The Hammock Observer 1-8-26

THE HAMMOCK

Observer — 2026 STANDING O edition —

YOU. YOUR NEIGHBORS. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD.

VOLUME 1, NO. 28

MATANZAS WINS BY 3 PAGE 10B

FREE ON NEWSSTANDS | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Conservation champion: Dennis Clark Hammock resident, volunteer and ‘archivist,’ is among the Observer’s eight Standing O honorees. PAGE 3A

Kidnapping suspect arrested 11-year-old boy said he was tied up and threatened by sex offender.

PAGE 2A INSIDE STANDING O AT MHS Matanzas’ Yeva Dermenzhy advocates for her peers PAGE 4A

STANDING O AT FCFR Armando Castañeda trains firefighters for Flagler County Fire Rescue PAGE 3A

DEPUTY ARRESTED

Flagler Sheriff’s Office detention deputy arrested on domestic battery charge.

PAGE 2A

A Northern Right Whale yearling spotted in Ormond Beach. Courtesy of the Marineland Right Whale Project

Endangered right whales already have 15 new calves Marineland Right Whale Project is seeking volunteers to whale watch 70 miles of coastline.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The critically endangered right whale is righting the ship: In just one month since calving season began, 15 right whale calves and mothers have been spotted.

“That is unheard of,” said Terran McGinnis, project coordinator of

the Marineland Right Whale Project. “This is a very early start.”

Typically, she said, the whales begin having calves in the area from January to April. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the first Northern right whale calf and mother pair was spotted on Nov. 28 in South Carolina.

Since then, mother-and-baby pairs have been spotted up and down Florida’s coastline, including one in Ormond Beach on Dec. 26 and in The Hammock near Jungle Hut Road on Dec. 19. The Marineland project collects volunteers

INDEX

Business..................... PAGE 5B Calendar..................... PAGE 2B Cops Corner................PAGE 2A Crossword.................. PAGE 4C Letters.......................PAGE 12A Public Notices............ PAGE 5C Sports......................... PAGE 8B Tributes ...................... PAGE 2C Real Estate................. PAGE 4B

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Marineland Right Whale Project’s Zoe Rauscher has volunteered to help whales since 2018. The project held a volunteer organizational event on Monday, Jan. 5, at the University of Florida Whitney Lab in Marineland. Photo by Sierra Williams

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who live in St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties to formalize their whale watching into this citizen science effort.

“There’s so few of these whales left,” McGinnis said. “There’s fewer than 400, which means that every individual matters.”

The Marineland Right Whale Project covers 70 miles of coastline, from Ponte Vedra Beach south to Ponce Inlet. McGinnis said they expect they’ll have hundreds of volunteers, and anyone can join at any time during the season. The project held a volunteer organizational event on Monday, Jan. 5, at the University of Florida Whitney Lab in Marineland.

Volunteers, or even casual observers, can find an elevated location from which to watch whales. That could be a dune walkover or a pier, such as the Sunglow or Main Street piers in Daytona Beach. If a right whale is spotted, the volunteer should call 1-888-97-WHALE. Northern right whales can grow to 55 feet long and weigh around 70 tons as adults. They are identified by the white patches across their heads and backs.

In 2025, just 11 babies were sighted, according to NOAA Fisheries.

The biggest causes of death for sea animals are entanglement in the ropes and nets used in fishing and boat strikes. Volunteers who take part and whale watch are actively saving the lives of these whales by reporting their where-

abouts, McGinnis said.

“There’s an immediate response when a whale is seen,” she said.

“That information goes out to all the mariners on the water so they can back off. So when a volunteer goes out there, it’s not just great for the volunteer when they see a whale, but it can literally be saving that whale’s life.”

Volunteer administrative coordinator Zoe Rauscher and her mother, Laura Rauscher, have been volunteering with the Marineland program since 2018. Now, the two are responsible for the educational brochures and updating the website and Facebook page.

“I like this project specifically because it’s easy to see exactly how it’s making an impact,” Zoe Rauscher said. “We can help it while it migrates. We can keep it safe, at least for a day.”

To join as a volunteer, those interested only need to fill out the application on the nonprofit’s website, at marinelandrightwhale.org.

Volunteers are divided into areas based on where they live. Those who can’t commit to volunteering, can save the hotline to their phone to call in a sighting of a right whale.

Rauscher said that it is easy to think that conservation efforts are a lost cause nowadays. They’re not, she said.

“We are doing something to directly help the population of this species, of this endangered species,” Rauscher said.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

COPS CORNER DEC. 27

PUNCH AND RUN 9:05 p.m. — 100 block of North Ocean Shore Boulevard, Flagler Beach Battery. A Georgia man was arrested on battery and domestic battery charges after he punched his girlfriend at a bar.

A stranger was inside the bar helping a band set up when he heard a commotion at the door, the report said.

As he turned to see what was going on, the suspect ran inside, went up to the man and punched him in the face.

The suspect then ran from the bar and drove off in a pickup truck. Police officers and Sheriff’s Office deputies found the truck minutes later and arrested the suspect.

DEC. 30

CAUGHT PANTS-LESS 10:52 p.m. — Southbound Interstate 95, Mile Marker 295, Flagler County DUI. Sheriff’s Office deputies received several calls about a reckless driver swerving in the southbound lanes of Interstate 95. When law enforcement found the car, it was parked on the shoulder near Mile Marker 295 and the driver, a man from North Carolina, had removed his pants, wearing only boxers and a shirt, according to an arrest report.

Deputies on the scene immediately observed that the driver was inebriated and had peed in his pants. As the driver had no other clean pants, he had to put the soaked pants back on when deputies arrived to talk to him.Deputies found open alcohol cans near the man’s car, though the man denied having had anything to drink in the last eight hours.

At the scene, four times the man blew breath samples at or above a .240, three times the legal limit, but the machine came back with an error each time. The man was arrested and tested again at the county jail which still returned with a BAC of .226, the report said — two hours after deputies arrived on scene.

JAN. 2

LEFT BEHIND 1:06 p.m. — 1400 block of West Granada Boulevard, Ormond Beach Found child. Police were

dispatched to a local fast food restaurant after employees took note of an unaccompanied 5-year-old boy.

According to the incident report, the boy told police he had been traveling to Florida with his family, who are from South Carolina, but was unable to provide a phone number to contact his parents.

Restaurant staff reviewed the surveillance footage, which showed the boy entering the restaurant with his family at about 12:04 p.m.

The family left the restaurant at 12:40 p.m. but the boy was left behind in the play area.

The mother later called the restaurant in a panic trying to locate her son.

Police coordinated the boy’s pickup at the station, and the parents arrived at 3:19 p.m. to pick him up. The mother told police that her other children didn’t notice that the boy was missing due to being distracted while using their electronic devices.

JAN. 3

HOA DISPUTE 7:24 p.m. — 300 block of Park Place West, Ormond Beach Battery touch or strike. A 77-year-old Ormond Beach woman was accused of hitting a fellow board member of her homeowner’s association, after a verbal argument over the victim’s children riding scooters in the grass.

Police report that the victim called police four days after the incident took place on Dec. 31. The victim said that the woman hit the right side of her head with her forearm during their argument. She told police that others had informed her that the woman had previously been involved in physical altercations with renters in the neighborhood.

Police spoke with the woman, who admitted the argument did occur, but denied hitting the victim.

However, she told a different story.

The woman said she threw envelopes at the victim before walking away, and alleged that the victim “charged her, grabbed her hair and struck her multiple times,” according to the police report. The woman said that at that time, she grabbed the victim’s hair to defend herself. The altercation ended, she said, when a neighbor intervened and separated them.

Neither party wished to press charges.

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

11-year-old boy recovered after kidnapping The boy told deputies he was kidnapped, tied up and threatened by a sex offender.

OBSERVER STAFF

An 11-year-old boy rescued on Dec. 31 told Flagler Sheriff Office deputies he was kidnapped.

The victim had previously been reported missing three days prior and was found with another minor and Darnell Hairston, a registered sex offender, during a traffic stop. An individual had called

NEWS BRIEFS Flagler detention deputy arrested

by Daytona police Flagler County Sheriff Office Detention Deputy First Class Sara Radford was arrested after celebrating the New Year in Daytona Beach for a misdemeanor domestic battery offense.

In accordance with FCSO policy, Radford was immediately suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case.

“Sheriff Rick Staly expects our employees to follow the law and conduct themselves in a manner that represents

911 when they saw Hairston — knowing he was a registered sex offender — with two juveniles, according to a FCSO press release.

FCSO deputies pulled over Hairston on Dec. 31, and the 11-year-old told deputies that they believed they would be killed if deputies did not intervene, the press release said.

Hairston tried to flee the scene on foot and to take a deputy’s firearm, but was quickly detained by FCSO deputies.

During a follow up interview, the 11-year-old told detectives he was lured to a wooded

this agency well, even when they are off duty,” said Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge. “From what we know, it appears that both Detention Deputy First Class Radford and the victim were intoxicated late in the night after celebrating the New Year, and while walking in Daytona Beach an argument occurred and an arrest was made. We will let the criminal justice system play out, which gives her due process just like anybody else.”

Once the criminal case is completed, the FCSO Professional Standards Unit will conduct an internal investigation. Until that time, Radford is suspended without pay.

Detention Deputy First Class Radford joined the agency in August 2011. In 2022, she was named FCSO’s Detention Deputy of the Year.

campsite in Flagler Estates and Hairston choked him until he lost consciousness, the press release said. When the child woke up, he said Hairston threatened him with a knife and a gun and tied up the victim with shoelaces and an extension cord and placed duct tape over his mouth.

The victim said he was held at the campsite for several days and was forced to travel on the floor of the truck under a blanket. Evidence was found in Hairston’s truck, at the campsite and at Hairston’s Hastings residence that supported the child’s statements.

He is now facing kidnap-

Daytona woman sentenced to 32 years for death of 14-year-old son

A Daytona Beach woman was sentenced to 32 years in prison after she pled no contest to the aggravated manslaughter of her 14-yearold son.

Talia Nelson’s son died on Jan. 1, 2024 and weighed just 33 pounds. He was severely malnourished, dehydrated, and had fresh bruises on his face and scars across his torso, back and legs, according to a press release from the State Attorney’s Office.

Nelson was sentenced during a hearing on Jan. 5. She pled no contest to aggravated manslaughter of a child and aggravated child abuse. She told investigators that her

ping, aggravated child abuse, battery and robbery charges, as well as resisting arrest with violence and attempting to deprive a law enforcement officer of their firearm.

He is being held at the Flagler County jail without bond.

The second juvenile attempted to steal Hairston’s truck and flee from the traffic stop on Dec. 31, and is facing multiple charges. Though the investigation is ongoing, the teenager is possibly a coconspirator in the kidnapping, the FCSO press release said.

He is currently in the custody of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice.

son had a rare bone disease, lactose intolerance, and bulimia, but investigators found she had not taken her son to a doctor since June 2020, the press release said.

State Attorney R.J. Larizza said the case brought tears to his eyes.

“It is incomprehensible for a mother to neglect and torture her own flesh and blood to the extent we uncovered in this case,” he said. “How could she watch her son suffer for weeks and months and years until he weighed less than a typical 7-year-old child?

Heartless and cruel are words that come to mind. May he rest in peace, and may she be forever haunted by her brutal and vicious crime.”

YOUR TOWN Transform386 helps Volusia homeowner move into new home After years of personal loss, storm damage and housing instability, Debra Groover moved into a new mobile home Friday, Dec. 19, with assistance from Transform386’s Homeowner Recovery Program, just in time for the holiday season.

Groover’s previous mobile home was impacted by flood-

Sheriff Rick Staly, Granny Nannies owner Joel Fallon, and the Santa to a Senior 2025 crew, serving about 250 seniors. Courtesy photos

ing from Hurricane Ian and later Hurricane Milton, resulting in extensive damage and ongoing housing uncertainty.

Through Transform386’s Homeowner Recovery Program, Groover secured a safe, permanent mobile home before the end of the year.

She completed the application process, submitted all required eligibility documentation, signed the necessary agreements and worked closely with program staff throughout the process to make her new home a reality.

“God bless you. I will never forget this program and its kindness,” Groover said. “This is my home, and I can’t wait to get started.”

The Homeowner Recovery Program assists eligible

Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly partners with Granny Nannies.

homeowners affected by recent hurricanes. Available pathways include reimbursement for completed repairs, reconstruction, rehabilitation, buyout and match, or mobile home replacement.

Now settled into her new home, Groover is looking ahead with a renewed sense of security. This holiday season, she will celebrate in a place she can finally call home.

Residents who experienced damage from Hurricane Ian or Hurricane Milton may still be eligible for assistance. The application period remains open. For more information about eligibility, available assistance and how to apply, visit transform386.org.

Granny Nannies brings cheer with Santa to a Senior

Debra Groover moved into a new mobile home Friday, Dec. 19. Courtesy photo

Granny Nannies continued its annual tradition of bringing Christmas cheer to assisted living facilities in Palm Coast, with its Santa to a Senior program on Dec. 9.

Joined by staff and Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly, Granny Nannies owner Joel

Fallon distributed donated gifts to 250 seniors at Grand Oaks Health & Rehab, at 3001 Palm Coast Parkway SE, Palm Coast; and Flagler Health & Rehab, at 300 Dr. Carter Blvd., Bunnell.

“What a blessing it is to be able to serve our valued seniors,” Fallon posted on Facebook.

“The annual Santa to a Senior partnership between Granny Nannies and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office began in 2019 and has grown into a beloved community tradition,” the FCSO posted.

“Through the generosity of local residents and businesses, volunteers sang carols and delivered gifts to every resident at both facilities.

“FCSO and Granny Nannies extend our heartfelt thanks to every volunteer, business, and community member who helped us brighten the holiday season for seniors across Flagler County! This annual tradition continues to grow thanks to the unwavering support of the community.”

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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STANDING O

Arianna Slaughter does it all at Flagler Palm Coast High School A star student and athlete, Slaughter is also active in a slew of service clubs. On top of all that, she’s the senior class president.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Sitting down for an extensive interview with Flagler Palm Coast High School senior Arianna Slaughter is enough to make a reporter feel a little guilty.

Are you taking away from her class or study time? Or her cross country and track and field training? Or the many clubs and volunteer activities she participates in?

Slaughter is FPC’s Standing O selection for 2026.

She is serious about her studies.

She is in the demanding International Baccalaureate program, maintaining a weighted 5.36 GPA, ranking fourth in her class. She scored 1540 (out of 1600) on the SAT. She is also dual-enrolled, taking online classes with the University of Florida. She plans to major in finance next year in college with thoughts on becoming an actuary.

“I’ve always loved math,” she said.

“I’ve taken both AP statistics and AP calculus. Typically people like one or the other, but I found that I liked them similarly. So, the fact that being an actuary combines them, really interests me. Of course, what I end up wanting to do as a job could change, but I definitely know I want to major in finance.”

She wasn’t so sure about joining FPC’s cross country and track teams when she was a freshman. She didn’t run in middle school. But she said that once she showed up for her first cross country practice, she realized she could be good at it. Three years later, she broke FPC’s girls cross country record with a 5K time of 18 minutes, 17 seconds at regionals in November. And a week later, she won All-State honors with a 10th-place finish at the Class 4A state championships.

“Just knowing that it was my senior year, and it was going to be my last time to do something with

my cross-country career, I just gave it my all,” she said.

FPC cross country and track coach Dave Halliday said Slaughter has a chance to break three more school records in track this spring. She already has her name in the track record book as a member of the 4x800-meter relay team that set the school record in 2024.

“This spring, she not only can finish as an All-State performer, but she has a chance to set the 1,600, 3200 and maybe even the 800 school record,” Halliday said. “We’re going to have her trained up in all three.”

The toughest one to beat will be the 800 mark of 2:13, held by FPC girls track coach Alycia Williams.

“I definitely think it’s a hard time to reach. My best right now is 2:19.57, but I know Coach Williams wants me to beat it, and I think that would be a good goal to set for this season,” Slaughter said. “But she didn’t give me an easy record to beat.”

Last season, Slaughter placed ninth at state in the 800, finishing about a tenth of a second from securing a podium finish.

“If she comes close to 2:13, she can win the whole thing,” Halliday said of the state championship. “Ari is one of those people who is so humble, she doesn’t necessarily see herself as that great of an athlete, because she’s always working so hard.”

STUDENT LEADER

Slaughter still finds time to belong to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Problems Solvers, the Leo Club and the National Honor Society. She is on the IB Council, which produces news letters to keep families informed and plans social activities.

“We do a lot of events for the entire IB class to unite them and give them a little motivation to get through testing season,” she said. “We do a lot of pot lucks and game nights. We had a lock-in in the gym and played a bunch of games.”

Through the Leo club, Slaughter volunteers at elementary school events and works at FPC’s concession stand during soccer games.

Through the National Honor Society, she participates in beach cleanups, and she helped set up the Rotary Club of Flagler County’s Fantasy

Arianna Slaughter is an IB student, ranked fourth in her class. She is also senior class president, active in service clubs and a standout athlete. Photo by Brent Woronoff

Lights at Town Center. She also helps teachers clean and set up their classrooms at elementary schools and at the high school.

CLASS PRESIDENT

On top of all that, she’s the senior class president.

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that,” she laughed. “Basically I’m the voice of the senior class and help create events, the typical senior events, make sure they go smoothly.”

On weekends, she works as a hostess and cashier at Oceanside Beach Bar & Grill in Flagler Beach.

The obvious question is how can she find the time to not only fit everything in, but to excel in everything?

“I honestly think it helps that they’re all different, because when I get overwhelmed or stressed out in one thing, I can move to running, or I can go to a club, and it just helps take my mind off of that,” she said. “But I also think it’s having such a good support system, especially at this school. There’s so many people that I can go to if I ever get overwhelmed in anything, or if I need help, or if I

don’t want to put it all on myself, and it allows me to have people to talk to.

And then, of course, my parents have always been so supportive in no matter what I do, and that just allows me to do it all.”

To relax, she plays piano.

“I used to have a piano teacher throughout my sophomore year, but now I just self-teach,” she said.

“That’s like a fun, little hobby that I do. When things get overwhelming, I’ll go to that.”

Slaughter is not concentrating on continuing her cross country and track career in college. Her top instate choices — Florida and Florida State — have elite track programs, but Halliday said that her solid cross country season could open doors even in those programs.

“She could have the opportunity to run at one of those places if she decides to do so,” Halliday said.

“She’s pretty special, and she’ll be nothing but successful in life. She’s so well-rounded, and she’s a super down-to-earth kid. I was just super proud of her this year, coming into her own. She is just an amazing person.”

“There’s so many people that I can go to if I ever get overwhelmed in anything. ... And then, of course, my parents have always been so supportive in no matter what I do, and that just allows me to do it all.”

ARIANNA SLAUGHTER

STANDING O

Dennis Clark is The Hammock’s ‘archivist’ ‘It’s like a duty,’ Clark said. ‘It feels like my mission in life right now is to protect this place, this beautiful place.’

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Every day, Dennis Clark makes it a point to walk through the path at Bings Landing.

The path is one of the projects Clark, as a member of the nonprofits the Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway and the Scenic A1A Pride, had a hand in bringing to fruition, and one he is most proud of.

Clark moved to The Hammock in 2005 after he and his wife retired.

They were drawn to the natural beauty of the area, he said.

“This was like a magical, unique place,” he said. “So that’s been my mission is to preserve this unique natural beauty and the sense of place that The Hammock gives you.”

Clark, chair of Scenic A1A Pride and a board member of Friends of A1A and The Hammock Community Association, is the first to say he stands on the shoulders of previous Flagler County residents that started the process of getting the State Road A1A scenic highway designations.

In his 20 years with the nonprofits, Clark said he has reviewed 76 different site developments for proposed projects in The Hammock. Not all the projects end up taking root, he said, but his goal — and the goal of Friends of A1A and Scenic A1A Pride — is to promote conservation of The Hammock’s natural beauty.

“We don’t mind new businesses, as long as they complement the area and don’t detract from it,” Clark said.

“There are some businesses that fit much better than others.”

The A1A advocacy groups have been integral in how land has been developed in The Hammock, former Flagler County Attorney Al Hadeed said. They worked to preserve The Hammock’s character.

Hadeed has known Clark in a professional capacity for 20 years.

Clark’s role advocating for and preserving The Hammock often led him to meetings with county boards and staff.

“In my mind, Dennis Clark’s most valuable contribution was that he was the archivist for the Scenic A1A effort,” Hadeed said. “He was an incredible volunteer leader.”

Clark is incredibly organized and focused, he said. Though much of the initial successes of the National Scenic Byway effort was led by the previous leader of the Friends of A1A, Anne Wilson, he said, without an organizational person like Clark to keep information together, “you can’t keep a volunteer organization going.”

“Without Anne Wilson in the first instance and Dennis Clark in the second instance, there would not be a scenic byway and an All American Road as we know it today,” he said.

Most people will not know the names of the people responsible for ensuring the preservation of the 72 miles of State Road A1A in St. Johns, Flagler and Volusia counties that make up the National Scenic Byway.

Scenic A1A Pride member Richard Hamilton said that is how Clark is.

“He doesn’t blow his own horn,” Hamilton said. “He blows The Hammock’s horn.”

Clark is an unassuming individual who is always polite and speaks on the facts, Hamilton said, working behind the scenes. Hamilton has

Dennis Clark has been involved with many projects through Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway. Photo by Sierra Williams

known Clark for a long time as both friends and colleagues with similar missions.

One of Clark’s best attributes, Hamilton said, is that he has encouraged a lot of people to get involved in the Friends of A1A and Scenic A1A organizations. Clark does a lot of necessary work for The Hammock organizations he’s a part of — maintaining records and acting as a liaison with the technical review committee and the county planning

board are just a few.

“He’s really the glue that holds the Scenic A1A and The Hammock [association] together,” Hamilton said.

Clark said he hopes to see more people get involved with Friends of A1A and Scenic A1A Pride. With the recent connection of sewer services in The Hammock, and several large parcels still undeveloped, he believes the biggest challenges in their work still lie ahead.

Looking back, Clark said he is proud of the successes they’ve had, especially when it comes to the trails and parks the nonprofits have advocated for. Sometimes they lose, or feel more could have been done, he said, but he doesn’t feel defeated. As long as he lives in The Hammock, he said, he’s going to “try to keep it nice.”

“It’s like a duty,” Clark said. “It feels like my mission in life right now is to protect this place, this beautiful place.”

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

STANDING O

Matanzas High’s Yeva Dermenzhy advocates for her peers At 6, she immigrated to the U.S. In high school, she started the Eastern European Club to help others.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Matanzas High School senior Yeva Dermenzhy immigrated with her family to the United States from the Ukraine when she was 6 years old.

When they arrived, Yeva, her parents and her three siblings spoke Russian. None of them could speak English.

“Everyone was waiting for me to first learn the language so then I could help my family,” she said.

Living in Minnesota at the time, she first went to a Russian school where she wasn’t submerged in the English language.

“My early elementary, I would say, kind of set me up for failure, initially,” she said.

“I had to learn English without really having any sort of support.”

That experience motivated Dermenzhy to become an advocate for others. As a sophomore at Matanzas, she founded the Eastern European Club. The club organized a community donation drive to send about 330 pounds of clothes and toys to orphans in the Ukraine, she said.

As president of the club, she also advocates for her fellow club members. She talks to teachers to seek help for students who might be struggling in class, Matanzas Principal Mike Rinaldi said.

Dermenzhy is Matanzas

High’s Standing O selection for 2026.

“She’s a phenomenal young lady,” Rinaldi said. “She’s always helping people. She takes the initiative to start programs, areas that she can provide support for other students. She’s the type of student that advocates for the people that can’t advocate for themselves. And academically, she excels in every class.”

Dermenzhy is in the Cambridge AICE program and was one of three seniors this year to receive her AICE diploma with distinction. She is also dual-enrolled, taking University of Florida courses online.

A QuestBridge scholarship finalist, Dermenzhy has been accepted to Brown University where she plans to major in mechanical engineering and possibly also astrophysics. Her goal is to attend law school and become a patent law attorney.

“That’s my ideal career,” she said. “In patent law you get to see new designs, and it requires an engineering background. But who knows?

Maybe I’ll fall in love with mechanical engineering.

Brown has open curriculum, so I can choose my classes.”

She has interned at Goan Law in Palm Coast since she was 14 years old.

Attorney Timothy Goan said Dermenzhy has received permission to sit in on some consultations with clients.

She also does some legal research, he said.

“She dives right in it,” Goan said. “She’s been able to do it from Day 1 — get in there and do some reasonably effective research for me, just to help me get the lay of land on a particular issue.”

She’s also learned how to file court documents with the Flagler County Clerk’s office, Legal Assistant Diana Moscoso said, and Dermenzhy recently filled in for Moscoso when she was on vacation.

“She’s very inquisitive,” Moscoso said. “She asks questions that I wouldn’t have thought of. If Mr. Goan gives her a research project, she’ll do it and tell me, ‘Oh this was so interesting.’ It makes me happy that she is learning something that probably somebody will be doing when they’re out of law school, and she’s doing it here, while she’s still in high school.”

That law internship helped Dermenzhy effect a change in a school district Information Technology program. Her patronymic — a middle name derived from a father’s first name used in some Eastern European cultures — had been removed, changing her school email address without merging her old account to allow her emails to be forwarded.

“I went to the IT office and only then did they merge it,” she said. They did a merging email account for me because I advocated.”

But then Dermenzhy and Eastern European Club sponsor Fran Lagocki noticed that they couldn’t email another member of the club. He had had the same problem for over a year, Dermenzhy said.

“He couldn’t advocate for himself. He couldn’t speak English,” she said. “Everyone can be subject to this. Let’s say their parents divorce and they get a new name. It’s not only for immigrants, but many immigrants can’t advocate for themselves.”

Thanks to Dermenzhy’s

Proud sponsor of the Observer’s schools content

Matanzas High’s Yeva Dermenzhy, who earned her AICE diploma with distinction, will attend Brown University. Photo by Brent Woronoff

initiative, the district now merges accounts when student emails are changed.

“Yeva saw that there was an issue with one of the IT programs, and she went through the proper channels and got it fixed,” Rinaldi said. “When she recognizes that there is something that she can be involved in and fix, she jumps right in.”

Besides law and engineering, Dermenzhy also has an interest in marketing and finance. One of the Eastern European Club’s projects is selling Slavic snacks during both lunch periods two days a week. The club gets its inventory from Happy Chef Bistro and Deli. She was also involved with the student business organization DECA

“She’s the type of student that advocates for the people that can’t advocate for themselves. And academically, she excels in every class.”

MIKE RINALDI, Matanzas principal

for three years. She and her partner qualified for DECA’s International Career and Development Conference in the Business Law and Ethics competition. Dermenzhy is also a teller at Matanzas High’s VyStar Credit Union branch and at a VyStar Palm Coast branch.

“She’s so well-rounded,”

Rinaldi said. “She’s dynamic. She is a natural leader amongst her peers, and the adults all respect her as that leader. She’s definitely set her goals, and she is working as hard as she can to get there.

Her acceptance to Brown is just proof in the pudding.

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STANDING O

Teresa Phillips inspires through teaching technology, community spirit ‘I like teaching or showing — whether it be the teachers or the students — how they can learn more,’ said Phillips.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Teresa Phillips has held a genuine and lifelong love of learning and teaching. But unlike most teachers, Phillips is not tied to one classroom.

Phillips has worked at Flagler Schools since 2004, beginning as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years.

She said she jumped at the chance to become an instructional technology specialist because it allowed her to impact more kids than just her one group of students.

“When I taught, I loved it, but I impacted the kids in my class,” she said. “But this, I’ve really been able to work at all the schools.”

Phillips is one of the Flagler Schools employees responsible for training teachers and students in digital literacy skills, showing them the most effective way to use the rapidly evolving technology at their fingertips. Her department is responsible for some 18,000 devices, she said, as well as the programs that run them.

More than teaching, Phillips said

“She thrives on challenge and growth and inspiring coworkers and friends and students to come along and grow with her.”

ROBYN MCANANY, Belle Terre Elementary teacher

she really loves facilitating learning in people, regardless of who they are.

“I like teaching kids, I like teaching adults,” she said. “I like teaching or showing — whether it be the teachers or the students — how they can learn more.”

Phillips credits her love of education to her mother, who recently died. Phillips’ mother instilled a love of learning in her, Phillips said, and it’s now after she has died that Phillips has learned the lasting impact her mother has had on others.

“Going through and reminiscing with people that she worked with and different people she made an impact with — I really realized how much she did,” Phillips said.

Belle Terre Elementary School teacher Robyn McAnany has known Phillips since they worked together at Indian Trails K-8 Center in 2004.

As a teacher, and now as an instructional technology specialist, Phillips embraces the philosophy of being a lifelong learner, McAnany said.

“Teresa loves to learn new things and then get others pumped up to learn as well,” McAnany said. “She thrives on challenge and growth and inspiring coworkers and friends and students to come along and grow with her.”

But it is not just work that Phillips dedicates herself to, McAnany said. She is just as dedicated to being involved in her community, including through her involvement in Flagler Beach Creates.

Christy Cox, secretary, said Phillips is instrumental to Flagler Beach Creates, which is a nonprofit under Flagler Strong. Cox described the nonprofits as the “creative arm to Flagler Strong.”

Cox said they are always in need of volunteers, and Phillips joined the organization in 2024 after helping out at several events. Phillips was especially integral in growing the 2025 Scarecrows of Flagler Beach event, Cox said.

The scarecrow event is an annual “artistic celebration of fall,” accord-

Teresa Phillips is an instructional technology specialist with Flagler Schools. Photo by Sierra Williams

ing to the website, that features “artfully designed scarecrows” in front of businesses and civic buildings. Cox said this year Flagler Beach Creates was challenged with finding new ways to drum up excitement and participation in the scarecrow event for businesses.

Phillips created a stamp card, where residents could go tour Flagler Beach’s 45 participating businesses and receive a stamp.

When they reached a certain number of stamps, they could exchange that for a discount in the store. It was a huge hit, Cox said, inspiring a lot of public participation. Phillips is

always finding creative solutions to their problems, from using her technical skills to upgrade their online presence and processes to designing a new logo for the Witches & Warlocks bike ride.

“I love Teresa, because she always turns it around,” Cox said. “She always steps up.”

Cox and Martha Estberg said Phillips just has that “community spirit.” Estberg is one of Phillips’ close friends, and the two have known each other for years. Estberg said Phillips is a very motivated person.

“She’s always willing to volunteer and help out with the community

whenever there is time or a need,” she said.

Estberg said Phillips is the first to reach out if someone needs help.

“She’s just a good friend, she’s always there,” Estberg said.

Phillips said she does the work with Flagler Beach Creates and at Flagler Schools because she can see firsthand the impact it has on her community. It makes a difference, she said, and she loves to be a part of that.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

STANDING O

Dr. Erika Equizi is in the ‘business of helping people’ Equizi works to help people and animals. ‘I fully believe that what you give out to the world is what you get back in the world,’ she said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Dr. Erika Equizi is a busy woman.

She runs her own practice, Premier Chiropractic, is a mother to two boys and four dogs and splits her remaining free time between three nonprofit organizations: Professional Women of Flagler County,

Vincent’s Clubhouse and S.M.A.R.T. of Flagler County.

Though that would be a lot for anyone to take on, but Equizi is happy to do it, and for no other reason than she has the means and tools to do so.

“I am a huge believer in the more you give, the more you get,” Equizi said. “I worked hard to get where I wanted to so that I could help more people and more animals, because I fully believe that what you give out to the world is what you get back in the world.”

S.M.A.R.T of Flagler County founder Caroline Johnson called Equizi a “positive, uplifting force in Flagler County.”

“Always willing to go above and beyond, she shows up for people and charities alike,” Johnson said, “offering not just support but a genuine, joyful spirit that lifts everyone around her.”

Equizi has worked with S.M.A.R.T. for years, initially with fostering dogs that need extra support. Equizi has a background as a veterinary technician and has taken on some of the more medically-needy rescues from S.M.A.R.T. “You always want to know that you saved or helped someone or something in some form or way,” Equizi said. “As humans, it’s satisfying for us to know that we made a difference.”

At Vincent’s Clubhouse — an autism support and awareness organization — Equizi’s pediatric training

“I worked hard to get where I wanted to so that I could help more people and more animals.”

ERIKA EQUIZI, Premier Chriopractic

Dr. Erika Equizi. Courtesy photo

from chiropractic comes into play.

“The autism community is very under supported in Flagler County,” she said. “It needs a lot more education in the community to bring awareness and have more support systems for autistic children and families and even autistic adults.”

Realtor Eddie Lang, Equizi’s friend and a fellow volunteer at Vincent’s, introduced Equizi to the nonprofit organization. As the parent of an autistic child himself, Lang said it’s rare to find someone like Equizi who genuinely “wants what’s best for anybody that’s special [needs], whether child or adult.”

Most people avoid volunteering with special needs organizations, Lang said, because they do not know how to interact with autistic children. While empathetic, they don’t have the patience that Equizi has.

“She really wants to make a change and make a difference,” Lang said.

“Working with her is a pleasure because she brings the best out of everybody.”

But she does more than just volunteer her time, he said: Equizi has ensured that her chiropractic office — from the employees to the way the space is designed — is soothing and welcoming for everyone who goes there, including people with autism.

Lang said his autistic son loves his visits to Dr. Equizi.

“She makes him feel comfortable,” he said.

Equizi now serves on the boards for all three nonprofit organizations, including as president of Professional Women of Flagler County.

Primarily, her goal for 2026 is to make changes to the fundraising and events hosted by the organizations, especially S.M.A.R.T. and Vincent’s Clubhouse, to drum up more excitement.

The focus on the fundraising events in 2026 is because Vincent’s and S.M.A.R.T. need more funding for their goals, she said, which include afternoon enrichment programs for Vincent’s Clubhouse and a building for the animals S.M.A.R.T. rescues.

“She really wants to make a change and make a difference.”

EDDIE LANG, Realtor

“Both of them need money to get to the next level of their goals,” she said. “So I want to go into the fundraising side of it to help them get those next goals achieved.”

It’s important to reach as many people as possible to share each nonprofit’s mission, Equizi said.

“So many people don’t even know these groups exist, let alone what their mission is,” she said. “Because you may hear ‘autism awareness,’ but you don’t know what that means.

You don’t know what they’re accomplishing, or how many people they’re helping.”

Dr. Autumn Quinn works with Equizi at Premier Chiropractic, and the two have become close friends over the years as well. Quinn said she doesn’t know how Equizi finds the time, but she somehow manages to be an amazing mother and business owner while still giving her all to nonprofits.

“She’s always putting 110% of everything she has into every group, which is very, very impressive,” Quinn said.

But that is just a part of who Equizi is. She’s compassionate, caring and powerful, Quinn said, and unafraid to donate her own time, effort and money into the nonprofits she serves.

It may be a large workload to support these organizations on top of running a business and taking care of a family, but Equizi balances them all. If you want it done, she said, you “make it happen.”

“I’m in the business of helping people. I got into it for a reason. I wanted to help people feel better and to be the best versions of themselves, physically, mentally — all aspects. It just completes me.”

STANDING O

Rachel Ord teaches kids to fish and to love conservation Ord founded the Flagler Homeschool Fishing group where the kids go fishing, do crafts and learn about conservation.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Rachel Ord’s family loves to fish.

“My son is 8. He loves fishing and being in nature,” Ord said. “We all love it. I thought, ‘Gosh, there’s got to be other kids like this.’”

Ord thought of the Flagler Sportfishing Club’s kids4reel program, which supports fishing clubs at Flagler County schools. But Ord homeschools her children. So, she decided to start a fishing and conservation group for homeschooled children.

Deb Marinco, the Sportfishing Club’s kids4reel co-leader, was a 2025 Standing O recipient. She nominated Ord for the recognition this year.

“She has a big network of families.

They do day trips, adventures. They learn about marine life,” Marinco said. “She brought the kids to fish with us. They’re very smart, wellrounded kids, everything you’d want the next generation to be. In my opinion, she keeps these kids interested in learning.”

Ord started Flagler Homeschool

Fishing over three years ago. The group meets at least once a month.

It started as a 4-H group, Ord said, but in the second year they decided to become independent.

“I said, ‘I’ll just buy a bunch of bait.’ The whole goal was to expose other kids and their parents to fishing, which is something we love as a family,” said Ord, who also has two daughters, ages 4 and 11. “A lot of it is being with nature, getting away from the fast pace of life.”

Kids4reel initially provided the group with 20 fishing rods, Ord said.

The Flagler Sportfishing Club gives presentations to the group a couple of times a year on marine life, conservation and proper fishing habits.

Children new to fishing play a casting game on land, making sure they’re not swinging their hooks.

They learn fishing regulations and how to identify fish. They talk about conservation, safety and the environment. They took a marine science boat tour with Florida Water Warriors in St. Augustine.

Sometimes the group has knottying lessons or the kids will find something interesting and present it to the group, Ord said.

“Usually there’s an educational aspect, but sometimes it’s casual and we just go fishing,” Ord said.

In November, they crafted fishingrelated Christmas tree ornaments at Waterfront Park and then went fishing. In December, they had a

“She has a big network of families. They do day trips, adventures. They learn about marine life.

They’re very smart, well-rounded kids. ... In my opinion, she keeps these kids interested in learning.”

DEB MARINCO, 2025 Standing O recipient

Rachel Ord takes photo of Jackson DeVaney holding up his fish-on-a-line Christmas tree ornament. Photo by Brent Woronoff

lesson in gyotaku fish printing. The kids also pulled up an old outboard motor from the waterway and then disposed of it properly.

In September, Ord arranged a first aid and CPR certification class for the kids with Salus Medical Training.

“She planned months and months ahead for a very specific fishingthemed first aid and CPR course for the group,” Salus Medical Training owner Lauren Ramirez said. “She knew what these kids needed and wanted. She really impressed me.

She was very prepared to make sure they were going to be prepared.”

In the first session of the class the kids built personal first aid kits that included such things as sting relief wipes and gel for jellyfish or insect

stings, hand sanitizer, antibiotic and hydrocortisone creams, gauze, a whistle and a CPR mask. In the second session, the kids who stayed earned their American Heart Association first aid an CPR certifications.

Usually 10 to 15 kids plus parents participate in the groups’s monthly activities, but there are over 100 members of the “Flagler Homeschool Fishing” Facebook group, and they had 40 attend the Florida Water Warriors field trip.

The group is not limited to homeschool students. Anybody is welcome to join, Ord said, but the activities and fishing outings are often scheduled during school hours.

Rose Spellman, one of the homeschool parents, said her family loves

the group because it presents lifeskill lessons.

“It’s learning outside the classroom. We get to be outside in the sunshine learning important habits for life,” she said. “There’s also socialization, a time to work together with other kids and be with friends.

Rachel holds everything together and spends tons of her time organizing everything.”

Through fishing, Spellman said, the kids learn patience and resilience, “because you have to wait and wait to catch fish.”

Ord said it’s really fun to see a child catch their first fish and have everybody cheer for them.

“I just do this because I love it,” Ord said. “And the kids love it.”

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

11A

STANDING O

Ozzie Sene makes big impact in short time at Palm Coast Fire Department Sene has been promoted to paramedic and driver engineer and leads the department’s Junior Firefighters Program.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Since Ozzie Sene joined the Palm Coast Fire Department over two years ago, he took over the leadership role for the department’s Junior Firefighters Program, he passed his paramedic exam and received his paramedic clearance, and he was promoted to driver/engineer.

Days before his Oct. 13, 2025, promotion and a month after he received his paramedic clearance, Sene, who lives in Daytona Beach, was named the Flagler Palm Coast Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year for the PCFD. In announcing Sene’s selection for the award, Palm Coast Fire Chief Kyle Berryhill said, “Ozzy exemplifies what it means to be a Palm Coast firefighter — committed, compassionate and community-minded.”

In nominating Sene for a 2026 Standing O, PCFD Chaplain and Driver Engineer Chris Cottle said, “Ozzie is always there to help with training and bringing up new firefighters.” Cottle was a 2025 Standing O recipient.

Sene, 24, is also a member of the department’s honor guard and is part of the department’s Technical Rescue Team. He is certified in confined space rescue and Vehicle and Machinery Rescue (VMR) Operations. Not wanting to ever quit being a student, Sene attends a lot of classes and conferences, and they have proved to be beneficial, he said.

“I’ve been a black cloud since I got here,” he said, meaning he has been involved in several serious calls. The most intense, he said, was when a

man got trapped between the claws of an excavator.

“I feel some of the special ops classes like VMR and stuff like that helped the scene run smooth,” Sene said. “We were able to free him, and then we flew him out to (Halifax Health Medical Center). He got out of the hospital just fine.”

More recently, Sene was on call for his first structure fire as a driver engineer.

“You never want bad things to happen to people, but things do happen, and I like to think that we have the best crew to do it,” Sene said. “In the fire service, we celebrate our job every day. We’re fortunate to be a part of the greatest job in the world.”

Before he joined the Palm Coast department in 2023, Sene had been a firefighter in Sumter County for two years. He’s from the Miami area.

Both of his parents immigrated from Cuba — his dad in the 1980s, his mom in the ’90s. His sister, a nursing student, also plans to go into public service. But his dad taught him his work ethic.

“He’s played a big role in making me the man I’ve become,” Sene said.

Sene took over the Junior Firefighters Program from Lt. Joseph Fajardo. He was a natural choice, Battalion Chief Patrick Juliano said.

“Ozzy’s one of our newer and active firefighters who really has such passion for the fire service that he enjoys sharing,” Juliano said. “That’s why we like him working with the young kids. He’s young and energetic and full of firepower, and the kids love it. Ozzie’s the exciting guy to be around. When you have somebody that’s energetic and that passionate, you got to feed it, because they’re the future leaders.”

There are currently 22 teenagers in the Junior Firefighters program.

They meet every Tuesday and one Saturday a month.

“I enjoy it,” Sene said of leading the program. “I think it’s important

Driver Engineer Ozzie Sene was named 2025 Flagler Kiwanis Club Firefighter of the Year for the Palm Coast Fire Department. Photo by Brent Woronoff

that we teach the up-and-coming generation how important it is to do something greater than themselves.

We put them through the grinder, pretty much. We get them in gear. If it’s bad weather, we stay indoors and do medical scenarios. We teach the kids what it’s like to do it every third day and how to put other people first. It could be something as simple as changing a smoke detector or fighting fires.”

A few former Junior Firefighters are currently in fire school, Sene said. They could become the first graduates of the program to become members of the department.

“Ozzy’s a hard worker and a good soul through and through,” Juliano

said.

Sene said that although he lives in Daytona Beach, he’s found a home with the Palm Coast Fire Department.

“Palm Coast is where I’ll retire.

I’m going to work here for the rest of my career,” he said. “I feel like a

lot of people say they want to be a firefighter to save lives and protect property. I just want to continue to do a service that’s been around for hundreds of years. And I want to be able to have my name somewhere in that tradition, just continue to give back, do a service greater than me.”

“Ozzie’s the exciting guy to be around. When you have somebody that’s energetic and that passionate, you got to feed it, because they’re the future leaders.”

PATRICK JULIANO, PCFD Battalion chief

STANDING O

Flagler Fire Rescue Lt. Armando Castañeda is ‘a fireman’s fireman’ The goal of training firefighters: ‘They have to understand the importance of their integrity and their empathy,’ Castañeda said.

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

Lt. Armando Castañeda did not always want to be a firefighter.

In fact, he was in his 30s when he finally joined Flagler County Fire Rescue as a new hire. Now, 15 years later, Castañeda is the training captain for FCFR new hires, one of four firefighters responsible for shaping the force’s future.

The most important thing a firefighter can do is learn to build trust, he said.

“There’s almost 300 years of the fire service in the United States, and that’s trust,” he said. “No questions asked, a citizen will walk up and hand them their worst day of their life — because 300 years of the fire service trust.”

It’s important to keep that trust intact, he said, and for every firefighter to do their best to earn it.

“The most important message for anybody coming in is that they have to understand the importance of their integrity and their empathy,” Castañeda said.

Castañeda has been training FCFR new hires for the last eight years, he said, but in 2024 it was formalized into the training captain position after FCFR expanded the department.

FCFR Lt. John Keppler was Castañeda’s first lieutenant when the man joined the force 15 years ago. Castañeda was like a sponge, Keppler said — ready to learn as much as he could.

Being older than the typical new hire gave Castañeda a more mature point of view for the job, too.

“Everybody’s eager, but maturity comes with time,” Keppler said. “You can have a guy who’s really good and gung-ho, and they just lack that

“When stuff is not going right, you want him on the line with you, or you want him on the search with you.

He’s dependable, and he’s a fireman’s fireman.”

JOHN KEPPLER, FCFR lieutenant

maturity. And in this job, maturity allows you to make better decisions.”

Castañeda ended up taking over for Keppler and was promoted quickly to lieutenant. From there, Keppler said, Castañeda fell in love with the fire service conferences and classes.

“He was just eaten up with the fire service,” Keppler said. They call them “hot classes,” he said, where teachers at the conferences light things on fire and the trainees are crawling in it and putting it out.

Castañeda said the classes would vary from conventional forcible entry to tactical decision making and aggressive search tactics. Over 90% of Flagler County’s calls are for medical, he said, but these classes and conferences offer key ways for firefighters to gain experience.

The only way to become good at something is to fail at it first, he said.

“I encourage people to fail as often as possible,” he said. “I think if you’re not failing, you’re probably not really trying, and you’re probably going to fail when you don’t have the protection of being involved in a training.”

Castañeda eventually went on to start teaching at the conferences, next to firefighters from the New York City Fire Department and the Orlando Fire Department.

And he loves teaching, Castañeda said.

Teaching about fire service is more than just how to use the tools in front of you, Keppler said. It’s also about teaching others to consider how the fire will grow and change and how to tackle it.

“He’s able to relay information in a

Lt. Armando Castañeda is training captain with the Flagler County Fire Rescue. Photo by Sierra Williams

way that people understand it,” Keppler said.

Castañeda said he tells every new hire that joining FCFR does not get them out of school.

“If you have any respect for the job, or if you have any desire to build trust like you’re supposed to, you’re gonna always have to be a student,” he said.

But more than his love of teaching, Keppler said he has watched Castañeda turn into the kind of firefighter others look up to when out on the line. The fire department gets all types of people, he said: the funny, the athletic, the ones with big hearts.

“But then there’s another group of guys. The ones where, when things are going bad and you see them, it makes you feel better,” Keppler said.

“Armando has turned into one of those guys. When stuff is not going right, you want him on the line with you, or you want him on the search with you. He’s dependable, and he’s a fireman’s fireman.”

Fire Chief Mike Tucker wrote in an email that Castañeda is “a fantastic leader who consistently demonstrates a sincere desire to teach and share his knowledge.”

“Armando is leaving his mark on the fire service, and Flagler County

Fire Rescue is better because he is part of us,” Tucker wrote.

For Castañeda, he said he loves getting to have a hand in the future of FCFR. Being a part of the FCFR has changed him, and shown him some of the worst sides of people, but, through it all, Castañeda said he believes in people more than he did before.

“I think more people want to do the right thing than we give them credit for,” he said. “And I don’t think I would have seen that had I not gone to the fire service. That still amazes me.”

12A

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Furry drops out of US-6 Jim Canfield, first mayor, dies at 96 race, eyes School Board

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OBSERVER STAFF

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler County School Board Vice Chair Will Furry has announced that he will drop his bid for Florida’s 6th Congressional District seat and instead will run for reelection to the School Board this year.

In a press release, Furry said the state Legislature’s plans to redraw Florida’s Congressional map played a role in his decision.

“There are many unknowns as to where final lines will be drawn,” he said in the release.

“It is clear to me that it is more advantageous for a proven Republican to run for a seat I know we can keep red and protect our public schools from the radical left.”

Furry announced in August that he would challenge incumbent Randy Fine for the Republican nomination for the U.S. House seat.

Palm Coast City Councilman Charles Gambaro is also running for the seat.

Furry raised $38,657, trailing Fine’s $3.2 million and Gambaro’s $215,000.

Furry won the School Board’s District 2 seat in 2022 and served as the board chair in 2024 and 2025. He is the only candidate currently running for the District 2 seat.

On Nov. 19, 2025, Furry was elected the board’s vice chair on the 104th vote. The four members were deadlocked for 103 votes until board member Lauren Ramirez conceded to end a board meeting that lasted nine hours.

Christy Chong, who was elected the new board chair earlier in the meeting, supported Furry for vice chair, arguing in part that he would be on the board for only one more year because he is running for Congress. That is no longer the case.

James “Jim” Canfield, Palm Coast’s first mayor and chair of the Home Rule Executive Committee that helped lead the community through the incorporation process, died last week. He was 96. “ C a n f i e l d ’s leadership helped bring residents together during a time when Palm Coast was growing quickly and the community was deciding what it wanted to become,” a City of Palm Coast press release stated. “As chair of the Home Rule Executive Committee, he helped guide the public conversation and the steps needed for Palm Coast to become its own city.”

The incorporation referendum was held on Sept. 21, 1999, and voters approved the measure. Municipal elections followed later that year, and Canfield was elected as Palm Coast’s first mayor.

Canfield was re-elected in 2003 and served as mayor through 2007.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Crossing Nova Road Dear Editor: A lot of people have been hit while crossing on the way to Publix because there is no crosswalk. I’m specifically talking about the Publix in Ormond Beach on Nova Road near The Trails. Where I would like the crosswalk to be is between North Old Kings Road and The Trails Plaza.

Since there is no crosswalk, people have to take a risk when walking, leading to some accidents. There are many elderly senior citizens

crossing from Avante nursing home to The Trails Plaza, and many are in wheelchairs or have walkers, so crossing for them is a big risk.

However if we make a crosswalk there, then there will be fewer or better yet, no accidents.

LIAM MARA Ormond Beach

They paved paradise Dear Editor: Kudos to Isabella Herrera

for her insightful take on all the wanton development around us (Dec. 4, “Flagler County is developing to its own demise”). It’s also killing the golden goose. One says “wanton” when a situation doesn’t configure with the City of Palm Coast’s original character and design, which put a premium on the natural beauty, an aesthetic that foundationally defined this place.

Where are all the trees buffering new homes and apartments from roadways?

Where is code enforce-

James Canfield, second from right, was honored in 2021 at Palm Coast Founders Day. Here, pictured with Bill Venne, Elaine Studnicki, Art Dycke and Kathy Reichard-Ellavsky. File photo

“During those early years, he worked closely with the City’s first Council members, Jim Holland, Jerry Full, Bill Venne, and Ralph Carter, as they helped set the direction for Palm Coast as a new city,” the city’s press release stated.

“Together, they focused on building the foundation of local government and creating a shared vision for the community’s future.

After leaving office, Canfield remained active in the community and continued

advocating for local history, including leadership with the Palm Coast Historical Society.

He also participated in major civic milestones in later years, including remarks during the 2015 dedication of City Hall in Town Center.

“Jim Canfield helped guide Palm Coast through its earliest and most important chapter, the transition from a growing community to an incorporated city,” said Palm Coast Mayor Mike Norris.

ment when it comes to the mandate of at least minimal front-yard landscaping?

When will the public take action against elected officials who have betrayed the place and those of us already here, making us foot the bill for all the asphalt worn down by cement trucks?

When we moved here 22 years ago, it’s the first thing you noticed and cherished: the green canopy. Now all we seem to observe are truck trailers filled to overflowing with vegetation mowed down with no thought to strategic replacement. The vision of Palm Coast’s true founders (such as Lewis Wadsworth,

not ITT) was one with a verdant background. It was also what the first mayor, the late Jim Canfield, fought for.

Now? If at all, nature is preserved grudgingly. Slash and trash, in the name of the Almighty Dollar. This isn’t just a contravention of the city’s original formulation, but a near-disdain for God’s Creation. This is also a “last call”: either the city reawakens to the beauty still remaining or count itself as just another buzzing, littered series of exits on I-95.

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 SUBSCRIBE For driveway delivery, visit www.observerlocalnews.com/ subscribe.

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Include first and last name, as well as city of residence.

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JANUARY 8, 2026

YOUR NEIGHBORS

STANDING O

Lindsay Elliott helps Family Renew Community help homeless families ‘The purpose is selfsufficiency,’ she said.

‘By the time they leave, they are the best version of themselves.’

SIERRA WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER

The faith-based nonprofit Family Renew Community has been in northern Volusia County for 36 years, but it has recently undergone a revitalization of leadership.

FRC provides housing for homeless families with children. Executive Director Lindsay Elliott took over the position in 2024 after the nonprofit had several years of rapid turnover in leadership: she was the fifth executive director in two years.

Elliott said her heart has always been working with housing stability and nonprofits. But even after working 15 years with Habitat for Humanity in Florida, including in Flagler County — a nonprofit that provides a pathway to homeownership for lowincome families — Elliott said FRC has taught her a lot about what homelessness looks like.

“One thing that I have learned in my last 15 months is the face of homelessness is not what I thought it is, or it’s not only what I thought it was,” she said. “I didn’t think of families. I didn’t think of working families, and I most certainly didn’t think about children.”

In Volusia County alone, she said, over 3,000 students are identified as homeless by

YOUR TOWN Kathy Gray Legacy Trust donates $80K to support veterans at Barracks of Hope Holland Financial CEO David Holland, a trustee of the Kathy Gray Legacy Trust, recently presented Halifax Urban Ministries’ Barracks of Hope program with an $80,000 donation to benefit veterans struggling with homelessness.

According to a press release, the donation ceremony was held at Barracks of Hope in Daytona Beach and was attended by local lead-

the school system. And FRC is helping get some of those students, and their families, back into homes.

But FRC is not an emergency shelter, she said. It’s a place to help families get back up on their feet and learn important life skills to keep them on an upward trajectory. Every family member must pass a background check, and everyone over 13 is drug tested.

FRC has facilities across Daytona Beach, Holly Hill, DeLand and, as of 2025, Edgewater, with a total of 40 units combined. But, Elliott said, there is a waitlist of around 100 families. And those families who make it in have to be willing to put in the work.

“They don’t pay rent, they don’t pay utilities, but it’s not free to live here because they have to put in a lot of hard work,” she said.

Both parents must be applying for jobs if they are not employed already, and become employed within 30 days. They also have to turn in a budget every week and commit 50% of their income to savings. The FRC provides daycare for kids as well, so parents do not have to worry about that cost.

The savings is not just to build up their funding to be able to afford to rent for their next home, but it helps to build the habit of setting aside money for rent. That way, Elliott said, once the families do move on, the parents are already used to setting aside the money for rent in the budget. They also help their families apply for affordable housing programs.

Their housing program can

take six to 12 months to complete. The program is supposed to be hard, she said, because changing behavior is hard. But the program works: On average, FRC helps over 60 families transition out of homelessness every year, and they have a 94% success rate, Elliott said.

“The purpose is self-sufficiency at the end, and we take a really holistic approach to that,” she said. “We are instilling and ensuring that by the time they leave, they are the best version of themselves.”

FRC volunteer Joan Grennan has been with the nonprofit for 15 years, on and off.

She said over the last several years while there was a “hiatus” of leadership, many volunteers were not called on.

But when Elliott took over, she came and made an appeal to the church.

“Everybody jumped on the bandwagon,” Grennan said.

Since her return to volunteering, Grennan has been helping refurbish the apartments for newcomers. The apartments are typically onebedroom apartments, with multiple bunk beds to be able to serve the families, a living room and a bathroom and a kitchenette.

The families who stay there are able to take everything with them when they lead, aside from the beds and appliances, Elliott said. This is to help the parents with the costs of furnishing their new home.

Grennan said she knows from personal experience it can be difficult to jump into director positions, but Elliott jumped right in, pulling the board, volunteers and syna-

ers working to end veteran homelessness, including HUM Executive Director Roy Young, HUM board member Clint Bagwell and Anthony Hayes, marketing director for Holland Financial.

Barracks of Hope provides transitional housing and support services to homeless veterans as they work toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing.

ing program.

Volunteers and program Chairperson Sharon Waring set up in the Garden Center area with snacks, hamburgers, hot dogs, cookies and hot chocolate. They brought in tables and chairs for checkin, ID badges, gift wrapping, ribbons and bows and blank name tags.

“This is for the children, so make the area a place of joy,” Waring said.

Then came Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus — aka Claude Larece and Michele Knox — and finally the children with their parents and guardians.

Each child was paired with

African American Cultural Society hosts 32nd Holiday Gift Giving program It was the Friday before Christmas and the African American Cultural Society gathered at the Walmart Palm Coast Supercenter preparing for its 32nd Holiday Gift Giv-

Clint Bagwell, Roy Young, David Holland and Anthony Hayes.

Lindsay Elliott is the executive director of Family Renew Center.

Photo by Sierra Williams

gogue back in.

“To go in between staff and community can be a balancing act, shall we say, but she did it flawlessly,” Grennan said.

It’s not just the executive director leadership that has undergone recent turnover,

an AACS volunteer and given a $150 gift card. Funds were raised through donations to the program.

The children each took a picture with Santa and Mrs Claus and were provided a cart with instructions, “Stay with your escorts, shop for whatever you want.”

The children chose books, clothes, shoes, sleepwear, bikes, electronic gear, pencils and dolls. When they finished shopping they returned to the gift wrapping station. The children shopped for themselves, their siblings, their parents and their friends.

Braelyn and Braxton LaTouche with AACS Holiday Gift Giving Chairperson Sharon Waring.

but the board leadership, too.

Rich Haas is the new president of Family Renew’s board, but has been on the board for four years.

Until recently, he said, being on the board did not actually require the involve-

ment of members, who would often just nod their heads at the monthly meetings.

“Now that’s all changing,” Haas said. “Everybody is involved and will stay involved.”

Haas said the FRC is not just about housing but about healing families, giving children a means to go to school rested and clean and help parents improve their employment possibilities and parenting and money management skills.

“They pay down their debt, repair credit and build savings, so when they move out on their own, they’re better equipped to handle all the challenges life sends their way,” he said.

What most people don’t realize, Grennan said, is that sometimes people need to be taught how to maintain a home and budget for food, rent and utilities. FRC helps keep families together.

“They’re the whole family. They’re not just, let’s put somebody in a house. And I really appreciate that,” Grennan said.

The worst part of the job is seeing the reality of what homelessness means for children especially, Elliott said.

What FRC does differently is that they keep families together. Often, adult males and even older male teens are separated in emergency shelters from the rest of the family.

Not at FRC. “We’re so pleased to be able to keep the family together and not break them apart,” she said. “So they’re doing this as a family, achieving this independence.”

Santa and Mrs. Claus — Claude Larece and Michele Knox — with Jordon Via, at the AACS event. Courtesy photos

85 seniors served through ‘Adopt a Senior’ program at Gold Choice

Flagler County community leaders joined efforts to make sure 85 seniors didn’t feel forgotten during the holidays, at Gold Choice of Palm Coast Senior Assisted Living.

The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of community partners who invited the public to participate by adopting a senior for the holidays. Trees with “Adopt a Senior” were placed at Parkside Realty, Lotus Funeral Services, and Junque in the Trunk, where community members chose a senior.

The initiative was led by: Kathleen Rivera, Right at Home of Palm Coast Deborah Ronson, Parkside

Realty Cathy Horrocks, Better Homes & Gardens Shara Brodsky, Sift & Sort Nina Guiglotto, Lotus Funeral Services “For many seniors, the holidays can be an especially quiet and lonely time,” a press release stated. “This project was about more than gifts, it was about restoring connection, dignity, and joy.”

Kathleen Rivera and Shara Brodsky.

2B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

LOCAL EVENTS FRIDAY, JAN. 9

RECIPES AND READS CULINARY LAB: THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF FOOD — AFTERNOON TEA When: 10 a.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: Enjoy white tea while learning more about the history of teas, presented by library staff. Free.

STARRY, STARRY NIGHT When: 5-8 p.m.

Where: Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens, 78 E. Granada Blvd., Ormond Beach Details: Stroll Ormond’s beachside cultural district during this annual event, held in partnership with The Casements and the Ormond Beach Historical Society. Free admission.

ECHOING AIR BAROQUE ENSEMBLE When: 7 p.m.

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

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Ormond Beach Details: This free concert will showcase music from the Baroque period for voices and instruments. The concert is entitled, “Walk in Light,” will include works by Telemann, Legrenzi, and Buxtehude and is performed by a professional ensemble.

‘LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL’ When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Jan. 9, 10, 16 and 17; and 3 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 11 and 18 Where: City Repertory Theatre, 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast Details: See story on right.

SATURDAY, JAN. 10

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING EVENT When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Palm Coast Fuel Depot, 22 Utility Drive, Palm Coast Details: Recycle your Christmas tree and receive a free 3-gallon tree or shrub in exchange at this 19th annual event hosted by the city.

Recycled trees will be turned into mulch for the city’s parks and trails. You must remove all decorations, lights, tinsel

and ornaments. There will also be free document shredding.

LOW COST PET SHOTS When: 9:30-11 a.m.

Where: St. Joe Plaza, 223 St. Joe Plaza Drive, Palm Coast Details: The SPCA is offering a New Years Special for pet shots. No appointment needed. Visit spcavolusia.org.

Call 386-748-8993.

HONEYBEE BUZZ When: 10-11 a.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreational Area, 3100 S. Oceanshore Blvd., Flagler Beach Details: Join beekeepers Bill and Barry for an educational program on the importance of honeybees, Florida native “bee friendly” plants and what is involved in raising honeybees andharvesting the honey. Park entry fee of $5 per vehicle applies.

GENEALOGY IN THE LIBRARY When: 1-4 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Public Library, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach Details: The Halifax Genealogical Society is hosting a

Putting on the Ritz presents

Hollywood Nights Sunday, February 8, 2026 Doors Open at 4PM • Showtime 5PM Social Club of Palm Coast 51 Old Kings North • Palm Coast, 32137 Tribute to ELTON JOHN AND BETTE MIDLER DONE BY KIP SWEENEY AND LEESAH STYLES VIP $39 • General $34 Food Available • No Refunds Tickets sold on Eventbrite or call Linda 440-666-7019

BOAT SUPER

SALE!

JANUARY 9, 10 & 11 2026 New & Preowned Boats at Blowout Prices!

Boats from 14 of Central Florida’s Best Dealers Representing Over 80 Manufacturers Fishing Boats Pontoon Boats Ski Boats Bowriders Cruisers Luxury Economical

Boat Show Hours

Friday & Saturday 10am to 5pm Sunday 10am to 4pm

With New Boats Arriving Just In Time for the Show!

Daytona International Speedway Turn One Plaza

WWW.DAYTONABOATSHOW.COM

free, one-on-one research assistance program for anyone interested in researching family history. The volunteers convene in the Sandpiper Room in the library. To register, contact halifaxgensociety@gmail.com.

SANDY BACK PORCH When: 2 p.m.

Where: Daytona Beach Regional Library Details: See the Sandy Back Porch band perform. Free event.

AUTHOR TALK When: 2 p.m.

Where: Ormond Beach Regional Library

YOUR TOWN Daytona Solisti’s 2026 season opens Jan. 11 with Mozart and Schubert works Daytona Solisti will open “Winter Music Festival,” the ensemble’s 2026 concert season, with a Jan. 11 performance that includes one of Mozart’s most difficult works – the Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478, featuring pianist Michael Rickman with violinist Susan Pitard Acree, violist Zoriy Zinger and cellist Joseph Corporon.

The program also will include Franz Schubert’s great Piano Sonata No. 21 in B-flat Major, D 960, also performed

by Dr. Rickman. The Daytona Solisti Chamber Players piano trio will perform these works during “Chamber Music Masterpieces,” its concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 11 at Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., Port Orange.

For more information on Daytona Solisti, call 386-562-

Details: USA Today bestselling author Jen Turano will present an author talk at the library auditorium. She will discuss her journey to publication, her writing process and then what happens after she delivers her manuscript to her publisher and editing team. Free program sponsored by the Friends of the Ormond Beach Library.

GAMBLE JAM When: 2-4 p.m.

Where: Gamble Rogers Memorial State Park Details: Join in for a tribute to legendary Florida folk singer and storyteller, James Gamble Rogers IV. Musicians

5423 or go online atdaytonasolisti.com.

Acree founded Daytona Solisti in 2005 soon after she and her husband moved to the Daytona area from Atlanta. She previously played violin in the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for 22 years.

Zoriy Zinger, a professional violist and violinist, has been a member of Daytona Solisti from the beginning and currently holds the position of principal second violin in the Classical Players chamber orchestra. Joseph Corporon is a founding member of Daytona Solisti and principal cellist.

Leniece Rose Fegundes last performed “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill” at CRT in 2021. Photo courtesy of Mike Kitaif

of all skill levels are welcome to bring their acoustic instruments and join. Park entry fee of $5 per vehicle applies.

SUNDAY, JAN. 11

TURTLE TRAIL ARTISTS OF FLAGLER COUNTY OPENING RECEPTION When: 1-3:30 p.m.

Where: Expressions Art Gallery inside Grand Living Realty building, 2298 Colbert Lane, Palm Coast Details: Attend this opening reception for new artwork by the original Turtle Trail artists.

Meet and chat with the artists. There will be sweet and savory s’mores.

City Repertory Theatre presents ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill’ starting Jan. 9 Lanie Robertson’s Tony Award winning play, “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” returns to City Repertory Theatre for six performances Jan. 9-18.

CRT is celebrating its 15th season. Laniece Rose Fagundes will once again play the role of Billie Holiday. The production is directed by CRT Artistic Director John Sbordone, with musical direction

by Benjamin Beck, who also plays Holiday’s piano man, Jimmy Powers.

The play not only chronicles Holiday’s great musical song book, but also her struggles with drug addiction, personal relationships and the difficulties of being a black performer in the 1950s.

Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 3 p.m., Jan. 9-18. Tickets are available at crtpalmcoast.com or by calling the box office at 386-5859415. CRT is located at 160 Cypress Point Parkway, Suite B207, Palm Coast.

ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

3B

Sponsored by

FOCUS ON FAITH Tomoka Christian Church marks year of growth and service in Ormond Tomoka Christian Church reported significant growth and community impact in 2025, locally and beyond.

The Ormond Beach–based reported 450 baptisms, 1,700 new families attending at least one worship service, and 4,800 people served through its food pantry. The church also sent out 62 mission teams in 2025, supporting service projects and ministry efforts at the local, national, and international levels.

Three hundred people participated in the Discover Tomoka class. By the end of the year, 217 individuals became partners, the church’s term for committed members.

Tomoka Christian Church is a non-denominational congregation known for contemporary worship services, community service, and mission work. In addition to weekly services, the church offers children’s and student ministries, care programs, and volunteer opportunities.

The church also operates a food pantry and thrift ministry that support local families

Stephenson, Wilcox and Associates

while helping fund outreach and mission efforts.

Bethune-Cookman expands Lilly Grant Program to support small churches Bethune-Cookman University has launched the second phase of a Lilly Endowment– funded initiative aimed at connecting students with small churches across Florida through expanded digital internships.

The program, called Equipping Leaders for Ministry, builds on a grant first awarded in 2019. Lilly Endowment Inc. recently renewed the grant with an additional $465,000 to support the initiative over the next five years.

The project is a partnership between Bethune-Cookman University, the Florida Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and Lilly Endowment Inc. Phase Two will allow students from a wide range of academic majors to complete required internship hours by working with small congregations, primarily through digital and hybrid formats.

University officials said the

Bethune-Cookman University has launched the second phase of a Lilly Endowment–funded initiative aimed at connecting students with small churches across Florida through digital internships.

approach is designed to meet real operational and ministry needs while giving students practical experience tied to their degree programs.

Students will assist churches in areas such as hospitality, technology, organizational systems, and worship.

“Equipping Leaders for Ministry is about putting talent where it is needed most,” said Dr. Alice Wood, retired professor and principal investigator for the grant.

Program Director Dr. David Allen said the initiative benefits both students and

congregations. “Students gain practical experience that counts toward their degree

requirements, and churches receive skilled support that helps them serve more effectively,” he said.

Unlike the program’s first phase, the expanded model emphasizes remote engagement, allowing students to work with churches regardless of location. University leaders said the structure will include clear accountability measures and mentoring to ensure meaningful learning outcomes.

The program will be open to students from majors such as communications, business, technology, music, the arts.

Additional details, including application timelines and training requirements for students and participating churches, are expected to be

released in February 2026.

The new phase of the grant is scheduled to officially begin in August 2026.

Bethune-Cookman University, founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, is a private historically Black university located in Daytona Beach. The institution emphasizes leadership development, service, and community engagement as part of its educational mission.

— ALEXIS MILLER

Does your congregation have new leadership, or have you done community service?

Send faith-related news and photos to alexis@observerlocalnews.com.

20 YEARS

O F C O M PA S S I O N

Flagler Free Clinic, a Lifeline for the Uninsured

Say hello to the first babies of 2026 Bethany Grace was the first born at Halifax Health. The first at AdventHealth Daytona was named Everly.

The Flagler Free Clinic has been providing free, essential medical care to uninsured residents of Flagler and Volusia Counties for 20 years. This milestone reflects the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters in making quality healthcare accessible to all.

OBSERVER STAFF

Halifax Health welcomed its first baby of 2026 at 10:54 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1.

The baby girl, named Bethany Grace, weighed 7 pounds and 12 ounces. In a press release, the hospital said her mother, Katelynn Robinson, was elated on the arrival of her daughter.

“It’s just amazing,” Robinson said. “She’s so new and so perfect. We feel blessed.”

The family was gifted a basket of baby items put together bby Halifax Health and Tanger Outlets, along with a complimentary photo package from Baby Face Portraits.

ADVENTHEALTH

A baby girl named Everly was the first baby to be born in 2026 at AdventHealth Daytona Beach.

The hospital celebrated the birth of Everly at 11:10 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Everly weighed 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measured 19 inches long.

She was the third baby to be born in the AdventHealth East Florida Division. The

Everly was born at 11:10 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1. Courtesy photos

Your donations help provide these essential services:

Yamilette Martinez and Emmanuel Bird, of Deltona, welcomed baby girl Ella Annalise Bird at 4:09 a.m. on Jan. 1.

first baby was born at AdventHealth Waterman in Lake County — a baby boy named Hayden Shane Overfield, born at 1:18 a.m. to parents Nichole and James Overfield of Grand Island. Hayden weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 18.5 inches long.

The second baby in the division was born in Volusia County, at AdventHealth Fish Memorial in Orange City.

Parents Yamilette Martinez and Emmanuel Bird, of Deltona, welcomed baby girl Ella Annalise Bird at 4:09 a.m. She weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 21 inches long.

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Katelynn Robinson and her daughter, Bethany Grace.

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4B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

REAL ESTATE PALM COAST

ORMOND BEACH

Harbor Village Marina home sells for $1.3M A

house at 224 Harbor Village Point N., in Harbor Village Marina, was the top real estate transaction in Palm Coast and Flagler County for the week of Dec. 20-26, 2025. The house sold on Dec. 22, for $1,325,000. Built in 2019, the house is a 3/4 and has a pool, a boat dock, a boat lift, an elevator, an outdoor kitchen, a fireplace and 3,478 square feet. It sold in 2020 for $888,000. The house was listed

by Kerry Cooke, of Florida Homes Realty and Mortgage.

ALEXIS MILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

PALM COAST

Cypress Knoll A house at 18 E. Diamond Drive sold on Dec. 22, for $363,600. Built in 2004, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,894 square feet. It sold in 2016 for $255,000.

Indian Trails A house at 61 Bruce Lane sold on Dec. 26, for $369,900.

Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,052 square feet.

A house at 41 Bud Field Drive sold on Dec. 23, for $270,000.

Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has a pool and 1,224 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $272,900.

Oceanside Acres A house at 34 Oceanside Drive sold on Dec. 22, for $810,000. Built in 1999, the house is a 3/2 and has 2,031

square feet. It sold in 2022 for $820,000.

Palm Harbor A house at 34 Clermont Court sold on Dec. 26, for $1,055,000. Built in 2000, the house is a 5/2.5 and has a pool, a hot tub, a boat dock, a boat house and 2,748 square feet. It sold in 2025 for $807,500.

A house at 47 Fieldstone Lane sold on Dec. 23, for $310,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,658 square feet. It sold in 2021 for $293,500.

A house at 14 Folson Lane sold on Dec. 23, for $367,503.

Built in 1988, the house is a 3/3 and has a pool, a fireplace and 2,364 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $280,000.

A house at 36 Faircastle Lane sold on Dec. 23, for $430,000. Built in 1992, the

house is a 3/3 and has a pool and 2,053 square feet. It sold in 2024 for $379,000.

Pine Lakes A house at 10 Wayler Place sold on Dec. 26, for $312,000.

Built in 2000, the house is a 4/2 and has 2,247 square feet.

It sold in 2020 for $285,000.

A house at 70 Princess Ruth Lane sold on Dec. 22, for $320,700. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,820 square feet.

A house at 6 Sutton Court sold on Dec. 24, for $445,000. Built in 1994, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,242 square feet. It sold in 1994 for $155,000.

A house at 4 West Place sold on Dec. 24, for $322,500.

Built in 1996, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,494 square feet.

A house at 68 White Star Drive sold on Dec. 23, for $305,000. Built in 2025, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,505 square feet.

Seminole Woods A house at 300 Montgomery Court sold on Dec. 25, for $294,990. Built in 2024, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,533 square feet.

A house at 18 Union Run Court sold on Dec. 26, for $352,700. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,265 square feet.

A house at 9 Undermount Path W. sold on Dec. 23, for $377,900. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3 and has 2,332 square feet.

Toby Tobin, of gotoby.com, contributed to this report.

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This 4BR/3BA pool home sits on a spacious corner lot with open, light-filled living, hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, and a chef’s kitchen with granite & Samsung appliances. Enjoy a screened lanai with pool & spa, fresh paint, plantation shutters, and a 3-car garage. Gated golf community with resort-style amenities. #1215470 $740,000.

Mary Maholias 813-601-9531.

Hunter’s Ridge The house at 3 Whipper-In Circle sold on Dec. 17, for $450,000. Built in 1995, the house is a 3/2.5 and has a pool and 2,424 square feet.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

Condos The condo at 3110 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 311, sold on Dec. 15, for $245,000. Built in 1991, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,000 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $402,500.

Not in subdivision The house at 267 S. Halifax Drive sold on Dec. 17, for $662,000. Built in 1958, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,029 square feet. It last sold in 2023 for $365,000.

The condo at 1239 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 11E, sold on Dec. 17, for $400,000.

Built in 1984, the condo is a 2/2 and has 1,699 square feet. It last sold in 1998 for $185,000.

The condo at 1425 Ocean Shore Blvd., Unit 102, sold on Dec. 17, for $790,000. Built in 2006, the condo is a 3/3 and has 2,390 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $570,000.

ORMOND BEACH

Archer’s Mill The house at 3358 Arch Ave. sold on Dec. 18, for $445,000.

Built in 2025, the house is a 4/3.5 and has 2,988 square feet.

Breakaway Trails The house at 56 Winding Creek Way sold on Dec. 15, for $565,000. Built in 1990, the house is a 4/3 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,852 square feet. It last sold in 2002 for $270,000.

Oak Forest The house at 1507 Poplar Drive sold on Dec. 18, for $300,000. Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,366 square feet.

Plantation Pines The house at 3719 Lodge Pole Lane sold on Dec. 17, for $695,000. Built in 1989, the house is a 4/2 and has a fireplace, a boat dock and 2,193 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $250,000.

Rosemont The house at 11 Ponce De Leon Drive sold on Dec. 17, for $335,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 3/3 and has a fireplace and 1,785 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $210,000.

Saddlers Run The house at 55 Sounders Trail Circle sold on Dec. 17, for $315,000. Built in 2002, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,807 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $245,000.

Tymber Creek The house at 420 Sand Creek Lane sold on Dec. 18, for

Woodland The house at 4 Sugarberry Circle sold on Dec. 18, for $190,000. Built in 1977, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,337 square feet. It last sold in 1999 for $67,800.

ORMOND-BY-THE-SEA

Not in subdivision The house at 68 Ocean Shore Drive sold on Dec. 17, for $317,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,017 square feet. It last sold in 2018 for $216,500.

The house at 40 Palm Drive sold on Dec. 18, for $290,000. Built in 1955, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,052 square feet. It last sold in 2020 for $140,000.

Ocean Aire The house at 117 S. Ocean Aire Terrace sold on Dec. 17, for $360,000. Built in 1980, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,378 square feet. It last sold in 2005 for $289,000.

Peninsula Winds The house at 114 Peninsula Winds Drive sold on Dec. 15, for $419,750. Built in 2000, the house is a 3/2.5 and has 1,716 square feet.

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

The house at 5 Pine Woods Pass sold on Dec. 15, for $720,000. Photo courtesy of Anne Ellery/LoKation Real Estate

HILLCREST

Halifax Plantation The house at 2595 Kinsale Lane sold on Dec. 18, for $289,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,608 square feet.

Brand-new 4BR/2.5BA home on a no-thru street!

Open floor plan with covered back porch, flex/4th BR downstairs, upstairs laundry, and primary suite with dual vanities. Near colleges, shopping, and outlets, with the beach under 10 minutes away. About 6 weeks from completion. #1221162 $325,000.

Tom Caffrey 386-290-9233.

TOMOKA OAKS

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Solid 3BR/2BA home with fully fenced front & backyard and no HOA. Features steel roof (2017), impact windows, new water heater, tile floors, concrete construction, and stucco exterior.

Functional layout with great bones and room for light updates. Close to shopping, dining, interstate, and a short drive to the beach. #1221176 $230,000.

Buck Adams 386-566-3722.

house in Hunter’s Rige at 5 Pine Look Pass was the top real estate transaction in Ormond Beach and Ormond-by-the-Sea for the week of Dec. 13-19, 2025. The house sold on Dec. 15, for $720,000. Built in 2003, the house is a 4/3 and has a pool and 2,863 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $434,900. The house was listed by Anne Ellery, of LoKation Real Estate.

Winter Woods The house at 2 Alicen Court sold on Dec. 15, for $273,500.

Built in 1981, the house is a 2/2 and has a fireplace and 1,526 square feet. It last sold in 2013 for $75,000.

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ORMOND BEACH

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Hunter’s Ridge pool home sells for $720K A

$520,000. Built in 1991, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a fireplace, a pool and 2,643 square feet. It last sold in 2021 for $432,500.

Updated 3BR beach bungalow just steps from the Atlantic! Move-in ready with granite countertops, SS appliances, updated interiors, and outdoor shower. Enjoy tropical landscaping, coastal curb appeal, and a front patio for relaxing. Walk to the beach and Halifax River, close to dining, shopping, boating, and parks. #1221022 $330,000.

Lindsay Lockhart 850-545-5520.

386-263-9000 386-263-9000

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ObserverLocalNews.com

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

5B

BUSINESS Speedi Sign owners retire after 37 years Ron and Carla Cornelius founded Speedi Sign in Holly Hill in 1989.

JARLEENE ALMENAS MANAGING EDITOR

After 37 years in business, Ormond Beach residents Ron and Carla Cornelius saw the signs: It was time to retire.

The Corneliuses sold their sign and banner business, Speedi Sign, in late September 2025. The couple founded the Holly Hill business in 1989, and from then on, they served thousands of local customers — including Volusia municipalities, all the AdventHealth hospitals in the area, and several real estate agencies. All with a staff of five people, including themselves.

“We lived up to our name: Speedi Sign,” Carla said. “It was hard sometimes, but we did live up to our name.”

Ron, who was born and raised in the Daytona Beach area, has been a business

REAL ESTATE WEST DAYTONA BEACH

A house in Mosaic at 382 Aquamarine Way was the top real estate transaction in Daytona Beach’s 32124 zip code for the week of Dec. 13-19, 2025. The house sold on Dec. 17, for $660,000.

Built in 2022, the house is a 4/2.5 and has a pool and 3,047 square feet. It last sold

Carla and Ron Cornelius opened Speedi Sign in Holly Hill in 1989.

Photo by Jarleene Almenas

owner since he was 23. He previously owned South Daytona Auto Parts and then worked in the self-storage business.

After that, he was looking for something new and got into the sign and banner business, he said.

What helped with Speedi Sign’s success?

“Treating our customers well,” Ron said. “Treating people like we want to be

treated and getting the orders out on time.”

The Corneliuses sold their business to Jake Muhleman, and they said they’re confident he will carry on their legacy.

When you have a local company, Carla said, it’s easier to serve your community.

Ron added that Speedi Sign could deliver orders to big clients, like cities, in a couple

in 2022 for $703,900. The house was listed by Peter John Graulich, of Never 6 Percent Realty Inc.

house is a 4/2 and has 1,828 square feet.

Grande Champion The house at 1023 Morfontaine St. sold on Dec. 16, for $394,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 5/3 and has 2,601 square feet.

Highridge Estates The manufactured house at 1434 Colin Kelly Ave. sold on Dec. 17, for $150,000.

Built in 1985, the house is a 3/2 and has 1,248 square feet. It last sold in 2014 for $70,000.

The house at 1067 Morfontaine St. sold on Dec. 18, for $344,990. Built in 2025, the

Latitude Margaritaville The house at 832 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Dec. 15, for

of days, where previously, these clients often waited 6-8 weeks to receive orders.

The business was originally located on the corner of Eighth Street and Nova Road in Holly Hill. Today, it sits at 421 Ridgewood Ave. During the time they owned Speedi Sign, the Corneliuses worked through events like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We were fortunate,” Ron said. “Not that everything that happened was good, but everything that happened caused people to buy signs.”

And when it was their time of need, the community also stepped up to help them.

In February 2022, the Corneliuses suffered a fire in their business caused by one of their machines. The building didn’t burn down, but everything inside their store was covered in soot.

“We just had to throw out almost everything,” Ron said.

“Put in new walls, new floors, new air conditioning — everything in our side of the building, and then try to keep our

$462,000. Built in 2024, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,563 square feet. It last sold in 2024 for $434,900.

The townhome at 533 Lost Shaker Way sold on Dec. 17, for $480,000. Built in 2019, the townhome is a 3/2 and has 1,863 square feet. It last sold in 2019 for $363,200.

The house at 508 High Tide Lane sold on Dec. 19, for $365,000. Built in 2022, the

Carla and Ron Cornelius sold Speedi Sign to Jake Muhleman.

Courtesy photo

customers.”

They worked out of a small warehouse in the back of their shop, as well as remotely from their home. It was a challenging time, Carla said, but their customers were there for them.

For example, Ocean Deck’s owner sent over some of his employees to help the Corneliuses clean their store.

“That was very heartwarming, the support that we had during that time,” Carla said.

house is a 2/2 and has 1,308 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $308,700.

The house at 484 Margaritaville Ave. sold on Dec. 15, for $432,000. Built in 2021, the house is a 2/2 and has 1,771 square feet. It last sold in 2022 for $560,000.

Legends Preserve The house at 1224 Pampus Drive sold on Dec. 15, for $378,990. Built in 2025, the

After almost four decades of business, it was hard to let people know that they were retiring, Carla said.

“We sincerely appreciate the support of the local businesses and it’s just truly appreciated,” she said.

Their advice for small business owners?

“Do what you say you’re going to do,” Carla said.

“And do it the best you can,” Ron added.

house is a 4/3 and has 2,190 square feet.

Lennar at Preserve at LPGA The house at 2304 Green Valley St. sold on Dec. 15, for $334,990. Built in 2025, the house is a 4/2 and has 1,824 square feet.

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

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THURSDAY 8 AM - 1 PM CITY HALL PLAZA

6B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

YOUR TOWN Sculptures by Seward Johnson coming soon to Ormond

Twelve new Seward Johnson sculptures will arrive in downtown Ormond Beach the week of Jan. 19, the Ormond Beach Arts District recently announced.

The sculpture tour will be in place on Granada Boulevard for a six-month residency. The installation is presented by the Arts District and funded by local sponsors.

“This year’s crop of life-size, life-like sculptures features everything from a very chic Mona Lisa to a boy with a dripping ice cream cone,” the Arts District said in a press release. “These are sculptures designed to make you stop and look, to smile, and to feel an immediate connection.

They are so realistic that you’ll want to buy something at the ‘Bake Sale’ in Granada Plaza or tip the fiddler in Bailey Riverbridge Gardens.”

The late Johnson’s sculptures have been displayed in public spaces around the world, including Times Square, Palm Springs, Rome, Australia, and the Venice Film Festival, and are included in numerous private and public collections and museums.

The pieces will be located on both public and private property along the Granada Boulevard corridor from A1A to Lewis Street and all are accessible to the public.

The Arts District will create a printed map of sculpture location that will be available throughout the district. The map will also be displayed on

“A reason to smile” by Seward Johnson

their website at ormondarts. com/sculptures.

Each sculpture will have signage and a QR code to provide more information about the sculpture, the artist and the sponsor. The Arts District is also planning interactive activities for the community and its visitors, including a photo contest and docent tours during Ormond’s art walk events, held on the first Saturday of the month.

A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway announces top volunteers The Friends of A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway announced its 2025 Volunteers of the Year: Rick Belhumeur and Elayne Byrd.

According to a press release from the organization, their “dedication, leadership and service have made a lasting impact on the organization and the scenic coastal communities it serves.”

In his first year as president of A1A Scenic & Historic

“Keep Life in Balance” by Seward Johnson. Courtesy photos

“Bake Sale” by Seward Johnson

Coastal Byway, Belhumeur, a Flagler Beach city commissioner, helped advance key initiatives and energize the organization’s mission, the press release said.

Rick Belhumeur and Elayne Byrd.

Belhumeur jumpstarted and saw through to completion the A1A Gateway Monument restoration project. The monument is located in Ponte Vedra Beach at the border of Duval and St. Johns counties.

Byrd was a true team player, the release said, coordinating roadside and beach cleanups and rallying participants for the Hammock community garage sale. Her dedication showed at the Spoonbills & Sprockets event, where her day started at 5 a.m. flipping pancakes.

Volusia seeks summer camps for scholarship program Volusia County’s Commu-

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-24 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 234 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Zoning Map designation for 234 acres of real property from Planned Unit Development (PUD), Reserved (R), and Single Family Residential (R1) Zoning Districts to the Master Planned Development (MPD) Zoning District. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below.

The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed Zoning Map amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-24; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-24.

The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed Zoning Map amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-23 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 233.92 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation for 233.92 acres of real property from Flagler County Agriculture, Conservation, and Mixed Use: High Intensity and City of Flagler Beach Low and Medium Density to City of Flagler Beach Low Density Residential and Commercial.

All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below.

The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed FLUM amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-23; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-23.

The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed FLUM amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

LOCATION MAP

LOCATION MAP

nity Assistance Division, with support from Summit Survey Research, is accepting applications from nonprofit organizations, cities, schools and churches interested in providing summer camp services through the 2026 Summer Camp Scholarship Program. The program helps children from income-eligible families access safe, supervised and enriching summer experiences.

Participating providers must operate a camp from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for a minimum of six weeks between June 1 and Aug. 7. Camps should offer supervised playground activities, sports, crafts and field trips for children ages 5 to 14. Camps primarily serving children with special needs

may accept participants up to age 17.

Camps are encouraged to include opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity. Applicants must demonstrate proven administrative capacity and have at least one year of experience operating a summer camp program or providing similar services.

Scholarships will be awarded to children whose families earn at or below 200% of the current federal poverty guidelines. Providers will be reimbursed per child based on attendance, at a rate not to exceed the maximum weekly rate established by Volusia County.

Applications are available atVolusia County Summer Camp Scholarship Program.

Completed applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m.

Jan. 30. Organizations that have not previously participated in the program are required to attend a training session at 11 a.m. on Jan. 13 prior to submitting an application. Those unable to attend should contact Kathi Porter at 386-363-3854 orcampscholarship@summitsurveyresearch.com.

The Children and Families Advisory Board will review and evaluate applications at 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 24 in the Ormond Beach Regional Library auditorium, 30 S. Beach St., Ormond Beach. Agency representatives are encouraged to attend. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions following the board’s review.

For questions or assistance, contact Summit Survey Research at 386-363-3854 or campscholarship@summitsurveyresearch.com.

Send Your Town stories to Jarleene Almenas at jarleene@ observerlocalnews.com.

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the City Commission of the City of Flagler Beach on (1) January 22, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance No. 2025-21; and (2) February 26, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida the purpose of this hearing is to act upon and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-21; entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, TO ANNEX PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CORPORATE AREA AND CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 210.70 ACRES OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THIS ORDINANCE AND LYING IN THE AREAS PROXIMATE TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF REAL PROPERTY/AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE/CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION UPON LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON A VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. The subject property comprising of approximately 210.70 acres is located south of State Road 100/Moody Blvd, east of John Anderson Hwy and west of the Intracoastal Waterway, as depicted in the map below.

This notice is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 and 171, Florida Statutes, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida as amended and supplemented. Subject annexation meets the statutory criteria for annexation as established in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes.

Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at these meetings/hearings, they will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

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7B

JANUARY 8, 2026

SPORTS AT THE CLASSIC Mainland wins both games, FPC wins 1 at Vince Carter Hall of Fame tourney Mainland coach Joe Giddens and Hall of Famer Vince Carter hope to upgrade the field in the future with Hall of Famers sponsoring the trip for their former high schools.

MICHELE MEYERS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Sixteen high school basketball teams battled on Dec. 29-30 at Mainland’s Vince Carter Athletic Center for coach Joe Giddens’ annual holiday basketball tournament. After nearly eight years of organizing the event, Giddens’ tournament has evolved into the Vince Carter Hall of Fame Classic.

Giddens and his good friend, Basketball Hall of Famer Vince Carter, have been talking about upgrading the event for a year. Giddens

Mainland point guard Chase Reuss (center) goes up for a shot.

FPC’s Siah Sanders (1) shoots against Apopka

said. In 2025 they decided to make it happen. In 2026, their goal is to get at least 10 Hall of Fame athletes to sponsor their high school alma maters for the tournament.

“So it can really be a Hall of Fame Classic,” Giddens said.

“We’re going to turn it up a notch. I’m excited about that.”

Top teams from across Flor-

Manley reaches 1,000 points Mainland junior Kade Manley reached 1,000 points in his high school career after making a 3-pointer in the second quarter against Dr. Joaquin Garcia of Lake Worth on Dec. 29 at the Vince Carter Hall of Fame Classic.

Cheers erupted from the stands as Manley sprinted to the sidelines. Mainland coach Joe Giddens called a timeout and congratulated Manley, presenting him with a signed ball, a “1000 Points” shirt and balloons.

“I’m just so happy that his family trusted him to come play for me,” Giddens said.

“He’s an amazing kid and not just on the court. If he’s not scoring, he’s rebounding, he’s assisting — he just does the right thing. He’s going be a great young man and college player and just a good father one day.”

Manley’s dad, Shane Manley, has been coaching his son since he was 2 years old.

Kade said he loves that he and his teammates get along well, play for each

other and that Giddens puts his trust in him.

“It meant a lot to me to hit 1,000 points, especially that

FPC’s Nate Perry (2) goes up for a basket against Winter Haven players.

ida, including Bishop Kenny of Jacksonville, Evans from Orlando, Santa Fe Catholic from Lakeland, Sebring High School and Dr. Joaquin Garcia out of Lake Worth, competed in the two-day classic.

They were joined by a team from New York.

The event draws a lot of good teams because it is a good product, Giddens said.

Santa Fe Catholic finished runner-up in Class 2A last season, and Evans was the Class 6A runner-up.

Dan Fisher, the new head coach for Monsignor Farrell

High School in Staten Island, New York, reached out to Giddens in the summer. Giddens said they kept in contact which led to Fisher bringing his team down for the tournament.

“It’s about building relationships,” Giddens said. “[Fisher] said he is coming back next year. I’m just going to keep expanding the classic and keep bringing different people in.”

Other teams in the classic included St. Johns Creekside, Orlando Jones, Winter Haven, Apopka, Lake Howell, Bithlo

it was on our home court and that my family could be there,” he said.

Mainland’s Reece Casto (right) makes a bank shot against Evans

East River, Palm Beach Gardens, Discovery High School from Lake Alfred and Flagler Palm Coast.

FPC coach Greg Shirley was a Mainland assistant coach in 2023-24. Shirley said he is good friends with Giddens and had talked a lot about the tournament with him.

“He offered the opportunity, and I knew it was going to be one of the best tournaments around,” Shirley said.

“I wanted to give my players the experience in that type of situation.”

In FPC’s first matchup, Winter Haven was ahead by two with seconds remaining. In an attempt to send the game into overtime, the Bulldogs intentionally missed a free throw, grabbed the offensive rebound and scored. But the referees called a lane violation and negated the basket.

Winter Haven won 62-60.

“Referees have a tough job,” Shirley said. “It would have been nice for the last play to have counted, but we had many chances before that.”

The Bulldogs beat Apopka 38-32 the following day.

“The Apopka game was a huge game for us to come back and get,” Shirley said.

“They’re in our region ... so that will help us in rankings.

We’re 8-6. In five of those (losses) we had leads. Holding on and winning against Apopka was a very good one for us.”

Mainland defeated Dr. Joaquin Garcia 69-48 on the first day. On Day 2, the Bucs (12-1) won 63-61 in the final seconds against Evans (11-4) with an alley-oop from guard Kade Manley to forward Davon Jones who put up a floater for the game winner.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Mainland head coach Joe Giddens runs through plays during a timeout in the game against Evans at the Vince Carter Hall of Fame Classic. Photos by Michele Meyers

Dr. Joaquin Garcia’s Diego Sanchez (5) blocks Mainland’s Canyon Powers’ shot.

FPC’s Desmond Goodwin drives to the basket against Winter Haven.

Mainland’s Canyon Powers, who had 10 points and 6 rebounds in each game, said playing in the tournament makes the team better because it brings in quality competition.

“This game [Evans] was a dog fight,” he said. “We had to stay at it the whole [fourth] quarter. That’s a good team. If we weren’t firing on all cylinders, they were going to find a way to come back, and they did. We won by two points.”

Giddens said the Evans game is an example of why he makes his schedule tough each season. He wants his team to have the ability to compete against the top teams in every class.

“The energy was crazy — it was electric,” Giddens said.

“I was coaching them hard, and they were able to accept it. That’s what it’s all about.

Like I tell them, it’s no grit, no grind, no greatness. It takes time. You got to build it. If we want to be great, we’ve got to continue to work. It’s brick by brick. It’s blue collar.”

9B

10B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

Palm Coast | The Hammock | Ormond Beach | Daytona Beach

Matanzas holds off Seabreeze 54-51 to end Sandcrabs’ 10-game win Seabreeze’s streak began and ended in games against the Pirates.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Seabreeze’s 76-55 victory over Matanzas on Dec. 1 was a key moment of the season

— for both teams. It began a 10-game winning streak for the Sandcrabs, and it sent the Pirates back to the drawing board.

Matanzas showed how far it has come since then with a 54-51 victory over Seabreeze to end the Sandcrabs’ streak at the Kiwanis Invitational on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Pirates’ gym.

“I just remember, this was

one of our first bad losses when we were at their place that brought us back to the drawing board,” Matanzas coach Eric Guerrero said.

“We said, ‘Hey, we got to start focusing on the little things to win games.’”

The Pirates improved to 5-6, while the Sandcrabs fell to 11-3. Matanzas sophomores Jayden McCoy (18 points), C.J. Giles (15 points) and Jamel Guerrero (10 points) combined to score 43 of the team’s 54 points.

Matanzas hit six 3-pointers including a long buzzer beater

by Giles at the end of the second quarter to tie the score at 26. Seabreeze’s Jeremiah Outler, who led all scorers with 21 points, hit a buzzer beater of his own, draining a shot from beyond half court at the end of the third quarter.

Outler, who hit five 3-pointers in the game, missed a 3 in final seconds that would have tied the score.

“We knew they was going to be prepared to play,” Seabreeze coach Ray Gaines said. “They were upset that we beat them the first time by 20, so we expected it, but we didn’t play our best.”

Gaines said the Sandcrabs got the shot they wanted from Outler, who had his best-

“Trust is a big thing.

We trust each other to hit good shots, big Matanzas’ Natan Kuliberda (rear) gets his hand on the ball as Christian Simmons puts up a shot. Photos by Keishia McLendon

shots.”

CJ GILES, Number 4

shooting night of the season.

But it just didn’t fall.

“Our best player had a shot at the 3. He already went 5-for-7 (from 3-point range), so that’s the shot we wanted.

So, we can live with that,” Gaines said.

Christian Simmons added 15 points for Seabreeze, while AJ Brown scored 10 points.

The Pirates showed Seabreeze a different look in this game with a zone defense, and although the Sandcrabs hit eight 3-pointers, the Pirates limited Seabreeze’s points in the paint.

“We’re primarily a manto-man team,” Guerrero said. “But we have to give teams a different look, so we went zone. I think we had a great defensive effort with our rotation and boxing out, because we lack rebounding as a team, and I think we fixed those things. And it showed from losing to them by 20, to beating them by three.”

Matanzas started slow, scoring just five points in the first quarter, but Giles’ second-quarter buzzer beater gave the Pirates a spark heading into the second half, the sophomore guard said.

“We were in the locker room, happy and energetic,” Giles said. “So that definitely sparked us a lot.”

Giles said the difference in this game from the first time Matanzas faced Seabreeze was trust.

“We played together more, and our our defense was way better this game — we talked a lot,” Giles said. Seabreeze stretched its winning streak to 10 games with a 58-49 win

Jez McCoy goes up for a shot.

over Menendez on the first day of the Kiwanis Invitational on Jan. 2. Brown scored 19 points, while Outler and Jordan Anthony scored 15 and 13, respectively. Matanzas fell to DeLand 53-44 on Day 1 of the Invitational.

While Eric Guerrero said the win over Seabreeze could be a momentum builder for his young squad, Gaines said the loss might have a positive effect for his squad as well.

“Losses are never good,” Gaines said. “But it also gives us a chance to get the chip back on our shoulder. We’ve been kind of gliding through for the last 10 games. AJ said it: We’ve gotten so used to winning that we come out a little lackadaisical and we’re not as aggressive. So this is just going to put the chip back on our shoulder. So, we’ll be OK.”

Seabreeze soccer players and soccer alumni gathered for a friendly on Dec. 27 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. Courtesy photo by Elaini Harrell.

SIDELINES FPC’s soccer team wins 8-0 on Senior Night

Senior Isabella Kummernes and junior Katherine Ouellette each had a hat trick on Senior Night as Flagler Palm Coast shut out Pine Ridge 8-0 in a Five Star Conference tournament quarterfinal on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Sal Campanella Stadium.

The top-seeded Bulldogs remained undefeated at 11-0-4 and advanced to the semifinals on Jan. 7.

The championship and consolation finals are scheduled for Friday, Jan. 9.

Before the game, FPC celebrated seniors Eva Sites, Lacie Clay, Laura Hererra, Kummernes, Natalie Neal and Kaighman Gordon.

Lauralee Macleod and Hailey Sammons also scored for the Bulldogs. Kummernes’ third and final goal ended the

game at the 55:55 mark due to the mercy rule.

“I haven’t had (a hat trick) for a long time, so it was a good way for Senior Night to end,” Kummernes said.

Ouellette has scored multiple goals in five games, but this was her first hat trick.

She now has 11 goals for the season. Macleod leads the Bulldogs with 15 goals.

Flagler Palm Coast Coast’s boys soccer team honors its seniors Flagler Palm Coast’s boys soccer team celebrated Senior Nigh on Dec. 18 with a 3-0 victory against St. Joseph Academy.

The Bulldogs recognized their 10 seniors with their families before the game: Manuel Beltran, Rami Amiri, Lawrence Tsai, Spencer

volumes.”

Seabreeze soccer alums scrimmage current players FPC’s boys soccer team celebrated Senior Night on Dec. 18. From left, Lawrence Tsai, Spencer Zogg, Teagan Paulo, River Rodriguez, Androw La Rosa. Courtesy photo

Zogg, Teagan Paulo, River Rodriguez, Androw La Rosa, Juan Cardenas, Daniel Vo and Seo Mochisuki.

Matanzas boys soccer celebrates 19 seniors on Senior Night Matanzas High’s boys soccer team celebrated its 19 seniors on Senior Night, Tuesday, Jan. 6. The seniors and their families stretched across the field after their 7-3 win against Crescent City.

“The majority of these kids came in four years ago,” coach

FPC seniors Eva Sites, Lacie Clay, Laura Hererra, Isabella Kummernes, Natalie Neal, Kaighman Gordon. Photos by Brent Woronoff

Beto Aguilar said. “Some of them were on the JV2 team, some were on the JV1 team. and some were on the varsity group. I’m proud that they all stayed, especially nowadays where people can hop in and go somewhere else easily.”

All five players who scored against the Raiders are seniors. Sergio Posada and Jonathan Costa each scored two goals, while RJ Cerasi, Jason Tavares and Jonathan Pereira scored one goal apiece. The other seniors are Jackson Grace, Antonio Amaral, Brandon Tavares, Mason Johnson, Jose Cortes, Noah Beck, Francisco DaSilva, Nicolas Correa, Cameron Avant, Stanislav Valenteychik,

James D’Esposito, Owen Burton, Cohen Young and Nico Latorre. Obviously, with so many seniors, not all of them are going to get much playing time, but still they all remained Pirates.

“With 19 seniors, we’ve had our ups and downs just trying to figure out what is going to click going into the playoffs,” Aguilar said. “But I think we’ve found a good rotation.”

The Pirates improved to 104-1. They’ve won six of their last seven games.

“I’m happy for this group,” Aguilar said of the seniors.

“When they came in four years ago, I never knew how many were going to stay. And for them to all stay, it speaks

Seabreeze boys soccer players scrimmaged against Seabreeze soccer alumni on Dec. 27 at the Ormond Beach Sports Complex. The majority of the former players were members of the Sandcrabs’ 2017 state championship team, but a few members of the 1992 and 1993 state championship teams also participated.

Fathers and sons participated, including: Jeff Harrell, a player on the 1992 and 1993 championships with current players Luke and Athan Harrell; 1999 Seabreeze alum Gus Bom Conselho and current Seabreeze player Daniel Bom Conselho; 2017 player Franco Perez and his father, current Seabreeze head coach Alex Perez; and former head coach Rob Bowling and his son, 2017 goalie Cameron Bowling.

The Matanzas boys soccer team honored its 19 seniors after its game with Crescent City on Jan. 6.

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

11B

Mr. Hustle, Jack Wronowksi, provides spark in FPC boys basketball win Wronowski scored six points during a key stretch in FPC’s 60-49 victory over Deltona in the Bulldog Classic.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Flagler Palm Coast’s lead against Deltona in the Bulldog Classic had evaporated. With about five minutes left in the game, the Wolves had taken a two-point lead. FPC needed a spark.

They got it from the usual place — Mr. Hustle, Jack Wronowski.

The senior forward sank two free throws to tie the score at 45-45. Then he hit a turnaround jumper to put the Bulldogs back on top. And he added another bucket on the way to FPC’s 60-49 victory on Dec. 23 in the final game of the 16-team boys and girls holiday showcase at the Bulldogs’ Anderson Athletic Center.

Wronowski scored six of his eight points in the fourth

Jack Wronowksi hit two key free throws and two field goals in the fourth quarter to help lift FPC to a 60-49 win over Deltona.

FPC’s Tony Coates (12) brings the ball upcourt against Deltona.

Photo by Brent Woronoff

quarter. Assists by Zac Murphy on a Nateshawn Royal layup and an Anthony Hamp-

ton dunk and four free throws down the stretch clinched the win for the Bulldogs.

“That was the game right there,” senior guard Nate Perry said of Wronowksi’s baskets. “Jack is a big time player for us, not because he scores, but he hustles a lot. He’s going to get those rebounds that we need to seal the game every time.”

Wronowski added four rebounds, two on the offensive end, and a steal in 16 minutes of play.

“It really just comes sec-

ond nature to me,” he said of his hustle. “I kind of just go out there and play as hard as I can, and I end up on the floor sometimes, yanking (the ball) out of people’s hands, but it really helps that my teammates around me, they support me as I do those hustle plays. Sometimes I don’t score at all, but if I hustle, they still give me high fives. They still bring me up to where I want to be.”

FPC coach Greg Shirley said Wronowski is the personification of what high school sports is all about.

“Jack’s just a great young man,” Shirley said. “He’s already told me that he plans on, college-wise, not pursuing basketball at the next level, but he wants to make the most of his experience at FPC here and on the track team. He is a great student and a great young man, and in my opinion he’s what high school sports is all about.”

Perry led the Bulldogs (7-5) with 20 points. He hit two 3-pointers and converted 6 of 7 free throw attempts. Hampton added 14 points.

FPC’s win came on the heels

of a 67-40 loss to Orlando Evans on the first day of the Bulldog Classic. Evans (11-2) came into the classic ranked second in Class 6A and No. 9 overall in the state by MaxPreps.

“It was very important,” Wronowski said of heading into Christmas break with a win. “We were pretty not happy about last night with Evans, so we really wanted this win. We kind of needed this win to really boost our morale.”

The Bulldogs return to action on Dec. 29-30 in the Vince Carter Hall of Fame Classic at Mainland High School. FPC faces Winter Haven at 4 p.m. on Dec. 29 and Apopka at 7 p.m. on Dec. 30.

“We stuck together near the end to pull out the victory going into Christmas break,” Shirley said. “We come back and we play two really good teams next Monday and Tuesday. So we’ve got a short turnaround. We come back in practice (on Saturday, Dec. 27) and hopefully we’ll be a better FPC basketball team next week.”

FPC’s George Butts is now Volusia-Flagler’s winningest basketball coach Butts notched win No. 584 as girls went 1-1 in the Bulldog Classic.

BRENT WORONOFF ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Bulldogs guard Stephanie Turner scored a team-high 12 points against Winter Park on Dec. 23 in the Bulldog Classic.

Girls basketball coach George Butts didn’t know he was about to win his 500th game six years ago until his principal at Atlantic High School told him.

“I never keep up with that stuff.”

But his longtime assistant coach, Mike Ebert, does.

After coaching at Atlantic for 25 years and Calvary Christian for two years, Butts is now in his third season at Flagler Palm Coast. The Bulldogs’ 58-26 win over Bartow on Dec. 22 in the Bulldog Classic was Butts’ 584th career victory, according to Ebert’s records.

That number is significant because it puts Butts ahead

of former DeLand boys coach John Zeoli as the all-time winningest high school basketball coach in Volusia and Flagler counties. Zeoli won 583 games from 1981 to 2014, according to the Florida Association of Basketball Coaches’ records.

When Butts won his 500th on Jan. 16, 2020, against New Smyrna Beach, fewer than 20 girls basketball coaches in the state had achieved that milestone. Former Fort Lauderdale Dillard coach Marcia Pinder, who died in 2021, leads the list of Florida girls coaching victories with 996. Pinder’s teams won 10 state championships.

Former FPC coach Javier Bevacqua, who stepped down in 2021, has the most girls basketball coaching victories with the Bulldogs with 239 in 12 seasons.

Winning games was not the reason Butts became a coach, he said.

“I give praise to God that I’m able to come out here and help change lives,” said Butts, who is also pastor/bishop at New Heart Christian Center in Daytona Beach. “If I can help (the players) get into college, that’s what it’s all about. I don’t care about wins. Everywhere I go it’s about ministry and mission.”

The Bulldogs (7-3) lost to Winter Park 44-37 on Dec. 23 on the second night of the 16-team boys and girls Bulldog Classic. It was their fifth game in eight nights. Winter Park improved to 10-3.

“We made some crucial turnovers down the stretch,” Butts said. “I’m very proud of them. They battled, and that’s all I can ask. This is the best team I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Stephanie Turner led FPC with 12 points in the loss. Lexi Brown had 10 points and 15 rebounds.

The Bulldogs’ next game was

Photo by Keishia McLendon

“The principal said, ‘you’re playing for your 500th win.’ I said, ‘I am? When did I get my 100th?’ I never keep up with that stuff.”

GEORGE BUTTS, Girls basketball coach

a 71-6 victory over Matanzas High School on Jan. 2.

SIDE LINES Mainland boys pick up quality wins at Bulldog Classic

Mainland’s boys basketball team came out of the Bulldog Classic at Flagler Palm Coast on Dec. 22-23 with two quality wins. The Bucs improved to 9-1 in defeating Tampa Sickles 63-51 and Jensen Beach

FPC’s 2024-25 girls wrestlers are excited to look at their state championship rings. From left: Kendall Bilba, Christina Borgmann, Alexa Calidonio, Alisha Vilar, Joslyn Johnson, Mariah Mills, Juliana Mills, Ana Vilar, coach David Bossardet and assistant coach Steve DeAugustino. Not pictured: Tiana Fries. Photo by Brent Woronoff

79-59.

Sickles and Jensen Beach entered the classic with a combined 19-3 record.

“That was a great battle for

Kade Manley (11) drives into the lane against Tampa Sickles. Manley scored 41 points in two games at the Bulldog Classic.

Mainland’s Canyon Powers at the free throw line against Sickles. Photo by Brent Woronoff

us,” Bucs coach Joe Giddens said after the Sickles game.

Mainland led Sickles 42-41 entering the fourth quarter but pulled away in the final eight minutes. Kade Manley hit two free throws and Canyon Powers hit one in the final 20 seconds.

Powers (17 points), Beegie

Gordon (17 points) and Manley (16 points) led the Bucs down the stretch. The three returning starters from last season provided the coaches with some key suggestions that made a difference, Giddens said.

“They’d say man defense would work or they’d suggest putting a certain player in.

They’re on the court, so they can see what’s going on,” Giddens said.

Manley scored 25 against Jensen Beach, sinking all five of his 3-point-shot attempts.

Gordon added 16 points and hit 4-of-8 from behind the 3-point arc.

FPC girl wrestlers receive 2025 championship rings Dec. 23 Reece Casto (24) guards Sickles’ Adrian Thomas.

The members of Flagler Palm Coast’s 2025 girls state

championship wrestling team were presented with their championship rings before the final game of the Bulldog Classic basketball showcase on Dec. 23.

The seniors on the team, now in college, were back in town on winter break. They posed for photos at center court and then opened their ring boxes.

The Bulldogs amassed a state record 150 points to win the championship on March 8. The members of the team were: Christina Borgmann and Kendall Bibla, who each won a state championship; Ana Vilar who placed second; Joslyn Johnson, Mariah Mills and Tiana Fries, who placed third; Alexa Calidonio, who placed fifth; Alisha Vilar; and Juliana Mills.

Send your sports stories to Brent Woronoff at brent@ observerlocalnews.com.

12B

THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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Corrections after first insertion only. *All ads are subject to the approval of the Publisher. *It is the responsibility of the party placing any ad for publication in the Palm Coast Observer to meet all

Palm Coast 4 Bedroom House In L Section, New Roof, New AC and More Updates. Near Golf Course Asking $334,900 OBO 386-437-7058 Landline

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TRIBUTES

national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All persons are hereby

Visit Observerlocalnews. com/tributes to submit your tribute

informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Laura Guyton

April 17, 1944 - January 1, 2026 Laura Guyton, a lifelong resident of Volusia County passed away peacefully on 1/1/26.

Laura was born Laura Elizabeth Gleaton in Daytona Beach April 17, 1944. She married her childhood sweetheart Gary Smith and together they raised two sons who were the loves of her life. When her boys were young she centered her life around their needs.

She worked at the Hurst Elementary school cafeteria to be near them and she spent years at the ball parks watching her boys play baseball. When they were older Laura obtained her CNA license and worked in health care continuing to care for others. Laura later married Michael Guyton, a former Vietnam Army Medic and they enjoyed 38 years of marriage

until his passing in 2020.

Laura and Michael loved their pets, the outdoors, gardening, fishing, and helping their families and friends.

Laura was predeceased by her parents, Peter Oliver and Willie Mae Gleaton, her 4 sisters; Pansy, Shirley, Jeaner and Lottie. She is survived by her sons Pete Smith (Debi) Ormond Beach, Mark P. Smith (Amanda) Ormond Beach, and grandchildren Adam Smith (Raquel) Melbourne, and Haley Smith Wiese (David) Port Orange, and her senior dachshund Chico.

Laura had many roles in her life but her greatest role was being a mother to her boys ... regardless of age they were always her greatest joy. She loved her family and had very close friendships from her

early childhood that remained with her until passing. Laura was a native Floridian and her maternal family were Floridians for generations. She will be missed for her big love, quick wit and sassy personality. Heaven surely will be a wee bit more lively now. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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3C

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Of Flagler County

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Additional Public Notices may be accessed on ObserverLocalNews.com and the statewide legal notice website, FloridaPublicNotices.com

FLAGLER COUNTY LEGAL NOTICES Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of SAFE HAVEN VETERINARY HOSPITAL, located at 30 Lupi Ct. #109, in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler County, FL 32137, intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated 12/30/2025.

FLAGLER COASTAL VETERINARY SERVICES, PLLC 7763-331395 Jan. 8, 2026 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT, SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000160 DIVISON: 49 JAMES A. HOGAN, et al Plaintiffs V. KENNETH P. ASTON, JR., and LORI A. ASTON, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION TO: KENNETH P. ASTON, JR. LORI A. ASTON 3147 N. Oceanshore Blvd.

Flagler Beach, FL 32136 YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Amended Complaint for Nuisance has been filed against you in this court and you are required to serve a copy of your written defenses, if any, to Dennis K. Bayer, attorney for Plaintiffs, whose address is 109 S. 6th Street, Flagler Beach, FL 32136 and file the original with the clerk in the above styled court on or before February 9, 2026; otherwise a default will be entered against you for the relief prayed for in the complaint.

This notice shall be published once each week for four consecutive weeks in The Observer, Palm Coast, Flagler County, Florida on January 8, 2026; January 15, 2026; January 22, 2026; January 29, 2026.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on this day of 1/5/2026 TOM BEXLEY Clerk of the Court By: /s/ Deputy Clerk By: /s/ Dennis K. Bayer, Esq. Florida Bar Number: 0512737 109 S. 6th Street, Suite 200 Flagler Beach, FL 32136 Phone: 386-439-2332 Email: dennis@bayerlegal.com pleadings@bayerlegal.com ATTORNEY FOR PLAINTIFFS 7763-331747 Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Joy Opheim the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon.

The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2019 / 484 Year of Issuance: 2019 Description of Property: LOT 31, BLOCK 150, DAYTONA NORTH, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, PAGES 1 THROUGH 15, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: Janice Fike All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk. com/TaxDeedAuction on the 17th day of February, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-040 TDC 7763-330222 Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR TAX DEED NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Joy Opheim the holder of the following certificate(s) has filed said certificate(s) for a tax deed to be issued thereon.

The certificate number(s) and year of issuance, the description of the property, and the names in which it is assessed are as follows: Certificate No: 2023 /293 Year of Issuance: 2023 Description of Property: LOT 4, BLOCK 88, DAYTONA NORTH, ACCORDING TO MAP OR PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN MAP BOOK 10, PAGES 1 THROUGH 15, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Name in which assessed: Albert M Esposito (deceased) All of said property being in the County of Flagler, State of Florida.

Unless such certificate or certificates shall be redeemed according to law the property described in such certificate or certificate(s) will be sold to the highest bidder via an electronic auction accessible from https://flaglerclerk. com/TaxDeedAuction on the 17th day of February, 2026 at 9 a.m.

Tom Bexley Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller of Flagler County, FL By: Jannet Dewberry, Deputy Clerk File # 25-041 TDC 7763-330223 Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29, 2026 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL USE P ROJECT #2025110031 A request has been made by Anthemnet Holding, LLC for a Special Use Approval for a Telecommunications Tower on land owned by Florida Agricultural Museum located north of Old Kings Rd N and east of US HWY 1, Parcel #16-10-30-000001020-0010.

The subject property lies in the P&G

(Parks and Greenspace) District. Special Uses may be permitted in any zoning district provided application is made to the Planning and Development Board for its review and recommendation to the County Commission for final decision.

Public hearings on the above-captioned matter will be held as follows: PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD – February 10, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bldg. 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110 for recommendation to the Board of County Commissioners.

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS March 16, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Flagler County Government Services Building, Board Chambers, 1769 E. Moody Boulevard, Bldg. 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110 for final decision.

All interested persons are urged to attend the public hearing and be heard.

Anyone wishing to express their opinion may attend, telephone 386-313-4009 or write to: Flagler County Planning Department, 1769 E. Moody Blvd, Building 2, Bunnell, FL 32110 or email to planningdept@flaglercounty.gov. Please reference application number above.

Copies of the application, supporting data and analysis, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning & Zoning Dept., 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110, telephone (386) 313-4009.

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 APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY OF THESE PROCEEDINGS SHOULD CONTACT THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. 7763-331773 Jan. 8, 2026 PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT in accordance with Section 177.101 of the Florida Statutes and in accordance with Sections 336.09 and 336.10, Florida Statutes, Rayna Sink and William N. Sink, wife and husband, as the owners of the subject lands included within a plat and roadway vacation petition, has requested that the Board of County Commissioners of Flagler County, Florida, consider its request to vacate that portion of the platted lands and platted rights-of-way described as follows: A certain portion of Fleetwood Terrace, Unit No. 1, according to the plat thereof recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 41, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, together with a portion of Alabama Avenue, a 50 foot wide right-of-way, a portion of Syracuse Street (excluding those portions previously vacated through Resolution No. 88-65), a 50 foot wide right-of-way, a portion of Wyoming Avenue, a 50 foot wide right-of-way, and all of the unnamed 10 foot wide alleyway within Block 6, all as shown on said Fleetwood Terrace, Unit No. 1 plat, also described as a subdivision comprising all of Tracts 1, 2 and 3, Block A, Section 8, Township 13 South, Range 31 East, Flagler County, Florida, according to the Bunnell Development Company plat as recorded in Map Book 1, Page 1, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, and all lying in Section 8, Township 13 South, Range 31 East, said Flagler County, with said portion of the Fleetwood Terrace, Unit No. 1, plat to be vacated being that portion that falls within the boundary of that certain property described as follows: Lots 20 through 36, and Lots 1 through 19, lying east of Highway, Block 5; and Lot 15 through 23, and Lot 1 through 9, lying east of Highway, Block 9; together with vacated alleys and westerly one-half of vacated Syracuse Street; Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision, Map Book 2, Page 41, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Less and except the southerly 225 feet thereof.

All of the above being more particularly described as follows: as a Point of Reference, commence at the southwest corner of Lot 14, Block 9, said Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision; thence N89°19'42"E, along the south line of said Lot 14, 94.04 feet to the easterly right of way line of U.S. Hwy. #1, as now (1994) established and occupied; thence N17°23'09"W, along the said easterly right of way line, 374.14 feet to north line of Lot 1, said Block 9 and the Point of Beginning. From the Point of Beginning, continue N17°23'09"W, along said easterly right of way line, a distance of 534.40 feet to the south line of Lot 16, Block 1, said Fleetwood Terrace; thence, departing said easterly right of way line and along the south line of said Lot 16, Block 1 and along the south line of Lot 32, said Block 1 and an easterly projection thereof, N89°19'05"E a distance of 235.78 feet to the centerline of Syracuse Street, a 50 foot wide right of way per said Fleetwood Terrace; thence, along said centerline, S01°07'54"E a distance of 238.12 Feet; thence, continuing along said centerline, S16°02'54"E a distance of 241.65 feet to the easterly projection of the north line of Lot 15, Block 9, said Fleetwood Terrace; thence, along said easterly projection and along the north line of Lot 15, Block 9 and Lot 1, Block 9, S73°56'21"W a distance of 153.59 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Containing 2.0469 acres of land, more or less. and A portion of Blocks 6, 10 and the adjoining vacated streets, Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision, as recorded in Map Book 2, Page 41 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, being all that property lying southerly of the north line of Alabama Avenue, a 50 foot wide right of way as shown on said plat of Fleetwood Terrace, northerly of the south line of said Fleetwood Terrace, easterly of the centerline of Syracuse Street, a 50 foot wide right of way as shown on said

Fleetwood Terrace, and westerly of that property described in Official Record Book 294, Page 969 of said public records and being more particularly described as follows: Beginning at the southwest corner of Lot 24, Block 2, Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision run S01°07'55"E, across vacated Alabama Avenue and along the west line of Lots 15 through 18, Block 6, a distance of 235.10 feet; thence, S17°18'13"E, along a new line through Lots 19 through 22 of said Block 6, vacated Wyoming Avenue, Lots 1 through 10, Block 10, vacated Montgomery Street and vacated Texas Avenue, a distance of 690.36 feet to a point on the south line of said Texas Avenue; thence, S89°14'31"W, along the south line of said Texas Avenue, a distance of 161.41 feet to the intersection of said south line and the centerline of vacated Syracuse Street, a 50 foot wide right of way as shown on said Fleetwood Terrace; thence, departing the south line of said Texas Avenue and along the centerline of said Syracuse Street, N16°02'54"W a distance of 683.13 feet; thence, continuing along said centerline, N01°07'54"W a distance of 238.12 feet to the intersection of said centerline and the north line of the aforementioned Alabama Avenue; thence N89°19'05"E, along said north line, a distance 144.96 feet to the point of beginning.

Containing 3.12 acres of land, more or less.

Less and except the property on the following page: A portion of Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 2, Pg. 41, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, being described as follows: Lots 1 through 14, inclusive, Block 9, lying easterly of U.S. Hwy. #1; together with all of Lots 15 through 30, inclusive, Block 9; together with the alley lying between the above lots; together with that portion of Lots 1 through 14, Block 10, as lies westerly of that land deeded per Official Record Book 294, Page 969 of said public records; together with Syracuse Street as shown on said plat lying north of the north right of way line of Texas Avenue as shown on said plat of Fleetwood Terrace, and south of the easterly projection of the northerly line of said Lot 15; said alley and Syracuse Street being vacated by Flagler Ordinance as recorded in ORB 372, Page 163 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida, together with that portion of Montgomery Street as shown on said plat of Fleetwood Terrace as lies westerly of the property deeded in Official Record Book 294, Page 969 of said public records, together with that portion of Texas Avenue as shown on said plat as lies easterly of said U.S. Hwy. #1 and westerly of that property deeded in Official Record Book 294, Page 969.

All of the above being more particularly described as follows: beginning at the intersection of the south right of way line of Texas Avenue, as per map of Fleetwood Terrace Subdivision, as recorded in Plat Book 2, Page 41 of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida and the easterly right of way line of U.S. Hwy. #1, as now (1994) established and occupied, said point being the Point of Beginning, run North 17 degrees 23 minutes 09 seconds West, along the said easterly right of way line, a distance of 402.12 feet to the north line of Lot 1, said Block 9; thence North 73 degrees 56 minutes 21 seconds East, along the northerly lines of said Lot 1 and Lot 15 and an easterly projection thereof, 298.67 feet to the west line of property owned by Interhoba of Florida, Inc., as per Warranty Deed dated November 4, 1986 and recorded November 14, 1986 in ORB 294 at Page 969, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida; thence southerly S17°18'13"E, along said west line 484.19 feet to the south line of said Texas Avenue: thence South 89 degrees 14 minutes 31 seconds West, along the southerly right of way line of Texas Avenue, 310.90 feet to the Point of Beginning.

Said petition to vacate the lands and rights-of-way herein described shall be heard by the Flagler County Board of County Commissioners at its regular scheduled meeting on Monday, January 12, 2026 at 5:30 p.m. or as soon thereafter as possible in the Board Chambers at 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, telephone 386-313-4009, or write to: Flagler County Planning and Zoning Department, 1769 E. Moody Blvd., Bldg. 2, Bunnell, FL 32110, or email to planningdept@flaglercounty. gov. Copies of the petition, supporting documents, staff reports and other pertinent information are available for review at the Flagler County Planning and Zoning Department, 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Building 2, Bunnell, Florida 32110, Monday through Friday (except holidays) from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

PURSUANT TO FLORIDA STATUTE 286.0105, IF A PERSON DECIDES TO APPEAL ANY DECISION MADE

BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS WITH RESPECT TO ANY MATTER CONSIDERED AT A MEETING OR HEARING, HE OR SHE WILL NEED A RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS, AND THAT, FOR SUCH PURPOSE, HE OR SHE MAY NEED TO ENSURE THAT A VERBATIM RECORD OF THE PROCEEDINGS IS MADE, WHICH RECORD INCLUDES THE TESTIMONY AND EVIDENCE UPON WHICH THE APPEAL IS TO BE BASED. IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, PERSONS NEEDING ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PROCEEDING SHOULD CONTACT (386) 313-4001 AT LEAST 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE MEETING. 7763-330544 Jan. 1, 8, 2026

FIRST INSERTION NOTICE TO CREDITORS IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA, PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 00728 IN RE: ESTATE OF ANDRE J. BOELE, II aka ANDRE J. BOELE, JR. aka ANDRE J. BOELE, Deceased.

The administration of the Estate of ANDRE J. BOELE, II aka ANDRE J. BOELE, JR. aka ANDRE J. BOELE, Deceased, whose date of death was September 22, 2025, is pending in the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Boulevard, Bldg. 1, Bunnell, Florida 32110.

The names and addresses of the Personal Representative and the Personal Representative’s attorney are set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent and other persons having claims or demands against decedent’s estate on whom a copy of this notice is required to be served must file their claims with this court WITHIN THE LATER OF THREE 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 THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE OF THE FIRST PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. A personal representative or curator has no duty to discover whether any property held at the time of the decedent’s death by the decedent or the decedent’s surviving spouse is property to which the Florida Uniform Disposition of Community Property Rights at Death Act as described in § 732.16-732.228, applies, or may apply, unless a written demand is made by a creditor as specified under § 732.2211.

ALL CLAIMS NOT SO FILED WILL BE FOREVER BARRED. NOTWITHSTANDING THE TIME PERIOD SET FORTH ABOVE, ANY CLAIM FILED TWO YEARS OR MORE AFTER THE DECEDENT’S DATE OF DEATH IS BARRED. The date of the first publication of this Notice is January 8, 2026.

Personal Representative: Belinda L. Woythaler 6788 East Entwood Court Inverness, Florida 34453 Attorney for Personal Representative: R. Wesley Bradshaw BRADSHAW & MOUNTJOY, P.A. 209 Courthouse Square Inverness, Florida 34450 Telephone (352) 726-1211 FBN: 977845 January 8, 15, 2026 26-00007G

FIRST INSERTION Notice Under Fictitious Name Law According to Florida Statute Number 865.09 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned, desiring to engage in business under the Fictitious Name of LINQS located at 9 Old Kings Rd N., Ste 1231100 in the City of Palm Coast, Flagler, FL 32137 intends to register the said name with the Division of Corporations of the Department of State, Tallahassee, Florida.

Dated this 3rd day of January, 2026 Ozkan Erdem January 8, 2026 26-00008G

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

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THE OBSERVER | THURSDAY, JANUARY 8, 2026

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF FUTURE LAND USE MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-23 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FUTURE LAND USE MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 233.92 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) designation for 233.92 acres of real property from Flagler County Agriculture, Conservation, and Mixed Use: High Intensity and City of Flagler Beach Low and Medium Density to City of Flagler Beach Low Density Residential and Commercial.

All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below.

The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed FLUM amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-23; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-23.

The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed FLUM amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

LOCATION MAP

CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held before the City Commission of the City of Flagler Beach on (1) January 22, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance No. 2025-21; and (2) February 26, 2026 beginning at 5:30 PM or as soon thereafter as possible in the Commission Chambers at City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida the purpose of this hearing is to act upon and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-21; entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, TO ANNEX PROPERTY TO BE INCLUDED WITHIN THE CORPORATE AREA AND CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 210.70 ACRES OF PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT “A” TO THIS ORDINANCE AND LYING IN THE AREAS PROXIMATE TO THE EXISTING CITY LIMITS OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE VOLUNTARY ANNEXATION PROVISIONS OF SECTION 171.044, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR ANNEXATION OF REAL PROPERTY/AMENDMENT OF CORPORATE/CITY LIMITS; PROVIDING FOR RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES RESULTING FROM ANNEXATION UPON LAND USES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON A VALOREM TAXES; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR EFFECT ON BUSINESSES AND OCCUPATIONS; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS, SEVERABILITY AND AN EFFECTIVE DATE Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance and legal description of the property by metes and bounds are available and may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. The subject property comprising of approximately 210.70 acres is located south of State Road 100/Moody Blvd, east of John Anderson Hwy and west of the Intracoastal Waterway, as depicted in the map below.

This notice is pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 166 and 171, Florida Statutes, and the Charter and Ordinances of the City of Flagler Beach, Florida as amended and supplemented. Subject annexation meets the statutory criteria for annexation as established in Chapter 171, Florida Statutes.

Persons are advised that, if they decide to appeal any decision made at these meetings/hearings, they will need a record of the proceedings and for such purpose, they may need to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based, per Section 286.0105, Florida Statutes. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

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CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH NOTICE OF PROPOSED ZONING MAP AMENDMENT CITY COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING The City Commission proposes to adopt Ordinance No. 2025-24 Entitled: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF FLAGLER BEACH, FLORIDA, AMENDING THE OFFICIAL ZONING MAP DESIGNATION FOR APPROXIMATELY 234 ACRES OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR CONFLICTS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. An application has been submitted to amend the Zoning Map designation for 234 acres of real property from Planned Unit Development (PUD), Reserved (R), and Single Family Residential (R1) Zoning Districts to the Master Planned Development (MPD) Zoning District. All lands are located as depicted in the Location Map provided below.

The City Commission will hold a public hearing for the proposed Zoning Map amendment on (1) *January 22, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon Ordinance 2025-24; (2) *February 26, 2026* at 5:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Commission Chambers of City Hall located at 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida. The purpose of this hearing is for the City Commission to act upon and adopt Ordinance 2025-24.

The public hearing may be continued to a future date or dates. The times and dates of any continuances of a public hearing shall be announced during the public hearing without further published notice.

Interested parties may appear at the meeting and be heard with respect to the proposed ordinance.

Copies of the proposed Ordinance may be inspected or obtained from the office of the City Clerk, 105 S. 2nd Street, Flagler Beach, Florida, (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233. For further information about this request, please call the Planning and Building Department at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 231. The application file with more detailed information about the proposed Zoning Map amendment may be inspected by the public during office hours at the Planning and Building Department, 800 S. Daytona Ave., Flagler Beach, Florida.

If a person decides to appeal any decision made with respect to any matter considered at the above referenced hearings, he/she will need a record of the proceedings. For such purposes, it may be necessary to ensure that a verbatim record of the proceedings is made, which record includes the testimony and evidence upon which the appeal is to be based.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons needing assistance to participate in any of these proceedings should contact the City Clerk’s Office at (386) 517-2000 Ext. 233 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

LOCATION MAP

LOCATION MAP

7763-331200 Jan. 8, 15, 2026

7763-331201 Jan. 8, 15, 2026 7763-331202 Jan. 8, 15, 2026

SUBSEQUENT INSERTIONS SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

SECOND INSERTION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 377 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF FREDERICK STEPHEN SEYMOUR 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 Frederick Stephen Seymour, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 377, 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 May 16, 2025; that the total value exempt and non-exempt assets of the estate is $54,859.11 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Address Phillip Seymour 905 Clinton Avenue Washington Court House, OH 43160 Wilma Lowe 13427 Reid Street NW Jeffersonville, OH 43128 Carolyn Seymour 13569 Reid Street NW Jeffersonville, OH 43128 Danny Seymour 2814 Sussex Place Drive Grove City, OH 43123 Nancy Joseph 13569 Reid Street NW Jeffersonville, OH 43128 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 January 1, 2026.

Person Giving Notice: Phillip Seymour 905 Clinton Avenue Washington Court House, Ohio 43160 Attorney for Person Giving Notice Diane A. Vidal Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com January 1, 8, 2026 26-00002G

RE-NOTICE OF SALE PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 45 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE 7TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2025 CA 000149 CITIZENS BANK, N.A., Plaintiff, vs.

PAUL LAWRENCE MARCINKOSKI; KATHY LYN TRIPLETT; KEITH TRIPLETT, Defendant(s).

NOTICE OF SALE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the order of Summary Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated August 6, 2025, and entered in Case No. 2025 CA 000149 of the Circuit Court of the 7TH Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein Citizens Bank, N.A., is Plaintiff and Paul Lawrence Marcinkoski; Kathy Lyn Triplett; Keith Triplett, are Defendants, the Office of the Clerk, Flagler County Clerk of the Court will sell via online auction at https:// flagler.realforeclose.com at 11:00 a.m. on the 20th day of February, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Final Judgment, to wit: LOT 19, BLOCK 30, SUBDIVISION MAP PINE GROVE - SECTION-28 PALM COAST, ACCORDING TO THE MAP OR PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN PLAT BOOK 9, PAGES 51 THROUGH 66, INCLUSIVE, OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS OF FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA. Property Address: 16 Powder Lane, Palm Coast, Florida 32164 and all fixtures and personal property located therein or thereon, which are included as security in Plaintiff ’s mortgage.

Any person claiming an interest in the surplus funds from the sale, if any, other than the property owner as of the date of the lis pendens must file a claim before the clerk reports the surplus as unclaimed.

If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodation in order to participate in this proceeding, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provision of certain assistance. Please contact Court Administration, 125 E. Orange Ave., Ste. 300, Daytona Beach, FL 32114, (386) 257-6096 at least 7 days before your scheduled court appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Dated:12/24/2025 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC By: /s/ Craig Stein Craig Stein Esq. Fl Bar No. 0120464 McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 3222 Commerce Place, Suite A West Palm Beach, Florida, 33407 Telephone: (561) 713-1400 Email: FLpleadings@mwc-law.com File No: 25-400067 January 1, 8, 2026 26-00005G

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025-CA-000526 NATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND, BUILD OUT COMPANY, LLC. A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, vs.

RELATED DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC. A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Defendant.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to an Order of Final Judgement of foreclosure dated September 30, 2025, and entered in Case No.: 2025-CA-000526 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein the property will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.flagler.realforeclose. com, the Clerk’s website for on-line auctions at 11:00 a.m. on the 23rd day of January, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgement, to wit: UNIT A104, Grand Vista Condominium at Grand Haven, Phase 1, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 2835, page 150, and all exhibits and amendments thereof, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

PARCEL ID: 22-11-31-3995-00C10A104 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 455 RIVERFRONT DR. UNIT A104, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 The above is to be published in the Business Observer. 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 within sixty (60) days after the sale. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provisions of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at least 7 days before your scheduled appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Respectfully Submitted, Charles R. Pinson, Esq. Pinson Law, P.A. 7821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 110 Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: (813) 574-7736 Fax: (813) 200-1057 Charles@pinsonlawpa.com Fla. Bar No.: 125279 Attorney for Plaintiff January 1, 8, 2026 26-00003G

NOTICE OF SALE IN THE COUNTY COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CIRCUIT CIVIL DIVISION CASE NO.: 2025-CA-000526 NATIONAL MAINTENANCE AND, BUILD OUT COMPANY, LLC. A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY Plaintiff, vs.

RELATED DEVELOPMENT GROUP, LLC. A FLORIDA LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, Defendant.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to an Order of Final Judgement of foreclosure dated September 30, 2025, and entered in Case No.: 2025-CA-000526 of the Circuit Court of the Seventh Judicial Circuit in and for Flagler County, Florida, wherein the property will sell to the highest and best bidder for cash at www.flagler.realforeclose. com, the Clerk’s website for on-line auctions at 11:00 a.m. on the 23rd day of January, 2026, the following described property as set forth in said Order or Final Judgement, to wit: UNIT A201, Grand Vista Condominium at Grand Haven, Phase 1, according to the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Official Records Book 2835, page 150, and all exhibits and amendments thereof, Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

PARCEL ID: 22-11-31-3995-00C10A201 PROPERTY ADDRESS: 455 RIVERFRONT DR. UNIT A201, Palm Coast, Florida 32137 The above is to be published in the Business Observer. 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 within sixty (60) days after the sale. If you are a person with a disability who needs any accommodations in order to participate in these proceedings, you are entitled, at no cost to you, to the provisions of certain assistance. Please contact ADA Coordinator at least 7 days before your scheduled appearance, or immediately upon receiving this notification if the time before the scheduled appearance is less than 7 days; if you are hearing or voice impaired, call 711.

Respectfully Submitted, Charles R. Pinson, Esq. Pinson Law, P.A. 7821 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Ste 110 Tampa, FL 33614 Phone: (813) 574-7736 Fax: (813) 200-1057 Charles@pinsonlawpa.com Fla. Bar No.: 125279 Attorney for Plaintiff January 1, 8, 2026 26-00004G

NOTICE TO CREDITORS (Summary Administration) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA PROBATE DIVISION File No. 2025 CP 749 Division 48 IN RE: ESTATE OF AIDA OLIVEIRA DO ALVAR 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 Aida Oliveira Do Alvar, deceased, File Number 2025 CP 749, by the Circuit Court for Flagler County, Florida, Probate Division, the address of which is 1769 East Moody Blvd., Bunnell, FL 32110; that the decedent’s date of death was March 13, 2025; that the total value of the estate is $59,500 and that the names and addresses of those to whom it has been assigned by such order are: Name Address Paul Gomes 90 Forge Hill Road Glen Gardner, NJ 08826 Manuel Gomes 1144 Morris Avenue Alpha, NJ 08865 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 January 1, 2026.

Person Giving Notice: Paul Gomes 90 Forge Hill Road Glen Gardner, New Jersey 08826 Attorney for Person Giving Notice Diane A. Vidal, Attorney Florida Bar Number: 1008324 CHIUMENTO LAW 145 City Place, Suite 301 Palm Coast, FL 32164 Telephone: (386) 445-8900 Fax: (386) 445-6702 E-Mail: DVidal@legalteamforlife.com Secondary E-Mail: Proserv@legalteamforlife.com January 1, 8, 2026 26-00006G

NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE SEVENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT IN AND FOR FLAGLER COUNTY, FLORIDA CASE NO.: 2024-CA-000436 PENNYMAC LOAN SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, v.

KRISTA HOPE LUPERON, et al., Defendants.

NOTICE is hereby given that Tom Bexley, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Flagler County, Florida, will on January 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. ET, via the online auction site at www.flagler.realforeclose. com in accordance with Chapter 45, F.S., offer for sale and sell to the highest and best bidder for cash, the following described property situated in Flagler County, Florida, to wit: Lot 67, GRAND RESERVE PHASE 2, according to the plat as Recorded in Plat Book 39, Page(s) 68 through 73, of the Public Records of Flagler County, Florida.

Property Address: 655 Grand Reserve Drive, Bunnell, FL 32110 pursuant to the Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in a case pending in said Court, the style and case number of which is set forth above.

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.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney.

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.

SUBMITTED on this 23rd day of December, 2025.

OF COUNSEL: TIFFANY & BOSCO, P.A. /s/ Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. Anthony R. Smith, Esq. FL Bar #157147 Kathryn I. Kasper, Esq. FL Bar #621188 Attorneys for Plaintiff January 1, 8, 2026 26-00001G

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