Work on bridge intersection likely to last till Christmas
Camino del Mar intersection is getting three new turn lanes, and possibly a light. Work began in April. PAGE 7A
New research building at Whitney Laboratory
Four have been arrested. FHBA urges caution for residents. PAGE 5A
CONDO Top recent sale in the county.
Whitney Lab has noticed a decrease in water pressure on campus. It’s not an issue yet, spokesperson said, but UF is looking at long-term solutions.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The University of Florida’s Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience is growing, with its new twostory research building inching its way to completion.
in those labs,” Padgett said. “They need a space that reflects the quality of work.”
But the new construction is not without its issues. Padgett said that the Whitney Lab has noticed a decrease in water pressure on campus. It’s not an issue yet, she said, but with the new building coming, UF is trying to resolve the problem. As of now, there’s not enough water pressure in the new building to run all of the marine science equipment.
Whitney Lab has invested thousands of dollars in a new water cistern for the building.
communication with the city about the campus’ water pressure numbers.
Palm Coast Utility Director Brian Roche said he reviewed the numbers, and the Whitney Lab is receiving, on average, 56-63 pounds per square inch of water pressure. That is “more than adequate water pressure,” he said.
The cistern is not an ideal solution, Padgett said, but after the problem has been resolved, it will be retro-fitted for salt water at the lab, like with the sea turtle hospital.
“They need a space that reflects the quality of work.”
ELLIE
PADGETT, UF Whitney Lab public relations
expand our premises desperately.”
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The project broke ground in May 2024 and the building will have 12 new laboratories. The current lab was built in the 1970s and has the problems that come with a 50-yearold building: Lab technicians and scientists often have trouble keeping spaces at a proper temperature, or the Wi-Fi breaks down, UF Whitney Lab Public Relations Specialist Ellie Padgett said.
“It is not conducive to the high technology, advanced, amazing research that our faculty are doing
“There’s enough [water] for safety,” Padgett said, “but for our additional operations, that’s what we need to bring in the cistern for.”
Padgett said its engineers are looking into the problem, but they’re not sure exactly where the issue originates. UF Whitney Lab receives its potable water from Palm Coast, and UF has been in
The sea turtle hospital will also be moving into the new building.
UF Whitney Lab’s sea turtle hospital — which celebrates its 10-year anniversary in October — treats every turtle that enters its doors. When it first opened, she said, the hospital averaged 62-80 each year.
“This year we are already over 200 [sea turtles],” Padgett said.
“There’s a big need and we need to
While the lab’s new building barrels toward completion, Padgett said they are looking into more permanent solutions for the water pressure issue. That could mean replacing the campus’ pipes or moving to attach to St. Johns County’s utility system.
Nothing is decided yet, she said, and those possible solutions could take years.
“Neither are ideal, but we’ve got to do something,” she said.
When it first opened, the Sea Turtle Hospital averaged 62-80 turtle patients each year.
“This year we are already over 200 [sea turtles],” Ellie Padgett said. “There’s a big need and we need to expand our premises desperately.”
UF Whitney Laboratory in Marineland has almost finished its new research building. Photo courtesy of the UF Whitney lab Facebook
NEWS BRIEFS
Flagler Palm Coast High goes on lockdown
Flagler Palm Coast High School was placed in lockdown at 12:52 p.m. on Sept. 4 after a threat was made to the campus, according to Flagler Schools’ Facebook page.
The school was in lockdown for around an hour until 1:50 p.m. when Flagler County Sheriff’s Office deputies gave the all-clear, a FCSO post said. The school was able to transition to a “secure status” just after 1 p.m., allowing students to remain indoors, in their current locations but otherwise continue on with their days, one Flagler Schools post said. Despite the all-clear, FCSO is still investigating.
“School safety is our top priority, and we take every threat seriously,” the FCSO post said. “This is a great example of why we have depu-
COPS CORNER
AUG. 19
GRAFFITI GALORE
6:21 p.m. — 100 block of Inglewood Court, Ormond Beach
Burglary of unoccupied dwelling. Smiley faces. Peace signs. Crude depictions of the male genitalia.
That’s what police observed inside a residence after a homeowner called to file a report about a burglary.
ties on every Flagler Schools campus, which allows us to take immediate action to quickly respond to any threat or incident.”
Because of the investigation, bus transportation was delayed in the afternoon by approximately 20-30 minutes, Flagler Schools’ posts said.
Teen arrested for pointing gun at student, Flagler sheriff
says
A 15-year-old Flagler Palm Coast High School student was arrested on Sept. 5 after he pointed a gun at another student, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. The incident did not occur on school grounds but at the McDonald’s near Town Center in Palm Coast, according to a FCSO press release. The victim told deputies he was hanging out with the suspect and a group of other students at the McDonald’s restaurant off State Road 100 after school when the suspect pointed the gun at him in the
bathroom.
The victim reported the incident on Sept. 5 to his school resource deputy. He said he believed the suspect had the gun on his person throughout the school day on Sept. 4.
FCSO deputies immediately removed the suspect from class and searched his backpack and person, but he did not have weapons on Sept. 5, the press release said.
The suspect initially denied having and pointing a gun at the victim, but another student reported that a video had been posted to the suspect’s Instagram showing the incident, the press release said. The post had since been deleted from the account.
When deputies confronted the suspect about the video, he turned over his phone and admitted the gun was in his bedroom closet. Deputies recovered a 9 mm pistol and magazine loaded with ammunition.
The suspect admitted to pointing the gun at the victim and bringing it to school on Sept. 4, but said he was “just playing around.”
Sheriff Rick Staly said the FCSO “will not tolerate this behavior.”
“If you bring a gun to school or point it at someone else, you will be arrested,” Staly said. “It doesn’t matter if you think you were just playing around.”
Man pleads not guilty to child sexual assault
A man recently extradited to Flagler County to face child sexual assault charges has entered a not guilty plea to the charges.
Kermit Booth, 72, was 5659 years old when he allegedly sexually assaulted a girl between the years of 2006 and 2009, when she was between 6 and 9 years old, according to the original sworn complaint from the victim. Booth was extradited to the custody of the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Sept. 1 Booth was arrested on Aug. 1 in Macon County, North Carolina, as a fugitive from Flagler County. Booth was
wanted for two counts of sexual battery on a person of 12 years of age, with a bond of $500,000, a FCSO press release said.
Gov. Ron DeSantis issued the extradition order for Booth on Aug. 20. Booth is facing life in prison if convicted. He submitted his plea on Sept. 4 and his case is being heard by Flagler County Judge Dawn Nichols.
The victim first reached out to the FCSO in 2015, where she told deputies Booth molested her between the years of 2006 and 2009. She told deputies that Booth forced her to perform oral sex on him and forced it on her, the complaint said. In 2023, the victim reached out to the FCSO again after Booth messaged her on social media.
With the messages as new evidence, FCSO’s Major Case Unit relaunched the investigation in 2023. The FCSO Digital Forensics Unit was able to identify new evidence against Booth in February 2025, allowing for FCSO to obtain a warrant in July.
Booth was temporarily
released from North Carolina law enforcement custody on a $35,000 bond. Sheriff Rick Staly was appointed in DeSantis’ extradition request to “receive, convey, and transport Booth from North Carolina to Florida to be held accountable for his crimes,” a press release said. Staly and FCSO deputies traveled to Franklin, North Carolina, to take custody of Booth on Sept. 5. Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson provided the FCSO a forestry aircraft for Booth’s extradition.
“I hope he enjoyed his flight back to Florida because it’ll probably be the last flight he takes,” Staly said. Staly thanked DeSantis, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, Simpson and Macon County Sheriff Holbrooks for their assistance.
“While our efforts today cannot erase the deep emotional scars that this pervert caused, it is my hope that his victim may now begin the healing process knowing that justice is finally coming,” he said.
AUG. 23 HELP WANTED
5:46 p.m. — First block of Big Buck Trail, Ormond Beach Trespassing. A 65-year-old Ormond Beach woman called police after a man entered her opened garage and knocked on outside windows, trying to get her attention. The woman confronted him and told him to leave, and the
The homeowner told police that the neighborhood’s homeowners association had warned him to be careful due to reports of transient activity, carbreaks and burglaries in the area. A neighbor also told police she remembered seeing two teen boys in the area with black spray cans during the time of the incident. Also missing from the home was a kitchen cabinet, valued at $3,800.
man, a 23-year-old from Georgia, complied, “slowly walking away,” according to a report.
Police located the man in the area; he was barefoot and told police that he was trying to get away from a girl he had been “hooking up” with. He also told police he was drunk.
When asked what he drank, the man said “everything.” He explained he had knocked on the woman’s door to get help.
The man’s vehicle was found nearby. One shoe was behind it and another about 100-200 feet in front. The man was taken to the hospital and issued a trespass warning.
SEPT. 5
UNDERAGE DUIs
9:53 p.m. – State Road 100,
Roberts Road, Flagler Beach
DUI. A 19-year-old was caught driving drunk with three minors in the backseat of his car.
A Florida Highway Patrol officer saw the suspect driving over the Flagler Beach bridge while he was out on patrol. The car was weaving in the lane and one of the rear passengers was leaning out of the back window, clearly not wearing a seatbelt, according to the driver’s arrest report.
The officer pulled the car over and asked the driver to step out of the car to conduct a sobriety test. The driver failed almost every portion of the sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level of .058 and .061, the report said.
The 19-year-old admitted to getting alcohol from a location in Palm Coast that does not ask for identification, the report said. He said he drank two beers and admitted to having another five beers in a cooler in the car.
The man was arrested.
SEPT. 7
COINCIDENTAL TIMING
8:52 p.m. – 5000 block of State Road 100 East, Flagler County Petit theft. A Daytona Beach woman was caught stealing over $100 in makeup from a store when a Sheriff’s Office deputy happened to walk into the same store and spot her.
The deputy caught the woman,36, taking makeup out of its packaging and hiding them in her pants, according to an arrest report. The deputy followed the woman around the store, asking her what she was doing and asking the store’s employees for surveillance footage.
The woman told the deputy she was just putting things back on the shelves, and then left the store. The deputy detained the woman outside the store, where she admitted to taking cosmetic products. She had attempted to take $108.70 worth of makeup and skin products. The suspect was trespassed from the store, placed under arrest and taken to the county jail.
Should USTA run Southern Rec?
A USTA proposal could save the city of $400,000 at the Southern Rec Center, but also take away revenue from tennis and pickleball.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
A hesitant Palm Coast City Council pumped the breaks on a proposed maintenance contract with the United States Tennis Association.
The management contract proposed the USTA take over most of the operations at the Southern Recreation Center, with the contract beginning in January 2026 and lasting five years to December 2031. The USTA states this would save Palm Coast $400,000 in personnel expenses, plus additional operating expenses.
But the City Council as a whole seemed hesitant to jump on board with the contract without more information and a financial breakdown of costs and potential revenue gains and losses.
“I see the potential on both sides, but I also see the risk,”
Vice Mayor Theresa Carli Pontieri said at the Sept. 9 workshop meeting. The council will vote on the contract at its Sept. 16 business meeting.
The proposed contract stipulates Palm Coast would keep the revenue from community activities, event space rentals and food service contracts.
The USTA would keep the revenue from tennis and pickleball operations while also absorbing the cost of those equipment and supply needs.
USTA representative Laura Bowen said USTA Florida hosts the majority of tennis events in the state. The plan would have a variety of proled pickleball and tennis programs, though the number of proposed tennis programs was double what was proposed for pickleball. The pass-holder fees would stay the same.
Councilman Dave Sullivan — who was on the Flagler County Commission when the city was building the Southern Recreation Center, in part with county Tourism Development Funds — said the city should wait until the facility has been open longer.
“I think we’re still a little bit too early to do any major changing in the management now,” Sullivan said.
The Southern Recreation Center opened in 2024. Yearto-date, it has made $418,800 in revenue from a mixture of sources, including pickleball admission — the majority
Palm Coast Charter Review Committee meets Sept. 29
The City of Palm Coast invites residents to attend the first community workshop for the Charter Review process. This workshop will provide an opportunity for the public to share feedback, ask questions, and participate in shaping potential amendments to the City Charter. The workshop will take place at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29, at the Southern Recreation Center located at 1290 Belle Terre Parkway. The City Charter is Palm Coast’s foundational governing document—similar to a constitution—that defines how the City operates and ensures local government remains transparent, accountable, and representative of the community. The Charter Review Committee, a citizenled group appointed by the City Council, is currently
of the revenue, at $163,000 — and tennis admissions, at almost $55,000.
Expenses, though, are at $625,000 year-to-date, a $200,000 gap. But this is just the first year of operations.
Parks and Recreation Director said it is overperforming; unlike the city’s golf course, which has been in the negative consistently for years, the center could still make cost-recovery under the city’s management.
“I really think that this is just getting off the ground and there’s a lot of revenue to be had,” Pontieri said.
A large organization like the USTA would be able to run programs at the facility more efficiently, at least according to resident and tennis player
Taralyn Bernard. Bernard said she has had times where the center’s professional players have not shown up to programs or classes.
“I feel like it’s just not being run effectively,” Bernard said. “And paying this much money annually, I want something in return.”
A positive argument for the contract would be the potential tourism from a USTA-run facility in Palm Coast. Palm Coast already hosts an annual USTA tournament at the Southern Recreation Center every year and as a USTAmanaged facility, it would have the resources to draw more tournaments to Palm Coast.
The USTA could also host additional junior and adult tournaments, as well as social events, at the Recreation Center, Bowen said.
“The economic impact for these types of events could be significant to the city, double or triple over time,” Bowen said.
Sullivan pointed out that the TDC grant awarded to Palm Coast was given with the idea that the Southern Recreation Center would draw additional tourism to the area.
Councilman Ty Miller pointed out that turning over maintenance of the facility to the USTA may remove some of the expenses from the city’s checkbook, but it takes away
CHARTER REVIEW WORKSHOP
When: 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 29
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway
reviewing the Charter to identify areas for clarification, modernization, or improvement. This workshop is the first of four opportunities for residents to engage directly with the Charter Review Committee facilitator, Georgette Dumont, and provide feedback. City of Palm Coast celebrates ‘topping out’ of Fire Station 22
A major milestone was celebrated on Sept. 3 as the City of Palm Coast, alongside contractor Wharton-Smith and design team Schenkel Shultz, marked the topping out of Fire Station 22. The event, held at the station’s future
the revenue, too.
“If we lose all of our revenues, and we save a couple hundred grand in expenditures, net, we’re losing money here if we do this,” he said.
And, Pontieri pointed out, the city would still be on the hook for some of the maintenance expenses, like facility maintenance, utility costs and providing the material and labor for court maintenance.
Pontieri also pointed out that pickleball prospects remained relatively unknown in the contract.
Several members of the public had that concern. Resident and pickleball player Van Gibson said many pickleball players volunteer to help run some programs at the Southern Recreation Center.
He said their pickleball organization has grown to 400 members in Palm Coast, in large part because of the Recreation Center.
“I don’t want to go back to Holland Park and put my nets up to play pickleball because something has happened to change the chemistry that we have developed together,” he said.
Mayor Mike Norris and Councilman Charles Gambaro agreed that the center needed more time and that the council needed more information.
“I would say we could wait, go through a few more quarters and see how the Recreation Center is performing and revisit the topic,” Norris said.
Gambaro said it is the council’s mandate to be cost recovery on its Parks and Recreation amenities, similar to what the council is trying to do with the city’s golf course. The council should be consistent in its cost-recovery policy, he said.
“I think we need to understand the numbers before we can make a decision on anything,” Gambaro said. “But my concern is from a policy perspective, which is this board’s mandate, to make sure that we’re asking our staff to go take a look at this from a consistent perspective.”
What’s your take? Email letters to brent@observerlocal news.com.
site at Palm Coast Parkway Northeast and Colbert Lane, commemorated the placement of the final beam, which the city press release called “a symbol of progress, teamwork, and a safer future for Palm Coast.”
Fire Station 22 is one of two new fire stations under construction in Palm Coast, joining Fire Station 26 in Seminole Woods. Together, these projects will reduce response times, expand coverage, and help safeguard the community for generations to come.
The ceremony featured remarks from Wharton-Smith and Schenkel Shultz, as well as City Manager Lauren Johnston and Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill.
“What an exciting day for the City of Palm Coast,” Johnston said. “This fire station, here at Palm Coast Parkway and Colbert Lane, and its sister station in Seminole Woods, represent an investment in lives — because every minute saved can mean the difference between devastation and hope. Just as this structure reaches higher, so does our commitment to our residents. We are building for today, but we are also building
Palm Coast city manager search narrowed to 12
The 12 applicants will be asked to submit video responses to questions asked by City Council. Next round: Sept. 23.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Palm Coast City Council has narrowed its city manager search to 12 candidates, four of which have support from four of the five council members.
The council received 112 applications for the position, and the council members were asked to submit at most 25 names for further consideration. To ensure a chosen applicant had potential support of the entire council, the Palm Coast City Council decided during the Aug. 26 workshop to only review applicants that had the initial support of at least three of the five council members.
That left 11 applicants. At the Sept. 9 meeting, Councilman Charles Gambaro asked the other council members for consensus to add candidate Norman West of Flagler Beach to the list as well.
West was one of only two applicants that Gambaro submitted support for, the other being Anthony Schembri, who received support from four of the five council members. West, a U.S. Air Force brigadier general, also had the support of Councilman Ty Miller.
Gambaro advocated for West’s consideration, stating the man has extensive budgeting and management experience through his command in the military.
“This is somebody that knows, as an executive, that knows how to manage staff, that knows how to manage budgets, and has done it under austere conditions,” Gambaro said. “When I look at an executive out of all the applicants that we received, Mr. Schembri and Mr. West were the two that really jumped out at me.”
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri was against adding an one more name, but only because the council had decided on a way to move forward.
“I certainly don’t think that we should be adding anybody additional that has not made it through this first step, because that was the agreed upon process,” she said.
Miller, Mayor Mike Norris and Councilman Dave Sullivan agreed to consider West’s name, adding him to the list of
candidates.
Next, each council member will submit two questions to the Human Resources director to give to the candidates, for a total of 10 questions. The 12 applicants — or those who are still interested in the position — will have until Sept. 18 to submit 30-minute video responses with their answers to the questions.
From there, the City Council will review the responses and narrow the field further at the Sept. 23 meeting after the council reviews the candidate responses.
Palm Coast has been searching for a new city manager since March 2024. Lauren Johnston, the then-assistant city manager, was installed as the acting city manager, and Palm Coast hired a search firm to find candidates for the position. Because of the November 2024 elections, the search was delayed until the new council had been elected.
In May 2025, the council held five separate votes on the final two candidates remaining, hoping to get unanimous approval for one. All five votes deadlocked in 3-2 splits, and the council decided to instead place the position on public job search sites to see who would apply.
The top four candidates are Charles Jackson, of Augusta, Georgia; Michael McGlothlin of Largo, Florida; Thomas Thomas, of Bloomington, Illinois; and Schembri of Venice, Florida.
All but Schembri were selected by Norris, Pontieri, Miller and Sullivan, while Schembri was selected by Gambaro but not Sullivan.
According to their resumes, Jackson currently serves as the deputy administrator for August-Richmond County in Georgia and has 25 years of local government leadership experience.
McGlothlin has 40 years of experience and was most recently the town administrator for Redington Shores, Florida.
Thomas’ last position as city manager of Compton, California, ended in 2023, but he has 25 years of city and county management experience.
Schembri is now a professor at the University of South Florida, but last served as county administrator in Citrus County. According to his LinkedIn, that was in 2009. He has over 30 years of public service experience.
Who do you favor for the next city manager? Email letters to brent@observerlocalnews.com.
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.
When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they picture mansions, yachts, and maybe a butler named Jeeves polishing the silver. The truth is, estate planning has very little to do with wealth and everything to do with making sure your wishes are honored and your loved ones aren’t left scrambling.
Simply put, estate planning is the process of setting up legal documents that explain how your assets will be managed during your lifetime and distributed after your death. It can be as basic as a will or as detailed as creating trusts that protect assets, reduce taxes, or provide long-term support for your family. Think of it as giving your loved ones a roadmap, instead of sending them on a scavenger hunt with missing clues.
Estate planning isn’t just about “who gets what.” It also covers who makes decisions if you can’t. Powers of attorney and health care directives let you choose the person who will step in if you’re incapacitated. Without those documents, a judge could end up making the decision—and judges are great at many things, but guessing who you’d want to pay your bills usually isn’t one of them. For families, estate planning prevents confusion and conflict. Without a will, state law decides who inherits your property. That default plan might not reflect your wishes. For example, the law doesn’t know that your cousin Jerry still owes you $200 from 1993. Estate planning is also highly flexible. Parents can name guardians for children. Business owners can decide who will take over the company. Retirees can prepare for longterm care. And yes, wealthy families can minimize taxes— but for most people, the real benefit is peace of mind. Starting the process doesn’t have to be scary. A qualified attorney can walk you through your options and create a plan tailored to your needs. Estate planning isn’t about focusing on death—it’s about making thoughtful decisions now, so your family doesn’t face chaos later. In short, estate planning is one of the most loving (and practical) gifts you can give. And unlike that fruitcake you left behind last Christmas, this one won’t get regifted.
for tomorrow — a stronger, safer Palm Coast.”
Berryhill highlighted how these stations will strengthen the department’s ability to serve the community with courage and speed.
“Every call we respond to is about protecting lives and
property,” he said. “These new stations will give our firefighters the resources they need to do their job even more effectively — and that means a safer Palm Coast for everyone. You’re building the building that’s going to protect the protectors.”
Palm Coast’s Southern Recreation Center. File photo by Sierra Williams
City Councilman Dave Sullivan, Acting City Manager Lauren Johnston, Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, Mayor Mike Norris, and City Councilmen Charles Gambaro and Ty Miller. Courtesy photo
Massive development gets final approval from Bunnell Commission, 3-2
The Reserve at Haw Creek will have up to 6,100 homes. Next step: state review.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
It was standing room only in Bunnell’s new City Chambers meeting room on Sept. 9, as Bunnell residents came out in force to protest a proposed development called the Reserve at Haw Creek.
“This is a three-legged stool, this process,” resident Stephen Woodin said. “There’s the city, there’s a developer, and there’s the residents. And from what I can see, especially this meeting here … the residents don’t want a development of this size.”
Despite the protests of the majority in attendance, Reserve at Haw Creek, a 6,100-home, 2,700-acre development proposed for Bunnell has been approved by the Bunnell City Commission. The Reserve will also have 625,000 square feet of commercial space and 850,000 square feet of industrial space.
The property is located in the northwest area of rural Bunnell, near Daytona North, and stretches west between
State Road 100 and State Road 11. It would be built in four phases, with phase one, on the east side, including a shopping center.
The development has been in the public eye for over a year. In June, the commission voted 4-1 against the development, which at the time was proposing an 8,000-home maximum.
Since then, the project was revived by Mayor Catherine Robinson, and, in August, the first reading to approve a future land use map amendment, a land rezoning and a development agreement was approved 3-2 with just Vice Mayor John Rogers and Commissioner David Atkinson dissenting. Robinson and Commissioners Dean Sechrist and Pete Young voted to approve. On Sept. 9, the vote was the same, 3-2, with Rogers and Atkinson against.
According to staff documents, if all 6,100 units are built, that would equal an estimated population of almost 14,400 people. Bunnell’s current population is just over 4,000, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
RESIDENTS PLEAD ‘NO’
For most residents, the concerns were based on the number of houses proposed by the
“This is a three-legged stool, this process. There’s the city, there’s a developer, and there’s the residents. And from what I can see, especially this meeting here … the residents don’t want a development of this size.”
STEPHEN WOODIN, resident
developer and the potential flooding issues that would come with a development of this size.
Resident Cheryl Trujillo said the residents should also be considered experts on the land, as many of them have lived near it and seen how it floods.
“I can tell you more about that property than they’re ever going to be able to tell you, because I’ve been there 40 years,” Trujillo said. “We lived it, we ate it, we slept it.”
Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington, who was speaking at the Bunnell city meeting as a resident, urged the board to table the matter until Flagler County and Bunnell could catch up on infrastructure projects and the Florida Legislature can review bills eroding local government rights.
“This state is actively eroding local authority over
development. Once you give approval, your ability to deny future changes will be weakened,” she said. “A process that looks acceptable today can become a nightmare tomorrow, something you never intended when you first approved it.”
Large scale development is not always a benefit to local government, she said.
Other residents were concerned that not enough studies had been conducted on the property. Community Development Director Joseph Parsons said during his presentation that site-specific investigations — such as for stormwater, traffic, soil and environmental impacts — are conducted during a later stage in the process.
Because of the sheer size of the proposed development, Parsons said, and its potential impact, it will undergo “thousands of individual reviews and approvals.”
“The goal is to ensure that the development mitigates potential impacts and complies with all the critical environmental and safety standards before the construction begins,” he said.
“It doesn’t mean they will,” Robinson said. “There are too many things between now and moving forward before that is decided.”
Rogers urged Commissioner Young, who made the motion to approve, to even just reduce it further to 5,500 homes, the number approved by the city’s planning and zoning board. Young said he did not see that 5,500 would make much of a difference.
COMMISSION GIVES OK Robinson told residents that the developer had addressed the concerns over the multiyear process it took to get to this point, including reducing the maximum number of homes on the property from 8,000 to 6,100. And 6,100 is just the maximum they are allowed, she said.
“I’m not trying to stop growth, but it’s about ensuring smart growth,” he said. Robinson said she did not want residents to feel that their voices had not been heard. The development will next be reviewed by the state to receive its recommendations.
“It’s still not done yet,” she said.
“They said that the development could hold 12,000 residences,” Young said. “What I’d like to see is we go ahead and vote and whatever happens, happens.” Rogers said the project was “a city within a city,” and would create a burden on the roads, schools and community. There was nothing in Bunnell compatible with it, he said.
Flagler County Commissioner Leann Pennington urged the Bunnell Commission to table the Reserve at Haw Creek application.
Bunnell City Commissioner Dean Sechrist voted for the Reserve at Haw Creek development. Photos by Sierra Williams
Bunnell Vice Mayor John Rogers and Mayor Catherine Robinson.
FHBA: Verify contractors are licensed
Following arrests of unlicensed contractors, the Flagler Home Builders Association asks residents to be cautious.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
Flagler Home Builders Association Executive Director
Annamaria Long said she sees multiple people pretending to be licensed contractors advertising their services every day on social media.
Unfortunately, scam artists offering discounted services for construction work is common, she said, and Palm Coast’s older and incomerestricted populations are the prime targeted demographics.
“It’s especially common with the elderly and with people who are on a very tight budget or financially strained,” she said. “Those are the two people that are the easiest to take advantage of in these situations.”
On Sept. 4, as part of an undercover operation, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office arrested four individuals who were pretending to be licensed contractors in Palm Coast. There were 15 other individuals and 45 unlicensed businesses the FCSO were investigating who were not arrested that were identified from multiple complaints filed with the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, the Flagler County Contractor Licensing Division and the Palm Coast Building Department.
The Flagler Home Builders Association is grateful for the FCSO’s and DBPR’s work on the undercover operation, Long said. The public needs to understand the importance of ensuring their contractor has a license and insurance.
“I hope to see that there are more consumers aware of this being a crime and why it is a crime,” she said.
The four individuals who
were arrested – Patrick Branigan, 34, of DeLand, Thomas Rush, 30, of Palm Coast; Jacob Gayle, 31, of Jacksonville and Aristides Chavez Martinez, 68, of Palm Coast – are facing various charges of operating without a license or as an unregistered contractor. Branigan and Rush were released on $1,000 bond and Gayle on a $500 bond, while Chavez was turned over the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when the FCSO determined he was in the country illegally.
Each of the four men’s charges are first-degree misdemeanors, with potential penalties ranging from fines, probation or jail time. Long said that is not enough.
“Slaps on the wrist over and over again don’t cut it,” Long said. “That just allows people to continue doing crimes. And I think that we see that throughout all levels of crime.”
Long said she knows some people who may be more concerned with the cost may not care about their contractor’s licenses and insurances. But, she said, working with an unlicensed and uninsured individual will have “There’s a number of repercussions that can and will happen,” she said.
First and foremost, she said, a homeowner will be liable if an uninsured person working
HOW TO CHECK A CONTRACTOR’S LICENSE AND INSURANCE:
Checking to see if a contractor is licensed and insured is simple. Long said individuals should always ask to see their contractors license and proof of insurance.
While some trades are not licensed through the state, she said, all forms of building, plumbing, HVAC, electrical and roofing are, she said. The Department
on their home is injured.
Worse would be if something were to happen to the home, the home insurance won’t cover damages if the individual performing the work is unlicensed or uninsured, Long said.
Long used an example a unlicensed electrician performing work on the electrical box. If a fire occurs in the home, she said, and it is in any way linked back to that work, the insurance won’t cover the damages.
“You can lose your entire life savings,” she said.
Long said she has also heard people say that they could be scammed just as easily by a licensed contractor. That’s true, she said: having a license “doesn’t make you an angel.” But licenses and insurances are investments contractors make into their businesses. It’s not just financial investments, either, because contractors are required to continue their education to stay up to date in the industry.
It may cost a little more, she said, but it is a layer of safety and protection for the consumer, too.
“You have a much higher likelihood of doing or of having your job done correctly the first time,” she said. “And if something does go wrong, then you have opportunity for getting that rectified.”
of Business and Professional Regulation requires contractors to display their license numbers on their websites and their advertisements.
“It’s very, very easy to check,” she said.
Residents can verify contracting licenses through the following website through myfloridalicense. com. Flagler County’s website flaglercounty.gov/ Growth-Building/Contractor-Licensing, has more information on contracting licensing requirements.
NEWS BRIEFS
Blood pressure kits, monitors available at Volusia libraries Volusia County Library users can now borrow kits to monitor their
at all 14 branch locations. “We’re excited to offer this free service to our patrons,” said Barry KuKes, marketing specialist with Volusia County Public Library. “Our goal is to provide community members with resources to enhance their health knowledge and encourage positive life changes.”
Each kit includes a blood pressure monitor and related resources to help guide users. The Libraries with Heart Initiative program will begin in September 2025.
$5,191,682
($33,457)
$5,225,139
$6,148,897
Protestors support Riverbend victims
Ormond Beach Police opened an investigation on Aug. 18, after receiving a tip concerning sexual allegations from the 2000s.
MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Protestors met on a small strip of land between the entrance to the Riverbend Community Church and Old Tomoka Farm Road on Sunday, Sept. 7, to show support for victims who recently accused church leaders of sexual and psychological abuse, some of it dating back 20 years.
The protestors also opposed the ideologies about women and children taught by the church and Riverbend Academy, which are located at 2080 W. Granada Blvd.
Ormond Beach Police opened an investigation into Riverbend on Aug. 18, after receiving a tip concerning sexual allegations.
On Aug. 21, an anonymous letter was published on Substack, a media platform, sharing accounts of the abuse that victims say took place at the church by members in positions of authority. The letter, which included statistics from a survey of 63 women within the church community, stated that 66.7% of them said they were actively discouraged by church leadership from pursuing higher education. A majority, 77.8%, reported feeling inferior to men because “they had been taught it was their ‘biblical role,’” according to the letter.
One worship leader at the church has since been removed from his position due to the allegations. Pastor Josh Brown told members in a meeting on Aug. 13 that the church was “exploring a third-party orga-
bers and fear of retribution. Patricia Redman, the owner of Haute Mess Beauty & Wellness in Ormond Beach, was joined by her daughters Alaina and Makayla Hamrick.
Redman, whose sons attended Riverbend Academy, said she was there to stand up for all the women that have said they were sexually abused when they were minors by church staff and people in leadership positions.
She also questioned the academy’s viewpoint on women.
Barrs to exit School Board
Flagler’s Barrs is expected to be confirmed by the Senate as head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler County School Board member Derek Barrs submitted his resignation to Gov. Ron DeSantis, effec
nization to potentially do an evaluation to determine where there is any truth, where there is any falsehood, to seek to exonerate any names that are accused, and as well as know how we can improve overall, our church as an organization.”
Many of the protest’s organizers requested to remain anonymous, in consideration of community mem-
“Men should learn how to stand up and be protective and not suppress women and children in order for them to feel masculine. That is not masculinity and it’s not biblical masculinity. That’s actually abuse.”
“No person’s value is found in a man,” she said. “A person’s value is found in Jesus Christ. Self-worth is not based on whether you’re married, can have children or choose to have children or even choose to be mar ried. A person’s value is not found in any other individual, let alone a sup pressive man. Men should learn how to stand up and be protective and not suppress women and children in order for them to feel masculine. That is not masculinity and it’s not Biblical masculinity. That’s actually abuse.”
The Observer reached out to River bend Community Church for com ment, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas contributed to this story.
uled before Barrs’ resignation takes At the Aug. 26 business meeting, Barrs closed his comments with anity that I’ve had to be appointed to this position and proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Barrs said. “What has always inspired me about Flagler Schools since I walked in the front door, of being able to go through the orientation, is a sharedues and the guiding principles that this organization has. Our mission is to ensure that every student has a
“… I want to leave you with this: How we carry ourselves matters even when we disagree with one another. … We owe it to our students, our staff, our community, to show the respect and professionalism and
“People are watching what we do. And how we lead in Flagler County Schools should remain an example of
“To our teachers and staff, thanktrict. Every classroom lesson, every act of support, every behind the scenes effort makes the difference from small to large. It takes all of us working together, as I mentioned, to give every kid the very best, and you Email Brent Woronoff at brent@
Protestors at the entrance of Riverbend Community Church, 2080 W. Granada Blvd.
Matanzas High School students and siblings Alaina and Makayla Hamrick joined their mom Patricia Redman in the protest at the entrance of the Riverbend Com munity Church property on West Granada Boulevard. Photo by Michele Meyers
Derek Barrs will be replaced on the Flagler County School Board by an appointment from Gov. Ron DeSantis.
PATRICIA REDMAN, owner of Haute Mess Beauty & Wellness
Camino del Mar bridge intersection project to be complete by Christmas
The Hammock project started in April and was originally planned to take 120 days.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
The Camino del Mar intersection expansion project will be under construction until the end of the year.
The Hammock Dunes Bridge and the roads on the east side of are managed by the Hammock Dunes Community Development District. District Manager Gregory Peugh said in a phone interview with the Observer that the project has seen delays. Construction began at the intersection in April. Initial-
ly, in an April interview with the Observer, Peugh said the project contract was for 120 days. With the delays, Peugh said they’re estimating construction will instead finish by Christmas.
“Hopefully sooner,” he said. But, he said, a hurricane could cause further delays.
The Hammock Dunes CDD is adding three dedicated turn lanes to the intersection: a dedicated left turn lane coming east off the Hammock Dunes bridge, a dedicated right turn onto the bridge from Camino del Mar when coming from State Road A1A, and a dedicated right turn lane when coming from the east side of Hammock Dunes Parkway.
Despite the delays, work is still ongoing at the intersection. Overnight for two nights
from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Wednesday Sept. 10, Hammock Dunes Parkway was closed for construction work between Camino del Mar and Granada Boulevard.
Peugh said the closures were so the construction crews could pull up pavers along the road in preparation for repaving. The pavers will be reused in other CDD projects, he said.
Phase one of the project is to construct the turn lanes.
Phase two will be to add a traffic signal, Peugh said, if it is necessary.
“The plan at the moment is, once this construction is finished, then we will evaluate how much it’s improved the intersection, and if the traffic signal is needed at that point or not,” he said.
NEWS BRIEFS
FEMA funds released to Flagler County, Flagler Beach
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released $178 million in storm recovery funds to Florida, including over $12 million for Flagler County and Flagler Beach.
The $8.7 million earmarked for Flagler County are for dune restoration specific to damage created by Hurricane Milton, while $3.7 million is for Flagler Beach’s pier replacement project, a Flagler County press release said. The funds were released on Sept. 4.
A FEMA press release said the total amount given to Florida is more than $804 million since Jan. 20.
The $8.7 million is the same money Congressman Randy Fine said he had gotten on behalf of Flagler County during a press conference on Aug. 27. The funding will be applied to the beaches from MalaCompra Park to Marineland and could begin in November. The total work for that section is expected to cost $11 million, the county press release said. Flagler County already has dune restoration projects ongoing, and the county would just need to extend the contract with the current contractor, according to information in the Aug. 27 press conference.
FEMA is reimbursing the work costs at a 75% federal share through FEMA’s Public Assistance Program, the Flagler press release said. The program provides funding to state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, for disaster response and recovery work.
FDOT’s Flagler
Beach-Volusia buried sea wall is
complete
The Florida Department of Transportation’s buried seawall in Flagler Beach has finished construction, while the Ormond Beach seawall project is “progressing steadily,” an FDOT press release said.
The FDOT is been working on constructing two buried seawalls in Flagler Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea since early 2024. The north wall is located north of Highbridge Road in Volusia County to South Central Avenue in Flagler Beach.
The work on the Flagler Beach wall, including restoring dune walkovers, is finished but for some landscaping, the press release said. The only remaining work in an area with an active sea turtle nest and once that nest is empty FDOT crews will finish dune shaping and planting.
The southern seawall project is in Ormond-by-theSea, from Sunrise Avenue to Marlin Drive. Work on this wall is completed, including the piles and concrete cap and most of the dune reshaping completed, the press release said, excepting another few areas with turtle nests.
Landscaping is around 70% complete and 20% of the dune walkovers have been restored. The FDOT teams estimate the work will largely finish by late fall in 2025 and finish entirely in early 2026, the press release said.
Below are the FDOT’s project information website for up-to-date information.
For the northern wall: www.cflroads.com/project/452444-1
For the southern wall: www.cflroads.com/project/452443-1
Volusia expands creates new farming program for inmates
The Volusia County Council approved the first phase of a new inmate farming program on Thursday, Sept. 4, designed to reduce costs and create future job opportunities for incarcerated individuals after release. The initiative not only supports daily operations at the correctional facility but also invests in programs that help prepare inmates for successful reentry into the community.
Phase I expands the Corrections Division’s existing gardening program to include an additional 1-acre area at the correctional facility. The expansion will enable inmates to cultivate a variety of seasonal crops, including lettuce, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and onions. These vegetables are among the most commonly used in inmate meals, making the program a natural way to supplement food supplies and reduce reliance on outside providers.
Additionally, the outdoor activity and skills-based learning can support mental health well-being and help prepare inmates for reentry into the community, further decreasing the likelihood of recidivism. This effort is part of Volusia County’s broader Second Chance Reentry Services program, which also includes GED preparation and exams, forklift training and certification, barbering, virtual welding, and other programs designed to provide practical skills and pathways for rehabilitation.
Planting is scheduled to start in early 2026. Phase II, which could introduce a chicken program and further expand fresh food production, skill-building, and reentry opportunities for inmates, is scheduled for future consideration.
The Camino Del Mar intersection is adding three dedicated turn lanes. Photo by Sierra Williams
Flagler School Board OKs $338M budget
District responsible for Family Empowerment Scholarships to 1,926 students, totaling over $17 million.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler County School Board adopted a final budget of $338,224,969 and a mandatory Required Local Effort millage rate of 3.1010 on Tuesday, Sept. 9, for the July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 fiscal year. The RLE millage rate of 3.1010 mills, or $3.1010 per $1,000 in taxable property value, is set by the Florida Department of Education. The district’s rate has gone down for the 11th straight year.
“We’re the only taxing municipality that cannot set its own millage,” Flagler Schools Chief Financial Officer Patty Wormeck said. “As our property values go up,
state funding goes down, so higher property values is not actually a benefit for us.”
While the RLE millage rate has dropped, the amount of money the district will be responsible for in Family Empowerment Scholarships, or vouchers, has increased with 1,926 students choosing private or home school options and receiving a total of $17,095,511 in scholarship funds. In 2024-2025, 1,606 students received the scholarships totaling 14,174,041.
The district’s general fund, or main operating fund, will have an expected fund balance of $7,591,692 at the end of the fiscal year. The total general fund revenue, with a 20242025 estimated fund balance of $9 million, is $163,338,897, with expenditures totaling 155,747,205.
A pie chart in Wormeck’s presentation showed the vast majority of the general fund expenditures — 83% — covering employee salaries and benefits with 11% paying for purchase services.
The RLE millage rate will
raise $59,673,112. Two other taxes include a capital improvement tax of 0.7480 mills generating $14,393,902 and a discretionary millage of 1.5000 generating $28,864,775.
The total millage rate exceeds the roll-back rate by 2.8%.
The board unanimously adopted the final budget and millage at a public hearing following its agenda workshop.
School Board member Derek Barrs said the two meetings would be the final board meetings that he’d attend live. He is planning to attend the Sept. 23 workshop and business meeting virtually before his resignation goes into effect on Sept. 30.
Barrs is slated to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, though that vote could be delayed. He said he would be a senior adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation pending confirmation.
Volusia Schools passes $1.4B budget
School Board member Brosemer voted no, uncomfortable with the budget increase from $1.1 billion.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Volusia County School’s budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 is coming in higher than expected.
In late July, the School Board had approved a tentative budget and millage rate of $1.17 billion and 5.279 mills, respectively. While the tax rate, a 2.99% increase over the rollback rate, remained the same at the district’s first budget hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 9, the budget rose to $1.36 billion.
Chief Financial Officer
Todd Seis said this was a result of a late entry from the Florida Department of Education, which came in on Sept. 2.
The School Board approved the tax rate and budget with a 4-1 vote, with School Board member Donna Brosemer voting against.
“I confess I was a lot more comfortable at the workshop when the projected budget was going to be closer to $1.1 billion,” Brosemer said.
Looking at student enrollment data from 10 years ago compared to today, Brosemer said numbers were similar but that the district’s budget had increased by almost 75%.
She was also concerned about how much of the operating budget — now 71.5% according to staff —was dedicated to salaries and benefits, adding that she’d like for the district to look at its internal structure for next fiscal year.
VCS is projecting to have about 54,127 traditional students in 2026, based on
DOE’s forecast model. That is a reduction of about 1,412 students from the second survey conducted in 2025.
Where the district is seeing growth, Seis said, is in its scholarship programs — about 1,627 more are projected for 2025.
Due to the late entry by DOE, the new budget breakdown is:
$702,959,023 for the general fund, up from $635,350,398.
$42,711,195 in the debt service fund, down from $49,427,506.
$468,944,109 in the capital projects fund, up from $361,949,672.
$132,480,245 in the special revenue fund (which includes federal programs), down from $208,747,010.
$18,937,641 in the internal services fund, down from $19,762,627.
Seis said the district is continuing its controlled spend down approach, using reserves to balance the budget. The district is at a $12 million operating deficit, leaving VCS with a little over 5% in its unassigned fund balance.
School Board Chair Jamie Haynes said it’s often said in the community that the district has a large budget; people often divide the total amount by the number of students enrolled to find the amount of dollars spent per student.
Haynes said this isn’t an accurate representation.
“They just believe that that is all cash flow — that we have a choice of how we spend it,” she said. “But under this, even our debt is included as part of that amount of money, along with our capital projects funding, our special revenue funding, our internal service funding, and the charter school money that comes in to us and goes out the door is also part of that money.”
In response to Brosemer’s
“I just don’t know that it’s a fair comparison, because it’s costing more to do all of these things and to keep up with what we’re doing.”
JAMIE HAYNES, School Board Chair
concerns, Haynes said that costs have increased for capital projects since the COVID-19 pandemic. Everything is more expensive — including personnel costs as teachers are now getting paid more. Seven years ago, the starting salary for a teacher in Volusia County was $39,200. Last year, it was $49,201.
“I just don’t know that it’s a fair comparison, because it’s costing more to do all of these things and to keep up with what we’re doing,” Haynes said.
School Board member Krista Goodrich agreed, stating during her closing comments that it’s “not apples to apples to compare 2015 to 2025.” In addition to salary increases, the district has felt the impacts of a higher costs for insurance, supplies, cost of materials for building and fortifying schools – mandates for which were amped up after the Parkland shooting in 2018. Board members, overall, commended Seis and the finance department for their work on the budget, which was provided to the board in a line item format.
“I know the state throws wrenches into that budget constantly, so I do appreciate you putting that for us all together and having it out there for the public to see,” School Board member Jessie Thompson said.
Make yourself at home
Weight loss experiment: Eat a cookie, lose a pound
“And how do you know this?” I asked.
“I went to Publix, and I weighed myself,” he explained. “Then, I ate a cookie.”
With some professorial excitement, he concluded:
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
One morning as we were walking to the bus stop, my 7-year-old son, Luke, revealed a crumb of wisdom for the ages.
“Did you know that if you eat a cookie while you’re walking around Publix, you will lose one pound?” he said. On one hand, someone as skinny as Luke might know a thing or two about weight loss. On the other hand, no.
“And when I left, I weighed myself again.” There you go. It’s settled. Time to call the TV stations. Time to tell the manufacturers of Ozempic and Mounjaro that they’re wasting their time. The cure for obesity has been right under our noses all this time: sugar cookies.
“I’m guessing you didn’t read the scale correctly,” I said.
Luke was indignant. “Dad! I read it correctly!”
Over the next few days, I couldn’t stop thinking about this wild claim. I daydreamed of eating cookies while my
pants got looser and looser around the waist. So much easier than fasting or forcing myself to eat another cucumber.
Kennedy, Luke’s 10-yearold sister, wasn’t too convinced. When Luke explained his discovery to her after school, she raised an eyebrow and said, “Umm, no. That’s just confusing.” I rushed to Luke’s defense. “Kennedy, it was a science experiment. Science.”
“I think he was remembering his weight wrong,” Kennedy said.
There was only one way to settle this: We had to replicate the results.
I drove Luke and Kennedy to Publix. We parked. We approached the industrial scale in front of the rows of shopping carts, and Luke climbed onto the platform.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
P-Section ‘lanes’ are in need of resurfacing
Dear Editor: Palm Coast is a nice place to live and retire. We have lived here since 2018.
However, one thing we notice are the streets, especially those ending in “lanes,” that are showing signs of aging, with cracks and bumps.
We are referring to the street “lanes,” i.e, Pinnell Lane, Pinwheel Lane, Pinto Lane. We think that the roads along these “lanes” need a re-pavement, considering the increase in residents and cars driving along the road. We hope that the City Council gives attention and provides much needed uplift to the affected roads in the P-Section and in other sections and neighborhoods as well. This will enhance and maintain the beauty of Palm Coast for years to come! Thank you.
CORINNA MARTINEZ Palm Coast
Editor’s note: Brittany Kershaw, Palm Coast’s director of communications and marketing, explains the city’s
road maintenance process and how it sets priorities for resurfacing:
“The Palm Coast City Council has adopted a proactive maintenance plan for residential roads using a process called High-Performance Micro-Surfacing. This treatment applies a protective layer made from granite aggregate and polymerized asphalt emulsion, which extends pavement life, improves durability, and enhances appearance.
“To ensure maintenance is done fairly and effectively, the city uses a data-driven approach to select roads for resurfacing. Residential neighborhood roads are evaluated using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), which rates streets on a scale of 1 to 100. Roads with a PCI rating between 73 and 80 are prioritized for preventive treatment before more significant wear occurs. Culde-sacs and collector roads are excluded, as they are not good candidates for this use and require different treatments.
“For efficiency, roads in similar conditions and within the same neighborhoods are grouped together, while also balancing mainte-
nance across different areas of the city. Each year, about $1 million is budgeted for this program. In 2024, the city completed resurfacing on 29 neighborhood roads, and in 2025, 33 roads were completed, and the city’s goal to is to include another grouping of approximately 30 roads as part of the upcoming (fiscal year 2026) budget.
“City Council remains committed to caring for Palm Coast’s infrastructure in a way that is both costeffective and beneficial to residents.”
Keep perspective on City of Ormond Beach’s budget
Dear Editor:
Instead of trying to respond to the many comments regarding the budget of the City of Ormond Beach on social media, many from individuals who don’t even live in the city limits, I thought I would write a letter to the editor.
Over the past 35-plus years, I have been honored to serve on the Planning Board, the Development Review Board and have served as executive director of the
Fifty four pounds. I took a picture so that there would be no confusion afterward. We then headed straight for the cookies, and both of my children chose the sprinkle variety.
Anticipating that the results would confirm his previous findings, Luke began some preliminary extrapolations: “Maybe two cookies would make me lose two pounds?”
We wound our way up and down several aisles to pick up some groceries, before, as if fate had planned this moment centuries ago, we ended up right back in front of the scale!
Up he climbed. This time, I recorded a video, so that the celebration would live forever in history museums, alongside the footage of Neil Armstrong walking on the
Ormond Beach Chamber. I have observed firsthand the past mayors and commissioners take stands to keep our city and our ad valorem taxes the lowest in the county. I will not include the City of DeBary as the lowest, as they contract out their fire and police, a significant portion of their budget, and that is not a fair comparison.
Our past commissions have worked hard to develop Ormond Beach as an amazing family community. They were the leaders in introducing competitive government, allowing private enterprises to bid on city services. They saved millions by replacing our city waste management, landscaping expenses and transferring much of those costs to private businesses that they contracted with. And then they worked hard to pass the savings on to the parks, sports programs and senior programs that made our community special.
Plus, the residents rallied by volunteers building the Magic Forest Rainbow Park and taxing themselves to create the Andy Romano Beachfront Park in partnership with the county. In addition, thanks to Mayor Fred Costello and Mayor David Hood, they raised money from the business community to sponsor the beautification medians along West Granada Boulevard. I know this firsthand, as I collected the donations from the businesses as executive director of the Ormond Chamber. I also collected the donations from the North U.S. 1 Coalition businesses to beautify that corridor.
Our city ad valorem taxes have remained low for as long as I can remember, so when our current City Commission, city manager and staff confirm that we need to increase our ad valorem taxes slightly, many of us agree.
moon.
The needle bounced around the 52-pound mark. Was it possible? Two pounds lost?
Eureka!
“This is one small step for cookies, one giant leap for —”
But then I looked down at him more closely …
“Luke, get your hands off the handlebars!”
He looked up with a sheepish smile. Oops. With his hands at his side, sure enough, the needle rose back up to 54 pounds exactly.
So much for scientific discovery.
We drove home, sadder and wiser.
But, the more I think of it, while we didn’t prove that cookies cause weight loss, we did prove that they don’t cause weight gain, either. Can’t argue with science.
are playing politics to get their candidates elected, or re-elected.
PEGGY FARMER Ormond Beach
Reminding DeSantis: Washington’s vaccine mandate helped save Continental Army
Dear Editor:
Here’s an interesting historical reminder to our antiscience governor and his less than enlightened surgeon general with their controversial scheme to discard vaccine mandates for school kids. It’s possible that the U.S. could still be the British colony that it was in 1777 if it wasn’t for George Washington during the American Revolution “mandating” that the entire Continental Army be inoculated against smallpox.
That disease was rampantly spreading, decimating his army and crippling their ability to carry on. Smallpox was more of a threat to the Continental Army than the British Army, and by spearheading and mandating the first ever mass inoculation effort, Washington changed the war’s trajectory.
Although the soldiers then likely whined about and feared the forced inoculations, and some may have even howled “my body, my choice,” the mandate worked. It was done for the “greater common good” and in essence saved the country. And it’s the greater good that remains of vital importance today even in the microcosm of a Florida schoolroom setting.
It is very unfortunate that most of the negative comments that I read on social media regarding our amazing city are either from newcomers who do not realize that we have the second lowest ad valorem taxes in the county, or they don’t even live in Ormond Beach and
Former acting Secretary of Defense endorses Gambaro
for U.S. House seat
Former Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller has endorsed Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro in Florida’s 6th Congressional District race, Gambaro’s campaign announced in a press release.
Miller served as President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense from Nov. 9, 2020, to Jan. 20, 2021. Gambaro, a brigadier general in the U.S.
But Florida has twisted the logic, discarded the science, dismissed the immense successes of vaccines, and interjected some nonsensical, disingenuous and unbridled “Free State of Florida” gibberish to replace the greater good concept.
There is an indisputable, and what should be selfevident, understanding that anyone’s freedom to choose is rightfully and quickly disallowed when the exercise
Army Reserve and former Pentagon adviser, worked closely with Miller at the time. In his endorsement, Miller said, “I have seen Charles Gambaro in numerous pressure-filled and life-and-death situations. He’s unflappable. Florida is lucky to have him as a citizen and America is fortunate that he has decided to continue his service by entering the arena of politics.
A man of profound courage, commitment, high personal and professional standards, Charlie will give voice to those that all too often aren’t heard and selflessly serve the citizens of Florida with integrity,
A headline in the Ormond Beach Observer’s Sept. 4 edition incorrectly stated Heyward Evans was an elder at Riverbend Community Church. His title at the church was worship leader, and his role was to lead singing during worship services. CORRECTION
of that choice puts at risk the health, safety and well being of others. What Florida is proposing represents just the opposite. It actually rises to the level of child endangerment — inconsiderate parents putting at risk their own kids and the kids they interact with in a classroom. You don’t take away disease protection from the majority just to satisfy a selfish few. If a subset of parents are so hellbent against mandated vaccines, they should exercise that “Free State of Florida” right to homeschool their children. The sensible, considerate parents, their vulnerable kids, and schoolhouse staff will thank them.
And of course we all should thank George Washington and the soldiers of the Continental Army for respecting their mandate and the greater good it represented, and for demonstrating and advancing the proven wonders of vaccines.
To serve in today’s U.S. military, almost the identical series of school vaccinations are “mandated” once again for the greater common good, and curiously incompatible with Florida’s governor’s position.
MARGARET MINUTAGLIO Palm Coast
Send letters up to 400 words to jarleene@observerlocalnews.com.
empathy and fortitude. I am honored and humbled to endorse this great military officer and American.” Gambaro said he is “honored and humbled” by Miller’s endorsement. Gambaro said in the press release: “Chris also served 27 years as an officer in the U.S. Army’s elite Green Berets. I am extremely honored by his endorsement and proud to call him my friend.”
Gambaro is running against U.S. Rep. Randy Fine for the Republican nomination in the 6th District. Flagler County School Board Chair Will Furry has also filed for the seat.
Theater revival
Flagler Playhouse holds grand opening for its new theater and event space.
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
The Flagler Playhouse held a grand opening on Saturday, Sept. 6, for phase one of its rebuild.
“We’re so glad to be back in our own little home,” Flagler Playhouse President Jerri Berry said.
A fire destroyed the Bunnell theater in October 2023. The main building, once a church, was demolished. The new home of the county’s oldest theater troupe is in the adjacent building. It includes a 50-seat theater, where the shows will be performed for the Playhouse’s 2025-2026 season, and event space with two rooms that will be open for rental for private parties and events.
Phase two, which will be built on what is now a grass lot where the main theater used to be, will be the next focus, Berry said.
“We’re hoping to make
YOUR TOWN
Flagler’s AAUW celebrate Women’s Equality Day
The Flagler Branch of the American Association of University Women celebrated Women’s Equality Day on Aug. 26 at Mezzaluna Pizzeria in European Village to commemorate the 105th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, guaranteed by the 19th Amendment.
Some of the women dressed in period costume for the occasion. Representative Bella Abzug (D-NY) introduced a bill in 1971 to advocate for this commemoration. The first official recognition came in 1972 when President Richard Nixon issued a proclamation to honor the day. The following year Congress passed a joint resolution officially establishing Women’s Equality Day. The resolution included a request that the president issue an annual proclamation, which has been observed for over 50 years. There are many milestones to recognize in the ongoing struggle for women’s equality which officially began in 1848 in Seneca Falls, New York.
The first Women’s Rights Convention was a hastily organized event designed to
it multipurpose with event space and/or a theater,” Berry said. “There is no real event space on this end of the county.”
Berry cut the ribbon on the new Flagler Playhouse space in front of Bunnell city officials, playhouse contributors and guests. The Playhouse’s Penguin Project participants performed their signature choreographed dance to the song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
The Penguin Project is a nationwide program that allows children and young adults with developmental disabilities to perform in modified Broadway shows. Flagler Playhouse is one of just five or six Penguin Project chapters in Florida, Berry said.
Also performing at the grand opening were Andrew Trotter, Ysa Boothman and Angelina DeMaio. Trotter was in the playhouse’s first show presented at the new theater, “The Fantasticks,” in June. He sang “Stars” from “Les Miserables” and also sang a booming duet with Boothman of “Suddenly Seymour” from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Boothman and DeMaio sang “Lollypop,” and “All I Have to
coincide with the scheduled speaking tour of Lucretia Mott, a famous Quaker orator and abolitionist. The two-day event drew approximately 300 participants who attended lectures on law and various discussions about the role of women in society.
The sessions resulted in the Declaration of Sentiments, a document modeled after the Declaration of Independence, along with a list of resolutions to be debated and modified prior to being ratified. A woman’s right to vote was a contentious concept that eventually was included in the resolution at the urging of Frederick Douglass, the famous abolitionist and sole African American attendee at the convention.
On the final day of the convention exactly 100 people, 68 women and 32 men, signed the document. The first Women’s Suffrage Amendment was introduced in Congress in 1878. It would take over four more decades before the 19th Amendment would finally become law. Although this legally granted all women the right to vote nationwide it didn’t guarantee this right in practice.
African Americans were often disenfranchised due to discriminatory practices such as poll taxes and literacy tests. It wasn’t until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that legislation finally protected the voting rights of all people regardless of race.
Do Is Dream.”
Boothman will be in the Playhouse’s second show of the 2025-2026 season, “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” on Nov. 7-16. The season-opening show is “On Golden Pond,” with shows on Sept. 26-Oct. 5. Other shows this season include “You Better Watch Out, on Dec. 5-14, “The Odd Couple,” on Feb. 27-March 8, and You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” on April 10-19. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to flaglerplayhouse.org or call 386400-8989.
For more information about the AAUW Flagler County Branch go to www.flaglercounty-fl.aauw.net.
Palm Coast City Repertory Theatre’s ‘Avenue Q’ is ‘packed with heart’
The City Repertory Theatre kicks off its 15th season on Sept. 19 with a musical that’s “part flesh, part felt and packed with heart.”
“Avenue Q” is a laugh-outloud musical that won Best Musical, Best Score and Best Book at the 2004 Tony Awards. Avenue Q tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named Princeton, who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. He soon discovers that, although the residents seem nice, it’s clear that this is not your ordinary neighborhood.
Together, Princeton and his new-found friends struggle to find jobs, dates and their everelusive purpose in life. What makes the story different is that Princeton and some of his friends just happen to be puppets.
The interaction between them and their human partners adds a layer of humor that could remind you of a certain street where puppets are friends, monsters are good and life lessons are learned. Of course, these puppets aren’t kids. They
are young adults addressing adult issues and using adult language, so Avenue Q isn’t appropriate for children. However, for those who love humor, a delightfully catchy score and a raunchy joke or two, Avenue Q is an unmatchable evening of entertainment.
Directed by CRT Artistic Director John Sbordone with music direction by Benjamin Beck, City Rep’s production stars Xavier Torres as Princeton, Ella Hanks as Kate Monster, Beau Wade as Rod, Trey Pate as Nicky, Ben Beck as Trekkie Monster, Phillipa Rose as Gary Coleman, Terri Williams as Lucy, Chris Nelson as Brian, Anne Demeglio as Christmas Eve and Khloë Chaton and Amanda Lopez as The Bad Idea Bears.
Avenue Q will be shown on three successive weekends, Sept. 19-21, Sept. 26-28 and Oct. 3-5 with Friday and Saturday shows and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays shows at 3 p.m. All performances take place at City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, B-207, Palm Coast.
A black-box theater with just 45 seats, CRT’s space highlights the work of its talented actors while it draws the audience close to the action. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 386585-9415 or crtpalmcoast. com.
Send Your Town stories to brent@observerlocalnews.com.
Palm Coast’s Carol and Fred Lewers celebrate 60th anniversary
Carol and Fred Lewers celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family on Aug. 28 at Olive Garden in Palm Coast.
Their daughters, Susan Rogers and Nancy Peters, along with other family members celebrated their parents with heartfelt and funny memories through the years.
“We have been blessed beyond measure to have watched our parents who were so involved in the Palm Coast community and in the lives of their four grandsons,”
“We’re so glad to be back in our own little home.”
JERRI
BERRY, Flagler Playhouse president
Rogers said. “And (they are) soon to be first-time greatgrand parents (in) February 2026. They are ‘Living the Good Life’ and have truly been an example for us. Now it’s our turn to continue that legacy and example they have set.”
Carol and Fred Lewers were married 60 years ago. Courtesy photos
Flagler Playhouse President Jerri Berry cuts the ribbon at the Flagler Playhouse’s grand opening on Sept. 6. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Angelina DeMaio and Ysa Boothman sing a medley of songs at the Flagler Playhouse’s grand opening.
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, SEPT. 11
9/11 TRIBUTE CEREMONY
When: 8 a.m.
Where: Elks Lodge, 53 Old Kings Road N., Palm Coast
Details: Speaker Rich Glover, retired lieutenant from the Fire Department of New York, who responded on Sept. 11, 2001.
FIFTH ANNUAL 9/11
MEMORIAL TRIBUTE CLIMB
When: 8:15 a.m.
Where: Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa, 200 Ocean Crest Drive, Palm Coast
Details: A tribute ceremony in memory of the first responders who died on 9/11. Free.
LITTLE ARTISTS WORKSHOP
When: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach
Details: For ages 3-5. Visit ormondartmuseum.org.
‘WEAVING A TAPESTRY’: GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY
When: 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: The Halifax Genealogy Society member Linda Vivian will speak on the distinction between genealogy and family history and how to get started,
ART OF HEALING WORKSHOP
When: 2-3:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Visit ormondartmuseum.org/classes-programs.
LIVE LIKE CAMERON MUSIC BINGO FUNDRAISER
When: 6 p..m.
Where: Palm Coast Lanes, 11 Old Kings Road N.
Details: Raise funds for Live Like Cameron. First three rounds are free. Bonus round cards are $10 each. There will be food and beverages available for purchase.
SEPT. 11 CANDLELIGHT
MEMORIAL SERVICE
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Heroes Memorial Park, 2860 Palm Coat Parkway NW, Palm Coast
Details: Palm Coast Fire Department’s annual 9/11 Candlelight Vigil. Candles will be provided. The public is encouraged to attend.
FRIDAY, SEPT. 12
ORMOND BEACH GARDEN
CLUB GARAGE SALE
When: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, and Saturday, Sept. 13
Where: 14 Concord Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: The Ormond Beach Garden Club is having a garage sale. Proceeds will go toward the garden club’s
outreach projects and its 75th anniversary celebration.
VETERANS LUNCH AND LEARN
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
Details: Open to veterans and current service members only. Free admission. Registration required. Visit ormondartmuseum.org/ classes-programs.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 13
HOW-TO FESTIVAL
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library
Details: Attend this festival at the library and attend free sessions about designing buttons, family crafting, discovering microscopes, gardening with native plants, birding, genealogy and more. For more information, visit https://volusialibrary.libcal.com.
CARDBOARD REGATTA
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Moody’s Boat Ramp, 825 Moody Lane, Flagler
Beach
Details: Get ready to race or sink at the Flagler Beach Centennial Cardboard Regatta. Build your vessel from cardboard, duct tape and latex paint. There will be awards for fastest boat, best design, and the most dramatic sinking. Register at City Hall or online at cityofflaglerbeach.com.
GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY
When: 1-4 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: This is a free, oneon-one research assistance program offered by volunteers with the Halifax Genealogy Society. The next session convenes in Meeting Room 3. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.
CIRCUS DU CANINE
When: 7 p.m.
noted percussionist Terry “Doc” Handy, with his cymonian jazz ensemble. Tickets cost $40. Visit nefja.org.
Sunday, Sept. 14
BULOW PLANTATION RUINS
HISTORIC STATE PARK HISTORY TOUR
When: 2-3 p.m.
Where: Bulow Plantation Ruins Historic State Park, 3501 Old Kings Road S, Flagler
Beach
Details: Join this one-hourlong tour that will take park visitors through the rise and fall of the sugar economy during the Second Seminole War. Tour involves a half-mile round trip walk across a nature trail with uneven footing. Bring sunscreen, bug protection and water.
MONDAY, SEPT. 15
ALL ABOUT MEDICARE
OPEN ENROLLMENT
When: 1 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach
Details: Carrie Petesch, SHINE Advocate with ElderSource will present about Medicare open enrollment this year.
TUESDAY, SEPT. 16
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 back, and this month’s event supports the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation and the Pink Army 5K. Order appetizers, main dishes, side dishes and desserts. Registration is not required.
KIWANIS CLUB OF FLAGLER COUNTY OPEN HOUSE
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Where: Hilton Garden Inn, 55 Town Center Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Displays, food and beverages and presentations.
FILM SCREENING:
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, Details: Attend this celebration of the arts featuring adopted and rescued dogs performing stunts. Tickets cost $20 for adults; children 12 and under are free. Visit FlaglerEntertainment.com.
THE JEEP MCCOY
MEMORIAL CONCERT
When: 4-7 p.m.
Where: Daytona State College Amphitheater, Palm Coast Campus, 3000 Palm Coast Parkway, Palm Coast Details: This concert features
‘KON-TIKI’ When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Hosseini Center, 1200 W International Speedway Blvd., Daytona Beach
Details: See “Kon-Tiki,” an adventure film based on explorer Thor Heyerdahl as he attempts to travel across the Pacific Ocean on a raft made of balsa wood. Free and open to the public.
WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 17
ISEA’S ART INNOVATION SYMPOSIUM
When: 10:30 a.m. to 3:30
p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, to Friday, Sept. 19
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens
Details: OMAM is hosting the International Society of Experimental Artists for their 2025 Art Innovation Symposium. Six workshops are scheduled over three days; workshop tuitions range from $150 to $345. Register directly with ISEA at www.iseaartexhibit.org/Symposium2025.
PROBUS CLUB
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Cypress Knoll Golf & Country Club, 53 Easthampton Blvd., Palm Coast
Details: Speaker is Hewitt Dupont. Contact Larry Wright at palmcoastprobusclub@ gmail.com.
FLAGLER TIGER BAY
SPEAKER SERIES
When: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Hammock Dunes Club, 30 Avenue Royale, Palm Coast
Details: Roger B. Handberg, a former U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, will be the keynote speaker. Tickets cost $35 for members; $40 for guests. Preregistration is required. Visit flaglertigerbayclub.com.
PALM COAST WATER AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT TOURS
When: 2-4 p.m.
Where: Water Treatment Plant 3, 400 Peavey Grade, Palm Coast
Details: Learn how water travels from the Floridan Aquifer to your taps. Register at http://bit.ly/4g8Esgr.
THURSDAY, SEPT. 18 LET’S TALK PALM COAST — A TOWN HALL SERIES When: 5-6 p.m.
Where: Southern Recreation Center, 1290 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast
Details: Meet Council member Charles Gambaro as he hosts a town hall. Get a chance to ask questions and learn more about local government in this open forum.
ORMOND BEACH AREA
DEMOCRATIC CLUB MEETING
When: 6:30-8:15 p.m.
Where: 56 N. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach
Details: Attend the September meeting of the Ormond Beach Area Democratic Club. The guest speaker will be Danny Fuqua, president of the Florida Democratic Veterans Caucus. For more information, visit ormondbeachdems. org.
‘FLOWER BESTIES’ BUSINESS
New to the downtown at 157 W. Granada Blvd., The Flower Bar is a florist and luxury goods retailer.
JARLEENE ALMENAS
MANAGING EDITOR
Business owner Yvonne McCutchen had a running joke with her family: When she retired from the wedding industry, she would operate a flower cart outside a Dollar Tree.
After 22 years helping brides and grooms plan their nuptials, McCutchen decided it was time to follow her dream — and despite her ongoing inside joke, it was bigger than a flower cart.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2, McCutchen opened The Flower Bar, a florist and luxury goods retailer, at 157 W. Granada Blvd. in downtown Ormond Beach. McCutchen, a Mainland High School grad, opened her business almost three years ago, originally out of Palm Plaza on 600 S. Yonge St.
The business model was inspired by her wedding vows.
“I always said, ‘Flowers mean I like you, but Louis Vuitton means I love you,’” McCutchen said. “And [my husband] goes, ‘What better thing would that be for us to open up a flower shop where you could buy Louis Vuitton and flowers at the same time?’
So here we are.”
The Flower Bar is a wedding and event floral company,
and in addition to that, they also offer a monthly flower subscription, a build-yourown bouquet station with new weekly themes, as well as grab-and-go fresh flowers.
Their new shop at Granada also offers workshops and classes for the community.
McCutchen said they had been thinking of moving to the downtown for a while.
When they first opened in Palm Plaza, they did so around the same time as local bookstore Fern & Fable, and once the bookstore moved to the downtown in 2023, McCutchen often told them she would be willing to relocate her shop if a space became available.
About three weeks ago, she and her husband were driving down Granada Boulevard to get ice cream when they saw a “For Rent” sign.
“We said, ‘Well, there’s our sign,’” McCutchen said. “That’s what we needed.”
The Flower Bar has provided florals for different organizations and local events, including the annual Margarita Ball in Volusia County, United Way’s Power of the Purse and the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s annual Wishing gala.
McCutchen said a portion of the florals are donated to the organizations as a way for The Flower Bar to give back. At the core of the business is McCutchen’s love of flowers. Being in the wedding industry, she said you get to witness how much joy flowers can bring others.
Since opening, many people have come into her shop and told her how much a florist was needed in the downtown
“Whether you come buy one stem from us, or you get a large arrangement, or we do your wedding — we want to be your flower bestie. I always tell people, ‘We’re not a florist, we’re a vibe.’”
YVONNE MCCUTCHEN, The Flower Bar owner
district — an area she often frequents herself as a customer.
On the first day of business, McCutchen said that 52 people walked inside, many of them welcoming The Flower Bar into the neighborhood. Being in the downtown is overwhelming, but in a good way, she said.
“It’s wonderful to be in the neighborhood of people that you already put your money into,” she said.
McCutchen said she aims to establish a space that is not like your typical florist. She wants the community to come hang out; Wheelhouse Coffee will be in the shop on Fridays.
This is their forever home, McCutchen said.
“Whether you come buy one stem from us, or you get a large arrangement, or we do your wedding — we want to be your flower bestie,” she said. “I always tell people, ‘We’re not a florist, we’re a vibe.’”
The Flower Bar is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The shop is active on instagram @ theflowerbar_sby
FOCUS ON FAITH
St. Thomas Episcopal Church hosts mother of late track star
St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Palm Coast hosted a guest speaker, Carmen Gray, on Saturday, Sept. 6. Gray spoke on the topic, “From Grief to Grace: A Mother’s Mission to End
Brought to you by:
Violence.” She is the mother of Curtis Gray, a local track star at Matanzas High School and Flagler Palm Coast High School who was killed in 2019. He was also a Little League Coach and part of the young readers’ book club. Carmen Gray is the founder of Long Live Curtis, Rise Above the Violence Inc., a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to “preventing violence through positive mental health education, trauma support, and youth outreach”. St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Palm Coast is located at 5400 Belle Terre Parkway.
BIZ BUZZ
Daytona airport hosts Arc’s Wings for All program
The Arc of Volusia, Breeze Airways and the Daytona Beach International Airport co-hosted a program on Saturday, Sept. 6
to provide people with autism or intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to rehearse boarding an airplane.
The program, Wings for All, was founded by The Arc in 2014, according to a press release.
“The program goal is to alleviate the stress of air travel with practice and to educate airport and airline personnel and TSA on ways to improve the experience for passengers of
all ages with autism spectrum disorders and IDD,” the press release states. The event allowed families to experience the check-in process, as well as board and deboard a Breeze Airways plane.
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St. Elizabeth Ann Seton hosts event for ages 18-35
The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Young Adults Group, at the Catholic church at 4600 Belle Terre Parkway, Palm Coast, is hosting an event for young adults (ages 18-35), according to a Facebook post by the church. “Join us to watch the Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Cincinnati Bengals game! Food, faith and FUN!” Pizza, wings, snacks, drinks available. RSVP at (https:// seaspcfl.org/youngadults).
Send news from your church or synagogue to jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.
The Flower Bar owner Yvonne McCutchen previously worked in wedding event planning for 22 years.
Photo by Jarleene Almenas
Families and crew board a Breeze Airways aircraft. Courtesy photo
The Arc of Volusia, Breeze Airways and the Daytona Beach International Airport co-hosted the Wings for All program on Saturday, Sept. 6. Courtesy photo
Carmen Gray. Courtesy photo
162 Wellstone Drive, Palm Coast
Hosted by: Judy O’Neill (203) 592-4173 (11-1) Annie Kim (386) 449-9851 (3-5)
Hosted by: Stephanie Presley (386) 801-8935
REAL ESTATE
Hammock Beach condo in Savona gets $1.65M
Acondo at 20 Porto Mar, Unit 605, in Savona at Hammock Beach, was a top recent residential real estate transaction in Flagler County and the Ormond Beach area. The condo sold on Aug. 29, for $1,650,000. Built in 2004, the condo is a 4/3.5 and has 2,950 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $899,000.
ALEXIS MILLER
JARLEENE ALMENAS
FLAGLER BEACH
Reserve East
A house at 34 Orion Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $534,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,468 square feet.
A house at 47 Perseus Ave. sold on Aug. 29, for $452,490. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,055 square feet.
ORMOND BEACH
A house on the Halifax River at 2852 John Anderson Drive was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Aug. 15-22. The house sold on Aug. 15, for $1,375,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 5/3 with two half-baths, and has a fireplace, a pool and 3,808 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $1,025,000.
Archer’s Mill
The house at 3333 Arch Ave. sold on Aug. 21, for $394,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,034 square feet.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 22 Forestview Way sold on Aug. 19, for $507,500. Built in 1988, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,456 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $283,000.
The house at 14 Deep Woods Way sold on Aug. 21, for $457,500. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,658 square feet. It last sold in June 2025 for $330,100.
Carrollwood
The house at 1821 Palmer Drive sold on Aug. 15, for $135,000. Built in 1973, the house is a 3/1.5 and has 1,044 square feet. It last sold in
Country Acres
The house at 140 Rodeo Road sold on Aug. 18, for $675,000. Built in 1988, the house sits on six acres, is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a barn and 1,717 square feet. It last sold in 2004 for $295,000.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 1314 Middle Lake Drive sold on Aug. 18, for $315,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $360,000.
Hunter’s Ridge
The house at 129 Briargate Look sold on Aug. 21, for $485,000. Built in 2013, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,997 square feet.
Laurel Oaks
The house at 723 Fleming Ave. sold on Aug. 20, for $387,900. Built in 1982, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool, a spa and 1,560 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $369,000.
New Britain
The townhome at 60 Chippingwood Lane sold on Aug. 18, for $275,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,360 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $190,000.
Northbrook
The house at 1322 Overbrook Drive sold on Aug. 18, for $285,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 1,728 square feet. It last sold in 2010 for $152,000.
Oak Forest
The house at 1300 Oak Forest Drive sold on Aug. 22, for $432,500. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a spa and 1,718 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $320,000.
Ormond Terrace
The house at 556 N. Beach St. sold on Aug. 21, for $392,500. Built in 1956, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,388 square feet. It last sold in 2007 for $213,000.
Tomoka Oaks
The house at 1 River Bluff Court sold on Aug. 20, for $500,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 2,472 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $170,000.
Tomoka Park
The house at 25 Knollwood Estates Drive sold on Aug. 22,
for $280,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace and 1,903 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $105,000.
Wexford Reserve
The house at 4119 Clifden Drive sold on Aug. 22, for $455,000. Built in 2022, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,298 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $404,300.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA
Atlantic Shores The house at 107 Marlin Drive sold on Aug. 20, for $329,000. Built in 1978, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,595 square feet. It last sold in 1996 for $89,000.
PALM COAST
Belle Terre
75 Randolph Drive sold on Aug. 29, for $345,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,873 square feet. A house at 20 Peppercorn Lane, sold on Aug. 29, for $359,900. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,752 square feet.
Grand Haven A house at 4 Midden Lane, sold on Aug. 28, for $940,000. Built in 2020, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,695 square feet.
A house at 143 West Waterside Parkway, sold on Aug. 29, for $330,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,755 square feet.
Lake View A house at 8 Lakeside Place West, sold on Aug. 29, for $415,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,344 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $605,000.
Palm Harbor A house at 41 Felwood Lane, sold on Aug. 29, for $326,317. Built in 2003, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,596 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $319,000.
Pine Lakes A house at 6 Westburg Place, sold on Aug. 29, for $295,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,040 square feet.
Reverie at Palm Coast A house at 45 Reverie Drive, sold on Aug. 29, for $520,793. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,864 square feet.
Seminole Woods A house at 10 Sea Shark Path, sold on Aug. 29, for $316,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,455 square feet.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, and John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed.
Trap evasion
After falling behind, Mainland rushes past Flagler Palm Coast.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mainland coach Jerrime Bell
knew Flagler Palm Coast would be ready to play against the Bucs in their home opener on Friday, Sept. 5. The contest at Daytona Stadium had all the makings of a trap game, Bell said. The Bucs were coming off a victory against three-time defending state champ Cocoa on Aug. 29 and will host undefeated Spruce Creek in a rivalry game on Sept. 12.
Mainland (2-0) fell behind
Spruce Creek (next week). FPC, after coming off a loss, was going to be a trap game, but my job as a head coach is to fight against that.”
On the game’s first possession, FPC (1-2) drove 72 yards for a touchdown with quarterback Caden Burchfield connecting with Logan Jacobelli on a 34-yard scoring pass.
Then, as Mainland followed with a long drive of its own on four straight running plays by Josh Dudley, FPC’s Josiah Hathaway intercepted a Sebastian Johnson pass at the Bulldogs’ 2-yard line and the momentum seemed to be in the Bulldos’ favor.
But on FPC’s ensuing drive, Mainland’s Amarion Long forced a fumble by running back
Ehimen Ajede and the Bucs’ Kiarin Sullivan recovered at the Bulldogs’ 33-yard line.
Mainland capitalized on the turnover with Dudley scoring from the 1, and the Bucs never looked
Johnson passed for 172 yards and a touchdown and ran for a 1-yard score.
Mainland also piled up 232 yards rushing.
“Coming into the game, we were very confident,” Dudley said. “And I guess you could say we put our guard down a little bit.”
Dudley rushed for 88 yards and FPC transfer Braylyn Simmons ran for 75 yards
with a 2-yard touchdown run. RayQuan Mitchell added 54 yards on four carries.
“We have a great stable of backs with Josh Dudley, Braylyn Simmons, RayQuan and Demarion Phillips,” Bell said. “We have four guys that we truly believe in. Even if we don’t have Braylyn, we’re fine, but Braylyn makes us more dynamic because we can get him out of the backfield and do more things.”
Bucs receiver Christian Cooper caught seven passes for 92 yards and a touchdown.
Burchfield made his second consecutive start at quarterback with La’Darius Simmons nursing an ankle injury. But Burchfield left with a knee injury in the third quarter.
“We were down to quarterback three,” FPC coach Patrick Turner said. “When it gets to that, it gets really, real-
ly tough. And we were playing with a tight end (Case Dennis) who was playing tight end for one week. He did a phenomenal job. He played to the final whistle, and so did our entire offensive line.”
The Bulldogs rushed for 164 yards, with Ajede running for 76 yards. Burchfield ran for 62 yards and passed for 60 yards.
Jason Ebding completed one pass for 25 yards. Simmons ran four times for 2 yards.
“His ankle was still bothering him. He still has no burst. We subbed him out (on the Bulldogs’ last possession). I didn’t want him to hurt it even more,” Turner said.
Turner was pleased with his team’s effort a week after falling to Lake Howell.
“The kids played extremely hard. That’s the best effort that I had seen so far,” he said. “The defense flew around to
the ball. The offense got after it all night long, and we stuck with the game plan of just running straight ahead and get what we can get, because (the Bucs) are extremely athletic. They’re super fast on the edges. We were able to put some drives together. We just kind of stalled out a couple times.”
Bell and Turner battled in 2022 and 2023 when Bell coached at Atlantic and Turner was Palatka’s coach. Turner’s team prevailed in both of those contests.
“He’s a great coach, and he’s going to have his team prepared, so it’s always fun to go against people you have a good relationship with,” Bell said. “We knew they were going to fight. They weren’t going to lay down because they’re playing Mainland High School.”
Cerasi takes 2nd, Pirates’ teams take 3rd, at Run Matanzas
Matanzas freshman Dylan Ciardi placed sixth in the boys race, and senior Megan Rhee placed seventh in the girls race.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi said she was running on tired legs at the Run Matanzas Cross Country Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Cerasi still finished second among 161 runners behind Bartram Trail freshman Avery Hartley, who is already one of the top cross country runners in the state.
“Avery is a great runner.
I’ve known her since middle school,” Cerasi said. “I tried to wheel her in. I’m running on tired legs. I’ve been training really hard this week.”
Cerasi started slow, beginning the race in the middle of the pack. She picked up the pace at the mile mark and finished with a time of 19:33.93, well off her personal record of 18:19.2, set at last year’s Class
4A state championships, where she placed seventh overall.
Hartley won the Run Matanzas girls title with personal record of 17:54.9.
Cerasi, who ran 19:09 at the season-opening Cecil Field Summer Classic on Aug. 22, said her times will go down as the season progresses and she begins to taper her training.
Matanzas placed third behind Nease and Bartram Trail in both the boys and girls races. Seabreeze placed fifth in the boys standings, while Mainland was ninth and Father Lopez was 12th among 20 teams. In the girls standings, Father Lopez placed seventh and Seabreeze was ninth.
Matanzas senior Megan Rhee set a personal record for the second week in a row with a time of of 20:42.49 to place seventh. Sara Van Buren also medaled for the Pirates, placing 17th with a time of 21:58.07.
“Megan really worked hard over the summer,” Matanzas coach Katie Hoover said.
“Every practice she puts in so much energy, and it’s really paying off this season.”
Freshman Dylan Ciardi led
the Matanzas boys with a time of 16:40.6 to place sixth.
“It’s really exciting to see him running fast times early this season,” Hoover said.
Pirates teammates Brant Tarsitano (ninth, 17:11.2), Matt Ciardi (13th, 17:38.5) and Enzo McGovern (17th, 18:02.3) also finished in the top 20.
Senior Hunter Shuler led Seabreeze with a time of 18:25.3 to place 20th. Seabreeze’s Joseph Davis (18:49.07) was 27th.
Nease’s Matt Ishee won the boys race in 16:08.6.
Hoover said she was happy with the turnout which included 26 schools participating in the middle school race.
“I’d like to expand that next year,” she said. “As a former middle school coach (at Indian Trails) I like having the middle schoolers out there with all of their passion and energy.”
Father Lopez coach Sue O’Malley said Hoover put on a first-class meet.
“Bartram Trail brought their No. 1 runner here; that’s kudos to the program Matanzas has here,” O’Malley said.
Father Lopez is celebrating its 10th anniversary of win -
ning the 2015 Class 1A boys state championship.
“As a gift to honor their legacy, the team wants to make it to state this year,” O’Malley said. “Right now, our girls are leading district (with the top average time). They’re buying into the program.”
One Father Lopez runner who went the extra mile, so to speak, at the Matanzas meet was junior Savannah Cox, who, after she finished her own race, gave all 230 boys finishers a high five, telling each one, “Good job,” as they exited the stadium to return to
FPC RESULTS
Flagler Palm Coast senior Arianna Slaughter placed 14th and freshman Douglas Seth placed 22nd at the ultracompetitive Horse Park Invitational on Sept. 6 in Ocala.
Slaughter ran a time of 19:25.7 in the girls race and Seth ran a time of time of 16:17.7 in the boys race.
Nine boys ran sub-16 minute times with Belin Jesuit’s Marcelo Mantecon winning with a time of 15:10.8. He had an average mile time of 4:53.1 Orlando Bishop Moore’s Annabella Tomasic won the girls race with a time of 17:33.3.
their team tents.
“Usually I just do that for my own team,” she said. “But I saw they all had to walk through this gate, so I decided to stand here and (high-five them all). Usually everyone just disperses in different directions,” she said.
Matanzas scores 40 again
Cole Walker passed for 285 yards and three touchdowns in win.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
For the second week in a row, the Matanzas football team scored 40 or more points. The Pirates defeated Deltona 40-14 on Friday, Sept. 6, on the road.
Cole Walker passed for 285 yards and three touchdown passes, and running back Wiley Conner ran for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
“Our offense is finally showing what (it’s) capable of,” Matanzas coach Matt Forrest said. “But we still need to clean some things up. We really need to work on limiting our penalties along with the turnovers.”
The Pirates (2-1) had two turnovers — one lost fumble, one interception — and committed 11 penalties for 144 yards.
Matanzas overcame the miscues with 415 yards of offense and three takeways on defense. Walker completed 28 of 35 passes a week after setting a school record with 314 passing yards in a 43-24 victory over University. The senior has seven touchdown passes in three games. Jordan Schendorf, LaDarien Baker and Thomas Larywon each caught touchdown passes against Deltona (2-1). Baker caught seven passes for 99 yards, Andrew Bass caught nine passes for 61 yards, Larywon caught four passes for 89 yards and Schendorf caught eight passes for 36 yards.
“Cole is a talented player. He’s doing a good job distributing the ball. This was his best game spreading the ball around,” Forrest said. “And the offensive line is doing a great job.”
The Pirates had three interceptions on defense. Cooper May returned an interception 91 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter. Jaden Dormevil and Chase Johnson also had picks. Baker also blocked a field goal, and Jack Ferguson had two sacks.
“We’re playing better defensively, and we’re playing better offensively,” Forrest said. “We’re focusing on what our players do best. If they’re confident in what they’re doing, they’ll execute on a high level.”
The Pirates are back on the road on Friday, Sept. 12, at Jackson High School in Jacksonville.
Cole Walker. File photo by Brian McMillan
Mainland’s Kadin Flores runs after making a catch in the second quarter. Photos by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas sophomore Peyton Cerasi placed second overall in the girls race. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Zach Voltaire’s two TD returns lead Seabreeze to 24-0 win over Halifax
The Sandcrabs, who evened their record at 1-1, will host Rockledge in a district game on Sept. 12, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex.
MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Seabreeze defeated Halifax Academy 24-0 on Friday, Sept. 5, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex to even its record at 1-1.
Zach Voltaire scored two touchdowns — one on special teams, one on defense. Matthew Wells scored a touchdown on a 2-yard run. And Luke Zboch kicked a field goal and three extra points.
Head coach Mike Klein told his players that wins are hard to come by, so they should enjoy the victory for the next 24 hours.
“I feel like we’re capable of more, and that’s what I told them,” he said. “We still have things that we’ve got to get to click and we’ve got to get going, so we’ll be back to work immediately. We have a big, big district game this week, so we have to be ready to roll.”
The Sandcrabs host District 6-4A foe Rockledge on Friday, Sept. 12, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Wells scored the game’s first touchdown early in the second quarter. He also had six tackles and a tackle for a loss on defense.
“Wells always comes up big in big situations,” Klein said. “He’s a smart player and bigtime leader on the defense.”
Smith told Klein that he was starting to get very tired.
Klein decided it was time to really push hard in conditioning. This game, his players said they felt better, so the coaches will continue pushing the two-way players and focus on overall conditioning for the team.
“He (Smith) almost gets better as the game goes on because he continues to run physical, and guys start to not tackle as well,” Klein said.
“He’s a tough runner, so we definitely counted on the run game tonight.”
Smith, who also caught a Jace Gainer pass for 8 yards, said the Sandcrabs had a lot of confidence coming into the game and were hoping for a blowout.
“I think offense is capable of a lot more, but it’s early in the season,” Smith said. “We can get the work in and put some more points on the board going forward, for sure. Every week is a game week now, so we have to come to practice with intensity and be locked in — know what we’re doing. No days off. Just got to come with that mentality of, we want to put as many points on the board, no stopping, no plays off and as many points as we can.”
Klein said there is still some competition on the offensive line that needs to be figured out heading into the first district game.
“I love all my teammates. It’s going to be a game to watch — our first district game. We all have to come to play ball. We all have to be amped. I wouldn’t go to war with anybody else but this team.”
ZACH VOLTAIRE, Seabreeze team captain
with a leader’s mentality to win.
“I love all my teammates,” he said. “It’s going to be a game to watch — our first district game. We all have to come to play ball. We all have to be amped. I wouldn’t go to war with anybody else but this team.”
Voltaire is a playmaker and he did not disappoint, Klein said. The senior captain blocked a punt in the second quarter and ran the ball back for 25 yards for a touchdown. In the third quarter, he had a 54-yard pick-six. On offense, Voltaire ran for 107 yards on just eight carries. The Sandcrabs faced Halifax Academy during a sevenon-seven summer league, Voltaire said.
ly talked back. We just said, ‘We’ll see you Week 3.’ It was real fun when it wasn’t sevenon-seven any more. We came out to play ball and look at the outcome. We came out victorious.”
“They were just talking a lot,” he said. “We never real-
Klein said Halifax always plays tough despite having a small team with a large percentage of two-way play-
ers. As the game progressed, Klein said, the Knights (0-3) began to wear down, making it harder for them to tackle Seabreeze’s physical runners like running back Logan Smith, who led the Sandcrabs with 65 yards rushing on 11 carries.
During Seabreeze’s seasonopener against Spruce Creek,
“I don’t foresee any huge changes being made (before the Rockledge game), but we still have some positional battles happening,” he said. “It’s a no-excuses mentality from here on. They’ve got to work and get the job done — got to compete.”
Voltaire said as a team captain, he has got to be a great influence and lead by example. He said he takes the field
Cheerleaders Sarah Sanblom (top) and Taylor Bowman have a little fun before the game
Seabreeze running back Zach Voltaire outruns a multitude of Halifax Academy players.
Mad Dogs Flag Football kicks off fall season at Ralph Carter Park
The league has nearly 1,000 registrations between 3 seasons.
CHRISTINE RODENBAUGH CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Mad Dogs Flag Football team
banners waved in the fall-like breeze as players as young as 4 years old took to Ralph Carter Park fields on Saturday, Sept. 6, for the season opener.
League President Jay Maxwell said the participation started with 250 youth in its first season eight years ago. Today, the league has three seasons, with about 75%
playing year round. Including repeated sign-ups, the league has about 1,000 registrations. This is the largest fall season in the league’s history, Maxwell said.
Teams are named after colleges like the Florida Gators, Texas Longhorns and Penn State, with custom jerseys including the player’s name on the back.
The 10U Knights team, coached by Dennis Verdote, claimed victory over the Texas Longhorns, coached by Alex Garcia.
The league “is really about the kids and building their confidence,” Verdote said, “and the support from us coaches and the league both on and off the field.”
Tanner Lock plays for the 6U Georgia Bulldogs, who won against the Penn State Lions. His favorite part of the game is pulling flags and his team’s best play of the day was a Z Straight.
“It’s a play that we do; we line up in a triangle and one person runs straight and they do a handoff,” he said
He’s been playing flag football for about a year.
Verdote said, “Our focus is to make sure that these kids have fun,” as well as learning to respect the sport, this league and those who support the league.”
Visit https://maddogsfoot ball.net/
12U Knights player Jayden Magsino turns the corner to outpace Penn State defenders for a touchdown. Photos by Christine Rodenbaugh
Florida Gators’ 10U quarterback Wyatt Birle, center, fakes a handoff to Carlos Benitez, right, in Saturday’s Mad Dogs Flag Football season opener. Silace Martin Doucette, left, is poised to defend.
Tanner Lock’s favorite part of the game is “pulling flags.”
LSU’s Declan Morgan, left, goes for the flag of Hurricanes player Jaden Williams, right, in the 10U division
12U Coastal Carolina’s Nathan Eure cuts away from the UCF Knights’ Tristan Driggers.
8U Texas Longhorns’ Carson Pilvinsky.
8U Penn State’s Rhys Abello, right, goes for the pull against University of Miami’s Dominic Ramirez.
Seabreeze outlasts Flagler Palm Coast to improve to 6-0
The teams battled for five sets and danced to the Cupid Shuffle.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
They held a volleyball match and a line dance broke out.
During an intermission between sets of Seabreeze’s five-set victory over Flagler Palm Coast on Thursday, Sept. 4, both teams lined up in front of their benches and performed an extended dance to the Cupid Shuffle.
“Our teams love each other,” explained FPC coach Lindsey
“It’s surreal. I don’t think we’ve ever had this winning streak (to start the season).”
Stewart, who is good friends with Seabreeze coach Janet Bruce. The friendship has trickled down to the players.
“They play each other so much (in beach and indoor volleyball) they’ve developed a relationship,” Stewart said.
The match itself, at FPC’s gym, was so good that even the losing coach could smile afterward. From the first set, you could tell that neither team was going down without a fight — even with a jaunty Cupid Shuffle mixed in.
The Sandcrabs won the opening set, needing five extra points to win by two at 30-28. Seabreeze also won the second set, 25-20, and seemed poised to sweep until FPC won the next two, 25-14 and 25-21, to force a deciding fifth set.
The Sandcrabs broke a 5-5 tie and led the rest of the way to win the fifth set 15-10 and remain undefeated on the season with a 6-0 record.
“You could be upset you didn’t win, but at the same time, it was a great match,” Stewart said. “Both sides gave it their all and thrived on each other’s energy.”
Seabreeze appears to be on its way to its best season since 2021 when it finished with a
19-8 record and advanced to the playoffs. But, unlike this year, the Sandcrabs started that season with four straight losses.
“It’s surreal,” said Bruce, the Sandcrabs’ third-year coach. “I don’t think we’ve ever had this winning streak (to start the season). We have an all-around team, and I’m able to play the entire team in pretty much every single set. But they all have a specific role.”
The Sandcrabs had 18 blocks in the match, with Carley Bandell in on eight of them. Alexandria Dingman led the Sandcrabs with 13 kills, and libero Lilli Litz had 38 digs including a key “pancake” dig with the back of her hand.
“Those are hard to get to,” Litz said. “It’s hard (playing libero). You’ve got to put your body out there.”
“She’s able to get underneath a lot of balls,” Bruce
said of the junior. “She’s a great digger and a great leader in the back row. She’s finding her voice.”
FPC beat Seabreeze in the preseason, but since then the Sandcrabs have been unflappable, winning three of their matches in five sets.
“I think we’re just all connected. We’re all good friends,” Litz said.
The Bulldogs fell to 2-8, but that includes six losses in the Nike Tournament of Champions Aug. 29-30 in Gainesville. The Labor Day weekend event is known as the toughest high school volleyball tournament in the Southeast.
FPC hosts Menendez on Tuesday, Sept. 9, and Taylor on Thursday, Sept. 11.
Seabreeze plays at Deltona on Monday, Sept. 8, hosts Taylor on Tuesday and visits Matanzas on Sept. 11.
Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast split bowling match
The Pirates won the boys match 7-0 while the Bulldogs won the girls match 5-2 on the strength of a 188 Baker game.
OBSERVER STAFF
Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas split their bowling match on Wednesday, Sept. 3, at Palm Coast Lanes with the FPC girls winning 5-2 on the strength of a 188 Baker game, and the Matanzas boys winning with a 7-0 shutout.
In the boys match, Matanzas won the total pin count, 2,114 to 1,893, but the match was closer than the score indicates with the Pirates winning the second game by one pin. Kaleb Castello bowled the high game for Matanzas with a 210. FPC’s Trey Wood bowled
SIDE LINES
Matanzas’ Kaleb Castello.
a 205.
“It’s always a great competition when FPC and MHS face off,” said Laura Oliva, who is coaching the Matanzas boys team this year after coaching the FPC girls for the past five years.
The Matanzas boys are 3-1 on the season with Castello leading the way with a 181.8 average followed by Jesus Duran (167.2), Timmy Rock (166.3) and Trey O’Janovec (162.3).
The FPC girls also improved to 3-1. The Bulldogs’ Victoria Dasilva-Carvalheira (190) and Destiny Bonvouloir (152) led the way against the Pirates.
The two teams will meet again on Oct. 6.
Spartan Academy athletes earn medals at world championships
Spartan Academy is continuing to put Palm Coast on the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu map, with athletes in all age groups earning podium finishes at some of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
At the 2025 International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Championship in Long Beach, California, 15-year-old Spartan Academy athlete
Calvin DuBose earned a bronze medal in the highly competitive Juvenile Blue Belt division. DuBose is in his first year competing at this level.
Weeks later, Spartan Academy’s youth team made history at the IBJJF Pan Kids Championship in Kissimmee, the largest and most renowned kids’ jiu-jitsu tournament in the world. Spartan Academy’s students earned seven medals: Camilla Stone and Ella Desario won gold; Connor Stone, Hasan Ganiev, Maximus Bocanegra and Amaries Daily earned silver; and Jonathan DuBose earned bronze.
The academy’s success continued in the adult divisions at the IBJJF World Master Championship in Las Vegas, the biggest master level jiu-jitsu tournament in the world. Spartan Academy sent a team of seven athletes, with three reaching the podium: Sherif Goma, gold; Jeff Kriesen, silver; and Josh Sammons, bronze. Led by Professor Igor Mancebo, a second-degree black belt, Spartan Academy has earned recognition both nationally and internationally for its structured programs, technical instruction and strong team culture. The academy is affiliated with the Renato Tavares Association, a respected Brazilian JiuJitsu organization dedicated to high level athlete development.
Spartan Academy sent seven athletes to the IBJJF World Master Championship in Las Vegas. Courtesy photo by Hivinna Dineas For more information about Spartan Academy or to schedule a free class, email spartanpalmcoast@gmail. com, text/call (386) 3388068 or (772) 212-6527, or go to www.spartanpalmcoast. com.
Jenkins leads Seabreeze, Stich leads FPC in ninehole challenge
Seabreeze won the VolusiaFlagler Girls Nine-Hole Challenge on Sept. 3 at Daytona Beach Golf Club. Seven schools competed. The Sandcrabs defeated secondplace Flagler Palm Coast by two strokes, 184-186. Hailey Jenkins (41) and Jillian Heller (43) led Seabreeze. FPC’s Sophia Stiwich shot 37, while her teammate, Ivey Tsouklaris, shot 44.
Matanzas scored 203 with Scarlett Mackenzie shooting 46 and Mary Grace Seward shooting 47.
JANET BRUCE, Seabreeze volleyball coach
Strike thrown by FPC’s Trey Wood.
Matanzas’ Olivia Rabbat.
Spartan Academy’s Calvin DuBose earned bronze in the Juvenile Blue Belt division at the 2025 IBJJF World Championship in Long Beach, California. Courtesy photo by Hivinna Dineas
Haley Sobin serves for Flagler Palm Coast in the match against Seabreeze.
Seabreeze’s Haven Price hits over the net. Photos by Brent Woronoff Olivia Chase gets set to serve for Seabreeze.
FPC’s Cole Osypian. Photos by Grant McMillan
FPC’s Victoria DaSilva-Carvalheira.
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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 § §732.216732.228, Florida Statutes, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under §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 §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 September 11, 2025. Michael Howard, Personal Representative 2510 Beechwood Drive Jesup, GA 31545 Casey C. Harrison, Esquire HARRISON ESTATE LAW, P.A. Florida Bar Number: 86488 Email: casey@harrisonestatelaw.com Attorney for Michael Howard 7015 SW 24th Ave Gainesville, FL 32607-3704 Tel: (352) 559-9828 Fax: (352) 559-0880 Secondary Email: eservice@harrisonestatelaw.com
INSERTION NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000149 CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs. PAUL LAWRENCE MARCINKOSKI; KATHY LYN TRIPLETT; KEITH TRIPLETT T, Defendant(s). NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the order of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 6, 2025, and entered in Case No. 2025 CA 000149 of the Circuit Court of the 7TH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein Citizens Bank, N.A., is Plaintiff and Paul Lawrence Marcinkoski; Kathy Lyn Triplett; Keith Triplett, are Defendants, the Office of the Clerk, Flagler County Clerk of the Court will sell via online auction at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m. on the 7th day of November, 2025, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 19, BLOCK 30, SUBDIVISION MAP PINE GROVE - SECTION-28 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGES 51 THROUGH 66, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 16 Powder Lane, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff’s mortgage. Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.
Dated: 9/8/25 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC
By: /s/ Craig Stein Craig Stein Esq. Fl Bar No. 0120464 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400
Email: FLpleadings@mwc-law.com File No: 25-400067 September 11, 18, 2025 25-00218G
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000480 AX Division Probate IN RE: ESTATE OF GEORGE WASHINGTON LESTER, II Deceased.
The administration of the estate of George Washington Lester, II, deceased, whose date of death was January 31, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building #1, Bunnell, Florida 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 September 11, 2025.
Personal Representative: Katherine L. Smith 3400 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 101 Sarasota, Florida 34239
Attorney for Personal Representative: Kate Smith, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 0196010 3400 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 101 Sarasota, FL 34239 Telephone: (941) 952-0550 Fax: (941) 952-0551
E-Mail: Kate@KateSmithLawFL.com
Secondary E-Mail: Tammy@KateSmithLawFL.com September 11, 18, 2025 25-00219G
FIRST INSERTION PUBLIC NOTICE
The City of Flagler Beach proposes to adopt the following ordinances entitled:
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-13
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CODE OF ORDINANCES RELATED TO THE SAFE INTERACTION OF PEOPLE FISHING, PEOPLE SWIMMING, AND PEOPLE WALKING ON THE BEACH; PROVIDING FOR DESIGNATION OF AREAS OF THE BEACH WITHIN WHICH SURFCASTING OR OTHER FORMS OF FISHING FROM THE SHORELINE ARE PROHIBITED; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
ORDINANCE NO. 2025-14
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, BEACHES AND RECREATION, SECTION 6-41, “USE CHARGES,” CHAPTER 5, ANIMALS, DELETING SECTION 5-6 “REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERING/LICENSING OF ANIMALS”, AMENDING SECTION 5-19, “FEES”, AMENDING CHAPTER 3, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, SECTION 3-19 “PERMIT FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION; APPLICATION; APPROVAL,” AMENDING CHAPTER 16, SALES, ARTICLE II, CANVASSERS AND SOLICITORS, SECTION 16-18, “APPLICATION; FEE,” SECTION 16-19, “INVESTIGATION OF ISSUANCE,” DELETING SECTION 16-20, “SURETY BOND,” AMENDING SECTION 16-24, “INAPPLICABILITY OF SECTIONS 16-18 THROUGH 16-20 TO DESIGNATED PERSONS,” AMENDING CHAPTER 19 TRAFFIC AND MOTOR VEHICLES, SECTION 19-55 “ENFORCEMENT” AND AMENDING CHAPTER 22, WATERCRAFT AND WATERWAYS; ARTICLE II, BULKHEADS; DIVISION 3, INTRACOASTAL WATERWAY, SECTION 22-52 “BUILDING PERMIT, FEE,” OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES; AMENDING SECTIONS OF THE CODE THAT ARE NO LONGER APPLICABLE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE ORDINANCE 2025-15
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE CITY CHARTER SECTIONS 7.05(b) RUN-OFF AND 7.02 (a) QUALIFYING; MODIFIYNG THE RUN-OFF ELECTION DATE AND QUALIFICATION PERIOD FOR THE 2026 GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION AND IN EACH SUBSEQUENT YEAR EXCEPT FOR THOSE YEARS THAT ARE MULTIPLE OF FOUR (4), TO A PERIOD THAT IS IN HARMONY WITH THE STAUTORY VOTE-BY-MAIL REQUIREMENTS IMPOSED ON THE SUPERVISOR OF ELECTIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Public Hearings will be conducted to consider the amendments as follows: City Commission: Thursday, September 25, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. or soon thereafter The public hearings may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuance of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without any further published notice. The request will be heard at 6:00 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers located at 105 South Second Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the abovementioned hearings, 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 the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 386-517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting. Sep. 11 25-00338F
