Taking MLK’s dream to the streets
‘stewards of the ocean’
Dolphin expert Jack Kassewitz describes his vision for the future of Marineland Dolphin Adventure as a nonprofit.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Dolphin expert Jack Kassewitz has a vision for Marineland Dolphin Adventure: to become a leader in inspiring stewards of the ocean.
“We truly want to become one of the leaders in bringing the stewardship of the oceans to the public, so that people walk away, they feel that their participation here is one of those steps to stewardship,” he said.
Kassewitz now runs Marineland Dolphin Adventure after a grassroots effort successfully bought the oceanarium for $7.1 million. The company was bankrupt and in danger of being sold to a development company, but now lies in the hands of Kassewitz and Marineland’s staff as a nonprofit organization.
The Dolphin Adventure is still open to the public and they are already introducing new interactive programs. The goal of the new programs, Kassewitz said, is to change how people are interacting with the dolphins.
“We’re trying to move dolphin interaction programs away from entertainment,” he said. “Away from entertainment to responsible relationships, human-dolphin relationships.”
This will be a step away from Marineland’s history, as the oceanarium has primarily been a form of entertainment for the public. Kassewitz said the programs will remain interactive with the dolphins but focus on education.
One of the programs is called the Dolphin Immersion Program. It’s designed to create “a meaningful hands-on connection” with a dolphin, according to the website description. Participants will be able to have an up-close underwater observation of and belly ride
from the dolphins in shallow water with a provided snorkel mask.
Another that is still in development, Kassewitz said, is called “the emoji games.” Guests will be able to select “emojis” depicting behaviors and actions — such as performing a “spin” — the dolphins will know how to do. But then, he said, the dolphins will be able to select an emoji for the people to perform.
“That’s just the beginning of a communication game that can be expanded to create lexicons and all kinds of stuff,” Kassewitz said.
These programs are just the start of what Kassewitz wants to implement at Marineland, which includes a wellness program, research and education.
“We’re on target. We’re going to do what we said we’re going to do,” he said.
But even as Kassewitz is looking to expand and reform the experiences at Marineland, he is also searching for ways to build up a potential funding base though corporate alliances and sponsorships.
Kassewitz said they have identified 62 companies in the St. Augustine area that could become corporate sponsors and another 120 corporations across the state. They’re looking for sponsors in a variety of industries, including local, state, national and interna-
tional businesses and educational and research organizations.
The wellness and research program Kassewitz hopes to develop at Marineland will, he believes, “change the face of Marineland.”
“No longer is it just entertain-
ment,” he said. “We don’t want it to be entertainment. We want to build relationships. We want people to leave when they’ve interacted with our training staff and walk away and say, ‘When I was there with Betty [a Marineland dolphin], that was amazing. That’s my friend.’” Marineland is more than just the dolphin experience, even if that is the primary draw for most people. There are tortoises, sting rays, sharks and aquariums.
After 65 years of working with and advocating for animals, Kassewitz said he certainly feels like a steward of the oceans and a voice for the animals. He hopes more people who come to Marineland will feel inspired to go out and help keep the beaches and ocean clean or volunteer with local marine organizations.
“We want them to leave Marineland and to feel they are responsible stewards of the oceans,” he said. “I really want Marineland to be one of the leaders in a movement towards stewardship of the oceans.”
Under new management, Marineland Dolphin Adventure is looking to step away from entertainment to become leaders in stewardship. Photo by Brian McMillan
One of the dolphins at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. Courtesy of Marineland
Two fires engulf two separate homes in Palm Coast over two days
One fire occurred at a home in Palm Coast’s B section on Jan. 15, and another in the F Section on Jan. 16.
SIERRA WILLIAMS
STAFF WRITER
In two days, two structure fires tore through two homes in Palm Coast. Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said that though one fire began in a cooking-related incident and the other was an electrical fire, both began near the back porch area and were able to penetrate the attic space. At both homes, propane tanks were stored near items that caught fire, which helped the fire spread into the attic.
“Once the fire is in the attic,
saving the structure becomes very unlikely,” Berryhill said. Typically, drywall and sheetrock acts as a barrier that helps prevent the spread of fire into the attic. “It became very difficult for us to do anything other than protect the exposures.”
No residents or any of the responding firefighters were injured in either fire. Neither fire was ruled as suspicious, Berryhill said.
At the fire in Palm Coast’s F Section, the Palm Coast Fire Department’s and Flagler County Fire Rescue’s Engine 24, Engine 23, Engine 22, Ladder 25, Battalion 24 and fire police all responded to the scene, according to a PCFD Facebook post.
At the B Section fire,
the Flagler Beach Fire Department provided support with a “defensive fire attack with aerial operations,” by providing “elevated master stream operations,” according to a FBFD Facebook post.
“This incident highlights the importance of strong interagency partnerships and coordinated response when incidents exceed the scope of a single department,” the FBFD post said.
Eleven engines from the PCFD, the FCFR and the FBFD responded to the B Section fire.
Both homes are a loss, and a GoFundMe has been started for the family in the F Section.
Almost $2,000 at the time of this article have been raised for the family.
Berryhill said it’s important
to note that neither fire was caused by the propane tanks. It’s fine for residents to store their propane tanks in an open, outdoor area, but they should be kept away from the heat, flames and be kept upright in a well-ventilated area. Berryhill said the PCFD asks that families have a plan in case of a fire, including where to meet outside, so everyone, even pets are accounted for. Stuff is replaceable, he said, “you aren’t.”
Referring to the families, he said: “It’s really a tragedy how much they’ve lost, [but] what they definitely still have is all their loved ones,” he said. “And so we’re grateful for that.”
Cockroaches in a Pack n Play: Couple accused of neglect
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a Palm Coast couple, accusing them of child neglect and elderly neglect after a welfare check revealed a severe cockroach infestation and “deplorable living conditions” inside the home, the FCSO reported.
On Tuesday, Jan. 13, a member of Flagler County Fire Rescue requested a welfare check while assisting an elderly man at a residence in the W-Section of Palm Coast after observing bedding heavily soiled with feces and urine as well as live cockroaches, cockroach droppings, and garbage scattered throughout the residence. FCSO deputies
responded to the residence, and, upon completion of the welfare check, contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families. Due to the information obtained during the welfare check, FCSO Major Case Unit detectives immediately took over the investigation.
While speaking with Tashaye Brown, 31, of Palm Coast, about the condition of the home, detectives observed an infant inside a Pack n Play that was infested with cockroaches. Brown told detectives that she was aware of the infestation, but it was too expensive to hire a professional. As such, she would turn the Pack n Play upside down and shake the insects out, place the infant back inside, and then spray a circle of cockroach insecticide around the base of the Pack n Play. While on scene, detectives also conducted an interview with an elderly man who
was unable to walk, feed or change himself, or take his medication without assistance; he had scabs on his legs and insects emerging from his socks.
According to Brown, she and her fiancé, Nikolas Cummings, 32, of Palm Coast, moved into the home about two years ago to care for the elderly man because her cousin was unable to care for him, but stated that it was his responsibility. Cummings told detectives that he and Brown were the elderly man’s sole providers and caretakers.
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said: “These two feigned ignorance over the trash, feces and insects covering the floors, walls and victims inside the home. This was not a matter of money, they did not care about the hygiene of their home, the welfare of their child, or the medical needs of their family members. ... We will make sure their cells are clean at the Green Roof Inn.”
The elderly victim was transported to a hospital for treatment, and the infant was placed in the care of family members. In addition to the criminal investigation, DCF is conducting a separate investigation to assess the victims’ welfare. Cummings and Brown are being held in jail on a $15,000 bond.
Ormond Police Department promotes three officers
Three Ormond Beach Police officers were promoted during a ceremony on Jan. 7. Officers Rick Taylor and Joshua Morris were both promoted to corporal. Officer Rhett Summerlot was promoted to sergeant. During the ceremony, Sgt. Caleb Braun said he suggested that Taylor and Morris, previously members of the department’s motor unit, take the corporal exam
COPS CORNER
JAN. 10
A BALLER AND A BOULDER
4 p.m. — redacted address, Ormond Beach Battery touch. An 18-yearold Ormond Beach man was arrested after he threw a basketball and a 20-pound boulder at his father after he interrupted an argument with his 11-year-old brother. The father used a gallon of milk to block the boulder from hitting him in the face. He was able to show police video surveillance footage from the incident. The following day, the 18-year-old was arrested at a a coffee shop for theft.
JAN. 15
FINDING MARY JANE 9:32 a.m. — U.S. 1 and Seminole Woods Boulevard,
By Jamie Cuzzocreo, Commercial Advisor | Watson Commercial Realty, Inc.
for experience.
“They both took the exam, and they both absolutely crushed it,” Braun said. “They scored so well that there was zero hesitation in completely gutting the motor unit to promote both of them.”
That was the right decision for the department, Braun said. Both Taylor and Morris have earned numerous awards and accolades, including the recognition of Officer of the Year.
“Awards are great, recognitions are great, but none of that means anything if you forget where you came from,” Braun said. “Or, how to treat and how to lead people. I have no doubt that you all will do great at that.”
OBPD also honored several founding members of the Ormond Beach Police Department Special Response Team, established in 2018: Ormond Beach Fire Battalion Chief Joe Dupree, Officer Michael Carini, and Sgt. Josh DeLong.
Palm Coast Drug possession, driving without a license. A traffic stop led to an Orlando man being arrested after his coworker brought marijuana and meth into the car.
Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped the man’s SUV because the tint was darker than the allowed limit. After drugs were found, the driver admitted to never having a driver’s license and said he was not legally in the United States, the report said. He told deputies that he and the occupants were in Palm Coast for work.
Both the driver and his front seat passenger were arrested. At the jail, deputies found meth in the passenger’s phone case.
JAN. 16
TAB CLOSED
1:22 a.m. — 700 block of South Nova Road, Ormond Beach
Second teen who was found with sex offender is charged as adult
A 15-year-old Hastings teen is being charged as an adult in connection to an investigation into a kidnapped boy. Junior Bishop was arrested Dec. 31, after he attempted to flee the scene of a traffic stop in Flagler County. The teenager was in a truck with a kidnapped boy and Darnel Hairston, 60, a registered sex offender who lives in Hastings, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. While Hairston was being arrested, Bishop attempted to leave the scene in Hairston’s truck, almost hitting a deputy. Each first-degree felony carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 30 years in prison, if convicted. Bishop’s involvement in the kidnapping as a possible co-conspirator is under investigation. He is being held in jail on $133,000 bond.
Disturbance. Police responded to a local sports bar after a 35-year-old Ormond Beach man accused employees of “jumping” him for not paying his tab, though the man said he had paid. The bar owner and involved employees didn’t want to pursue charges; they just wanted the man trespassed. Police issued the man a trespass warning and he left.
JAN. 18
INSTIGATOR
1:36 p.m. — 5300 John Anderson Highway, Flagler Beach
Domestic battery. A 24-yearold Flagler Beach man was arrested for instigating a fight with his adult brother. The fight broke out between the two brothers over the suspect yelling at their sister. The sister had walked over freshly laid tile floors. The suspect was taken to jail.
A home in Palm Coast’s F Section as PCFD crews work to contain the flames on Jan. 16. Photo courtesy of PCFD Facebook, credit to: Shane Leib , F-Section Neighborhood Group
Mentoring the Dream
MLK Dream Keepers celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with parade and ceremony.
OBSERVER STAFF
Community organizations, Flagler Schools, the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office and the Bunnell Police Department participated in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, hosted by the MLK Dream Keepers on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Bunnell.
The parade began at the George Washington Carver Community Center and made a loop from Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to South State Street (U.S. 1), E. Moody Boulevard (State Road 100), South
Bacher Street and back to the Carver Center.
The MLK Dream Keepers’ celebration began at 10 a.m. with a prayer breakfast followed by a ceremony at the Carver Center. The Flagler Palm Coast High School JROTC presented colors.
Carver Center Site Manager
Bonita Robinson served as mistress of ceremony with pastors P.A. Wilkerson of St. James Baptist Church, Gregory Dukes of Church of God in Christ and Wendy Ford Butler of New Beginnings Church participating. Bunnell Mayor Catherine Robinson spoke.
Stacey Smith sang, “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The theme of the program was, “Mentoring the Dream.”
Carl Jones, the president of the African American Men-
toring Program, was the honored speaker. He said there’s a need like never before for mentoring our youth.
“Dr. King gave us a dream, but he also gave us a responsibility,” Jones said.
MLK Dream Keepers Chairman Mark Anderson closed the ceremony.
“We could want many great
things. But we cannot do it without help,” Anderson said.
“Whether it’s help from family, help from friends, help from God, we need help. … You cannot become great on your own. … And Martin Luther King Jr. knew that. He was a mentor to John F. Kennedy and Malcolm X. He was a mentor to all of us who strive for better, who want to move forward.”
‘Compassion, kindness and forgiveness’: MLK’s dream is now in our hands
Carol Love Coffie was the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Program at PCUMC.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Carol Love Coffie spoke of a social security to-do list at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Ecumenical Program on Monday, Jan. 19, at Palm Coast United Methodist Church. Coffie, the first lady of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, serves alongside her husband, Rev. Edwin Coffie, the pastor at Mt. Calvary. She was the keynote speaker at the MLK program, which was sponsored by New York Transit Retirees of Florida, Chapter 2. Owen Thompson, the chapter’s president, said, “Events like this remind us of the power of coming together. In
a world that often moves too fast, moments like this allow us to pause, reflect and be inspired.”
Love Coffie reflected on the theme of the program, “Where do we go from here?”, and presented the social security todo list, which has nothing to do with federal Social Security, she said. Rather, it’s guidance for a faith-based society. The three to do’s, she said, are to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
She described how Martin Luther King Jr. embraced all three of the actions.
“King was acting justly when he led civil rights campaigns and emphasized non-violent behavior,” she said. “He was acting justly when he advocated for voting rights, when he pushed for equal access to the ballot and when he helped bring about the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
The second action on the list, to love mercy, “emphasizes the significance of
showing compassion, kindness and forgiveness to others,” Love Coffie said.
“King thought that we are to love our enemies even in the face of brutality, and he encouraged citizens to choose reconciliation over revenge,” she said. “King exhibited his love for mercy when he encouraged forgiveness and redemptive love. He urged compassion towards oppressors believing mercy could transform hearts and society as a whole.”
King personified the third to-do of walking humbly with God, Love Coffie said, through his servant leadership.
“He regularly and consistently mentioned divine guidance, as is navigation system,” she said. “King preached that the struggle for justice required inner spiritual discipline, integrity and humility.”
Love Coffie said the program’s theme of where do we go from here is a challenge but also an opportunity for selfreflection. She said King’s
“King preached that the struggle for justice required inner spiritual discipline, integrity and humility.”
CAROL LOVE COFFIE
death in 1968, “transferred his legacy and his dream into your hands, into our hands.”
The program’s offering recipient was Samaritan Ministries of Bunnell, which provides a safe and nurturing environment to women and teens experiencing trauma. For more information, go to www.samaritanministriesflagler.org or call 386-4374372.
Mattie Vardell, Asha Barthellemy with Brayden and Stella Davis
Rymfire Elementary School participates in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.
Mary Foote and Jazilyn Goodison watch the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade on U.S. 1. Foote’s grandson marched in the parade with the Flagler Palm Coast High School JROTC.
Kids ride the Flagler Schools bus in the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade.
Isaiah Melgar and Alyse Garcia
Dr. Mark Anderson, chairman of the MLK Dream Keepers, speaks at the Martin Luther King Jr. ceremony
Carol Love Coffie, first lady of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church of Palm Coast, was the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. Ecumenical Program at Palm Coast United Methodist Church. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Palm Coast to take out $330 million in bonds for utility infrastructure
The 30-year loans will be repaid using Palm Coast’s utility rate revenues.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Palm Coast has approved $330 million in bonds to complete necessary improvements to the city’s water and wastewater utility infrastructure.
The bonds will be issued in April and paid back over a 30-year period using revenue from the city’s utilities. By the end of the loans’ payback period, Palm Coast will have paid $582 million in principal bonds and interest. The Palm Coast City Council will vote on the resolution one more time at its Feb. 3 meeting.
“This is a big deal for our city,” Mayor Mike Norris said.
The bonds are a mixture of new loans and refinanced loans; $283.4 million are new bonds that will be used to pay for necessary utility improvement projects. Another $49 million are existing bonds that the city would be refinancing to have a lower payment, said Christopher Roe, who is an attorney with Bryant Miller Olive law firm, which serves
as Palm Coast’s bond council. Refinancing would save the city an estimated $1.7 million. “Typically, anytime you refund or refinance a bid obligation you’re doing so to save money,” Roe said.
Palm Coast Financial Director Helena Alves said the city is working on a feasibility study that would outline the city’s ability to repay the bonds, which will take into account “a conservative estimate” of the city’s future growth, the current utility rates and the connections coming online.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE IN THE PIPELINE?
The city will have $283 million immediately upon issuance to begin work on capital improvement projects for the utilities. The 2026-2030 capital improvement plan for utilities is estimated to cost $599 million to complete — almost double what the city is financing, according to a presentation at the city’s Jan. 13 workshop meeting. The bulk of the funds will need to go toward the expansion of Palm Coast’s Wastewater Treatment Plant 1.
Upgrading its capacity from 6.83 million gallons per day to 10.83 million gallons per day is estimated to cost $200 million.
Among the listed projects, another $50 million will go to Water Treatment Plant 1 for upgrades, and $40 million toward wells and raw water supply improvements. Replacing and installing new PEP Tanks is estimated to cost $30 million on its own.
BUT WHAT ABOUT THE CHARTER?
In the Palm Coast Charter, Article VI section (3)(e) outlines limitations to how much the city can borrow at one time. The section limits it to $15 million in unfunded, multi-year loan contracts without approval from Palm Coast residents through a referendum.
The key is the term “unfunded.” The city’s provision only prohibits bonds over $15 million if there is no existing revenue stream to dedicate back to repayment, Roe said, but the city’s utility service rates are a dedicated source of funding for repayment.
But some residents still felt the charter section applied.
Palm Coast Planning Board Chairwoman Sandra Shank called this still an “unfunded mandate,” especially as part of the repayment formula depends on future growth.
“I encourage you not to move forward with this resolution that is a contract — a contract,” she said, “on behalf of the citizens who have no voice.”
Palm Coast resident Jeremy Davis questioned the city’s transparency when a feasibility study on the city’s ability to repay the debt is still being conducted, and before residents have a chance to review it.
“Upgrades is not the debate. We all want safe, reliable utilities,” Davis said. “The debate is whether leadership locks in decades of repayment without transparency, written justification and strong guardrails.”
Norris said the city is in the position where they have to improve its systems.
“We’ll complain about green water and chastise the city for not doing the right things on water,” he said. “Why not provide any resolutions on how to fix it. We have to invest money to fix our systems.”
Motion to fire Flagler administrator fails, but commissioners
Three of the board’s five commissioners say they are being ignored by Petito and staff.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Flagler County Commissioner Kim Carney made a motion to fire Flagler County Administrator Heidi Petito at the Flagler County Commission’s Jan. 12 meeting.
“I lack confidence in our administrator,” Carney said. Later, she added, “As a board, we need to move this county in a very aggressive, very forward acting direction, and I don’t see that happening. I am basically stating a lack of support for Mrs. Petito.”
Carney made the motion to fire Petito at the end of an 11-hour meeting day on Jan. 12 during the final portion reserved for commission comments. The motion died without a second, but not because Carney was alone in her feelings for Petito.
Carney said she can’t continue to work “feeling the way I do and being treated the way I have been treated.” She described a work atmosphere where all of her suggestions had been ignored, specifically citing her direction to set up meetings with Flagler Beach on beach renourishment.
“There’s no rebuttal, there’s silence, there’s head nodding, and that’s it. There’s nothing else,” she said. “I can’t salvage a relationship that’s not being responded to.”
Commissioners Pam Richardson and Chairwoman Leann Pennington said they had similar experiences. Richardson said she has seen a lot of preferential treatment and said things she has asked for have also been ignored. She’s seen that the staff seems nervous and people who put their all into their jobs feel unappreciated.
Pennington, too, said the previous Deputy Administrator Jorge Salinas, who was killed in a car crash alongside his wife last fall, was her “only bridge” to getting help with things.
Despite their experiences, neither seconded Carney’s motion to terminate.
Commissioners Greg Hansen and Andy Dance also did not support firing Petito, and questioned the wisdom of firing her without a succession plan in place.
Carney said she had a succession plan in place: While the county searched for a replacement, she recommended placing an outside, retired administrator to step in as an interim county administrator.
“This place needs a lot of grooming and to move us to
concerns
the next level. We need new leadership,” she said. “I have no vote of confidence in moving this place forward the way it is today.”
But Pennington said she also did not support firing Petito at this time, and said she would still like to see the administrator in a position at Flagler County, even if it is no longer as county administrator.
“I can’t second just straight termination at this time,” she said. “I think the wheels are off the train right now around here, and there’s nobody here to guide it.”
Dance also said Carney’s motion lacked transparency, though Carney said she had checked with the county attorney beforehand that it was legal for commissioners to motion and vote on a motion made during the comment section.
“It’s bad faith,” Dance said. “On its face, doing it at the end of a meeting, when nobody’s in attendance and nobody knows about it — it lacks transparency.”
“Well, who does she report to?” Carney asked.
“The board,” Dance replied. “And we report to the public.”
For Pennington, the issue goes deeper than just who is in the administrator position. She was moved to tears as she expressed her frustration over the stagnated culture within Flagler County’s government and staff and the loss of Salinas.
The county has to have an administration and staff that puts in the effort to figure out how to get things done, beyond taxation. The county is in a situation where there are many backlogged problems with “only so many pennies” that can be collected, she said.
But three of the board members feel as though the administration and staff are shutting them out of doing their jobs,
Pennington said, because staff wants to go another way. She said staff has even told her to her face that they “are a voting block of 1,500” and can vote out commissioners.
“The culture has to change,” she said.
Pennington said she did not know what the solution was, whether it was to find a replacement or hire a consultation firm of some kind to help right the problems within the county. But in the meantime, she said, she didn’t know how the commission was going to be able to work together. It’s at the point, she said, where the staff is afraid to make recommendations to the board because they’re afraid of the board’s potential reactions.
“We — I hate to say this word — but we have decision constipation,” Pennington said. “We can’t make decisions up here anymore.”
For example: Just on Jan. 12, the board started the day with a 9 a.m. workshop meeting that ended up lasting six hours, followed by this fourhour business meeting. And for over a year the board has been stuck on the decision of how to fund its beach maintenance program.
The board is also facing an election year where Hansen’s seat will have a new person come November, and Pennington is herself up for reelection.
The board is already going to have problems this year finding things to agree on, she said, “you can already see it.” The county needs meaningful change, she said.
“I’m really worried about getting stuck in indecisive land,” she said. “I’m worried about not making meaningful changes to the budget that aren’t painful.”
Email Sierra Williams at sierra@observerlocalnews. com.
County Administrator Heidi Petito (left). File photo by Sierra Williams
Palm Coast has approved $330 million in bonds to address the city’s necessary utility improvement projects. Photo by Sierra Williams
Harvard rowing team practices in Flagler ICW
Harvard’s womens rowing team can be spotted practicing in the Intracoastal Waterway until Jan. 24.
SIERRA
WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
For the second year in a row, the Harvard University women’s rowing club, known as Harvard-Radcliffe, has taken up residence at the Palm Coast Rowing Club.
Palm Coast Rowing Club
President Mark Heacock said the Harvard-Radcliffe team comes down once a year in the winter to practice ahead of the competitive season in spring. At this point, he said, the water up north is either too cold or too solid for the teams to practice on.
“It’s awful cold in Cambridge,” Heacock said, “so they come down here to get some actual liquid water to row in and try to get a head start on their season.”
The Harvard & Radcliffe team will finish their practice camp and head home on Jan. 24, but it is not the only team that comes south for the practice. Many northern universities send their teams south in the winter to practice, Heacock said, including the Syracuse University’s women’s rowing team.
Syracuse’s team has been practicing in Flagler County’s stretch of the Intracoastal Waterway for at least the last five years, Heacock said. The team just finished their Florida camp on Jan. 10, according to Syracuse women’s rowing team social media.
The Palm Coast Rowing
Club has been in operation for over a decade and has a variety of youth, adult and indoor rowing programs people can take part in.
The groups set up their rowing practices typically three days a week, Heacock said, on Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, with the Monday rows reserved for the adult program. The indoor rowing exercise program is held weekly at the Palm Coast Community Center on indoor rowing machines.
Heacock has been rowing since high school in Northern Virginia, and continued to row while attending the University of Virginia.
“It’s a great sport. It can be done your entire life,” he said. “We have people in our club who are in their late 70s, and we’ve had some in their 80s, actually, row.”
When the college teams come down for their practice camps, Heacock said the Palm Coast Rowing Club hosts the teams at their local boat yard, but gives the teams a wide berth to let them practice. The college competitive season begins in the spring, he said, and lasts all through summer.
Being on the water gives the students experience that they can’t get from just rowing inside, he said. On the Intracoastal, the students can experience a variety of conditions: the wind, the cold, waves, flat water, sunny days.
“It’s a very serious development time for them, where they get a chance to be on the water and row in the boats, and that’s a great advantage for their competitions later,” he said.
“Nothing beats actually being out on the water.”
Board recommends against Ormond Circle K plan
Circle K wants to allow outdoor sales, including ice, propane.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
The Ormond Beach Planning Board has recommended the City Commission deny a special exception for outdoor sales of merchandise at the future Circle K gas station at 699 S. Nova Road.
The gas station and convenience store will be constructed at the northeast corner of Hand Avenue and Nova Road, replacing the former Bank of America. The site plan was approved last year, with the commission upholding city staff’s decision following a citizen’s appeal. Because a gas station is an allowed use in the B-8 Commercial zoning, the project didn’t need the City Commission’s approval. But, a special exception does.
According to a city staff report, Sun State Petrol I, LLC, wants to have outdoor areas displaying merchandise such as propane cages, ice machines and seasonal/bulk retail items. Despite city staff recommending approval, Planning Board members felt this would negatively impact the nearby neighborhoods.
“It’s a special location to me, and it should just be as quiet as we can keep it for the neighborhood,” Board member Angeline Shull said at the meeting on Jan. 15. “When they moved there, they didn’t expect this to happen.”
Several residents spoke against the gas station project at the meeting. They raised concerns about outdoor merchandise increasing petty theft crimes in the area, and, that existing stores in the area
already sell propane tanks.
“We’re just taking business from our local stores that are there now and giving to a corporate store,” said Bobby Cleveland.
Resident Amber Bobak was also among the speakers. Last year, she filed an appeal against the project’s site plan approval, citing health and safety hazards, stormwater contamination, lighting requirements, incompatibility with the city’s Comprehensive Plan and a lack of community support and procedural oversight.
In regard to the special exception, Bobak said that allowing outdoor sales would create “an increase of operational intensity and additional safety and nuisance impacts closer to existing homes.”
“These impacts are directly related to the concerns residents have raised throughout the review of this project,” Bobak said, adding that since the neighborhood meeting, she requested Circle K consider reducing or reconfiguring the number of fuel pumps and incorporating enhanced stormwater measures to limit neighborhood impacts.
Zoe Fernandez, 14, said she was concerned that the gas station was being constructed less than 300 feet from her home. She cited health and safety concerns, impacting the 11 children in her neighborhood and the many more within 1,000 feet of the property, including her sister, who has asthma.
“Gas stations generate fine matter that will settle deep into the lungs and are associated with heart diseases, strokes and developmental issues,” Zoe said. “Circle K has a history of pipe leakages containing all these chemicals, as well as gasoline, poisoning the groundwater and soil in the area. Not only is there a
lake right down the road, but there are people on the street with gardens and children who play outside.”
Speaking on behalf of the project, Kimley-Horn Civil Engineer Jared Stubbs said that their goal is to be a “good neighbor” and that they understand the concern of having a gas station near their neighborhood.
“There is no goal or objective that we have to be a hindrance to the neighborhood,” Stubbs said.
Stubbs also added that the special exception application wasn’t filed alongside the site plan because they did not know outdoor storage needed separate approval. Housing ice machines outside gas stations, he said during the meeting, is a standard practice.
Board members weren’t convinced. The vote to deny was 5-0. Board member Troy Railsback was absent.
“I don’t see the improvement by having this for the regular citizens, and I see it as a huge detriment to the neighbors, because it’s just going to have more traffic,” Board Chair Doug Thomas said. “You’re going to have ice machine ice trucks delivering ice at night.”
The special exception is tentatively set to go before the City Commission at its Feb. 17 meeting.
Board member
Scudiero resigns
Planning Board member
Mike Scudiero submitted a letter of resignation from his seat on Dec. 24, 2025. He had served since 2019 as the mayor’s appointment. Scudiero also resigned from the Municipal Firefighters’ Pension Trust Board. He had served since 2017. This position was appointed by the commission at-large. Planning Director Steven Spraker announced Scudiero’s resignation during the board’s meeting Jan. 15. An item to appoint a new Planning Board member for the remainder of Scudiero’s term (through end of this year) will be placed on the Feb. 3 City Commission agenda. In an interview with the Observer, Scudiero said his job as a political consultant has caused him to miss meetings more often. “It was the time to [resign] and let them fill the spot with someone who [could serve] and have the time to dedicate to it,” Scudiero said.
A rendering of what the Circle K proposed for 699 S. Nova Road may look like, though a note was included that included signage would need further review. Courtesy Photo
Your Best Care is Here
When
ELECTION NEWS
Ormond Mayor Leslie to runs for Florida House
Ormond Beach Mayor
Jason Leslie has filed to run to represent District 29 in the Florida House of Representatives.
Leslie filed for the seat — currently held by Rep. Webster Barnaby, R-Deltona — on Jan. 16. District 29 includes DeLand, Deltona, Lake Helen Osteen and unincorporated land west of Port Orange.
Leslie announced his candidacy on Monday, Jan. 19.
“I’m running for District 29 to provide representation by someone who will be accessible and accountable to the constituents,” Leslie said in a press release. “I’m already meeting with community members and learning that they feel they haven’t had a voice in Tallahassee. I will be that voice for them.”
Leslie, a native of New Jersey, has lived in Ormond Beach for over five years. Currently, he owns commercial real estate and an ecommerce business. He was elected as mayor of Ormond Beach in 2024. Last year, he was recognized by the Florida League of Cities as a Home Rule Hero.
According to his press release, Leslie’s campaign for Florida House will focus on smart growth, to include prioritizing flood mitigation and infrastructure, as well as affordable property insurance, and fiscal responsibility.
Feldman to run for Flagler County Commission
Flagler County resident Greg Feldman, a longtime Florida law enforcement professional and community servant, has formally announced his candidacy for the Flagler County Commission District 2 seat.
Feldman has more than 46 years of law enforcement experience. In a campaign press release. Feldman said he is driven to run by a desire to serve all areas of Flagler County with balance, fairness and a countywide perspective.
“I believe trust is earned through listening, showing up and doing the work,” Feldman said. “My goal is to be a strong voice for all of Flagler County — one that respects the unique needs of each community and works to bring people together around practical, thoughtful solutions.”
Feldman’s platform prioritizes public safety, supporting responsible and ethical growth, protecting property rights and ensuring that development decisions respect the character of existing neighborhoods, according to his press release. He believes in preserving a “vibrant tourism market” and maintaining the beaches as the main visitor attraction in the county.
“This campaign is about
learning, listening and earning the trust of voters,” Feldman said. “I’m committed to being accessible, respectful and focused on what’s best for Flagler County now and in the future.” Visit www.votefeldman.com or contact the campaign at greg@votefeldman.com.
Woolbright and Cathy Moon file to run for Flagler School Board
Former Flagler County School Board member Jill Woolbright filed to run for her old District 1 seat on Wednesday, Jan. 14, the same day that Cathy Moon of Palm Coast also filed to run for the District 1 School Board seat. They both said they did not know the other was also filing.
“My passion, my whole life, has been for children, and the children of Flagler County,” said Woolbright, who taught in Flagler Schools for 29 years before becoming a board member.
Woolbright served on the board for two years, winning an election in 2020 to finish out Andy Dance’s term. Dance had resigned to run for Flagler County commission.
Woolbright lost her reelection bid in 2022 to Sally Hunt by 787 votes with 29,484 voting.
Hunt resigned in September 2024. About a month later, Gov. Ron DeSantis appointed Derek Barrs to finish the term. Barrs resigned on Sept. 30, 2025, after being appointed by President Donald Trump to a federal transportation post.
The board seat is still vacant.
“I’ve been thinking about running since it was known Derek was resigning,” Woolbright said. “I’m a woman of faith, so I did pray. I prayed about it.”
Woolbright said she will drop out of the race if DeSantis appoints a board member who lives in the District 1 zone. The governor can appoint anyone who lives in the county.
“I don’t think I would run against a governor-appointed candidate,” Woolbright said.
Moon has lived in Palm Coast since 2017, moving from northern Virginia.
“I went to public school, my children went to public school,” she said. “I believe in public schools, and I think strong public schools build a strong community, because they create a resource pool for local businesses.”
Moon worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 28 years and the Department of Commerce for two years.
“I’ve worked in customer relations. I ran a team using the principles of Lean Six Sigma, and in a threeyear period … we drove $475 million out of the organization,” Moon said. “... There’s money that’s been taken out of the public school system through the vouchers. So, we need to find ways to be more efficient with the funds that we have.”
Ormond’s Kristin Deaton is running for a second term
Zone 3 Ormond Beach City Commissioner Kristin Deaton has filed for reelection. Deaton, sales manager and mortgage loan originator at Guild Mortgage, filed to run for her second term in office on Monday, Jan. 12. A lifelong Ormond Beach resident, Deaton was elected in 2024 and told the Observer that she wanted to give herself a full year on the commission before making the decision to run again. She also had conversations with her family, as public service is a commitment for them as well.
“After a year of experience and those conversations, the decision felt very clear: to continue being a voice for our residents and to keep moving our community forward,” Deaton said in an email. Some of the accomplishments she’s most proud of include staying focused on quality of life, pushing for fiscal responsibility and advocating for residents and their neighborhoods.
“We’ve pushed back on inappropriate development in areas like Tomoka Oaks and near Hunter’s Ridge because growth should be thoughtful, responsible, and in line with our community’s character,” Deaton said.
Public perception around growth and development is one of the biggest ongoing challenges in the city, Deaton said.
“I completely understand the frustration, and in many cases, I share it,” she said. “But it’s also important to understand how the process actually works.”
Several developments were approved in years past, and new votes coming before the commission are often on specific technical elements like landscaping, buffers, setbacks, or site design details — not whether the development can or can’t be constructed, she said. Additionally, some developments are in active litigation, limiting what the city can do or discuss publicly.
“Tomoka Oaks is one example, particularly, in Zone 3,” Deaton said. “That’s why I think it’s so important to be honest about what’s within our control and to focus on shaping growth responsibly and protecting neighborhoods wherever we legally can.”
If reelected for a second term, Deaton said she wants to continue to focus on improving the I-95 and Granada Boulevard corridor and expanding recreation opportunities west of I-95. Deaton said she would also like to continue addressing homelessness in a balanced approach that “protects public spaces, helps connect people to services, and responds to residents’ concerns in a lawful and humane way.”
Her first term on the commission was a “real-eye opening experience,” she said.
“A year gives you the opportunity not just to serve, but to learn, to see firsthand what can and can’t be done quickly, and to understand what it really means to think long-term,” Deaton said. “There’s no substitute for experience. This term has reinforced for me why responsible leadership matters and why no one person has all the answers.
I’m one vote out of five.”
To date, only one candidate, William Sanchez, has filed to run against Deaton. Sanchez filed in August of last year.
Cathy Moon
Greg Feldman
Jill Woolbright
Jason Leslie
Kristin Deaton
Living inside the dream
BRIAN MCMILLAN PUBLISHER
After an argument with someone, I was feeling lost, so I listened to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech on YouTube. His speech reminds me that I need to live inside the dream, which means striving to achieve the ideal, in any situation I’m in. If anyone had a reason to focus on the mistakes of others, it was
him. But he inspired the world because he focused on the
That is the path to
GO TO THEM
Jan. 14, 2026
I think I made a small breakthrough in the scripture study class I teach in the mornings before school. I asked the students to explain the tactics used in solving Zelda video game puzzles and then we compared them with the ways we can study the Bible (such as, explore every corner, see what connects with what).
In doing so, I learned a valuable lesson: You reach teenagers in the same way you reach anyone: Don’t
expect them to come to you; you have to go to them.
SURROUNDED BY GOODNESS
Jan. 15, 2026
This afternoon, I sat around the table with John Adams, Bill Partington II, Nancy Cortez, Becky Parker and Jade Faber, at the Ormond Beach Mainstreet office. Looking around the room, it occurred to me that all of us could have been doing other things to make more money for ourselves. Instead, we were discussing ways to help other businesses make more money for themselves.
Can we create a networking group to help foster meaningful business connections? Can we conduct a survey to find out how to help better?
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Restore separation of church and state
Dear Editor:
Kudos to the Observer for printing the letter from Laurel Robinson, who succinctly laid out the creeping invasion by religious groups of our First Amendment guarantee of separation of church and state.
As a childless person I have never resented the chunk of my property tax that is dedicated to public schools as I firmly believe an educated society is a better society. But I vehemently protest any part of my property tax contribution going to promote some religious belief. I mean, aren’t we already funding enough by the fact established churches occupy tax free property,
the tax from whence public school funds are drawn?
We voted for Volusia Forever
Dear Editor: There has been discussion at the Volusia County Council meetings about Volusia Forever. Specifically concerning perpetuity and why we have partners. In the year 2020, 75.6% of voters expressed strong support for the land conservation program, a percentage that exceeds the approval ratings of any current County Council elected official and likely any of those in the past or future. In 2000, the
initiative received 61.6%, still very high. With percentages this high, a reasonable assumption would be that many of you reading right now voted to tax yourselves in support of land conservation. The title “Volusia Forever” suggests it represents forever or
In FBCA Coach Wagner’s defense
Readers responded on the Observer’s Facebook page to the article, “FBCA girls basketball team forfeits 11 victories because of ineligible players; coach Anthony Wagner steps aside.”
Wagner, the school’s elementary principal, had already agreed to step aside
When the national news gets me down, it’s refreshing to remember that good people all around me are working hard to make their neighbors’ lives better.
COMFORT AFTER MISERY
Jan. 16, 2026
After my daughter Ellie got her wisdom teeth out today, I pulled the car around back to pick her up. My wife, Hailey, helped her get situated in the backseat. Then, with bloody gauze dangling from her mouth, in a medicated daze, Ellie cried all the way home.
As I drove, cringing every time her sobs turned into wails, I tried to comfort her by reminding her that it was temporary: We are almost home. The pain meds will soon take effect.
I realized that in the middle of my own miseries in life,
permanence. It is worth noting that this is a willing seller program, providing landowners with options. There is a 25-year precedent of Volusia County never selling land acquired through the program, coupled with a proven track record of establishing strong partnerships, always with the participation of county attorneys in these
as coach because of his expanding duties, said Max Fernandez, FBCA’s head of school. Here are two of the comments:
it’s hard for me to believe in the comfort my future self will enjoy, too. When that comfort comes, we are a lot like Ellie. Hours later, she revealed that she had no recollection of the drive home.
THE SIMPLICITY PRINCIPLE
Jan. 19, 2026
I recently set a goal to lose a pound a week. Maybe some of you can relate to this rotten, horrible, no-good, annoying, depressing way to ring in the new year.
Rather than counting calories or doing other complicated changes to my diet, I decided to follow just one rule: No snacks between meals.
And it hasn’t been that hard so far. It’s the simplicity principle: One rule is easier to follow than two.
discussions. The benefits of land conservation are many — water quality, flooding prevention, biodiversity, recreation and more.
Volusia has been a leader for 25 years in land conservation. The discussions could jeopardize our future partnerships and achievements. Today, we are calling on all elected officials to provide their unwavering
“FBCA as a whole did the right thing. Found errors, corrected them and self reported. Teaching our athletes that integrity is key, and that sometimes the right thing is the hard things.”
— Christina Udell
“While the article focuses on challenges our program has faced, it does not tell the whole story. Yes, this season has brought unexpected changes, but what it doesn’t capture is the heart, resilience, and work ethic of the young ladies who remain. These girls show up
Publisher Brian McMillan, brian@observerlocalnews.com
Managing Editor Jarleene Almenas, jarleene@observerlocalnews.com
Associate Editor Brent Woronoff, brent@observerlocalnews.com
Staff Writer Sierra Williams, sierra@observerlocalnews.com
Operation and Design Manager Hailey McMillan, hailey@observerlocalnews.com
Marketing Consultants April Koehler, april@observerlocalnews.com; Travis Hurlbut, travis@observerlocalnews.com
Office Coordinator Kay Raymond, Kay@observerlocalnews.com
McMillan Ink LLC 50 Leanni Way, Unit C3 Palm Coast, FL 32137
support
every day, keep their heads high, and continue to work hard at practice despite adversity. They are learning perseverance, teamwork, and character lessons that matter far beyond the scoreboard. We are proud of them and grateful for the support of our school community.”
— Ethan Buchanan (FBCA basketball assistant coach)
SHIRLEY CARTER Palm Coast
for perpetuity and partnerships, the 25-year Volusia Forever tradition.
SUZANNE SCHEIBER Ormond Beach
Editor’s note: Suzanne Scheiber is the founder of Dream Green Volusia.
YOUR NEIGHBORS
I can see for miles
Run Every Street was a challenge that deepened Michelle Bartlome’s connection to the city that she calls home.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
Running has been a part of Ormond Beach resident Michelle Bartlome’s life for a long time. It’s her “happy place.” Her preferred way to find clarity and work through ideas.
And as a goal-oriented person, she’s always looking for a new challenge.
So when she heard a guest speaker from Jacksonville talk about the Run Every Street challenge during a Rotary Club of Flagler County event last year, Bartlome’s ears perked up. Soon thereafter, during a breakout session, she raised her hand and announced she would follow in the guest speaker’s footsteps. She would run every street in her city.
Bartlome had no idea how many miles that would be, nor how many streets that encompassed. But, she was going to do it.
“I’m always challenging myself to just continue to improve, and challenges like that just push me for what else I can do,” said Bartlome, who is the president of Flagler Rotary.
Using CityStrides, which helps track challenge progress, Bartlome discovered she had 864 streets and 264 miles to run.
She began in March 2025. On Tuesday, Jan. 13, Bartlome completed the challenge, racking up a total of 410 miles.
(When running some roads, like cul-de-sacs, Bartlome often had to double back to continue her runs, resulting in the higher mileage.)
This challenge, Bartlome
YOUR TOWN
GoFundMe set up for Palm Coast woman with rare form of cancer
A GoFundMe page has been set up for Quincy and Taylor Steiner, of Palm Coast. Taylor had surgery on Dec. 13 to remove a large cancerous mass on her kidney, according to the page, organized by Miriam Wheeler. In a Dec. 27 update on the page, Taylor said she received “an extremely rare diagnosis of extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma.” In a Jan. 15 post on the page, Taylor said chemotherapy, radiation and surgery are all on the table.
said, pushed her both physically and mentally. Still, she truly enjoyed it.
“I just feel really connected to the place that I call home,” she said. “Every street, there’s a story, and every time I went out running, I was learning more about the people and the places that really make up our community, and it was really special for me to uncover a lot of these areas that I wouldn’t have noticed if I was not running the streets, or walking on the streets, because the journey would have never taken me on that path.”
HIDDEN GEMS
As Bartlome ran in the city, she encountered numerous historical markers.
She learned about the history of Old Kings Road, the historic firehouse on Granada Boulevard, the Nathan Cobb Cottage and the first house ever built in Ormond Beach — Bosarve, the home of town founder John Andrew Bostrom, constructed in 1968.
Every time she saw a marker, she would stop to take photos and take a minute to learn about her city. Running through Riverside Drive, one of the city’s most historic streets, was a highlight for her.
“Then of course, there’s The Casements, which in itself is just a beautiful thing to have in our community — the winter house of Rockefeller,” Bartlome said.
The challenge also gave her an opportunity to discover new neighborhoods and running trails, like the Benny M. Woodham Jr. Trail off North Beach Street and Inglesa Avenue.
“When I found that one, I was really impressed, because it’s not super long, but you feel like you’re in the middle of all this beautiful nature,” Bartlome said.
RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Bartlome has lived in Florida for three years. Born and
To help the Steiner family
Go to www.gofundme. com/f/carefor-taylorsrecoveryand-familysfuture.
The Steiners have four children age 6 and under. While caring for Taylor and the children, Quincy, a small business owner, has not been able to work enough to make ends meet, and medical bills are already starting to come in. They are now planning to move back to Utah, where they have family. Taylor has a consult with the Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City. The best case scenario,
raised in New Jersey, she lived in Idaho for 15 years before moving down south.
Her love for the Flagler and Volusia area, however, spans decades and was sparked by family. Her late grandparents moved to Palm Coast over 30 years ago, and other family members relocated to the area over the years. Her parents now live a mile from her in Ormond Beach.
For Bartlome, running has become a family affair. Together with her husband and children, they take part in local 5Ks, including Feet to Feast and the recent AdventHealth Moonlight Beach Run. Bartlome has also completed two full marathons.
Her son is on the Ormond Beach Middle School cross country team. For Christmas, she got him his first medal holder.
“It makes it a family thing, and I get to see them excel in it,” Bartlome said. “... It’s just been a wonderful thing for me personally, and I love being able to help others to maybe get a little bit of extra enthusiasm or motivation to get out there and try it as well.”
And Bartlome did inspire someone to do the Run Every Street Challenge: her sister, who lives in a small town in Maryland.
“She completed it before I did,” Bartlome said with a laugh. “That was just really cool, because she had really just embraced this idea of, ‘Hey, let’s see if I can do it.’”
‘JUST START’
It took Bartlome 10 months to complete the challenge.
Her typical runs were about 3-4 miles, with longer runs — like the ones through Ormond Lakes and its winding streets and numerous cul-de-sacs — spanning almost 11 miles. Bartlome began the challenge in the middle of the city and worked her way west before wrapping up on the beachside.
That was her game plan
Taylor said, is to finish the school year and move in a few months.
“Mentally, I’m doing alright. Trying to maintain positivity while recovering from such an intense surgery is hard sometimes, but we are managing,” she said in the Jan. 15 post.
S.M.A.R.T. and Palm Coast unveil new Rainbow Bridge, commemorating family pets
A Rainbow Bridge commemorating the lives of family pets has a permanent new home at Holland Park in Palm Coast. Organized by the animal rescue nonprofit S.M.A.R.T. — Saving Missing Animals Response Team — of Flagler County and created in partnership with the City of Palm Coast and East Coast Animal Hospital, the Rainbow Bridge honors family pets who have died and the lasting impact they have on their families.
The bridge is located at the back of Holland Park — 18 N. Florida Park Drive — next to the softball fields and tennis courts.
A ribbon cutting ceremony for the bridge was held on Jan. 17. S.M.A.R.T. founder Caroline Johnson said it was incredible, with a few hundred people — including city officials, sponsors and members of the public — turning out in support. The bridge has been the result of two years of work between many people,
from the start. On her final day of the challenge, she ended it on the beach, where she wrote “100%” on the sand.
“We live in paradise, and I love the aspect of being able to finish and start runs at the beach as much as I’m able to because it’s just such a privilege to live in a community like this,” Bartlome said. There was never a doubt in her mind that she would finish the challenge. It didn’t matter if she was running in the rain, in hot weather or in windy temperatures. This was a fun journey, she said, and she loves being able to share her experience. Many of her friends followed her journey on social media, cheering her on as she achieved milestones.
“I just feel really connected to the place that I call home. Every street, there’s a story, and every time I went out running, I was learning more about the people and the places that really make up our community, and it was really special for me to uncover a lot of these areas that I wouldn’t have noticed if I was not running the streets, or walking on the streets, because the journey would have never taken me on that path.”
MICHELLE BARTLOME
Her advice to those who are interested in doing the Run Every Street challenge?
“Just start,” she said. “So what if you only do five streets in your city? That’s OK. Maybe those were five streets that you’d never seen before, and you now have some additional insight into the place where you live, which I think is really important — just to have a good understanding of what your community is like.”
“I love running, and I love that I was able to explore new parts of our city,” Bartlome said. “To everybody that waved at me or honked at me, or said hello while I was out there running, thank you, because you definitely provided some additional motivation to just keep going and get out there.”
Johnson told the Observer She’s happy to finally see it come to fruition.
“It was a great effort between so many people,” she said. “S.M.A.R.T., the city and East Coast really worked hard together, for two years now, to get this thing off the ground and find a good location for it and just bring it to life.”
The bridge will serve as more than just a metaphorical way to remember the pets, though: Anyone who wants to can purchase a customengraved memorial pet tag through S.M.A.R.T.’s website that will then be installed on the bridge as a permanent memorial.
Johnson said S.M.A.R.T. already has about 50 orders for engraved tags. To order a tag, simply go to smartflagler. com/rainbow-bridge/ to place the order. The tags cost $30 and can include the pet’s first and last name as well as the year the pet died and “crossed the rainbow bridge.”
“Anything past the minimal charges that we’ll pay for the tags and the maintenance, everything else will go toward helping [S.M.A.R.T] with our mission, with the the vet bills for the rescue dogs,” she said.
The bridge was built by PWC Builds, a local construction company that does residential and commercial work. Johnson said the PWC team designed a “river” of gravel under the bridge and completed the landscaping as well. Palm Coast City Council members Mayor Mike
Michelle Bartlome wrote a “100%” on the sand to celebrate completing the Run Every Street challenge.
Courtesy photo
Norris,
Vice Mayor Theresa Pontieri, and Council Member Ty Miller also attended the ribbon cutting ceremony. Pontieri also read a city proclamation in honor of S.M.A.R.T. and the Rainbow Bridge dedicating Jan. 17 as “Rainbow Bridge Day” in Palm Coast, according to a Palm Coast Facebook post. The bridge is “a new space for remembrance, reflection, and healing for those honoring beloved pets who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge,” the post said. Send Your Town stories to brent@observerlocalnews. com.
Taylor and Quincy Steiner and family. Courtesy photo
Christina Ryan and Loki crosses the rainbow bridge. Photo by Hannah Hodge
LOCAL EVENTS
THURSDAY, JAN. 22
ATLANTIC FEDERATED REPUBLICAN WOMEN
MEETING
When: Noon
Where: The Palmetto Club, 1000 S. Beach St., Daytona Beach
Details: Attend the January meeting of the Atlantic Federated Republican Women. Check-in will begin at 11:30 a.m. The organization will be interviewing County Council candidates Nancy Miller and Mike Poniatowski (at-large), Danny Robins (District 3) and David Santiago (District 5). Registration costs $28 and includes lunch. Visit https://www. atlanticrepublicanwomen. com.
NAME YOUR PRICE COMMUNITY PASTA
DINNER
When: 5-7 p.m.
Where: Flagler Beach United Methodist Church, 1520 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach
Details: Proceeds at this community dinner will benefit Flagler Beach United Methodist Church’s outreach programs. Eat in or take to-go — just put your dinner donation
YOUR TOWN
Cherry Laurel Garden Club donates tree to Ormond museum
The Ormond Memorial Art Museum rolled out a red carpet on Friday, Jan. 16, for the newest addition to its gardens: a 25-gallon silver buttonwood tree.
The native tree was planted by members of the Cherry Laurel Garden Club in recognition of Florida Arbor Day, which celebrated its 140th anniversary on Jan. 16. The donation of the tree was a collaboration between the Garden Club and OMAM, who hosted the Florida Arbor Day event.
The tree was planted in the butterfly observation zone at the Gale Lemerand Butterfly Garden near the museum entrance.
“In that area, our amazing gardening team has located pollinator plants and host plants to attract the beautiful winged butterflies so that we can sit on that great bench and observe them,” OMAM
Executive Director Stephanie Mason-Teague said.
in the box on the table and get your ticket. Email fbumcl@ gmail.com for more information.
DIVING BOARD SESSION
When: 6-8 p.m.
Where: Ocean Center, 101 N. Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach
Details: The Ocean Center is launching a free monthly live entertainment series with the debut of Diving Board Sessions, a community-focused event designed to spotlight local artists, nonprofits and creative culture in an intimate waterfront setting. This first session will feature performances by Wispi, winner of the 2025 Locals Mix Original Songwriters Contest. Additional performances will include Sammy Rose & The Band and Dyer Davis. The nonprofit spotlight for the January event will feature the BeeKeepers of Volusia County. While general admission is free, VIP tables are available at $100 per table. RSVP at https://bit.ly/OCDivingBoard-Jan.
CHICAGO TRANSIT — A TRIBUTE TO CHICAGO
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See Chicago Transit Canada, a Canadian tribute band dedicated to performing the music of the band
Mason-Teague and Garden Artisan Janett Taylor — who has tended to OMAM’s gardens for over four decades — collaborated with the Garden Club and Katie Tripp, owner of Natural Beauty Native Florida, to choose which tree to plant this year.
The Cherry Laurel Garden Club is in its 78th year and has 27 members.
President Amy Valcik spoke about the silver buttonwood tree at the ceremony. While it may only be 8 feet tall today, it is expected to grow to a height of 25 feet.
“Like so many of us,” she said, “the silver buttonwood thrives in a coastal environment. It’s drought tolerant, salt tolerant and blooms throughout the year with these beautiful, soft, silvery foliage leaves that shimmer in the moonlight.”
While National Arbor Day is celebrated in April, the Florida Arbor Day was established in 1886 because trees are easier to transplant in January; they’re dormant and lose less water through transpiration.
“Today, we celebrate more than trees,” said Ormond Beach Deputy Mayor Lori Tolland, a member of the Garden Club of the Halifax Country. “We celebrate the roots of our community. Trees are living symbols of our stewardship, our resilience and shared responsibility that we have to protect the natural beauty and make Ormond Beach such a special place that we call home.”
For 35 years, Ormond Beach has earned a Tree City USA designation from the Arbor Day Foundation. Each year, Ormond each spends over $2 million in tree planting and care programs.
“When we plant native trees, we invest in our future,”
Chicago. The band features five lead vocalists, a threepiece horn section and a fivepiece rhythm section. Tickets cost $45-$55. Visit https:// ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix.com/
FRIDAY, JAN. 23
THE BARRICADE BOYS
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast
Details: Broadway’s Barricade Boys are coming to Palm Coast to perform classic showtunes — from Les Misérables to the Jersey Boys. Tickets cost $54-$64. Visit flaglerentertainment.com.
SATURDAY, JAN. 24
DAYTONA-ORMOND
CHAPTER OF THE SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION MEETING
When: 12-2 p.m.
Where: Adam Quinn American Legion Post 6, 1087
Biscayne Blvd., DeLand
Details: Program will include a presentation about Henry Knox and his Noble Train of Artillery. The presentation is by retired Col. William Ashmore, who served as an artilleryman for over 39 years. To support the chapter’s veterans program, donations of pillows, laundry detergent, plastic solo cups, paper plates, bowls, plastic utensils, men’s shaving cream, sugar,
coffee and creamer are requested. The donations will benefit veterans at Barracks of Hope. Add a note or receipt with the value of items donated. Meeting is open to the public. Contact Chapter President William Ashmore for more information at daytonaormondchaptersar@ gmail.com.
GLENN MILLER
ORCHESTRA
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center, 399 N. U.S. 1, Ormond Beach
Details: See this legendary big band perform at the PAC. Produced by BMG Concerts. Tickets cost $45-$60. Visit https://ormondbeachperformingartscenter.csstix. com/
SUNDAY, JAN. 25
TEMPLE BETH SHALOM BLESSING OF THE PETS
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Temple Beth Shalom, 40 Wellington Drive, Palm Coast
Details: This is a non-denominational blessings by Rabbi Tashman. Free. The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office will be on site with their animals. Adoptable dogs and cats will be available. A pet groomer, boarder, and pet boutique with items for sale will be at the event.
TUESDAY, JAN. 27
FLAGLER COUNTY COMMUNITY PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP
When: 11 a.m. to noon
Where: Flagler County Emergency Operations Center, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Building 3, Bunnell
Details: Come out to the Flagler County Emergency Operations Center for a monthly presentation on general preparedness. Learn practical tips and strategies to help you stay safe and ready for emergencies.
OMAM KALEIDOSCOPE: REFLECTIONS OF A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENTS
When: 5-7:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond
Beach
Details: OMAM’s annual dinner includes highlights of past year achievements, annual report presentation, and a volunteer awards ceremony. Dinner and drinks are included in the $50 admission. Visit www. ormondartmuseum.org.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 28
VETERANS CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS WORKSHOP
When: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd.
Details: Artist Mary Wen-
Artist
‘Men Painting Women’ exhibit on display at Ormond PAC
The gallery at the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center is currently hosting an exhibition featuring the works of four Florida artists whose work is mainly focused on the female form.
The exhibit, “Men Painting Women,” opened on Jan. 1 and will run through Feb. 4. A closing reception and artist talk will be held from 3-5 p.m.
on Wednesday, Feb. 4, with refreshments provided by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center.
“Men Painting Women” showcases the art of Ormond Beach artist Robert Shirk, Orlando artist Herbie Martin, Palm Coast artist Weldon Ryan and Daytona Beach artist John Darovitz.
Ormond Beach artist
Robert Shirk gathered the artists together for the original show in the summer of 2020 at the Orlando Public Library.
“Most of the important influencers in my life have been women,” Shirk said in his artist statement. “I am who I am today because of what these wonderful women have instilled in me.”
tzel will lead a workshop on Gyotaku Printing. Using ink and rubber fish molds, participants will create fish prints on a variety of paper. All materials provided. No art experience necessary. Open to U.S. veterans and current service members, but a family member or friend age 16 and up may also register. Free program. Registration required. Visit www.ormondartmuseum.org/classes-programs.
THURSDAY, JAN. 29
DAYTIME BUNCO
When: 12-3 p.m.
Where: Flagler Woman’s Club, 1524 S. Central Ave., Flagler Beach
Details: The Flagler Woman’s Club invites the community to enjoy an afternoon of Bunco. Bring appetizers to share at lunch, served at noon. A $10 donation at the door is requested. Call Donna at 386-313-5383 or Barbara at 215-209-9332.
FRIDAY, JAN. 30 REZA: EDGE OF ILLUSION
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, 5500 State Route 100, Palm Coast Details: REZA is an entertainer that delivers innovative and engaging illusive performances worldwide. Tickets: $54-$64. Visit flaglerentertainment. com.
FOCUS ON FAITH
Night to Shine visits Parkview and Tomoka Christian Parkview Church in Palm Coast, and Tomoka Christian Church in Ormond Beach, are each preparing to welcome guests and volunteers for the 2026 Night to Shine, a special evening designed to celebrate individuals with special needs through a global movement supported by the Tim Tebow Foundation.
The event will take place Friday, Feb. 13, beginning at 6 p.m., and will be held concurrently with hundreds of Night to Shine celebrations hosted by churches worldwide. The annual event, held each year on the Friday before Valentine’s Day, focuses on creating an inclusive prom-style experience that highlights dignity, joy and belonging. Guests arrive via a redcarpet entrance. Register at parkviewlife. com/nighttoshine or at www. tomoka.cc.
Annual rummage sale at Unitarian Universalist
and vibrant for years to come.”
DAR, Tomoka Basin volunteers plant trees
The Capt. James Ormond Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution have planted a new bald cypress tree at Central Park.
The tree was donated in honor of Florida Arbor Day, celebrated on Jan. 16. To learn more about the local DAR chapter, visit CaptainJamesOrmondDAR. com.
On the same day, The Friends of Tomoka Basin State Park celebrated by planting a new tree in Tomoka State Park’s native garden. Volunteers planted a mulberry tree in the garden.
The 2026 Florida Arbor Day marks the Friends’ second anniversary on the native garden’s restoration.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Ormond Beach will host its annual rummage sale on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 13 and 14, at its campus located at 56 North Halifax Drive. Members of the congregation and friends have spent months gathering and pricing donations with the goal of offering quality items at affordable prices. Visit uuormond.info.
Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates
Tolland said. “We improve the air quality. We manage stormwater naturally. We create habitats and ensure a city remains healthy
Ormond Memorial Art Museum Garden Artisan Janett Taylor and her apprentice Sarahbeth Mitchener. Photo by Jarleene Almenas
DAR members Susan Demorsky, Stacey Simmons, Joy Tedder, Conservation Committee Chair Erica Demke , Cory Trusty, Peggy McBride and Lorelei Hosler.
Weldon Ryan, of Palm Coast. Courtesy photos Artist Robert Shirk, of Ormond Beach.
Sponsored by
Bringing Brooklyn’s Italian ice to Flagler Beach
New York City natives, the Gibbses are hoping to share a favorite from their childhood.
SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
Mike Gibbs and his wife, Jeannie, have lived in Flagler Beach for 19 years, but both of them still have fond memories of eating Italian ice in their hometown neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Queens, in New York City.
That’s why they have opened Uncle Louie G, a franchised Italian ice parlor situated across the street from the new Margaritaville Compass Hotel. Located at 209 S. Second St., Unit 2, the shop opened its doors on Jan. 2, during Flagler Beach’s First
Friday event. While there are other ice cream shops and parlors in Flagler Beach, and Uncle Louie G’s does sell a variety of ice cream flavors, they’re “Italian ice first,” Gibbs said. “I want to be known as the Italian ice place,” he said. The community support has been amazing, he said; even the neighboring businesses and ice cream stores have come by to say hello.
Gibbs loves Italian ice. But a greater love?
Bringing people back to when they were children, buying sweets with their families, he said. He has fond memories of his own father taking him to their local Brooklyn bakery to buy spumoni Italian ice — a three-flavored ice similar to Neapolitan ice cream, but with pistachio, chocolate and either cherry or vanilla flavors
instead.
“Every time someone buys some spumoni, I think of my dad,” he said. Gibbs’ father died two years ago.
Jeannie Gibbs, too, remembers walking to the nearest pizzeria in Queens with friends to buy a cup.
“We would get it in a push cup,” she said, “so you would make a mess of yourself. It was just fun.”
The sweet nostalgia is what they both love about their store, and it’s a feeling they want all their customers to experience.
“That’s why the logo is, ‘Feel like a kid again,’” Gibbs said. “Because it brings people back when they come in.”
Gibbs is at the shop every day. Open seven days a week from noon to 6 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and until 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, the Gibbs have hired four employees to help them at the store. As they move into spring and summer season, they intend to expand their hours.
Jeannie Gibbs said she’s there every chance she gets, outside of her day-job as a medical assistant in an AdventHealth cardiology department.
“This place is our baby,” she said. Both of them have an obvious passion and love for their Italian ice parlor. Gibbs, a retired New York Police Department patrol officer, lights up as he describes how Italian ice can be called different things or have different textures based on the region.
“I’m passionate about the product,” he said. “I love it. I grew up on Italian ice.”
BIZ BUZZ
Daytona Beach Airport passenger traffic reached record high in 2025
Preliminary data is showing that passenger traffic at the Daytona Beach International Airport has reached its highest level in nearly two decades. according to a news release.
There are flavors for everyone to enjoy, Gibbs said — even sugar free, vegan and nondairy flavors. Uncle Louie G’s 42 Italian ice flavors and 26 ice cream flavors are imported from Brooklyn, where the company originated.
The Gibbses’ store is a franchise of the original Uncle Louie G’s in Brooklyn. The Flagler Beach location has access to all the 70-plus Italian ice flavors in New York. The flavors are all unique, Gibbs said, ranging from the traditional lemon Italian ice to their new Dubai chocolate.
Of course, spumoni is available as an Italian ice and an ice cream flavor.
Gibbs said he has really one goal, and that’s for customers to have access to the same flavors and good-quality Italian ice that he and his wife and childhood friends grew up with.
“It’s tiring, but I always get happy when I come here. I come in, I open the shop up and see my heritage,” Gibbs said. “It brings us back.”
In 2025, a total of 772,170 passengers traveled through DAB, up 1% over 2024 and the highest passenger traffic levels since 1997. Overall capacity — the number of available seats — was up 20% in 2025 versus 2024.
“Every new flight at DAB adds to greater business, tourism, and family connections, while strengthening Daytona Beach International Airport’s role as a gateway to the world,” said Cyrus Callum, Volusia County Aviation and Economic Resources director. “Even more, air service is a major contributor to the overall economic vitality of the region.”
Most recently in December, DAB welcomed back JetBlue Airways, which added daily nonstop flights to New York City and Boston. Those flights contributed more than 10,600 passengers in the month of December. Additionally in 2025, Breeze Airways added four nonstop routes to the cities of Providence, Rhode Island; Hartford, Connecticut; Raleigh/ Durham, North Carolina; and Akron/Canton, Ohio.
According to a study by the Florida Department of Transportation, DAB’s annual economic impact was measured at $3.2 billion in 2023.
DAB is also served by Delta Air Lines and American Airlines,
which have provided service for 46 years and 17 years, respectively. In total, the airport offered 11 year-round nonstop flight routes in 2025 across carriers, along with seamless one-stop connections through major airline hubs.
Daytona Beach’s Brickyard Lounge to close Jan. 25
Daytona Beach’s Brickyard Lounge will close its doors on Jan. 25 as the owners search for a new location to set up shop.
The restaurant announced the closure in a Facebook post on Jan. 13, stating that they are searching for a new location to call home. In the post, Brickyard Lounge stated, “This isn’t goodbye — just a pause.”
“While this chapter is ending sooner than we expected, the heart of this place is very much alive,” the post states. “This space was filled with memories, laughter, hard work, and a community that meant more to us than words can say. We’re incredibly grateful for every person who walked through our doors and made The Brickyard what it was.”
Located at 747 W. International Speedway Blvd., the NASCAR-themed restaurant has been in operation in Daytona Beach since 1993. It was purchased in 2023 by the current owners, Jeromie and Annette Allan, who then renovated the space, according to the restaurant’s website.
The Facebook post said the restaurant intends to reopen as soon as they find a new location.
“This isn’t the end of The Brickyard,” it said. “It’s just the beginning of what comes next.” Send business stories to sierra@observerlocalnews.com.
Uncle Louie G’s is an authentic Italian ice shop in Flagler Beach. It has 42 flavors of Italian ice and carries 26 ice cream flavors.
Jeannie and Mike Gibbs, co-owners of Uncle Louie G. Photos by Sierra Williams
Ten-year-old begins high school Algebra 2
Indian Trails Middle School’s Lev Makarov got a perfect score on the fifth-grade math assessment.
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Indian Trails Middle School
sixth grader Lev Makarov’s interest in mathematics soared a year and a half ago, when he read, “Everything You Need to Ace Math in One
Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide.”
Since then, Lev has gone on to achieve a perfect score in the fifth grade math assessment exam, and he has passed the high school-level Algebra 1 and Geometry classes, scoring in the highest achievement in the end of course exams. Now, he is taking Algebra 2 through the Florida Virtual School Flex program.
“He is a fantastic student and very smart,” ITMS Principal Ryan Andrews said. “He passed the state algebra and geometry exams as a sixth grader.”
Lev is just 10 years old.
The Flagler County School District gave the Makarovs the option of Lev taking Algebra 2 through Florida Virtual School while his classmates are in their sixth grade math class or attend class in-person at Matanzas High School.
“Logistically, that was a little hard on us,” said Lev’s father, Alek Makarov. “So we chose to study online.”
Lev’s parents never pushed him to study math, Alex said, adding that he took to it naturally.
Now, Lev is joining online math competitions administered by Math Olympiads for Elementary and Middle Schools (MOEMS) and American Mathematics Competitions (AMC).
“The Olympiad problems are always harder than regular math,” Lev said. “They’re usually combinatorics, number theory, geometry or algebra.”
While math is Lev’s favorite subject, it’s not his only interest. He also plays soc -
cer with Inter-United Soccer Club, and he takes Brazilian jiu jitsu classes with Spartan Academy, where he is a gray belt. He used to also compete in chess, but now he only plays chess for fun, he said.
As Lev was describing his interests, his dad asked him if he likes video games.
“I mean, every child has video games, yeah,” Lev said.
Lev said he prefers geometry to algebra “because it’s more about shapes and you can actually connect the solution by drawing it.”
Lev said his classmates do ask him for help in math sometimes, and he’s glad to provide it.
Alek said Lev’s ITMS guidance counselor, Phyllis Linck, and the school and district administration gave the Makaraovs the guidance they needed for Lev.
“We had those meetings. There were four or five people in the room, and they were very responsive,” Alek said. “They gave us options, gave us possible paths for Lev, how to progress and what to do.”
Alek said some people have questioned whether the Makarovs are allowing Lev to accelerate too quickly.
“We were getting some feedback,” Alek said, “like maybe don’t accelerate too much, let Lev socialize. But there was no pressure. When my wife and I ask Lev, ‘What do you want to do next?’, he tells us. Letting him move at his own pace is the best that we can do for Lev.”
When asked what he wants to do next, Lev said, “Precalculus, I’m pretty sure. I just started Algebra 2. I don’t know what’s next.”
CLASS NOTES
Flagler Schools graduation rate improves half-point to 89.5% in 2025
The Flagler Schools graduation rate in 2024-25 was 89.5%, increasing a half percentage point from the previous year, according to Florida Department of Education data released on Jan. 13.
It was the second straight year the district’s graduation rate increased, rising from 87.8% in 2023 to 89.0% in 2024 to 89.5 this past school year. The district is still below its 2022 graduation rate of 90.5%.
Flagler’s rate for the 2024-25 school year was below Florida’s average which reached a state record of 92.2%, according to a DOE report. The state average increased 2.5 percentage points from 2024.
Both Flagler County high schools’ graduation rate rose in 2025 — Matanzas increased from 91.3% to 91.7%, Flagler Palm Coast rose from 87.9% to 88.9%.
“These gains highlight the impact of maintaining high expectations, fostering safe and supportive learning environments, and embracing innovative thinking to ensure every student is prepared to succeed,” Flagler Schools said in a press release.
Broken down in subgroups by race and ethnicity for 2025, the white cohort graduation rate was 93.9% at Matanzas and 89.4% at FPC. The Black/African American rate was 85.1% for Matanzas and 83.7% for FPC. The Hispanic/Latino rate for was 89.4% for Matanzas and 91.8% for FPC.
The graduation rates at both Flagler County high schools were higher for females than males. The 2025 female graduation rate for Matanzas was 95.1%, and 90.1% for FPC. The male graduation rate was 88.1% at Matanzas and 87.7% at FPC.
The rate for Exceptional Student Education students was 91% for Matanzas and 80.6% for FPC. The rate for English Language Learners was 82.1% at Matanzas and 82.6% at FPC. The rate for at-risk students was 82.5% for Matanzas and 75.5% for FPC. The DOE’s 2023-24 Information Guide for the 4-Year Graduation Rate defined at-risk students as those “who scored below a level 3 on both the grade 8 FSA ELA and Mathematics assessments.” A total of 1,119 students at the two high schools graduated last year with 509 graduates at Matanzas and 610 at FPC.
Lev Makarov with a medal and Certificate of Achievement for passing the Algebra 1 and Geometry end of course exams with a Level 5 achievement, the state’s highest achievement level. Courtesy photo
FPC graduation, May 28, 2025, at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. File photo by Brian McMillan
Q+A
BOSSARDET, FLAGLER SCHOOLS PRINCIPAL
FPC principal says the award is all about a winning team
BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Flagler Palm Coast Principal Bobby Bossardet grew up as a wrestler, an individual sport if ever there was one. He was an individual state champ at FPC and went on to wrestle in college. But when he was named Flagler County School District’s Principal of the Year this past November, he gave all the credit to his team.
Bossardet will be honored along with Assistant Principal of the Year Abra Seay at Flagler School’s Teacher and Employee of the Year gala on Jan. 26. He spoke to the Observer about Bulldog Pride and three key pieces of advice he received that brought him back to the place where it all started.
The day you were named Principal of the Year, you wrote an email to staff, saying the award was not about you, but was a reflection on them. Can you expand on that?
We have a fantastic team like I had shared in (the email). Whether it’s your teachers, your support staff, your clerical team, your custodians, your coaches, your parents, this truly is one Bulldog family. I think it’s great for FPC to be recognized for the success it’s seen in the last few years, but I don’t think it’s about the principal. I think it’s about the team approach. I’d be nothing without my team, these teachers, our staffulty and our kids. They’re doing a fantastic job, demonstrating what it means to be from FPC and working hard.
A school, of course, is defined by academics. FPC was a C school in 202122, the school year before you became principal. It has been a B school since. What’s the next step? We got work to do. We got some areas where we’ve seen a lot of success in our academics over the last three years. We raised our score 30 points, especially in the subgroup of ESE. We’ve maintained a B. We have increased in every academic area over the last three years. Our ESE, we were on the list for the DOE. We worked with the (Bureau of School Improvement) team, basically the team from the DOE that they send in to work with schools when there is a subgroup that has been flat for several years. ESE was one of those subgroups where our data had been flat. Under this leadership team, we were still under that threshold of where we needed to be, but we were able to get ourselves out of that hole. One thing I think is really good is, when we came back (to FPC), we identified who our ESE teachers were, and it’s a testament to them.
When I first started here, we had about 11 support facilitators. We’re now up to 19. I think, when we first got here, only three of those support facilitators were certified in another content area outside of ESE. Well, the way we run our model is our ESE support facilitators are pushed into classrooms, and they’re there all day. It’s basically a supported classroom model, so we’ll rotate the kids that are on their caseload through that class. So, I’ll have two teachers in there. We primarily support (English Language Arts) and math. We have 19 of those folks. Every one of them are certified in ESE and are certified in the content area that they support, whether it’s ELA or math, or working on getting that certification.
You are an FPC graduate. You’ve been a teacher, coach, dean and assistant principal here. What do you look for when you hire new teachers and staff?
One thing that I’m very proud of is the fact that we have over 50 FPC alumni that have chosen to come back here and work in some capacity, whether it’s as a teacher or staffulty member. When you look at our African-American grad rate, it’s higher than it’s ever been, and it’s higher than the district average right now. So that was a major focus for us. When you take a look at the demographics of our staffulty, that was something that I wanted to be very intentional with too. We’ve been very intentional with hiring staffulty members that mirror the demographics of the kids that we serve. I also think that what’s so cool about getting your alumni back is these are people that have walked these halls. They understand the community. They understand the kids. A lot of them will have things in common with these kids naturally, because of where they grew up. So, to me,
that’s a testament of where we’re at as a school. This school is about the people and the relationships.
Speaking of the school’s demographics, how are the programs of study and clubs tailored to the students who are here? We pride ourselves on the clubs and the opportunities that we provide kids, to buy into our school. We have over 40 clubs that are continuing to grow. Some of them have been around for years. Some of them are things that kids are interested in, and they get a sponsor. But I’m very fortunate to have great leaders in my athletic department with Scott Drabczyk and Evana Fretterd (FPC’s activities director). We want to make sure that we have something for everybody. We are very fortunate. We have a fantastic school district, and you can’t go wrong with any of the schools. What separates us from the rest of the schools, in my opinion, it’s the demographics of the kids that we serve. We’ve got kids from all over our community. And it always has been that way, so it’s important to me that when we come back to a school like this, we have opportunities for all students. I always use the automotive programs, and then our ag programs as an example. Those are different, when you start taking a look at the different demographics of the kids we serve. The entrepreneurship program that Alex Giorgianni, our Teacher of the Year, leads. That program is the fastest growing and most attended, I would say, program of study that we have here in the district right now, and my hat’s off to him. This is a program that an IB student can be a part of and still have an opportunity to be successful, but also a lowlevel reader also has the opportunity. Back in the day, we used to pride ourselves on our flagship programs. But a lot of those programs required kids to be very successful with academics. What do you do for that struggling reader?
You speak a lot about Bulldog Pride. How do you define it?
It starts with taking a place you take pride in for kids to take pride in when they walk through the door. Our student leadership does an amazing job. Now, with the link crew committee, these guys are welcoming freshmen before school even starts, to make sure that transition’s smooth, but to also demonstrate and
showcase what it means to be a Bulldog and all the opportunities that we have.
What does it mean to be Principal of the Year?
It’s about working together, and it’s about wanting everybody around you to be as successful as they can be. So, my leadership team, I’m very blessed to have the folks that are on my admin team, but also the leaders that work under them as well. I mean, these guys, if you ask me, have the ability to be a principal. They chose to stay at FPC, to carry out our mission of setting the stage of what the high school should look like in public education right here. I’m honored to be Principal of the Year. But, it’s really about the school being recognized for who they are and what they stand for, and the work that they do every day.
You were the principal at Buddy Taylor Middle School, then moved to district administration before coming back to FPC. Is this where you always wanted to be? This is my dream job. I’ve been very fortunate to work
with some great teams. You always get good advice from folks, and there are three things that stick with me. I remember being 23 years old, getting hired here, and you get into teaching and you start looking at how you can advance your career. And I scheduled a meeting with (Principal) Bill Delbrugge. And I said, “Do you think I’m too young to become an administrator?” He said let’s schedule a meeting. He goes, “Well Bobby, why do you want to be an administrator?”
I said, “because I want to make more money.” And he looked at me and smiled and said, “Whatever you do, and throughout your career, don’t chase money. The more money you make, the more money you spend.”
And I remember, (former Superintendent) Jim Tager, the week that he left. We didn’t know who the new superintendent was going to be yet. And he said, “When you look at the county office, there’s four executive directors up right now. I think that three of them will probably be retiring in the next four to five years. There’s a good chance you
may get the phone call. An opportunity may open up.” He goes, “Here’s the advice I’ll give you: Don’t trade happiness.”
I like being in the trenches. FPC, first of all, I love this school. This is my family. This place watched me graduate in high school, and pretty much raise me at the time. Watched me get married and have kids and come up through administration. This place has shaped who I am.
What was the third piece of advice?
I remember having a conversation one day with (then Superintendent) Cathy Mittelstadt, just talking about education, and she said, “Bobby, the funny thing about education, if you’re lucky, it’ll be that one team. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll experience it twice. But only once or twice, you’ll find yourself working with a team of people that you feel like you could take on the world with. And when you find that group, I advise you to ride that way until you can’t ride it anymore.” Email brent@observerlocal news.com.
FPC Principal Bobby Bossardet (third from left) with his administrative team: Assistant principals Nick Schell, Mandy Kraverotis, Stacia Collier, Chris Tincher and Ramonda Clayton. Courtesy photo This
REAL ESTATE
Hammock Dunes sale tops
list at $1,595,000
Acondo at 85 Avenue De La Mer, Unit 603, in Hammock Dunes was the top real estate transaction for Jan. 3-9 in Palm Coast and Flagler County. The condo sold on Jan. 5, for $1,595,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 4/3.5 and has 2,690 square feet. It sold in 2017 for $1,075,000. The house was listed by Pamela Capela, of REMAX Select Professionals.
ALEXIS MILLER
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Condos
A condo at 13 Surrey Court, Unit 13, sold on Jan. 8, for $165,000. Built in 1981, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,338 square feet. It sold in 2005 for $158,000.
A condo at 8 Hembury Lane, Unit 8, sold on Jan. 9, for $187,000. Built in 1988, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,098 square feet. It sold in 2022 for $210,500.
A condo at 3651 S. Central Ave., Unit 101, sold on Jan. 5, for $465,000. Built in 2002, the condo is a 3/2 and has 1,716 square feet. It sold in 2002 for $222,900.
PALM COAST
Lake View
A house at 17 Lakeside Place E. sold on Jan. 9, for $434,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,048 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $405,000.
Palm Harbor A house at 127 Forrester Place
sold on Jan. 9, for $385,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,572 square feet. It sold in 2013 for $158,000.
A house at 7 Ferris Lane sold on Jan. 7, for $195,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,134 square feet. It sold in 2011 for $50,000.
A house at 11 Clark Lane sold on Jan. 7, for $329,000. Built in 1972, the house is a 5/2 and has 1,995 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $210,000.
A house at 33 Fischer Lane sold on Jan. 5, for $379,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 2,028 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $245,000.
Pine Grove
A house at 26 Brigadoon Lane sold on Jan. 9, for $331,900. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,680 square feet. It sold in 2023 for $477,000.
Quail Hollow
A house at 65 Kalamazoo Trail sold on Jan. 9, for $315,000. Built in 2003, the
house is a 4/2 and has an above ground pool and 1,798 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $243,800.
A house at 47 Kathleen Trail sold on Jan. 9, for $529,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 4/4 and has a pool, a hot tub, a fireplace, an outdoor kitchen and 2,875 square feet.
A house at 59 Zebulahs Trail sold on Jan. 9, for $275,000. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,318 square feet. It sold in 2018 for $175,000.
Retreat At Town Center
A house at 24 Mahogany Way sold on Jan. 9, for $425,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,115 square feet.
A house at 37 Mahogany Way sold on Jan. 8, for $449,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 2,397 square feet.
Seminole Woods
A house at 16 Sea Shark Path sold on Jan. 9, for $424,500. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,208 square feet.
Tidelands
A house at 75 Longview Way N. sold on Jan. 8, for $1,010,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace, a boat house, a boat lift, a pool, a hot tub and 2,823 square feet.
BUNNELL
Grand Reserve
A house at 81 Lob Wedge Lane sold on Jan. 7, for $380,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,115 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $337,800.
Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.
Breakaway Trails home is
Atop sale at $625K
house in Breakaway Trails at 3 Crescent Lake Way was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-theSea for the week Dec. 27, 2025, to Jan. 2. The house sold on Dec. 29, for $625,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,347 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $500,000. The house was listed by Keith Gordon, of GetMoreOffers.
JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR
ORMOND BEACH
Archer’s Mill
The house at 3325 Arch Ave. sold on Dec. 29, for $439,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,361 square feet.
Bradford Park
The townhome at 1118 Bradford Park Drive sold on Dec. 29, for $290,710. Built in 2025, the townhome is a 3/2.5 and has 1,566 square feet.
Breakaway Trails
The house at 11 Forest View Way sold on Dec. 29, for $600,000. Built in 1992, the house is a 4/2 and has a pool, a spa and 3,104 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $250,000.
The house at 2 Creek Bend Way sold on Dec. 29, for $610,000. Built in 1997, the house is a 4/3.5 and has a fireplace, a pool, a spa and 3,098 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $675,000.
The house at 199 Black Hickory Way sold on Dec. 30, for $525,000. Built in 2006, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,931 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $507,000.
Forest Grove
The house at 475 Hammock Lane sold on Dec. 29, for $362,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,824 square feet. It last sold in 2017 for $214,900.
Fountain View
The house at 1444 Morning Walk Drive sold Dec. 30, for $324,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,328 square feet.
Halifax Plantation
The house at 3220 Galty Circle sold on Dec. 30, for $300,000. Built in 2001, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 2,501 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $287,000.
The house at 3065 Monaghan
Drive sold on Dec. 31, for $380,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,888 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $245,000.
Ocean Villas
The house at 54 Cardinal Drive, Unit B, sold on Dec. 30, for $210,000. Built in 1947, the house is a 2/1 and has 786 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $105,900.
Spring Meadows 3 Meadowrun Court sold on Dec. 30, for $422,500. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2 and has a fireplace and 1,996 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $223,500.
WEST DAYTONA BEACH
The house at 116 Six String Drive sold on Dec. 31, for $890,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/3.5 and has a pool and 2,550 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $746,200.
The house, which was the top sale in northwest Daytona, was listed by Kelley Sarantis, of Bob Hodges and Sons Realty.
Grande Champion
The house at 1115 Morfontaine St. sold on Dec. 29, for $320,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,672 square feet.
Highridge Estates
The house at 1457 Admiral Nimitz Ave. sold on Dec. 29, for $376,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,088 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $335,000.
Latitude Margaritaville
The house at 138 Coral Reef Way sold on Dec. 29, for $662,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,483 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $725,000.
The house at 630 Coral Reef Way sold on Dec.
Tomoka Meadows
The townhome at 29 Tomoka Meadows Blvd. sold on Dec. 29, for $215,000. Built in 1980, the townhome is a 2/2.5 and has 1,434 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $165,000.
Tomoka Oaks
The house at 6 Eagle Drive sold on Dec. 30, for $530,000. Built in 1979, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace and 2,968 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $450,000.
ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA Breakers
The house at 34 Kathy Drive sold on Dec. 29, for $345,000. Built in 1970, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,629 square feet. It last sold in 2011 for $158,000.
Ocean Crest The house at 45 Ocean Crest Drive sold on Dec. 30, for $415,000. Built in 1964, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,338 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $439,000.
Seabridge South The house at 7 Sea Gull Terrace sold on Dec. 30, for $456,000. Built in 1987, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,448 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $172,900.
29, for $643,500. Built in 2022, the house is a 3/3 and has 2,083 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $422,700.
Lennar at Preserve at LPGA
The house at 2223 Green Valley St. sold on Dec. 27, for $391,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 6/3 and has 2,463 square feet.
LPGA
The house at 117 Hagge Drive sold on Dec. 29, for $352,000. Built in 2005, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,036 square feet. It last sold in 2009 for $82,500.
Mosaic
The house at 557 Mosaic Blvd. sold on Jan. 2, for $465,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,973 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $460,600.
Preserve at LPGA
The house at 338 Crestwind Drive sold on Jan. 2, for $375,000. Built in 2023, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,107 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $403,600.
John Adams, of Adams, Cameron & Co. Realtors, contributed to this report.
FLAGLER COUNTY ORMOND BEACH
SPORTS
Game on the line
Free throws propel Flagler Palm Coast to Senior Night win.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Senior Night was emotional, Flagler Palm Coast’s Anthony Hampton said.
“It was really exciting walking out with everybody I grew up playing with,” he said. “And being on the court one last time with them as a senior, it really meant a lot.”
Hampton was one of eight seniors honored before the Bulldogs’ boys basketball game with Neptune Beach Fletcher on Friday, Jan. 16. The others were Siah Sanders, Nateshawn Royal, Zac Murphy, Jack Wronowski, Nate Perry, Tucker Flynn and Benjamin Marks. The Bulldogs have at least one more home game this season, the Flagler County
rivalry game against Matanzas on Friday, Jan. 23. But rivalry games are emotional enough. Senior Night is supposed to start and end on a happy note. And this one almost didn’t end that way.
FPC entered the fourth quarter with an 11-point lead and then hung on to defeat Fletcher 49-47.
The Senators went into a full-court press in the final minutes, fouling the Bulldogs immediately as they inbounded the ball. Then, Fletcher scored quickly on the other end.
“No time was running off the clock,” Shirley said.
But, fortunately for the Bulldogs, they hit 9 of 12 free-throw opportunities in the quarter to escape with the victory and improve to 13-6 heading into an MLK Classic game against Wekiva on Monday, Jan. 19, at Spruce Creek High School.
Hampton, who finished with 11 points, sank 5 of 6 free throws down the stretch.
Harrell’s late goal gives Seabreeze a 1-1 tie on Senior Night
The Sandcrabs celebrated their 13 seniors before their final regular-season contest.
SYDNEY TEVIN
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
With six minutes left, and the game on the line, senior captain Luke Harrell buried a shot in the back of the net to give the Sandcrabs a 1-1 tie with University on Senior Night, Friday, Jan. 16, at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. University had taken a 1-0 lead moments before the end of the first half as Noah Richards converted a penalty kick. With the tie, Seabreeze finished the regular season with a 5-8-5 record. Before the game, the Sandcrabs celebrated their 13 seniors: Chandler Klepper, Daniel Bom Conselho, Sebastian Mendoza, Har -
rell, Brayden Dunnigan, Juan Rincon, Juan Bernal, Angel Colmenares, Yurem Fuentes, Austin Hill, Josh Jaisingh, Liam Piazza and Jayden Prieto.
Seabreeze, seeded second in the District 6-5A tournament, will host third seed Pine Ridge in a semifinal game at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22 in the second game of a district doubleheader. The Seabreeze girls team will host Pine Ridge at 5 p.m. In other district boys soccer tournaments, Flagler Palm Coast will travel to top seed Creekside for a District 1-7A semifinal at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 23. Fifth-seeded Matanzas, which is hosting the District 3-6A semifinals (Jan. 23) and final (Jan. 26), traveled to No. 4 Nease on Jan. 21 for a quarterfinal game.
Associated Editor Brent Woronoff contributed to this story.
FPC heads to state duals
The Bulldogs won two matches at regionals.
BRENT WORONOFF
EDITOR
ASSOCIATE
Flagler Palm Coast is heading to the state duals wrestling tournament for the second year in a row.
The Bulldogs defeated Orange Park Oakleaf and Gainesvilles Buchholz in the Region 1-3A quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, on Thursday, Jan. 15, to advance to the state tournament Jan. 23-24 at Osceola High School in Kissimmee.
FPC will face Class 3A second-ranked Oviedo Hagerty in the regional final at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Osceola. The winner will advance to the 3A state semifinals on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. against the winner of the South PlantationSouth Dade match. The duals championship is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday. The Bulldogs defeated Oakleaf 54-20 in the regional quarterfinals and Buchholz 54-21 in the semifinals on Jan. 15 at Tocoi Creek High School. It was the third year in a row that FPC faced Buchholz in the semifinals. The Bulldogs defeated the Bobcats 35-33 last year after losing 36-34 in 2024.
“We’ve wrestled Buchholz in the district final and the regional semfiinals three years in a row,” FPC coach David Bossardet said. “They are a common opponent, and it’s usually close matches. I think we wrestled well for Jan. 15. I always try to keep everything in perspective. We still have a ways to go to get to March [for the individual bracket state tournament]. We have to wrestle better when we wrestle Hagerty. FPC also faced Hagerty in the regional final last year with the Huskies defeating the Bulldogs 43-25.
FPC has been moving its lineup around throughout the duals season. Against Buchholz, the Bulldogs inserted junior Gabriel Moy into the 144-pound spot, and he pinned his opponent.
“Gabe recently dropped down to 144,” Bossardet said. “He won a match we dropped in district to Buchholz, so that’s a 12 point swing from a pin for them to a pin for us. For Gabe, that was a big moment for where he’s at in his career.”
Another highlight in the Buchholz match was 285-pounder Aidan Korth winning a 5-4 decision over No. 1-ranked Derryl Godbolt.
The Bulldogs will wrestle Matanzas in a dual match on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at the Pirates gym ahead of the state tournament.
“We’ve been bumping guys all around based on the teams we’re wrestling,” Bossardet said. “After state duals, we’ll be done with dual competition. Their weight classes will start being established when we go into the individual bracket tournaments.”
Seabreeze’s Lane Meyer (right) fights for possession. Photo by Sydney Tevin
FPC’s Anthony Hampton drives the baseline.
FPC’s Nate Perry goes up for a shot in the lane as Fletcher’s Aaron Garrard (12) blocks his path. Photos by Brent Woronoff
FPC’s Nateshawn Royal takes a shot.
When a tie feels like a win
SIDE LINES
The 1-1 tie ended Flagler Palm Coast’s 14-game win streak against Matanzas.
BRENT WORONOFF
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
In the record books, the girls soccer game Jan. 15 between county rivals Flagler Palm Coast and Matanzas will go down as a tie. But for the Pirates, the game felt like a victory.
The 1-1 tie at the Pirates’ stadium ended Matanzas’ 14-game losing streak to FPC. The Pirates’ all-time record against the Bulldogs is 2-22-3.
“It’s been years of working hard to build this program and have great girls come here and build a team that can play very well and compete against teams as good as FPC,” Matanzas coach Scott Crooke said. “They’re a great team. So, a tie to us tonight is a win.”
The last time these teams tied was Dec. 22, 2016, when the score was 4-4. Matanzas’ last win against FPC was by a 4-2 score 10 years ago, Jan. 6, 2016. The Bulldogs had been so dominant that during their 14-game win streak, the Pirates scored a total of just
four goals.
“It feels good to be able to stand against them and play a good competitive game, especially since it’s been such a long time since that’s happened,” Crooke said. “We told them that [the Bulldogs] never back down. They will leave every bit of themselves on the field, so the girls had to know we needed to match that.”
FPC took a 1-0 lead in the first half as Hailey Sammons maneuvered through several Matanzas players to slip a shot past Matanzas goalkeeper Ella Forbes into the right corner of the net. It was Sammons’ ninth goal of the season.
The Pirates tied it in the sixth minute of the second half as Emma Skinner tapped one in off Carsyn O’Linn’s corner kick. After the goal, the Pirates rushed the field to celebrate.
“To tie it, it just felt really good,” O’Linn said. “You could just see out there how hard everyone was working for each other, which was awesome. Everyone’s really proud of how we played, and I’m really proud of all of us.”
Skinner scored her teamhigh ninth goal of the season. She has one more goal than O’Linn.
“It was just an amazing
Matanzas lifters beat Seabreeze on Senior Night
The Matanzas girls weightlifting team celebrated Senior Night with a sweep of Seabreeze on Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the Pirates’ gym.
Matanzas won the Olympic competition 67-14 and the traditional competition 60-19.
Seabreeze won only two of the 10 weight classes, but Camila Arellano, the Sandcrabs’ 129-pounder, not only won both competitions, but she also had the highest totals at the meet of 260 pounds in Olympic and 280 pounds in traditional.
Arellano had the highest clean-andjerk lift of the night at 150 pounds, tied for the highest bench press of 130 pounds with Matanzas 183-pounder Katelyn Meade and tied for the second highest snatch lift of 110 pounds. Matanzas’ Jordyn Crews, who won both titles at 139 pounds, had the highest snatch lift of 115 pounds, while Matanzas unlimited lifter, Ella Raffo, also had a snatch lift of 110 pounds.
Seabreeze’s Ella Dunaway won the 154-pound Olympic title with a 180 total, and the Sandcrabs’ Savannah Surgent won the 154-pound traditional title with a 225 total.
Matanzas’ double winners were
Elaina Padilla (185 Olympic total, 210 traditional total) at 110 pounds; Amara Nagel (185 and 210) at 119; Crews (250, 250) at 139; Meade (240, 265) at 183; Kendall Meade (185, 200) at 199; and Raffo (250, 260) at unlimited.
Matanzas other winners were Prisayiss Leslie (125 total) at Olympic 101; Chloe Cheek (140) at traditional 101; Madison Terry (180) at Olympic 169; and Madelyn May (205) at traditional 169. Before the match the Pirates celebrated seniors Crews, Terry, Leslie, Katelyn Meade, Mandy Flaherty, Aurora Simmons, Isabella Hille, Alana McDuffie, Addison Hoeni, Amariana Brown, Kaya Breckenridge, Alicia Porter, Emma Winter and Eva Ossler.
Matanzas and Flagler Palm Coast will compete in the District 3-3A meet on Jan. 24 at St. Johns Creekside. Seabreeze and Mainland will compete in districts on Jan. 21 — Seabreeze at the District 8-2A meet at New Smyrna Beach and Mainland at the District 4-3A meet at Spruce Creek.
feeling to square back up and equalize the game and know that we could keep our heads in this and keep working to hopefully achieve another scoring opportunity,” Crooke said.
Both teams had their chances. Forbes had seven saves in the game. Sammons drilled a shot that hit the crossbar that would have put FPC up 2-0 before the half. FPC keeper Natalie Neal made several outstanding saves. Matanzas had two corner-kick opportunities in the final three minutes. And then, in the final minute, FPC’s Isabella Kummernes buried a shot in the back of the net. But that potential game-winner was ruled offside.
“To be honest, I saw that it was offside,” O’Linn said.
“So, I was just trying to tell the team, ‘it’s OK, it’s OK,’ because our keeper immediately went down. She started crying, so I was saying, ‘it’s fine, it’s fine.’ So, then, when they called offsides, I think everyone was just overjoyed and happy.”
Matanzas finished the regular season with a 6-63 record. FPC (13-1-5) had a tough week. After winning the Five Star Conference tourna-
Smith’s 30 points boost Matanzas on Senior Night
Matanzas senior Katelynn Smith scored 30 points as the Pirates’ girls basketball team defeated Father Lopez 62-57 on Senior Night, Thursday, Jan. 15, at the Pirates’ gym.
Smith scored 23 in the second half to spearhead Matanzas’ rally from a halftime deficit. Chloe Wilen led Father Lopez with 22 points.
Before the game, the Pirates honored seniors Smith, Ruby Fogel and Kaylina Vitt.
“I knew when I first met them that they all were going to be special,” Matanzas first-year coach Cory Curtis said. “I didn’t expect one of my seniors (Vitt) to go down with a season-ending injury. There were a lot of ups and downs this season, but they still led. They all embraced the freshmen. They were like big sisters.
“I started crying a little bit, because it’s just my first year as a high school head coach, and it’s going to be tough losing those three,” Curtis added. “I wish I had them for one more year.”
The Pirates finish the regular season with three game on the road, beginning at Atlantic on Jan. 22.
Elite Spring 8v8
event
in Ormond
The Ormond Sandcrabs are hosting the Elite Spring 8v8 Football Jamboree on Saturday, Jan. 24, at the Ormond Beach Sports Comples, 700 Hull Road. Over 10 teams from 8U to 15U will compete, from 9 a.m.
ment on Jan. 9, the Bulldogs lost for the first time this season, 2-1, to Jacksonville Providence on Jan. 13, and then ended the regular season with the tie against the Pirates.
“It’s just been a disappointing week, after last week,” FPC coach Pete Hald said. “We just underperformed both nights. Matanzas was just a little bit more up for the game than us and took advantage of some momentum. We probably should have had a couple [goals] early in the first half, and that [would have put] a lot of pressure on them. Instead, the pressure just seemed to be on us more than them.”
FPC, the second seed in the District 1-7A tournament, will host No. 3 seed Atlantic Coast (7-7-2) in the semifinals at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22. The final is scheduled for Jan. 27 at the higher seed.
Matanzas, the fourth seed in District 3-6A, will host No. 5 seed Gainesville Buchholz (6-7-4) at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. The winner will meet No. 1 seed Bartram Trail in the semifinals on Jan. 22. In District 6-5A, No. 2 seed Seabreeze (8-6-1) will host No. 3 Pine Ridge (7-11-2) in a semifinal at 5 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 22.
to 6 p.m.
Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children 5-12; under 5 free. Call 386-679-7692.
First Flagler MLK Classic
Flagler Palm Coast hosted the first Flagler MLK Classic girls basketball showcase on Jan. 17. The Bulldogs defeated Spruce Creek 55-54 with Ava Works scoring a team-high 20 points and Lexi Brown adding 11 points and 19 rebounds. Other teams playing in the event were Seabreeze, Lake City Columbia, Wekiva, DeLand, Menendez, New Smyrna Beach, St. Augustine
Matanzas goalkeeper Ella Forbes (left) runs up to celebrate Emma Skinner’s game-tying goal with her teammates. Photos by Brent Woronoff FPC’s Taci Cook controls the ball.
Juliana Mills, Alisha Vilar and Joslyn Johnson won championships at the Lady Longhorn Lights Out tournament. Courtesy photo by Andrea Vilar
EDITOR
Seabreeze’s Ella Dunaway bench presses.
Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas girls basketball seniors Ruby Fogel, Kaylina Vitt and Katelyn Smith. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas’ Queen Williams bench presses. Photo by Brent Woronoff
Matanzas’ Chloe Harp (left) and FPC’s Laura Hererra battle for possession
Items under $200 PLANT LADY HAS ASSORTED PLANTS FOR SALE!!! Elephant Ears, Snake Plants, Plus Many Other Types of Plants. Call for Appointment. Starting at $1 PC 814-574-6387
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Handyman
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Real Estate
Palm Coast Large 1/2 Acre Parcel of Land, Low taxes, Water and Sewer Paid 1-386437-7058 Landline
Palm Coast 4 Bedroom House In L Section, New Roof, New AC and More Updates. Near Golf Course Asking $334,900
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE
PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000393 CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6, Plaintiff, VS. UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, AS; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL REYES; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that sale will be made pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment. Final Judgment was awarded on January 13, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2024 CA 000393, of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein, CITIBANK, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR NEW RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2017-6 is the Plaintiff, and UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, SURVIVING SPOUSE, GRANTEES, AS; RACHEL REYES; MICKEY REYES; MICHAEL REYES; CHRISTOPHER REYES; UNKNOWN TENANT #1 N/K/A SHELLSEA MONGE; UNKNOWN TENANT #2 N/K/A WILLAM CRUZ; ALBERTO MIGUEL REYES; ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, UNDER AND AGAINST THE HEREIN NAMED INDIVIDUAL DEFENDANT(S) WHO ARE NOT KNOWN TO BE DEAD OR ALIVE, WHETHER SAID UNKNOWN PARTIES MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST AS SPOUSES, HEIRS,
FIRST INSERTION
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000298 NEWREZ LLC DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiff, vs. MARTHA HUGHES WILSON, et al., Defendant. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered January 06, 2026 in Civil Case No. 2025 CA 000298 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for
County, Bunnell, Florida,
DBA SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is
and
Wilson, et al., are
of
the
BEXLEY,
County
the highest and best bidder for cash online via https://flagler.realforeclose.com/index.cfm in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 13th day of February, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Summary Final Judgment,
FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES
FIRST INSERTION
FIRST INSERTION
court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114; (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 1 (800) 955-8770. /s/Robyn Katz Robyn Katz, Esq. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 155 Orlando, FL 32801 Phone: (407) 674-1850 Fax: (321) 248-0420 Email: MRService@mccalla.com Fla. Bar No.: 146803 25-11836FL January 22, 29, 2026 26-00017G
DEVISEES, GRANTEES, OR OTHER CLAIMANTS are Defendants. The Clerk of the Court, Tom Bexley will sell to the highest bidder for cash at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com/ on February 27, 2026 at 11:00:00 AM EST the following described real property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 38, BLOCK 10, OF PALM COAST MAP OF BELLE TERRE, SECTION 11, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 6, PAGES 59 THROUGH 67, INCLUSIVE, AS AMENDED BY INSTRUMENT RECORDED IN OFFICIAL RECORDS BOOK 35, PAGE 528, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA Any person claiming an interest in the surplus 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. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 14th day of January, 2026. ALDRIDGE PITE, LLP Attorney for Plaintiff 401 W. Linton Blvd., Suite 202-B Delray Beach, FL 33444 Telephone: 561-392-6391 Facsimile: 561-392-6965 By: /s/ John J. Cullaro Digitally signed by John J. Cullaro DN: CN=John J. Cullaro, E=Jcullaro@aldridgepite.com Reason: I am the author of this document
Location: Date: 2026.01.14 11:19:50-05’00’ Foxit PDF Editor Version: 13.1.7 FBN: 66699 Primary E-Mail: ServiceMail@aldridgepite.com 1221-15879B January 22, 29, 2026 26-00016G
FIRST INSERTION RE-NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2024 CA 000180 LOANDEPOT.COM, LLC Plaintiff(s), vs. DAVID G. LAIRD; et al., Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT, pursuant to the Order Granting Motion to Reschedule Foreclosure Sale entered on November 12, 2025 in the above-captioned action, the Clerk of Court, Tom Bexley, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash www.flagler.realforeclose.com in accordance with Chapter 45, Florida Statutes on the 13th day of February, 2026 at 11:00 AM on the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment of Foreclosure or order, to wit: LOT 20, BLOCK 166, BELLE TERRE - SECTION 35 PALM COAST PARK AT PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 11, PAGE 2, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property address: 16 Birchview Place, Palm Coast, FL 32137 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus 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. Pursuant to the Fla. R. Jud. Admin. 2.516, the above signed counsel for Plaintiff designates attorney@padgettlawgroup. com as its primary e-mail address for service, in the above styled matter, of all pleadings and documents required to be served on the parties. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. IF YOU ARE A PERSON WITH A DISABILITY WHO NEEDS AN ACCOMMODATION IN ORDER TO ACCESS COURT FACILITIES OR PARTICIPATE IN A COURT PROCEEDING, YOU ARE ENTITLED, AT NO COST TO YOU, TO THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN ASSISTANCE. TO REQUEST SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION, PLEASE CONTACT COURT ADMINISTRATION IN ADVANCE OF THE DATE THE SERVICE IS NEEDED: COURT ADMINISTRATION, 125 E. ORANGE AVE., STE. 300, DAYTONA BEACH, FL 32114, (386) 2576096. HEARING OR VOICE IMPAIRED, PLEASE CALL 711. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Steven G. Hurley PADGETT LAW GROUP
STEVEN G. HURLEY, ESQ. Florida Bar # 99802 6267 Old Water Oak Road, Suite 203 Tallahassee, FL 32312 (850) 422-2520 (telephone) (850) 422-2567 (facsimile) attorney@padgettlawgroup.com
Attorney for Plaintiff TDP File No. 24-001682-1 January 22, 29, 2026 26-00018G
NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025-CP-000514 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF CHRISTINE M. SCHMATZ Deceased.
The administration of the estate of Christine M. Schmatz, deceased, whose date of death was April 29, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, Florida 32110. The 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 January 22, 2026. Personal Representative: Susan Carter 5509 Graywood Road Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Attorney for Personal Representative: Rebeccah Beller
Attorney Florida Bar Number: 106240 Beller Law, PL 12627 San Jose Blvd, Suite 703 Jacksonville, Florida 32223 Telephone: (904) 288-4414 E-Mail: mail@bellerlawoffice.com January 22, 29, 2026 26-00019G
NOTICE OF ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION Case No. 2025-CP 000580 Section 10 IN RE: THE ESTATE OF GLENN MADORMA
The Administration of the Estate of Glenn Madorma, deceased, File Number 2025-CP 000580, Whose date of death was September 21, 2024, is pending in The Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, Flagler County Florida Probate Division the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd, Bunnell, Florida 32110 Probate Division. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:
All persons on whom this notice is served who have objections that challenge the validity of the will, the qualifications of the personal representative, venue or jurisdiction of this Court are required to file their objections with this Court. WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is served within three months after the date of the first publication of this notice must file their claim with this Court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR THIRTY DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM.
All other creditors of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE.
The date of first publication of this notice is: January 22, 2026.
before the Planning Zoning and Appeals Board in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex located at 2400 Commerce Pkwy Bunnell Florida 32110.
ORDINANCE 2026-XX
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL , FLORIDA AMENDING THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, AS PREVIOUSLY AMENDED; PROVIDING FOR THE SMALLESCALE AMENDMENT TO THE FUTURE LAND USE MAP IN THE FUTURE LAND USE ELEMENT OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL 2035 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RELATIVE TO CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY TOTALING 4.91± ACRES IN THE CITY OF BUNNELL LIMITS FROM AGRICULTURE & SILVICULTURE (AG&S)" TO COMMERCIALMEDIUM (COM-M)"; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR ASSIGNMENT OF THE LAND USE DESIGNATIONS FOR THE PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR RATIFICATION OF PRIOR ACTS OF THE CITY; PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF MAPS BY REFERENCE; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION AND DIRECTIONS TO THE CODE CODIFIER AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means if legally permitted would be found on the City of Bunnell s website at www bunnellcity us on the homepage The public is
R. SIMPSON Deceased. TO ALL PERSONS HAVING CLAIMS OR DEMANDS AGAINST THE ABOVE ESTATE: You are hereby notified that an Order of Summary Administration has been entered in the estate of William R. Simpson, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 742, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was September 24, 2025; that the total value of exempt and non-exempt assets of the estate is $554,069 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are:
Name Address Tracie Lee Howell
130 Welchman Avenue Goose Creek, SC 29445
Tracie Lee Howell, Trustee of the William R. Simpson Revocable Trust Agreement 130 Welchman Avenue Goose Creek, SC 29445 ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE NOTIFIED THAT:
All creditors of the estate of the decedent and persons having claims or demands against the estate of the decedent other than those for whom provision for full payment was made in the Order of Summary Administration must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702. ALL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER APPLICABLE TIME PERIOD, 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
If a person
SECOND INSERTION
to wit: LOT 30, PLANTATION BAY 1-A, UNIT 3, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 27, PAGE(S) 40 THROUGH 48, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 30 LANDINGS LN #30, ORMOND BEACH, FL 32174 Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 12 day of January, 2026. ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487 Telephone: 561-241-6901 Facsimile: 561-997-6909 Service Email: flmail@raslg.com By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com 24-196649 - RaO January 15, 22, 2026 26-00015G
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT OF FLORIDA IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2025 CA 000030 NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff, vs. VITA KRAMARENKO A/K/A V KRAMARENKO, et al.,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant
of Foreclosure entered
04, 2025
No. 2025 CA 000030 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT in and for Flagler County, Bunnell, Florida, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC is Plaintiff and Vita Kramarenko a/k/a V Kramarenko, et al., are Defendants, the Flagler County Clerk of Court, TOM W. BEXLEY, will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash
SECOND INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 000808 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF JOHN JOSEPH ROSS, Deceased. The administration of the estate of JOHN JOSEPH ROSS, deceased, whose date of death was May 24, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bunnell, FL 32110. The names and addresses of the personal representative and the personal representative’s attorney are set forth below. All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate, on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served, must file their claims with this court ON OR BEFORE THE LATER OF 3 MONTHS AFTER THE TIME OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE OR 30 DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF SERVICE OF A COPY OF THIS NOTICE ON THEM. All other creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate must file their claims with this court WITHIN 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. The personal representative has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in ss. 732.216732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under s. 732.2211, Florida Statutes. ALL CLAIMS NOT FILED WITHIN THE TIME PERIODS SET FORTH IN FLORIDA STATUTES SECTION 733.702 WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD 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: January 15, 2026. JOAN BEATY Personal Representative
Heidi S. Webb Attorney for Personal Representative Florida Bar No. 73958 The Law Office of Heidi S. Webb 210 South Beach Street, Ste. 202 Daytona Beach, FL 32114 Telephone: (386) 257-3332 Email: heidi@heidiwebb.com January 15, 22, 2026 26-00009G
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA GENERAL JURISDICTION DIVISION CASE NO. 2024 CA 000361 FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF KAREN D. JACKSON, DECEASED, et al. Defendant(s). NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated October 06, 2025, and entered in 2024 CA 000361 of the Circuit Court of the SEVENTH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2019-1 is the Plaintiff and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, BENEFICIARIES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES AND ALL OTHERS WHO MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE ESTATE OF KAREN D. JACKSON, DECEASED; DAVID HAIRELSON are the Defendant(s). TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at https://flagler.realforeclose.com, at 11:00 AM, on February 06, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit:
NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIVIL DIVISION: CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000184 LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC., AS NOMINEE FOR SPRINGBOARD CDFI; UNKNOWN SPOUSE OF ROBERTO ROTGER, JR.; UNKNOWN TENANT IN POSSESSION OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY, Defendants. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to an Order or Final Judgment entered in the above styled cause now pending in said court and as required by Florida Statute 45.031(2), TOM W. BEXLEY as the Clerk of the Circuit Court shall sell to the highest and best bidder for cash electronically at www.flagler.realforeclose.com at, 11:00 AM on the 06 day of February, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 1, BLOCK 18, PALM COAST, MAP OF PINE GROVE SECTION 26, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGE(S) 20 THROUGH 35, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. PROPERTY ADDRESS: 30 PINE CREST LANE, PALM COAST, FL 32164 IF YOU ARE A PERSON CLAIMING A RIGHT TO FUNDS REMAINING AFTER
LOT 8, BLOCK 7, PALM COAST, MAP OF ROYAL PALMS, SECTION 31 ACCORDING TO MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 10, PAGES 43 THROUGH 53, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 29 RIPPLING BROOK RD, PALM COAST, FL 32164
Any person claiming an interest in the surplus from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim in accordance with Florida Statutes, Section 45.031. IMPORTANT AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration, 101 N. Alabama Ave., Ste D-305, Deland, FL 32724, (386) 257-6096. Hearing or voice impaired, please call 711. Dated this 12 day of January, 2026. By: \S\Danielle Salem Danielle Salem, Esquire Florida Bar No. 0058248 Communication Email: dsalem@raslg.com ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC Attorney for Plaintiff 6409 Congress Ave., Suite 100 Boca Raton, FL 33487
Telephone: 561-241-6901
Facsimile: 561-997-6909
Service Email: flmail@raslg.com 24-196126 - ErS
THE SALE, YOU MUST FILE A CLAIM WITH THE CLERK NO LATER THAN THE DATE THAT THE CLERK REPORTS THE FUNDS AS UNCLAIMED. IF YOU FAIL TO FILE A CLAIM, YOU WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY REMAINING FUNDS. AFTER THE FUNDS ARE REPORTED AS UNCLAIMED, ONLY THE OWNER OF RECORD AS OF THE DATE OF THE LIS PENDENS MAY CLAIM THE SURPLUS.
If you are a person with a disability who needs an accommodation in order to access court facilities or participate in a court proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. To request such an accommodation, please contact Court Administration in advance of the date the service is needed: Court Administration 125 E.
LEGAL NOTICE 2012 Chevrolet Traverse with VIN: 1GNKRFED5CJ343776 was seized for forfeiture by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on September 30, 2025. The items were seized at or near US Hwy 1 Palm Coast, FL. The Flagler County Sheriff is holding the property for purposes of a current forfeiture action 2025 CA 000711 in the 7th Circuit Court. 7763-332869 Jan. 22, 29, 2026
NOTICE BY THE FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR CONSIDERATION OF PROPOSED ORDINANCE TITLED SIMILAR TO: AN ORDINANCE DESIGNATING THE FLAGLER COUNTY SHERIFF AS FLAGLER COUNTY’S CHIEF CORRECTIONAL OFFICER; RECOGNIZING SHERIFF AS CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICER; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; PROVIDING FOR EFFECTIVE DATE. Public hearing on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: FLAGLER COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS –February 9, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible. The hearing will be held in the Board Chambers of the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida. All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing and be heard. Anyone wishing to express their opinion may attend, or telephone 386-313-4005 or write to: Flagler County Board of County Commissioners, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to publiccomments@flaglercounty. gov. Staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Administration Office, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bldg., 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110. IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT THE MEETING, A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS MAY BE NEEDED AND, FOR SUCH PURPOSES, THE PERSON MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD 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 COUNTY ADMINISTRATION AT 386-313-4001 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. 7763-333245 Jan. 22, 2026
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA will hold a Public Hearing as authorized by law at 6:00 P.M. on the 3 rd day of February 2026, for the purpose of hearing Ordinance 2026-XX, before the Planning, Zoning and Appeals Board, in the Chambers Meeting Room of the Bunnell Administration Complex, Bunnell, Florida 32110. ORDINANCE 2026-XX AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BUNNELL, FLORIDA AMENDING THE BUNNELL LAND DEVELOMPENT CODE CHAPTERS 1 - GENERAL PROVISIONS AND 34-ZONING TO PROVIDE FOR RECOVERY RESIDENCES IN COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 397.487(15)(a), FLORIDA STATUTES; AMENDING SECTION 1-2 -DEFINITIONS AND SECTION 34-2 - DEFINITIONS TO MODIFY, ADD, AND DELETE TERMS RELATED TO RECOVERY RESIDENCES; AMENDING RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS TO ALLOW RECOVERY RESIDENCES BY RIGHT; CREATING DIVISION 4 - CERTIFIED RECOVERY RESIDENCES WITHIN ARTICLE V OF CHAPTER 34; PROVIDING FOR LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS AND INTENT; PROVIDING FOR THE TAKING OF IMPLEMENTING ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTING PROVISIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY AND APPLICABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CODIFICATION; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. ALL INTERESTED PERSONS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE as may be legally permitted on the day of the meeting. Instructions on how to participate by electronic or other means, if legally permitted, would be found on the City of Bunnell’s website at www. bunnellcity.us on the homepage. The public is advised to check the City’s website for up-to-date information on any changes to the manner in which the meeting will be held and the location. The failure of a person to appear during said hearing and comment on or object to the Ordinance, either in person or in writing, might preclude the ability of such person to contest the Ordinance at a later date. A copy of all pertinent information to this Ordinance can be obtained at the Bunnell Administration Complex, Bunnell, FL 32110. Persons with disabilities needing assistance to attend this proceeding should contact the Bunnell City Clerk at (386) 437-7500 x 5 at least 48-business hours prior to the meeting. NOTICE: If a person decides to appeal any
