New chef and new menu at Atlantic Grille
City hopes new Google cable system puts city on companies’ radar PAGE 6A
Volusia Flagler YMCA asks Flagler Schools for $3 million for new Palm Coast YMCA PAGE 5A
The Lori Fund has raised $1.325 million in five years to help the families of fallen soldiers. Concert planned for September.
The Lori Fund, a local nonprofit out of The Hammock, is hosting its next fundraiser in September to support military families.
The event will be a benefit concert held at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 20 at the Daytona State College Amphitheater in Palm Coast. The headliner performance will be Cooper Alan, an upcoming country singer on tour, with an opening performance by local singer Ashley Estevez.
Founder Frank Petruno said he is hoping the concert will net around $200,000 for the charities. If it does, The Lori Fund will have raised $1.5 million for military families in just five years.
“The charities that we provide money to have a huge impact on the lives of our veterans and the families of the fallen and for the children,” Petruno said.
The Lori Fund was founded after Petruno’s previous wife, Lori, died of a heart attack on April 11, 2019. The September concert will be the fund’s sixth annual major fundraising event.
Inspired by Lori’s kindness and values, Petruno and Lori’s family founded The Lori Fund to raise money for nonprofits that support the families of fallen and wounded military servicemen and women. The Lori Fund has donated to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, the Travis Mills Foundation, Homes For Wounded Warriors, Brave-Aid, Gratitude America and more.
“We as a family took this tragedy and turned this into something good,” Petruno said.
In order to maximize the amount of funding given to these charities, The Lori Fund runs with no overhead. No one gets a salary at The Lori Fund, Petruno said, and he pays any expenses out of his own pocket.
“No one takes a penny,” he said. Petruno said it is equally important to him that the charities that receive the money also have a low expense ratio.
It was through The Lori Fund’s events that Petruno met his next wife, Marilee Petruno, who originally was a Lori Fund volunteer. The two married in 2023 and Marilee Petruno has since helped her husband organize the fundrais-
ing events, becoming the volunteer coordinator.
Marilee Petruno said she got involved with The Lori Fund as a volunteer. As the mother of a service member herself, she said it is an amazing feeling to help and meet the families their nonprofit supports.
The whole purpose of The Lori Fund, she said, is to give back.
“This is why we’re doing this, and it’s for a wonderful, wonderful
cause,” she said. It is a cause many in The Hammock have supported and helped out. Frank Petruno said The Hammock community has supported him and The Lori Fund “since day one.” These people, he said, are good people.
“I could break into tears to tell you the generosity, the support, the love that this community has bestowed and gotten behind The Lori Fund,” he said.
Frank Petruno (left) and his wife Marilee Petruno with Travis Mills, founder of the Travis Mills Foundation. Courtesy photo
BRIEFS
Veranda Bay welcomes
“After many months of hard work and dedication, we are proud that our construction team has completed a section of lots designed specifically for Toll Brothers’ building needs,” Belshe said. “Their luxury semi-custom homes are an exciting addition to our brand, and their investment shows they believe in this community as much as we do.” Toll Brothers’ homes are expected to go on sale by the end of the year. Prices will start in the mid-$500,000s. Toll Brothers at Veranda Bay will feature single- and twostory homes with three to five bedrooms, open-concept
COPS CORNER
JULY 1 ONLINE ORDER
10:55 a.m.
— 200 block of North Nova Road, Ormond Beach Petit theft. Police responded to a local grocery store after the store manager reported the theft of six bottles of shampoo and five subs.
According to an incident report, the suspect is a 36-yearold Daytona Beach woman who was seen on surveillance footage placing items into her basket at around 8:12 p.m. the night before. The subs were ordered ahead online,
floor plans and spacious twoor three-car garages. Veranda Bay is located one mile west of Flagler Beach.
FCSO says Palm Coast couple left infant in car to drink at a bar
A Palm Coast couple was arrested the evening of Friday, July 18, after Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies discovered they had left their infant in their car while drinking at a local bar. According to a press release, deputies received a tip regarding the child shortly after 10 p.m. When they arrived on the scene, they found the infant sleeping in a car seat that was improperly secured in the back seat. The vehicle had been left unlocked, with the keys in the ignition and the engine running. While deputies were assessing the infant, 28-yearold Clarisse Finnegan approached the vehicle, telling deputies she was the owner and that her husband, 60-year-old Norman Finnegan
meaning they were under the suspect’s name. In total, the suspect stole over $270 worth of merchandise. The grocery store wished to pursue charges.
JULY 5
CRACKS IN THE NIGHT SKY
5:30 p.m. — 900 block of North Beach Street, Ormond Beach Vandalism. Egged over fireworks that never happened?
An Ormond Beach woman called police after she walked to her back patio and found broken eggs and shells around her pool, as well as one unbroken egg in her yard. She told the reporting officer that her daughter and a friend had been in the pool the previous night, when a neighbor
Jr., was inside the bar.
Clarisse Finnegan told deputies that she had gone inside the bar to use the restroom and to get money from her husband for necessities to care for the infant, according to the press release. She added that she later went back inside, after checking on her child, to see if he was ready to leave. When she came back outside, she was detained for questioning by deputies.
The FCSO noted, however, that the “couple gave conflicting statements about Clarisse’s time inside the bar, and witnesses confirmed that both Norman and Clarisse were at the bar drinking.”
The couple were both arrested for felony child neglect without great bodily harm.
19 suspected drug dealers arrested by FCSO
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has concluded a sixmonth undercover operation targeting suspected drug dealers throughout Flagler County.
came out and started screaming at them.
According to the incident report, the neighbor screamed, “Stop setting off the f------ fireworks.”
The woman told police that they had not been setting any fireworks. She didn’t wish to pursue charges for the vandalism.
JULY 13
SECURITY DEPOSIT LOST
8:03 p.m. — 100 block of Flagler Plaza Drive, Palm Coast Criminal mischief. Employees at a local hotel contacted deputies after a 46-year-old Palm Coast man was seen using a hammer to try to break out of a room’s window. When deputies arrived, they could hear loud banging
According to a press release, Operation: Summer Slammer resulted in 19 arrests, including 10 during a warrant sweep on July 16. The FCSO is still searching for four suspects.
From Jan. 1 to June 30, the FCSO Special Investigations Unit conducted a series of undercover operations, with controlled buys of over five kilograms of various illegal narcotics. This includes approximately one kilogram of cocaine; 120 grams of methamphetamine; and 60 grams of fentanyl, which the FCSO said it’s “enough to potentially kill 30,000 people.”
Operation: Summer Slammer also resulted in the seizures of 13 firearms, five vehicles and $22,000 in cash profits.
During the operation, detectives obtained arrest warrants for 24 suspected drug dealers, all who had a combined 316 previous arrests.
Those arrested during Operation: Summer Slammer include:
Kyle Ellis, 27, Bunnell; Edriel Fernandes, 52, Palm Coast;
and commotion coming from the room, according to the arrest report. The man refused verbal commands to open the door, and a deputy was given a room key to enter, at which point the man threw a “large metal object” in his direction.
The report never stated what the metal object was; but it noted that the room had a substantial amount of damage “consistent with the metal object that he was observed throwing towards deputies.” The window in the room by the bed was also shattered.
The damage was estimated to cost the hotel about $2,500.
The man was taken to jail.
Shannon Foster, 47, Bunnell:
Leonard Fries Jr., 50, Ormond Beach;
Robert Galvin, 48, Bunnell;
Wanda Hadley, 45, Bunnell;
Eric Harrell, 29, Bunnell; Eric Hoover, 30, Palm Coast;
Russell Laster, 53, Bunnell;
Terrence Leeks, 37, Bunnell;
Thomas Leto Jr., 53, Palm Coast;
Christopher Love, 33, Altamonte Springs;
Heather Noack, 41, Palm Coast;
Khong Siharaj, 43, Palm Coast;
Keith Smith, 51, Daytona Beach;
Antonio Watson, 34, Bunnell; Jennifer Wood, 42, Bunnell; Derick Zamora, 29, Palm Coast;
Confidential informant: Sale of methamphetamine One suspect, Brandy Lynn Gochenouer, whom detectives had planned to arrest for selling fentanyl, died of an overdose during the operational period. She was 51.
Four suspects are still outstanding:
Everett Bullard, 63, Bunnell;
JULY 15
BACKYARD SCAVENGER HUNT
1:50 a.m. — First block of Flagler Place, Palm Coast Loitering or prowling. Deputies arrested a 31-year-old Palatka man who was found trespassing in a resident’s backyard.
The resident called 911 after she spotted the man in her yard.
She told deputies that she had received an alert on her surveillance camera, which caught the man enter her home’s side gate and approach her pool screen. She then used the microphone on her camera to ask him what he was doing, and to order him to get out of her yard.
The man did as she asked.
Terrance Dudley, 35, Daytona Beach; Gaines Smith Jr., 28, Bunnell; Logan Wells, 25, Palm Coast.
Palm Coast releases storm prep video series
Each year, hurricane season can bring potential challenges to residents and their homes — especially when it comes to swales and the greater stormwater system. The City of Palm Coast’s Stormwater and Engineering department has created a video series highlighting these and other topics.
The City of Palm Coast has nearly 1,200 miles of swales throughout the city, all of which collect runoff water before beginning the slow process of making its way to ditches and canals, which ultimately recharge the superficial aquifer beneath the surface. This video series will cover common concerns, such as full swales. Visit https://www. palmcoast.gov/stormwater.
Deputies canvassed the area and located him near the intersection of Palm Harbor Parkway and Farmsworth Drive. The man told deputies that he was out walking around “when someone from the bushes advised him that there was a lighter in another bush.” He said he was trying to locate it.
When asked why he had been in the resident’s backyard, he initially denied it, but then said he had been looking for the lighter in the bushes, saying “the lady” told him he could get it. The man also admitted to consuming methamphetamine throughout the day. He was taken to jail.
Phones away:
It’s the law.
Volusia, Flagler school districts discuss enforcement of state law.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Cell phones now have further restrictions in schools, as a new law prohibits elementary and middle school students from using their devices during the entire school day.
Florida House Bill 1105 went into effect on July 1. The education bill — which contained a compilation of other unrelated measures, such as allowing parents to convert a public school to a charter and letting students in marching bands get a physical education or performing arts credit — essentially restricts students from using any wireless devices (phones and tablets) from “bell to bell.” High school students are still permitted to use their phones outside of class and during class if permitted by their teachers, but the bill also includes a pilot program to test a phone ban on six school districts during the entire school day. Flagler and Volusia County are not included in the pilot.
In Flagler County, the major impact of HB 1105 will be on the school district’s two middle schools, Flagler Schools superintendent LaShakia Moore said.
The district already had a policy in place that banned cellphone use “from bell to bell” in the elementary schools.
“Middle school is where the major change is for us,” Moore said. “The fact that those students will now have to have those devices off the entire day, will be very different.”
Mike Micallef, Volusia County School’s executive director for graduation assurance and student services, echoed a similar sentiment.
“House Bill 1105 is going to be a rude awakening and eye-opening, I think, for some of our middle school students,” he said.
As a district, Micallef said they will need to put a policy in place that is enforceable, holds students accountable and follows the new law.
“Ideally, phones are just going to have to be not in sight from the time they walk on campus until the time they get home,” he said.
So what will that look like?
POLICY CHANGES
John Fanelli, Flagler Schools’ director of student services, said sixth graders entering middle school are already accustomed to the elementary school policy, so there will be no change for them.
“We’re really talking about two grade levels, seventh and eighth grade,” Fanelli said. “We may have to break some bad habits and continue to remind them to turn their phones off and put them away.”
Moore said the district has begun sharing information with families about changes for the new school
year, so parents and students will know about the policy change. Doug Glasco, the district’s coordinator of student behavior and conduct management, said enforcement policies have yet to be decided.
“We’re going to try to work with our families, making sure kids are engaged in their education and not be punitive with them,” Glasco said.
“There could be a roll-out period with just warnings, calling home. It will really be a learning period for them.”
VCS will start doing announcements regarding the change in cell phone allowances on social media, Micallef said. Previously, middle school students were allowed to use their phones before or after school.
“Pretty much, it’s going to be the same thing that we’ve been doing, normal business as usual with cell phones aren’t supposed to be visible while they’re in class, unless they’re directed by a teacher for instructional use,” Micallef said.
But, it will be up to the School Board, he explained, to set the policy.
Volusia County School Board member Donna Brosemer said the new law may impact how teachers manage their classrooms.
“One of the things that teachers tend to do is to use the devices as a way to control the class, to just keep them quiet, and removing the cell phones might complicate that,” she said.
REFERRALS
History shows that it may take time for students to adjust. Two years ago, during the first year of the statute that banned the use of personal electronic devices during instructional time, Flagler Schools had almost 3,000 device referrals. This past school year, that number dropped to 1,652. Of those, 1,042 were in high schools, 596 in middle schools and 14 in elementary schools. The most serious punishments were 10 instances of full-day suspensions.
“We were able this year to reduce (the number of referrals) by 44%,” Fanelli said. “So I do expect to see out the gate, we’re going to have to give a lot of reminders. We’re going to have to work very closely with our families to continue to reinforce that new policy across our campuses.”
In Volusia County Schools, there were a total of 14 referrals due to cell phones in elementary schools, 914 in middle schools, 2,466 in high schools and 243 in combination schools for the 2024-2025 school year.
Students first receive a warning, and if further violations occur, then parent contact would be made. A referral is the last step.
What VCS doesn’t want, Micallef said, is for students to stop learning because classroom time is being disrupted as teachers try to enforce this new law.
“We don’t want [teachers] to stop educating the students and getting into a battle with the student over a cell phone,” he said. “... We’re here to educate kids, and that’s our number one priority, and also keeping them safe. But, if a student’s got a cell
7:30
Thursday, July 24, 2025
phone out and they’re not complying with it, they’re expected to go on with normal instruction as normal for everybody in the class, and then we will deal with that as an administrative consequence.”
Elizabeth Albert, president of teachers’ union Volusia United Educators, said the new law is “fabulous.”
“If we can limit the distractions from learning, from pulling kids attention away from the core instruction that is being provided in the classroom, that is a win every day, all day,” Albert said.
But, she added, any law is only as good as the ability to enforce it. VCS already had a policy in place restricting cell phone use in elementary and middle schools, so teachers are somewhat already experienced.
“Their expectation is to just make sure that they set the standard in the classroom, and then they move to enforce the policy as much as they can,” Albert said.
If a student or two continue to be non-compliant, then teachers expect the administrative team to come in and hold them accountable.
Initial concerns from union members, Albert said, revolved around having support from administration and the district to enforce this new law, particularly with questions like who will be responsible for a phone should it have to be taken away from a student.
“We just want to make sure that there are some clear, defined expectations for our instructional personnel and our clerical personnel on what to do if we go beyond that initial ‘Everybody put your phone away,’” Albert said.
WORKING WITH FAMILIES
Moore said the district understands it will be difficult for some middle school students to adjust.
“We will work with them,” she said. “We will work with their families in order to ensure that all of our students are following the law, but also following what our Code of Conduct outlines are as well,” she said. “So for several of these students, they’re going to get a warning, and that’ll be it, and it’ll be done, and they’ll adjust. For some of them, they may need more than one warning.”
Flagler County School Board member Lauren Ramirez, who has children in both middle and elementary schools, said she welcomes the new statute as both a parent and board member.
“I do think this is the right direction,” she said. “There is a book, ‘The Anxious Generation,’ by Jonathan Haidt. It clearly shows how the use of smartphones is linked to anxiety, depression, isolation with our children. When this law was coming forth, I thought of that book. There are other districts that have started this before the law went into effect.
And a lot of those school board members said that was one of the toughest decisions they had to make, and now that it has been a policy for over a year they said it was one of the best decisions they made as a board.”
Cell phones in the classroom is part of this day and age, Micallef said. But, he does believe this new law will promote higher academic learning. Again, Albert said it goes back to enforcement and ensuring learning time is not disruptive.
“It’s always progress, not perfection,” Albert said. “So as we start to show the students that they are going to be held accountable to this expectation, and as much as our colleagues are willing to hold the line, if you will, then I believe will things will start to get exponentially better.”
REINFORCING EXPECTATIONS
Orange County is one of the districts that has banned personal electronic devices in all schools, including high schools, throughout the school day. Currently, state statute allows high school students to use their devices outside of instructional time.
Ramirez said that, in a panel of high school students whose districts banned cellphones throughout the day, the students were angry at first and eventually accepted the policy.
“They said they were actually happy because they were having conversations at lunchtime,” she said.
Moore said some families have contacted the district to make sure that they will be able to get important information to their children. Moore reminds them that ParentSquare, previously Remind, is a way families can get information back and forth to their children’s teachers in an efficient manner.
“We always encourage our families that they can call the front desk if there’s important information that they need to share with their child, such as, there’s been a change in the schedule, you go home in a different way, those things that are urgent” Moore said. “And once (the student) get out of the school day, they turn their devices back on.
“What we ask the families for is that they reinforce what the expectations are at home and they do what our families do for us already, that they be great partners and just help to support us as we implement the state statute,” Moore said.
As educators, Albert said they should be able to make the new expectations aware to both students and their families.
“It’s about making sure that they’re aware of what the expectations are, and having conversations with them about what’s allowable and what isn’t,” Albert said. “... I think you’ll find that most parents will engage with that.”
In-school suspensions
“House Bill 1105 is going to be a rude awakening and eye-opening, I think, for some of our middle school students.”
MIKE MICALLEF, Volusia County School’s executive director for graduation assurance and student services
Utility rate increases for Ormond?
City Commissioner Kristin Deaton said she is concerned for residents on fixed incomes.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
The city of Ormond Beach is proposing increased utility rates for fiscal year 2025-2026.
During a budget workshop on Tuesday, July 22, City Finance Director Kelly McGuire presented the following rate increases:
Stormwater: $2 per month, or $24 annually
Water and wastewater: $11.59 per month, or $139.08 annually
Solid waste: $1.97 per month, or $23.64 annually
City Commissioner Kristin Deaton said she had a lot concerns about these increases, particularly for residents on fixed incomes.
“While this may not look a lot to some people, this is going to be detrimental to those who are not seeing these types of increases on their Social Security or their pension,” Deaton said. “I have a problem with that.”
McGuire said that the city’s current rate structure isn’t the only possibility. There are others that the city could implement that could address the commission’s concerns.
Currently, the city has a minimum utility bill; the city could lower it, McGuire said.
A workshop will be scheduled for Aug. 19 to discuss options for the city to structure its rate increase.
“Obviously, every time we move one piece, all the other pieces have to move,” McGuire said. “We understand what your concerns are ... We’ll get together, we’ll brainstorm, we’ll bring you back some options to address those concerns.”
Flagler sheriff to propose e-bike ordinance for Palm Coast
Palm Coast’s contract with the FCSO is also set to increase 26.5%, from $8.9 million to $11.3 million. Nine new deputies will be added through this contract.
SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Flagler Sheriff Rick Staly is working on an ordinance that would restrict some uses of e-bikes in Palm Coast.
Staly said the ordinance is not aimed to “kill the fun of an e-bike,” or to restrict it for people who may be disabled or use it to get to work. Instead it will address those that are driving recklessly.
Staly said since the Florida law was loosened by the Legislature, “e-bikes have become somewhat out of control.”
“It’s not ready for prime time yet, but I would ask that you [the Palm Coast City Council] encourage it, because we need to get ahead of it now,” he said.
The announcement came dur-
ing a budget presentation with the Palm Coast City Council on July 22. While the ordinance is not finished, Staly said, the FCSO general counsel is working on a draft of it with Palm Coast’s attorney.
Florida State Statutes classify e-bikes like regular bicycles and allow them to be used wherever bicycles are. Florida law also requires riders under 16 to wear helmets and follow traffic laws.
The proposed ordinance, Staly said, would not allow e-bikes on sidewalks, though they would still be allowed on bike paths. FCSO deputies recently arrested two teens for driving their modified e-bikes recklessly.
Staly said that e-bikes do serve a purpose and the ordinance is meant to address those driving recklessly.
“I’m not trying to kill e-bikes,” he said. “[The ordinance] is for those that are driving recklessly without regard to the bicycle laws. Really what I’m looking for is a tool in the toolbox for my deputies.”
PALM COAST-FCSO CONTRACT
TO INCREASE 26.5% FOR 2026
To accommodate cost of living and health care adjustments and to fund
nine new deputies, Palm Coast’s contract with the FCSO is increasing to $11.3 million for the fiscal year 2026 budget from the adopted $8.9 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget. That is a 26.5% increase.
The increase in deputies is the second year of a three-year initiative to increase the number of deputies serving Flagler County and its municipalities. The additional deputies address a deficit of FCSO deputies needed to service Palm Coast and Flagler County.
Staly said there were 13 years between 2002 and 2025 where the previous Palm Coast City Councils did not add any additional deputies. Palm Coast has added new deputies for the last four consecutive years.
“You’re paying a little bit for the sins of the past,” Staly said.
Mayor Mike Norris asked Staly to address concerns some residents have that the county and Palm Coast are “double dipping” by having Palm Coast residents pay the county tax for law enforcement and Palm Coast pay its own contract.
Staly said that it is not a double taxation because Palm Coast, years ago, decided it wanted a higher level of service than what the standard
level of service set by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners at the time.
During public comment, resident Mark Webb said the FCSO provides “phenomenal” service.
But, he said: “I think where the sheriff’s department is failing, and it’s not their fault, is informing the public, especially Palm Coast, of what that is.”
Staly said that without Palm Coast’s contract, there would be “a reduction of 67 deputy sheriffs.”
That includes, he said, 50 deputy sheriffs, the Town Center deputy, a school resource deputy, the additional deputies in the 2026 budget, two deputy corporals, three deputy sheriff sergeants and one commander.
“That’s what your enhanced service pays for,” Staly said. “That would gut the service to the City of Palm Coast.”
If Palm Coast wanted to start its own police department, Staly said, to get started, the city would need a building for it and to purchase equipment and fleet vehicles in advance as well. Liability would also increase.
“You’re looking at a significant investment,” he said.
Ten selected for Palm Coast Charter Review Committee
SIERRA WILLIAMS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council has selected 10 members to its Charter Review Committee, five members and five alternates.
In public meetings, the citizenled committee will review the language, policies and inconsistencies in the charter and recommend potential updates to the Palm Coast City Council. Each member was appointed by a City Council member and will serve one-year terms on the committee.
The members and alternates are
Ramon Marrero with Greg Blose as an alternate; Donald O’Brien with Karen Sousa as an alternate; Perry Mitrano with Donna McGevna as an alternate; Michael Martin with Donna Stancel as an alternate; Patrick Miller with Chantal Preuninger as an alternate.
“I appreciate everyone that applied,” Mayor Mike Norris said at the July 15 council meeting. He asked Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston to read the names of all 27 applicants to thank them. “Thank you everyone for applying. I appreciate it, and our community appreciates it.”
Council member Dave Sullivan said he looks forward to the committee’s recommendations.
“I do think this is an important charter review,” Sullivan said. “We recently found that the charter has too much subjectivity in it.”
There have been several instances in the last year where the charter left a measure of ambiguity, including after an investigation into Norris potentially violating the City Charter.
The investigation found Norris had violated the charter by asking for Johnston and then-Chief of Staff Jason DeLorenzo’s resignations. But the third-party investigator, said the
charter does not outline what should be done if a council member violates the charter. He recommended the charter take that under review in the future.
Any changes the committee proposes to the council that are then approved will need to be approved by Palm Coast residents in a referendum vote. In addition to reviewing the charter and submitting applications, the committee members will help create “clear and accurate language” explaining the change that will go on the ballot, according to the Charter Review Committee city website.
Flagler Schools is asked for $3M to build $16M YMCA in Palm Coast
The Flagler School Board was cautiously interested in the Y, but did not want to commit funding from tax dollars.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
The Volusia Flagler YMCA
is asking Flagler Schools to contribute $3 million to help build a $16 million Y in Palm Coast. Volusia Flagler YMCA board member John Walsh said the proposal would provide Flagler Schools a “unique competitive advantage ... in this new age of vouchers and school choice.”
“We’re not here today looking for a handout,” Walsh said. “Instead, we seek a mutual beneficial partnership.”
School Board members at the July 22 meeting said they were open to exploring their options, but drew the line at using tax dollars to fund the project.
“I’m not a fan of using tax dollars for private things,” School Board member Christy Chong said. She suggested the board look for other ways to fund the project, including potentially selling some land. “It’s something to think about, finding funds instead of using what we already have.”
The proposed facility is planned for Central Avenue, adjacent to The Stage at Town Center, and just minutes from Flagler Palm Coast High School. The lot is 12.4 acres that is owned by Palm Coast.
The proposed facility will be 44,000 square feet in size
and feature multiple amenities, including a sports gym with three volleyball courts, childcare rooms, a wellness center, a group exercise room and locker rooms.
But the swimming pool is the biggest draw for Flagler Schools.
The planned swimming pool will be an Olympic-sized pool with 18-21 lanes and 8.5 feet deep on the deep end. It will be zero-entry, meaning the entrance will be sloped, without steps or stairs. There will not be a diving space.
Flagler Schools uses its Belle Terre Swim and Racquet Club for its students to use, as well as using space at Palm Coast’s city pool.
But, Flagler School Board Chair Will Furry said, those pools are aging out.
“From Flagler Schools’ perspective, there is a need to maintain a pool for our athletics,” Furry said. “There’s definitely a need for newer facilities.”
Of the $16 million needed for the project, Walsh said, Palm Coast has verbally committed $3 million to the project plus the land, valued at $2 million. Another $4 million is earmarked from a private individual for the naming rights at the YMCA, he said, and Florida state appropriations has given them just over $2 million in funding for the project as well.
If Flagler Schools commits to $3 million, that would get them to $14 million of the needed $16 million. A thirdparty fundraising group will help the get the rest, Walsh said.
The YMCA’s Aquatic Center would fill all of Flagler School’s aquatic needs, including potentially hosting
swim competitions.
Volusia Flagler YMCA CEO Chris Seilkop and Walsh said the Volusia Flagler YMCA is open to a variety of options to partner with Flagler Schools, including reduced rates for teachers to use a section of the YMCA personally, and potentially reduced rates for families with an enrolled Flagler Schools child.
Walsh said their board is even open to co-owning the YMCA with Flagler Schools.
“Whether it’s shares of a corporation or square footage or a condo or however that relationship is,” he said.
Furry said his main concern was if the pool was already “over-committed” and if Flagler students would still have access to it.
Seilkop said the YMCA has experience with juggling community and school needs, including neighboring high schools and YMCAs with Olympic-sized pools. With the number of proposed lanes at this pool, he said he did not believe it would be overbooked.
But regardless, he said, Flagler Schools won’t need to be concerned about capacity.
“You guys have first priority,” he said.
When building a YMCA, he said, “you want to design a facility around programs.”
Since the YMCA knows what kind of programs are needed, they can build the design around the need.
Furry said the item will need to be reviewed by legal council before the board can make a decision or move forward.
What should Flagler Schools do? Email your letters to the editor to brent@observerlocalnews.com.
East Coast Insurors’ Steve and Vicky Hall celebrate 50 years in business
ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Steve Hall started East Coast Insurors with only $1,500 in his pocket.
With only two years of experience in the insurance world as an underwriter for Allstate insurance, Hall decided he wanted to do more. With the help of his uncle, he was able to rent a room out of an office on Seabreeze Boulevard in Daytona Beach to start his own insurance company in 1975.
“I realized that there was more money in selling insurance then there was in underwriting so I asked Allstate if I could be an Allstate agent and they said no, they didn’t like their underwriters leaving and trying to become agents,”
Steve Hall said, “So I said ‘Well I’m going to start my own insurance company then’ and that’s exactly what I did.”
On July 5, Hall celebrated 50 years in business.
After a year and a half of working out of the rental room, Hall had enough money and clientele to purchase his first building off of Mason Avenue in Daytona Beach. Since then, he has relocated this office to Ormond Beach, at 801 S. Yonge St., Suite 1. In 1989, he opened a second location in Palm Coast, located at 4845 Belle Terre Parkway, Suite E.
Vicky Hall, Steve’s wife, joined the company in 2007 shortly after they got married. She said the coincidence of East Coast Insurors’ Palm Coast location being located in Victoria Plaza was “a sign that we belonged together.”
The agency transfers clients risks’ to insurance companies, providing financial protection, post losses. This may
include houses, cars or other personal property that was lost or damaged in accidents or natural disasters. Their goal is to help their clients get back to where they were before the loss.
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s satisfying to get rewarded when you know you’re doing a good job for your clients; when something happens and they know that they’re correctly insured because you took care of them,” Vicky Hall said.
Things haven’t always been smooth sailing though. In 1993, the impact of Hurricane Andrew led to many insurance companies going bankrupt due to not having the money to pay out all of their claims.
Luckily, East Coast Insurors only had one company they were affiliated with go bankrupt. They stayed on their feet and kept growing from there, despite the setbacks.
The Halls have spent time
and money educating their employees on insurance contracts and how to help clients understand their personalized policy and what it provides. Vicky Hall said they believe this is an important aspect of their company as everyone who works for them should know how to read insurance policies and how to help and assist clients find the right one.
Vicky Hall and a few of their associates came together to surprise Steve Hall with a party to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his business. The surprise was almost ruined when Steve’s car broke down, but the associates had a plan and put all of Vicky’s ideas together for the surprise party.
“I’m very fortunate to have great people that not only work with me now, but have also worked with me in the past,” Steve Hall said. “It helps make things better and Vicky is one of those great people.”
Steve and Vicky Hall at their surprise 50th anniversary party.
Holland Financial helps fight cancer
$5,000 donation is aimed to help kick off Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser in October.
JARLEENE
ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Holland Financial presented the American Cancer Society with a $5,000 donation on Thursday, July 17, to help launch the nonprofit organization’s upcoming Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fundraiser.
Every year, Holland Financial identifies charities that align with the company’s values and contribute to the community. The company then gives back to the charity as part of its PlanStronger Together Program.
This year, the cause hits close to home for Holland Financial CEO David Holland and his wife Toni, who was diagnosed with breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Running helped her to cope and stay healthy on her journey to remission, she said.
Following a double mastectomy, a choice she made due to losing her mom to breast cancer, Toni has been cancerfree for four years.
In speaking of raising awareness for breast cancer, she said “it’s critically important because you never know who it’s going to touch.”
She referenced Melissa Etheridge’s song, “I Run For Life,” in which the American singer-songwriter shares her own journey through breast cancer.
“I run for your sister, your mother, your wife,” Toni said. “It impacts everyone and you don’t know it’s going to until
it does, and I think the more knowledge people have, the better they’re prepared for if and when that moment comes.”
The 23rd Volusia-Flagler
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event will take place at 8 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Riverfront Esplanade in Daytona Beach.
Shady Bauer, senior development manager for American and Cancer Society, said they’re expecting about 10,000 people to attend, as this is the second largest Making Strides fundraiser held in Florida.
It’s free to register for the 5K fundraising walk.
Having the support of local businesses ensures the ACS can continue its advocacy, research, development and patient support programs, Bauer said.
“If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to provide the resources that our company provides to all the patients,” she said. While the ACS does receive resources through philanthropy, not everybody is aware of it, Bauer said. That makes grassroots efforts important.
“Community events are rain or shine,” she said. “We
keep it going ... because we’re out there for a reason and without that money, without those funds, we couldn’t do what we’re doing right now.”
Holland Financial reached out to the ACS for the donation knowing that, like the Holland family, many others are often impacted by cancer, David Holland said.
“It’s personal and we also have a number of clients and employees who have been affected by cancer,” he said.
“So we’re very attuned to the impact on, not only the the family from an emotional and personal standpoint, but also the disruption of their lives — their retirement and even their finances.”
Holland Financial will also a “Team Holland” participating in Making Strides. David’s hope is that they’re top team for the number of participants and/or fundraising.
His wife will be part of the team. As an avid marathon runner, she’s completed 25 races, including a 100K.
David Holland will be.
“I’m the emotional support husband,” he said. “So I go along for the ride.”
Email Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@observerlocalnews. com.
Palm Coast, the next tech hub?
Impact of Google’s undersea cable
Digital infrastructure provider DC BLOX will construct the new data center in Palm Coast, to bolster Google cloud capability.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Earlier this month, Google announced an new undersea transatlantic cable system that will connect the United States to Europe — anchored in Palm Coast, an investment that City Economic Development Manager Craig McKinney said is a “landmark investment” for the city.
“Beyond that, what we hope is it’s going to be a magnet for other industries like cloud computing, cybersecurity, AI, perhaps data analytics,” McKinney said. “All who rely on good global connectivity.”
The cable system, named “Sol,” will extend to Santander, Spain, and bolster capacity and reliability for the network of 42 Google cloud regions worldwide, according to Google’s announcement. Once complete, Sol will be the only in-service fiberoptic cable between Florida and Europe.
Digital infrastructure provider DC BLOX will construct the new data center in Palm Coast, to be located on a 34-acre site in Town Center. The data center has been in the works since early 2023, said Chris Gatch, Chief Revenue Officer for DC BLOX.
“We wanted to be in the northern Florida region,”
Gatch said. “And that was really for diversification reasons from the cable landing stations that are already in existence on the east coast.”
Available land was a big factor, he added. So was the lack of obstacles to route a cable to the ocean.
“Once you go through all those factors, and then we engage, we score very highly with communities that want us to be there and that we feel like we can work with — they’re going to support the project,” Gatch said. “And so, community support is critical as well, and we felt, from our early engagements with the economic development team, we felt very good about that.”
In addition to the data center campus, DC BLOX will be developing the bore pipes to the ocean and the conduit system from the landing site to the data center. The campus will be composed of six buildings: one Google-only building, a DC BLOX building, two cable landing stations for Sol, a building to house Google’s technology and another cable landing station for other cables that can connect to the site.
Gatch estimates the data center will employ about 12 people.
The data center will also diversify the city’s commercial tax base, McKinney said.
“We hope that it’s pushing the city as an emerging tech
destination in Florida,” he said.
Nationally, subsea cables are “absolutely essential” infrastructure for the U.S economy, and the global economy, Gatch said. A local data center will also lead to more fiber optics in the area, something his company has seen happen around its Myrtle Beach hub.
“We’ve already seen probably a couple hundred million dollars of fiber built in the region as a result of our project, and I would expect something similar over time in the Palm Coast area,” Gatch said. One misconception surrounding this data center project is regarding energy and environmental impact. Gatch said that data centers around the country have become somewhat controversial due to their usage of groundwater and amount of power consumed.
In contrast, the data center in Palm Coast will a refrigerant-based cooling system, and won’t use groundwater. Plus, it’s much smaller than most.
“Once we’re done putting it in, you won’t know we’re here,” Gatch said. “For better or worse, we don’t employ a ton of people, so we’re high taxpayers on a per-acre basis, with very little impact on local resources, and you get all the digital infrastructure benefits.”
Data centers around the country have become somewhat controversial due to their usage of groundwater and amount of power consumed. In contrast, the data center in Palm Coast will a refrigerant-based cooling system, and won’t use groundwater. Plus, it’s much smaller than most.
Shady Bauer, senior development manager for American and Cancer Society, and Toni Holland. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
New menu and chef at Atlantic Grille
The menu highlights summer flavors and local seafood.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Chef Bryan “Scott” Downs had never heard of the Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa until five years ago when someone recommended he check it out.
“It’s tucked away. It’s hiding here,” Downs said. “... This is like a little hidden gem.”
Years later, Downs is now the new Chef de Cuisine at the Atlantic Grille, an oceanfront restaurant at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa that is open to the public.
Downs has joined the resort’s team during the restaurant’s new summer menu, which combines fresh local seafood and bright, citrusy summer flavors.
Food & Beverage Director Woody Mitchell said the goal for Atlantic Grille is to be “one of the nicest, upscale seafood dining experiences that you can have on the ocean in Northeast Florida.”
“It’s a big, lofty goal; and one of the driving forces behind the menu creation to support that goal is ‘freshness,’” Mitchell said.
A LOVE OF FOOD
Downs’ favorite dish to cook is a comforting one-pot dish.
“Like a classic beef bourguignon,” Downs said. “Something that takes, like, four hours. Like a ‘day off’ meal.”
Downs has a passion for food that begins with his childhood in South Florida. He said his grandfather and parents brought him up on hunting and fishing. From there, he took the culinary tract at his high school,
Atlantic Vocational Technical School, and then graduated from Florida Culinary Institute in West Palm Beach.
But, he said, his journey really began at his first job.
“School is great. It opens many doors,” he said. “But my journey started at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, because hands on training — it beats everything in school.”
Mitchell said Downs brings a passion and respect for the food and beverage industry.
“What chef does a really great job of is, he brings this extra level of refinement to our menu and to our dishes here,” Mitchell said, “and that’s constantly teaching our team to do the same.”
For Downs, he said that team at Atlantic Grille and Hammock Beach Golf Resort has set him up for success.
“Ultimately, I just I want to do a great job and cook great food,” he said. “That’s why I started doing this, because of the love of food. I just want to make great food.”
‘AS AUTHENTICALLY AS POSSIBLE’
Atlantic Grille’s spring and summer menu launched in February. Now, halfway through the season, Mitchell said they have had nothing but positive feedback. The menu is filled with local seafood options and seasonal
flavors. The Hammock Beach resort begins planning its summer menu in November with research and development: scoping out new trends, testing ideas and looking at what items were already selling well.
With its guests coming from all over the world and the member base filled with welltraveled individuals, Mitchell said: “Whatever we’re doing, we have a passion for doing it as authentically as possible. So if we’re making a French dish, we are researching it and we want it to be as true as we can be to the area comes from.”
So far, Mitchell said, the favorite dish has been the menu’s “Simply Fish”: an assorted option of fish entrees where the customer can choose what fish they’d like, how it is made and the sauce.
“[The customers] really get to drive everything,” Mitchell said.
The menu also includes a house-made crab cake Benedict and super food bowl in the breakfast menu; and in the evenings, a redfish with butternut mostarda and –Downs’ favorite – a Bouillabaisse with shrimp, oysters, mussels clams and crab.
Mitchell said that while the menu was amazing before Downs arrived, Downs brings “another level of art to the execution.”
Both Downs and Mitchell said hearing the positive feedback from their team and the guests is the best part of the job.
“We are all so appreciative when people enjoy what we work so hard to provide,” Mitchell said, “which is that next-level, high-end, premier seafood culinary experience, in one of the best oceanfront properties in Northeast Florida.”
Flagler County replacing Al Hadeed
The preferred option to be the next county attorney: Rodriguez, who worked for Apopka before resigning ‘in lieu of a protracted constitutional conflict.’
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Flagler County Commission unanimously voted to engage with former Apopka city attorney to replace County Attorney Al Hadeed, who is retiring effective Aug. 1. Hadeed has been the county attorney since 2007.
The commission chose Michael Rodriguez for the position during a special meeting on Thursday, July 17.
The commission was choosing between him and former Deltona City Attorney Marsha Segal-George; Deputy County Attorney Sean Moylan, who originally was also in the running for the position, withdrew his application.
“I believe that Mr. Michael Rodriguez packs all the gear,” Commissioner Greg Hansen said. “I think he’s done everything we need to see done. He’s got great experience. I liked his enthusiasm.”
At the special meeting, both candidates were interviewed by the commission, followed by a personal meet-and-greet opportunity.
Rodriguez, a resident of DeLand, asked for a minimum $195,000 salary. Most recently, he was the chief deputy city attorney for the City of Palm Bay.
Rodriguez worked for the City of Apopka from 2020 to 2023, when he resigned “in
lieu of a protracted constitutional conflict between three members of the City Council and the mayor regarding the legal authority to remove a charter officer,” according to his application. Rodriguez also stated that the mayor refused to terminate him and that three council members then “threatened” litigation.
During his interview, Rodriguez said that the issue stemmed from the death of a firefighter while in the line of duty.
“It was a tenuous political situation, and because of the situation that I found myself in, it turned into a legal squabble between two council members,” Rodriguez said. “It was really specific to Apopka because of their form of governance. Apopka is a strong mayor form of government, and the way the charter was written, the council has the authority to terminate their charter officer, and the only two charter officers in Apopka are the city clerk and the city attorney.”
Rodriguez said it became more expedient to resign “than to drag the city into a constitutional crisis.”
“The city is now currently undertaking a charter amendment to try to change that language due to that situation, but that’s unfortunately, the typical political squabbles that are seen in local government in the state of Florida and seeing from the local media, those are things that are not even alien to this area as well,” he said.
Chair Andy Dance thanked him for addressing the matter. Prior to Apopka, Rodriguez also worked as an assistant county attorney for Volusia County. He has over 20 years of experience specific to local government, land use, environmental and litigation.
In his current position with the City of Palm Bay, Rodriguez stated in his application that he makes $12,750 a month, or $153,000 a year. Flagler County advertised the salary range for its county attorney position as $175,000 to $250,000.
Commissioner Kim Carney said salary and benefits will be negotiated with the county’s Human Resources department. She would never make a decision based on salary, she said.
“We have already declared in our budget where we’re going to be with this position and I would like the successful candidate to feel comfortable entering into a relationship with our board by negotiating what best works for that candidate,” Carney said. Flagler County’s offer of employment isn’t the only one Rodriguez has received recently. On July 12, in a 3-2 vote, he was also selected as the top choice to become the city attorney for Titusville.
“Mr. Rodriguez has a choice to make, so best of luck with that,” Dance said. Email jarleene@observer localnews.com.
Michael Rodriguez speaks before the Flagler County Commission during a special meeting on Thursday, July 17. Flagler County’s livestream
Chef Bryan “Scott” Downs
LETTERS
A city manager’s importance
Dear Editor:
When I left the Palm Coast City Council in 2008, I made it a point to stay away from city politics and concerns. For reference, I served as mayor and councilman for 20 years in a New Jersey town with a similar form of municipal government.
If I learned nothing else, it was that the first and most important job of a council was to make sure they had or hired a professional and competent city manager. Elected councilmen can talk forever about what they would like to do, but it takes the manager to build and maintain the organization needed to handle the everyday operations of the community and bring to life the visions of the mayor and council. He sees city needs and advises the council accordingly.
The bottom line is that the last few councils have failed in that duty. And we are experiencing the results.
WILLIAM VENNE Palm Coast
Freedom to paint your house is more important than ‘property values’
Dear Editor:
As anticipated, Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris’s initiative to discontinue city restrictions on house colors and parking has incited wailing and gnashing of teeth among those homeowners who long for the good old days when Palm Coast was an HOA (subject to contracts which evade Constitutional rights), before it became a city (subject to the Constitution). Their tendency is not so much to “Love thy neighbor” as it is to “Control thy neighbor.” (After all, thy neighbor might get uppity
BRIEFS
Flagler County Commission chair gets two state leadership roles
Flagler County Board of County Commissioners Chair Andy Dance was recently elevated to two leadership positions within separate organizations that advocate for counties throughout Florida, thus amplifying the voice of Flagler County during policy discussions that affect the unique needs and priorities of the community.
Dance was elected to the Executive Committee of the Small County Coalition of Florida to represent Region 3, and elected to the Board
notions about having some sort of human right to control his own property!)
I suggest a compromise: “Leave thy neighbor alone.”
The mayor may tend to court controversy, but his instincts on this particular issue are commendable. The city should have the power to impose property restrictions only for public safety purposes. It should not have the power to impose property restrictions based solely on esthetic considerations, even if they are valid (which they may not be) and even if they affect property values (which they may not do).
For those of us living forever in the thrall of those precious “property values” so beloved of Realtors, etc., I suggest that you consider a more important matter: your freedom. Individual freedom necessarily includes control of one’s own property. And controlling your own property is far more important than whether it is worth a few dollars more or less. That reality applies to everyone. My freedom is inseparable from yours. We are all free, or we are all at risk. So if my neighbor chooses to paint his house purple, I may not enjoy it, but I will learn to live with it, because it is his house, not mine.
ANTHONY TEAGUE Palm Coast
Florida’s
new law on Geoengineering and weather modification
Dear Editor:
On July 1, 2025, the legislation known as “Geoengineering and Weather Modification” was signed into law by Gov. DeSantis. Thanks to State Senators Leek and Garcia for sponsoring this law and Representative Partington from Ormond Beach for his support as well. The law prohibits the injection, release, or dis-
of Directors of the Florida Association of Counties to represent District 7.
“As a commissioner, I’ve always been committed to ensuring that our county’s voice is heard in Tallahassee and
persion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of the state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of the sunlight. Any person who violates this prohibition commits a third degree-felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. This law repeals all other existing weather modification statutes, including the Department of Environmental Protection weather modification license program.
The goal of the law is to end the so called chemtrails across the Florida skies, which are white exhaust from aircraft that form thin layers of artificial atmospheric cloud cover for the purpose of dimming the sunlight. These differ from trails the aircraft at high altitudes create and dissipate behind the aircraft. For more details on chemtrails and atmosphere aerosol spraying, review The Dimming video documentary, found on Rumble and produced by Dane Wigington of Geoengineeringwatch.
To report a chemtrail, you can call the Department of Environmental Protection hot line (888) 750-4195.
Since passage of this law on July 1, I have continued to observe chemtrail patterns across the skies over Volusia County. If the state of Florida is going to truly enforce this new law, it will need more than a hot line or reporting mechanism to DEP. The State will need to fly its own aircraft to monitor the aircraft that are spewing these aerosol chemicals and begin arresting those in violation of the law.
Look up Floridians and observe for yourself the artificial cloud creation from aircraft and support the efforts to end the chemical aerosol spraying over us.
JOSEPH MANNARINO Palm Coast
beyond,” Dance said. “These new roles will allow me to influence policies and funding decisions that directly impact our community – particularly in the important areas of infrastructure, public safety, education, home rule, and coastal resiliency.”
The Small County Coalition of Florida provides counties with populations less than 200,000 a unified voice that focuses on equitable state funding, legislative advocacy, and collaboration on shared challenges. Dance will help guide the coalition’s strategic priorities and legislative agenda as a member of the Executive Committee.
Similarly, Dance will have the opportunity to help shape statewide policies and programs that support strong,
WHAT ARE YOU GRATEFUL FOR?
The Observer asked this question on Facebook. Here are some of the responses:
Sharon Holloway Honestly... Everything! I’ve purposed myself to try and see the blessing in everything... Even the stressful things.
I’m trying to learn a lesson from it all.
Shelly Ander
This is paradise. When I came here 7 years ago I did not have a place to live and didn’t know anybody. I thank God everyday for somehow getting me here
Editor’s note: According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “chemtrail” is a term “some people use to inaccurately claim that contrails resulting from routine air traffic are actually an intentional release of dangerous chemicals or biological agents at high altitudes for a variety of nefarious purposes, including population control, mind control, or attempts to geoengineer Earth or modify the weather.”
The agency additionally states on its website that the “federal government is not aware of there ever being a contrail intentionally formed over the United States for the purpose of geoengineering or weather modification.”
Florida needs to rethink bear hunt
Dear Commission Members,
On behalf of all animals, and in this case black bears, who have no voice, I would like to ask a question: Why are animals (black bears) being punished because of a problem caused by mankind, which is not very kind if we only look around us?
We humans are taking away the habitat of all wildlife for our own selfish reasons. If we humans treated
responsive county governments as a board member for the Florida Association of Counties, which represents all 67 Florida counties.
Flagler County receives 3 NACIO ‘Awards of Excellence’
Flagler County is the recipient of three National Association of County Information Officers “Awards of Excellence,” in the category Audiovisual Podcast Series for the county’s new podcast called Flagler in Focus and two writing features. NACIO, which is an active affiliate of the National Association of Counties, made the presentations July 14 during its annual conference in Philadelphia that the county attended virtually.
“Congratulations on the well-deserved recognition,” County Administrator Heidi Petito said. “Your work elevates the voice of Flagler County, and it’s great to see it celebrated. I’m so proud of you and your team.”
Flagler County Communications and Engagement Manager Karen Callahan launched the “Flagler in Focus” podcast – which received an award of “Excellence” – a year ago with Emergency Management Director Jonathan Lord to discuss hurricane preparations. The podcasts are available at www.youtube.com/@FlaglerCounty/podcasts and are also available on iHeart Radio, Spotify, Pandora, Audible, Amazon Music, and Apple Podcasts.
Communications Coordinator Julie Murphy was awarded two out of the four recognition levels (third and fourth place) in the category Writing Features. The news release “It’s official – Flagler County Fire Rescue has a therapy dog” received an award of
and turning my life around 100%. My final chapter of life is headed towards a happy ending. Lovely LJ I am grateful for all the ups and downs along the way, God has used every experience for a greater good that I couldn’t have ever imagined. I have an immense gratitude and love for those I’ve met along the way. Especially those I now call friends, who are truly more like family. Palm Coast did that! Email your responses to brian@observerlocalnews. com.
the world the way animals do (all animals — wildlife, pets, farm, factory farm, etc.) the circumstances of the entire world would be far better than they are now. Just like our medical industry, the approach you are suggesting (killing black bears) is treating the symptom not the cause.
One solution would be to stop the over building of houses, commercial buildings, etc. and stop the destruction of our natural resources — the forests. There are so many houses for sale, empty buildings, empty stores, etc. Why not concentrate on selling the empty or for sale houses and promote the use of the empty stores and commercial buildings rather than building new ones.
Only God can make a tree! I pray for a solution that benefits all wildlife. Please help by rethinking a black bear hunt. Thank you.
PATRICIA HAINES
Palm Coast
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.
“Excellence.” The “Coast to Country” – Flagler County’s multimedia magazine, www. CoastToCountry.net – story
“Flagler County awarded Federal Aviation Administration Beyond Visual Line of Sight Waiver” received an award of “Meritorious.”
The NACIO “Awards of Excellence” program honors the innovative, creative, and outstanding work of county government communicators and state county associations communications departments throughout the nation with its annual awards program, according to its website.
Flagler tourism director earns top industry credential
Amy Lukasik, executive director for Palm Coast and the Flagler Beaches, Flagler County’s official tourism organization, recently earned the Certified Destination Management Executive designation from Destinations International. Destinations International is the world’s largest trade association for destination organizations.
Lukasik was one of 63 CDME recipients recognized at Destinations International’s annual convention taking place July 9-11 in Chicago, Illinois.
The CDME program is the only industry certification program specifically designed for destination management professionals and is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. The two-year program is designed to prepare destination organization professionals to leverage their experience and to apply their knowledge with a focus on vision, leadership, productivity and implementing business strategies.
CORRECTIONS
A story on Palm Coast’s Page 5A reported that a house that was pictured had an LRV of 5. It would be more accurate to say that city staff has reported that the house is outside of the city’s allowed LRV range.
The story on Palm Coast’s Page 3A last week stated that the City Council members’ city-issued cell phone numbers are available on the city’s website, but that’s incorrect. The numbers are on their business cards, available at City Hall and the Community Center; staff members also give out the city cell numbers as requested.
“Earning the CDME designation is a remarkable achievement and a true reflection of Ms. Lukasik’s leadership, dedication, and expertise in the tourism industry,” said County Administrator Heidi Petito. Lukasik was also recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism the nonprofit organization announced in June. SEE is the professional authority for the ecotourism industry in Florida. It established and maintains the professional code of ecotourism ethics that encourages an awareness and stewardship of Florida’s natural heritage. Board members serve an elected term of two years.
“I am honored to be appointed to the Board of Directors for the Florida Society for Ethical Ecotourism, the leading authority on authentic ecotourism in Florida,” Lukasik said. “with the future Flagler County Visitor EcoDiscovery Center, I look forward to helping protect and support Florida’s and Flagler County’s natural and cultural resources via sustainable tourism through my appointment.”
Flagler County Commission Chair Andy Dance. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Amy Lukasik, Flagler County’s tourism director
Drive for 55
The fundraiser aimed to help to fund safety equipment for FBPD.
OBSERVER STAFF
Flagler Strong hosted its largest fundraiser ever on Saturday, July 19, raising funds for the Flagler Beach Police Department.
The Flagler Beach Police Drive to 55K fundraiser was aimed at helping fund needed safety equipment for the officers. The event featured live music by Redfoot, a Sammy Hagar tribute band; as well as the Alias Band and Signal 20 Band. Flagler Strong is still raising money for FBPD. To donate, visit weareflaglerstrong.com.
Tammy Ramirez and Raul Ramirez
Leesa Marie Benz, a professional Marilyn Monroe trib ute artist
Emily Grinstead and Lyla Grinstead
Scout McKaig and Steven McKaig at the Flagler Beach Police Drive to 55k. Photos by Hannah Hodge
Tina Nagel, Wendy Arbit, Shirley Cortese and Kari McDonald, with the VFW Post 8696 Auxiliary.
Dianna Woolslair participates in the silent auction.
LOCAL EVENTS
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: All kids ages 5-13 are invited to make friends, create crafts, sing and explore the details of God’s world at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. There will also be a celebration at 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 27.
RUMMAGE SALE
When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Thursday to Saturday, July 24-26
Where: First Baptist Church Bunnell, 2301 Commerce Parkway, Bunnell
Details: Join First Baptist Church for a rummage sale. There will be furniture, paintings, clothing, dishes, toys, lines and more.
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 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
THE DRAGON INSTITUTE — BACK-TO-SCHOOL KICKOFF
When: 10 a.m. to noon
Where: The Dragon Institute, 501 N .State St. #4, Bunnell Details: Attend this free event featuring information on how to stand up to bullies without violence and boost confidence. Take a Kung Fu class. There will also be a Parent Q+A. Event is catered for children 5-11 years old. Registration required. Call 386-319-6884 to RSVP.
FAMILY MATTERS: FREE SEMINAR
SATURDAY SERIES
When: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Attend this half-day seminar where participants will explore practical strategies for family empowerment and key principles of child development including health screenings. Hosted by Healthier, Wealthier, Wiser Inc. Seminar will take place in the Aquarium room. Free lunch and resources will be provided while supplies last. All are welcome. To RSVP, email Belinda Davis at investinhealth@gmail.com.
RECIPES AND READS
CULINARY LAB: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF FOOD — CUBAN
SANDWICH
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
in Miami. Their site-specific piece, Foundations, explores the connective threads between the visual and performing arts. The performers draw inspiration from the groundbreaking collaboration between photographer Barbara Morgan and dancer-choreographer Martha Graham. Free and open to the public. Tickets may be reserved in advance. Visit https://southeastmuseumofphotography. org.
TUESDAY, JULY 29
ORISIRISI DRUM SERMON: FOLKTALES, LEGENDS, AND MYTHS FROM THE FAR CORNERS OF AFRICA
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Includes stories from the far corners of the African continent, spirited drumming, dance, and song, a lesson on African hand drumming technique, and a healthy dose of the obligatory African tradition of audience participation. Free event.
FOOD TRUCK TUESDAY When: 5-8 p.m.
Where: Central Park, 975 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Food Truck Tuesday, presented in partnership with the Observer, is returning, and this month’s event supports the City of Palm Coast Summer Camp Scholarship Fund. Registration not required.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 30
SIGNED & DELIVERED: THE MARY KATHERINE GODDARD STORY When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: The Casements, 25 Riverside Drive, Ormond Beach
Art League of Daytona Beach seeks artists for ‘Members’ Showcase’
The Art League of Daytona Beach is issuing a call for artists for its “Members’ Showcase” awards exhibit.
The exhibit will run from Oct. 12 to Nov. 8. The opening reception is scheduled for 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12. The art delivery dates are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 5 and 6.
The exhibit is open to Art League members and non-members are encouraged to join. One entry may be submitted per member artist. All mediums are welcome. For more information visit www.artleague.org.
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: The Stage at Town Center, 1500 Central Ave., Palm Coast
Details: Jimmy Buffet cover band Landfall. There will be live music, food trucks, vendors, yard games, and beer and wine. Bring a chair.
SATURDAY, AUG. 2
ORMOND ART WALK When: 3-7 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach MainStreet Arts District, 128 W. Granada Blvd.
Details: Learn the history of sweet corn in this cooking demonstration, presented by library staff. Free event.
TIMELESS GESTURES — A CELEBRATION OF THE VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS
When: 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
Where: Southeast Museum of Photography, second floor gallery, 1200 W. International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: See the museum’s first live dance showcase, featuring original choreography by Aria Reiter and Luciano Olivieri, dance students at the New World School of the Arts
Details: The Casements Guild is presenting this event, featuring the story of the first woman to print the Declaration of Independence. Tickets cost $20 per person and include wine and light refreshments. Call 386-676-3216.
THURSDAY, JULY 31
SMALL BUSINESS
STARTUP TIPS
When: 11 a.m.
Where: Ormond Beach
Regional Public Library Details: Learn what it takes to open a small business in the area, presented by SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) of Volusia and Flagler Counties. Free event.
Details: Join Ocean Art Gallery, Frame of Mind, Art Spotlight, The Studio by Artist Angel Lowden, the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and more on the first Saturday of each month for art openings and art events.
ONGOING MEMORY MAKERS
QUILT GUILD
When: 9:30 a.m. to noon, first Wednesday each month Where: UF/IFAS Extension Flagler County Education Center, 150 Sawgrass Road, Bunnell
Details: Join the Memory Makers Quilt Guild. All are welcome.
FOCUS ON FAITH
Tomoka United Methodist Church bids Pastor John Gill
farewell
On June 15, the Tomoka United Methodist congregation came together to bid farewell to Pastor John Gill.
On Facebook, the church stated, “We are so grateful for the years of love, leadership, and service he poured into this congregation. His impact will continue to ripple through our community for years to come.”
Gill moved to Ormond Beach in 2002 and was the pastor at Tomoka United Methodist until 2011. He then served at the Florida United Methodist Children’s Home for four years, helping children find foster care. Following his service there, Gill spent seven years serving in various places in Florida before returning home, where he again accepted the position of pastor over his Ormond Beach congregation in 2021.
“It has been a joy to serve this fine congregation — twice,” Gill said. “... I have loved all aspects of being pastor, but what I will miss most is not being a part of the Tomoka UMC family for the next year…we hope to reconnect with the Tomoka congregation family in a new role, as one of several ‘retired pastors’ available to support Tomoka’s wonderful new pastor, Rev. Katie Harrington.”
The community welcomed Harrington on July 6 with a
potluck luncheon.
“The advice I gave to the congregation as I was leaving was to love Katie and her family the same way they have loved me and my family,” Gill said.
Palm Coast UMC interns explore vocations through ministry
This summer, Palm Coast United Methodist Church welcomed two interns, Zahir Allen and Armon Flukers, to explore vocations through ministry internships.
The internship began on June 1 and will run through Aug. 1. For Allen, one of his most impactful components of his experience as an intern has been being involved with “Our Father’s Table,” a ministry dedicated to feeding homeless and food-insecure citizens, according to an article by the church.
“Interning at Palm Coast United Methodist Church has been an enriching and handson experience that continues to shape my understanding of ministry, service, and leadership within the church,” Allen said. “Every week brings new
opportunities to serve, grow, and connect with the community in meaningful ways.”
Allen is also involved with the music ministry.
“Each week, I contribute by either playing the piano or singing during Sunday worship,” he said.
Flukers is a recent graduate of Bethune-Cookman University.
“When I stepped into my internship at Palm Coast United Methodist Church, I didn’t just come as a college student looking to complete a requirement,” Flukers said. “I came as a worship leader, a servant, and someone deeply committed to exploring what it truly means to walk in God’s calling.”
Grand Haven Women’s Club donates to feeding ministry
Every Saturday, ladies from the Grand Haven Women’s Club get together and pack up the meals for Palm Coast United Methodist Church’s feeding ministry, “Our Father’s Table,” a program that gives food to those in need. The group also recently donated $2,000 to help fund the program.
“Our Feeding Ministry … continues to do amazing work in the community — with the help of all the dedicated volunteers who give of their time & talents to support this impactful ministry!” Palm Coast UMC posted on Facebook. Send faith-based stories to brian@observerlocalnews. com.
THE FINE ARTS
LIVE DANCE SHOWCASE
The Southeast Museum of Photography will present its first live dance showcase, titled “Timeless Gestures – A Celebration of the Visual and Performing Arts,” on Saturday, July 26, at 2 and 4 p.m. in the second-floor gallery.
The free public performance features original choreography by Aria Reiter and Luciano Olivieri, dance students at the New World School of the Arts in Miami. Their piece “Foundations,” explores the connective threads between the visual and performing arts, according to a press release, and the performers draw inspiration from the collaboration between photographer Barbara Morgan and dancer-choreographer Martha Graham.
Presented in conjunction with “Collected: Connecting Past, Present & Future Acquisitions,” the museum’s current main exhibition, Foundations serves as an interpretive study of Morgan and Graham’s artistic relationship.
“Timeless Gestures underscores the efficacy of Morgan and Graham’s partnership,” said Christina Katsolis, with the Southeast Museum of Photography. “Using contemporary dance as a creative framework, it broadens our audience’s understanding of the photographic record. Both mediums transcend boundaries, using visual storytelling to encapsulate the complexities of the human condition.”
For the eventbrite link, visit https:// southeastmuseumofphotography.org/ museum-events
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Barbara Morgan, “Martha Graham, Letter to the World,” 1940. Gift of Lloyd Morgan. Courtesy photo
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REAL ESTATE
Ocean Hammock home sells for $2.6 million
Ahouse at 34 Ocean Ridge Blvd. S., in Ocean Hammock, was the top real estate transaction for July 5-11 in Flagler County. The house sold on July 9, for $2,575,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2 half baths, an elevator, an electric linear fireplace, a stone fireplace, an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor shower, a pool, a hot tub and 3,975 square feet. What follows is a sampling of other recent sales from Flagler County and Ormond Beach.
PALM COAST
Cypress Knoll
A house at 77 Edith Pope Drive, sold on July 11, for $385,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,337 square feet.
Grand Haven
A house at 129 Front Street, sold on July 9, for $1,452,500. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat house and 3,267 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $940,000.
Hammock Dunes
A house at 12 Marbella Court, sold on July 9, for $700,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,093 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $440,000.
Palm Harbor
A house at 8 Cayuse Court, sold on July 11, for $899,900. Built in 1998, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a boat dock, a boat house, a hot tub and 3,190 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $875,000.
A house at 65 Foxhall Lane, sold on July 7, for $380,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,649 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $376,000.
Quail Hollow
A house at 16 Zoeller Court, sold on July 11, for $465,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool and 2,019 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $445,000.
A house at 17 Kalanchoe Court, sold on July 9, for $359,900. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,860 square feet.
Seminole Woods
A house at 19 Utica Path, sold on July 11, for $266,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,451 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $175,500.
A house at 17 Undermount Path East, sold on July 7, for $365,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,068 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $265,000.
ORMOND BEACH
A house on the Halifax River at 1010 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of June 28 to July 4. The house sold on July 1, for $2.2 million. Built in 1983, the house is a 5/6.5 and has three fireplaces, a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift, a boat house and 8,960 square feet. It last sold in 1995 for $705,000.
Ann Rustin Estates
The house at 179 Ann Rustin Drive sold on June 30, for $600,000. Built in 1966, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,914 square feet. It last sold in 20021 for $435,000.
Archer’s Mill
The house at 331 Barebow Lane sold on June 30, for $354,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,816 square feet.
on June 30, for $525,000. Built in 1981, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace and 2,797 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $360,000.
Tomoka Park The house at 55 Hummingbird Lane sold on June 30, for $463,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,104 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $460,000.
Tymber Crossings The house at 12 Peruvian Lane sold on June 30, for $365,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,952 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $183,000.
Village of Pine Run The house at 61 Village Drive sold on June 30, for $405,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,9552 square feet.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Oakview Estates The house at 13 Sunrise Ave. sold on July 1, for $535,000. Built in 1969, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,552 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $240,000.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, and John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report
BACK TO B-CU
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Pat Brown is back in Wildcat territory as Bethune-Cookman University’s newly hired assistant football coach. The 37-year-old B-CU alumnus started the year as the Wildcats’ co-special teams coordinator and running backs coach.
Brown has roots in the area, as he was Seabreeze High School’s head football coach in 2019.
B-CU head coach Raymond Woodie Jr. hired Brown in January after a position opened up on the coaching staff.
Woodie met Brown in May 2024 when Brown spent two weeks in Daytona, as he was transitioning from coaching wide receivers at Valdosta State University, in Georgia, to Abilene Christian University, in Texas, where Brown was slotted as a running backs coach and the pro-
SIDELINES
Matanzas High School hires new boys lacrosse coach
Matanzas High School, in Palm Coast, announced on Facebook on July 15 that it had hired a
gram’s recruiting coordinator.
While in Daytona, Brown was able to speak with the student-athletes on B-CU’s campus.
“I let them (student-athletes) know that alumni in the area and out of the area, as well, are behind them and are supportive,” Brown said. “We see their progress. We’re not expecting things to change tomorrow, but I wanted to let them know that we’re encouraging them, and we are here as a support system for them.”
Brown’s attitude toward the students made an impression on Woodie.
In February 2023, Woodie was hired as the head coach at B-CU, taking over a program coming off of a two-year, 2-9 record. He has spent the past two seasons building a “winning culture” and focusing on player development. Last season, his team’s Academic Progress Rate (APR) increased 91 points, and the
new boys lacrosse coach: Dewey Schoenfelder.
Schoenfelder played two years of lacrosse at Howard Community College, in Maryland, and scored three points in the national championship game.
He then played at Division II University of Bridgeport, in Connecticut. As a senior, he scored 26 goals and contributed 25 assists.
“Please help us welcome him to the Pirate Nation!” the post states..
Flagler Palm Coast topples Matanzas in 7v7 Summer League
Bethune-Cookman University’s new assistant Pat Brown formerly coached at Seabreeze High.
GPA went from a 2.4 to 3.25. Out of 120 players, 19 made the President’s List with a 4.0 GPA.
Woodie said Brown possesses the two components that are necessary in creating a successful football program. He said when hiring a coach, he always looks for a family man and someone who demonstrates loyalty to him and his mission for the football program.
“The players that we teach and mold need positive role models to look up to and to talk to,” Woodie said. “They need to see the loyalty. Is he (Pat) following coach Woodie’s mission? If I leave, I know he’s going to be pushing the message that I have in place. He asks questions, he’s receptive to instruction and has no ego.”
After graduating from Rutgers University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics while playing football as a wide receiver, Brown
played a year in the Canadian Football league with the Saskatchewan Roughriders. During off season, he returned to B-CU to attain a Masters in Transformative Leadership and took on the role of graduate assistant coaching the Wildcat wide receivers.
“That was six months of the other side of being a collegiate coach,” Brown said. “Being in the meeting rooms with them and seeing how they evaluated players gave me insight to that set up and break down at 23 years old. I got a window into the coaching world at that point.”
From 2012-2013, Brown played professionally for the German Football League with the Hamburg Blue Devils. After his professional career, he returned to New Jersey where he began his foray into Pop Warner football. Brown said his primary motivation for coaching has always been to mentor young players.
“My coaches always said I was going to be a coach because I was in those leadership roles on the teams that I played,” he said. “Basketball — I was always a point guard and football, before I got into college, I was always a quarterback.”
Brown said the coaches that he grew up with in the youth league and in high school were always mentor ing their players. He said they galva nized whole communities and kept a lot of kids off the streets. He and his friends did not live in the worst neighborhoods, but Brown said he noticed how easy it was for players and students to get distracted and veer off course.
“I was looking at what the dif ference was,” he said. “I had a lot of positive male (role) models in my life — my dad, my grandfather, uncles, cousins, coaches. I had a true village, in that sense. The only difference was the male figures I had in my life and the male figures they didn’t have because we were in the same social background— went to the same high school, had similar family structures besides those positive male figures. I was just seeing that over and over again.”
“He’s (Pat Brown) a diamond in a rough. I just think that if he keeps progressing, keeps learning like he is, he’s going to go a long way. He has grit, he’s a hard worker, he’s caring and he’s loyal. He’s a family man, number one, and when you when you see that, it’s a lot that he brings to these student athletes. They see a really great father and great husband. He goes over and beyond the call of duty.”
Despite being shorthanded, the Flagler Palm Coast High School boys soccer team came from behind three times to tie Matanzas High School 4-4. That result gave the Bulldogs the 7v7 summer league title, according to the FPC Facebook post. “The boys have now won 3 of the last 4 7v7 leagues,” the post states.
FPC goalkeeper coach Paulo moves on In other FPC soccer news, goalkeeper coach Tanner Paulo has moved on and will no longer be coaching at the school. According to the July 12 Facebook post, Paulo “brought unmatched energy, passion, and expertise to FPC, helping mold our goalkeepers into fearless leaders and dependable last lines of defense. His dedication on and off the field, along with his genuine care for each player, made him a respected mentor and an
unforgettable part of our program.” The post continues: “In his two years at FPC both our men’s and women’s Varsity Goalkeepers were nationally ranked as well as both being selected as All Area Keepers. Both Programs saw a significant rise in clean sheets and saves from their respective keepers and Coach Tanner played a huge part in that.”
Dewey Schoenfelder
FPC soccer team. Courtesy photos
MICHELE MEYERS
Bethune-Cookman University assistant football coach Pat Brown gives some pointers to a receiver at the 7-on-7 camp on Friday, June 27. Photo by Michele Meyers
RAYMOND WOODIE JR., B-CU head football coach, on Pat Brown, who is pictured below
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