All Friday,” residents can call Norris on his city-issued cell phone and share their opinion to him directly: 386-276-4016. After that show, I called that number myself and left a message, offering space for an editorial, just as I’m doing now, but I didn’t receive a response — yet. Perhaps Mike Norris can still help us to mend the political division and unite the city to solve problems, to build bridges, to build community spirit. Email brian@observerlocalnews. com.

Council member Charles Gambaro Mayor Mike Norris. Images courtesy of Palm Coast

Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri and Mayor Mike Norris. File photo

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Medicaid’s 5-Year Lookback

Rule: What Families Need to Know (Before It’s Too Late)

Scott A. Selis, Esq.

Scott A. Selis is an estate planning and elder law attorney with offices in Ormond Beach & Palm Coast. Mr. Selis was an Elder Law Attorney of the Year selected by the Florida Bar’s Elder Law Section in 2016.

If you or a loved one may need long-term nursing home care, understanding Medicaid’s “5-year lookback” rule is critical. Medicaid helps cover the sky-high costs of care, but eligibility depends on strict income and asset limits. To prevent people from giving away money just to qualify, Medicaid has trust issues—so they might look back at your finances for five full years before you apply. During that five-year window, any gift or asset transfer for less than fair market value is fair game for scrutiny. So if you gave your niece $60,000 to “follow her dreams” (that may or may not involve a juice bar), Medicaid might want to know more. If they find transfers that break the rules, you’ll be hit with a penalty period delaying approval of Nursing Home Medicaid for a months or years. Medicaid won’t pay for your care during that time—even if you’re otherwise eligible. For example, imagine that you gave away $60,000 two years ago, and your state’s average monthly nursing home cost is $10,000. That “gift” will likely result in a 6-month penalty—long enough to regret both the gift and the juice bar. Not every transfer triggers a penalty. There are exceptions for spouses, disabled children, and certain caregiving situations. But the rules are complex, and sometimes even well-meaning financial decisions—like helping a grandchild with college—might have unintended consequences.

Here’s the good news: with proper planning, you can protect assets and qualify for Medicaid when the time comes. The trick? Start early. Like, “before the walker arrives” early. The five-year clock starts ticking the moment you make a transfer—so the sooner you plan, the more options you’ll have.

Working with an elder law attorney can help you navigate this without needing a law degree or a bottle of aspirin. They’ll help you understand the rules, set up strategies, and maybe even save the family home.

The lookback rule isn’t meant to be scary. But ignoring it is like ignoring a check engine light—you might keep rolling for a while, but eventually, it gets expensive. And when it comes to longterm care, a little foresight now can save a lot of heartache later. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

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Ormond Beach OKs Walmart’s plans for expansion, with more visibility

The board also discussed the recent clearing of the buffer, and directed Walmart to continue increasing visibility to prevent homeless camps.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Walmart’s plans to expand its Ormond Beach store to serve its online grocery pickup area has taken a step forward.

On Thursday, July 10, the Ormond Beach Planning Board approved an amendment to Walmart’s Planned Business Development with a 6-0 vote. Walmart plans to construct a 5,101-squarefoot building expansion at the northeast corner of the store located at 1521 W. Granada Blvd. In addition, Walmart seeks to improve the existing façade to a “Mediterranean Beach style,” as well as update signage, improve landscaping and make some parking lot modifications to accommodate the expansion.

The Planning Board had tabled the amendment in March because members had concerns about transients, the overgrown green belt buffer, security and the store’s aesthetics.

Since then, Walmart’s project team met with city staff and cleaned the greenbelt buffer, eliminating invasive plants.

Ormond Beach Police Capt. Chris Roos said Walmart had been “receptive from day one,” and cleared the overgrown vegetation, including lifting the buffer to increase visibility from the road.

“I want my cars to be able to drive by and see if there’s transients, homeless people hiding in there,” Roos said. “... They’re doing what we asked them to do.”

At the March meeting, board members discussed placing a masonry wall in lieu of the proposed chainlink fence within the greenbelt buffer, but Roos said that would block police’s visibility of the buffer area. Transients are likely to jump over it and hide from law enforcement, he explained.

“We’ll be in the same situation we are now,” Roos said. “Now, I hate to say we don’t have time for our officers to get out of the car three or four times a day to walk the property, but we can drive by it 30 times a day and look in there, if we have the ability to see.”

When asked by the board, Roos said that call activity has reduced in the store since the greenbelt buffer fronting Granada Boulevard was cleared.

The board reached a consensus to move the amendment forward, without requiring a new masonry wall.

On behalf of Walmart, attorney Rebecca Wilson said the company “really took to heart what they heard in the last meeting” in regard to the board’s concerns. Additionally, if the board wanted Walmart to continue to clean up the buffer on the west side of Williamson Boulevard, they would do so.

“Previously, our development order didn’t allow us to clean that up, but I agree with you, coming off the interstate, it’s going to look so much better,” Wilson said. “I think we’re in a middle place right now. It doesn’t look great because we pulled everything out, but putting in nice looking landscape with irrigation and keeping that, we think will look really great.”

As a condition of their recommendation to approve the amendment, the Planning Board asked the western of the greenbelt buffer be cleared within 18 months.

Board Chair Doug Thomas commended Walmart for working with the city on the outlined concerns.

“I’ve got to tell you that they were extremely pleasant to work with and very cooperative,” Thomas said.

Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.

Flagler Beach makes plans to sell golf course

Ocean Palms Golf Club LLC said it would reconfigure the course into a 12-hole design, rebuild the clubhouse and add digital golf simulators.

BRENT

WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The Flagler Beach City Commission has agreed to negotiate with Ocean Palms Golf Club LLC and principal manager Jeff Ryan for the purchase of the city-owned nine-hole golf course at 3600 S. Central Ave.

Ryan’s group has held the lease on the Ocean Palm Golf Course since January 2024.

The commission voted 4-1 on Thursday, July 10, to enter negotiations with Ocean Palms for a deed-restricted sale that would limit the use of the property solely for golf course operations.

“I think it would be a disservice not to have the conversation,” Commissioner Eric Cooley said. “Everybody but a couple of folks want it to be a golf course and a really nice one. We’ve clearly demonstrated we can’t do it. We’ve been there. We’ve done that. I’m all for having the discussion. It’s in the city’s best interest. It’s in the citizens’ best interest.”

Commission Vice Chairman Rick Belhumeur said it’s time for the city to get out of the golf business.

“It’s cost us a lot of money,” he said. “As long as we keep it, it’s going to cost us a lot more.”

The course is in disrepair.

During public comment, Chris Conklin, whose house is along the course, said, “(Right now), I would not allow my kids to play football on it. It’s not a golf course.”

In a letter of intent to purchase the property, OPGC said it plans to redesign the course from a nine-hole con-

figuration to 12 holes. It would build a new clubhouse which would have a restaurant, bar, indoor putting lab and short game practice area, digital golf simulators and fitness area. It would replace the current turf with seashore paspalum, which has a high salt tolerance. A timeline of 28 weeks after purchase to rebuild the course and clubhouse was included.

After the purchase, the OPGC would finance the renovations, a lawyer for the group said.

A conceptual site plan has been presented to the city’s Planning and Architectural Review Board and the St. Johns River Water Management District has issued stormwater permits for the proposed redevelopment, according to city documents.

John Cunningham was the only commissioner to vote against the motion to negotiate a sale. He said he would like to see the city look into other options for use of the property. Although he said he was fine with negotiating, he ultimately voted against moving forward because he felt more information was needed.

Mark Imhoff, who lives along the course, submitted a letter asking the city to retain ownership of the golf course and allow a citizens’ nonprofit to manage it. During public comment, he said he would like the city to survey residents for their opinions on the future of the course.

Some residents said Ryan hasn’t been able to maintain the property since he took over the lease and didn’t want to see Flagler Beach sell such a valuable property, while others were in favor of the city entering into negotiations with Ryan’s group. The city had two appraisals done of the 38-acre course earlier this year with Cooksey and Associates valuing the property on Jan. 9 at $810,000 and Huffington and Associates on March 10 giving it a market value of $794,000.

The area where the new building expansion will be constructed. Photo courtesy of the City of Ormond Beach

Palm Coast reverses vote on house colors

To prevent further delay, the council unanimously voted to keep a list of banned house colors while lifting LRV restrictions.

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast Council has once again revisited its residential house color ordinance, and has unanimously agreed to keep its list of banned colors while lifting other color restrictions.

The new ordinance, which will need to return to the council for two readings and votes, lifts the light reflective value restrictions but keeps the five banned colors: neon, fuchsia, magenta, orange and purple. The ordinance will not change the restriction on the number of colors allowed, which is one main house color with two complimentary accent colors.

On July 1, the Palm Coast City Council voted to lift all restrictions on house colors. Because the vote was different from the ordinance presented to the council to vote on that day, the change would have had to go back through the approval process. It was slated to be reviewed by the Palm Coast Planning Board on July 16. Since the July 1 meeting, Vice Mayor Pontieri said she has heard from many residents who support having at least some color restrictions. She said she wanted to revisit the ordinance because it “is adverse to what our city stands for.”

“Reasonable regulation is in place for a reason,” she said. “I think getting rid of all color regulations is an extreme move in the wrong direction.”

The council voted 4-1 to reconsider the July 1 house color ordinance vote that repealed all color restrictions, with Mayor Mike Norris opposing.

The council then discussed what to replace it with.

Pontieri said she would be OK revisiting a broader, allowed LRV, including darker colors, or even putting the item up for a referendum vote since the public seemed “split down the middle.”

Mayor Mike Norris disagreed that the item should go on the ballot.

“We’re not a direct democracy. We’re not going to vote on everything,” he said. “That’s why people elect us to represent their best interest.”

Councilman David Sullivan agreed. It would be difficult to put the ordinance into the correct words for a referendum, he said.

“This has been a discussion point for a long time,” he said. “I think it’s time to get on with it.”

Norris and Councilman Ty Miller

argued.

residents he was elected to serve,” he said.

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

The conflict between Gambaro and Norris began even before Norris was elected in November, with Gambaro’s appointment to the City Council District 4 seat. Gambaro, a brigadier general with the U.S. Army Reserve, applied for and was appointed to the seat in October, replacing former council member Cathy Heighter, who had resigned in August. Norris and his supporters have called Gambaro’s appointment illegal. They wanted Heighter’s seat to be placed on the ballot. At worst, Gambaro’s appointment should have expired on election day, they have

In April, Gambaro motioned for the council to hold a vote of noconfidence in Norris, after multiple city employees had filed complaints against the mayor. The vote passed, 4-0, following an investigation that revealed Norris had violated the Palm Coast City Charter when he asked for Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston and former Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo’s resignations.

That investigation is set to be reviewed by the Florida Commission on Ethics. Since the vote of no-confidence, Norris has only participated in City Council meetings and on the joint municipality meetings with Flagler County – he has refused to participate on other boards, at city events or in Town Hall meetings as the other council members have done.

In May, Norris filed a lawsuit against Palm Coast and Gambaro,

suggested the city instead go back to a previously rejected ordinance, which lifted the LRV restriction and kept the listed banned colors. That ordinance had already been reviewed — and rejected — by the city’s planning board, which meant the council would not need to start the process from scratch.

Pontieri did disagree with just keeping the banned colors, as there was a level of subjectivity to it. The LRV system, she said, at least made the restrictions objective.

“You’re subjectively saying these five colors are so repulsive that we’re going to continue to ban them,” she said. “And I just find that to be contradictory.”

But, Miller said, the LRV could also be seen as subjective.

“We’re still we’re using a formula to come to a subjective measure,” he said.

The council voted 5-0 on keeping the five banned colors but lifting the LRV restrictions. It will return to council for two formal reads and votes before it is implemented.

“We have spent too much time on this,” Miller said.

asking the court to remove Gambaro from the District 4 seat and to hold an emergency special election. Circuit Court Judge Christopher France found Norris had no legal standing to file the law. France also said, “Although the result is flawed, the charter was complied with to fill the vacancy.”

In the City Council meeting on July 8, Gambaro asked the council to consider going after Norris for the city’s attorney fees used in the lawsuit, an estimated $30,000. Norris said the council could take him to court for those fees and that he didn’t “care if it costs the city a million dollars,” he would continue “defending our residents’ right to pick their representative.”

Palm Coast’s max millage rate is the same as last year

The maximum millage rate is 4.1893, resulting in a max of $44 million in ad valorem tax revenue for Palm Coast.

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The Palm Coast City Council has set its maximum millage rate to the current rate, capping the city’s 2026 budget at almost $69 million.

The current rate is 4.1893 which will generate $44 million in ad valorem taxes, Financial Services Director Helena Alves said. That brings the general fund budget to $68.8 million, a $7.6 million increase from the 2025 fiscal year budget.

The July 15 vote was to set the maximum millage rate for the city’s 2026 budget. Now that it is set, the council cannot go higher than the 4.1893 rate. The final millage rate will be set at two meetings in September when the final budget is adopted.

The budget includes an 11% and a 24% increase for the Palm Coast Fire Department and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office budgets, respectively, and cuts several positions to save money.

The council approved keeping the current rate as the maximum in a 4-1 vote, with Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri dissenting.

“I understand that we can always go down,” she said, “but I think that we need to put ourselves accountable to a very responsible budget.” Pontieri wanted to reduce that

GAMBARO BELIEVES MAYOR MIKE SHOULD GO

On the radio show on July 11, Gambaro called the mayor “Million-dollar Mike.”

“Mike made his comment that he wasn’t concerned about spending a million dollars worth of taxpayers funds, which is a problem,” Gambaro said.

Gambaro said the city has not heard back yet from the ethics commission, but he said he still believes the council should ask Gov. Ron DeSantis to remove Norris from the mayor seat if the Ethics Commission returns a finding in the city’s complaint against Norris. He said he’s never seen the leader of any organization react the way

maximum by the one-tenth of a mill, but the rest of the council approved maxing out the millage rate at 4.1893. Councilmen Dave Sullivan and Ty Miller both said keeping the millage rate as the current rate would allow the most flexibility as the city continues through the budget process.

About one-tenth of a mill, around $1 million in ad valorem revenue, is being set aside for capital projects. On July 8, the council discussed keeping the 4.1893 millage rate in order to reserve funding for the two projects.

The reduced budget did not leave any funding for two major city projects: creating an in-house animal control shelter and purchasing building entitlements to a city-owned property for economic enhancement initiatives.

Neither project has a “concrete plan,” as Pontieri said during the July 8 discussion when she advocated for the reduced budget. At the July 8 meeting, city staff presented the council with the one-tenth reduced budget.

Miller pointed out at the time that the city can always go lower.

“We’re being responsible with our millage rate, but it’s a decision point on the maximum millage rate,” he said on July 8.

The city is planning to further discuss an in-house shelter with Flagler County at a joint meeting in August and the council is waiting to hear back from attorney discussions on the final cost of the building entitlements.

Norris has. Norris was elected to the seat, Gambaro said, but has not been showing up for the job.

Brian McMillan, who co-hosts “Free For All Friday” and owns the Palm Coast Observer, said he thinks Norris is in a very difficult position. It is a part of the city’s charter, McMillan said, for the mayor to be a part of the city events.

“If I’m Mayor Norris and I just had a vote of no confidence against me, I can sort of understand why he’d say, ‘Well, I probably shouldn’t be on those boards if all of you just took no confidence in me,’” McMillan said. The Observer has since invited Norris to write an editorial sharing his vision. See Page 3A.

Mayor Mike Norris has said the City Council could take him to court for the $30,000 in legal fees that taxpayers are now having to pay for, adding that he didn’t “care if it costs the city a million dollars,” he would continue to defend resident’s rights to representation.

A Palm Coast home with an LRV of 5, which is outside the code restrictions. Image courtesy of Palm Coast Jan. 14 council meeting documents

Flagler County proposes tax rate, still searching for ways to fund beach

County will not pursue a special assessment district to help fund the beach in fiscal year 2025. Is that a ‘missed opportunity’?

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

For the fifth consecutive year, Flagler County is proposing a lower millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year’s $329 million budget. On Monday, July 14, the County Commission unanimously set the maximum proposed operating millage and debt service millage rates. The property tax rate for the operating budget is being proposed to remain the same as last year’s — 7.9945 mills, or $7.9945 per $1,000 in taxable property value —while its debt service millage rate is going down by over 20%. This is due to a lower millage rate needed for the county’s Environmentally Sensitive Lands debt and a 2015 refinancing of a previous bond to construct the Judicial Center.

BRIEFS

Bill Partington gets Appreciation Award for 2025

The Florida League of Cities recently recognized Florida Rep. Bill Partington with its 2025 Legislative Appreciation Award for his work during the 2025 Legislative Session to protect local decision making of Florida’s municipalities.

“Thank you to the Florida League of Cities for this in-

The general fund millage rate, according to Flagler County, will generate over $135 million, an increase of $12.4 million, or 10.12%, from the 2024-2025 revenue.

“The fiscal year 26 tentative budget aligns closely with the board’s policies and strategic priorities,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said. “It strengthens our financial position with an increase in general fund reserves and it includes, as I mentioned, the fifth consecutive millage rate reduction.”

Key allocations to be funded by property tax revenue include increased funding for employee benefits, 15 new firefighter/paramedics, three new deputies for the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office, support for the transition of the 911 dispatch center to the county and three new positions at the Nexus Center.

The first public hearing to adopt the budget and tax rate will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11.

BUDGET CUTS

The budget is also setting aside $12.55 million for capital projects, which is $11.55 million less than what the

credible honor,” Partington said. “I’m deeply grateful to be recognized with the 2025 Legislative Appreciation Award for defending local decision making and empowering municipal leadership across our great state.” Legislative Appreciation

county set aside in the 2025 budget. The $12.55 million, Petito said, doesn’t include stormwater or beach projects — those were included under operating costs.

County Commissioner Greg Hansen addressed some of the budget cuts, saying they “are going to hurt the public.”

“Some of the reductions, they’re going to feel right away,” Hansen said, citing reduced library services as an example.

Others, like cuts to stormwater, road maintenance and beach replenishment projects, will be felt later.

“New people are going to come and they’re going to have to deal with this downstream,” Hansen said. “We haven’t sufficiently made infrastructure gains in this budget, and I’m just afraid that’s going to hurt the county.”

Petito said the county has about $14 million set aside for stormwater, roads and the beach. But, she acknowledged, they are one-time funds.

“We do need to work on probably coming up with some more dedicated funding that is recurring moving forward, but it is the start of

Award recipients are legislators who have consistently advocated for the Florida League of Cities and its members. Throughout the 2025 Legislative Session, these lawmakers actively supported or defended local decisionmaking. Their actions included consistent support of the League’s policy platform, proposing amendments to prevent preemptions and unfunded mandates, and garnering support for local self-governance behind the scenes.

funding,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that we stop the conversation on trying to come up with creative ways to continue to move that needle.”

In roadways alone, she said the county will need to start looking at ways to generate $10 million to $12 million a year. The beach and stormwater will likely need similar amounts.

“All of them are important, but this year does have us at least building and starting to put money towards that,” Petito said.

NO MSBU FOR THE BEACH

In addition to the tax rates, the County Commission also established the proposed special assessment rates for fiscal year 2025.

Which, do not include a Municipal Services Benefit Unit to fund beach renourishment.

County Commissioner Kim Carney said that the board received a memo on July 3 regarding a timeline for a special assessment, and that the memo outlined using an MSBU for construction versus maintenance of the beach.

Not including a special assessment district to fund

the beach in 2026 is a “missed opportunity,” Carney said.

“This is part of I think what Commissioner Hansen wants — which is the continual funding source that I always thought was part of the plan,” Carney said, adding that she and Petito are planning to meet with the City of Flagler Beach to present the idea of an MSBU.

“I know there are many people in The Hammock anticipating this MSBU, and I don’t know that we fully executed based on what our timeline was back in 2024,” Carney said.

Petito said that the discussion has been on the table for at least two years, and it’s taken different forms. When talking about construction on the beach, the county wasn’t looking at an MSBU; it was aimed to help maintain the beach.

“If we were able to get the cities on board earlier in the year, then, yeah, we probably would have done the MSBU because it serves a different path moving forward,” Petito said.

Discussions fell apart, but there is still time, she said. An MSBU could help the county

commit to maintaining an easement for Reach III (north of Varn Park and south of Mala Compra), but the county wouldn’t look to use it to fund construction.

“It was brought up in discussions that we wouldn’t look to do it as part of the construction, because we didn’t charge the people south of the northern 10 for coming to the table with funding,” Petito said. “We just arbitrarily applied funding received at a starting point and started moving north, and then as we start moving north and we run out of funding, is it fair and equitable to charge the people there, when no fault of their own, we applied the money somewhere else? It could have been applied in their area, but we chose to apply it somewhere else.”

Carney said that the county needs to identify the funding and complete Reach III, as no matter who pays for it, everyone in the county will benefit. The county does have $8.1 million in the budget next year for the beach.

How should Flagler County fund the beach? Email ideas to jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

Bunnell family to lease Bull Creek

The restaurant is set to be leased to Pam White and her family. During a Flagler County Commission workshop, White said she is planning a Southern-style menu.

NINA SCHWELM CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Flagler County is one step closer to finalizing a lease for the Bull Creek Fish Camp restaurant, placing a local family in charge after Hurricanes Ian and Nicole flooded the previous building in November 2022.

The restaurant is set to be leased to Pam White and her family, of Bunnell. During a Flagler County Commission workshop on Monday, July 14, White said she is planning a Southern-style menu to cater to farmers and fishermen. She has already met with county staff, covering the kitchen layout and operational details.

The White family will lease the restaurant for $500 a month, with annual adjustments to follow. The family will cover all utilities and building maintenance, and the lease will be for a five-year term, with options for two more five-year extensions.

“We were very excited about the low rent because it makes us feel more secure, like we are not going to fail,” White said. “I feel like you’re setting us up for success with the lower rent, and we appreciate that.”

The lease requires the restaurant to be open at least six hours for six days a week between Oct. 15 and March 16, and four hours per day for at least five days a week between March 16 and Oct. 14.

During the July 14 workshop, commissioners still had questions about warranties and building disclosures. What protections, they asked, would the county offer regarding the brand-new kitchen and building? Before the lease is finalized, commissioners want all relevant warranties outlined in writing.

Commissioner Kim Carney emphasized that the tenants should clearly communicate any known building conditions to the county.

Commissioner Pam Richardson also inquired about the monthly rent.

“Normally, if it’s someplace ... more accessible, we would probably do a market rate study,” Deputy County Administrator Jorge Salinas said. “In this case, there’s not a lot of restaurants out there that we can actually compare, so we recommend the board to consider a lower rate.”

The lease provides the option for a full liquor license,

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but White expressed she’s only interested in obtaining a license for beer and wine. Officials voiced concerns about liability, given the campground’s location away from population centers.

“I would say because it’s such a distant location from the majority of the population that there could be the need for some kind of security with alcohol,” Richardson said. “... It was just unusual, because I didn’t think there was any out there before.”

One resident, Ron Long, spoke at the workshop, praising the county’s work toward a lease. But, he did suggest they reevaluate the annual rent increase. A Consumer Price Index adjustment, he said, would raise the rent by about $150 in a 15-year time span.

“I just see that as not the best business practice in this,” Long said.

The restaurant is just one part of a larger, $1.57 million redevelopment project which includes seawall repairs, new floating docks and a septic system. With construction scheduled to begin this summer, the building and kitchen’s delivery are scheduled for September. That timing allows for the interior buildout in October, all targeting a full completion and grant closeout in March 2026. The updated lease is expected back before the board after legal review and revisions.

Flagler County works to address A1A pedestrian safety in The Hammock

SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

A study produced by the Volusia-Flagler River-toSea Transportation Planning Organization identifies 10 areas in each county that qualify as “high-injury networks,” one of which rests on a stretch of State Road A1A in The Hammock.

The study was commissioned by the TPO through a grant, Flagler County engineer Hamid Tabassian said.

The TPO needed to conduct a study to identify the need before it can apply for funding to fix the problems.

“The bottom line,” he said, “is that is a prerequisite for applying for, with the federal government, implementation of those items that are in the action plan.”

At its June 25 meeting, the TPO adopted its Vision Zero Safety Action Plan. In the study, it shows that of Flagler County’s 1,245 centerline miles of roadway, 53 miles were identified as a part of a high-injury network.

In The Hammock, 3.4 miles of S.R. A1A between Camino Del Mar and Cedar Point Road was one of the top 10 prioritized HIN in Flagler County. It had 89 crashes between 20192023, nine of which involved victims who were killed or seriously injured, known as KSI crashes.

A records request from the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office showed that speeding and safe driving are a concern.

Since the beginning of 2024 to July 1, 2025, 94 citations and warnings were issued in The Hammock between the town limits of Beverly Beach and Marineland. Of those, 67 were speeding violations and another six were for driving violations: driving recklessly,

following too closely, failure to stay in their lane and passing on a double yellow line.

THE DATA

According to the Vision Zero study, Volusia and Flagler Counties saw a combined total of 65,978 crashes between 2019 and 2023, not including those on highways like Interstate 95 and in parking lots.

“That means a crash happened in the region about every hour and a half,” the report said.

Crashes were defined in the study as any instance where one road user collides with another, including motor vehicles, pedestrians, bicyclists, animals, debris and other obstructions.

More than 2,200 people were seriously injured in that time frame, and 604 were killed. In Flagler County, there were a total of 8,245 crashes; 276, or 3.3%, involved serious injuries or death.

Comparatively, Volusia had 57,733 crashes in the same time period, 2,575 of which were KSI crashes: 4.5%.

Of the documented crashes in Flagler, only 1.3% involved bicyclists, but they accounted for 4.7% of the county’s KSI crashes. Another 2.1% involved pedestrians, which were 11.7% of the KSI crashes.

In total, Flagler County had 14 bicycle and pedestrian deaths between 2019 and 2023 and 27 serious injuries.

Of the identified HIN in Flagler County, The Hammock HIN had no pedestrian or bicyclist injuries during that period, but the study noted that areas of S.R. A1A were identified as “a top 40 percentile crash risk for pedestrians and bicyclists in Flagler County.”

The significant risk factors, the report said, include a

lack of sidewalks or sidewalk barrier and percent of households without a vehicle.

COUNTY TAKING STEPS

Tabassian said the county is working to reduce the dangers in The Hammock, first by reducing the speed limit on S.R. A1A to 35 mph.

“We have bicyclists,” he said. “We have pedestrians, people want to stop, park, got to a restaurant, go to businesses that are there, and do it safely.”

The county is also looking to add crosswalks with flashing pedestrian crossing signs, he said. It’s common knowledge that Hammock residents who live on the west side of S.R. A1A will cross the road to get to the beach on the other side, though the county does not have many designated crosswalks in the area.

One crosswalk will be getting a facelift soon. Tabassian said the county is working with the Florida Department of Transportation to refresh the crosswalk at Mala Compra Park and Bing’s Landing. The FDOT is also going to install a flashing pedestrian sign to alert drivers, he said.

The upgrade, he said, should be coming “any day,” according to the FDOT.

The Vision Zero study also included short- and longterm methods to address the safety concerns. For The

Ritz-Carlton Residences in Hammock Dunes has new co-developer

OBSERVER STAFF

BH Group, developers of the Ritz-Carlton Residences, Hammock Dunes, has announced that Unicorp National Developments, Inc. has joined in as a co-developer of the luxury residence buildings.

The partnership combines Unicorp’s expertise in transformative development with BH Group’s track record in delivering luxury residential communities, according to a BH Group press release.

In June, both penthouses in the project’s North Tower were reserved for a combined $20 million — the highest residential transactions ever recorded in Flagler County.

The Hammock Dunes project will span more than six acres and features two oceanfront towers with 128 private residences. It is the final residential development in the Hammock Dunes master plan and the homes will include “expansive balconies, 10-foot ceilings, private elevators” and more, the press release said.

BH Group Founder and CEO Isaac Toledano said Unicorp has “consistently delivered projects that redefine what’s possible” in Florida residential development.

“They bring a level of vision and execution that’s rare in this business,” Toledano said.

“This collaboration is about combining that expertise with our own to make some-

thing that respects the character of Hammock Dunes, while introducing a level of luxury that hasn’t existed here before.”

Unicorp National Developments is led by President and Founder Chuck Whittall.

“Working with BH Group on this project brings together two teams that understand how to create places people want to live,” Whittall said.

“BH Group has earned a reputation for delivering highcaliber developments across Florida. Combining that with the legendary service of The Ritz-Carlton and our focus on design will create a residential experience you won’t find anywhere else on this coastline.”

HIN, that includes conducting a mobility study.

THE PROBLEM

Funding remains an issue.

While Flagler County is looking at addressing safety concerns, doing so can be expensive, Tabassian said.

Conducting a mobility study, he said, can cost up to half a million dollars. While

Flagler County is hoping to receive grant funding for that study, it will still responsible for a local match requirement.

But the study is necessary.

Getting the speed limit reduced to 35 mph will also open the door to saving additional funds while implementing more pedestrian safety methods, like additional crosswalks with pedestrian-activated flashing signs.

If the speed limit is over 35 mph, the FDOT requires an overhead hybrid flashing beacon be installed instead of the road-side sign, Tabassian said. But the overhead beacons cost around half a million dollars to install, he said.

The roadside signs, in contrast, are closer to $50,000, but can only be installed where the speed limit is 35

mph or less.

But finding ways to reduce the cost only helps to a point. The county still needs the funding to implement changes, and not all of it can come from grant money.

The county and its residents will need to discuss other ways of funding these improvements. Tabassian said its important residents know where their tax dollars are going, because property taxes do not fund road and safety improvements. And Flagler County has a lot of areas that need funding, he said. “From safety, from taking care of the beach, taking care of the drainage issues,” he said. “So much needs that there are, and no funding. As a county, we have very little funding.”

Hammock

The pedestrian cross walk at Bing’s Landing and Mala Compra Park on S.R. A1A. Photo by Sierra Williams

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Chickens in backyard, trucks in the driveway are not fine for Palm Coast

Dear Editor:

Responding to the comments of Bob Gordon and Mary Zito from the Observer on Thursday, July 10: I wish these two folks had run for Palm Coast City Council.

Bob and Mary are right on!

My son tried raising chickens in his backyard in a pretty little town up in Georiga. Cost him money for the babies, feed and a wire chicken run to house the babies. Later he built an air-conditioned coop for them but allowed them out to feed on the grass in the daytime.

His wife came home one day to find eight headless chickens in their yard and a fox galloping off with their ninth. Three had already died mysteriously. He gave up on getting 12 “free” eggs every day.

And regarding Mary’s feedback: I bought here precisely because there are restrictions on what un-civil people can do in our neighborhood. For those who want to park trucks and RVs and boats and junk cars in their driveway, they should consider living in the county where there are no restrictions. Leave the rest of us to wallow in our misery in our clean and civil neighborhoods. The mayor certainly cannot possibly represent a majority of homeowners here on these two ordinances. Put both items to a vote! Please!

WILLIAM LYON

Palm Coast

Taxpayers are paying for mayor’s mistake

Dear Editor:

What happens when someone knows or should have known that what they were doing is wrong, yet proceeds anyway? And what if that wrongful action causes a monetary loss to someone else?

The ethical answer, if you’re a “stand up guy,” is to acknowledge the mistake and make restitution. This principle applies to Mayor Mike Norris suing the city in his fruitless attempt to remove a council member. He lost the lawsuit, first and foremost because the court found the lawsuit had “no standing,” as well as failing on its merits.

“No standing” legalese means, in essence, that it was

a mistake to file the lawsuit in the first place, i.e., a wrongful action. City Attorney Marcus Duffy said he told Norris in advance that he did not have the necessary standing to file it, yet the mayor proceeded anyway only to find that indeed his action was fatally flawed from the outset.

The mayor’s wrongful action shifted the burden of his sound defeat onto our city, dipping into our taxpayer pockets to pay substantial legal fees to defend his lawsuit. Norris lost because he was wrong on legal principle, but the real losers, the real victims of the mayor’s action are obviously the taxpayers.

The mayor, however, had a whole different perspective. In a City Council meeting following the court ruling, Norris had no remorse and took no responsibility. There was no attempt at reconciliation or any interest in restoring any semblance of camaraderie on the City Council. Instead, he took a combative position, scoffed at and refused the council’s suggestion that he voluntarily reimburse taxpayers, goaded them to sue him, while wildly proclaiming he didn’t care if he cost the city $1 million. And curiously, that proclamation may, at least partially, come to fruition since Norris had promised a lawsuit appeal to the Supreme Court, yet another very poorly considered and vastly more costly notion.

So much for the “stand up guy” principle, so much for taking responsibility for filing a “fool’s game” lawsuit and, of course, so much for recouping the lost taxpayer money from the mayor. And so much for expecting any relief from the troubling continual controversies this mayor has become well known for.

BOB GORDON Palm Coast

Editor’s note: From a July 9 Observer story: Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri asked Duffy if he had advised the mayor on the lawsuit’s lack of standing and why the decisions were made at the time, and Duffy said he did. Norris said he was not advised on those issues.

Keep Palm Coast house color rules

Dear Editor: The restrictions should stay just the way they are.

Move to Bunnell if you don’t like it. Sorry I voted for Mayor Mike Norris.

MARIA MENENDEZ Palm Coast

Welcome DC Blox and Google

Dear Editor:

Flagler County is at a pivotal moment. We’re uniquely positioned for meaningful growth, but that window won’t stay open forever. To move forward, we must act with intention, and resist the loud but shortsighted “Heck no, we won’t grow” mindset that continues to hold us back.

This attitude isn’t just unproductive, it’s harming our reputation in the national business community and limiting the opportunities we can attract. Enter DC Blox and Google. Welcoming these companies isn’t just another development project, it could be a defining moment for our region. This is exactly the type of forward-thinking, techdriven investment we need to support if we want to become more than just a bedroom community. With our proximity to the Space Coast, we have a real chance to become a hub for the aerospace and high-tech industry. But we must take action now to lay the necessary groundwork. Let’s be realistic: This specific project won’t bring hundreds of jobs overnight. But it’s a vital first step. The infrastructure involved, including subsea cables and a modest hub facility, has far less impact than many fear. The hub uses a closed-loop refrigerant cooling system, similar to a household refrigerator. So it won’t tax the local water supply, and FPL confirms they can handle the power needs.

Placing the facility in Town Center is also a smart move. It will improve the area’s appearance and help transform it into the vibrant business and residential district it was always meant to be, not just a cluster of apartments and a government office.

As for community impact, this is the equivalent of a small office or call center. It will quietly generate tax revenue and impact fees, nothing huge, but certainly valuable. More importantly, it represents momentum.

Real progress doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect project. It comes from seizing smart opportunities

when they arise. This project is one such opportunity. The long-term benefits, strategic positioning, improved reputation, and a message to the tech world that we’re ready to grow, far outweigh any drawbacks.

In the end, this modest, low-impact investment sends a powerful signal: Flagler County and Palm Coast are open for business. Despite the noise on social media or in anonymous blog posts, we are a forwardlooking community, ready to welcome smart, sustainable growth. It’s time to take that first step, before someone else does.

RON LONG Flagler County

Inconsiderate residents put trash cans in front of mail boxes or in roadway

Dear Editor:

I am amazed as I walk around my development on trash pick-up days. It is hard to believe that many households put their trash cans and their vehicles directly in front of their mailboxes. And sometimes they actually put their trash cans on the roadway.

The roadway is for vehicles, not trash cans. Do they have to be told that because of this, the mail person has to get out of their vehicle to put mail in their box? Don’t they realize that this is not acceptable?

I would like to see the Post Office and/or code enforcement crack down on these inconsiderable individuals and just not deliver their mail on trash pick-up days. They need to give the postal people a break and put their trash and vehicles “away” from their mailbox and not on the road.

JOYCE EARLEY Palm Coast

Sunshine violation cast shadow on Charles Gambaro appointment

Dear Editor:

In regard to the article as to Mayor Norris costing taxpayers money in his recent lawsuit, what all residents may not be aware of is that, in the Observer’s Oct. 2, 2024, article “Sunshine violation casts shadow on Brig. Gen. Charles Gambaro Jr. appointment to Palm Coast Council,” the past mayor, along with thenCouncilmen Ed Danko and Nick Klufas, wanted to rush

Vaccines are essential for keeping cats healthy

Kittens require multiple vaccines over the course of the first few months of life.

AMY CAROTENUTO

FLAGLER HUMANE SOCIETY

What do all those initials in my cat’s vaccine stand for?

Just as we humans need vaccines and our dogs need vaccines, cats also need vaccines, especially when they are kittens. There are several lifethreatening and even communicable diseases that cats are susceptible to. Vaccinations are an essential component of keeping cats healthy.

Kittens require multiple vaccines over the course of the first few months of life starting around 6 weeks of age. Adult cats require less frequent vaccination, about once every one to three years. Vaccines contain modified (weakened or killed) virus or bacteria that trigger the cat’s immune system to develop antibodies which can help fight off future infection, if exposed to the disease. The FVRCP vaccine is a core vaccine for cats, protecting

against three highly contagious and potentially fatal feline diseases:

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis (FVR) Rhinotracheitis, also called feline herpes is the cause of up to 80-90% of all upper respiratory diseases in cats and kittens. Symptoms include fever, sneezing, inflamed eyes and nose with discharge. In healthy adult cats these symptoms may be mild and begin to clear up after about 5-10 days; however, in more severe cases, symptoms can last for months. Even after the symptoms of FVR have cleared up, the virus remains dormant in your cat’s body and can flare up repeatedly over your kitty’s lifetime.

2. Feline Calicivirus (C)

Calici is a major cause of upper respiratory infections and oral disease in cats. Symptoms include nasal congestion, sneezing, eye inflammation and clear or yellow discharge from the infected cat’s nose or eyes. Cats often develop painful ulcers on their tongue, gums or lips. Often cats infected with feline calicivirus suffer from loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, squinting and lethargy.

Certain strains can cause pneumonia, and still others can lead to joint pain and lameness.

3. Feline Panleukopenia (P)

Panleuk, often nicknamed feline parvo is a common and serious virus in cats that causes damage to bone marrow, lymph nodes and the cells lining your cat’s intestines. Symptoms include vomiting, severe diarrhea, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, high fever, lethargy and dehydration.

Cats infected with panleuk frequently develop secondary infections as well, due to the weakened state of their immune systems. Although

and appoint Mr. Gambaro to fill the vacant seat. However, Theresa Pontieri interrupted before a vote could be cast to bring up a sunshine violation over an email about supporting Gambaro for that seat. Gambaro was voted in on a 3-1 vote, Pontieri dissenting.

The article states, “The Florida Sunshine Law prohibits elected officials from conversing with each other on matters that will come up to a vote in meetings outside of public meetings, even by email.” So to read on, there was also a second email which speaks for itself.

(Editor’s Note: Theresa Pontieri commented during that meeting: “Let me be clear. I don’t think this person meant to violate sunshine, but it allowed us to know how they would be voting tonight, so it’s relevant.”)

However, these past disgruntled council members and mayor lost their elections.

City Attorney Duffy was asked by Mayor Alfin at the time if the ethics violation impacted the council’s ability to vote. Duffy commented that this was the first time he was hearing about it? And then said, “I do not have enough facts to make the conclusion.”

Right then and there, this appointment should have been tabled or ruled unethical and a violation. The scales of justice did not prevail, first with our well-paid city attorney, and secondly with the judge dismissing the case, especially with this ethics violation prior.

Mayor Norris represents all the people, not the developers. He campaigned against over-development, fixing much needed infrastructure, i.e. water and sewer treatment upgrading.

Had our city attorney done his job in the illegal council appointment, the June 3, 2025, court matter would never have happened.

CAROL STOUGHTON Palm Coast

Walmart expansion doesn’t resolve homeless situation

Dear Editor: While the Ormond Beach Walmart Supercenter expansion is exciting, there’s still a big issue with homelessness that won’t just go away. Instead of solving the problem, it might just push people to different spots in town. The city leaders really need to focus on helping

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CORRECTION

„ In the July 10 story, “Broken elevator leaves some seniors stuck,” the third paragraph said residents and families were informed on Jan. 19 that the elevator would be replaced. It should have said they were informed on June 19.

„ Carrie Meng, who was featured in a story last week for finishing the 100-mile Western States Endurance Run in under 30 hours, lives in Flagler Beach, not Palm Coast.

the homeless, too, because ignoring it is like trying to hit a mole in a game — every time you think you’ve got it, another one pops up!

JOE PEREZ Ormond Beach

Send letters to brent@ observerlocalnews.com. Include first and last name, as well as city of residence. Editor may alter the letter for clarity and/or length.

this disease can attack cats of any age it is most common in kittens.

Treating panleukopenia can require intensive nursing care and constant IV therapy.

The FVRCP vaccine is an extremely effective way to protect your kitty against these three highly contagious and life-threatening feline diseases.

Also, don’t forget your cat’s rabies vaccine. Keeping pets current on rabies vaccines is Florida law, due to the fact that rabies can cause a human health risk.

Feline Leukemia is a lot like the HIV virus in humans. Some cats can live long lives with leukemia. If your cat is completely indoors, your vet may not even recommend the vaccine.

Besides vaccines, also make sure your cats and kittens are regularly dewormed and treated with flea prevention. In return for the care that you provide for a cat, cats have a calming, stress-reducing impact on our health. Cat ownership may improve heart health, alleviate social isolation, protect against allergies/asthma and boost mental health.

The following stories and lightly edited comments were posted on the Observer’s Facebook pages. What’s your take? Email letters to brian@ observerlocalnews.com.

Flagler County proposes tentative tax rate, still searching for ways to fund the beach

Andrew Werner: Tax increase from the city and now from the county?

Jessica Aquata: That should be done at state level in my opinion.

Sandra Cooper: People that live on/at the beach should be paying to ensure their yards don’t wash away. They sure don’t use tax dollars to keep anyone else’s yard from washing away.

Eric Cooley: The stormwater fees that everyone pays into keeps all the inland yards from washing away so that statement is incorrect.

Another thing to notice, is everyone pays the stormwater fees if it affects them directly or not.

Sandra Cooper: When we have storms and our yards wash into the ditches, who pays to replace the dirt for

that? The county? lol Never that I have seen. The homeowner is the responsible party. It should be the same for the beachside residents also.

Eric Cooley: When both stormwater and the beach are properly done, erosion is kept to a minimum. Everyone has seen that in action with the new section of beach that got reworked and many successful stormwater projects.

Joan Barry Harris: It is not about yards. It is about protecting historic A1A from washing away. People from all over enjoy the beach. The county profits from visitors.

Ormond Beach seeks FEMA funds for Fleming Avenue pump station project Stephen Breyette: Needed this done 5 years ago. Dab Dave: That area going from Ormond, down through Port Orange between Ridgewood (old beach head) and the Coquina Ridge that runs along Clyde Morris (old beach head) was at one time like the Halifax river. It was water. It’s gonna keep filling up from time to time. Geology 101

Courtesy photo

YOUR NEIGHBORS

Home, sweet home

But during a revival at her church, doubt became conviction when her teenage son, Josh, walked over to her and said, “The Lord told me that we’re going to get a house.”

When Grace Manuel applied to become a homeowner through Flagler Habitat for Humanity two years ago, she told only a few friends.

“I felt like if I get a no, no one will know about it,” she said during the dedication on Thursday, July 10, of her new three-bedroom house in the R Section of Palm Coast.

“We started praying over it,” she said. “And I started not just saying, ‘OK, if I get a house,’ I started declaring, ‘I’m going to get this house,’ and it became something that I truly, truly believed in my heart.”

Flagler Habitat for Humanity celebrated Grace and Josh with its 133rd new home dedication since 1993.

Grace Manuel’s journey hasn’t been easy. A few months after her application was accepted, a mirror fell on her foot, severing a tendon. She ended up having two surgeries.

“The doctors told her she would never be able to wear heels again. But when they said that, they didn’t see the fighter in her,” Flagler Habitat for Humanities Executive Director Maureen Crompton said.

Manuel wore her high heels at the dedication. After part of the tendon had to be cut during her second surgery, doctors not only told her she wouldn’t be able to wear heels again, they told her she would probably have to wear a brace in her shoe and would walk with a limp the rest of her life, she said.

She also lost her job.

“It was very bleak at that time,”

Feliz cumpleaños

12, at the Palm Coast Community Center featuring five guests of honor. About 130 people attended the event, which featured food, karaoke, crafts and a Mexican fiesta theme.

Manuel said.

But not only did she prove her doctors wrong by gaining the strength she needed through physical therapy, but she got a job as a care coordinator at Flagler Cares.

“Sometimes God is positioning you to a better place,” she said. “Had that situation not happened, I wouldn’t be standing here. Not only that, but God blessed me with an amazing job.”

HIGH-HEELED FASHION

When Manuel initially went to the Emergency Room after injuring her foot in February 2024, she called Lindsay Elliott, who was the Flagler Habitat for Humanity executive director at the time. Elliott rushed over to sit with her and they wound up forming a lasting bond.

“I brought food, and we sat for four hours,” Elliott said. “Joshua came in and her nephew and Faith (her sister). She fought all odds and become a heel walker again, and so we made a pact that we’re both going to wear heels today. I found the highest ones I had in my closet. And for the first

And the party was a success, Kocher said.

“After that party, it was actually that night that Annabelle came to me, and she’s like, ‘Mom, that was the best thing ever. Why can’t we do that all the time?’” Kocher recalled.

“Sometimes God is positioning you to a better place. Had that situation not happened, I wouldn’t be standing here. Not only that, but God blessed me with an amazing job.”

GRACE MANUEL

time in my 23 years with Habitat, I actually became a volunteer here, and painted.” Habitat homes are sold to families with a mortgage at a 0% interest rate in exchange for sweat equity. Candidates must put in a total of 250 hours of sweat equity in helping build their own homes and the homes of other families or put in hours at the Flagler Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Manuel did most of her own home hours at night because of her day job, Construction Manager John Knox said.

“We’d come to work the next day, and you could tell Grace had been here, painting, cleaning and painting, cleaning some more. She did a great job,” he said.

CUTTING THE RIBBON

Josh Manuel, 19, is attending Daytona State College in the digital and interactive media program, Grace Manuel said. He also did his share of sweat equity, Knox and Community Outreach Coordinator Amanda Fernandez said.

“We had Collegiate Challenge come out, which is when college kids come from other states and come help us build,” Fernandez said. “This was not a requirement of Josh, but he came and spent his spring break building this house for him and his mom. It just spoke volumes about how she has raised him, and the man that he is. He even went next door and helped clean out the gut-

ters for his future neighbors.”

Gretchen Smith, a water conservation coordinator with the St. Johns River Water Management District and a team member with Florida Water Star, revealed that the home is going to save Manuel $500 a year in utility costs because it was built with water conservation in mind. The lawn is drought-tolerant bahia grass that does not need irrigating.

“You also have Florida-friendly plants around the trees, so it’s all designed to be more water efficient. And the toilets are low flow toilets,” Smith said.

Knox presented Grace with the golden hammer. Calvary Christian Center—Palm Coast’s Romana Damian delivered the opening prayer, Natalie Wilds presented the Bible and house blessing, and pastors John and Victoria Galloway said a few words.

Elliott presented Grace and Josh with their house keys and the mother and son cut the ribbon on their new home.

JARLEENE

ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

For nearly two years, Yes You’re Invited Inc. has been on a mission to ensure that children with special needs are celebrated on their birthdays — and feel included as they celebrate their peers.

The local nonprofit held its Summer Birthday Bash on Saturday, July

Rosanne Kocher, president of Y2I2, founded the organization after her daughter Annabelle began planning her 10th birthday party. Annabelle, who is on the autism spectrum, discovered that many of her friends — whom she had met through groups for children with special needs — had never been invited to a birthday party.

It wasn’t because Annabelle, now 12, wanted more birthday parties for herself. It was because she had so much fun with her peers, and the party created an atmosphere that made the children comfortable, and led to overcoming sensory issues and social stresses.

So, Y2I2 was born, and the organization now throws quarterly birthday bashes. The nominations for special guests extends beyond those

with special needs; they’re open to all children and young adults who would otherwise not be able to celebrate their birthdays with a group of friends, be it for financial or other challenges.

“Even though it is a birthday party, it really isn’t about just the birthday party,” Kocher said. “... These are kids that in their hearts — it’s normally something we’re finding that they desired. These are kids that probably didn’t have friends come to a birthday party before, and so it’s special. It has a meaningfulness on that level.”

Y2I2 will host a meet-up at The Brown Dog, 215 St. Joe Plaza Drive, Palm Coast, from 5-8 p.m. on Friday,

July 18. The restaurant will donate 10% of its sales to help support Y2I2’s inclusive birthday celebrations. The nonprofit is also taking nominations for its fall birthday bash at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, to celebrate children whose birthdays fall in September, October and November. This event will be held in partnership with Help Me Grow Florida, which connects families with free resources and health screenings. The fall birthday bash, to be held at the Carver Gym in Bunnell, invites guests to come dressed as their favorite historical figure or from their favorite time period.

Visit yesyoureinvited.org.

Mila Mendes and Erica Mendes at the Summer Birthday Bash. Photos by Hannah Hodge

Annabelle Kocher, Kayden, Elliott, Corrie, Shannon, Loretta, Joe, Doreen, and Rosanne Kocher.

Flagler Habitat for Humanity dedicates new home for Grace Manuel

Told she would never be able to wear high heels again, Grace Manuel wore them to her Flagler Habitat for Humanity home dedication on July 10.

Grace and her son Josh Manuel bow their heads in prayer during the dedication of their new home.

Photos by Brent Woronoff

Calvary Christian Center — Palm Coast pastors John and Victoria Galloway with their daughter, Bailey at Grace Manuel’s home dedication. “I personally believe this is the first of many blessings to come,” Pastor John told Grace.

Romana Damian hugs Grace Manuel after delivering the opening prayer.

LOCAL EVENTS

FRIDAY, JULY 18

SUMMER SOUNDS

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See Derek Trull & EasyStreet perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.

SIXTH ANNUAL

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

DINNER AND COMEDY NIGHT

When: 6-9:30 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Elks Lodge, 53 Old Kings Road, N, Palm Coast

Details: Enjoy a night of dinner, laughter, a silent auction and support local nonprofit Christmas Come True. Check-in and cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m.; the show, featuring comedian Cristy B, will begin at 8 p.m. Costs $55 per person with the cocktail hour; $25 per person for the comedy show only. Visit christmascometrue.org/events.

‘THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE’

When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, July 18, 19, 25 and 26; and 3 p.m. Sunday, July 20 and 27.

Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Unit B207, Palm Coast

Details: Tony- and Drama Deskaward-winning play: the story of an eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship

of a lifetime. Tickets: $32.70/$17.17. Visit crtpalmcoast.com.

SATURDAY, JULY 19

PEDAL IN THE PARK

When: 8-10:30 a.m.

Where: Palm Coast Community Center, 3005 Palm Coast Parkway NE, Palm Coast

Details: Formerly known as Tour de Palm Coast, this bike ride will begin at 8 a.m. and take participants through Linear and Waterfront Parks. Bring a reusable water bottle. All riders must wear a helmet. Light refreshments served. Free event.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Granada Boulevard, from A1A to Orchard Street, Ormond Beach

Details: Support local businesses and celebrate summer with a holiday vibe. There will be visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a familyfriendly “Elf on the Shelf” scavenger hunt, live entertainment and more. Visit ormondbeachmainstreet.com/ christmasinjuly.

RUMMAGE, BAKE AND DOLL

SALE WITH CAR SHOW

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 156 Florida Park Drive, Palm Coast

Details: Rummage of all kinds will be available. Dolls will be 75% off. Event includes the Wheels in Motion antique car show. Free admission.

BOOK SIGNING BY LUSINE

TOROSSIAN

When: 12-3 p.m.

Where: Vedic Moons, 4984 Palm Coast Parkway NW, Unit 4

Details: Lusine Torossian will sign her novel, “Light Weaver,” a young adult dark fairy tale woven with mythology. Author swag for the first 15 arrivals. Call 386-585-5167.

‘PETER PAN AND THE HOOK’

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Daytona Playhouse, 100 Jessamine Blvd., Daytona Beach

Details: Production by the Playhouse’s Young Actors Company. This musical comedy is a retelling of Peter Pan, featuring Hook’s drive for revenge front and center after he loses his hand. Tickets: $15/$10. Visit daytonaplayhouse.org.

SALVE REGINA ORGAN RECITAL

When: 3-4 p.m.

Where: St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See “Salve Regina: Organ Devotionals to the Blessed Virgin Mary,” featuring Caleb R. Klinzing on the Cornel-Zimmer Organ. Free.

DRIVE TO 55K

FLAGLER BEACH POLICE

DEPARTMENT FUNDRAISER

When: 3-9 p.m.

Where: Tortugas Florida Kitchen & Bar parking lot, 600 S. Ocean Shore Blvd., Flagler Beach

Details: Hosted by Flagler Strong, help raise money for safety equipment for the Flagler Beach Police Department. There will be live music by Red Foot, Signal 20 Band and Alias Band. Cristy B of Cristy B Comedy Club will emcee.

THURSDAY, JULY 24

‘MAGNIFIED’ VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday,

July 24, to Saturday, July 26

Where: St. Thomas Episcopal

Church, 5400 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast

Details: Ages 5-13 are invited to make friends, create crafts, sing and explore the details of God’s world at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 27.

LET’S TALK PALM COAST — A TOWN HALL SERIES

When: 5-6 p.m.

Where: Southern Recreation Center, second floor, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast Details: Meet City Council member

Ty Miller as he hosts a town hall. Get a chance to ask questions and learn more about local government in this open forum.

FRIDAY, JULY 25

SUMMER SOUNDS

When: 6-8 p.m.

Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach

Details: See Cool Breeze perform. Grab a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy live music with the city of Ormond Beach’s Department of Leisure Services. Free.

SATURDAY, JULY 26

FAMILY MATTERS: FREE SEMINAR SATURDAY SERIES

When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach library

Details: Explore strategies for family empowerment and principles of child development. Hosted by Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Inc. Free lunch, resources provided while supplies last. All are welcome. To RSVP, email Belinda Davis at investinhealth@gmail.com.

YOUR TOWN

Palm Coast resident travels to Martha’s Vineyard to celebrate ‘Jaws’ 50th anniversary

Joey Malheiros of Palm Coast has been a fan of the iconic Steven Spielberg movie, “Jaws,” for 25 of his 31 years. He estimates he has seen the movie 1,000 times, including one year when he watched it every day. Last month, he and his friend Hannah made a pilgrimage to Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts, where Jaws was filmed, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the shark thriller.

“The town was Oak Bluff where our ferry took port and as soon as I stepped on the island it was like stepping into a dream,” Malheiros said. “It was a regular living, breathing town. But what was a normal town to some was a timeless set to one of the greatest films in cinema history.”

The Wharf Pub in Edgartown on the island was a hub for the celebration bringing in actors from the movie who signed autographs. The owner of the Wharf Pub, Jeffrey Voorhees, was one of the actors himself. The Martha’s Vineyard native played Alex Kintner, a boy who was devoured by the shark. One of the Wharf Pub’s sandwiches is called the Alex Kintner.

Malheiros said he didn’t set foot on the beach, but he did walk on the “Jaws Bridge,” seen in the movie.

BIZ BUZZ

Ormond attorney is ‘Florida Super Lawyer’ for 10th consecutive year

Erum Kistemaker, managing attorney and shareholder of Ormond Beach’s Kistemaker Business Law Group, has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers for the 10th consecutive year.

According to a press release, the condo, construction, HOA, real estate, business law and landlord and tenant law attorney has had an active role in new and changing legislation regarding Florida condo law — being featured as a Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation authority on various state-wide panels discussing the latest regulatory changes and Legislative updates.

Since 2004, Kistemaker has

served on the Real Property, Probate, Trust Law Section and is a voting and executive member on the Florida Bar Condominium & Planned Development Committee where she serves as co-chair of the Education Sub-Committee, among others. Additionally, she serves on the Senate Bill 4D/154 Substantive Legislative Committee Task Force and Board Certification Course Committee.

This is the 12th straight year Kistemaker, a Seabreeze High School alumna, has been recognized by the organization (voted a Rising Star previously).

“It’s an incredible honor to be selected by peers in this capacity and to be working with the ever-evolving condo law legislation in our state,” she said.

Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a research-driven rating service of outstanding lawyers. No more than 5% of attorneys are selected annually.

Passalaqua receives SCI leadership award

Craig Flagler Palms Area Manager Sal Passalaqua, Jr. was presented with the Service Corporation International Operations Leadership Service Excellence Award on Tuesday, June 18m, at Craig Flagler Palms, 511 Old Kings Road South, Flagler Beach.

Passalaqua, who has been with the company since 2004, was recognized for his exceptional commitment to serving families.

Passalaqua was one of only seven recipients selected from Dignity Memorial’s 25,000 employees nationwide.

“Sal’s application immediately stood out,” said John Faulk, senior vice president and chief operating officer of SCI, who flew in from Houston to celebrate Passalaqua’s achievement. “I like things short, concise and to the point, but

when I got to Sal’s application, I didn’t want to put it down — I didn’t want it to end. It truly exemplified what makes our team members spectacular.”

Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came when Passalaqua’s 16-year-old daughter, Alyna, delivered a tribute that brought tears to many in attendance.

“Words will never be enough to express how proud I am of you,” she said, acknowledg-

ing that her father’s work “is more than just a job — it’s a responsibility that many people may not be able to handle, but my dad handled it with heart, grace and absolutely relentless effort. You’ve shown me what it means to work hard as you’ve carried others in their darkest moments.”

The SCI Service Excellence Award program, created in 2007, recognizes and honors SCI and Dignity Memorial associates across North America for exceeding expectations through exemplary service.

“I’m grateful for the trust that families place in us and for the amazing team at Craig Flagler Palms who make it possible to serve our community with dignity and compassion,” Passalaqua said. “After more than two decades with this company, I’m reminded daily that our work is about so much more than business — it’s about being there for families when they need us most.”

DG Market in Bunnell to host

A new DG Market at 4530 U.S. 1 North in Bunnell is now open and offering an expanded selection of fresh meats, fruits and vegetables, Dollar General announced.

To celebrate, the company plans to host a grand opening event on Saturday, July 19, at 8 a.m., which will include $10 complimentary gift cards to the first 50 adult customers and DG tote bags to the first 100 customers.

The store is expected to employ 10-15 people. Individuals interested in joining the DG team may review available positions and apply online at www. dollargeneral.com/careers. The Bunnell store opens the opportunity to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. Visit www.dgliteracy.com.

Sal Passalaqua with his daughter, Alyna. Courtesy photo

REAL ESTATE

A house in Venice Park tops sales list in Flagler

Ahouse at 143 N. Palmetto Ave., in Venice Park, was the top real estate transaction for June 28 to July 4 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The house sold on June 30, for $1,030,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a boat house and 2,233 square feet.

Condos

A condo at 25 Casa Bella Circle, Unit 303, sold on July 3, for $665,000. Built in 2005, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 2,480 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $525,000.

A condo at 13 Oakmont Court, Unit 13, sold on July 3, for $225,000. Built in 1980, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,150 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $70,000.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 908, sold on June 30, for $650,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 3/3 and has 1,676 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $670,000.

A condo at 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Unit 427, sold on July 1, for $284,000. Built in 2003, the condo is a 1/1 and has 678 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $260,000.

A condo at 60 Surfview

Drive, Unit 317, sold on June 30, for $475,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 3/2.5 and has 1,640 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $675,000.

PALM COAST

Lehigh Woods A house at 19 Richelieu Lane sold on July 3, for $354,923. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,265 square feet.

A house at 74 Rocking Horse Drive sold on July 3, for $300,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,719 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $305,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 13 Cedarfield Court sold on July 2, for $975,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool, a boat dock, a fireplace, a boat house and 3,080 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $735,000.

Pine Grove A house at 143 Persimmon

Riverbend Acres home sells for $1 million

Ahouse at 260 Spreading Oak Lane in Riverbend Acres was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week of June 21-27. The house sold on June 27, for $1,000,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 3,028 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condo

The condo at 150 Limewood Place, Unit B, sold on June 23, for $137,500. Built in 1985, the condo is a 2/2.5 and has 1,316 square feet. It last sold in 2016 for $78,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill

The house at 3228 Arch Ave. sold on June 23, for $499,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,787 square feet.

Coquina Point

The house at 35 China Moon Drive sold on June 24, for $450,000. Built in 1993, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,150 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $335,000.

Donald Heights

The house at 1909 Nelson Ave. sold on June 23, for $240,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 3/1.5 and has 1,028 square feet. It last sold in January 2025 for $125,000.

Fiesta Heights

The house at 110 Cuadro Place sold on June 25, for $265,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,671 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $220,000.

Fountain View

The house at 1263 Big Bass Drive sold on June 25, for $371,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Halifax Plantation

The house at 3140 Kailani Court sold on June 23, for $325,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,684 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $300,100.

Not in subdivision

The house at 464 Druid Circle sold on June 27, for $500,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 2,325 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $250,000.

Ocean Village

The villa at 20 Oriole Circle, Unit A, sold on June 25, for $165,000. Built in 1947, the villa is a 1/1 and has 504 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $145,000.

Plantation Bay

The house at 1293 Harwick Lane sold on June 23, for $545,000. Built in 2011, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,144 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $360,000.

Rio Vista Gardens

The house at 621 Santa Fe Ave. sold on June 27, for $422,100. Built in 1978, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 1,896 square feet.

The Trails The house at 4 Eagle Rock Trail sold on June 27, for $310,000. Built in 1976, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a

2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,605 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $255,000.

River Oaks in The Hammock A house at 15 River Oaks Way sold on July 1, for $860,500. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and

2021 for $295,000.

A house at 93 Ulysses Trail sold on July 1, for $409,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,992 square feet.

A house at 298 Montgomery Court sold on June 30, for 357,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,895 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report fireplace and 2,411 square feet. It last sold in 1989 for $124,900.

The house at 128 Shady Branch Trail sold on June 27, for $575,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,629 square feet. It last sold in 2006 for $310,000.

Tomoka Park

The house at 35 Knollwood Estates Drive sold on June 23, for $415,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 1,858 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $265,000.

Tropical Mobile Home Village The manufactured house at 1300 Arroyo Parkway sold on June 24, for $165,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,709 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $42,000.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Beau Rivage Shores The house at 137 Beau Rivage Drive sold on June 25, for $340,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 2/2 and has a pool and 1,419 square feet. It last sold in January 2025 for $300,000.

Not in subdivision The house at 22 Morning Star Ave. sold in June 23, for $289,900. Built in 1967, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,204 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $558,500.

Oakview Heights The house at 52 Oakview Circle sold on June 23, for $335,000. Built in 1959, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,6630 square feet. It last sold in 1987 for $72,000.

Sunrise Cove The house at 149 Sunrise Cove Circle sold on June 25, for $650,000. Built in 2016, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool, a spa and 1,639 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $542,500.

John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.

PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Go to Goal

BRENT WORONOFF

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

The start of Pete Hald’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp can mean only one thing — another Flagler Palm Coast girls soccer season is on the way.

This will be Hald’s 35th season as the Bulldogs’ coach. His goal, he said, has been to reach that milestone. At some point during the 2025-26 season he should reach another milestone. He’s currently eight wins shy of 550 victories.

But with every milestone that Hald reaches, another draws near.

Hald, a Florida Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame coach, can think of reasons to extend his career past this milestone season. He has a special junior class. Seven of them contributed on varsity as freshmen. There were games last season when eight of them started as sophomores. He’d like to see that group through their senior season in 2027.

And he’d like to present his son, Jacob, an incoming freshman, with his high school diploma in four years.

But mostly, Hald doesn’t need an excuse to keep coaching. He loves it too much. As long as he’s teaching at FPC, he wants to coach.

“Coaching, obviously, has become my life,” he said. “I love teaching, but I love teaching soccer the most. I can’t see myself teaching if I’m not coaching.”

“I love teaching, but I love teaching soccer the most. I can’t see myself teaching if I’m not coaching.”

FOCUS ON FUNDAMENTALS

The Go to Goal camp is all about learning fundamentals. The first evening of the four-day camp on Monday, July 14, marked another milestone for Hald. This is the 25th year he has led the camp, though he has been involved as a coach with the camp even before that.

Most of the campers are FPC players. Hald will also allow incoming seventh and eighth graders with high

skill levels to participate.

Hailey Sammons, one of the rising juniors, has been coming to the camp since she was in seventh grade.

“I came in with one other (seventh grader), Ivy Chen. We were scared,” Sammons said. “But it gave me experience. It was a huge game changer.”

The Go to Goal camp is intense but fun, said senior goalkeeper Natalie Neal, who is participating in the camp for the fifth year.

The first two days of the camp are the hardest because they focus on skill development, Hald said. The third day focuses on shooting and finishing, which everybody loves to do, he said. And the final day is heavy on scrimmaging and combination drills.

“It’s really good, especially because we don’t play (games) that much over the summer, except for (the 7v7 league),” rising senior Eva Sites said. “This is perfect, because for three hours we’re playing. We’re doing technical drills, we’re shooting and then we scrimmage at the end. I would say this is kind of like a taste of what you’ll get during the season for players who haven’t played for him before.

“Coach Hald is one of the best coaches I’ve played for,” Sites said. “You can tell from the beginning,

Ormond Beach’s Scott Baker to wheel in NYC Marathon using arm bike

This will be the first marathon for Baker, who became paralyzed after a crash in 1982.

JARLEENE ALMENAS

MANAGING EDITOR

Last year, Ormond Beach resident Scott Baker watched his youngest son run the New York City Marathon.

He also saw people in wheelchairs completing the marathon. That motivated him to do the same.

“It’s so inspiring watching those people,” Baker said. “I’ve always been an athlete.”

Originally from Canada, playing hockey was a way of life. He attended Kent State University in Ohio on a hockey scholarship, and at 21 years old, he was the co-captain of the university hockey team.

Then one night in 1982, Baker became paralyzed from the waist down after two drunk drivers, who were drag racing, crashed into a car occupied by Baker and two of his college friends. Baker doesn’t remember the crash. He remembers waking up in the hos-

pital and being told he’d never walk again. That wasn’t the hard part.

It was watching his parents react to the news.

“I accepted it,” Baker said. “I said, ‘It is what it is — wrong place, wrong time. Get on with your life’. But watching everybody else suffer? That was the toughest [part.]

I couldn’t imagine what it was like for my parents to drive from Canada down to Kent, Ohio, not knowing what happened to me.”

Baker, who works at the Publix in Ormond-by-the-Sea, said his life’s outlook has been if he can help someone, he’ll try his best to do so, and that includes raising money.

So when he made the decision to wheel in the Nov. 2 New York City marathon — which will be his first ever — he did so with the same intention. Baker will be joined by his sons Joey and Matthew, and niece Carly, who are all part of a team that is aiming to raise $25,000 for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation to benefit spinal cord injury research.

The foundation also helps people with mobility impairment diagnoses including strokes, multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, cerebral palsy and others.

“Team Reeve” marathoners have

participated in major marathons in Boston, Chicago, and NYC, raising over $1 million with 135 team members last year.

This year, Team Reeve has over 100 athletes participating in these marathons and is aiming to raise $800,000 for research and resource programs.

So far, Baker and his team have raised about $11,600.

Spinal cord research has been a big part of Baker’s life. His twins, Joey and daughter Kelly, were the first twins born in Canada through in vitro fertilization from a paraplegic.

“That was all through spinal cord research,” Baker said. “But the stuff they’re doing nowadays, they’re connecting stuff, making people walk. If I can help anybody to not go through what I went through, that’s the whole goal.”

If it wasn’t to help raise money for spinal cord research, Baker said, he doesn’t know if he’d take part in the marathon. Before his injury, he wasn’t a runner.

“Never even intrigued me,” Baker said. “We had to train for hockey, but long distance? Not a chance. Wasn’t doing it.”

Pete Hald watches the players scrimmage on the first day of the Go to Goal camp. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Natalie Neal makes a save in the net as players in the background line up to participate in a drill.

Pete Hald leads his 25th Go to Goal camp and looks forward to his latest milestone.

Hailey Sammons and Zoe Almberg battle in a drill as coach Pete Hald watches in the background.

PETE HALD, FPC girls soccer coach

Scott Baker will take part in the Nov. 2 NYC Marathon using this arm bike. Courtesy photo

FPC girls soccer

he’s no nonsense. I’ve learned a lot from him. Coming in after eighth grade and then after my freshman year, the difference was incredible. My skill level skyrocketed. So, he’s done a lot for me.” Neal said even though goalkeeping is not Hald’s specialty, he’s taught her a lot.

“He brings out the best version of myself,” she said.

HALD’S DAUGHTER

JOINING STAFF

Normally, the Go to Goal camp is in June. But Hald underwent shoulder surgery on March 21 to repair his rotator cuff and a torn labrum and wasn’t recovered enough last month to run drills. He’s still not 100%, he said.

“I’m too old for this,” he

laughed. “When I get here and get going, I’m happy, I’m excited. And when I finish up, I always think it’s a good camp. But I’m relieved that it’s over. Leading up to the camp I struggle a little bit, because I know it’s going to be four hot days.”

Heading into the camp, the Bulldogs had already done 30 team activities this summer including beach workouts, the 7v7 league against other teams, weight-room training and free play.

“I think they are prepared a little bit more. They’re acclimated to the summer heat, and so I almost think it’s better doing it (in July),” he said. Hald’s 35th season will be different. Madi Gaines, his daughter, will be joining his coaching staff. Madi was a member of Hald’s final-four

team in 2014 and went on to play soccer at Florida Southern College.

Hald will now have two of his former players as assistants. Cat Bradley is enter-

ing her 15th year as FPC’s JV coach and varsity assistant. Having his daughter on his coaching staff is yet another reason to reach for more milestones.

His son Matthew wasn’t a runner either before he ran for Team Reeve last year in the NYC marathon. In fact, Matthew played minor pro hockey. His older son Joey is a fireman in Canada.

Sports remained a big part of Baker’s life after his injury.

Following his recovery, he went back to Kent State to help coach the hockey team, and began dating his wife Ellen. Over the years, he also did some scouting.

About three months ago, he purchased an arm bike and started training, going for 15-20 miles. Locals may spot him biking north on Beach

Street toward Tomoka State Park and back.

“Here in Florida, it’s all flat, so I’ve been training a lot,” Baker said. “I think I can do it, no problem. My son said the hills are pretty wicked though in the New York marathon, so it’s pretty hard.” Baker has a plan for that too though: As the date for the marathon approaches, he’ll take on biking over the Granada bridge. To donate to Baker’s team, visit https://give.reeve.org/ fundraiser/6165216.

Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.

Gabby Guerrera takes a shot at FPC’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp.

Lacie Clay and Kadyn Davis battle during a drill at FPC’s Go to Goal Soccer Camp.

Aliya Padilla takes a shot on goal during a drill at the Go to Goal Soccer Camp at Flagler Palm Coast. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Scott Baker and his sons, Joey and Matthew. Courtesy photo

TRIBUTES

Irene Joan Donaghy

August 9, 1934 - July 2, 2025

It is with heavy hearts and great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Irene “Renee” Joan Donaghy (née Fleming) of Flagler Beach, Florida, who left this earthly realm on July 2, 2025. She lived a beautiful life filled with over 90 years of family, friends, travel, adventure, and endless love and laughter.

Renee was born on August 9, 1934, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Emily (Novosel) and John Fleming. Growing up in the “city of brotherly love,” she developed a passion for singing, dancing, and acting in her high school plays and musicals. Her voice graced the choir at St. Malachy’s Church, and in 1952, she proudly graduated from the first all-girls Catholic high school in the country, John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School.

After graduation, Renee worked as a private secretary, biller/receptionist, and telephone operator. It was during this time that she fell in love with Thomas “Tom” Joseph

Donaghy. When Tom asked for her parents’ blessing to marry Renee, her mother asked what he was going to do for her daughter. Tom promised he would take her around the world — and he was true to his word. They married in January 1957 at St. Veronica’s Church in Philadelphia and began a life together filled with shared experiences that would last for 67 years. They traveled extensively, with very few places that they did not visit; their favorite destinations were Hawaii, Australia, and their ancestral home of Ireland.

The couple started their married life in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then moved to Center City, New Jersey, followed by Bel Air, Maryland, and eventually they settled down in Red Lion, Pennsylvania, all while growing their family and raising four children. Renee was the heart of the Donaghy household, and her kitchen and dining room table were where everyone would gather for delicious dinners, holiday celebrations,

ON TARGET

birthdays, bridal and baby showers, family reunions, and even an occasional wedding or two. She had a remarkable gift for cooking and making everyone feel welcome and loved around her table. Her homemade potato salad, rice pudding, and Kahlua beans were legendary. She happily shared her recipes, but no one could recreate that special “extra touch” she always added to each dish that made it perfect: her LOVE.

When their children finished school, Tom retired and took on consulting work, which sent them to Illinois, New Jersey, and Alabama. In 1988, they moved to their own personal “paradise” — Flagler Beach,

Florida — where they continued to open their home to family and friends, creating new memories and traditions. Even though many relatives lived in the Northeast, their Flagler Beach home became a hub for holiday celebrations, and over the years, more children and grandchildren joined them in Florida. Renee’s heart was fullest when she could pass down to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren her love for family gatherings, an appreciation for good food, and an embrace of life’s joyful moments; these are all a part of her legacy.

Renee took great pleasure in entertaining, boating, traveling, and socializing, but what she valued most was simply being with Tom. Their allegiance and affection for each other was obvious to anyone who met them. They truly were inseparable; their love and commitment to each other served as an inspiration to their family and community.

Renee was a faithful member of Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church and gave her time generously to commu-

nity organizations. She was a founding member and former Treasurer of the Flagler Beach Yacht Club, and a former member of the Facawee Boat Club, Crescent Yacht Club, Bodkin Yacht Club, and the Galley Slaves. Renee had a way of making friends wherever she went, and her warm, welcoming spirit left a mark on countless people over the years.

Renee’s life will always be cherished and remembered well by her children: Thomas Donaghy Jr. of Flagler Beach, FL; Kathleen Donaghy of Palm Coast, FL; Sharon Kochenour of Palm Coast, FL; and Michael Donaghy and his wife, Cinda, of York, PA. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren: Justin (Katelynn), Tiffany, Caitlin, Brendan (Marissa), Dylan (Danette), Daniel, and Devin (Edgar); and her three great-grandchildren: Riley, Reef, and Finnegan. She leaves behind sisters-in-law Joanne (Robert), Carmella (Richard), and Pat (Richard), as well as many well-loved nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Tom (11/20/2024), her parents Emily and John, her brothers John (Lorraine), Robert, and Richard, and her sister Isabel (Clement). While her family will deeply miss her vital persona and engaging presence, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited again with our father, her beloved Tom. A Mass will be held Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church, 915 N. Central Ave, Flagler Beach, FL 32136. Renee will be laid to rest beside her husband on July 16 at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, 5525 U.S. Highway 1, North Mims, FL 32754, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Surfside Beach, SC, during the family’s annual reunion. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate, Gentiva Hospice, or Santa Maria del Mar Catholic Church in Flagler Beach.

Kenneth Cole soft leather computer bag Like new! Can send pic. 386-793-3155. $50. Sells for 145.

Items under $200

Targus TSB 212 Laptop Backpack. New, tags, 12 compartments, warranty, $65. (386) 316-9990.

Schlemmertopf Clay Baker For roasts and bread Like New $15 (386) 283-4367

Assorted plants Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, and Multiple Other Types of Plants Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387

3 Wheel Green Bicycle Mint Condition w Basket $199 570-854-5957

Girls 24” Huffy Bicycle $50. Elkay Hot/cold Water Dispenser $50. 20” Mower $99 386-597-3684

Sunny Health and Fitness Flywheel Exercise Bike, New, Hardly Used. $80. PC 386-569-6579

MOVING SALE Printer or Microwave Cart Still In Box Sacrifice $25 obo Tan And Black Adjustable Bar Stool. In Box Never Opened, $25.00. 386-346-5117 /C-239-671-2580

Carving Trikke Ride like inline skating Also good for Exercising Good Condition $65. Car Bicycle

Carrier $40. Will Consider Best Offer 386-627-6562

For Rent

Room For Rent. Female Only.

Large Room w/ Cable TV. No Smoking. No Drugs. No Excess Alcohol. Share Bathroom, Refrigerator w/ 1 P. Kitchen Privileges. $700/mo 386-283-2663

Duplex 3b/2b $1500/mo No Smoking, No Pets 516-729-0912

1b For Rent in PC with Private Bath, Parking Space Available, Internet Included, Access to Washer and Dryer, Shared Kitchen Space, Affordable. Call 386-336-2849

For Sale

Retired Reloader w/ Excess Supplies 386-986-6496

Taylor Made Golf Clubs R9

Stiff Shaft #3-Wedge + New Golf Bag. Total on Ebay $525 + Shipping. Will Sell for $400 386-237-2553

Handyman

HARPER’S HANDYMAN SERVICES AND POWERWASHING Count on us for all your handyman services and powerwashing needs. Licensed and Insured happyharpers@att.net 386-843-5906

Paul McLaughlinHandyman. Residential Remedies. No Job Too Small. Licensed and Insured. Low Prices. Reliable 386-503-3219 Handyman

Servicing Ormond Beach Only All Painting Needs Flooring-trim Wood Rot Decking Fencing Pressure Washing And More... Licensed and Insured. Free Estimates. Call Arnold 386-314-9985

Housekeeping

Ana’s Personal Housekeeping. One Time, Weekly, Or Monthly Service (PC) anaspersonal-

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION

File No. 2025 CP 000383 IN RE: ESTATE OF WAYNE THOMAS CONNON, Deceased. The administration of the estate of WAYNE THOMAS CONNON, Deceased, whose date of death was April 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for FLAGLER County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in sections 732.216-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under section 732.2211. The date of first publication of this notice is July 17, 2025. DENNIS CONNON, Personal Representative Attorney for Personal Representative: Scott R. Bugay, Esquire Florida Bar No. 5207 Citicentre, Suite P600 290 NW 167TH Street Miami FL 33169 Telephone: (305) 956-9040 Fax: (305) 945-2905 Primary Email: Scott@srblawyers.com

Secondary Email: Jennifer@srblawyers.com

July 17, 24, 2025 25-00174G

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000184 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR SPRINGBOARD CDFI; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www.flagler.realforeclose.com at, 11:00 AM on the 08 day of August, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 18, PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE SECTION 26, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE(S) 20 THROUGH 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30 PINE CREST LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 359 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOANNE E. DIGILIO Deceased. The administration of the estate of Joanne E. Digilio, deceased, whose date of death was January 28, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd. Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. The written demand must be filed with the clerk. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 17, 2025. Attorney and Personal Representative: /s/ Wendy A. Mara, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0069872 Mara Law. P.A. 555 West Granada Blvd., Ste.D-10 Ormond Beach, Florida 32174 Telephone: (386) 672-8081 Fax: (386) 265-5995 E-Mail: wamara@maralawpa.com Secondary E-Mail: paralegalm@maralawpa.com July 17, 24, 2025 25-00175G

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of Call of Doody, located at 1860 S. Flagler Ave, in the City of Flagler Beach, Flagler County, FL 32136 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 15th day of July, 2025 Lunch Pail Projects, LLC Jul. 17 25-00246F

THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.

If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance.

To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed:

Court Administration 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 (386) 257-6096

Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 11 day of July 2025. By: /s/ Lindsay Maisonet Lindsay Maisonet, Esq. Bar Number: 93156

Submitted by: De Cubas & Lewis, P.A. PO Box 5026 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

Telephone: (954) 453-0365

Facsimile: (954) 771-6052 Toll Free: 1-800-441-2438

DESIGNATED PRIMARY E-MAIL FOR SERVICE PURSUANT TO FLA. R. JUD. ADMIN 2.516 eservice@decubaslewis.com 25-01123

July 17, 24, 2025 25-00173G

FIRST INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000391 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF RUTHANN RYAN Deceased.

The administration of the estate of Ruthann Ryan, deceased, whose date of death was November 10, 2024, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is Kim C. Hammond Justice Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 1, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.

All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.

The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216-732.228 applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 17, 2025.

Personal Representative: /s/ Carolee Giannetta Carolee Giannetta 7 Avenue De la Mer, Apt. 904 Palm Coast, FL 32137 Attorney for Personal Representative: /s/ Jennifer A. McGee Jennifer A. McGee Florida Bar No. 1023165 McGee Law, PLLC 6 Meridian Home Ln., Suite 201 Palm Coast, Florida 32137 Telephone: 386-320-7300

E-mail Addresses: jennifer@mcgeelawfl.com, lisa@mcgeelawfl.com July 17, 24, 2025 25-00176G

FIRST INSERTION

Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of TERRABYTE GRAPHICS LLC, located at 250 PALM COAST PKWY NE, SUITE 607, BOX 205, in the City of PALM COAST, FLAGLER COUNTY, FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida. Dated this 15th day of July, 2025 T. BRITTON Jul. 17 25-00247F

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COURT FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-000321 Division: 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JACQUELINE MARIE ESPOSITO, Deceased

The administration of the estate of JACQUELINE MARIE ESPOSITO, deceased, whose date of death was August 6, 2024; File No.: 2025-CP-000321, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110. The name and address of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN SECTION 733.702 OF THE FLORIDA PROBATE CODE WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO (2) YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of first publication of this notice is July 17, 2025. Persons Giving Notice: JOSEPH ALESSO 11 Northbridge Place Morristown, NJ 07960 ALEXIS ACKER 147 Station Parkway Bluffton, SC 29910

Attorney for Personal Representatives: JOHN E. TRAVERS, ESQ. Travers Law Office, LLC 1221 Brickell Avenue, Suite 900 Miami, Florida 33131 Tel: 786-549-1064 Facsimile: (862) 402-6082 Florida Bar No. 90498 July 17, 24, 2025 25-00177G

FIRST INSERTION SUMMONS AND NOTICE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF OCONEE IN THE FAMILY COURT TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT 2025-DR-37-213

South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff, vs. Mariah Dupee Steven Sheely Rebecca Cooper William Ball Defendants. IN THE INTEREST OF: Minor born in 2011 Minors Under the Age of 18 TO: DEFENDANT MARIAH DUPEE: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the complaint in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Oconee County, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request; and to serve a copy of your answer to the complaint upon the undersigned attorney for the plaintiff at 223A Kenneth St., Walhalla, SC, within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the complaint within the time stated, the plaintiff will apply for judgment by default against the defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint.

YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that: (1) the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) who is appointed by the Court in this action to represent the best interests of the child will provide the Family Court with a written report that includes an evaluation and assessment of the issues brought before the Court along with recommendations; (2) the GAL’s written report will be available for review twenty-four (24) hours in advance of the hearing; (3) you may review the report at the GAL Program county office.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that you have the right to be present and represented by an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Clerk of Court’s Office located in Walhalla, SC, to apply for appointment of an attorney to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney (take all of these papers with you if you apply.) IF YOU WANT AN ATTORNEY, YOU MUST APPLY FOR ONE IMMEDIATELY.

which obligation is secured by the property described below (the “Equipment”), CCG will sell at Public Auction, to the highest bidder, ASIS, WHERE-IS, WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR ANY WARRANTY OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, all of its right, title and interest to the following Equipment: (1) 2020 Utility Reefer

Garden Inn Palm Coast Town Center, 55 Town Center Boulevard, Palm Coast, FL 32164. The Public Hearing will be held pursuant to Chapter 190, Florida Statutes, to hear comments and objections on the adoption of the budgets of the District for Fiscal Year beginning October 1, 2025 and ending September 30, 2026 (“Fiscal Year 2025/2026”). A regular Board meeting of the District will also be held at that time at which the Board may consider any other business that may properly come before it. A copy of the agenda and budget may be obtained at the Office of the District Manager, Inframark Infrastructure Management Services, 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard, Suite 201, Coral Springs, Florida 33076, during normal business hours. In accordance with Section 189.016, Florida Statutes, the proposed budget will be posted on the District’s website at www.towncenteratpalmcoast.org at least two (2) days before the Public Hearing date. The Public Hearing and meeting are open to the public and will be conducted in accordance with the provisions of Florida Law for Community Development Districts. The Public Hearing and meeting may be continued to a date, time, and location to be specified on the record at the Hearing or meeting without additional publication of notice.

Any person requiring special accommodations at this public hearing or meeting because of a disability or physical impairment should contact the District Manager at 904-327-6465 at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the public hearing and meeting. If you are hearing or speech impaired, please contact the Florida Relay Service at 7-1-1 or toll free at 1-(800) 955-8770 for aid in contacting the District Manager at least three (3) days prior to the date of the public hearing and meeting. Each person who decides to appeal any decision made by the Board with respect to any matter considered at the public hearing or meeting is advised that person will need a record of proceedings and that accord-

law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-011 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00216F

has

certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 823 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 47, of Block 9, of Palm Coast, Map of Country Club Cove, Section 8D, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Map Book 6, at Page 32 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida as amended by instrument recorded in Official Records Book 35, at page 528 of the Public Records of Flagler Count, Florida.

Name in which assessed: Alva L Blanks, Helen G Blanks, The Alva Leroy Blanks and Helen G Blanks Declaration of Trust All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-037 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00222F

25-00174F

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

Pursuant to Section 190.00(1)(d), Florida Statutes, the City of Palm Coast City Council members hereby provide notice of consideration of a petition by Lighthouse Palm Coast Holdings, LLC, seeking the creation of the Lighthouse Community Development District and possible adoption of the following Ordinance titled similar to: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM COAST, FLORIDA, ESTABLISHING THE CREATION OF THE LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 190, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR THE FUNCTIONS AND THE POWERS OF THE DISTRICT; DESIGNATING THE INITIAL BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR IMPLEMENTING ACTIONS AND APPROVING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE Public hearing on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: The City Council will hold two (2) public hearings on the proposed Community Development District on July 15,

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 696 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 5, River Oaks in the Hammock, a subdivision, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 32, Pages 87 and 88, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Name in which assessed: Margarita Conde-Zuloaga All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding

pursuant to state law. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearing, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the American with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the ADA Coordinator at 386-9862570 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows:

Certificate No:2023 / 1444 Year of Issuance:2023

Description of Property: Lot 8, Block 33, Subdivision Plat, Seminole Park - Section - 58, Seminole Woods at Palm Coast, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 19, Pages 26 through 40, inclusive of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Name in which assessed: CURLIE BECTON, PEGGY L CARTER

All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Tiffani Smith, Deputy Clerk File # 25-005 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00186F

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 1589 Year of Issuance:2023

Description of Property: Lot 32, of Block 36, of Palm Coast, Map of Ulysses Trees, Section 57, according to the Plat thereof as recorded in Map Book 17, Page 20 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Name in which assessed: Donna Pinnock Brown, Patricia Thompson All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-012 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00217F

THIRD INSERTION

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Keys Funding LLC - 5023 the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon. The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No:2023 / 722 Year of Issuance:2023 Description of Property: Lot 45, Ocean Hammock Parcel A-5 Plat One, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Plat Book 33, Page 20, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Name in which assessed: Laura Castro Mora, Sherman Barnes All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-008 TDC Jul. 3/10/17/24 25-00213F

Public Records of Flagler County, Florida. Name in which assessed: Jack Goldenberg All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida. Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https:// flaglerclerk.com/TaxDeedAuction on the 12th day of August, 2025 at 9 a.m. Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-015

SECOND INSERTION

COLBERT LANDINGS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE ADOPTION OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET; NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER THE IMPOSITION OF OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE SPECIAL ASSESSMENTS, ADOPTION OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL, AND THE LEVY, COLLECTION, AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAME; AND NOTICE OF REGULAR BOARD OF SUPERVISORS’ MEETING. Upcoming Public Hearings, and Regular Meeting

The Board of Supervisors (“Board”) for the Colbert Landings Community Development District (“District”) will hold the following two public hearings and a regular meeting: DATE: